On Wednesday night, I was able to sit in Wetherspoons, 'Spoons,' as they call it in Pompey and have a few drinks with family and friends. This is the first time I have been able to sit and relax, forgetting about the harsh realities of life, for just a few hours. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, we had a super time and plenty of laughs; just what the Doctor ordered.
It was lovely to see my mate Nathan again, who has been keeping me company while I am here. To be perfectly honest, he has been a great source of support at a difficult time, for no other reason, than just being himself, making me feel happy and of course welcoming me back to the UK. I am lucky to have him as a friend and to finally be around people I trust and care about; not just Nathan, but many others as well. Britain is starting to feel like home again, rightly or wrongly. I say that because Spain is of course where I am resident, the UK is no longer where I live. However I've missed the interaction with family and loved ones; I don't have this connection in Alicante and my life is all the poorer for it!
On Monday, Aunty Trisha and I made a quick trip to Hayling Island. This idyllic place, is just down the road from Portsmouth, yet they are poles apart in character. I have lived on the south coast of England all my life, more or less and have never been to this tiny island. I was surprised and thoroughly captivated by this charming region. Rather like the Isle of Wight, it has a traditional, 'Britain from yesteryear' feel about it. Of course Hayling is also far more affluent than its neighbour Portsmouth; everywhere you look, you can see the wealth around you. It is a pleasant, relaxing, stress free environment in which to live.
My Cousin Emmy is living on Hayling Island with her partner and I was invited to lunch with my Aunt on Monday. We had a lovely afternoon sat in the sun catching up on each others lives, quite a task, when one considers Emmy and I haven't seen each other since mine and Darrell's Wedding in 2015. After a good few hours, we left for a picturesque walk, through the wonderful countryside that surrounds my Cousins house, down towards the coast and train station that takes residents and tourists from one side of the archipelago to the other. A fantastic energizing stroll that ended with a couple of pints in the local pub.
Emmy is another member of my family I have reconnected with after many years apart. In time, before I leave the UK, I hope to see more relations and finally feel at ease with, where I am in the structure of my family. In my late forties, I finally realise it is important to remain close to those I love, without them, I would not be here today, they have made me who I am!
I've just been sat in the lounge talking to my Cousins Joe and Rachel about the old days; the festivals we used to go too and the parties we used to attend in the 90s. Yesterday I went to a Fete in Milton, a suburb of Portsmouth; this is the only type of festival I go to these days. My life today is very different to what it used to be. In the past I would not have spent time with family in the same way I am today; it just goes to show how much I have changed.
The weather was typically British, overcast, cloudy with the odd spot of rain. In true British style, it didn't bother anyone, who just carried on with their day. Unlike Spain, nobody was running for shelter or refusing to partake because of the lack of sunshine. In reality the fete was packed with locals; there were various stalls, a raffle, tombola and of course homemade cakes and jams; it was a traditional British affair!
After a wonder round the field, a photo or two with the Police, it was a trip to a local public house along the coast. The Thatched House was busy, very busy and we spent a good few hours chatting in the decidedly chilly air. Despite the grey day, it was a real treat to sit and take the weight of the World off my shoulders for a bit. Britain is beginning to feel more like home everyday I am here!
