Since the last post we have been to Budapest in Hungary, which was quite an experience!! We were given loads of instructions about personal safety, yet one of our tents was slashed whilst we were in Budapest generally having a great time! Despite the risks of being in Eastern Europe (in the cities) it has been a truly wonderful time.
From Hungary we travelled to Romania. Our first night spent in a luxurious (tongue in cheek) hotel in Cluj. From there through the rural outback of Romania spending three hours in the picturesque city of Sighisoara. A great time was had including the strange experience of ordering a pizza in a restaurant, only to see the owner get on the phone and call the local pizza delivery firm (it was fun to see). The pizza took an age to come! Vlad the Impaler lived here and there are loads of accounts about Count Dracula!!
We then moved on to Brasov where we stayed last night in another hotel. A superb city with loads of culture for such a small place. A great meal last night at a place recommended by the Lonely Planet Guide, we actually met the English guy who made the recommendation to the LPG! He was sitting at the next table with some tourists. He was also wearing a T-shirt stating "Australia is a very long way". Today we go on to Bucharest and camping.
Romania has been great though! The rural country especially. Let's hope the country will benefit from membership of the EU but not loose its rustic charm. There are still loads of old Communist Factories.
It has not been easy to find time to blog so I will do my best keep this up to date as we move along.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Off and running
The first part of this great journey started on Sunday by me being late for the bus. I should have been there for 7am, but at 7:15 I was the last to arrive. Left London at 7:30 for Bruges and had a great first night at a hostel. Monday included an evening bike ride round the city.
Tuesday morning was an early start for Heidelberg. And the first camping!! We had one night there and the city was truly amazing.
Then to the Czech Republic and Prague and for two nights, but the weather was poor for camping. It’s a great city with huge history and a wonderful place to get lost in the architecture.
Yesterday we travelled to Vienna and camping for another two nights. Explored the city today, more amazing sights and churches galore! Tonight we’re off to a beer garden for a meal.
We have now been through Western Europe, tomorrow to Hungary and Eastern Europe.
I have been allocated work on the cooking team, not poisoned anyone yet.
The group dynamics are really interesting as we are a very mixed bunch - Australians, Spanish, Irish, French, British and two from Hong Kong. So far we have all been trying to find our places.
Tuesday morning was an early start for Heidelberg. And the first camping!! We had one night there and the city was truly amazing.
Then to the Czech Republic and Prague and for two nights, but the weather was poor for camping. It’s a great city with huge history and a wonderful place to get lost in the architecture.
Yesterday we travelled to Vienna and camping for another two nights. Explored the city today, more amazing sights and churches galore! Tonight we’re off to a beer garden for a meal.
We have now been through Western Europe, tomorrow to Hungary and Eastern Europe.
I have been allocated work on the cooking team, not poisoned anyone yet.
The group dynamics are really interesting as we are a very mixed bunch - Australians, Spanish, Irish, French, British and two from Hong Kong. So far we have all been trying to find our places.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Thanks and goodbye!
At last the day has come! I have packed the bags and gone through them several times taking things out to reduce the weight (I still think I am taking too much). I leave for London today on the 3.57 train from York and stay tonight with Andy And Amalia Butler at their flat in London. I married Andy and Amalia two years ago and this will be my first vist to see them in their London home. I am so grateful to them for looking after me.
I am also grateful to the many people who have sent cards and presents over the past few weeks and days. And even several emails received this morning wishing me well! In addition I have been given the names, addresses and phone numbers of quite a few people to visit on the way.
Yesterday I received a call from my mother in law who was very "up beat" about my trip. She then told Jan that she thinks I will, "be glad to get home, after visiting all those awful places!" She does make me laugh and is a very lovely lady.
A phone call this morning from my sister-in-law to wish me well. It was good to hear from her and I'll ring my mum this afternoon before I leave.
Last night it was a farewell pint at the local with my good friend Roy. Thanks to Roy for his great friendship!
Yesterday, Jan and I had our final meal out together at Lunchtime. Yesterday also had two other lovely surprises. Katie came round for tea and Sarah came home from Uni just to say goodbye! I am so fortunate!
