Right o, last time i wrote something was a general pissy moan about uni, so i thought it be about the right time of year for a lot more of a positive note.
First things first. I'm not a fan of christmas. Expensive stuff before hand, sales afterwards, people doing silly things with money, lack of christmas spirit in some poeple and far too much spirits inh others, cold, dark nights and silly interuptions to opening hours and the mail service. Not good. However, this year, i've found out that not all is bad, and this year is slightly different because of the credit crunch. Although its been busy as ever, at least the present you get this year are actually going to mean something, rather than pissing away money like we all usually do. Only propblem is the sales will be deadly, but i can cope with that!!
This christmas is slightly different for me as well. Its the first christmas in about 2 years i can say i feel happy, and its all down to one person. Yes, fine say as you will, i am a hopeless romantic, and whoever knows me well will know how much a longed for someone special to come along and show the same love and affection i'd willing show to anyone. Thankfully about a week ago, the lovely little irish Amanda took a shine to me, and on my mantle is a lovely christmas card with the word 'boyfriend' on the front. Just when i was very willing to give it all up for good, and accept lonelyness as another part of my life, she came along. And for that i'm really really glad. (Yes i know your about to throw up because of all this mushy rubbish i'm babbling but still i had lost all hope in women.)
Without wanting to go on how much i miss her or whatever, i'm going to finish here. But before i do, i thought i'd share some of the magic i've felt of the last few weeks. Whatever your circumstance, look around see what you have, not what you lack. All i ever did was see the glass was half empty, look at it and be thankful you have a drink! and drink it! enjoy your christmas, and have a wonderful new year.
Have a great time, much love, now and always, Tim x x
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
Amsterdam to Home.
Returning to the cars after a few days away from them was a dreaded task. Would they still be there? Would they work? What would be growing in them? How much was the parking? What ever it was, we had to return. A few checks of the cars, and a good scrubbing of Nail Varnish remover in the Mondeo and we were on our way. The last leg of the Journey was like all the other days. Only I was directing now, and strangly it was the shortest journey we did. We arrived in Calais a full 6 hours early, but looking at the state of the cars, its a wonder it was 6 hours the other way round. Arriving in Dover, it was now dark. Jokes went round about how long the cars would last before they got pulled over, but luckily neither one did. The Calibra soon left the Mondeo behind.
Hitting traffic near reading, it was the longest we’d been stationary in the 6 days we’d spent in the cars. Half ahour last and the speedo in the Calibra was reading 3 figures again. Entering the last 5 miles of our journey, the Calibra started miss firing, and feeling very sick. A few miles later, she luckly recovered. We arrived home 12 hours after leaving Amsterdam, exhilarated, not at what we had done, but the fact both cars had made it, even in their current states.
And so, including Wales and England, thats 15 countries in 6 days. Proof that old cars are better than you’d first imagine.
Hitting traffic near reading, it was the longest we’d been stationary in the 6 days we’d spent in the cars. Half ahour last and the speedo in the Calibra was reading 3 figures again. Entering the last 5 miles of our journey, the Calibra started miss firing, and feeling very sick. A few miles later, she luckly recovered. We arrived home 12 hours after leaving Amsterdam, exhilarated, not at what we had done, but the fact both cars had made it, even in their current states.
And so, including Wales and England, thats 15 countries in 6 days. Proof that old cars are better than you’d first imagine.
Day 6 Munich to Amsterdam
This was the last but one stage of our journey. The big one. The one the cars needed to be on top form for, and the simple fact of the matter was, neither car was. We returned to see a soaking floor by the front of the Calibra, and a taped up Mondeo. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t see the Calibra starting or the Mondeo making it. Even if mechanically the Mondeo had survived, the bumper was held on with tape, which could have easily come off and cause the Mondeo to have a major crash.
We loaded up and started our journey. Within 5 minutes the Calibra was a kettle, spewing steam from the bonnet shut lines. It really was a scene written for top gear, and I’ll be honest, when you know you’ve got no money left, seeing your only hope of home steaming away isn’t something to calm your nerves. Still the boys, having started driving around found confidence in the cars. Pulling over at a garage, Mark Evans had an idea that the fan wasn’t cutting in on the Calibra, causing the overheating problem. A quick 5 minutes under the bonnect, and a bit a of wire later, we left Munich with the fan on permently and a very cool Calibra, temperature wise of course (I doubt a batman painted £50 Calibra would ever be considered fashion).
Heading towards Amsterdam, the sheer journey size soon became apparent. We drove, hard, for a very long time. Pulling over at a petrol station I took to the wheel of the Mondeo. The journey, I’ll be honest became a bit of a blur, driving quickly for a very long time, memories merge very easily. I was very aware of the speed limits going into Amsterdam, so lost the Calibra a few times, but after after a few minutes at 120 in the de-resricted zones had us back in a convoy, and the boyus nervous. Reaching Amsterdam, the rumors of it all looking the same become all to evident to us. We had no idea where we were going, no sat nav, no map, no idea. Driving round and nearly killing every bike we saw we eventually found the Hostel. Mark asked me to follow him to put the cars in a long stay car park, and so I did, driving the Mondeo alone for the first time.
We drove round for about an hour, up one way streets the wrong way and even down cycle lanes, until, when Mark eventually threw in the towel to go home, the found the long stay car park, with an enterance sign about the size of a postage stamp. Pulling in, Mark wound down the passenger window and got his ticket into the car park. Luxeries of the Mondeo didn’t include windows that wound down, so I had to get out to get the ticket, forgetting the barrier would go up as soon as I had the ticket. Running back round the Mondeo screamed into the car park just in time. We parked up, and we back to the hostel, leaving as soon as we arrived for the final meet with everyone. A KFC was the final meal of the rally due to the late hour, and a quick expensive drink was the end of the rally. We got back to the hostel, tired, exhausted but happy the fact we’d done it, we’d made it Amsterdam and more importantly we didn’t have to drive anywhere tomorrow.
We loaded up and started our journey. Within 5 minutes the Calibra was a kettle, spewing steam from the bonnet shut lines. It really was a scene written for top gear, and I’ll be honest, when you know you’ve got no money left, seeing your only hope of home steaming away isn’t something to calm your nerves. Still the boys, having started driving around found confidence in the cars. Pulling over at a garage, Mark Evans had an idea that the fan wasn’t cutting in on the Calibra, causing the overheating problem. A quick 5 minutes under the bonnect, and a bit a of wire later, we left Munich with the fan on permently and a very cool Calibra, temperature wise of course (I doubt a batman painted £50 Calibra would ever be considered fashion).
Heading towards Amsterdam, the sheer journey size soon became apparent. We drove, hard, for a very long time. Pulling over at a petrol station I took to the wheel of the Mondeo. The journey, I’ll be honest became a bit of a blur, driving quickly for a very long time, memories merge very easily. I was very aware of the speed limits going into Amsterdam, so lost the Calibra a few times, but after after a few minutes at 120 in the de-resricted zones had us back in a convoy, and the boyus nervous. Reaching Amsterdam, the rumors of it all looking the same become all to evident to us. We had no idea where we were going, no sat nav, no map, no idea. Driving round and nearly killing every bike we saw we eventually found the Hostel. Mark asked me to follow him to put the cars in a long stay car park, and so I did, driving the Mondeo alone for the first time.
We drove round for about an hour, up one way streets the wrong way and even down cycle lanes, until, when Mark eventually threw in the towel to go home, the found the long stay car park, with an enterance sign about the size of a postage stamp. Pulling in, Mark wound down the passenger window and got his ticket into the car park. Luxeries of the Mondeo didn’t include windows that wound down, so I had to get out to get the ticket, forgetting the barrier would go up as soon as I had the ticket. Running back round the Mondeo screamed into the car park just in time. We parked up, and we back to the hostel, leaving as soon as we arrived for the final meet with everyone. A KFC was the final meal of the rally due to the late hour, and a quick expensive drink was the end of the rally. We got back to the hostel, tired, exhausted but happy the fact we’d done it, we’d made it Amsterdam and more importantly we didn’t have to drive anywhere tomorrow.
Day 5 – Munich – written on the road to Amsterdam.
Today things really did take a turn for worse. Leaving Bratislava, the first thing was an emergency repair job on the Mondeo’s brakes. Once they were sorted, everyone saddled up, Craig behind the wheel of the Mondeo, Mark the Calibra. Leaving Bratislava was a good indication of what was to come. The brakes on the Mondeo were working much better for about 5 minutes then reverted back to the shake-to-stop ways we’d all got used to. Every stop in the Mondeo now resulted in a slight bump. Mark was thrapping the Calibra round the streets now, and Craig obviously followed suit. Screaming round the city, tires lit at every bend, we met with Adam and the other teams.
