We're Back!

We arrived back in Canada on Sunday (just barely). There was a bit of a scare for us on the trains to the airports. Because of the flooding in England, we couldn't take our scheduled train and we got all sorts of conflicting information about which trains to take. Somehow we managed, and we arrived at the airport with a few extra minutes to spare. After a ten hour flight home, we were welcomed in Vancouver by my family. We probably looked like a very confused and dazed bunch to them, but we were very happy to see them again!

So far we've been spending our time visiting with my family and adjusting to being back home. Our time in England helped us with the adjusting part, though I think it will be a while before I feel at home again with things here. The kids are enjoying their cousins' and grandparents' company. They're also enjoying the abundance of food, television and computer games. The boys have begun to nag us about getting a Game Boy and everyone wants to spend the day at the mall. They seem to be having no trouble at all readapting to Canadian culture!

Our last few days in England were fun. We had a rainy but wonderful time in Wales, where several VSO friends met up with us. We visited a castle and saw the new Harry Potter movie. Except for the part where the doors wouldn't reopen and Kim and I got stuck on the train, leaving our kids behind in the station, we had a great time.

We finished our tour of England in Birmingham. Our friend Phil took us on a tour of the Cadbury chocolate factory, where we learned about the history of chocolate making, went on the tackiest kiddy ride imaginable, with its singing chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits, and ate lots of chocolate. We also visited the town of Warwick, famous for its castle. We couldn't afford the tour of the castle, but enjoyed wandering through the cobblestone streets. It was fun to watch the Morris dancers with their funny, flower covered hats and multicoloured costumes, dancing away with bells on their ankles and sticks or whips in their hands. We ended our visit with Phil with a trip to the local curry house, which served huge portions of the most delicious curries I've ever tasted. I couldn't help thinking that an entire Eritrean family would be satisfied with just my portion.

So ends the Eatburn chronicles. I'm guessing that life back in Cranbrook will be overwhelmingly hectic, leaving little time to write, though I may be wrong. Before I sign off, I'd like to thank all of you who supported us over the past two years. Thanks to all of you who helped out with our VSO fundraising. We really appreciate your support. Thanks also to those who kept in touch through emails and letters. It was so nice to keep up with what was happening back home and really helped us to know that you were thinking of us. Thanks also to those of you who sent packages. The chocolate, toothpaste, shampoo and other goodies made life in Eritrea a lot easier. Thanks to all. We're really looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Take care,

Barb