Relaxed

I'm blogging from a hotel room in Taunton (SW England) right now. We're both feeling better, with many less coughing fits, so we made the trip here to support our friend Dario who is competing in his first half-Ironman. As much as we want to cheer him on, we passed on the opportunity to accompany him to the race venue today for his practice swim, race meeting, etc. Instead, we're hanging out at the hotel room, which is near a beautiful walking trail and a movie theatre. Chris is seeing Indiana Jones right now, while I take advantage of the hotel's wifi internet access. A real treat, since we still have no access at home.

I've also enjoyed getting a chance to read the paper (the Saturday paper here is like a U.S. Sunday paper). My favorite quote that I've read so far is in regard to how British weddings have gotten out-of-control. The writer states "Apparently the American style of sending the bridesmaids down the aisle one by one before the bride - which to the British eyes looks like a beauty pageant or a line of hookers displayed for selection - is gaining popularity." One of the advantages of living here is the perspective it's given me on American culture as seen through others' eyes. In fact, I often find myself dispelling ideas people have gotten about our culture through films. Brits will tell you in all seriousness that they fear visiting the U.S. because everyone carries guns.

It's been a very relaxing trip. It's nice to be away from home, without a long itinerary of things to see and do. In an attempt to make the most of each of our trips, we often find ourselves exhausted by the time we return home. Although we might be tomorrow as well, because we need to get up at 3am for Dario's 6am swim start.



Exmoor National Park, where the race is being held, is a beautiful place but it didn't seem to have any trails or places to walk when we were there Friday night. I'm hoping we find somewhere to walk tomorrow because otherwise it's going to be a long day of watching endless bike and run laps....a half-Ironman takes about 6 hours to complete. It'll be interesting to spectate with Chris, because I know he badly wishes that he too was competing.