Well Thursday really was an emotional day, as I said farewell to friends and colleagues from Tesco, The Newcome Arms and Cancer Research - all places I have worked since my return to Portsmouth from Spain in 2018. To say leaving Portsmouth, even for a year, will be an enormous wrench is somewhat of an understatement. Emotions really have been running high for me, as I have said my goodbyes to some fantastic friends. I am not a person who cries easily, so Thursday just showed me how lucky I am, having made some wonderful memories with some truly amazing characters; the tears did flow briefly, as I said one last au revoir to everyone who has played an important role in my life over the last four years. In the main, however, they were tears of happiness, as bonds were cemented, and I realised these were friends for life, wherever I am in the World.

In many respects, this week has been a Godsend. Realising I was finally about to leave the UK on the trip of a lifetime, I started to relax and enjoy the final few days here in Portsmouth. With only two days left, I am content with the choice I have made and look forward to the future. It has also been a hard seven days, having to wear a mask at work and keep my distance as much as possible, as I prepare for the long flight to Australia. Having been planning this journey for about six weeks, I have become drained and run down from all the preparation. It has been hard getting to this point, but the days of Darrell and I, spontaneously getting up and going, are well and truly over; this is the adventure of a lifetime, and it has to be done right.

So many people have wanted to say goodbye, that we have been living an emotional tight rope for a while now. Ever since I announced I was taking a lifestyle break from work, I have had so many colleagues asking to spend time with us, that I have been taken aback. A year really is a long time, and Darrell and I realise how important it is to connect with those close before we go. I hope to be back in twelve months, but who knows what will happen.

Apart from going to see my Father, that really is it, the end of our time in the UK for a while. Our life will now consist of traversing the World, experiencing new cultures and living out of a suitcase. This isn't everyone's cup of tea; travelling isn't always glamorous, it does have its downsides. We will be away from family and friends for an extended period and unable to enjoy that one to one interaction, that I so adore. I am a social animal first and want that close contact, on a one to one basis, but I am also someone who needs to explore, looking for answers and reaching out for new and inspiring experiences. It is a choice to travel for most, but for us, it is a way of life, that we haven't experienced for a very long time, since 2019. This is a time of great excitement, but also of trepidation and nervousness.

As I sat on the checkouts completing my last shift on Wednesday, ironically training a new member of staff, on the very till I was first trained on nearly four and a half years previously, a colleague approached and tapped me on the shoulder. Whispering in my ear, she told me a customer, who had become close over the years, had died that very morning. Her sister wanted to come over and see me before I left. This dear lady spoke so eloquently of her sister's last moments, ending by saying, she had hoped 'I had already left on my travels,' because of how difficult it was to tell me of her sister Pats passing. An emotional day, had just become even more emotional, and I was left feeling rather empty after the news. As someone who believes in fate, I truly believe this was meant to be and gave me the green light to leave Fratton, embarking on a new but thought-provoking journey.

So many friends and colleagues have signed cards and given me small gifts and tokens of friendship to take with me. I have been overwhelmed by their generosity and care, and moved by the words they have said. One of my closest colleagues gave me a compass, reminding me, that wherever I was in the World, she would 'find me.' She, like so many others, will always be a part of my life, and I am so happy to have met her and everyone else. My closest friend Jules gave me a beautiful card, (below) and 'Tree of Life' pendant, signifying, according to him, my independence, uniqueness and family bonds. In all but name he is the Brother I never had, and this gift will always link us together, as both of us go our separate ways for now.

From my job at Tesco, I went to The Newcome Arms and Cancer Research, where I made my final farewells to people who have been so important to me during my years here. Walking back into The Newcome felt like coming home; as I sat chatting over a pint of Stella and packet of crisps, I was reminded of where it all started in 2018. I haven't been back here for a while due to work commitments, but I spent many years working here and needed to say goodbye. Yes I know this is a lifestyle break and not forever, but with the world the way it is, I worry when I come back, nothing will be the same again; saying cheerio means closure, so I can happily go off on my mission to find myself....again!

