Customs, Back in England and a Transfer

Well, we made our bus with time to spare, thank god!   Dan was so worried we were going to miss it as our flight had been delayed two hours.   We were lined up at the gate to board the plane when an announcement came on saying the flight would be delayed two hours.  The announcement had only came on once so there were people that arrived afterwards who were still lining up no knowing what was going on.   The flight wasn’t even changed on the screen till about 45 minutes after the announcement, except instead of being delayed 1.5 hours we were delayed two hours! 

When we finally boarded the plane the captain told us that some light in the panel had gone off and they needed to get a paper signed in order for the plane to fly and it took two hours hence our two hour delay.  But, it was all for safety reasons which I have nothing against – we all know how much I love flying. 

It was a short flight (only two hours)  but we were pushing it with our bus time.   We tried to get off the plane as fast as we could but we were at the back of the plane so we weren’t having much luck.  We ran as soon as we were off, our baggage was off first and we headed for customs.  Oh customs!!!  How I love being questioned.

Thank god Dan was able to go through them with me –   he is British he is supposed to go through a different line – because I would probably still be there answering questions.  “Oh so it looks like you have already been here. “  “Yes.”  “Why are you coming back?”  “My husband is British and we are spending time with his family.”  “Do you have a job back in Canada?” “No.  I have been traveling for the past two years.”  “How do you expect to support yourself?”  “My husband manages a bar full time.”  “How long do you plan on staying for and do you have a ticket to prove you are leaving?”  “No I don’t have a ticket.”  I travel through Europe without having to go through customs, or getting a stamp, yet the UK is so strict,  and I’m from a commonwealth country.  NOTE : if you are from a commonwealth country (other than the UK) it really doesn’t do much for you,  there are not many benefits…it can be frustrating.  Oh well, such is life lol.  After we gave him a (random) number of when we were leaving ( shorter than my allotted time as my visa is still not expired) we were a loud to proceed and began running for the bus.   We made it, with 20 minutes to spare J

I was quite gutted to leave  Italy.  For as long as I can remember, it was my dream for my dad to go home to Italy; and, if I was lucky enough, to go with him.  In fact when I was little (and even now)  I have said that if I won the lottery (the big one)  I would send my parents to Italy.  Now, two of my dreams have come true, but like any other dream, it has come and gone.   I remember counting down the weeks, days then hours till I met up with my parents in Greece; now, we have already been back in England just over a week.  Time flies. 

 As much as England can be extremely depressing, I kind of felt like I was going home in a way.  I mean we have been here for almost 5 months and we have almost settled and with the few friends that I have here, I was looking forward to seeing them.   On the Monday I got together with my friend Eve.   We were supposed to go out and take some pictures but the weather was gloomy – not uncommon for England – so we went to her place and had 1 bottle – well maybe a bit more than a bottle – of wine, listened to music and chatted away until we had to pick her 4 year old son up for school.  Ya, that was a bit of a laugh. "How was your day sweetie?" "It was lovely mum, though I would've rather stayed at home with you."  How cute is that, plus kids with an accent still get me lol.

Dan has been transfered.   We found out the night we got back.   There was a text on our phone Hi Dan, I'm sorry I know you are on vacation but you have been transferred as of next week.  He wasn't overly keen on the idea as he was really happy at his location.  But, instead of commuting over 2 hours a day,  he now walks less then 10 minutes up the street :).  He is less tired and closer to home which I like.  I get to pop in and have dinner with him which I couldn't do before.  Plus as I am here right now, using the fee wifi.  We currently don't have wifi right now; well, actually we never really did,  we use the one from the lady across the street - without her knowing of course - but she must be away or something because it hasn't been on for a week.  Pffft.  We would like to knock on her door and ask what's going on, but it wouldn't be a good idea.  The fact that we use it is a secret, so don't tell anyone ;).  So if you have been wondering why I haven't been online much this is why.    And no, I'm not working,  I'm not a priority remember.

I'm afraid that is it for now.  As usual nothing overly exciting here.  Hopefully soon though.  Take care.  Happy New Year.


For first time readers...please revert back to the  In the Meantime, In Between Time blog.

