Blogs from Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Not long now! Wednesday 12th February 2014 is the day our adventures begin and we can't wait. Bags are currently being packed, passports and visas readied and, for an initial three month period, we'll be swapping the grey skies of Bolton for the humid heat of the Far East. There are some plans in place in terms of exactly where we're going and when but part of the enjoyment of doing this type of thing is being flexible on time and dates. This approach allows you to lengthen your stay if you really like a place or cut it short if it's not everything you'd hoped for. This is only my second blog ever so please do allow for the CSE Grade 2 English and amateurish photography; be thankful that my Editor (Angela) will ensure most ... read more

Well, we’re at the point of no return – me and Big Nick both given our Notice at work and it all seems a bit more real. Telling the team about our trip filled me with so much excitement and pride but at the same time it was very emotional for me. There were lots of tears but overall lots of support and good wishes from my colleagues who know me and Nick well enough to understand what this trip means to us both. Next step – ensuring that our girlies are well informed about our plans for them and us whilst we’re away and sorting out the applications for the orphanages we’re planning to help out whilst over there. Katherine xxx... read more

...WE LAND IN BANGKOK Really really excited now! With less than three weeks now till we fly its all getting going, vaccinations are nearly complete for me and kim is fully covered, Just malaria left to arrange and purchase. With this comes the problem of whether to go cheap and risk side-effects or go expensive and miss out on possible side-effects. To be honest i've not even had a think as to how many we need. Only a few things left to buy for our travelling kit. Mainly little things mind, all of the bigger items such as mosquito nets and clothing were given to us as presents over christmas (Thank you very much everyone!) Organising everything is becoming a big thing. luckily since the start ive kept everything in one book and used that, so ... read more

(P) Well, we are just about ready to set off, all our last minute checks are being done, but I still feel like I've forgotten something. Our rucksacks also seem to be very full?!? Looking like we may have to ditch a few items over there if we are to bring things back :o) We are catching the Bolton train to Manchester Piccadilly. Were we will be leaving for London Euston at 1.35pm hopefully getting into London at 3.40pm, with just enough time to get some wasabi sushi and the work out the route we need to take us to Heathrow T4. Last Minute Checks Rucksack with 4 changes of clothes, i personally did't want to take all this, but as everything has been bought new, it would be a waste to leave it behind. Daysack ... read more

Hi All. Its been a week since my last blog and a few things have happened on the travelling front. First of all our travel injetcions are underway. mine are booked in for this thursday! not looking forward to this. I hate injections!! and kims are booked in for the thursday after. we both need Hep A and Thyphoid and kim needs rabies aswell. makes me wonder why i aint been given a rabies jab. we'll see this thursday maybe the nurse will tell me more are required once we've had an indepth chat about where im visiting. Also seeing as we are in NZ for the Rugby World Cup we have purchased Fiji vs Samoa tickets, which i am unbeliavbly excited about seeing as i love rugby, kim has become a fan now so it ... read more