Day 1 : Saturday 2nd December 2006
My birthday. Ran round the house all day in panic with sick feeling in stomach feeling very anxious, not sure why. Unpacked half of the case I'd started packing the day before and shoved the extra clothes in bedroom cupboard. Quick afternoon tea with the family before leaving house in absolute mess for Toby's parents to clean up whilst we're away (not intentionally, understand). Ended up in neighbour's house trying to avoid being given all of her old furniture - goodness knows what we'll have when we get back. Had nice champagne dinner with party hats and balloons in the airport and the gay barman gave me free chocolate mudcake. Boarded plane still feeling anxious.
Day 2 : Sunday 3rd December 2006
Arrived in Dubai early morning and went straight to Nyc and Gerard's place. Spent the day trying not to fall asleep in Wild Wadi Waterpark. Toby hurt his neck.
Day 3 : Monday 4th December 2006
Went shopping in Ibn Battuta mall. Impressive themes, particularly the Persian tiled ceiling. Chinese junk a close second. Have nothing nice to wear to go out so bought nice top from River Island... think it was cheaper than UK but at least I have something nice to wear whilst I'm here. Looked unsuccessfully for boots as only have hiking boots and flip-flops. Went for very expensive food and drink in the very cool Buddha Bar. Should have worn new top but Nyc said just go as I was so ended up wearing jeans, hiking boots and nice woolly pink jumper. I am the height of cool and style. Had the first gin and tonic of the holiday and a very good one it was too. Was impressed to see there was a gin menu but was disconcerted to see that Plymouth Gin was on there. I chose a cool smooth Tanqueray.
Visited the museum and old Bastia Quarter. Saw old wind towers. Much better than shopping. More cultural and picturesque. Had late lunch by the creek and wandered through the fabric souk. Toby has started saying "Excuse me, Sir" to everyone.
Day 5 : Wednesday 6th December 2006
Checked out Emirates Mall in the morning. Looked for boots again. Was unsuccessful again. Toby saw some shoes for himself though. Went on a four wheel drive desert safari. Dressed up as Arabs and rode camels all of about 10 metres and back - getting on and off was a thrill though. Belly-danced and then had to purchase spangly dangly belly dancing scarf and jingle around. Also purchased useless sand picture in bottle. Will only serve to weigh down luggage but was relieved to hear Nyc and Gerard were also persuaded to part with cash for such a pointless souvenir. Smoked sheesha (or hubbly bubbly). Tasted nice to start with but hurt my lungs after a while.
Day 6 : Thursday 7th December 2006
Woke up with sore throat thanks to the sheesha. Went shopping in Emirates Mall again. There's a ski slope there which we were thinking of checking out but we were possessed by the shopping demons. It was hell. I'm sick of shopping and never want to see that mall again. Looked for boots all day and eventually settled for a pair to tide me over and give me something to wear in UK. Have birthday money for boots though so will definitely get some nice ones in UK. Am rethinking style I want now and have gone from square toe and heel to pointy toe and heel. Can't have them too high though or I'll fall over. And must be reasonably comfortable. And UK size 7. Not too baggy on the leg - definitely want to wear them under jeans rather than over but must also look good with a skirt. Want them to come to somewhere between my calf and knee. I mean IS THAT REALLY TOO MUCH TO ASK????? The worst thing about not finding any boots is it means I have to go shopping AGAIN when we get to UK. Also had to purchase toy guns so we could dress as jungle AWOL commandos for a "jungle fever" house party that night. The party was really good but perhaps we stayed up rather late considering we're leaving tomorrow. Got back around 4am and got straight onto internet to reserve our seats on the plane.
Day 7 : Friday 8th December 2006
Broke one of the elastic packing straps inside my suitcase. Silly cheap suitcase. Was sad to leave Nyc and Gerard but had a great time in the airport. Bought some perfume - a rare luxury I'd decided I'd do a few weeks ago even though I ended up then getting some from Toby's dad for my birthday. Also bought a CD of local chill-out music recommended by Nyc_Ger and three books, one of which was recommended by Nyc, another about the history of Islam and the third about a woman who was held prisoner in one of Saddam's torture jails. On the way to the perfume counter the Bombay Gin caught my eye and it was only about $20!!!!! So I bought that too. $20!!!! Absolute bargain. Arrived in London in evening and went to Cheryl's place for a quiet night.
