Sue’s Blog

I’ve been thinking about this a lot more since being out here in Mauritius, Its easy for Mauritians they know who they are and what that stands for!

I have always said I was British, but recently the Welsh and the Scots appear to be more vocal about their heritage and how proud they are of it, so I suppose that means I should be English, but I honestly don’t know what that means, or stands for? The Scots have their own parliament and so do the Welsh so where does that leave us?? And what about Northern Ireland?

Watching the Olympics confuses the issue even more, I am enormously proud that we (Team GB) have 16 gold medals and we are currently lying 3rd Wow Wow!! But when it comes to rugby and football then we are expected to support England, I think? And where does the UK fit into all this? When I write home I write to the UK. So Ive just googled that question and the explanation doesn’t really help me!

And does it really matter any way? I just feel somehow it does and I am really quite envious of the Mauritian people!

I would love to hear what other people think; whatever your nationality!

I am sat here wondering what I should write about? All my lovely family and friends have gone home and the house feels empty and time has stretched…….Normally I write on impulse, but so many thoughts and feelings from the last 10 weeks fill my mind , so what to choose? I flick through the BBC news, actually looking to see how Tasha is faring in her final at the Olympics; this article just caught my eye, for several reasons past and present.

When KC and I got married we did exactly the same; married on a shoestring and it was wonderful, one of the best days of my life! My wedding dress cost £15, my mum’s friends served up cold meat and salad, Pauline and Michael put ribbons on their car, Uncle Alan made the cake, Mum picked flowers from the garden for my bouquet and the bridesmaid baskets, and I made their dresses. Our only extravagance  was £50 for wedding photos which I still treasure (though right now I couldn’t tell you if they are here or in the UK)

Thirty years on we are back to living on limited income and do you know what, it is fun and liberating and makes me appreciate the small things in life! That is not to say I compare myself to families that have to struggle to make ends meet. We are very lucky to have a home in the UK, to be renting a lovely home 5 minutes from the perfect beach and our own ‘grand design’ (ha I hear Adam say) is nearing completion.

And I still don’t know if Tasha has a medal?

P.S. Sadly no medal, but what an amazing achievement to be in a final at the Olympics! Well done you, Tasha!