Lemonade

My boss doesn't usually do the schedule until Sunday night (last minute convenience), but I am always in Monday's at 12 so I just get my schedule when I go into work.  At the end of my shift on Thursday I said "see you Monday at 12"  and he said "I'm not sure yet I will text you Sunday," - knowing that I would be in on Monday as he has said this before only to text me saying "you're in Monday at 12."  This week however, was a different message "hi it's me.  I have old staff back from Spain and have to give her priority.  I have no shifts for you."  ???  That was it, nothing more.   This was the girl I replaced, I have been there 2 months,  covered all the shifts he needs covered and been there to take the shifts when someone quits.   I'm always willing to work,  dont ask for days off (only for my trip) and never say "I can't work" when someone else can't make it or quits and he gives me the hours.  He basically only keeps for his advantage and when it's good for him.  He gave me no shifts but the new girl (who has been there 2 weeks) got shifts this week!  I'm just wondering and correct me if I am wrong but shouldn't I be "prioritized" over the new girl?  How can he give old staff hours -  who quit, I might add - and just say to me "sorry she has priority over you?"  Makes no sense. 

Oh well; when life throws you lemons you just have to make some lemonade.  I texted him back "ok see you next year,"  and have quite enjoyed a week off packing, christmas shopping, girls days, yoga - see I got thrown a lemon and made some nice lemonade :) lol.  Besides,  I have worked for way worse people then him, he really isn't that bad,  just a little confused on where is "priorities" are.  Yes, not working really screwed my cash situation but really, what is the point of me getting all worked up and giving myself for an anxiety attack for a situation I knew wouldn't change.  No point.

Tonight I am going to my "Yoga Christmas Party."  The studio is holding a party for all us yogi's,  everything is free...yes even the drinks...so I thought I would check it out (not because of the free drinks),  but for something to do as my social circle involves, Dan,  my friend Eve and heaps of movies and tv shows on my hard drive lol.  It will be nice to get out for a few hours.  Then only two days until I head to Greece to meet up with my parents.

I leave here just after midnight on Sunday.  A 3.5 hour bus journey to Gatwick, and then 4 hours till my flight and I am on my way.   You would think wiht just a few more days I would be more excited...I don't think the fact that I am seeing my parents has sunk in yet lol.

3 more days.

A Boring Post or Its Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I know, I know, I know.  It's been awhile since my last blog; well just a little over a month.   I have honestly been waiting for something interesting to happen, as I am sure you don't want to hear about the (still) shitty depressing weather, shit wages and being bored most of the time.   I have read back on past posts and it seems that I always had something interesting to write about, even when nothing was happening I still seemed to be able to write an interesting post.  Here it is a different story and I really don't want to bore you with...well nothing lol.  But,  I originally started writing my blogs to keep in touch with those of you back home and thats what I intend to do.  So, without further adieu - or excitment for that matter -  I give you an update.

Things haven't really changed much.  It's getting colder though some days are like a mild spring day and it makes me forget that winter is still upon us.  Dan is still working crazy hours,  he is exhausted all the time but we seem to be having more days together lately.  Our days together don't consist of much entertainment; reading, watching movies, me constantly getting him to be less messy (don't roll your eyes mum I am neat and tidy compared to him).  He goes to the gym and I go to yoga,  well actually it's Bikram Yoga.  It's 90 minutes of compressions and stretches in a room with a temperature of 40 degrees and I love it!!!  It's relaxing and has really cut down my stress.  We are trying to be good to our bodies as when we are traveling we go head first into the cultural foods and drinks which isn't usually the healthiest diet.  We are not drinking (as much - maybe once a week), but because of cutting the sugar of alcohol out of my body I have stashed away leftover halloween candy for my frequent sugar cravings...I swear the candy here is the best tasting of any I have ever had.

There are markets here every Thursday and Saturday but we stay away as it's a temptation for us - well more so me - to spend on things we really don't need.  I want to walk to the beach one day to take some pictures but Dan hates the rain - unless it's to go to Thorpe Park - so he will avoid it at all costs,  I swear he is a Warlock and will melt if he is exposed to it.  I would love to have adventure days with him like Dallas and I always did in L.A. but the weather is so uninviting that staying inside curled up under a blanket with a book or movie is the most welcoming thing on most days.

