English ABC's

A is for animals which Ellie just adores. Unfortunately in Muscat there was a small selection of animals for her to see. We had friends with dogs and there were lots of bin cats in the neighborhood and you could see camels or goats around in some places but that was about it. Not even a zoo to go see. One day we went to the Twycross Zoo to see some new animals. Alex and Ellie loved seeing the elephants, giraffes, lions, penguins, sea lions, lots of monkeys and even the camels. (The camels were from Asia and very different from the Arabian camels they are used to seeing.) By the end of the day Ellie was exhausted and sitting in the push chair as we watched the chimps. It was a wonderful scene Ellie in the push chair right up against the glass and a chimp came up and sat right on the other side with his arms folded examining Ellie.



One day we went to Hoar Park to see the farm animals. Alex and Ellie had a blast feeding the huge variety of chickens, ducks, deer, goats and other animals. Alex and Ellie were far braver than mummy in letting the deer and goats eat the food right off their hands. There was also a very not-pretty boar that got a lot of giggles and pictures!


On another day we took the train into Birmingham to the National Sea Life Centre. There were lots of sharks, rays, turtles and otters. Alex and Ellie also enjoyed seeing the real life versions of their friends from "Finding Nemo" which is one of their favorite movies. Alex was very brave again and enjoyed touching the crab in the tide pool several times. There were also lots of visit to the park in town to feed the ducks. Not only do the ducks get feed well but the kids seem to enjoy stale bread as much as the ducks.

B is for buses over which Alex always fusses. Alex loves all things motorised; cars, planes, trains and buses. He likes to ride them, watch them and play with his small versions. Since Ellie likes to do everything Alex does, she is also into motorised transport. There are no trains and not many opportunities to ride buses in Muscat. About the only time we ride a bus is at the airport to get to the airplane. Emma, Alex and Ellie went on the bus into Leicester with nana and da Tonks one day while Eric rested his foot. The only purpose of the trip was to ride the bus and the kids had a great time. A trip with presents to the Disney store in Leicester added to a great day out. We rode the train into Birmingham going to the Sea Life Centre and today we took the train back to Leicester with nana and da for a day out. Alex and Ellie just have a blast riding on the trains.

C is for castles and the one in Warwick is fantastical. Last Sunday we met our good friends the McCarters who are now living in England at Warwick Castle. While the weather quickly turned very wet we all had a great time roaming this awesome site. It looks like a castle should and it is full of displays of all types of weapons and costumes. Alex and Eric even managed to make it up and down the narrow winding stairs of the large turrets, albeit with a little help from the McCarters. Alex and Ellie enjoyed the knights on horses and playing with the McCarter boys. We enjoyed a scrumptious traditional English roast for lunch to top it off.


V is for visa which we now have. On Monday Emma heard the news we were anxiously awaiting; her work visa had come through. This means that Friday morning, the 13th we will be winging towards the Caymans, due to touch down Friday evening in Georgetown. We have all had fun in England. Alex and Ellie have loved being able to play with their big cousins Ben and Beth. The weather has mostly been dry and not too cold so we have been able to get out and do lots with Emma's family and do things we couldn't in Muscat. It looks like our long journey chasing the sun westward is finally coming to an end for now. See you on the other side.