At the services, Craig slammed the car up a gutter, immediately ripping a hole in the wall, resulting in a tire change.
From the city we nailed it towards our first destination, the Church from the film, Sound of Music. Except as we arrived, and for that matter left, the only noise bouncing off the hills was the Calibra’s and Mondeo’s screeching tires. Mark did a burnout as we left, filling the car with smoke and waking the entire town. We left, quickly, as the boys attitude to everything.
Entering Munich, I started to type up entries for the last few days, while the bumps from behind got harder with each stop. We lost our leader, event organiser Adam, so we pulled into a side street. As I carried on typing, noticing the yellow Mondeo pull to the side of the Calibra, the partical jokes carried on coming. Luke jumped out the Mondeo, slamming a door against our car, and opened the boot. Mark jumped out, slammed it shut again, getting a bit annoyed.
As I wrote “...who spent the night in a single bed with Craig, had park in the only available space...” Noise of the Mondeo Engine being revved alerted me to Craig smashing into the Calibra in reverse, adding more revs to rip both the Mondeo and the Calibra’s bumpers off. This did not go down well with Mark at all.
“What the fuck are you doing you stupid bell end? Are you completely retarded?” he bellowed leaning out the side of the car. He soon jumped out to try and sort everything out, as was his nature earning him the nick name Dad. Gaffer taping both bumpers back together, the mood was still high however I sence that things had gone to far lingered between a few people at times.
As the cars got taped back together, water under the Calibra and steam from under the bonnet began to appear. The Calibra was about to break down, big style.
And then to make things worse the Police turned up. Ross dealt with them, Mark sorted to Calibra, and the rest general laugh about the whole thing. Driving to a underground car park, the mood got more serious.
That night, many ideas were talked about what we’d do if the worst thing happened. How to destroy the cars, get to Amsterdam and get home.
At the services, Craig slammed the car up a gutter, immediately ripping a hole in the wall, resulting in a tire change.
From the city we nailed it towards our first destination, the Church from the film, Sound of Music. Except as we arrived, and for that matter left, the only noise bouncing off the hills was the Calibra’s and Mondeo’s screeching tires. Mark did a burnout as we left, filling the car with smoke and waking the entire town. We left, quickly, as the boys attitude to everything.
Entering Munich, I started to type up entries for the last few days, while the bumps from behind got harder with each stop. We lost our leader, event organiser Adam, so we pulled into a side street. As I carried on typing, noticing the yellow Mondeo pull to the side of the Calibra, the partical jokes carried on coming. Luke jumped out the Mondeo, slamming a door against our car, and opened the boot. Mark jumped out, slammed it shut again, getting a bit annoyed.
As I wrote “...who spent the night in a single bed with Craig, had park in the only available space...” Noise of the Mondeo Engine being revved alerted me to Craig smashing into the Calibra in reverse, adding more revs to rip both the Mondeo and the Calibra’s bumpers off. This did not go down well with Mark at all.
“What the fuck are you doing you stupid bell end? Are you completely retarded?” he bellowed leaning out the side of the car. He soon jumped out to try and sort everything out, as was his nature earning him the nick name Dad. Gaffer taping both bumpers back together, the mood was still high however I sence that things had gone to far lingered between a few people at times.
As the cars got taped back together, water under the Calibra and steam from under the bonnet began to appear. The Calibra was about to break down, big style.
And then to make things worse the Police turned up. Ross dealt with them, Mark sorted to Calibra, and the rest general laugh about the whole thing. Driving to a underground car park, the mood got more serious.
That night, many ideas were talked about what we’d do if the worst thing happened. How to destroy the cars, get to Amsterdam and get home.
Day 4 – Bratislava – on the road to Munich
Woke up, amazingly feeling alright and before anyone else was up, after passing out the night before. Feeling bright and not shite we all began to make our way back down to the cars which Ross, who spent the night in a single bed with Craig, had park in the only available space...
--- Craig crashed into us ---
... which was about a mile away. Still the cars are still in one piece, and drivable and still on the street. As Ross was parking, the police rocked up and put the car that was next to him on the back on the low-loader and left. So once we had all made it back to the cars, hoping they were still going to be there, it was decided that we were all going to have breakfast, and McDonalds back by the hostel was the decision. Which me, Ross and Craig decided was to far to walk to drove the Mondeo back to the high street for food. While we were sat eating, the topic of conversation moved towards the driving laws, and how Prague’s police don’t accept any alcohol in the body when driving. This, I ahve to admit, made me really nervous as when I was eating, I was beginning to feel more and more drunk again with each bite I took. This I didn’t relay back to the lads, as I really wanted to drive again. The Mondeo was feeling really bad as well. Worse than me. Everything was worse.
As we were driving along, Chris (Paine) started drawing on the dash board with a permanent marker. As a result, by the time we’d reached our challenge point for the day (the Church of bones, Bratislava) the entire inside of the car, and I mean every last inch of it, was covered in cartoon cocks and typical welsh boy sayings. I’m not going to write what it says on the driver’s side sun visor as it’ll probably offend everyone who reads this. But its the funniest thing you’ll probably see in a Mk1 Mondeo.
The drive today though was fantastic, lovely roads, terrific views and some great mates to laugh about it all. They’ve coined a nice name, McLovin’, so I feel well involved with them all now. Paine craped himself on a few bends, and when a lorry pulled out in front of us at 110 mph on the motorway. The brakes went past the bone-shaker to just a hope. We did stop, luckily, and then swapped drivers and I got in the Calibra, when we neared the city. By the time we got there, the lads in the Calibra were getting a bit ratty with each other, so we eventually found a car park, in the dodgest part of town and waited for Mark and Howie to return with directions. We all piled in the Mondeo, sketched about a random guy by the cars, then had a giggling fit with Craig and Paine.
“Get in the fucking back?”“What?”“Get in the fucking back of the fucking car?”
That was the return of Mark to the Calibra, and we soon we’re at the Hostel, changed and out again. The night ended in McDonalds, after a really annoying but nice meal somewhere with the twat of a tour guide, and then a cocktail bar under the belt.
--- Craig crashed into us ---
... which was about a mile away. Still the cars are still in one piece, and drivable and still on the street. As Ross was parking, the police rocked up and put the car that was next to him on the back on the low-loader and left. So once we had all made it back to the cars, hoping they were still going to be there, it was decided that we were all going to have breakfast, and McDonalds back by the hostel was the decision. Which me, Ross and Craig decided was to far to walk to drove the Mondeo back to the high street for food. While we were sat eating, the topic of conversation moved towards the driving laws, and how Prague’s police don’t accept any alcohol in the body when driving. This, I ahve to admit, made me really nervous as when I was eating, I was beginning to feel more and more drunk again with each bite I took. This I didn’t relay back to the lads, as I really wanted to drive again. The Mondeo was feeling really bad as well. Worse than me. Everything was worse.
As we were driving along, Chris (Paine) started drawing on the dash board with a permanent marker. As a result, by the time we’d reached our challenge point for the day (the Church of bones, Bratislava) the entire inside of the car, and I mean every last inch of it, was covered in cartoon cocks and typical welsh boy sayings. I’m not going to write what it says on the driver’s side sun visor as it’ll probably offend everyone who reads this. But its the funniest thing you’ll probably see in a Mk1 Mondeo.
The drive today though was fantastic, lovely roads, terrific views and some great mates to laugh about it all. They’ve coined a nice name, McLovin’, so I feel well involved with them all now. Paine craped himself on a few bends, and when a lorry pulled out in front of us at 110 mph on the motorway. The brakes went past the bone-shaker to just a hope. We did stop, luckily, and then swapped drivers and I got in the Calibra, when we neared the city. By the time we got there, the lads in the Calibra were getting a bit ratty with each other, so we eventually found a car park, in the dodgest part of town and waited for Mark and Howie to return with directions. We all piled in the Mondeo, sketched about a random guy by the cars, then had a giggling fit with Craig and Paine.
“Get in the fucking back?”“What?”“Get in the fucking back of the fucking car?”
That was the return of Mark to the Calibra, and we soon we’re at the Hostel, changed and out again. The night ended in McDonalds, after a really annoying but nice meal somewhere with the twat of a tour guide, and then a cocktail bar under the belt.
