Saturday, December 04, 2004

Goodbye to blighty... back soon

After a very hectic 6 hour shift (with no break) at St Francis School yesterday, I did some packing and last minute arrangements, bought 128MB card for my toy video Mustek camera, then collapsed in bed at about 8.30pm. Woke this morning to do final packing and check through what I need. I'm sure to have taken too much, I always do.
Catching the train to London in 2 hours time. Will post photos of my journey when I get to Nelson... watch this space.

Friday, December 03, 2004

Travel to Heathrow

Typical, I am such a procrastinator! Also, I've not been on a trip such as this for over 30 years, apart from being on tour with bands when someone else does all the arrangements. Finally this evening I've booked my travel arrangements to meet my flight departure on Sunday at 2.30pm, book in is at 11.30am, I'd thought I'd be able to get a train in the morning from Birmingham, but I checked this evening and there is none to get in to London on time. So now I've booked myself into a hotel near Heathrow on Saturday night and booked the rail ticket to leave Birmingham at 10.10am on Saturday morning from Snow Hill.
So I can do a bit of last minute Christmas shopping in London on Saturday, will try and check out the new Apple Store in Regent Street too, buy a T-Shirt at least.
Now I need a haircut and sort out what I'm going to take for 6 weeks holiday.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Old Acquaintance

Just sent an e-mail to Sam Hunt via his website seeing if we can hook up while I'm in NZ. Would be very cool. I'm bringing my flute too! Sam's interview with me is here.

Suitcase

Today I bought a modest suitcase from Argos for my small collection of clothes. Then it was marvellous to speak to Dad and Angela on the phone. I will arrive in Nelson at 9.50 am on Tuesday, that's on Monday evening in the UK. Tonight I feel very tired and will get to bed earlier than usual. This week I've been saying goodbye to the pupils I will not be teaching next term, they have been a great bunch, most of them have listened to me intently and some, indeed, most have practiced and applied the advice and guidance I've given them and I've learnt a lot too.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

MiniDiscs

Tonight, I'm up late again, making MiniDiscs of music for my 6 weeks out in Nelson. Bought a splendid pencil case which is the perfect size for MiniDiscs, I'll be taking about 50 discs. ... more