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European Adventure
  • Angharad Dowse
Apr 2017 – Feb 2018

European Adventure

A 318-day adventure by Angharad Read more
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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    London

    September 1, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Jax slept until 7 so I got to sleep until NINE 😁😁😁😁😁

    Took him for our walkies down to the shops to buy more wipe and while we were there I bought another muffin for us both 🙊
    Jaxon forces me to talk to everyone.
    One man I had a full on convo with because Jax gave him a hi 5.
    Walked back to drop things off before doing our normal morning walk route.

    Once he woke up we got Will - we had planned to go Museum but Will was too tired so we went out to get food then went to the park.

    JAXON HAD A BLAST!

    first I dumped him in the sandpit and he was a bit hesitant but eventually decided the sand felt funny and giggles a lot and liked to pick it up.
    I also had a turn with him on the swings but with him on my lap this time.

    I got so many wonderful videos of this - Jax figured out how to climb the stairs and go down the slide by himself then repeat. We obviously stayed with him to spot him but he was squealing the whole time and all smiles. It was really nice.
    We were there for about 40 mins before we headed home.

    We planned to eat lasagna but it was frozen solid so it took nearly 3 hours to get it right.
    So we we're forced to go to plan B for dinner for Jax.

    We have run out of edible food hahah

    These entries are so shit I know but I'm just so tired at night and can't start them during the day because of poo heads

    I finally got a load of washing done. The dryer is fucked (like the rest of the house) and kept Turing off so our clothes smelt 😒

    The house is a bloody mess.

    Finally stapled in my Harry Potter and aquarium tickets to my journal.

    Jax likes to take my orthotics out of my shoes lol

    the PJ mask theme song is stuck in my head.

    VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF INFORMATION:

    In Harry Potter... "19 years later" is today. ❤️    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    London

    September 2, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    I honestly thought I was going to see myself during the night but couldn't leave because every time I moved Jax lifted his head to check where I was going. I ended up taking him with me and havunv him on my lap while I did a wee lol

    At exactly 3:53 he woke up.

    By the time 8 came around I had only managed to get him down for 40 mins. I just lay on the couch with my eyes shut pushing the pram back and forward. I was happy to pass him off to Will.
    Got up at 10 and left at 11 to go meet Shelley and the science museum.
    I fed Jax some left over lasagne before we left just to keep him happy for a bit.

    Eh so much walking 😒 I left later than I would have liked so I power pushed.
    So over changing trains. It's kinda fun hoisting the pram into the train.

    South Kensington had no lift option so I carried Jax snd the pram up 3 big flights of stairs 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 its actually not that difficult, just awkward to Carry.

    We waited for Shelley outside of the Science museum but at 12:20 when she still hadn't arrived I went inside to steal the wifi and a message came through saying traffic was bad.
    She eventually came and on the way in bought Jax a sticker book :)
    We were just walking around talking which seemed pointless to me because we just walked past all the displays without looking so I suggested we went to the cafe.
    There was a weird dad next to us who kept commenting on our conversation.
    Chat chat chat
    Jax was being a pain because we was so tired. He did paly with crayons for all of 30 seconds though.

    Bless Shelley and her ability with children. She gave me a break and got him out of the pram at an interactive section so Jax could smack some buttons hha
    The next level Jax just walked around and wanted to climb everything. He was obviously enjoying himself because when we went to put him back in he chucked a wobbly. Biggest one the whole trip actually lol.
    Tough, he still got put back in haha.

    So the museumd some cool stuff but it was a basicslly about every subject in not strong on and I didn't have time to read and learn. Not upset though - not strong because not interested. Lol

    I think the oldest locomotive was on display so that's cool.
    Before we left we found a kid tunnel wucih had light displays and sensory section which Jax had a feel of.

    We then went for a walk in Hyde park which was close by.
    Lots of squirrels and dogs to look at :)
    Walk walk walk
    Chat chat chat

    We walked kilometers.
    Eventually we sat while Jax had a 30 min nap before being woken up by a siren. 😒

    The park
    Had some cool section. I lovedddd the section of sunbaking chairs.
    Not a single person in a hat today even though it was very warm.

    We looked at some ducks and swans.
    Walked past some Monument queen Victoria dedicated to Albert.

    It was nearly time for dinner so we decided to head to the station.
    Unfortunately it was such a bad goodbye we went to walk through the barriers but she then realized she needed to top up her card but my barrier had opened so we did a quick hug and parted ways.
    Carried him down the stairs and got on the train.
    He had the shits lol
    He got better once I positioned him so he could hold onto a pole like me 😂
    I couldn't be bothered waiting for the lift at Bermondsey so I took the escalators but then came to a flight of stairs. 2 men behind me rushed to me and made a big fuss that I shouldn't carry it and they took him up. I said thankyou and it's ok because I'm use to it and the man was all "no, it's not right, it's just not right" hahah he was so cute.
    We walked home and I went via the shops because I didnt know what we were gonna feed Jax but the shop didnt really have anything for him/ anything convenient

    Eventually got home and my feet were so sore!!!! Will must have had a good rest because he was actually helpful 😂

    We had KFC for dinner 🙄🙄

    We watched the chace then Will put Jax to bed and apparently he fell asleep with in 5 mins woo!    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    London

    September 3, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Woke up to the news Grandad has passed away.

    A non eventful last day.
    We stayed home and did nothing because Will didn't want to go to the museum and I've been before so I didn't push it.

    Jaxon did FOUR adult man poos before 2pm. One leaked so I had an early shower with him.

    So excited for Jess to come back....

    I watched bones for a few hours while Will had a nap.

    Jaxon fell asleep standing up with his head plonked over onto the couch. It was really cute - I pulled him up onto my chest so he didn't fall.

    We ordered Indian for dinner and it was actually really really delicious!

    Put Jaxon to bed really late and about 30 mins later Jess arrived.

    She was happy to be back too.
    We chatted for ages and she gave me an article on ****iii which is a rare neurological phenomenon where peoples senses are linked. I have mentioned to her before I think the number 24 is blue and yellow which is why it's my favourite. I definitely don't have a strong case like some people who can taste tomato soup when they hear the word "netball" but I must have a base form. The most common one according to the article is colours - hehe, that's me!
    Apparently there is a higher percentage of people with it in the autism community HAHAHAHAHA Will is convinced I'm austistic so I found this hilarious.
    Apparently it's like 5%. Go team.

    We went over the house plans and they look good. Very spacious!

    Went to bed around 1am.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    London

    September 4, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Fuck me what a day.

    Right, so lucky I got to sleep in or I wouldn't have made it to the end.

    Will had his dermatologist appointment today. Our morning plans were to buy a SIM card and make and let the insurance company know.
    As we left the apartment we realised Jess had forgotten her bag... Inside which had the insurance company details, Jess' money and phone, everything for Jaxon and most importantly, the keys.
    And so began our day.

    We went and bought Will the sim still so that we could use it to let the Bnb person know.

    We started walking towards London bridge because we couldn't catch the train cause Jess' card was in her wallet...
    Will was put on hold for about 30 minutes and redirected to call someone else to register the phone only you need details we didn't have such as our English post code because we didn't have wifi..

    😒😒😒
    Ok so we decided to get food in a place with wifi.
    Restaurants are the only option around this area so we for Italian.
    You had to freaking register to get the wifi but whatever we did.
    Jaxon then did a massive poo that we had nothing to clean him up with..

    The food was very nice. Best spag bowl I've had this trip.

    Still Will could not put money on his card because both his cards got denied. He then tried to do it online but no, apparently his email is invalid?
    Losing his shit by this point.

    I managed to get wifi too and find the contact number.

    We went and bought nappies for Jaxon.

    We then separated because Will had to go to his appointment.
    We gave Jess Wills phone and the number + some shrapnel to use a phone booth to let the Bnb person know.

    We were physically unable to contact the insurance people but that was a problem for later.

    The appointment is the only positive of the day and to be fair it's the best news.
    Will does not have skin cancer. It's a wart hahaha
    Why the first doctor had to be so negative Nancy and use a tone that suggest doom... thanks babe.

    We had to go to the hospital in the Shard and go through separate receptions first..

    Doc used liquid nitrogen to freeze it. He said it's about an 80% chance it will only need the one treatment and should fall off in 2 weeks.
    Pretty happy with the price too - only 250£ which is still a good hit to the bank but won't destroy us if the insurance rejects us. He also suggested an over the counter cream for Wills sudden random dry skin.

    I sent Jess a message about 20 mins before on a wim she had found wifi. She eventually replied saying the number didn't work....

    For fucks sake.

    We went and met up with her back near our house.

    By the time she could change Jaxon, his poo had spread up his back and into the pram but of course his spare clothes are in the bag in the house....

    We stood together at a total loss of what to do.
    Will tried setting up his mobile again but got denied again...
    We ended up deciding to pay for some random
    Wifi available... only we couldn't because we didn't have a friggen phone number.

    Jess said she even asked a stranger to try the number but it simply doesn't work.

    Fuck fuck fuck.

    Oh and because Jess booked the Bnb she is the only one that can message the host through the app but her phone was in the house..............

    Obvious solution??? I'll log out of my account and she can log into hers.

    When she logged in what message appeared?!?
    " to make this secure we have sent you a text to your phone. Please enter it to continue your log in"
    HAHAHAHHHAH 😭😭😭😭😭😂😂😡😡😡😖😡😖

    I suggested we go ask the neighbors.

