First Impressions

Reunited

After taking a COLD shower (even with hot on full blast, only cold came out) and a couple hours nap, we were highly anticipating reuniting with our Barksdale friends! Insert girly EEEEKK here. I really wanted to cry, I was so happy to see one of my best friends! It's great knowing I have a close friend to help ease the transition, hang out with when the husband is working, help be there through the crazy times, etc.. And commence Jane Austen tours and David Tennant stalking!

Of course, they weren't the only ones to greet us... The live-in hotel residents, little flying insects (possibly flying ants?) have made their presence known in our bathroom. Yes, we did inform the hotel. No, they did not fix the problem. Apparently, houses are not just for people here, but also for bugs and spiders.

Anyways, we went out to eat with our friends (and not the ones in our hotel) to this place called the Bull's Head. Of course, we sprung for the meal the UK is known for, fish and chips. The food was AMAZING, or maybe that's the Aspall cider talking- we had that too! Seriously though, it was good food! The fish is not like in the US, the pre-cut strips, but basically the WHOLE fish. The fries are good and salty. I even chomped down on like a salt brick- tasty

After eating, we went back to the hotel to sleep in order to be well rested for the next morning.

Ely

Thursday, we got up early and set out to accomplish in-processing procedures. We had to rely on our friends for assistance for navigating and driving as we are without a car and have never drove on the LEFT side as the Brits do. After we finished our list of things to do, we took a road trip out to see Ely- a potential town for us to live.

Words CANNOT describe the beauty that is Ely! Apparently the town was named after eels, known as the "district of eels". The Ely Cathedral is located in the centre (center for Americans) with gargoyles that have been weathered. The cathedral is  surrounded by shops- tea, books, clothes, groceries, etc. There is a foot/bike path leading away from the cathedral that leads to a big open green hill on one side and a fenced in area that is home to horse (or ponies?). The path leads to the Jubilee Gardens and down to a river. It is very close to what I imagine all English towns to look like.. lots of greenery and grown plants surrounding shops, old architecture (gothic and romantic), historical preservation, and people bustling about.

The weather so far hasn't been too bad. During the day it's pleasant that you don't always need a jacket, maybe a light jacket if it's windy or the sun isn't out. Once the sun goes down though, it can get chilly. It hasn't rained much; a few light showers, but we haven't had to pull out the umbrella yet.

On another note, Abel is doing well. He is staying at the Silver Birch Kennels which is a short distance from Ely! We are allowed to take come and visit him and take him for walks. He was excited to go for a walk, but seems to be liking the kennel a little too much! When we brought him back from the walk, he headed straight in like he was home! It makes me feel better that he is being well cared for and happy. He didn't seem phased by the plane ordeal even though I will NEVER forget that.