We did go out Friday night, though it was because Dan had a really stressful day at work and he really wanted some drinks, so we planned to meet at our favourite bar for 12:30 am.  Thank god we know people who work ther because he didn't rock up till about 1:30 (drunk).  He had fallen asleep on the bus and ended up in Christchurch.  It was the last bus so he had to walk all the way back - about half an hour - and then decided he wanted to change so he went home and then came to the bar.  I just put my arms around him,  I wanted to cry after what he had been through but Dan being Dan just brushed it off like it was nothing.   I have no idea what time it was when we left but we had bumped into his mate Luke at the bar and decided to go back to his place for a beer.   Next thing I know it's past 5am.  "Wow!"  I said "I am way too old for these late nights."  Dan had fallen asleep on the couch and he is difficult to wake up especially when he is drunk.  Luke and I couldn't wake him up,  he kept swatting at us and curling up into a little ball.  "You can sleep on the couch" Luke offered.  My couch days are (mostly) over so I really wanted my bed and was determined to wake him up but to no avail nothing was working.  "Wait!"  Luke says running to the kitchen quickley and returning with a small bottle of really really really hot, hot sauce.  A little dab on the lips and whammy!  Dan is upright on the couch, eyes bulging out of his head.  He so wasn't happy.  He refused to talk to me on the way home he was so angry.  He kept moaning and licking his lips.  I kept trying to console him but being drunk myself I kept making weird noises in my throat as I attempted to supress my laughter.  The last thing I wanted was to laugh at him as he was so mad at me but it was so funny. He could barely walk a straight line, he was groaning, licking his lips and muttering "oh ya baby so fucken funny" and then would stop to vomit.  He would continue on walking saying more obsenities at me, licking his lips, vomitting,  I would giggle (hysterically) and say ``baby I am so sorry``  ``oh ya I am sure you are.  I bet this is funny to you.`` licking his lips and then stopping to vomit again ``no baby it`s not funny``  I would say as the corner of my lips curled and giggles were escaping.  I tried putting my arm around him but we would push me away and breath out harshly through his nose as it was now begining to leak.  Unfortunately he remembered the hot sauce the 2nd way the next day...oops!!! 

I can definitely feel Christmas in the air which is a refreshing feeling.  Last year being in Darwin the Christmas feel was pretty much moot.  I have spent Chrstimas in warm climates but there were no lights strung up in places, or christmas trees int he windows, no wreaths or holly hanging from lamp posts down the streets...it didn`t feel like the Christmas Season.  Here it`s the opposite.  In Bournemouth Square there is a German Market whrere portable huts (selling what they sell) are painted in dark burgundy,  laden with ivy and strugn with Christmas lights are erected in a strategical manner. Along the centre of the shopping square.  A small portable pub of the same colour has also been erected all done up with the ivy and lights is off to the side.  There is a wire going across from one lamp post to the other where a mechanical Santa Clause rides a unicycle with presents dangling from it - when I first saw it from a distance I thought it was real.  Even in this cold weather, this outside market has the warmest coziest feeling to it...a Christmas feeling, which has made me a little homesick and missing being at home for the holidays.  It saddens me and then, I quickly remember that in less then a month I will be meeting up with my parents in Greece and then we will be spending our Christmas in Italy!  I am so excited!  It won`t be an orphans Christmas this year - though last year was great!  But  I can`t wait!  It will be almost 2 years since I have seen them,  the longest I have ever been away from them.  I am counting down the days.

We have figured out my visa so we can extend our stay.  I am applying for a marriage visa - as our wasn`t a legally recognized ceremony - which will give us another six months and of course our marriage registered .  It has taken us over a month to get the information we needed.   Everytime we called the UK Home Office, the office always seemd to be empty as an answering service always picked up directing us to an email.   I tried emailing before we even called and the reply`s would be...please send your questions to this email.  Then that email would say this is the wrong department please send your email to this email address.  It was hopeless.  We had a couple of simple questions that we needed answered and we couldn`t seem to get them answered.  I finally came across this website for immigration lawyers who emailed back within a half hour.  Dan called them today and within 5 minutes our questions had been answered saving us money and a trip to the UK Home Office in London!  This marriage visa is really good news for us and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders.  We can actually relax a little more and not stress about leaving by the end of February :)

Well,  that is all for now,  I hope you weren`t too bored, I always do try my best to make these as interesting as possible.  Until next time, hopefully sooner then later.

eM x

                                                                                   27 DAYS!!!

A Historic Sight and Falling into Place

I was so excited on Sunday, not just because Jess and I were meeting up, I was super stoked about that but also because she was taking me to the famous ruins of Stonehenge- which at the time I thought were just some rocks.

