On September 8th, 2016, I visited England for the first time. Excluding all of the painful hours spent in London Heathrow over the past two years, I have never before stepped foot on English soil. As a holder of a UK passport, and the daughter of a proud Englishman, my trip to the old country was long overdue.

Over the past two years, I have traveled around Europe. My intention has always been to venture with purpose; to find something about a place that would give meaning to the trip.

My venture into England undoubtedly held the most significance. Within 5 short days, I walked through the streets of my father’s childhood town, grew closer to Patrick’s family, and with him as my guide, I saw London and the Midlands in a way that would have never been possible as a tourist.

Let’s begin with the sweetest part of the trip; the Midlands. The point of the trip was to visit Patrick’s family for his father’s 70th birthday. I was welcomed into their home, and experienced things so English, it would have made the most hardcore Potter fan cry with envy. I stayed in their 500 year-old home, enjoyed teatime, a pub crawl through the cozy village pubs of Long Whatton, and finally got to experience a famous Connolly party complete with black tie attire.

After a couple days of English ale and good times, it was time to see the rest of the countryside. We went to a reunion at their primary school. Expecting to see something resembling my old Harrington elementary school, I was shocked to see a white castle appear over the green hills from the road. Ok, it wasn’t a castle, but close enough.

The next day, Patrick and I went on a little road trip. I cannot express how wonderful it was to visit my dad’s hometown of Tamworth. Walking through the marketplace hearing the familiar Birmingham accent was thrilling. Although we got a bit lost, I did manage to find his old house, and I  hope he was just as excited as I was when he received the photo. My only regret is that I did not venture into Tamworth Castle. If only I had known that it was haunted!

Next, we made a quick stop to Nottingham to visit Patrick’s close friends. I, of course, had to see the Robin Hood statue, but I was absolutely blown away by beauty of the city, particularly the natural caves beneath the castle. My favorite sight, however, had to be the oldest pub in England, Ye  Olde Trip to Jerusalem, home to tales of crusaders and curses.

By the time we stepped aboard a train to London, I found myself wanting to stay. I am eternally grateful to the Connollys for being so warm and welcoming, and for giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the green fields of the East Midlands.

My new life goal is to one day walk through Tamworth with my father. It’s going to happen, Dad!