    For the record. When I have said Bnb contact I mean the owners friend who let us in. Ester, the owner is in Spain.
    Only way to reach her is by phone 😂

    Ok so the neighbor was beautiful.
    He tried calling the supposed number again for us but it still didn't work.

    The wifi randomly started working so I was able to get Esters number. He called he for us.
    Try one she didn't answer.
    Try two she picked up the phone.

    The neighbour talked to her and passed it to me. I explained we were locked out.

    David, the friend was a few hours away but at least knew to come.

    Jaxon was loosing his shit so Will lost it.

    Will went to the shops, jess took Jax for a walk and I manned the door.

    Eventually David came. Quicker than expected.

    We got in around 6:30.
    We ordered food then me and Jess looked at possible Bnb options for the next 2 weeks

    Jax wouldn't go to bed so he was annoying us all the say until 10.

    It was Davids 2nd house call of the day because he came to look at the blocked toilet in the morning.
    He lives like 50km away so we feel rather bad.
    Luckily he works in London.

    I wanted to go to bed 3 hours before I finally could. That's the problem with having my couch bed in the same common area.

    Had a overtired breakdown then finally got left alone.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Windsor

    September 5, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Worst sleep. Terrible headspace.
    I just want some time without any other human. Including Will. Like everyone friggen piss off.

    I wasn't coping in the morning so everyone went to go get the car without me and I slept for 2 more hours.

    I felt so sick in the morning like I wanted to vomit but I had to push through and help pack up the apartment which took a while.

    Got in the car and headed for Windsor.
    The traffic is just a joke. Their road rules and lack of signage is appalling.

    It took us an hour to get out of the city but eventually we got onto the highway.

    We stopped at Burger King because my stomach was giving me sharp pains.
    I ate slowly but felt a little better.

    Exhausted. We arrived at 3 but couldn't check in until 4.
    Went to a shopping center to pass time.
    We had to pay for parking and it was the same quality as North Epping shops.

    Went and checked in.

    And here began another craptacular day.

    We thought we had an entire apartment but nope we had private rooms.
    It was the worst check in ever. We got shown our room up that was it. No keys given, no info or wifi password, no offer for help or permission to use kitchen...

    Jess was not impressed. We were stuck in a room with a 1 year old.

    All I wanted to do was sleep.
    Had another cry to Will while Jess went to the loo.

    Ahhhh.
    Shut up Jaxon.
    He pulled the air vent off the wall 😒
    Skipping a long story with a lot of stress and everyone being over life - Jess booked a hotel and we snuck out without telling them we wouldn't return to avoid awkwardness. Plan to message later.
    I was happy to stay but Jess was not because she needed kitchen and laundry facilities for Jaxon.
    She only has wet clothes too because as I'm sure I've mentioned before - the washer dryer was a piece of shit and often turned off halfway through.

    We got lost finding he place but we found it.
    Checked in.

    Jess booked here because it had laundry facilities.

    ........... so our room doesn't have a fridge and by laundry facilities it means it cost THREE POUND FIFTY to wash 1 pair of underpants.

    We bought food before hand but will have to chuck meat

    We ate at the hotel diner. I had a fancy pie. Very British.

    Jax didn't have a good night. He split his chin in the shower and the rolled off the bed into a table. Bigggggg scratch.
    Jess was on duty both times so all good lol.

    Thankfully Jax went down to bed quite easily so we were saved the screaming.

    Have I mentioned they are obsessed with baked beans?

    Went to bed at 8:45.

    Do not disturb.
    Jess organised some Bnbs for us for upcoming days.

    Jaxon likes to say Bgg. That is spelt correctly B -gg    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Windor

    September 6, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Good sleep :) good bed :) excellent day :)

    Woke up at 7. Jax was great through the night - well at least he was quite.

    We went to the lobby for our complimentary breakfast. I was quite satisfied with it.
    The bacon looks and smells disgusting so I skipped that.

    We left at about 7:50 and headed to Watford for our Harry Potrer studios tour which was about 35km away. Our tour was for 9:30 but the Bnb host man had made a comment about how difficult it is to get to HP so we left really early..
    Once again our perception on distance, as Australians, is different to everyone else.
    Made it in 30 mins and there was very little traffic.

    We were an hour early but we wasted time in the gift shop - Jess bought some pajamas and a onesie for Jax.
    we were able to enter early so woohoo.

    First is the cupboard under the stairs set before you go into a room which has all the different release of posters from different countries for each book.

    Next was a quick video (that Jaxon yelled through a lot of) from the Daniel, Emma and Rupert saying how they had lived here for 10 years and it's a home away from home ..

    It opened up to the great hall.
    Even though I've been - I love it 😊😍

    We kept walking through the first bit which was mainly sets which had Hagrids hut, the burrow, griffindor common room, potions, dumbledoors office, umbridges office and some ministery fireplaces.
    It also had the horcruxes, the 3 broom types, the chamber of secrets snake door, costumes, the fat lady portrait, info on the animal actors, the black family tapestry and more.

    Next we went through a new section which was opened this year - the forbidden Forrest.
    While it was very cool - the "scary" warning before hand was not necessary. I am a pansy and it was fine haha.
    It had Aragog, buckbeak and showed how they make the patronus.

    Next was the hogwarts express and platform 9 3/4 which is when we started to take more photos.

    We then came out at the cafe and I finally had a chance to sample butterbeer!!!
    Last time I missed out because I didn't realize the cafe in the middle was the only place to get it and once at the final gift shop you can turn back 😭
    Anyway, we got one each - I was the only one to finish it lol.
    It had a sort of honeycomb cream on top but overall wasn't very nice. I don't need to have another one but am glad I got the opportunity to sample it :)

    Outside was the night bus, hogwarts bridge and replica number 4 private drive. In number 4 was a scene with hogwarts letter mail going everywhere.
    There was also some of the chess pieces, hagrids bike and the blue car from the 2nd book.

    Inside the next section was all the effects stuff so like masks a dog animated creatures.

    Up next was a replica dragon alley which in I loveee and then little cardboard set designs finishing up with the most beautiful small (not small) scale hogwarts.
    It is honestly a work of art in its own right.

    I left Harry Potter studios without a single souvenir #proud

    We then drove back to the shopping center we were at yesterday to park the car so we could go to Windsor castle.
    Jess was super impressed. I forgot she hadn't already seen lots of old shit like we have.
    And by old shit I mean that with the utmost respect hahaha

    It was 20£ each and Will actually asked me if I was red a souvenir guidebook?!!!!
    Well der, of course I want one.
    Lol yay for me.

    We went through security checks and scans then we were in.

    Jess kept blabbering how she is glad we came. Haha it was sweet.
    We walked around a bit then entered the viewing bit.

    So roams not allowed but after entering it's understandable - wouldn't want to ruin their impeccable carpet.
    First we saw Queen Mary's doll house which looked so fun to play with!!!! I even think I could reboot my imagination just to have a go.
    It was so big and so many rooms!!
    Next was a few doll costumes the Queen got given as a gift as a child (I think! I didn't read it all properly cause of Jax)
    Next was a china set room which was basically full of things I would never want to use out of fear I'd drop one.

    We then walked though heaps of other room that had weapons, armor, statues, house crests, paintings etc.
    we saw king Henry Vlll armor. My oh my what a gut! Hahah
    The ceilings are why I like most about most of the rooms - exquisite designs and lots of gold and red with an occasional splash of blue.
    No words to really describe it other than Royal and amazingly, beautifully over the top. Lol
    There were just so many rooms and we were only in a small section.

    You couldn't take photos but I tried to get some sneaky ones of the roof lol

    We finished that bit, picked up the pram then Went to the St George's chapel. King Henry Vlll is buried there with relevant people so I found that interesting.
    Lots of Crypt and while it's still very nice - definitely not in the top 5 churches we have been to.
    A few other significant people buried there such as both of the queens parent.

    We left and then found a guard to take pictures with. He deserves a raise we couldn't decide if he was real or not until about 2 meters away.
    Whatever skin lotion he uses....

    We the left and went home for a 4 way nap lol.
    It much needed.

    We then went out for dinner. It was a 20 min drive and we then spend another 20 trying to find it but we did lol

    I'm disappointed how quickly I became full because their dessert looked delicious lol.

    Drove home and now in bed.

    Our first successful day in a while! Lol    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Windsor

    September 7, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Had to check out by 10 so we got breakfast in the dining room again then got on our way - lego land today :)
    Before we left we facetimed Grandma because it was Grandads funeral today so we said hi to eneryone and sent our best wishes. Helen and Bill were off chips hhahah.

    We already bought the tickets online a week ago because if you booked 7 days in advance you saved 15£ per ticket which is a solid savings and definitely worth it.
    It was only about a 10 min drive from the hotel.
    Hadn't even entered and I loved it already.
    Lego figurines lined the driveway.