From The Newcome it was on to Cancer Research in Commercial Road for a glass or two of Prosecco and some typically uplifting banter. This is the reason I started volunteering and why I kept coming back. The volunteers and Zerina, especially, are amazing individuals; when Darrell got a job with the shop, I knew how happy he would also be, and I wasn't wrong. I know it is so hard for him leaving everybody, but like me, he has made some memorable friendships. These are people who will always remain in both our hearts, they are quite simply the best of British and the most hard-working, down to earth bunch I have ever known.

Today, a friend from work who I missed yesterday, popped a card and a bottle of wine round. She wanted to come and see me before I left. Once again, I can not stress enough how deeply moved I have been by everyone's good wishes, it really means a lot. As a friend from Spain told me recently, rightly or wrongly, I have touched many lives; I just hope I have done so in a positive way. Angela has always been a beautiful soul, sharing mine and Darrell's love of cats, and has been a great friend during my tenure at Tesco. I will of course see her and everyone else again, but for now I am just happy for the love they have shown.

After Angela's impromptu visit, my Aunty Trisha, Darrell and I went to Titchfield to see my Father. This will be the last time I see him for a while, and I wanted to make sure he was OK. It is true to say I am worried about Dad. He is seventy-five years old and looking a little frail these days, but he repeated how well he was, and I should go off on my travels and not look back.

That is easier said than done. Although I don't see Dad as often as I would like, I enjoy being close by. When my Mother suddenly died in 2019, I was grateful to be near to my Father and glad to be able to do something to ease his pain. If anything happens to him while I am away, it will be harder to return quickly. Nevertheless, he assured me he was fine once again, and I have to take his word for it, after all I have no reason not to. I will naturally worry about him, but will check in as often as I can.

Dad gave me a deeply personal parting gift and a bunch of letters he had found, that I had sent Mum back in 1995. One of them was the very letter I wrote to her, coming out as gay, and my God did that bring back some emotions. My life may well be different to what Dad ever expected or even desired, but it is mine to own, and I have tried to live it as best I can. The unconventional nature of our relationship, separated at times by thousands of miles, has kept us strong as a couple. Our home will always be here in the United Kingdom, after all it's where we live, but torn between two diverging worlds it is our fate to travel, often for long periods of time. We will both know when the time is right to settle down, but for now we will keep following our heart on this endless journey that seems to never ends.

Bye bye UK, I'll see you soon!

Yesterday was quite an emotional day for me for many reasons. It was my final Sunday shift on my department and the last day I would see people who were being redeployed to different parts of the business. I suppose Sunday brought home just how close we are to leaving. For the first time, I didn't feel attached to my job in the way I was before. Becoming emotionally detached is an important process when you are going away. I suppose it has happened in our life so many times, that it is just part of the course now. Nevertheless, it doesn't get any easier and I just want to get on that plane and fly away; everything feels different, and it's time to move forwards!

Last night was the final 'last supper' before we depart on the 3rd September. We are mindful of COVID-19 and want to avoid large crowds as much as possible until our departure. Fifteen of my closest friends and colleagues from Tesco joined Darrell and me for drinks and a buffet dinner, once again at Spoon in Portsmouth. To be honest, I was very touched by the number of people who wanted to come. To say the night was impassioned is a bit of an understatement. I will not be seeing these gorgeous people for a very long time. Many of them may well have moved on when I return, and I am aware of how different my position in the company could be.

It was good to relax and chat with friends in a way we don't usually have time to do. I haven't seen many of those who came last night In a long while. Usually it is a short hello, wave of the hand and brief exchange of pleasantries. Sitting down to eat and drink just allows for a more pleasurable experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Sunday was the last of the formal goodbyes, with just my Father to see on the 1st of September. These past few weeks have been extremely draining, but it really has shown us just how much people care. I may well have only been in Portsmouth for four years, but the friends I have made, have been extremely important for my personal growth and wellbeing. A year away isn't a long time on the scale of things, but it is when you consider just how much can change during that time. The hope is, these fantastic individuals will remain a part of my life for many years to come, but of course circumstances, dreams and aspirations change. Whatever happens over the next twelve months, I am glad I have all these memories to take with me and of course share with you. As I say a final farewell to all my colleagues for now, I am blown away by their generosity of spirit and send all of them my love. Never change, keep being the people you are!

