Days 100 - 103: England - Families Reunited - Coventry, United Kingdom
Coventry, United Kingdom
We both were excited and a little nervous but as soon as Margaret and Mike met us with a huge hug at the Coventry Coach station we were at ease. We are spending the weekend with the Morton side of the family, Dave's Dad's side. Margaret was Roger's (Dave's Dad) twin brother. There are many questions we both have about his late dad but more than anything we are looking forward to getting to know them and listen to stories of his Dad's childhood. These are the memories we have wanted to uncover and enjoy for such a long time. We spent the afternoon chatting over coffee and delicious English bacon sandwiches before Dave went out for a few beers at the local pub with Mike, Margaret's husband in his convertible. It was a priceless experience finding out about the similarities between father and son. Dave's love of music, he's great at maths and his thoughtful placid personality were characteristics from his Dad. More stories were shared over the evening meal with Dave's uncle John and Glynis and cousin Andy's family. We were spoilt by an amazing dinner at this very English pub, built in 1250 AD, with low ceilings and the best English food we had ever had.
It's reunion day! What a truly amazing day. Dave, particularly, has waited many, many years to finally meet his Dad's family and find out more about the Mortons. It was quite a surreal experience walking into a room full of 40 family members, after coming from only a few. There were only 3/4 of the family there too. Immediately they all made us at ease, such a friendly, kind and caring group of people. Dave's dad Rodger was one of two sets of twins. Of the 8 original brothers and sisters, 5 were there today, Peter, Ron, John, Joan and Margaret. As for cousins, well there were thousands, at 27 Dave's the youngest and in his 50s Gary is the eldest. Margaret's son is very, very similar in looks to Dave. The majority of the Mortons share Dave's olive skin and huge blue eyes. We heard so many stories about Roger and filled in many of the gaps with all our questions answered. One day it will be great to share those stories with our kids. So much effort went into organising the day, Margaret, Joan and Glynis did an amazing job. They even got us a wedding cake to cut! A truly special day, and weekend, that neither of us will ever forget. Dave is very lucky to have these wonderful people as his immediate family.
After a sad farewell to Dave's amazing aunt and uncle, Margaret and Mike, we arrived at Dave's mums family. We are staying the night at his uncle Simon's beautifully designed Art Deco house, which was where the Hillocks grew up. Simon is the one who taught Dave how to play pool back in the day. It was nice to see someone could beat Dave in a game even on a championship table. The town of Coventry is bigger than I'd expected. Back in the war the whole city was bombed. We climbed to the top of the cathedral, visited the art gallery and transport museum before heading back for dinner with Paul, Dave's other uncle. Without fail I am always asleep on the couch by 9, but Dave Simon and Paul consumed beer and shared stories till the early hours of the morning.
The National Express coaches have been valuable in trekking us across the countryside from Coventry and back again to London for 1 night. Although I was devastated and ****** off we didn't book weeks ago to get tickets to inside the Buckingham Palace tour (happens in August Sept only), we found a suitable alternative - a picnic hamper in the sun in Hyde Park. It was such a beautiful afternoon. We both very much love London and are looking forward to spending another 22 hours here after Europe.
My tiny family is also from England but they are away on holidays so we cannot visit, however my cousin Nic (Linda and Peters son), his wife Paula and daughter Isabella are on holiday from Dubai. I was excited about seeing more family. Little Isabella has grown so much since I saw her 5 years ago, a beautiful little girl. Nic and Paula took us out for a wonderful meal on the River Thames. It was such a great way to end the 4 days of our family holiday.
What I love about family, is that it doesn't matter if you haven't met them, met them once or haven't seen them in many years, they are always there for a catch up and will help you out when ever they can and you for them. We have met some amazing family members, who from now on will be a part of our lives forever.