Day 3 – Prague – written on road to towards Munich
Mondeo is now looking a lot less worse for wear, not helped when the Calibra had an ABS fit and Mark slammed it into the back of the Mondeo. The rear bumper now has a big crack in it with gaffer tape to hold it, if it is possible on that car. The roads into Prague didn’t inspire confidence. The lack of street lamps was the least of our worries, some places literal had bare bases of the roads exposed. It felt a lot like we were heading into the middle of nowhere, where the economy had long gone. With Ross behind the wheel of the Mondeo, it was something you wouldn’t be able sleep through. Which is exactly what I managed to do. For some reason on this trip, I’ve been sleeping at every available moment.
As for the cars, the Calibra is working fine, apart from the occasional hiccup with the ABS. The Mondeo is a different matter. It’s becoming such a state, that on the roads into Prague, the ones which felt like they had been laid when Jesus walked the earth, the Mondeo fitted straight in. The brakes don’t stop the car; they more shake it until eventually it loses speed. The accelerator doesn’t actually make the car go any faster, more just makes it louder, and only to the people inside the car. 2 of the windows don’t work, the gearbox feels like it’s full of honey, the steering is about as tight as a girl after Craig has finished with her and the heater isn’t working. On the bright side, she starts first time everytime, so I suppose it’s not that bad. You know, ignoring all of the broken things, which is more or less the entire car; it’s getting it us through countries.
I can’t really remember much about day 2 of Rally Europe for a couple of reasons. One was because I’ve slept through it, and the other is because in the process of getting to know the lads better, I may have got very drunk. That night was absolutely fantastic though, beginning to feel like one of them, going out and generally being young, something I’ve waited a long time for.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best thing I’ve done in my life. Meeting 7 welsh mentals, prating around in worthless motors, not knowing if they are going to make it, blasting through countries to get drunk in yet another town, another country.
As for the cars, the Calibra is working fine, apart from the occasional hiccup with the ABS. The Mondeo is a different matter. It’s becoming such a state, that on the roads into Prague, the ones which felt like they had been laid when Jesus walked the earth, the Mondeo fitted straight in. The brakes don’t stop the car; they more shake it until eventually it loses speed. The accelerator doesn’t actually make the car go any faster, more just makes it louder, and only to the people inside the car. 2 of the windows don’t work, the gearbox feels like it’s full of honey, the steering is about as tight as a girl after Craig has finished with her and the heater isn’t working. On the bright side, she starts first time everytime, so I suppose it’s not that bad. You know, ignoring all of the broken things, which is more or less the entire car; it’s getting it us through countries.
I can’t really remember much about day 2 of Rally Europe for a couple of reasons. One was because I’ve slept through it, and the other is because in the process of getting to know the lads better, I may have got very drunk. That night was absolutely fantastic though, beginning to feel like one of them, going out and generally being young, something I’ve waited a long time for.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best thing I’ve done in my life. Meeting 7 welsh mentals, prating around in worthless motors, not knowing if they are going to make it, blasting through countries to get drunk in yet another town, another country.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Day 2 – Frankfurt Hostel, German, 12.15 am.
Today I have fallen in love, with a Vauxhall. Driving today was really good, we finally hit to the road hard and began rally Europe for real. As usual, things didn’t quiet go to plan, but we’ve arrived, so the ending is what you’d expect, but I’m hoping you’re going to read on for the journey.
So, after the awful sleep last night behind the wheel of the Mondeo, I stayed pretty much there for the rest of the day. Heading to the meet place, we all finally met Adam and the other competitors. Well when I say competitors, I mean competitor. I was expecting a drove of cars and teams all ready and waiting for the challenge, but what was reality turned out to be one other team. We did eventually meet another team in mid afternoon, but still 4 teams were far below my expectations. Still it means we can all stay in a convoy and have a great trip. Which is exactly how things are panning out.
I’ve settled down a lot more now with the lads as we begin to get to know each other, and after a good days driving, I think we’re all not only knackered but on the same wavelength. Only one thing soiled my day today, and that was a bastard German speed camera.
Driving down a German motorway, I was following event organiser Adam in formation. We had no map or sat nav so it was essential we kept up. So when both I and he got flashed by what looked like a sign, we both looked on in shock, and naturally slowed right down. I’m hoping and praying I’m not going to get anything through the port about it, and if I do, that it’s only a fine, and not points.
My day has been made complete though by seeing the lovely Calibra driving along side by side to the Mondy’, and I’m completely smitten by it now. I have to get one.
Speaking of things I have to do, I have to repeat this trip with Adam, Tom and Mike. It would just be epic, and create a great T.V piece. Hopefully in a Calibra. Hopefully very soon.
From a very noisy, yet pleasant hostel in Frankfurt, Germany, Tim W.
So, after the awful sleep last night behind the wheel of the Mondeo, I stayed pretty much there for the rest of the day. Heading to the meet place, we all finally met Adam and the other competitors. Well when I say competitors, I mean competitor. I was expecting a drove of cars and teams all ready and waiting for the challenge, but what was reality turned out to be one other team. We did eventually meet another team in mid afternoon, but still 4 teams were far below my expectations. Still it means we can all stay in a convoy and have a great trip. Which is exactly how things are panning out.
I’ve settled down a lot more now with the lads as we begin to get to know each other, and after a good days driving, I think we’re all not only knackered but on the same wavelength. Only one thing soiled my day today, and that was a bastard German speed camera.
Driving down a German motorway, I was following event organiser Adam in formation. We had no map or sat nav so it was essential we kept up. So when both I and he got flashed by what looked like a sign, we both looked on in shock, and naturally slowed right down. I’m hoping and praying I’m not going to get anything through the port about it, and if I do, that it’s only a fine, and not points.
My day has been made complete though by seeing the lovely Calibra driving along side by side to the Mondy’, and I’m completely smitten by it now. I have to get one.
Speaking of things I have to do, I have to repeat this trip with Adam, Tom and Mike. It would just be epic, and create a great T.V piece. Hopefully in a Calibra. Hopefully very soon.
From a very noisy, yet pleasant hostel in Frankfurt, Germany, Tim W.
Day 2. Calias car park, 8-45 am
We woke up today in a car park in the actually cars. More or less 12 straight hours in these two old bangers. Last night, after leaving the ferry, someone took the wrong turn... me, and we split from the convoy but thanks to a rather handy lighthouse, the convoy was soon re-united and we were on a car park ready for a few hours kip. We eventually all dropped off at around 5 am, waking hideously 3 hours later. Still all the lads have busied about making jokesa at one another and trying to fix the heating in the Mondeo. I’ve done a few more shots with the camera, and tried to keep as awake as possible for the drive today.
Speak soon, Tim
Speak soon, Tim
Day 2: Dover – Paris - On Ferry Crossing.
It’s about 3.25 am now; we’ve made it to the ferry after some initial hiccups. After arriving at the cack-hole they call Reading, the two cars turned up about 10 minutes after I got off the train. Do you remember those where’s Waldo puzzles? Yeah, well finding the lads was the exact opposite of that. A bright yellow Ford Mondeo and grey Calibra with a huge batman logo down the side aren’t the most inconspicuous vehicles I’ve seen, but at least there’s no fear of them getting lost or stolen. After flagging them down, and chucking luggage on board SS Mondeo Baywatch, Ross immediately nailed it.
Pulling onto a motorway behind the Calibra, Ross was literally rizzla-paper distance off its rear bumper as we made the filling of a Vauxhall – lorry sandwich. I’ll be honest, and I know the lads will be reading this; the nerves did kick back in at the point. Don’t worry lads, a few hours later once in Dover and we got to know each other, nerves were far past a distance memory. Sitting in the bleakest side road, watching 3 welsh lads smack the crap out of a blow up sex doll is something I doubt I’m ever going to forget. Suggesting putting Maltessers up here arse was one idea I’d never thought I’d ever hear, but my god, these lot are eye watering funny.
As the cars are going, the Mondeo had a slight problem with the headlights and the Calibra with the rears. Both cars are coping well, despite the general abuse we’re giving them, such as top gear style bump-stops!
Other issues concerned a quick police stop in Dover after Ross nailed it (again) coming off a round-a-bout. Ironically it was the Calibra that we almost crashed into that got stopped. O and a slight issue with tickets when we tried to board the ferry, thanks to someone forgetting the ticket reference numbers. But all is well and good, both cars are getting plenty of attention, admittedly the yellow one more so, and we’re on route to Calais.
Nerves have just returned. The lads want to read what I’ve just wrote. Go easy lads, I’m still getting to know you all. And it has been a very long day, hence the shit update.
