Day 5 - Kent shananigans all the way to London (16 Dec 2022)

 We woke up expectantly this morning. The arrival of Family Kent yesterday made our hearts so  happy!! I was up early, excited to spend another few hours with our precious friends.   

Unfortunately they were so jet-lagged!! At least by 9am everybody was up. We decided to pack our cars and then to find a breakfast spot. Yep, you need to be  full of imagination to feed big families in this crazy world of the Empire. This time, Arno suggested that he will explore the coffee 'shack' in the park- where we went for our run the previous day - maybe they can sort us out for breakfast. 

I walked with some of the kids over there and we had a wonderful time throwing sticks on the frozen lake and getting to know each other again. Just being outside and walking and playing in the snow…delightful with children!!! 

It is really just that - when you are 'friends for ever' only a few moments is necessary to re-connect. That was exactly what we had. A few moments in time!!  

 

Before long, an almighty snowball fight, chasing and catch-me-if-you-can-game had developed. The other big people (Arwen and Alana is also now classified in this category!!) have driven the vehicles around, and were waiting for the rest of the mob, at the breakfast-hut. It took the old dears AGES to get our orders  written down, but that gave us plenty of time to laugh and joke and talk together. Together is the key-word here. What joy is it, when families hang-out together. 

Form the littl'st, 3-year old (who was eating hands-free cake like a doggie from the table-Eiligh) to the teens who were tug-of-warring-with their Merida of 'Brave' look-a-like mum, Rachel. The contest was all about who will be sitting on pastor-dad-Billy's lap. 

Embarassing stories were told about marshmallow sticky hands of Nina and Nathan (They were only 3 -years old the last time we were together…now teens.) 

Caelan and Philippa were forced to re-create a photo taken more than 10 years ago, to great entertainment to the rest of us. 

Thomas and Elijah still talking about Liverpool and God and life choices, while the young ladies were taking pics together and talking about 'Snow White 'and 'Rose Red' having sleepovers - puking in the bed - but to scared to tell mum- for the off-chance that the pajama-party might be cancelled. (For the record - that was the first time I hear about this!!!) 

 

All too sudden it was time for the last pictures to be taken, last HUGE HUG's to be given…. Until….whoever-knows-when we see each other again. 

 Our hearts were empty and full at the same time…is that even possible???? 

 

A last quick stop at the Crooked House before we were headed south, back to London. An very uneventful Friday early afternoon journey, took us straight pass Heathrow airport to Skylark Guesthouse/Motel. Interesting neighbourhood, with the most unexpected well-kept overnight stop. The highlight was that fabilistic breakfast that was included!!!! 

 

Arno and Thomas took our rental car back to Alamo, while us girls explore the shelves of Sainsbury's (local grocery store) for a mega £3.50 'lunch' deal. What a bargain - pasta salad/warps + yogurt- pot and an healthy drink. A Christmas movie in bed (well, we all stayed in one room, so very cosy and together) was just the final touch to a very special day.
 

 

It was a great day…totally one that we will talk about for ever!! 

We love you family Kent! May God bless you and protect you! 

 

Day 4 - Cream Tea in Malmesbury and Kent Rendezvoux (15 Dec 2022)

15 December Malmesbury and Himley

 Too soon our goodbye's had to be said! Arno and Lennie took Linea to the Swindon bus station…with a new minus temperature record…minus 9!! 

With and early morning promise to come to visit us in South Africa (Sharon, Lennie…Your word is your bond!!) we squeezed into our seven seater Ford Galaxy.  The roads were icy and the landscape snowy white. Magical!! 

 

The little back roads took us to the hamlet of Malmesbury. Once a site of an Iron Age fort, in the early mid-evil period Malmesbury became the site of a monastery, famed for it 's learning. It was later home to one of Alfred the Great's fortified borough for defence against the Vikings. Aethelstan, the first king of ALL England, was buried in Malmesbury Abbey in 939. Arno and I were just so excited to visit this Abbey, because we absolutely loved loved loved the Netflix series 'The Last Kingdom'.  The story of how England came to be. The history of Malmesbury totally connected with us!!

 

In the Middel  Ages the town was a prominent market town and also a centre for learning. Today the Abbey is still key in bringing tourists to the town. The economy hangs onto farming, tourism and the production of Dysons (hoovers!!) at a manufacturing plant.  

 

We carefully 'skated' over the holy ground, surrounding the fantastic Abbey, which was founded in 675. The first church organ was also installed here in 700 AD. In the 12th century the spire was 130m tall, but collapsed in the late 15th century. Also in the 12th century and Abbey guest house was added. Today it houses the Old Bell Hotel - which claims to be the oldest hotel in England. 

 

So guess where Family Theron went for their delicious cream-tea? You guessed it, didn't you??

The Old Bell Hotel!! 

Definition for 'cream tea' - afternoon tea consisting of tea, scones, clotted cream, jam and sometimes butter. 

 

We positioned ourselves around two little tea-tables in a Victorian decorated  drawing room, elaborate wallpaper (even in the bathrooms) and a well appreciated fire going in the hearths.  Next we ordered our cream teas and enjoy them with the appropriate pinky lifted!! This was just so special. 

 

                                         

We had a hard time  leaving this delightful  little village (population of just under 6000). But excitement was building up, for our 18hour Kent-Theron reunion!! Family Kent was flying form South Carolina, USA to Manchester and we agreed to meet up with them in Himley, just outside Brimingham.  The last time we saw each other, was in 2014, when we visited them in the States as part of our Trip Around the World. 

We checked into the Himley House Inn, after a good few hours stuck in some more traffic. Arno and I went for a great little run in the park next door…running in the snow is just such a new experience!!! 

Back at our hotel, we heard that the Kents were delayed some more…so the waiting and building up of excitement continued!! It was already dark when the family of 8, skidded to a stop in the parking bay - and children were everywhere hugging and shouting and hugging some more!! 

 

Next up - feeding 14 peeps!! We opted for a fish and chip shop nearby. Then back to Himley House. The staff were very kind to allow us to sit in a part of the restaurant to eat and chat and chat some more! Once the boys went to the boy's room and the girls went to the girl's room,us more grown-ups (and the two little ones on their 'electronic babysitting devices') talked and talked - trying to fit 8 years of catch-up into 120min.  

 

This was such a magic evening. One that will need to last us until we meet up again…whenever and where ever. 

 

Ps Billy and Rachel - do you remember our last evening together in July 2014? We were sitting with our feet in the water of a covered bug-proved swimming in Orlando, Florida. Well, I am already looking forward to the next exquisite (meaning: extremely beautiful and delicate) destination for our next catch-up.