The families who make it feel like home

I am less than a week into the official 'research' part of my travels and tonight I spent the evening wandering the gorgeous streets of York alone. Is there anything more lonely than asking for a table for one at a restaurant? Or having to use the self timer on your camera to take a picture of yourself that is not an arms length selfie? 

Making the most of the self timer function on the camera.

Thankfully, the Nuffield network (or should I say family) comes through! I've had the opportunity to stay with two past scholars: Robert Neill in Scotland and Nick Chippindale in England, so far. It is a breath of fresh air to be welcomed into a home environment which is full of good fun and great food. 

There is so much to be learned from these scholars, not only about their agriculture businesses, but about their Nuffield experiences as well. And their families have a lot to offer too! As Lorna Chippindale said to me last night - staying with a family returns a sense of normalcy to a time when things are so out of the ordinary.

I feel blessed to be welcomed into the beautiful homes of these beautiful people. I'm looking forward to more visits with the Nuffield network in the coming weeks, and to welcoming fellow scholars into my humble abode when I return from my travels. 

Gorgeous sunrise view over Scottish borders from Robert Neill's house.