England

Even though I completed my official mission a few weeks ago when I arrived in the UK, I haven't really stopped traveling because I've been moving around London and visiting family around England. First there was a trip to Norfolk to seek out a reclusive uncle who I've ever met. Despite catching a bus to his remote small village I didn't manage to make contact or find him - perhaps another time. Then there was a trip to Ely to visit another uncle and his family, where I also saw a house that Oliver Cromwell lived in for several years. I also visited Oxford which is city I lived in over ten years ago and revisited some of my old haunts - it was nice to be in a place where I didn't feel lost, for the first time in nearly ten months. I also got to see one of my favourite bands - the Bluetones - in concert and they were fantastic.

All this traveling was pretty difficult because England is going through a cold snap at the moment, with lots of snow, ice, and very cold temperatures. It is tiring getting from A to B when freezing cold and transport is delayed.

The end of my travels, however, is in sight. For tomorrow morning, I board a plane bound for New Zealand, arriving on Tuesday 7 December. I've had enough sight-seeing to last me a long time and am looking forward to relaxing in the warm summer weather.