So, last Saturday, Aussie, Bill and I hopped on a train to Milton Keynes to visit our friends, Gail and Little. Gail and Little used to live in Brum and were a part of our small group this autumn. It was sad to see them move away, but we had a joyous reunion!
Milton Keynes is a big town about 1.5 hrs South East of Birmingham by train. It is unique to the UK because it was completely planned and built in the 1960's. At first, Milton Keynes feels quite American, as it is built using a grid system and much of the architecture is streamlined and modern. However, the presence of a lot of public art really gave the city centre an atmosphere of community sometimes lacking in American cities. Also, the traffic is eased at each intersection by replacing traffic-lights with round-abouts!
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Gail and Little. It was nice to spend some time with them after my holiday at home in Canada. We went for a stroll in MK's massive shopping mall and then, we visited 'Xscape'. 'Xscape' is incredible. This immense indoor complex not only includes lots of shops, a cinema, a bowling alley, a fitness centre and restaurants, but also a sky-diving simulator, rock-climbing walls and an indoor ski slope. (Although, the ski slope is not for experienced skiiers, in my opinion). For lack of a better adjective to truly express this unique attraction, it was just really cool.
Our next stop was to this great tobogganing hill. Unfortunately, I had shown up in a skirt and none of us had brought sleds or anything, so we couldn't go down. We did see lots of kids having fun, though. Next, we went for lunch at one of Gail's friends' houses. It was really nice to sit around and catch up and chat with everyone. Gail and Little are getting married in May, so we got to hear about some of their plans! And we even got invited!
It was a tearful farewell as we said goodbye to our dear friends :(
… I've just read that paragraph about 'Xscape' and realized how much it sounds like something out of a travel brochure, haha.
I have spent the last couple of days relaxing, sleeping and trying to get over my cold. I'm getting there.
Anyways, peace-out, homies!
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