Heather's Travel Blog

Hi! My name is Heather and I'm in South Africa for 5 months.

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Here's what I got up to today! (video made for my friend Nikita)

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First week of Varsity

I've finished my first week of varsity and I absolutely love it. I'm taking four classes, which are as follows:

Conflict and Conquest: South Africa to 1900 Introduction to Afrikaans Genocide: African Experiences  Refugee and Immigration Law

So far they're all really interesting, and it's great learning about Africa from an African perspective. There are a lot of great things about UCT, like the atmosphere and the beautiful buildings, but it's such a pain walking uphill to Upper Campus. The campus is built on a hill so the students have to walk up to class every day. Luckily you can take a bus, called the Jammie Shuttle, up to the top so you don't end up getting to class sweaty and tired every day. The view from the top is always worth it though.

As SSA (Semester Study Abroad) students we get to join 3 clubs/societies for free. I decided to sign up for SHAWCO, the Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society, and the Film Society. I haven't done anything with the Film Society yet, but I've been to a couple dancing lessons with my friends and it's super fun.

I start SHAWCO on Tuesday, when I'll go out into the township of Manenberg to participate in their STAR programme. From the sounds of it, it seems like the YMCA camp I worked at with maths and English lessons mixed in. I can't wait.

I also went to an international student mixer this week and met a girl who went to York University (my uni back home) last semester! She gave me tips about UCT and said she'll take me on one of the minibus taxis some time. It was so cool connecting with her and hopefully I'll get to see her again. 

In the mean time I've just been going to classes and hanging out with my friends, who I absolutely adore. I feel so lucky to be able to spend every day with people from all over the world. They're all incredible people and I feel so blessed to know them. One of my South African friends tells me stories about things I've studied back home, and it's surreal to think she was actually here when they happened. 

I'm incredibly happy here and not missing home just yet, even though I would love a cuddle from my dogs right about now. 

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 My first vlog from South Africa!

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Penguins at Boulders Beach, South Africa.

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Rugby and Penguins

I went to my first ever rugby game yesterday at the UCT rugby field for the UCT vs. Stellenbosch game. I don't really know anything about rugby other than it's a rough sport, but it was great fun. Everyone was chanting and singing, and every time UCT got points the crowd went wild. At one point one of the players came off the field and sat down in front of us with blood dripping down his face. Brutal. It ended up being a really good game because UCT was down 32-16 and we managed to come back to end the game 32-32. 

Today we took the train to Kalk Bay and had a little wander around. It was a cute little town with a few shops and people selling things on the street. We had ice cream and wandered through the town to the docks. There were some boats and people fishing and selling seafood. We were told there were dolphins in the water earlier but they had all gone by the time we got there. 

Then we got back on the train, which stopped at Fish Hoek and we had to take a bus to Simon's Town. Simon's Town is another cute town where the South African naval base is located. We walked through the town (coming across a woman who told us we all had the same noses) and ate lunch by the bay, then headed to Boulders Beach to see the African Penguins. This is one of the highlights of the trip so far because the penguins were so cute and I was amazed at how close you could go to them. These were wild penguins and you could literally be swimming in the bay and have one come swim beside you!

Then we went to the penguin walk where there were MORE PENGUINS!! I couldn't believe how many there were. The penguins made me so happy and I was just standing there and watching them. I definitely want to go back at some point because it was basically paradise. 

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It's Africa: Muizenberg Beach

Today I went to the beach at Muizenberg, which is about a 30-minute train ride away from Rondbosch, where I live. I went with my friends who had already been once a couple days ago, so they knew how the train worked. However this was my first time on the train so I was interested to know what it would be like. It was pretty much what I expected: not very nice but not particularly awful either. There are stickers all over the roof of the train car advertising abortion clinics which also provide 'womb cleaning' and some guy offering penis enlargements. It was basically like those spam emails you get but in the form of stickers on a train.

When we got to the beach we found out we couldn't go in the water because the white flag was up, meaning a shark had been spotted. Some people were going in anyway but we decided to wait a bit. After a while the flag was changed to black, which meant there was still a possibility of a shark in the water, but we went in anyway since there were so many people in the water already. People were surfing and jumping over the waves, with the mountains watching from not too far away. The great part is that Muizenberg is on the Pacific side of Cape Town so the water wasn't too cold.

