Returning to Normality

Adjusting back to normality after travelling is hard. I think the first time after coming home, I went straight back to work 2 days later, so the post travelling blues didn't settle in. But this time, I had a week before returning to work. Suddenly, I'd gone from doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to having to be in places for set times and do things I didn't want to do, like working.

To be fair, work had been really good to me and left my job open so I just slotted straight back in, almost like I'd never been away. And before long, it seems my carefree spirit had been washed away. But I made myself a promise, and that was to do, see, try or learn something new every week. It sort of gave me a nice focus to keep myself engaged, and helped with me planning my next trip!

One of the first big events since I came home was a party, hosted at my parents in which all the family descended, some I had not seen in a long time. It was a nice but bizarre experience (as any event with family involved in usually is). It was made more poignant by the fact that I'd lost a relative while away travelling, and having everyone together made it a place to share the love between us.

Something I was keen to do more of was cook. I had tried some amazing food while away, so it seemed that (attempting) to recreate it was a good idea. Some went well, others...well not so much. One of the first things I made was Bulgarian stew, Kavarma. I had it while in Plovdiv, and fell in love with its rich flavours. Mine turned out to be very watery, but still good all the same. I even made it in the Bulgarian pot I brought home with me, for that added extra authenticity!

I suppose not bad for a first attempt?

I thought this was an artistic photo but now I look more closely and I think...hmmm. Not quite. I'll keep practicing!

We also spent a day in Salisbury, famous for its beautiful cathedral and the fact that the Russians can get you there. Its a truly beautiful place, and the view of the cathedral through the meadows was in fact a favourite of William Turners!

This is very confusing sign. To feed, or not to feed?

Also, here's my attempt at making a quiche. The damn things fell apart everywhere, and were very soggy. Again, a work in progress. Top tip, always remember to switch the oven on before you put them in!

I ended up making way too much pastry, so had enough for a big one, plus several different sizes of smaller ones. Quiches are delicious, but oh my god are they difficult to make!