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Bring home only memories, leave only footprints
At last I have a tent I can use and my passport has been returned from the Visa company. Unfortunately the Pakistani Visa has not been granted. I have been assured however, that everyone on this trip is the same position and that we will need to apply for visas at the point of entry to Pakistan. That part of the journey could be interesting! I'll let you know what happens when I get there!
There are a few jobs to do before saying goodbye. I have just altered the message on the answer phone so that callers will know who to contact over the next few months. (The message definitely states that any recordings wont be responded to, but I bet some people will leave messages anyway). I have also cleared my emails to that all the mail-boxes are as empty as possible. Tomorrow it will be last minute shopping for odds and ends like wet wipes and calamine lotion.
Tonight I will have to try to pack my bags. Then another day nearer the journey!
One lovely person told me that I should seek to "Bring home only memories, leave only footprints." Not bad advice I think!
There are a few jobs to do before saying goodbye. I have just altered the message on the answer phone so that callers will know who to contact over the next few months. (The message definitely states that any recordings wont be responded to, but I bet some people will leave messages anyway). I have also cleared my emails to that all the mail-boxes are as empty as possible. Tomorrow it will be last minute shopping for odds and ends like wet wipes and calamine lotion.
Tonight I will have to try to pack my bags. Then another day nearer the journey!
One lovely person told me that I should seek to "Bring home only memories, leave only footprints." Not bad advice I think!
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Bits and Pieces and Reflections
Last weeks terrible news about a devastating disaster in Myanmar with millions being killed has been added to this week with the news of thousands more killed in China by an earthquake. These are terrible tragedies that are very difficult to explain. They are certainly a challenge to anyone with a religious faith.
When such tragedies happen, we often hear of people who survive and are so thankful saying that "God was with them". They were certainly very fortunate and God was with them but my faith tells me that if God was anywhere He was also most certainly with those who suffered and died. For me, this is the whole point of the incarnation. Christians believe in a God who reaches out and walks alongside us in the realities of life. Well, that's enough of the sermon! I do hope that the relief agencies will be able to get on with their work and that many people will be able to support the work they do.
Such tragedies put my own problems into perspective. Last week I discovered that my tent wasn't big enough, so I purchased a replacement over the internet. In order to ensure the tent would be with me by last weekend I phoned the supplier. They promised me that it would be, provided someone stayed in on Friday to sign for it. Friday came and Jan stayed home all day. At four o'clock I phoned the supplier as the tent still hadn't been delivered. I was told, "Sorry, we've run out of that model tent and would like to offer you a different one".
The different one was too heavy, so I had to start again. Back to ebay and another tent ordered by a different supplier. They promised that it would be with me by today (Tuesday). They were true to their word, but when trying to erect the tent I discovered that it was incomplete and lacks a pin in one of its corners! They promised to get a new pin to me for tomorrow!! (I keep praying). (Here's me worrying about a tent when so many are just worrying about life itself).
In addition to this, I have had problems obtaining a Pakistani Visa. First of all the Pakistan Embassy required a different form to be completed. They now require evidence that I can financially support myself when in the country. The Visa company is going spare, as am I. We are due to leave this coming Sunday! I suppose it wont matter if I can't get into Pakistan. Other things in life are far more important.
When such tragedies happen, we often hear of people who survive and are so thankful saying that "God was with them". They were certainly very fortunate and God was with them but my faith tells me that if God was anywhere He was also most certainly with those who suffered and died. For me, this is the whole point of the incarnation. Christians believe in a God who reaches out and walks alongside us in the realities of life. Well, that's enough of the sermon! I do hope that the relief agencies will be able to get on with their work and that many people will be able to support the work they do.
Such tragedies put my own problems into perspective. Last week I discovered that my tent wasn't big enough, so I purchased a replacement over the internet. In order to ensure the tent would be with me by last weekend I phoned the supplier. They promised me that it would be, provided someone stayed in on Friday to sign for it. Friday came and Jan stayed home all day. At four o'clock I phoned the supplier as the tent still hadn't been delivered. I was told, "Sorry, we've run out of that model tent and would like to offer you a different one".
The different one was too heavy, so I had to start again. Back to ebay and another tent ordered by a different supplier. They promised that it would be with me by today (Tuesday). They were true to their word, but when trying to erect the tent I discovered that it was incomplete and lacks a pin in one of its corners! They promised to get a new pin to me for tomorrow!! (I keep praying). (Here's me worrying about a tent when so many are just worrying about life itself).