We were told not to take the train after peak hours because it's unsafe so we headed back around 6pm. On the way back there was a man sitting behind us who started having a tantrum on the train. At first everyone just ignored him and giggled a bit, but then he threw his beer bottle and started pushing the woman he was with. I have no idea what they were saying because it was all in Afrikaans, but he obviously wasn't all there and he wasn't happy with whatever the woman said.

As soon as he threw the beer bottle my friends and I got up and collectively decided to move to the next carriage as soon as the train got to the next stop. When we got back home we decided we'd stay in for dinner for probably the first time since we'd been in the house. We waited about 25 minutes for the water to boil on the stove but ended up having the boil the water in the kettle. Every time something like that happens we all shrug and say "it's Africa".

Cockroach in the living room? *shrug* It's Africa.

No hot water? *shrug* It's Africa.

Taxi is an hour late? *shrug* It's Africa.

You start to get used to it.

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Orientation with my York U water bottle. Thanks yorkinternational! 

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Cape Peninsula, Drumming, and SHAWCO

It's been a few days since I've updated the blog but it really feels like a few weeks because of how much has happened. It's difficult to know where to begin. I'll start with Sunday when we went on a tour around the cape peninsula. 

We started bright and early on the UCT campus and headed to Camp's Bay; a really nice area where all the rich people live. We headed on around the mountains on small, windy roads before heading to a town called Ocean View. It started as a township for coloured people who were forced out of the 'white towns' during the apartheid era. The people there still face a lot of difficulties such as violence and poverty, but they all work together to make it a welcoming place. We went to a community youth centre where we were treated to food and a show by the young people from the centre. They were amazing! There was singing and dancing, one young man danced ballroom with his mother which was really sweet.

It ended with us all dancing together having a great time, then we headed off on the buses to Cape Point. Cape Point is the most south-western point in Africa and it's also where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. It was beautiful there, though very windy. On the way back we passed through Simon's Town where there are supposed to be penguins, but I didn't see any. 

On Monday we started orientation with presentations talking about how to enrol in courses and all that practical stuff. Then we took a tour around the campus, which was amazing because it was my first time seeing upper campus, of which I saw many pictures before arriving. We went into Jameson Hall and there were chairs set up with a small drum on every single one. A group of musicians gave us all an African drumming lesson which was really exciting, even though my hands hurt after. Then we sat on the Jamie steps and looked out onto Cape Town as we ate. Beautiful. 

On Tuesday I spent three hours lining up for pre-registration then went to a free wine and cheese tasting event, which ended up being a promotion for a travel company. I got five tickets for the raffle and I put them all in the same bag for a garden route trip. It was definitely worth going because I ENDED UP WINNING!!! It's a four-day trip worth almost $400, which is amazing. This is the trip I won: http://2waytravel.com/product/4-day-garden-route-jbay/. 

After the wine and cheese event we got a free trip up to Signal Hill, which is next to the Lion's Head, which is next to Table Mountain. The view from up there was incredible, so I can't even imagine what the view from Table Mountain must look like. We watched the sunset from above the clouds and it really felt like I was walking in heaven.

Yesterday we went on a site visit to some of the SHAWCO projects. SHAWCO is an NGO working out of UCT that I've been looking forward to working with for a while. We visited a school and the kids came running right up to us to give us hugs, just like when I went to Tanzania. They stole my hat and kept asking me to take pictures. I can't wait to start working with them.

In the afternoon we went to the V&A waterfront which is a really nice, built up tourist spot with shopping areas and restaurants. We weren't there for very long then we went to a steampunk themed bar which sold old vintage clothing. I definitely didn't feel cool enough to be in there.

Today was the freshers' braai where all the first year students, and all new students (like us internationals) get to hang out with food and music. A braai is basically like a giant barbecue. It was cool.

Having to sum up the past few days in one blog post is difficult but I've just been having way too much fun to update every day. Tomorrow is registration day where we get into our courses. I think it'll be a painful process but then I can relax knowing I'm in my classes. 

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Arriving and Getting Settled

I've just finished my third day here and I'm feeling a bit better than when I first arrived. When I got to the airport in Cape Town there were young people in green shirts waiting to welcome me. I found a group of a few other people who were on my flight and we were taken outside to a shuttle with SHAWCO written on it. We packed our bags onto it and headed to University of Cape Town (UCT). We stayed for a couple days in Kopano Residence, which was decent enough. 