    Once in we got a map and started walking down the hill to the proper start.
    Throughout the park we saw some freaking awesome lego displays and some were really hidden so you had to keep an eye out like a little hedgehog in the bushes.
    First up was a section that was basically like Mini Europe only made out of lego. It was fantastic. The displays of London and France were probably the best bit still an over all big thumbs up.
    Next was Duplo land which was a section more catered for 0-3year olds.
    We all went on a little boat ride thing together which took you around and showed you displays of Disney characters and famous fairytales. Again, excellent.
    Jess bought a photo pass so we have all our photos scanned onto a wrist band which we can get digital copies off later. The photo we got on this ride was lovely and Jax was looking forward so woo.
    Jax was still a bit small for some of the other rides but had a go in the playground on the slide. He didn't like walking on the soft mat surface though because he couldn't balance.
    There was a water park section that we planned on going back to.
    Next ride was so cool!!!
    It was an underground submarine thing that had big windows for you to see fish, shark, crab and stingray all swimming beneath in pretty coral! Oh and some lego treasures.
    We then watched some stupid show that kinda caught Jax's attention so we stayed. It was a pirate show with some terrible stunts lol.
    Next was a train that sprayed us all with water guns. Me and Will got the wettest. Lol
    Jaxon got banned from coming out of his pram until he had a nap because he was a hot mess haha
    He fell asleep and me and Jess went on this sort of my little pony pirate ship ride which turned out to be pretty good. jess was loosing her shit at the top squealing and laughing uncontrollably before squealing again at the top on the other side haha.
    Me and Will then waited in the longest queue of the day (40ish mins) to go on some Egyptian laser lag ride. I doubled Wills score.
    The lego Pharaoh out front was awesome.
    Jax then woke up as we were gonna to the ninja section which we skipped because it didn't look that good.
    The lego was of course good though.
    Me and Will went on a water rapid ride thing which was boring but was ok because there was no line to get on.
    We then took it in turns to go on what I would describe as a log ride with a slide at the end.
    We got super wet!

    Jess and I went on a roller coaster before we decided to try and find where we claim our games tickets she pre bought. It took us ages to find the spot and there was no one there...
    another family was there - they ended up just taking a toy from the stand 😂😂
    I lent over the counter and got the games coupons we had bought and maybe some extra one hahahah 😝😝
    How stupid of them.
    We played some games - we lost of course - before we took Jaxon back to the water play section to play in before we left.
    Uhm ok so the English are ridiculous. So many kids running around in this water.. I took a step in and my foot nearly fell off from frostbite.
    Jaxon was clinging into Jess for dear life and his teeth chattering so that didn't last long hahah
    Will took Jaxon on a train ride which was so very cute.
    Jess and Will went on a water slide together right at closing time and got saturated hahaha
    They had to change clothes.
    Great day.

    Then began a new adventure.
    We headed to Dover. Our phones told us that would take just under two hours but our stupid car gps thought the quickest route would be to take us through London city............... it was not.
    How these people don't have breakdowns on a daily basis? It's actually ridiculous. I could not do it daily.
    It took us over 4 hours to get there and when we did it was 9 something so well and truly dark.

    - we got McDonald's on the way - the only drive through we have seen the whole way.

    Then came the stress lol
    So we found the place but no one answered the door...
    Jess reread her email and in fine print at the bottom of her confirmation email it said CALL ahead and organise the collection of your keys.
    SINCE WHEN DO YOU DO THAT FOR A HOTEL?
    Jaxon is rightfully loosing his shit by now.
    He pretty much slept the whole 4 hours though so gold star for him.

    Ok so we found a pay phone but of course the man didnt answer did he 😒😒😒

    A few tries later - as Jess was leaving the booth THE PHONE RANG 😁luckily she hadn't left because the ring was so faint.
    She got instructions and off we went.

    Got there and couldn't open the door 😂
    We then ignored the instructions given to us and tried a different door which worked ... like honestly..

    Whatever we have a bed YAY.

    It would be a nice place if it was clean but it was pretty gross..

    Crashed pretty hard.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Roadtrip

    September 8, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    So, left out gross little apartment/hotel thing and headed to the White cliffs of Dover. It was passing down rain. We made it and it just wasn't plausible to do with Jaxon. But as we drove all the way there just to see it and because it was one of Wills top U.K. Priority sights - he ran through the storm and met us back in the little shop thing.
    I would have loved to have gone but I wasn't dressed appropriately, Jess had the shits so I wanted to keep her calm and I technically have already seen them when we took the boat from France to England on my school trip to Europe.
    Will did manage to find them though so in happy for him.
    We left once he was back - his run took about 30 mins.

    We had breakfast at some cafe thing we found, bought some snacks in the supermarket next door then got on the road.
    Jax fell asleep quickly so that was great. Nice and quiet lol.
    Off to Stonehenge.
    We put it on scenic route instead of fast route so it didnt take us through London.

    4 hours later we hit major traffic but we were close! We could see it over the hill.

    The villages we drove through were so cute. Loved it.
    Every single one had a pub without fail. Lol

    Eventually made it to Stonehenge and to Wills utter horror there was an entry fee of 20£ each.
    We had a few heated discussions about our plan from there.
    There were tour buses driving people out to the rocks but we decided to walk - it was about a 2km walk there and when we got there they still wanted tickets 😒
    So we asked what we could do and he said to go into the back paddock and walk around, stay behind the dense and we could have a look at one side.
    Pffft I don't know why everyone paid - our view was perfectly fine considering we saved 60£!!
    I feel pretty happy I got to see it because I stayed on the bus when school brought us because I was too tired lol. It sounds silly but I still remember how tired I was an stand by my decision even though it was disappointing lol.
    We got some photos of it and Jax ankles walking around the paddock.

    What can I really say about it? It's a bunch of rocks lol. it's cool though the unknown aspects of it.
    We walked back and there were little village hut things we had a look at. They don't know for sure but they reckon this is what the village huts would have looked like.

    We drove another hour and stopped for dinner because it was getting late quickly.
    We stopped in a cute little town and ate at a pizza place. Great food but terrible service. Well sort of.. all the workers were doing something so it want laziness - just not enough workers.
    You could tell none had no experience with kids either because the kept putting knifes and things in front of Jaxon lol.
    Will had an extremely over dramatic reaction to Jaxons poo that me and Jess had a good laugh at him.
    Jess changed him while Will paid.
    We filled up with petrol then drove another hour to Bristol. Found our hotel - soo many damn roadworks!
    Check in in - lovely room - had working wifi woooo!
    Sleep time! :D Wales tomorrow.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Abergwesyn

    September 9, 2017 in Wales ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Will, Jess, Jax went to get Breakfast while I lay in another hour.
    When they got back we facetimed Helen who updated us all about Grandads last days which sounded horrendous and then about the funeral.
    Said bye then checked out.

    Helen wanted some hair product from 'Boots' which is a big pharmacy chain here so we went over to the shops before we got on the road.
    Will suddenly felt sick so we went to KFC for him to use a toilet.
    I went to buy a drink but STUPID COMMBANK is still being a dick and won't let us use our PIN number and wants us to sign but they don't accept signature cards 😖 Jess is having the same problem with her commbank card and is getting so angry about it. Her card has been denied a few times too because commbank keeps going down for maintenance ?????
    So over it. Stupid bank, worst system. At least there travel card system is. Never again.

    We left and headed for Wales. The drive there was beautiful. Open fields with so many sheep.
    So green.

    We couldn't find the house lol. It took ages and a lot of stress. The instructions were find a brown house with a phone box....

    We did eventually find it. We figured out later the instructions they gave us only apply when you arrive from the other direction lol

    Ok so we are literally staying in the middle of nowhere.
    It's so peaceful.
    We have our own little caravan next to the family house. the family seems nice - they have 2 kids, a cat and ducks :) they also have sheep as neighbours :)
    There is a cool play area they said Jaxon can use to :)

    We lay around for a bit before heading to the '"local" Tesco 40 mins away hahaha
    Lovely drive - we nearly hit like 100 birds - we think thwarted are quails. They were everywhere and really stupid! We had to drive really slow because they kept flying in front of the car.

    We ended up in a decent sized town. The Tesco was very big so we did a good shop. We have bought 3 dinners and a 2 lunches for the next few days.

    We are going through money so quickly i AM SO STRESSED. I thought we had wayyyyyy more than what we do. Shouldn't have left Will in charge of the accounts. I just want them both go back home. We can't afford what Jess wants to do.
    We have agreed to give them $1000 to contribute for accommodation but that's still too much. We spent also spent so damn much looking after Jaxon. It's just so hard because I don't want to disappoint Jess.
    I don't want to pay for Jess and Jaxon I just want to pay for us 😭😭😭😭

    There was a cat outside the Tesco and it let me pat it 😻😻😻😻

    We drove home and cooked the most delicious meal. Favourite in weeks.
    Soft shell tacos with lots of sour cream.
    Amazinggggg.
    Gobble gobble.

    Jess then did Jax' put down but never came back out lol. She fell asleep with him.

    We watched the chase all night.

    Jaxon drinks too much juice and bad food but I'll keep my moth shut haha.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Abergwesyn

    September 10, 2017 in Wales ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Slept in until 10 which was magical.
    Jess took Jaxon to some farm place thing and didn't come back until 6 so I had a truly great day doing nothing.
    I had a thump thump headache though so that was a shame.
    We had planned to do a hike but it was really rotten weather - we would have frozen.

    We literally did nothing hey hahah
    We watched Judge Judy all day then Will went back down for a nap around 3 and I watched big bang - it remained on the Telly until 9.

    I made a salad for dinner and we had pasta. Another delicious home cooked meal :)

    Once Jax was in bed on tv came a nude dating show.
    Basically a lot of Willies on the screen hahahaha
    We were like what the actual crap is this? It was so funny. I think it's called naked attraction?

