5 Years Doesn't Change A Thing (Spring Break!)

Cardiff Bay

 I walked through the arrivals gate At London Heathrow airport with the Love Actually soundtrack ringing off the walls. Ok, that last part may have been in my head, but it was very...British, and I was very excited. Excited for food other than pasta, a language I could understand, and, of course, my lovely cousins (most of whom I last saw in 2006).

Millennium Centre 

I have to say, I'm fairly proud of myself. I managed to get from my apartment in the suburbs of Rome to the Cardiff bus station with minimal friction. I say minimal because traveling with Emily never seems to go completely smoothly (or maybe I just happen to notice the cultural confusion and awkward little hiccups of life).  I left 5 hours before my flight, just in case.  I hopped in the H Bus to Termini Station. I successfully purchased my train ticket and then ran around the station trying to find my platform. I got to the airport, printed my boarding pass, took the tram to my terminal, and sat at the gate. I was still 3 hours early.

View from the Hoe

The only entertaining event was going through customs at Heathrow.  They gave me a form that asked for the address where I would be staying. Oops. Forgot to take note of that little tidbit. I gave my form to the woman at the desk. "You're staying 8 days, where?" "Sorry, I don't have the address. I'm staying with family."  "And what family do you have here?" "Um...my mom's cousins." "and they live...?" "Well, I'm going to Cardiff tonight on a bus-" "a coach. You're taking a coach." "...Yes, that." "All the way to Cardiff?"  It went on like that until I exchanged my cousin's cell number for entrance to the country.  Four hours later, (1am) I was dropped off on a busy street in Cardiff...with now idea where I was.  I wandered around a bit until I found Peter and Sue.  They took me home and put me to bed.

Exeter Cathedral

Day 1: Cardiff
Peter and Sue took me to Cardiff Bay.  It's a beautiful pier with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings.  We saw the harbor, the Millennium Centere, and Techniquest (The science center where Sue works).  After a quick spin around Cardiff, we drove over to Exeter.  I arrived at Hilda's to a delicious lunch of chicken and mashed potatoes made by the fabulous Princess Anne, and we spent the evening looking at family photos.

Dawlish Warren

Day 2: Plymouth
After a great night's sleep in a bed that was most certainly not a rock and a hot shower, Christine, Martin, and Amber picked me up from Hilda's and whisked me off to Plymouth.  This historic harbor was where the pilgrims said goodbye to England and hello to the deep blue sea and a questionable future.  A few hundred years later, here I am!  We wandered around the Hoe, ate lunch along the river, and had smoothies at Juice Mouse at the Drake Circus.


Day 3: Dawlish Warren
Adam took the day off work and drove me down to Dawlish Warren, an amusement park by the sea side.  We walked along the beach and sat down for refreshments.  After a beautiful morning, we drove over to Hilda's for cheese sandwiches made by Chef Adam.  A few hours later we met Amber down town for a delicious steak dinner (a much needed break from my pasta-based diet).  We finished the day off with a night of joking, laughing, and movie watching.

Perfect Pasty!

Day 4: Exeter
After another heavenly night's sleep, Christine took me on a historic tour of Exeter.  We strolled along the cathedral grounds and down to the key where we saw swans, bikes, and cute little shops.  Later, we picked up Hilda and drove down to Teignmouth to surprise Chris at Luder's, which was bustling with customers.  It was quite posh, as they say.  We got hugs and goodies (which we sampled at tea), and the first chocolate Easter bunny of the season!  That night Hilda took us all out for dinner at a pub overlooking Dawlish.  It was so nice to be with family, telling stories and reminiscing.


Day 5: Pasties, Labrador, and Torquay

Beautiful Dawlish

There is nothing better than a pasty.  A hearty beef-and-potato mix wrapped up in a soft, flaky crust, Mmm.  After breakfast, Hilda and I made a batch (ok, I just put the initials on the side).  We ate them for lunch and then drove down to Labrador Bay for an ice cream cone with a flake (Cadbrry chocolate bar, YUM) while we watched a paraglider attempting to take flight.  Next we drove down to Torquay for a lovely view of the sea side.  Apparently, the largest full moon in 15 years created the lowest tide in 15 years.  Pretty cool.

Black Swan!

Day 6: Dawlish
Hilda and I had a leisurely breakfast and then walked down Dawlish for the afternoon.  We climbed up Lea Mount and strolled down the shore, passing a beautiful coast line, shining beach, and the little nook where Hilda met her husband Henry. Say it with me now, AWWWWWW.  Dawlish is famous for its waterfowl, including the rare black swan.  We walked around the green and had lunch at a cute little cafe.  Afterwards, we sat on a bench in the park and ate Cadbury Creme Eggs. MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmm!


Day 7: Heathrow

Oh hey, Stonehenge!

After spending some quality time with my cousins late into the night, I said my goodbye's and Christine and Martin drove me to the airport.  At the half way mark we pulled off to a cute little village with thatched-roofed cottages and a field of horses.  It was like a fairy tale.  We walked into the pub and were greeted by a huge, fluffy, newfie.  We ate lunch in the garden before jumping back into the car, zipping past Stonehenge, and arriving at Heathrow.


Whew!
I love England.  I love the culture, the atmosphere, and of course, the incredible people there that I love.  I have to admit, going back to Rome was difficult.  But I wanted an adventure that was different from anything else, so here I am! Already more than half way through with a jam-packed home stretch!


To see, yes, EVEN MORE PHOTOS click here!