England, Life of adventure, Travel

Heading off to “Dear Old Blighty”

Suzanne

As most of you are aware, we have been in Turkey since late February.

We began our second time in Turkey with a week in Istanbul Postcards from Istanbul, then flew down to complete a housesit in Dalyan, this was a repeat one caring for one gentle and adorable always smiling dog called Tequila, and two equally lovable cats Charlie and Kizzy.  Not forgetting our temporary feline visitor called Molly.

We will miss them all.

Remember when I told you we had run out of steam in my post The Downside of Travelling Long-Term.  Well, I am happy to write that we have now charged those travel batteries and rearing to go.

How did we recharge?

With many relaxing walks around the countryside, beach and beyond.  A leisurely lunch and chat at a local restaurant.  Then there was so course a few hours of writing/blogging for me and some number crunching on a few excel programs for the Squire.

The spring weather brought more temperate weather, which has been idyllic to do more extended walks, unlike summer when the heat was unbearable for most of the day to contemplate a long leisurely wander.

Where are we heading too?

The UK, for five months.

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Many plans have been organised, to catch up with friends and family in Devon, a few fellow bloggers throughout the UK and old friends arriving from New Zealand.  In amongst all that there will be a few repeat housesits and a few new housesits,  people and animals just to keep us on our toes.

We have had a fabulous time being a “local” for a brief time in a culture and community, that has reinforced our desire to learn more.  As usual, it will take a while to absorb everything that we have discovered and what lifelong impressions it will have on us.  I believe it has made us even more open-minded to various ways of dealing with life and its usual challenges.  This country has certainly had us again question our western middle-class beliefs about Muslim and Turkish culture.  More on this later.

More awareness of how easy we can take ordinary everyday privileges for granted.  I am sure we will become even more grateful for the life we lead, the more travelling we do.  Being brought up and lived most of our lives in New Zealand, we have not had to deal with as many challenges as the locals here have had to do.

All in all, it has been a positive experience, and, it is another housesit position we shall remember fondly.  

Now it’s time to pack up and head on another aeroplane bound for an island that has created even more fond memories of people and places.  There is also more than one cafe over there, that has the most delectable cakes and scones which will accompany a big dollop of clotted cream.  With one or two having our names on them.  Or perhaps it will be a sea view, while savouring each mouthful of cod and chips wrapped in paper, washed down with an ale or two.  You see every country has a treat that is worth waiting for and enjoying that first mouthful or view.

So lovelies, don’t forget to treat yourself with something that brings a smile to your face.

We will be!

OFF TO VISIT DEAR OLD BLIGHTY

 

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

65 thoughts on “Heading off to “Dear Old Blighty””

    1. Not home for us Jill, NZ is the homeland. Though we feel the UK is home of sorts and looking forward to heading back. Unfortunately won’t be able to make it to the Bash this year, definitely NEXT YEAR 🙂

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        1. Jill, heading downunder to NZ and Aust is well worth the long flight. It is a beautiful part of the world and much different from up here.

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        1. LOL okay Lucy you will be easy to spot then 🙂 I hope to catch up with a few of you, if not this year then it will be the Bash next year!

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    1. Thanks April you are such a supportive blogger 🙂 No, we are used to having changeable weather, even when we do stay in the same country!

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  4. Well – when you get here, you will be able to completely relax. Nothing to do except put your feet up in front of the fire. The wee beasty will be with us and Possum will be very glad of your company. You must go for a coffee at the Miserden Garden cafe (just 5 mins in the car, or 40 min walk cross country) https://www.miserden.org/cafe and have a wander around the estate and gardens. Cakes to die for!!! It’s a stunning village and you could follow it with a pint at the Carpenter’s Arms. X

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    1. Looking forward to it Jane. Thanks very much for the recommendation, will head over there for a coffee and cake! We found a few excellent places to stop when we were there last 🙂 Will give Possum attention and see Barty [he’s not that bad 🙂 ] next time and you two of course x

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    1. Absolutely will let you know Melanie as it would be fun to catch up. We are in near Marlborough in April and Clevedon for most of July, which I think is not far from you? Will PM and see what we can organise to meet at a good cafe!