I didn't do much for the first couple days because I didn't know anyone and people were bonding by going out at night and drinking - something that I don't do. They would come home at 2 or 3 in the morning and I'd hear them in the hall. It was also incredibly hot the first day I arrived, about 34ªC and very sunny. The second day wasn't as bad so I thought I'd walk into Rondebosch and get something to eat. I got McDonald's because I have this rule that you have to try McDonald's in every country you go to. The main road in Rondebosch is only about a 10 minute walk, but it's beautiful because you look up and see this:

Today I moved into the house I'll be living in for the next (almost) 5 months. It's actually very nice, and I managed to get the best room with an ensuite bathroom. There are 8 people in the house and three showers, one of which is attached to my room. One of the showers doesn't have a light which means at nighttime there is only one left, so I'll have to let people use my shower. We have to purchase electricity across at the Pick n Pay, which one of our housemates (who has been here for a semester already) bought for us this afternoon. However even by the time I took a shower this evening, the water was not hot. I might have to get used to taking cold showers. 

Tomorrow we're going on a cape peninsula tour, which means I get to see penguins!! I'll definitely have more to report tomorrow. Unfortunately the internet here is pay as you go which means I'll have to limit my watching of TV shows. Oh well.

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Family, Liverpool, and Goodbyes

My last few days in England have been the icing on top of a delicious cake. I took a train from London up to Nottingham to see my cousins, Matthew, Susannah, and Isabella, and my Auntie Jenny and Uncle Mark. I haven't seen them since the last time I was in England in the summer of 2007 so I was really excited to see them. It was great. We went out for dinner and I got fish and chips (which was huge) and a chocolate brownie which was delicious and I don't regret. 

We watched the Cambridge United v Manchester United game on TV, and Susannah actually knew one of the players on the Cambridge team. Every time he came on the screen she yelled, "GREG!" until eventually we were all yelling it. They managed to get a replay so now I'll have to watch it just for Greg. We spent the evening recalling memories of our childhood like going camping or when I went to football camp with Matt. It was really nice and I wish I got to see them all more often. I also wish I could have stayed longer than just one night. Somehow I managed to take 0 pictures of my cousins but I took 16 of their dogs. Oops.

The next day I took a train to Marple to meet my dad and we headed off to Anfield for Liverpool vs Bolton. The game ended 0-0, which is a shame because I was hoping to celebrate a Liverpool goal at Anfield. But there was a great atmosphere and I loved being there. Unfortunately Steven Gerrard wasn't playing but I got to see another of my favourite players from when I was a child - Emile Heskey. Unfortunately he was playing for Bolton!

After the game I went to my friend Liz's house in Manchester where I would stay for the next few nights. Liz is great fun and she has the most adorable dog called Frodo, who I absolutely fell in love with. While in Manchester I went to the Imperial War Museum, which is beside the Coronation Street set and MediaCity where the BBC records a lot of shows. Then we went to the Trafford Centre (which I vlogged for my friend Nikita and you can watch by clicking this). I remember the Trafford Centre being huge when I was little and now it's even bigger!! The main thing I remember is the foot court looking like the inside of a giant cruise ship, and thankfully that hasn't changed.

I also went into Manchester city centre and did some shopping with Liz's daughter Emma, but unfortunately I couldn't really buy anything since I don't have room in my case. Then the next morning I headed back down to London on the train for the Liverpool vs Chelsea game (which we lost unfortunately). We stayed the night in a nearby hotel, which had a poster on the wall signed by Ant & Dec as PJ & Duncan, so they must have stayed there back in their pop days.

Now I'm sitting in Heathrow airport in the same place I sat two weeks ago when I arrived. The past two weeks have been both quick and jam-packed. I'm already exhausted so no doubt flying to South Africa and all the excitement of the next couple weeks will absolutely wear me out. But I am both excited and nervous to start the next part of my trip and now the real adventure starts. Thank you to everyone who made my trip to England a wonderful time for me, I will never forget it. Off to Cape Town!

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London - Phillip Schofield, NTAs & Billy Elliot

I've always liked London but never absolutely loved it. I mainly went because I managed to get a couple tickets to things while I was in the UK. The first of those things was a new ITV show hosted by the lovely Phillip Schofield. It's called You're Back in the Room and the main premise involves people trying to do simple tasks under hypnosis.

There seemed to be an Ant & Dec theme to the show - almost as if they knew I was there. One guy had to do a painting of Ant & Dec, which was quite abstract to be honest. Then later in the show there was an I'm a Celebrity theme and one guy was hypnotized to think Phillip was Ant and he spent the whole time looking for Dec. At one point he thought Dec was down Ant's (Phillip's) pants... Bizarre. There were a few I'm A Celeb stars there too - Joe Swash, Vincent Simone, and Vicki Michelle. You'll have to watch the show when it comes out on primetime Saturday nights on ITV in England - you might just see me amongst all the pensioners in the audience.

