Heading Home

Thirty six hours and counting. That is roughly how long until our plane takes off from Gatwick airport. We are heading down around 2 tomorrow to a hotel that is about 5 min from the airport as my grandmother will be flying out bright and early on Friday morning. She is taking off 4 hours before Megan and I, and we will be following her across the Atlantic as she has decided to join us in Canada for Christmas.

It has been a great six months as we have seen and accomplished so much. The only problem is that there is still so much more to see. We will be returning to England after Christmas and new years to pick up where we have now left off. We are hoping to have a few visitors as well this year to all of you who would care to join us for a few adventures.

The last 5 days we have been off visiting family. After work on Friday we headed over to Wales but not before getting stuck on the M25 for 2 hours. We made it to Ogmore Vale (just north of Bridgend in South Wales) late Friday night but still it in time for food and couple drinks. On Saturday Kevin and Kay (Megan's side of the family) took us down to Bridgend and out to a wonderful meal at a pub that we can't remember. We spent the day shopping, eating, and drinking. At night Kevin took me down to the Gentlemen's club where I lost badly at snooker (real snooker on the huge tables). But I did get a few drinks in and a lot of laughs which made up for it. The next day we said goodbye over a really huge Christmas dinner around 2:30 and drove on to Bristol to see Lyn and Richard (some of my family for the night. We arrived around 5:30 and had another huge roast meal which was excellent even though we had just eaten. I don't think I have ever been so full. It was great timing as I got to see my dad’s cousin Ann who was over from Indiana for the week. Unfortunately we couldn't stay long as the following day we drove 2 hours south to Devon to see my other grandmother and my Uncle Keith and family. Once again we were well fed and very rushed with time as we only had 2 nights before we drove the 6 hours back up to London to start packing. It was a lot of driving for a short time but we are both used to it from our long drive across Europe. It was great to see some family again.

Well that brings us up to date as I am packed and ready to head home. I should be in on Friday around 7:30pm so feel free to stop by or give me a call at home as I no longer have a cell phone in Canada. I will try and sleep on the plane so I am not to jet lagged for that night. Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Cheers

The Journey of a Life Time

It’s been hard. I’m not going to lie and tell you all it’s been an easy ride or your typical Disney movie script. The adventure of a lifetime comes once, happeneds and goes as quick as its come. Each day was a battle. Every night was cold and frosty, and every morning we put away a soaking wet tent!
So why take this adventure? Why battle the ups and downs of each country? For me living with Crohns disease is a challenge every day. I knew in my heart that if I could do this, just last the 6 months away from home... and survive, I would be alright; I would make it in this world.
Well I did just that. However, if it wasn’t for the strength, the constant hugs and encouragement, the kisses and most important someone believing in me, I don’t think I would be writing this today. No matter how many tantrums I threw, or cheese toasties I burnt, Phil was there. He was my guide and my wall. He was someone I could, and very much leaned on through the trip.
With his help I did it. I set out what I was going to do and I won. I saw things that only one might see in books or movies. We drove places where the citizens were chasing the cops around. We coped with car troubles, bums, drug deals, gippos and fatigue. We swam in the shadows of the great Alps. We saw spiders bigger then a human fist while doing the dishes. We lived. Moreover we saw just a hint of what this world can offer if we just take the chance and open our eyes to it.
I’m writing this now because I want you all to do the same. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, just don’t let opportunity pass you buy. After all, there’s more to life then sandy beaches and a cool margarita. Explore and you will find yourself.

A Megans Perspective
Brought to you by Megan :)