This is the Brighton Train Station. South of London. We were there four years ago. What a facinating structure, all made of iron so many years ago. It was lucky not to have been torn down durin the war
Five years ago, my first cousin died unexpectedly. I hadnt seen him since we were little kids. I went over to UK for his memorial. I felt that I had missed so much by not knowing him better. It cost a fortune to be there. But my sister still lived in London, so at least I could crash with her and avoid paying accomodations! Due to short notice, I had to fly charter, which costs three times more than the usual fare. But I dont regret going for a minute. I got to say good bye to him. And by talking to his friends and our shared relatives, felt that I got to know him a bit better. But I digress. This post isnt about my cousin. I may do a post for his anniversary in May. This post is about England.
My family moved here in 1974, I was nine. (Do the math, my age is no secret)! I went back to visit once, in 1979. I hadnt been back since. Twenty five years is along time to go by. So I was really like a stranger in my own land. I was there just a week. The first few days were tied up around the memorial and visiting mourning family. So I only had a couple of days to tour. My sis had a place in Greenwich, which I fell in love with. I cant believe she moved back to Canada and gave up life in such an amazing place! My parents were there also. They had planned to be there for the Queens Jubilee Celebrations, so they were in town for the memorial too. I spent a day with them and my sister, in the city of London, which was also facinating.
It was such a hurried time though. I enjoyed it so much that when I got home and told Keith all about it, we booked to go over togrther for a longer holiday. We went together the following year. This is one of my favorite photos of that holiday. There is such a diverse people in such a small area, this picture taken in Trafalgar, captures some of that. 
Keith was hooked, he loved England and was determined to go back again. I was in nursing school the following summer, so he went over with our eldest son. They had a blast together. Youth hostelling, and mixing with other tourists.
England is such a different world than what we have in Canada. We would love to go back again. There is so much more to see. It wont be this year. Maybe once our kids are all put through college? Mean time. I look through the photos and dream.
7 comments:
talking to Keith about England and Ireland, I could tell that he would move their in a heartbeat if he could. Sounds fascinating.
Hugs
England...I love England. I went there in 1999 with my kids. I have many relatives over there London, Manchester, Aughton, Brighton, Carlise, Kettering. All over. My eldest sisters and brothers were born there. I love all the history and the catherdrals and Castles...oh i loved the castles. We seemed to go to a lot of the castles that Mary Queen of Scots was held captive. And where she met her demise in Fartheringham(not sure of the spelling). My last surviving Aunt lives in Mughull but many cousins. It was very exspensive when we were there, thank god for family.
Now you asked about where my photos of the herring fishery were taken. The early mornining ones were taken near Bowser and the others were taken in Qualicum Beach, which is about 15 mins south of where I live. I live just up the road from the water.
Thanks for dropping by my blog....
Interesting that this is the first posting of yours I read as I get unbelievably homesick for the UK, lived there from 97 to 02 so I can actually remember the Queens big Jubilee- an amazing time!!
The place just seems to make you belong no matter who you are- for me, well my dad and Brother were born there so it was amazing to go and see where they were from.
For an amazing structure, try Paddington Station- have to admitt- I even bought the bear!
Hi, I got hooked to your site now and will be looking at it often , hope you don;t mind!!! I love all the pictures you post especially the ones of where you live ........ beautiful. I like england too and visit as much as i can , was there 3 times last year, too much crime though.
i would love to there and see all, the architect and the history and breath in what has played the background for so much of movies and books and real life too..but then, i would also love, love to go to the sleepy towns. the moors, see the fog..i love fog..
sorry about your cousin. it is sad when we do not know those amongst us, specially our own. i am glad you got to go and see him off to his new home. i'm sure he was quite pleased to see you there and appreciated your love.
It's good to dream, it gives ya something to look forward to besides the kids college bills. :)
I love England. My daughter and I went a few years ago and had a fabulous time. We stayed right in London and travelled on day trips to Salisbury, Aberdeen, all over England, and even took the hovercraft to France and the train to Paris. I would love to go back.
Charter flights are much nicer than regular, aren't they?
Josie
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