    Me and Will asked each other some trivia questions from a box which we both sucked at haha

    A fuse blew so all the lights went out but it was midnight and raining so we didn't go over to ask where the box was to switch it back on.

    The roof is leaking from the skylight bit because it has been raining so much.

    Turns out they only gave us one roll of toilet paper and we used a lot of it when Jaxon dropped a duck egg. Surprisingly hard to clean up lol (there ducks laid spares so they gave us some)

    Silly Jess left a car light on so I had to go face the storm to turn it off 😑

    She said the farm she went to - folly farm, was fantastic and really big and even had lions and shit and heaps of soft play areas.
    They had a good day I think :) we did too haha.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Cardiff

    September 11, 2017 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    The house feels so cold but you realize it's actually a haven once you step outside. Horrible and miserable again today.

    Had a shower because I was all sweaty then we left for Cardiff which was just under 2 hours away.
    I slept (tried too) most of the journey - Jess offered me the front seat so that was nice.

    We just told us to take us to Cardiff, no specific instructions. It took us to the town center, which, once i saw the castle I recognised. I even impressed myself when I said "there should be a gold post box down here ... it's gold cause each Olympian who one who won an Olympic gold medal got a post box painted" and a minute later, there is was 💪🏻💪🏻👏🏼

    Found a car park - it smelt like urine.
    We first wanted lunch so we found a pub place.
    Jaxon eats so much he is going to be so fat.

    The bathrooms were nice here lol.

    We then visited a few welsh gift shops to try and find Angharad stuff but they only had the crappy design I already have. Booo hiss.

    We then went to Cardiff castle - entry was 12.50 each so still expensive but better than 20.

    Was happy to pay because this is the castle we didnt actually enter with Tony - we just looked from the entrance.

    First we went through the tunnels on the side which were used during the 2nd world war for citizens of Cardiff to hide in.
    Along the walls were propaganda posters - some were quite funny.

    We the had to put the pram in storage because there were a lot of stairs.

    First section was I suppose what you would call the accomidiation? I don't actually know to be fair. The audio guide was boring. It didn't tell basics but super complex shit that's pointless if you don't have a base understanding.
    Either way it was incredible. I lovvvvvedddddd the ceilings.
    In The library room we got told some fun facts. The owner disagreed with Darwin's theory so around the door around detailed monkeys holding hooks not knowing what to do with it - to prove his point that we are different.

    We went into the keep which was more like other castles with ridiculous staircases, and entry rooms as you go up.
    Only me and Will went up to the the top and Will stayed with Jax down the bottom.
    I love how the castle is in the middle of a city.

    Will reckons Cardiff reminds him of Townsville - a sort of small capital city place rather than a country capital.

    We found some stocks to take photos in and then left.

    It's not the best maintained castle I've been to in regards to landscaping. Very overgrown but I think the house section bit was worth the entry fee.

    We then just walked around the center really. We walked through the Cardiff markets, and ended up in a shopping center which had some great stores including a Disney shop :) can't wait for Jaxon to be bigger and ask me to buy him things that I also want 😂😂😂😂 I'll be like " you want that unnecessarily large stuffed pooh bear? ... seems reasonable... ok then." Hahahah

    Bought some toilet paper and headed home. Parking cost us 18£ 😭

    Oh totally forgot that there was also a museum section under the castle that we went to. It was total rubbish but Jess got some photos of Jaxon wearing more costume hats. She could start an entire Facebook page just from this trip of Jax wearing stupid hats haha

    Also, in the shops there was a 'vodka shot' sampling station.
    Amazing 🙌🏼
    Hahaha.

    So rainy 😒

    I don't remember getting home lol.
    We had Indian packs for dinner which were pretty good.
    Jaxon going to bed is my favorite time of day hahaha

    It was a good day. Glad Jess and Will got to do something in Wales.

    Jess didn't realize Wales was a country....... 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Roadtrip

    September 12, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Good solid sleep. Very cold in the morning though.
    Packed up the place and got ready to leave. We spoke with the owner dude who was lovely. His cat who apparently hates people let me pat him and kept coming up to me and he was amazed 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
    He then went and got one of his ducks for us to pat. It was about 22 weeks d and black with green and blue mixed it. So soft!

    On the road. I tried sleeping but gave up.
    We think the silly birds who jump in front of the car are pheasants not quails.

    We drove for ages and stopped for food. We bought SIXTY nuggets from mac as for 12£
    Hahahah
    Also Jax did a hugeeeee poo that went everywhere so lucky we were stopped at maccas because that would have been bad! Hahah
    Drive drive drive. Jaxon was so FREAKING LOUD. He was literally loosing his shit for the next 3 hours because he was so overtired.
    We stopped for a drink because we needed wifi to fond out how we were gonna check in - we let Jax run/wobble around a play ground for a while to get some energy out. No wifi available so we tried again later at a different stop point.
    2 hours later we arrived and found the key under a bucket. So creative.
    It's a nice little place. It has wifi and a washing machine 😭😭👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

    We had hotdogs for dinner.
    Me and Will took Jax for a walk down to the shops to giev Jess a break cause Jax was being a right poo.

    We bought some soft drink. Supposedly Scotland is the only country in the world where the most purchased soft drink is not owned by the Coca Cola company.
    It's called IRN-BRU. It kinda tastes like creamy soda.
    We had a hilarious encounter with the checkout dude though.
    We literally have no idea what he said to us.
    He said it 3 times before I couldn't help myself and burst out into giggles and said "what????!" It was so funny. I know it was English and yet it so can't have been English. Still don't know what he said hhaha
    Can't wait for more silly Scottish accent fun.

    Currently watching friends and loving it.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Edinburgh

    September 14, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Jax gave me some lovely morning cuddles in the bed.
    We drove to the centre of Edinburgh and there was literally no parking. We tried 5 different car parks on the Gps but none actually existed. We eventually found street parking and then had the fiasco of needed coins for the parking meter.
    paying with your mobile was also an option... 😒😒😒
    I ended up going to the coffee stand near by and pleading for shrapnel.
    We walked towards the castle but Jax was hungry so we had to find food for him before we went to the castle.
    Nothing looked overly child friendly and it was sooo packed. So many tourists. A lot of them Asian groups blocking streets lol.

    We found this souvenir shop type place that had a resturant up top. As we were walking through it we had a look and holy crap the cashmere or what ever it was was so expensive! Like120£ for a scarf.
    The food was shit lol but at least we had something in our tummies.

    We went to the castle which was literally next door.
    38£ it cost us to get in 😖 but I got a souvenir guide book too - not sure if it was free or if I paid? The accents are too much for me lol.

    The castle is more what I consider a fortress - it was more like a little city/village feel rather than Royal.
    We went to the Scottish war museum which was honestly really boring.
    I've realized I know very little Scottish history ...
    At least we didn't have to pay another entry fee - it was free.

    The views from the walls were great!
    100% not pram friendly. We skipped a lot including the Scottish Crown Jewels because we have Jax 😞
    We did manage to visit the banquet hall which wasn't nearly as fancy as Windsor castles. The walls were lined with old weapons.

    There was also a dog cemetery which warmed my soul. ❤️

    We went into the old prison bit. After seeing Auschwitz their accommodation was 5 star. There were 2 different prison sections - I think from different time periods.
    I couldn't really read anything because Jaxon was singing.

    Overall I didn't really rate it. Don't need to come back again. It is, however highly likely I would have enjoyed it more if I could do it at my own pace.

    We left and walked down the tourist mile. The Real street name is royal mile.
    It had some cool street performers- one dude was dressed as a centaur and I took a picture so he wanted money. I told him I'd delete it because I didn't want to pay. I did not. Tough titties mate.
    The mile had nice old buildings. We didn't walk the while mile but it had some churches and just gargoyle type buildings.

    We started walking back to the car - on the way we walked past 'The Elephant House' which is where J.K Rowling use to sit and write Harry Potter so that's pretty cool - I got a picture :)
    Not far away was the Greyfriars cemetery. It's famous because of the story of Bobby - a dog whose master died and who the. Visited the cemetery everyday for the next 14 years. He is buried there too and has a tombstone - it's so lovely, instead of flowers everyone puts sticks on his grave. ❤️❤️❤️

    The cemetery is pretty grim. Bloody Jess and her love of spookiness. How awkward for all the shopkeepers though - some of the tombs are the literal back walls of their shops. Fuck leaving work at midnight 😰😰😰no ghosts allowed thanks.

    We went home and I had a solid nap.

    Jaxon was driving everyone up the wall because he is teething and super cranky so Jess was gonna take him in the pram to go get Chinese but it was raining. By the time we had come up with a new plan it had stopped and we went back to plan a. Chinese.

    We all walked down to order. Jaxon was agin annoying everyone so I took him back home only it had started to rain again so I sprinted the whole way and it felt like my lungs had blood in them by the time I got there. The air is so cold!!!
    NIt the best Chinese but it passed.

    I watched some criminal mind episodes which I so very much enjoyed. I loved having 2 hours to myself 🤗🤗🤗

    We want to go to Loch Ness and are trying to work out details. I really want to skype mum and dad. We have so much to talk about and I miss them but again because of Jaxon our timing doesn't line up - we leave the house too early so dad won't be back from work yet and mum is a goose and can barely change a tv channel let alone set up a skype session. Lol 😝

    We need to do washing. I've run out of undies haha

    The bed is too small. It's only a double and Will takes up the whole damn thing.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Glasgow

    September 14, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    We were gonna go to Loch Ness but it's just not plausible 😖😔 I'm really disappointed. It's the only thing I wanted to do in Scotland 😔 stupid Jaxon lol gah, we will have to come back - probably the same time we get around to doing Ireland. Lol

    Decided to go for a day trip to Glasgow which is about an hour away.

