Best Western Whitworth Hall Country Park Durham

Countries: 1
Miles travelled by Car: 1121
Miles Travelled by bike: Do trips to the supermarket count?
Fond Farewells: Numerous
Declarations of Jealousy: More numerous (because it includes a lot of people I don't even know)
Accusations of insanity: Even more numerous (because many people made more than one)
Bricks Shat: 53
Tasks left incomplete at time of departure: 2
Tasks able to be completed via internet: 2

... out on to deck to await departure.

1704 and there was a blast from the ships horn. The ropes were cast off and, slowly but inexorably, the massive ship swung out into the harbour. Over the next hour I watched the lights of Newcastle recede until they were just a thin orange strip, illuminating the darkened horizon.

The 'King of Scandanavia' was as you would expect for a short haul cruise ship - bars, restaurants, and a 2 screen ...

... up the bikes, we all headed off towards Scarborough to pop in and see Nathan aka the "Postman" & "Dot". Nathan rode from Sydney to London on a moped (named Dot) earlier this year and is a really lovely one off character. We all turned up & his Father supplied tea & biscuits for us all. Thanks Nathan & good luck with the book.

I was getting really excited ...

Well this is day one.

Left Haverhill at 10am this morning and was in Newcastle at the Angel of the North by 15:00. Not bad going for an old thing (the car not me!!!) lol. Stopped at the Angel of the North and took a few pictures, just need some wi-fi so that I can upload a few. Then off to my first stop over, Newcastle YHA. Checked in, handed over £20 and and went up to my room with a packet ...

... profession in the world'.

3) Learn some more Hindi. Especially the phrase "Get your hands off my ass you dirty old man."

4) Swap the alcohol habit for a much more peaceful philosophical weed habit. Write some 'interesting' poems for my portfolio as a result.

5) Always carry toilet paper to avoid the 'Indian' method....

6) Try to look fit despite having a shiny bald heid. Result of a brothers bet. More on that next time.

... Dan and I went to the toilet at Starbucks, then headed to the tourist information Centre. We wanted to walk up the spire but the Church wasn't reopened until 1pm, so we lined up at got a Cod and chips at a Fish 'n Chip shop. The fish and chips were a bit oiley, the fish inside the batter was very nice, the chips a bit average. We watched a street performer get out of a straightjacket and chains whilst we ate. He was pretty entertaining ...

... There was a great guide contained which tells me about managing my fellowship. This covers what to do, how to do it and how to keep in touch with the trust. It's really easy to read and covers all those nagging questions I had in the back of my mind. There is also a form to complete to get my very own WCT business cards. How professional will I look handing these out to my contacts when I travel? Another great idea. Plus their travel ...

... and cathedral from invaders. Its very well preserved; the town centre basically consists of three main cobblestoned streets each of which are dwarved and shadowed by the imposing castle (used in scenes of the Harry Potter movies :-) ) We stayed in 'the bachelor pad', four aussie boys in a narrow two story pad... grotty... but friendly. It was great to be back amongst aussies, we didn't realise how terribly we missed the accent until we ...

... Mr. Leary's post for a list of questions he asked some students - many of them are the same as what 7th graders asked. Mrs. Laron is still trying to reach the queen - but we understand after her birthday last week she is pretty tired. Maybe she plans to meet us at the plane in London on Saturday morning! Better go - off to Hadrian's Wall, housesteads fort, and more shopping at a China Seconds shop, and finally a CASTLE!!!!!!

... And just beyond the trees are the houses of the town of Ratho. If one looks closely enough, one can see the townspeople beginning their day. About that time, some of the other employees of Ratho Hall drive up the long driveway to start their work day. They enter through the front door, letting in with them a burst of moisture heavy, sweet smelling air. That air mixes with the scent of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. The combined scent works its way up the ...