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Sue Mugwiza
53 Blog Entries
1 Trip
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Trips:
Rwanda
Shorthand link:
http://www.blogabond.com/pavlova
Manchester and Sheffield
Manchester
,
United Kingdom
With all the exotic locations in the world I am once again writing about some of THE top locations ever!!
Eric and the Smiths
We headed over to
Sheffield
for a weekend of hanging out with the Smiths, with Eric helping out with Finlay's football party. I however headed to get my hair chopped off instead! The day after we went into the Derbyshire hills for a good bit of walking in the
English
countryside! The boys enjoyed exploring the rocks and Phoebe was not one to miss out. She was keen to follow their lead and so was very excited to be climbing down holes and into 'spooky caves' too! The kids turned the picturesque walk into an exciting adventure!
On a walk in Derbyshire
The week after they headed over to Cheshire and so the children had their very first visit to our
House
. Finlay did note we weren't as rich as they were - our
House
being a lot smaller!!! But we all had fun, though I am sure the rabbits were pleased when they left so they could relax once again and chill! But of course they can come back anytime.
The kids get to know Bakami
At theconcert
Later that week Eric and I headed into the big city (on a week night no less!!) to a gig. We should have done this sooner, but better late then never. So we saw the star in the hood himself Mr Tinchy Stryder with Chipmunk as warm-up act at Manchester uni. So after a few beers with Jonny we headed amongst the crowds of students and muscled our way towards the front.
Chipmunk
Dancing along to Chipmunk before his first number one the week after was pretty cool and then jumping around with Tinchy after that. Good gig, low key location and probably the last tour before he goes on to play big venues. So a cool night.
Tinchy Stryder
Sheffield
and Manchester may not be that exotic but happy times are the people not the places!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on October 23
from
Manchester
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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One wedding, a tent and a Sheffield trip
London
,
United Kingdom
Respecting the ancient castle walls
Our new tent
Summer is here and we have been trying to make the most of every opportunity. After buying a new tent (because we borrowed one from my Dad, only to arrive and find it had the wrong poles and no pegs!) we are gradually acquiring everything a true camper needs including a proper retro windbreaker! On the last camping attempt we got drenched in a sudden downpour and spent quite some time sitting in the car before being able to pitch. Then our BBQ was faulty and took ages to light, but Eric was determined and finally got it going but all this effort resulted in food poisoning for Eric, me melting the carry case for our camping stove and building a wind barricade around our tent! And this is fun?!
A not too successful BBQ - in fact bad in everyway possible
On the pier at Llandudno
Where the wedding was held
Luckily Liz and Alex enjoyed a sunny day for their lovely wedding in London. It was a grand setting for the ceremony and a fabulous opportunity to catch up with university friends.
Check out the ceiling (and the suit!)
Fun was had but too much alcohol was far too readily available, which is not a great idea for me! I am just glad the batteries on my camera ran out so there are no photos later on in the day!
Liz and Alex's wedding - the uni group
Eric spent lots of time on the trampoline!
We also recently went to
Sheffield
to hang out with the Smiths, always lots of fun (for the children as well as us!) Eric was able to show off his gymnastic skills on the trampoline and
Harvey
was determined to be as good, if not better! But Phoebe in now in on the act and will not miss out on anything. Anything the boys can do she can do better!!
Pheobe is entertained by her new toy
So now we are well into the summer and more holiday news will follow shortly.
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on August 7
from
London
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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Out and about in the North of England
Windermere
,
United Kingdom
Yum! I love this fella!
The last month we have tried to make the most of days out amidst work. It has been hectic but looking back we have had fun times too. Manchester was a good day out, for the Spanish festival with giant puppets, music, food, traditional horse displays along side a coffee with Jonny overlooking the city from on high.
We had a couple of nights in a caravan in the lake district, where we enjoyed the British outdoors and traditional grub (ie we had a chippie!!)
Our first caravan meal - chippies!
Mmmm Tilapia!
We had a boat trip on Windermere, visited an aquariaum, wandered around quiant villages and did a bit of a strenuous walk which left me achey the next day (my body is now no longer used to the Rwandan hills!) Love caravans though!!
Windermere
Peeping Tom!
We went to Southport beach one day for a stroll along the sea front and along the pier where we played on the Victorian entertainment games. Not quite so addictive as the Wii or PSP, but I at least can work them myself! Nice relaxing day out, a calmer and classier version of Blackpool!
Checking himself out again!
