Shan in Japan

Spent a few days in India and said good bye to Asia.  Arrived to unexpected blue skies over London Heathrow airport.  The first shock was the chilly air, then exchanging the last of my rupees - about 500Rs, which amounted to just over 4pounds.  Maybe enough to cover a coffee and a biscuit here, but those rupees would have bought easily 2 or 3 days worth of meals in India.  Back to expensive countries!  This is why I have to limit my stay to just 5 days in England. 

Took a bus out to Bath-Spa to catch up with a friend who I haven't seen in 10 years.  We met in Japan, like so many of the people I've caught up with over the past months of travelling.  Much chatting to fill in the blanks!  She is now married and has two kids.  I feel now I've reached that age when many of my friends and peers are tying the knot.  Several of my friends from uni days are married now. 

I haven't visited England since living here as a kid.  I don't have too many fond memories of the place really. Just the usual impression people have of a cold, wet, grey and drap place to live.  Perhaps thats why I've had no desire to come here again until now.  I only came here because it was a stop over on my ticket to New York and I have several friends living here.   But seeing it as an adult is of course a different experience.  I spent today walking around the township of Bath and taking in all the rich history.  Such a beautiful and tidy city.  Spring is in the air and daffadols are blooming everywhere.  Still no leaves on the trees, but after the unruliness and chaos of the Sri Lankan jungle, the orderly rolling hills of the English countryside is a dramatic contrast.  Tomorrow I will head into London city for a night out on the town and see a few more friends.