Tale as Old as Time

Hello from Ramsgate, UK! I arrived here yesterday morning after about 18 hours of traveling (7 of those which were spent in Newark Airport - thank you to everyone who spent time on the phone with me while I was there). I am here safe and sound, and I am eager to spend the next week exploring this wonderful country and of course spend time with Stacey, Kurt, and their one-year old son, Aston.

For those of you that do not know, I am here visiting Stacey because she was my au pair (or if you prefer, nanny) when I was younger. She lived with my family for over two years, making her as much a part of it as say my aunts and uncles or grandparents. Although Stacey has returned to the states numerous times, I have never made the journey over here to see her. So, at 20 years old, here I am. Yesterday as we drove into Ramsgate it was just so wonderful (and slightly surreal) to have her point out places that have significance for her, and to just see her world.

Immediately after arriving at Stacey and Kurt's house, I felt right at home (which is exactly what they had hoped for). I was grabbing stuff to eat out of the pantry and lying all over the couches. It is just so nice to be here spending time with them - and I love that it feels so normal. Aston has taken to me without hesitation, within moments of meeting Stace and Kurt outside of customs Aston was putting his arms out so that I could hold him.
I am sure that seeing me with Aston is slightly weird for Stacey. She was just a bit older than me when she came over to the States to be our au pair. So, now here we are almost 15 years later, and I am in her house playing with and taking care of Astin.

We all used yesterday as a day to just hang out and relax. I didn't realize this, but in the UK yesterday it was their Bank Holiday. What that means - who knows, but everyone was off of work for the 3 day weekend. The only place we all ventured to yesterday was the grocery store. Oh goodness - that place was HUGE. It was really interesting to go around and see what kinds of food they have that are the same as ours and what was different. The one thing that I was just taken with were the different flavors of potato chips - or as they call them here - crisps. I picked up a chip that was flavored with sweet balsamic and caramelized onions. Can you say out of this world? Why don't we have things like that in the states?

The rest of the day we just spent time in the backyard and lounging around. I froze most of the day, even though it is about 70 here. It is just that it is a far cry from the 105 degree weather that I left in Cincinnati. Stacey's parents and cousin, Lisa, came over for a bit and they were in their summer outfits, and there I was in jeans and my Northface. I like this weather, but I think my body needs to get used to it. At the grocery store, I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb because I was dressed so warmly. And, the kicker is, the high today is only supposed to be 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stace just returned home from taking Astin to the doctor, so I think that I am going to sign off - we have quite the day planned! Much love from Ramsgate!!!