tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68700237696107159142024-03-05T21:53:44.831-08:00A guy, a girl and the worldHappily trying to discover as much of the world as possible A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-40333744518488155182019-07-01T04:52:00.000-07:002019-07-01T04:52:40.578-07:00Our newest adventure....<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
4 weeks yesterday, on the 2nd June 2019, we welcomed a not so little 8lb5oz bundle into the world, and I don’t want to sound biased but he is bloody perfect!</div>
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This little man has been one of our best kept secrets, with no huge announcement we just decided to tell those closest to us…if you’re one of those people you must feel pretty special right about now. </div>
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Throughout my pregnancy I did toy with writing a blog once a month to document how I was feeling and what was going on. However, I had a pretty straight forward pregnancy with my only major complaint being constipation and a bad case of piles, so it would have made for pretty boring reading. I bet you never thought I’d have that trouble after all my toilet woes whilst we were on the road.</div>
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However, I’ve now decided to write a little down, as I’ve found so much help and support online through blogs from other mums and I'd like to think that I could help someone too. This combined with love and the best support from Kyle, friends and family has helped me realise that everyone “mums” differently, there is no perfect way to do anything and no matter how hard you find things, you will be super mum to your little one…even if you don’t always feel like it.</div>
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I had every intention of having a quick, natural birth. The last thing I wanted was an epidural and to not be able to push this kid out myself. From the outset I did everything I could to ensure that he was in the correct position, yoga, birthing ball and walking. Unfortunately, this guy had other ideas. </div>
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Kyle was thrilled when during the Champions league final I announced that my waters had broken, a call to the triage had resulted in an invite for inspection, and us being kept in . Don’t worry he supports Man Utd so it wasn’t that big a deal. </div>
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Labour was long (apparently a sign that your baby is back to back, how I wish I’d know that fact earlier). Starting on the Thursday evening, I suffered through Friday and Saturday with labour pains. One friend said to me, “You’ll know when it’s happening” and she was right. What I wish someone had also told me, was stuff your face at the beginning of labour whilst you can still eat and sleep. I didn’t, which resulted in me not eating or sleeping until Tuesday! </div>
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I could give you the whole labour story, but nobody wants to hear that. Instead I’ll tell you some snippits and some tips. Starting with, don’t be a hero, nobody gets medals for going through labour without pain relief. I was determined to go it alone, but after a good few hours of contractions and pushing, I agreed to gas and air. I then progressed to an injection of meptid when they ramped up my contractions with a drip. Was a wired and chatting shit, yes, but I don't remember any of what I said and I did apologise for any offence caused afterwards.</div>
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I knew things weren’t going well for me when a doctor entered the room a few hours into active labour, and yet another set of fingers were popped in my foof to find out where our boy was….it was at this point we learnt he was back to back and pretty much stuck. The doctor was positive that he could turn him around and get him out with fawceps and in the case he couldn’t, I would have to go for a c-section. This was not the plan I had, and after being read all the things that could go wrong with a spinal injection I was even more determined to push, push push! </div>
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More advice? The doctors and midwives know what they’re talking about and not everything goes to plan so if they tell you something needs to happen and is best for both you and baby, go for it! Looking back, I wish I had just gone with it instead of being so stubborn and head strong. I was lucky our baby didn’t have any problems during the whole labour and the doctor was able to turn him and get him out, but it could have all been over much quicker if I had just said yes the first time.</div>
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Personally, I think that spinals and epidurals are painted as quite scary things. You read about people losing control of their bladders, having problems with bowel movements and never getting the feeling back fully in their legs. It was stories like these that put me off having this done, but lets be honest, hardy anyone posts the positive stories, we are a nation of people that like to shout about the bad. But I can tell you that I’m fine, yeah I have to pee when I have to pee, but what mum doesn’t? People keep telling me pelvic exercises will help, I’ll keep you updated, I feel like I’m doing 10000 a day! I have successfully coughed, sneezed and laughed without wetting myself though…so let that be a positive for you.</div>
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Breastfeeding! What a subject. I hadn’t given much thought to it, and along with the perfect birth me and my little man were going to have an amazing breastfeeding journey too…because it’s natural and all babies have the perfect latch right? Wrong!</div>
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To be honest, we did get feeding down pretty quickly, he took to the boob like any man would. Thanks to help from the wonderful midwives on the maternity ward. We stayed in 2 nights and though I moaned at the time to go home, I think the extra support we got whilst being in hospital helped us learn how to feed...so make the most of it whilst the help is there!</div>
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But for me after 3 weeks of persisting my breastfeeding journey came to an end. A painful experience when my milk came in, milking myself with a pump and going through 4 cluster feeds and growth spurts I knew it wasn’t for me. I felt awful and cried with each feed, I knew he was doing well, gaining weight and getting all he needed from the boob. But I was dreading leaving the house and was in a lot of pain with my nipples, even with a good latch from the boy I just wasn't happy. And mums, that is ok! You couldn’t tell me that 3 weeks ago, but when I see him guzzling his formula and chilling in a milk coma after a feed I know I made the right decision for us both. (Plus Kyle can now help with the night feeds…winning). And to all you mums who stick with breastfeeding, I give you all the credit in the world. You should be proud of yourselves!</div>
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Something I struggled to find information on was how to stop breastfeeding without getting mastitis. There is no quick stop, dropping a feed a day, using cabbage leaves as cold compresses and hand expressing in the shower are things that worked for me. But every boob is different! Just be prepared for them to feel a little empty when you’ve finished. I’ve seen the phrase dogs ears on many a mum blog.</div>
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What else have I learnt 4 weeks in,</div>
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<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Listen to praise from anyone who wants to give you it. I’m especially thankful to the lady who stopped me in Tesco 8 days in to tell me I was doing a great job, and sorry I got a little teary.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Don’t have too strict a birth plan. What will be will be, and midwives truly are amazing! they only want what is best for you and baby.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You will poo in labour, and it’s ok. As mentioned above, midwives are amazing! Just apologise, especially if it smells.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tears, they will flow. Sad ones, happy ones, don’t know why they’re happening ones…let them out, you will feel better.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ask your mum friends anything, and I mean anything. They are the best for up to date advice and they will answer any question no matter how personal…believe me I have been there. </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When breastfeeding make sure you set up your station, biscuits and water are essential!</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Book in time alone. Except for 2 quick visits from my mum and Kyles dad, we had the first week to ourselves without visitors. This allowed us time to settle in at home as a family and get confident as parents.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On the flip side of this, accept help if you need it. Especially from your partner, I’m lucky that Kyle is a hands on dad and we have a pretty chill baby..they entertain each other no end, and he’s not afraid to change a dirty nappy. I honestly cannot put into words how much I love the pair of them.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Nappies, you can never have enough. Especially as milk is coming out as quickly as it’s going in during the early days. You will change what feels like 500 a day.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Get ready to celebrate poo. We suffered a day of constipation, and got really happy when he managed to get one out…even though it was a mini poonami.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Your baby, your rules. I don’t believe in holding a sleeping baby, or disturbing a sleeping baby. Along with kissing a baby, after having learnt what can happen…these are things I now enforce, even with family.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sleep when they sleep. I’m a massive hypocrite because I don’t do this, yet! But I will, starting this week I promise.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As cliche as this is, make the most of every second. Babies really do change every day. I’m constantly surprised when I look back at pictures from the day he was born.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Reach out to other mums, and don’t be alone. There are so many groups to visit or apps to download if you just want to chat. There is always someone awake to talk to.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Say thank you and tell people you love them. It seems so simple, but like we appreciate being made to feel good, it’s nice to return the favour.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Most important of all, do not look at your vagina! Leave it to the professionals, especially if you want to sleep again without nightmares. Use those large maternity pads as long as possible, they make look ugly but it's like sitting on a cloud.</li>
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That’s that. The above may not work for you, but it’s what is working for me and quite honestly I am just winging it and having the best time doing so. I like to think that the little man is too, he seems to smile a lot, but it could just be trapped wind.</div>
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The last 4 weeks have been a crazy whirlwind but I wouldn’t change a moment of it. I am so grateful to have Kyle, my mum, huge family and the best friends ever! (you certainly learn who they are). Our adventure is only just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what happens. #Bigthree.</div>
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xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-81990270356878228032018-05-16T12:16:00.003-07:002018-05-16T12:36:13.593-07:00Barcelona<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Travelling the world for a year was fantastic for me, but I imagine for my mum it felt like abandonment…probably worse than when I moved to York for uni. At least then I was only 2 hours up the road. So being the heavenly daughter I am I suggest a girls trip to Barcelona. </div>
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An early morning flight saw us leave the miserable cold of Manchester and touch down in sunny Barcelona. Thinking my mum wouldn’t be as brave as me, I didn’t bother looking into trains to the centre so we caught a taxi instead. Bad move, turns out Saint George’s day is pretty well celebrated in Barcelona so most of the streets surrounding our hotel were closed. Mum was ok she had a suitcase on wheels, I had a bloody holdall. But we soon found our hotel, the Oriente Atriam, a beautiful converted nunnery right in the heart of Las Ramblas.</div>
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Immediately after checking in we headed out to explore, walking up Las Ramblas wasn’t all that easy, thanks to the many stalls that had been put out for Saint Georges day, everyone seemed to be making and selling roses. All the red and white combined with the yellow of the Catalonian flags added to the beauty of the buildings surrounding us. Not too dissimilar to Paris, each building is uniquely built with ornate windows, some even have sculptures and artwork on the sides.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1lovA2siVefZJqY7vG_hdbKviwdbj0c0MkEyXpYnoH-clyS6vrGxgKMtMapKVSMWGG29ZTUsgMH8a5PiuknAfqB5XVzKYw3hX2CrPUV7j2162t8yLWMZesj0thFck1uGYArx_6DrY-U/s1600/31317976_768670344199_8931070091835998208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1lovA2siVefZJqY7vG_hdbKviwdbj0c0MkEyXpYnoH-clyS6vrGxgKMtMapKVSMWGG29ZTUsgMH8a5PiuknAfqB5XVzKYw3hX2CrPUV7j2162t8yLWMZesj0thFck1uGYArx_6DrY-U/s320/31317976_768670344199_8931070091835998208_n.jpg" width="240" id="id_1a06_17e5_7446_eece" style="width: 240px; height: auto;"></a>We stumbled upon a local market selling fruit, veg, eggs, fish, meat and tapas, But the best find was the fresh fruit juice, 1 sip of that banana and coconut smoothie had my head straight back in Asia, safe to say we spent a euro or two there each day on those bad boys! I was desperate to see the Casa Battlo, one of Gaudi’s buildings, and it tuns out so was the rest of Barcelona. Tourists filled the pavement on both sides of the road, it was like playing dodge the selfie stick just to get a good look…I soon learnt that this would be one of the busiest cities in the world, possibly worse than Shanghai! I wasn’t left disappointed though and it’s definitely better in real life than the photos!</div>
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Our first evening was spent in Placa Reial with a paella and an aperol spritz, at the time we didn’t know that this would become routine for every evening of our stay. With plenty of entertainment and good food we were content to sit in the square each night, watching acrobats, listening to music and enjoying the vocal talents of a young girl who came to liven the crowd each evening.</div>
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Our first full day saw an early rise and a trip to Segrada Familia. I’ll hold my hands up here and say I made a huge mistake, I booked us on a guided tour….it was as dull as shit! Even mum hated it, so we snuck off and took ourselves around. Large and unfinished this basilica was designed by Gaudi and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The detail of the sculptures on the outside and the stain glass on the inside is stunning, you can truly appreciate the work that has gone into it. Though mum said that she did expect it to be taller. One thing I did learn from the guide is that they think it will be finished by 2026, however they do need to find 50 million dollars to buy out the flats over the road for the space to build on….good luck with that guys!</div>
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There’s so much to see and do, so once we’d finished our tour we took ourselves off to the Gothic Quarter and got lost in the streets. Stumbling across many boutique shops, hidden alley ways and little bits of art here and there. We both loved walking around finding different things to see..each day we were there we covered just shy of ten miles!</div>
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Asia made me a total beach addict, so on our second day I dragged mum to the beach to soak up some sun. Here I made mistake number 2, we’ll get to what that was in just a minute. We walked along the harbour, looking out across the ocean to the mountains in the distance…or I was, mum was looking at the boats, pretending she was in The Real Housewives! For a city beach I was surprised by how clean the beach was, the water was clear, but a little too cold for swimming. So we chilled out and people watched, our favourite past time, especially when Ronaldo 2.0 was posing for pictures and trying, but failing, to chat up the girls!</div>
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Walking back to the hotel, we decided to walk back along the harbour and all along the front, it was a nice day for a stroll. Arriving at the Columbus monument I realised my earlier mistake. To get to the beach we’d taken the tube, 2 tubes to be precise and we’d gone up, to come back down. What a waste of bloody time, all we had to do was walk down Las Ramblas for about 5 minutes, and we’d have been at the monument, whoops! Good job the tube only costs 2 euros, hey?!</div>
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On our final day we took a trip to Monstserrat Monestary and Basilica, and again this tit booked a tour! Word of advice, if you go make your own way there by train, it’s well easy! Plus you get great views and don’t have to sit on a bus that’s going up a windy mountain. Anyway, we made it, that’s the main thing and it was amazing! This basilica sits atop a huge mountain, with views of the Alps and mountain. We wandered around the grounds, lit a candle for nana and bought delicious goats cheeses from a local market. Unfortunately, time didn’t allow for us to see the Black Madonna or the boys choir…which again, is why I would recommend the train so you can do things at your own pace. </div>
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We also didn't take the "train" to the highest part of the mountain. Now, mum will tell you this because I was scared, truth of the matter it is, it was just to hazy to see that far. (It's actually her fault that I have a tiny fear of heights).</div>
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Upon our return we took one last trip around the Gothic Quarter to Barcelona Cathedral, my favourite building of the trip. Truly fitting into the gothic title the high spears and gargoyles give this building an empowering effect in the centre of the bustling streets.</div>
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We enjoyed our final aperol and paella back in Placia Real, with some music from one man and his guitar, before sneaking in another cheeky fruit juice. A perfect end to a great girls vacay….only next time i’ll take some ear plugs to drown out someones snoring, sorry mum!</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
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A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-55564296604756596342018-04-19T09:29:00.001-07:002018-04-19T09:29:26.852-07:00No Direction Home<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No Direction Home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Co-written with David Tysall</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On the night of Monday 16th April 2018 we gave up our luxuries and slept rough for the night to raise funds to fight local homelessness and poverty. This amazing event is part of CEO Sleepout, a charity that challenges business leaders to sleep rough for a night to help make York a fairer place to live and work. <span lang="EN-IE"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m sure by now most of you have seen the above sign off on the bottom of our emails, and with the fantastic support of our friends, family, suppliers and clients we have so far managed to raise over £2,100. (please do feel free to keep donating on our Just Giving page). So, we thought it was only fair that we shed a little light on our experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nervous excitement was a shared feeling amongst the four of us as we made our way to York Racecourse with our sleeping bags, cardboard and tooth brushes. We had no idea what to expect, but I was grateful to have my Response family by my side.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Being the most organised of the group, Clare had handily packed a huge ground sheet and 12 sleeping bags. To be honest our pitch looked like a family camping trip…minus the tent of course, and it wasn’t long until other sleepers claimed their spaces around us and donned their pink Response wool hats. We of course had brought one for everyone participating to wear that night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A couple of hours of chatter were followed by talks from Changing Lives, Jen (an inspiring lady who has turned her life around amazingly since living on the streets) and our favourite ladies Jo and Mary from Chill In The Community. Each person reminded us why we were there and how important it is that each of us take every opportunity to help.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we settled down for the night and the outside lights were turned off, the chatter died down and we were left with the fight for sleep and struggle for warmth. We encountered wind, rain, discomfort and had little over 4 hours sleep each.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We went through one night of what others are experiencing on a day to day basis and it was awful. I don’t think anyone can fully appreciate the loneliness, isolation and frustrations that come with homelessness. Or the worry that comes with being one pay packet away from finding yourself without a home and on the streets. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We woke up feeling disorientated and lonely, but we had somewhere to be that day, a purpose. We knew that in an hour we would be back to our loving families, a hot shower and some breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of course we are not saying that we know how the homeless feel after one night, but we had a taste and we did not like it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Would I do it again? Absolutely, Would the rest of the crew? They are saying no, but we are a tight knit little gang here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When people criticise the homeless for alcohol problems, drug problems and the like, it is missing the point. The problem needs to be dealt with earlier, mental health is a huge problem. So the homeless find a way of numbing the pain, the loneliness and the disconnection. Before being so quick to judge, just think, any of us with three bad moves could end up in the same place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was forced to leave home at 15, and for some reason the song I listened to that got me through an awful time was <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);">Bob Dylan</a>’s Like A Rolling Stone. The lyric in particular?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose.</span></p> A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-26462835013515968002018-03-20T12:30:00.000-07:002018-03-20T12:30:38.641-07:00Paris<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We managed to travel the world for 12 months, catching numerous planes, trains and buses with no problem. But throw a little snow down in England and we’re hit with a huge disaster.</div>
