From the majestic frontier mountains in southern Patagonia to misty civilised seaside villages on Britains south coast was quite the change of scenery.

In the space of seven days, we had travelled from  El Calafate, Argentina (50 degrees South) to Bexhill-on-Sea, England (50 degrees North). It was an opportunity to visit our Canadian friends Philip and Leanne and their family in their hometown (they were visiting for Christmas), and since we were only a few hours away (by plane) in Madrid, we hopped on a short flight to London.

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
                                     -Tim Cahill

Our first evening was a night out in Hastings, pub crawling in the old town with Santa’s and catching up on the last few months — a recipe for a swell time!

The next morning, how Gordon could stomach the gelatinous English dish of jellied eels for breakfast remains a mystery.Some photos we took walking around Bexhill-on-Sea.Later, from the Victorian train station in Bexhill, we boarded a train to nearby Eastbourne, to walk along the historic pier and seaside. The next day, we visited nearby Hastings. Given the chill and damp weather, we strolled around briefly along the cliffs overlooking the ocean, toured the fisherman’s museum, then retreated indoors for a classic meal of fabulous fish and chips.

Our last day we dropped by the 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield.

Battle Abbey Gatehouse. Battle, England

On Seniac Hill, the boys tramped about, discoursing strategies on the battleground of Hastings where William the Conqueror changed the course of Medieval England.In keeping with the festive season, we cheered and indulged in hot-mulled wine, Pimm’s and ale at Battle’s 13th-century pub. And said our goodbye with a holiday toast and fireside lunch at the Ye Old Kings Head pub.Just when we were getting warmed up, our whistle-stop tour of the coastal towns of England ended too soon.

To our host; Phil, Leanne, Sarah and Roger, a huge thank you for the heartfelt hospitality.

Wishing a joyous and healthy new year to all our family, friends, and readers. We drink to thee!