On Monday, I said a fond farewell to Cancer Research - 'my happy place.' I began volunteering at the shop in Commercial Road in June 2018 on my return from Spain and have always enjoyed my time there. Zerina has been a rock of support for four years, as we discussed and shared our numerous health issues, and my life would have been all the poorer without her. Despite not having volunteered at the shop for a while now, I have always maintained contact and returned when I can to say hello.

Monday was really about Darrell, who has been Deputy Manager at Cancer Research for a little over six months now. I know from talking to Zerina and the volunteers, that he will be missed and has made an impact on all of those who work there. Saying goodbye has always been important for us, because our life has always been so transient. I have lost count of the number of bon voyage parties we have attended and tears that have been shed, as we have embarked on our travels and pastures new. Despite this, in the main, the last few years have been productive and extremely rewarding. If it wasn't for everyone at this little shop, I think we would have left much sooner. Sometimes you need to stay longer than you originally plan, to establish roots in preparation for an impromptu return.

It is the people in Portsmouth who have enriched both our lives since we moved here, and are the most difficult reason against our departure.  We are leaving good friends behind for a year, as we embark on a life-changing journey. Things may well have changed out of all proportion when we return, and that may not necessarily be for the best. Personally, I have always disliked change, which is in complete contrast to my lifestyle, but both Darrell and I are fully aware of just how special our life is. Our willingness to visit new and exciting countries and distant parts of the globe, makes us the couple we have always been.

The food was as wonderful as ever at Spoon World Buffet as fourteen of us sat down to eat. Laughing, joking and reminiscing about days spent at the shop, we all had a memorable final evening together. Darrell is of course still working at the shop until the end of August, like me, and I will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Zerina one final time. However, it felt great to spend time with friends and colleagues in an informal setting, people who have helped shape my life during my time in Portsmouth. I will of miss them more than words can say, but I am thankful for the good times I've had, making money for charity and working together, even during the darkest days of the pandemic. When our travels are complete, Cancer Research will once again be our first port of call, just as it was all those years ago, making more memories to take with us, as we continue with our life, wherever we finally settle down!

Darrell and I were invited to a dear friend's house on Sunday evening. Jules, a work colleague, wanted to say a personal goodbye before we embark on our year of travelling. I have always been close to him, he has been there through some truly rough periods in my life, when Darrell was trapped in Australia at the height of the pandemic. Despite looking forward to my sabbatical, it will still be a wrench leaving friends behind, especially people like Jules. The older I get, the harder it will be to establish new friendships; I am lucky to have had this amazing person as a friend for the last four years, and I am happy and confident he will be a part of both our lives for many years to come.

Jules had also invited a special guest along, someone I haven't seen for a long time and a person I have known for thirty years. I don't want to mention him by name today, but save that for another blog. Some people value their privacy more than I and I respect their wish to leave it for a while before I publish their name.

What I can say, however, is just how important this person is to me. Jules understood the connection we had and went out of his way to facilitate our brief reunion. This was the mark of true friendship and makes me so grateful for the friends I have made here. There are very few people who remain a part of all our lives for such a long period of time, most are gone within a blink of an eye. I am lucky to have a few close companions, and seeing one of my oldest friends last night was an amazing memory to take with me on my travels.

Darrell and I still have more gatherings to attend before we leave in a few weeks, saying goodbye to many more friends; the long goodbye continues apace. Nevertheless, last night was the most important time for me, in the company of very close colleagues, in a relaxed, chilled atmosphere. I will miss Jules terribly during my travels, and I can't thank him enough for making my time in Portsmouth, at a time of turmoil, all the more bearable. I intend to return in a year and pick up from where I left off, but during such uncertain times, it is important to say goodbye to people who have been significant in my life. None of us know what will happen tomorrow, let alone in a year. I continue to look forward to the future, but am mindful of the people who made me the person I am. Jules is one of those and will forever remain in my heart!

It has been another difficult week, something that seems to be happening more and more recently. However hard my circumstances are at the moment, I do try and take some time out and chill when I can, even if it is only for a few hours. After a shift on Saturday, Darrell and I managed to grab a couple of those important moments and have a meal together, Despite this, I could tell he wasn't it the best frame of mind, after having a particularly hard day at work.