Pulling onto a motorway behind the Calibra, Ross was literally rizzla-paper distance off its rear bumper as we made the filling of a Vauxhall – lorry sandwich. I’ll be honest, and I know the lads will be reading this; the nerves did kick back in at the point. Don’t worry lads, a few hours later once in Dover and we got to know each other, nerves were far past a distance memory. Sitting in the bleakest side road, watching 3 welsh lads smack the crap out of a blow up sex doll is something I doubt I’m ever going to forget. Suggesting putting Maltessers up here arse was one idea I’d never thought I’d ever hear, but my god, these lot are eye watering funny.
As the cars are going, the Mondeo had a slight problem with the headlights and the Calibra with the rears. Both cars are coping well, despite the general abuse we’re giving them, such as top gear style bump-stops!
Other issues concerned a quick police stop in Dover after Ross nailed it (again) coming off a round-a-bout. Ironically it was the Calibra that we almost crashed into that got stopped. O and a slight issue with tickets when we tried to board the ferry, thanks to someone forgetting the ticket reference numbers. But all is well and good, both cars are getting plenty of attention, admittedly the yellow one more so, and we’re on route to Calais.
Nerves have just returned. The lads want to read what I’ve just wrote. Go easy lads, I’m still getting to know you all. And it has been a very long day, hence the shit update.
Day 1: 19.30: Coventry – Reading
What on earth am I doing? I’ve just got on the train to get to Reading, on the sheer scale of what I’m about to do has final reached me. All I keep hearing is 11 countries, 5 days, no idea who and 11 countries over and over in my head. To say I’m not nervous now is a complete lie. But nerves aside, excited wouldn’t be the right word to describe how I feel; ecstatic might just begin to cover it.
But really what the hell am I’m doing. I’m travelling alone, outside of England which I’ve never done before with group of guys I’ve never met before. If ever there was a definition of trust, this is it right here right now. Writing this is beginning to calm my nerves slightly as there are hundreds of people on this train. All of them have a destination, all of them have a purpose and all of them have their own unique story. I doubt, and I don’t want to be big headed here, but I doubt any of them are as remotely as exciting, or stupid, as what I’m about to do. I’m keeping a very close eye on all my bags; they all have stuff I need in like my camera gear, clothes and documents. If I lose one, the trip is buggered right up.
Speak of which, my mind has drifted towards the car front. I wonder what they are actually like. A ropey old Mondeo and a not much more health Calibra. £300. For a car. Travel tickets cost more than that, and these are (supposedly) fully working modes of transport. I say fully working, by that I mean they start, stop and hopefully steer.
Travel wise, I’m already one stop down, about 50 minutes away now. This is all too real for me, and I’m loving the feeling. I feel alive, electric almost. I’m doing something probably no-one would be silly enough to do. I know loads of people are doing this rally, but they all know each other probably. I don’t. It can only be brilliant. I won’t accept anything less, nor will I let it happen. This is what I’ve dreamt of doing, following car stories, only this is possibly one of the most exciting things I’ll ever do. 20 years old, through 11 countries on a shoe string. One day this is something I’ll tell my grand kids, and my kids. And hopefully do with them, only it won’t have the same sense of adventure, the same unknowns. To them it will, but I’ll have done it all before. So with that I’m going to check my bags, and try and relax into this journey before the labour of walking begins again.
Tim W.
But really what the hell am I’m doing. I’m travelling alone, outside of England which I’ve never done before with group of guys I’ve never met before. If ever there was a definition of trust, this is it right here right now. Writing this is beginning to calm my nerves slightly as there are hundreds of people on this train. All of them have a destination, all of them have a purpose and all of them have their own unique story. I doubt, and I don’t want to be big headed here, but I doubt any of them are as remotely as exciting, or stupid, as what I’m about to do. I’m keeping a very close eye on all my bags; they all have stuff I need in like my camera gear, clothes and documents. If I lose one, the trip is buggered right up.
Speak of which, my mind has drifted towards the car front. I wonder what they are actually like. A ropey old Mondeo and a not much more health Calibra. £300. For a car. Travel tickets cost more than that, and these are (supposedly) fully working modes of transport. I say fully working, by that I mean they start, stop and hopefully steer.
Travel wise, I’m already one stop down, about 50 minutes away now. This is all too real for me, and I’m loving the feeling. I feel alive, electric almost. I’m doing something probably no-one would be silly enough to do. I know loads of people are doing this rally, but they all know each other probably. I don’t. It can only be brilliant. I won’t accept anything less, nor will I let it happen. This is what I’ve dreamt of doing, following car stories, only this is possibly one of the most exciting things I’ll ever do. 20 years old, through 11 countries on a shoe string. One day this is something I’ll tell my grand kids, and my kids. And hopefully do with them, only it won’t have the same sense of adventure, the same unknowns. To them it will, but I’ll have done it all before. So with that I’m going to check my bags, and try and relax into this journey before the labour of walking begins again.
Tim W.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
The Final Hour
So its the last hour before travell commences, and things are really begining to heat up here.
I'm trying to knock something to eat quickly before i go, while trying to write this, check i've got everything, update the ipod, and keep calm. the keep calm bit is easier said than done. To look at , i'm quiet chilled and i'm doing things as i normally would theres so much going through my head right now its un real. No one can believe i'm doing what i'm doing and its only just sinking in the sure scale of what i'm about to do is on. Going away for the first time in a banger with a group of people i've never met. i must be mad.
But all the guys sound like a right laugh, and i'm sure to find out if thats true or not in about 3 hours time. Anyway, i'll write something else on the train on the way down, and hopefully publish it somewhere soon!!
Route:
Coventry - Reading - Dover - France - Belgium - Holland/Netherlands - Germany - Czech Repulic - Solvakia - Austria - Germany - Netherlands - Belgium - France - Dover - Reading - Coventry.
Excellent- 5 days in a £300 car.
Come back soon x x
I'm trying to knock something to eat quickly before i go, while trying to write this, check i've got everything, update the ipod, and keep calm. the keep calm bit is easier said than done. To look at , i'm quiet chilled and i'm doing things as i normally would theres so much going through my head right now its un real. No one can believe i'm doing what i'm doing and its only just sinking in the sure scale of what i'm about to do is on. Going away for the first time in a banger with a group of people i've never met. i must be mad.
But all the guys sound like a right laugh, and i'm sure to find out if thats true or not in about 3 hours time. Anyway, i'll write something else on the train on the way down, and hopefully publish it somewhere soon!!
Route:
Coventry - Reading - Dover - France - Belgium - Holland/Netherlands - Germany - Czech Repulic - Solvakia - Austria - Germany - Netherlands - Belgium - France - Dover - Reading - Coventry.
Excellent- 5 days in a £300 car.
Come back soon x x
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
24 Hours till take off...
Well 20 hours actually, if you want to be very precise. So less than a day remains, and a list longer than a very tall mans arm is still left with many an unticked box. I’ve got so much to sort out like exchanging money, packing and emailing papers and magazines about my trip that I’m sure I’m forgetting half of it. I’ve had that much to sort out I’ve currently got about 3 or 4 lists on the go
So today, progress was a European insurance card applied for, a secret shop completed, so an extra £10 to play with, and a new contact from someone I met on the bus!! Articles have finally been sent off them editor at Student Bodiez and I’ve heard back from people at Autocar. Unfortunately they don’t want coverage of the event, however they do remember me and more work there is promised within a few months, so that’s all very exciting!! And tiring, I’m about ready to drop!! The plan tomorrow is to get a lot of rest after everything is prepared and not to miss my train. I can’t wait to meet the guys I’m going with, they sound like a right laugh and swear about as much as me, so I’m sure I’m not going to offend anyone with excess language!
Nerves are beginning to build as this is my first time out of England, so it’s going to be huge culture shock. I know I should be feeling like a bag of nerves, but all a can feel at the moment is a slight excitement within me, like a piece of wood glowing gently in a burnt out fire. I know it’s going to be great, I just hope I’m prepared and don’t forget anything.
I’m worried that I’m going to lose some of the closeness I’ve got with my flatmates, as I’ve only known them for 6 weeks, 2 weeks away is enough time to forget someone. I’m hoping.
Matt Rigby, Autocar Road Test Guy, replied to an email I sent him yesterday, said he remembered me, and I only knew him a week, so I’m sure it’s just me worrying. When I say forget, I don’t mean they’ll be like who the hell are you, but I lose that part of the group. I’ve felt a tad left out this week as it is, but I’m sure that’s to me being a bit down after family complexes over the weekend. Anyway this rally thing is beginning to give me energy now, and I’m sure by tomorrow that slight glow will be raging fire of excitement. Can’t wait!! Speak soon, I’m off to go pack.