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On the morning of my 30th birthday all I knew was that I had to pack a bag and be ready for 8 in the morning. I was ready at 8 in the morning and so was the Beast from the East apparently. The snow was deep and still falling, and traffic in and out of York was at a stand still…not quite the start Kyle was hoping for, only things were still to get worse.</div>
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Not even 2 miles down the road the car gave up hope, she overheated to a major lack of engine coolant, the tank was actually empty. Combine this with all traffic moving at 40mph on the M62 we were massively late for my surprise. </div>
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Half way into our journey I’d guessed that we were heading to the airport, 40 mins before our flight time and a detour to the wrong car park (thanks Google maps), we both guessed that we were going to miss our flight. </div>
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I learnt the destination of my surprise in the dullest way, through no fault of Kyle’s, and all thanks to the check-in clerk when he handed us our “chance only’ tickets to Paris. I mean I was buzzing to be going to Paris, but devastated to be missing the flight!</div>
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We were given priority check in, what an absolute waste of time! Since when did hand luggage mean 3 suitcases and 10 handbags per family? Hand luggage is a small bag that fits in this little compartments, not a bag big enough for the contents of your kitchen! Why does nobody check these things when people get their boarding passes? So yeah, “priority” was actually slower than normal thanks to the family in front and we were far too late for our flight, we did get to see it sat on the runway though.</div>
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I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed Kyle so mad, I thought this is it birthday surprise over! But seen as we had a return flight and Kyle had paid for the hotel, we got over it, booked new flights and boarded the next plane 3 drinks and 2 hours later!</div>
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One hour later we landed in Paris and caught the subway into Paris, all going well…..erm, well it was until the subway line we needed was closed and Paris has the most confusing underground system ever! Even China was easier. However, we were soon at our hotel, The Kensington, and staring at the Eiffel Tower from our bedroom window. Boy did good, hey?</div>
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Keen to explore we wrapped up in our woolies and found ourselves alone under the beautifully lit up tower. Neither of us expected to be as impressed as we were, we have spent 30% of our lives in Blackpool, but the Eiffel Tower blew us away! It is stunning and the light show is not one to be missed, especially when it’s so cold nobody else can be bothered and you have the whole tower to yourself! We walked round it, underneath it and thought about going up it, but somebody is still afraid of heights. I’ll let you guess who.</div>
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After a lovely first meal, obviously a cheese board and a cheeky glass of wine, this is Paris after all, we were quick to bed after a fairly stressful morning ready to start a fresh and face the next day head on.</div>
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We walked 10 miles on our first full day, and to be honest we probably would’ve walked more if it wasn’t so cold. Paris is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, I am in love! We followed the river to see the main tourist attractions, including the Concorde, the Louvre Pont Alexandre and Notre Damn Cathedral. Everything we saw was so impressive. I felt like my head was thrown in so many directions, there’s bits of gold here, palaces there and statues that are so well looked after. You just get lost in the vibe and comfort of the city.</div>
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What made the day more magical was the fact it had snowed over night, so everywhere had a sprinkling of white and I couldn’t help but feel that this is how Paris is meant to be seen.</div>
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Of course we lit a candle for Nana in Notre Damn Cathedral, making sure she had prime position for people watching and services. I liked the Cathedral, though not overwhelming in size, the architecture and stained glass windows are unique, and it was interesting to see how the building had developed over time.</div>
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Our evening meal was enjoyed in the Latin Quarter, a place I could quite happily move to next week. We had a delicious cheese fondue and of course followed this with a creme brulee and a little more wine. We walked for hours in and out of the little streets in the Latin Quarter, getting lost in the tiny streets, appreciating every different building, looking in boutique shops, drooling over patisseries and wishing we had more time to visit each Bistro.</div>
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Drunk and excitable, we spent another night at the Eiffel tower light show, walking around the gardens and stumbled upon the Wall Of Peace. Built in 2000, this monument is made of wood, steel and glass and is dedicated to world peace. A simple yet effective, beautiful piece of art.</div>
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Our final day in Paris was a wet one, but not ones to be deterred we set off in search of the Arc de Triumph. Which we found by accident and would’ve completely missed if I didn’t look left. After our epic day of walking the Champs Elysees was tough. Who knew when your watching the Tour De France that this is actually a bit of an incline? Not only that I had to avoid looking in any shops, including Sephora, as I didn’t want to break my own, one bag only, hand luggage rule. So let that be a tip for you if you ever go to Paris, book baggage for the way home if you like shopping, because you’re going to need it!</div>
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We had been pleasantly surprised by how quiet Paris had been UNTIL we reached the Arc de Triumph! All the tourists in France must have been there at the same time as us waving their selfie sticks around it was crazy! I’m not shocked, again it is another great site, a roundabout, but still a bloody brilliant one! We used our heads and walked underneath to the other side, where we could view the detail without being barged out of the way!</div>
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For lunch we found a cute little bistro for more coffee and cheese and pastry, I couldn’t say no, and revelled in the Parisian life…getting only mildly jealous watching the workers enjoy their lunch breaks with a bottle of wine! I could seriously get used to that?</div>
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3 days just isn’t enough, I am desperate to return to Paris, I still want to head to Montmare, eat more of the food on offer and visit the Moulin Rouge, see the parks in Spring. So without a doubt we will return, maybe setting off a little earlier or using the Eurostar next time. But for now je’taime Paris!</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-72085668193738741852018-02-08T12:50:00.001-08:002018-02-08T12:50:25.077-08:00I’m Just a Girl<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m just a girl…..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A recent episode of Peaky Blinders got me thinking, what has changed for women in the last century? Resulting in an interesting conversation with my mum, who’s not that old by the way, but knows a thing or two thanks to my nana and her gran.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I mean, imagine not being able to go to the pub alone and having to make sure you were escorted by your husband. I know myself and the girls in the office would find this impossible, we’re partial to a bottle of fizz on a Friday! Mind you some of the bars in York could adopt this policy on a weekend, that would reduce the massive onslaught of hen parties in our favourite establishments. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another issue, just think not being able to get a credit card unless you were married and your husband was willing to co-sign. This I think is ridiculous! Especially, when you combine it with the fact that most men waned their wives to stay at home. How were they supposed to do the weekly shop with no credit card? Pay the bills down the post office? Talk about contradiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We all know about the voting situation, so I won’t go into too much detail. But we all should take the opportunities that we’re offered when it comes to voting, otherwise surely the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);">suffragette</a> movement was a waste of time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Something which is still the same but not as openly advertised is differentiation in salaries. At least way back when they had the balls to say if you work here as a man you’ll get paid way more than a woman doing the same job. Now, you only hear about these things if someone walks out of a job over gender pay. I don’t really understand how this is legal, or who gets to determine why said man is worth more than said women…salary should be determined on role, and ability, not what sex you are.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m lucky enough to work in a place where “-isms” don’t matter. Nothing is about age, race or gender, we simply just roll with who has the best idea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Why do women have smaller feet than men….so they can get closer to the sink”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-22780056751264778252018-01-18T09:02:00.001-08:002018-01-18T09:02:10.008-08:00In Defence of the Fence<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m not a vegan, I enjoy sausage and mash as much as the next person, but I do choose to use cruelty free products and find myself forever checking if my favourite moisturiser is on the approved list. We must save those rabbits after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This obsession stemmed from watching a video online, where a poor young girl was subjected to the same tests lab rats go through just to see if your favourite mascara is going to turn your eyelashes the correct shade of blue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cruelty free products are a favourite of mine, but I would never introduce myself in the following way, “Hi, my names Carrie and I believe in cruelty free”. As I’m a firm believer in the fact that everyone can make their own decisions, have an opinion or sit on the fence if they want to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We stereotype and categorise, but that man with the nose ring and an arm full of tattoos could be the best doctor we’ve ever known. We eat organically because we’re told that processed food will cause cancer. But in the future, we’ll probably be told that eating clean causes cancer too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Buying a hybrid car so we look like we’re saving the environment, but taking an opportunity to switch to petrol to gain some speed and sound like a “bad boy” racer on the motorway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sitting on the fence is the inability to choose between two sides, or a lack of courage to decide. I mean most people have no issue supporting their favourite football team, but struggle in reference to political discussions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Striving for knowledge for a better understanding of a situation. But does that just make it more confusing?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was once told that only truly intelligent people can see both sides of an argument. You don’t have to agree, you just have to see the other point of view.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In light of this I’m in agreement with <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);">Tim Minchin</a>, who once sang,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“You can’t see which grass is greener. Chances are it’s neither, and either way it’s easier to see the difference, when you’re sitting on the fence”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></p>A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-18255649370720697012018-01-03T02:41:00.001-08:002018-01-03T02:41:10.136-08:00Happiness is a Hot Bath<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’ve never had to share a bath with a sibling, or use second hand bath water with the concern that it contained a little more than the days dirt. I’ve never not had central heating or a hot a shower, apart from the one winter when the boiler broke, but that’s a different story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don’t remember black and white TV and I’ve always had a remote to save myself from getting up and changing the channel using the huge buttons on the side of the TV that I’ve heard so much about. There’s always been over 600 channels to choose from, and Netflix on weekends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, in an age when life is documented on social media, I often find myself aimlessly scrolling through Facebook and Instagram and wondering are the people I follow truly happy?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The latest gym selfie, a night out with the best people which resulted in a bad head and an empty wallet, ever changing relationship status’ and pictures of the worlds cutest dog fill my screen and are seen as representations of a perfect life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But was life not more perfect when families spent time together, with their heads up looking at each other and talking, instead of down, looking at a phone and telling the world what they’re having for dinner? Playing outside, not on an Xbox? Talking, not tweeting?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When did it become normal for kids to watch videos of other children opening presents? Where’s the excitement in an ever-growing impatience to watch their favourite TV show at any time thanks to the presence of OnDemand? I remember eagerly awaiting The Queens Nose at 4.30 followed by Biker Grove at 5. If something wasn’t in the TV Guide you weren’t watching it, simple.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Am I guilty of sharing too much on my Instagram? Probably. Would I rather have had the chance to be the first in that week’s bath water? Should there still only be 4 TV channels, rather than 600? Would that simple life be better than an unrealistic version of perfect?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We do some work with Age UK, and I recently heard about their new scheme where they ask for volunteers to call or visit an elderly person once a week. Such a simple yet great idea I thought. Not only does it provide somebody with comfort and company, it gives us a chance to see a person without the use of social media and bring someone a small moment of true happiness. It’s things like this that should be documented on media.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Though I was nervous about suggesting this idea to my colleagues, I needn’t have worried…we’ve got a new activity to keep us busy next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To quote <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);">The Smiths</a>,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“It’s easy to laugh, it’s easy to hate. It takes strength to be gentle and kind”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-64904409349228578732017-06-08T11:12:00.000-07:002017-06-08T11:12:35.786-07:00The pursuit of health and happiness.So we've been back a little over 9 weeks now, we're both in full time employment, we've both voted for the first time ever, we've caught up with friends and family...and I'm left thinking, what now?<br />
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Coming back from a year away has been a roller coaster so far. For the first few weeks I felt settled and happy. I mean who wouldn't of, I went out for food about 9 times a week, spent time in the sunshine and caught up with some of the most important people in my life. But as I've got back into the 9-5, started going out less and visiting the doctors more I'm left wondering if there's more I could be doing with my life.<br />
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Take volunteering for example, just 1 day a week could make so much difference to a short staffed care home, an under privileged school or a child who needs taken care of on an evening. Is there more we could be doing to support the families and friends of those effected by the recent events in Manchester and London? Would retraining in a new field help me feel like I was doing more? Do i want to pursue a new career in the care industry or spend an evening or two a week helping out?<br />
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This is what made me vote in this years election, I wanted to make a difference. So I voted for a party I thought could. Who did I vote for? Well that would be telling. I'm not relying solely on my vote or any political party to make a difference mind, I am researching what I can do to help.<br />
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I'm still having tests on my stomach, a stool sample, a blood test and an ultrasound has revealed nothing, yet I still find myself, on occasion, weeing out of my bum! So it's a 6 week dairy free diet (which in all honesty is not going great, a girl likes the odd milky way) and a return trip to the doctors, to be booked in with the "tummy specialists' next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uH-DszcNvKNbA1m6YnItJsUAYDsxF4vxxVvEE34n4B558Y1Vi6MSWw4BJkvtKNJk7dKc2Pf69rUrLemU6V52Q0XpXT4m0P1ZDYqEx8NQ4Cni0IA6THEPuI2jsRgTAKsxQhYh9m6VDXs/s1600/18449289_10211285517388184_5704335702435089218_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uH-DszcNvKNbA1m6YnItJsUAYDsxF4vxxVvEE34n4B558Y1Vi6MSWw4BJkvtKNJk7dKc2Pf69rUrLemU6V52Q0XpXT4m0P1ZDYqEx8NQ4Cni0IA6THEPuI2jsRgTAKsxQhYh9m6VDXs/s320/18449289_10211285517388184_5704335702435089218_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>On a positive note, I've found myself reconnecting with friends I thought I'd become distanced from whilst I was away, and time spent on these relationships has really been worth it. We've become Uncle Pyle and Uncle Carrie to the little ball of energy that is our niece Paige, and spent a lot of time with her, Scott, Emma and the rest of our families. Both having realised that family is the most important thing, and appreciating the time we spend with them.<br />
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We've got a few mini adventures planned, all in England of course our budget won't allow us to travel any further, and we're saving all our hard earned money for a new house...surprisingly, in the UK. I know, I thought we were moving to Japan too.<br />
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So, whilst Kyle's happy and healthy I'm having what I call a Travellers lull, with days where I'm left thinking "if only i could rant to my nana". But fingers crossed the next batch of tummy testing shows up something, and I can get sorted and fart without fear. And hopefully I'll soon find myself an evening activity that leaves me feeling like I've made someones day that little easier. Hopefully, we all can hey?<br />
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Love Carrie xxxA guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-19032133400395878032017-04-23T05:01:00.000-07:002017-04-23T05:01:39.630-07:00Week 53 - York<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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As soon as you hit the A64 you know that you’ve only got one destination in mind…York. Driving into York cemented the fact we were home, in fact it felt like we’d never left all those months ago. Our first stop was our new home for 6 months, Jim (Kyle’s dad) and Mandy’s, so it was more brews and catch ups before we finally began to unpack all of our belongings, getting used to living out of a wardrobe instead of a backpack will take some time, now we’ve got to work out where we’ve put everything.</div>
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In a week filled with catch ups we’ve spent time with little Paige, whose taken to calling Kyle, Uncle Pile, which is just too funny to correct. I’ve enjoyed the first of many meals with my Republic girls, Amber, Jade, Liz and Vick, who have been useless this last year, resulting in this being the first time they’d seen each other since I left too. My favourite thing about these girls is that catching up is always easy, they never change and we’ve actually grown together…so yes, Amber don’t worry we all still appreciate your rudeness with waitstaff, and credit where it’s due you’ve gotten a lot better this last year. I’ve visited the Nespresso gang and avoided putting on a headset to help queue bust, and instead left wth a bag full of chocolate thanks to my good friend, Cindy.</div>
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We’ve enjoyed a few drinks in the local, and a few too many at Charley and Alana’s engagement do (congrats again guys). A great evening allowed us to catch up with almost everyone and enjoy an old school disco, a proper year 8 style Christmas party, that had almost everyone busting out the macarena. A trip into town should of been cancelled at the walls, I forgot just how crowded Yorks bars could be, and now we find ourselves at that awkward age of being surrounded by people in the 16-21 bracket or the parents who can now go out again as their kids are our age and avoiding town for looking too old…safe to say my nightclub days are far behind me.</div>
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In an attempt to keep up our adventures we’ve walked Jasper through the woods and across the Knavesmire, and played tourist in York city centre. An early rise gave us the Shambles to ourselves. Like a scene from Diagon Alley (Harry Potter), the Shambles is an old cobbled street lined with shops and restaurants in old buildings that over hang with timber frames, dating back to the 14th century and one of my favourite places in this historic city. From here we ventured to York Minster, through the museum gardens and onto the city walls. A walk I have never done in the 11 years I have lived in York, the city walls have more miles than any other city in England. Having surrounded York since the Roman times, the walls surround the city centre and offer great views of many historic buildings and the river, plus the best thing about this walk is, it’s free and open daily. Though we would recommend venturing out early to beat the crowds.</div>
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It’s been a busy week all round, on top of walks and catch ups we’ve also found time for job interviews. This means getting used to working to somebody else timings, dressing smart and for me using public transport (a massive drain on a busy York morning). But it’s also a good thing as it means we’ll hopefully get a job sooner, rather than later so we can start saving for our future and more UK weekend explorings. </div>
