Autumn is upon us.
October came and brought with it a drastic change of weather. It seemed like it was only yesterday that we were fanning ourselves because of the heat and splashing in our plastic pool in the backyard. Then suddenly, the clocks turned, the days started getting darker earlier, and it was beginning to get cold. We tried to make the most of the last days of summer and did a lot of nature study activities.
Then it was time to accept the reality that Autumn/Winter was really upon us. We got out the coats, rain jackets, umbrellas, wellies and this week, even the scarves and gloves. I think I went through a mini period of mourning that summer was finally gone in our part of the world. It felt so short! I guess I never appreciated the fact that I had summer the whole year round in Dubai…until it was taken away, and I now experience seasons instead.
Don’t get me wrong though, Autumn is stunning in this country. Incredibly stunning. We have tried to push ourselves to get out more, even though we are currently in our second lockdown. Thankfully, this time around, we are allowed to get out for exercise, and the parks and playgrounds remain open.
I also managed to pass my driving test (Hallelujah!), and this has opened up opportunities for going out with the kids. I’m so grateful for the license. Even though I have been driving in Dubai for more than 15 years, I do believe that driving in the UK is very different.
There are so many hazards and tricky situations that I have not experienced in Dubai: narrow roads, lots of zebra crossings, different types of traffic lights, so many blindspots, meeting situations, people riding horses, windy country roads and of course right-hand driving! It was a good decision to take driving lessons again here and learn (somewhat) like a beginner. I got a lovely Sri Lankan instructor who was incredibly patient and experienced. And by God’s grace, got my British driving license a few days before the examination centre shut down again because of the lockdown!
Here are some pictures of some of the places we visited this October and early November.
First pic is at the British Museum, the latter two pics were at Howlett’s nature park. We got soaked at Howlett’s as it started to rain quite heavily and it didn’t help that my husband lost his phone and car keys (that is another story!) in the park.
First two pics were at The Seven Sisters in Seaford. We had an amazing view of the English Channel and the children had some fun in the water even though it was freezing cold!
The third pic was from Alice Holt park, a beautiful place with plenty of nature themed playgrounds and trails.
These pics were at Boxhill park where there were some stunning views!
