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European Adventure
  • Angharad Dowse
apr 2017 – feb 2018

European Adventure

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    Transit

    7 agosto 2017, Polonia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Didn't get to sleep quite late. Time was passing and I was getting stressed about how hard I was going to find the morning so I snuck down and stole Wills headphones so I could listen to Harry Potter. I fell asleep fast after that :)

    Morning time oh joy.
    We ran a little later than we would have liked but it all turned out fine.
    Walked to the station, quickly got breakfast and then we found our platform.
    I hate the Polish train system.
    They tell you what platform so that's all well and good but once you get there it has different tracks and no automated signs telling you what train is next.
    It's very stressful.
    We found our train though.
    Someone was in my seat so I sat somewhere else because it didn't really matter and they looked like friends so there was no point breaking them up when my seat isn't next to Wills anyway.
    It's a 6 hour train ride.
    I slept for the first hour but woke up in time to poke Will and tell his to look out the window and Malbork castle. It's the largest castle in the world.
    I got out my puffy jacket to use as a pillow and went back to sleep on the tray.
    At Warsaw the girl next to me off to I moved over and stole her window seat.
    I slept or at least tried to for the next 3 hours. We are now about 30 mins away.
    I feel so bloated and the man I'm sitting next to has me pushed up against the corner because he has a very inconsiderate elbow positioning going on.

    Made it to krakow and it was a pretty nice walk to our hostel through the park.

    So our hostel is a dump 😂😂
    We had to walk up some dodgy alleyway to find the entrance and it smells like Jacinta's old house - cigarettes and cat piss.
    There is also only 2 toilets per level and they double as the showers so so far have always been taken.
    It will do though. Price and location is good.

    We went walking to find dinner but first popped into a church. Nothing special, I always like the roofs though.

    I decided I wanted Indian and wouldn't consider other options. Lol

    We found an amazing place! It was 3 levels underground in stone rooms. Food was superb and it was cheap enough.
    You always know it will be good Indian if Indian people are in the resturant - they were everywhere.

    Outside are so many horse and carriages but the horses are all dolled up.
    The area is pretty but very stereotypical Europe. We have 5 nights here so we have set ourselves the goal of going on a walking tour - we should at least do one in Poland haha.

    Got my confirmation email for Auschwitz - still nervous though because we have to meet at a statue for pick up and cause our mobiles don't work I'm worried if we cant find the driver we will get left behind.

    At the hostel I had a shower and Will downloaded hame of thrones. We took it in turns watching it. Can't wait till next week!

    There is a dude in our room has gone out in a PAC man suit. It was ridiculous and yet amazing.

    I hate the stairs. We are always on the top floor!!
    I have a top bunk again 😒    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    Krakow

    8 agosto 2017, Polonia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Murder nearly took place in our dorm last night.
    This bumch of idiots would not shut up and came stumbling home at 1 am, turned the lights on and had a party/ started changing into suspenders and suits?
    I just sat up and glared at them. They returned at 5am where I told them to shut up.

    We got up at 11. They were still asleep at 2.
    For breakfast then started organizing how we were going to get to the salt mines. The guy at the reception told us yesterday we didn't need to pre book and should just show up but after reading so many reviews saying the opposite thing we decided to book. Only option was for 4:50 tomorrow so that now freed up our day.

    I wanted to make sure I knew exactly where our Auschwits tour pick up point was so we first went and found the statue. We then headed to Wawel cathedral for Wills plan to become the king of Poland to occur.

    - basically there is a "dragon bone" hanging up in the cathedral and who ever it falls down onto is the rightful king of Poland or something special like that. Will had been holding out hope it would fall on him and he wouldn't have to get a job.

    It did not fall.
    Bummer.

    The Cathedral was free to enter and actually quite nice. it had lots of side rooms/chapels and a crypt. In the Crypt was a plaque for Chopin but his heart is in Warsaw and body in France.
    Lots of Chopin concerts around the place.

    A few kings were buried too.

    Walk walk walk. The amount of horse and carriages is ridiculous. All you hear is clip clop clip clop all day.
    They have special shoes though so that's something.
    I hope they are on rotation because what a shitty life otherwise.

    We decided we would relax by the river - I would read and Will watch a movie.
    Went back to the hostel to get the electronics then started walking - we found a park on the way and thought it would do.
    We had a snooze instead lol.
    It was a bit wet and cold though so we decided to go find the sun and river.

    The view of the castle across the river was awesome! I did a few split leaps for a photo haha.
    We just relaxed for ages and watched lots of people walking their dogs.

    Walked to Hard Rock Cafe and had our favourite mango berry cooler drink.

    Krakow is nice but I'm not overwhelmed by it.

    I had a 2 hour nap in the room then we went down to the common room where there was free sangria and talked to a few people. They weren't very engaging so we are back upstairs. Will is really bored. I'm not. I just want some time to myself really lol. People exhaust me.

    There was cute man on the street playing piano wearing a horse hat trying to get money for an engagement ring.

    My split leap photo is pretty shitty. My arm annoys me but hey it's harder in boots and a 10kg weight gain hahaha    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore
    it just didnt endour saviour and taxi driver :)Will thinks he is hilarious

    Krakow

    9 agosto 2017, Polonia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    I finished my book before sleeping last night and Will must have been tired because we fell asleep before me and when I woke around 12 he was still snoozing.

    The other guys in our room are totally grots. Im interested to know what their houses looks like if this is how they look leave an area shared with strangers.
    Half empty beer cans, trodden on biscuits left on the floor, undies flung everywhere... now I know I am an extraordinarily messy person but these people are insane.
    Me and Will are so clean in hostels. It's in private rooms our bags spread lol.

    We went to hard rock for breakfast cause Will wanted a burger. The burger I got was so bad. I don't know what type of meat that was...

    We walked to the station and got in line to buy tickets to the salt mines. The line room so long, I don't know what people were doing - when it was our turn it took us all of 30 seconds.
    Only $1 each woo!

    Got an email from dad - I'm getting an estimated $2000 back from tax WOOOOHOOOOOO!!! 🎉

    Ok so turns out my excitement about our train tickets was premature - WHAT AN EVENTFUL DAY.

    So we bought our train tickets at 2:50.
    At 4:20 we still hadn't got a train. Our train was meant to come at 3:10 and then got delayed twice then cancelled. Our second train just didn't show up.
    We just kinda stood there like oh crap because our tour was for 4:50 and the supposed next train wasn't until 5.
    Everyone on our platform started going onto the train on the other track. I asked a lady inside if it went to the mine and she said no. A man behind her said no but he was going to the same place so we could follow him going a different route. So we jumped on.
    We went up one stop and got off with the man.
    He was not the only one with this plans and so many people just looked stumped because there was no trains available.
    He came over to me and said he had just called a taxi because he had to go to his job so I asked if we could jump in - he said yes.
    The taxi came and we drove for 10 mins (it's now 4:50 at this stage) we got out where his car was parked and paid for the taxi and for it to take us further up the road to the mines.
    A truly beautiful man.
    I was so beyond grateful. He didn't even give us a chance to pay but I felt a little guilty until he then handed me his business card saying if we ran into trouble to call him. He is a PROFESSOR of surgery.
    Holy cow.
    He can probably cover the $7 bill lol.
    I've stapled his card into my journal.
    His kindness was appreciated 💕💕
    I sent him an email this email thanking him again.

    So anyway,
    It was 5pm
    And we assumed our tour had started but we planned to ask to possibly join another one explaining the train situation only IT HADNT STARTED 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
    Not in a million years did I think we would actually make it to our original tour.

    We were given a headphone and radio thing so we could hear our guide.
    It was much cooler in the mine.

    It's called the Wieliczka salt mines. It's a UNSCO site and frankly, pretty bad ass.
    We first went down to the 1st level taking one million stairs to get there - the last number I noticed was staircase 41 so it was at least more than that. It just didn't end.

    Ok so,

    Stop 1.
    She told us about the wood at why it was painted white - to reflect the light because they obviously didn't have candles.

    Stop 2.
    One of many galleries that had cool
    Sculptures made from salt. They looked like they were made from marble but when you put your light up to it it became transparent - same with the floor. It was pretty cool.

    Stop 3.
    Another chamber with statues where our guide told us a tale about a Hungary engagement ring and a princess. I didn't see the relevance...
    she said the salt in this chamber has been approved by grad students as going well with tequila hahaha

    Stop 4.
    Some statues (non salt ones) that showed some of the workers and how they transported things e.g. Cart and horses etc

    Stop 5.
    Work stations for the horses.
    It makes me sad. A single horse was down in the mines for 20 - 30 years. The last one only left in 2002 😒it hadn't been a working mine in many many years but things still had to be done apparently.

    We then went down to the second level.
    Some gronks brought their newborn infant and a pram? They held up several groups.