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And it’s here we’ll leave you for now. I’m considering an update in a few months time, we’ll hopefully be working and enjoying the sites in Yorkshire by then. But for now we’re still adjusting to being home, so if you see us and we’re looking a little lost it’s only because were taking things in and trying not to be too overwhelmed by being home. Thank you to all for supporting us on our travels for the last year, and to family for helping us survive for now. Again it’s been a fantastic year, and we’re both looking forward to seeing what happens next.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-23091024432552638402017-04-16T10:31:00.000-07:002017-04-16T10:31:22.530-07:00Week 52 - Blackpool, England<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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Blackpool for me as a child was always a favourite weekend destination. I remember pestering both parents to take me there every Saturday, whether it was just for a trip to the arcades or a day at the Pleasure Beach I wanted to be there. Now our visits to the famous seaside town take us to visit Kyle’s family. Pulling up to Kyle mums, Wendy, is always the same, she waits in the window until we pull up and comes running out to the car, only this time it was like she’d been waiting at the door…I’ve never seen her move so fast to give us a welcome back. After a catch up and a brew it was on to Kyle’s nana and grandads house, this was the first time that we’ve realised how much things can change in a year. As grandchildren you think that your grandparents are indestructible, so when illnesses come it can hit you pretty hard. Thankfully, Irene and Watty are the amazing, funny people I’ve come to know and love and aren’t letting anything get to them or change their senses of humour. Sitting with Watty, we got to learn about his gangster past back in that old London. Though he wouldn’t give us the detail Kyle and I craved we both know he was a real Peaky fucking Blinder. One day I’ll get that detail and write a book for you all to read, I’m sure he won’t mind.</div>
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Our week also contained a first, after 9 years our mums finally met. It’s a shame that a trip to the pier was ruined by the typical English weather. It’s been April showers and wind galore in good old Blackpool this Easter. Instead we had a meal and shopping trip, where dragging the mothers out of Primark was a bigger challenge than walking the wall in China. Mum also got to meet Irene and Watty, and as first meetings go I don’t think it could have gone any better…..both grandparents also censored their language for the occasion, I don’t know why, mum can swear with the best of them. </div>
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Shopping in Blackpool was a bit of a shock, though they’ve made a real effort with the front the rest of it could really do with some work. The streets are dirty and lined with dog poo, a real shame and something that worries me for the rest of our return in the UK…is it all going to be like this? Or does Blackpool council need to up their game? Though I will say that you can’t beat good old Blackpool B&B hospitality, checking into Sunnydale hotel for the weekend we were greeted by two of the nicest owners. You know the type, the ones that always win Four in a bed. The room came complete with a hospitality tray and those little milks in cartons, and there was a dining room slash “lounge” downstairs. But my favourite part of staying in a seaside B&B is the fry up in the morning, you’re always guaranteed to be served the best British bacon, and after a year without it, this bacon was much appreciated.</div>
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Kyle was over the moon when his Uncle Stewart came to visit with his wife, Sharon, and boys Tommy and Ryan. I was buzzing too as it meant a trip to Coral Island and a few goes on the 2p machines and arcade games, and for a child thats spent half his life in Blackpool I can tell you that Kyle is pretty shit at arcade games. A family meal with 15 of us and discussions of anal beads could only be had with this bunch, and you wouldn’t change them for the world….Blackpool might not be my favourite weekend destination anymore, but as long as this lot are there, we’ll still keep on coming.</div>
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So with most of our catch ups done its now Yorks turn and the return “home”. We’ve got plenty of people to see, appointments to make and still many decisions to make. I don’t really know how I feel about being back in York yet, I can’t wait to see the rest of the family and catch up with my friends, but it sort of feels like this is the actual end of adventures. We’re back where we left off and shits got to get serious…..where’s my backpack? </div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-62047663086167107232017-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:002017-04-09T11:26:42.278-07:00Week 51 - Home, The Lake District. <div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
We’ve taken 23 planes, 13 buses, 16 trains, 10 boats and owned 1 car to visit 10 countries over 12 months. We’ve taken 4,600 photos and videos, met some amazing people, become an unstoppable/inseparable duo and made some truly unforgettable memories. Many times we’ve been asked to name our favourite country, but we cant, they’ve all been good for different reasons. Take China, for the food, the technology and the fact it is the only place we visited that has very little Western influence and the only place where we depended on our ‘Point-it’ picture book, (a must have for anyone visiting China). Japan was the most unique and individual country of them all, with the friendliest, craziest people. Each corner you turned held a new experience, the gaming world of Akihabara and the waterfalls of Hakone to name a few.</div>
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Onwards to South East Asia and the busy Thailand, even in wet season its filled with tourists. Not one of my top destinations but I can appreciate why people return to the pristine islands and enjoy the flavoursome food. Cambodia is the country to make you appreciate what you have, seeing the little that people had to live on, but feeling the kindness that they were willing to share was a real eye-opener, and of course we enjoyed our wonderful experience teaching the children in Kratie with Rith and his family. For the best food in the world, Vietnam gets our vote. Eating in alleys on plastic childrens chairs with the locals for $1 were where a lot of our best meals were enjoyed, and who can forget that wonderful iced coffee? You also can’t take away from the vibrancy and beautiful beaches that this country has to offer. </div>
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Wildlife on this adventure has been a big favourite for me, getting to see the elephant in Cambodia and of course the orangutangs in Malaysia was amazing. Malaysia itself is a great country for National Parks that allow you to get up close to animals in their natural habitat. Also one of my favourite countries for cultural diversity, seeing so many races and religions live peacefully side by side should be something that the whole world takes an example from. Beach life took over our lives in Indonesia, with Bali offering some of the most perfect (if a little crowded) beaches in the world. The Gili islands could be my new home, I’m sure if I stayed there long enough I’d be a snorkelling and surfing pro. </div>
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Australia is an odd one for me, I liked what we saw as we got to see friends, but it didn’t win me over…maybe we need to see more? Get away from the crowds. But New Zealand on the other hand was a winner, as I once said, it’s like the gift that keeps on giving. We saw so much and did so much, from walks, beaches, rivers, mountains, bungee jumps and making a bunch of new friends, as well as catching up with old ones. We both fell in love with one of the most looked after countries in the world. America was a struggle for Kyle, especially with the food, but after California things picked up for us both. Spending time with family, exploring State Parks, the amazing music of Nashville and an unforgettable Broadway show gave our trip a fantastic ending. There’s more things we could say about every country, but we’d be here for ages and I know my ramblings have filled your feed for too long now. </div>
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Being back and sharing stories with friends and families has made us remember small details that we’d forgotten about, and taught us to laugh at things that may have pissed us off at times, (like being stuck on a tiny, cramped mini bus in Cambodia for 7 hours). We’ve learnt a lot about the world, ourselves and each other, me especially about the world, though my geography still leaves a lot to be desired. I thought leaving Asia that I would be less materialistic, but meeting my mum and hitting a mall in America made me realise that I’m still a sucker for new shoes…I suppose some things stick as it’s what were used to, and living in the Western world we’re used to getting new things and having the latest technology. But I will make a more conscious effort to keep track of world events, donate to the right charities and organisations (starting with 3 bags of clothing for the homeless shelter) and supporting people we’ve met with their endeavours. I’m also going to try and cross the road properly, and not text and walk…small things but I’ve seen the benefit of both (especially after falling down the stairs and twisting my ankle watching a snapchat in New Zealand).</div>
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Arriving back at my mums in the Lake district to boxes of clothing, a backpack filled with washing and a years worth of mail was a real, “Oh shit, we’re home, what do we do now?” moment. Not wanting to step too far back into the real world, Kyle has decided to get rid of most of his clothes and just repacked his backpack. </div>
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I’d forgotten how boring food shops could be, so a trip to Asda with jet lag was not only draining but a real chore (can’t wait for the first time that I’ve got to do cleaning). We also bumped into an old school friends mum who got chatting about nana, this I found a little upsetting as I don’t think it had yet hit home that she’s actually gone. Thankfully, mum took us to Nana’s house and even though I didn’t want to go at the time I’m glad that I did, as it no longer feels as though she’s there…which can only mean that she’s happy with Grandad looking after her now. </div>
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Mum has taken us on some Lake District adventures and I’ve started to realise that I probably did take this place for granted before I left. We’ve walked to the top of the Hoad Monument, an old lighthouse with great views over Ulverston and the surrounding areas. Trekked round Furness Abbey and got lost in the lanes. Driven out to Roa Island for afternoon tea, and enjoyed the views out to sea, and walked up Gummer’s How to take in the length of Lake Windermere, and tried to decide which mountain we’ll climb next….we will make our own little adventures now we’re back home. </div>
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We’ve visited friends and family and shared our travel stories, and many have asked us how it feels to be home. We probably can’t answer that question yet, at the moment it’s like we’re still on holiday just visiting people and eating the food we’ve missed (hello, meat and tatie pies and flaming hot monster munch). So maybe try asking us in 2 more weeks, when desperately hunting for jobs and we’ve been caught in the rain a few times. For now there’s a few decisions to be made and a few faces to see, I'm just glad that we're still doing all these things together (yay to us for no fall outs) but we’ll keep you posted on what we do, do.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-82395671379876653182017-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:002017-04-03T11:44:21.111-07:00Week 50.2 - New York<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
I’m a nervous flyer, something that has not improved at all on this trip, so nervous in fact that my hands break out in cold sweats. So you can imagine the sheer panic I felt when the air hostess started running up the plane, smelling the air during take off, asking passengers if they smelt it too. Smelt what, you might ask…well yeah, I asked that too, whilst sitting there almost wetting my pants! The plane continued to climb and the captain made an announcement for everyone to remain in their seats, including the cabin crew, and upward we continued and the turbulence continued for ages, I’m not even exaggerating it was like an hour. We were then informed that the burning smell and panic was due to flying through burnt air caused by lightening striking seconds before our take off, to which Kyle said, “Don’t worry planes get hit by lightening all the time”. Cheers pal! We eventually landed after 98 minutes of the worst turbulence i’ve encountered ever, even the air hostesses had to remain seated for most of the flight, apparently there was strong westerly winds affecting all flights, that or the pilot was a shit driver.</div>
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I’ve always been a fan of New York, even before I came for the first time 12 years ago. The musicals, bright lights, street entertainment and skyscrapers attracted me, even from the pages of magazines or from the scenes of my then favourite TV show Friends. Heading to New York this time I was both crazy excited and a little sad, I couldn’t wait to explore but I wasn’t quite ready to arrive at our final destination. It may have been this excitement that made us get on the wrong subway train, bound for Queens instead of Manhattan, neither of us realised until we’d gone for about 20minutes. This meant that it felt like forever until we arrived at our hotel, The Watson, a newly renovated (and I use that word lightly), Holiday Inn. The Watson may be one of the more upmarket and pricy hotels that we’ve stayed in, but in my opinion it still has a ways to go to reach the $145 per night price tag…but it’s not the hotel we’ve come for. </div>
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We have found ourselves in a great location though, less than 10 minutes from Times Square. So as soon as check in was complete I practically dragged Kyle down Broadway and straight into the crowds of tourist. Just as I remembered Times Square is bright, in your face and full of blatant advertising, the theatres are all trying to entice you in, there’s street artists fighting for attention, bus companies trying to sell you the best priced tickets and people, people everywhere. Smaller than I remembered but still as good, we walked around in the cold taking in the sights before heading into a real American diner, complete with leather booths, small tables and laminated menus to enjoy burgers and mac ’n’ cheese.</div>
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It didn’t rain on our first full day in NYC, it poured…buckets! So bad, streets flooded and the traffic jams doubled in size. This didn’t stop me dragging Kyle to the Times Square ticket office to see what offers they had on for the evening though. The lowest quote we got was for Chicago, at $95 a piece we passed for the time being…I mean it’s the end of our trip and we’ve still got to eat. On the way back to the hotel we went by the August Wilson theatre, home to one of Broadways newest musicals, Groundhog Day, which coincidently was written and composed by one of our favourite comedians, Tim Minchin. As the theatre was open we popped in to see if they had any last minute deals, even though we had been told at the box that they’d cost $110 per piece. Well screw you cheeky ticket touts, we got tickets for $38.50 each! Which just goes to show that it’s well worth going straight to the source.</div>
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So as the evening approached we got ready to go back out into the horrific waterfall defending upon New York for Kyle’s first ever musical theatre performance, and my first time in a theatre wearing waterproof trousers and walking boots (these days i’ll take warmth and comfort over fashion). The August Wilson theatre is small in comparison to those that host the likes of The Lion King and Wicked, but with only 1222 capacity it makes for a more intimate setting and means no seat, is a bad seat. As we settled down and the orchestra began to play I felt the instant rush of excitement, along with a slight concern for how Kyle was going to deal with all the musical numbers, (Past experiences with Glee have taught me that he doesn’t quite enjoy it when people spontaneously burst into song). Luckily, Groundhog Day is modern, on trend and sentimental. Based on the film of the same name, you are taken on a journey through Phil Connors’ continual time loop and his ever changing experiences. Yes, there’s songs but their funny and quick witted, melodious and sang by people with pretty amazing voices. Tim Minchins unique style shines through in each number, and when combined with the crazy affects and new stage ideas Groundhog Day made for a real great musical, one even Kyle enjoyed…he was even amazed by the way they did certain things, like the scene with the car chase when, (don’t worry I won’t ruin it for you).</div>
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A day on the tourist trail took us to some of New Yorks most famous sites including Radio City Music Hall, watching the ice skaters at Rockefeller Centre, walking down 5th Avenue and to one of the most beautiful churches we’ve seen, St.Patricks Cathedral. Opened in 1879 using money contributed by locals and immigrants, St.Patricks Cathedral was created to affirm the ascendance of religious freedom and tolerance. The cathedral itself is huge, with ornate wooden doors, brightly coloured stained glass windows, marble statues and pillars with golden beams and wooden benches. Everyone is welcome at the cathedral and the homeless even take refuge inside to keep warm in the winter months, including one friendly chap we saw today. Of course we lit another candle for Nana whilst inside, and made our donations for the maintenance of the church, she’d be proud of that.</div>
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Grand Central Terminal is the setting for many a romantic movie and number one on Kyles tourist trail. In what remains the busiest train station in the country tourists flock to stand on the marble stair cases, gazing at the cherubs on the green ceiling or watching the people rush by and we were no different, getting caught up with the crowds before walking over to the Public Library. Another building decked out with marble (New York must be worth a bob or two), the Public Library is like a set from Harry Potter with domed doorways, rows of books and huge windows it’s a beautiful place to walk around, but I really feel for the people trying to study in there.</div>
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We went in, but not up, the Empire State building before heading back through Times Square, after a quick trip to Macy’s, to Central Park. The most visited urban park in America, Central Park is a hive of activity from local dog walkers, to tourists, vendors and street acts, there is always something going on in the park. We walked under the famous bridge in Home Alone, before heading to the river and taking in a performance from a local singing group, followed by an acrobatics show and a hot dog. I could of spent all day dog watching but after 4 hours out in the cold I was starting to lose all feeling in my toes. And I mean it was really cold, so cold in fact that all the snow that had been recently shovelled was still sat in a neat, white pile. </div>
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A quick train ride took us down to the 9/11 Memorial. A tribute now marks the World Trade Centre site in the shape of two “pools” with the names of every person who died inscribed in bronze on the plaques around the pools. Many people visit the site to pay their respects to the people who lost their lives and the Memorial Plaza offers a peaceful place to do so.</div>
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Walking around the path and along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty took us to the worlds largest queue for the ferry out for a better view. The sun was shining so this meant that every man and his dog had now come out to take the trip. The boats dock every 20 minutes, leaving a 3 hour wait at the back of the line, combining this with the fact that people were packed on like sardines we decided to give it a miss, and just viewed the statue from the shore. From ground level to the tip of the torch the Statue of Liberty stands at 305 feet, but from where we standing it certainly felt taller. We were both left wishing that we had booked the trip onto the National Park for a trip to the crown, but you need to do this at least 2 months in advance…there’s always next time I suppose.</div>
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Walking the complete path took us to the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge, which of course Kyle wanted to walk over. These plans changed a little before we were half way across, it was crazy busy! There were people in the bike lines, bikes in the people lanes, people walking backwards, vain people stopping for constant selfies and someone attempting to film a music video…I was not feeling it, pushing my way through the crowds, especially when everyone was sweaty as they’d dressed for winter and it was surprisingly warm. Instead, we thought it would be a good idea to walk back to Times Square. Stopping at Union Square broke the walk up a little bit, here we watched a protest against fur, walked through the street market and ate an ice cream with all the other tourists, I know an ice cream, it was actually warm enough for an ice cream. Anyway, 2 hours and 20 shops later we made it to Times Square, no we didn’t buy anything but we had a good look. </div>
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Ellen’s Stardust Diner was one of my fondest New York memories, and it turned out that Sunday is a good day to beat the queues, as we were seated within 5 minutes. Ellen’s is a 50’s themed diner, offering live music from the waitstaff who sing all the latest broadway numbers with a few golden oldies and pop songs thrown in too. The purpose of the singing staff is for them to get picked up by talent scouts and cast in the latest Broadway shows, something which does happen often as they’ve lost 20 staff to the stage so far this year. Kyle hated it! I think it was too much “show” for him, with the guys and girls climbing between the tables and belting out songs from Frozen, it was all too much….I don’t think it was as good as I remembered it either, but definitely worth the experience, just don't order a main meal there.</div>
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So we’ve just had our last walk around this city I’m still in love with (it’s yet to win Kyle over). We took in the sites along the Highline Park path, an old railway line converted into a park, headed back up to Times Square, and watched people fall over on the ice at Rockefeller centre. Neither of us are quite ready to end our adventures, a brief trip home to say hello would do us nicely, but who knows what the future will bring. But for now friends, family and England we’ll see ya’ll tomorrow. </div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
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p.s I suspect a sentimental post will follow.</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-55895092909265499262017-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:002017-03-29T16:36:10.365-07:00Week 50.1 - Chicago<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Last time we got the MegaBus it was a bit of a disaster, (you remember the time San Fran to L.A), but this time it was surprisingly better, even if the journey was 9 hours long. We were picked up on time from an actual bus station instead of waiting at the side of a random road and actually set off a couple of minutes early once the driver was happy that everyone had arrived. The change of drivers went quickly and smoothly, all passenger pick ups and drop offs were done within 10 minutes and we only took a 20 minute break for lunch, plus the loo was kept exceptionally clean on board. The only issue I had was the change in weather with each state we passed through, from Tennessee to Kentucky then Indiana it just seemed to get colder, until we reached a freezing cold Illinois. </div>
