Me and my Bum Bags July 2016

I dont remember when I first used bum bags as well or instead of coat and trousers pockets to store possessions in but it must of been many years ago. I still continued to keep money in a wallet and keys in in a trousers pocket, I think initially it was useful to use one on holiday for tickets etc in a fairly safe place.

On odd thing is the name bum bags, because many including myself actually have had the pockets pouch at the front, I seem to recall the Americans call them fanny bags, not sure if the name would attract me to them.

As time went on the ones I used became bigger and I stored more in them when travelling, the only downside I heard was that thieves would use a razor blade to cut through the strap in busy places and people would end up with their possessions gone.

About 10 years ago I had become quite dependant on these bags partly because it was easier to carry stuff in one bag than remember which coat etc I had left, keys money and credit cards as well as now a mobile phone, so when I was planning a couple of long trips I started to look for a better design of bag that would also be resistant to the average thief. I came across a company called Pacsafe who specialise in this sort of bag. Theirs have steel cable in the strap and all accessible parts of the bag to stop thieves as well as zipped and net sections inside to avoid pickpockets, even better is all zips and belt can be locked to improve safety. Well of course I had to have one and found I used it more and more even when at home, the only issue was I had put weight on and it was tight to wear and at times uosetting my bladder and bowel,  so I got in the habit of wearing it over my shoulder.

This as where the adventure began, because as time went on and my short term memory got worse, so did my ability to remember to pick it up when away from home whether visiting friends family, travelling, both at home or abroad. Well the good news was that however many times I left it on the back of a chair or on the floor,  people were very honest and it was either where I had left when I returned or kind people had handed it in for safety to organisations for safe keeping.

One of the best examples I can give was at Orlando some years ago at the end of the holiday we got the car hire company shuttle bus to the airport and I left it there,  only to realise when I reached the airport,  contacted the company and there it was waiting when I travelled back.

More recently when returning from Ireland with Ryanair I had left it under the seat and again only remembered after disembarking, by then I was outside the airport.  I went to the information desk and they phoned to ask if it had been found, one concern was that the flight may of takem off so it could of been a couple of days before it got back to me. Well again fortune and good luck were on my side and half an hour later it turned up at Ryanair desk, which was just as well as my phone money tickets were all in there.

Over the years I eventually decided I needed a replacement for the origional one but found out they had changed the design and that the new one did not meet my needs, luckily I searched and eventually found another model made by the same comoany that was a little larger and slightly different design that worked, but I needed to rethink what to put in and where as now the size of my mobile phone had grown, I carried a range of tablets, a bus pass and a diary and on occassion this tablet computer. Well it all seems to fit, I bought a larger Man Bag but found although it had more space it was not so conveniant to carry and was much larger most of the time. Well I am still using it but no way could I fasten it round my waist now, its getting worn so maybe soon I will start looking for its successor.  Possibly if I could trust either the tablet or phone some of the things I carry could be reduced particularly when travelling on holiday.

But what to do about losing it even more these days, is it time to start carrying items in my pockets again but then there is the greater risk of pickpockets or forgetting I have changed clothes and going out without important items, do I need to get an extension strap and start wearing it again, because actually, I realise its easier to get into when worn when trying to find things. Should I have a lightweight strap that attaches to it so even if I put it down I would be aware when I tried to leave without it. Maybe a high tech device could be used that would alert me when I moved more than a certain distance away from it. It is a dilemma after all this time and these days the items in it are quite important and would cause great inconvenience if lost, maybe they have brought out some new device to solve the problems.

But I do wish I could say, big Thank you to all the kind people who have put themselves out to reunite me and the bag over the last few years, thanks for your honesty and kindness and I will try harder in the future to look after my trusty bag, if I find a better solution I will try to remember to come back on here and inform you all.

