I'm often amazed at how much I don't know. There is always something new and exciting to read, to learn, to experience.

I've had a travel bug for a number of years now, and as a matter of principle do not like to do much in the way of planning or preparation. Spontaneity I believe is very much a spice of life, and a good dose of variety without planning or expectation is a healthy way to keep life interesting and fun.

In this way, I have enjoyed some really amazing trips, mainly around the UK which I now call home, but once in a while further afield. The trouble with travel abroad is that there is a certain amount of preparation that you have to undertake regardless of your intentions, so for this purpose travel to distant places is not always as effective.

But its simple enough to at random times jump in a car and take a drive. Such trips have ended me up in the likes of John O'Groats, Lands End, Blackpool, Belfast, Aberdeen, Skegness, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, London, just to name a few.

I am also fairly lucky in that I have a friend who is much the same, and will get a random call from Ashley intermittently asking where we will end up that night!

Recently I have discovered a fascination with British Castles. I visited one in York recently and the whole sense of history surrounding me was unreal. I was inspired, and moved at the same time. To think I was standing in halls where knights and kings had once been, where men and women had supped and laughed, cried and mourned.

It was an amazing sense of humbleness. I kind of felt like I had to respect the place, and take care to be considerate to the lives of those who'd made it possible for me to know stand in this place and marvel at the construction, the majestic aura of the site, and the spectacle of witnessing a part of history up close and personal.

I had the opportunity a number of years ago to attend an event hosted by the Lorien Trust LRP Society, called 'The Gathering'. It is held once a year in Derbyshire and attracts several thousand role playing fans from all over Europe. A four day event held over the August bank holiday it is a whole lot of fun, as various tasks, games and role play events culminate in a massive battle which takes place on the final day.

I was amazed at the quality of some of the kit that these players have, authentic battle wear, all carefully made using safe products to ensure it complies with health and safety regulations. Latex swords of every kind, axes, daggers, shields, helmets, full body armour. You name it someone's made it.

I've kind of made up my mind this year to once more don my kilt and join the Clan of the Bears and see how much it has changed since I last visited the event. I also want to consume copious amounts of Meed again. Yep that's right, authentic British meed made with honey. Oh man. *dreams*

Hang over in store I am sure.

But I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter where you are in this world, we are surrounded by the most amazing things that all too often we fail to see. It's as if we can't see the splinters for the sawdust.

Stop for a moment, have a good think and this summer try and discover something new and completely exciting in your neck of the woods, and let me know how you go.

Thought for today - "Happiness is not a destination, it is a manner of travelling. Happiness is not an end in itself; it is a by product of working, playing, loving and living" - Haim Ginott

Song for today - So Young by The Corrs [media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n2V8YouPhg[/media]