Joe!

Yesterday I saw my Cousin Joe for the first time in many years. Joe is like me in many ways; a bit wayward, nonconformist and a drifter through life. I don't think either of us lived up to our parents expectations, but that makes me like my Cousin even more. Aside from our similar characteristics, we have also been told we look alike. Personally I am not too sure about that, but what I do know, is I enjoyed spending time with him yesterday.

Since arriving in Britain, I have have been lucky enough to see lots of family and friends, which was my aim in the first place. I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Cousin Chris, when we left a family gathering at Funtley Hall a week ago today: it is important for him and I to start the process of re-establishing links to family lost along the way; neither of us are getting any younger, so now is the time to begin opening doors to future possibilities spent with those we love.

We managed to get through two bottles of Rioja, lots of lager  and a home cooked dinner, chatting all the while. Comparing lives, it's clear we have a lot in common despite our ages and respective situations. I hope to see Joe again before I leave, but am well aware my time in the UK could be cut short at anytime, as I begin the next chapter in my life, wherever that may be!