Our last day and a trip to Ripon 29 July 2016

I had stayed up late last night to watch the first episode of Celebrity Big Brother,  unfortunately it was not particularly interesting but at the same time did not help me to get a good nights sleep. As far as I had remembered I could either leave my case outside the door to be collected or take it to the coach before departure.  I felt it was easier to do myself, so got up 7ish had a shower, packed then prepared to go for breakfast.  Then was told I should of taken my case to coach earlier so then had to return to room before going for breakfast.

As usual breakfast was pleasant,  then I returned to room to be disturbed and informed my bum bag yet again had been left behind and handed in( I intend doing a blog on its history and adventures soon ) I finished off in room then joined others waiting to board the coach,  promptly on time we set off to Ripon our final stop on the trip, I feel this was to fill in time so we would not arrive to early at the interchange for our feeder coach home.

Ripon seemed a pleasant place with lots of quaint buildings and streets. We decided as it looked like rain that we would visit the cathedral look round, take some photos and maybe if they had a cafe a drink. Unfortunately on artival I was told I needed a licence to take photos, which seemed odd in a church and there had been no such rule in Newcastle, nthere was also a funeral taking place and no cafe so we quickly left.  Andy and I discussed the difference in attitude and the effect on ourselves and other visitors being made to feel welcome. We again found a lovrly small cafe for a drink and me to try out yet another piece of very delicious carrot cake and Brian to sample their scones. We then explored the town square and some of the shops before boarding the coach back.

Hadrians wall and Carlisle 29 July 2016

Today our trip was to the famous Wall separating England from Scotland, so first our coach trip where just for a change I fell asleep,  although I do put this partly down to the lack of air con on the trip and high humidity. When we got there there was rain in the air but not enough to deter us. First we explored the museum with a range of stones and artifacts discovered here, its amazing how these had survived all this time.  Then outside to explore the various parts of the excavated fort.

I was interested in the size and range of buildings that they had built all that time ago, interesting that the soldiers shared with their horses whilst the senior ranks has spacious accommodation all to themselves.  The way it had all been constructed showed a knowledge and skill maybe some of our modern builders could learn from. Then a drink and best of all a piece of carrot cake before continuing on our trip.

As we drove along there were still small fragments of the original wall, showing its size and length.  I quickly then nodded off again until just before we reached our next destination Carlisle,  unfortunately we had not planned what to do there so when dropped off at the market we were at a loss as to where to go first. As we walked I spotted a Subway cafe so in we went for a drink and sandwich,that for £3 was very good value. We wandered round the shops as there seemed little to attract our attention here today, then back to the market before being picked up and our return to the hotel. Sadly I and the others felt we would of been better spending longer at the wall, and less at Carlisle, maybe with better planning and weather it may of been different.

Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle 26 July 2016

I got up early sorted out case, things to take on the trip including cameras food and waterproof coat before going down to breakfast. Meal was help self buffet with good selection of food, plus the toaster was much swifter than many found elsewhere.  Afterwards back to room before an early start. Brian was not very well but still wished to go on the trip.

Over the years I have come across a range of drivers on coaches, this one seemed to say what he needed and no more, although it would of been nice if he haf shared a little knowledge of the area with us,  maybe these days they are chosen for their driving skill rather than knowledge or conversation, so on our trip he explained that the tides would affect our ability to drive nearer to the island or not, luckily tide was out so able to go directly to the village, first for a drink then to walk to the castle admiring the view whilst taking photos,  unfortunately Brian felt not up to all of this so rested part of the way until we caught up with him later.

The castle was very impressive but as our time was limited we were unable to explore inside, also whilst there cloud had hidden the sun so it looked rather brooding. Along the way we came across a couple of boats in a field, not sure how or why they were not in the water, having said that the tide was out so those on the sand were just stuck. We noticed the poles that acted as indicators for drivers as to how high the water maybe when the tide was in to try to avoid cars being stranded or washed away on the causeway. We then walked back to Brian and then the coach before continuing on to Bamburgh Castle for our next stop.

