England the First!

Although I had been to England to see family several times as a child, the first time that I went under my own volition was during my Europe trip in 2002. After spending six weeks in Spain, I was a little nervous as I flew into Stansted because I didn't really remember my dad's family very well (it had been 7 years since I had last seen my uncles, and 4 since I had seen my paternal grandparents). There was always the worry that maybe they were crazy nutballs and I wouldn't even recognize them at the airport! My dad's older brother Benny and my cousin Jason met me at the airport, and all the worry vanished in an instant. I was completely enfolded into this warm, wonderful family life, which was even better because I travel worn. The two weeks of getting to know my cousins, uncles, aunt and grandparents better were heavenly and truly belonging somewhere made leaving hard. I'll always regard England as my second home and I'm sure I'll be back, hopefully for even longer!