14/10/10

9. Castles!

I love being in a country that has castles, since Canada has nothing in that realm- unless you consider "forts".
The first time I looked out the flat window and saw the towns castle that was pretty exciting, and to be honest still is. I've enjoyed seeing some castles this past year, both in bits, and still in tact.

11/10/10

Top 10 "loves" about England (in no order!)

10. TEA

Tea is something that is classically British, and the routine and event of having tea is a part of that. I never really 'got it' till I got here, but now I think I understand. A cuppa can get your day started right, a cuppa can calm you down, or get you pepped up. "I'll put the kettle on" is such a warm invite and feeling of home, its lovely. Sitting down for tea is the time to vent or discuss the past days events, to start a meeting, or to sit and listen to a problem. When walking thorough the rain, its nice to know that a warm cup is on the other side of that door. Tea follows a good meal, and tea on the go is a no no- you sit, enjoy, and savor.

I've come to appreciate a good cuppa with the right balance of milk and sugar, whereas a year ago I drank it black. (Never again!). I've also come to appreciate a solid cup of PG Tips or Barrys, but still like the loose teas, green teas, or exotic mixes.

I came with zero teapots, and within a year have four that all serve their own purpose, and quantity.

I like this tea thing, and know that I will continue this tea tradition I've come to enjoy...



Tea graffiti!

Everyone loves a tea party!

Delicate tea cups and fresh spring tea

A new tea pot to add to my collection

Proper afternoon tea with a good friend, fresh scones, and plenty of good conversation.

Pretty new teapots...

Every now and then, nice to treat yourself with something from the bakery.

Tea cups are not just for tea!

New types of tea, and a new remedy for the common cold

A well deserved cuppa after spending the day touring around a new city. In this case it was Dublin.

I promise I have not forgot about the blog!
I have a master post coming up, but am just working on it :)

I've also brainstormed what to do in continuing the blog, and as you may guess it's not going to happen everyday, but I am thinking weekly- what about that?

Day 366- 3/10/10

mmm...camping breakfasts! Hiding from the rain and getting our protein to pack up all that wet kit.

Day 365- Day 2/10/10

My friend and I took a little weekend trip to Wales to do some camping... We are really close to the Welsh border here, so it wasn't too far of a drive. Really beautiful area, lush green forests and a cute little town. It was a fantastic day, and dry surprisingly since Wales was getting some serious rain for the past few days. Saying that, when the rain started at 4am, it was a wet morning getting out of there!

So the day has come that my blog reads 365. Wow. A whole year. I could reflect and go on and on, but will save that for another post. I actually departed Canada on October 3rd 2009, and with the overnight flight and time change, didn't arrive in the UK till the 4th, so officially as of October 4th I will be here for a complete year. Have to think of a fantastic post to get up on the 4th! (No pressure!)

Day 364- 1/10/10

Beautiful Shropshire sunset

Day 363- 30/9/10

I apologize in advance for the blurry photo...It was raining cats and dogs, and in bewteen holding my umbrella and shopping bags I had to snap a photo of these bright red wellies! It seemed like such an odd choice of color for a young man to wear, but I loved it.

For the last few days of blogging I am so aware that my date of residence here is almost at the magic mark of 365. How crazy is that? I am trying to think of something fantastic for day 365 photo, and after that, where to take the blog.