    We parked and walked around.

    Ermmmm... where are all the people??
    It was dead.
    We kept walking and eventually found a more populated area. The buildings were again nice and it was less crowded but it just seemed like a boring city.
    It did have some cool street art though!
    We ended up in TGIFridays because it has a reliable children's menu.

    Our waiter was terrific to the point Jess tipped 10£
    He came and chatted to us non stop because he had lived in Australia but also wrote down things to see and do in different parts of Glasgow (we did none of it but still that was extra effort on his part)
    When Jess ran in to give the money ( had to get it out from an atm) he then came out to thank us. I was happy with his coworker to because Jess didn't give it to him but another worker to pass on which they obviously did. Nice to see honest people still exist.

    Outside the resturant was an old man who kinda looked drunk wearing a fluro yellows workers vest, banging tin cans with 2 dancing cat toys with him hahah good on him. Hope he gets a lot of tips 😂

    As we were walking back to the car we saw police horses waiting in traffic. I know that's what's meant to happen but it was still funny to see them wait at traffic lights.

    Like I said a pretty boring city.
    We were recommended a cemetery so of course Jess was interested lol
    I was too a bit. Apparently the tombs say stuff like "died from the plague" so that's cool. Unfortunately it was closed by the time we could get to it.

    We wanted to do something for Jaxon so we took him to a soft play place.

    We had such a terrific time! Jaxon loved all the slides and climbing. I loved it too. My entry was free woohoo! Hahah
    I was running around thins jungle gym thing feeling like i belonged even though I'm bloody 24 hahah
    I just felt at ease and the kids didn't seem to think it was weird.
    There was a big free fall slide that we all had a go on and I took Jaxon on twice. Not sure of his feelings towards that one... 😂
    There was a ball pit that was so comfy to sit in haha

    I've decided I will happily take Jaxon to soft play places when back home. Wooo
    He had a turn in one of those shitty arcade ride things too. He wasn't fussed.
    Scottish people sound like they are stupid.

    We all went on a slide together in 4 separate lanes. I was the only one that made it to the bottom. Their butts were too big and Jaxon didn't weigh enough lol 🙊
    Jax was getting really tired so we left around 5.
    We stopped in at Tesco on the way home to eat Taco ingredients 🙌🏼🙌🏼
    Dinner was delicious.
    Jaxon didn't want it so jess was gonna go get him nuggets but me and Will awkwardly suggested that's teaching him the wrong thing even if he doesn't understand..
    she doesn't ever say no.. we have wanted to say things several times but I don't want to tell someone how to raise their child.
    I would have kept my mouth shut if Will hadn't have said something and then Jess asked my opinion so...
    I have seen this child have Coke, hot chocolate, a krispy Kreme and soooo much juice. He doesn't brush his teeth (I've told her to start when home) but that's a lottttt of sugar just sitting on his gums 😒

    He just whinges because he knows he gets a response from her.

    She didn't end up going to get him nuggets so that's good

    Our deal was if I did the dishes I could watch 3 crimes shows in peace.

    I got scared though and only watched 2 and a half. I swear the house is haunted. Hahahah Edinburgh has so many damn ghost tour options too 😰    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Edinburgh

    September 15, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Woke up and me and Will had caught Jaxons bloody cold. Will worse than me. He was foul this morning. He opted to stay home so I wanted to stay too to rest so Jess took Jaxon into town.
    Not before the host messaged us to say he got notified we were illegible downloading a movie only we weren't? We sorted it - our computer had connected to a torrent without our knowledge. Host didn't care just letting us know.
    We both slept all day and woke up to Jess' message she had fucked yo the car... 😂 fml.
    They are both fine so that's all that really matters - she dinged the door because the car is too long and the carp park too small. The car park was empty and she originally thought she had struck gold until that happened and she noticed the hundreds of other scratch marks where other people had done the same and never come back - hence the emptiness lol.
    Apart from that she had a good day.
    Pretty happy she had to pay for it not us lol.
    It's the first time she didn't opt for the extra insurance ( of course 😒). We believe the excess is 1500£ - ouch.
    it doesn't even look bad. I had to be shown the damage because I couldn't see it 😂
    Jess wants to try cover it with mud and see if they notice 😂😂😂

    It's drivable so it will get us back to London 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
    She brought home pizza for dinner - we smashed that and Jax went to bed.

    I had a bath to try warm my chest.
    I don't have a sore throat like Will but I feel congested and like my chest is a solid block of cheese. No that wasn't a typo.

    I'm considering stealing a towel.
    #thethuglife

    I won't though. I've been raised too well 😒

    Our washing has been hanging for 24hr and is still so wet 😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒

    Jaxon had a big booger so Jess put it on Wills face so then he tried to put it back on hers and Jaxon was screaming the whole time 😂😂
    His cry face makes me laugh.
    Stupid child doesn't like me much compared to the other 2. Still likes me but is fascinated by Will probs cause he is a man and then obviously his mum.

    I'm better with toddlers anyway - I'll make up ground then! 😝

    Everyone went to bed - I facetimed Ashley for over 2 hours and caught up on a lot 😁    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Roadtrip

    September 16, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    So I went to bed really late cause I was busy chatting but had to get up at 8 boo hiss. Packing took a while because Jaxon moves all our stuff around and Jess is anal about leaving the place immaculate even though we also pay for a cleaning fee when we book the place.
    Headed for Hadrians wall/ a relevant museum (Roman Army Museum) . It took 2 hours. Jax slept for 1 but was a poop for the second one which ruined my napping plans.

    Will and Jess had a argument in the car about directions which made things really awkward.
    We did eventually find the museum..
    there was a very awkward silence between us all for a long time.
    Museum was actually pretty good. The information on the walls was what it should be - providing basic knowledge along side more detailed stuff. Too many museums have skipped over the basics because they must have assumed that if you are visiting you must have ground knowledge when often we haven't.
    It had a few statues here and there and some stuff they had found but the best bit was an archery game thing where you had to pull the string and it was calculate your shot and tell you if you are too weak, hit the energy or over shot.
    Bloody jess and Jaxon 😒 wE wanted to watch the 3D movie in the museum but no.
    We couldn't could we ..

    Learnt about Romans vs "savages" (Scottish) and about Hadrian as a person.
    My heart melted. Outside the museum is a patch of grass dedicated for assistance dog toileting 😂😂😭😍❤️
    We drove around the corner from the museum and me and Will got out to see a section of the wall in the distance that everyone else was hiking. Again, we are really disappointed we couldn't too.

    We went to find food. We had maccas to assure Jaxon reached his daily nugget quota.
    This kids diet is ridiculous.
    Jaxons face is always disgusting. I feel so awkward I try to make it obvious I'm not his mum. 😂

    I had a good hours nap on the way to York.
    York full of drunks and hens
    Oh and whores.

    " there are only 2 types of mammals that don't feel the cold.
    Polar bears and sluts"
    Heh 😏😏😏😏

    Fist time in Britain we have had to pay for a toilet and it wasn't even nice.
    Didn't like York at first but liked it more as we walked closer to the centre. Still don't understand why 2 separate family members recommend it.. (Jac and Helen)
    It's surrounded by a big Roman wall.
    Seriously though everyone was off their face and it was 4pm.

    So many sweet shops
    We stopped in at Fudge and cat shop where Jess bought stuff.
    In the middle their was a Big ass Cathedral that we were gonna go in but it had a service starting soon.
    Again, I would have liked to have gone to church if Jess and Jaxon would have 😂 3/3 today.

    We listened to convos as we walked past and we couldn't understand anyone.

    We walked back to the car past a man pissing in the street (still only 5pm by now)
    We drove past the castle on the way out - unimpressive. More like a big room.
    Headed on to Leeds
    Jason likes to spit which he amused himself for like 20 minutes doing.

    We Checked in at our holiday inn. We got a double bed and a sofa bed. We got the big one - lucky! - Jess changed Jaxon on the sofa bed and left like a poo mark.....
    We went to dinner next door to the Calvary.
    I had a very British looking meal of roast and vegetables.
    They didn't have a single kids menu option - 0/10???! Like really??
    While we were waiting for the table we amused ourselves and played the arcade stuffed animal claw game. We failed haha so rigged!

    This place had Terrible service and no instructions on how to work the self service bit. Great prices though! I was stuffed and it was only 6.45£
    Jaxon threw some of his food onto a mans lap 😓
    Home and showered.
    A lot of Ryanair flights have been cancelled for the next few months (50-60 a day) but I don't ours has. I bloody hope not!
    Everyone fell asleep so quickly and was snoring.

    Oh and the museum had to COOLEST toilet wallpaper

    Andddddd Will got annoyed at dinner cause he ordered a beer and halfway through he realized it wasn't alcoholic hahah.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Roadtrip

    September 17, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Was woken by the child..
    went down for breakfast but it wasn't as good as the last holiday inn we stayed in. No hashbrowns 😒went upstairs and tried to log into Skype to talk to mum and dad but the computer wouldn't log onto the internet so then I tried downloading the app but for security reasons it sent me a text to confirm it was me.. I hate this country and all it's stupid systems.
    Told dad to get in Facebook and I'd call him through there - the connection was bad but we got through woohoo!
    Chat chat chat. Spent the whole conversation sitting on a toilet to escape Jaxon.

