I’ve just returned to South Africa after a three week holiday in the UK.
Yes, you all thought I was still here, reading my column every week, but with new technology one is able to write and schedule articles months ahead!
Our holiday was amazing and we attended a wedding, spent special time with family and friends and visited the most beautiful villages, towns and coastlines. It was rather chilly though with temperatures not exceeding 17c.
Our visit to Scotland was absolutely wonderful and we stayed with dear friends who used to live in SA. They live in an old farmhouse which they renovated and we enjoyed views of rolling hills and forests. We visited Glamis Castle, where the British royal family holiday as well as other famous landmarks.
Queen’s View being one which has the most spectacular views of Glencoe mountain range. This view was made famous by Queen Victoria’s visit in 1866.
We enjoyed a fabulous afternoon in Pitlochry, which is a holiday destination set in spectacular scenery, and we were treated to a young teen playing the bagpipes on the main street.
Cornwall was stunning and we visited The Minack Theatre, world famous for its open-air theatre. It’s on the coastline at Porthcumo, four miles from Land’s End, where we also went. The theatre was built by Rowena Cade and from 1931 until she died in 1983, she worked tirelessly building and financing the theatre. The theatre still has open-air performances throughout the year. If you are ever in Cornwall, it’s an absolute must see. There are also gardens with succulents and exotic plants and I spotted a Protea.
Next was Bristol and Portishead, a coastal town five miles away from Bristol, which falls under Somerset, yes you guessed right, where the cider comes from. One of the days we were there was sunny and clear and we could see the coastline of Wales from the port. The marina has been developed so much since we were there two years ago and now boasts bars and restaurants.
Then it was back up north and a time with my parents, sister and family. It was so lovely to spend time with them and I realised how privileged I am still to have my parents, who are 80 years old.
The long days are fantastic at this time of the year and it was only getting dark at 22:00 and was light again by 05:00. We did justice to the extended daylight and went to a few quaint country pubs in the evening. Everyone was so friendly and we made friends with the owner of the Farmer’s Arms and some of his customers.
All too soon it was time to say goodbye and I have to tell you there were a few tears at the airport before we boarded our flight home.
Now it feels like I’ve never been away but I do have some amazing memories to look back on.
Next week I’ll have gift ideas for Father’s Day. Shop till you drop!
Julie
