Blogs from Newbury, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 2

Last week, I went on the train to Newbury. My aim was to see Donnington Castle as I have a passion for old dramatic buildings and ruins... I did manage to get there but it is a 40 min walk from the railway station, more than I thought. Unfortunately I didn't get much time to see Newbury but I will come back one day and take the photos, Newbury deserves... Newbury is the principle town of West Berkshire but is probably most famous for its racecourse. The Kennet and Avon Canal, a man made canal which is 92 km long canal, connecting the River Kennet and the River Avon, flows through Newbury and together with Victoria Park the canal forms a lovely green area right in the town centre. Donnington Castle is situated just north of ... read more

Time is ticking by and every day I intend to write something and find that it is too late or another job on the list has to be done first so tonight I intend to try one more entry and navigate my through the bog pages of instructions. i also realised I did not check my spelling either last time so apologies for any more typos! After almost three happy years at Priors Court School the time came to leave last Friday and I had the opportunity to say good bye to many dear friends and close working colleagues. It was alovely day and we enjoyed lunch together in the classroom and an opportunity to chat and exchange email addresess etc. Farewells in the big hall was sad and lovely to see so many people there ... read more

So 2 days to go then! Having first applied for this VSO placement way back in April 2007, I've been feeling anxious to get on with it for some time now. Maybe giving up work so early was a bit optimistic, but really, this run up period has been absolutely amazing. Lots of lovely people to spend lovely time with, but also, I've really had an opportunity to ready myself emotionally for going away for so long. Whilst mindful that whatever I imagine my life will be like in India will no doubt be miles from reality, having had time to read, talk and imagine all the newnesses of my new environment, work life, social life and indeed spiritual life, has without doubt not only given me strength for some possible 'snakes' I might meet along ... read more

Gday Everyone At the moment we are sitting in a hotel in Newbury, Berkshire having coffee after another delicious dinner. Where we left off we were on our way to catch a train to Dover. After a heated debate between our consciences we paid for First Class Seats on the train which was well worth it as we had plenty of leg room and a table to plan the next stage of our journey. We arrived at Dover at about 1.00pm and caught a taxi to pick up our hire car, which wasnt ready as we had it booked for 2.00pm. They did their best but they had to upgrade us to a brand new (62 miles on the clock) Vauxhaul Zafira Station Wagon. After a hectic first few days we decided to just stay at ... read more

Day 1 I am at work for the final time in 3 weeks (thank goodness!) I will be leaving at 4.30pm on the dot and rushing to get my bags and head to the train station for Heathrow. So the travels begin. Hopefully the next time I write I will have safely landed in Bangkok, found our hotel and absorbing the rustle and bustle of Koh San Road. Sounds idyllic but knowing me it wont turn out quite like that! Over and out! Sx... read more