England.

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After another frantic four months work, we managed to get away for a two week break in UK, to catch up with friends and family in London and Scotland.

Arriving in London after nine months in an Asian mono-culture, we enjoyed the multi-cultural feel of London, the selection of foods, and I (Miriam 😊) loved the freedom to wear singlets without the fear of being hit on or looked at by every guy in the street. London was a bit quiet though without blaring horns, noisy tuk tuks and stray cows. And it was a bit disappointing to find that one of the ‘supposedly’ most developed nations of the world, has only just discovered eftpos, has not worked out how to build decent airport and supermarket trolleys that actually drive in a straight line, has main highways which are narrower than any road in Sri Lanka, and a public transport system which shuts down at 11:30pm - so much for a city that never sleeps . . . . at least we didn’t when it took us 4 hours to travel 15 miles home after being stranded in Tooting Bec when the underground unceremoniously shut down at 11:30pm on a Friday night.

We had a great time catching up with friends and family. Uncle Murray and Aunty Christine generously looked after us, showing us Stonehenge, some picturesque country towns in the Cotsworlds and Cambridge University where Dad Burt studied at Tyndale House. We also managed to attend evensong at Kings College, and try our hands at punting down the river.

We found England very expensive, which meant we saw a lot of buildings from the outside . . . . Westminster, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge. We took a ride on the London Eye (giant ferris wheel), enjoyed a river boat cruise down the Thames to Greenwich, visited the British Museum, and even managed to convince Miriam’s school friend Jane to come and watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, very exciting 😊 and touristy! (sorry Jane!).

We had a lovely time in England. Thanks to all our family and friends that made our trip amazing. Your generosity with food, beds and tour guides were a God send 😊

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Photos

Operating the locks on the canal system.
With Uncle Murray, Aunty Christine, Mum and Dad (Burt)

English country town in the Cotswolds.
The day the English were knocked out of the football world cup.

Cambridge University.
Mum and Dad at Tyndale House, where they lived for a little while.

Murray punting down the river.
Not quite so relaxing, I was in the front apologizing to everyone we crashing into. Lots of beginner punters in one little river, recipe for disaster.

London Eye.
With the parliament buildings and Big Ben in the background.

Murrays cousins son Danny.
This cat was huge, and Danny loved to tackle it, like a true kiwi, watch out, All Black in the making.