Again it was a very large castle,  access was up a steep slope and given the time we had there not enough to manage to visit inside although others did. Instead Andy and I explored the local vilage whilst Brian rested on a form. Then a trip to a pleasant cafe where I noticed dandelion an burdock on the menu so tried a drink, it took me back to tastes of my youth, then a walk back to the coach and our return to the hotel.

All through the holiday I struggled with sciatic pain down my right leg as well as lower back pain, coping by taking a combination of codeine,  co dyamol and paracetamol, unfortunately they did not irradiate the pain more reduce it to some degree, but they also made me quite tired so the time spent on the coach between destinations I found I slept so was poor company for Andy, oddly my brain always seemed to know when we were close to a destination and awakened me sufficiently to prepare myself for when we got off the coach. 

On return to the hotel I had a lovely relaxing bath before lie down and recover from the exertion and pain. Then a short time watching tv before getting ready for the evening meal. This again was enjoyable with reasonable sized portions and we enjoyed chatting to the other couple sharing our table as we ate. Afterwards we decided to return to our respective rooms and meet up the following morning.  I spent the rest of the evening catching up with my usual tv, before trying out the complimentary hot chocolate in the hope it would help me sleep,  sadly this did not happen,  not because if anything wrong in the room rather me trying to cope with the pain as I tossed and turned in the night

Our trip to Newcastle 26 July 2016

The following morning started with a full breakfast before andy Brian and I had a chat about what to see but first how to get to the centre.  Brian decided he wanted to do his own thing so we set off to find the Metro into town, once we had found out how to get our tickets from the machine a nice young woman helped us explaining where to get off and see the most whilst exploring. The tram only took minutes into the centre, next task to find our way out. We wandered along the streets admiring the old buildings whilst taking  photos. We went into the cathedral to explore and whilst doing this there was a man fast asleep on one of the benches, maybe sadly a sign of the times we live in. Whilst there we went for a drink before continuing with our exploration.

There are a number of bridges across the river some low down but the one we took was very high up, what we had not realised was how long it was,  but with stunning views,  Andy who is much greater in life at spotting things different,  noticed a fire engine in the distance with a long unit to reach high up, at first we were hoping for something exciting but later realised it was just being used to examine an inaccessible section of a roof. We also realised that none of the bridges were the same, for instance the onr we were on eas a very old iron one, whilst the next low level one was a swing bridge,  then in the distance was a new modern design one.

What we had not realised was how far we had walked along the bridge but then needed to walk down to the street level and back to where we had come from. Both of us were getting tired but also dehydrated so luckily came across a Wetherspoons pub where we could rest have a mug of coffee and for me a scone. Then the walk back to the Metro,  unfortunately it was a steep climb so it was with relief we finally managed to get there,  only after remembering what the lady had suggested of getting the bus up the hill. We did not have long to wait for the tram then our walk back to the hotel, after for me a long soak and lie down before our evening meal where we caught up with Brian again, his adventure had been much gentler than ours, our meal again was excellent then we each retired to our rooms for me sadly to catch up with the various soaps before bed called.

Northumberland at last 25 July 2016

For many years I have thought about a trip to Northumberland but never actually managed to get there, so when chatting to Brian and Andy earlier this year about suitable coach trips this seemed somewhere to explore as a possible destination that would not take to long to get to. so off to the travel agent and our furst obstacle of finding 3 single rooms, eventually we found a suitable hotel with coach travel and excursions included for july this year so booked it there and then. At that time I had no plans to buy the caravan so it seemed a good time and price for a pleasant few days away.

Before the trip we met up to discuss the last minute details such as transport to the coach pick up and as far as we were aware that we would be enjoying pleasant weather. Despite this i still went into overkill with a , mixture of clothes to suit hot or cold conditions. Unfortunately my back bad been playing up for weeks and I had been having a mixture of physio and painkillers to cope, so was more than a little worried about how I would manage but determined to go. On the day the taxi was early the coach was on time and only one more pick up before we arrived at the transfer point which was at a motorway service area. It seemed to take a long time before we were finally loaded and on our way. The driver was not very chatty, which seems typical these days. We stopped once on the way for a snack and toilet break.