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MegaBus were up to their old tricks in Chicago, dropping us on a street corner 15 minutes from the central loop. I didn’t moan too much about the walk to the train station, having got rid of most of my stuff (thanks mum) my backpack is finally loads lighter and a lot easier to carry, so this walk was one of the most pleasant we’ve ever had whilst carrying our stuff….it’s only taken us a year to not argue when the bags are on. It was eerily quiet Downtown on a Sunday evening and we were worried that the trains weren’t running, but a kind lady at the station helped us with our tickets and ushered us on board the brown line. Panic set in once we were on board when Kyle couldn’t find our stop on the map or work out which way the train was going. After he made us jump off at the next stop we quickly learnt that we were on the right train, it just does a loop before continuing on, this good effort from Kyle meant a 20 minute wait for the next train to come along, this made me really hangry. </div>
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We soon made it to our hotel, Fieldhouse Jones, a century old converted dairy house. This building was empty for almost a decade until it was purchased by the hotel owner, and it now represents a modern hotel decorated with old sports memorabilia along with some of the buildings original features. As our room has a window with views of the city loop train line, I feel like we have been housed in a true American apartment. After a quick check-in we were finally able to eat, a massive Gyro delivered by Uber eats…I know, I’m worried that we’re taking this America thing too far to. </div>
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Stepping outside on our first day in Chicago we were immediately struck by how cold it was, a total shock to the system after 11 months of being mostly warm. It was actually fucking freezing, we wrapped up in layer upon layer and even contemplated buying wooly hats and gloves..no wonder it was so quiet the night before, everyone is avoiding frost bite. We soon warmed up once we got walking along the river walk, the many, many skyscrapers acted as a great wind block. Taking us along the deep blue Chicago river the walk offered great views of the city skyline, even if we couldn’t see the tops of most of the buildings due to the fog, this city still felt tall and huge in comparison to Nashville and El Paso. Leaving behind the modern buildings, we crossed the river and found ourselves at the top of the Magnificent Mile, a street lined with designers stores and expensive restaurants, such as Micheal Jordans steakhouse. But it wasn’t the shops we’d crossed for, it was the British/French styled architecture of the Tribune Tower and surrounding buildings that had caught our eye, that and the huge statue of Abraham Lincoln. The Tribune Tower was built in 1972 and consists of 36 floors, housing the Chicago Tribune, Tribune Media and Tronc, Inc, this gothic building reminds me of an old English church..well a really tall one anyway. </div>
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My favourite building is the Carbide and Carbon building. Now home to the Hard Rock Hotel, this building stands out thanks to the black granite and terracotta facade that covers it, making it look like a green bottle with a gold lid on top, you can spot it from miles away. Next stop was the Chicago theatre, we were too late for the inner tour, but the outside of the building was so bright with it’s flashing lights it was reminiscent of a theatre from New Yorks broadway, as was the Oriental theatre around the corner. All that walking had got us feeling pretty hungry so we headed to a local restaurant, Big & Little’s. Featured on the U.S’s version of an Ainsley Harriett restaurant show this diner is famous for being on Diners, drive-ins and dives, looking like a bit of a dive but offering amazing tacos, salads and burgers, this little find has to be one of the cheapest places to eat in the whole of America. Our food and drinks cost us little more than $15 and Kyle couldn’t move afterwards.</div>
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The plan was to visit the John Hancock building and take a trip to the top of the tower for views over the city, and once again Kyle was adamant that he knew which way to go. About 1 hour 30 minutes and 4 miles of walking it was clear that he actually had no clue where we were, or where we were supposed to be going, especially when the Hancock tower was only 1km from our hotel. Instead we ended up walking around the loop about 10 times, but we did find a nice church to light a candle in for Nana. St.Peters sits in the centre of the loop but surprisingly stands out amongst all the skyscrapers, inside is decorated in wood and marble with pristine white statues and a fountain of holy water, I think that my nana would of really liked this one. We also found the Willis tower, a 1450 foot high skyscraper offering a skydeck and 360 degree views of Chicago…but with the fog still sitting low and a $18 per person entry fee, we thought better of going in. </div>
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A walk through Millennium Park took us to one of the busiest attractions in the whole of Chicago, The Cloud Gate. A public sculpture by Indian born, British artist, Anish Kapoor, the Cloud Gate is the centrepiece of the plaza in the park. Weighing in at 110 tons, this sculpture is made of highly polished stainless steel and reflects the skyline of Chicago and on a clear day, the clouds above. Our final destination was 3,300 foot long Navy Pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Offering fair ground rides, cruises, food and souvineers, the Navy Pier was opened to the public in 1916 after originally being built for freights and outdoor recreation. Originally named Municipal Pier, the name was changed in 1927 to Navy Pier to honour the canal veterans who served in the First World War. It was a bloody cold walk along that pier, but it was lovely to look after the bright blue lake, you could even see the beaches along the shoreline…shame it wasn’t warm enough to visit them, maybe next time hey? </div>
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We didn’t actually find the Hancock building until the next day when we stepped outside of our hotel and looked left, and there it was, right where I said it would be. I’ll let Kyle blame the fog for that one. We’d arranged to go on a tour of Lincoln Park to learn more about the area and Chicagos mob history with a company called, Free Tours by Foot, and met our guide Hillary at Julia Porter park. She showed us many blues clubs and buildings that used to be speak easys back in the days of the prohibition when the distribution and sale of alcohol was illegal. We learnt about the battles between the North and South mobs and the Saint Valentines Day massacre….famous as this was when Al Capone forced George “Bugs” Moran to go into hiding when 7 of his men were killed, including his best fighters and document keeper. This also led to the people of Chicago making an appeal to the government to stop the mob related crimes in Chicago.</div>
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Stopping outside the old Biography theatre we learnt about John Dillinger, Public Enemy number 1. Hailed as a hero by the public, Dillinger stole from banks and helped the poor, escaping prison twice, he later had plastic surgery and got a new identity to avoid further capture. He was later found and shot dead in an alley next the theatre where fans and crowds of women soaked their skirts and handkerchiefs in his blood, something to remember him by, and a little creepy in my opinion.</div>
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The Cider house in Chicago is known for being one of the few buildings that survived the great Chicago fire of 1871. The story has it that Officer Bellinger who owned the house at the time wet down the house and fought the fire with barrels of water, before using cider to fight off the fire. His wife later said the cider part wasn’t true, but you can still visit this building today on your way to Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Park zoo. Though I don’t agree with zoos and we passed on the visit, you may like to know that this zoo is one of the only free zoos in the world. We also visited Oz Park which is, as you can probably guess, filled with statues of your Oz favourites including the Tin man and the Lion. Named in 1976 Oz Park is in honour of Lyman Frank Baum, the author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz who settled in Chicago in 1891 a few miles of West of the now park.</div>
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Though it’s been bloody freezing and I’ve not been able to feel my hands or nose 80% of the time, Chicago has been a great city. Surprisingly peaceful, this city combines old European charm with modern skyscrapers and has plenty of parks and suburbs to enjoy…I think next time though I’ll come in summer. </div>
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So next stop is our last stop, New York City. On one hand I have been desperate to get there to see if it is as good as I remember, but on the other I haven’t wanted this time to come as it marks the end of our journey…but lets not think about that for now and roll on the Big Apple.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-41694254799965028392017-03-26T06:01:00.001-07:002017-03-26T06:21:34.257-07:00Week 49.2 - Nashville, Tennessee<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
I’m not the best at saying goodbye, but seen as it was only a see you later for mum, Jo and David there were no tears outside the airport this time…yay me! The first part of our journey took us from San Antonio to Atlanta, and hats off to Delta airlines for providing one of the better short distance flights we’ve had on this trip. Even if we were 10 minutes late departing and the flight was packed, it was still a pleasant journey and came complete with complimentary drinks and snacks…I’m now a firm believer that all airlines should at least provide water no matter how long or short the flight. What somebody could of pre-warned us about though, (mum), was the size of Atlanta airport. Knowing we only had a 40 minute layover time we knew it would be a mad dash for the next flight anyway, but when you take the 10 minutes off for the delay, and a further 10 minutes thanks to being seated at the back of the plane and having to wait for everyone to take their 8 items of luggage out of the overhead lockers, we were left with 20 minutes to get from section B to section D. Now if you haven’t been to Atlanta airport its fucking huge, think Manchester and quadruple it, it’s so big infact that they even have a train to take you around the different sections. Did we know about the train? No. Did we accidentally stumble across it? Thankfully, yes. This meant we made it with 10 minutes to spare and were soon on our way to Nashville, another Delta flight that took little more than 30 minutes, we probably could of walked it.</div>
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We got our first taste of country music as soon as we hit the bag check at Nashville airport where a live band had set up at one of the airport bars, combining this with the Gibson guitars and other musical artefacts around the airport we knew we’d made the right decision adding Tennessee to our visit list. Our taxi dropped us on hip East Nashville, where everyone’s painfully on trend and ridiculously friendly…we immediately clicked with our Air B&B hosts, Justin and Lyndi, and fell in love with their beautiful home and humongous dog, Bo. We didn’t get to see much on our first day with a late arrival, but Kyle was over the moon with his ramen from the local Japanese restaurant and I enjoyed exploring our neighbourhood, especially when we saw the Christmas trees decorated with CD’s and LP’s.</div>
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No trip to Nashville is complete with a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame. We were greeted by the sweetest older gentleman who gave us a map of the building and directed us to the ticket booth. We opted for the audio tour, which we later gave up on, there was too much to take in and we wanted to explore at our own pace…but I would advise the audio tour for those who are very passionate about Country. By far one of the best museums we have visited on our travels, the Music Hall of Fame takes you on a journey from the early beginnings of Country music to the modern day stars of the genre. We got to see Elvis’ guitar, learn about the pairing of Dylan and Cash, view Dolly Parton’s tiny outfits, gaze adoringly at Taylor Swifts crystal covered guitar and reminisce over the days of Shania Twain when we saw her leopard print outfit. I was shocked to learn that Kyle was such a fan of Country and struggled to get him moving out of the audios booth, it’s the longest he’s spent, willingly, in any museum…ever! The building itself is spectacular, with dark ceilings and low lights to give you the feeling of being on stage, these rooms lead to the final gallery, a domed room with bronze placards of honoured artists and the words, “Will the circle be unbroken” lining the walls. </div>
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From here we took a walk through the Nashville garden and along the walk of fame honouring the Nashville music legends, and looking like you would expect…L.A take note, you could learn a thing or two from these guys. We walked by the stunning Symphony Centre and on to the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge taking us over the Cumberland river, at 960m this is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and offers great views of the city, especially the famous “Batman” building. Kyle was eager to visit the Johnny Cash museum but when we got there it was packed, plus he didn’t want to part with a further $40 for entry so we just had a browse around the gift shop instead.</div>
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Our final tourist trip of the day was the Ryman, the Mother Church of Country Music. A stunning venue that I was keen to visit after learning that they filmed scenes for Nashville, the tv series, inside. Though there was no filming taking place when we visited there were still plenty of people buying their Team Luke and Team Deacon t-shirts. After miles of walking and lots of sightseeing it was time to experience some of the famous music on the strip. Our bar of choice was the Second Fiddle, we enjoyed many Bud’s and lots of whiskey whilst listening to an awesome band called, The Scallywags. Fronted by Kristine Speilmann, The Scallywags play upbeat, melodic and interesting songs of their own creation, combined with any requested covers performed in their own style and I would highly suggest catching one of their gigs when in Nashville, you can find them on Twitter for more information…it was a great afternoon, but I soon learnt that I’d had one too many when I paid $20 to crawl across a bar for a shot in Coyote Ugly…it was not a highlight of my trip and one I would not recommend for anyone else, unless you’re one of those girls on a beer bike singing your way round downtown. </div>
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I was feeling really sorry for myself the next morning, hangovers have long become a thing of the past and I’m happy to put them back there after a night on the whisky. To wake ourselves up we went on an 8 hour walk around the districts of Nashville, starting at the Farmers Market for banana and Nutella crepes…mine did not go down well. Next we walked through the Bicentennial Capitol Mall state park which has timelines of Tennessee events, showing the evolution of the state, memorials for World War 2 and memorials for some of Nashvilles greatest music stars. This walk led us to Germantown, a stunning, but expensive looking district, whilst we also saw the baseball stadium complete with giant guitar used for keeping score. Next we walked along the river and across Downtown to the Gulch, another fancy side of town with restaurants far too expensive for our taste so instead we found ourselves in The Pie Wagon. Serving pie, chicken and catfish, this buffet style diner has been open since 1922 and all the fixtures, fittings and sweet staff look as though they have been there since that very first day…still it did the job and kept us fit for our stroll around Music Rowe.</div>
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Music Row is home to all the businesses relating to country music, gospel music and contemporary christian music, such as BMI, Sony records and the famous Studio B that saw the production of many singles from artists like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. There’s also many larger than life guitars and statues along the streets representing instruments used by famous musicians and bands. To end our hangover day we treat ourselves to a meal at a real American Diner. Family run and one of the first businesses to be owned by a woman in Nashville, the Pied Piper offers a music themed menu, with Onion rings of fire, Fleetwood Mac ’N’ cheese and Soup! there it is, being a few of the options. We had a lovely, if a little to large, meal at a table decorated with old records, with spectacular art work and posters of many, many musicians lining the walls…it certainly made me feel better. </div>
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Opryland resort can only be classed as a NashVegas style hotel, with 1000’s of room surrounding a man made river, waterfalls, plants and trees, with scatterings of restaurants and shops mixed in. I personally don’t think i could stay here, it’s not to my taste, and I think after a whisky or 2 you would really struggle to make your way back to your room. But the hotel was not why we’d ventured to Opryland, we’d been lucky enough to get tickets to a live show at the Opry thanks to the kind people at the visitor centre who advised it was only $10 more for a show rather than a tour. So as we settled into our seats way up in the rafters (believe people when they tell you, no seat is a bad seat at the Opry) we got ready and excited for the show to begin. It was like being taken back in time, as the show is broadcast live on radio and TV it has to include adverts of course, but these aren’t your prerecorded adverts, no some man with a voice from the 20’s broadcasts these adverts live throughout the show, and makes a joke of it each time…sometimes even stealing the show. An Opry performance is broken up into 4 half hour segments, each having its own compare, with my favourite of the night being Jeannie Seely. An honest comedian with a mass of songs of her own, she touched on topics few may not agree with and certainly got the audience ready for the music. With great performances from Carrie Underwood and the Opry Square Dancers, the night was stolen for me by Brandi Carlile and Sundance Head, the winner of the voice who was making his Opry debut, Sundance…with such passion and some of the best live vocals i’ve heard in my life was hands down the best act of the night!</div>
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It’s a bold statement but Nashville has been one of my favourite places on our travels, from the laid back vibe to the friendly people and the great music on tap…it certainly has got a lot going for it. A holiday destination I would recommend to anyone, theres something for all ages and I’m pretty sure you won’t be left disappointed. For now it’s time to bid farewell and board the MegaBus bound for Chicago, a trip thats advertised as 9 hours…I reckon we’ll be there in 12.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-46081492052883183352017-03-21T18:54:00.000-07:002017-03-21T19:03:26.487-07:00Week 49.1 - San Antonio and a mini Texas road trip<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPRhQbGA2aopDBheRjv3m-p-1qzxFpNWhUe1k9ohEs6Fwa1hti_yq2GRrtCXyYvob2FQpA35B-MMncpG1z2EA3D8l_xzmXdXTSeMIwcMOOEs3w8MBV-W40mZERVmwolc8oafHzeCoZ5Y/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPRhQbGA2aopDBheRjv3m-p-1qzxFpNWhUe1k9ohEs6Fwa1hti_yq2GRrtCXyYvob2FQpA35B-MMncpG1z2EA3D8l_xzmXdXTSeMIwcMOOEs3w8MBV-W40mZERVmwolc8oafHzeCoZ5Y/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" width="320" id="id_455c_e09_49cf_82a6" style="width: 320px; height: auto;"></a>The journey from El Paso to San Antonio took a little over 8 hours, but frequent rest stops, naps and seat hopping made for a quick and painless journey…and probably spoilt us a bit too much, especially when we have another long arse bus journey coming up soon. The drive to San Antonio was similar to the one we had to Ruidoso in the respect that the desert soon gave way to lush greenery, only here there’s huge trees and flowers and people really need to cut their grass! After a quick check in at our Air B&B, a lovely house which we have all to ourselves, we headed Downtown for a stroll along the riverwalk. A network of paths and bridges along and over the San Antonio river, the riverwalk is one story below the streets and is lined with restaurants, bars and shops. A main tourist attraction, the walkways were crowded with people when we arrived and each diner had a really long wait…except for the “British pub” where we found ourselves eating. Kyle was happy as he managed to get a pint of Guinness, and we were both equally impressed with the fish and chips, the closest we’ve had to home since we left, though it did leave Kyle wanting a real portion from Blackpool seafront.</div>
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I’d been craving pancakes since we arrived in America, so Jo and David took us for breakfast at a german pancake haus in San Antonio. Had I known how big my two blueberry pancakes were going to be, I think I would of put in for a kids order. Still they satisfied a craving and prepared me for the days adventure, so whilst the adults went off for shopping and lunch we headed back Downtown and towards the Alamo. The Alamo became a symbol of heroic resistance to oppression and a struggle for independence which was won late in 1836 by Texas after a battle led by James Bowie and William Travis against Mexican invaders. Bowie, Travis and their 200 men managed to defend the Alamo for 13 days (though some say it was only 20 minutes) before the invaders finally over powered them. Today you can walk around the Alamo and grounds, taking in the story with an Audio tour or reading the stories on the walls…but do get there early as it gets way crowded in the afternoon, as we painfully found out.</div>
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Onwards walking took us across Alamo square towards the Majestic theatre, which after seeing pictures of I really wanted to get inside…unluckily it was closed and access can only be gained when going to watch a show. Instead we walked further to Historic Market Square, a Mexican shopping area with over 100 shops selling hand crafted items and clothing along with extra, extra large margaritas. We passed on the alcohol as our next stop was the Cathedral of San Fernando, a large, gothic looking building and the mother church of the Archdiocese. As a service was in order we took a quick peak at the large alcoves and golden artwork before paying our respects and moving on.</div>