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    1. Hi Carol, apologies for the late reply, your welcome comment went into my spam folder!! Haven’t had fish and chips yet, though we will 🙂 x

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    1. Oh Em, that would be fun if we can meet up with you both for a scone and cream at a local cafe, as I want to see how you do that layering bit 🙂 We are heading to North Yorkshire for a couple of weeks, so might be able to organise something on the way up or down. Will PM you. x

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  11. Hooray! The U.K. will welcome you back with open arms (full of scones). It will be wonderful to see you at some point. Ilkley is a lovely spa town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales if you ever fancy a visit.

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    1. That will be wonderful Hayley. So many travel arrangements to set in place. Once we are there and our minds are focussed on the UK we shall organise some meet ups 🙂 Looking forward to heading back up to the Yorkshire Dales! Scones, jam and cream, ask Em from Brummie all about the stacking of cream and jam LOL

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  12. Turkey is still on the list so we will have to check our house sits or just take the flight and explore. It is interesting what you learn of the local culture and people, so different to what the media displays. Oh, and remember your jacket for UK. We are in London for 5 weeks house sitting so off exploring new places too.

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    2. Hey Deb, if you do get overwhelmed with so much to see and do, I totally understand and there is always Australia to catch up in 🙂 We will be returning down under when we settle down again!!

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  14. I am so glad that you have your travelling mojos back again, especially as you are coming over here for a while. Devon is so beautiful isn’t it? There will definitely be loads to look forward to when you get here, just don’t forgert your brollies! 🙂

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    1. Love Devon and Cornwall which we have visited a few times over the years. No, we won’t need an umbrella, the UK is due for a heatwave over summer 🙂

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    1. Anabel, we would have loved to do so and meet up for a cuppa. Unfortunately, we are not able to this year, maybe next 🙂 I will keep my eyes open for housesits up there.

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  16. I am so glad you are feeling recharged and ready for some more travels! Like you enjoyed my Kiwi posts, I am really looking forward to seeing Blighty through your eyes!! 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Josy, we are so looking forward to heading back to see a few people. This time we are in a few different areas which will be fun 🙂

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  18. Suzanne, I just love to see the world through your eyes. Your writing and pictures are always stunning. I wish you the best on your new journey, and I’m jealous that you get to meetup with other bloggers – I hope I get to read about that in this blog too. xx

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    1. Erin, your most welcome comment went into my spam folder!! Reminds me that I should check more often! Thanks for your lovely comment you are a sweetie x

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  19. You guys are full of plans and energy again! Well done. The rest was needed and deserved. The next plane ride will bridge two very different countries and cultures. I agree, traveling opens our minds and makes us appreciate what we have! Enjoy your time in the U.K.!

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  20. Great to hear you’ve got your energy and enthusiasm for your travels back. How far in advance do you plan where you’re going and what house sits you’ll be doing? Did you have your year mapped out before you left NZ?
    Speaking of NZ, summer is finally letting go and there is a distinctly autumnal feel. The lower sun is casting beautiful shadows in the garden and painting the bush covered ridges with gold. Love this time of the year!

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    1. Hiya Wendy, usually we are booked up in advance this year we have been booked up until November since earlier this year. We have our airtickets booked to return to Europe in November without anything booked though it’s way too early yet. In our first year we had a few booked before we started off. I love autumn too ❤

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      1. Wow, I never realised house sitting was so big. Do you spend most of your time sitting or do you have to fend for yourselves a lot. Hope you don’t mind the inquisition, its way out of my field.

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        1. No worries Wendy, it all depends on how many housesits we have, or if we chose to have some time off from housesitting. Each year is different from the last. Fire away the questions or send me a PM or via my private FB messaging 🙂

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  21. You’re heading over here just as the weather is improving. Enjoy the cream teas, fish and chips and some decent ales. Look forward to reading about your adventures.

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    1. Thanks, All in a good way and we have been to the UK quite a few times over the years 🙂 Looking forward to catching up with people and a few 4 legged characters.

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    1. Thanks Jo, it’s great to be back. Seems many parts of the world are missing the in between seasons. Which is sad as they are the prettiest in nature! Hopefully I get to see more daffodils 😃 We carry 4 seasons of clothing with us ☺

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  24. Pingback: A Return to the COTSWOLDS – Global Housesitter x2

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