    Stop 6.
    Was a crappy presentation about methane gas. It was silly, I didn't learn anything other than it's dangerous in mines.

    Stop 7.
    A section that had dwarfs carved from salt and a little one at the front. We threw coins in and made a wish.

    Stop 8.
    A chapel - which was nothing compared to....

    Stop 9.
    Europes largest underground chapel and 2nd in the world (Columbia has the biggest) Crikey it was impressive!
    All up there are over 40 chapels in the mines - some just little rooms with a painting though.

    So in the big ass chapel were wall carvings, salt crystal chandeliers, and space, lots of space.
    You were meant to buy a photo permit but I chose not too lol. #badass.

    Stop 10.
    We listened in the near dark to noises of the workers and a piece by Chopin.

    Level 3 was 135m underground and our last stop. The mine does have 9 levels.

    Stop 11. A water section that boats use to cross.
    The mine has no records of deaths but I'm sure the talks is quite high.

    Thinking back I didn't learn overly to much about the mine and it's history but I still really enjoyed the tour.
    The gift shop had some great items but I'm on stick orders to not buy things haha.
    I really wanted a salt bunny rabbit statue lol

    The mine was really impressive and so friggen big.
    We had to catch a suspicious lift back to the top. Will didn't fit of course.

    And so began our journey home.

    We walked to the station and bought our ticket and the train came - everything was looking great until a worker said we had to get off at the next station 😭😭😭😂😂😂😭 REALLY?!?

    So we got stranded on the platform for 30 minutes in the dark with a bunch of just as confused people.
    Fun times.

    Another train came thank the heavens and we got home around 9.

    Longgggg day.

    We had Indian for dinner again because the place was delicious .

    Happy to be home.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore
    she is looking at the scratch marks

    Krakow

    10 agosto 2017, Polonia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Woke up and the idiot roommates are gone 🙌🏼
    We got pizza for brunch because that was the agreement if I got Indian last night.
    Went home and waited next to the fan until it was time to meet for our tour bus to Auschwits.
    The wait was nerve racking - there are so many tourist buses driving past I didn't know how we would know which one to get in because none had labels.
    Our bus was early so lucky we were too - our driver got out to get us thankfully.

    It was about an hours drive away and on the way they played a documentary for us to watch. It was dreadful - not really any new pieces of information but it's not something you will ever get use to hearing.

    Got out of the bus and had a 10 min wait before we went through security. Will was happy he wasn't wearing a belt today so he didn't have to take it off for the scanners.

    We were given head phones and outlets.

    When our guide started to speak Will and I made instant eye contact. Her English was TERRIBLE. Well, no so much her English as pronunciation. She was a real bore too but I got over it better than Will. I was happy just to see it with my eyes.

    She took us through the main gate past all the barbed wire and through the famous German sign which translates to "work sets you free"
    The place didn't look as daunting as photos. I think that was because of the massive green tree nearby.

    We walked through the first set of barracks which had pictures blown up and documents about arrest, deaths, and concentration camps in general.

    One display had some of the canisters that were used in the gas chambers.

    The hair room was confronting to say the least. I knew of its existence because Helen told us but to see it is different.
    Mountains and mountains of the victims hair stacked higher than me covering a whole section of room.
    You weren't allowed to take photos in there. Normally ignore such rules, but not here, not this place.

    Next were more rooms with some of the victims items including briefcases, spectacles, pots, cups and a few prayer rugs.

    The next bit showed a display of victims shoes and omg. it's hardly a percent of the victims and yet so many.
    An entire room with a walkway splitting it. MOUNTAINS of them.

    When you look out the windows you can easily visualize the Jews walking up the paths.
    Next was a barracks showing how they lived.
    We were currently in Auschwitz 1 which was the barracks and not the crappy wooden huts you seen in movies.
    This was more tame but still undesirable. First was floor with hay, then sacks then bunk beds.
    As we were walking up the corridors the walls were covered In the victims mug shot - they were wearing the striped uniform.

    In another barracks was were Dr Carl Clauberg did his sterilization experiments.

    The last barracks we went through contained the torture standing cells where 4 people had to stand and sleep then work the next day then return.
    It also had suffocation cells and a starvation cell - the one where Maximilian Kolbe volunteered to die in place of stranger.

    Out the back of this barracks was the death wall where thousands of poles were shot.
    They had areas they had to strip down in beforehand.

    We then walked past gallows where people were hung.

    We then found the fallow where Rudolf Höss was hung - he was the first commander of Auschwitz

    The last bit we saw of Auschwitz 1 was a gas chamber and crematorium.
    The scratch marks on the wall was horrific.
    I could hear their screams.

    They looked like literal ovens.

    Will was really unhappy. He was so disappointed with our guide.

    We then got on the bus and went to Auschwitz- Birkenau. This was what I envision when I think of Auschwitz - the railway track up to the gate and wooden hut upon hut.

    We had the same guide :/

    A lot of the huts were gone but they were represented by a chimney in their place. So many.
    Over 100, 000 lives here at a time and thousands died daily.
    Two thousand every hour was possible.

    We stood on the spot where the selection took place. Healthy people were sent to work and the sick, elderly, pregnant woman etc were sent straight to the chambers.

    We walked around and ended up at "death barrack"
    This is where those selected because they were no longer fit to work waited to be sent to the chambers.
    They waited without food and water and many died before reaching the chambers.
    We went inside and this was what I expected to see on this tour.
    The bunks that you see in movie.
    Spine chilling.

    This whole thing was beyond words.

    Disappointed we didn't see as many things here but a lot has been destroyed in an attempt to hide evidence.

    Everyone caught the bus back in total silence.

    I crashed when home.

    The police are at the hostel and we don't know why.

    It was an issue about selling alcohol. How boring I thought it would be something juicy lol.

    Total wasn't as emotional as I thought. I honestly believe that to be because of our guide. She was a gross disappointment for something I have always wanted to do and see.
    Still, I am so thankful for the opportunity and grateful for the life that I have.

    "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it"
    - George Santayana    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore
    indian placeHEDGEHOGone of us doesnt clean our teeth properly... william...

    Krakow

    11 agosto 2017, Polonia ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    Didn't sleep well. Too hot.
    Showered then we went and got Indian for lunch. We went to a different place and it was nowhere near as good.
    It's gone back up to 35 degrees so we went to the shopping center to escape. I bought cheap leggings from H&M then we bought new tooth brushes and I got a new phone cord. I've been banned from buying another one. I got a good quality one to make it last the distance.
    We then sat and had a cool drink before going to find me a magnet :)
    I'm not sure how I feel about my magnet... it has a dragon on a part of it which is what I wanted but its a krakow not a Poland magnet.
    Went home and read some of my book. Running very low on funds on my card :( I can't buy anymore books until I convince Will to transfer me money because the remaining money on my card is from dad.
    At least this will last me a week or so :)

    We got new roommates - they are English and nice.

    We have decided - though we have had minimal contact we don't like Germans lol. Johanna was lovely but everyone else has been douche bags.

    Will was watching videos of famous people eating hot chicken wings.... ?? So he wanted wings for dinner so we went to an American place - they didn't sell wings though lol.
    The food was good and only cost us $10 all up - woohoo! But it was so hot - I put a napkin to my face to wipe the sweat and it stuck to my face.

    Walked around the main square.
    Points of interest there are the clock tower, st Mary's and the Jewish cloth hall.

    ITS HOT.
    We have to get up at 3am to go to the station tonight 😩

    Totally forgot to mention - how I forgot is beyond me because this is the greatest thing ever ....

    THE PET STORE SHAD A HEDGEHOG FOR SALE

    I love the horses. They are such magnificent beasts. Not as many were on duty today so that was good. Too hot for that shit.

    BRING ON THE LONDON WEATHER 🎉🎉🎉

    I don't like the American girl in our room. She is a big turd.
    She unplugged someone's phone yesterday without asking so she could move the fan. Bit rude lol.
    Just a knobbish vibe.

    We had to print out our boarding passes - luckily reception did it for free.

    I tried their lime Coke which is really big over here - even on Tap at maccas. It was significantly better than i was expecting. It's like when they put a lemon in your coke, subtle but nice.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    Transit

    12 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Didn't end up sleeping at all but got out of bed at 3am and some dude was passed out in a chair. Didn't make it the meter to his bed hahah.
    As we left the American poohead was blocking our walkway because she was making out with someone. After an awkward excuse me we were on our way -
    Checked out and walked to the station. There was still alot of people out considering it was 3:30am.
    I expected more homeless men on the park benches but we only passed one.

    we bought our tickets and went and sat on the train which was already there and waiting to depart.
    Ticket to the airport was only $3

    At the airport we dropped our bags off then went to find breakfast. There was nothing open so I settled with a muffin.

