"Britain is quite simply the most beautiful island on earth" - 
 Lonely Planet Guide 2003.

Realisation.....

I travelled the world.Years before gap years and long haul
holidays became the norm and when it was still a challenge
I explored remote corners of the world where few travellers
went.
Months spent working long hours and saving were followed
by months spent travelling on a shoestring throughout
Europe,Asia & North Africa.I was often the only westerner
some areas of Nepal and India had seen for a while.Months
trekking the Himalayas,months in the Rajasthan desert and
on untouched beaches,combined with majestic
monuments from past civilizations.
I saw many wonders...

The travelling stopped as income was spent on other
things-mortgage,bills,children etc.Eventually I passed my
driving test.
On passing I drove 5 minutes from my house to a nearby
village I had never visited.Hidden behind the ancient church
was a meadow which on that late spring day of full bloom
poppies and various shades of lush green grass was as
stunning and breathtaking as any view seen anywhere in the
world.

This was when I first acknowledged the sheer beauty of
Britain....

RB