    Jess and Will then had a freaking humongous fight and ruined the rest of the day.

    Don't even want to record it - basically whole day spent in angry silence. We arrived to our next hotel and Jess walked off saying she would meet us back in 2 hours.
    Fuck me. Can they leave already?
    She is angry she has had to pay for everything and do the organizing
    BUT BUT BUT we offered her the $1000 and she said no.
    I also organised a Bnb which was unacceptable for her standards so we had to move..
    Hence why I stopped organizing and why we can't afford anything because her standards do not match our budget.
    Alas.
    It was so uncomfortable because I understand both sides.
    The fight started because Jaxon hit Wills nose - like really? Pick a better issue to make me sit through the most UNCOMFORTABLE day.

    When we met back up there seemed to be an unspoken agreement to be civil and a verbal one between me and Will because I told him to pull his head in and stop provoking her.
    Being siblings is not a good enough reason to make my day so shit.

    We spent time in the hotel, organised airport transfers for in 2 nights time, checked in, the. Went to St. Albans for dinner which was delicious.
    Jess got drunk and was in a better mood lol.

    I keep sneezing.
    We have to return the car tomorrow.
    Morocco soon!! Back to my holiday! Lol

    I uploaded a picture of where Jess has dinged the car. I can't even see it but Will is all like " oh it's so obvious"
    I was expecting the door to be smashed in.

    Also uploaded a picture of Jaxon pulling his stupid dad he does all the time while holding his breath that I laugh at every bloody time.
    What a goose.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    London

    September 18, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Last day wooooooooooooo!
    We had breakfast then headed into London to drop the car back off. Our gps said it would take 30 minutes - it took over an hour and a half because of the ridiculousness that is London. Can't deal. Get me out.
    We returned the car and were not sure if Jess has to pay for Damage - they gave her a receipt that noted the dent but didn't say anything so we left.... they dont have a credit card on file for her though - only a debit card with no money in it lol.???
    We headed towards Harrods through Hyde park. I walked through that damn park for hours with Shelly but still didn't recognized the section I was in today.
    Harrods was a bore. I told them it would be butJess really wanted to see it. It was full of ugly stuff that I wouldnt buy even if I had the money. The sweets room was probably the funkiest.
    We couldn't even walk into the perfume bit because it was so overbearing and toxic!!
    We caught 2 underground trains to then go to Camden markets.
    It was a stupid layout but had some cool shops. Me and Jess couldn't not be more different in our dress styles. She was keen for all the goth shops with skulls, lace and corsets.
    She use to be one of those ridiculous goth people theough high school and she told me she wore a goth outfit to her year 10 formal AND AND AND took with her a stuffed dog attached to a lead 😂😂😂😂 SCREAMING HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
    We would not have been friends.

    We had lunch and it was pretty good for markets.
    I went to a vegan shop that sold bacon though ......? I ate it and I'm 99% it was pig and not the fake natural ingredient stuff.

    No one bought anything but we walked around for ages.

    Caught 3 trains home but on the last train it was lucky we had a nice ticket inspector because we did it wrong... we were on the overground - all other overground have taken Oyster cards but not this one apparently.
    GOOD SIGNAGE LONDON.....
    We explained that we re tapped on and he was really nice about it. He let us buy our tickets from him rather than charge us a fare evasion fee. It was 23£ for the 3 of us 😒
    He got off at our station with us because he approached us just as we were arriving at St. Albans where we needed to get off.
    Damn ticket gates were open when we arrived - if he was just a minute later we wouldn't have had to pay lol

    We walked 6 km home and Jess was less than impressed. They started to bicker again and I told them to shut up. Lol

    We had dinner and then went to the hotel to pack.
    Jess has taken some of my souvenirs - only my books she couldn't fit and yet somehow I found it harder than usual to close my bag.

    We took it in turns to mind little man because he likes to unpack.

    I took him down to reception with me to get a sewing kit and print of our boarding passes. He walked the whole way down and had a blast! He was so excited to go on a little adventure!! He was so puffed when he got back ha

    I took him for a few more laps down the corridor becusse he had so much fun hah.

    SO KEEN TO LEAVE BRITAIN.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Marrakech

    September 19, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We woke up at 2am and got in our taxi at 2:30am 😒
    Our driver was an absolute freakin loon. Whenever we have a pre agreed price the driver just tries to get us there as quickly as possible. Today's driver got up to 110 MILES per hour. That is about 175kmph
    Like, what a psycho . Lucky the roads were empty.
    Either way we made it in one piece.
    We paid our 64 pound... and off he sped. The airport was 42 kilometers away from our hotel and we got there in like 20/25 mins when it should have taken 40.

    We had longer to wait because we were so early. The check in counters didn't open until about 3.40am. So many people were sleeping on the floor.
    Checked in no issues.
    Will had to do the big body X-ray thing thing.
    I was having a chuckle at the Muslim lady in front of me.
    She took her shoes off and had the blue plastic shoe covering things ready to go.
    She then got chosen to do the extra security checks.
    Obviously Not her first rodeo.
    How many times do you get picked before you just start always bringing temporary shoes to get through security with 😂😂😂😂😂

    I am really tired.

    We had hungry jacks because lots of things were closed. Didn't want to eat it so I didn't have much. Just enough to keep the hungry sick feeling away.

    We went to or gate and boarded.

    We were 'priority' again so we got to board first. Don't know why we keep having priority tickets - No complaints though.
    We waited next to this chatty weird woman who has never caught a plane before - she didn't know how to find seat and took like 50 photos of the plane.
    We were so pleased we weren't seated next to her.

    I got a nosebleed as people were boarding and of course didn't have tissues so I had to shove a tampon up my nose which was awkward as crap being surrounded my many Moroccan men.
    I eventually got help.

    We both think we slept a little bit on the plane but am so so so happy we woke up just in time for the drama... 🤗

    I heard this thump sound and turn around to see some bloke punching another guy screaming at him. People stood between them while the guy kept SCREAMING

    "THE CUNT BIT MY EAR, HE BIT ME, THE CUNT BIT MY EAR"

    He was going ballistic and trying to keep punching him.

    The other guy was like a sloth and took so many hits to the face.

    Ok so backstory is the guy that bit him and got punched bought vodka in duty free and drank half the bottle. The bottle has already been confiscated by this point and Will had overheard the worker say she was going to report him because he had been swearing at her and was off his face.

    So yeah, he then bit someone's ear and the guy gave him what he had coming.

    The dude who got bit was all hyped on adrenaline and causing such a scene that the captain was very close to doing an emergency stop in Portugal. He was warning everyone to sit down. The whole plane was so frustrated that the scene was going on for so long

    It was a bit like yes, I know he bit you but you are the one that is going to cause 200 people problems if we have to land this plane because you are losing your mind.
    People had to make a barrier between them to escort the drunk guy up the front to sit away from him. He looked so dazed.

    The captain was full dead set serious though. I thought we were gonna do an emergency landing.

    So many people were trying to keep the peace.
    It was intense but so juicy all the same.

    When we finally arrived in Morocco we didn't go straight to the terminal port thing - instead the plane stayed in the middle out in the open. We stayed there for 10 minutes and everyone was so annoying trying to get their bags. The captain told everyone several times to sit down and put their belt back on.

    I don't understand how the hell people hadn't cottoned on to what was happening. They were waiting for the Police.
    The 2 men got escorted off and we were then allowed to leave.

    It took ages to get through customs. Will was surprised by the Moroccans appearance. He was expecting black. I was not, they looked exactly how I though - Arab.
    We found out driver and he drove us to our hostel. Lucky I pre organized cause no chance would have we been able to find it. It's up a few back alleys.

    First impressions of hostel are great.
    They gave us breakfast which was fan-freaking-tastic!
    Best breakfast in ages!!
    I think we get it everyday so pretty stoked about that.

    I got given my first bottom bunk - or rather I had the opportunity to chose it yayayay
    We both got a bottom :D

    We dumped our stuff and went for a walk to the markets.
    Hooly dooly! you could get lost for days in there!
    Shop after shop after shop of silks, ceramic plates, clothes, lights, statues, jewelry, gold everything, wools, spices, nuts and more!

    Everyone is so damn nice!
    We ended up in some carpet place that also had like Arabian guns and swords and the carpets are wonderful - very reasonably priced but still too much for us.
    We then ended up in a food section and a nice man asked us where we were from - we said Australia and he said "ahh kangaroo" he then sent us in the right direction. We had the exact same convo 10 seconds later about the damn kangaroos. People always sound so proud that they know about kangaroos.

    Anyway, the second dude then took it upon himself to become our tour guide lol.

    He took us first too a wool weaving dude and then another man took us into his shop to show us his lume*.
    Our "guide" had waited for us and then took us to a silk section and handed us over to another man. He showed us all the natural dyes they use to stain the scarfs.
    He showed us his dad staining the wool and silk.
    He then dressed us in headscarfs and took our photo.
    He wanted us to buy but we awkwardly said no which he didn't like but oh well.

