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    Home to Podgora!

    Our first full day began with a trip to Podgora, Darrell's family's village along the Dalmatian Coast. This beautiful fishing village is about 8 km from Makarska, where we are staying, but is worlds apart in terms of size. Makarska is the larger of the two, the size of a medium size town, whereas the sleepy, laid back feel of Podgora, still prevails, as you walk around its streets.

    Darrell and I have been to Podgora many times before, first going there to stay with family in 2008. It hasn't changed much in the intervening years, but the number of tourists have certainly increased, making this a popular destination. There is one aspect of the village that has changed, however, and that is the original settlement at the top of the mountain that surrounds it. This ancient town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s, and was rebuilt by the then communist government at the base of the mountain shortly afterwards. Although some buildings are perfectly preserved, the majority of the village that you see today was mainly constructed after the quake. The original village at the top of the incline, is, however, being rebuilt and bares no resemblance to what we first saw back in 2008. The renovation and reconstruction is truly amazing to see; expensive real estate litters the mountain side and is a far cry from the ruins we saw 14 years ago!

    Darrell's family own hotels and guest houses in Podgora and as one walks around the pretty streets, you could be forgiven for thinking everyone in the village is related to him. The feel is distinctly warm and welcoming, a sign of local village life at its finest. I have always felt very much at home when I am here in Dalmatia, embracing his family, enjoying my time exploring this little piece of heaven and learning to wind down, finally taking a step back from the stress of life.

    Yesterday we visited his Cousins Zorko and Zana and attended his great Aunts grave at the top of the mountain, overlooking the sea. It really is a perfect spot, situated in a magnificent setting surrounded by native flora and fauna. Darrell looks happy to be home, and who can blame him. As much as I love the UK, it really can't compare to Dalmatia and the stunning Adriatic coastline. As I quietly walked around the cemetery, the thought of war in Ukraine, not too far from here, popped into my head. Cousin Marin mentioned how he hoped conflict would never again reach these shores, but judging on past Croatian history, it is likely it could happen again.
    From the cemetery, we walked along the mountainside picking figs and admiring the view, which just seemed to get more breathtaking around each corner. Near to the old village church, we stumbled upon an old communist era memorial from 1949. It commemorated World War II and the bravery of those who fought the fascists. It was great having Cousin Marin with us, translating the text. (See video above) I suppose I was a little surprised to see these communist monuments still in situ, but the sentiment, communist or otherwise, is still the same. As someone who loves history, I enjoyed seeing this small tribute to the fallen. All war is wrong, and we could do well to remember that, as the war in Europe continues.
    We walked along Kralja Petra Krešimira in Podgora, towards the beach bar at the end of the strip, where we sat and drunk coffee and a beer. This was the first time I could truly kick off my heels and relax, looking out along the peninsula towards Tučepi. This is the aspect of Croatian life I miss, it really is a far more relaxing way of life. With the World at our feet now, I hope very much we both return here during my lifestyle break, if only to see family again.

    After a typical Croatian meal of Punjena Paprika in the afternoon, we were invited to a small neighbourhood gathering, where I ate more meat than I ever have done in my life. They really love their protein here, and it's easy to see why. Most meat is fresh and organically raised and tastes out of this world. This certainly isn't a place to be Vegan or vegetarian, which luckily suits me down to the ground.

    I have once again been amazed by Croatian hospitality, as we have quickly settled into local life. It has always been a joy to be back in this part of the World, and I am thankful we chose to come back before we head to Thailand. It may well be a while before we can return here again, but here's hoping it's sooner rather than later, as we head into the second day of our stay!

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    Punjena Paprika

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    Leaving Portsmouth!

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    I suppose I've had mixed feelings about leaving Portsmouth for a long time. Yes, I will miss friends and family, but the truth is, I won't miss the place. Darrell and I have outgrown the city and need to fly away for a while; If I am honest, we have felt trapped for a long time. However, the last twenty-four hours was as emotional as the last six weeks. Pat, a family friend, came down from Whiteparish to say goodbye, and I was so glad she did. She put a lot of the issues we had been dealing with into perspective, and I was left feeling a hundred times better, than I had before she arrived.

    The morning we left, quite aptly, poured down with rain; at times it was torrential, but was a rather poignant way for us to leave. The rain and poor weather has always been a reason for us to travel and the deluge that accompanied us as we left in the taxi, really reinforced our reasons for travelling for an extended period.

