3 days in suffolk and many happy memories

Very early train on Monday took me via Ely (beautiful huge cathedral) to Ipswich where I was picked up by personal taxi (Mum and Grandpa) and driven to Waldringfield where Granny and yes hard to believe even Dad were waiting. Hadn't see him since Christmas so it was good to see him although his jokes never change.

Lunch at the Maybush - the Waldringfield pub on the Deben - consisted of big chunks of lobster, crab and other things that came out of the water somewhere locally. And of course delicious deserts. The first storm missed us by about 30cm, the second hit us full on but locally we were done and could just run for the car. Afternoon walk along the river and up to the church: people scrubbing boats and crabbing.

Dad left Tuesday morning and we then set off to Aldeburgh to go to the summer craft festival - Mum of course could not resist buying an admittedly delightful print or etching or whatever it is called of the Cat and the Owl in their boat in the waves - and then on to lunch at the lighthouse: fish soup, lamb burger with feta, and a shared lemon and raspberry tart. We had been to farm shops on the way to buy veggies, chocolate cake and all that is needed to survive and went to a butcher that had been visited by royalty nonetheless because of its delish pies on the way back. Wednesday we went for a wander to see Marjorie - one of my grandparent's old friends in the village who always likes my brother's legs. Somewhat depressing I think but hey-ho. More food at home for lunch: parsnip crisps, chicken and sweet potatoe mash, tesco's finest belgian chocolate mousse and chocolate cake later in the afternoon. Transcribed my last interview and then got engrossed in Antony Beevor's account of D-Day, which I then could hardly get my nose out of all the way home in the train. Got the train that evening via Norwich. 3.5 hours later I was in Nottingham after having enjoyed stunning views of the English countryside and open skies (it helps that everything is veeeeery flat around there).

Back "home" now and need to get down to work with dissertation and PhD application. xx