I look after a boy from my school on a weekend now, so have been trying to discover trips out he might enjoy, as he has autism he is not so easy to entertain! But small trips out are major progress and we were impressed with the peacock’s mating display at Walton Gardens. We really should appreciate the wonderful animals we have in the UK, and these are probably the most exotic bird in the world!
Shaking it's tail feather
Dressed up for Cheryl's 30th - a black and white themed night!
We also have had a few nights out, the most recent one being a 30th birthday with a fancy dress code of black and white. So Eric went for the dapper look and I w as I went for I went for 70’s disco funk! Good night, with karaoke and dancing!
Daddy cool!!
Disco divas!
Harvey tries out his presents before his holiday
I then had to leave Eric behind again as I went to Sheffield for Harvey’s 5th birthday party. It was great fun as always and Harvey does not lack on the enthusiasm front when opening presents. Everything was so cool and exciting! I was roped into the Ben 10 themed party games, so had a crash course in all things Ben 10 as I ended up making up an adventure story for Harvey. He was blind folded, became Ben 10 and had to walk though many strange and scary places on his adventure story! I think I pulled it off and everyone enjoyed watching Harvey’s adventure story come to life! Maybe I will give up teaching and do children’s parties!
Little and large gaze out on the world!
Pheobe tries out a chocolate face mask!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on May 25, 2009
from
Windermere
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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Skiing in the Alps
Geneva
,
Switzerland
Rosey-faced on Kate's balcony
Argh!!! Computers!! I did write all about my ski trip to Val D’Isere in the French Alps, then it all disappeared! So to summarize I left Eric behind, to work hard whilst I holidayed and learnt to ski (a bit) I went to stay with Kate who was working there for the season, so I needed no better excuse than that. I spent a cool four days on the slopes. And thanks to Fraser, Kate’s top instructor boyfriend, I went from crashing into snow, rolling down the slope, falling off the ski lift and generally feeling like a duckling learning to walk to being able to make my own way down some tricky slopes whilst staying upright.
Fraser the top teacher!
I ended up doing things that on the first day I thought absolutely no way would I ever do that, albeit always with the brakes on (i.e. in ski plough motion) But I still tackled part of a red run accident, didn’t crash in a snow storm and didn’t break any bones! There were many comedy moments i.e. when I did a ‘Bridget Jones’- out of control gathering speed with complete look of fear on my face! Also was taken onto a red slope on my first day, when it was supposed to be beginners, and despite trying to be brave for Fraser couldn’t suppress a girly scream of ‘AHHHHHH I’m scared!!!!!!” I realize that to get down slopes the trick is to 1) Not to think too much and 2) Not look down
Trying to look pro, but failing!
So my first skiing trip! It was so much fun, all thanks to Kate and Fraser, who made it that way. Would I do it again?? Despite it being the scariest thing I have ever done in my life (far scarier than parachute jumping or water skiing) yes of course I would, but I’d want to take Eric next time! I’d never seen snow like it, so beautiful, so Eric would love it, I know!
Val d'Isere
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on May 24, 2009
from
Geneva
,
Switzerland
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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Half term
Cardiff
,
United Kingdom
fab Mummy Sarah
Half term holiday and I headed down to South
Wales
. Couldn't wait to meet baby Oscar, the gorgeous baby boy of my friend Sarah. And gorgeous he was indeed!
Ahhh! Oscar!
I think he is in the running for the most perfect baby ever! Yet, however old I am, i still feel far too young to have friends who are mums. It doesn't seem real! Sure it feels real enough when you have to care for a baby 24 hours a day for your entire life, but for now I enjoy the novelty of helping out without the scary feeling of responsibility. So I enjoyed a few days of baby talk, baby walks, and baby play!
Life is such fun
A taste of home for Eric from Pierre! Murakoze Jo and Pierre
The second highlight of the half term was our great friends Jo and Pierre's visit. They arrived from London with a fab gift basket of all things African! How thoughful and exciting for the boys as they made a meal of ubugali - a very messy and sticky mass eaten with fingers with chicken and sauce. They enjoyed it but Jo and I chose not to partcipate!
Preparing ubugali
Enjoying to the max!
This was after a good catch up, a night out dancing with Pierre followed by a refreshing windy walk up Helsby hill.
Helsby hill in the wind
Great to hang out with our counter-parts as they also experience the ups and downs of adjusting to UK life as a Rwandese-English couple. Always fabulous!
So not much sun for the holiday but good catch ups and fun.
