The Journey

And so it starts! I'm actually not a massive fan of the "travelling" bit of travelling, it's just so long... I'm still waiting for them to invent teleportation! The flight itself is annoyingly long, and on top of it all my day starts quite early because of where I live (on both sides of the pond).

The first leg:

I live on an island, so the first stage is getting off! It's actually a really beautiful journey and my favourite part! An hour and a half of watching the lovely islands and trying to spot whales! :)

                                BC Ferries, Victoria to Vancouver

                               The west coast is beautiful

From the ferry I made my way to Vancouver Airport. Airport. I'm really not a fan of flying, even being in an airport makes me all anxious.But I do have to say, Vancouver does have the nicest airport ever!!! Helps a little! :)

                                I love this carving, its called the 'Spirit of Haida Gwaii' by indigenous artist Bill Read, take a look at some of his work.  

                                Raven: Another stunning Coast Salish carving

The second leg; 

                                Waiting to board!!!

Finally, after nine and a half hours we're about to land!!! I like this view as its got my name on it!!! Flying towards my home!!!! Unfortunately because of the time of year I have to fly into London Gatwick rather than my home town of Manchester (208 miles north) which I always whinge about. It's just a bit of an ordeal to drag my always overpacked cases on the train, through central London and on the underground. I have this massive pick suitcase that ways more than me, its really awkward and I can never lift. I can't bring myself to part with it though cos it's super light and really big which means I can pack it full to the brim with the stupid amount of stuff I buy every time I'm here, without going over the baggage allowance weight! :) (I have a huge issue with shopping- you'll probably come to realise that!). It annoys me when they don't fly into Manchester, the airport there is right by my house, so really easy to just get picked up and go home. Flying into London means either sitting on a coach for 4 and a half hours, or traipsing around central London smashing into people with a bag that weighs more than me. Coupled with jet lag it turns me into a bit of a whiny bitch. Does jet lag make anyone else feel a bit funny?... It makes me get really emotional and I get a feeling like I'm floating outside of my body. Once I decided I wanted to go shopping in Primark right after I'd arrived, but then might jet lag kicked in and I got really overwhelmed... My mum found me standing in a corner among the socks.

My whinging paid off anyway, my Mum had an appointment for work with ASOS in London that day so came to meet me to help me drag the suitcase of doom around the streets. After her appointment was done we decided since we were pretty close to Camden, to wander down the road Camden Market. I've been in London a million times, but I've no idea why I've never made it down to Camden town. I was really missing out!!!

                                        Here's Camden Town underground station

                               Camden Town Underground Station, with the lovely old Victorian tiles

                                Welcome to Camden Town

                                 iPhone cases, too many to choose from! Which ones your favourite?

                                The Inverness Street Market. Some delicious street food to be found.

I got pretty excited and overwhelmed. I wanted to buy it all! They had so many great clothes really cheap. They were just closing up when we were getting there, so I've decided I'm gonna tag along on my mum's next work trip so I can spend all day at the market! ... I'm not sure if this is a good idea (maybe I should limit my cash funds for that day!!!). I get a little stressed about the aggressive selling style of many of the vendors, I'm too English in this way. I hate bartering, it really stresses me out, I like to know the exact price or I panic!!!

                                A really warm and beautiful day in London.

After some shopping it was time to catch the tube to London Euston station ready for our trip north to Manchester. The train is a fast speed pendulum train, so fortunately it only takes two hours to get from London to Manchester. I really love trains, I can't think of a better way to travel!

                                London to Manchester

                                My mum stealing my dinner on board the train

So a car, a ferry, a bus, a plane, a train, a black taxi, a tube, another train and car ride; over 4900 miles and 27 hours later, I'm finally home!!! And look what I arrived back to, an amazing stash of prezzies on my bed! I am a lucky duck!

                               Primark goodies, the worlds largest easter egg and a great book! I am spoilt :)

                                              My new phone cover, thanks family :)

Look at my book! My mummy knows me well. I'm really obsessed with vintage things and shabby chic! I'm gonna have to decide what wonderful thing to make next! I really couldn't be happier to be home. It's been a tough few months. I'm pretty emotionally exhausted from university and dealing with my dads will and estate. I can't wait to hang here with the fam and do wonderful things!!!... I just have to get one final essay out of the  way first. The very last one of my undergrad and then I'm officially free!!!!! Yippee

Ok well, after 26 hours on the road, I think it is definitely time for bed. Till next times pals :) 

Love, Shannon