Hayling Island!

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!