Nathan!

Yesterday I managed to see my old mate Nathan, one of the few people I can truly say I am close too. We used to spend a lot of time together and have known each other for about five years now; not a long time on the scale of things, but a lifetime, after living through the circumstances, both he and I endured, not too long ago.

Nathan was one of the few people that came out and visited both Darrell and I when we moved to Spain, bringing his friend Ash along with him, who I also saw yesterday. We had a lovely dinner at The Spice Inn on Southsea seafront. It brought a lot of memories flooding back, enjoying a few hours in this old pub. I used to come down here quite a lot when I was a student, many years ago; it's changed a lot!

Following an early dinner it was a drive along the south coast towards Fareham and Southampton, where I revisited many of the places I used to frequent when I lived there. From Hamble to the London Hotel, it was fantastic to see my favourite parts of home; It was especially lovely to spend time at our old Wedding venue, the London. Our Marriage in 2015 is a cherished memory and it was great to see the old place after so long. The one thing I like about this hotel, is the continuity; it never changes and I like that at my time of life; it is a traditional gay venue in the heart of Southampton, showing cabaret acts and hosting live events, one of the few pubs of its kind left. This place reminds me of just what home is all about and I felt totally relaxed, as if I had never left.

The time I am spending here has been a breath of fresh air. I am thoroughly enjoying this pilgrimage to my old home town...For now, long may it continue!