Saturday 12th May

Floriade here we come!

And so, after breakfast we made our way to Venlo in southeast Holland, home of the 2012 World Horticultural Expo, Floriade. This unique event takes place every 10 years. Quite a few of my fellow traveller’s had been to Floriade a decade ago, whilst for others like me it was a whole new experience.

With tickets, cameras and maps in hand, and 6 hours to explore the 66 hectares of the Floriade site, the group was off. Hope everyone’s wearing comfy shoes! More »

It was an early start this morning as I picked up my bags and headed over to Pax Lodge where I was set to meet my fellow travellers. As I arrived I was greeted with an air of excitement as 48 ladies did their final checks that I had done just a few hours earlier (for the third time) – Passport, money, luggage; CHECK!

I have been working with the rest of the Venture Abroad team planning this trip for months and I was beginning to wonder if this day would ever arrive. There I was at 7.30am boarding the coach and the excitement for the trip was beginning to kick in. We promptly chose our seats and began the first leg of our journey to Dover. More »

Less than 24 hours to go until I head off with 48 members of the Trefoil Guild to the Netherlands. The past few weeks has seen my VA colleague Emily putting the finishing touches to the tour arrangements. Everyone has their final itinerary and luggage labels and now with courier pack in hand. CHECK. Suitcase packed. CHECK. Passport. CHECK. I’m now ready for the off too. Just one dilemma, do I take my boots or clogs?!! More »

Friday 27^th January, 2012

It’s 7.30am and a sea of hot pink ski jackets swamp Ronaldsway airport in the Isle of Man as 26 Brownies, senior section and leaders from Ballaugh and Arbory Brownies descend to start their journey to Disneyland Paris. It’s hard to believe that the time has come to start our adventure after months of fundraising …… selling chocolate brownies, a sponsored rescue, a 60’s, 70’s and 80’s night for the grown ups and a Christmas auction. The excitement increases as a life size Mickey Mouse appears from nowhere wishing the Brownies well on their journey (Tawny Owl is a sport!). Before you know it we’re striding through departures to board our Flybe flight to Gatwick airport. No more sleeps, we’re off! More »

I am back from one weekend and preparing for the next as the Venture Abroad team set off to Disneyland Paris again tomorrow.

How to sum up last weekend in Disneyland Paris, but here it goes! The excitement began as the groups rolled up at Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch and Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne on Friday night. The real adventure however started on Saturday morning, when the Brownies and Guides caught their first glimpse of the Disneyland Park Gates! The day was spent riding roller coasters and seeing their favourite Disney Characters… there was no sign of Mickey Mouse though! But imagine the smiles when he appeared at The Character Breakfast on Sunday morning! Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale joined Mickey as they went to each table to sign autographs and take pictures. More »

It doesn’t seem like 12 months ago that we were sat here in Disney’s DavyCrockett Ranch preparing for the first of our January Weekend Breaks to Disneyland Paris!

We arrived on-site early this morning to ensure that everything was ready for the arrival of hundreds of Guides, Scouts, Brownies and Cubs later on today. The cabins at the ranch are set and the Cheyenne Hotel is ready and waiting for its guests. More »