We're Back!

We arrived at LAX around 6:30 last night, and got home around 8:30. What a great trip. We really do love the UK, and can't wait to go back again. Chris and Melissa are planning on taking their citizenship test (to become dual citizens US/UK) in two years, and plan on being in London indefinitely. That's great news for us, and we will definitely be back to see them. Here are a few pictures from some of the highlights of the trip.

Here we are with the neighbors at the wedding. It was one of the most amazing weddings we've ever seen. Between the castle itself, wonderful friends, and a beautiful ceremony with an owl delivering the wedding rings, this is a wedding we will remember forever. We're so happy we were able to be part of Andrew and Ciara's day. This was one of those trips that made us realize (again) how truly charmed and lucky we are.

Being able to stay in a castle was really amazing. We were in the Edward I room, with a beautiful view of the countryside. All I can say is that it must have been VERY nice to have been royal and had castles to live in. I know they were probably pretty cold, and damp, but they really are fabulous. To think that this castle was built in the 13th century, and updated in the 15th century is unbelievable, by far the oldest place we've ever slept. The stairs were very creaky, and everything had a sort of settled in lean to it (the stairs, the floors, etc.). It was fabulous, and I would recommend it if you're over that way.

This is the chapel within the castle, where the ceremony was performed. It was small and intimate. The chairs are just like the ones we bought for our dining room table from a church that was moving when we were still in Ohio. Except these are for four and three, and ours are just for two.

This is Nimuae the owl (and the best man, Omar). After the wedding, before the reception, we were treated to a falconry demonstration on the green. It was really neat, the birds are so smart, and beautiful to watch.

London has the largest Indian population outside of India, as a result, there are wonderful plalces for Indian food. We ate at Little India in Chelsea/South Kensington, just down the street from Chris and Melissa's old flat. We actually went there twice while we were in London. The food and service are unbeatable. If you are ever in London, you MUST eat at this restaurant. Our favorites are the Chicken Vindaloo and the Butter Chicken, as well as the Lamb Tikka and their specialty dish SLM (it's full name is hard to pronounce, and there's no way I can spell it). Their Spicy Lime Pickle and Mango Chutney appetizers are so good, I was online looking for recipies this morning.
Sightseeing in London and Scotland was a lot of fun, here we are in front of the London Eye, on the bridge in front of Parliament/Big Ben.
Here we are on the Tower Bridge, we had wonderful weather during our days in London. Apparently we brought the California sunshine with us. Londoners were out in their tank tops and flip flops enjoying it everywhere we went.

Here I am with my cousin Chris. He reminds me more and more of my dad each time I see him. I am so glad that we were able to spend time with him, and Melissa. It's nice that we can be close even though we're on different continents.

We couldn't go to London and not go to Borough market. We had lunch and did some shopping. I had the grilled cheese - I'm convinced it's world famous, if it's not, it should be. Dan had the Salt Beef sandwich. We picked up the mushroom pate and some olives for Melissa. We brought back some pate, and some tea from the market.