Goodbyes...

As hard as it was to leave our home in NZ, it will be much harder to leave England, having spent so much quality time with family and not knowing when we’ll return. We leave England on the 3rd January, and will both be sad to say our Goodbyes. We both finished work just before Christmas, with both employers saying they are sorry to see us go. Amy’s school will particularly miss her, and made a big deal of her leaving, with gifts in the assembly, the staff room, the classroom, hundreds of Christmas Cards and leaving books that Everyone in the school signed! And she was just a relief teacher! One teacher told me (James) that she’d been a breath of fresh air to the school, showing the other staff that teaching can be fun and vibrant! Her attitude and competence has been rewarded back home in NZ with a promotion to Senior Teacher, of the Year 7 & 8’s (although she's now very keen to get Smart Boards into Kiwi classrooms)!

Spending Christmas with the Ridpath family has been special for everyone.  To give (and recieve) gifts with the whole family for the first time, play games, watch Christmas TV and be involved in the family Christmas party - this has been one of the best parts of our trip!  We also made a day trip to Birmingham to visit family Amy's never met and had a wonderful day with aunties, uncles, cousins and half cousins!

We now begin the next part of our Round the World Journey with a flight from Heathrow to New York, and after a couple of short stops in Vegas, Honolulu and Sydney, we arrive back in Christchurch! Looking forward to getting back into our own home, back into our jobs and back to some sunshine!  We pray a blessing on all our friends and family as we begin the next decade - that you will be filled with an inner love, joy and peace that cannot be taken away! God Bless :)

White Christmas...

A White Christmas is surprisingly quite a rarity in England (only 7 in the past 100 years I’m told) and even though it didn’t actually snow on Christmas Day, there was plenty of white stuff around! It started snowing a week before Christmas (making driving and flying pretty risky - an aeroplane skidded off the runway) covering England with a white blanket and everything turned magical!! Even Amy admits there is something special about a snowy Christmas, with the lights, music and necessity to wrap up warm! The photo above is in Withernsea town centre with Ian & Jen who flew home for Christmas. Below, Amy stands with the Humber Bridge in the background as snow falls around her.

English Adventures...

Well even though we both started work, and worked Full Time until Christmas, we took every opportunity to see people, visit places and have some fun and games!  We had a weekend in Manchester with Ian & Jen, visiting the Commonwealth Games Stadium, to watch Hull City V the worlds richest club, Manchester City - a deserved 1-1 draw!  Also visited Manchesters busy Christmas markets, tasted mulled wine for the first time (warmed + extras) ate German sausages at over-inflated prices!  We saw our friends in Leeds and were blown away by the firearms on display at the Royal Armouries museum!

We headed down south a few times, visiting Amy's Dad in Oxford, our friends in Cheltenham and day trips to London.  We ate at Jamie Olivers restaurant (err - I don't think he was the chef that night though), watched Sister Act at the West End (sadly non of the original songs from the movie), visited the Queens home - Winsor Castle (the best tourist attraction we saw - such splendour), saw the All Blacks play the Barbarians at the home of Rugby - Twickenham (they lost - doh!) and shopped at Europes largest shopping mall!

From our home base of Withernsea, a town of 8000 people, our entertainment options were more limited - although we made regular trips into Hull to the movies, we saw a theatre production of Macbeth (dull), Amy went to the Vagina Monologues (don't ask)!  More importantly we were able to join in the local community events such as the Harvest Festival Service & Meal, Remembrance Sunday Services and the switching on of Withernseas Christmas Lights!  We visited the famous 'Hull Fair' Europes largest travelling fair - all the lights, games and rides blew Amy's mind!  We also welcomes Amy's Dad and Marianne for a weekend - showing them the sights and sounds of Hull, including a visit to The Deep and the KC Stadium.  It has been lovely to walk down the street and chat with the locals, friends of old and people Amy would now call friends too!  It is now a place we can both call 'Home' - "where everybody knows your name - and they're always glad you came"! 

Welcome to the Family...

