Tickets, Money, Passport?

In a rare and surprise move the boss allowed us an afternoon out to Chessington World of Adventures last Friday. The underlying reason was Roly Mo's "first ever public appearance" on which some in the team have been involved in. Not me of course. My underlying reason for going was to eat fast food, go on scary rides and have a nice cup of tea to finish.
Mission accomplished.

The preceding Monday, thanks in part to glorious sunny weather and the arrival of a friend and her 3 year old to stay, was a trip to Southend-on-Sea. How marvellous it was. I'd never been before but we ensured we found ourselves a sunny spot by the paddling pool (the tide being quite a way out) and plonked the child in it whilst we ate fish and chips and I played chasey with the incoming tide. Oh what larks. Naturally a trip on the tram down the pier was in order, as was my obligatory cup of tea. Sadly the doughnuts were not to be found. We spent quite a few coppers on the slot machines and won (but obviously blew it all again straight away). A few sticks of rock later, a runaway child and we were on our way back to sunny London.

Last weekend was Cambridge's turn for a whirlwind visit. It has been years, absolutely years since I have been. I have vague memories of being excessively drunk upstairs in a local pub but other than that Cambridge hasn't featured too strongly on my bucolic ramblings for years. What a lovely place it is too. Spent an utterly delightful day meandering around the shops, sitting by the river, drinking beer, meandering some more, drinking more beer and watching people punting for hours. Dinner, drinks and the last train back to Royston followed.

As the weather was perfect for each of these outings I managed to get a little sunburnt everytime, so much so that my arms are now many shades darker (and frecklier) than the rest of me. It's going to look mighty peculiar the next time I pop a swimming costume on.

That'll teach me not to slip, slop, slap.