Night x x
So today, progress was a European insurance card applied for, a secret shop completed, so an extra £10 to play with, and a new contact from someone I met on the bus!! Articles have finally been sent off them editor at Student Bodiez and I’ve heard back from people at Autocar. Unfortunately they don’t want coverage of the event, however they do remember me and more work there is promised within a few months, so that’s all very exciting!! And tiring, I’m about ready to drop!! The plan tomorrow is to get a lot of rest after everything is prepared and not to miss my train. I can’t wait to meet the guys I’m going with, they sound like a right laugh and swear about as much as me, so I’m sure I’m not going to offend anyone with excess language!
Nerves are beginning to build as this is my first time out of England, so it’s going to be huge culture shock. I know I should be feeling like a bag of nerves, but all a can feel at the moment is a slight excitement within me, like a piece of wood glowing gently in a burnt out fire. I know it’s going to be great, I just hope I’m prepared and don’t forget anything.
I’m worried that I’m going to lose some of the closeness I’ve got with my flatmates, as I’ve only known them for 6 weeks, 2 weeks away is enough time to forget someone. I’m hoping.
Matt Rigby, Autocar Road Test Guy, replied to an email I sent him yesterday, said he remembered me, and I only knew him a week, so I’m sure it’s just me worrying. When I say forget, I don’t mean they’ll be like who the hell are you, but I lose that part of the group. I’ve felt a tad left out this week as it is, but I’m sure that’s to me being a bit down after family complexes over the weekend. Anyway this rally thing is beginning to give me energy now, and I’m sure by tomorrow that slight glow will be raging fire of excitement. Can’t wait!! Speak soon, I’m off to go pack.
Night x x
2 days and counting...
So its set off time in 2 days time, and although when I think about it I’m fine with it, no worries or anything, when anything comes through which reminds me of the actual scale of the thing I don’t get worried. I’m feeling all excited as well, as I’ve been watch the starting episode to long way down, which has had them preparing for a 15,000 mile trip, which is exactly what I’m doing this week.
I’ve emailed lots of car magazines a few hours ago so hopefully I’ll get a reply towards the end of tomorrow to know who I need to write this for. I’ve still got other magazines to write to, and articles to write before I go, so going out for a night out with people tonight for Carnage really isn’t part of the plan. I’m going to have to do a lot, and I mean a lot of preparation tomorrow, which isn’t what I wanted to do, as I’ve got enough to sort out without having to write uni work and articles.
Had a bit of disaster earlier when I dropped the new netbook. The netbook is like a little laptop, brought it purely for this trip so if I’d have broke it it would have been a wasted £250 quid. Luckly everything is fine and its insured so when I get back I’ll take it in just to make sure everything.
Well its now about 2.10 am, I’ve just got back from Carnage, so now the time really is looming for set off. This was the final like milestone before the start of the rally. I’ve had an email from Chas, editor at Autocar, declining my offer for coverage of the rally, but saying I’m more than welcome to return for work experience! So thats cheered me up a lot.
I’ve got a long night ahead of me now, I’ve got 3 or 4 articles to prepare, the trip to prepare for and more emails to write. Its ver chaotic at the moment here, but the feeling of doing something momentus looms and feels all to comfortable for me. Can’t wait to set off now and start writing, meeting new people and extending contacts!
Check back tomorrow for more updates, thanks for reading, much love x x
I’ve emailed lots of car magazines a few hours ago so hopefully I’ll get a reply towards the end of tomorrow to know who I need to write this for. I’ve still got other magazines to write to, and articles to write before I go, so going out for a night out with people tonight for Carnage really isn’t part of the plan. I’m going to have to do a lot, and I mean a lot of preparation tomorrow, which isn’t what I wanted to do, as I’ve got enough to sort out without having to write uni work and articles.
Had a bit of disaster earlier when I dropped the new netbook. The netbook is like a little laptop, brought it purely for this trip so if I’d have broke it it would have been a wasted £250 quid. Luckly everything is fine and its insured so when I get back I’ll take it in just to make sure everything.
Well its now about 2.10 am, I’ve just got back from Carnage, so now the time really is looming for set off. This was the final like milestone before the start of the rally. I’ve had an email from Chas, editor at Autocar, declining my offer for coverage of the rally, but saying I’m more than welcome to return for work experience! So thats cheered me up a lot.
I’ve got a long night ahead of me now, I’ve got 3 or 4 articles to prepare, the trip to prepare for and more emails to write. Its ver chaotic at the moment here, but the feeling of doing something momentus looms and feels all to comfortable for me. Can’t wait to set off now and start writing, meeting new people and extending contacts!
Check back tomorrow for more updates, thanks for reading, much love x x
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Its been a very long time.
Hello!! To whoever is still here reading this, I'm back! Finally at last I’m going to start writing the blog again.
So to update from where we were a few months back. We'll I now live in Coventry, studying at Coventry Uni, and things are going quiet well. I've turned twenty or twenteen as I prefer. I've got involved in a radio station, a uni TV station (YouTube channel), and still writing for the Student Bodies. But there’s a reason for new activity on here. Ina few days time, I'm taking part in Rally Europe, a 300 quid car dash across Europe.
Calais - Frankfurt - Prague - Bratislava - Munich - Amsterdam.
If you go onto Google and type in Rally Europe, you'll see what I mean.
The Background.
Rally Europe is basically a poor man’s Gumball Rally, which is where the more fortunate of us have brought a very big expensive fast car and are now racing it against other similarly rich people with very big expensive fast cars. Rally Europe is basically that, but without the glitz, glamour and excess. Rules are simple. The car can cost no more the £300. That’s about it really. There’ll be a series of challenges along the way and a theme is advised. More about that in a minute. The route is some 1743 miles, winding its way from Calais to Frankfurt, then onto Prague followed by Bratislava with a stop at Munich to finish in Amsterdam.
Now the reason why this is such a big deal for me is down to some of the detail. For starters I have no idea who my team is. All I know is that I’m in an old Ford Mondeo; with a team of people from Wales and that I must wear Baywatch theme clothes. O and that the car has been painted to look like a life boat.
Currently it’s Sunday night, around 9.25 in the evening. I know that in about 3 day’s time I’m (hopefully going to be sat in a lifeboat thundering down the M4 to Dover with a group of people I’ve never met. Strangle I’m not nervous. Yet. But I am going to keep you updated on my preparation for the event, and hopefully during it as well.
So far I’ve book train tickets to Reading station for a rendez-vu at 9pm on Wednesday night, I’ve splashed out on a netbook, for which I’ve left the charge cable for at home, and I’ve brought some Baywatch clothes. So that leaves currency, collecting train tickets, getting the power cable and packing to do. 3 days and counting...
Check back soon for an update!!
So to update from where we were a few months back. We'll I now live in Coventry, studying at Coventry Uni, and things are going quiet well. I've turned twenty or twenteen as I prefer. I've got involved in a radio station, a uni TV station (YouTube channel), and still writing for the Student Bodies. But there’s a reason for new activity on here. Ina few days time, I'm taking part in Rally Europe, a 300 quid car dash across Europe.
Calais - Frankfurt - Prague - Bratislava - Munich - Amsterdam.
If you go onto Google and type in Rally Europe, you'll see what I mean.
The Background.
Rally Europe is basically a poor man’s Gumball Rally, which is where the more fortunate of us have brought a very big expensive fast car and are now racing it against other similarly rich people with very big expensive fast cars. Rally Europe is basically that, but without the glitz, glamour and excess. Rules are simple. The car can cost no more the £300. That’s about it really. There’ll be a series of challenges along the way and a theme is advised. More about that in a minute. The route is some 1743 miles, winding its way from Calais to Frankfurt, then onto Prague followed by Bratislava with a stop at Munich to finish in Amsterdam.
Now the reason why this is such a big deal for me is down to some of the detail. For starters I have no idea who my team is. All I know is that I’m in an old Ford Mondeo; with a team of people from Wales and that I must wear Baywatch theme clothes. O and that the car has been painted to look like a life boat.
Currently it’s Sunday night, around 9.25 in the evening. I know that in about 3 day’s time I’m (hopefully going to be sat in a lifeboat thundering down the M4 to Dover with a group of people I’ve never met. Strangle I’m not nervous. Yet. But I am going to keep you updated on my preparation for the event, and hopefully during it as well.
