We did it. It only took me 5 and a half years but i finally ventured across 6000+ miles of airspace arriving at London Heathrow on 6th March. With pretty much 30 hours passing without sleep there was only one thing for it... Down the pub with our mates! So we hopped on the London Underground (a frightening experience in itself), got off at London Bridge and by 6pm we were sat supping pints with our mates Gary & Lindsay!
But we didn't have time to relax for too long. By the end of the weekend with our bodies just about adjusted to the horrific time difference, we were off on our 'Sleezy Jet' flight to Alicante bound for Mik's parents.We had a lovely time in Spain and while it wasn't exactly what i would call 'warm' the sun did come out to shine and if you wore a jumper and sat in the sun on the roof terrace, then yes, it was quite nice :)
It felt more like a 'proper' holiday in Spain too. We became the ultimate tourists with Mik taking pictures of everything as Mik's parents were kind enough to take us to Mercia and Elche. Beautiful cities. And we even joined
in on one of Mik's dad's classic car runs. Hugely entertaining as we had a police escort around Villajosa (visiting a chocolate factory... mmmm...) and then the most
amusing lunch i've ever had. Rather like a scene from Faulty Towers, everybody's order got messed up and Mik and i nearly fell off our chairs watching the carnage ensue. Think 50 pensioners all waiting on food, drinking wine in the meantime - unorganised chaos! 
Among other things we drank cerveza in a sunny square in Mercia, we took a train, we visited old towns and churches, we ate a lot(!), we enjoyed many a menu-del-dia and we had a great day out to Cartegena to 'the guns'.Up until the late 90s these guns were still in use but now they are abandoned and Mik's Dad did a great job of guiding us round... even inside the guns themselves!
After a good relax in Spain, on March 19th we were on our way again, this time to St Athan in Wales to see Mik's brother and finally meet his lovely wife, Bev, and children Kieran, Kelsey, Jamie and Jessica. It was a bit mental but only because we are not used to having 4 kids around us but it was fun too. I hung out in the tent in the garden and played for a while (awesome!), and we went to the beach and had a carton of chips with mushy peas at Barry Island.
After a good relax in Spain, on March 19th we were on our way again, this time to St Athan in Wales to see Mik's brother and finally meet his lovely wife, Bev, and children Kieran, Kelsey, Jamie and Jessica. It was a bit mental but only because we are not used to having 4 kids around us but it was fun too. I hung out in the tent in the garden and played for a while (awesome!), and we went to the beach and had a carton of chips with mushy peas at Barry Island.
I loved it - more of playing the tourist since 'Gavin & Stacey' is filmed at Barry Island. For those of you who don't know it, Gavin & Stacey is a brilliant comedy/drama series from the UK. You should all watch it!
But again it was time to get moving and on March 23rd we headed 'up north' to Leeds. Dad picked us up at the bus station and we were soon settling back into Yorkshire. Great to see my Dad and to see his house. He moved their a few years ago now and with us never visiting England i had yet to see it. Bless him, he's kept all my things in perfect condition and he's really well which was good. Won't leave it as long next time!No trip to Yorkshire would have been complete for me without two things: reuniting with my family and having at least one crazy night out with Linz! Thankfully i managed both. Unfortunately i didn't have my camera on any occasion that i met with my mum, Sheena, Charlotte or Daniel but i am glad that i finally saw them again and smoothed things out so that we can communicate better in the future. Huge shock to see how grown up all my siblings are these days but so so happy to be back in contact with them all.
It was actually all very overwhelming and since it had been my birthday, we had one night to let off steam. Huge thanks to Rich and Linz for allowing us to do just that. We had a lovely day at Bolton Abbey complete with pub lunch and obligatory ales before meeting with the Mennells in the evening and finishing up with a ruby in Rich and Linz's kitchen. Next morning there was rice everywhere and i'm sure they are still finding bits of it now. I blame the alcohol and these pictures say it all. No regrets... It was fantastic to see everyone again and just what i needed.Other highlights from 'Up North' can be found below. Jeez, those fish n chips were gooooooooooood. I miss them soooooo...
After being up North and seeing everybody, we headed back South to London and to Gary. Much in need of a couple of day's rest before we headed back to Phuket, a weekend with Gary was perfect therapy. Walks in the country, ales down the pub and plenty of relaxing... At the airport while waiting for our flight back we even managed to sneak in an ale while watching the football, keeping England close to the point we left!
All in it was great to be back in touch with my family and to see some friends. Of course, it was impossible to fit everyone in and keep everyone happy but I've promised not to leave it quite as long next time. Thanks to all of you that seemed to go so out of your way to see me
(even flying into England from different countries!). It made me feel very special, was much-appreciated and great to see you. You know who you are and i can only apologise for time being so pushed this time.
(even flying into England from different countries!). It made me feel very special, was much-appreciated and great to see you. You know who you are and i can only apologise for time being so pushed this time.
Stay posted for my next post including our arrival back in Phuket and new jobs :)
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