I took a month off from work (unpaid - meh!!) to come visit family and friends back in the U.K. This summer I would have lived in Korea for 2 and a half years and until now i'd only spent 3 weeks at home, so making the long trip and spending a month here this time has been lovely.
On my last visit I was completely wrapped up in my Korea life and ex-boyf so I was here in body but not in mind. THIS TIME, I totally embraced being here and have enjoyed every minute.
Waking up and hearing the birds sing, driving around the countryside, spending quality time with family, having a pint in a pub, country walks, shopping, having reunions with beautiful friends and most importantly - meeting my baby niece Polly for the first time - these have all been highlights for me this past month. (Along with consuming vast amounts of cheese).
Meeting my baby niece Polly for the first time was AMAZING and it is so hard to think i'll miss the next year of her life. She will be 18 months old next time I see her and its sad to not see her grow in person but i'll definitely make more effort with Skype. She's such a little character already and is the best behaved baby i've ever met.
I have spent the majority of my trip here in North Wales with my parents. I've literally just rested and have been hanging round the house/garden with my grandad/mum/dad. It has been LOVELY to just sit and not have any work to stress about (no kindie kids to take care of!) and I have enjoyed sleeping late and eating yummy comfort foods (calories - eek!)
I also spent some quality time with my big brother Neal and his girlfriend Erica. They are baby Polly's parents and they are amazing with her. It's so clear she is loved and taken care of perfectly by them and I am sooo proud to see my big brother as a Daddy! ^^ My older sister Kate and her boyfriend Rhys also came up to visit (they live in the South). It was great to spend some time with them before they head off for their 1 year world trip starting this summer. I hope I get to come see you guys in NZ or somewhere close by as the thought of not seeing you for another 2 years is sad xx
I travelled down to London last week (takes around 5 hours on the bus from Chester) and spent a lovely weekend with my friends Jo and Matt (they are stars). Then I headed to central London and met up with the fab Kasia (a Korea friend) for some shopping (which I have missed!), after that I headed to Bristol (South West England) for a reunion with some friends (Jacqui~Laura~Jimmy~Lisa~Emma) in my previous home town. I also made a quick trip down to Exeter and stayed with my friend Cassie, her husband and 2 beautiful kids.
Spending a few days with my best friend Jacqui was just perfect. We slipped back into how we always were and I love seeing how even though we are growing and changing as people, our love and friendship always remains. She's a VERY talented photographer and took some pics of me last week - totally vain, but I enjoy her taking pics of me as she always makes them turn out so well! ^^ Im so proud of Jacqui.She is self-employed and a busy bee, but ALWAYS makes time for her loved ones. I'll miss you Jackass xx
Spending time with all my friends has been amazing, but I just wanted to say that seeing my old flatmate Jimmy last week was a highlight. You make me miss Bristol days the most Jimmy. But you're probably not shocked to hear this ^^
Being back in Bristol made me realise how much I miss it. Just being back with old friends reminds me how much I love them and it's such a shame im not able to see them more regularly. The thing is, I know if I moved back to blighty then i'd be happy to see everyone, but I wouldnt be happy in my work/life. The only thing I really miss about the UK are the people. So to move back here for them is obviously an option, but im so happy in the life I have made in Korea and I fear that if I moved back then they wouldnt be seeing the happy/content Ami that they see now. They'd see me with itcy feet and eager to travel/move on again.
There's something about Asia that has kept me mesmerized since my first trip in 2005 and I can't explain what it is, but im definitely not ready to leave Asia right now.
And so, I have 2 more full days here before I fly back to Korea on Friday morning. I'm stocked up with tons of goodies for friends, enough clothes and shoes that I could squeeze into my cases and the all important sticks of deodorant for Jonathan haha.
See you soon Korea and farewell to the UK.
x
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