Our fortnight in England is nearly at an end and has passed by in a family/friend-catch-up, long country walks, British-food eating, blur.
After the long flight a walk in the fresh country air was very welcome on our first day. Breathing in lungfulls of cool air, tinged with the scents of the remnants of summer, woke us up. The beautiful surroundings of where I grew up were, for the most part, the same as I remembered.
It was exciting to meet new faces (including my beautiful 11 month old niece), as well as being lovely to spend time with those who we hadn't seen for fourteen months (and one I hadn't seen for ten years!).
Normally our time back in the UK is a whirlwind of travelling here, there, and everywhere; an exhausting flurry of activity and not much quality time spent with everyone. This time we stayed fewer people, but for longer, which did mean a chance to be amongst in the unique sights, sounds and smells of England, rather than in a car.
Our time was mostly spent in the countryside, although there was also the odd trip into the city. But for us, the British countryside rather than built up areas is what we miss.
And the food! Proper thick cut bacon, sausage rolls, local cheeses, the sweets from our childhood to name a few delights. Many nostalgic treats could not be passed by, such as an ice cream overlooking the marshes at Parkgate.
All that, and it only rained for a couple of days, in fact I think there has been more rain in Sydney. After everyone there saying we would no doubt get very wet in England - as of course all it does is rain - we most definitely had the last laugh.