Our time in England really has helped Amy to feel a part of the Ridpath clan. Below is our best family portrait yet - a photo of James' parents (Pam & Paul), with the 4 kids (Mark, Mandy, James & Ian) and their husbands/wifes (Kizzy, Dean, Amy &  Jenni) + the first 2 grandkids (Charlie & Gracie). We thank God for such a blessing of a family!

Back to Work...


We had been applying, but the job market is very difficult at the moment. The only interview James got after 40 applications was as a Recycling Canvasser, following up the new Recycling system Hull is introducing door to door. It wasn't what he thought he'd end up doing, but the debts need paying and we need to save to get back to NZ. The day before the interview we prayed it would be better than we expected, and God answered our prayers with a Team Leader role, a brand new company car (Ford Focus) that James takes home each night, and a promotion after week 1! Also nearly 4 weeks of sunshine, has made this job quite enjoyable! Lets hope the winter doesn't spoil it. Amy is signed up to 3 teaching agencies although she's worked hard to get her own work. She is now the first on the list of 4 Hull schools, but has been with the same school for the past 3 weeks! She says the kids are pretty much the same (just a bit more wussy), she loves the interactive white boards, but their is less freedom and much more red tape! Still she's enjoying it and the kids (and teachers) love her accent!

Sport...

It's in our blood - so of course it was going to be a part of our travels! Praise God that Hull City stayed in the Premiership and we're able to go to a few games! The atmospheres have been tremendous, the quality has been much better than when James left England 6 years ago and we've saw heaps of goals in the first 3 games we attended! (Lost 5 - 1, Lost 4 - 1, Lost 4 - 0) But we've not given up hope and after a recent 2 - 1 win, we hope (& pray) for big things! Apart from watching much more sport on tv (at reasonable hours) Amy has also joined Hull's Premier Netball Team, who played nationally last year, but just regionally this year. She's pretty convinced she can teach the English a thing or two, and even in her first training session she was leading drills! Go Amy!

An English Summer...

Even though the weather wasn't exactly what you'd describe as "Summer" we had a real summer holiday! After the Irish wedding and traveling through the land of Guinness, we did some good old English tourist sightseeing and caught up with old friends around the country. We spent a day in the lovely Scarborough, on the beach - only warm enough for a paddle. We spent time with Amy's Dad in Oxford, and had a weekend in London! We've done quite of bit of world travel this year - but London is still a very special place, with it's history, culture and vast Everything (over 12 million people in Greater London - that's 3 times more people than in the whole of New Zealand!) We spent some time walking the streets and riding the Tube, visiting Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, London Bridge and the West End - where we were treated to a rendition by by STOMP. Not what we expected, as there was no story line, but it was very entertaining and for those with a musical ear (?) - pretty clever too!

We spent a night with James' cousin, who is one of the head gardeners at one of the worlds most famous gardens - Wisley Gardens. Neither of us are very green fingered, but having a personal tour, after hours, all to ourselves - was something special! Thanks Matthew! One of the main reasons for coming to England was to spend quality time with the family, including James' nephew, Charlie and his 2 year old niece, Gracie - who we hadn't even met! We've loved our time with the kids - who are just too cute! (no -don't ask, we're still enjoying the freedom!)

We attended a friends wedding down in Devon - only an 8 hour drive! After terrible motorway traffic we made it with 10 minutes to spare - Amy getting changed in the car and doing her make-up in the passenger mirror, James getting changed beside the church! We love the excitement! We also spent a day at one of Englands most beautiful beaches, Saunton Sands, playing cricket, and even braving the waters (well Amy did). We spent another long weekend camping at a Christian Conference - Grapevine! It was a chance for just the two of us to get away from it all and focus on God and our futures together (plus 10,000 others). The photo is our tent and car (Vectra - same as in NZ) with the Big Top behind us. We were both inspired and it was an excellent spiritual bonding time. We also spent a weekend in the North of England, around the Sunderland area. We spend time with our new Romanian friends, from Caminul Felix, who raise funds for the orphanage through their travelling choirs. We went to a couple of their concerts and also spent the afternoon with the kids giving the parents their first bit of freedom on a 6 week tour! They really are a special group and we definitely advocate the charity and those who are a part of it. They are always in need of child sponsors as they continue to grow and expand, so please do visit their website and consider their worthy cause or even consider making a personal visit yourself: http://www.caminulfelix.org/

Ireland...

