Ich Liebe Deutschland!

I love Germany. I think that time and frequent visits have made it so. It was never a country where the first time I landed I thought, "Wow! Germany!" I love it in a cozy, old friend kind of way. I know what to expect and I know where to find things now. Though I must say I was shocked by the lack of the taken-for-granted German efficiency with the trains this time round. Thirty minutes late and no air/con. What the…? Anyway, I landed in Frankfurt after a delayed Russian flight (no surprises there), and it was then a 4.5hr train trip up to Berlin, so the chances of me joining in the World Cup Final craziness were becoming slimmer and slimmer until they were non-existent. Oh well.

I've never been to Berlin before and it was brilliant. One of those cities you could all too easily live in, as many expats do. The history is not altogether pleasant, but I admire how upfront Berlin is about it. The city doesn't try to hide away it's Nazi past, but fully acknowledges that it happened and that's that. That's a brave attitude. Respect, Berlin. The days I was there it was mid 30C and I was exhausted from Mongolia, so perhaps I didn't do the city justice, but I think I gave it a good shot. Alexander Platz, Brandenberg Gate, The Hollacost Memorial, The Topography of Terror Museum (set on the site where the Nazi's ran the concentration camps), Neues Museum, Alters Museum, The National Gallery and The Olympic Stadium. It was here that a lovely couple showed me around the horse complex which was originally a racetrack. It's a lovely spot and an agistment centre today (I also met their gorgeous horses!). They also showed me where the British military used to train their horses and where Hitler used to run the whole German sporting effort.

Checkpoint Charlie was also a must see. There's a great little museum here describing the history of the Berlin Wall. It's small, cramped and stuffy, but well worth the effort.

Two "guides on the ground" Clement and Marco had recommended the Neues Museum, and I'm glad I took their advice (thanks guys!). The museum houses mainly Egyptian artefacts (including the famous bust of Nefertiti), which is good enough in itself. The standout though is the way they've presented the actual building….like a big Egyptian tomb. Wonderful.

From Berlin, it was time to head down to the best show on earth…..AACHEN! The CHIO really deserves its billing and I'm thinking it may well have to become an annual event. The atmosphere, the competition, the shopping and mainly the people that you'll find there. It was great to catch up with old friends, and new ones alike. Carolus Thermen is nothing to sneeze at either.

Mongolia!

Mongolia. Where to start. I guess the first obstacle to overcome was surviving flights on Aeroflot, Ezines Airways and Aero Mongolia. Tick, tick and tick, even if Aeroflot did lose my luggage (big thanks to EVERYONE on my trip who helped me out!) and the only meal they serve is fish spam. I love how the passengers on Aeroflot still clap when the plane lands. Says something, me thinks. So lost baggage and then I'm left at the airport by my group before we had even started. Not the best of starts. No use getting upset though. What's the point. The way forward is to charm some bloke to give you a lift to your hotel. Plus my group was easy to forgive. I couldn't have asked to travel with a better group of people. Usually there's one or two to have a moan about, but no such cases in this group. They were all super fab.

Mongolia certainly didn't disappoint. Many surprises were had and they were all uber positive, starting with night one when we hit the heady lights of Ulaambaatar to watch England v Germany in the World Cup. These guys know how to party! The place went off, and we couldn't ask for a more brilliant start to our trip, even if there were one or two sore heads the next day. Why wait for the last night to go crazy and let your hair down?? Some of us (ok…just 3) made it to the museum the next morning. Hardcore. That afternoon it was time to fly up to Moron, a sleepy little town in northern Mongolia. From here we travelled up to The Reindeer People of East Taiga on our little Mongolian ponies. Nothing but utter respect for those little guys. Tough as old boots. I loved my little mare to pieces. They have to be tough as the country is unforgiving. With temperatures as low as -70C this Winter, about 10% of the animals died. We experienced temperatures as low as freezing and as high as mid 30C. I've never been so cold as the day we got caught in a storm and I only had shirt sleeves on only to then be attacked by man/horse-eating flies the size of small birds on other occasions when the sun was at its hottest. Our group was definitely tough enough to survive in this unforgiving terrain. If someone had told me that 7 people could get through 22 bottles of vodka and 10 bottles of wine in less than two weeks, I would never had believed it. Just goes to show what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

Seeing I'm still travelling and a little bit lazy, I shall now direct you to Richard Dunwoody's blog on the Wild Frontier's website (www.wildfrontiers.co.uk). Richard was "Dad" on the trip, looking after us all and I secretly think he liked having a group of hot chicks by his side for two weeks. Nice one, Richard. Top bloke who's had (actually…he's STILL having!) an extraordinary life. You're a diamond! Also....my photos are on facebook.

XXX

Hay Harvest

Back to Somerset to The Manor House to hang with Judes and the team for a few days. Are there a kinder, more open and honest group of people in the world? I think not. It's exciting times for the team with Susie Anthony, shaman and transformer extraordinair hitting new levels of growth for herself and those around her. Susie has a regular spot on David Gibbon's internet radio network (www.davidgibbons.org and www.theheroseries.com). The series is about the real Hero's Journey. Please listen to it. It will change your world. Amazing guests await you including Kevin Sorbo, Barry Eisler and John Perkins.

It was beautiful being in Somerset during hay harvest too. These people are so in tune with the seasons. It's such a natural way to live. It all makes sense. I had the privilege to ride Cassie the little Arab who gave me the freedom I've not experienced for sometime. I'm never one to venture too far out of the dressage arena, so to gallop up along the Mendip Hills was a humbling treat.

XXX

Londinium......again.

Sorry I haven't blogged for an age. Seemed pointless in London and not possible in Mongolia. So, now I shall backdate…….sort of.

Back in London. It was very weird. Mixed emotions though I must say the initial feeling was one of fear, trepidation and wonder at why I was undertaking such a pointless task. Reliving your past when it had only just become as such. Holding on to that which had already been? Possibly. Kind of silly really. No point looking back or grasping on with finger nails. Perhaps I just momentarily faced myself in the wrong direction. Back instead of forward. How can I have regrets about leaving such a dull, grey, polluted city? Anyway…there I was and I was going to make the most of it. It's never dull or pointless catching up with best friends, so in that respect, London was an utter success. Stayed with Yoli and her super friends. Thanks guys for putting me up! Robbo's 40th x2 was brilliant. Robbo….you rock! Back having city drinks made me start wondering whether I'd made the right decision to leave the banker boys, but I think I'll survive with irregular visits. It's always hard to say a temporary farewell to friends who have helped you transform as a person. Heard your whining and never complained. Supported you in every twist and turn on the crazy road of life. Robbo……you're a star. Even if you are a Pom who supports the British Lions. At least you took my Wallaby to the HK Sevens. And Yoli……wise beyond your years, girl. And a siren to boot! We'll laugh about it all one day. You know it.

It was also great to see Ant. Remember Ant….we may not have each other, but we'll always have our love!! hahaha. Don't ever change, son.

Next it was off to Todd's Rare Species Conservation Centre for his Summer do. Ping the baby Otter is perfect, as is my new adopted child. I'm now the proud parent of an emperor tamarin.

XXX