I suppose that goes without saying, for most of us.
Well, I managed to get some last-minute holidays approved so I thought I'd make good use of my time and visit people I hadn't seen in a while.
After a few hastily written emails and some hotel reservations I was off to the mainland, yet again.
Basically I did a bit of an anti-clockwise route.
Firstly, from the islands by ferry and across France.
I spent a couple of nights over the weekend with Nathan, Monika and Emma. It was good to catch up, just after Nathan's birthday and also to see how much young Emma had developed. Was a good weekend.
Next, off to see the Whaleys. To tell you the truth, they didn't seem to have changed much since I'd last seen them. Physically, there was little change but they are definitely exhibiting more individual personalities. Of course, Bomb hasn't changed much but Jay's hairline is a bit like the horizon, you can't really say where it starts.
The ride across to Nathan's was uneventful, with an overnight stop in Le Mans. North From there to Jay's was equally uneventful.
Although, I have just now realised how stressful it is riding through Germany, especially compared to France. I don't know what it is. I guess the Germans believe that they have the RIGHT to occupy the middle lane no-matter what speed they are travelling at, or other road-users. The French tend to be more polite and keep out of the inside lane. Or maybe they just get such a fright when they see Melinda looming up behind them that they get out of the way...
She is a beast of a bike!
The ride back to St Malo was just as uneventful but a little longer and I decided to take my time. A short 1060 km in 11 hours, no stress, quite relaxing really.
But I was ready for a beer (or 5) and Calzone when I arrived. The Hotel in St Malo was nothing special but exactly what I required.
I did somewhere around 2000+ km, all this to-ing and fro-ing has me looking forward to Summer and the challenges that Lie ahead. The bike was great but seems to have developed an intermittent fault with the cruise control. After a bit of an internet search, it appears that this is not an uncommon fault and should be covered by warranty. Guess it's a good thing it has occurred now and not in Iceland or some other remote place. Blessing in disguise?
I was even able to catch up with Charl (my successor) and his wife. Give him a few tips and information on what to expect etc. and show-off Melinda.
Lastly, I managed to get some nursing training done at the Institute. Woo-hoo
Some people were wondering if I was returning, others hadn't realise that I'd even left.
What a super productive week.
Now I'm back at work, just over 2 weeks before Charl begins and my final days are here.
I've got about 64 days left till my visa runs out and I can hardly wait.