Finally we arrived at our destination the caledonian hotel in Newcastle, the staff took our cases to the rooms which saved my back from any further pia or stress.  The room was a decent size, well laid out, with a range of drinks including water crisps and biscuits. There was limited storage space which seems to be the norm these days with most people leaving most of their belongings in their cases. The bathroom was spacious with both bath and a very powerful shower and large soft towels and even a flannel, so I made full use of these to help get over the trip.

Soon it was time for our evening meal and we were in a separate section to the rest of the hotel sharing a table with another couple who seemed quite pleasant.  We were given both the menu for that evening and asked to make our choices for the following night as well. The food was good with decent choices finished off with a cup if coffee.  Then we decided to return to our rooms as we had an early start the next day. I then decided to watch tv for a while before testing out the large comfortable bed and a drink of hot chocolate. Unfortunately due to the pain despite taking painkillers I did not sleep well but this was no reflection on the room or bed.

Our Last day in Crete

Soon it was time to go home, our flight was at 11.50pm local time and we were booked to leave the hotel by coach for 8.30pm, so our diemma was the time from 12 to 8 and changing clothes showering etc, so we asked at the desk could we keep our room on until we left a few days before. We were told to wait until the morning, that they would at least extend our time in the room until 2pm, so there was little else we could do.
On the day sadly we started with our packing before going down for a hearty breakfast, then went to reception, they were helpful but then announced the hotel was full so we could not stay on in our room or even book another, they did offer us the facility to use the luggage room and they had a shower area with clean towels etc that was private, so that plus the extension tof 2 hours had to be as good as it got.

We packed most things but then had a relaxing morning sunbathing, later we went back to the room had a sandwich to eat, then checked out. Fortunately it was still warm so we kept our beach towels out and went for a sunbathe for a while, later we showered and changed and went looking for something to eat about 6pm. Unfortunately as the complex was all inclusive at that time lots of the snack places had closed down for the evening meal, we tried two of the restaurants and one had to be booked in advance and the other we needed to be dressed up for, so that by the time we had changed again it would of been to late to enjoy a meal.
Instead we just returned to the hotel and sat in the lounge relaxing until the coach arrived. It was sad to leave but a pleasant journey back to the airport and it was quite dark by the time we arrived there
The airport was small and busy and seemed totally disorganised, but we got checked in and explained that I needed help, they did not seem prepared for this but told us to wait and they would sort it out. Jane kindly went off looking for a sandwich and a drink for us both, which was greatly appreciated by me when she returned. The airport seemed to get busier and busier, there were many announcements but I was unable to follow what they were about
Finally they took us to the plane and we settled down, the seats had plenty of legroom but were quite firm so trying to get in a comfortable position was quite a problem, we both seemed to keep waking up in pain trying to get in a position to be comfortable but with no success. We must of slept at some time because finally we were back home. Due to the assistance we were soon at the baggage carousel, then off to find the bus to the carpark

As so often happens different buses kept arriving apart from ours, but finally it came, it seemed to take forever, but finally we got to the stop or so we thought, but then as the bus trundled off we realised that it was the wrong stop, we were tired out and fed up but then started searching for the correct place dragging our cases behind us. Finally we got to the stop, but no sign of the car and nobody to ask. Luckily I had parked it in a disabled bay so then started looking for them and finally relief there it was, never have I been so pleased to see the car load it and start the trip home.
I dropped Jane off then went home, the time was now 4.30am and normally I would start to sort out washing, but common sense said just leave it all and get some sleep which I did for a few hours before getting up and sorting out my case, it took a few more days for my body to recover from it all but I now have a nice tan and some nice memories.

