We've been remiss at writing this blog: the last entry, I see with shame, was 28th November. It hasn't been due to pure laziness, despite what our long-suffering parents may think. We've been working hard towards a departure, researching the route in more detail, sourcing gadgets, making contacts. But despite all that, it hasn't felt like we've had anything to say of much importance. Rest assured, once we get going, this blog will.
Without wishing to anger the Gods of Destiny by laying down our plans in black and white type (and they might already be annoyed with us - just read
this rather worrying article on the BBC site - what are the chances of me sweet-talking Gaddafi?) I have great news to announce! Fanfares, drumrolls and definitely leaving parties all far from necessary, and but we have finally set our Brighton leaving date:
Monday 1st March. I cannot contain my excitement! Huw, being Huw, is no doubt inwardly excited, but his exterior is characteristically concerned about all that could (and if he keeps worrying,
will) go wrong between now and then. Gawd love 'im! We clearly need each other to keep ourselves in check.
So. We finally have a fairly defined plan: leave Brighton on the 1st: the day we become homeless (again) so we really have pushed it to the last minute. And instead of driving down the road to Newhaven to catch the ferry to Dieppe, Huw's had the genius idea of heading
north. Not as odd as you'd think: it's my beloved Grandma's 90th birthday the weekend after and we'll be turning up at her party to surprise her. I know she won't read this so there's no danger of ruining the surprise: despite being charmingly modern in her way, mobile phones baffle her, DVDs are shiny discs of mystery, and blogs would blow her mind. If any of you reading
do know her, mum's obviously the word. Lucky she's got a strong ticker.
From there, it's a short drive to Harwich on Monday 8th, where we can nip delightfully over to the Netherlands and start our journey from there, perhaps with a cycling/camping trip, who knows. Any tips or contacts for Holland, Belgium or northern France most welcome!
And it's definitely
not a leaving party, but it would be wonderful to see our friends in the Open House pub in Brighton on 28th February, where we'll be savouring the taste of our last Sunday roast and propping up the bar til close. As Huw says, come early if you want a conversation, late if you want a laugh. Bye for now!