So far I’ve book train tickets to Reading station for a rendez-vu at 9pm on Wednesday night, I’ve splashed out on a netbook, for which I’ve left the charge cable for at home, and I’ve brought some Baywatch clothes. So that leaves currency, collecting train tickets, getting the power cable and packing to do. 3 days and counting...
Check back soon for an update!!
Monday, 22 September 2008
First 3 days...
Been a v long time since i wrote something on here, but i had a good reminder today!!
Since i last wrote something, lots has changed, i've moved to uni finally, and i finally get it! Making lots of new friends, and things are going, well, they're going alright. Hopefully find out what the work load is going to be like tomorrow, moved all in and ppl are great. but today, i was talking to the guy who interviewed me, and he's been reading this - so huge shout out to him!!
and i found out that matt Rigby came to coventry as well!!
ahh anyway, i need another drink, we'll speak soon, even if i am a lot more conscious the fact someone is reading this!!
Take care x x
Since i last wrote something, lots has changed, i've moved to uni finally, and i finally get it! Making lots of new friends, and things are going, well, they're going alright. Hopefully find out what the work load is going to be like tomorrow, moved all in and ppl are great. but today, i was talking to the guy who interviewed me, and he's been reading this - so huge shout out to him!!
and i found out that matt Rigby came to coventry as well!!
ahh anyway, i need another drink, we'll speak soon, even if i am a lot more conscious the fact someone is reading this!!
Take care x x
Monday, 1 September 2008
The Monday After...
hey guys. So the date of the move is close approaching, and as Brunel have still not released me from studying there, i got on the phone, and by the afternoon i was informed that the form was on its way. Coventry Uni have told me where i need to go on the first Monday and the bean bag chair has arrived! Then i spent the day down Judy's again.
Last night and this morning i decided to tame some body hair with the aid of hair removal creme and a razer... South is feeling very smooth.. and new!!
This entry has been a bit crapola as i'm not in the mood and v tired
sorry!!
Last night and this morning i decided to tame some body hair with the aid of hair removal creme and a razer... South is feeling very smooth.. and new!!
This entry has been a bit crapola as i'm not in the mood and v tired
sorry!!
Thursday, 28 August 2008
A While
Well its been some time since my last entry, so i better do an update!
Last Week..
Last week ended alright in the end, but all in all the work experience wasn't all that good. There were some fantastically hilarious points, some mind numbingly boring points and some really crap points. But ending the week by leaving 5 hours early after getting stuffed on Free Subway, was freckin' AWESOME!!
Subway had had their new reggae reggae chicken sandwich in and because we're local press, we got shit loads free!! as in 2 huge platters, each with 7 6in subs on, so 7 footlong sandwiches in essence!
Then i went from there and stayed at Judy's (Sister) all day and all night. Which was a good laugh. I also found out i inadvertandly agreed to take my 3 nieces and thier friend for a day over the weekend.
The Weekend and Bank Holiday...
Well Saturday was a standard day of doing naff all, however i did manage to get out on the night. Had a good laugh with Jess Porter and her mates, she's an old friend from School. Even tho the night was a spectactular one, it was a laugh and it meant i hadn't been forgotten by everyone i knew. Regarding that, i've lost all interest in my old group of friends after they lost interest in me. I hope one day, i do make something of myslef, and they kick themselves for not making the effort. Prats.
Sunday, i had 4 kids all day long. Wasn't as bad as i first thought. Went to McD, then to the park to work it all off. O and my bike broke well and truely. The gear selector wrapped itself around the rear wheel. How i don't know, but it was a horrible sound. and now my bike is broke an'all.
Took the kids back at 6:30 ish and then chilled at Judy's again.
Monday. Monday was chaos. Well it was at merry hill anayway, when i went to fetch a small fridge for uni. Then i headed over to grandads to see him and the girls again. That was nice. i enjoyed that a lot. Then it was back to mine, then over to judy's again, where a chinese was on the cards!! After that watched the number 23, came home and went to bed.
Tuesday, i finally got my loan forms off for uni, that'll be interesting next month when i have no money!! And Wednesday i got all my stationary ready.
So all in all, basic boring days. Hopefully something interesting will come along soon!
Last Week..
Last week ended alright in the end, but all in all the work experience wasn't all that good. There were some fantastically hilarious points, some mind numbingly boring points and some really crap points. But ending the week by leaving 5 hours early after getting stuffed on Free Subway, was freckin' AWESOME!!
Subway had had their new reggae reggae chicken sandwich in and because we're local press, we got shit loads free!! as in 2 huge platters, each with 7 6in subs on, so 7 footlong sandwiches in essence!
Then i went from there and stayed at Judy's (Sister) all day and all night. Which was a good laugh. I also found out i inadvertandly agreed to take my 3 nieces and thier friend for a day over the weekend.
The Weekend and Bank Holiday...
Well Saturday was a standard day of doing naff all, however i did manage to get out on the night. Had a good laugh with Jess Porter and her mates, she's an old friend from School. Even tho the night was a spectactular one, it was a laugh and it meant i hadn't been forgotten by everyone i knew. Regarding that, i've lost all interest in my old group of friends after they lost interest in me. I hope one day, i do make something of myslef, and they kick themselves for not making the effort. Prats.
Sunday, i had 4 kids all day long. Wasn't as bad as i first thought. Went to McD, then to the park to work it all off. O and my bike broke well and truely. The gear selector wrapped itself around the rear wheel. How i don't know, but it was a horrible sound. and now my bike is broke an'all.
Took the kids back at 6:30 ish and then chilled at Judy's again.
Monday. Monday was chaos. Well it was at merry hill anayway, when i went to fetch a small fridge for uni. Then i headed over to grandads to see him and the girls again. That was nice. i enjoyed that a lot. Then it was back to mine, then over to judy's again, where a chinese was on the cards!! After that watched the number 23, came home and went to bed.
Tuesday, i finally got my loan forms off for uni, that'll be interesting next month when i have no money!! And Wednesday i got all my stationary ready.
So all in all, basic boring days. Hopefully something interesting will come along soon!
Monday, 18 August 2008
The Newspaper: Day 1
Well today was a pretty simple day really. I've started a week work placement with the market drayton and newport advertiser. Was an fantastic day, having a good laugh and joke with the other 3 staff there! got to write about 5 stroies, which i'm very pleased about and generally had a very good day. till is pissed it down and i couldn't see anything for a good 20 mins cus of the heavy down-pour and it pissed all over me at the petrol station. But i got home. Not much to talk about really as it was a good day, however little did happen!
Sunday, 17 August 2008
The Morning After The Night Before
Righty, been a few hours since i last wrote something, and yesterday was a very eventful day.
So got up, got everything sorted for the interview at coventry uni. Got there in good time, had a little look round and then went straight for the interview.
So, interview. Luckly it was very light hearted, more a chat with someone than question time. The guy who interviewed me did automotive engineering (i did motorsport engineering) and he hated it (and so did i) and then he went down a journalism route into motoring journalism (the exact route i'm taking). So we were both as interested in each other as one another. He asked if i had anything in journalism to show him, and that when i thought, My Time To Shine! Out came the mags, the letters from autocar and newspapers, and the videos i'd done. He watch the motorshow video i did only a few weeks ago, and he was very impressed to say the least. Then came a question, the question i would dream of being asked, but doubted it would. Tim, i've got a question for you now. "Do you want to come Coventry Uni?" "Yes Please." "Good, your in, lets get you enrolled..." and that was it. i was in. within the next 2 hours, i'd got my accomodation sorted, all the forms i need to leave brunel perminantly and a strong aplication for a scolarship. In the words of Andrew Noakes, the guy who interviewed me "I don't care about Brunel. Its their loss. And niether should you" I've never felt so respected or understood in an interview or any situation like i did there. Someone who actually looked at me and thought, you know what he could go somewhere. Lets do it!
So from coventry, it was to the PUB! had some food, over to sisters, tell them the good news and then back to another pub. Where i drank far to much, got very drunk and then threw up just before i went to bed.
I'm still buzzing from yesterday, can't wait to move in. "Yo, guys, drop the stuff, done all this before, its time to visit the Pub. Come on!! "
Wow i'm so impressed that i'm on my way somewhere, and i feel a little bit apprechiated. To anyone reading this, who thinks i'm a lucky sod and don't apprechiate it, I am lucky yes, but i apprechiate that things like this don't happen everyday. I've had a long journey since last year, and its not about to stop here. I have 1 life, and i'm going to live it.
