Christmas in the UK
(Ed: This missive is dated 14th January 2003, two days after their return to the boat. Since then we have heard that all is well and that Jim has recovered from his cold).
Well, the seven weeks sojourn in the UK now seems rather like a dream that passed too quickly. It was a whirlwind tour of family and friends which we thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone was very hospitable and we would like to thank those who gave us sustenance and in many cases accommodation too: like the cast of a play, in order of appearance:-
| Andy and Rebecca Wainwright | Thame |
| Ian and Sheila Wainwright | Wallingford |
| Roger and Clare Marshall | Dorridge |
| Frances Shanahan | Dorridge |
| Barry and Isabel Gowers | Newbury |
| Brian and Lynn Reece | Newbury |
| John Boggis | Hythe |
| Cassandra Zoro | Falmouth |
| Louise Zoro | Crean |
| Mike Sanders and Yolie Knight Jr. | Landrake |
| John and Lonia Thackway | Dorridge |
| Jim and Elaine Race | Dorridge |
| Brian and Eileen Stonebridge | Bristol |
| Melissa Allman | Cardiff |
| Rich and Chris Anders; Swansea | Swansea |
| In addition, special heartfelt thanks to three long-suffering couples who gave us the freedom of their homes for prolonged periods, including washing machines and internet facilities, and also entertained our children. In alphabetical order; | |
| Paul and Marilyn Froggatt | Dorridge |
| Yolande and Michael Knight | South Nutfield |
| Jean and Geoff Oatley | Nicholaston |
We managed to achieve most of the jobs on our lists for England, buying bits for the boat, researching our onward voyaging at the Cruising Association Library, visits to optician, dentist, doctor. We found our house in good order with a charming Japanese family living there. We caught up with all our family, and most of our friends, regrettably we ran out of time so some were missed, sorry!
Apart from seeing everybody and talking, talking, talking, the things we liked most in UK were:-
Going to the cinema to see "Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers". Going to the Heart of England Offshore Cruising Assoication's Christmas Dinner Dance.Taking a walk in the countryside without getting lost. Good home cooking (especially roasts!)
The things we didn't enjoy:- Greyness of the skies and low sun (when it appeared). Expense of dental treatment. Depressing world news. Catching a cold (Jim).
We arrived back in Tahiti two days ago to find the boat in good condition, but we are still adjusting to the heat and humidity. Jim is still suffering from his cold, and Rosie from homesickness. The mosquitos are a pain too. But tomorrow we hope to books tickets for our trip to New Zealand.
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