Living at the seaside. . . . . . .

 Growing up in Torquay was a privilege. 

Recovering after WWII, it was still a more simple town, a small fishing port,

 on a lovely bay opening on to the English Channel. Although not visible, 

as children we would wave to France across the water!

Still important in British history, but quiet and elegant, it remained one of the

 loveliest places on the south coast to visit for a 'seaside holiday' with it's many 

beaches, hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfast establishments . . . . . . . . . . and

 now of course AirBnBs and vacation rentals.

Built on seven hills, you can see some of the older historic buildings still standing,

but of course times change and blocks of flats and condos have appeared.

Although we've enjoyed renting some lovely flats and houses over the past

 15 years when visiting (since the family house was sold), we are now excited to

 see - after years of planning permission - a Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel being

 built right on the harbour side (crane on left below), to be completed next year, 

so future visits home will most likely find us staying there. 

As family and friends agree, we're now at the age for ease, comfort,

access to public transportation, and in-town location, all of which a modern

 hotel can offer, and for us holidays now require cooking and housekeeping

 done by others. . . . . plus good lighting in the bathroom, haha!

I have so much more to share about this great trip home. 

It will take some time to edit photos and write posts.

We are now preparing to leave home early next week!

Yes, crossing the pond again - excited, and definitely happy that we'll be

 missing expected extremely oppressive hot, dry weather here in NC - please

 God spare the lovely hydrangea bushes - and heading to the cool and

perhaps damp shores of Ireland.

I'll be back here when I can - don't think I've forgotten you!

 Wikipedia covers the history of lovely TORQUAY quite well if you

 would like to know more about the town.