My last morning in Somerset before we go of to the airport.
I linger at the view from my mum's house, which is also the house I grew up in. Between the grass field and the earth with corn stubble field in the background, the line of trees mark a river where I spent half my childhood fishing for trout. I miss those days, but have realised that it's not so much the UK or Somerset I miss, but it's those times growing up here I miss. Much as I get filled with nostalgia when I visit, it's not home any more.
And then up and away. Bye bye Somerset... UK... evenings watching crap telly... dank grey weather and drizzle...
That's Blagdon Lake on the left, where I spent the other half of my childhood fishing for trout. My mum's village is in the foreground... which is why I always fly KLM for these trips. Bristol Airport is that close, and the routing via Amsterdam i perfect. If it wasn't for the bladdy wing, you'd be able to see me mum'e house in that pic!
And the Somerset sun does exist after all! Hello sun... I've been missing you!
The visit back to my roots was great... but three weeks was definitely enough. I've had my fill of pies, cheese, back bacon and sausages. I'll never have my fill of cider, but the occasional trip down to Bangkok will sort that out. Korat doesn't feel like a permanent home, but it's good enough for now. The daughter's happy and settled, doing well at school, the wife's happy, and anyway, I've hot half of Isaan's dogs relying on me - I'm going no-where for the time being. The gardener kept Vigo and Anna well fed over Christmas, by the way!
And besides, if you can't live in the UK... you can bring the UK to Korat! Not a bad little haul!
I've also realised how important the weather is... I hate dark evenings inside watching tv. My first night back in the garden, sorting out the dogs new matching collars and leads! Yep, even the dogs get Christmas presents in this house!
And I know one little girl who's very happy to be home. My daughter loves visiting the UK... but Korat is most definitely home for her!
My jobs done, I enjoy my first and last drink in Korat for a while. It's time to get focused again and maybe start with revisiting Cujo's thread. Three weeks in the UK and I've reached a lifetime peak in weight - but easily sorted... starting tomorrow...
And also tomorrow morning... a bum gun! God I've missed the bum gun!
Cheers everyone!