    To get to the section of the airport which was leaving the Schengen we had to go through another set of Customs. The officer took long time with my passport because he couldn't find the Schengen entry stamp. I was getting worried but there was no issue once I showed him lol. It is a dodgy stamp - hardly any ink was used.
    I charged my phone while we waited for the plane because England has a different power outlet which is a pain in the ass.
    Ok so we were both totally shattered by the time we boarded the plane at 6.45 so of course there was a Set of new born twins screaming their absolute lungs out. The poor lady just didn't have enough breasts. I potentially slept a little bit but I'm not confident.
    Our plane was 20 mins early so that was good.

    And here began our stressful day.

    Went to the non eu customs bit with our entry paper.
    We told her our plan and the lady said nope sorry I wont let you in.
    We kind of just stood there like uuuhhhhhh????
    She said we would talk once we could prove we intented to leave.
    We moved to the side and booked impulse tickets to morrocco for the 19th of September.
    We then went back to the lady - Will is fuming at this point so I took the lead talking job.
    Will mentioned our Italian visas which I think confused matters because they are irrelevant but she didn't get that.
    We said we were traveling Europe for 11 months. She said we can't do that without a visa. We said we would be going in and out of the Schengen. She then said they don't allow Schengen hoppers. We don't think she understood we were not spending the whole 3 months out in the U.K. because in all Balkan countries we are allowed 3 months in each separate country so we most certainly can stay for 11 months.
    Lady on crack.
    She gave us a biggg speech though about how IF she lets us in we can't come back until we have gone back to Australia.
    Which is a problem because we fly home from
    Ireland...
    I didn't care though just let me in the country and then we will sort it.
    We are gonna go to the Australian consulate because every thing she said didn't fit with information previously given to us from smart traveler and other government websites.
    Will reckons she wasn't English. Everyone has an accent to me so I can't tell lol.
    She had a real stick up her ass.
    She eventually stamped us off after she wrote things on a lot of things for our warning.
    Ass hat.
    She then was like oh wait I can't let you in because you have a U.K. Stamp already.
    I was like that's from 2015......
    "Oh that's fine then"
    Idiot.

    We found food and then bought tickets for the train. 20£ each 😭
    It was first a 50 min train then we switched to the metro - got Oyster cards and put 20£ each on them then walked to our hostel.
    The reception is nice and you could buy an adapter for 4£ woo.
    They also have a lift - slowest thing ever but it at least exists!
    Our dorm ( if you can even call it that) it the size of an overnight train with 3 level bunks.
    We both crashed and slept from 11:30 - 4. We were just so friggen pleased we didn't have to wait until 3 for our bed.

    We got up and got the tube to Westminster. It's not overly convenient because we have to change trains and to find the different platforms at less major stations is a literal maze!!
    Whatever, we got there.

    Walked out of the station and there was Big Ben, parliament and Westminster Abbey. Disappointed because Big Ben and parliament both have a lot of scaffolding up. So many things in a europe has too.
    We walked across the bridge and found a spot to eat. Proper food 😍😍😍 I got a salad and pasta. So good and worked out to cost what it would at home.
    We kept walking round as walked under the London eye, back over the bridge and towards Buckingham palace. In Sydney, I can't even remember where a suburb is I've been to 50 times but I was quite easily able to locate things I visited once 2 years ago.
    "The Churchill war rooms are down there"
    Felt like a boss though.

    We walked through St James park which had gray squirrels and so many birds - especially geese. I would like to bring Jaxon there. He can chase birds ( he took his first steps a few days ago) and if he falls he will land on grass 👍🏼
    I stopped myself from taking photos because Will hates it and I'll wait til we are with Jess because we will go back. This is my 3rd time in London and I still have not seen the changing of the guard. Hopefully the time lol.
    Buckingham/ royal family symbol has unicorn 🦄 I want a family crest with a unicorn.
    We walked around the Victoria memorial and walked back towards the station. They have set up for a marthon for tomorrow. It's The world championships so it was fairly fancy looking.
    We walked past the horse guards parade and then went to find 10 Downing Street. It was blocked off so we will try again later. Got on the train and if felt likes ages to get home. We waited 15 minutes for a train. Unacceptable for London.
    Will kept questioning if we were in the right spot because so many trains came and went - just not the right ones.

    We went to a market to buy food but it ended up being Asian so we just bought drinks instead.

    Oh I Hate our rooom. Makes me feel claustrophobic.

    Yesterday I gave crap all change to a homeless person and his smile has stuck with me. I want to go back and give him $100. I wish I gave him more. I only have him like 90 polish cents and it's killing me. Before he knew what I had given him his smile hit my soul.
    I saw him check what I put in his cup. I hope he wasn't to disappointed and just happy he got something. 😞

    We also never did our tour.. hhaha oops.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    13 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    In the night I passed a candy crush level I've been stuck on since Bulgaria so I'm pretty happy about that lol.
    We missed the free hostel brekkie 😓😂
    We have decided to go to Lords and do our washing tonight cause we are both on our last set of undies.

    We walked past Paddington station, trough/past little Venice and found the stadium only the tours were fully booked - poo. They suggested we book for Tuesday because there will be a match on that we can stay back and watch. So that's our new plans. We ate brekkie at the pub next door and it was good cheap food considering its location and the only option on our 3km walk there.
    I LOVE BEING IN AN ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY.
    I've missed ease dropping hahahah

    It can also kinda make you feel lonely being surrounded by people you don't understand. Here, even if they aren't speaking to me I still feel apart of a network.

    I also like that they are on the 'correct' side of the road when though it's now confusing matters.
    I'll just stick to looking both ways at roads.

    Walked home and have started laundry.
    We have booked for Lords and Will is using the fast internet to download movies for us to watch when stuck at home with Jaxon.

    We Skyped Sachin and chatted for a bit.

    We have also booked a tour of parliament for tomorrow so that should be good.

    We went out to a morrocan place for dinner and now im even more excited that we are going. The decorations were so fun and the mint tea was to die for.
    I got lamb chops with rice and salad and they too were super duper. KEEN.
    Going to do some research on it now that we are home.

    Lotssssss of people walking around in Burkas*

    I think we are in a good area. Every second person is driving a Aston Martin.
    Will is in heaven looking at all the fancy cars.

    Booked accommodation in Morocco for 3 different places. So excited!!

    My elbows are itchy.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    14 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Another shocking nights sleep - I don't fit the bed so I don't know how Will is coping.
    Too hot and cramped.
    Got up and headed to Westminster for our tour of Parliament. We had hotdogs in the pack behind it while we waited for it to be our tour time.
    We had to go through airport like security before getting into the main hall which is from the 11th century.
    Our tour was at 2:20 - a perfect time if you ask me - it's a solid sleep in but not too late in the day. 👍🏼
    Our tour guide was fantastic- she was engaging, thorough and very funny.
    I didn't do a tour of parliament when I came with mum and dad. I don't think I realized it was an option / we were already jam packed, but todays tour was genuinely so good and I have no regrets spending the money.

    Stop 1.
    Was a new art work that went in last year to marked something to do with woman's rights... I think 150 years of something... I was listening I swear but I had a lot of info thrown at me. It was really cool though - it was a lot of circles that represented law scrolls at its connected by computer to the thame and different scrolls light up depending on the tide - we were told to check it again at the end of the tour to see how it had changed in the 1.5 hours. I thought it was friggen awesome.

    Stop 2.

    Actually never mind - I can't remember everything it was all too much. I can't recall it all.

    Basically we entered a beautiful little gallery lined with paintings and this was the only room we were allowed to take photos in. We then walked to the starting room of the tour.
    She pointed out so many things such as famous monarchs "that's queen Victoria, you might not recognize her because she is young and thin ... most people don't realize she wasn't always old and fat"

    Ok so the detail in this place was mind boggling.
    The gold, patterns, intricate paintings and carvings were sublime.

    We entered the next room the queen spends 10 mins in at the start of every year.
    Next room was I suppose the relaxation area and is where foreign visitors sit - so for instant recently the king of Spain was there.
    Again STUNNING interior design.
    God save the queen was written in Latin and hidden everywhere - even the ventilation grills ... at first it just looks like normally lines but if you look it's actually the latin words.
    I wish I could have taken photos.
    Next room had a big statue of Queen Victoria in it and pictures of a lot of monarchs. She explain the history of how a king got beheaded and England was without a monarch for 11**** years
    Can't remember actual number ...
    The government then offered the crown back.
    Today, The queen has no political power. Influence yes, but no power. The last time a monarch denied a government motion that reached them was in like the 1700's.
    The kingdoms eventual merged to create Britain.

    Next was the queens chambers and House of Lords.
    Red is the royal colour.
    Ok interesting history re the lords and the birth right it use to have - still does but will end eventually due to a compromise reached.
    Go look up the history it's too long to write but it's interesting.

