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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Clayborne in Bangkok!

1/10/2022

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Clayborne in Croatia!

1/10/2022

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Clayborne's World - Farewell to my Happy Place!

20/8/2022

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As we count down the days to our departure, Clayborne came out on our final farewell to Cancer Research. As the Cancer Research teddy, he travels with Darrell and me on all our trips around the World, so it was only right he was there at our last meal with the crew.

Like us, Clayborne has a lot to look forward to as we travel across the globe and I hope to get as many photographs as I can of this little bear, bringing attention to what, I believe to be, the best charity in the World.

It looks likely this will be one of Clayborne's last UK adventures for a while, but you will see more of him, as he enjoys the beauty of Croatia, wonders of Thailand and uniqueness of Australia. Like us, this will be the biggest undertaking of his life, and we look forward to sharing the memories with you all!


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The Long Journey Ahead!

25/7/2022

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Having made the decision to take a year-long lifestyle break from work, now comes the hard bit. My calendar is full for the next few weeks, as I say farewell to friends and colleagues from Tesco and Cancer Research. Both of us made a conscious choice not to get involved with other people too closely, over the last few years. It was a decision born from experience and a need to save as much money as possible for our journey ahead. We had targets to meet to fund our trip, so we tried to not over spend and only buy essentials. I can probably count on two hands the amount of times I went on a good night out, and as sad as that is, it has given me more options today, as we set our sights on the holiday of a lifetime!
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I am trying to spend as much time as possible with my nearest and dearest here in Portsmouth before we leave. After all, this isn't the usual holiday. Cancer Research has played a huge part in my life over the last four years and even though I no longer volunteer regularly, it is always good to catch up with Zerina and the rest of the team. I know Darrell has thoroughly enjoyed his six months there as Deputy Manager. Without this charity shop, my faith in charities and the good work they do, would have never been restored. As readers of Roaming Brit are aware, my blogging career started through adverse times at Oxfam, so anything that helped me overcome my fears was welcome.

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Naturally Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy will be coming with me, as he does on all my trips abroad, highlighting the good things this charity does. Clayborne came with Darrell and me when we last left the UK on our travels to the far east. He will equally be a marker for the sites and sounds we encounter this time. This little bear has travelled further than me over the last few years during the pandemic. He was even part of a repatriation flight to Los Angeles, when COVID was at its height. Cancer Research will leave a long legacy in the name of Clayborne, and he will be a link to this wonderful shop in the heart of Portsmouth for as long as I can travel!

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With my Father approaching his 75th Birthday, I am trying to spend as much time with him as possible over the next few weeks. Today I visited him and also my Aunt at home in Fareham. Dad is understandably apprehensive about me taking a 'gap year' at 51 years old, but as I said to him, 'I want to enjoy travelling before I am too old.' Dad isn't someone who has ever been on holiday abroad, so for him, it is a concept he finds difficult to understand. Nevertheless, he has given me his blessing and just wants me to be happy. He understands both Darrell and I are travellers at heart, and although I will miss him terribly, I will see him again in a year!
The Siam Heritage Hotel will be our first port of call in Bangkok, as we spend four days in the heart of this vibrant city. This small boutique, traditional Thai hotel, will give us plenty of time to explore downtown Bangkok, a five-minute walk from Patpong and its extraordinary nightlife. This place suits me down to the ground, as a lover of accepted, time-honoured traditions. Modernity and souless architecture have never really been my thing; I would prefer that my stay in Thailand is more culturally centred, staying in surroundings more in keeping with the country in which I am staying.

This evening we are looking at hotels along the riverside, near to many of the historic monuments, in complete contrast to the fast pace of Patpong. I enjoy seeing the different contrasts of city life and like to experience the diversity that makes up the urban sprawl. I am immediately drawn to Chao Phraya River in the centre of Bangkok, having lived near or close to water most of my life,  and would like to stay in a Hotel overlooking this stunning waterfront. Wherever we stay in Bangkok, we are both looking forward to exploring a new city once again; This is what makes us gel as a couple, creating more memories for years to come.
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Choa Phraya River
We have also booked our flights to Croatia, Thailand and Australia and have been looking at flying to Bali and Indonesia after a two-month stay travelling across Australia. I have booked tickets direct with Thai Airways, having flown with them before, when we travelled to Vietnam in 2019. It was probably one of the best long haul flights I have ever been on, and although I am not looking forward to wearing a mask all the way to Perth, Western Australia, I understand the rules and regulations are in place to protect everyone flying with the airline. This will be a holiday like no other for many reasons, but at the tail end of the biggest pandemic in over a hundred years, it is even more poignant for us. Despite my initial fears, this is a journey we both need to take, as we get to know one another again after our two years of forced separation!

The next few weeks before our departure are going to be hectic. Planning a long trip isn't without its pitfalls. Working out an itinerary that works for both of us, especially two people with very different ideas, can be problematic. However, we've done this many times before, and it is the one thing at the moment, that keeps us focused. I am looking forward to leaving Portsmouth behind for an extended period, it is my home, yes, but it is also a place I have grown tired of. Maybe a year away will help me reconnect with this great naval city, returning on very different terms. For now, it will be a fond bon voyage, in future I may fall in love with Pompey once again, who knows... Only time will tell!
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Clayborne's World – Trip to London!