She was suppossed to have picked me up earlier but due to traffic because of the airshow - planes and jets flew over our house for 4 days it was so cool - it took her a bit longer to get in from London so we started our adventure a little later than planned but we didn't mind. 

Talk, talk, talk, talk;  we never stopped talking,  it's like we never run out of things to say.  I don't know what we talked about but we never stopped!  It only took us about an hour to get to Stonehenge,  you can see it off to the right just sitting there, in an open space looking so grand and holy.  Of course by the time we parked and got out of the car - as it does often here in sunny <--- pure sarcasm England - it started to rain.  The sky was grey and dull and a drizzle began to fall, so just like London I have grey pictures.  Jess wearing a short sleeve shirt, shorts and sandals -it doesn't get overly hot in England so as soon as there is a bit of sunshine the Brits swarm to the beach even if it's 20 degrees out they are in shorts and tank tops as if they are on a tropical island - puts on her ski jacket, it was quite the fashion statement.

Stonehenge

Before we even stepped foot on the path surrounding the monument I was snapping pictures I was so excited to be on a little history field trip for the afternoon  I had seen a picture of it and said to Dan "wow baby that looks cool, can we go"  his response "it's just some rocks." Was he ever wrong.

Stonehenge is located in the English county of Wiltshire (about an hour North from where we are).  The history of it is quite interesting.  The first phase began in 3100 BC with the last known construction being around 1600 BC, the first phase was the circular bank and ditch that surrounds the monument.  The sturcture that is standing is what is left of the original structure, you can no longer walk into at as parts of it were stolen by collectors. The stones with the blank like stone going across the top is the outer part of the structure, they (at one point) formed a a connecting circle.  The inner part of the circle consisted of two half horseshoes of (smaller) bluestone sturctures and the central stone structure (please don't quote me I know I am a little confused on the structure).

The actual purpose behind it is unknown,  to think that the outer ditch and the structure itself could be linked it is incredible considering the amount of years in between.   The structure was built around the same time as the Egyptian Pyramids and like the Pyramids (and of course the Sphynx) it is not quite known how they built the structure as they did not have building apparatuses they way we do today.  It is said the Sumarians were the ones that built the Sphynx so I am wondering if they had anything to do with the construction of this?  

A Calendar

Like I stated above the actual purpose behind it is not actually known though one belief is that it was used a calendar.  At certain times of the year when the sun shines through the central stone structure it will shine through one of the outer circle openings and that represents June, the next month it will do the same thing except it will be through the next stone on the left, further left in August and so on.

Heelstone

The Heelstone is outside of the entrance to Stonehenge and it leans inwards towards the circle.  If you stand northeast at the entrance of the sturcture, the sun will rise over the heelstone during summer solstice.

More Stories

It has also been said that the rocks are healing rocks called the Giants dance, which giants had brought from Africa to Ireland for their healing purposes.

It has also been said that they are related to the druids.

It is also said that the surrounding land was used for burials and when you leave the monument and head back to the parking lot you can see burial mounds surrounding the area; it's a little weird.

The history and stories behind it is really interesting there is soo much to write about but if you would like some more information on it please Click Here .

I love looking at places like Stonehenge, trying to picture what it was like thousands of years ago,  how they built it, what really went on there, what it was used for.  I found it so mysterious and as much it wasn't an old ruin of the colesium or a natural wonder like Ayers Rock and the Olga's  I couldn't take my eyes off of it.  I always feel so trans -like around structures and world wonders,  I really just want to know as much as I can about them and be a sponge their history and culture.  I really thought it was incrdible how it can be used as a calendar,  a lot more interesting then our electronic ones these days lol sometimes I feel like we have lost the true essence of life with all our electronics and factory made things.  Stonehenge mmight have taken thousands of years but it definatly lasts longer and doesn't go out of date as fast as my computer does.

After Stonehenge, Jess took me to Winchester to the house where she grew up to have dinner with her parents.  The drive, although rainy was nice.  We of course talked but I really enjoyed the scenery.  Winchester is more country living with english type cottages that remind me of something out of a fairy tale very rounded and cozy looking,  lots of trees and...I dont know I said to Jess that it almost looked like something out of a book,  like it didn't look real,  it looked like a fairy tale place that you would only find in the pages of a book,  that really is the only way I can describe it.  