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on February 24, 2009
from
Cardiff
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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An English Christmas
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
We’ve moved from summer, through Autumn, into winter, passing landmarks such as bonfire night, both our birthdays, Christmas and New year without a blog in sight! So, giving up on Eric becoming a blogger extraordinaire, I am now speaking for both of us.
Eric tells santa he has been a good boy this year.
So Christmas was a bit different for us, being Eric’s first taste of a UK Christmas, with its over-commercialisation and two-months run-up. A change from the one day event in Rwanda where you go to church and have a family meal. So Eric received his first Santa’s stocking at the bottom of his bed filled with goodies and treats!
Eric's stocking!
Over the next two days we heard his exclamations of “more presents!?” as he ripped the paper off yet another gift before we sat down for yet another big family meal!
Christmas dinner
We did have a double dose, since after celebrating Christmas day with Mum, Dad, Jonny and Jo we did it all again the next day when Mark, Beck and the kids arrived the next day. We also helped out with the children’s entertainment when beck and mark went away for a few days peace and quiet! We enjoyed it, but also appreciated the peace when it was just us two again, back home.
Alas! However, no sign of snow, only ice and frost this year. So, in order to make up for this lack of a winter wonderland I took Eric to the Chill factor where they have very realistic fake snow on the ski slopes. So Eric’s first experience of snow was not your average walk in the park, crunching through the fresh snow, but strapping on snow boots and skis! We decided that in order to see the snow we would go for a taster ski session. A first for me too and it was fab! We both loved it and totally recommend the experience. Hopefully later in the year we will find the time for a short course.
Down the slopes!
Two experts!
We also now are proud parents (well I am, Eric is more of a reluctant father!) to two little girls, whom we have named Fleckles and Bakame. They are already toilet trained and like to have a cuddle every night and watch a bit of TV! These are very spoilt rabbits who even had a Christmas holiday at Grandma and Grandad Crooks!! We’re just practicing having responsibility for now!
My girls!
2009 promises to be an eventful year and we are looking forward to grabbing the new challenges it has with hope and optimism.
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on January 11, 2009
from
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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Married Life
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
After our wedding we went off for an exotic and luxurious honeymoon to Alton Towers in Staffordshire!! Well we had fund and let off some steam, starting off married life as we mean to go on – with laughs and fun! So we had a good couple of days but then Sue was back to work, so we hope to honeymoon more traditionally later on in the year….
Cheers! A good English pint!
My dad was here for another week after the wedding and we had days out around the place including Liverpool and
Blackpool
.
La Machine in Liverpool
But, as well as the normality of every life, we have continued to make the most of our weekends with varied weekends, from walks in the country to clubbing in Warrington. And harping back to September we went to over to sue’s sister in
Sheffield
again for another birthday party – this time for Finlay! It was a ‘spooky’ party so we made a haunted castle cake with the boys, thought up a few party games and then joined in the fun! Then the finale was a gunge tank, upon Finlay’s request, he wanted to be slimed like he’s seen on TV!
Finlay in the gunge tank
So this was fun and all his friends thought it was exciting, then Beck decided it would be fun if they dragged me in there!
Getting gunged
So I was then next victim of the gunge tank! It was actually quite funny and I didn’t mind, but trailed the blue slime up the stairs like a snail trail to get showered!
Yikes!
Autumn is here now and so I am getting used to the colder weather and have my gloves to stop my fingers falling off! Ha ha!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on October 19, 2008
from
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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Our Wedding Day
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
Our wedding day!
So, the day finally came – after what seemed like an age! Eric didn’t quite get away with no embarrassment as the night before my brother decided to give him a UK style send off!!
Cheers Jonny for the embarressment!
So out came the blonde wig and sparkly red dress with an impressive busom! Then off they went for a few drinks on the town, with ‘Erica!’
A gorgeous Erica on the town.
So on the wedding morning Eric woke feeling rather worse the wear, and after a near sleepless night on the sofa bed after a few glasses of red, I wasn’t feeling too hot either. Good job the wedding was in the afternoon! So after a hectic morning I did inadvertently turned up at the church late, poor Eric having been sweating it out!
Arriving (late!)
The service however was beautiful and just what we had hoped for, with Pierre as best man, Kate as bridesmaid and Finlay and Harvey as ring bearers. Most people seemed to love the DVD of our ‘pre-wedding’ in Rwanda.
The church service
I do...
The men
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The VSO crew - how it all began!
