As Angela was not back to work until 3rd April we decided to take the opportunity to go Great Yarmouth.
From the train in Folkestone we drove the 188 miles and with a stop for lunch it took us approximately four hours. It always amazes us when we come back from driving in Spain and some parts of France how busy and congested the roads are here in the UK. The Dartford Tunnel was a first for us and that was very busy!
We wanted to visit family in the area and see our old managers that we worked with for the Caravan Club in Brecon, Wales.
Hollie (my niece) and her partner Tom knew that we were coming to stay but it was a total surprise For Billie and Shaun. Hopefully a pleasant one!
It was really nice to see everyone as we do not get much chance these days to have a catch up so we really made the most of it. As we were without our car Hollie and Tom picked us up a couple of times. We had a day driving around the beautiful countryside ending up in Norwich followed by an evening meal with Billie and Shaun. The next day (Sunday) Hollie and Tom picked us up and we went for a lovely carvery at The Boathouse. The place was very busy as they have a great reputation and the food was very good. They also do a good selection of real ales so after being in Spain for a few months the two that I had were well received.
On Tuesday as family and friends were all back at work Angela and I decided to get the bus into the centre of Norwich. It was only £10 for a group day ticket. We wanted to have a good look around the city but the main for our visit was because I had booked myself in for the full works at Swagger & Jacks they have a great reputation. The shop is well stocked with their own brand products and the service is excellent.
My appointment was at 12:30 pm so Angela had to amuse herself for about an hour while I was being pampered. Norwich is a shop-a-holics delight! There are some great independent shops as well as the usual suspects you will find in any other major city in the UK. The Lanes are particularly nice as is the market.
I was looked after by Matthew who is one of their master barbers. We had a chat about what hairstyle I wanted and what was the best way to trim and shape my beard. The whole experience, especially the traditional cut throat shave was a real treat. I only wish that they were a bit nearer to, or had a branch in Oxford!
After my treat we were peckish so once Angela and I met up again we went to Bill’s Norwich. We only had a snack because were are going to Billie and Shaun’s this evening for a meal and a chat.
Our last day as we are heading to Cambridge in the morning. We got up early and had breakfast. Bagels, topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon, fruit juice and a caffettiere of coffee.
After breakfast Angela did a couple of loads of washing and drying then tidied the inside of the van (her domain), I washed the outside of the van and sorted the garage out (my domain) ready for the off.
After our chores we went to see Billie and Shaun to collect Betty as we were going for a stroll along the beach towards Caister. We first met her in 2015 and she was a very nervous dog. It is now 2018 and she is still a very nervous dog but at least she is used to us and we are able to take her out. We didn’t take Peggy as she cannot walk that far.
We went as far as the lifeboat station at Caister and then a stroll around the town before returning. We stopped off for a pint and a packet of crisps at the Haven Holiday Park.