Day 8 : Saturday 9th December 2006
It's cold!!! It's bitterly cold AND sunny. It's crisp, fresh and perfect. Maybe we will get snow after all. Woke up feeling like I might have a cold coming on - haven't quite recovered from the sheesha. Toby, Cheryl and I went for a walk over Wandsworth Common and back up Northcote Road markets. It was really nice being back in the buzz of London. Bought feta stuffed chillies in the markets for some silly price. Can't quite get my head around UK prices. Everything looks cheap until you multiply it by 2.4. My concept of value is out of wack. It's very Christmassy. All the florists are selling Christmas wreaths and the streets outside them are lined with trees. We keep seeing people walking their trees home. Got home and drank cider with Scotty and Ben before the lads went out to the pub and bonded. Went out that night with all the old uni gang and some other really good mates too. Wore my new top. And the fill-in boots. Had a great night catching up with people but hope to see everyone again before I leave.
Day 9 : Sunday 10th December 2006
Have a cold. Feel rotten. Everyone else is hungover. Got up before Cheryl and Scotty and went for a coffee with Toby. Dozed on settee this afternoon watching Planet Earth. Was nice even if I did feel nasty. Cheryl cooked a nice roast dinner and I had an early night.
Day 10 : Monday 11th December 2006
Still have cold. What a rotten way to start my holidays. Can't be bothered to do anything. Think will just stay in and stick my Dubai photos onto the web.
Later: Stayed in and stuck my Dubai photos onto web. Also, went for a coffee with Toby and then for a walk despite Toby's protests because it was raining. I mean, I'm already sick - what's the point of staying in. Got kitted up in my bestest outdoor gear and wandered round my old neighbourhood returning only when my water resistant trousers started letting the water in. Toby's going for a Brick Lane curry with James Farr tonight but I'm not up to it so I think I'll go visit Cherie.
Day 11 : Tuesday 12th December 2006
Feeling much better. Still sniffly but head cold is clearing. Had a lovely roast beef dinner and some nice wine with Cherie last night, talked nonsense and watched Buffy. It was just like the old days. Toby stayed at James' and I met him at Victoria this morning. We headed over to the Google offices to meet Cameron, an Australian friend who works there. Quite impressive. Had a go in the massage chair which was really nice except for the bit where it feels like it's going to squeeze your legs til they burst. Got a free lunch. There are fridges everywhere with free drinks. Also, free chocolate and snack bars and fruit. Stocked up for the afternoon. Scored a free t-shirt each too. Mine's cool - one of the Google "o"s is the female symbol, ♀. Went to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 exhibition at the Natural History Musuem. There was a Christmas fair on at the front of the museum. Had a brief look in the Victoria and Albert museum next door and checked out an amazing sculpture in the garden made of columns that light up different colours to music and react to the movement of people wandering through them. Forgot camera. Gutted. Met up with Nina in the pub. Haven't seen her since I moved to Australia as she moved back to Germany for a while. Paul and Dan, who Toby and I worked with in Investia joined us followed by Paul's girlf, Christine and we headed back to their place for food.
Day 12 : Wednesday 13th December 2006
Weather is getting much milder now which is severly endangering our chances of snow whilst we're here. Went to Covent Garden. Looked at boots. Think I've seen some I like in Jones The Bootmakers but they're £90. Don't even want to think about what that is in $AUDs. Then went to my Israeli friend Sigal's place. She cooked a wonderful meal and it was really nice to see her again. We stayed the night.
Day 13 : Thursday 14th December 2006
Walked round the park near Sigal's place then headed back to Cheryl's place in Balham. Returned to Covent Garden. Looked at those boots again. Still think they're quite nice but expensive. Met up with my old chum, Gi, recently married and one of the first friends I made in London back in 1997. Gi's wife, Jo joined us and we went for dinner in Wagamama's. Had a great night.
Day 14 : Friday 15th December 2006
Got up early and prepared breakfast for Cheryl and Scotty to say thanks and goodbye. Scotty went out last night on a works do. He was listening to U2 on his iPod when he got home at 1am. I know because I could hear it quite clearly until Cheryl made him turn it off. He couldn't understand what her problem was. He didn't make it for breakfast this morning. Packed up after they'd got off to work and got the train back to the airport to pick up a hire car. Spent most of the day on the M25. Finally arrived in Cambridge at about 4pm but got lost. Bought a map but got stuck in rush-hour traffic and made it to Aileen's way after 5pm. After a quick catch-up with Aileen and Jonathan we met up with Sal, a friend from the Sunshine Coast who is also living in Cambridge, and went for curry. Then met up with Sal's boyfriend Dan and his workmates for drinks.
