Wednesday 22 July 2015

Back in Blighty

Been a while, but I decided to take a bloggy break and enjoy my family time back in Blighty. Almost time to go back to Chicago (wah). Not that I don't want to go back to my husband and son (who went back last week) but it's been so nice here.

The weather (even in the north east) has been amazing. I only brought one pair of capris and one skirt so have been sweltering in longer trousers most of the time. Yes, I could have gone out and bought stuff, but when you know you have more than enough in your closet/wardrobe it seems a bit silly to buy something just for the sake of it. Had I seen anything I really liked, well, that would have been a different story. Truth be told, I haven't even had time for shopping.

Spent four days in Barcelona a few weeks ago, which was pretty amazing. That Gaudi architecture might look like something from the Grinch movie, but once you learn about the technical details, it's unbelievable. And - the basilica/cathedral won't be finished till 2026. I don't think even Gaudi expected it to take this long. I will never complain about workmen in my house again!



Our hotel was round the corner from La Pedrera, an apartment building. Wouldn't mind living here although it's full of tourists.


And of course, the Segrada Familia cathedral. Tip - buy your ticket online. The queues are ridiculous.

I'm now in London for another few days with the little guy, before heading back over the Pond. The only thing that's wearing a little thin is living out of a suitcase. One has to be extremely organized to avoid losing stuff, wearing smelly clothes and keeping the guest room not looking like a bomb site!

7 comments:

  1. So, when you say the weather's been 'amazing,' does this mean it's out of the ordinary for an English summer? We've found our first summer in the UK to be absolutely delightful - a really reasonable amount of sunshine, warm, but not miserably hot (we don't have AC and I'm fairly sure no one else does, either.) I am actually giving myself a mental pep talk before heading for the US for home leave in a couple of weeks - I don't know how I'll do in all that heat and humidity after all these cool temperatures!

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  2. We have had a pretty decent summer so far and, you're right, the northeast has had much better weather than it usually does. Pleased you enjoyed Barcelona - we loved it but saw a lot of Gaudi's buildings only from the outside. Next time we need to brave the queues and go in!

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  3. Yes you've been really lucky with the weather!! Pleased you had a nice time love Barcelona too its awesome!

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  4. First couple of days in the north east were very hot by any UK standards - about 28 Celsius. Fortunately since then it's been cooler - in the low to mid 20's although some strong sun.
    Now in the London area and it goes hot and cooler from day to day but haven't needed a jacket in all the time I've been here (a month) and only one umbrella incident.

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  5. I'm glad you've been so lucky with the British weather and we have had a really good year.... though cool and raining today!
    Barcelona looks lovely, though I've never been. On my to do list of things.......!
    Maggie x

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  6. Don't worry it's typical English summer today - ie pouring.
    But you're right, it has been unusually nice (sorry Ms Caroline. It is unusual).

    Barcelona, what fun. I love La Perdrera and Parc Guell and all that Gaudi stuff. I'm just waiting a bit till the boys are old enough to enjoy it (yours is a bit older, I think).

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  7. Yes NVG, he's 12. There is a lot of walking to be done too so they probably need to be his age. Even the 19 year old enjoyed it though!

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