We have waited two and a half years for this moment. Covid has a lot to answer for. It has been so hard on so many people. I am just so very thankful that we have made it here as the variant is out of control. We are so happy to have made it to Bristol, the last 24 hours have been amazing. Sebastian and Freda were fast best friends and they have been enjoying every moment together.
Three flights, 22 hours of travel, 2 Covid tests in 2 days but we have made it and are loving every minute of being back in the UK. Sebastian was an absolute champ, he handled the transits and plane rides like a superstar, he managed to stay up to his normal bedtime, and was just a dream child really. Pipa picked us up and kindly took us for our tests and then we arrived at the amazing lock island. It is a busy Christmas for most as last year it was lockdown so I was super happy to get to see Shelly and meet her daughter Caiomhe. Sebastian at this point was a bit over the top, but it was great to have them together.
Well, it has not been easy the run-up to these Christmas holidays. Every time you turn on the news Covid is spiraling out of control again. For the last two weeks, I have checked the news fifty times a day to make sure the UK had not locked down again. But by Friday it looked like we had a good shot and our pet sitters arrived. I believe we have had 15 sets of pet sitters and we have been so super lucky. Ellen and Hal are no exception, I loved them both the minute I met them.
About a month ago Sebastian's teacher gave me a study guide for his examination week, I clearly thought she was joking. But nope he had a week of exams, the teachers even had to take the day off to mark them (five in his class). But now that I got them back, I cannot say I did not feel super proud and happy that he did them.
Some crazy person (me) convinced me to organise this event days before we depart for the UK. In normal times this would not be such a huge deal but traveling these days is super difficult and preparing for it is not easy. However, in the end, it was a welcome distraction to the never-ending checking of the internet to see what curve ball Covid is throwing at us next. It was a fabulous party and I find myself feeling increasingly sad about going. The place is definitely growing on me every day, I would love to have lived here when it was 'normal' times, pre-crazy hurricane and Covid. I love small communities and think we could have been very happy here longer if it was not for the terribly high costs of being here. Needless to say, we will miss it and all the wonderful friends we have made.
Back to the party...
I am obviously totally biased. However, Sebastian is a natural, I did not do any of these paintings and I think he has done an amazing job.