So Easy to Do So Little 12 June 2016

Well it was so hard relaxing and doing little whilst on the holiday, well thats my excuse, we spent time wandering round the beautiful kept gardens and grounds of the complex, sunbathing and resting whilst reading on the veranda of our room.
At times it was very hot and the humidity was high, but its strange how soon the body adjusts and 24 degrees suddenly is quite cool. We sampled many of the dishes in the restaurant whilst at the hotel, which was a more pleasant experience due to the wide range of beautifully cooked fresh food

It made a nice change that there were areas to suit all tastes at the hotel even in terms of the four swimming pools allowing for those who wanted noise and activity to the quieter pools for lounging and just quietly swimming in by making the shallow so people would not be jumping in. Time quickly passed though and for me it was such a change to spend so long on holiday doing really so little. Due to sunscreen i managed not to burn myself this time, but also to applying some common sense and sitting or lying in the shade more often, we both felt that the holiday had been exceptional value for money and that we had not booked for longer

Our time in Crete

Over the next few days we explored the hotel grounds, enjoyed the food, sunbathed and relaxed either at the side of a pool, by our room or wandering round the grounds. We did try the entertainment one evening but were not very impressed so found it more pleasant to sit in peace and quiet on our verandah. The food at breakfast and evening was consistent in its quality and gave me a chance to try out some dishes I would normally not of. Also it was interesting to people watch others as they dined in the restaurant.

On Sunday we had a trip by bus into Rethymo for a change, the bus was modern and air conditioned which was as well as it quickly filled with people.  The trip was interesting as  we travelled first through countryside then into the town.

The town was busy and full of little back streets full of souvenir and other shops and cafes. We went down to the harbour and walked along, looking at the range of both small and larger fish swimming in the water, it was suprising I felt so close to me. There was a nice quiet area of beach with few people where we walked alongside the sea, Jane decided to take her shoes off and enjoy the feeling of the sea and sand, unfortunately I was more practical due to wearing shoes rather than sandals or flipflops. Eventually we reached a busier part that was full of holiday makers with sunbeds and parasols,  so we wandered back into town then eventually queued for the bus back to the hotel. By now it was very hot and there was no shade and the number of people waiting got larger and larger in fa t we wondered firstly if or when it would come but also if we would manage to get on.

At last the bus arrived and we managed to get seats, it was an old very noisy bus with no air con so the only ventilation was through the open windows, it got more and more full as it progressed initially but after a while there were less and less people and finally we were back at the hotel, well not quite as the stop was some distance beyond and we had to walk back in the heat coping with the traffic,  we were so pleased to get back to the peace quiet and cool hotel room where we could have a shower and recover

Our trip to Crete June 2016

Earlier this year I felt I would like a pleasant relaxing break somewhere warm with a beach. Jane agreed with me so off to the travel agents for brochures, initially we could not find anything we liked but eventually picked up a Jet2 brochure with good discounts which we explored.
There was a holiday to Crete where neither of us had been before, so we tried checking it out on the Internet,  all seemed to tick the right boxes and the price was very reasonable,  the only problem was that when wr tried to book online it more than doubled however we tried to enter details. In the end Jane rang and spoke to someone there who took us through the process and the holiday was booked,  we also spoke to someone else there about assistance I would need at the airport and that was solved also saving us money on reserved seats on the plane and a chance for Jane to go up in one of the special lifts with me when boarding the plane.

The day before the trip quickly came so there was all the packing and last minute tasks to do, there was a little hiccup when I realised the car parking at the airport finished before our plane landed,  but luckily it was soon solved, I sorted our boarding cards amd we were ready for our trip.

On the day we set off early and all went well at the airport,  we booked in and a pleasant gentleman came with a wheelchair for me to help negotiate round the airport. I told him the irony of the fact 20 years before I had done similar with two elderly ladies but now I struggle with standing in queues and my back goes into spasms.  He left us for a while so it was a chance for Jane to explore the duty free area and sort out food for our flight.

The man returned and took us through and onto the plane avoiding the usual problems when boarding, the plane, we were pleased that there was plenty of legroom,  quite unusual these days on many flights.  Unfortunately the flight was delayed for some reason for an hour, but otherwise no problems,  we had plenty to read and unusual for me I did not fall asleep.

