Blogs from Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 6

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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester February 6th 2015

After making several small backpacking trips over the years, we knew that the first important thing for us was choosing the right backpacks. In the past we opted for 60L Karrimor rucksacks as they were well priced, well sized for first time backpackers and appeared to be somewhat durable. These bags did in fact do the job, they were comfortable and remained in good condition after a few backpacking trips over the years. What was there not to like? Well on the road, we met other travellers who took front loading backpacks which opened from the front (like a suitcase). This was when we first experienced backpack envy. Ours opened at the top (a top loader) and so our things had to packed on top of each other. This made access to items at the bottom ... read more
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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester February 6th 2015

Before we tell you what we packed, you must know that packing is a ART. After progressing from dump and squash techniques, to folding and rolling, then grouping our items into separate bags, we found our perfect method to packing. Packing Cubes. Packing Cubes are small zippable bags that you can use to help you organise your luggage. Whether backpack or suitcase. This allows you to bring more and helps you group your items according to different groups such as outfits, daywear/evening wear, or by item. We chose the latter and therefore packed our bottoms and shorts in one, tops in another, underwear in another and so on. Rather than overcomplicate things we’ve kept it simple. Believe it or not this is a list of what we have packed for our upcoming 12 month adventure! We ... read more
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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester February 6th 2015

Its 2 days before we begin our adventure and we both are a mixed bag of emotions; shocked, overwhelmed, nervous and excited all at the same time. This is something that we both have wanted for a long time and we never knew whether this would remain a dream or actually become reality. But here we are, all packed and ready to go. We have had to quit our jobs, pack up sell our house, move to C’s mum house, finalise bills, sell the car (as of yesterday) and in general tie up most loose ends. You don’t realise how many things you accumulate over years and fail to let go of until you really do have to downsize to a couple of boxes. But we’ve done it!. It has taken a lot to get here ... read more
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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester July 28th 2014

This is a bit of a random post, but since I'm away travelling I thought I'd ask my (wonderful, patient!) boyfriend back home for his thoughts on me being away. Turns out he's a bit worried I might forget him (er, likely!)... When I tell my friends that my girlfriend is travelling through South Asia, Australia and New Zealand for a year after finishing her degree, I get the usual jokes about Oz being full of ripped surfer guys who like nothing more than short-lived flings with backpackers. And whilst I trust the girlfriend implicitly, these comments do tend to play on my mind. Additionally, I like to do nice things for her because she is lovely. So, I have implemented a few (maybe sneaky) techniques throughout her travels to ensure that she doesn’t forget about ... read more
cocktails - Laura can't get enough of these apparently


Shockingly, a second entry to this thing. Mainly as I'm bored at the airport. Rules of the airport in full force... having a pint. Pondering a family member that we lost at the weekend, keith (my cousin lizzies husband) left us suddenly on saturday. Brilliant man who helped me greatly through a rough patch a few years ago. Still in shock about the whole thing and can't believe he's gone. Can't imagine what my cousin and the kids are going through. Decided I will embrace this adventure like I know he would have done. Cheers keith... read more

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester » Manchester April 16th 2014

Geo: 53.4807, -2.23451... read more

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester » Bolton February 14th 2014

So at last it began. After all the researching, planning and discussing, the time had finally arrived for us to head off on the first leg of our future travels. We weren’t sad to leave the UK. At 11.30 am on Wednesday 12th February 2014, we threw our bags into the boot of the taxi, jumped in the back seat as quickly as we could whilst cursing the awful British winter. Torrential rain hammered down in lumps, an icy, vicious wind blew a gale and the temperature was cold enough to not actually care what the thermometer said. This would not be missed, that was certain. A full twenty five hours later and we were handed a much appreciated welcome drink by the friendly Receptionist at our first port of call – Sanur in Bali. For ... read more
A Wet and Windy Manchester Airport
Looking For Our Onward Flight From Doha

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester » Bolton February 8th 2014

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
Packing Is Well Under Way

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester » Manchester January 10th 2014

Geo: 53.4807, -2.23451Had to get up early today as we had an 8.12am train to catch to Manchester, so we all had to jam the last few things in our suitcases and do the final part of cleaning before we had to carry all our bags down those 52 stairs! Poor Clint got that job!We had to walk luckily downhill all the way to the train station for about 10 minutes then find what platform our train left from. As we were a bit early, we grabbed some breakfast to take with us for the 3.5 hour journey. The countryside was very green and in parts there were still signs of all the rain they had with so much water lying everywhere. We passed many towns between Edinburgh and Manchester, with the hope we would see ... read more
On the next train to Chester
Lunch on the train!
Manchester stadium

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater Manchester » Manchester January 8th 2014

After 18 months in the Philippines I was dying to get back to the UK to see family and friends for Christmas. I even missed the cold weather somewhat, although I am ready to escape the cold and rain again now after just 3 weeks here. Manchester was great leading up to Christmas with the special markets and other sights we showed my Filipina girlfriend. She was actually complaining it wasn't cold enough which I found amusing. We also checked out Chester via train, which was a pleasant day and a good way to see the countryside. Also we visited Castleton, see picture, which was very nice for a walk and pub lunch. Then we stayed in a lovely cottage in Northumberland to experience more of the countryside. I'd never really given Northumberland much thought before, ... read more




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