Ode To my Hosts...Gulia

I was to attempt a witty poetic ode to celebrate the wonderful hosts (or "owners" as we affectionately call them) who have looked after us over the past month. However, as it is now approaching 11pm, and having just returned from another Rotary dinner function and presentation evening, I just don't seem to be able to gather my thoughts. Perhaps a simple Japanese style Haiku instead of a grand romantic Ode....

Host...
new room
a freshly folded towel
kindness of strangers

I somehow doubt the literary agents will be knocking down my door.

I think that we have all been deeply touched by the hospitality and kindness shown to us by our wonderful hosts. I have been made to feel so welcome and comfortable by people who have opened their homes to me every week.

Week One saw me arrive in Norwich only to be whisked away by my first hosts, Anne and Peter Keatinge. Anne and Peter were wonderful and looked after me like royalty. One my first night, I awoke (slightly jet-lagged) and stumbled downstairs thinking I was very late for breakfast, only to set off the alarm and quickly discover it was just 5am. Peter, ever the gentleman, emerged from his room slightly ruffled in his dressing gown to turn off the alarm which had now woken the entire village from their Sunday morning slumber, assuring me he was "already awake".

My second "owners" were Roger and Gillian Smith from Felixstowe. Although Roger & Gill already have their own children and no doubt do not want any more, I have decided to keep them as extra parents forever...whether they like it or not. GSE gives you the opportunity to really bond with some very special people, and Roger and Gill are two I will never forget.

Next stop Saffron Waldon (named after the crocus flower from which they used to gather saffron for dying cloth - you really do learn something new every day on GSE!). The kind Reverend John Sibson and his wife Lesley looked after me for the week and woke me with a cup of tea every morning! I suspect they worked out pretty quickly that I am not the best morning person and needed a gentle push to get me going!

And now, in my final week, I am lucky enough to have been adopted by Chris and Janice Parsons in beautiful Barton Bendish. I am currently working very hard to get these two to Australia later this year so I can return their hospitality (and we can get Chris to the Bathurst 1000!)

To all of my hosts, I hope I have the opportunity to repay your kindness and hospitality one day.

Thank you one and all!