    The their system is cool. I like it. I think the Americans on the tour liked it too. They seemed surprised by it.

    Next was the middle lobby where people can essentially pesters their local member.
    Walk walk walk we saw the "aye" side of the House of Commons and the House of Commons.
    They don't really know why it's green...
    This part of the building wasn't as nice. No royal vibe.
    Parts were bombed.

    They have a lot of funny traditions they still uphold.

    We ended up eventually back in the main hall. The roof is 80% original.
    We checked the artwork and it had indeed changed.

    The hall use to act as a law court and Guy Fawkes was tried in there.

    We walked to Trafalgar Square passing 10 Downing Street on the way and accepting we wouldn't get in so I took a zoomed in photo of the door. Lol We had a drink in a pub. Dude was awesome and let Will sample beers before he made a decision.
    We caught the tube home

    Went to Chinese food. One of the waiters was special for sure and probably the owners som because he was so strange - singing dancing and a bit turrets with his speech volume.
    I connected with the last at the table next to us with our eyes. I then got the giggles.

    We just booked tickets to see the Book of Mormon and I am so friggen excited!!!!!!
    Will agreeing to see a musical is unheard of but the writers are the creators of south park so he is expecting similar content 😂

    Watched the new game of thrones and am keen for the cricket tomorrow but it's a 9am tour so it's bed time for me!    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    15 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    How did I sleep?
    I did not.
    No a single minute.

    We left the hostel at 8 and walked to Lords.
    I grabbed a banana at the street shop to hold me over til after.

    We waited for it to start in the museum section.
    So obviously there was a lot of great stuff in there but to be perfectly honest I only really know Australian players of which Donald Bradman, Richie Benaud, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Glen McGrath had stuff there.
    The group was split in to two groups. We opted for the 9am tour because it meant we would be able to visit the pavilion before the game.
    We walked into the long room which apparently is designed like that so they had enough wall space to display the many beautiful artworks.
    We weren't allowed to take pictures in there though.
    We sat outside in the members seats while our guide crapped on. Like really crapped on. He was too detailed... half of our group was American and came to learn about cricket and he was throwing all these names at them and irrelevant crap if you don't have the basics covered. This man was so weird. He looked like Peter Pedigrew but had the mannerisms of Gilderoy Lockhart in the defense against the dark arts lesson after he makes the banchee joke that no one laughs at. Like, he kept making jokes that were blatantly not funny and I wouldn't have know they were jokes if he hadn't done his little smile jig.

    We then went to the tennis courts except they weren't what I think the normal ones are. Some dude was having a lesson. It's the original game of tennis created by bored monks. It kinda looked like a squash court.

    Next we saw the ashes urns in the museum where he completely over told the story - I was bored so I can't image how the American family who had 5 kids must have felt.
    This man just couldn't tell stories.

    We then walked round and sat in the stadium where we could take photos of the pavilion. Very recognizable. The players of the match were taking group photos on the field.
    We then went up to the spaceship looking building which is where the commentators sit and look over the stadium.

    He said it was as 81 step climb up. It wasn't it was 82 and I double checked on the way down..

    The view was awesome. I'd love to watch the ashes from there.

    The tour then ended at the gift shop. We found a hilarious magnet that has the rules of cricket explained for foreigners - Will actually let me buy it/suggested we buy it because it was just so good. It makes sense to us, just... But to a new person they would be so very confused.

    We went and sat in the stadium and watched a bit of the game. It was Scotland verse MCCG? Some form of letters.. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

    We left when the score was 1/110.

    I feel super happy about having seen a cricket game at lords 😎😎😎

    We went and got food then walked home.
    I had a 4 hour, much needed nap.

    We got up and went walking in Hyde park which is right next to us. It was lovely. So much wildlife!
    We found Diana's memorial garden which was very nice and then Kensington Palace. We just walked around it.
    We walked down a lovely street where a lot of embassies Then went to a sit down Pizza Hut resturant we spotted earlier which Will was so damn excited about because it reminds him of his childhood.
    It wasn't a pizza buffet but there was a salad and drinks bar.
    They didn't charge us for our drinks but we didn't feel the need to tell them .. lol

    We are now home, showered and in our beds. Only 2 more nights and we will have our own space 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

    I feel like I probably forgot to mention this - when we were in the salt mines there was a stream that we could taste. Surprise surprise the water was soooooo salty haha.

    We still need to go to the consulate but are waiting for Bronwyn to send through new flight details because I think it's pointless going if we don't have proof about what are plans are.

    I also still need to look at the Iceland trip stuff dad sent me. I'll do that after the consulate visit just in case. I'm sure the Schengen aspect will be fine though - if we get denied reentry then maybe they could push their trip back a month then we will fly home with them if we have to.
    Options to think about.

    Stupid woman.

    We are taking up all the (very limited) free space in our room with our bags. It makes me feel awkward but our bags don't fit the lockers.
    Reminds me I have to buy a new lock 🔐😒

    We don't know if we are being bitten by bed bugs or mosquitoes but my elbows and hands are so itchy.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    16 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    I actually slept without feeling hot 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it was magical.

    We got up at 12, Will showered cause I told him he smelled (I might have suggested it to get an extra 10 minute nap... 😏🤓🤗 heheh)
    We then decided to go to the area our musical is tonight and explore there. I noticed it was close to M&M world and I didn't go there last time so woo haha We then had a big argument about what I was wearing to the theatre 😪 I had a dress shirt and tights on.
    This apparently was unacceptable even though I thought I looked quite nice.
    I put on jeans to shut him up and with wear my perfectly acceptable outfit when I go see Harry Potter by myself. ✌🏼
    Will wanted an English breakfast for brekkie but the place we had seen a sign for was closed. We ended up at subway then ate it in Hyde park because there were no available seats.
    We fed some leftovers to the crows.
    We caught the underground to oxford something then changed to go to Piccadilly Circus.
    Our theatre was easy to find ..
    we walked to M&M world - it was so packed!
    It was full to bursting with merchandise like towels, shirts, jumpers, mugs, pillows etc
    It was 3 massive levels but level 2 was the best. It had big wall canister things with every possible colour of m&ms
    I didn't ask if I could buy some because I knew the answer 😂
    There were people in M&M suits dancing too.
    We have ended up in a pub. Will is unhappy about his beer being warm hahah.

    We walked around aimlessly and ended up in Trafalgar Square and suggested we go to the National gallery because it's free and I enjoyed it last time I went.
    There were paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Di Vinci and probably many other significant artists I just don't know about.

    Some of them were fantastic and others I wouldn't even put them in my house let alone a top art gallery.
    This gallery was good because you could take photos in it.
    It still surprises me how bad Will is at reading.

    We finished and still have 3 hours to kill so we are currently in Starbucks stealing there shitty wifi and having hot chocolates.

    There are sooo many theaters in the area I love it! I wish Australia had the same appreciation for the performing arts!

    We kept walking and found China town. The entry gate thingo they always have was cool. More colourful that usual as it wasn't just red and gold but other than that it didn't have a very Chinese vibe lol. Just lots of resturants but too spread out.

    Will needed to poop...I asked why he didn't go at Starbucks.. because he didn't need to then... 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️
    He said maybe he would go to the pub we were standing next to and I had a good chuckle.
    In big bold letters it read "award winning gay bar"
    He decided against it hahah.

    We went and collected our tickets and are now sitting by a statue watching a not very good breakdancing street performance.

    Went to the show.
    So I collect programs and I was so very sad knowing I wouldn't be able to get one because it would be too expensive
    IT WAS ONLY 4£!!!! So I was allowed woohooooo!!!!!

    I still can't believe Will has consented to see a musical. We had good seats near the front off center.

    It was good.
    The first half was very very funny.
    The main dude was an EXCELLENT actor but not the best singer and the fat main dude was the best. The gay character was great too.
    The overall show was solid but the choreography was terrible.
    Will actually enjoyed it, it's a miracle.

    I think the sets where lacking too but that can't always be helped if you are stuck in a small theatre.

    It's so annoying having to stand up to let people pass you.

    We got the train home. 1 Oyster card was out of money but the other still had 6 pound on it ???????
    We had to top one up.

    JESS AND JAXON LEAVE SYDNEY TODAY. She intends to drug him on the plane if she has too but we got terrific news today that he doesn't need the hip operation woo! Finally some good news for her.

    CANT WAIT TO HAVE OUR OWN PLACE    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    17 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    So Jess' flight got cancelled. She is so annoyed because as her status says - she "now has to catch a morning plane with a wide awake freaking 1 year old" it has ruined her whole plan of having him sleep for the main chunk. They are flying business so i bet others are gonna be thrilled their $8000 seats are so loud hahah.
    Got up at 9 and left the hostel 🙌🏼🙌🏼
    We went down the street to try our luck at the place advertising English breakfast.
    It would have been better luck if if was shut again, it was horrid.
    We walked to the stations with our humongous bags and caught 2 trains to the nearest station to our Bnb. We told them we would be there 12-1 and it was about 10:45 :/ so we dordled the 1.5 km to the house.
    We were still reallly early so I manned the front door while Will went to the local store to pick up nappies because Jess is going to land late.
    He came back, the dude arrived and let us in. The apartment is cute.