It was pretty chaotic afterwards to be honest, with so many people to speak time just flew leaving less time for photographs, but we managed! Then the meal was underway before Finlay and Harvey gave out our Rwandese favours and speech time arrived! With Pierre having flown in from Rwandan the day before asking him to perform such a traditionally English task was a bit mean, but he did himself proud and we all managed to make people smile, laugh and cry within a few minutes!
Eric and best man, Pierre
First dance, slightly embarrassing really and it was much appreciated when others came to join us on the dancefloor! Much less embarrassing was doing a cow dance later in the night, as it was a good laugh and obviously no pressure as no-one knew how it should really look! And Eric’s and Pierre’s impromptu costumes looked the part! At the end of the night the VSO crew insisted on me throwing my bouquet, so off we went and Jo caught it without any pushing or shoving!! Then as I’d read about a lesser known tradition I insisted Eric took off my Rwandan garter (yes, Laura I wore it all day!!) with his teeth and throw it to the boys. Guess who caught it?? Yes! Pierre!! Can’t wait for the wedding guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Igitenge garterage!
Thanks to all for making our wedding a really fun and meaningful day to remember forever.
Bubbles!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on September 30, 2008
from
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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My dad in UK
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
On top of Helsby Hill
My Dad arrived in UK last Sunday and we straight away showed him the local sights - walking up Helsby Hill to show him great panoramic views of Cheshire. It was an amazing sight, but my Dad was most impressed by how huge the cows were. After we went to a bowling alley for a few games of bowling and air hockey.
Bowling
The next day we drove over to see Sue’s parents, where we hung out at the strongest man north-west contest. Since then dad has been to the local salt museum, a boat lift and I took him into Manchester where we mainly visited the Science and Industry museum, where Dad liked the old aero planes and cars.
Museum of Science and Industry
Snooker with the dads
It’s great to have my dad here especially for my wedding day soon!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on September 9, 2008
from
Northwich
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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UK summerholidays
Bournemouth
,
United Kingdom
We have been travelling around this summer, seeing more of the UK. Firstly we went to Bournemouth on the south coast to stay with Sue’s sister, Jo. We went to the beach many times since it was really hot and sunny, so we actually went swimming. Jonny, my bro-in-law, met us there for the weekend, so joined us for picnics in the park, walking by Poole harbour and swimming and chilling on the beaches. We went on an open-top bus trip with Jo to a small island, crossing the water on a car ferry. We walked through countryside to see ‘Old Harry Rocks’ then a few miles along the cliffs before eating some well-earned chips on the beach.
Since then we have seen no more sunshine, but decided to brave the weather and try camping. We drove to South Wales for what can only be described as a disastrous attempt at camping. We arrived at a beautiful campsite on the Gower peninsula after a freak hale storm! We skidded along the grass, put our tent up and went to explore the beautiful bay (see picture)
We camped overlooking this vbeautiful bay
We managed to get our new camp stove to work and ate outside (no pics, battery ran out!) With the cold drawing in we went to bed early, but unfortunately our blow-up bed had deflated and we had to sleep on the hard floor. Then the rain started, the wind blew and our tiny tent nearly collapsed! So we left the next day, as further cold days sleeping on the floor didn’t appeal!
Back home, Sue gave my hair a trim, but as you can see she made me look like a bowling ball! This wasn’t the desired effect, but an accident with the shears meant I had to wave goodbye to the afro!
Heading off on a roller coaster
To cheer ourselves up we went away again, this time up north to Blackpool, where Sue said you can never have a rubbish time in! She was right! There is so much stuff to do there, like playing on games in amusement arcades (I got easily addicted to the 2p machines and would have spent all day there, but Sue dragged me away!)
Trying out my shooting skills
We tried many traditional English games, as you can see in the photos. We also went on the pleasure beach, where the very first roller coaster Sue took me on went upside down and I was so terrified I could hardly open my eyes!
really crazy fast waltzers
Check out my face!
Looking pretty cool eh?
In the evening we found an R n B club, which had a cool DJ who played all the best tunes. So we stayed out late, but had to get up early to have breakfast, as we were staying in a B & B (bed and breakfast) then we went hanging out again. On the pier we went on a few more rides, where I loved the Waltzers the best! Sue said she had never heard anyone scream louder, but sorry I couldn’t help it! And Sue felt too sick to go on another fast one, so I went on by myself, where Sue captured my fear on the photo!
written by
Sue Mugwiza
on August 19, 2008
from
Bournemouth
,
United Kingdom
from the travel blog:
Rwanda
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