Trip back to the UK

Packing up and getting ready to board.

And off I go.

Woke up at 3.30am, quick cuppa and then wait for the taxi.  That was the hard bit - waiting with my Mum knowing I’ll be heading out any minute.

It’s been a really great trip and I’m glad I got to see my Nan before she had forgotten who I was.

After a quick hug, I left in a cab at 4.30am and had an easy ride along the M25 to Heathrow.  Check-in was quick and the security is nice because you don’t have to remove your shoes this end.

I grabbed a Full English at the Wetherspoon’s here.  The null time that is inherent at airports started to become apparent as there were people drinking beer and wine with their meals at 6.30 in the morning. Changed up the rest of my UK cash and bought a couple of bits for Josh.

Bought some WiFi from BT. Now I just wait for two or so hours until I fly.

Mothering Sunday…

I think eating the curry before heading out to the pub last night helped.  Awoke at 8.30am and didn’t feel too groggy.

Helped Mum by peeling the spuds for today’s roast, then headed out for a walk around the “Rec”.  I used to walk across from where we used to live to my Nan’s.  The “Rec” is a stretch of green made up of soccer pitches/cricket fields, playgrounds and flood defences which extends from the High Road to Benfleet Station.  Like most of Benfleet it seemed so much bigger than now.

It was nice and sunny, with a little breeze-perfect for a stroll. Walking around by the train tracks I remembered I hadn’t heard trains for a little while. Seems the new ones on the C2C line to Fenchurch Street have been replaced by super-quiet electric ones.  That familiar “click-clack” silenced.

Across the creek where I once fished for tadpoles and minnows and on to the station and church.  There have been a few additions in the last 6 years. Scupltures commemorating Benfleet’s (why are there no good local websites?) history.

Back around past the pubs, through the graveyard and back home for a full roast.

A lovely trip down memory lane.