Memories came flooding back after a took a deep breath of air. Those smells tingled my senses and opened the travel part of my brain. I felt awake once more. Travelling has a profound impact on me and never ceases to excite me. For some people its a taste of chocolate or coffee that makes them alive, for me its the smell of travelling.
Its the association of fun memories, new sights, tastes and smells that makes me want to explore. Ten years ago I was last in South East Asia, so it is a a pleasure to be here again and to be in a new country, Vietnam. How lucky I am to travel for work, it is something I have always aspired too and it was my aim 10 years ago. The only thing that is missing for me is my much loved travel partner in crime, Jim.
So first impressions of Hanoi in Vietnam: Clean, smiley, lots to buy and quirky cafés to hang out in.
The old quarter, where I am staying, has lots of hidden streets, shops and colourful buildings. It is very easy to walk around and the temperature is very pleasant a mild 20oc so great for walking.
The prices vary a lot, at the moment I'm sat in a café which is quite western (but free wifi) its around 70p for a beer and 50p for a tea, I have had cheaper (tea, not beer). My aim is to have an alcohol free 2 weeks (hmm, we will see).
I have booked my cycle rickshaw for later, a very sweet man called Vin is picking me up for a cycle tour of Hanoi, 1 hour 3 US dollars.
Vin was a star we cycled for over an hour and a half. He showed me loads of places which was cool and I even got to cycle with him as a passenger, the locals all smiled.
What a year! Thank you all for being part of it :)
Hellloooo,
Well you could say that we've have had a busy 2008....
We started the year in India visiting old haunts and eating fantastic food again.
Jim then decided to make a honest women of me and asked me to marry him (in the back of our van having a bbq in the rain and wind – forever the romantic)
We then started looking for houses...
We did our adventure holiday and cycled from Bristol to Padstow in Cornwall – 300 miles of pure fresh air.
Both working hard, I'm loving managing a small international charity and are we are both doing well at work.
Then in September we got hitched in a field in my wellies, marrying the best person ever – Jim, who has keeps me in mischief and spent my wedding night in a tent....well you wouldn't expect anything else...
Moved house from a small flat to a terrace with a garden – going to be DIY experts (well in time)..
And then 2008 is finally nearing an end so we are going to have our first Christmas in Brighton and we are going to join another crazy bunch of people who think it is fun to swim in the sea on Christmas day.
Hope all is good with you and don't forget if you are ever in the deep South East pop in to the retro-ness that is Brighton
All the invites for our Wedding have been sent out, if you are coming don't forget to RSVP. The evening invites will be coming soon.
Date: Saturday 13th September 2008 At: St Matthew’s Church, Hayfield, High Peak, SK22 2PG Time: 2pm
After formalities: You can join the bride and groom who will walk you to the Sportsman pub for a quick drink then up to the party field. (about a mile from St Matthew’s – up hill).
The reception will be in a marquee at the bottom of a field – please bear this in mind when choosing footwear….(the bride will have wellies too!).
All the family welcome, bring the dog, cat, or goldfish - all welcome.
Rough plan for days events: Next stage: 6pm buffet meal in the marquee. 8ish – Speeches After: Party…….no official finishing time, party till you drop.
RSVP (We need you to reply to your invites so we can plan food and numbers): Email: wedding@monkeyrat.com Snail Mail: 10b Queens Place, Brighton. BN1 4JY
01273 818546 - Home / 07888701590 – Fiona / 07888701588 - Jim
When driving into hayfield you will pass St. Mathews Church. Park in the Royal Hotel if you want to keep the car near the church. Location of Wedding Marquee - Buffet, dancing and merriment: http://tinyurl.com/5b6sqk
Just a quick note - if you want to stay in a local B&B or hotel you will need to book very soon as they cannot guarantee the rooms will be free for too much longer…..
Camping – you can join the bride and groom and camp overnight near the marquee – all free and toilets provided near by.
Hotels and B&B – in Hayfield:
The Sportsman - Kinder Road, Hayfield, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 2LE 01663 741565 Email: info@thesportsmanhotel.co.uk 6 rooms all on suite Cost: £60/night
The Royal Hotel – Market Street, Hayfield, High Peak SK 22 2EP 01663 742721 www.theroyalhayfield.co.uk 5 rooms all on suite Cost: £60/night
George Hotel – 14 Church Street, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2JE 01663 743691 www.georgehotelhayfield.co.uk 6 rooms all on suite Cost £60/night
Kinder Lodge - 10 New Mills Road, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2JG 01663 743613 www.kinderlodge.hi-peak.net 5 rooms all on suite Cost – will need to call
In Hayfield village - 01663 745090, 01663 743 590, 01663 747241
Mrs Jackie Searle Booth Farm, Kinder Road Hayfield, High Peak 01663 749118
Other locations for accommodations near by:
Buxton – 10 miles away Glossop – 7 miles away New Mills – 5 miles away Chapel-en-le-firth – 5 miles away Posh hotels near by: www.moorsidegrangehotel.com
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Wedding List
There will not be the usual wedding list for a department store in our invites to you. As we are in the process of moving home, and the only 2 things that we really want are: A wormery and a special tent..
But as those are not the most practical wedding gifts vouchers from the below shops would be gratefully received (brown links go to the online shops where you can buy online):
IKEA - Gift Vouchers can only be bought in shop, not online MARKS AND SPENCER - anything for house, or garden OUTSIDE - for outdoor gear JOHN LEWIS - anything for house, or garden