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The path to the Tower of the Americas is lined with trees, cheeky squirrels, sculptures and water features leading to large waterfalls surrounding the tower itself. The Tower of the Americas is a 750ft tall building featuring a very over priced restaurant, 4D cinema, gift shops, coffee shop and an observation deck. It was obviously the observation deck that we’d come for, so after paying our $25 we got in the lift and faced the 3 minute journey upward. It took forever, and yes the view was great but I couldn’t fully enjoy it until we were stationary. Once on the deck you have two options, stay inside and look through the windows, like a wimp, or head outside and walk round getting windswept but only have one pane of glass to look through instead of two…we obviously had to go for option two. The views were spectacular, offering a 360 degree landscape view. We could see downtown, the sports fields, the airport and further into the distance, allowing for spectacular views of a beautiful city.</div>
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We went back to the riverwalk for lunch and stumbled upon a quieter section than the previous evening, besides the boats filled with tourists that pass by every so often. It was here that we found the Arneson River Theatre. Built in 1939 performances vary from dance to music to opera, with the audience sitting on concrete seats on the side of the river, whilst the performance takes place on the opposite side. It was a real shame we didn’t get to see a show, but the river and surroundings are very well maintained and it makes for a nice, cooling stroll walking along the banks…i don’t know if i mentioned it but San Antonio is fucking hot, like sweaty, humid Asia hot.</div>
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The parents picked us up later in the evening for tea at the most authentic Mexican in San Antonio, as recommended by Jo’s friend, Diana. Well Jaslisco’s cibolo didn’t disappoint, a real hidden gem outside of the city complete with plastic chairs, old tables and a family hosting…they even had pictures on the walls depicting the menu, it suited me and Kyle to a T. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the puffy tacos went down a treat, even if none of us could work out how they’d made them. David says I should take back what I wrote about nothing being free in America. Now I would love to, especially after enjoying my free cone from Dairy Queen and I’ll admit it did finish off my tea very nicely, but I just need more proof guys..so if you’d care to offer more free ice cream I’ll be available for a while in Nashville, Chicago or New York.</div>
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What better way is there to spend a hot, sunny day than relaxing by a river? A 45 minute car journey took us into San Marcos, here we enjoyed a walk along the river at the wildlife reserve. Home to turtles, fish and coral, this river boasts crystal clear warm waters that can be observed from the path, glass bottom boat, kayak or paddle board tour..Kyle was keen to paddle board, but with it being Spring these tours were unavailable, so instead we spent a day further down stream swimming, or in Kyles case floating down the natural slide and getting carried away by the current. Whilst he was off down river I made friends with some real Texas Hillbillys, with a real Southern drawl…it was a nice change me getting excited over someones accent, instead of having someone scream “Oh my god you’re English” at me.</div>
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Being only 30 minutes from Austin it would of been rude not to take a drive downtown. Along the way we passed a town called Kyle, much to the excitement of mum, and a quick stop was made to take a picture of our Kyle stood next to the signpost for the city of Kyle. Austin is huge, filled with skyscrapers and a city skyline with of various heights, but in amongst this business like city sits 6th street, home to the South by Southwest music festival. Lined with bars that are home to all sorts of live music, street art and tattoo shops, 6th street was really up our street, and a must return to destination so that we can fully appreciate it when everywhere is open…even if we will be spoilt for choice.</div>
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Our final evening meal with the family was a favourite Vietnamese Pho, a good last meal before months of salad to work off all this “America weight”. Next stop is the airport and a 2 plane flight to Nashville, I’m glad it’s only a see you soon for mum, but I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Jo and David…even if it won’t be long, now I’ve experienced El Paso I’ll be sure to be back again, especially when Mum buys her house here, hey mum?</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-81785722980963772262017-03-18T18:57:00.000-07:002017-03-21T19:04:02.842-07:00Week 48 - El Paso, Texas Part 3<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
A BBQ in El Paso is a whole family affair, and with nearly $100 worth of meat Adam made sure that everyone was invited. This included all of Jo’s sons, their kids and David’s Mum, Mrs.S, his sister Becky and her son, D’Angelo. First on the agenda was painting Adri’s nails to match mine, before playing bubbles with Adi, Zadie and Danika, all the while Kyle’s playing American football with Dominik and Donny in the hot sun. 20 minutes into the BBQ Kyle decides to have a little fun of his own and swaps the football for a water balloon and chaos follows, we can’t fill the water balloons fast enough…the kids are throwing them everywhere and with the addition of the water pistols it wasn’t long until we were all soaked, at least it cooled us down a bit.</div>
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Once everyone was fed and watered and the kids worn out from running around it was time to sit around the fire pit and get to know Becky and Mrs.S. Keen to share stories of travel, they told us how they enjoyed road trips around the states and Mexico with a favourite destination being Cancun. We told Mrs.S and Becky that Cancun has a reputation as a party place in the U.K so has always been somewhere we have avoided, but now that they’ve told us about the beaches and white sands we may have to add it to our list of future destinations. </div>
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Disaster struck the next morning when mum woke up to a foot that resembled that of an elephants. So sore and swollen she had difficulties walking and felt sick from the pain. A rush trip to the doctors revealed suspected gout, but we won’t know for certain until mum gets the results from her blood test and x-rays. Thankfully, they gave her two shots in the ass and two types of medication to keep her sane in the meantime. Though a return visit did determine that there’s no sign of gout but there may be an infection, so now she’s got 3 more types of meds…and rattles when she walks.</div>
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In a state where it’s legal to have guns of course the boys will occasionally drive off into the desert to have some fun. A family friend, Jack, kindly took Adam and Kyle into New Mexico for a bit of target practice. They got to shoot pistols, semi-automatics and other arsenal at targets, bottles and cans in an empty desert. Kyle said it was better than any firing range, even if it was a little hot, a new experience and he enjoyed seeing the mountains of New Mexico. I still don’t think that I’d let him have one in our house mind. </div>
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Another emergency called when Tony Montana, Jo’s puppy, started making funny snorting/choking noises. Holding him upside down, tapping his back and sticking fingers down his throat didn’t work, but oddly he was o.k when he was running around with the other dogs. A rush trip to the vets ruled out anything serious, the cute little bugger just has a bad case of hay fever and sneezes in reverse…nothing a little extra TLC and some steroids won’t fix though, hopefully in time for him to fit in my backpack.</div>
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After 3 very long mall days it was time for a road trip. Not believing that there could be snow in the desert, Kyle voted for a road trip to Ruidoso, a small town in New Mexico. As we got closer to our destination the air got colder and the scenery got greener, the desert gave way to huge green mountains and forests filled with brown bears and deer. We passed by land belonging to the Apache Indians, ghost towns (which are actually for sale), many ranches and all in the comfort of Davids new car…it was like being in an Uber X. Driving into Ruidoso we were greeted by the snow capped mountains, there may have only been a small amount but people were still able to ski up there. Walking through the town was like being taken back in time, reminiscent of the towns in the middle of New Zealand, Ruidoso is old school and looks like it hasn’t been touched since it was first built…real old town charm. Whilst the ladies did more shopping Kyle and I ventured along the river walk. Fast flowing water was filled with children escaping the heat, mountains lined the side of the path and grey deer roamed free. I was shocked to see that the river was so deep and strong, given the high temperatures I thought that it would be a trickle at best. The trail led to a path up a mountain marked as private property, in any other country we would of risked it, but seen as though they have guns here we thought better of it and headed back to find the shoppers.</div>
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We journeyed on to the Inn of the Mountain Gods, which turned out to be a casino, hotel and golf course set on a beautiful lake in the base of a canyon. We strolled around the lake to get better views of the mountains and could see even more snow. The lake was a beautiful clear blue, perfect for swimming in, unfortunately we didn’t get to jump in as nobody else was in the water. David, Jo and Mum were keen for Kyle to do the zip line, but after watching the old folks slowly cruise down our resident adrenaline junky passed on that offer.</div>
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Our final El Paso adventure took us to White Sands Monument, huge sand dunes that are whiter than a sheet of paper. We bought two round discs (like sleds) and took ourselves up the dunes. Climbing was bloody hard work I set off with good intentions but my feet sank near the top and by the time I reached it I couldn’t breathe. Sliding down was an effort, but i was surprised when mum stepped up to the plate and had the best and fastest journey to the bottom of the dune.</div>
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We arrived home to a delicious BBQ prepared for us by Adam, and enjoyed an evening of banter in the garden. We’ve had a great time in El Paso and it’s been great to finally meet the family that I’ve always heard my mum speak so highly of. There aren’t enough thank you’s in the world that will make up for the welcome and experiences that we’ve had from/with everyone here and I know for sure that we’ll be back, I’m going to miss this bunch too much, especially my little Tony Montana.</div>
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An 8 hour journey to San Antonio is next on the agenda for a few more days with mum, Jo and David, I’m just glad that we have the VIP mobile to get us there.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-28077644155969551492017-03-11T19:22:00.000-08:002017-03-11T19:22:36.617-08:00Week 47 - El Paso, Texas Part 2<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Kyle’s been eating well and relaxing a lot, so when Jo and David’s grandkids, Donny and Dominik, suggested Jumpland he was both excited and apprehensive. I found it hilarious watching him sweat his arse off playing dodgeball, gladiators and doing backflips into foam to impress the kids. Poor Kyle was bloody knackered after 30 minutes but the boys wouldn’t let him off the trampoline for at least 2 hours, even if he was always first off the dodgeball court. It was a pleasure to finally meet Donny and Dominik and we’re looking forward to a family BBQ at the weekend to meet the rest of the tribe.</div>
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One of my favourite things about El Paso is the street names, Running Deer, Pocahontas, Armadillo and Black Bear (just to name a few) and it’s streets like these that lead you on to the Mission Trail. Socorro Road links the two mission churches of Ysleta and Socorro and the presido chapel of San Elizario and is lined with adobe homes…some of which look as though they have been there 100’s of years and others look slightly newer, but the funny thing is they all have new cars outside. The missions are all well maintained and are used as working churches today, we were lucky enough to meet a lady inside the Socorro Mission who told us how the Indians transported the wooden ceiling beams down the river to build the church, and even though it has been restored 3 times, these original beams still remain. </div>
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After the Mission Trail we headed to Tigua Indian Cultural centre, here we were hoping to catch a Native American Social dance but unfortunately we were out of season. Instead we enjoyed some freshly prepared traditional bread and raisin loaf, before walking around the museum, here we got to see ancient artefacts and learn the history of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. The tidal community Tigua established Ysleta del Sur in 1682 and are a U.S federally recognised Native American tribe. Captured by the Spanish in 1680 and forced to walk over 400 miles during the Pueblo revolt, they eventually settled and built the Ysleta del Sur, and to this day maintains the tribes political systems and ceremonial practices.</div>
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It was cool to see all of Davids old watering holes along the way, he told us tales of swimming in the streams, hanging with his friends and walking miles to church once a year as a pilgrimage for being a little shit.</div>
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You should all know the story of Billy the Kid and the San Elizario jail but incase you don’t I’ll give you a little overview. Story has it that Billy the Kid traveled from Las Cruces to the jail and posed as a Texas Ranger, telling the guard he’d arrived to collect two American prisoners. The guard opened the door and was faced with Billy’s 44 revolver. Billy then took the guns, released his friends, put the guards in jail and immediately crossed the river to Mexico. The jail has now been made into a museum with the cells inside, they’re pretty tiny and contain little more than a cot bed, but still probably more comfortable than those in Alcatraz.</div>
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We leant the hard way that El Paso is a little off the tourist trail after spending over an hour waiting for the bus Downtown. However, when it did arrive we were pleasantly surprised to learn that $1.50 would take us on two buses, pretty cheap hey? It was just a shame that the driver decided to have a 10 minute cigarette break 2 minutes into the journey. As soon as we arrived Downtown we could immediately see the dividing line between the newer buildings of El Paso and the old Mexican stores, and we had our first racist encounter. Adam handled it really well by ignoring the lady, but I was shocked at how openly racist people could be and gave her a sickly sweet “hello” just so she knew that we’d seen her. We ventured down the main shopping street trailing in and out of all the shops, I wanted some shoes but my big old European feet wouldn’t fit in any, so it was onwards to the cowboy store. Kyle and Adam tried matching jackets and hats, but the boots were a step too far for Kyle and at $5000 for a hat we left those on the shelf too.</div>
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Next Adam took us to the restored square where we saw the newly built alligator statue, an original theatre and of course a brand spanking new Starbucks all next door to the baseball stadium. Adam told us tales of the live alligators that used to live in the square, long gone since people started throwing live cats and bottles into the pit. Our final stop of the day was a pawn shop, now home to Pancho Villa’s trigger finger. Pancho Villa was a Mexican Revolutionary general who was assassinated in 1923, it’s said that his coffin was later dug up and his head cut off and people believe that his finger was taken at the same time. This rotten finger is now reportedly worth $9,500….I think I’m good for that thanks. It was great to spend the day with Adam, were now a proper little family and with a budding bromance blossoming between the boys I’m worried I won’t be able to separate the two.</div>
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Mall days are my favourite kind of day or they were until I experienced shopping with Jojo. After 30 minutes in Sephora and 20 minutes in Forever 21 I was pretty much good to go, Kyle even managed to find his dream cap after 6 shops too, but boy can Jo shop. 5 hours later she left Dillards with a bag full of clothing…5hours, I don’t think I’ve ever spent that long shopping never mind in 1 shop, good job you look pretty in your new stuff Jo. A full day of shopping was followed by dinner in Red Lobster, an American chain we’ve all heard of right? We were all excited but were left disappointed, this time we’re blaming it on it being a Friday and Lent, fingers crossed it’s better next time. </div>
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Kyle even got a real barber shop experience and had to trust that the lady was doing a good job as all the chairs in the salon faced inwards instead of at the mirror. Luckily she understood his English accent and cut his hair exactly how he wanted, and he didn't end up with a C for the Dallas cowboys shaved into the back of his head, though if he did I would of said that it was for Carrie, obviously.</div>
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I think that I’ve done pretty well at conquering my fear of heights on our travels, so when Jo and David suggested another cable car and Kyle jumped at the chance to go on it I was far from impressed. The Wyler Aerial Tramway was originally built in 1959 to aid the construction of a transmitter antenna and service platform, but it has since become a tourist attraction here in El Paso taking people up 940 feet for spectacular views over Mexico, El Paso and Florida. I mean the views were worth it, seeing the mountains, the contrast between desert and city and watching the plants try to turn green in the heat but fuck me that journey to the top was the longest 4 minutes of my life, my hands were so sweaty I couldn’t even hold the hand rail. I managed a brave face on the way back down mind, some poor girl was almost in tears so it was up to me to set an example and show her that all was going to be o.k, or at least it would be once the 4 minutes had passed and we were at the bottom.</div>
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We have one week left in El Paso, Jo wants to do more shopping but I think I’ll pass this time, and we have a family BBQ to look forward to before heading to San Antonio and onwards to Nashville.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-10447890765126086852017-03-05T10:17:00.001-08:002017-03-05T10:17:55.393-08:00Week 46 - El Paso, Texas part 1<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
It was pretty typical that the one flight I was eager to get on was delayed, not even by a little bit but by a whole hour. To top it off it was a pretty turbulent flight thanks to bad weather in San Diego and strong winds in El Paso, so the 1 hour and 18mins felt a lot more like 18 hours. I practically ran through the arrival hall to meet my mum, who had already been crying for a good 5 minutes, where she was waiting for us at the bottom of the escalator…plenty of tears and hugging followed for the next 5 minutes, much to the annoyance of the others in the airport who couldn’t get by, I’m sure they’d be the same if it was their family reunion mind, and i know you all get how i felt after 10 months of no mum time. When mum finally let go I was able to say hello to Jo and meet her husband, David. </div>
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The sight when flying over Texas and into El Paso is just a huge desert, different to anything that we’ve seen before on our travels, and surrounded on all sides by mountains, Texas looks like a big empty space. So it was surprising to see how busy the freeways were on the way home and all the houses, stores and restaurants that make up this pretty large city. On arrival at Jo’s we were met by her son, Adam, and once we all settled down for my favourite home made meat and potato pie, it felt as though Kyle and I had always been a part of this family, and I began to see why my mum comes back here year after year.</div>
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A night of catching up made for a late night, but I was up early the next morning ready to celebrate my birthday, much to the annoyance of Kyle. Along with pancakes (it was Shrove Tuesday after all) we had birthday cake, with British buttercream frosting, before I finally got my hair sorted out. Yes it is now all the same length and doesn’t resemble a saw blade after the mess which was made of it in Malaysia, gracias Jojo for making me look more presentable. Princess pamper hour was followed by a compulsory trip to Chico’s Tacos. David informed us that this was once the equivalent of McDonalds and the food used to be super cheap until everybody thought it was a cool place to eat and the prices became increased. Still the tacos were amazing, and it gave me a giggle watching my mum drink the juice from the tacos out of the cardboard tray. It was a mad dash home to get out of the sand storm and into the house before inhaling half the desert and going blind from grit in the eye. Thankfully, we all made it in one piece and the sand is now back where it belongs…no more sand storms for us please Texas.</div>
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We took a road trip to Carlsbad Caverns, this took us through the vast desert you’d expect from Texas and it was a pretty long roady drive until we reached border control. Here we were asked to show our passports and the guy was pretty impressed to see that David had three British passengers on board, even if Kyle does look a little Mexican with his tan. After border control we reached the Guadalupe Mountains, these mountains are examples of a marine fossil reef. Formed 260 million years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were once under the ocean and became exposed when the sea evaporated, first homing the Nde (Mescalero Apache) until the 1800’s when more people began to explore the area and develop ranches.</div>
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Before entering the Carlsbad Caverns you first have to walk through the Chihuahuan Desert, made up of golden sands, flowering cactus and bird song. This leads you to a 750 foot descent into the darkness of the caves. When we first bought our $10 tickets (I know cheap right) mum suggested taking the elevator down and walking back up to the top, half way down the steep path she was pretty glad that we suggested otherwise. The path was so steep your toes pressed into the front of your shoes and the backs of your knees ached, along with the occasional cold drop of water we had to contend with the steep drops on the side of the path. Now you all know I’m not the best with heights but when you combine my nervousness with my mums sheer fear it gets a little crazy, poor Kyle was left miles behind when I attempted to keep up with mum, who practically ran to the main room. On the way down we got to see many stalactites and stalagmites looking like whales, castles and fairy villages, mum however named it the ribbed penis forest…Kyle thought it was hilarious, inside I was cringing. The main room is a further mile and a half of walking around great rock formations, pools and lakes, you can even see the bottomless pit which is a further 150 foot deep…safe to say mum didn’t look down that one. taking the elevator back up the distance was measured in feet instead of floors, surprisingly it only took a minute to get to the top but it did make your ears pop more than once. </div>
