Southampton, Hampshire

Trying to learn about the First Fleet

When we decided to come to Portsmouth, Olivia was very keen. She knew about this area from her studies about the First Fleet when in Yr 4. She was keen to follow up on her learning at school. Unfortunately, there is very little about the departure of the First  Fleet from Portsmouth. Being a government activity, all the information pertaining to the ships is located in the National Archives in London. We did however, find a memorial to the First Fleet in the the harbour area.

The Spinnaker Tower

The Spinnaker Tower is the main landmark around Southampton. Lach and Sophie were able to walk and lie on the glass platform and admire the water 100 metres below!

Comfortably looking at the water 100m below!

Southampton is the city where the Titanic departed from in 1912. The sinking of this ship had a major impact on the city because as many as 75% as many of the crew were from Southampton. The museum as excellent and the children were able to do many fun activities. 

We caught up with some family friends, who live near Southampton. Felicity and Tim Leather, along with Amy and Kiera, welcomed us into their house for a yummy home cooked lasagne and great family dinner around the kitchen table. Fliss (Gorman) was a family friend of the Friedliebs while we were growing up and it was lovely to catch up on their exciting family news and see the next generation coming through. Amy and Kiera could be renamed "mini-Fliss"! In looks and personalities! Such a lovely evening.

We are all getting tired. The children have been asking for a day "at home", which means without doing touristy things. We have been reluctant as we can see how many things there are to do around the cities and towns we've visited. Herein lies the challenges of travelling with children! I think the children are ready for routine once again; for familiar things and for friends and family.

In Southampton, we have a beautiful apartment, and with dull weather today, we decided to have a day off (after doing parkrun, that is). Tony was unable to complete parkrun this morning due to an on-going injury, so he was happy to have the rest of the day at home to ice and rest his foot. One of the main activities that the children wanted to do "at home" was making more looms - the trend that we feel we've followed around the world! Its popular everywhere!

We have found Southampton to be underwhelming ... its very much a port city and in dull, grey, nothing weather (not rainy, not sunny, not warm, not cold, about 18 degrees ... = dull). We have enjoyed time off tourism, some healthy food once again thanks to a great kitchen and some free time. Happy kids = happy parents!

We meet up with my Mum tomorrow (Sunday) night at Gatwick airport, then head to France together for 2 weeks - we are excited about that!