Back from vacation....

Me to Daughter: "What did you enjoy the most in UK?"
Daughter: "Spending time with family" :).

We returned last night from our UK trip. We have family based in London, and friends all over UK....and we had an amazing time out there. I am going to miss the superb London public transport system a lot. I fell in love with it.

The trip has changed all of us. The kids loved mimicking the British accent throughout their trip. We were fortunate enough to not experience any sort of racism out there. In fact, I found the people much better (polite, respectful, well dressed, well mannered) than the US. Whether it was traveling during peak hours on the tube, or taking long distance trains, we found ourselves taken care of very well. The kids were always offered a seat, and most people volunteered to move around (without being asked) to provide adjoining seats to us.

The weather was simply beautiful throughout the month of June. We got a few showers here and there, but frankly, coming from a dry, drought-ridden California, the rains were very welcome. I couldn't get enough of the green fields and parks and forests. Again, it was in stark contrast to the browns here in California.

We didn't dine out much, but I got to explore the local markets and made a lot of meals at home. Beans on toast has become a favorite of the kids. The cheese selection in UK is outstanding. Coffee was always good (much better than US), and I loved that we always got fresh milk and brown sugar (mostly fair trade) to add to our coffee or tea. Water is also served at room temperature. These are simple things, but water with ice and sugar laden drinks are a big turn off for me in the states.

We spent an entire week on the coast in Wales. Our friend A grew up there, and he hosted us during our stay in Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park. I am sure I will write a lot more posts about our time in Wales, but in a nutshell, that place is a wonderland. It has pristine beaches, lush green mountains, an amazing coastal walking path that would take several months to explore, tidepools, rock arches, wild life, dairy farms, lambs and cows, beaches to see the sunrise as well as sunset, and so much more. And when you have someone who grew up there to take you around, you see the place through their eyes, through their experience, through the local lens - and that is the BEST way to experience it! We also met A's family - his 76 year old mum (who is adorable), his sister and her family, and their pets. The kids couldn't get enough of the beach, and we came back with loads of sea shells and a heart full of happy memories from that trip.

Brexit happened while we were there, and we also attended a memorial of an MP who was shot down during our trip.

As and when I get a chance to upload pictures, I will write more.

As of now, we are jetlagged, but very happy to be home. The kids missed their bed, their toys, the garden, and that sense of belonging in this home and town that they've been since birth!