The most exciting thing about that (other than seeing Phillip) was being in a studio that Ant & Dec have been in a bunch of times. The next day I got to sleep in a bit then I went out to Covent Garden. I remember loving it last time I went but it didn't seem as exciting this time. I walked around the campus of the London School of Economics because that's one of my dream schools, then I headed back to my room to get ready for the NTAs.

The NTAs were okay but probably would have been better if I had been with someone else. Ant & Dec won their usual awards so they weren't in their seats much, but when they were I watched them through my binoculars. It felt a bit creepy actually, but I got to see how they act when the cameras aren't on them. Turns out it's basically the same as when they are. I don't think I'd bother buying a ticket to the NTAs again - the O2 was barely full anyway.

The next day I went to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. On the way there I passed Big Ben which is always exciting for me because I've loved it since I was little. I remember seeing it for the first time and being absolutely amazed. Even though I'm 20 now I still get excited just looking at it, I don't know what it is about it but it just makes me feel good. I found the changing of the guards a bit boring until the guards started playing 'F*ck You' by Cee Lo Green, which I thought was a very odd choice for the circumstances. There were a lot of people with selfie sticks there. I did get some pictures of the guards but I find the picture full of selfie sticks way more amusing. 

After that I went to see Billy Elliot, which I have seen twice before but never in the West End. It was good, and I got to move up a bit since the theatre wasn't full, but there was a technical glitch in the middle of one of my favourite dance numbers so they had to close the curtain for a bit then start it back up again. Bummer. 

Later that night I went to the Electric Cinema and saw Wild. This was the best cinema I have ever been to. You sit in armchairs and get a footrest with a blanket if you want. And there is a bar and a pick 'n' mix station at the back too. I could have fallen asleep there I was so comfy. Luckily I didn't and I managed to watch the movie which was alright but not as good as Reese Witherspoon's performance in it which was fantastic.

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Edinburgh

Edinburgh was very overpowered by BGT and meeting Ant & Dec, but it was also a nice place. The only things I wasn't fond of were the steep hills I had to walk up and down to get to my hostel. I got there midday on Sunday and thought I'd go out for a bit. My mum told me I had to go to the camera obscura because she went when she was a little girl and was amazed by the whole thing. 

I spent tons of time in the camera obscura building because it was a whole museum of illusions and fun things to do. They had cameras placed on top of the building that could zoom in to people's faces walking on the streets of Edinburgh. I actually missed my camera obscura time because I was playing with them.. oops. Luckily they let me in at a later time.

The camera obscura itself was pretty cool and the kids loved it. It was like a panoramic view of Edinburgh with a quick tour of the city tied in. I didn't go into the castle because I didn't have time, but I walked up to it.

Then I was so tired I went to sleep early to make sure I was awake for BGT the next day. The whole BGT day feels like a dream now and I can't believe it happened. Meeting Ant & Dec was so weird because walking up to them, I felt like we were already good friends.

Looking back now, I wish I'd prepared something to say about how much I love their friendship, but I'm happy the conversation was natural and relaxed. People always say Ant & Dec really are as nice as they come across on TV, but meeting them and speaking with them makes you realize they genuinely are nice guys. And if it's possible, I love them even more now than I did before.

I saw their golden buzzer act at the airport the next day and almost asked for a selfie (y'know, just in case they win and become famous), but was too shy. I'm really excited for the show to go out, and now I'm going to include another picture of me with the boys because I feel it's necessary. 

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Britain's Got Talent

Today was probably the best day of my life and it's hard to know where to begin. I had a ticket to the Edinburgh auditions for Britain's Got Talent, and I knew I had to get there early. However, I got there too early because I was the only person there at about 8:30am. The contestants were starting to arrive and I ran into one in the Subway across the street. I didn't recognize him until he came on stage later, but he's auditioned a few times before.

Then I found a few other people that were a bit lost and joined them. Security asked us to line up because they weren't exactly sure where we were supposed to be. After 15 minutes or so, a guy came out and told us the "early birds" would get our tickets first then come inside to the holding room to be "back of shot" people.

Then after another 20-30 minutes, he came back out and handed us our tickets and they led us into the holding room where some of the acts were getting ready to be interviewed. We were just there to fill up the room but once all the contestants came in with their family and friends it became a bit warm and cramped. 

