I was so excited to see them and have a relaxing week in the countryside, so typically the train ride felt like a lifetime. I got off the train and hunted around trying to find the exit, and when I turned back there they were on the platform- Oma and Opa! They had managed to bargain with the ticket inspector to be allowed on to the platform to meet me, and Opa immediately offered to take one of my bags, I warned him they were heavy, but he insisted. By the time we arrived at the car he looked puffed and I think he regretted his offer, I wasn't joking, it was a heavy bag! The car trip through Leicester to their little village of Great Glen brought back so many memories, I had visited them many more times than Dads side of the family in London, so I even recognised the turn off to the village. Their house, just like Nan's was identical to how I remembered it, even the garden remained absolutely immaculate. I think they worried I may get bored in my week there, Great Glen isn't exactly a hub of activity, but I assured them I was looking forward to a rest and some quality time with them. So I fit into their daily routine, and with a few extra day trips, I wasn't bored once and was sad to leave at the end of another quick week.
My body clock finally regained some form of normalcy, and by the end of the week I was waking up naturally at 7.30 and heading down to meet Oma and Opa who were already sitting patiently waiting for me to have breakfast. They are the epitome of cute, polite, perfect English grandparents! Cereal came first, then toast (only the best brand, finally a gluten free companion!) and then it was shower time. Once we had all completed our shift in the bathroom, it was time for a stroll down to the post office to get Opas daily paper. When I was younger this was my favourite pastime spent in great glen, because every trip to the post office inevitably resulted in a packet of chocolate buttons or stars- still the best chocolate in the world as far as I'm concerned! Sadly, but probably for the best I had told Oma about the tightness of every item of clothing I had so she kept me treat free every posty visit. Most days we headed into the nearest town of Oadby for a coffee for hem and a chai for me, and were often met by my uncle Richard, so that was always a highlight. From there we would go shopping or do some dd jobs before heading home to prepare the main meal of the day, lunch! Uncle Richard is a chef and Oma used to help him run his catering business so I was spoiled as usual to some delicious meals- salmon and vegetables, a roast, curry, chicken and baked potatoes, and a few sneaky meals out too. Afternoons were Facebook time, crossword time, harry potter time,snuggles on the couch time, uncle Richard would come and hang out and right on cue at 4.30 Opa would go downstairs and make us tea and always bring up a few gluten free custard cream biscuits, my favourites. 6pm was news time and after that it was time for supper, toast, eggs, sandwiches, pasta, something small and yummy, before watching movies or tv programs, another hot drink at 9.30 and bed at 10. Back to normal life and a normal routine, in the best company possible, it was exactly what I needed.
To make sure I didn't get restless, Oma and Opa planned a few day trips for me, one to a historic house in the countryside, another to Rutnam water a huge park/lake and a solo day trip into the city to see a movie. Without fail, every visit to Oma and Opa means seeing a part of England's housing history, and with their help I have visited nearly every castle, house or palace throughout England, and am always kept well informed by Opa's seemingly endless knowledge of history and facts. It was nice to keep up this tradition, and this house had some truly outside pieces of art and collectibles, apparently one of the most valuable collections in Britain! It was nice to get into the city of Leicester and hear some noise,take the plunge and go to the movies by myself, consider it ticked off the bucket list, dad a,ways does this at home and I admit I constantly bag him for it, surprisingly it was a lovely experience. Me, the movie and my snacks, with no one to distract me or steal my food it was quite nice, but I don't think ill be rushing to do it at home.
After my two weeks in England, especially the last week with Oma and Opa, the sad reality of the distance of Australia hit me hard, and the contemplative thought of moving to Englamd for a while seemed more appealing than ever. Every goodbye seemed so importantly after all it was 6 years since I had said it previously. It was so nice to have family around, I think a lot of people truly take it for granted, I wish I had the luxury to spend time with Oma and Opa even once a year, so fingers crossed I can make it back to England much quicker this time. After lots of tears and cuddles, I was off on my own again a bit disheartened, and not really looking forward to returning to backpacker life after two weeks of luxury, but too bad, next stop, Madrid!
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