Our catalyst to travel was James' brothers wedding, which was the most beautiful occasion! After getting our £8 return flights, we spent over a week in Ireland before the wedding helping with wedding prep and keeping the special two sane. The Stag night was a blast, after a Karting session (the Karts hit over 50kph), and a Gourmet Burger Bar, Ian had the first of his 10 challenges - which included a life size whoopy cushion costume, busking, mooning a bus and getting a kiss from the barman! He survived and completed all challenges (minus gargling a raw egg). The wedding day was superb! Ian & Jen both looked stunning and they are a match made in Heaven! James & Mark (the brothers) shared the best men honours and even Amy jumped into the scene by singing with the worship group. After the ceremony which included a performance from a gospel choir Ian is a part of, we headed to the reception at a stunning country estate. Great food, great family time and the best mens speach went down a treat! The day after the wedding we had a low key newly-weds BBQ, and game of Ultimate Frisbee to try and work off the abundance of food!

After the wedding festivities, we headed away with James' parents for their first family holiday in years, exploring southern Ireland. We visited so many castles, and historical buildings - Amy was quite blown away by the history of it all (as all Kiwi's are). We also found time to watch the All Blacks in the local pub, visit Tipperary (it's a long way.............from New Zealand) Races (our first horse won a 1 Euro bet at 39-1) and spend quality time with family - including James' beautiful neice - 2 year old Gracie who we have only just met for the first time! It's so lovely to see Amy with the family and see them bond, as it's the first time they've really been able to spend quality time together (our own wedding was a stressful time). Although it rainined/showered most days, we liked Ireland and hope to visit again before we return to NZ. A few of our photos are below, including James' Mum & Dad, and his sister, Mandy, and her family. More of our photos can be seen on our Facebooks.

Welcome to England...

After all our travelling we were ready to settle down and catch our breath. We were met at the airport by Amy's Dad (yep - that's right - he's a Kiwi). John and his wife, Marianne, have been living and working in England for over a year now, having a parents OE/GAP! We spent a few days with them in the beautiful historical town of Oxford before heading up north to spend time with James' family. It was lovely to see friends and family who we hadn't seen for over 4 years and a good excuse for some social catching up. Our first priority was to find work and help pay for some of the travel we've done. We both signed up to Teaching Supply Work (James as a teacher aid) and as we'd already got our police checks done, Amy got straight into teaching at a couple of schools in Hull. Loved it - not too different from teaching in NZ and the everyone was fascinated by the accent. The Hull accent is quite, err, how would we describe it, 'northern', so a teacher aid had to translate a few words, like "don't" to "doughn't" and "Sophie" to "Sooophie"! James didn't have any luck finding work in the first few weeks, but was kept busy sorting out his old room, applying for jobs, and preparing for Ian's Stag and the Best Man's Speech. Also had a chance to catch up with some of James' old school friends, with a Facebook organised Reunion out on the town. Nobody looked too different to they did as 16 year olds - and it was so lovely to see what people are making of their lives - even though everyone is now 30! May the good times role on...

Romania...