    And from here the day was horrendous.
    2017 is fucked, like truly fucked.

    We got word that one of Wills close mates, Wilkie, has been in a car accident and isn't going to make it.
    First came the shock, then the tears. I gave Will space.
    He spoke to Tom and Sachin. The accident was on channel 7 news.
    The Silver lining? (if there is one) is he hit a pole so no one else is injured or responsible.
    We are still waiting to hear more.
    From what we understand - he is being switched off life support tomorrow.
    I just keep thinking of his girlfriend and mum.
    His dad died last year and he is an only child.
    I can't imagine their pain right now.

    Will eventually came and found me when he was ready.
    He has organised for Helen to send flowers.

    We didn't do much for the rest of the day but we did go get dinner. Indian, it wasn't the best but it was cheap.
    We bought a bottle of moscato and played the drinking game 'higher or lower' and tried to watch a movie but couldn't figure out the tv port thing.
    Will seems ok at the moment.

    Jess and Jaxon are now on the plane on their way woo!

    I got really close to a squirrel on the walk to the house lol it had something dead it's mouth or was carrying its babies, not sure.

    The internet here doesn't work 85% of the time and today is the worst day to not be able to updated/ stay in contact with people. 😪    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    18 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    A proper bed was most welcomed.

    Midday wake up (won't have another one for a long while lol)
    We ate breakfast and watched top gear.
    The wifi is still being dodgy.
    I had a shower and re washed my hair because even though I washed it yesterday I didn't brush it and it was a disaster.
    I had a 2 hour nap ha - I really need to buy new iron tablets.
    Will reheated the Indian and ate that. I ate the pizza he bought from the shop yesterday but he stored it in the fridge not freezer so it was wet :/ we couldn't figure our the oven so I just used the microwave.

    I cleaned the house. I swept the floor because she walking in the floor boards with bare feet I kept getting shit like dirt stuck to my foot. I also unpacked my bag.

    I am currently watching more top gear - Will has gone to the airport to collect Jess and Jaxon. Their second plane was delayed so they are arriving at 10.
    I've given Will instructions on how to get there but I'm still worried.

    I restarted the wifi at around 11 and a bunch of messages came through saying there were delays.
    At 11:30 they finally found each other and only got back to the apartment around 1ish.

    I gave them both hugs. It took a while for Jaxon to smile but eventually did.

    He keeps hitting and scratching people the little bugger.
    He likes Will so much more than me and probably still will after the 2 weeks. He is the "fun" one and I'm the disciplinarian lol.

    Bed time.

    Tom messaged before. They are looking at organ donations - Wilkie will probably have been switched off by the time we wake up. 😔
    I don't even know what to say.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    19 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Jess and Jaxon have the big bed, Will has the single and I have the couch.
    I slept well considering... until that little poo head woke up at 6. That would have been fine if I didn't go to bed so late.
    Jaxon found the mortar and pestle and played with that for a while. He was very chirpy lol.
    Jess went for a walk and took him with her - it gave me another hour of needed sleep.

    Wilkie died through the night. I'm still processing it and keep replaying Will telling me. I did the same when we were told about Pete. I replayed hearing "he's dead" over and over. I still do, just not everyday now.
    I'm glad for the 2 day prep though.

    We all got ready and headed into the city for brunch and to collect MY HARRY POTTER TICKETS!!!!!
    We got TGIFridays. Jaxon got a balloon which he kept hitting himself in the head with and didn't understand how it was happening hahah

    Went and got my tickets then said goodbye to them then got in the very long queue. Programs were only 5£ woo!
    Took my seat....

    Ok so Harry, Ron, Malfoy and Albus were perfect.
    Ginny and Hermione were so very wrong.
    It wasn't because Hermione was black - because obviously Rose was therefor black but she was cast perfectly.
    Idk, She just had the wrong mannerisms and voice.
    Some of the magic tricks were AWSOME! I don't know how they did it. Especially the polyjuice potion transformations. There was more dance choreography than expected- they used their robes to swish and move the sets.
    Prof Mcgonnigal* had the wrong accent, it was strong Irish. Apart from that she was fine.
    Scorpius looked perfect but I'm undecided on my opinion on how he played the character - he made him far more goofy/stupid voice than I imagined.

    The play was fantastic.

    I met up with the 3 and we went for Thai, they then dropped me off for play number 2 :)
    I had to walk around aimlessly for an hour though because I was too early.

    When I reentered it was like a completely new play which i suppose it technically was but the entire gift shop had changed merchandise.

    I bought a glass of bubbly to feel fancy and it was horrid.

    The chick in front of me bucked her head back every time she laughed and it was so irritating.

    Ok so figured out Hermione is actually the swing/sub so she is therefore forgiven.

    Before the first half ended, when they discover Delphies writing all over the wall IT WAS SO COOL because they did something with the lights and it appeared on every single wall in the theatre. It was like that transparent ink crap which was cool in year 4 that you need a special purple light to see.

    Again, the overall production was brilliant. The let down is the actual story itself.
    Voldemort having a child is so unnecessary. Why couldn't it be another random dark wizard who wanted to get him back?

    Anyway, some character in the play made a farmers market joke and the entire crown lost their shit.
    Obviously a British joke.... 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

    Oh oh HILARIOUS - when we caught the train in, at one stop when getting off the train, the pram collapsed and everyone rushed to help. Jaxon was just like what the crap just happened hahahah he was fine.
    (Wills fault lol)
    I enjoyed using the lifts because we had a pram woo.

    After the play I caught the trains back to our local station and Will picked me up from there to walk me home :)    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    20 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Vomited at 3 am. Just a little reflux one but glad to get it up so I could go to sleep or so I thought until Jaxon got up at 4:30...
    Jess graciously swapped with me so she took the couch and I went back to bed. At 7 we were all up and Jess was packing. Me and Jaxon played highly educational games of "take Harry's sock off, Harry puts it on so I'll take it off again"
    And "lights on and lights off" with a lamp 😂
    Jess helped up figure out the oven and washing machine so that's great.
    I had cereal and I shared some with Jaxon. Such a fat head.
    We walked Jess to her station and of course her train was cancelled😂😂 ....
    She has a bit of a wait until the next one.

    Her great quote from yesterday "I like that their sky looks the same as ours"....................???? hahaha

    We walked with Jaxon to Tesco - It took a while. It was shut though. It only opens at 11 which on any other day would have suited us fine haha lol

    Jaxon feel asleep on the way back to the house. 👏🏼
    So we had the hour nap with him or at least I did. Will didn't manage to get to sleep. I woke as soon as Jaxon stirred and Will went down for another 1.5 hour nap himself.

    Me and Jaxon played some HILARIOUS game - the main 2 being
    - putting a cup on his head
    - turning a lamp on and off

    He did a big poo though. I'm so use to wearing gloves it's weird not.

    I sent him In to wake Will up.
    I actually don't know what we did then, I can't remember. basically, we occupied him hahaha

    Eventually we walked to maccas because we hadn't been back to Tesco to restock on food..

    Jaxon loves chicken nuggets.
    The pram is about as good at turning as a shopping trolley 😒

    We then went to tesco and stocked up for st least a week. A lot of snack food for the fat head.

    Got home and he played for a while. He likes a ball and climbing up the couch. We have blocked the kitchen and when he finds new things, those too. Hahaha
    We fed him and put him to bed at 6 cause he was crashing. He fell asleep in 3 mins but started like flapping and shaking. I told Will and he said he always does but I double checked with Jess. It's normal, do not be concerned. 😂👍🏼

    TREVOR DOWSE ADDED ME ON FACEBOOK. What a miraculous leap forward.
    I am so proud. I wonder if he knows how to use it🤔 i have sent him some DP options because only random Nigerian don't have a DP hahah

    Sudden random thought: I wonder what Jesus' DNA looks like.

    Also Jaxon is a bed hog.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    21 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Jaxon is the most ridiculous person to sleep with.
    He literally spent the night flapping light a bird, twitching, shaking as if he was having a fit and sleep laughing and whinging.
    No sleep for me.
    The little shit woke up at 4:30 and put his fingers up my nostril to let me know.
    I took him out to the lounge room and offered him a bottle but he wasn't keen. He settled for some biscuits.
    I put the tv on but he is not interested. I can't wait til he is haha. The noise from the tv makes the whole room feel more comfortable though.
    I don't know how're passed the time but once the sun had risen properly I took him for a walk in the stroller.
    Bless him, He is so well behaved in it.
    It was drizzling but I didn't care I needed to do something lol. I think I murdered a fair few snails and slugs until I realized they were everywhere! Then dodged them when possible. The slugs are so big. One had a hole in it but was alive??? Looked like a cigarette burn size?
    Didn't seem to bother it lol.
    There is a missing cat picture on every pole and it hurts my heart.