After a lovely dinner with her parents - her mum didn't understand why I wouldn't drink any wine - it was time to go home but Jess wanted to drive me through the New Forest where we could see wild horses.  "That's really great Jess but umm,  it's dark outside now, how am I suppossed to take pictures or see anything."  "Oh,  I never thought about that."  "When you said you wanted to take me after dinner I knew it was going to be dark but I figured you knew what you were doing"  Yes, two blondes, it makes sense.

We did drive through the New Forest,  I would love to talk about the flowers and the big trees over hanging on the road that made it like a tunnel, but it was pitch black our only light was from the headlights of Jess's car.  We did see some wild horses,  I pulled out my camera to take some video but it's really not that exciting as when they leave the glare from the headlights you can't see anything and it's quite pointless.  I can say that in the New Forest they have towns.  It really looked incrdible so I would definately like to go back again, plus there are heaps of hiking trails so it's definatly a day adventure.

Things are going really great here...Dan is doing so well at work and they really like him.   I have been helping out at the neighbours.  I have been cleaning and trust me it really needs to be cleaned.  It took me 3 and a half hours to scrub their kitchen and 2 hours to scrub and clean out the fridge,  I still have to scrub the walls and vacum up the spiders in the corners lol.   "How lucky are we, we have a made."  said his 7 year old daughter  he tried explaining to her I wasnt a maid but I guess in her eyes I am.  There is a lot to be done,  the up keep of little things like sweeping is neglected as well as the major things so its taking some time but they are giving me some money so it is really helping Dan and I at the moment - with the getting paid monthly he still hasn't seen his first cheque yet.  I also have a job interview at a cafe on Thursday so I am really excited.  Finally everything is falling into place for us.

 I have been keeping really busy.  My book was published last week,  I have begun writing another one and TOMORROW (Wednesday)  I am appearing as a guest travel blogger on www.iwalk4love.com every month, twice a month!  I am really excited!  I'm really starting to get my writting out there and I am super excited to see where it takes me.  Please follow the webpage for my updates,  it will be blogs, travel tips and postcards - some of my photography!  It's going to be great!  So please don't forget to check the webpage tomorrow -  to be honest, seeing my name and picture up there was almost as good as seeing my name in lights :)


*all notes and info about Stonehenge was taken (and possibly quoted)  from Wikipedia.  Please go to www.wikipedia.com for more information on Stonehenge*


 

Where is Coronation Street?

I didn't get my cat-nap before we left for England, though I dont know if it would've helped anyway.  I slept on the way to the ferry - well the upper half of my body was on the two seats in the back of the cammper while my legs were resting on Dan who was snuggled nicely on the floor wrapped up in our duvet - but it wasn't the most comfortable sleeping arrangment, and everytime Dan moved I had to adjust my legs.  The ferry ride was alright, 2hrs, nice views as we left France as well as nice views as we entered England.

Customs was easy.   They just said "you are only aloud to stay 6 months" and stamped my passport - yay new stamp!  After we drove through customs we had to pull over so a police officer could check the van - incase we had any stowaways - and check our passports.  "Who is the Canadian" he asked "Hi that's me!"  I said popping my head out the window.  "Where in Canada you from?"  "Toronto, Ontario."  "Oh ya"  "Do you know it?" "No.  Not really, but I have been to Victoria."  It was one of the nicest experinences I have had going through customs, friendly and no intimidation.

It doesn't look like what I pictured England to look like with small little streets, little cars and little town-house-like residences.  I kept saying "Where is Coronation Street?  Where are the little streets with the row of little English houses?"  But to no avale did I get to see a Coronation-like street, though the houses are smaller here.  They are built out of concrete and are quite narrow which makes them look taller then they are, and they are built quite close together - England is a small country and quite overpopulated so they need to squeeze together (so Dan says) - however, they are quite spacious and not a little cramped; well Dans parents place isn't, which is where we are staying.  It's the house that Dan grew up in! Kind of cool, we are even in his old bedroom.  I asked him "did you ever think you would be living in this room with your wife?"  "I never thought I would be living back in this house, ever" was his reply.  He is not overly keen being back in England,  he hates it,  even though it's only temporary he is still not happy about it and he can't wait till we can leave again; we have no idea when that will be yet.