    To my surprise, Zerina turned up to say goodbye; she really is someone I will miss with all my heart. She has been nothing but supportive and has left a lasting impression on both of us. Without her in our life, it would have been all the poorer; she is definitely a friend for life.

    When the taxi arrived at 9.15 am, I was truly glad to say goodbye. There have been too many tears over the last few weeks, so many, that I think Darrell and I have just been feeling drained and in need of solace. I have never been good at showing emotion anyway, so driving off in the taxi, we both gave a loud sigh of relief. Of course, we are sad to say goodbye, but this extended farewell party had gone on far too long, and we were both happy to just finally let go!

    Sat at Fratton railway station, we talked about our life with family in Portsmouth. It was a deep and meaningful conversation, one that we both needed to have. Thoughts and feeling finally laid to rest, we could now move forwards onto the next stage of our adventures. As we sat there lost in the moment, my Cousin Joe turned up, followed by an old friend Paul, from The Newcome, who both made their final farewells, and we all gave each other a well deserved hug. As the 10.19 am train to Barnham pulled into the station, late, I took one last look at the place and quietly said my goodbyes. I'm not going to see this city for a very long time, leaving content and happy with my decision, was an absolute must. Many ghosts were laid to rest and as the train doors closed behind me, I was satisfied we had made the right choice, to follow our hearts, and leave past difficulties behind.

    The journey to Gatwick Airport was a nightmare. Not only was the train late, but we were given the wrong information by the guard at Fratton. Expecting to change at Barnham, we were told to actually remain on board, where another train would link up, and we would continue on our way. It was all rather confusing, especially with rail works ongoing and the train having to terminate at Three Bridges, one stop away from Gatwick. Suitably annoyed, I got off, along with hundreds of others, jumping on the next one to Bedford. Both Darrell and I looked at each other shaking our head in disbelief, just glad to be finally leaving the UK, never wanting to set foot on public transport again.

    I could certainly tell I was at Gatwick Airport when In arrived, the disorganisation and lack of information was noticeable as we walked around. With a few hours to kill, we ended up in Jamie's Coffee Shop, drinking beer and consuming what I can only describe as the most expensive sandwiches known to man. Forty pounds poorer, we checked into our flight.

    I had paid for an all 'bangs and whistles' ticket, which included speedy boarding. We walked past a long line of disgruntled looking people and headed to the self check in desks. Having not done it before, we both made a mess of the whole thing and had to call a member of staff over for help, who equally didn't know what they were doing. With only one bag checked in, she reluctantly came up with a compromise that allowed us to finally go through security and into the airport.

    The process of going through the security checks was easy enough, although far more intense than it was in the past. I was held back for fifteen minutes, where they swabbed my bags, asked me some questions and after a brief talk with a colleague, ushered me on my way. Once on the other side, we made a beeline for a very packed Wetherspoons, but soon thought better of it, and made our way to another restaurant on the other side of the terminal. By now I was as grumpy as hell, Darrell more so, so we just ordered a very average burger each and a pint of beer.... and what did we pay for the gastronomical delight?... A hefty seventy pounds! I was fuming to say the last.

    By the time the plane took off, I was subtly intoxicated; relaxed, in astonishment, I had a very pleasant flight, a far cry from flights of the past. It was smooth, enjoyable, especially not having to wait in line with the great unwashed, and almost put my faith back into Easy Jet as an airline. On landing, my bags were even there on time which was equally surprising, comparing the experiences of other passengers, using this popular airline after the pandemic. Of course, I'm not counting my chickens yet, until we fly to London on the 14th September, but fingers crossed for an uneventful return.

    Despite leaving the UK half an hour late, the flight landed in Split on time. Both of us could finally breathe a sigh of relief and start our journey around the world. Last night I slept like a baby, for the first time in months; this is a trip to reconnect with the World first and foremost, but this first leg is about having time together, with our Croatian family and above all relaxing, after the most difficult few years of our life!
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    That's All Folks!

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    Cancer Research
    Tesco
    Newcome Arms
    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.
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    Last visit to see Dad
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    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!
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    One Week To Go!

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    This time next week we will be on our way to Croatia, the first stop on my 'lifestyle break.' My nerves have well and truly kicked in now and despite past reservations, today I am finally looking forward to leaving the UK. My apprehension has always been about leaving friends behind, but this last week has shown that no matter where we are, those friendships will always be there.

