The homecoming ...

Hello to you all from Whitstable!  Life ain't so bad back in the UK when you've got this on your doorstep:

West Beach from the woodland walk through Prospect Fields

A timeless viewing point: The Street in Tankerton, Whitstable

It has been a whirlwind few weeks since we returned from our wanderings and, already, we are back into the groove in the UK.  We're both working: Mick has had a couple of surveys and does a bit of driving work while the surveys pick up again.  I've found myself a short-term, full time contract at Bupa HQ in London which is great - except for the 5.30am alarm call - brutal to my Mediterranean-ised body clock!

But for those of you that know me a full time job would never be enough, so I've enrolled on a preparation course for some professional Spanish diplomas - the first of which is in July - gulp!  I'd like to work with Spanish in the future and these diplomas give employers throughout the Hispanic speaking world a real indicator of language competency so its worth putting myself through the hoops - one more time!  Sometimes I feel like the eternal student - but, then, I guess we are all students of life ...

I've also started a couple of writing classes - why stop at one?  And I wonder why I'm completely pooped come Friday!  I'm developing an idea for a children's book which may become a mini series as well as learning how to write features - all with a view to a future career in writing.  I've always loved words so I figured, why not? 

And in case you're wondering where I find the time to ponder all these ideas, I use the daily commute to do my studying and writing.  It helps that I'm travelling in style on the obtusely named 'High Speed' line - which is only high speed for the last 20 minutes of the journey - for which a premium is charged of course!  Welcome back to Rip off Britain Fliss!  But, it is a more civilised, spacious and comfortable experience when compared to the regular commuter service.   How I miss the Spanish infrastructure and reasonable fares!

Mick and I also took Mum to Claridges for Afternoon Tea - that quintessential British pastime which this stunning hotel performs with aplomb.  You may recall Mum was our PA while we travelled and she did us proud so it was the least we could do.  She loved every minute of it and who wouldn't?!





The very elegant sandwich selection ...

And the main event: heavenly scones, cakes and pastries

We also managed to squeeze in a cocktail in at The Renaissance Hotel, St Pancras Intl - very plush!

My very glamorous Mum!

Cocktails at The Booking Office Bar, The Renaissance

We've also managed to catch up with my brother and his family.  It was great to see them in Whitstable recently.  And well done to Sam for all his hard work studying for and sitting his AS levels - !buena suerte!  We've yet to catch up with our other nephew, Buddy, who's away at Cambridge Uni but you know how it is with students - suffice to say we shan't hold our breath!

So we're glad to report that all is well - except there was one thing missing: our lovely yacht "Reward".  I couldn't get time out so soon into a new job to crew Skipper back from Dunkirk but childhood friend and fellow seadog, Brendan - who crewed Mick and his parents across the Atlantic - saved the day.  Its worth sharing with you that Brendan's strategy on that Atlantic crossing was to suck-up to the Admiral (Mick's Dad).  To whatever Admiral barked, Brendan responded, 'yes John'!   Naturally, the Admiral was always singing Brendan's praises but what he failed to realise was the fatal error of beating - more than once - Trixie (Mick's Mum) at card games!

Back to the present day and things were going well until Brendan realised there was no kettle aboard.  For those of you that know him, he takes his tea intravenously and, to avoid mutiny, Mick had to source a kettle - quickly!  They spent a couple of days in Dunkirk remasting, launching and preparing her for the short hop to Calais as the weather was not in favour of a direct crossing to home waters.  After another couple of nights waiting for the weather to improve, good conditions prevailed on Friday for the crossing to Dover, followed by the short hop to Ramsgate the next day which is where she rests - and where we started - in all her splendour.  Skipper does keep her shipshape!  But, as lovely as she is, we've decided to sell her as we've done what we set out to do with her.  But Skipper has his eye on another boat so seafaring is still on the agenda.

Mick & Brendan in the overcast, home port of Ramsgate

Whilst in Calais Mick and Brendan met Ray, a young guy on "Isabella" who is setting out on the same trip as we did last year - single handed - carrying his mast.  His destination is Greece so a big "hello" to you Ray and have a great time.  We wish we were doing it again but our time will come again in the near future.  You'll meet some great people and have an unforgettable experience.  Stay in touch if you can.

And, sadly, I guess that pretty much draws a line under our tale.  And what a year it's been: not too many people get the opportunity to do what we've done: 6 months cruising France on our yacht and 6 months travelling Spain.  We know we are very fortunate but we had to make a few sacrifices along the way - you need to engineer yourself into a position where you can take time out.  We saw some amazing sights, met some great people - many of whom we're still in touch with - ate some great food and drank even better wine! 

And I guess that's the end of The Owl & Pussycat Diaries.  But fear not - there will be other journeys and developments to update you about but probably in a different blog - we'll see.  So, thanks for everyone that's followed us.  Do feel free to send any comments via the blog - we'd love to hear from you on what you thought.

So, until the next blog, over & out shipmates!