stop:search:record

stop:search:record, originally uploaded by monkey_pushover_tree.

I was stopped today (Valentines Day) in Liverpool Street Station under section 44(2) of the Terrorism Act 2000. These are random stop and searches to stop terrorism...I think it may have been my singing as I was plugged in at the time. It wouldn't surprise me, as I can't hear a thing when they are in. But why me? IC1 male, dressed in Jeans and a red and blue top carrying a bag. Must look shifty. I was searched, well at least my bag was. When they saw it was a camera I was asked what I was taking photos of. All of those places that you shouldn't say came rushing through my head (MI5 headquarters for example)... the funny thing was I hadn't taken a shot all day. Just didn't get me today, london just didn't grab out to me the way it used to. Very Very strange... But that what this trip home has shown me. I have moved on. Its another life back here, not the same and not what I want to go back to; at least for a while. My life is now 10,000 miles away... and its those 10,000miles that I'm really missing quite a lot really; especially one big part of me that is still there...

Should be climbing tomorrow... I wonder if I can do a 5b?

purleigh:vineyards

purleigh:vineyards, originally uploaded by monkey_pushover_tree.

Snow.... Woke up to 3 inches of snow. Pleasant change to the sunshine I have been used to over the past couple of months. Shame the snow doesn't look like it will stay around for a while. Of course it is causing chaos in the UK. Still it was nice to go out, build a snowman; throw snowballs etc. As they have closed all of the schools in Essex, all of the kids are off. So there is tobogganing and snow angels galore. Bet you its all gone by tomorrow...

heybridge:basin

heybridge:basin, originally uploaded by monkey_pushover_tree.

Back in the UK for a while. I turned up to surprise my mum for her birthday this week. Turned out really well in the end. No one was awake when I got to the house at 7.30am; so I had to phone. My mum picked up the phone and asked her to let me in as it was cold outside. Screaming and tears followed; all good of course.

Its cold and grey back being back in the UK, not that I mind. It really does feel like home and it is good to catch up with people and see my family. You forget how much you miss them when you are 10,000 miles from home. Its good to be back for a while. I am missing the sun though...