We finally arrived five hours later, again had help getting off, collected our cases, and proceeded to our coach,. It seems that Jet2 do not use reps on their coaches rather that the driver announces the destinations. We travelled in darkness for about an hour before finally getting to the hotel. From outside it was very impressive,  we were quickly processed and taken to our room it was by now about 2am local time, still quite warm and humid, so we were greatful for the fact the air conditioning was working.

The room was quite spacious with plenty of storage space but as usual not many hangers, so just as well I had brought some with us. I had paid extra for a safe in the room so that was useful. The bathroom was also quite large and had both a bath and shower. Also in the room they had left two plates of sandwiches, fruit and water to make up for the fact we had missed the evening meal. We were soon sorted and ready for bed, we checked about breakfast times and settled for the night.

Inthe morning we realised we had a verandah with a view of the gardens and a table and chairs there, the room was a little basic but everything worked, there was a fridge but that seemed to not be working properly,  otherwise we were quite happy. We got ready and found our way back to the main building and to breakfast, we realised now how big the complex was and an indication of this was how large and busy the restaurant was.

Although large it was very busy and we had difficulty finding a table for two, but eventually managed,  like so many other places these days it was a self service buffet,  but had a large variety catering for all sorts of tastes. I was spoilt for choice with just the range of cereals, never mind all the hot and cold options. We enjoyed the quality and range of food there and again as with many other places it was a chance to people watch. There seemed people from a range of countries including France and Germany,  there were families couples and the place just seemed to cope with the food being replenished as people tried the various choices on offer.

Afterwards we went to chat to the holiday rep Lisa who was quite helpful but not pushy, again it seems they do not do welcome parties as other companies have in the past,  she was willing to help us with trips or excursions but with no pressure.  Next we went exploring and found how large the place was there were 4 reasonable sized pools catering for the fun sports people but then quieter shallow ones plus others for young children.  There seemed plenty of activities for those that wanted but peaceful quiet areas for the rest of us.

The one big problem I had whilst here was the lack of signs so initially we kept getting lost when trying to find our way back to our room. Apart from the grounds there were a series of bars, places to eat and a couple of mini supermarkets,  there wete also indooe and outdoor theatres,plus a number of small bays for those willing to walk that little bit further.

We found that first day very hot and the humidity was also high, resulting in us only doing a little walking and the rest either resting on the bed or verandah reading, apart from a trip down to the beaches where due to strong tides we both got soaked when the water came over the protective rock walls.

That evening we dressed up for the restaurant,  it seems men had to wear trousers and a shirt rather than T shirt, nothing was said about women and what they should wear that Jane felt was quite wrong. As we were only half board we were confined to a smaller section for seating presumably it was to check we were not drinking the free liquids available to those " all inclusive"  but in terms of food itself we could help ourselves to anything on display. 

The food was appetising to look at and smell with a very wide selection of meat fish and vegetarian, both hot and cold, some being cooked by the chefs as people waited, there was no check on size or number of portions people could have,  looking round, I think some piled their plates so high but then couldn't then finish the food. I must admit I ate a wider range and more than I would at home, but I hope without going over the top. I do wonder what happens to the food that is left at the end of the evening.

After we walked back through the hotel to our room, by then it was quite dark, but the paths were well illuminated and changed into more xasual clothes and sat on the verandah,  chatting and reading before going to bed. The air conditioning helped to maintain a comfortable temperature for us.

The next morning followed a similar pattern apart from the fact Jane pointed out a birds nest above the neighbouring door full of I think it was five chicks that bobbed up and down every time they heard a noise presumably waiting for their mother to feed them, which she obviously did, I tried to take photos of them but am not sure how well they will come out as it wad a dark shady area and often the chicks would just sit and wait.  In fact over the next few days Jane felt bored at times with the time I devoted to obtaining tha perfect picture or video. What was lovely at night was that mother sat at the side of the nest overseeing her chicks whilst in the day was off out foraging for food for them all the time. Its nice that the staff seemed to accept the presence of the little family.