Race for Life Challenge!

Shadow of Rome – PS2 Review

Marley and Me Book review

When I raided my book shelves looking for something new and exciting to read over the Christmas period. I came across this book as an ex-housemate accidentally lent me it and me being me never returned it.

I was a fan of the movie and thought I should maybe give the book a go. The author of the tale of the worst dog ever is John Grogan. A journalist who now resides in Pennsylvania. He recalls of his time spent over the years with the golden retriever Marley. Its a coming of age story of a young couple growing up in Florida on the verge of starting a family. Marley the dog in question is there first attempt of looking after something other than a house plant. Pun not intended. What i thought was so beautiful about the book was the way Marley made himself a member of the household the minute he was bought from the farm at the side of the road. Marley is an example of life’s joys. John Grogan often mentions on how Marley had become his friend, his loyal companion and it was hard for him to carry on without him there.

“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things- a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty…”

I found this short chapter helped to sum the whole story up really. It touched me how a character could touch someone’s heart so much. I have even considered on getting a dog myself now. I suppose that everyone after reading this will think the same. I did shed a few tears at the end, I must admit. It was an ordinary couple growing up in Florida reflecting their lives whilst venturing into parenthood. It’s real and that’s what made it so joyful to read. John Grogan has become wildly popular after his novel and has gone onto write The Longest trip Home, the follow up to before Marley and Me. I do look forward to reading this one.

9/10

Just Back- Portugal

As I stepped onto the scolding airport floor I knew I wasn’t in the British Isles any more,  I was In Portugal. The heat was beautiful, the breeze lightly touching your face. I was in Faro, the seaside town of nothing but yachts. I decided to take a detour and jump on the nearest train to Lagos. The train station was deserted, It was home to some of the huge steam like trains that you see in Films. The journey past remarkable skyline’s, families eating feasts in their back gardens, coastlines and orchards. Finally reaching Lagos on the train it looked dark. Creeping closer a light was exposed, the small town was alive. Children playing, teens mooching, families laughing, the town was exciting. After admiring the sites, the next stop was to find a hostel. Moving towards the centre of it all, I saw how the bohemian lifestyle had swept over, the locals playing guitars in the streets  and taking the night as it comes. Fish Mongers were yelling, street markets full of the most exotic food and quirky little bars open. I took my time to take in the new surroundings, absorbing the environment. Finding a hostel in what was tourist central, it was my first time in one. I was scared yet also intrigued, it was the cheapest night I had ever spent in what seemed to me as a hotel really.

Water sports was a big deal in Lagos, so I thought I should give it a go. It was either Surfing or Kayak. Going with Kayak, was a much more safer option for me. Proving to be a lot harder than imagined, it was more of a work out than an activity. After a while I did get the hang of it. We went as far as four miles out around the coastline. It was breathtaking, the caves in the cliffs, all covered with treasures, coral, shells and creatures. The Coastline was impossible to see from your ordinary beaches, you couldn’t even drive to the cliff tops. Secret beaches hidden within the cliffs, it was a special moment for us to see. Stopping off to have time to snorkel and take in the sun’s rays, I collected shells and had a well needed rest. When it was time to go back, I was only wishing we could stay longer. Also a part of me thinking I may not make it back, considering the Journey. As I traveled back, I took in the last moments of this long and challenging experience.

On the last day walking back towards the train station, I looked at the locals drinking beers, the elderly perched on the wall’s, people watching the tourists, the fish mongers still shouting at new people entering the town and I knew deep down that I would return someday to this place. I envied there way of the life too much to not come back. Portugal marked an important chapter of my life, one I will never forget, ever.