In the weeks after finishing work.

Well its been almost 2 months since leaving work for my career break and the adventure which lies ahead of me. The burning question "What are you going to do with all that spare time before you leave the UK????" well don't ask silly questions I have been a busy busy gal!!
I really don't know how I used to fit in time to go to work. So the 7 weeks before I started my epic trip to Asia and Oz, I did a tour de UK which was great, and anyone that knows me can be assured that there was lots of alcohol involved. It wasn't my fault I was being toasted by many a friend to my great adventure.
My first port of call was to North Yorkshire with my mum for a chill out few days, which was fantastic few days away. TFirst things first was a full english breakfast in Sainsburys in Huddersfield well a girl has to eat!!! After a couple of hours drive we arrived at Eden Camp, which was a Prisoner of War camp from WW2, there was about 30 huts which told the story of the first and second world war, exhibitions of the blitz, trenches etc. Probably the funniest thing there was an outside loo in the Blitz exhibition where you could try to pull open the door and a man in a thick yorkshire accent shouts "hang on a minute, wait your turn!" . The puppet show with Vera Lynn in the music hall is worth the wait *** top tip don't sit in the front row if you don't want to get wet!! Next stop was Castle Howard, the drive up to the house was along one of the straightest roads I have ever seen. The house over looked a lake which provided a magical romantic feel transporting you back to the 1930's and makes you feel like you should have been an extra in Brideshead Revisited (Castle Howard was the amazing setting for the film/tv series).
If visiting Castle Howard make sure you make the trip up the road to the Lavender Farm and have the Yorkshire version of a Devon cream tea, they are made with lavender scones straight from the oven..... My mouth is watering just thinking about them.
The next couple of days were spent in York, a city with an amazing history and to be honest my favourite city in the UK, I never tire of visiting York from walking along the city walls or by the river, to visiting one of the many museums in and around the city. Plus there are many many pubs for that cheeky pint and good old Yorkshire grub, I would be a liar if I told you I didnt partake a couple of times. (I recommend the "Ye Old Sun Inn" just off the A64 on the outskirts of York, the food was amazing esp the Yorkshire tapas! very yummy plus I know the owner from school! I'm still waiting for my pint on the house Ashley!!!!). My highlight in York was the ghost walk around the city,( I took the one that starts outside the pub on the river which always floods and can highly recommend it). York is supposedly the most haunted city in England, well I didn't see any ghosts that night but I sure saw quite a few "spirits".
It was back on the road on the Tour De UK, seeing friends and family to bid them farewell for the next year! many a place was visited, Manchester, Liverpool, Chatham, Pirbright, Basingstoke, Southampton, Poole and Weymouth.I really must get shares in Esso! I don't think I will forget the Chatham hangover for a while where the kebab house advertises that its open late but closes before 10!!
Before I knew it, it was time to jump on a plane again and fly to the mecca of all drinking and partying ...... the Irish certainly know how to do it!! Yeap I''m talking about Dublin, it was blissful 3 days chilling out with Lisa, drinking champagne, meeting the 2 dutch men, who had learnt English from a nun and speaks English in a womans voice, I couldnt possibly tell you what he said about why he couldn't drink Corona, but Lisa knows!!! All I am going to say the Dutchman thought he was on the Trisha show!! After meeting the Dutchman, PC Minesweep and Mr Heinz (I make baked beans) seemed pretty normal! Dublin certainly broke the bank 11 quid for 2 pints of lager.... ouch. Roll on February when we get together for our next trip in Thailand or somewhere near which is hot and exotic. (just like Lisa and I!!)
Aunty Lou AKA the Ambulance Diva wanted a trip for her birthday (I wont mention which one!) so the 4 Golden Girls (and no we aren't 4 girls in out 70's!) took a trip to Edinburgh!! We hadn't reached the city before Collette needed a wee dram after a wee drama (yeap she was singled out but customs for a full search at the airport!) and it was only 9.30 in the morning!!! At least the Customs guys at Bournemouth airport didnt 'the release the royal wig!!! Instead of staying in a hotel, we decided to rent an apartment by the Royal mile for the 2 nights in Edinburgh, I can recommend this as a cheaper option to staying in a hotel, plus we had a really chilled out time, it was much more relaxed and socialable than staying in a hotel. ( great location too!!!). The weekend was filled with laughter, lots of giggles, beer, tarot, and haggis! The four of us (Lisa, Collette, Lou and myself) will have the vision of the picture which was taken on the ride at the Edinburgh Dungeons etched on our memories for the rest of our lives. Luckily not one of us bought the picture but Im sure we will all agree the 10 pound entrance charge was worth every penny when we saw this picture. Yet another great weekend with my fabulous friends.
Next stop Manchester Airport for my 30 hour journey to Jakarta .......... and will learn how to use my camera!!!

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