    We saw a fox yesterday. Random area for one.

    I walked in a straight line so I didn't get lost and turned around - I did 2 big laps before poo face fell asleep again.
    People gave me varied looks. Obviously they assumed he was mine... some where really friendly and gave big smiles and others gave judgmental glares like oh another young single mum. Will made a comment later when we were walking him together about how he felt like we were being judged. I was like oooo I feel that too!!!
    It's silly because we are most definitely old enough. Will wants a sign to let ppl know he isn't ours hahah

    I pushed the pram through some dog poo 😒

    Getting in the house with a pram holding a sleeping child really difficult. All the doors here have doorstops and close if you don't hold them so trying to make sure he didn't wake up and juggle keys and doors wasnt fun.
    He slept for an hour but stirred so often I didn't get a solid nap in.
    I woke Will at 8:30 because I was having another reflux vomit. Jaxon had a good look see lol.
    He took over and I had a 1.5 hour nap.

    I had a shower with Jaxon which was different to say the least. Hard to maneuver in such a tight space haha
    Having a bath tub would make things easier. I had to hug him tight the whole time cause he is scared of them since he got a little burned at home with Jess lol

    We went out to get iron tablets and finally got some.
    We had brunch at a coffee shop and got a 1£ muffin for Jaxon to nibble on. Uhm IT WAS DELICIOUS. Going back for sure.
    We then Walked towards milwall stadium which is next to the south station.

    He saw the same dog that was sitting on top of the caravan when we took jess - was there again. We think he likes keeping watch haha.

    We walked past/around the Milwall football stadium.
    This is such an industrial area. It's almost like slumbish except every had a good attitude. Everyone was working hard.
    The area we are staying in Is like 75% black people. Not a bad thing, merely an observation.
    We walked and walked and then walked past the WIDEST dog either of us had ever seen. It wasn't that big but omg it was like a table.
    We got to a park but Jaxon had fallen asleep again so we waited for him to wake up before we had a try on the play equipment.
    He loves slides but dislikes swings.
    It was too wet unfortunately so we didn't stay long. Great little park though.
    THEY SOLD V AT THE PETROL STATION. I was so excited about this - first place since we left home.

    Home.
    Jaxon did a massive poo and it leaked into the cushion hahah
    We had sandwiches for lunch
    Entertained him then fed him dinner. He loves Indian food because of daycare. Nearly inhales his purée.

    We played with him making him walk backwards and forward to each of us for ages, then a throw/bounce/catch/fetch game before putting him down to bed.
    He wasn't as easy to get to bed today but we got there :)

    This morning (on Wills watch 😜) he fell into a chair and has a bruise under his eye forming.

    More importantly....
    note the date:
    HE INITIATED A CUDDLE WITH ME FOR THE FIRST TIME.
    Oh my heart.
    We have obviously hugged when he had been hurt or when I have picked him up and made him hahah but never has he approached me for a cuddle and only that.

    😍😍    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    22 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We went to bed at 7:30 😂
    I got to sleep in until 8:45 because it was Wills morning shift but he had been up since 4:40 so we swapped and he went back for a 2 hour nap haha

    Will had already given him some breakfast but I thought he might be hungry again - he ate an entire 2 slice sandwich #fat

    We went and woke Will up. We played then went to McDonald's lol, but on the way stopped in at a pet store for Jaxon to have a look at the animals.
    I gave him a few of my chips to shut him up.
    Gosh his smile is cute. He has such a small chin.

    Will thinks he is so difficult when he really isn't 😂. Yes it's difficult having such a small space with a child not interested in toys but he is relatively tame and there is only one of him. Will has no idea. Hahaha

    We walked home because I vines he was getting tired - he fell asleep in the pram woot!

    Will then went to bed.
    Jax woke up and I was on duty for 1.5 hours to let Will keep sleeping.
    Jac fell back asleep on me 😍

    Angry birds has been on tv for 9 hours straight.

    Jax likes songs and clapping his hands.

    We did another load of washing. The machine is so damn loud and the drier is next to useless. It takes 3 times to work.

    Pre dinner snack was some cut up berries.

    Will is a terrible supervisor.

    Showered with Jax, fed him then Will cooked stir fry for us. It was actually really nice. Jax had some too because as previous stated, he is fat.

    He hasn't done a poo today 😩 hope he doesn't explode In the bed overnight.

    Jax took ages to go to sleep. He was in such a good mood though, we had cuddles.

    Will could find pants to he put on my short shorts. What a cute bum. Hahaha

    Will has gone to bed early and I'm watching NCIS.

    This wifi is freaking ridiculous. I have to reset it every 10 minutes.

    Dad didn't reply to me or Facebook. He either doesn't know how to use it or is a big meany.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    23 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    So Ike (Jaxon looks like 'Ike' from
    South Park) woke at 2:45😒😒😒😒😒

    I went in to try and help Will settle him and about 45 mins later gave it up and took him out to chill in the lounge room. We hung out for about 1.5 hours before Will came and swapped and I went back to bed. They came got me at 9.
    They went for a stroll at like 5 and he went back to sleep for an hour and a half.

    I took Jaxon on a date to the aquarium and Will
    went back to bed.

    On our walk to the station I went and bought 2 more of those delicious muffins. I sat outside the shop feeding Jax his then ate mine as we walked. Everyone's front gardens are so cute. So small but cosy.
    He fell asleep on the walk there.
    It's a direct line to Westminster so that's convenient. What's not convenient is the lifts.
    You have to catch FOUR separate lifts to get to the street.
    It took so friggen long waiting for each lift, I was getting the shits big time. The forth one I couldn't find so I ended up carrying him and the stroller up the massive staircase next to the bridge - Me and some other lost family.
    Over the bridge and had to carry him down more stairs.
    Gah, the ticket was so expensive! Lucky he was free!
    £26 for me 😓
    You first walk over glass with sharks swimming underneath except he couldn't see because he was in his pram..
    Obviously, a lot of fish. He loved pointing at them but got a little cranky that I couldn't physically get one for him hahahah
    The big problem was lack of space though. So many prams and people and not enough room. I skipped a lot of the displays because it would just take too long to get to the front to look and maneuver the pram out.
    We had a good look at a few tanks though.
    He is so cute. He was chatting away.
    It's quite a good aquarium but I do prefer Sydneys. I'll take him there when he is out of his pram.
    I love seahorses.
    He got a little whingy at one point so I offered him a bottle but he wasn't Keen.
    The jelly fish exhibition was cool and I think he liked the flashing lights.
    There were penguins but not very many. Melbourne had more. Only one crocodile.
    There were piranhas, crabs and rays too.
    So proud - didn't buy anything In the gift shop even though I had Wills wallet.
    Caught the train back - our little adventure took about 3 hours. It was good, just the crowds let us down.
    On the way home i went to the shop to buy more nappies but they didn't sell them. We will run out soon - and I'll need new wipes too because the wipes we have a sticker close thing and it's lost its sticky so air is getting into the packet and drying the wipes out.
    When we got home we played and spent a lot of trying to keep Jaxon out of the kitchen.
    Jaxon fell asleep on me and we had a half hour nap. He was so sweaty so we agreed if I showered with him I could have an hour lie down so I instantly agreed.
    I don't know if I wrote this yesterday or not.. but he loves it if I put a bit of the shower spray towards his mouth so he can try catch it 😂

    Oh how I loved my nap.

    We then Started prepping dinner.
    We put he lasagna in the oven and I made a salad.
    Gave some of the lasagna to Jaxon and he inhaled it.
    We kept him up until 8 today.
    Jess video called and Jaxon was so excited. He kept looking at me as if to say "look! Do you see! It's my mum!"
    It was really cute.

    Jess asked if we thought he misses her.
    I'm sure he does but he has given no indication that he is distressed by her absence. I might have told a little white lie. She obviously misses him so..

    Toilet is blocked hahahah

    Watching NCIS again.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    24 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Woke up and relieved Will.
    Fed Jax banana and yogurt then we hung out until it was time to wake up Will.
    We cooked pancakes for breakfast.
    We spent the day doing nothing trying to occupy him. He is getting better at watching tv. It catches his attention for a while 30 seconds now lol.
    Jax fell asleep on me for 1.5 hours which was great.
    We went to the shop to buy more nappies and fruit puree.
    He got excited over some pigeons on the way lol.
    The checkout people don't pack your bags for you.
    He was more whingy today and drooling so maybe he is teething again.
    Will got an hour off duty because I wanted to watch NCIS but he despises it so that was the compromise hahah.
    Folded the washing and did the dishes before we gave Jax more lasagne. Gobble gobble.
    We had soup.
    Put him down and have drugged him hahahah 👍🏼
    I message Jess to double check the dosage. He needs to sleep the whole night to help combat his stupid jet lag lol.
    I am managing this better than Will.
    He is no trouble at all. Annoying, but not naughty.