We didn't want to be complete tourists on our travels, so organised a week in Romania to work with an Orphanage. We expected to be worked hard, be in bad living conditions and rock babies to sleep each night. Err - completely the opposite! We were treated so well - that it felt we were on some kind of pamper holiday, with a great motel on site for all guests, 3 cooked meals a day - better than we eat in NZ and heaps of cool smiley kids & teens wanting to show you around and play games. We were part of an organisation called Caminul Felix, which was started in 1992 by Christians from Sweden, UK, USA & Romania, to look after the many orphans who were living in terrible conditions after the breakdown of Communism. Their vision was to see these children raised in normal families, with parents, siblings and relationships that lasted a lifetime - not just until they reached 18. This has been a hugely successful model that is now used all over the world. Caminul Felix currently looks after over 200 children and teens, in its two villages/areas with 16 houses – 16 families! Each family consists of 12 – 15 adopted children and their house parents + their own children! Big busy houses, but so lovely! They are supported by sponsoring children, and they have beautiful travelling choirs who fundraise as they sing around Europe and America. It's a HUGE task, and takes so much self sacrifice from the House Parents, many of which become parents of 10 kids within a couple of years of marriage - most in their early 20's! There is so much more to this charity, but you can read all about it on their website: http://www.caminulfelix.com/

We were adopted by one family in particular and spent most of our time with them, eating with the family (they have a pretty big dining set), going to the local swimming/hot pools, playing cards, football, table tennis, volleyball, watching the French Open on TV, listening to the choir practice and perform, etc. Yes, it was extremely hard work?! Well we did spend 1 particular day doing some manual work (James painted some doors and Amy made some necklaces for their craft business!) We were also able to see and spend time with their partner and sister organisations, which also have a heart for looking after the needy. We spent 3 mornings with a school for the special needs - which is so well thought of by the locals, that normal kids go there too (the kids speak pretty good English for 6-8 year olds)! We visitied a prosthetics clinic and met an 11 year old girl who was involved in a car accident last year, in which both her parent were killed and she lost her leg. She is now living with her poor grandma, and couldn't afford any private work, but this clinic paid for their train ticket and paid for all their treatment, and within 10 minutes (we were there) she was walking again! Amazing! Nearly worth a tear!

We were also taken to visit a local Gypsie village. These outcasts are not looked favourably upon by the locals, and are often seen as lazy thieves. But if something is to change, someone need sto spend time with them and love them. We were able to take 10 families who live near the local dump some food. They were extremely dirty as they spend their days raking through the rubbish by hand, looking for metal and items they can sell. It was sad. The Orphanage leader who took us to see these villages, organised to take them another load of clothes the following week - how ironic!

After saying our sad farewells, we took the return 12 hour train journey back to Buccurest (153 games of cards later - Amy ends up on the winning end). We spent half a day looking around the city and the enourmous palace which was built during poor commusist times. We avoided being ripped off by the local taxi drivers - who shouldn't be trusted unless you insist on using the meters. Then we headed to the aiport for our final stop in a while - England!

Venice...

Ah, romantic Venice! Basically we couldn’t get into town quick enough. Amy was so excited to see and experience this beautiful city. After stepping off the bus, the first sights are of a sweet little (ish) bridge, the Grande Canal, and many wonderfully restored building fronts.

We ate first (of course), lasagna and soup at a lovely little waterside restaurant. There were many many little stalls with typical Venetian items like masks, jewellery, umbrellas (for the sun not the rain) and an assortment of badges, magnets and little bits and bobs. We strolled for hours and enjoyed every minute of this fresh, clean and stunning part of the city.

The next day we did much of the same. Walked and explored the secret back streets of Venice (note – it is important to allow time for getting lost, it is inevitable) and eventually found ourselves in Santa Marco (St Marks Square). There were many orchestra’s playing, outdoor eating and the atmosphere was vibrant and unique. We stopped by the tourist information centre and bought tickets to the opera for Thursday night!
We caught the bus back to our hotel, we pushed the button, the bus stopped, but the back door didn’t open! Because the bus was so crowded we couldn’t make it to the front door either. After a 40minute walk back to our hotel at midnight, we quickly learned to exit buses from the front door!

The next day we slept in and then headed into Venice again for some food – pizza, and the keenly awaited football match between Barcelona and Manchester United! We found an Irish Pub, hunted for stools and watched the game – a bit disappointing but a great experience!
Again we caught the bus and this time it didn’t even stop at our hotel – it was already midnight and we were lost, tired and just a tad frustrated! We walked for about 40 mins and then asked for directions. We walked around in circles! At about 1am we signaled a car and praise the lord he gave us a ride home!

