A Delightful Vacation Adventure
Hitting the Pause Button
Well, well, well! Two weeks away from work, and let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of fantastic. It was a much-needed breather, a timeout from the daily grind, a pause button pressed, if you will. Now, as I sit here contemplating my return, I can’t help but wonder if I’m truly ready to dive back into the workweek madness.
Week One: Lakes and Coal Mines
In Search of Adventure and Relaxation
In week one, Day one the destination was the picturesque English Lake District. Joshua, the trusty companion on this escapade, joined us since Lewis was busy toiling away at his job. Our days were filled with wonder and exploration, wandering around Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead, and Ambleside. Each nook and cranny of the Lakes offered a taste of nature’s finest.
The very next day, Michele, Lewis, and I decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Cheshire Oaks retail park, while Joshua hung out with his buddies. We couldn’t resist the urge to venture into Wigan, where Lewis eagerly collected his long-awaited GCSE results and signed up for college. As our first week of freedom concluded, we embarked on a journey to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield, with Joshua again in tow, as Lewis was tied up with work.
Ah, it was a tough call, you see. Week one had its share of wonders. The Lakes, with their ethereal beauty and sun-kissed landscapes, were a true delight. But the dark, mysterious depths of a coal mine beckoned, and we answered that call. Our descent to the coal face, an astounding 141 meters underground, cost us a mere £2 each. It was a captivating experience that had us beneath the Earth’s surface for a thrilling 1.5 hours.
Birthday Celebrations and Football Frustrations
Home Sweet Home
After a whirlwind week of exploration, we returned home for a special celebration: Michele’s birthday. This marked the first time in a staggering 11 years that we’d been in the UK to celebrate her birthday. On this day, Lewis and I momentarily disappeared from the birthday festivities as we dashed off to Old Trafford, where the football season was just kicking off. Typically, I’d be absent from the first home game due to our travels, but not this time. Or so I thought.
As fate would have it, we arrived late for the game. Why, you ask? Well, I was playing the role of Good Samaritan, assisting a black cab driver who’d had a bit of a mishap (crashed his cab) on Trafford Wharf Road. And wouldn’t you know it, I missed the moment of glory when RVP scored. Oh, the agony! 🙁
But the party was far from over. Our dear friend Helen came over to join the birthday celebrations, and together we indulged in a feast of curry and beer. The perfect way to cap off a birthday filled with surprises.
Week Two: London Calling
London’s Attractions and Good Company
Now, week two took us on another thrilling adventure, this time to the heart of England’s bustling capital city: London. Michele, Joshua, and I enjoyed four jam-packed days exploring the wonders of this cosmopolitan hub.
We started our London escapade with a visit to the renowned Natural History Museum, where we marveled at the treasures of our planet’s past. Then, we made our way to Madame Tussauds for an afternoon of mingling with wax celebrities, some more realistic than others.
Thursday was a day of rendezvous. We met up with Michele’s friend Helen (not to be confused with our curry and beer companion) and her husband Brian. The agenda for the day was simple: shopping galore on the iconic Oxford Street, followed by a couple of pints in the cozy confines of the Glassblower on Glasshouse Street.
The last day of our London trip was marked by a leisurely stroll through Westminster, with Trafalgar Square as the first pitstop. We savored the electrifying atmosphere of the London Paralympics on the big screen. From there, it was a picturesque walk along the South Bank, taking in the sights, and culminating at the architectural marvel that is Tower Bridge. As evening approached, we gathered our belongings at the hotel and made our way to Euston Station for the 19:30 train back to Wigan.
Back to Reality
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
Now back home, we’ve had a quiet weekend. It was all about reconnecting with the family. Drew paid us a visit on Saturday, and we made our rounds to see Sam and Matt, my brother Rob and his family, and finally, my Mum and Dad. The icing on the cake was watching the beloved United on Sky TV.
As the weekend winds down, there’s another bit of excitement in the air. Sam is currently in the hospital, and she’s about to give birth, although she’s a couple of days past her due date. Keep your ears perked; I’ll be sure to update you when the little one arrives.
The clock is ticking, and it won’t be long before we find ourselves escaping work once more. Our next destination? Jamaica, in celebration of my 50th. The anticipation is building, and the adventure continues.
