Here, there and everywhere.

We have been exploring and enjoying what's on our doorstep since we arrived. Here's a little round up of what we have seen so far.

We took a trip to Covadonga which is a place of high importance for Asturias. It is where Pelayo, leader of the Visigoths, won a battle to stop the invasion of the Moors in 722. We went to the chapel which contains his tomb. It is said that he once lived in this cave. 

We also saw the basilica which is built on the spot when Pelayo won his victory.

We also tried to get up the mountain to see the lakes within the national park of the Picos de Europa but the mist prevented us. It was a white knuckle ride, we couldn't see in front of our faces never mind what was on our right (a sheer drop mostly!). Terrifying! We made a swift turnaround and made our way back down the mountain! 

'What's that smell?', someone piped up! Yep! Burning! The brakes were working overtime on the way down. We stopped and poured water on them only to find that the car behind us was doing the exact same thing! Phew! We thought Vinny was gonna let us down but he pulled through. Next time we will take the tourist bus or view the area from the cable car! Lesson learnt!

We have been to the beach nearly every day. We normally venture to Llanes which is a little fishing village but has approx 30 different beaches nearby. Some are white sand, some are pebble, some small, some large. There is certainly something for everyone. 

Our favourite so far is Barru Beach, well, the port side of it. When the tide is out it interlinks with little mini beaches so you could have your own private area of sand. When the tide is in, it's only waist deep so nice to paddle or swim in. It also has lots of sea creatures to spot (fish, shrimps, crab) and there's also a small playpark and picnic area! Nothing more is needed! 

We have other inland areas to explore. Villaviciosa, Oviedo, Gijon and there's also the annual sidre festival at Nava. 

Will keep you posted! Hasta luego!

We have arrived!

We finally arrived at our destination just over a week ago. Asturias is just how we all remember it. Still beautiful, peaceful, green. 

We are currently renting a neighbours holiday house which is fab.

It has a great kitchen, huge bathroom, and spacious bedrooms too.

There's a nice outside space with a BBQ and seating area overlooked by a cherry tree, with lots of ripe cherries on it! And, of course, a wonderful view of the Picos de Europa mountains.

Smooth seas and Elvis!

I realise that it's been a while since I last posted so here goes.

We sailed with Brittany Ferries and I can't fault them. The check in process was very straight forward, no massive queues so all good.

Our cabin was small but roomy enough for us plus the cat and dog. I thought it would be a nightmare with the animals but they were very tolerant of each other - phew!

The food on board was good. A handful of different restaurants to choose from. Cheap n cheerful or full on gourmet.

There was plenty of entertainment to keep us amused but not much for children as its not quite holiday season just yet. Shanna was happy splashing about in the pool so all good. We had fun taking part in the Pop Quiz at the bar - I won myself a portable speaker which has been used a fair bit since arriving! Shanna sung on the karaoke to rousing applause and then the star of the show arrived!  Elvis has left the building!

A camping chair and KFC

We are camping out - in our house! It's not as chilly as a tent but it's bare, no music, no TV, no nothing really.  Only a camping chair or two and conversation is getting us through. 

Tomorrow we start our journey to our new life!

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness we have been shown by the people of the village. Wick has been a lovely place to live. It is a vibrant place with lots going on - catering for both young and old and anyone in between!

It will always have a special place in our heart. We bought our first family home here, seven years ago and we have loved every minute of living here. It's time for us to move on, to create new memories, make new friends and experience new cultures. We are grasping this opportunity with both hands and we are running with it! Wish us luck! 

Boxes, boxes and more boxes!

This morning the removal company has arrived. There are only three guys but they are going through this house like a whirl wind! After weeks of sorting out, sending to charity shops, selling and giving away, I feel a bit redundant.

I also feel a lot calmer. Let's hope the sea is the same when I get on that ferry!

A little bit of down time

I took a day off packing and sorting today and took myself off willow weaving. 

The lovely Clare from Out To Learn Willow along with Eva from The Flower Hive ran a great workshop with a lovely lunch to boot! Definitely a stress reliever! 

What do you think of my lovely creations?

It's almost time!

Well, only just over a week to go!
We have said some farewells with a few more lined up. Emotions are running high. Every time I open a 'good luck' card I well up. Both my husband and I have travelled far and wide with the Armed Forces but this feels different. We are choosing to leave and not being ordered to move. That makes a big difference. It is especially hard for our 7 year old daughter. She hasn't lived anywhere else in her life so far and she is worried about the move. She is outgoing and chatty and always says 'hello' to our local villagers, the lady who runs the shop and our neighbours etc. I know she will miss familiar faces (as we will too!) but I have no doubt that she will easily make friends and enjoy her new life.
We remain positive that all will go smoothly with the move. Once we get there, I'm sure everything will fall into place. We are not naive, we know that there will be rocky times ahead - it's all about how you deal with them at the end of the day.
The most positive thing is that we are moving as a family, as one entity and beginning our adventure together!