As Halloween and Bonfire night has been and gone, the clocks have wound back an hour, and the darker nights are drawing in, I can’t help but contemplate the year now not far behind us. It’s been a tough year for us both, and following our glorious holiday to Gozo, I was itching for a break away before the year was out, but Mr Nomad reminded me of the fabulous summer we have had in this country. The weather has been wonderful and many adventures have been had without travelling too far from home.
The month of June started with our trip to Ely Cathedral for a boogie at the silent disco. This strange phenomenon was great fun, in the most amazing venue and we both got to indulge in our eclectic taste in music, throwing some interesting shapes to 80’s and 90’s tunes. Although supposed to be silent, and everybody is compelled to wear headphones, the singing of the crowds echoed the pure joy of the night.
On the theme of music, we also ventured to Outfest and the nomadic niece accompanied us. This is a small music festival in our home village, Outwell in Norfolk where there is a bar, various food outlets, fairground rides, attractions, trade stands with numerous bands blasting out their music all day and into the night. This low key music festival is never to be missed and much fun was had by all. We had a go at archery, our niece enjoyed many of the fairground attractions, a teddy bear was won, we wiled away the hours throwing a ball around, drank too much, ate too much but had a thoroughly good time. Outfest is a mere stone’s throw from the house so a 5 minute stroll led to a great day without the added worries of travel. Proof again that we didn’t have to journey too far from home to enjoy an adventure.
This month also saw us travelling out of Norfolk to Birmingham, to Villa Park to attend a concert to enjoy the legends that are Guns ‘N’ Roses. This notorious heavy rock band were my heroes growing up and although they have aged somewhat and their level of anarchy is no longer as it was, we could not resist seeing them perform and they did not disappoint. A rip roaring time was had and far too much alcohol was consumed.
The end of the month brought us back down to earth with a visit to a wholesome country show being the Royal Norfolk Show. Mr Nomad and I ambled around, taking in the country air and watching many of the events including the heavy horses thundering around an arena pulling majestic carriages, the showjumping, tractor demonstrations, and spending much time in the agricultural tents stroking the goats that Mr Nomad fell in love with.
There was local food, local crafts, innovative technology and education. There were prize bulls, humble heifers, dairy cows, all breeds of cows, sheep, pigs and goats on display. It’s been described as two days of connection, creativity and countryside spirit and there was all of this in abundance. Zuri came with us and she garnered fuss wherever we went and we enjoyed this family day out immensely. It was rather hot but for once, the British weather did not let us down and although we baked in the heat, a lovely day was had. We were transfixed by a farriers competition, although it was hot and heavy work for the participants but a thrill to watch. There was so much to see that we feel we will have to return as we were quite sure we failed to cover even half of what this epic country show had to offer. Another splendid day out in our home county.
The month of July took us to the bright lights of London. Again, the nomadic niece accompanied us and we were enchanted by the West End show of The Lion King. Our niece had never seen a stage show previously and she was suitably dazzled by this wondrous experience. Mr Nomad and I were equally transfixed, as we always love a musical.
Whilst in London, we were lucky enough to witness England’s Lionesses ‘bring it home.’ The women’s England football team had won the UEFA Womens Euro 2025 and it was their homecoming. It was purely coincidental that we happened to be in London and although not a follower of football, it was brilliant to see the ladies on their victory parade. Our niece was very impressed and although it was just luck that we happened to be in London at the right time and in the right place, Mr Nomad and I took that as a win in how to keep a pre-teen engaged. There were thousands of people who turned out to see those ladies, and they helped to create a rather electric atmosphere and when lining The Mall leading down to Buckingham Palace, we still got to glimpse the glistening trophy held aloft in celebration and the national pride was very much on show.
It was a whistle stop tour for the nomadic niece and she took in the magnificence of the capital from the London Eye, fascinated by the sights and sounds previously unseen. Although enthralled by the glamour of the west end, she was less fascinated by the Houses of Parliament although Big Ben dazzled with its imposing size.
After the bright lights of the city, Mr Nomad and I enjoyed a trip to the neighbouring county of Suffolk, to a day at the races in Newmarket where Mr Nomad won his fortune (or not) on a well placed bet, and we reveled in the thunderous galloping hooves of the equine athletes along with their equally athletic jockeys. The racing was followed by a performance by none other than Sir Tom Jones. Much as he is in his mature years, he was enchanting and it was fantastic to hear his beautiful baritone voice blasting out well known and classic tunes such as ‘Its not Unusual’, ‘What’s New Pussycat?’, ‘Delilah’, ‘Green Green Grass of home’ and the more recent material such as ‘Sex Bomb’ and a cover of Prince’s ‘Kiss.’ A very different style and genre of music to the recently seen Guns ‘N’ Roses, but fabulous all the same.
