Novotel Milton Keynes

With time rapidly dwindling I went down to Banbury way this afternoon to visit my brother et famille before I leave, taking the opportunity to say goobye to two young nephews - one of whom was able to appreciate some of the implications of what I am doing, "But what if you get sick?" he asked. :-)

Back up to Stoke in the late evening. Last day of preparations tomorrow.

A quick update. Things have moved on, including us. We're pleased to report that a few days ago Brian the van was declared healthy, after some serious re-constructive surgery!

On Monday we left Norfolk and began a series of public transport journeys that would take us from Norwich to London, London to Cheltenham (to visit with friends for a couple of nights) and then Cheltenham to Birmingham to finally pick up our beloved Brian. We ...

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.

Ahh Paris is over - and the long journey home to Australia is just beggining!

So this morning started with a little sleep in - well compared to our regular mornings! Relaxed brekkie and checked out of the hostel by 10, with little plans for the day except to pass the time!

So we wandered up our street - the Rue de Fabourg de Temple, filled with butchers, bakeries and cheap clothes stores - very cheap! If only i lived in the climate where i ...

... girls. A friend's daughter is a talented singer, so we headed out to watch her perform, have a couple of bevvies and catch up with Uncle Alan, who stopped by to say hello before heading to work.

Saturday was a very relaxed day. We did our packing - i can't believe how much stuff we've picked up along the way!, finished the washing and had a nap. Then around 2ish ...

... time to go travelling we are hurtling towards departure day with many things yet to sort out.
To-do lists grow despite striking things off. “Highest priorities” is a pointless consideration as there is nothing that can be left undone. There are three main categories: van modifications, paperwork including insurances and accounts, buying and readying the flat for rent. We could have fully ...

Early signs were good, the day after Johns initial session with the Chinese herbal medic there were definite signs of improvement in his skin condition and John was on a high - naturally - as it gave him hope that he hadn't had in 20 years. It was really bad timing, but a day or so later he started getting sick and wasn't sure if it was the herbs he was drinking or if he had caught a bug - either way, he couldn't face drinking the ...

... to show my passport again before we got there ) Both of us were somewhat confused to find the desk closed and no queue, then we saw a lot of people right down the other end of the departure hall and I set off to investigate As I approached I could see 2 large tables where bags where being unpacked ( like in customs ) and teams of people in military uniforms and tee shirts saying "search team" now even through it was 2am and I am not the quickest person in ...

... to spend with Kristen my partner, time to visit new countries and see old friends, time to put the not so happy times of few years ago behind me and re charge my tired beaten up forty year old soul, maybe loose wome weight and come back a new man! A dear friend gave me a card with these words on it "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Life the life you've imagined." (Henry David Thoreau) And anyone who knows me knows I have quite an imagination!!

... its spires, and there are plenty of them to go around.

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’s not the same as the Alps, but it is very pleasing to view.