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There are many more caves to visit within the caverns, but having already spent 3 hours inside the cave we decided to pass. You also need to pay for a guide to take you into the other sections as the formations have suffered at the hands of tourists and the National Park trust are working to maintain the remaining rocks.</div>
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Scenic drive takes you up in the mountains and offers great views over El Paso and across the border into Juarez. It’s amazing to see how close Mexico actually is to Texas and how big El Paso city is. We also got to do some dream house shopping as we passed by all the fancy pants houses on top of the mountain, before heading for one of my favourite meals, a Korean BBQ.</div>
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Hueco Tanks sits around 30 minutes from El Paso and is made up of boulder like mountains suitable for rock climbing without ropes and tramping around trails in search of wildlife, native plants and pictographs. There’s also many watering holes filled with shrimp and fish, making this the perfect home for many different people since the ice ages. We were keen to see the pictorgraphs and learn the history of the park so we signed up for a guided tour which “guaranteed us more access to the art work”. What a load of bullshit that was, after 2 hours of little walking and too much talking from our guides Harry and Susan we’d seen nothing except from shit, literally shit. Harry had us looking at wild cat poo and bloody plants, even his wife Susan had to tell him that this wasn’t the wild plant tour. Me, Jo and mum had had enough of seeing nothing so Kyle continued on with Harry and the rest of the tour up the boulders to the top of the mountain, we spent this time looking for rabbits and road runners…which FYI look nothing like the cartoon. Kyle ventured off from the group and found some art work of his own, dating back many years before BC and saw a water cave in the rocks. Once he slid back down the boulders on his bum we made a mad dash back to David in the car before heading for a pho noodle lunch.</div>
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Ardeveno farmers market was our first shopping stop of the day, mum and Kyle got lured in by the free samples and ended up buying many biscuits, cereals and chocolates, whilst David, Jo and I got chatting to an Indian healer. After a quick assessment he correctly diagnosed my nervous stomach and lack of water, though I didn’t fancy drinking the silver infused water that he offered as a treatment. David, however has signed himself up for the full works. Next we went into New Mexico and the Las Cruces farmers market, a huge, dog friendly market that sold far too many over priced goods but it was nice to stroll in the sunshine and enjoy the music from the live university band. Our last stop of the day was Old Mesilla, or it would have been if i didn’t get sick, so whilst everyone else enjoyed their Mexican lunch I napped in the car before heading home to curl up and watch Harry Potter…here’s hoping this doesn’t last too long as we’ve still got loads to see.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-87416537289526955092017-02-26T15:02:00.000-08:002017-02-26T15:02:57.251-08:00Week 45 - San Diego<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
When I used to think of the Greyhound, I’d think of those old buses that looked like tin cans and stopped here, there and everywhere picking up passengers and ex-cons, mainly because of what you see on TV and in the movies. Turns out that they’re actually a pretty good bus company, with cozy depots complete with restaurants and toilets, new buses with wifi and toilets and an express service that actually goes to schedule. Our journey from LA to San Diego actually arrived 20 minutes early and dropped us right in the centre of the city and next to the trolley station, the perfect stop. The trolley is like a train/tram and has 3 main routes around San Diego, one of which stops right outside our resting place in Rio Vista. We lucked out with this Air B&B, especially after learning that our last one in L.A was in the biggest ghetto, we found ourselves in a total “American” apartment complex. Oh yes, this is the epitome of American real estate with a one way system that takes traffic around huge water fountains, surrounded by fake grass, 2 onsite gyms, 3 pools and a coffee shop. You can even complete your day at the spa or take a trip to the beauty salon. It’s safe to say that our room here at Lee’s house is very nice and cozy.</div>
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Once we’d dumped our bags, showered and changed we headed to PB (Pacific Beach) for tea and a few drinks. What struck me straight away about San Diego is the cleanliness and the care taken about this city, we soon learnt that are a lot of retirees and college students here along with 4 marine bases so things are a little safer and friendly than in LA. Pacific Beach was a nice place to hang out, and we enjoyed some beers but didn’t enjoy the bill afterwards, turns out drinking here isn’t all that cheap after all. </div>
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I’m starting to enjoy not having a car again, I mean we loved Eric but he made us lazy, now we actually have to walk around it allows us to get lost and really explore a place, like we used to in China and Japan. We covered a good 7 miles on our first day in San Diego, starting at the Gaslamp Quarter. Here streets are lined with bars, clubs and restaurants, people in business attire and many tourists lazing around, enjoying a whisky with their burger at 11 in the morning. From here we walked by the Convention Centre to the marina and Seaport village, a cute little complex of shops and restaurants sitting on the waters edge. You can purchase all kinds of foods, tourist tat, hire paddle boards and boats, or sit on the pier and watch the huge pelicans flying by, (I spent a lot of time hoping we wouldn’t get pooped on and knocked out). </div>
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With the weather finally on our side we continued walking along the water to The Greatest Generation walk. Located on Tuna Harbour Park a collection of U.S military heritage art lines the pier, including statues of sailors and Bob Hope. This art is inspired by a book whose author was Tom Brokaw, his story told of Americans who were around during the great depression and helped to shape post-war America. We also got to see a huge navy boat topped with loads of planes ready for deployment and now used as a maritime museum. From here we continued on, avoiding the cycle tours, past the whale watching rides (Kyle wouldn’t part with $80 for us to go on one), to the Star of India. A ship built in the Isle of Man in 1963 used to sail from Great Britain to India and New Zealand, before becoming a salmon fishing boat between Alaska and California and finally a museum here in San Diego. </div>
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I was gutted when we got to Little Italy and Kyle said he wasn’t hungry. We walked up the whole of India Street (yep, confused me too) with smells of fresh pasta and pizza, looking in restaurant windows under the fairy lights and even sat on the huge red chair, but still Kyle wasn’t in the mood for food…I was bloody starving after all that walking, but with a promise of returning another night, we caught the trolley back to our accommodation. </div>
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When the sun is shining what is better than a day at the beach? Blue skies and sunshine looked promising, so we got our swimwear, shorts and suncream and headed to the beach…what we actually should of got were wooly hats, gloves and a jacket, it was fucking freezing. To be fair Mission Beach was lovely, with clean, golden sand and a dark blue ocean it looked really appealing, but the wind totally put me off, even the daft sods emerging from the sea looked like they regretted going for a swim. So after a stroll around Belmont Park, a 1960’s theme park for kids complete with wooden rollercoaster and strong man machine, we walked up the boardwalk to Pacific Beach. Pacific Beach is more of a young, college hang out complete with roudy bars, drink offers and surf shops. Surf shops that offered pretty reasonable rental rates, but suffering from man flu and not feeling the waves Kyle passed up the opportunity to surf California’s waters…I know I was shocked too. </div>
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Old Town San Diego is a National Park that marks the site of the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast of America. Here you can visit historical sites, shops and early California style restaurants, a theatre and museums. It was like a true step back in time, especially with the inclusion of the people in costume, the school teacher in San Diego’s first public school certainly kept Kyle in check. I was just gutted we’d had breakfast as the smells from the restaurants were divine. Walking around the park felt like a mixture of Mexico and an old Wild West town, what with the combination of taco stalls, day of the dead masks and cigar shops and bars. We were even lucky enough to catch the Saturday market, where local people were selling lots of hand made goods including honey, soaps and ponchos. </div>
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Not content with a morning in the Old Town we caught a bus to Balboa Park. A 1200 acre urban cultural park made up of grassy rest areas, fountains, walking paths, food stalls, street entertainers, a tram, bike paths and 17 museums…including the Museum of Man, The National History Museum and the Globe. Though my favourite part of the park was the leash free area for dogs, I’ve never seen so many dogs and puppies looking so happy running around together in a huge open space, they even had their own drinking fountain with dog friendly buttons. I really wanted to go in, but didn’t think it was appropriate not having a dog and all. Instead we ventured around the sculpture park and the botanical garden, enjoyed music played on both the violin and ukele, before resting up and watching some acrobatics around the fountain. Kyle got a little distracted when some snoop-dog style cars came rolling by looking like they were filming the next hip-hop video, I could tell that he was desperate to have a drive.</div>
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San Diego has definitely been the highlight of California, it’s cleaner and quieter and there’s a great deal to see..a lot of which is surprisingly free too. If we were ever to return to the big surf, I think we’d hire a car and drive ourselves down the coast next time, take in a little more coastal scenery and come when its warmer to enjoy the beaches. </div>
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The next stop for us is El Paso, Texas, where I’ll be reunited with my mum and finally get to meet my extended American family. Though the flights only an hour and a half you can guarantee it feel like a lifetime. See you soon Hubbard.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-71144392652025514552017-02-21T20:12:00.000-08:002017-02-21T20:12:25.164-08:00Week 44 - Los Angeles <div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
In all the excitement of America I forgot to tell you about Eric. After going to see him at the compound the original buyer decided that he still wanted our little old Subaru for his son after all. So after offering a major discount Eric was re-homed and repaired by his lovely new owners. I’m going to miss our golden beauty, I just hope that they take good care of him, he needs it after all he has been through.</div>
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Anyway, back to business. The bus from San Fransisco to Los Angeles was advertised at taking 7 hours. Now having gotten a good amount of buses in the last year we know to add on an hour or two….in Asia, we thought that they’d be a little more precise here in America, turns out we were wrong. It took almost 9 hours, admittedly there was an accident that held us up for about 30 minutes, but still 9 hours of long straight boring road was torture. Not to mention the space invader with the giant feet that kept sticking his feet in my leg space, and the shouty woman constantly on the phone or eating with her mouth open, I managed 10 minutes of kip before she shouted me awake again…Honestly, i can’t wait for the next journey, not! I’ll be honest though Kyle and I were both surprised when we went by some green fields, and snowy mountains off in the distance, it was nice to see that there is a variety of landscape on offer.</div>
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When we finally arrived in LA you could just tell that you were in the home of the rich and famous, or just the wannabe celebs. The cars passing us were of a different breed, and the licence plates reading Beverly Hills elite cruising by, I mean you just keep hoping pal I’m sure with that reg you’ll cruise right in and have your dream house in no time. Once we got off the bus at union station we had to take another 2 buses to our accommodation, and we were thrilled when this took a further hour and 10 minutes, on a crowded bus with our giant backpacks. But we soon arrived at Yaskaras lovely home in South L.A where she lives with her mum and 3 sons, and after a quick bite we were straight to bed ready for the next days adventures.</div>
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Only there weren’t any adventures to be had as we woke to storm warnings, warnings that actually came true. It was so wet and windy that streets flooded, sink holes opened, landslides happened, kids were kept off school and just walking 2 minutes to the shop and back meant you looked like you’d just swam ten lengths of an Olympic size swimming pool. I was majorly disappointed to miss our planned trip to Universal, but instead we spent the day catching up with The Walking Dead and eating M&M’s, I suppose it did give us a good rest day to get over the jet lag and horrifically long bus journey. </div>
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It wasn’t all blue skies and sunshine the next morning either, but I was determined to drag my butt to The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter, and everyone can handle a little bit of drizzle, even me. We arrived bright an early at Universal Studios, just in time for the gates opening to be precise (and the perfect time to beat the queues and crowds if you ever plan on going yourself), once we parted with our $240, and declined all the offers of VIP and queue jump, I practically ran all the way to Hogsmeade. I was actually overwhelmed, I knew it would be good but I didn’t think it would be this good. The path to Hogwarts led us by all your favourite shops, Honeydukes, Zonkos and of course Ollivanders, which was where we joined our first queue to watch the wand choosing ceremony. I stood front and centre and put on my best “young” face once we got in the tiny shop in the hopes of being the muggle selected for a wand….unfortunately, the girl next to me was chosen instead, lucky bitch. It was great to watch though and the actor really played his part well, though I don’t think the young girls parents were too happy when they heard the options for the wand “given” to their daughter. This is America, nothings free right? </div>
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Having sulked in the wand shop for a good 15 minutes, Kyle wouldn’t part with $100 to buy me one nor would he try on dress robes, we finally entered Hogwarts and got ready for the ride. As we were early we quickly made our way through classrooms, and gardens to the great hall, here we were seated in a 4 seater cart and strapped in with bars that came over our heads…hang on, isn’t this ride for children? The ride takes you on a journey of the Harry Potter stories, playing quidditch, fighting dementors, running from dragons and setting free a hippogriff, it’s just a shame that they throw you around like a rag doll to do it. Combining the motions with the fast changing images even Kyle felt sick when we got off 3 minutes later, I had read warnings but I really didn’t think it would be so bad. But it was nothing a butterbeer in the three broomsticks couldn’t fix, I mean if you like a really sugary drink with more sugary cream on top then this is the refreshment for you. Fearing the worst for his diabetes Kyle stuck to lemonade. Observing all the children and many, many adults in their dress robes using the their wands to make things move in the store windows was brilliant, but it was soon time to hop on the Hogwarts Express and jump on the studio tour.</div>
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The studio tour was Kyle’s favourite part of the day. A tram leads you round a real working lot, it’s here you get to see sets ranging from a New York street to the set of Desperate Housewives, a Wild West Set…where they were actually filming and the home of Jaws. The tour is very interactive and the girl hosting our bus was brilliant, hats off to her for keeping up her energy throughout the ride, we got to see how they create floods, earthquakes, take a 360 3D tour with King Kong and go on a high speed chase with the Rock and Vin Diesel. What really made the tour for me was our American companions, they really get stuck in and caught up in the moment…even Kyle had a huge smile on his face.</div>
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Next stop, Springfield, the home of the Simpsons, passing on a Krusty Burger I settled on a hot dog, it was gross, but the whole park offered very little in options other than your normal fairground affair. It’s a shame we chose to go on a ride straight after eating, I mean more motion pictures and being thrown around was really what I needed, I was left feeling so sick that poor Kyle had to enter the Transformers 3D ride on his own. </div>
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To take a break from all the action we went to watch a couple of shows, Animals of Universal and the Special Effects show. I have mixed feelings about the animals, they all seemed genuinely happy and well cared for, but do they really enjoy loud music and a screaming audience? However, the Special Effects show was great, seeing how things had developed over time, learning about stunts, setting people on fire, fake blood and flying gave a really great insight into how things are done behind the scenes, though part of me was left wondering how I’ll be able to watch a film in the same way again with all this background knowledge.</div>
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Our final stop of the day, the Minion ride, and the longest queue of the day, but to be fair by this time it was 3pm and pissing down with the rain so I think a lot of people had ran into anything for shelter. After a 30 minute wait we found ourselves in Gru’s lab waiting to be turned into Minions before yet another whiplash inducing motion ride, which I did really enjoy, but not as much as meeting Gru and a Minion afterwards. Would I recommend Universal? Yes and no, I wouldn't class the rides as rides, you mainly spend your day watching short films and getting thrown around. But for the Studio Tour and the magic of the park it is definitely worth the effort, seeing some of your favourite places brought to life is spectacular and where else can you get a background into film making or be lucky enough to see a show being filmed? Just get there early, and try pick a weekday if you can for lower ticket prices. </div>
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What “vacay” to LA would be complete without a trip to Hollywood? Well any actually. I was personally left a little disappointed by our adventures around Hollywood and along the Walk of Fame. For a “must see” location, it’s pretty dirty and busy with lots of traffic and pedestrians. The stars are really small, and there’s so many it would take you a good 5 hours to see them all. Kyle and I also think that at least a good 30% of the stars are pointless too, and can’t figure out why some people were given them. Still the Chinese and Dolby theatres are impressive, the luxurious golds of the Dolby means it can be seen glistening from far, far down the street, and the Chinese theatre is very reminiscent of the temples which we saw on our visit to China. We were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Hollywood sign from the shopping centre, we were going to walk up it, but once again the weather was against us. Whilst in the shopping centre we also caught a show from some Chinese dancers, before quickly running away from the huge crowds descending on the boulevard. </div>
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Despite the bad weather we really wanted to go to Venice Beach, the birth place of The Doors and being total geeks we went looking for Jim Morrisons apartment, his poetry on the famed poets wall and the memorial painting. Kyle made me stand and watch the surfers and the skaters right on the sea front for what felt like hours in the cold, before we had a stroll up and down the boardwalk. It was surprising how busy it was considering the time of year, dog walkers, skaters and joggers covered the path, whilst tourists weaved in and out of the way on both foot and bikes. There were yet more homeless people, this time trying their best to entertain with musical instruments (including a grand piano), or spark debate with controversial cardboard signs. Surf shops, skate stores, weed clinics, design your own tee’s and jewellery stands line the boardwalk all offering discount prices, but forgetting to mention the additional tax line the boardwalk, along with hand made statues and art that charge you for a photograph. The best part of the day was catching a performance by the Calypso Tumblers. A street performance collective of 15 guys who take it in turns to entertain the crowds along the boardwalk, with acrobatic tricks, racist jokes, smooth dance moves and a lot of audience participation, these guys make their money by coming down twice a day everyday and putting on different shows to keep people interested, and judging by the size of the donations that they received, they’re certainly doing a good job. </div>
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We applied for tickets to The Late Late Show without much hope of actually getting a ticket, imagine our delight when we did? Imagine our distress when they send you your e-ticket along with half the Next catalogue work/evening wear section as a recommendation of what to wear? Hello guys, we're living out of a backpack!! To make matters worse the tights I bought to go with my dress turned out to be borrower size, this I didn't discover until after I'd tried to put them on and my arse popped out. Thankfully, we managed to put something together and we looked the more presentable than any other time in the last 10 months. On arrival at CBS we were lined up in the priority queue and given a disclaimer to fill out, I wish I could tell you what it said but I was too excited so I just signed it. Next was wrist band distribution, either one blue or a blue and a black...we got both. On to a security check and another hour or so wait. I was actually buzzing when our row was called for first and we were led up many flights of stairs to the studio. The Late Late Show set is so much smaller than how it looks on TV, but it is as flashy and looks fucking amazing from the front row...guess we didn't look too bad after all.</div>
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A chubby English guy psychs up the crowd and gives you your directions for the evening. Laugh, clap, laugh, clap and repeat. Next comes Reggie and the house band who really get you going before the main man himself, James Corden, takes the stage. The shows filmed pretty much as it goes out on TV, we only knew one guest, Luke Wilson, but we got to know two more throughout the show, Trevor Noah and Laverne Cox and caught a cool performance from, Labrinth and Noah Cyrus. It was a great experience that left our throats horse and our hands numb, but definitely the high our LA trip needed.</div>
