Nine years after his first successful UK visa application, Barry finally receives his British passport from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Barry’s UK visa
Back on Board Before Retreating and Picking Up Barry’s ILTR Permit
Travelling back to Barry on Wednesday involved a variety of transport. Firstly a water bus to the airport, which took an hour. Very pleasant. Then a couple of hours wait turned into three, as the first flight to Amsterdam,was delayed. I'd been tempted by the offer to check in my hand baggage for free as … Continue reading Back on Board Before Retreating and Picking Up Barry’s ILTR Permit
Day Fifteen – Living In Interesting Times and Good News to Report
We've noticed a prolific amount of posters titled "May You Live In Interesting Times", but not really investigated what they were promoting. Until that is, we decided to wander along the waterway after our buffet breakfast, and found a garden filled with spectacular sculptures. Wow! Again! Just before walking, we went up in the lift … Continue reading Day Fifteen – Living In Interesting Times and Good News to Report
Day Nine – A Slow Start To Astounding Saverne
We mirrored the unrelenting rain in UK this morning, so weren't in a rush to move from our quiet mooring. Once we did, thankfully we had the choice of inside driving. Such a treat! The first two shots below were taken by Kerry yesterday, aren't they great? We'd planned a stop at the factory shop … Continue reading Day Nine – A Slow Start To Astounding Saverne
Day One – We Never Expected This
We knew it was a gamble when we impetuously decided not to 'Fast Track' Barry's ILR visa on the day of submitting the application in mid January. We've since questioned ourselves incessantly about the rationale of that decision. We recall thinking it was a possibility we'd miss our booked trip to Amsterdam in April (when … Continue reading Day One – We Never Expected This
Busyness on land and water – heading to Blisworth for the weekend
What a fun experience facepainting (mostly) adults at an evening wedding reception in Leamington Spa on 30th July. I'm so thankful I took the plunge to build 'Funtastic Facepainting by Sandra', an artistic talent I hadn't realised I was capable of. Barry came along as my line-manager and supporter, and of course helper to carry … Continue reading Busyness on land and water – heading to Blisworth for the weekend
Chilling out at Merry Hill …
Following my last post 'What's wrong with Walsall', as we wondered why other boats weren't apparent in the area, Barry discovered more challenges when he left the basin that could explain it. Though the sparse amount of water was clear and clean looking, the level of rubbish on the bottom of the canal was extensive … Continue reading Chilling out at Merry Hill …
Brewing on board and a brewers meeting
During my 48 hour boat-break pass last weekend, Barry put a home-brew beer batch together. I grasped the opportunity to capture the process for posterity - and of course for this blog, The Home Brew Boat blog, and our Facebook page. Experimenting with a new beer brewing method Barry decided to try out Captain Ahab's method. This involves … Continue reading Brewing on board and a brewers meeting
As the tide turns, a storm’s brewing …
Barry had an easy journey into Birmingham last Thursday. Jim and my nephew Mathew joined him so the 13 Farmers Bridge locks were a doddle. Thank you guys, much appreciated. The tide begins to turn Since we've been on our adventures aboard Areandare, I've kept an account of every penny we spend - and earn … Continue reading As the tide turns, a storm’s brewing …