lf1

...that I docked in Southampton and made my way up to Scotland. I can't believe I just typed that. Where has the time gone? I am still very much enjoying being home and seldom think of my 30ish years in Canada.

I am still enjoying being in a village community and have been made to feel very welcome in the village. One of things I have really enjoyed doing is seeing some parts of the country that I had never seen before. One of the hidden gems I have discovered is Bamburgh. It is just beautiful and not crowded, at least not on the days that I have visited. I love being able to be in the countryside and then 25 minutes later be on the coast. That is such a treat for me after being landlocked for so many years. I have also visited the Lake District, albeit only for one night. It also a lovely area and one on my list to return to as it is not too far away. For my hols this year I went up north. Fortrose and Orkney. Brilliant. I only spent 4 days on Orkney and it was not long enough. I hope to go back and also visit the other islands off Orkney.

If you had told me a year ago that I would be in a choir performing Faure's Requiem, I would have considered you to be nuts. An ad hoc choir was put together to commemorate the Battle of Flodden and we gave our performance in June in Coldstream. Due to its success another performance is now being planned on the English side of the border. When rehearsals first started I did consider backing out as I felt my voice wasn't up to the challenge and I felt I was in over my head, but I stuck with it and I am glad I did. I do have to admit that some lip syncing was involved in a couple of tricky spots.lol: So I have taken my self out of my comfort zone and I am glad that I did.

I hate to tempt fate by saying this, but I am getting more comfortable with driving, although the motorways scare me. I prefer the local rural roads, pheasants and all, as there is less traffic. I can now mange to drive up to Edinburgh, but I stay away from the city centre by using the park and ride facilities just off the city bypass. I do wish Glasgow had a similar set up as I do need to go up there at some point.

All in all I am very happy to be home. Life is not perfect here, it wasn't in Canada either, but here just suits me better. I still consider myself to be in the honeymoon period, so we will see how things are one year from now. I still like to participate on BE for some friendly banter or to share information. It was so helpful for me when I was going through the deciding & moving process to be able to come here for help and support.

Sue

Wonderful update, and so pleased to read we will still see you around BE, it's a great way to help others who are yet to make the move back.

So pleased that you are settling in and things are going well for you.

lf1

Thank you.

mikelincs

Glasgow park and ride..

http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/park_and_...asgow/parking/

lf1

Thanks for that. When I have googled in the past I could only find the Underground P & Rs

dunroving

Congratulations on your one-year anniversary! Glad you will be hanging around - once an expat always an expat (or a former expat)!

lf1

Thanks Dunroving. Glad that you hang around too. Understandably, many drift away after they have moved back, but it was helpful for me to hear from the people that actually made the move.

NiHao

Thank you for the update, it really is so helpful hearing from those who have made the move back. Please do keep updating us!

britwhore

Great update!!! Well done on stepping outside your comfort zone

curleytops

Great update! You chose a gorgeous part of the country to come home to and I'm so happy things are going well for you. I do, however, have a bit of a bone to pick with you.....you let the cat out the bag about Bamburgh beach!

durham_lad

Great update, we had our honeymoon in Bamburgh way back in '76 and love that whole area.

3 weeks ago we visited Glasgow for the first time ever, took the train in from Ayr where we were staying with friends. It is a very nice city in which to spend a day wandering around.

Pombat

Great update! Glad to hear life is treating you well one year on!

lf1

You make a good point. How do I get that cat back in the bag? I don't want Bamburgh to be inundated with BE riff raff

lf1

I am glad that you found my post helpful. I will try to keep you posted.

lf1

I am only about 40-45 mins away from Bamburgh and one of things I want to do is stay there, overnight, especially on a day when it is wet and windy.

I grew up just outside Glasgow and I just love the architecture in the city. It is one of the things I missed from the day I moved to Canada. How do you find Texas? I have never been there, but I am not sure I could stand the heat.