I cruised the English canals, found a use for my butt, and I met a prince! Read on!

Oh what an absolutely magnificent few days I’ve had, back in my spiritual home – England. I can’t explain the ties I feel to this country, especially since I actually have no real ties at all. Nothing. Well unless you count the fact I studied Shakespeare and Old and Middle English at uni (pretty much the only lectures I attended consistently). But really, nothing. In my 20s I backpacked here (along with every other Aussie). I fell in love with it then and that love affair continues to this day! What’s not to love? The shops…

The bars that serve strawberry beer and raspberry g&ts…

The people you meet whenever you introduce yourself ‘Hi I’m Tania from Australia!’…

The canals, where we spent a lovely few days with friends…

I finally found a really sensational use for my butt… pushing the big wooden thingies at the locks! The canals were beautiful, in spite of the hard work involved in operating the locks. Will be forever grateful to our dear friends the Simisters for the opportunity to experience this. (How to photobomb your own selfie…)

Returned to Manchester and noticed some activity around the town hall. Charlie and Camilla were in town! So I waited for them and was lucky enough to shake both their hand! As charles approached I said ‘ hi I’m Tania from Australia ‘. He shook my hand and said ‘Are you really?’ And I said ‘yes, I am’. Ok I get it’s not the most in depth conversation I could have had but….(that’s me with the frizzy hair).

Just watched the late news… I was on that too! ( video of my Charlie encounter available on request!). I love England. Just saying…