Confrontation isn't an activity I relish, so after a rather terrible meal, it was the last thing I needed. I can handle most arguments by simply walking away, preferring to retreat to safety, but on rare occasions this isn't possible. Having been dragged into conflict, I normally do what I can to defuse situations, but that doesn't always work. On Saturday evening, Darrell and I packed a few things and left Portsmouth, having no intention of returning. I had finally reached the end of my tether and just needed to get away. Some situations feel unsalvable, and it is necessary to just up sticks and go as far away as possible.

Not for the first time, we headed to the train station with a large full case and three packed bags of belongings, essential for proving our partnership. Despite being together for twenty-seven years, we still have to carry a suitcase full of paperwork documenting our years as a couple. This ensures our life is recognised in whichever country we choose to settle in. As we walked along Fratton high street, just as we did over a quarter of a century ago, walking over Westminster bridge in the early hours of Saturday morning, both times dragging a broken case with a dodgy wheel, we made plans for the future. It was time to finally bite the bullet and fly home to Australia, restarting our life once again.

As I approached the ticket machine at the train station, about to buy two tickets to London, Darrell persuaded me to instead head to our old home in Southampton for the night, so we could just get some rest after a terrible evening. Sat waiting for the train, I messaged my work, prepared to hand in my notice there and then. We were leaving for Australia and that was my only priority. Luckily, the duty manager, who was working at the time, advised me to take a week's unpaid leave and think rationally about what I was doing. It is true to say, that minds can become cloudy in the heat of a fight and as we are all too aware, irrational decisions can overtake rational thought. Prepared to leave there and then, I took a step back, briefly, and said I would take time out to decide my next move. That was a wise decision, something I'm glad I agreed to.

We had half an hour to wait for the train, so spent the time messaging friends, who were absolutely amazing. A colleague I am particularly close too, akin to family, like the real brother I have never had, was extremely emotional and empathetic. He gave me a sense of what true friendship was like, even offering us a place to stay. Speaking to him on the phone, both emotional, he made me feel wanted in a way I haven't felt here in the UK, since my return in 2018. Of course, I have close family, but today I do tend to keep friends at a distance, especially after what has happened in the past. To hear such heart-warming words, made me realise I do have a life here and the people I work with mean the World to me.

Both Darrell and I remained quiet, sat on the train, during the forty-minute journey. Surrounded by bags, my life in tow, I just glanced out of the window, remembering the day we left for Australia in 1995 in similar circumstances. Our life has never been conventional in any sense of the word, but like all of you, we just want to settle down and lead our life normally, as we think fit, without other people dictating our every move. Since COVID and the cost of living crisis, our options to move forward have become even more limited than they were before. We have many more difficulties now, trying to achieve our dreams, and it looks likely we will have to spend the next few years building hard for a future that just isn't attainable right now. I dream of freedom every day, yet it's just too far out of reach; always one step forwards, two steps back!

Jury's Inn in Southampton was full of Saturday night revellers, and we were lucky to get a room at all, even at an inflated £206. After initial confusion with our booking, paid through PayPal, which still remains pending in my account, we finally got into our room at 10.30pm. Yet again we made more plans for a new life, just like we have done so many times before; we talked, got angry, cried and generally felt sorry for ourselves, all the while mindful of the challenges we face every day. Falling asleep briefly, we were both wide awake by 6am, when we finally came to some decisions after a few hours kip.

No argument is insurmountable, even ones as bad as the previous night. Both of us have made a life for ourselves in Portsmouth, even if it isn't going to be forever. I would miss my job, family and friends if I had to up sticks and leave, so it was time to bury the hatchet and get back to the way things were.

There has been so much turmoil and upheaval in my world recently that it is important for us both to try and live as peacefully as possible. I don't want drama in my life any more, I am too old and long in the tooth to be dealing with it. If anything, the last few days have shown how much I need Portsmouth in my life right now, especially my work and the friends and colleagues who make mine and Darrell's existence far more bearable. We have naturally discussed plans for a three-month stay in Australia, when the time is right, and hope we can see our Australian family in the not too distant future. For now, I will pick myself up, dust myself down and continue as if nothing has happened, the best way to survive another day!