    Looking back over the years we have travelled, both Darrell and I have made many friends and a few of the good ones have remained, steadfast in our life. It is true to say, we haven't seen many of them in a long time, but lives are busy, and it can be difficult making time to see one another. Whether I return to the UK in a year or just keep on travelling is anyone's guess, but the important thing is, we do what makes us happy. I am genuinely trying to spend as much time as I can with those closest at the moment, giving as many people as I can a big hug when I see them (Yes I understand there is COVID, but hugging is no longer illegal.) When the time comes to leave, it will be a wrench, but I have spent some wonderful times with comrades and colleagues alike, and have some amazing memories to share.

    Yesterday was my final shift on the Customer Service Desk, which, if I am honest, made me sad. Next week I will be working on the front end for a few days before I officially start my career break on Thursday. Colleagues and customers have been brilliant and have really shown me just how lucky I am. People have wanted to show their appreciation, which is rather difficult when you are leaving the country, but they have gone out of their way to show me how much they care. I suggested that a friendship bracelet or token, to take with me on my journey, would be an ideal gift, since we are limited with space. Well, I have been given some great items and will wear them throughout my time away. Every time I look at these gestures of friendship, I will be reminded of the people who did much, to enhance the life I have here in Portsmouth. These are the only things I need to remember my time, and their significance will cement the bonds I have formed.

    The emotional rollercoaster I am on presently has a while to run yet, as I have a few more people to see before I go. On Wednesday, I will make a point of popping in to The Newcome to see my old boss. I have left seeing him and others to the last minute, preferring to stay out of crowded areas before I travel. With our departure on Saturday, I am hoping nothing will happen to jeopardise the flight before we go. I am also trying to keep my distance as much as possible from other people, although I am certainly not turning down those hugs before I go. Someone said to me just yesterday how 'huggy' I had become, and I suppose I have, I really am going to miss so many people; I just want to keep them as close as I can right now.

    On Thursday, I will see my Father one last time. Naturally, I worry about Dad, and the prospect of being away from him for so long isn't helping my anxiety. He hasn't been too well lately, and it will be difficult leaving him behind. My Father is delighted we are travelling and following our dreams, but I do detect the apprehension in his voice. I have only been back in the UK for a little over four years, and I know he would rather I was staying, but he understands our need to go on this journey. Dad has always been quite stoical, showing little emotion, but since the death of Mum he has become far more emotionally in touch with his feelings. On the plus side, he does have a full life now, doing the things he has always wanted to do, so I am happy that he is content and won't miss me too much.

    My cases are packed, and I am ready to fly. I am right up to the limit with my baggage allowance; Thai Airways are particularly tight with their allocation, with only one 20 kg suitcase allowed per person and only a single 7 kg cabin case permitted. Surprisingly I am able to take far more luggage to Croatia, than I am to Thailand and Australia, which really makes no sense at all, but with some innovative juggling and brutal selecting I have managed to do what I can to fit everything in. Living out of a suitcase for the next year isn't going to be easy, but we have done it before, and I doubt very much it will be the last time we do it again.

    I've got another busy, tiring week ahead, but the long haul is nearly over and finally Darrell and I can relax together, away from the stress of life. It has been a long time coming, but God willing, we will depart without a hitch and fly away towards new adventures. Our life together is about to change for the better, and I am thankful we finally have something to look forward to. My love for Portsmouth will always be there, this is after all my home, but my yearning for new horizons will inevitably overtake my need to settle down, as the World once again becomes my reason to live and an oasis to explore!
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    The Last Supper!

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    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!
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    Two Weeks To Go!

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    With just a couple of weeks to go before our departure, I received some of the currency for our trip this morning. I think the penny has finally dropped and everything is finally coming together.

    It really has been a testing few months getting to where we are today; I haven't stopped planning the itinerary for our first three months away. The next few weeks will be equally testing as we finalise the arrangements, finish packing our cases and get ready to leave on the 3rd September. This part of the process has always been my Achilles hill; I have never enjoyed all the planning and preparation involved, preferring to just get up and spontaneously leave, as I have done in the past. However, this time it is crucial we are well-organised, since we will be away from the United Kingdom for an extended period of time.

    I am of course looking forward to the adventure we are now firmly embarked upon and communicating with readers of Roaming Brit updated every step of the way. I will be keeping a journal throughout the year and will write extensively about our journey. This will be the longest fourteen days of my life as anxiety turns to anticipation, but this is an important juncture in both mine and Darrell's life, and we look forward to the memories it will bring!
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