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After the show we headed to the Grove, a totally posh, Beverly Hills style shopping complex with bathrooms bigger than my house. I'm pretty sure that I ate a mint flavoured soap too. (I blame the packaging). For tea we headed to the Farmers Market, which was amazing, so many foods to choose from. We settled for a Louisiana gumbo and fresh lemonade.</div>
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Our next journey sees us catch the famous Greyhound to San Diego. It's forecast blue skies and sunshine, I'm praying it sticks coz I'm ready for a day at the beach.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-88838636683472231512017-02-15T16:15:00.000-08:002017-02-15T20:18:19.016-08:00Week 43.2 - San Francisco<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Well, Auckland airport was quite the experience…from the couple doing their pre-flight stretches, to the barefoot man playing his ukulele (badly), the yoga man and the cheeky bastards that went behind the check in desk to plug their phones into the computer to charge, we certainly had an entertaining few hours people watching whilst waiting for our flight to San Fransisco. A 12 hour flight I was actually not too worried about after the wonderful things which we’d heard about Air New Zealand, it was just a shame that all these things couldn’t be applied to our flight. Yes the service was good, the food was better than most inflight meals and they had free wine and pretty decent movies, but for me the most important thing on a night flight is the seating. Imagine my horror when they sat us on sandbags that had your back and arse aching within 10 minutes, even if you did use the cotton wool (pillow) they provided as a buffer. Fortunately, I can sleep through any given situation and managed to get around 4 hours sleep, poor Kyle was left with none…I don’t know how much of that was his own fault mind, he did watch 6 films.</div>
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Upon arrival at San Fran airport we were sent down the U.S citizen and ESTA lane, where after a 5 minute wait we scanned our passports and finger prints, posed for a picture and got a receipt..great we thought that’s us in. Of course it wasn’t the simple, next we were led to a long line where we waited 45 minutes to do the same thing we’d just done with the machines, with a man, I mean how many times do you need our fingerprints and pictures? The guy was alright though, we had a good 15 minute chat about our travels, I don’t think Kyle was too impressed all he wanted was to get to bed. </div>
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A 20 minute taxi journey took us from the airport to the Minna Hotel in Downtown San Fransisco. It was nice to see from both, on the plane, and on the drive that this stunning city of skyscrapers and pastel coloured houses is surrounded by blue seas, huge mountains and lush green forests. Though I am secretly hoping that they don’t build more buildings on the little nature that is left here. We checked in at 1.30pm and the first thing I saw outside our hotel, a guy preparing his heroin shot. I suppose being in a small country like New Zealand you forget the hardships and struggles of other countries, things you soon remember when you see the people on the street in San Fran, shouting, gathering in groups, smoking a lot of weed or trying to sell their belongings on the street to make some money…for the first time in a long time I got a feeling of unease in my surroundings. Thankfully a 5 minute walk takes us to the more upmarket area of Union Square. </div>
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We woke the next morning still feeling a little jet lagged but nevertheless we were excited to see what San Fran had to offer, donning our usual attire of shorts and t-shirt we made our way outside. I have no idea how California can be classed as the golden state, (which I thought meant warm) it was that bloody cold we could see our breath! Did we go back to the hotel for more layers? No we manned up and continued on to Union Square to meet our troop for the “free” walking tour. (Free in America means, give a suggested donation of $10-$20). On the way we passed by the famous city trams making their way up the steep hills, designer stores, Macy’s, Bloomingdales and food carts. Our guide for the day was, Wes, from Wild San Fransisco tours, a eclectic guy with a real passion for his city and it’s tales. The walk began on Union Square, now a public park, Union Square was originally a tall sand dune but was developed into an area for pro-union rallies and religious gatherings, however now it is more cosmopolitan with a cafe on site and many, many stores surrounding it. </div>
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Onwards walking took us down Maiden Lane, a former section of the red light district where many women campaigned for rights for sex workers which have since been abolished, resulting in what some believe, as an increase in sex trafficking. Lotta’s fountain on Market Street is the oldest monument in the city and the meeting place for survivors of the great 1906 earthquake, where many gas pipes burst resulting in the majority of San Fransisco being burnt down. It was here that we also learnt about how government cuts have led to the homeless crisis and how a majority of the people you see with no homes are ex-veterans or people of African-American descent.</div>
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Ghirardelli chocolate shop was my favourite stop of the day. Named after Domenico Ghirardelli an Italian chocolate maker who moved to California from South America who produced and sold chocolate during the gold rush, making him lots of money. Now, it’s not quite as good as Galaxy but its pretty good and a damn site better than Hersheys. Our final stops were in the business district, it was here we learnt about Leidesdorff, America’s first prominent businessman of black ancestry. Taken in by an Englishman on a plantation and given good care and education, Leidesdorff was sent by the same man to New Orleans to become a cotton merchant. With a passion for business and hardworking he was left the business when the English man died leaving Leidesdorff their New Orleans estate. After his wedding got cancelled by his bride to be’s parents resulting in her suicide, he moved to California and began successful businesses in San Fransisco. Leidesdorff dies of a suspected brain tumour, but many believe that there was more to his death. </div>
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After that in depth history lesson we were taken by Wes to a public area in a mega posh building, 15 stories up. It was amazing, stepping outside we were allowed views over the city towards the harbour, spaces like these exist all over the city and are free for anyone to go to. Finally we ended our trail at the Transamerica pyramid, now the second tallest tower in the city, built in the shape of a pyramid to allow light into the city, the unique architecture came under fire from many of the local citizens who believed it was too tall. Wes however calls it San Francisco’s Eiffel Tower. </div>
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We bid the group goodbye after a delicious Burmese lunch and made our way to Chinatown. One of the best Chinatowns we have visited since actual China, besides other tourists we were the only Western people there. Hearing everyone chatting in Chinese, meditating, eating and dancing in the parks transported us back to China itself, even all the buildings were decorated with Chinese artefacts and the streets were adorned with lanterns…if we hadn’t already eaten I think we would of stuffed our faces on the delights which were on offer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAPZhoBm1Wzx026J4S4gsyWdmpB9TyixzZ8tniP0jU2Wz4Zk1MMBnlEqadGvYBEkMaGvMbFUV6HLUZb9WrOQKSd127gATC6_YGgGiS5ct_dltPx5zx9HOF6FjTEj24XqwhIghRmyJMAM/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAPZhoBm1Wzx026J4S4gsyWdmpB9TyixzZ8tniP0jU2Wz4Zk1MMBnlEqadGvYBEkMaGvMbFUV6HLUZb9WrOQKSd127gATC6_YGgGiS5ct_dltPx5zx9HOF6FjTEj24XqwhIghRmyJMAM/s320/IMG_2344.JPG" width="256" id="id_5fdc_a613_6509_7a8c" style="width: 256px; height: auto;"></a>So San Frans hills are pretty damn steep, and taking the famous cable car up and down them is certainly a experience. We decided to get the cable car from Powell Street to Fishermans Wharf, a $7 one way journey which had us sliding off our seats on the way down the hills and feeling like we were taking off in a plane on the way up them. It was a great experience though and we got to see a lot of the city, including the tall, brightly coloured residential houses and views over the city and harbours. We’d booked the 9.30am Alcatraz tour, so it was a bit of a dash from the wharf to pier 33 to make it in time for our ferry, but a brisk jog meant that we actually got there in time to join the 9.10am trip. The 15 minute ride to Alcatraz island provided great views of the city skyline, Golden Gate bridge and the island itself, on the plus side it was a warm, sunny day too with no wind, meaning no bumps on the ferry. On arrival at Alcatraz we were greeted by a park warden who advised us of all the rules and gave a brief introduction to the island. We’d been warned that the walk to the cell blocks was difficult, and though the paths a little steep it’s actually not too bad. </div>
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Walking into the prison and through the shower blocks (which you would never want to use) took us to the audio tour section which is a much do. The (free) headset gives you detailed explanations and stories of all the areas both inside and outside the prison, it’s also key to get there early as we did, there were hardly any people compared to the 1000’s around as we were leaving. Walking along the isles and looking up at the rows of cells gives you quite an odd feeling, you can imagine how loud and smelly it must have been when the prison was full. The cells are 5ft by 9ft and contain nothing more than a bed, a metal table and chair, a sink, a toilet and a shelf to store your goods…not a great location for spending a large amount of time. We also explored the isolation cells, these were tiny with heavy metal doors and many prisoners would be kept inside them, with no lights, for up to 19 days.</div>
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We also learnt that some prisoners got treats for good behaviour, such as access to the library and books, time in the recreational area outside to play sports, or additional items for their cells, such as headphones or paper and paint. Hearing about the attempted breakouts was a real eye opener, especially when you enter the area and see where grenades were dropped into the prison to prevent convicts from escaping and toilets that had been hacked off walls with spoons…like a real life prison break. The last stop of the tour was the kitchen, with tear gas canisters on the ceiling to keep prisoners in check and knife racks that were heavily watched to ensure all of them were returned.</div>
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Upon leaving we entered the bookstore and we’re lucky enough to encounter George Devincenzi, a former correctional officer who had returned to share his story and answer questions for visitors to the island. Alcatraz closed its doors as a prison on march 21st, 1963, as it was too expensive to keep running, however the grounds are being well cared for and maintained by the American National Parks and as well as the prison you can also visit/see the laundry rooms, wardens and guards homes, military sections and the administration building. A slightly expensive trip for us at $40 each but well worth it.</div>
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Once back on land we walked back along the water to Pier 39, a long stretch of shops, restaurants and entertainment. After watching a guy try and fit his body through a tennis racket we walked round to see the famous sea lions. There were 100’s of them lounging on platforms, fighting for space and barking for attention. The sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammals Protection act, and come and go as they please to the bay meaning that each day may see a different amount of sea lions but they will always return to Pier 39. Feeling peckish we headed to Fishermans Wharf, where after a trip to Musee Mechanique (a creepy/fun museum of working old and new 25cent machines) we enjoyed a much recommended clam chowder and Anchor Steam beer, San Francisco’s home brew. Or Kyle did anyway, I wasn’t a fan of the creamy chowder so opted for a Lobster brisk instead.</div>
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We obviously hadn’t walked enough, so we headed up the extremely steep Lombard Street to the section which makes the street famous. A one block stretch of road so steep that it is made up of 8 hairpin turns to allow cars an easy decline, though watching people slowly creep down it I don’t think I would ever fancy getting behind the steering wheel.</div>
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Having a car in NZ may have given us freedom but it also made us really lazy, and we never seemed to get lost (or too badly lost anyway). Yesterday we thought we’d catch a bus to the Golden Gate bridge, how hard could that be? Pretty difficult actually, turns out the stop Google advised was wrong, it wasn’t even the right bus number either. So after asking the kind lady at the bus ticket stand we were soon on our way to Golden Gate Park on the number 5 bus, it’s when we had to change to the 28 that things went wrong, again. Turns out putting the R after a number means it’s a rapid bus, cutting out tourist spots and getting to places quicker, if a kind man on the bus hadn't of told us about that we’d have ended up back in the city centre rather than at the bridge. </div>
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One whole hour later and we were stood under the Golden Gate bridge, if you haven’t been it’s actually pretty spectacular. It doesn’t look quite as red close up, more of a dirty orange but still it’s bright, huge and fucking long. Rather than bike across we thought we’d walk, which when you’re not a huge fan of heights may not be the best idea, I stuck close to the cycle lane whilst Kyle took pictures from the side closest to the edge. Once we were passed the half way mark the walk got better as fewer people walk this far, we pretty much had the bridge to ourselves, which at 11am wasn’t too bad. The views back over the sea to the city centre and Alcatraz were some of the best we’ve seen, even if the fog did cloud it over ever so slightly, it’s still impressive to see how big San Fran is, and to see the differences between the centre with its sky rises and the smaller buildings of the residential areas. </div>
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From the bridge we continued on to Sausalito, a cute little seaside town with houses that must be worth millions. We stopped to refuel with a coffee and a bagel before catching the ferry back to town, and trekking up Market Street towards the hotel. My poor little legs are crying after 2 days of full on walking.</div>
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Today it’s back on the buses, and a 7 hour journey to L.A. I’ve not read good reports about the bus services in America, but I’m hoping that this journeys not going to be too bad. I suppose I better get used to carrying my backpack again too…joy!!</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-2891356422074383472017-02-10T18:55:00.000-08:002017-02-10T22:37:30.314-08:00Week 43.1 - Auckland, and the end of our New Zealand road trip<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
The good news is, we sold Eric for more than we paid for him and the guy who was rehoming him said we could keep him for our last few days in Auckland. The bad news is, Eric got stolen 2 days before we were due to complete the sale. Unfortunately, we noticed that the car was gone on Thursday morning with no signs of a break in, it was clear that some “professionals” had targeted him in the middle of the night. The police were called and a report filled out, 9 posts were shared in car theft groups on Facebook…though the fact that theres 9 groups speaks volumes, and leaves me all to sure that we won’t see Eric return before we go. Having to look on the bright side of a really shitty situation, (and ignoring the fact that we’ll be living on the streets in America), we are really lucky to have removed all of our bags and personal items from the car, leaving only the camping stuff inside and at least it happened at the end of our journey, not the beginning. We’re both understandably pissed off but are determined to not let it affect the memories and the time we’ve had in New Zealand, and I’m sure one day we’ll be able to laugh, just not yet. Oh and it’s made us hate Auckland. </div>
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With no car we caught the metro into the CBD to explore what Auckland has (or doesn’t have as is the case) to offer. A city so far apart from the rest of the country, Auckland CBD is busy, dirty and filled with rude people in a constant rush, I just don’t understand why they don’t set off 5 minutes earlier and at least attempt a little fake politeness. We tried to enjoy our walk around, and did visit the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, The Viaduct and the Civic Theatre (which was absolutely stunning) but all in all Auckland is little more than just another city and not what people should come to New Zealand for. We did have good evening though when we met up with Kyles football friend, James, and his girlfriend Chelsea for a few drinks at a very nice bar called, Everyones. Having lived in Auckland since November James and Chelsea are now getting ready to embark on a 5 week road trip around NZ before heading to Canada. It was great to meet them both and exchange travel plans and future dreams, and I think the boys had a great time catching up…it certainly helped us both to forget about the shit morning anyway.</div>
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The next morning we took the good old bus to Titirangi, a small village 20 minutes from Auckland filled with fancy cars and designer houses. A 30 minute bush walk took us from the main village to Titirangi beach, a shelly beach with questionable water, so after a quick snack we continued on our way to French Bay. French bay was a lot nicer, with actual warm water, that looked clean and fresh we enjoyed playing on the rope swings and relaxing by the sea, before trekking back, uphill, to Titirangi and an iced coffee.</div>
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Despite a twisted ankle, a chipped windscreen and a stolen car, the last 3 months have been brilliant. We’ve caught up with old friends, made new ones and created over a 1000 unforgettable memories. Unlike trying new foods in Asia, we’ve tried new things instead like bungee jumping and surfing. We’ve tackled a completely new country solo, with a road map and a shitty phone sat nav and pretty much conquered 90% of the country. Without a doubt New Zealand is undeniably one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a bit of something for everyone it is essentially the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s in the car, on a bush walk or just waking up to a sunrise there’s always something new to see. I’ll never forget driving around the corner and setting eyes on Lake Hawea, a scene so perfect it felt like you’d stepped into photoshop, or riding on a horse over the Baton Valley with the snow capped mountains in the distance, laughing along with Fiona and Melodie. The endless perfect beaches in the Far North and The Coromandel. And of course we’ll always think about the unpredictable weather and the savage sand flies of the South Islands West Coast. We've even learnt how to sleep semi comfortably in the back of a car too. So despite our crappy ending, this definitely is not goodbye to NZ, I’m sure we’ll be back and next time we’ll have a car with an alarm and insurance (they really should make it compulsory). </div>
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In our humble opinion we would highly recommend getting a car to travel New Zealand. It not only allows you more freedom to explore, but gets you a little off the beaten track, to those hidden gems that a bus or a train cannot quite reach. Not only that you’re spared the ball ache of working to someone else schedule and wasting precious times waiting for your next ride…its also a damn site safer than hitchhiking, just don’t get a Subaru Legacy (still bitter? just a little). New Zealand is not a country to be rushed, though if your time is short make the most of it whilst you can, this country is fucking far from everywhere. </div>
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Today we have done what we do best and enjoyed a relaxing beach day, followed by laundry and packing…proper packing too, which is a nightmare, even if we have both gotten rid of some stuff. Tomorrow we get to experience time travelling as we embark on our new adventure in the United States of America. So I suppose it is here that we should thank Auckland for being busy and at least getting us used to people again. I cannot wait to see my mum in 2 short weeks and meet her Texas family, I’m sure that we will have more than a few unforgettable experiences with those guys. An advanced request to all Americans…please be as friendly as all the people that we’ve met in NZ. Next stop, San Fransisco!<br />
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*Update* we have just learnt that Eric has been found, he's in a compound miles away from we are, but all our camping gear is still inside and he's intact...the poor lads just got a broken ignition. The issue we now face is repair and sale, the garage is closed until Monday and we leave tomorrow. We're currently waiting for a call back to arrange for the garage to sell on our behalf, we're preparing to be totally ripped off but at this stage anything is better than nothing. Fingers crossed guys.</div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; font-size: 12px;">Love Carrie xxx</span>A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-47364482802228049452017-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:002017-02-07T16:22:24.342-08:00Week 42 - Our journey to Auckland<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Imagine going 10 rounds with Muhammed Ali but getting pounded with water from a power hose at the same time, hold that thought and repeat it for 2 hours…that’s how surfing felt for me. I’m sure for those that love it, that riding a wave is exhilarating and worth the mammoth effort of lugging a heavy plank out to sea for 15 minutes. For me I didn’t get any pleasure over getting thrown around, crushed by waves and swallowing half the ocean. Though I’ll give myself credit where it’s due I actually stood up twice, with the help of Che who had to pull me out on the board as I couldn’t get the 8 ft beast through the 100ft waves. Kyle however had a great time, not only did he get to surf the day away, he got a laugh at my expense too. For now and the near future, surfing is a hobby he can keep for himself whilst I do what I’m good at, relaxing on the beach. </div>
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We’ve seen a few sunsets on our travels but only one sunrise, you remember that time I was a hero and climbed a volcano in Bali, so we decided to get up at 6am to watch the sunrise over Te Arai point. It was stunning with the islands and the ocean in the distance, the sky was lit up in beautiful shades of purple, orange and red, what made it more spectacular was the low cloud and fog hanging over the trees and forest, giving it a more magical feel….I’m sure my pet unicorn must be hiding in there somewhere. </div>