Portsmouth Pride 2022

On Saturday Darrell and I headed down to Southsea seafront; we had nothing planned, just a long walk, something to eat and a little chill time. After an early lunch at The Jolly Sailor opposite Southsea Common, we enjoyed an impromptu day at the 2022 Portsmouth Pride festival. The common was full of people, of every gender, enjoying the celebrations. The flags were flying in the strong winds that always blow across this open public space, along the sea front. After a brief look around, we headed back into town, expecting a quiet night in front of the TV.

We stopped at a local pub on the way home and chatted over a beer, when we were contacted by an old friend, who had seen our post on facebook, wondering where we were. After a bit of hesitation, we agreed to jump in a taxi and meet SJ at the Lord Palmerston in Southsea. I mean, how could we not; she was a dear, close friend, and we hadn't seen her in seven years.

It was a pleasant surprise to meet up with SJ and Darren, who was with her, after such a long time. It is odd, that after six years apart, you really do pick up where you left off and speaking with her, it felt like it always had. She hasn't changed much and is still exactly the same as she ever was. Catching up with friends is important, especially those who played a big part in my life. SJ was there through some rough times and was also around on our final day in the UK. She has also remained a friend throughout our ongoing adventures in Spain and now in the UK. It was extremely uplifting to see her, especially after the torrid time we have had during the last few years.

The last time I attended Pride celebrations, was in London, in 1996, 26 years ago. To be honest, I have never really been someone to indulge in affirming my sexuality. I am a gay man first and foremost, but it doesn't play a big part in my life. When I was younger I enjoyed celebrating my homosexuality, but as I have grown older I really don't see the need and am very comfortable with who I am. Nevertheless, I had a fantastic day, surrounded by friends, old and new and enjoyed being a part of a celebration, that still remains an integral, cohesive part of the gay community, of which I am a part. Diversity should be celebrated, cherished and respected in all its forms, and Pride teaches us the importance of love, in a World so divided and polarised with hate!

Dinner Date With The Girls

After an amazing day out at the Pride festival and a terrible day at work suffering with a hangover, a pre-arranged dinner with the girls from work, wasn't top of my list of priorities. I was really in need of an early night, after only having two hours the night before. Darrell's lack of alcohol tolerance, had kept him and consequently I awake into the early hours, throwing up every half hour or so. By the time I finally staggered out of bed, greeted by a blocked up sink of sick, I was about ready to drop. Feeling exhausted, I managed a short, but busy shift, before a thankfully calming evening and a carvery with colleagues.

I've had nights out with the crew before and always had a great time. I have never really been fond of Portsmouth as a place to live, but people like these make it far more tolerable. The bog-standard food at Toby Carvery was really secondary to the opportunity to relax, unwind and be in the company of friends. We did what we always do, had a laugh, great conversation and plenty of laughs. As all of us at work approach the busy summer season, it was nice to have a short break before the hard slog starts. It was a perfect end to a fun filled weekend and the beginning of a long few weeks before my holiday in July.  Neither Darrell nor me let our hair down that often, but when we do, it's a reminder that we are still alive and ticking, living our life together surrounded by the people we love…. That is all that matters, that's all we can ask for!

If I'm honest, I'm quite partial to a good old Jubilee, stretching all the way back to 1977 and our present Queen's Silver Jubilee. I have always tried to take part, as you would expect from a Royalist. The photo below is of me, dressed as The Queen during her Diamond celebrations, ten years ago. That was the year I went all out  for Her Majesty and arranged a fancy dress party for friends and family. This year was very different; at fifty-one years old, there was no partying into the wee hours, but I did do my best to enjoy the four-day Bank Holiday weekend. It was an occasion to remember, that stirred emotions inside me and made me realise, our dear Queen will not be around forever and all of us should expect to see less of her during the next few years.

Newcome Arms

For the most part, I was working over the Jubilee. I had taken time off from my supermarket job, to join in the party at The Newcome Arms, working behind the bar for a few shifts. It was amazing to be part of the wonderful atmosphere, back in a pub I love, surrounded by patrons and colleagues I haven't seen in a while.