11/5/2022

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A day out in London for Clayborne this May. Mixing with the hoi polloi in Harrods, a few drinks at The Punch and Judy in Covent Garden and a trip along embankment in the rain. This was the first time he had been out since his trip to Los Angeles, during the height of the pandemic.

Clayborne, spreading the word of Cancer Research far and wide!

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Clayborne's World - A Trip Over The Atlantic!

10/9/2020

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Clayborne has returned to Britain after his short trip to Los Angeles. Despite not being able to go away myself, I have been following my little travel companions adventures in the United States instead. A big thank you to the Virgin Atlantic crew for taking good care of him on his journey, especially Lucy, who I work with at Tesco.

Lucy was on her first repatriation flight and returned safely to London this week. By all accounts Clayborne thoroughly enjoyed his brief time away. It looks like he may well be travelling again very soon also. Lucy will be flying to different parts of the globe continuing to bring people back home to Britain and it will be nice for Clayborne to fly with her, helping to document her journey during this strange time, in the history of the World.

Until Darrell and I are able to travel, as we always used to, it is quite fitting that Clayborne is able to take on that mantle during the interim, flying to places that are on my bucket list. I look forward to the day, when I am able to step on a plane once again and start where I left off in 2019. I am of course counting down the hours when I can see Darrell again, but I am also yearning to continue my journey around the World. I have rarely stayed in the UK for this length of time, without holidaying abroad at least once, so my feet are itching more than they ever have.

Once again thanks to everyone at Virgin Atlantic, Captain, crew and Lucy for allowing me to at leat 'feel' I am there with you all. I look forward to Clayborne's next adventure to Lagos and Delhi!

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Clayborne - Off To Los Angeles!

30/8/2020

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Clayborne, the Cancer Research Teddy is off to America next week, more precisely Los Angeles. It has been a while since I last travelled, so it was only right to let this little bear go off on an adventure of his own.

During this pandemic, I have seen many new colleagues come and go at work, as furloughed staff join our ever-growing numbers at such a difficult time. One such person is Lucy, who was a member of the cabin crew for a well known airline. I have got to know this fantastic lady well over the months she has worked with us and like everyone who has joined the team, she has become a much loved, valued and respected member of staff. Without people like Lucy, the darkest days of the pandemic would have been even more difficult to bear and it is a credit to everyone who helped to keep Britain fed, that all of us managed to get through relatively unscathed.

This coming week Lucy will be taking to the air once again, as she joins the airline, flying to Los Angeles in order to help repatriate British tourists returning home, not the easiest of jobs it has to be said under the circumstances, but all part of the new normal we are currently living through.

Luckily for Clayborne, Lucy suggested taking him with her on her journey, photographing his time in the United States for Cancer Research and Roaming Brit. Suitcase packed, mask suitably attired, Clayborne is off, and I look forward to seeing the photographs, as I know all of you do also. A big thank you to Lucy for taking him along and best wishes for a speedy journey and safe return.


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Clayborne Embraces The 'New Normal!'

20/7/2020

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From the 24th July all of us will be required to wear masks in confined spaces, like shops. We already have to wear them on public transport and this was a natural next step in the fight against Coronavirus. In my opinion this should have been done four months ago, but we are where we are, and just have to make the best of this terrible situation we find ourselves in.

At Cancer Research we are also getting ready for the big day and Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy, has also been given a new mask, made by our very own Anita, who also volunteers for the charity. 2020, the year that never was, should have been a busy period for Clayborne, travelling to Japan and Thailand, and like all of us, he is feeling the strain, looking forward to his next trip abroad. In the meantime he is venturing out and about around Portsmouth with me when we can.

Remember to wear your masks from Friday and help protect shop staff like me, during this crucial phase of the pandemic. Without your support we couldn't continue doing the job we do, making money for cancer research; we look forward to welcoming you on your next visit, sporting your new mask of course!

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Well that's the end of the public information advert. I had a particularly successful day at the shop today, sorting out the electrical department, which was looking rather tired.

We managed to make £260.00 last week on electrical items, (£2600 overall) a great total after four months of lock down and I want to continue this growing trend. This is my section, so I only have a few hours to stock up; still I think it's looking great for the days ahead. Whatever you are doing this week, have a good one!

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Cancer Research Returns!

6/7/2020

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Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised  at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self  and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

Stay safe everyone!

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Clayborne's World - Cancer Research Teddy In All The Best Places...Spoon, World Buffet!

6/2/2020

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Hi everyone, I'm Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy! Last Thursday I accompanied the crew of Cancer Research, Commercial Road on their dinner date at Spoon, World Buffet. I have travelled all over the World, so it was fitting that I could also attend this evening with everyone at this new Portsmouth venue. I had a fabulous time, like everyone who went and am looking forward to my next adventure, at home or abroad!
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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
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  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
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    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
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