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Published: November 30th 2006
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So after the whirlwind trip around Europe I was back to England. I spent a day or so back in Chelmsford tidying up and organising lots of boring stuff that needs to be done when you are moving out and leaving for good.
After that I left for London, and met up with Nicola from my Inca Trail trek last year. We actually caught up on the anniversary of the day we left for our trek last year, which was rather spooky and cool. So that was pretty good seeing her and her friend as we chatted away, before I took the train back into London. It was really late when I got to Paddington station (think I was on the last tube for the night) and caught up with the inebriated pair, Brett and Heather. We caught the start of the Ashes and great to see Australia dominate. Brett got in an argument with a Pommy guy there who stated that he played first-class cricket in Australia (don't worry for those of you who don't understand), anyway this set Brett off and a weird argument erupted. Funnily enough Brett tried to argue that he had played first-class cricket in
Manchester
Helen, Heather and me Australia and changed his name to Matt Berriman (who has never played first-class cricket)!
Next day I let the other two sleep in (or miss work) and headed off for a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. Just made the bus in time and headed to Stonehenge first, many people I know have said there is nothing to it, so I went in with low expectations and with an audio guide I actually thought it was pretty cool. Listening to how it got there and pointing out exactly where and the different theories that exist, plus it was a good morning too!
Then to Bath, which is a very pretty place. Lots of money is seemingly around and its really impressive. We headed to the Roman Baths first, with the natural hot springs the Romans found and made these baths. It all looks rather dirty though, but I guess when you only excavate it 20 years ago its going to be like that after hundreds of years ago (plus they are still excavating! From here I just wandered around the town basically, over the bridge which is lined with shops, one of only 3 like this in the
world. When you go across the bridge you don't actually realise its a bridge it just feels like another street, as the shops keep out the view of the river.
Its a great place and I wish I had more time there, but we had to go back. I was extremely pleased that on the way back as we travelled through Slough, most of you would think why, but with the setting of the tv show The Office, I was in seventh heaven. Trying to get through London traffic was as usual a nightmare, but got back and kicked back at Brett and Heather's before going out to watch the cricket again - this time a more quiet night.
Said goodbye to those two kids, leaving them to endure the English winter, before catching up with Kev (from Irish trip) on a spur of the moment and also Georgie from the trip. Great catching up after over 2 months apart and seeing what we were all up to (and a few Guinness for old times sake). Then I rushed to get my train to Manchester, which I made with no time to spare. Got to Manchester after 2
Good bye
With some of the guys from Chelmsford and a half hours and wandered around, taking in the newly set up ice rink and feeling Christmassy (well winter Christmassy, weird for a guy from Australia). Then looked at a few shops before getting the tram to see Heather .... Went back to her and her sister's (Allison) place and kicked back and chatted away before a couple at TGI Friday's (very Manchester!).
The next day got up and headed out to see Heather play hockey. I absolutely froze watching it even though I was rugged up. But they played pretty well and it ended up being an exciting game, with Heather's side equalising late in the game to hold a 2-2 draw. Back in the car I removed the icicles attached to my fingers and we went back to her place, where we got some pizza and lounged about, before Heather's friend Helen arrived. She had just come back from her time in Australia, mostly speint in that wonderful city of Melbourne, so we chatted about that, before another of their friend's, Jack turned up to even things up and give me something more manly talk about. We had a few drinks before heading out for the
night, and it was a pretty fun night as at midnight it tipped into my birthday. Some good times.
Up early the next morning, and said goodbye to Heather, who was very hungover, at the time I thought she was annoyed with me again, but I guess its all okay. Then missed my train back to London (I actually watched as it pulled away), and had to wait for another one, which took about 4 hours to get to London. Caught up with Kev again who bought me lunch for my birthday and got me a cake (what a great guy!) I hope you surprise your family good in a couple of weeks mate! Then I was off to get back to Chelmsford for my going away/birthday party back there at my local (I was late) and most were there watching the Chelsea v Man United game anyway. Another great night was had as I said goodbye to some well made friends over these past 2 years, some very good people and will miss them. It also allowed for some more Ashes banter, for which I had some more ammunition than last year (thank goodness we pummelled those Poms
this time!). Can't remember getting home, but up the next day and cleaned up and all that stuff, before Graham (the guy I was sharing with there) took me out for a goodbye dinner and some drinks that night.
Then it was off on the train to Heathrow Terminal 4 and my flight out of England. It felt rather weird leaving it this year knowing I won't be back (for a while anyway and probably not in the same way). I guess last year I already had an idea I would be back in 2006 or 2007, so it didn't feel like a real goodbye. But this time I was off and heading west once more, on my way for a 9 hour flight to Vancouver!!!!!!!!!!
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I had a very good time in England over these past two years. At times I wondered why I stayed at other times I didn't want to be anywhere else. I hope this doesn't sound too bad (as its not meant to) but moreover I think it was a love-hate relationship with the place, but more to the love side. I will only go back with positive thoughts and thats
Kev and Me
A Guinness for lunch in London the best way to be about it I think.
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michelle
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ADVENTURE DAN
wow, what an amazing time you have had. i have followed you around the world, just trying to imagine how much fun you were having Glad that u r on ur way home! travel safe cant wait to catch up!