Norbec Lodge

Grandpa walks with Karen through part of his forest
see all photos »

Weekend One

Our first trip out of London was, unsurprisingly, south to visit my grandparents. We had been looking forward to this trip ever since about a year before when we were in Japan. I was extra excited about getting to introduce Karen to my grandpa, as I knew she would love him, and vice versa, and I hadn't seen him in about four or five years! It was also going to be great to see granny again, for more than a couple of days, as we did manically before the wedding in January.

All in all, another great weekend away

me with my grandpa and penny
see all photos »

When we got off our train at Robertsbrige station, they were both waiting to greet us, grandpa with his arms outstretched and granny quick with the hugs. Having grown up with regular visits to see them, and having actually lived with them for a year or more, I really miss them lots living half way round the world. Seeing them again, in England, I must say, it felt good to be 'home'!

Over the next couple of days we were treated to lots of walks in the forest at the bottom of their garden, which they part own and apparently no one else uses. I found it to have a somewhat mystical feel to it, and can't wait for regular trips back to see the progression of flora over the next year observing the different seasons on display - I'm particulary keen on seeing the blue carpet of bluebells next spring.

their cute house
see all photos »

On Sunday granny took us to Bodium Castle for a look around, and it was Karen's first time seeing a proper old English style castle, and as you can imagine, it was somewhat different to the style we got used to seeing in Japan! Bodium Castle would be a great spot for a picnic and is a pretty impressive site, with its large moat and high walls.

Before  we knew it, it was time for our last 'afternoon tea' break, then we were loading our bags in the car, saying goodbye to the dogs and grandpa and heading off to the station to catch our train back to the capital. I tell you though, it was nice saying goodbye when I knew I'd be seeing them again in a couple of weeks - not four or five years!!

grandpa in his element - asleep watching tv with his dogs near him
see all photos »

Weekend Two

Two weeks we drove just over an hour south east, to stay at David and Sarah's cottage (just 20 minutes away from Granny and Grandpa). A weekend away was on offer to Karen and I and we readily accepted the invitation, a wise choice it turned out.

We had a great time and the cottage itself proved to be the perfect retreat from the city, no wonder they love it so much. We spent just the one night there, but have been very kindly offered the use of it any time it's free, something we definitely intend on doing!

Karen in the forest
see all photos »

On Saturday we spent the morning playing board games and generally just lounging around. Then we packed up the car and drove down to a stable for a bit of horse riding. Although we had our fingers crossed for some trekking we were actually led around some paddocks, with the guide never letting go of the reigns. Not sure if it was a result of 'safety precautions' gone mad, or just they thought that all of us looked like rookies and were better off that way, but as a result we didn't really get to do much trotting and felt rather held back. Still, it was good just to be up high on a horses back again as the previous time must have been over five years ago in NZ.

the secret seat
see all photos »

After our morning walk... well not technically a walk was it... uh, after our morning ride, we drove just ten minutes and were at Granny and Grandpas house. There we spent the rest of the day playing football and badminton in the garden. Marnie and Jonah, already quite good at badminton, were showing huge improvement after their 3hours straight! Although, Jonah and I lost to the girls in three close sets, much to Jonah's disappointment.

That night Karen and I stayed on at G&G's, leaving David, Sarah and the kids to some quality family time without the annoying Angus and Karen tagging along. We actually ended up crashing out rather early, and had to laugh at ourselves in bed on a Saturday night, sober as a nun, while my grandparents were still wide awake in the lounge ...oh dear!

Bodium castle
see all photos »

The following day Grandpa took Karen and myself for a lovely walk around the very old town of Rye just 5 miles away from them. Rye is raised on a hill top and once played an important role in England's defence against the French. In fact during one invasion by the French the church bell was stolen, only to be recaptured by the English a year later!

Rye contains many old buildings, houses and narrow streets and is a fascinating location to just go for a wonder. We actually went to the information center and had a short lecture on the history of Rye, given through a CD played while a massive model of the town is light up to show the areas being talked about.

looking down inside the castle
see all photos »

After a quick stop off at the old sweet shop, for a much needed "quarter of rhubarb custards" - oh the old times! - we climbed back in the car and drove home for some lunch in the sun, before heading round to the cottage for the ever important afternoon tea time!

All in all, another great weekend away.