The Beginning

So after a major amount of planning, stressing out and soul searching we are finally ensconsed in the family home in Cortegana, Huelva. We flew out of Vancouver a week ago, to spend a rather expensive but fun packed week in London with our siblings.

We visited Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath, and had a sumptuous lunch in the Brew House Cafe. It was a real treat to see The Rembrant self portrait and some wonderful portraits as well as a beatiful Vermeer.

After a abortive attempt to see Tim Obrien, we ended up at the Jazz Cafe in Camden and got treated to Charlie Walker and the Dynomites. He is one of the orignal soul legends and was well worth the £15 entrance fee. Our trip to Canterbury on Friday to see Simon's sister Claire and his Uncle Douglas was lovely.

It was 16 years to the day that we had met there, so it was all very nostalgic. I have to say that a £15 entrance fee to see the Catherdral was extortionate after being able to wander around for free last time.And yes we know it was 15 years ago! We caught a train, or several back to Sutton to finish the day with a spectcular meal at an Italian place called Toscana. If you are ever in Sutton we highly recommend you check it out. The food was divine and the service impeccable, with a real Mediterranean feel to it. We had a wonderful bonfire party with Mark and Kelly and all their friends on Saturday night complete with fireworks and toasted marshmallows.

Mmmm good. Sunday morning arrived far too soon and we were off to Gatwick again for yet more flying time. Thankfully this time it was only a 3 hour jaunt to Seville. The Clickair folk were very nice and as the flight was only half full they let Simon take the guitars on as hand luggage which made him very happy. We landed in Seville to discover that it is still warm in this part of the world! We sailed through passport control and our bags were ready for pick up before we were done. I don't think we have ever had such an easy trip. Mum and Dad Light were waiting for us and there was much hugging and rejoicing. Have to say orange trees all through the parking lot was also a new experience and the hour long drive back to Aracena passed very quickly.We had a very nice lasagna dinner with the Manleys and then headed back to Cortegana to bed.