I sat with a lovely family with a young girl auditioning. I'm not sure how much I can give away so I won't say any more because I don't want her or myself to get in trouble! I signed a release form saying they could put me on television and also that I wouldn't take any pictures of the backstage area - so, sorry none of those. Some people around me got asked to be on camera for BGMT but I didn't get asked. I think my shirt may have had too many patterns on it for a close up shot, but you might see me in the back of some shots.

Then we got led to our seats and since we were coming from the holding room, we went through the whole backstage area. We passed Stephen Mulhern's dressing room as well as some BGMT filming areas and other things. Then went to our seats - RIGHT BEHIND THE JUDGES!! 

I was 4 rows behind them so I'll probably be in a few audience shots or when they show the judges. I saw Stephen for a brief second through a door, but he shut it quickly. Then Ant & Dec came out. This was the first time I'd ever seen them in the flesh and as soon as I saw Ant come through the side of the stage I felt so incredibly happy. They said hello, commented on what they were wearing (I filmed it all don't worry) and said the whole thing about us being the 'fifth judge'. Finally they introduced the four judges. At first they weren't ready so they had to do it again. Simon said hello to everyone and then the boys went back to their spot in the wings. 

The warm-up guy, Ian Royce, was asking the audience questions and he asked who had come from far away to see BGT. I raised my hand and said I came from Canada. I stood up and he asked me why I came all that way. I said something like "I got a ticket and came because I'm a huge fan of Ant & Dec," which made David Walliams and Simon Cowell both turn to look at me. David started making weird faces at me so I waved and he waved back. 

Then a couple acts later, David turned around and said to me, "Did you get to meet Ant & Dec outside?" to which I said "no" and shook my head with a sad face. He nodded a bit and everyone around me started going "HE'S GOING TO GET YOU TO MEET THEM". I figured he had something planned but it was waaay better than what I thought.

Another couple acts went by and David went to the wing to follow an act. He came back out with a microphone and said "Can the lady from Canada come backstage to meet Ant & Dec?" and everyone started cheering. I grabbed my camera and went as fast as I could to the stage. I walked across with David as he asked my name, then he said "Ant & Dec, this is Heather, she's come all the way from Canada to see you."

THEN THEY HUGGED ME. Not only did they hug me, but Ant gave me a kiss on the cheek!! Dec asked how long I was there for and I said a couple weeks. David took a couple pictures of us in the wing which was really surreal since that's "their spot". I mentioned I was going to be at the NTAs in a couple days and Dec said "Oh we're going to them!" and Ant replied, "what are you up for?". I couldn't think of a witty response in time though. David made a comment to Dec about how it's always fixed and they giggled. The BGT camera was on us the whole time and they even held a boom mic over my head!

Then I turned to Ant and said "You actually watched my video I made a couple weeks back.." Before I could even say which video Dec interrupted me saying "THAT WAS YOUR VIDEO?!" and they went on about how amazing it was. David didn't know what they were talking about so they were explaining to him. Ant said "it's better than anything any of these lot can do" and pointed to the BGT cameramen. Then he (jokingly) offered me a job on BGT and of course I said yes. Then I went to say bye and Ant gave me another hug/cheek kiss combination and Dec gave me a lovely hug.

As I walked back across the stage, Ian (the warmup guy) asked how it was in the microphone so I said "best day of my life". He went "aww best day of her life," looked at David and said, "look, you made that happen." Amidst everything I'd kind of forgotten about David until that point so right in the middle of the stage I turned to him and gave him the biggest hug and said thank you. Everyone in the audience "aww'd" and I went back to my seat.

AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, Ant & Dec pressed their golden buzzer later in the show!!!! With it being the first auditions and them not pressing it until the very last day the previous year, I didn't have much hope in that happening. BUT IT DID!!!! As soon as they came running on stage we all got up and I started jumping about like an idiot. I was probably in the back of the shot behind them so that's pretty exciting.

All in all, I could not have even dreamed up a better day. 

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Ant & Dec Pilgrimage

To understand this you may need to watch this clip of Ant & Dec on Alan Carr (from 10:13 to the end). However it does not work in some countries.

Ant & Dec's "first date" on Boxing Day in 1989 comprised of them meeting at Grey's Monument, going to Greggs on Blackett Street, and walking up to St. James' Park for the Newcastle game. 