Another musical that we we adore was seen in Norwich (Norfolk) in the form of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. We have now seen this play at least 4 times and it never gets boring. We didn’t dress up this time, although I dared Mr Nomad to wear nothing but gold hot pants but he respectfully declined on this occasion. It is rude and risque but hilariously and unapologetically funny and the lead character of Frank-n-Furter was played by the legend that is Jason Donovan so this was an amazing night. Yet again, not too far from home.
The month of August brought a reunion with our friends, Jeff and Vicky. We have known them for some years now, and we drove to meet them for lunch. We don’t get the opportunity to see them very often but when we do get together, its like time stood still and they never change. Life is so busy with trials and tribulations but it was a lovely catch up. Their dog, Tag, was great friends with our now departed Hound Solo so it was nice to reminisce about love and loss. Zuri came along too and also enjoyed the trip out.
Going back to the joys of music and festivals, this month saw a weekend of rock and heavy metal tribute bands at the festival called Dubs of Rock. We travelled to the site at Cattows Farm in Leicestershire where Mr Nomad had managed to persuade me to camp… in a tent. I’m not usually a fan of camping but given the fabulous weather, this turned out to be a great experience, a great weekend, with great entertainment. It was my first ever music festival, whereas Mr Nomad has been to many festivals previously although it was so good we have already booked to go again next year.
The music was sensational and dare I say it, the bands were just as good as the real thing. In some cases, better. The atmosphere was brilliant, and everybody there was chilled and relaxed, even though people turned out in their thousands. We got to see the likes of Guns ‘2’ Roses, a band that we have seen previously at other gigs, Simulation Muse, Chop Suey, The Darkniss, Moretallica, Rammlied, amongst many others. We drank copious amounts of alcohol, ate dirty burgers, roughed it in a field but generally had the best time. The cider led to some momentary lapses in memory, and some heavy headaches, but the fresh air brought us round and a new found fondness of accommodation in Moon Base Alpha has arisen.
We had prepared for wet weather in the expectation that not only was the weekend in August, but being a bank holiday weekend it was bound to rain as would be true British form but incredibly, we were caught out by the never ending sunshine. We had to purchase emergency hats to try to keep some of that sun off our heads, and as we had no sunscreen with us, we just had to suffer the sunburn on our knees and legs.
The end of the month brought another catch up with friends. This time, my bestest friend Ann-Marie and her partner Chris, their kids Oliver and Sam came to stay at Casa Del Parks and we thoroughly enjoyed their company. They brought their pooch, Basil, a big and beautiful fox red Labrador who got on famously with Zuri.
We visited Sandringham estate and lazed around in the grass, soaking up the sun. Mr Nomad, Chris and the boys enjoyed a leisurely game of cricket in between clambering in the adventure play park whilst Ann-Marie and I enjoyed prosecco. Basil and Zuri enjoyed sunbathing and a very enjoyable and chilled time was had by all.
We also visited Johnsons Zoo which may well have become a favourite place to visit. This can be found in Huntingdon, in the county of Cambridgeshire. The location of our village has been the subject of debate for many years in terms of whether it falls in Norfolk or Cambridgeshire but Norfolk appears to have won through.
We were in awe of the wildlife on display in this small zoo such as the lions, sloth bears, capybaras, otters and crocodiles and other animals such as highland cows and farmyard creatures. The reptile house was outstanding and this place should be considered a hidden gem and is well worth a visit. Unfortunately, the glorious weather that had prevailed did take a turn, and true to the British style, it absolutely poured down. It did not dampen the day though and we all had a lovely time. Mr Nomad and I also discovered the farm shop with a traditional butcher selling the most divine cuts of meat. A steakhouse can also be found on site and this was penciled in for a visit on another day.
As the summer of fun drew to an end, the friendships did not and I enjoyed a girls’ weekend away with old friends to Benidorm. This of course, is in Spain so took me out of the country. However, it was all agreed that what happens in The Dorm, stays in The Dorm so that story will remain untold…
Its safe to say though that friendships made many years ago still remain, are as strong as ever and even with the ups and downs of life, love will always prevail.
Although the summer had passed, my birthday weekend in October saw a return to London and another show. This time, the magic that was revealed was Come Alive!, a show themed on The Greatest Showman. This was an intriguing show in a big top, very much like a circus with the songs from the famous film. We had to arrive an hour early where we enjoyed an interactive pre-show experience with a magician performing seemingly impossible tricks, a chap handling bubbles, trampoline stunts, all things wierd and mystical. It was truly magical and the acrobatics on display performing unbelievable feats were awe inspiring.
Mr Nomad and I have had a busy summer packed with fun, and no foreign travel was necessary to ease my itchy feet. (notwithstanding the quick weekend to Benidorm). Variety is most definitely the spice of life but life is all around, and should be lived, and every opportunity grasped. Adventure can be found everywhere, but its wonderfully grounding to stay in touch with those we care about, and to share those escapades.
#phew #goodtimes
#welovemusic #welovemusicals
#workhardplayhard #wanderlustsatisfied
#averagepeopleadventures
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Nomadic Family Unit 
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