We are back from our holiday and we have moved into the new flat. The last few weeks have been busy and mostly fun(except for the two moving days). Both of us like the new flat but it is a huge change. Many of you may remember that when we moved to London we planned on staying for two years. That’s changed. We now plan on staying much longer. For many years hopefully. Let’s face it, I still have many pubs to visit.
With this in mind we want to buy a place in the next year or two. So right now we are living in a tiny flat. I mean tiny. The rent is cheaper and that means we can save more for a down payment on a place of our own. Miles and Atticus like having a smaller place since most of the time all of us are in the same room. They will be even more spoiled by the end of this adventure if that’s possible. To make up for the small living space, we now have a little private garden and the boys love that as well. And we can grill again. We haven’t been able to for two years.
Now that I have internet in the new place I decided it’s time to start blogging again. I enjoyed my break but I also missed you guys. I’ll do my best to pop in soon and see what you’ve been up to.
To get back into the swing of things here’s a challenge for you folks. Below is a photo from one of the places we visited on our recent holiday. Any guesses where we went and what’s in the photo?
50 Year Project 
Is it Iceland?
wow! you were the first to guess and you got it right. I was in Iceland. We stopped for a couple of days after visiting NYC to watch some tennis.
WooHoo! I hope you enjoyed Iceland, we loved it when we went in 2010. And I hope you settle into your new home quickly too.
Iceland is an amazing place. And the people were so friendly.
Welcome back, TBM! Nice to know that your move went well and you are liking your new flat though it is smaller. It is wonderful that you have a garden in your new place. That picture is quite interesting. Looking forward to finding out the name of that place. Looking forward to also reading your holiday post and seeing the pictures.
Thanks Vishy. We were in Iceland and what you see in the photo are geysers. Will do my best to share more soon.
Wonderful to know that. Such a beautiful and interesting picture.
Jonestown?
Good guess, but no. Iceland.
Fukushima?!?
You’re back!!!!!!!!! Hello and welcome, it’s been just awful without you. I even started talking to Jackie C and that Lynda… you can tell how desperate we all were…!
I think we need some photos of Miles and Atticus cozying up in your new abode 🙂
Well I left you in good hands while I was gone. both Jackie C and Lynda are great. Will need to unpack the camera to get some photos of them. Which box is it in? Care to take any guesses.
They certainly are 🙂
Box 6!
Welcome back and welcome to your new home – when are we all invited round for a bbq?! Was going to say Rotorua but the trees aren’t right so somewhere “Scandewegian” (!) perhaps?
Not sure I know Rotorua. If that’s in Iceland than you are correct. And we still have to reassemble the bbq. We may need a few beers for that project.
That almost looks like Death Valley so somewhere in Australia?
Very good guess 😉 It’s a lot closer to Iceland, since it’s Iceland.
Someone had already guessed that. I never steal answers.
You are a good man.
I think it’s Iceland, and those are hot springs. Am I right?? I really love that shot by the way – it’s very mysterious looking. For some reason, it makes me think a story should be written about it :). On a side note, it’s Sept. 11th, and we had our hottest day of the year yesterday, and today’s not going to be far off. Then by the weekend, the temperature is going to drop drastically :(. So, it’s 7:25 am here right not, and I am sitting outside going through my emails, listening to the bugs and birds for probably the last time this year :(. Oh, how I will miss it!!
I hope you are able to enjoy a couple more nice days outside. It’s been raining here off and on for a few days. Miles is not happy.
Yes, the photo was taken in Iceland and these are geysers. Good job.
Yayyyyy me for guessing correctly, but poor miles for having to put up with rainy weather when he has a brand new garden to play in :(.
He was able to enjoy a little bit of sun out there today. He loves lazing about in the sun. Both of you would get along.
Yes, we would :). Hey, wait a minute – are you saying I’m lazy?? LOL
Not at all. I just know you love the sun as much as he did. Me, I prefer the shade.
okay is this like Ms Loony’s mystery photo? It is obvious that it is Kate and her husband, what’s his name’s back yard, though I think they should do a little landscaping–after all his grandma has a few bucks. btw missed you while you were moving but glad you like your new flat and the “kids” are happy.
Hahaha – that’s a good one!!!
I think grandma doesn’t like to give handouts. She seems more like the tough love type.
Welcome back dear TBM, I am glad to hear you again, I missed you 🙂 Good Luck in you new home. This photograph seems to me from Icelan, but I am not sure… Thank you, love, nia
Thanks Nia. You’re right, it is Iceland. Great job.
