Back to blogging ...

Hi ... it's been while ... but 2 computer meltdowns (1 unrecoverable!!) and quite a few guests later ... we are still in London and back on the blog ....

Life has been good but busy busy! We have had a slew of visitors from home which has translated in to a LOT of good eating and LOTS of good times! Joanne (steve’s sister) and first time overseas tourist 3 year old Wyatt came for a visit in early March. Wyatt said, “Mommy, I love London!”, he is also apparently in love with ketchup, chicken McNuggest and in particular the double decker bus! It turns out there is lots for kids to do in London and it was interesting to see London through the eyes of a 3 year old.

Soon afterwards my cousins Lauren (first trip to Europe), Ellena (2nd trip to London since we came!) and Lauren’s friend Kate dropped in for a two week visit. They brought with them lots of energy and some mighty shopping power! Lauren was especially into bargaining at the markets and got some great deals! I was treated to a viewing of their daily purchases each night! We managed to squeeze in a day trip to Canterbury and to the rainy and cold cliffs of Dover, but yes the rest of the time was all about shopping!!

Holly (Steve’s sister), husband Clement and little Ethan (8 months old) were next for a visit. Ethan is one cute little boy. Very smiley, interactive and happy! Although he did develop a huge dislike for car trips (hope that didn’t translate home!) Half way through their trip, Steve’s mom and dad arrived, fresh off of their whirlwind tour around Europe! Nice to have some home cooking compliments of steve’s mom!! We took a trip with Ethan, his parents and grandparents to the Cotswalds, where we staying in a very cute place in Bourton on Water and squeezed in a day trip to Bath. We ate a lot of dessert. Oi!


Steve's new friend!

A day after steve’s parents left, my parents dropped in for their visit. They had a good time visiting all their old haunts when they lived in London and taking in some of the new things that have developed since. We took a great trip up to Wales with them and were treated to some lovely scenery in the Brecon Beacons, a very nice bed and breakfast, a day trip out to Hay on Wye, our first 'boot' sale and a visit to Tintern Abbey.

Hay on Wye has the largest 2nd hand bookshop in the world, plus 30+ other second hand book shops. It’s quite a small, but there happened to be a literary festival that day and the place was just packed – quite enjoyed that place!

We've also had a chance to catch up with Bernie (who came to Europe with his 40 students!), steve’s ex-UBC co-worker Howard and my ex-BCH/Burnaby North mate, Wendy who all passed through! THANKS everyone for the visits, REALLY great to catch up and to explore London and beyond with you! After all that good eating … we are going to take this pause in visits to detox and get back to the gym!!!