Summer in London

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Hi Guys, I've been writing this blog on and off for a while so it's a wee bit old but here goes anyway..

on Tuesday 14th July I jumped on the train from Kings Cross and headed on a 3 hour journey to Durham (northern England) where I was met by my friend Zoe (who you may remember from my African Blog).

We had a lovely day in Durham, and Sunderland, not only did she take me on a walking tour to see the Cathedral, we also paddled down the river in a Canoe Boat and had a three course lunch in a beautiful old Castle called ‘Lumley Castle’. That evening we went for a stroll along the beach and came back to a delicious meal of Pumpkin and Prawn Risotto and ‘Lumpy Bumpy’ Icecream Cake which her Mum Anne had made for us.

On Wednesday we started at Gateshead and saw ‘The Angel of the North’ then headed into Newcastle. We walked up Grey Street and saw all the beautiful old Architecture then headed to the Quayside and visited the Baltic Flower Mill Art Gallery. We walked over the Millenium Bridge then had a drink in the sunshine before heading home to relax.

That evening Zoe had chosen a gorgeous old Country Pub to take me to for Dinner. Alan drove us out there and it reminded me so much of home to see all the vast green land. The pub was named ‘The Three Horse Shoes’ and we enjoyed a delicious Dinner there as well.

I headed off early the next morning (cheap train tickets) and said goodbye to what was a lovely two day break. I can't get over what amazing hosts Anne, Andy and Zoe were it was such a lovely break from London.

Since then we've had yet more people leaving with Gibbs and Courtenay heading back home, had a nice farewell for them though (you may have seen the pics on facebook).

Last weekend (the 29th-31st July) we had what was probably our last CDO (cousins day out) weekend away as we're all headin gback for the Wedding in December and two will be staying in NZ. We left for Paris on the Eurostar on Friday around 5.30pm and arrived in at 9.30pm. We dropped our bags at our Hotel then headed out to a local Restaurant close by for Warm Goats Cheese Salads and Beer before bed.

We were up early on Saturday to get to the Largest Antique Markets in Europe before the crowds. It was a hot day so we strolled round until lunchtime then headed for lunch and Wine. That afternoon we walked along the River Seine and freshened up before another delicious meal at a small place near Moulin Rouge. After lots of wine we jumped on the Metro and were home by 1am.

Sunday was a lovely day, in the morning we strolled around by the Eiffel Tower then walked down the Champs Elysees. We got on the Metro around 2pm after a morning of walking and headed to a Parisien Restaurant that Clint's French flatmate had recommended. What a recommendation it was too! It was the most gorgeous place filled with locals Wining and Dining, the scene was set with the french music and relaxed atmosphere. We sat there for 5 hours drinking French Wine with our delicious three course meal and chatted away until it was time to head back to get the Eurostar at 8.45pm.

I was home by 11pm (was a wee bit of an anti climax having to go a different route on the tube) after taking a detour home -I should expect the tubes to be down on weekends by now but it's still a pain! Up for work on Monday for my last week (which brings me to my next paragraph..).

I may not have mentioned to some of you that i've found a new job. It hasn't worked out well with my current one (won't go into detail as this blog is on the world wide web) but i'm happy to say that I have a lovely new family 8 minutes from home with a 21 month old girl and a 5 week old baby. So I can't wait to get started with them! (start on 22 Aug)..

My flat has changed yet again, we've had a new couple move in (both kiwis) who seem really nice so that's good. So as of January i'll be the only existing housmate. I'm also hoping to get a phone line at our house in the next month so that I will be able to keep in contact! (as of next week i'll have no internet access at all and this week is limited).

Other than that no real news, can't wait to see you all very very soon.

Lots of love,

Olivia xxx

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