When asked where I was starting this summer I typically had two reactions. Why? And, where is that? To me Hull is a second home. It’s where I branched off all on my own and made a life for a year. It’s where I found a second family and had some of the best experiences of my life. So starting my adventure here made perfect sense to me! Also it was cheaper to fly to London than Eastern Europe.
It’s not an easy trip with a nine hour flight crammed in coach with some girl’s legs kicking me through the night. Followed by an hour on the tube holding my suitcase so it didn’t roll away, and then several hours wandering Kings Cross. Oddly enough as I stood awaiting my train I looked up to see a familiar face. Obviously I didn’t expect to see someone I knew in my disheveled state, but there was Neal walking past. The world is a crazy place and I’m so glad it put us in the same spot at the same time.
Next I sat exhausted on a delayed train watching the inevitable rain come down. But as I sat there I couldn’t help but smile watching the sheep through the window and enjoying my favorite tradition of listening to Mumford and Sons while the towns whizzed by in the window. As the train pulled closer to Hull station I saw the Humber Bridge and memories rushed back.
Thankfully Ron was waiting close by at the station and my late train wasn’t an issue. Back in my neck of the woods I was so happy to see the familiar streets and shops. We walked down Newland Ave for dinner and enjoyed a new restaurant. Back at Sarah’s house I probably should have gone straight to bed seeing as I hadn’t slept in a day, but they really wanted to immerse me in their new favorite tradition. Watching My 600 Pound Life. Well worth the lack of sleep to enjoy that one.
The next few days I was happy to be back surrounded by accents and British life. I enjoyed an amazing Yorkshire Tea with Sarah’s family and a tiny delicious restaurant with live music and of course several pubs. I walked down my old street and found where I had once lived. Hull had some updates since my last visit after being City of Culture. Judy took me into town to see how things had changed. The new market was my favorite filled with yummy foods and cute little shops. Hopefully some day I will see the new fountains but in keeping with English tradition I barely saw the sun on this trip.
My last night there was a true highlight! At Sarah’s brother Joe’s house we had a wonderful Chinese take away then watched our favorite musical episode of Buffy and sang along to all the songs. This may not sound thrilling to you, but it’s definitely at the top of my list. Throw in a couple bottles of Prosecco and my favorite whippet George and you have the makings of a perfect evening.
Sadly my time in Hull was short but wonderful! Thank you to the amazing Sargieson’s and Ron for making me feel right back at home.
Now I just need three trains and a plane ride and I meet up with my travel buddy Rebecca!!
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