Travel Update 24 - Milton Keynes and Beyond

Hello boys and girls -

I thought it was about time that I write a little update for everyone whom may
still be interested in what is going on with our travels.

Firstly, let me thank the people whom have stayed in contact and have dropped a
line every once in a while. I've been quite surprised with the constant contact
I've had with some people - unexpected people, and the lack of contact I've had
with other people - unexpected people.

It has certainly been an interesting life experience - running off for a long
period with very little notice. While leaving was by no means a happy occasion,
this trip has certainly tort me a lot about life and my expectations of life. It
has also opened my eyes to a lot of things I did not see before - things, that I
think, will allow me to live life in a more meaningful and more efficient way….

This tip, in many ways, has allowed me to weed my garden so to speak. My mind,
my outlook, even my previous friends…. Some aspects of my old life have been
weeded out, while some neglected things have been freshly watered, and some
completely new and wonderful things have been planted. I'm curious of what the
next four months will bring - some roots will take, while other's will simply
die.  But enough of the silly metaphors!!!!

As most of you are aware, Tracy and I are currently living in the town of Milton
Keynes, 75km North of London. Tracy is working for the local hospital, while I'm
working for the University. We are living in a shared house with 4 other people
which we all get along with (though we don't really consider ourselves
'friends'). We've managed to save a little bit of money, which should be enough
to finance the rest of this trip…should

We take day trips to London regularly and have gotten to know the city quite
well. We've grown to quite like the place and will probably miss it once we
leave. That being said, nothing beat Perth back home Tomorrow we're off to
Oxford for the first time. Next week, we'll probably go to Cambridge followed by
other couple of visits to London.

So, where is the road taking us from here? I've spent a hell of a lot reading
books and studying old maps (in old Lonely Planet Guides) - While a part of me
would enjoy travelling without a plan, it is just not financially possible.
EVERYTHING is cheaper when it is booked in advance, and without those discounts,
Trace and I would not be able to afford to go to the places we're going to. It's
a pain in the ass in many ways, but as long as my calculations are right, we
should not be having many regrets.

Enough small talk then, lets get down to the action. Here is a 90% secured rough
plan for the next few months -

14.02.05 - 24.02.05 - With a hire-car, Tracy, Jemma (one of Tracy's friends) and
myself will take a driving tour of England, Scotland and Wales, ending up in
Edinburgh.

This is followed by the following -

24.02.05 - 28.02.05 - Edinburgh - 4 Nights
28.02.05 - Fly from Edinburgh to Paris (Transfer in London-Luton)
28.02.05 - 04.03.05 - Paris - 4 Nights
04.03.05 - Train from Paris to Ieper(Belgium) (2 Transfers)
04.03.05 - 05.03.05 - Staying with donniebrasco in Ieper to explore the Battlefields
of WW1 and WW2

.^%$^%^!" - This will take too long to type up, so I'll just list the places and
durations.

Britain - 10 nights
Edinburgh(Scotland) - 4 nights
Paris(France) - 4 nights
Ieper(Belgium) - 1 night
Brugge(Belgium) - 2 nights
Antwerp(Belgium) - 3 nights
Maastrich(Netherlands) - 2 nights
Amsterdam(Netherlands) - 3 nights
Prague(Czech Rep) - 5 nights
Jasna(Slovakia) - 4 nights
London(England) - 1 night
Toronto(Canada) - 4 nights
Kincardine(Canada) and surrounds - 7 nights
Niagara Falls(Canada) - 2 nights
New York(US) - 5 nights
Orlando/Disneyworld(US) - 4 nights
West Palm Beach(US) - 2 nights
Toronto(Canada) - 2 nights
San Francisco and surrounds(US) - 8 nights
Las Vagas - 3 nights

I'll get back home around the 2nd of May, while Tracy will get back around the
14th of May.

Statistics, just for fun -

Total Distance of Drive in Britain - 4600km
Total number of take-offs (and landings I hope) during whole trip - 26
Total number of bus  trips - 11
Total number of Train trips - 18
Total number of Nights - 75

Any questions?

All suggestions and comments are welcome and appreciated

Cheers

Peter

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Previous Journal Entries

_{The Stage is Set on Apr 16, 2004
Just a little notice on Apr 30, 2004
Travel Update 01 - Singapore/Switzerland on May 7, 2004
Travel Update 02 - Switzerland on May 11, 2004
Travel Update 03 - Switzerland on May 18, 2004
Travel Update 04 - Switzerland on Jun 2, 2004
Travel Update 05 - Switzerland/Germany on Jul 5, 2004
Travel Update 06 - Switzerland on Jul 6, 2004
Travel Update 07 - Switzerland on Jul 22, 2004
Travel Update 08 - Switzerland (Plus Plans) on Jul 31, 2004
Travel Update 09 - Belgium - Antwerp on Aug 6, 2004
Travel Update 10 - Den Haag/Amsterdam on Aug 7, 2004
Travel Update 11 - Amsterdam on Aug 9, 2004
Travel Update 12 - Haarlem on Aug 12, 2004
Travel Update 13 - Rotterdam on Aug 13, 2004
Travel Update 14 - Rotterdam on Aug 14, 2004
Travel Update 15 - Rotterdam on Aug 21, 2004
Travel Update 16 - Domburg on Aug 22, 2004
Travel Update 17 - Amsterdam on Aug 24, 2004
Travel Update 18 - Brugge on Aug 24, 2004
Travel Update 19 - Ypres on Aug 25, 2004
Travel Update 20 - Ghent on Aug 31, 2004
Travel Update 21 - Antwerp on Sep 16, 2004
Travel Update 22 - Luxembourg on Sep 24, 2004
Travel Update 23 - Up to Now on Nov 17, 2004}

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