Day 15 : Saturday 16th December 2006
Decided to spend another day in Cambridge. Aileen and Jonathan went away but kindly allowed us to stay in their house another night. Toby and Dan went on a bike ride. Sal and I went shopping and had a much more successful trip than previously. Still didn't get the boots though. Have seen some other possibilities but the ones from Jones are still looking like they might be the best. So expensive though. Was lovely spending the day with Sal and she's a great shopping buddy - that must be a compliment coming from someone who's not that into shopping. Had a nice meal with Dan and Sal and an early night.
Day 16 : Sunday 17th December 2006
Got up early and drove to Mam and Dad's. Didn't hit any traffic surprisingly although did almost get lost on a detour and ended up doubling back on ourselves. Is nice to be home. Mam's new kitten is adorable. My case is now so heavy that Toby broke the handle on the top of it whilst carrying it upstairs for me. Silly cheap suitcase. Toby slept and I went round to Gran and Grandpa's to catch up with my uncle and some cousins who won't be around for Christmas. Surprised my Nana and Granda with a visit too. Had a chilled night. Still haven't opened that bargain gin I bought in Dubai airport. Have a bottle of vodka in my collection too, a gift from Cherie. Have some serious drinking to do.
Day 17 : Monday 18th December 2006
Spent half a day in the loft looking for my dressing gown. Didn't find it but did find some old but still good winter clothes, a box of photographs from my university days, my old mini-disc player and the disc of songs Cherie and I recorded together some years ago, some books, including one I wanted to take back to Australia and my Nintendo GameBoy Advance and games. Spent some time looking through old photos and playing Sonic the Hedgehog. Took my old winter coat to the dry cleaners. Tried to sort out some photos and blog stuff but mysteriously my wireless card is not picking up any signals.
Day 18 : Tuesday 19th December 2006
Toby has started saying "Brilliant" all the time. Went to the Metro Centre to do some Christmas shopping. Looked at boots again. Was there all day. Eventually got the ones from Jones' even though they're expensive as was sick of shopping. Then walked past Dolcis and saw another pair, similar but cheaper and possibly a better fit. Bought them too. I now have three pairs of boots. Saw a dress I wanted for a christening on New Year's Eve. Toby offered to get it for me for Christmas but has to transfer money into his account first.
Day 19 : Wednesday 20th December 2006
Drove down to York to stay with Sadie and Tim. Was a beautiful day at home but turned all wintery on the way, all frosty and when we hit the outskirts of York, fog so thick it was like driving through pea soup. It is the nearest we've got so far to a white Christmas. My hopes for snow are returning. Navigating the country villages in the fog was tricky but we made it there and amused Sadie and Tim's three children for a while before having a nice meal and drunken catch-up with the grown-ups.
Day 20 : Thursday 21st December 2006
Was rudely awoken at 8.30am by the children. Had to politely ask them to leave us alone for a couple of hours or we'd be very grumpy later. The girls obliged but the toddler came back periodically to launch himself onto Toby. It was a slow start and everyone felt rotten but eventually we all managed to get up, stomach some food and even take the kids for a walk. It was a nice walk except Alex, the toddler kept either stopping or turning round and walking in the wrong direction. I really don't think we went very far at all. Tonight was a lot more chilled out than last night.
Day 21 : Friday 22nd December 2006
Left Sadie's in the morning and called into York to check the Minster was still there (it was) and a do bit more Christmas shopping. Tried to get my dress but they didn't have it in the York store. Then drove back to Mam and Dad's.
Day 22 : Saturday 23rd December 2006
Toby went to the Newcastle-Chelsea game with my brother-in-law, Alan this afternoon. I hung out at my sister's place with her. We went for a bit of a walk and drank some vodka before getting ready to go into Newcastle. Decided we'd give each other Christmas stockings. Met up with my best friend, Catherine, plus Dan and Sal who are spending Christmas in Hexham, north of Newcastle. Toby and Alan were supposed to meet us in the pub too but strangely, they didn't turn up. Met up with the rest of the gang for dinner and eventually tracked down the lads who were a wee bit drunk. Another good night catching up with friends.
