Home for Christmas. . . . . . . . .

Old painting of Torquay inner harbour, the Pavilion and Rock Walk

Surprise! I'm going home for Christmas.
 Yes, heading back across the pond again soon. 
Having booked a mid-December cruise in Europe - it departs from and
 returns to England - just before Christmas, we decided that taking another
 week and spending the holiday in my hometown definitely made sense.
 A chance to see family and friends, and share an English Christmas, is
just too good to pass up!

We've rented a different place to stay this time.
The arrow marks the building which sits atop one of Torquay's seven hills
 with wonderful views across Tor Bay, the harbour, my childhood beaches,
 and seafront promenade walks.

Those buildings were once beautiful old private mansions, then
 small hotels, and now have been re-built or renovated into modern
 condominiums and flats. 

We'll miss being at the usual lovely places where we've stayed,
 however they are rather a distance on foot from town and the harbour district.
 Without a car the walk up and down hills to get to a grocery store, restaurants,
 and town shops, is quite a haul, especially in inclement weather which may
of course happen. . . . . .it is England after all!

Will share more about the cruise later. It will include some
new to me countries and is aboard a favorite ship.