So of course, being the obsessed fan that I am, going to Newcastle was on my list of things to do, and seeing these places were a must. 

I walked over to Grey's Monument, which stood tall in the middle of the city. I wasn't sure if this was it at first, but I figured it couldn't be anything else. There were people meeting up there and I thought about where the boys might have met up when they were, well, boys. 

I then headed over to Greggs, which was just a stone's throw away from the monument. There are multiple Greggs on every street in Newcastle so I just went ahead and assumed this was the one. It was the only one that seemed to fit their description. I ate a cheese and onion pasty - delicious.

I ended the evening at St. James' Park. It really is a wonderful stadium and I feel lucky to have had the chance to visit. I got a ticket to the game (Newcastle vs Southampton) and would be an honourary member of the Toon Army for the night. I was sitting in the front row and managed to get on TV in the background. I look very happy to be there... (I'm in the red scarf and green hat)

Other than Newcastle losing 2-1, I had a great time at the game, and a great day in Newcastle. I can see why Ant & Dec are so proud of their city, it really is lovely. There were a lot of young boys at the game who had gone together, and it made me think of Ant & Dec going to the games as young boys. It was one of the things they bonded over and without it they may never have become the best mates they are today.

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Anfield and Albert Dock

Today I went back to Anfield for the first time in a long time. If you didn't already know, I'm a massive Liverpool FC supporter and going on the Anfield stadium tour excited me very much. We got to walk inside the stadium starting at the Kop end then heading to to dressing rooms. The players' shirts were all hung up in the LFC dressing room, so of course I went up to hug Steven Gerrard's. The guide said all the shirts had been worn by the players at one point or another so I basically hugged the man himself - right?

We also got to go into the press room, and then through the tunnel and into the stadium. Of course I tapped the iconic "This is Anfield" sign on the way down. I saw where I used to sit in the Kop and tried to remember the games I watched. I only remember three things from Anfield:

1) The man who sat next to me and clapped so loud I couldn't hear all week.

2) Getting stuck in the bathroom stall once and trying to get out from underneath but getting stuck while a woman walked in, looked at me lying on the floor, and didn't help (probably the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me).

3) Standing up on my seat every time the ball came close to our end.

Then we headed off to Albert Dock for a brisk walk around. The Beatles museum is here but we didn't go in because I went last time I came. Not a huge Beatles fan anyway. I remember there used to be a giant map of England on the water and someone would do the weather on it and jump around. I managed to get my hands on some Ant & Dec paper masks which I see people tweeting pictures of all the time, so now I get to be one of them. Speaking of Ant & Dec - I'm headed to Newcastle in the morning for what my Granny called my "Ant & Dec pilgrimage". More on that tomorrow.

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Chester, Gary Barlow, and Windy Roads

Went into Chester today of which I vaguely remember something similar from my youth but I'm almost certain I'm thinking of a different place. It's an old Roman town with tudor-style buildings filled with modern-day shops. It's really very sweet and it was a good day to go. I laughed when my dad said it was cold because it's nothing compared to Canada - not that it is exactly warm here.

We walked along the wall the Romans built to surround the city then got McDonald's and headed off to Frodsham. Frodsham is the town my dad grew up in - and also Gary Barlow and Daniel Craig!

We found our way to the top of Frodsham Hill where you can look over the Merseyside and see Liverpool in the distance and Wales to the left. It was really windy up the hill and the roads on the way there were also windy (different pronunciation there mind). I'm not used to the small, windy roads so they always make me feel a bit sick.

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Feeling at Home

I missed my flight from London to Manchester because we set off late from Pearson, but got on the next plane and made it here in the end. I'm staying at my Granny's house until Saturday when I'm heading up to Newcastle. 

I took some time to relax at Granny's then we went out for a bit of lunch. I felt at home right away when I looked at the menu and saw "bangers and mash", "fish finger sandwiches", and "prawns in cocktail" as well as multiple different savoury pies.

I decided to just get a burger and it arrived with chips. Now, these weren't skinny little French fries - they were PROPER CHIPS. I missed having proper chips with my meals. They also had a kids menu that was Beano themed - a comic my brother used to get when he was younger. 

Having not slept for over 24 hours I got back and slept for an hour. I wouldn't let myself sleep for any longer because otherwise I would have slept all night and messed up my sleeping schedule even more. Granny made the best mac 'n' cheese ever and then I went to bed and slept so wonderfully. Now I'm sitting in her living room watching This Morning for the first time ever on an actual television. It feels good to be back.