Day 23 : Sunday 24th December 2006
Did some last minute Christmas shopping in Newcastle on the way back to Washington and ran around picking things up for Clare's stocking. Please say this is the last time I have to go shopping. I know it isn't as I still need to take the boots back to Jones' (wore the Dolcis ones last night) and there isn't one in Newcastle. Went to Durham Cathedral for Carol Service. Saw the Bishop and everything. Thought I'd better make an effort to look nice so wore my new boots and nice long winter coat. Was so packed had to stand. For over an hour. Boots hurt. Got hot and had to take coat off. Nearly fainted a few times. The Program of Service was 30 pages long. Thirty pages!!!!! Was good though. Felt holy afterwards. Ready to do some more sinning now. Went home, drank mulled wine and wrapped presents. Can't believe it's Christmas day tomorrow.
Day 24 : Monday 25th December 2006
Christmas Day!!! No snow. :-( Not even cold really. Slow start to the day, followed by present opening, bucks fizz, arrival of family, more present opening, beautiful roast turkey and pork dinner with Christmas pudding and brandy sauce for desert, then games, including hilarious play station karaoke game Mam got for Christmas. Mam's sister, Barbara loved it. Wasn't particularly good at it but could we get her to stop? No. Got a digital photo frame from Mam and Dad. Copied some of our holiday photos onto it and noticed that wireless card was suddenly working. Great - can get some blogging and photo stuff done now.
Day 25 : Tuesday 26th December 2006
Headed to Seaburn in Sunderland early this morning so Toby could do the Boxing Day Dip. This is where people dress up (or not) and then jump into the sea all in the name of charity. Toby wasn't really prepared but he paid his money and jumped in (three times, AND had a body surf) in his boardies. It was good fun, quite cold though but not frosty or icy, and there were some great costumes. Then more family stuff. Round to Gran and Grandpa's to see my cousins. Much fun was had with some weird liquid balloon making kits we'd brought over from Australia. Probably the cheapest present they'd had but it entertained them for hours. More present opening and game playing.
Day 26 : Wednesday 27th December 2006.
Even more family stuff. Round to Nana and Granda's for food before the entire family, all 19 or 20 of us went to the Pantomime. It's an annual thing, a very small local show. This year was Babes in the Wood with a Robin Hood song with actions we'd seen some years back. We thought we were quite clever, remembering all the words and actions but it seems the same people must go every year as they didn't even tell us them this year - just assumed we knew. Afterwards some of us went for a pint and curry. Yum.
Day 27 : Thursday 28th December 2006.
Went for a swim this morning and then to the Metro Centre to take my spare boots back and also a jumper that had a hole in it and a couple of other bits and pieces. There's this thing now where the sales start straight after Christmas and it was hell. The worst shopping experience so far. Met up with Bev and her two year old, Charlotte for a coffee which was nice but then had to take my jumper back to Next and it was just awful. Couldn't find a replacement for the jumper (Next take all their non-sale stuff out of the store during the sale) so picked up anything in my size which looked okay, including a shirt I'd thought about getting when I was in Dubai. Then headed to the changing rooms to find them closed but that's okay apparently because you can take stuff back for 28 days AFTER tomorrow. Grrrr.... So tried to throw a couple of things on over my clothes in the shops but people kept trying to make off with my swag. Wanted to get something as the jumper had been bought with birthday vouchers from my sister so eventually selected a couple of shirts including the one I'd seen previously. Took them to the counter to be told that they don't do refunds on sales days but she'd make an exception - how nice!!! She was doing ME a favour. Well, I should damn well think so given that they'd sold me faulty goods. Really hope the shirts are okay. Can't stand the thought of going back.
Day 28 : Friday 29th December 2006.
Was very windy today. Went for a great walk along the Lees at Whitburn. The wind was really cold so it blew the cobwebs out. Really enjoyed being on cliff tops in the cold, windy weather - so energising. The beaches were quite sheltered in comparison. I love the coastline here. Back to Mam and Dad's this afternoon for another family do with my grandparents and cousins. Played the karaoke game again. Was highly entertained by my grandmothers' renditon of "It's raining men". Wireless card stopped working again! Damn. Mysterious.
Day 29 : Saturday 30th December 2006.
Headed up to best mate, Catherine and John's this afternoon, via St Mary's lighthouse, which is on an island connected to the mainland by a short causeway exposed at low tide. Went for a pub meal with Catherine and John and their two kids, Jessica and Joshua.
