Cancelled

I had to call work today and leave a message that went something like this, "Hi. This is Maia. I am calling to let you know I can't make it into work because of the volcano." For real?? This can't be for real! But, oh yes! It is so very real.

Both Lenny and I were back in the states this past week to get ourselves ready to move back in the summer. We had a wonderful week visiting friends, looking at houses, and exploring the bay area in ways that we never have. On Thursday, we both went to visit our families before heading back to London on Saturday. But.... we are getting some extra time with them!

All flights have been canceled into Heathrow for over 4 days now. I have been told that the soonest I can get back is 10 days after my original flight. We have kids and teachers trapped in China. My head of department is trapped in Tibet. Thousands of flights have been canceled all around the world. They believe that 200,000 British people are stranded abroad. Lenny and I consider ourselves to be very lucky. We are with our families. We have wonderful beds and home cooked food. But, I am starting to get nervous about ever getting back to our little Chula. I just hope this volcano calms down long enough that we can get back home.





Over the past few years, we have had earthquakes, hurricanes, and now a volcanic eruption! Say what you will, but I claim this is just the start. Mother Nature is sending us a message.... she is seriously pissed off! On the other hand, my friend Ingrid said this is just Iceland's way of getting back at England for the way they handled things when Iceland had the financial collapse a few years ago. I guess we will have to wait and see who is right.

This is one of the few times that I hope I am not right.

Public Footpath

I am in love with public footpaths. What a wonderful idea... and... why don't we have these??

I take a short cut to my bus stop everyday when I am walking to work. Public footpaths go through cities, behind people's house, and in scenic areas. The one I take starts in the middle of the street, cuts through some back yards and comes out right at the bus stop. These handy little guys are everywhere! I looked it up and there are over 140,000 miles of footpaths in England & Wales. I don't think I'll get a chance to see them all before we move back, but I'll take any I see.

In Cornwall, there is a public footpath that follows the entire coast. You can walk all the way around the region of Cornwall on the coastal trail. Nobody with a huge estate or a historical old little cabin can say that you can't walk through their property. Isn't that wonderful?

We went a few miles along the coast from town to town. The views were truly stunning. It is such a beautiful part of the country.

This was one of the moments when I felt like we were in a movie. Breathtaking.

Wellies

Wellies- short for Wellington Boots, are waterproof footwear. Basically, they are huge rubber boots. Nothing gets into these guys. Because it rains so much and the ground stays muddy forever..... Wellies are everywhere!!

I bought a pair of Wellies during my first year out here. Most of the time they just sit in my closet. But as I am out walking in the park, I always see people who are wearing their wellies... and I usually think "I should have on mine too!" I clearly don't understand a wellie worthy day yet. :)

We walked into town on our first afternoon in Falmouth. Lenny had been meaning to pick up some Wellies and we figured no time like the present! The first shop was a huge convenience store with loads of Wellie options. Lenny went for utility green- very classic.

We went for a wonderful walk along the beach. It was really fun to walk in the sand/water/rocks and not worry about our steps because our feet were dry! We were just like young children splashing in the puddles. What a blast!

Eden Project

Lenny had a few days off around Easter (benefit of a religious nation). We decided to go to Cornwall for the long weekend. Stop number one: The Eden Project. The Eden Project is owned by an educational charity. They have really done it up well. It's the Disneyland of plants! They have exhibits, events, workshops and programmes that focus on environmental issues. I was really impressed with the way they focus on the future and sustainability.

Basically, they took a huge Clay mining pit that had been dug out of this beautiful country and turned it back into something amazing. There are two huge Biomes: one for the rainforest and one for a Mediterranean climate. We had a real chuckle because they referenced Californian plants a lot. We were thinking... yeah, we've seen these plants all over!

Part of traveling in England for Lenny and I usually includes bringing Chula with us. Most of our trip was perfect for her: running on the beach, a great coastal walk, dog friendly restaurants. But... Eden Project didn't want dogs running around taking a wee on all their hard work. Fear not! Chula still managed to get in her Eden Project fun too. Take a close look to see our Chudini sneaking into yet another top secret location.... (please play the Mission Impossible soundtrack in your head right now)

In the Mediteranian biome

Passover

Once again Lenny and I were traveling during most of Passover this year. When you are at home, it is much easier to stock up the fridge with yummy food that is Kosher for Passover. But, on the road you need to be much more creative....

We brought some Matzos with us to help us in those creative, emergency moments.

Lenny invented the McMatzos!