ON returning to England for a brief visit, after being in the USA for a number of years, it was as if I was seeing its beauty for the first time.When you grow up somewhere, you don't see through the same eyes.
Besides enjoying cooler after 100 degrees (36C) in Vegas, the beauty of the vast fields of green hits you.
Unfortunately, this trip was not for fun, but to be at my mum's side in hospital. She had a massive heart attack and passed away while I and my sisters were with her. Through all that stress, my good friends of many years gave me and my sister, als
o from the USA, a wonderful day out when we needed that.
We went to Mersea. Returning, I saw everything through visitors' eyes. So tranquil, children catching crabs, more healthy than playing video games in front of the telly. The beautiful, quaint cottages, gardens filled with breathtaking flowers. Everything just so peaceful. Hard to believe people live with so much beauty, and tranquillity.
To finish the day, we stopped at Colchester Castle. Such a typical Sunday afternoon, a cricket match going on, the band playing. We sat, had a nice pot of tea and just soaked in the whole experience. The day gave us renewed energy to get through the next week.
I wish it was something I could bottle and have brought home with me; instead I will carry memories in my heart. No matter where I live, I'm still a Brit at heart.
If anyone remembers me from Sudbury or Cornard as Fiona Thomas or Bradley, I would love to hear from you. Email me at fionac777@yahoo.com.
FIONA CONNOR
Las Vegas
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