On Thursday we went to town and headed back to Santa Marco and spent a good bit of time there. Amy played with the pigeons (so awesome – they landed on her instantly!). We then got a bit dressed up at home and headed back in to attend the Opera. We caught the water taxi and enjoyed again Venice by night! The opera was nice – very talented vocals and the orchestra was brilliant. So romantic! AND we caught the bus home and it stopped right outside our hotel for a change!!!!!
Venice was a real treat – it was relaxing, cheap enough and stunning!

Spain...

After yet another overnight flight, we arrived in Madrid at 4am and had to pay for an extra night (so mean) - Amy cried (nothing unusual - sleep deprived). Consequently we slept for a few hours then headed into Town. Madrid is actually really quite tidy, fresh and beautiful. There are some amazing buildings and museums. We strolled the park, ate ice creams (this happens quite often - uh-oh), checked out some of the shops and had quite a delightful time really. We would definitely like to spend more time in Madrid one day - a Beautiful City.

We took a domestic flight to Barcelona the next day, although Amy was into her third day of severe stomach cramps. It was Saturday so we headed to the local A & E. 8 Hours, 3 blood tests, an x-ray and urine sample later they decided that she had some syndrome (can't pronounce it) where her stomach had twisted itself into a loop (probably from a childhood operation) which caused the immense pain she was having! Unfortunately it was incurable apart from pain relief pills which were not, at that time, working! We headed home and had a rough nights sleep!

The next day, pain and all, we walked to the train station to save ourselves money. Whether James felt a bit left out, or wanted some attention of his own, I don't know, but he decided to vomit on the way to the train station. What a pair we are! Now I'm not going to go into too much detail about what happened next - but lets just say we had to run between lavatories for the next few days.

Despite all this we managed to head into town, take an open top Double Decker tour bus around Barcelona and see some of the most magnificent architecture in the world. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is phenomenal – in simple terms it’s an unfinished church building, but for interests sake, it was started to be built in 1882, and due to the huge amount of detail & money needed, it is expected to be finished in 2026! We ended the day by finding an Irish pub to watch the final day of the English Premier League – where Hull City successfully managed to stay in Englands top league (sadly we missed the last 10 minutes as Spanish TV switched to a game of Handball!). Overall Barcelona is an amazing city and an absolute must when visiting Europe!

Walk like an Egyptian...

Yes Egypt was an experience - but probably our worst so far. Right from the airport we were harassed for our money, and treated like rich tourists rather than people. Someone saying they represented Egyptian Tourism whisked us away into their office and tried persuading us to change our accommodation and get expensive taxis - didn't fall for that one. Our accommodation was the cheapest from all our travels so far, and the hostel we stayed at was a decent size (although it did need a new coat of paint and some maintenance). They organised our trips, but had partnerships with other tourists agents who tried over-charging us for activities, such as camel rides and meals. However, we did get to see the Pyramids and the Spinx, and they were pretty impressive. Security people allowed us to sit on the Pyramid, then charged us for the privilege! Amy got her camel ride (after a lot of bartering) and James ended up on a horse (more scary than the camel).

Neither was half as scary as the road traffic, which is worse than anywhere we've seen. High speeds & no mercy (just the way some of you wish you could drive!) We did much praying and holding hands during this time - obviously there were no seat belts to hold either. We did spend a pleasant night having a meal and cruise on the Nile, where we were able to share our grumbles and tips with other westerners. The food was ok, but the entertainment of singing, dancing and boob, err, I mean, belly dancing, was a new cultural experience! Amy was persuaded to get up and have a go - this video will be online at a future date!

Our final day we visited the historical city of Alexandria, and we saw some ancient ruins, and some underground tombs, and finally one of the worlds most famous museums. It turns out that the famous museum had been destroyed a few times and the only manuscript left from it is kept in another museum. But we paid for the privilege of going into this new one anyway, and I can confirm it was a library with people studying and reading books!