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An early rise and too much sun on previous outings (for Kyle anyway) meant a chilled out day planning for America and our California Coast trip. If we thought it was expensive in NZ we were in for a shock, it’s well cheap here compared to the U.S, it’s a shame we can’t take good old Eric with us and sleep in the car for a few more weeks. At least we’ve got a few days to come up with some sort of a plan, hey?</div>
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Our last few days in Te Arai were spent flitting between the beaches and enjoying local markets, before leaving what has become one of our favourite places in NZ to head to Auckland. On our way down the coast we decided to stop at Goat Island, a famous marine reserve, with the clearest waters perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and diving. Unfortunately, we arrived at 11am on the Sunday of yet another Bank Holiday weekend, (Waitangi weekend, you remember the treaty place) this meant that the beach and sea were packed full of people…we should of known how bad it was going to be when we had to park miles away from the beach. It was a shame as the still waters looked perfect for swimming, but we just couldn’t be bothered fighting for space or paying $40 for half an hour in a glass bottom kayak, and since when did it become cool to charge for things by the half hour too?</div>
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Not ones to be put off we continued on down the coast to Omaha beach, which thankfully was a lot quieter due to the sheer size of the beach and again the sea was nice calm, a refreshing change from all waves I haven’t gotten used to on the other beaches. After an ice cream and a sunbathe we made the journey down the motorway and through the toll booth into Auckland. After so long out on the open road, enjoying beach life and small towns you kind of forget what cities are like, so driving up close to the CBD and seeing the skyscrapers and towers was a bit of a shock to the system, Auckland looks so big, it’s almost like you could put Wellington into it 8 times. Still the traffic on the outer roads pales in comparison to Englands major cities and we soon found our new bed in New Lynn, an Air B&B hosted by Dickson from Singapore. </div>
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We weren’t quite ready to kiss goodbye to beach life so spent our first morning in Auckland down at Point Chevalier beach. It didn’t quite have the soft white sand we’ve become accustomed to, and the views of the city and suburbs are a little different to the islands and mountains, but still we enjoyed a relaxing morning before a busy afternoon of car viewings for little Eric, whose now nice and shiny after an expensive trip to the car wash. </div>
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Taking the Metro in Auckland makes you feel as though you are in any other city in the world. The train compartments are filled with the suited and not so booted (turns out they wear flip flops to work), and many others making their way to the daily grind in the city. The 30 minute journey from New Lynn to Britomart took us through the most compact of residential areas, where back gardens have long been lost to new builds and development sites are on each corner. Britomart station was probably one of the most “normal” buildings I’ve seen on our travels, and was just as busy as an London tube station…at lunch time, they don’t quite have the population for rush hour traffic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TxVzkRUAi2TEz8Hex-l-9VOpgkRPpD4mehQBwFJBVm-zy61UUmafsVF9MmElHDQjqkgrjLyx1hDk2cUxpFFbdvR9tL8X282xPQ3an7f0uFicKrzY2TxScaVjzOlK6ilcL_eBx_P1Zbk/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TxVzkRUAi2TEz8Hex-l-9VOpgkRPpD4mehQBwFJBVm-zy61UUmafsVF9MmElHDQjqkgrjLyx1hDk2cUxpFFbdvR9tL8X282xPQ3an7f0uFicKrzY2TxScaVjzOlK6ilcL_eBx_P1Zbk/s320/IMG_2338.JPG" width="256" /></a>Though we have yet to explore the CBD we decided that this sunny day was not the right time, and instead took the ferry to Waiheke island. A short 35 minute ferry ride over calm waters, saw us unloading at Auckland’s paradise, Waiheke Island, nice and early at 10am so that we could make the most of the day. A day that started with a bush walk, it was fucking boiling and Kyle thought that it would be a good idea to hike up the high trail for the views…of which there were none, what with this being a bush trail and all. Anyway we were soon at Blackpool “beach”, not quite like the beach back in the U.K with its pebbled shore and many boats in the sea, we were left disappointed as we had heard good things about the islands beaches. However, after a quick chat and some map swapping advice with an American couple we were soon on our way again to Oneroa. Here we found a beautiful shelly beach, with actual warm water and hardly any other people…it made for some great swimming and relaxing before we freshened ourselves up for an afternoon at the vineyard.</div>
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Mudbrick is signposted as a 25 minute walk from Oneroa, what they don’t tell you is that most of this walk is uphill and I’m not sure if I’ve already said that it was fucking roasting! Still we made it, and we are so thankful to Matt and Kym for the Christmas present that allowed us to have such a wonderful time at Mudbrick. Whilst soaking up the sun and enjoying the views of the bay and the city of Auckland, we indulged in many a glass of wine, a delicious cheese board (which hosted some of the best brie Kyle’s ever had apparently), and foccacia bread and dips. It was a nice taste of luxury and we were well taken care of by the attentive staff, who even allowed us a wander around the vineyard afterwards. After all that walking and drinking we did opt to get a taxi back to the ferry terminal.</div>
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On our way home from Waiheke we accidentally stumbled into a Chinese, though not just any Chinese, this was probably as close to the real thing we’ve had in ages. Delicious crispy dumplings, a beef dish and noodles, with a side order of tea. There was enough to feed an army, so we’ve got left overs for tea tonight. It had us reminiscing about China, Japan and Asia and having been in NZ for 3 months experiencing so many new things that you kind of forget what you’ve done and the food you’ve eaten...once we started talking about it though we were soon of on a tangent.</div>
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I’m going to leave this blog post short and sweet, I’ll keep you guessing, for now, about how we’ve enjoyed Auckland, and if we like the CBD and most importantly if Eric has a new home, or if he’s still sat on the driveway of our Air B&B…..</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-17871982482046410552017-01-31T12:30:00.000-08:002017-01-31T12:30:15.457-08:00Week 41 - Te Arai and Whangarei<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Te Arai Point beach is pretty much perfect, theres rocks to climb and cliffs to jump off straight into the sea below. The ocean is clear, the sand is white and you’ve got views of the surrounding islands in front of you, and the bush and sand dunes behind…with good weather on the forecast we felt like we’d made a perfect choice. It’s just a shame the road to the beach is a 5km gravel path, though watching the Top Gear NZ episode I’m wishing that we’d just hired a car so that we could take those kinds of roads like Jeremy Clarkson did! We were highly amused when we observed 8 girls in a row climb up the top of the rock, strip to their bikini, stick their bums out and put their arms in the air whilst their poor boyfriends stood below and took a photo from 100 different angles…looks like there’ll be a fair few of the same photo on Instagram! </div>
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The closest “town” to us is Mangawhai, there’s little more than a couple of restaurants, a bakery, a meat shop and a surf store, but it’s cute and reminds me a little of Spain. I think that’s due to the hot weather, dusty roads, holiday homes and the odd building that looks like a Spanish villa with huge wooden doors, metal gates and ivy up the side. Despite having not much to do, besides visit the chocolate factory in the villa, it makes for a nice place to relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.</div>
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To escape the car we booked an Air B&B in Whangarei, a little over half an hour from Te Arai and a nice little city break. We chose to stay with Becky and Tate, two expats with a dream house high in the hills overlooking the city and harbour, and to top it off they’re both chefs…this made for a delicious gumbo tea. A dish from Tate’s hometown, New Orleans, gumbo is a little like a sausage and chicken stew, only better.</div>
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With so much to see in Whangarei we had a full on first day, starting with a visit to the large but quiet town centre and doing a cheeky bit of window shopping before moving on to the Town Basin. The Town Basin is a yachting marina boarded by posh shops, restaurants and bars, you can also visit the art museum, the national clock museum or Reyburn House (Whangarei’s oldest house). There’s also a walkway that takes you along the waters edge and is scattered with sculptures, including works by local and international artists, this walk eventually takes you to ‘Te Matu a Pohe’ bridge, an award winning opening bridge.</div>
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As if all that wasn’t enough and we weren’t already sweating like we were back in Vietnam, we headed out to Whangarei Falls, a stunning 20 foot waterfall surrounded by a bush walk and leading into a long river with stepping stones or a bridge across. It’s just a shame that the water beneath the falls was deemed unsuitable for swimming, by this point we were both ready to jump into the cooling waters.</div>
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Here in NZ we love to find free, or almost free, stuff to do, so we were delighted when we stumbled across Quarry Gardens. For just one gold coin donation per person you can walk freely around this old quarry, now a stunning man made garden, complete with lake and waterfall. The locals have done a really good job in creating a lush and vibrant garden, with pleasant walks and hidden quarry artefacts within the flora and fauna. For $1 it was well worth a visit.</div>
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We got lucky again with another local festival, this time ArtBeat was taking place in the town centre park. With a mixture of food stalls and arts and crafts stands, mixed with do it yourself art sections and live entertainment it was a great morning out and it was nice to see all the locals gathered together enjoying themselves. My favourite act of the day was Northland Youth theatre group, who performed songs in both English and Maori and were packd full of talent. </div>
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No trip to Whangarei is complete without a trip to Whangarei Heads, a long stretch of ocean surrounded by mangroves, walking trails, small villages and overlooked by Mount Manaia. I was keen to climb Mount Manaia to enjoy the views over the bays but unfortunately toilet step gate meant that it would of been too much of a struggle for me to make the 403 metres above sea level climb….but there’s always next time! Instead we found ourselves on Ocean beach, and I know I say this about every beach, but this one was an actual dream as it came complete with dolphins!! I’ve been moaning about not seeing dolphins since we got here, and I now feel so lucky to have seen them swimming and jumping right in front of us. It certainly makes sunbathing all the more interesting seeing 8 of one of the most elegant creatures in the world. </div>
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On the way back to Te Arai we planned to visit Piroa Falls but as we pulled into the parking area we could tell that this little swimming hole was going to be packed. The 10 minute bush walk took us down some steep steps before we headed across the river and round to the base of the waterfall, it was here we were met by hell! It’s a shame really, the waterfall, though small, looked refreshing in the heat and the water below was crystal clear and warm, we just didn’t fancy spending the afternoon with 36 other people and getting in the way of their selfies. Good job there’s plenty of beaches in the area, hey? So after a quick iced coffee in the town time forgot, Waipu, we headed back to Mangawhai heads.</div>
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Of course when there’s a beach with waves Kyle’s going to take up every opportunity to surf, this time he got a board from Aotearoa surf school. After a day of surf and chatting to the owner, Che, we went down to the local “members” only club house for a beer where they were holding their annual fishing competition. To raise money for the club house, and for a bit of fun, all the catches of the day are auctioned off to the highest bidder, they also offer prizes for the largest, prettiest, most unusual and smallest fish…some of the prizes weren’t half and mind, we watched one guy walk off with a new 50” TV. It was a pleasant evening, and once again we got a taste of Kiwi life in a small town, I don’t think we’d quite fit in with the fishermen but it’s still nice to hang out with them and get a cheap-ish beer!</div>
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So today sees a surf lesson booked in for both, currently I’m feeling like wimping out…I fucking hate cold water, water in my face and getting my hair wet. Plus the thought of a wet suit has me feeling kind of claustrophobic, I can’t see this happening at all. Wish Kyle luck.</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870023769610715914.post-4437176416011167682017-01-24T14:55:00.000-08:002017-01-24T14:55:50.016-08:00Week 41 - Northland, New Zealand<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
We haven’t had an Indian curry since we visited Little India in Penang, Malaysia, we just couldn’t face the disappointment, but after a gripping Sherlock and getting soggy at the cape we thought we’d risk it. A short walk in the evening humidity of the Far North took us to The Copper Pot, where we greeted by a lovely Kiwi woman and 2 Indian chefs. We took our time deliberating over our order, eventually selecting one curry, a Lamb Rogan josh, to share and a few side bits. Well bloody hell it was delicious, we certainly made the right choice, Kyle ate so much he struggled to walk home after, good job he had a comfy bed to fall into.</div>
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Still feeling full and well rested the next morning we took a short drive to Ahipara beach, located at the Southern most end of 90 mile beach. The weather was lush and it sure felt warm in the car, but as soon as we stepped on to that beach we were almost blown backwards (standard West Coast), still we had a nice walk and Kyle had a laugh drawing rude pictures in the sand. We saw a few cars making their journey towards the end of the beach, though we didn’t risk it ourselves we’d heard enough horror stories about tourists getting stuck. Don’t tell Eric but I don’t think that he would of quite made it either. Further round the beach is Shipwreck Bay, here a coral break provides the perfect surf in the bright blue waters, shame Kyle hadn’t rented a board from further up the beach, hey? </div>
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The sea turns into a river which leads back towards the town, at a bridge over the river on our way back we spotted some local children jumping off into the cold waters below…though it was hot in the car I don’t think there was anyway I would of joined them, even if you could see clearly through the water.</div>
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Our second Air B&B turned out to be a great choice, Sarah and Neil are the perfect hosts with a lovely home. We spent a good few hours discussing England (Sarah’s originally from the UK and Neil lived there for 8 years) and NZ. Sorry guys at home but NZ came up top on a lot of points. We even got to play with their black lab, Jeffery, so my night was made!</div>
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Finally a short drive day, it took us a little over half an hour to get from Kaitaia to Doubtless Bay and our next campsite, Hihi Bay Holiday Park. The journey took us right round the bay and allowed for glimpses of all the beaches on offer….it’s just a shame that the weather was shit. We were hoping it would brighten up once we’d pitched the tent but it didn’t, still we found time to walk round Hihi, along the beach and to the other side of the bay. As per all of New Zealand the sea is bright blue, the beaches clean and all surrounded by lush green forests. We even enjoyed a spot of holiday home dreaming before returning to the campsite and watching Toy Story. </div>
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We’ve experienced 4 seasons in one day in New Zealand on a few occasions, but we’ve never had a storm quite like the one we experienced on our first night in Hihi. It reminded me of the ones we had back in Bangkok, Thailand. So bad that we made the decision quite early on to move into the car, we didn’t think our little tent would survive the night (surprisingly it did). The wind and rain did not give up, hitting the car from all angles it felt as though the wind was everywhere. The trees cast creepy shadows on the car, leaves and twigs bounced off the roof, thunder boomed loudly in the distance and the lightening lit up the sky. Kyle was blissfully asleep during most of this, until around 3am at least, that was when I rudely woke him, busting for a wee….I don’t know what I thought that was going to achieve, it’s not like he was going to come with me. So in my little PJ shorts and Kyle’s waterproof jacket I made a run for it, I should of just wet myself, I was soaked by the time I got back in the car, even more so thanks to the dodgy zipper on Kyles jacket.</div>
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We were shocked when we woke the next morning at 10.30am, but after wee gate we were awake for ages, getting rocked around and sweating in the car. It took us ages to finally move, take a shower and get dressed and we were so tired only one thing could save us, a big fat fry up! To get one we had to drive 6kms to Mangonui, as there’s little more than a campsite and an essentials only shop in Hihi. Mangonui is a small town, filled mainly with heritage buildings which line a small harbour and boardwalk, so after we’d filled our bellies with at least a quarter of a pig we decided to have a small stroll and enjoy the fact that the wind did not reach this bay. The buildings have all been well maintained and walking along the boardwalk you feel as though you have stepped back in time, all they need are a few people in costume, we got to see an old memorial hall, courthouse and a church before stumbling into a local market. Here people were selling their handmade goods, jewellery, jams and beautiful art work made from paua shells. The last part of the walk took us up a small hill overlooking the harbour and it’s 3 entry points, again we were taken aback by the waters colour and surrounding mountains…some views never get old. </div>
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I fell victim to the “walking on your phone curse”, it was highly embarrassing and I wish I’d learnt a lesson but the truth is I’ll probably do it again. But after a lovely day of walking, I managed to fall down the steps out of the toilet and twist my ankle, it was so painful I thought I was going to pass out. I can’t thank the German girl that was there enough for rushing to get Kyle, some ice for my ankle and wet tissue for my knee…between her, Kyle and the campsite owner I was well looked after, even if i have been left with a fat foot, a limp and a cut on my knee like a 5 year old. </div>
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After watching some moron attempt to blowdry his bald head and beard we made our journey to the Bay of Islands and our first stop off point, Paihia. We settled in at Waitangi holiday park, I say settled in, what I mean is we picked a good spot for parking the car, the tent died a slow and painful death in the storms of Hihi and headed for Paihia beach. Paihia reminds me of a holiday resort, there’s not much there besides over priced tat shops, motels, resorts and holiday rentals…still the beach was covered in soft, golden sand, the sea was cold and blue and the views of the little islands were pretty spectacular. I really wanted to hire a paddleboard to experience a little slice of island life one again, but Kyle wasn’t up for doing all the paddling, and I was still pretty beaten up from my fall. It’s a shame that Paihia has so many hostels, a few of which seem to attract the young teens that think they’re on a trashy European holiday. Large groups started to form and the hostel staff brought down a volleyball net and other beach games, awakening the rowdy crowds and making us and many others move on pretty swiftly. </div>
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Exercise is good for my ankle according to Kyle, so after lunch we took a walk along the beach front watching birds dive into the ocean and swim under the water for ages, emerging with a snapper for supper, much to the annoyance of the fishermen on the bridge. The wooden bridge took us into Waitangi, where we were hoping to visit the treaty grounds, famed for being the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown which then established British sovereignty or something like that. Anyway, the grounds were shut so we didn’t get to see what was inside, and we didn’t plan on going back, at $40 per person we thought it was a little expensive to see some land and get a history lesson…though I am sure a lot of people would enjoy it.</div>
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On our way out of Paihia we went to Haruru Falls, where we were hoping to spend the morning, unfortunately when we arrived we realised that the falls weren’t so much a swimming hole but more of a scenic view. Still the falls were beautiful, not too high but very wide and surrounded by trees and bush. I imagine they would be even bigger if the Northland had seen a little more rain, but as it stands they’re suffering with a water shortage. It’s a shame we didn’t get to do the 2 hour walk to the falls through the bush and over the rivers, it was our original plan but I ruined it…sorry about me, it’s on our list of to do’s for next time. </div>
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Driving towards our next stop Te Arai took us along the beautiful coast of Waipu, with a surf beach and a cove, perfect for sunbathing, I was shocked at how quiet these beaches appeared, combined with the 30 degree heat it looked like the perfect holiday destination to me. Our beach of choice was Mangawhai heads, and it was a bloody good one at that, a steep path leads you to white sand and turquoise waters, a perfect beach surrounded by sand dunes and limestone formations, we managed to while away a good couple of hours and Kyle even got me in the sea, to my waist at least. </div>
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We’ve chosen to settle in Te Arai for our last week before heading on down to Auckland to sell the car, that's right we've got to say goodbye to big old Eric. It’s seems the perfect little spot with plenty of beaches and not too many tourists, plus it’s close to a few other towns and sights. So if you’re the jealous kind, be prepared for a post about a huge beach week next…..</div>
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Love Carrie xxx</div>
A guy, a girl and the worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04042808653626329586noreply@blogger.com0