In addition to this, I have had problems obtaining a Pakistani Visa. First of all the Pakistan Embassy required a different form to be completed. They now require evidence that I can financially support myself when in the country. The Visa company is going spare, as am I. We are due to leave this coming Sunday! I suppose it wont matter if I can't get into Pakistan. Other things in life are far more important.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Strensall Vicar World Tour
Following this week's press publicity, people have been asking all sorts of questions about my trip and also commenting about how they would feel riding on a bus from England to Australia. Some said they would love it whilst others were more guarded. (They would hate it!)
The funniest thing to happen this week was the bill board outside the local Tesco Store. It read "Strensall Vicar World Tour". I could have died when I saw it! It made me sound like Brian Adams or Take That!
On the down side my tent is too small!! Either that or I am too big! I bought my tent in January (in the sales), but only managed to erect it yesterday. I could hardly get myself into it, yet alone my back pack and sleeping equipment as well! I purposely bought a two person tent as I though it would be enough room for one. (I was also concerned about the weight). This week is going to be interesting then, as I need to get a tent sorted out pretty quickly. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. As I have now got the knack of publishing photographs with my blog I also include a picture of Katie and Sarah with this one!
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Another week gone!
After reading a blog comment left by a friend I thought I would take her advice and use my blog as a record of all the things I need to take with me on my trip.
I haven’t managed to get round to that yet as this week has been so busy. Most of the time I have been attempting to get my work commitments sorted out, and that has involved endless meetings.
I was so busy yesterday that I even managed to miss an investigator (Oops! Reporter), for the York Evening Press. He was trying to contact me for an article about the trip.
Apparently they have published something in the local newspaper today but I haven’t managed to see the article yet. (Just a minute….Jan has entered the room with the newspaper…….!)
Not too bad but apparently I am going away for a sabbatical year. (It’s 3 months). And the photograph is terrible. (It must be at least 3 years old. I haven’t had a moustache for 2 years). Where did they dig that up from? I am sure they deliberately look for the worse they can find. (Vein creature that I am).
Actually its not too bad an article, but I always hold my breath when the press are reporting as they inevitably leave something positive out that you would like them to say or get an important bit wrong.
However, there are a few other things I need to mention today.
Firstly, the kindness shown by many people since I mentioned my trip in the Parish Magazine. Many words of encouragement have come my way, and also a few gifts to wish me well before I leave. I have been really moved by all the positive feed back. (Last night the children at “Fridge” gave me a special notebook so I can keep an accurate record of my journey. They had all signed a bookmark and got it laminated too).
Secondly, I am so grateful for all those in the church who are pulling together and doing more to ensure that things continue to run smoothly when I am away. I am so grateful to have such a dedicated group of people to work with here in Strensall. Thank you all very much.
I haven’t managed to get round to that yet as this week has been so busy. Most of the time I have been attempting to get my work commitments sorted out, and that has involved endless meetings.
I was so busy yesterday that I even managed to miss an investigator (Oops! Reporter), for the York Evening Press. He was trying to contact me for an article about the trip.
Apparently they have published something in the local newspaper today but I haven’t managed to see the article yet. (Just a minute….Jan has entered the room with the newspaper…….!)
Not too bad but apparently I am going away for a sabbatical year. (It’s 3 months). And the photograph is terrible. (It must be at least 3 years old. I haven’t had a moustache for 2 years). Where did they dig that up from? I am sure they deliberately look for the worse they can find. (Vein creature that I am).
Actually its not too bad an article, but I always hold my breath when the press are reporting as they inevitably leave something positive out that you would like them to say or get an important bit wrong.
However, there are a few other things I need to mention today.
Firstly, the kindness shown by many people since I mentioned my trip in the Parish Magazine. Many words of encouragement have come my way, and also a few gifts to wish me well before I leave. I have been really moved by all the positive feed back. (Last night the children at “Fridge” gave me a special notebook so I can keep an accurate record of my journey. They had all signed a bookmark and got it laminated too).
Secondly, I am so grateful for all those in the church who are pulling together and doing more to ensure that things continue to run smoothly when I am away. I am so grateful to have such a dedicated group of people to work with here in Strensall. Thank you all very much.
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