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Joining the millions of London commuters on the underground tube, Em and I made our journey from Kings Cross to Hammersmith. When Em opened the curtain in the morning I am pretty sure i flew from my bed on the other side of the room to the window, so fast my forehead smashed into the glass, squeaking with excitement at the full on snow falling outside!
Loaded with books, notes, maps, and a bundle of nerves we head to day number one of how to be a European tour guide. Sorry I mean Trip leader (as Topdeck take trips not tours!)
Just under 70 trip leaders, drivers and chefs to be, were all huddled, warm and away from the snow in an upstairs area of a pub called the Distillers. We were introduced to the Topdeck management and our trainers for the next two months and in turn the rest of us all introduced ourselves.
The first two days I am fairly certain were to cull the half hearted. Its day 6 and I'm still on board - whoop.
Day one and two were admin days. Day 3 we set off nice, bright and early on a bus to Dover! In Dover we boarded the ferry to Calais and rock and rolled our way to France due to the amazing (not!) weather. I went up to the top deck of the ferry to wave goodbye to the white cliffs of Dover but feared for my life as the wind swept me off my feet and almost threw me over board - maybe slightly exaggerating but any who, way too freezing and gusty for my liking so I made my way back in.
Turns out a big chunk of the white cliffs fell off that very day - now that's a true story.
24th March 2013 was a historic day for me as it was the first time in my life I had my feet on the turf of 4 countries in the one day. England, France, then we had an hour and a half in Belgium before we finished up in the Netherlands. We arrived as it was just getting dark, to our home for the next week, on the outskirts of the Dutch village Wemeldinge.
Wemeldinge is actually in the region of Zeeland. So yes my kiwi friends, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman found land surrounded by sea like this province Zeeland and named it New Zealand. Zee = Sea.
Expecting tents, caravans or at best, maybe cabins we were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation, spacious rooms, heaters, linen and private bathrooms, oh and of course wifi. Getting cosy for the night after testing the chefs first attempt of a group dinner we wonder what our week holds!
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