Monday, October 11, 2010

It Is Good To Be Back

It keeping with my tradition of having Monday posts be random, I give you random/stay-with-me-forever memories from my trip to England. I will have more highlights from the adventure throughout the week as I dive into detail about the things I did. Until them, I hope this whets your whistle (and FYI: whet was one of Charlotte's vocab words for spelling.)

england 2010 - rochester sky

:: I started my trip flying west to go east and, in doing so, I got to chase a sunset. I have never seen a more amazing sky.
:: I don't sleep well on planes, and learned it is really difficult, but I *can* stay awake for approximately 36 hours before I lose the ability to control my eyes rolling into the back of my head.
:: I can officially say I have ridden in a car going 100mph.

england 2010 - artisan 4

:: There were sheep and pear trees on the farm in Lemington Spa where Artisan was held. Best bead show venue ever.
:: This trip gave me the chance to meet people most US people are never going to get the chance to meet in person and I am so glad to have had the opportunity.
:: It rains every single day in England, excepts on Wednesdays, and I think that may be an actual fact.

england 2010 - brighton coast 3
england 2010 - brighton coast 5

:: You can have a good laugh even when wet through to your underwear if you try and it makes for even better memories, they are more tactile memories when they are soaking wet.
:: I like fish 'n chips, but I think I already knew that.
:: Historically old things can actually change in 18 years, and the way in which is usually how expensive they become. Windsor Castle was free to visit in 1992, it wasn't in 2010.

england 2010 - windsor 11

:: A Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha tastes even better when there is a castle wall outside the window.
:: I take my tea with milk and one sugar.
:: Some of the places you read about in books are even more amazing in person. And no, visiting a cemetery isn't really as morbid as it would seem.

england 2010 - highgate 21

:: I think I will forever wear my rain boots/wellies when I wear my blue tutu.
:: It is possible to get from Oxford Circus Station to Westminster Station during the height of rush hour to catch Big Ben at sunset and be back in Croxley Green by 7:30pm to get the kids on time.
:: It is really hard to be a Mom from 4000 miles away when things go wrong, but I learned to trust that there are others here that are more than capable.

england 2010 - selfridges 2
england 2010 - big ben 2

:: I kinda like Chicken Malayan Curry, and the bread with the coconut milk is delish. I should give coconut more of a chance.
:: If the sun comes out in England, you should always try to plan it do so on your last day there.
:: Even if you can't afford to pay $600 for a round of golf, they will let you buy a pint and sit on the patio at some world famous golf courses.

england - the grove 10

:: Seven days can happen in the blink of an eye and I truly hate goodbyes.
:: Absence really can make a full heart grow even fonder and the best hugs in the world come out of kids at full steam run in an airport.
:: It is feels so good to be home.

england - the grove kerry and lucy 3

15 comments:

Christine said...

OMG, I am almost crying just thinking about the whole mom-traveling things. And I'm only going 350 miles!

Those pictures are just breathtaking, and I am living vicariously through you because I SO want to go to England. Lucky you! I'm glad you enjoyed the trip. (I ADORE that photo of the wellies and tutus!) See you SOOOON!

hello gorgeous said...

ooooo Kerry I am gutted I didn't get the chance to come and say hello but am SO glad you have had a brilliant time!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Laura Twiford said...

How exciting! What is Artisan? The pictures are wonderful, I especially love the ones of the cemetary angel statue and the wellies! Just beautiful! Can't wait to see more! Welcome Home!

Laura Twiford said...

Hi again, I just had to say this, the first picture in the post from the plane really reminds me of the scene from Peter Pan where they fly over at night on to neverland, very cool!

Anonymous said...

So glad you're back!!!
Thanks for taking us along and sharing pictures!!!
Kim (Texas)

Courtney Breul said...

It looks absolutely amazing! I am glad you had a great time.

Unknown said...

I was so looking forward to your Post! England and Scotland are so Amazing. Beautiful and refined in so many ways. Did you find some great gifts to bring home? Welcome Home to Sunny America!

sandi m said...

Oh Kerry, Wonderful photos. England is one of my favorite countries. Love those wellies; I'm always awed by window displays in foreign countries.
Look forward to reading more about the trip.
That arial shot has lots of beady inspiration....

AliBaubles said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful time in the UK, and the photos are wonderful.......I especially like the one of the tights and wellies! I did giggle at your comment re. it raining all the time apart from a Wednesday...being from the UK (Manchester) I can attest to it raining lots and lots, but it all adds to the quaintness :) It must have been lovely to be home and see your family! Can't wait to hear more and see lots more photos! :)

Pretty Things said...

That first photo is nothing short of breathtaking!

And I am SO jealous you got to go to Highgate. That's on my top ten places to go.

TesoriTrovati said...

Tell me more! I can't even fathom going that far away. I am considering a week in NYC but that makes my heart race just thinking about it. How fun! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the day!
Erin

Jo said...

Fantastic photos Kerry! I love the tutus and wellies and the angel!
It was really lovely to meet you at the bead show.
Jx

Cindy said...

Kerry! Been gone all day and finally checking in to see these long-awaited pictures.....and wow, the wait was sure worth it!!! What breathe-taking pictures....could be used for a tourism poster! I especially like the angel from the cemetery...I wonder who she is watching over? Gabriel recognized the London Eye. I enjoyed them all and look forward to seeing more.

Unknown said...

Fabulous pictures!...I checked out all your pictures on Flickr too. Sounds and looks like a great time. Glad your back.

Rebecca said...

Kerry, if only it weren't true that it rains every day in England - but I think you are right (or at least 80% right at the moment!!)! Glad you had such a great trip over in England - if you come again, I recommend you make it up to my country, Scotland - very different but equally beautiful (more so if you ask me, but then I'm biased!) Wish I had made it down to Artisan but work won out. Next time - and I hope there is one!