    Showered with him and put him to bed.
    Bed for us now too.
    Consulate tomorrow    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    25 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    It was my turn to sleep with Jaxon. I'm so hypersensitive with him. Every moment or noise startles me.
    His sleep was more solid but he still woke up at 4:40.
    He asked his bottle and then we just chilled. I took him for a walk in the stroller about 7. He fell asleep but as I was trying to open the door (a ridiculous task) he woke up again so I had to do another lap for him to conk out.
    The beautiful boy had a 3 hour nap so I got to sleep on the couch.
    Will and Jax both woke at 10. We got ready and headed to the Australian consulate.

    Helen facetimed with Will....Grandad has had a fall and isnt going to make it... 😔 Bill is flying up now. Will Wants to go home. He obviously can't for the funeral but we have talked about after Morocco (it's already booked and I don't want to do it alone) that he might go home for a week and then come back. I will just chill in a cheap Bnb somewhere. It will cost a lot of money but I understand. He has had so much shit happen. If he needs to go home for a bit that's fine.
    On the condition he comes back 😛

    We got off at temple station which has so lifts so that was fun..
    so basically our trip was a waste of time. We spoke to one lady who was like you need to call and book an appointment - we mentioned we don't have working phones so she called a colleague over who was able to help us.
    Basically it's a British issue and Australia can't intervene or even offer information in case it's a misrepresentation 😪
    We have to email the customs people which I suppose is good because we can draft anything and everything that's needs to be included and it will be read by an english speaking person 😍
    I find that when we speak we have so much info to put forward that our story gets jambled so this is a good opportunity to have a understandable story.

    We then walked to TGIFridays. I used my first ever public change room - the hand dryer scared the shot out of Jaxon and he clung on to me for dear life.
    The waitress LOVED Jax. He was being such a player though.
    She came and made him a balloon animal haha.
    We then walked back to temple station and went home.

    On the way we went to some art thing cause it had a nice building lol.

    Jax held on on the train haha.

    I've been called muma by a few people today.
    I need a worlds best aunts shirt.

    Home, Will is understandably not in the best mood - Jax did a massive poo and Will never came back - I gave him an hour of peace.
    We had sandwiches for dinner.

    I washed with Jax and put him to bed.

    We watched the chase, spoke to Jess and now in bed.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    26 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Will didn't sleep at all thanks to the ridiculous child in bed with him.
    Honestly if he was ours he would have been put in the cot so fast. I don't know how Jess does it. I know she doesn't want to sleep alone but he is so freaking annoying. If put in a cot he would scream but the screaming wouldn't bother me... it's the possibility he is going to roll off the bed that stressed me out and keeps me up.
    He came in at 9:30 and we swapped. Will was exhausted.
    I was with him for 3 and a bit hours watching bones. I gave Jax some cut up grapes and the last of the yogurt.
    I took him for a walk in the stroller but he didn't sleep. It was so sunny.
    Will got up. We are out of food. Half the stuff we bought expired already. Even the frozen stuff ??? We will have to look more closely when we shop next - sooo maccas it's was. 😅

    Some lady lost her absolute marbles because some bike was parked in the disabled space. She was screaming at the top of her voice it was so funny and awkward for everyone there hahaha I've never seen someone make such a scene for such a poor reason and one that didn't even effect them hahaha

    Jax fell asleep on the way home - woo
    I got a nap in before he woke up.
    Will is getting really fed up with Jaxon. He keeps hitting and scratching and destroying everything.
    He is just emotionally overwhelmed. Sometimes he is fine other times really grumpy.
    Nothing I can do to help but :(

    We haven't had an update on grandad. All we know is Bill has made it up in time so that's something.

    I cooked Jax some chicken bites which he enjoyed and then we walked to the shops to get me food for dinner because our dinner plan (frozen pizza) was also expired. 😠😠😠

    It took like an hour to get Jaxon to go to bed. jess wanted to video call goodnight to him and I think that just got him all hyped up. We took 3 different rotations to get him down.

    Will has gone out to watch the Mayweather fight at a pub with Liv ( soccer friends ex ) - the fight doesn't start until 3 so he will be home very very late.
    I'm having anxiety because so many people have not been returning home recently..

    He is not excused from tomorrow's Jaxon duties lol

    I had no photos from today so I took one of Snapchat 👍🏼    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    27 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THIS CHILD?! He does friggen cartwheels the whole night and nearly fell off the bed at least 5 times.
    I also hate his brace because he can turn over but struggles to turn back so I stress he is going to suffocate himself.
    Will got home at 3 - he didn't end up watching the fight. He went to the supposed best nightclub in London and apparently it had better security than the airport. He had the full pat down, mouth and shoe check - the lot.

    I gave Jaxon his bottle but he was such a shit this morning and kept scratching me.
    Nothing good on tv.
    I took him for a massive walk. I wasn't stopping until he was back asleep.
    Everyone must think I'm a loon walking in circles. Well, everyone who has never had a child.
    Got him back to bed and he slept for another hour.
    I went and got Will up and we swapped.
    I got another hour sleep in, or rather a rest.

    WAKEY WAKEY 😒😒😒😒

    We were really hungry. We had planned to go to the museum but we also needed to do a shop so we have put the museum off for another day.

    But first, food.
    I checked on deliveroo what could be delivered and KFC Popped up first.
    DONE ✔️
    It took 20 minutes to arrive and once eaten there were 3 very satisfied people.

    I am so sleep deprived from sleeping with him and trying to be supportive for Will during this craptacular week that I have been doing everything. Jaxon was getting on my nerves big time this morning and when I nearly scoulded his face with boiling water because it rebounded off the bottle lid and he had crawled under the pram to get into the kitchen i think Will picked up on my mood (the yelling probably tipped him off lol) and sent me for another hours rest/me time. I was very thankful.

    We then went to Tesco to do the big shop. We got different stuff from last week. It's fun picking stuff. We looked at expiry dates more carefully this time.

    I've changed 3 poos today. All adult human sized.
    Will coaxed me out of bed early to change him with the agreement I could have an extra 15 mins nap. Hahaha

    The people behind us at the checkout were buying 10 packs of toothpaste.

    We walked home.
    It's so hot I think I'm burnt.
    Jax fell asleep 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

    Toilet still blocked. I suggested we buy a plunger but Will doesn't want to. He is in denial that it's his fault hahah

    Jax awake. Bugger.
    I took him in to annoy Will.
    He randomly likes looking out the window in the spare room.

    He does this hilarious thing where he holds his breath and pulls a funny face.

    We all lay on the bed. We tickled Jax and blew lots of raspberries on his belly. He also likes swinging upside down.

    Organised to meet up with Jaclyn Wilson tomorrow which I'm excited for but a little nervous so I'm bringing the other 2 along.

    Will had soup for dinner and Jax was being a pest so it was one spoon for Will one for Jax hahah

    I had 2 min noodles because I wasn't really hungry.
    I don't know why but no matter how many times I try, I can't make them as good as dad. I don't know what the hell he does?! I've seen him do it... all he does is add water an yet.. perfection!

    I showered with Jax, passed him off to Will and kept showering to finally wash the birds nest that is my hair.
    When I got out Jax was screaming - bed time!
    It took me an hour an a half to get him to sleep.
    Such a pain in my ass lol.
    I got him to sleep quickly enough and left but then he woke up and it was like he was worried I'd leave again because he fought sleep with all his might.

    We are going to try both sleeping with him tonight. I dont think there is enough room but hopefully it stops

    Jess tagged us in a relatable meme and I laughed hard.

    There are so many little berry tree things.

