My Trip To Truro & Tony Blair Steps Down

Had my National Insurance appointment this morning to apply for a national insurance number (NIN) just like our Canadian SIN. The appointment was in Truro so I dropped Keith off at work and was on my way. This was my first outing on my own in the car. Haha. Sounds funny but I haven't needed the car.

Last night Keith and I drove to Truro (30 mins away) to find the place because we have only drove through Truro and had no idea where anything is. My appt was for 9:10am so I had no time to be getting lost. As previously mentioned, driving on the left side of the road is not my issue, it's shifting with my left hand. No problems at all until we got into Truro and I'm squeezing between cars in these damn narrow streets and it's already difficult because I don't know where I'm going. So lump that all together - new surroundings, very narrow surroundings, crazy drivers, and me new at the right hand drive. Needless to say Keith and I both needed a drink by the time we arrived at Staples (that was our second stop in Truro). It feels like I'm learning to drive all over again - it's somewhat painful and quite frustrating.

After having done a trial run I was good to go. It was a smooth trip (thank God). After the appointment I went to Marks & Spencers - huge department store that's quite popular here - and Tesco (grocery store). Then back to Penryn (15 mins away) to B&Q, and Asda. All kinds of shopping! That was the highlight of my day. I have to say it was much less stressful driving on my own. Keith is great, he doesn't say anything at all and just lets me figure it out, however it's nerve racking just having someone to witness it all! Haha.

In the news - Today Tony Blair announced he is stepping down as the leader of the Labour Party and from his post as Prime Minister June 27th. Being in the UK this was all over the radio and I listened to his speech during my trip home from Truro as he delivered it in Sedgefield where he first won the post 10 years ago. Blair has lost the faith of the British people after taking them into Iraq and they're happy to see him go. Gordon Brown has now launched his labour leadership campaign to be Blair's successor. I'm not a political person but it's interesting to be here during this huge change and see who becomes the next PM of the UK.