Warmth and Family Abroad

I arrived in Manchester absolutely exhausted and disoriented looking around every corner for familiar faces. I had never gone through an automated border control system, but I passed through seamlessly much to my relief. As I passed through the exit, I was greeted my warm hugs and smiles from my great-aunt and uncle, J and S, who I had not seen in a few years. The drive to their home was beautiful, and I was surprised to find how very English the British landscape was with it’s green rolling hills, stone walls and hedges. I was glad to have someone else driving because I kept feeling like we were about to turn into oncoming traffic because the cars drive on a different side than they do in Canada. I was surprised to find that my Grandad’s sister’s house felt very much like my grandad’s house. It might have been the smell or the style of furniture but either way it instantly felt like home and as a result, I slept easy on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, J and S took me along the canal that runs through their village. We walked along the toe-path where the horses once pulled the narrow boats through the village. We stopped in their favourite tearoom; “The Secret Tea Room” and I could not stop beaming as the waitress with a thick accent got me tea and scones. In the afternoon, we drove to Trentham Estate which is an old estate first recorded in 1086 that has now become a tourist attraction with sculptures and gardens surrounding a man-made lake. We walked the beautiful 2-mile long path around the lake, stopping to look at the swans and the fairy sculptures. It was incredible! I would love to return and see it in the summer when everything is in full bloom.

On Thursday, we travelled to the Lichfield Cathedral at the suggestion of my aunt. It is a gothic style cathedral built between 1195-1340 with three spires and is dedicated to St Chad and Saint Mary. The details are astonishing with its intricate details carved into the outside and the inside of the sandstone building. You can’t help but feel the presence of God when standing by the alter and hearing the Lord’s prayer. The cathedral holds the Lichfield Gospels which contain the books of Mathew and Mark and the early part of Luke which dates back to ~730. 

I also got the chance to try the regional delicacy of oat cakes which remind me of a gluten free crepe. They were very good and filling especially since mine were filled with bacon and cheese. 

Then we went to visited Wedgewood established by Josiah Wedgewood to see where they create high-end porcelain and china and their famous jasperware. The tour of the factory introduced us to many incredible artists who beautifully design, paint and mold these beautiful china and porcelain creations. We then got to have traditional tea using teacups made on sight which were decorated with 18 karat gold. 

On Friday, we visited the National Memorial Arboretum with my first cousin once removed (L). The cold rainy day did not stop us from enjoying the vast remembrance site with memorials dedicated to the electrical engineering brigade to the Canadian Air Force. The volunteers were numerous and helped us to plan our visit and helped us to interpret areas of the site. The ‘Shot at Dawn Memorial’ was particularly moving as it commemorates the 309 British Army and Commonwealth soldiers executed after courts-martial for desertion and other capital offences during World War I. The wooden stakes that surround the statue of a young blindfolded private awaiting his execution, are inscribed with names, ages, dates, and ranks. The majority seem to be young men in their 20s including 25 Canadians. I can’t help but think of the things these men and I have in common. The 21-year-old Canadian was also in a far from home, having to adapt to a new culture, and was also scared and anxious like me. Private Auger, Fortunate died on March 26^th, 1916 after no longer wanting to fight in a European war probably experiencing shellshock only to be killed by British Commanders miles away from home. 

Despite the cool weather, being far from home and feeling anxious, I was surrounded by family and love. S brought me tea in the mornings just like my mum does and L’s husband made paella just like my dad does, my second cousins once removed got into all sorts of shenanigans like my siblings, J taught me so much about the history of the area just like my grandparents would have done, and L told me about her work just like my aunt does. I am so incredibly thankful for their love, comfort and help as I adjusted to a new place. I loved visiting them and England and would readily return.