    Include photos of my daily pram walk route lol    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    28 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    I got to sleep peacefully until 8 until I swapped with Will. He went back to bed but the most amazing thing happened... I took Jax for a walk and he had a 2.5 hour nap 😁😁😁 so everyone was up and ready to go by 12 and walked to the station to meet Jackie. I was worried it was going to be awkward but it wasn't. 👍🏼👍🏼we talked about all our travel stuff.
    We walked about 2km to tower bridge which is the one everyone thinks is London bridge (saw that too but it's hardly even worth a mention)
    We walked up the side of the Thames until she took us to some market I can't remember the name of but it's right outside southwark cathedrals. Will was cracking the shits because he was hot and over Jaxon lol.
    We had some nice burgers that took forever to make and Jax only had chips because there was no kid friendly food options. We then found a pub to sit in and had a drink. will was stoked that it sold Delirium beer - he has been researching if Dan Murphy's sell it at home or not hahah he really likes it.
    The cold Coke was sooo good.
    Jaxon went down for another nap so that was great and gave us time to talk about lots of stuff.
    Her and Will got on fine so that's also a bonus relief.
    Afterwards we just walked down the river and it was lovely - past the galleries, globe theatre, lots of street performers and the 10 other non famous bridges that they have. It was very green, hot and busy.
    There were so many activities for kids as well like lego stations and a massive sand pit.
    The street performers are good quality too because they apparently need a permit.
    On lady made me so very uncomfortable though! She had a microphone and while she was getting ready to sing she was softly strumming on her guitar and was doing this big positivity speech and life story about her dark past and now she sees the light crap.
    It was just so cheesy and I wanted to gag.
    Lots of sunbakers out today because it was sunny.
    Their pebble beaches are pathetic.

    We walked down to the eye then walked back, got some photos before she jumped on the train at waterloo then we kept walking home.

    Feet. So. Sore.

    Made it! We had pies for dinner but I only had mine at 10pm because Jaxon took 2 hours to fall asleep after both of us tried 100 different ways. We eventually dumped him in the pram rocked him and now he is in the bed lol.
    Gonna kill him.
    I want to just chuck him in a cot.
    We facetimed Jess earlier and she said the Bnb lady has a cot but Jess declined it.... I could kill her.

    Jax poops a lot hahaha
    Lucky he is so damn cute.

    Childcare is still 20 times harder.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    29 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    It was my turn to sleep with Jaxon and he was the worst he has been. He got up at 6 which is great but still too early if you haven't slept yet 😒
    I got Will at 8 because I was exhausted and falling asleep standing up. Thankfully Jax went back down for a nap around 10 so I didn't have to get back up until 11:30ish 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 because I actually had a rest My cognitive functions were on the mend and I was finally able to draft an email for British customs. I should have done it sooner but I am, and always have been, unable to work/think if their is noise.
    I'll send it later tonight IF THE STUPID INTERNET WANTS TO WORK.

    Other problems with the house are:
    The toilet is blocked
    The drier doesn't work ( we have washed the same clothes 3 times now because it malfunctions )
    50% of tv channels are fuzzy

    Going bonkers.

    We were gonna go doctors but we want to get their earlier so that's now tomorrows plan and we headed in to town to the Natural History Museum.

    Quickly getting over the 1.5 walk to the station - it's more so the lift systems or lack thereof at the stations that get my blood pressure going.
    Whatever we made it to south Kensington but Will was apparently DYING of starvation so we had Italian food. Jaxon is such a flirt with everyone.

    The line for the museum was monstrous - or at least one of them was - the other secret entry didn't have a single person in the queue 💪🏻

    Will was shitty cause he was tired..

    We went to the dinosaur section first. Didn't stop to read anything because I couldn't with the pram but I live looking at the skeletons. I think dinosaurs are seriously the coolest things ever because they were real.
    They had a T- Rex animated statue thing that Jaxon laughed at when it roared at him lol.

    Other sections was mammals - a lot of funny looking extinct things.
    Birds, reptiles, sea stuff. All very cool. Again, Jaxon had a lot of pointing to do haha.

    We left and went home.
    I fed, showered, and changed poo face and put him to bed.
    One hour later he woke up and we have not succeeded in putting him back down 3 hours later even after continuous rocking and walking up and down the corridor.
    Will is losing it.

    I hate his brace I hate his brace I hate his brace I hate his brace.

    He should be in a cot he should be in a cot he should be in a cot.

    He can't be left unattended for 5 mins and that is whats killing me and why we want a cot.
    Happy to hear him scream if it means I can go to the toilet.

    HAAAA COULDNT ANYWAY BECAUSE ITS STILL BLOCKed 🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼

    Oh and the hallway light has blown 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

    I also Tried to email customs but there is no direct email option only like 300 department, none relevant and most only offering postal addresses. So I've sent it to 4 different places and hopefully someone will reply and give us the right contact details.
    Pretty friggen over it though.

    There own website said that we should have been given a written warning. We did not.
    Could she have just said it to be a dick? 🤔🤔    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    30 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Slept quite well.

    Swapped at 8.
    Took him for a walk at 9:30 and got him to have an hour nap.
    When he woke up, we woke up Will and headed to the doxtors.
    We caught the overground train today because it was only one stop away and lucky, because it was raining.
    We felt so bad for Jaxon, his little legs were poking out the pram and getting wet and we couldn't do anything to stop it.
    Bad pretend parents.

    We were starving and Jaxon let us know he was too.

    We first went and booked our appointment then got subway. So thankful we found it because no other food in the area. The doctors was right beneath the gerkin.
    Went to our appointment...
    75£ EACH.... 😭😭😭
    Will went first to get help for his face scab and has been referred to a dermatologist because its either an ulcer or cancer. Terrific. He has an appointment booked for 04/09. We have no idea how much it is going to be or if we can claim it back on insurance...

    I went next and took my medication boxes and doctors certificate. The lady said that she felt uncomfortable giving me more than a months worth because she doesn't know me.😒
    She then went to write a script and it turns out the U.K. doesn't even produce it. Wtf.
    I have been given a months worth of something similar but not nearly as strong.

    I am so stressed for Will.

    We picked up my meds on the way home.

    Will has been wanting a haircut for weeks so we stopped in at a barbor who made him look pretty. It took so long! He was cutting like each individual hair.

    We then caught the train back.

    I am so stressed about money. I don't think we can make it until march. Things keep coming up.
    Customs hasn't replied to me and I think if they haven't in a week we will just rebook and fly home with mum and dad.

    Another big chunk of wasted money..

    Jess booked our Windsor Bnb and lego land for me because I was feeling too overwhelmed. I was going to book flights to Romania but Will said to hold off until we find out what's on his face incase we need to go home.
    Longer we wait the higher the cost.

    Had a mini breakdown then ordered food because I was not in the mood to cook.

    Fed Jaxon then tried to put him down. It took 2 hours again.

    Have organised to meet Shelley on Saturday which I'm excited for.    Leggi altro

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  • Angharad DowseEuropean AdventureViaggiatore

    London

    31 agosto 2017, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Jaxon woke at 7:30 which was marvelous. Swapped with Will at 9 instead of 8 but was not disturbed until 1pm 😭😭😭😭😭😭
    So joyful.
    The big boof fell asleep at 10 and had a 3 hour nap 🙌🏼🙌🏼

    At first I was worried we couldn't go to the zoo because it was storming earlier but the sun was now out so off we went.
    We had to swap at London bridge so we decided to get the overground again.
    The system is shocking in comparison. Our train got delayed 3 times.
    We got off the train then got on the underground to Camden town walked 20 mins then found the entrance.
    YAY I LOVE ZOOS.
    Our commbank travel card was down again - like 5th time it's happened as we have gone to pay for something so Will had to use his other card - yay more expenses. Tickets are not cheap but Jax is free woo.

    But first, food.
    Surprisingly few child friendly options but we managed.
    Stupidly expensive as you would expect.

    We saw Penguins, lions, camels, aadvarks, porcupine, meerkats, giraffe, okapi, pigmy hippos, warthog, otter, reindeer, monkeys, apes, lots of birds, insects and reptiles.
    There was also a lemur enclosure you could walk in which I loved last time and loved again.

    Also a dinosaur 'travel back in time Section' which Jaxon liked.

    Lots of pointing happened today 😁hahah

    His highlight for sure was the petting zoo where he hugged a lot of goats 😍😍 he was so gentle it was great.

    Train home was interesting.
    It was peak hour and Jaxon is such a social thing he was grabbing everyone's stuff and waving and just being such a flirt. The lady next to us LOVED him.
    He wanted some of her banana so she ripped off a bit of skin for him and gave it too him.... ermmm thanks?
    Naturally he tried to eat it and I had to carry a dirty skin for ages 😶
    He liked pulling her hair too which she let him do.
    He did a poo though so he was stinking the place out and it was awkward for me hahah
    - we folded the pram up for peak hour so he was just on my lap.

    When we got home we facetimed Jess and then ate.
    We didn't bother putting Jax down early but when we did at 9:30 he fell asleep straight away WOOOOOHOOOoooooooooo!!!!!

    We watched some judge Judy and I'm now in bed.

    I like my off duty nights because I can listen to Harry Potter :)

    Also, I keep thinking the little hooks everywhere look like octopus' - will upload photo a different day (if I remember)

    This morning Jax nearly burnt his friggen hand off because he somehow turned on the heater by some magical switch.
    We still don't know how he did it and have turned the heating off at the main switchboard thingy. Or at least Will did. But how dangerous!!    Leggi altro

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