Day 30 : Sunday 31st December 2006
Joshua's christening. I am now a godmother. Another Sunday in church, that's two weeks in a row. Should make up for the next year of sinning then. Was an early start to the morning then Toby and John stayed at the club where we had the reception til quite late. John was very drunk when he got home and went to bed pretty early. The rest of us sloped off around 11pm, although I refused to go to sleep and watched the London fireworks on telly in bed. Could have been anywhere really. Is possibly the most boring New Years Eve ever. Very disappointing. Apart from becoming a godmother of course. That was exciting and Joshua is a very cute baby.
Day 31 : Monday 1st January 2007
Have we really been away for 31 days? There's so much we still haven't done. Christmas has really got in the way of our "holiday". Went for a nice walk in Durham with Mam and Dad and the to the Durham Light Infantry Museum for 2005's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Day 32 : Tuesday 2nd January 2007
Spent a day just hanging out at home and chilling, reading, looking at old photographs. Went to pub with Alan and Clare for dinner.
Day 33 : Wednesday 3rd January 2007
Another boring day. Sorted some stuff out in Mam and Dad's loft.
Day 34 : Thursday 4th January 2007
Very windy day. Walked a couple of miles along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Was beautiful although tough in the wind, especially coming back. Had a lovely hot beef and gravy sandwich in the pub before driving to Penrith in the Lake District to stay with Nic and Ian.
Day 35 : Friday 5th January 2007
Lazy day. Eventually ventured out and went for a nice drive. Beautiful day and saw some great views but couldn't really be bothered to walk after yesterday. Drove through some lovely little villages and round Ullswater up to the Kirkstone Pass where we had a pint and a jacket potato and befriended a crazy woman who is obviously going stir-crazy up there and now wants to house swap with us. Decided if we ever come back to England we'll move to the Lake District. Took Nic and Ian out for a yummy tapas dinner. Drank lots.
Day 36 : Saturday 6th January 2007
Today wasn't quite so nice weather-wise. We went to Aira Falls which was lovely although it was raining. It has rained a lot in Cumbria lately so all the falls are full and they gush quite randomly down the sides of mountains. Then headed to the villages of Amble and Bowness on Windermere followed by a scenic drive past Grasmere and Thirlsmere. Headed back to Washington in time to go out for a "posh" Indian in Newcastle to celebrate both Dad's and Alan's birthdays. Drank lots again and went to a cheesy bar and danced and sang.
Day 37 : Sunday 7th January 2007
Caught up with some family friends this morning then pottered around trying to sort out my packing and figure out what to do with the stuff that's taking me over weight. Most of it that is. Would you believe I haven't even opened my bargain Bombay Gin and have hardly touched the vodka. Will probably have to give it away now as can't really take it as carry on with the new rules. Gutted! Toby and I tried to figure out the best way to get home the very heavy (!?!) magnetic dartboard that my Nana gave him for Christmas but we got as far as hanging it on the back of the bedroom door and playing darts whilst discussing where to put it when we get home.
Day 38 : Monday 8th January 2007
Knackered. Winding down now. Can't believe this time next week I'll be back at work. Am trying to figure out how to get upgraded to first class (no guaranteed recipe apparently) as that will save me lots of trouble when I get home. Dad's birthday. Mam had to go back to work unfortunately but the three of us headed up the coast to Holy Island. Weather was minging: overcast, damp and cold wind. Toby asked Dad if he could marry me. Dad said of course he could, he'd been living with me for three years. Blue sky came out as we were leaving. Drove past Bamburgh Castle to Seahouses and had fish and chips with bread and butter, mushy peas and a cup of tea. Nice scenic drive home then back to packing hell. Decided to work on blog entry instead. Toby and I used bathroom scales to try to determine the weight of his case. Bathroom scales broke. We then used kitchen scales to try and weigh the stuff we're thinking of posting back. Was a bit tricky and possibly inaccurate. Eventually determined that Toby's case is under the 20kg limit but still have some bits and pieces to shove in there. Family came round to see Dad: all four grandparents and Clare and Alan. Toby followed me around the house until eventually he managed to corner me in the bathroom doorway at about 11pm and asked me if I would marry him. I said yes. Cracked open a bottle of champagne and had a late and quick celebration with the grandparents and Mam and Dad (Clare and Alan had already gone home). Thought about wedding plans then decided it was too hard. Couldn't sleep for thinking about stuff left to do here, then getting back home and back to work.
Day 39 : Tuesday 9th January 2007
Even more knackered than yesterday. Got up to have breakfast with Mam and Dad before they went to work. Everyone moaned about how tired they were. After they'd gone Toby slept on settee and I returned to packing hell. Stuck some of my old stuff back up in the loft then went to visit grandparents on way down to London.
