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My holiday started with a trip to Sydney to see Stephen Fry at the Sydney Opera House. I am a huge fan of the man and his contribution to my word over the years has been a positive and entertaining one. The nature of the night was for Stephen to talk for an hour and then answer questions as asked by Jennifer Byrne. I was a long way back so I couldn't see his face or any expression, but it was delightful just sitting there listening to his tales.
It was just a short trip and after the show it was back to the hotel and then early to rise to get back to Melbourne with plenty of time to set off to the UK.
The trip to the airport and checking in and setting off all went swimmingly and we even had an extra seat to overflow into. As you know, smuggling is often an issue and people need to remain vigilant. We detected that the chap in the row in front of us was actually smuggling BO and he wasn't hiding it - but we gritted our nostrils and let it go.
Arriving at an airport (in this case Bangkok) in the early hours of the morning is never much fun - there isn't a lot to do and you are ready to get on the next plane and get some sleep. After a delayed departure, this is what we did and set off for London.
Upon arriving in London earlish in the morning, we got the train into London and then caught a cab to our lovely hotel in Marylebone and headed out to explore. We were just off Baker Street and wandered down to Oxford and then Regent Street.
We ended the day with a Chinese meal in Soho - happy days.
Our first full day in London was taken up with a bit of exploring before heading to Buckingham Palace for a wander round and then tea in the gardens there. I have never been inside before and it felt quite strange to be somewhere that had such a history and you couldn't help but think about the people who had previously lived and been in the place.
In the evening we caught up with my sister (Louise) and brother-in-law (Jon) at the Barbican where we saw a show by the wonderful group, Pink Martini - a good time was had by all.
The morning started with a call from Carolyn's sister saying that their father was in a very bad way (he'd been ill for quite a while) and that she should come home. A huge blow all round but very distressing too. As I hadn't got to see my mum yet, we agreed that I should stay and she'd go home alone, so we found a Flight Centre and a few short hours later she was on a flight back. Unfortunately she didn't get home in time but she was in the place that she needed to be.
So I was left in the UK needing to work out what to do about the trip. There were some obvious things to cancel like out 7 days in Paris, our two days Brighton (one to see Ricky Gervais in concert), our days in Cardiff and Winchester.
Once that was done, I started looking to what I would do rather than what I wouldn't be doing.
I caught up with Louise and Jon again and we wandered around London - Jon is a black cab driver and therefore knows all the sights and stories, so that added a lot of context.
In the evening I went to the Comedy Store for an evening of improv stuff starring the
Comedy Store Players including Paul Merton
I took a solo day of wandered the streets of London and took in places such as Baker Street, Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, Soho, Regent Street and many others - it was fun to explore without any restrictions or plans.
I was meeting my cousin Vicky at London Bridge and we were going to go for a stroll, but she broke her toe instead so we sat in a lovely cafe for a few hours instead.
I did wander around and saw new stuff and some old favourites like the Old Bailey, The Strand, Fleet Street and stuff like that.
In the evening I went to see the Soweto Gospel Choir in Sloan Square - a great evening of music.
I left the hotel and went to stay with Louise and had a relaxing day with her and Jon.
I went to pick up a hire car and headed over to see
Jodi (and her husband Stuart) who live in lovely Crowthorne.
Jodi and I took an impromptu visit to Leicester - not to see anyone, but just to look around as it is the place that we both spent many years in and had shared experiences from - it was a quick trip but a blast too.
We wandered around the beautiful Windsor before heading out to see Jools Holland in the evening in the grounds of Charterhouse School. As always, Jools was superb as was his wonderful band including great performances from Alison Moyet, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. Stuart took some great shots.
Jools and the band |
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Jools Himself |
With Alison Moyet |
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Ruby Turner (from afar) |
I drove to Bournemouth where my mum lives and Louise joined us there - it was odd that it was just the three of us, but it as good too. We didn't plan to do much - just hang around - something that I am good at.
The three of us headed to Burley in the New Forest.
We then headed to see my dad.
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We had an easy day and went through lots of old photos and shared stories etc
After lunch with my mum and Louise down by the sea
Louise, mum and me |
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mum and me |
Me and Louise
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I then headed off to Devon to see Rocky, his wife Tanya and boys Zak and Theo. We had dinner at one of Rock's places, The Thatched Barn Inn
Rock had arranged a Falconry day with Falcons, Hawks and Eagles - as you do. It was a fantastic day with Jonathan and the birds
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Tanya |
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Theo
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Zak |
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Rock |
Fat bloke |
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Had an easy day and went out for an Indian meal (also with Tez and Eddi - Rock's folks) in Barnstable before seeing a movie - if you ever get the opportunity to see Knight and Day, then any other option would be preferable.
A nice and relaxing day in fine company - including an old mate of ours, Chris, popping over for a visit.
Chris, me and Rock |
Rock's sister Nina came down (including her husband Guy and daughter Raphaelle). Whenever mentioning Nina, I feel the need to say that she is a remarkable person who started and runs an incredible charity, Walk the Walk. She has done more good in her time than anyone else that I know. We were also joined by Tanya's parents (Sharon and Jeff) and Tez and Eddi too. It was a good day.
Zak, Rock, me, Theo and Tanya |
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Me and Nina |
I headed off to Bristol and had dinner with an old mate Alison and her partner. Alison and I shared a house in Winchester when we worked there. It was great catching up with her again.
Me and Alison
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A very relaxing day including a few ours at the Relaxation Centre (a place that I used to frequent when living there) before heading off to the airport and home
The trip had been planned well in advance and it was a great schedule that gave a lot of variety and was allowing me to show Carolyn some of where I've come from.
It is sad that her father (Vin) passed away and that she had to endure all of that and also miss the trip.
It was weird for me to go solo after planning it all together. But I had a great time and enjoyed catching up with folk and I'll show Carolyn some of the places when we head over there next time. |
