Great Britz (& the Pretenders)
27 juin 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
My final hours have come around, and I'm reflecting on my trip to Finland and the UK. What made my trip was my friends. These are the true Brits who have welcomed me into their homes and make the great in Great Britian.
Catching up with Jarlath and Jenny, these two I worked with, and they have served their King and country in the most difficult ( and sometimes dangerous) way. I was proud to have worked alongside them. Thank you for all those great times and sharing of stories. I salute you both CAPT Norman OBE & Mrs Norman.
Dave & Bev Zeal, who both served as teachers and school principals, producing our future leaders (thank God they never had Boris in their classes, or on reflection, perhaps they should have) and business people. I met Dave and Bev in the 1980s, sharing many a BBQ and a pint or three at Shere( the Queen!). Mr & Mrs Zeal, you have done Britian proud.
Alan Mason & Shirley Swan, engaged for 39 yrs ( can't rush a special moment) who have devoted themselves to sailing and yachting and are now bringing on a new crop of sailors, one of them 87 yrs old. You deserve " special mention" in despatches for your yachting skills and knot tying lessons you gave me ( along with trying to line me up with Sophie.......sigh.....). I met Alan & Shirley in 1986 in Greece, and the friendship has been continuous and close.
Gavin and Glenys, who are the great Pretenders in Gomshall, but their presence is real( no one checked their immigration papers!). These two take on every new situation with gusto, and their presence in the Motherland helps make Britian all that much greater. Gavin & Glenys, my NZ pals have very much included me in their family, and I'm so grateful for this.
Then there is my gorgeous daughter, Serena, who is no pretender, but a true beauty who has made friends in so many countries and the very reason I came North. Serena made Finland her home for 6 mths and has also been to the Motherland on 2 occasions so Serena can call herself a Brit for the moment. I love you, Serena, and thank you for making this trip possible.
I shall miss all my friends in the Britian but we will meet again, sometime soon...........( now has anyone seen my passport, can you check under the beds............🙃.)En savoir plus
whatanamazingtripyouhavehad... [Ann]