It was an extremely busy night on Friday, and I didn't stop all evening. That's the kind of shift I love; it was great to see so many happy faces toasting our Queen. The Newcome had pulled out all the stops over the bank holiday and had arranged live music, disco's, talent competitions and a children's party on the Sunday. It was impressive to see just how much effort this little pub in the heart of Fratton had made, to ensure everyone had a good time, including me!

It is unlikely we will ever see a Platinum Jubilee again, at least in the near future. I was therefore extremely mindful of the great historic significance, this four day holiday had for all British people. The Queen is beloved by all of us who live on these islands, and the celebrations across the country demonstrated that. Walking home from the Newcome in the early hours of Saturday morning, you could still hear parties continuing throughout the neighbourhood. It was heartening that everyone was respectful and there were no drunken shenanigans, as one might expect after a few days drinking. The regulars at the pub were a joy to be around, and I thoroughly enjoyed being back behind the bar, even for a short time!

I did a brief few hours behind the bar on Saturday also, giving other members of staff a short break, before the disco in the evening. Dipping in and out of the pub at will, rather than having rigid shifts, has suited me and has fitted in well with my current commitments. I do love bar work and the social interaction that goes along with it, and I'm sure it will remain at least a small part of my life for a while to come yet!

Like twelve million others, after work on Saturday, I sat down to watch the Platinum Party at the Palace. There have been other concerts in front of Buckingham Palace in the past, but this one was special, unlike anything I had ever seen before. The organisation, special effects, light show and projection of Her Majesty's life onto the palace itself was truly magical and out of this World.

I really didn't know many of the newer acts and, in truth, didn't particularly enjoy them. I am not one for rap and other modern styles of music, but thoroughly enjoyed most of the show, especially our Eurovision Star, Sam Ryder and of course Diana Ross. As a nation, we really do know how to put on an amazing performance, especially during important milestones. I understand peoples concerns about the money spent, especially during the cost of living crisis, but you have to remember why we were celebrating in the first place. Queen Elizabeth's seventy years as Monarch and head of state is something we should all be proud of. The majority of the British people support her and after the dark days of the pandemic, it was a necessary distraction. All of us were able to focus on a woman, who has given her life in the service of this country.

Like everyone else, I was taken aback with the opening sketch of The Queen and Paddington Bear together at the palace. Our Monarch may well be 96 years old, but this short video showed her great sense of fun and humour and left a lasting impression on all of us who saw it. It was of course uniquely British and showed The Queen enjoying her old age, in a way we haven't seen before. Finally, Her Majesty is doing what makes her happy, attending events that are significant for her and continuing to play an important role in the history of this country. This was the Grandmother of the nation at her finest!

Lunch Date at The Ship & Castle

On Sunday, Darrell and I took the opportunity to meet up with my old University friend Ramona. I rarely have Sunday's off, so I headed to my go-to place of choice, The Ship, and Castle at The Hard in Southsea. This place does the best carvery, perfect for a Sunday lunch. As usual, we all had a lot to catch up on, having not seen one another for a while, and it was nice chatting over a few pints and good food.

Ramona is really my last true friend from my early years living in Southampton, thirty years ago. No matter how different our lives have been, we have always managed to stay in touch in one way or another. Like us, life hasn't treated her in the best way possible, so we do have a lot in common. I made a conscious decision to offload a lot of people from my life a few years ago now. Today I prefer to hang out with friends like Ramona, my best buddy and someone who probably knows me better than I know myself!

After a lovely afternoon and a spot of window shopping at Gunwharf, since I can never afford anything there, it was home to catch up on the Jubilee pageant. Watching that final clip of our Queen stood on the balcony, dressed in emerald green, she did look rather frail. I couldn't help thinking how much longer we will have with this lady as our Head of State. Not the nicest thought at that moment, but all of us have to accept that Her Majesty is now winding down after seventy years on the throne.

In the same way I celebrated with friends this Jubilee weekend, taking the opportunity to see people I haven't seen in a while, it was also great to see The Queen doing the same at such an important milestone. These last few days have been momentous for many reasons, but they have also allowed people like me, the time to spend with people I hold dear. I hope we will continue to remember this day for many years to come, it is after all a historic event, unlike any other that's gone before!

