Every summer, our family embarks on a journey to Cornwall, England, a place where time seems to stand still. The trip is a whirlwind of experiences, from indulging in fish finger sandwiches to jumping off rocks into the ocean. This year was no exception, filled with laughter, love, and the simple pleasures of family togetherness.
The journey from Brooklyn to Cornwall is an adventure in itself, reminiscent of a Richard Scarry book. It involves a cab ride to the airport, an overnight flight, a train ride from Paddington Station, a taxi, and finally, an orange ferry to my grandparents’ town. Despite the complexity, the destination is worth every moment, as the village remains largely unchanged since my childhood.
The Warm Welcome
Upon arrival, we were greeted by my aunts Lulu and Janey, who had prepared cake and Prosecco for us. As a birthday gift, I brought them Sézane cardigans which they absolutely loved. Janey, in particular, has an impeccable sense of style and I couldn’t resist the idea of a week of outfits with her.
Reconnecting with the Past
One of the highlights of our trip was playing with the dollhouse my grandfather made years ago. He had added intricate details like floral wallpaper, working electricity, quilted beds, and even tiny foods, such as a teeny charcuterie board. It was a delightful trip down memory lane.
Freddie joined us halfway through the week, and my brother and I took him to a little café across the harbor. The view was breathtaking, and it brought back memories of our childhood, playing in the boat pond. We even found a photo of six-year-old Toby there, adding to the nostalgia.
Adventures in the Ocean
Another afternoon, we took the boat into the ocean. Freddie, Lulu, Toby, and Anton immediately jumped in, while my dad and Janey laughed from the shore. I, on the other hand, slowly and painstakingly inched down the ladder, reminding myself that this is refreshing. I don’t know how people do actual cold plunges!
Cliffs, Games, and Stories
We spent the rest of the week walking along the cliffs, playing gin rummy on the terrace, and telling family stories. Swimming, kayaking, and eating all the crisps we could scavenge were also on the agenda. It was a week filled with magic and cherished moments.
Not pictured, as always, were the jet lag, sibling squabbles, early mornings, and mountains of dishes. But Toby’s homesickness for his crush added a touch of humor to our stay.
After my grandmother’s passing, we were concerned about keeping the house due to financial reasons. This year, we found out that we could, which filled our hearts with happiness and relief. I can already imagine bringing future grandchildren here and adding them to the trusty height wall.
Thank you for reading, and so much love, as always. xoxo
P.S. Past England vacations, and the #1 trick to enjoying family travel.
