Spain

Second trip to Europe in a month, this time for my Mothers Birthday at the House in Almeria. The flight was arranged for 1pm giving us plenty of time to get to the airport. Ha!

I have an interesting time with public transport. I've always strongly believed in it and believed it was a good thing. Unfortunately something tends to happen on it. Disasters mainly. I have had delays unimaginable, been one of hundreds put off trains in the middle of nowhere in the snow, misdirected to a tiny station with only a 2 hour train service, trapped aboard a train with all it's platform facing doors locked shut and on one memorable occasion had a train engine explode next to me. I would not say that I was cursed but more a case of the universe providing me interest in my life.

Which is nice.

We checked the internet and everything was running smoothly, no problem. The chap selling the tickets said nothing. It was after we got our refreshments and headed for the platform and found that the Stansted Express was a coach. And that they didn't allow refreshments.
Then my significant other dropped his coffee down himself.
He then reminded me of the coffee and fact that we were on a coach for most of the rest of the journey.
The rest of the time he felt sick.
Needless to say, the journey was not a joy.

We got to Stansted with half an hour to check-in so no problems and even enough time for a sandwich and coffee before we went to wait at the gate. Got to the light rail which serves the gates at 12:35 which was ample given that we were flying at 13:00. Except there weren't any trains due to a 'technical fault'. For 30 minutes. We got to the Gate with four other travellers, found it closed but after some discussion with a member of staff we were ushered through and then had to navigate a bewildering array of corridors before finding ourselves haring across the tarmac. Fortunately we got on the plane (though it was taxiing as we got our seats) otherwise my mothers birthday might have been a much quieter affair. The Journey passed reasonably quickly and after a slightly bumpy landing we reached the family.

A lovely time was had over in Spain. I do enjoy it! The climate is very pleasant, the people charming and the food and drink delicious and inexpensive. A lovely birthday was had by my mother as we treated her to a deluxe facial, manicure and pedicure.

The journey home had echoes of the journey out with a 3 hour delay on the flight and again a coach home but otherwise no major disasters.

I shall remember the mood of the significant other and won’t invite him along next time!

Who's a tardy, tardy Goddess!

Well, it's been over a month since my last deposit here. On the other hand it's been very busy what with trips to Paris, trips to Spain and various things including singing classes, scaly dishwashers, sinusitis and a somewhat down atmosphere which I'm currently clawing my way out of. It seems that not only is my partner, Diva Stropp and our flatmate and friend 'The Lady' suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (which you can read more about at the UK Seasonal Affective Disorder Association http://www.sada.org.uk/) but I am too. I got Ms Stropp a high intensity light (LED based so reasonable small and portable) but both The Lady and myself have received benefit when we have used it.

I have to say the longer days and (in some cases) improved weather has helped lift my mood. I think I became quite depressed over the broken finger etc so it's rather nice to feel the cloud lift and see some shards of sunlight. I'm also intending to have a much more active year and try to a) Learn to drive; b) learn Spanish; c) learn at least one new skill I haven't done before and d) shake life until it's teeth rattle.

At least that's the idea.

Over the next day I'll put up the blogs I have typed up on my blackberry killer but not got to put online yet.

Toodles!