"In 50 years time when you look back on your life, don't you want to be able to look back on your life and wish you had the guts to get in the car..."
Transformers, Sam Whitwickey
So got up, got everything sorted for the interview at coventry uni. Got there in good time, had a little look round and then went straight for the interview.
So, interview. Luckly it was very light hearted, more a chat with someone than question time. The guy who interviewed me did automotive engineering (i did motorsport engineering) and he hated it (and so did i) and then he went down a journalism route into motoring journalism (the exact route i'm taking). So we were both as interested in each other as one another. He asked if i had anything in journalism to show him, and that when i thought, My Time To Shine! Out came the mags, the letters from autocar and newspapers, and the videos i'd done. He watch the motorshow video i did only a few weeks ago, and he was very impressed to say the least. Then came a question, the question i would dream of being asked, but doubted it would. Tim, i've got a question for you now. "Do you want to come Coventry Uni?" "Yes Please." "Good, your in, lets get you enrolled..." and that was it. i was in. within the next 2 hours, i'd got my accomodation sorted, all the forms i need to leave brunel perminantly and a strong aplication for a scolarship. In the words of Andrew Noakes, the guy who interviewed me "I don't care about Brunel. Its their loss. And niether should you" I've never felt so respected or understood in an interview or any situation like i did there. Someone who actually looked at me and thought, you know what he could go somewhere. Lets do it!
So from coventry, it was to the PUB! had some food, over to sisters, tell them the good news and then back to another pub. Where i drank far to much, got very drunk and then threw up just before i went to bed.
I'm still buzzing from yesterday, can't wait to move in. "Yo, guys, drop the stuff, done all this before, its time to visit the Pub. Come on!! "
Wow i'm so impressed that i'm on my way somewhere, and i feel a little bit apprechiated. To anyone reading this, who thinks i'm a lucky sod and don't apprechiate it, I am lucky yes, but i apprechiate that things like this don't happen everyday. I've had a long journey since last year, and its not about to stop here. I have 1 life, and i'm going to live it.
"In 50 years time when you look back on your life, don't you want to be able to look back on your life and wish you had the guts to get in the car..."
Transformers, Sam Whitwickey
Friday, 15 August 2008
Return From holiday
Hello again, well its been a few days since i wrote and theres a good reason for that: Holiday!
So, i'll do my best for a day to day update, but the memory is fading as ever, maybe i should get this looked into, anyway, since Saturday 9th August 2008:
Saturday 9th August 2008
Got up later than i wanted today, and therefore had a massive rush to get to Grandads as quick as possible and not keep him and Jim waiting. Packed all the stuff, washed the windscreen down as it was very dirty from the 1200 mile trip to scotland and back and then to London and back twice in the last 2 weeks. In the car, and got to Grandads for 12.10, 10 min late, but never mind, car packed we were off by 12.30. All was going well down the motorway, all the the heavy rain, until we hit a huge tailback. So i went cross country to Paignton, our destination. Got there, to find a very very very tight road, and a small appartment. Still ground floor, good for Jim severly brain damaged and disabled. Bad for my parking tho. It trashed it down from about 7.15 on our arrival for the rest of the night. Big brother watched and settled in, we went to bed.
Sunday.
Very much out and about for discovery. took them to town, discovered many memories from a trip in 2004, with Dale, and 2006, With Rachael. 2004 was awesome, the olimpics were on, apartment was very nice, and close to town, and we had an awesome time. Rachael was also good, if hard work, but i did get some love back then...
We played mini golf anyway, which resulted in 50 across the board for scores, and even and no there was no cheating. went back to apartment and it rained. Lots.
Monday.
Shopping. Very much shopping.
Tuesday.
Cinema. Saw Wall-e. Very good fun that was, and we avioded the rain.
Wednesday
This was the day i had to find WiFi in paignton. i found 1 spot and had to pay to use it. Still i got my articles sent to the mags i work for. But from there on it was very much down hill. We went out that night on the Amusements, i had some Dog Tags made which i've been after for ages, and we had a good time. But inside i was upside down. Bare. On the rock bottom. I was depressed. I wrote something on the laptop, which i'll uipload sometime later.
Thursday.
On the train to Kingswear, then over on the ferry to Dartmouth. VEry very good day, something i needed after the the bad night before. we had a very good meal in a really nice pub which had a pool table, all in all a very awesome day.
Friday.
Packed up, travelled home, few close calls which scared me when driving as this had never happened before, but still got home fine, watch BB and wrote this. Now sitting ewith excitement over the Interview prospect tomorrow!! Coventry Uni might have me? wicked. i can get my own place, independance!! and something i've yerned for a very long time. A Dog. A Great Dane, called Scooby. I'm hoping it'll be soon, maybe for my Birthday time. 20. Madness. anyway night time, time for bed. Night night ppl, thankas for reading x x x
So, i'll do my best for a day to day update, but the memory is fading as ever, maybe i should get this looked into, anyway, since Saturday 9th August 2008:
Saturday 9th August 2008
Got up later than i wanted today, and therefore had a massive rush to get to Grandads as quick as possible and not keep him and Jim waiting. Packed all the stuff, washed the windscreen down as it was very dirty from the 1200 mile trip to scotland and back and then to London and back twice in the last 2 weeks. In the car, and got to Grandads for 12.10, 10 min late, but never mind, car packed we were off by 12.30. All was going well down the motorway, all the the heavy rain, until we hit a huge tailback. So i went cross country to Paignton, our destination. Got there, to find a very very very tight road, and a small appartment. Still ground floor, good for Jim severly brain damaged and disabled. Bad for my parking tho. It trashed it down from about 7.15 on our arrival for the rest of the night. Big brother watched and settled in, we went to bed.
Sunday.
Very much out and about for discovery. took them to town, discovered many memories from a trip in 2004, with Dale, and 2006, With Rachael. 2004 was awesome, the olimpics were on, apartment was very nice, and close to town, and we had an awesome time. Rachael was also good, if hard work, but i did get some love back then...
We played mini golf anyway, which resulted in 50 across the board for scores, and even and no there was no cheating. went back to apartment and it rained. Lots.
Monday.
Shopping. Very much shopping.
Tuesday.
Cinema. Saw Wall-e. Very good fun that was, and we avioded the rain.
Wednesday
This was the day i had to find WiFi in paignton. i found 1 spot and had to pay to use it. Still i got my articles sent to the mags i work for. But from there on it was very much down hill. We went out that night on the Amusements, i had some Dog Tags made which i've been after for ages, and we had a good time. But inside i was upside down. Bare. On the rock bottom. I was depressed. I wrote something on the laptop, which i'll uipload sometime later.
Thursday.
On the train to Kingswear, then over on the ferry to Dartmouth. VEry very good day, something i needed after the the bad night before. we had a very good meal in a really nice pub which had a pool table, all in all a very awesome day.
Friday.
Packed up, travelled home, few close calls which scared me when driving as this had never happened before, but still got home fine, watch BB and wrote this. Now sitting ewith excitement over the Interview prospect tomorrow!! Coventry Uni might have me? wicked. i can get my own place, independance!! and something i've yerned for a very long time. A Dog. A Great Dane, called Scooby. I'm hoping it'll be soon, maybe for my Birthday time. 20. Madness. anyway night time, time for bed. Night night ppl, thankas for reading x x x
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Charlottes, Nieces, Pubs and Cobs.
Can i start todays evtry by saying that the charlotte church show is crap. Ihate this show, it holds no intellectual or entertainment value what so ever, which her using any excuse to sing, badly, worrbling over other bands while poorly asking questions obviusly wrote by other epople for her. She is the complete example of how a name flaws over content, with people tuning into this bint. I mean singing intro's to the contents of tonights show, that wasn't even cool in the 50's so why now? anyway she'll be off t.v. in a few weeks time, but until then, i'm glad my t.v. has an off button.
Anyway today, i spent a lovely morning with my very close friend Laura. I taped Luara's wedding not to long ago and we remain close since then, hold each others secrets and talking whenevr we need. And Marc, her lovely husband, is a great pal of mine as well, so we all get along very well. We talked for a long time, had dinner, and general had a very good time.
Of course evry sunny day has a shower following and that came in the form of having dinner with Claire and Rachael, my ex. Through School and College, we had a very tightly knit social group, no one was left out. Unfortunately, i happened to upset a very strong figure within it, and after that storm had weathered and Uni had taken its toll, its now more in pieces, however they all seem to go out, and aviod me, so i too the oppurtunity to see them. And afterwards i wished i hadn't. All the time they spent talking about how good uni is, their social life is and what they plan to do for the next year social wise. Not once was I invited anywhere, i very strong feeling that i'm not welcome. So after a few hours, i asked to get dropped off at my sisters. I now know that Rachael, who i did once dearly love is now nothing more than a memory, as time and experience and change her character.
