(Continued from #1249061)

The reason for my recent trip to England was for the funeral of my grandmother. After turning 100 years old in July (see #1060650) she passed away in September. This was a rare occasion for almost the whole family to gather in one place, celebrate her, and reconnect with each other. At first it wasn't even certain that I would make the trip, but I'm so glad I did and despite the circumstances I think we all enjoyed the day, as strange as that may sound. Conversations were had and emotions were shared that wouldn't have happened otherwise.

All of this happened in the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed which is in the north east of England, right on the border with Scotland. My immediate family and I stayed in an Airbnb across the river in Spittal. Here are some photographs details showing the somewhat kitsch decor. Lots of polyester and plastic flowers.

I'm also including below some photographs from Bamburgh, famous for Bamburgh Castle (aka Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom on Netflix) – it has appeared in a number of movies and TV shows over the years. This is an essential beach to walk on if you ever visit Northumberland, and a place that I've been going to my whole life really. I wouldn't want to live near the coast of Northumberland because the geography is actually very flat and I find it uninteresting, but I'll never tire of visiting these familiar beaches and towns that I've known since I was a kid. The white stag you'll see is at a place known as Stag Rocks and has been there since at least the late 1800s. Local legend has it that a stag jumped into the sea here to escape hunters. It’s been known as Stag Rocks ever since.

More photos from England to come in the following days. -Tom