A wedding and camping

So June and July went by without too much exciting happening in Shenzhen. We continued to find new friends for Hannah, explore some new places (like the zoo, which is actually more like a Safari park and very well done, especially for Chinese standards), go swimming downstairs often, and pop over to Hong Kong whenever there was a long weekend holiday or some friends there we wanted to see. Andrea had the odd business trip so I got to spend time with the kids. And all of a sudden it was the middle of July and we were of the UK for my sister's wedding.

With excellent weather, a beautiful venue, and an even more beautiful bride, the whole evening was a success. There was some great dancing and singing (especially by Hannah, but also Josh, the groom, managed to impress) to a very good band, which even continued on the bus back to the hotel.

As Beth flew off to Tanzania for her honeymoon, we went to Hertford camping. Hannah had been camping last summer, but this was Leah's first time… not that she would remember it. And, more importantly, Andrea's first time at a "Lane camp". Back in the day, when I was a kid, it was a regular activity, taking place several times each summer, led by my dad, and with different participants. After a bit of a hiatus, it looks like the tradition will continue, though maybe not as regularly as before.

It was fairly successful, with a nice walk alongside a canal (which is passable with a buggy), some cycling (Leah did well on a bike seat for the first time), visits to pubs, and some time walking around Hertford which is actually quite nice, though somewhat dominated by charity shops. Of course half the point of camping is relaxing, though there is not much lying-in with a 9-month old.

Campsites nowadays of course are quite different to those of 25 years ago when I was a regular camper: wi-fi, clean shower blocks, nice playgrounds, electricity at every pitch (to charge one's phone of course, as well as power a kettle) etc. The weather was generally good too. Whether it was a successful trip of course will really only be known next year: how willing will Andrea and Hannah be to go camping again? Only time will tell….