The Last Leg
on Lynn Sellwood (The Gambia), 31/Jul/2010 15:07, 34 days ago
As you know, I was a little ambitious in arranging a series of holidays and events before I set off for The Gambia on (OMG) 12th August. The last three weeks have included a trip to Barbados with my sister and her husband, a four day VSO training course in Birmingham and a walking holiday in Northumberland.Wayne...... looking for me?So, the first exciting thing was to be part of the paparazzi waiting for Wayne Rooney and family to arrive in Barbados. Actually we were waiting for Martin but Wayne and baby came through first. This set me thinking about the sad life of the rich and famous. Remember he (and the team) had just failed to impress at the World Cup and he was consigned to a fabulous place in Barbados with his family but barely able to go out and enjoy himself. We spotted Colleen and him in a bar one night, sitting in the shadows with a couple of "minders" and we all commented on the fact that neither of them could be natural. Damned if he did and damned if he didn't!This is MartynWe had a great time, visiting beaches, friends, bars and restaurants and if you ever go (or go back) these are our recommendations. Bottom Bay beach is a must visit, cruising on theWasn't Me, swimming and snorkelling with turtles, Dazzlers on 3rd Street, Lower Carlton, a meal atTidesin Holetown and Sunday lunch at theAtlantis Hotel in Bathsheba. Although, I must say that Martyn's gin and tonic on the verandah at my houseVilla St Clairwas unforgettable too!This is the same sister, Christine, previously seen slumped in the lift at Caister!Sally and LinetteThen came the walking holiday in Northumberland. Eight hours from Orpington to Barnsley was just the beginning. It's a long way but the views were worth it. Linette, Sally and I were really hoping to enjoy every minute but little things kept going wrong, including my previously perfect boots giving me blisters! The highlights for me were the views, the coast and the trip to Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands to see the birds.St CuthbertOur puffinI am now on the last leg and the SKWID (Skills for Working in Development) course bought one aspect of my personality very clearly into focus. I am officially, in VSO parlance, a TFB (Task Focussed Bastard) and will apparently get very frustrated in Africa so that will make for amusing posts in the future! I am completely on task now with study and kitchen to pack up, new washing machine to buy and fit because mine just blew up after only two years (an Indesit if you are remotely interested), new renters to find because the other ones pulled out, bits and pieces to buy, car to sell, lists to make and tick off, laptop to master, podcasts to subscribe to, haircut, legwax (it might be the last one before I revert to the razor!!!) pedicure and facial also consigned to the list of last things I do before I go, and a farewell set of do's! Finally, I have£200 to go to reach my fundraising target, please support VSO via my Justgiving page, the link is at the very bottom of the blog.