MISSY AND ME IN THE LAND OF THE BRITS

Well what can we say?  Missy and I brought back loads of photos and tons of memories!  From the moment we set foot on the airplane in Cape Town it was excitement, starry eyes and lots of laughter all the way to the UK and after we arrived it was more of the same with the addition of healthy helpings of warmth, good cheer and hospitality.

So, it is only right and well deserving that we say a heartfelt thank you to Daddy, Ouma Sheila and all the UK family for making this possible.  We really had a great time!!  Meeting all of you was super cool and a real treat.  You made us welcome and feel at home and although Granny Africa could not always understand the Suffolk language, we enjoyed every minute of it.  We are grateful for all of you for your kindness, patience and understanding.  I am especially thankful for your outpouring of your attention and affection for Missy.  You even managed to give us a wonderful Christmas in July.

This past year has not been easy for our family.  Mommy was not well, we moved to Cape Town where the schools were choc a bloc and everything seemed  so chaotic and confusing.  It was a far cry from the tranquil and orderliness of our life back in Port Elizabeth.  The traffic alone in Cape Town was a nightmare and made this Granny pretty uptight.

How do we put our British memories in words.  Experiencing so many new things, new places and faces in 23 days, is almost too much.  But here are some of the things Missy and I will remember, talk about and dream about in the years to come.

Long walks and serious talks on British shores and outdoor spaces.

California Beach UK

A walk in the Wild.

Fun in the summer sun.

Southwold

Riding carousel horses

Pleasurewood

Or Laura’s real ones.

Meeting the coolest aunt ever and dressing up Molly  was never ending fun!  We finally met the cousins and I must say Missy was chuffed and Granny impressed.

We turned Ouma Sheila’s house upside down and Scarlett tried to teach Sydney (the 16 year old deaf, blind, sick  and very old Jack Russell) a trick or two.  Of course, without any success.

We enjoyed ice-creams and Crispy Cream Donuts, Spotted Dick, Yorkshire Puddings, Hobnobs and Daddy’s special Sunday treats.  We had high tea and low tea and heavenly cappuccino moments.

A Magnum Moment

Daddy's a super chef!

Travelling by bus, by train, by car or on Granny Africa’s neck – was all part of exploring England.  Leaving our footprints on London’s underground was something we had to do at least once.

Waiting for the train to London

Liverpool station

Bascule Bridge Lowesthof

Hitching a ride

We saw the Queens Castle and a new Prince was born.  We chased randy rabbits, greedy goats, dazzling ducks and squeaking squirrels.  We did not like the Dungeons and Daddy carried his girl for hours on end.  The London Eye was too high and Big Ben was proud to tell us the time.

Buckingham

Big Ben

Buckingham

London Eye

We drove through the country side and saw old churches and castles that are centuries old.  The scars of the wars can be seen in the graves,  memorials and statues  - heroes of the past, tell a tale of it’s own.

Kessingland

Beccles

Beccles

                         




                                    We met the locals and found them absolutely awesome.

           We smashed empty bottles at the recycling center in town which was a treat all it’s own.

We discovered a piece of Africa hidden in the South of England.  The beat of the African drums made us miss home.  The Zulus entertained the crowds and my soul said:  I’m proud to be a South African!!

Tattoos are displayed on old and or young and shoppers and seniors drive around in funky mobility scooters.

We traveled on highways and byways, we strolled through alleys and valleys and played in the park.

Hyde Park

Unfortunately, nothing is permanent.  We are safely back home in our beloved Africa
.
Back to the future.

                                       Reality. What a concept.

                                                                       But, the adventure continues.