I’m so lucky for so many reasons. Obviously being able to take this trip at all is amazing. (Not just financially but health-wise, with kids’ schooling and everything else in life that has had to basically be put on hold for nine months!)

A couple of days ago, I just attended an Asian dance class that my friends teaches in Edinburgh. Of course, I bumbled my way through – I never knew how much I got my left and right mixed up before trying dance class . But during the class I was struck (not for the first time) by soooo much gratitude for my friends that we’ve visited and stayed with. Being able to get a glimpse into their every day lives is such a privilege and so special.

From family games / movie nights, walks around their towns / neighbourhoods / hills (with and without dogs), school pickups, picking apples to feed the goats, cheering them at the finish line of their local run, and a dance class, we’ve been able to get a better insight into their lives than just dinner or drinks.

I know it’s not easy having house guests (especially a family of four) and many homes just don’t have the space so I understand it’s often not possible for people to even offer for us to stay. But we’ve been so lucky to have the opportunity to stay with many friends across the UK and Europe. (And we’re not done yet!)

I read an article a few years ago about a woman who for her 60th (or maybe even 70th) birthday asked her friends to give her the gift of taking her on an experience that they loved. It could have been anything from inviting her to join them on a morning beach walk, going to their church or to do something more out there like rock climbing or something. I can’t remember all the things that she did and I wish I could find the article, but I thought it was such a wonderful idea. Being able to spend a few hours with a friend doing something that they love brings a closeness that going out to dinner or a gift in a pretty box just can’t. (Found it thanks to ChatGPT: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/70th-birthday-experiences-celebrate-friends_n_65bae392e4b0102bd2d7bd79)

And that’s what I feel I’ve been given by all these friends. A small glimpse into their worlds, their families, their houses and their lives.

I knew it’d be great to catch up with folks with a bit more time to chat but I didn’t know how much I’d love it. It’s just such a privilege and I’ve been blessed to have so many of these wonderful people still in my life, especially when we’ve not lived in the UK for over a decade or so. (I try not to think about how long it’s been – makes me feel old!)

So thank you all for sharing your homes, your lives and your hearts