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Reports

During my travels, I received free accommodation for a night in exchange for writing a daily travel diary. This diary documented how I reached my next destination, the hosts who welcomed me, the food I was offered, and other experiences along the way. Below, you will find the archives of these extensive reports. Please note that English is not my native language, and most entries were written quickly, often around midnight. Enjoy!
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Thursday, 2 August 2001
--> Maidenhead (UK)

I was allowed to stay another day with the Raymond's in Maidenhead today, as my plane to my next destination would leave tomorrow. Call it an excuse to prepare for it, or something.

It was a relaxing day for my senses. From time to time Chris was working on some designs in his office or he had to go out for a short meeting.

When he was away, I was using his computer and uploading photographs from my camera.

When he was back in to business again, I sat downstairs in the living, reading the Bill Bryson's book I got yesterday.

So it isn't that an interesting day for viewers from all over the world.
And the weather was bad, it was raining all day.

At dinnertime we visited the local pub around the corner, the Barley Mow. It was a nice brown pub and the usual locals were sitting at the bar.

We all had to be there before a certain time, because after another certain time (I think 7.30pm) children under 18 are not allowed in a pub.

I think this decision was more taken to prevent children from seeing drunk people, than to keep children away from alcohol.

The Raymond’s treated me with a steak with vegetables and fried potatoes and it hardly all fitted in my belly.

In almost every corner a television was hanging on the wall, so everybody would be up to date with live cricket results. As Chris and Yve went for the runs and other positive game elements (followed with a cheer), I went for the commercial breaks. At least I could understand these.

The night ended back home again, where I was already packed end settle off to the airport tomorrow. A final email check gave me the bad news from a sponsor.

"Ramon, your flight has been cancelled. We are now arranging one for Monday”

With all the power in me I contacted new hosts in the area, preferable near Heathrow Airport. So I made phone calls to almost all people in the London vicinity who have once invited me over.

And it was suddenly alarming to find out how many people had left their home for a holiday!

Fortunately I contacted a person, who’d be most happy to be my host for tomorrow! So, at least that was done.

Secondly, I had to contact my hosts in my next country, to tell them I won’t arrive on Friday after-noon, but on Monday. Fortunately, again, it wasn’t a problem for those people there, I was welcome anytime, they said.

I felt kind of stuck in the UK, and I didn’t really see that as a big problem. I am leaving one day...

Good night Maidenhead!

Ramon.


In the media in Germany today:
German televisionstation Bayern3 has awarded me as Website of the Week (again!).

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