Then I was at my sisters house, a place i've recently found to be very welcoming. There i got to talk with Nick, my brother in law, who is to me a brother, and Judy, My sister. Jude i can always make laugh with storys of whats happened, and Nick is great company. Then there are my Nieces. Gemma, the eldest, Chloe, who i'm a god father and second eldest, and Becky, by far the youngest but by far the boss. After about an hour there it was apparent they needed shopping, and not long after we were in Nick's Toyota Surf, to hear the resounding tired noise of a flat battery. So with that, Nick and Judy disappeared in his works van and i was left with gemma chloe becky and shanie, their friend to look after. and it turned out to be a lot of fun!! The girls are a lot more matture and with them coming back for Weymouth on holiday yesterday, they weren't so hyper. And they all seemed to be very happy, with them asking many q's about my recent ventures to London. So when Jude returned everyone was happy, only hieghtened by Nicks mom and dad, Carol and Cliff visiting. It was lovely to see them again, especially as my dad doesn't get on with them, but i get along fine. I like to be the odd one from our family, in a nice way tho :)
So the night ended when mom and dad came a picked me. up. Usually after the experience the pub i'd be down, but this will sound harsh, i'm better off without them, i'm happy to go it alone. So now i'm off to eat a fry up!!
speak soon,
Much Love x x
Anyway today, i spent a lovely morning with my very close friend Laura. I taped Luara's wedding not to long ago and we remain close since then, hold each others secrets and talking whenevr we need. And Marc, her lovely husband, is a great pal of mine as well, so we all get along very well. We talked for a long time, had dinner, and general had a very good time.
Of course evry sunny day has a shower following and that came in the form of having dinner with Claire and Rachael, my ex. Through School and College, we had a very tightly knit social group, no one was left out. Unfortunately, i happened to upset a very strong figure within it, and after that storm had weathered and Uni had taken its toll, its now more in pieces, however they all seem to go out, and aviod me, so i too the oppurtunity to see them. And afterwards i wished i hadn't. All the time they spent talking about how good uni is, their social life is and what they plan to do for the next year social wise. Not once was I invited anywhere, i very strong feeling that i'm not welcome. So after a few hours, i asked to get dropped off at my sisters. I now know that Rachael, who i did once dearly love is now nothing more than a memory, as time and experience and change her character.
Then I was at my sisters house, a place i've recently found to be very welcoming. There i got to talk with Nick, my brother in law, who is to me a brother, and Judy, My sister. Jude i can always make laugh with storys of whats happened, and Nick is great company. Then there are my Nieces. Gemma, the eldest, Chloe, who i'm a god father and second eldest, and Becky, by far the youngest but by far the boss. After about an hour there it was apparent they needed shopping, and not long after we were in Nick's Toyota Surf, to hear the resounding tired noise of a flat battery. So with that, Nick and Judy disappeared in his works van and i was left with gemma chloe becky and shanie, their friend to look after. and it turned out to be a lot of fun!! The girls are a lot more matture and with them coming back for Weymouth on holiday yesterday, they weren't so hyper. And they all seemed to be very happy, with them asking many q's about my recent ventures to London. So when Jude returned everyone was happy, only hieghtened by Nicks mom and dad, Carol and Cliff visiting. It was lovely to see them again, especially as my dad doesn't get on with them, but i get along fine. I like to be the odd one from our family, in a nice way tho :)
So the night ended when mom and dad came a picked me. up. Usually after the experience the pub i'd be down, but this will sound harsh, i'm better off without them, i'm happy to go it alone. So now i'm off to eat a fry up!!
speak soon,
Much Love x x
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
2nd Time tonight
Ok, so i should probably go over my recent history before writing about the developmets in my life.
So, a few weeks ago i approached Coventry Uni to transfer from Brunel Uni. This morning they emailed me back with regard to an interview a week on Saturday. Exciting!! But also slightly worrying, as i really don't want to have to wait a year before carrying on my study, and Coventry is now pretty much my last chance for this year. This hasn't stopped me dreaming of where i'd like to be. Hopefully by christmas, i'll be settled into my own place, and have a beautiful puppy for company.
Next was Scotland. Scotland happened 2 weeks ago now. A family wacation, it was lovely, and i'll dedicate a post to that at a later date, when i've got some pictures to put with them. The raods were amazing, and it was very tranquil, however i didn't get a full chance to relax, mom and dad always stress me and my best friend, Dale, felt a bit of a energy drain. Dales changed recently, almost as if he's been grain-washed by the camp he's goes to in Wales every now and then, but in a manner of words, he basically said he's not going to see much of me anymore. and that a real shame as i love Dale to bits and we've been best friends since we met a secondary school, and now its almost like i've lost him. I haven't heard from him since the holiday anyway. But then he's not alone in changing, all of my friends changed when everyone started uni last year. And i just got left behind...
And returning home yeilded bad news right away, as my Molly Fish had finally had here babies, which had all died, despite my grandad coming up to feed them and look after them.
But then some good news came from one of the magazines i work for. The Student Bodiez (SB from now on) editor Junior called and asked how i'd feel about presenting a film for their new website, which lifted my spirts no end. So Wednesday of last week, i was down at the motorshow filming, but then that didn't come out when we tryied to transfer it to computer. we were left with sound but no video, so then Adam, from uni, helped me out again on friday when i returned to refilm. and then the weekend i spent editing the video, whcih now looks awesome and has come out really well.
This week so far, i've chatted to mom and dad about getting a dog soemtime, and i've looked at my childhood pasttime in the form of all my ld model trians. Hopefully i'll get this place at uni...
So things to do:
Post on Scotland
Post on Motorshow & Video
Write Articles, befre Friday
Prep for interview, Before Friday
...
Sleep too!
Speak soon,
Love
x x
So, a few weeks ago i approached Coventry Uni to transfer from Brunel Uni. This morning they emailed me back with regard to an interview a week on Saturday. Exciting!! But also slightly worrying, as i really don't want to have to wait a year before carrying on my study, and Coventry is now pretty much my last chance for this year. This hasn't stopped me dreaming of where i'd like to be. Hopefully by christmas, i'll be settled into my own place, and have a beautiful puppy for company.
Next was Scotland. Scotland happened 2 weeks ago now. A family wacation, it was lovely, and i'll dedicate a post to that at a later date, when i've got some pictures to put with them. The raods were amazing, and it was very tranquil, however i didn't get a full chance to relax, mom and dad always stress me and my best friend, Dale, felt a bit of a energy drain. Dales changed recently, almost as if he's been grain-washed by the camp he's goes to in Wales every now and then, but in a manner of words, he basically said he's not going to see much of me anymore. and that a real shame as i love Dale to bits and we've been best friends since we met a secondary school, and now its almost like i've lost him. I haven't heard from him since the holiday anyway. But then he's not alone in changing, all of my friends changed when everyone started uni last year. And i just got left behind...
And returning home yeilded bad news right away, as my Molly Fish had finally had here babies, which had all died, despite my grandad coming up to feed them and look after them.
But then some good news came from one of the magazines i work for. The Student Bodiez (SB from now on) editor Junior called and asked how i'd feel about presenting a film for their new website, which lifted my spirts no end. So Wednesday of last week, i was down at the motorshow filming, but then that didn't come out when we tryied to transfer it to computer. we were left with sound but no video, so then Adam, from uni, helped me out again on friday when i returned to refilm. and then the weekend i spent editing the video, whcih now looks awesome and has come out really well.
This week so far, i've chatted to mom and dad about getting a dog soemtime, and i've looked at my childhood pasttime in the form of all my ld model trians. Hopefully i'll get this place at uni...
So things to do:
Post on Scotland
Post on Motorshow & Video
Write Articles, befre Friday
Prep for interview, Before Friday
...
Sleep too!
Speak soon,
Love
x x
Hey
Right, its 7.55pm on Wednesday 6th of August and its also about time i started writing a blog. I keep diary's from time to time, but this i'll be able to look back on and if you want to read it, you can and i hope you enjoy it. Anyway, right now i need to finish putting away my childhood collection of model trains, so i'll be back on in a few hours to write whats going on in my world world, as lots is happening right now.
Speak soon
x x
Speak soon
x x
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