Back in the UK

Last Monday Will & I started our epic journey back to the UK. We began with a flight from Wellington to Auckland, followed by a flight from Auckland to LA, a couple of hours in a transit lounge at LAX, a flight from LA to London & then the Railair bus from Heathrow to Reading. About 36 hours after leaving NZ we finally arrived back in the UK! We are staying at my old school, with my previous head of department. Wednesday was the last day of term for the school, so we attended the end of term party in the common room that night. It was just like old times really, the usual drunken debauchery! We left at about half-12 which wasn't a bad effort considering we had arrived in the country the previous day. By all accounts the party carried on to the wee hours of the morning...
Britain is experiencing a huge cold snap at the moment, & Bearwood is looking stunning in the snow. So far the weather hasn't impeded our plans too much, so fingers crossed that continues. It is beautiful walking around the estate in the snow.

Anyone for a spot of golf?

The lake is nearly frozen over & looks pretty cool with all the snow on top.

On one of our walks we called in to say hi to our previous neighbours. We found them in the garden doing a spot of snowman building. Below is our old driveway, looking very picturesque.

On Thursday we headed out to Will's parents who were obviously pretty excited to see us. It was lovely catching up with them again. Most of Friday was spent catching up with Claire & Nic.
Christmas time means pressies...

This trip is all about catching up with friends and family. Several of my Bearwood friends have had babies since I left, so there have been some new wee people to meet.

On Saturday night Will & I had a very nice pub meal catching up with several of my rugby friends. We were planning on heading back to Will's parents on Sunday, but decided not to risk the roads. Oxfordshire had had a lot of snow & there was major disruption on the roads. Instead we had a very nice relaxed day in, barely leaving the house! It was probably for the best as we had already had a hectic few days catching up with lots of people.

On Monday Will & I braved Reading. It wasn't actually too bad, considering it was one week until Christmas! The weather helped keep the crowds away, there were severe disruptions to the train service with cancellations & delays aplenty. We both agree that Christmas does make a lot more sense in the winter. There is something about the cold & snow, & darkness by about 4pm... Reading was actually looking very festive. Monday night we were invited to Steve & Kate's place next door for mince pies & wine. Again, it was a lovely evening and just like old times... I called it a night at around 1am, & Will was later still.

Today was also pretty lazy. Tonight we met up with Curto at the local pub for a couple of pints. I will admit that Britain does make some pretty damn tasty beer!

Tomorrow we are heading back to Oxfordshire. Will has a dentist appointment tomorrow, then on Thursday we have a family lunch. We'll stay up there at Will's parents for Christmas, possibly coming back to Bearwood on the 27th. Merry Christmas everyone!