    On went our tour 😂

    He took us to a spice shop.
    The dude in there knew that as Australians we couldn't buy his stuff so considering there wasn't even a possibility of a sale he was extra lovely.
    We smelt 3 spices unique to morocco and others that he said are used elsewhere.
    He rubbed musk soap stuff on us for us to smell and explained that you can't wear perfume in a mosque because it has alcohol in it so they use this for smell instead.
    He talked about Moroccan oil which he put on my arm. He said it shouldn't be in the sun so the people outside selling it have a crappy product and that it should always be yellow and not orange.

    Because he was great and so informative ( and because I wanted one.. ) I took advantage of the cheap massage option also advertised in his shop.
    It cost 2 euro. Winning.
    I had to take my shirt off though (because he needed to reach my shoulders for the oil) which was very risqué considering my location but Will stayed in the room with me and he put up a curtain.
    Bra stayed on just for clarification. Lol
    I sat on a chair and he rubbed my shoulders.
    Mum would have loved it, he showed me no mercy! So painful but so good lol!

    We went outside and our guide was missing so we quickly walked off because our next and final shop was going to be his families shop and even though he promised we didn't have to buy like 5 times, once there he might had been less chill.
    Still, if he had been waiting I would have been happy to follow. He was really nice and said he just wanted to speak with us because his brother is studying in London and he likes to talk in English.
    It was a good free guide and I actually learnt a lot because of it.
    We then saw sunlight for the first time in an hour and followed it out into a market square - we found a cage with tortoises in it and then another with a Chameleon which, when the store owner saw me looking he got out and handed it to me.
    It has a strong grip! So cute! It's eyes are crazy!
    This guys shop was also spices and showed me similar stuff but also some like pure eucalyptus oil that after one sniff cleared the sinuses!!
    We walked on and finally found the correct exit.

    In the open area section - which is huge btw - were some monkeys on leads and snake charmers.
    I'm trying to settle my feelings about the monkeys because they didn't appear mistreated or stressed.
    I didn't like people posing for photos.
    Anyway,
    Some dick wanted to give me a henna tattoo I said no but he went to try anyway and squirted the ink all over my hand which has stained and basically looks like I have shat myself. I wiped it off on his coat though 😎

    We had a drink in a resturant where people kept approaching us to sell us things.

    There is a big orange juice market here.

    We went home and had a five hour "nap" hahahahaha

    We went out for dinner to a place just up the street which was great, walked around a bit but the went back to chill at the Hostel.

    We ended up having a terrific night!
    We made friends with everyone at the hostel because it's sort of set up so you have to talk.
    The 2 men workers we have met are really friendly and made us all mint tea which I had so much of I got the shakes hahah
    I'll be peeing all night - toilet not on our floor though so thats a pain.

    Our group of 10 included 3 Germans, 1 English speaking Canadian and 2 French speaking ones and the 2 workers who came and went.
    We talked about the differences in countries and just about everything really.
    I really enjoyed myself.

    In bed now and shockingly, I need to pee.

    Hey, look at that! A proper diary entry. Woo.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Marrakech

    September 20, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Slept what felt like an age but it was still only 9:30 when I woke up which meant breakfast was still on woo.
    Same as yesterday and sooo good.
    We then went walking to find a mosque and garden.
    The city was so busy. People busling everywhere. I love the tradition dress.
    The city/buildings are all neutral colours of browns and reds.
    We walked to where the mosque should have been except it wasn't 🤔 a job for another day - we headed to the gardens. It's called Jardin Majorelle. It took some dude 40 years to create the garden.
    It wasn't worth the hype. While it is lovely it's not impressive.
    Lots of cactus plants - apparently there is like 300 specie of plants but there was no really variety in appearance which made it dull.
    It was pretty busy too. We had to wait 15+ minutes in line to buy our ticket.
    There was an attached museum but we skipped it because it was all in French.
    They speak 3 languages here- Berber, Arabic and French. A very surprisingly large amount also speak English well enough to hold a conversation.

    I don't like the state of their horses, a lot of them you can see their ribs. The donkeys look so sad too 😔

    They sell why j think is cactus to eat on the side of the road which I must try before we leave.

    We walked back from the garden through the market maze again - it was suppose to only be 1km away but I think our route was well over 3 - got money out then found a place to eat just around the corner from our hostel.

    One of the guys on the street tried to sell us something and I almost considered it due to his excellent catch phrase - "it's almost free"

    We hung around the hostel a bit, showered and booked 2 excursions for later in the week.

    We went out to eat at cheap place. I got to feed some cats :) :) :) :) :)

    We are so itchy from suspected bed bug bites.

    We played cards upstairs but retired to bed shortly after because we have to get up early tomorrow for our day trip.

    I felt a little sick in bed :(
    I need to drink more water - maybe a little constipated.

    We Emailed the insurance company because the laptop would FINALLY connect woo.
    There were new Aussies in our room. Everyone is always from bloody Melbourne but.

    While Morocco is cheap it's not as cheap as it could be.

    Africans can't drive either.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Ouzoud Falls

    September 21, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    So we both have Bed bugs bites everywherreeeeeee. Between the two of us I'd say over 70.

    We got up at 7, got ready - this included some dude walking in on me on the toilet because I didn't lock it properly. Oh well shit happens... it was just awkward sitting near each other eating breakfast.😅
    We got picked up at 8 by a taxi dude who drove us the the real pick up point. It took 3 different attempts on different buses to get on our way but we got there!
    It was about a 2.5hr drive.
    God I love Africa.
    It's real and raw.

    Sand, trees, little groups of dilapidated buildings, workers, herders, donkeys tied up to trees and space. So much space.

    We had a toilet stop and we bought some snacks just in case there was no lunch option.

    We kept driving, arrived and were passed on to our guide.
    He was great! He explained everything in English then Spanish (maybe Italian) then French.

    Probably should have mentioned earlier... today's excursion was to Ouzoud falls.

    So we started at the top of a waterfall - took pictures then began the walk down the hill to the bottom.
    He explained a bit of Moroccan fun facts on the way the only ones I really remember is Morocco is 75% Berber 25% Arabic people.

    We reached the bottom of the waterfall and we had a little while there so people could go for a swim. We didn't because we didn't want to be wet in the bus.
    It's really pretty.

    We then walked on and came to the big water fall.
    It's the 2nd biggest in Africa coming in behind Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia.

    It was so nice.
    We would he enjoyed it more IF WE WERE NOT DYING FROM OUR BITES AND WANTING TO RIP OUR SKIN OFF. We still liked it we were both just fed up and cranky about being so uncomfortable.

    Only 2 other people on our tour were English speakers but this nice Italian or Spanish person offered to take our photo and Will got in it YAYAYAY

    We then paid 2€ each to jump in a boat thing that takes you across the pond and the bottom to get closer to the falls. We got a little wet but it felt nice because it was really quite hot.

    We then had 1.5hrs to have lunch in a place opposite the water wall. Lovely.

    They didn't have a menu so we had no idea on prices. It was way overpriced considering but it was the only option so I bet they make a killing.
    We kept walking on to a view including a nice rainbow and then further up.
    Lots of little stores on the way and donkeys carrying stuff - we made it to the monkey section.

    I was going to get a photo with one but then Will reminded me that if it scratches me I'll be in trouble so i decided against it..... that was until I was just standing there and one just walked up behind me and sat on my shoulders 😍😍😍😍😍🙊
    He was given food by a dude there and then I got some to feed him too.
    Let's just hope I don't die from an infection lol.

    Walk walk walk - back to the bus. We had to pay our guide 3€ which is more than fair but Will was cross because he must not have heard the hostel tell us yesterday we only pay for transportation through them.
    he knows 3€ is nothing but doesn't like that he didn't know. about it. I told him he needs to listen!! Lol
    The drive home was soooo hot.

    Arrived back and got dropped off not where we started from - bless google maps.

    We went back to the hostel via a chemist where we picked up some cream for our bites - we told the hostel and we changed rooms.
    Feeling better about going to bed tonight now.

    We had showers, applied the cream and made friends with 2 girls in our rooms.
    We went out to dinner with them - Vivian and Vicky.
    Vivian is from Melbourne and Vicky is from Austria - she is a social worker in a prison - how cool!!!

    The medina was more crowded today.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Marrkakech

    September 22, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    I didn't think I got any new bites last night. If I did then only one or two.
    Will has a few more on his back but still nothing compared to our other bed.
    This morning was wasted because we spent the whole time trying to get what the insurance company needs.
    I finally figured out why I can never find Bronwyn's emails - it's because she doesn't label them as assumed titles such as " certificate of insurance"
    We only left the hostel at 12 (up since 10:15)
    We walked past the big famous mosque - Koutoubia Mosque. We couldn't go in because we are not Muslim. It's built up to be the most impressive mosque... yes its old as crap but it's not impressive - definitely not after you have seen the outrageous Abu Dhabi one.
    We walked along the main highway which was actually really nice - quite pretty. We saw a man screaming at his wife with the rest of his family just standing there. The wife looked so unfazed by it. I just wanted to smack the man. That's the treatment outside the hose i don't like what I imagine inside might be..
    The further we walked the richer the area got.

