Dear England,
I miss you, my old friend.
I know you probably won't believe me, but it’s true. Yes, I know I haven’t called, I’m sorry. I could have sent an email or text, hell, I didn’t even write on your Facebook wall. It’s just a bit too soon. I’m trying to get settled here in the States, in Detroit.
I enjoyed our time together and I want you to know you that you will always hold a special place in my heart.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the time we spent together. You have given me so much and I've grown in amazing ways since we first met.
You even introduced me to my husband, thanks for that. It was your history, traditions, and charm that first set my heart racing. And I miss so many things about you.
I miss the New Forest, which was just minutes from our home. In 1079, William the Conqueror declared this land his royal hunting forest and in 2005 it became a national park. I love the wild ponies that roam freely on the land.
And by roam freely, I mean they will stop in the middle of the very narrow roads and pissed off patient drivers must wait for them to meander off on their own. The New Forest ponies are protected; if you hurt one in any way you just may land yourself in jail.
A wild pony roaming in the picnik area of the High Corner Inn.We didn’t go to the beach very often but it was nice to know that it was there, again only a few minutes from our doorstep.
I mean, an ocean is much better than a lake, right?
I’m not much of a beach bum, but I loved the beach huts and the Bournemouth Pier. And your gardens, you have such lovely gardens.
A row of beach huts in Bournemouth.Of course I miss our friends and family most. I miss the little things, the everyday life things, as much as I miss the big events.
My husband and his mates in Cardiff watching their hometown footie team, the Bournemouth Cherries, in the finals in 2003.I’m not sure why it didn’t work out between us.
Maybe the timing was wrong or maybe I just didn’t try hard enough. Yes, we had some great times and grew close but I never felt I could be myself when we were together. Really, it wasn’t you, it was me.
My husband and I hope to visit soon and I’ll be the first to give you a great big hug.
I know I'll appreciate you even more than I did the first time we met.
And yes, I do remember the first time we met. I was overwhelmed with wonderment and excitement as I walked up the steps of the London Underground and laid eyes on you for the first time. It was an adventure that I will always cherish and won’t ever forget.
All my love,
Becks