Looks like hot springs someplace but where ???? Can’t wait for the reveal. Welcome back, by the way. Moving is exhausting but it sounds as if you found the perfect place for the “kids” as well as yourselves. Good on ya. 🙂
Drum roll please: Iceland! I am exhausted from the move and the trip and I’m so far behind in work. This will be a busy autumn.
Work schmork. Let it wait. Enjoy the day and a cup of tea. Oh wait—-the teapot is in storage……….:-)
Oh I still have a tea maker here. It was our first purchase when we moved in. My beautiful Japanese teapot is in storage so it won’t get damaged.
Oh that makes me feel much better. Here I was worried about your lack of tea making paraphernalia!
Never! I’m addicted.
welcome back! your new place sounds great: less space to clean and an outdoor area to call your own. nice 🙂 i’d love to see some pictures of the garden.
I do like having less space to clean, but I am finding I have to keep it tidier or I can’t move around much. The garden will be the best part I think. Thanks!
Welcome back 🙂 I have no idea where this could be 😀 Moving is a pain in the butt… but a little private garden is great 🙂
you got that right. Moving is a real pain in the ass. So glad the worst part is done.
A geyser in Iceland?
Yes!
Clearly it’s the Dead Marshes. I mean duh! Glad to hear the move was successful.
I love it!
Is that Iceland?
I hope it is – I’m planning a trip there & would love to hear some tips!
When are you going? We only had a couple of days there, but we loved the place. Such a beautiful place and the capital is so calm compared to other capital cities I’ve been to.
Looking at going in October, but I don’t know when would be the best time so still looking into it. October looks like a winner because I heard it was a good time for the northern lights…did you get to see them?
We didn’t see them and are thinking of a return trip to see them. I hope you see them and let me know if it’s worthwhile to go back. Dress warm. I was a little chilly and it was August.
Welcome back. Look at it this way – tiny flat = less to clean!!! 🙂 So, it looks like you went somewhere where there are natural hot springs – I’m thinking Iceland or even Eastern Europe (but you were just in Prague, so maybe not.) Can’t wait to find out. 🙂
You’re right: Iceland! and I like the thought–less cleaning. I’m not a huge fan of cleaning. Not by a long shot.
Ha, me neither. That’s why I always hesitate when talk about needing a bigger home starts – I’d rather make do with what we have and not worry about keeping up with the Joneses…
Hope you enjoyed Iceland – one of my husband’s good friend’s is from there and he’s told us many amazing stories. Did you try any of the hard fish???
I didn’t try the hard fish. I’m not much of a fish fan. We did go to a nice fish restaurant and shared some sushi. I need to remember the name of the restaurant in case you go. It was a nice place.
Glad you’re back.. missed you…
Thanks bulldog.
Welcome back, I’m glad the move went well.
My two cats would have a hard time in asmal apartment what with all that running but if you want a place of your own in London, then it seems reasonable to cut don on the expenses.
I was thinking Iceland as well.
Att is a 11 and doesn’t run around that much anymore. He’s enjoying the back garden when it isn’t raining. He loves to sit there and watch everything around him. You got it right: Iceland.
Good to see you again, TBM. Glad the move went well. These look like geysers. is it Yellowstone?
I wondered who would be the first to guess Yellowstone since they are geysers. I went there many times as a child and loved it there. Would love to go back some day. These geysers are in Iceland. Great eye.
Haven’t been to Iceland, but I agree that Yellowstone is an awesome place.
Yellowstone brings back so many happy memories for me, especially the time I spent there with my grandparents.
Hi TBM ! … holiday .. new home .. so much you need to tell us 😉
Welcome back !
things have been busy Poppy, but a good busy. How are you?
All fine thanks, certain things have finally settled down – quick cross fingers – in blogland here 😉
Iceland ! It’s on our long list – look forward to some more pictures .
I hope you go. We both loved it!
My guess? Yellowstone National park in Wyoming, and that steam looks like Old Faithful. Were you here in the states for a part of your trip? If it isn’t, then it is an uncanny resemblance.
Glad you are back, and getting settled in your new home. 😉
We were in the States for part of our trip: NY for the tennis. On the way back to London we made a two-hour detour to Iceland. They don’t have Old Faithful. Instead they have Strokkur that erupts every 5-10 minutes. Unlike Old Faithful it’s really quick. You must have your camera ready and aimed in the right spot. It took me a few times and even the “best” shot wasn’t that great.
What fun! 😀
In the photo,
I see skies of blue,
I see trees of green,
Clouds of white, but no red roses:)
Welcome back TMB!