HMS Excellence

It has been twelve days since I last sat down and wrote a blog entry, which is highly unusual for me. The truth is I have been busy, really busy, and haven't had a lot of time for myself, so finding even an hour to blog, has been a real challenge. Like most people at the moment, I have been feeling the pinch in the cost of living, so any overtime I can get, the better. I have a lot of things to save for, especially as I want to go on holiday in September. I am looking at Crete currently, but also one of the beautiful lakes in Italy; wherever I go with Darrell, I want it to be relaxing, so we can both take some time out and chill together, after the turmoil of the last few years!

Despite my busy schedule, I did manage to find some time to spend with family this Saturday. Celebrating The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Navy had organised an amazing day for the families of those serving in the military or working at HMS Excellence on Whale Island. Along with my Aunt, Cousins and friend Pat, I tagged along and enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining day in the sun.

To my surprise The Sunshine Sisters were playing for the families on the base and as usual they were fantastic. For those of you who don't know these two lovely girls, they used to be members of staff, during the pandemic, at the supermarket where I work. Usually in the acting profession, they came from The King's Theatre here in Portsmouth, to work with us, when the theatre was closed due to Coronavirus restrictions. I recall many occasions when these two amazing young girls played in the foyer of the supermarket, celebrating momentous milestones, with customers and staff alike. Zoe and Rachel were inspirational at a terrible time in history, shining light where there was darkness and brightening everyone's day. Seeing them both on Whale Island was a special reminder of a strange period in my life; it was great to see them both!

The Royal Navy band was tremendously uplifting, playing many popular seafaring songs in celebration of The Queen's Jubilee, including a rather emotional, stirring rendition of the national anthem. Patriotic and champion of the Royal Family, I was happy to listen and sing along with the rest of the crowd. Not only was the music inspiring, it was also rousing and a reminder of just what makes our country great. Our military in all its forms is the best in the World, and we should be very proud to have them. With the war in Ukraine still raging on, they are also a symbol of resistance against the Russian onslaught. I was happy to take part in such a special day, surrounded by family and friends!

As we approach HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the celebrations will become more widespread. With time off work, I have been asked to help out at The Newcome Arms, where I worked until last month. I have agreed to do a couple of shifts, as The Newcome celebrates the Jubilee with the rest of the local residents. Despite serving behind the bar, I look forward to spending time with old friends from the pub, even though I will technically be on holiday. The Newcome will certainly be the place to be over that long four-day weekend. With The Queen looking more and more frail, the hope is, she manages to attend some organised national events, after seventy years on the throne!

Charles Dickens Birthplace, amid the brutalist architecture of the last century!

After leaving HMS Excellence, we walked the short distance home, via the pub of course. Interestingly, just around the corner from my Aunts house is the old childhood home of 19th century author Charles Dickens. To be honest, I had no idea he was born in the Portsmouth, so this was a bit of a shock for me.

Walking along the road, past row after row of brutalist social housing, architecture I am familiar with and a design concept I have a fondness for, we stumbled upon Old Commercial Road. This was the street where Mr Dickens was born in 1812 and the house stands perfectly preserved in this quaint side street, surrounded by large tower blocks.

As a 'book person,' I was in awe of the revelation that this author was born in Landport, Portsmouth, and the fact you can visit his home was even more mind-blowing. I suppose, because the area is so built up now, a concrete jungle of 60s flats, it is even more amazing to think this little house is still there, perfectly preserved, for all to see.

The longer I live in Portsmouth, the more I discover about this great city I now live in. There are many aspects of my home I can't stand, but there is also much I love. It is a great historic city on the south coast of England first and foremost, but it is also a home for two hundred thousand people, many of whom work in the Royal Navy. The event at HMS Excellence brought together the naval community and showcased its commitment to all those who are a part of its extended family. Saturday I felt a part of something special, living and working in a wonderfully eclectic, gritty, consequential city. It does have many downsides, but the welcoming nature of those who live here and their dedication to friends and neighbours is truly heartening and really, who could ask for more, when deciding where to lay down roots; Portsmouth will certainly be home for many more years to come!

