It happens every time I fly into London: the first time I peer out the lozenge-shaped airplane window, and get my first glimpse of the patchwork of irregularly shaped farms and pastures that comprise the British countryside, I’m overcome with the feeling that I’m home again.

I was born in New York. I live in Florida. But I grew up in England, and I have never lost my love and affinity for Britain.

This recent vacation was ostensibly a trip to see my parents, currently in Cardiff. It was also an opportunity to rediscover some of the places I remember from my childhood, and to share them with Britt. Additionally, it was a chance for my parents, Britt and me to explore some of the places we never had time to visit before, including Avebury and Stratford.

Britt, my mom and I strayed out of the U.K. and spent two days Dublin, where the beer was plentiful, the people were friendly, and the prices were higher than the Spire, the new 120-meter tall statue that pierces O’Connell Street.

Here are some pictures from the journey.

Page 1: Wales

Page 2: England

Page 3: Ireland