Aren't Holidays Fun?
Highlights of my trip to the UK
I have returned home to spring!
My week away in the UK couldn’t have come sooner as I longed for a small glimpse of spring. When we left, there was still a thickish covering of snow on the ground and I was fairly sure that it would be gone on my return—and I was right!
Today, the sun has been shining bright and even feels warm when you’re out of the breeze. At 10 degrees, the air isn’t quite warm but I managed to be in a t-shirt when I was doing a bit of raking of leaves out at the cottage.
Only two weeks ago the same spot had been covered by 40 cm of snow. It’s kind of miraculous that in only two weeks the landscape can change so much. Growing up in the southern part of Australia we would watch the landscape green up in winter and brown off in summer but nothing so drastic as the changes that happen here in Northern Europe.
I always enjoy travelling to the UK. It has a sense of familiarity that’s comforting as well as many differences that are fun and exciting. This time around, it was friends and football (the round ball game!) that drew us there—to Birmingham. We watched my hubby’s team, Aston Villa, win (against some other team whose name escapes me!). Being at a home game amongst singing fans is pretty fabulous.
We managed to get to London for a night to see a friend and but I hadn’t really prepared myself for the incredible number of people there’d be and had a bit of panic when I stepped off at Euston station. Luckily some fresh air and breathing helped as the flow of people wove around us like human ants.
Post Covid has impacted us all in different ways—For me, it’s my ability to cope in crowds. Living in London would desensitise locals I guess, but living in an isolated part of the world already called for some serious preparation that I forgot to do. Silly me! But we headed into the tube system and made our way to our destination without any other panic feelings from me.
One of the joys of travel are the unexpected places and things that you get to experience.
St Pancras Station was a lovely surprise. Light, open and airy, it’s a lovely example of Gothic Victorian architecture, the building saved from demolition by Poet Laureate and rail enthusiast, Sir John Betjeman. To think this space might have been destroyed is somewhat terrifying - it’s now one of London’s busiest stations, with the Eurostar arriving multiple times daily.
Several pianos have been placed in different spots and in my wanderings there were several people who just sat down to play as they waited for a train. It was quite lovely! The renovations were completed in 2007, with some fairly recent renovations to shops one level down. The bronze statues were just stunning - although I missed capturing the one of Betjeman himself.
Just near St Pancras station is a small nature reserve called the Camley Street Natural Park. Nestled in between the station, overhead railway lines and skyscrapers, this little reserve, maintained by the London Wildlife Trust, is a gem! Entry is by donation and the little walkway through wetlands and woodland had fun things for kids to do as they learned about the birds, plants, insects and other little critters so important for biodiversity. I couldn’t quite believe I was in London as I meandered the paths.
To think that there are little patches of nature dotted around London for city kids and adults to learn about and enjoy! I didn’t stop in the cafe but maybe that’s something I can do next time. Worth popping by if you’re ever close to St Pancras.
We headed back to Birmingham via Stratford-Upon-Avon—such a gorgeous town! The sun was shining, the wind a little chilly, and the swans hungry (although they must be the most well-fed swans in the UK). I’ve studied or taught or seen about ten different Shakespeare plays so it was a highlight for me - I sort of wish we had another night so I could have seen a play or two. Next time!
Just as it was lovely to get away, it was also nice to get home.
I’ve had a sort of post-travel malaise for a few days, despite the glorious sun. Which is why I haven’t managed to send this off into the ether until now. A travel hangover, perhaps. But I’ll be off again soon - tomorrow actually, to the mainland of Finland to pick up my daughter and their partner from the airport in Helsinki. Exciting times!
Where have you travelled lately?
Stay Well,
Lisa x
Other Things Worth Mentioning
I highly recommend the online trip tracker and travel journal called Polarsteps. You can have a private or public account, share your trips with friends and family, and order a book (editable before you order). The books are gorgeous! I don’t gain anything from this recommendation - except perhaps your thanks when you try it out.
Thanks for sharing your adventures. We were in London last summer, and I know exactly how you feel in crowds post-pandemic. I'm not sure I will ever get over that slight fear, especially since I tend toward claustrophobia. Give me the wide open spaces any day. And, glad you had such a wonderful trip--beautiful photos.
Loved seeing the wonderful photos captured during your travel.