On Wednesday, Darrell and I went to London for the day, as part of my week off, celebrating my Birthday. It is the first time we have been to London in about ten years, normally only ever driving past the place to Heathrow or Stanstead Airport. I had managed to book some cheap train tickets during the recent rail fare sale, so at a cost of £24.00 for two of us, we took a train ride to London and back. The train journey was longer than usual, with the train stopping at every stop, but it didn't make any difference, in fact it was nice to just sit for a couple of hours, watching the day pass by!

After arriving in London, the rain began to fall. As we made our way to Hyde Park and The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the rain gradually got worse, evidently setting in for the day. The fountain itself was dreadful, probably the worst tribute I have ever seen for anyone, especially someone of her stature. It was souless, drab and without personality, all words I wouldn't use to describe Diana. Suitably disappointed and with the rain beginning to pour, Darrell and I jumped back on the tube and made our way to China Town for lunch.

China Town, near Piccadilly Circus, is colourful and vibrant, even during the worst of rainstorms. As we arrived in the underground station, an announcement was made, urging customers to take care, during the adverse weather conditions. Our trip to London looked like it would be a washout, and I wasn't holding my breath for a great day, especially with an Australian in tow, who hates the rain.

After wandering around the lantern clad streets, which felt a lot like Kowloon, we went into the Hong Kong Buffet, for an £11.95 lunch and glass of wine. The food was fine, all bog-standard stuff, but certainly filled a hole, ready for the rest of the day and a lot of walking.

We made a short stop at Harrods, where I bought some gifts from the shop. Initially I thought I would buy the typical Harrods plastic bag, but at a cost of £30.00, I thought better of it. This historic department store in the heart of London, seemed different from the last time I visited; It is indeed overpriced, but it was more than that, it was not the sparkling oasis it once was, and I will not be going there again.

Suitably unimpressed, we headed to Covent Garden and had an amazing afternoon, exploring shops and market stalls, buying some cheap souvenirs and a couple of stylish berets from a hat stall. Feeling knackered, we had a few pints in the Punch and Judy public house, built into the arches in the corner of the market. I felt relaxed sat in the relative cosy atmosphere and despite paying over seven pounds a pint, it was a highlight of the day, just being able to do absolutely nothing.

We walked along Embankment, towards Parliament Square and Whitehall, taking in the sights and sounds of the city and the breathtaking architecture.  The skyline had changed a lot since I was last in London, and as we walked along The Thames, the noticeable additions to the city scape were all too clear to see. The House of Commons and more especially The Elizabeth Tower looked glowing, as the sun began to finally come out, after the deluge of the day. Its recent facelift had brought the original blue and gold colours to the fore, and I have never seen it looking so good. This part of London is always impressive, so I am rarely disappointed, but its familiarity is always welcome, especially as we headed towards the end of the day.

Walking down Whitehall, past the cenotaph, just outside Downing Street, there was a small demonstration, against the war in Ukraine. The speakers were very emotional, unsurprisingly, and Darrell and I crossed over to stand and listen for a short while. The scenes of horror being described were unimaginable to most of us here in the relative safety of the UK, but resonated with all of us who were there. After pausing for a minute's silence, a Ukrainian gentleman approached me, and asked if I would take some photographs of the banners he had made to highlight the atrocities in the war. It was very poignant, and as we walked towards Trafalgar Square and our final destination, I was mindful of the tumultuous times we were all living through. London has always been a welcoming city, and just as it has offered sanctuary to other nationalities in times of war, so today It was opening its doors to our friends in Ukraine. The fact a peaceful demonstration can take place opposite the Prime Minister's residence is testimony to our long-established democracy, unlike the totalitarian regime in Russia.

In the end, Darrell and I had a wonderful day in London, ending my Birthday week perfectly, as I go back to work tomorrow. Neither of us see the capital often, but when we do, it never ceases to amaze. Walking around its crazy streets, I thought how much I loved the place and even, just for a fleeting  moment, how I might like to live in this buzzing metropolis. Of course the reality is, I could never afford it, but it is nice to dip in and out at will and enjoy a fun packed day in London, a city of contrasts and a melting pot of cultures!

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park

China Town and Piccadilly Circus

Harrods, Knightsbridge

Covent Garden

Embankment

Parliament and Whitehall

Demonstration opposite Downing Street, protesting against the war in Ukraine.

Trafalgar Square