Blogs from Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 7

I arrived safe and sound in the UK Friday afternoon, after some 22 hours in transit from Australia. The plane journey flying QANTAS was surprisingly good, despite being stuck in a non-isle seat from Australia to Hong Kong, however things only got better from then on! I had an entire 3 window-side seats to myself from Hong Kong to London, which allowed for ample sleeping space, and quality viewing of High School Musical 3 (its a tradition, I've watch #'s 1, 2 and 3 all whilst on the plane!!). Other than having a young British male trying to befriend me during the early stages of my flight from Hong Kong...nothing else really happened. This young guy wanted to make friends just so I could help bring his excess alcohol into the UK for him, as he ... read more

HEIDI It only seems fitting that we touched down at Heathrow airport in dense fog. We have spent almost 2 weeks in England with family and friends. Highlights so far... 1) Our friend Chris Fitchew's 30th birthday party in London at the Cobden Club. He put on quite a show, including the lead singer from Rent on Broadway performing a song, a trapeze artist, ukelele playing women and amazing singers and dancers. 2) Seeing the entire Liverpool football team in our hotel lobby. 3) Amelia dying Justin's hair blond then shaving it so he looks like an older version of Eminem. 4) Eating in a turret at The Bay Cafe on Kilburn High Street - really delicious cheap Eastern European food by candlelight. Some tips if you are planning a trip to England. Take money out ... read more

It's official, I’ve got bipolar. I keep yo-yoing between the elation of finally leaving and the sudden realisation of what I'm actually doing; I’m leaving home, with little money and even less luggage, and living out of said luggage for 5 months in countries I've never been to before, with languages i don't understand … but then I think about it and want it to be longer, I should go further, see more. Maybe this is the beginning of a new hobby. (sorry mum) It seems like such a long time ago, that day in Pizza Hut telling Annie all about my ideas for going off and seeing the world. Somewhere in between that and deciding on whether to get a meat feast or a chicken supreme, a momentus decision was made. 'Do you want to ... read more

Through the fierce hills of Oaxaca we rode; through Puebla state, Morelos, Mexico and Michoacan, where the road dipped and soared gently through the high contours, where sulphur hung on the air and plumes of pure white steam leaked from geothermal vents. We found charming, lively towns: Vallee de Bravo, where it takes a brave cyclist to tackle the quaint, but painful, cobbled streets; Morelia, where we ooohed and ahhhed at the music and fireworks show at the cathedral; Uruapan, self-styled centre of the avocado universe, disappointingly devoid of avocados, but where a passing Kelloggs delivery driver stopped to chat and load us up with snacks from his van. The avocado dearth was cured later that same day when we discovered three men with truckloads of the little beauties, and accepted a bag full of them. ... read more

As i prepare to embark on what will be a life changing experience my mind begins to go into overdrive. After a long year of planning why all of a sudden do i have an element of doubt running through my veins??? Prior to Sri Lanka in 06 i simply packed up and crashed on, okay so this time it's a little longer but still Dave. The opportunity to do this may never arise again, see travelling to me represents an amazing chance to drive right into cultures and societies that are worlds apart from my life in Britain. To travel is to learn, awaken the senses and broaden your horizons. As the day of departure is getting closer and closer I thought it would be a good time to get familiarised with TravelBlog. I ... read more