He is enjoying seeing his friends again but if we had the money I know he we would be on a plane to Thailand tomorrow lol.  I have met a few of his friends.  The day after we got here we went for dinner and then drinks, well, I of course played Mother Hen while the others got smashed.  Mike (Dans best mate)  was always wandering off  and popping up randomly throughout the night. Carli (Dans other best mate) doesn't like going to public toilets by herself so everytime she had to go she was like "Emmie, come wee with me"; and Dan, well he is just something else altogether when he drinks, though getting him to leave was easy as it was his idea to go home, and the cab was one of the little English cars you see in Coronation street,  loved it!   The bar itself was alright, sometimes I feel my bar-nights, are slowly concluding; young girls dancing in too-short skirts grinding against eachother, songs are played more then once and guys trying to get late and everyone absolutely mangled with no communication or walking skills.  It's really cheap to drink here as the economy is quite bad at the moment, but I guess cheap drinks means cheap service.   We waited at the bar 25 minutes for our drinks!  I know, for a night club it happens but the place maybe had a hundred people in it and at this point no one was really buying anymore drinks due to their intoxication levels.  The bar was just a line of people, not even two people deep and 4 bartenders.  The bartender kept serving everybody but us, and when I tried to tell her we were next she ignored me and served someone else.  She finally served us and when I complained and she says "we are really busy and there are only 4 of us working tonigh"  I just looked at her!  "Busy?"  I replied "I dont know about you but a line of people along the bar not even two people deep is not busy, and there are 4 of you.  If you cant handle that you really shouldn't be a bartender."  She just looked at me.  "Oh and with my drinks could I have a manager?"  I explained the situation to the manager, I said I didn't want a free round or to get anyone fired, but there was absolutely no reason for us to stand at a bar for 25 minutes when it's not busy. Grrr....I hate incompetent bartenders.

A few nights later Dan wanted to go to a drumb and base rave with some of his mates so I stayed in and had drinks with his sister (she lives in the house as well), and we got to know eachother.   We've been shopping in Bournemouth Centre.  It kind of reminded me of The Grove in LA except it's not as enclosed, but it's got that high end sort of feel to it.  It was buzzing with people and had live entertainment going on,  maybe others dont dont feel the vibe the way I do, it could b3e because I found France so quiet with it's ghost  towns that swarms of people and noise is exciting more so now than usual. There is a shop called Primark it's kind of a mix between H&M meets Urban Behaviour meets Forever 21 except it's super cheap!  T-shirts are 1 pound = $1.60, it's awesome and it's my new favourite place, I got some things as all I have is summer clothing and I needed some warmer stuff for here.  We have walked to Boscome Town Centre a few times,  the layout of it reminds me of Darwin CBD with its walkway down the centre with benches and lined on either side with shops, but where Darwin CBD was almost void of people Boscome is full on busy with people, and some quite sketchy people I might add, but Dan keeps me safe lol.

The other morning we walked down to Fisherman's Walk Beach.  It stretches for miles down either side of the coast; one side stretches to cliffs which are small black silhouettes in the far distance and the other stretches to the expensive area with it's mansions.  The weather wasn't the greates but there was still quite a few people out enjoying the English sun that only shares its heat when it feels like it.    The beach is lined with beach huts, there must be 200 of them.  The just stretch all along the walk way, different colours, and some bigger than others; there was nothing overly remarkable about them but I get excited in new countries so everything seems awesome to me.

We have settled in quite nicely here.  Dan is waiting to hear back on a job sometime this week, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for that and we still have more money coming from Australia - not gonna get ino that,  its our Superannuation Funds and we are going with a different company - so hopefully after a few months we can head off.  I like it here I'm comfortable, and I think it's good for Dan to spend time with his family as we have decided Canada is going to be where we settle and we don't know when he will get to see his family and friends again; but he still wants to leave asap. LOL.  Oh well, it will happen, we just have to be patient.

As for me I am off to London next week!  Yes without Dan.  He actually didn't want to go - as I said he hates England - with me and was going to convince his sister to take me, but it just so happens that my friend Kate is coming out from Austrlia and we haven't seen eachother since eachother since California <---check out blog - so it has been quite a long time;  I did see both her brother and sister in Austrlia but her and I never got the chance to meet up.  So it's London town next week. Do you think I will find Coronation Street?