The Flying Adventures of DOUG

We booked our tickets to Calais the other day, and yesterday they arrived! So it's all on, I guess.

Our plan is to travel South through France along the Western side of the country, through Brittany and Normandie, etc., destination: Spain! I'm going to SPAIN! Sounds alright, eh?

I went to see Spiderman 2 last night with Harley and a girl from the choir called Philippa. They're both hanging around in London until this weekend, so it was really good to catch up with them before I left. It meant navigating my own way around the London train and Underground system, and now I like London a lot more, because I have realised how easy it is to get around. The only problem is the cost. Yesterday it cost me £10 to get in and out of London, plus £5 for the movie, and £11 for dinner at an Indian restaurant (which was SUPER DELICIOUS by the way). That's around $75 dollars!!! For one day! Now I really need to cut back. It was worth it to catch up with NZ friends who I now won't see until...well, possibly never for Philippa, and at least 6 months with Harley.

I've discovered that some of the better places to buy electronics over here are shops run by Indian men, because they are willing to barter. I managed to get a camera for up to £80 cheaper than I had seen it elsewhere.

By the way, everyone should pester Paul, because he's got a wee secret that he won't tell me. So, anyone who knows how to get to Paul (I never figured out his weak points, and he's basically immune to tickling), get to it! And then get back to me with the "beans". As in, the beans-that-have-been-spilt. As in, to "Spill the beans"? Um, sweet.

Oh, please pray that my Dad and I find seasonal work in France, so that we can actually live for the rest of the year without resorting to "one split pea in a ten pound tub." Ask Richard about that quote; I've been listening to a particular recording that my uncle has, that Richard may wish was never published and sold in CD stores around NZ.

My Dad talked to an old lady at the laundromat today (a lot of people don't have their own washing/drying facilities here) who has been to NZ to visit her brother. She loved it, and talked about NZ with wet eyes. I'm beginning to understand that sort of feeling now. But I love travelling too. I can't wait to get on, now. Our plan is, after Spain to return to France to work on an orchard or vineyard for a couple of months, then to head to Greece for the Winter. Running out of time!

L8uz!!!