    We ate at mcdonalds...
    Their traffic lights are more efficient than the U.K.
    We walked back to the hostel

    I crashed on the couch. My oh my it's so comfortable!
    We spent a few hours chatting with the Germans we met the other night - Rosa, Louisa and Axel. They are lovely. Rosa has given me a list of stuff to see in Germany. I felt bad for them - they were going home because Louisa was sick :( she didn't seem sick but probably a personal issues. She did get be us some insect repellent though woo!
    They have also said to message them when in Germany - Rosa is the only one with fb though (strange considering they are all 20's)
    Louisa said she will take us skiing.
    Axel wanted to exchange numbers... I have not been asked for my number in years. Like, I don't even have all my closest friends numbers.
    I would have if we had working phones....

    We went to dinner up the road with Vivienne . Will went back to drink at the hostel because he had preplanned it with Moha (main worker dude) I went with Vivienne to the ATM.
    It's Islamic new year so the square was CHOCKERS!
    Is it terrible I felt safe because they don't blow there own people up ... 🤔🙄?
    The stupid shit they had going on - it ranged from putt putt golf to dancing to falcons.

    Still need to try a street cactus.

    We stayed upstairs chatting for ages before bed.

    I am genuinely HORRIFIED by the lack of sex education Moha received. Not that I'm surprised but more that he told 3 separate sex jokes that a person in year 4 could have understood.

    One was something about how do you tell if something is a boy or girl? You shake it and you will hear its balls rattle.........
    another was people put a condom on and were like oh shit I need to pee... he had to explain the joke to us - it was suppose to be funny because the people having sex didn't know they didn't have to pee in the condom.

    I was sitting there like omg.

    The girl next to me - Vicki (Austrian) was in hysterics with me
    She just leans over and goes
    I guess it's a better story in Berber?
    Laughed so loudly.
    He genuinely thought these stories were funny.

    Vicki is the one that works in a prison.
    I know it's a long leap from me but still a cool story -
    Austria had a really really famous serial killer - he got released because he wrote books and everyone was like he has changed ... he killed more, got put back in prison then hung himself.
    Her boss or friend was the person that cut him down off the roof.

    I ate a lot of Vicki's street nuts - so yum!

    If we go to Graz in Austria she said she had a free couch :)

    A lot of the streets are lined with red and white stripes which make the roads look like a giant go kart track.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Excursion

    September 23, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    6am start. The hostel was pitch black. We were told we could have an early breakfast but as Abdo (other worker) was asleep on the couch that seemed unlikely lol.
    Vivienne was coming on the excursion with us so she gave us a banana which I was thankful for so my tummy wasn't empty.

    Got picked up at 7:20 (they were late) then got in a big spacious bus - I was so happy until we got kicked out and put on the most ridiculous vehicle.
    I am not a tall person and there was not enough space for my knees to make a right angle. I spent 4 hours in total discomfort because the dude next to me was overweight and then had not leg room so he had to open his legs up meaning my spine was twisted the while journey with half my body off the seat dangling in the aisle.
    Whatever we made it - we had 2 photo ops on the journey too where I got out and complained to my hearts content.

    So yeah first stop was Ait Ben Haddou. It's a fortified village along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
    It was really really cool.
    Our guide was terrible at English so I didn't pick up on much info other than a lot of movies have been filmed there and they are so so so proud of it.
    Some include Gladiator, the mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones - the list is quite long though!
    We walked up the village to reach the top and look out at the hectic view - one house had a pool and it looked sooo good. It was about 38 degrees I think today but no shade available so it was a scorcher.
    We saw lots of donkeys working hard.
    I wish I could say more about it but I didn't learn much. Even my google research isn't very helpful.
    Cool to look at though.

    We next went to Ouarzazate which was totally unnecessary. It's like the film studio part I think and about 20 mins away from stop 1.
    We stopped in for lunch and it cost us 30€!!!! 😱😱😱 what a joke! We were so cross and I wasn't quiet about it. Our entire group was like what the hell.
    We didn't even eat anything really.
    There was a cat who came and sat with me though so that was great.

    I'm not as itchy today but Will is still struggling because he developed blister ones. Having self control issues over not popping them haha

    We went walking to the medina except it was empty so i don't understand.
    I can't accurately say anything about this part of the trip other than we went to a rug store and saw the chiefs house only I don't think he lives there???
    I really don't know... lol

    I couldn't stand sitting in the same spot for the 4.5 hours back without having a major tantrum so I asked if I could swap with the dude next to me's wife. She agreed 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 yay window seat - I had somewhere to put my legs and it was great.
    I liked looking out the window until I couldn't take anymore and crashed for a bit.
    Such a longhgggh ride and day.
    Not worth it to be honest. The first place was nice but not worth the pain ! Lol

    We had dinner and now are relaxing in bed.
    Only one more night in flea beds 🤗    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Marrakech

    September 24, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C

    We were going to get a ride in Viviennes cab to the train station but we wanted breakfast first so said bye to her, went upstairs to eat then fart assed around for a bit before heading to the station - 4km walk each way 😒 it's also 38 degrees today
    On the way I got a pomegranate juice from a street cart but it was shit because they blended in the seeds.
    We got there and bought tickets for tomorrow morning instead of tonight. It's only an 8 hour train meaning the "overnight" train arrives in Fez at 2:30am.... like that's helpful..
    we bought first class tickets because it was only 10€ more each and it ensures us a seat. Second class is best In best served - it's also meant to be 38 degrees tomorrow so it will be a sweat fest back there!
    We had some lunch then walked back to the hostel. We were going to see the palaces but decided to go see the one in Rabat instead because that's where the king lives.
    We hung around for hours. I had a very sad tummy because I still hadn't pooed.
    After an episode in the bathroom I felt a little better.

    We have run out of itchy cream so we went to find more but both pharmacies were shut - We went out for dinner at a place a man has been trying to give us flyers for all damn week.
    He was so happy when I finally took one 😂
    It was really expensive but Fantastic food!
    We went out and finally found a cactus to try. I actually liked it - the only problem was it was riddled with seeds.

    Back at the hostel we packed - I have so many stupid coins I popped out to buy a coin purse.

    I got stuck talking to every bloke and his dog.
    First was the boy who lives opposite, then the handbag guy who yells Neighbour every time he sees us - he wanted to know when I was coming to look at his shop, next was the dude who gave us the flyer, then the guy who owns the shop we have eaten twice in and finally the guy whose restaurant we ate at 2 nights ago - he added me on Facebook 😂😂😂😂😂 they are all so friendly but annoying!

    All these interactions were longer than hi how are you .. 😒
    My coin purse was a bank breaking $2

    I have officially ran out of socks, bras, undies, shirts and shorts.
    I smell so bad.

    The shop dude who added me on fb just invited me to his shop for tea hahahaha no thankyou. Bless. His inappropriateness reminds me of Bazil when we first started talking. I wonder if this is how they are with the local girls or just foreigners? I feel like probably both 😂 it's like they think if they don't call you beautiful you won't talk to them.
    He was very firm on making sure I knew that he likes blonde hair. Lol

    Tonight is the first night in the hostel where I am hot.

    We organised a taxi to take us to the station tomorrow - such a rip! Another 15€
    Only option so gotta pay 😒

    I should go brush my teeth but I'm in my bed and out of fear it's going to collapse any minute .. I am gonna skip it.    Read more

  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureTraveler

    Fes

    September 25, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    Our taxi was early and arrived at 5:30 but we were ready to go - happy to leave!
    Our taxi got us there is 10 mins then we ate some brekkie at a cafe.
    It was easy finding the train - we jumped on and claimed our seats.
    Over the next 8 hours people got on an off - I was so incredibly hot at one point - it was fine once I got the air flow seat :)

    The toilet is gross - it just goes Onto the tracks but there was old poo everywhere because there is no water to wash it away even a little bit.

    Made it to Fes - had a few naps on the way I think.

    The distance to the hostel was 3.5km and we decided to be healthy and walk it.
    Oh god. The sweat.
    Also it would seem that tourists in shorts are less common around here. The men were not subtle with their staring. Very glad I had Will. They have no shame just steering at my groin and someone yelled I had beautiful legs lol

    Our hostel foyer is really cool.
    I'm writing this at the moment as we wait to check in - we got orange juice refreshments and the guy hasn't come back and that was 20 mins ago..
    At least it's cool and bonus they have a tortoise just chilling inside.
    I have it a pat :)

    OMG OMG OMG SOUND THE ALARM 🚨
    THE HOSTEL ALSO HAS A DOG

    We showered - my hair for s turning into dreds 😂 just couldnt be bothered to wash it ... maybe tomorrow haha

    We went walking to find a pharmacy to buy more cream. No idea what it is - the only understandable word is irritant so that's at least on the right track.

    While walking for food we ran into a man who asked Will what the 88 on his jersey meant - he said it meant nothing - the man then didn't shut up and showed us his tour guide credentials and said he sometimes works for topdeck.
    Long story short is we might go on tour with him on Wednesday for a half day because his English was good, he had credentials and the hostel is a rip. He knew our hostel owner and doesn't like him hahaha

    We ate - Will ordered the camel burger but they were our so we have to go back.
    Reasonable food.

    Walking home again more stairs.
    So much so Will said I can buy a pair of Jeanie pants which he HATES because it's too hot for my other clorhss but can't stay in shorts either.

    Back at the hostel I played with Bruno the dog ❤️❤️🐶

    Now relaxing in bed.

    We went out into the foyer/common room to mingle and chatted to an American for ages. First one we have met in Morocco. She was 37 which blew me away cause I would have guessed 25.
    She had an interesting story of how she escaped with her family after the Vietnam war.

    I played with the dog and tortoise.    Read more

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