I love your answer.
I’m clueless as to where you went. Glad to see you back and all moved in.
I wouldn’t be able to identify the picture if I hadn’t gone. It’s not how I pictured Iceland. Such a rugged beauty and the geyser park was cool, but smaller than I thought it would be. I had Yellowstone in mind, but at least these geysers aren’t that elaborate. Still pretty cool to see.
Welcome back!!!! I am glad everything went ok….I have never been to Iceland…Sounds really exotic!!!!
Thanks! Iceland is a trip! Loved it.
Well I’m pretty sure it’s Iceland.. 😀 Welcome back and I am happy you are enjoying your new place. Reminds me of Hot Springs, Arkansas. My Grandad used to go there all the time.
Hot Springs, Arkansas–never heard of it, but have now added it to my list. And you are right. It is Iceland.
Well I kind of cheated.. 🙂
I don’t consider it cheating. Sleuthing.
Well, I’m too late to guess, everybody beat me already! I thought about just pretending there for a moment!
Glad to hear everything is going so well.
Lynn 😀
Thanks Lynn. And go ahead and pretend. Life’s too short to live in reality all of the time.
So glad to hear that you’re settled in your new place. Moving can be such a drag. I hope you enjoy your neighborhood and find lots of cool pubs there. Though it’s too bad you didn’t settle in Walthamstowe! 🙂
Maybe when we buy a place we’ll find the perfect spot in Walthamstowe. How’s the pub situation there? That’s key for us.
It’s lovely to see you back again and I’m glad the move was okay, the little garden will be lovely, especially if you’re still there next spring and summer. Iceland, what an adventure, you’ll have to show us more 🙂
We are already planning what veggies we want to grow next year. The garden is small so our harvest won’t be huge, but it will be nice to grow some of our own. I’ll do my best to share about Iceland. Too bad our time was short there.
Welcome back 🙂
It’s nice to have a garden…I wish I have one, my turtles love getting their stomach dirty with soil.
Which part of London are you moving in now? looking forward to know more about Iceland 🙂
Your turtles would love it in the garden when it’s not raining. Not sure how they would adapt to the chilly temps though.
We are now south of the river, which is much more quiet. Now when I go to the store, I don’t have to fight with tourists and their luggage.
My turtles will have big garden soon 🙂 I am going to move to my school’s mess.
Ah…I can imagine the peace. I also like quiter place (but still close to the city). Hope you’ll enjoy the place more than before 🙂
I enjoyed our last place and it was a great introduction to London. I could walk to most of the parks, Buckingham–but after a while I wanted some quiet. Now I have it. Good luck with your move. I bet your turtles will be happy. Will you be living on the school grounds?
Yup…on the third floor of my school 🙂
That should be an adventure. Do the children live there as well?
Nope, only the orphans. Our school begins with an orphanage and then the owner build a school for them to study.
That’s great. I wish you and all the students well. When’s the move?
October 🙂
My son tells this joke about a class master whose English was not very good. When the students came to school after a long vacation the teacher greeted them like this, “Nice to see your BLOOMING faces.”
Seeing your smiling face I am tempted to say that.
Welcome Back.
One more trivia:
In the days of tortoise mails, people usually started a letter like this: ” (I am) Well and eager to hear the same”
In Tamil it sounds crisp , “Nalam. Nalam ariya ava”
I am well and was eager to hear the same of you.
Good to have you back.
Blooming faces–I may have to use that. it has a nice feeling to it. I always love your comments since I learn so much. Will pop in on your blog soon, I promise.
Good to hear from you again! Hopefully you will get to do some grilling before the rainy autumn arrives 😉 The picture could have been from Scandinavia, but it seems it’s from Iceland. Never been there, would love to go!
You’ll love Iceland. but I think you’re a lot like me. You love going places no matter what. Each time is an experience and even when things don’t go according to plan, it’s still fun since I’m in a new place. Will catch up with your blog soon. And it’s been raining for a week!
I agree, you can turn everything into an adventure! The weather in the Netherlands is miserable too…
I’m sorry to hear that. Time to bring out the mulled wine.
Welcome back… missed your posts:) I have no idea where the photo is from.
Thanks, Tania. We were in Iceland. In a few days I’ll share more about our trip to the geysers. How’s your book doing and your writing? I’ve missed our chats. Will send you an email soon.
Glad the move went well! Welcome back.
It looks like a whole new chapter opening up for you! Wishing you all the best that it turns out how you want.
Thanks. Moving is an adventure!
this is really becoming an adventure for you
Yes it is!