Another week passes - more goodbyes

Last Sunday Jackie and I went to Amsterdam by car and ferry for two nights to fetch the bulk of Owen's possessions from his flat. Just about able to squeeze them into the car and relieved Customs didn't ask "did you pack your luggage yourself?".

They were surprisingly good ferry crossings, less than 4 hours from Harwich to Hook of Holland, average about 45mph. There weren't many people on board which is always more comfortable. And its an easy drive from the Hook to Amsterdam. Must be quite a cheap way of doing it if there are 4 in the car. Certainly better than flying at the moment as many airports have been badly affected by fog. While in Amsterdam we went to the Van Goch and the expressionists exhibition.

Owen is moving back here to Ruislip, arriving today, to look for a new job following the expiry of his current contract. Its suits me perfectly to have someone living in the house while I'm away.

I've now booked a room by email, in a Guest House in Bangkok, Khao San Road back packing area, for when I arrive on 9 January, and its very very cheap. It's got a mention in Lonely Planet so hopefully it's tolerable.

On Thursday evening Jackie and I and the 3 local cousins, Mary, David and Libby, and partners, Jeff, Jessica and John, went to Dennis and Janet's for a part Christmas party and part bon voyage dinner. An excellent pigeon pie was my main course and some scrumptious deserts. Conversation about the trip was of the "you are brave" , variety and you must read "the Beach" which apparently starts with a murder in Bangkok hostel, which unnerves me even more.

Yesterday evening I went with Dennis and Ian to see an exciting game where Harlequins were closely beaten by Saracens. After being behind for most of the game Quins got into the lead with ten minutes to go. But a tactical error of kicking the ball to the opposition led to a Saracens try with 3 mins to go and defeat. I went on the motor bike and my feet were frozen on the way back. I've got two more matches to see before I leave but Dennis is going on holiday to Fowey so he won't be there for these.

I've now ordered a new mobile sim card to enable me to ring home more cheaply and even makes calls to me to some countries e.g. Australia a local rate call from UK and free to receive on my mobile there. Although it doesn't work at all in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile and Bolivia.

Getting ready for Christmas I've now bought the smallest turkey I've ever had for just me and Owen. Special vegetarian roast recipe planned for Jackie too. Matt, Clare, Tom and hopefully Catherine are coming around on boxing day so I've been planning the food for that too.
Better get ready now for a theatre trip this afternoon.

bbfn

Paul

Last day at work and Christmas party

Yesterday cut the umbilical cord of a secure job and ready made friends in the work place.

The normal leaving presentation occured late in the afternoon where my boss, Nigel, walks into my office followed by about 20 smiling work colleagues. Nigel duly gave words of thanks and handed over the card and gifts. I gave an short response with which I thought hit the right note and grabbed the gifts. To anyone who contributed to these -many thanks.

The evening Christmas Party was a good event to say goodbye to lots of friends I currently work with. Last night I felt quite sanguine about leaving but maybe I was affected by the occasion as the quantity of alcohol consumed didn't seem to have too much effect.

Most missed will be Maria who had been my assistant for the last 19 months and Una who had been a close work colleague for five years, albeit not so conspicuous in daily life since I moved to the Wandsworth office last May.

Not to drag out the leaving too long I decided to leave the party about 11.20pm . It took me over half an hour to retrieve my coat as the hotel staff didn't seem to know where they'd moved the cloakroom since my arrival. I eventually got to the tube station and Maria, who thought I'd left ages ago, turned up on the platform with partner, Jeff who was well oiled by his night out and very talkative. Then Ken, another work colleague, arrived which made for good half hour banter and laughter on the journey home and a good end to the evening. Eventually I got home after 1am bedraggled by heavy drizzle. Made myself a late night cheese and tomatoes on toast. a big mug of tea and went to bed.

This morning I'm feeling mournful for a life left behind, but not hungover, and equally excited about the future and glad I've got a busy few days ahead with Porgy and Bess, the musical, this afternoon and off to Holland tomorrow until Tuesday to collect Owen's possessions for his move back to Ruislip. Which reminds me why I logged on in the first place; to find the ferry details.

Getting ready to leave

Introduction
Welcome to my blog. I am now getting ready for my big trip which starts on 8 January 2007 when I fly to Bangkok on the first stage of my journey. This blog is how I intend to keep family and friends informed of my journey. Hopefully some of you will make comments so I know someone is watching my progress. My use of the site will depend on accessibility to internet cafes as I go around.I've bought an around the world ticket with the intention of travelling around Indo China, Australia/ New Zealand then South America.

I'm expecting the journey to take 6-7 months but we'll see how it goes. I'm not used to travelling alone so I'm a bit nervous but nevertheless looking forward to the experience. Most people I tell say how envious they are, except a few who say how brave I am. I don't like this latter comment as I'm not hoping to have to be remotely brave.I have no great pretensions of travel writing as an art form but I hope all who read this enjoy it.

I've been working with the same company for 19 years so its going to be a bit of a change not having the ususal routine and the security of a job. But if not now when?

Over the next 3-4 weeks I've got lots of things to do to get ready as well as find time to enjoy Christmas. I've bought a new pocket digital camera and a mobile phone (have to give the work one back before I leave).

Penultimate leaving work event
I finish my job on 15 December, the same day as the office Christmas party. My first leaving event was last Friday 8 Decemebr when i booked room in the Hope and Anchor in Hammersmith.
This is no designer pub. I can't imagine its changed much 30 years, but very appealing for that. This event was a get together especially for the friends who have left Servite in the last year or two and anyone who just wanted to come too.

I shared this event with Kristen, Angela and Jerry who are all leaving in the next week or so. It was great to see lots of people but a special mention for Frank, our last Chief Exec but one. And Liz , my first assistant in my last job who I haven't seen for a couple of years. As ever Liz was in party mood singing her heart out with Una when later in the the evening we moved into the karaoke in the adjacent bar.

This was a great laugh to sing along together with some pop classics. My Elvis impression was incomparable even if I say so myself - what do you mean you didn't realise it was Elvis?

Well impressed by especially Luke from finance who quickly grabbed the microphone, but sadly I've forgotten the song. Unfortunately I haven't yet figured how to down load the photos from my new mobile. As soon as I can I'll add one or two to the site.


Not for the first time I managed to fall asleep on the tube going home just before my stop and woke up one second too late so failed to get through the sliding door and then had to walk back from West ruislip at 1am. But I wasn't as late as some who went on to Smollensky's until 2am.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it such good night for me.