As promised. Slightly later than promised, but still… A glimpse into our new city!
I expect most of you probably know what Cambridge looks like anyway, as most people (apart from me!) seem to have visited on numerous occasions – but let me show you a little bit of what it looks like just in case!
I am ashamed to say that I personally haven’t seen much of East England in the past (something we are going to attempt to remedy – first stop winter surfing in Cromer!! – I keep telling myself we’ve slept in an igloo, and camped in the snow, so we can cope with a bit of cold water!) and it all feels very new. And, as I think it’s important to be honest – it all still feels quite strange at times.
At the moment I am very much in the “I don’t remember it being like this” phase, as in “I don’t remember England being so grey”, or “I don’t remember England being so muddy” as we adapt to being back (and the baby falls in his umpteenth pile of mud at the side of the football pitch watching his big brother play!)… On the flip side, of course there’s also “I don’t remember ever talking so much” as my inner motor mouth makes the most of being able to converse fluently for the first time in ages (for which I apologise if you have been/or are about to become a “victim”!), and then there’s “I don’t remember people being so friendly” or “I don’t remember the super markets being so full of NICE things” which is a BIG plus (if not slightly worrying for the waistline!)..
To help deal with the temporary weirdness, at the suggestion of a few wise expat (and not so) folk (thank you Gemma, your comment on my “Tips for a Successful Repatriation” post nearly made me cry!) I am currently treating Cambridge as I would any new expat destination. It’s still far from friends and family (I do at times think we might as well still be abroad to be honest!) that it quite often feels like one. But, as these wise folks have said, seven years away is a big chunk of life, and it’s going to going to take time isn’t it?
Having said all that we are definitely getting there. Slowly but surely. Work and School are both lovely , and Cambridge itself is helping by being incredibly picturesque, full of culture, history, friendly people, and very importantly, cakes.
I think we are going to get along just fine…
Greg says
Love it! Just shared on google plus. Yeah, I use that….lol
Emma says
Thanks Greg! :)
helloitsgemma says
Oh that bun! that bun! I’m pleased you found a good bun. I’m sorry my comment almost made you cry. Anyhow, I hope you are being kind to yourself.
So much of this resonates, I still do the motor mouth thing, if I’ve been on my own for few days! I get home and suddenly think, “did the other person have the chance to speak??”.
I don’t know Cambridge. Been to Norwich once and loved the vibe. Suffolk (Southwold and along) and Norfolk (Blakeney and about) are wonderful and I think you are going to have some brilliant times discovering them. Looking forward to details of Cromer.
Emma says
Thank you lovely, Cromer coming up very soon. x
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I’ve not been to Cambridge so I really enjoyed your new city. Enjoy being home.
Emma says
Thank you Karen! :)
Elinor Hill aka Beachhutcook says
Good to see the repatriation is going well. I still miss our time in Germany and France some 10 years on xx
Emma says
Thank you Elinor. I hadn’t appreciated just how difficult moving home would be. xx
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
I’ll come and see you very soon and we can demolish some cakes together xx
Emma says
Can’t wait! Thanks Trish xx
Emma says
What lovely photos Emma, you’ve really captured Cambridge. It’s lovely to have you back. xx
Emma says
Thanks so much Emma. Hope you are getting time to put your feet up! xx
Sonia says
It looks beautiful! I really need to visit Cambridge one day. Welcome back to the UK x
Emma says
Thanks Sonia! (: x
Jen Walshaw says
I have never been to Cambridge, but I understand about being down South (or East) when the rest of the family were Oop North and it seemed like another country. Good luck with settling in and the mud!
Emma says
Thanks Jen. Still muddy as anything! :D
Erica Price says
I’ve never been to Cambridge (Oxford loads of times, but it’s that bit more accessible from the West Midlands), but it looks lovely in your pictures.
Emma says
Thanks Erica! (:
Elizabeth says
I’m glad to hear you are getting used to it and I love your photos! I’ve never been to Cambridge, but it always looks so stunning in photos.
Emma says
Thank you Elizabeth. xx
Jumble Tree says
Lovely photos Emma, plenty of exploring to do! Not a part of the country I know well. Though do understand a bit about moving home but not to the ‘home’ you know. When we were posted to Northern Ireland I thought I’d see loads of my family and old friends, and that’s not how it turned out at all. I felt quite lonely after the initial excitement wore off. But once I’d met a few mums close by and adjusted my expectations, things got easier. And it was comforting knowing I could just get in the car and go see my parents or sisters if I really felt I needed to. No planes or planning required. I also think it took me longer to settle than the kids or my husband (which was annoying!) – so, be kind to yourself, you deserve it after all the upheaval. xx
Emma says
Thank you so much T. That means a lot xxx
Jugglemum, Nadine Hill says
Welcome back to England and I’m sure you will all settle perfectly soon. Great idea to treat your new home city as any other expat destination, as this will no doubt help you make friends and find your feet smoothly. After all – you have done it before!
Emma says
Thank you. I hope so! :D
Victoria says
Lovely photos, pleased you’re finding some bits of being back nice. Can’t wait to come and stay xx
Emma says
Thank you. Can’t wait to see you xx
Midlife Singlemum says
I’m psyched to ‘see’ East Anglia with you. Enjoy using your language – I know exactly what you mean. People here think I’m quiet. LOL, never a label I would have got in England when we lived there.
Emma says
Thanks so much. It’s quite liberating being able to converse and earwig too! :D
Ness says
We went into Cambridge for the day many years ago. I have been trying to visit again as there’s so much to see.
Emma says
Thank you Ness. I look forward to exploring a little more! :)
Nikki Thomas says
I am ashamed to say that I have never visited Cambridge and really should, especially with cake like that to eat! It must be strange being back in the UK but I hope it starts to feel like home again soon
Emma says
Thanks so much Nikki! (:
Helen says
You’ll get there. Cambridge is such a wonderful city, I’m rather envious! Welcome home!
Emma says
Hopefully! Thank you Helen x
Sylvia says
I’ve only been to Cambridge once abd it was a nightmare to drive around but it’s a beautiful place to walk around – so many quirky little gems you kind find there!
Emma says
Yes, the driving is quite “congested” to say the least! :D Thank you…