"There and Back Again"

To borrow a phrase from J.R.R.Tolkien's book, the Hobbit, we have gone "there and back again". We had an uneventful return consisting of a very early morning cab, lots of luggage (all four checked pieces were within about three pounds of the upper limit [23 kilograms)-how did we guess that closely?) three airports, lots of food, a little turbulence and two movies. First we had a short flight to Amsterdam where you can see that we spent the layover getting cappucinos. Then we boarded our flight and 9 short hours later we touched down in Houston.Yeah! We're home.

Thanks to all of you who followed our Big Adventure, day after day. We heard from so many of you who said that you felt like you were there with us and that's just what we were hoping for. We are glad that many of you enjoyed it right along with us. And speaking of thanks, we thank God for this amazing opportunity that we had. If we had a dollar (or a pound) for every time we said WOW, we would be rich. We saw amazing sights, learned amazing things, meet amazing people. And we also want to say thanks to our children for all stepping in and taking care of our home and cars and our dog Sophie, who had unexpected cancer surgery just as we were leaving. Bryan, Daniel, Jenel and Jordan, we love you all very much and thank you, so much, for making it possible for us to step out of our real life and into our Big Adventure. To our extended families who emailed us, called us and video chatted with us, thanks for helping us stay connected and stave away the homesickness. To all our friends and colleagues who followed along with us, thanks for your encouragement. This Big Adventure has come to an end and we will never forget it.

Now for some parting fun, it's time to play "The U.K. Fact Quiz"! We'll show the U.K. word and you guess its U.S. equivelent.....

LIFT = ELEVATOR

WAY OUT =EXIT

CAR PARK = PARKING LOT

DOMESTC APPLIANCES=HOME APPLIANCES

COOKER=STOVE

THIS ONE IS EASY

PETROL=GASOLINE

SET DOWN POINT = DROP OFF POINT

TROLLEY =SHOPPING CART

TO LET=TO RENT

NEWS AGENT=CONVENIENCE STORE

HAGGIS, NEEPS AND TATTIES=STUFFED SHEEP STOMACH, MASHED TURNIPS, MASHED POTATOES

Mind the Gap=Watch your step

That's us then=Our business is finished

Queue=Lines

Boot=Car Trunk

Pudding=Dessert

Brawley=Umbrella

Half passed 7:00=7:30

Bin your litter=Put your trash in the can

Mum=Mom

Bob's your uncle=There you have it

jab=shot (as in an injection)

Pitch=Soccer (Football) field

Chip=Fench fries

Crisps=Potato chips

Dreich=cloudy, raining, miserable weather

Here are some other interesting things we learned...

When going down stairs you walk on the left, just like you drive on the left.

 

They warn you about which way to look before crossing the road since most visitors are used to cars coming from the oposite side of the road.  Here's a test: is a one or two way street?

How did you do? Did you get most of them right?

This is our last post since we are now home and recovering from jet lag. Soon we will happily be back to our normal lives. What a wonderful experience but equally wonderful is the knowledge that our family and friends are here, ready to welcome us back and that while we were thrilled to have our Big Adventure, we love our normal lives just as much. Thanks again for joining us. That's us then!