Alice's Adventures In (Our) Wonder(ful)Land: Lake Chautauqua: America Part III

Day 9 of our trip marked our second Saturday in the US. After getting home from Toledo at almost midnight the night before (see previous blog for more details) and then having to do all our laundry and pack for our week at the Lake, all before midday, was really something. All our efforts paid off though as soon as we arrived at the house in New York. It was perfect: right on the lake, great size to manage, lovely dock for the boat and decking to sit out on. Honestly, from that moment I knew this holiday was going to be the best honeymoon that Sam and I could ever have dreamed of. We went out to eat that evening and, when we got home we all played a quiz game on one of the Sears' phones; as it turns out, with our varied knowledge, we'd be a pretty good pub quiz team if I do say so myself (all to be tested in real life if the Sears' ever come over to England of course).

The second day in Chautauqua was the first of mine and Laura's early morning lake talks. This was a little tradition that lasted the rest of the trip where, my host mother and I, would wake up early and, whilst everyone was still sleeping, watch the calm lake and write or draw or just talk. It was so serene; so quiet and calm and beautiful. That morning, Laura and I also went and did the family shopping at walmart. 3 and a half hours later, Laura and I returned to the house with all the shopping and about 5,000 little extras, two of which included our matching Lake Chautauqua hoodies (you will see mine in a picture later so be on the lookout, its blue and beautiful, I'm sure you can't miss it).

The sweetest thing happened when we arrived back as well. As we pulled into the drive, we saw Steve, and what looked like the rest of the family, in the car heading out to dock the boat. I didn't see Sam as the windows are tinted, but I remember smiling and thinking "I really hope you have a great, first experience on the boat babe. I wish I could see your face when it's first started up". For anyone who knows Sam and I, you can probably guess what I am about to say happened next and for anyone who doesn't really know mine and Sam's relationship very well I want to warn you... things are about to get a little mushy. As Laura and I unloaded the car and entered the house, I saw Sam sat there, waiting for our return.

"What on earth are you doing here all alone?!" I asked,

"I wanted our first boating experience to be together." Sam responded as he beamed at me and gave me a huge hug.

And that's the story of when we decided to get married... no of course I'm joking! Obviously I'm already Mrs Cooper, but yeah... Isn't my husband actually the greatest? [I know you're all reading this and nodding in agreement - if you're not, go find another blog to read mate ;) ]

Soppiness over, the next thing to happen on day 10 was in fact our first boat ride. I couldn't stop smiling. I have always had a great love for the water; just ask my sister, growing up I'd pretend I was a mermaid or that I had water powers so much she'd get annoyed that I wouldn't believe her when she tried to burst my bubbles - both literally and metaphorically. (To be honest, I don't know why I just revealed that secret to the world when most of you would believe me if I said I loved the water, without any embarrassing stories being told but ah well! I hope the little tale was entertaining). Getting back to what I was saying, I have always loved the water and the rush we got on the powerboat felt like my passion exploding on a whole new level. The rush through my blood, bones and hair was so exhilarating I never wanted it to end. Unfortunately it had to though, as the heavens opened up and we all started to get soaked. The aftermath of which I'll post in a picture at the bottom so lookout for that too if you want to see that mess.

The next day was pretty chill. The weather was forecast to storm, so we didn't go out on the boat, but instead Papa Sears taught us to fish. This experience at first seemed fun (whilst the rod laid motionless in the water) but when I got the first bite of the day I panicked, cried and thought I'd killed a living creature. Steve took a picture of this - because apparently that's what you do when you catch a fish, not because he thought it was funny to see my reaction, although in hindsight, I bet it was pretty hilarious to see my scream every time the fish wriggled - that I'll post below (I look like a mess in the picture because I didn't think we were going out that day so my hairs a mess and I'm in slacks and I didn't realise fishing involved photos, but the point to the picture is you can see the fear in my eyes, even though I'm clearly trying to follow Papa's instructions to "smile", so look out for that). All my worries melted away though when I saw Steve unhook the little fishy and he swam away all happy and free. I caught 3 fish that day... with the help of my host sister Kate, who hooked me up with new bait every time fish ate the one off my hook. Shoutout to Kate - my main gal, big G, little sister - thanks a bunch hunnie, I'll make sure to mention you in my speech when I win my greatest fisher of all time award.

Day 12 involved our second boat ride. This time, there was no rain, only true perfection. It was on this ride that Sam and decided our future goal in to have a boat of our own one day. (I know we're students right now but it's not a bad thing to dream big right?) Papa Sears also let us drive the boat ourselves for a little bit - see photos of my elated face at that moment, posted at the bottom. That evening we also went to a sweet little pub place where we had incredible food and an incredible waitress. I had a vegetable and garlic linguini. I was INCREDIBLE - even the next day it was good when I ate the second half as leftovers - all my American family were very proud that I was truly embracing the American within me ;)

The next day Laura and I did a food shop again in the morning. We found out on this shopping outing that in New York State you can't buy wine at a supermarket - only liquor stores - and that our cashier believe 4% "wine products" counted as wine, as she tried to defend the walmart she worked at. **All the British people now start rolling their eyes and tutting at this lady for insulting our intelligence**

Sam and I also spent a little of this day watching TV, having lunch together and then playing Catan and cards with the family after dinner. We also had deep talks from 9pm-1am the evening of day 13/early morning of day 14.

Day 14 we went out on the boat again. We went tubing (photos below) and we went back to the pub with the nice waitress for dinner. Day 15 we went boating again, but this time, we went at sunset. What a gorgeous experience! We also ate at Kate's favourite resteraunt for our last dinner in Chautauqua.

The next day we were all up early. We packed and got cleaned up rather swiftly, yet thoroughly, and we were back in Perry for early afternoon. The event of the rest of this Saturday I will tell in my next post.

So, before I end this blogpost, I want to apologise for saying in my last blog that I'd get this one written within the next couple of days. The reason it has taken me weeks to write this is because we were actually already in Chautauqua when I wrote about Chicago and I planned on writing about the week in Chautauqua as soon as we got back to Perry. Little did I know, we were busy every day once we got back to Perry (whether that be because of our breakfast/lunch/dinner plans, or if we had stuff on with friends or if we had things on with family etc); in the next post you will see exactly how busy we were that final week! But why Alice, have you not written these blogs since returning to England? Well, we arrived home at 5:30pm on Monday and I was back at work Tuesday early morning. Then, we went to go see family the following Saturday and give out presents for all the birthdays we missed and see everyone. Sunday was my first moment in a very long time, where I've had any time free so that I could write this and then I didn't have time to find all the pictures I wanted to add so it had to wait until the following weekend for me to finally post it, so please excuse me for the delay. I would like to get the final America post written and published next Saturday; hopefully this time I can actually meet this deadline I'm setting.

As usual I want to thank everyone who cares enough to read these posts and everyone who sends me messages and comments regarding mine and Sam's lives and trips; your support and love means so so much. Love you all and I'll post the following posts ASAP.

-Alice xxxx