Whanau in Warwick

My heart is aching.

I've just got on the train, voluntarily leaving Uncle Noel and Aunty Anna a day early to go stay with their daughter, my cousin Oonagh in London for the night before I start my Contiki Trip.

I miss both of them already so much.

I didn't realise how quickly I'd bond with all of them and just how much I was going to miss them once I left.

We had an incredible few days.

Today we went to Stratford-Upon-Avon. So many things to process and think about. Was so cool to visit Shakespeare's school and to have lunch in the Anne Hathaway tea house.

I'm now crying quietly on the train. Jeez.

Yesterday Uncle Noel took me to Warwick Castle. It was amazing. I was in literal awe.

Last night we had a jam session at home. Uncle Noel played his Strat and Aunty Anna played her piano. I played the djembe's and the lap snare drum.

I bonded so quickly with Aunty Anna even though she wasn't there during the reunion and couldn't make it with us on our day trips. We're so similar. She is an incredible role model. To be your true self, live your real happy life. Screw everyone else. To enjoy life, no matter how silly others think you are.

Of course I was going to bond with Uncle Noel. He reminded me immediately of Grandad and even Uncle Ken with his kind and compassionate nature. The email contact and the hug when he picked me up with his sister and her husband.

I missed Aunty Gill the minute she left too.

I feel like I'm being sent away. It's not true at all. I'm off on my next part of my journey. It's exciting really but all I can feel right now is how much I miss them and how much I wish I'd had a creative, happy upbringing with people like them.

I'm eye rolling at myself - crying with my sunglasses on, luggage between my legs, Litehaul beside me and yellow handbag on top of my suitcase.

Honestly.

But truthfully, I felt so much a part of the family and I wish I could stay forever.

I really hope that Uncle Noel decides to come over to NZ. It would be so great to see them all.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou xx Mihi mahana atu ki a koe. Ka nui te Aroha xxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ka kite anō korua xxx