Hilton Swindon

Willie and Kath came up for a few day's at half term in October, to catch up with Sid and Debbie and to get a wee rest if that is possible with two small children!! They went on a pumkin hunt at Blenheim but did not tdo the hunt , instead they had a fish and chip picnic in the park, and ran around with the kids all afternoon. Here are a few pic's mailnly of Maisie and Ruan.

As much as I love the idea of travelling and exploring the world I don't fancy the logistics of it, i.e. preparations, sorting everything out before we go, etc. That's probably because I bare some symptoms of OCD and freak out when things happen not the way I'd planned them. Anyway, here are some things we had to sort out before our departure: <br><br>1. Passport - I changed my surname due to marriage so had to apply for a ...

... not possible. Now, with just 3 months to go it's real, it's tangible, it's there, waiting around the corner. <br><br>Many things have happened during those 16 months of waiting. We got married with Michal and as a result of that my surname is far less difficult to pronounce and far easier to spell. Unfortunately, the same doesn't apply to my first name, Malgorzata, which has sadly remained a nightmare. Call me Gosia, please. <br><br><br>

Dinner last night at The Old School House in Port Isaac was probably one of the best we have experienced this trip. Starters were Smoked Duck then Grilled Scallops, mains were Tiger Prawns in an asian sauce and Whole Grilled Bream stuffed with crab and lobster meat. Desserts were the now obligatory Creme Brulee and Chocalate Pudding. An Australian wine complimented the meal just nicely.<br><br>Next morning ...

... old guy.. Mr Scrooge I think his name was. One place had gone all out,with a spooky entrance and a grave in the front yard. The kids had great fun, lots of lollies. One poor kid got to running around and tripped over on the road.. lollies and body parts everywhere!! <br><br>Guy Fawkes night was a good night.. cold though. The school put on a fireworks display and fireworks went off all over the town, that night, the weekend before and for about 3 days after!! lol

... run down them!! <br> In Bath we started at the Huntsmen, very appropriate.. lovely pub except I went to the loo and when I came out I couldn't find my cousin.. she'd gone upstairs out of the way. You could imagine everyone was staring at me quite intently as I walked around and around the pub.. but not upstairs. I think I found her just as she was coming out of the loo! <br> Another pint and then we decided we were hungry so ...

... should be a nice relaxing flight. We're driving up to Heathrow and parking at the sirport, so hopefully that will not be too stressful!<br><br>Anyway, keep checking back for updates over the next 3 weeks, I can't guarantee they will be regular, but will try to post when I can...<br>

... a few days. Spent the last week of night's staying up till the wee little hours chatting to Ben online about NZ and my plans... we're both so excited- screaming, jumping up &amp; down on the bed, dancing in my work cube when noone is looking have ALL happened! So Ben &amp; I originally planned our travels and we were gonna be about 2days apart so we've each moved a day so now we ...

... East Indian food and some excellent British beer. After a wonderfully spicy meal Gabe forced everyone to participate in a spa evening. He had purchased an organic facial mask from Lush that claimed to rejuvenate the skin. It took a few beers before everyone (you know who you are) would participate. Once all of our faces were covered in the green goop everyone could really feel it working, perhaps it was the beer. The next day chilling out was the order of the day. Feeling fresh faced ...

... its spires, and there are plenty of them to go around. <br><br>After touring Oxford, we headed to Stratford via the Cotswolds. We were driving through some of the most picturesque countryside you could imagine. The beautiful rolling hills, and off in the distance, you could see village church towers (square towers) rising up above the trees. It&#8217;s not the same as the Alps, but it is very pleasing to view.