Well, 2011 has been a busy one and my blog has suffered. I apologise for not keeping up with it but now I am back and so is my next interviewee.

This is Gabriela Margarita Houlgraves or 'Gabby', 34 from Sittingbourne.  Gabby works as a Customer Support Assistant at Maidstone Library.

Our beloved county is the reason I write this blog.  It is the best!

Gabby loves our county to because it is 'so green!'

"This surprises a lot of the people here when I say it.  You all [Kent residents] think it's very, very urbanised, but I just look at the vast fields and meadows.  Always so close and forests everywhere, and think 'Dude, this is the Shire!"

As you can tell from the last part of that quote, Gabby is a Lord of the Rings fan. Everyone needs to have a hobbit!

As part of my 2011 revamp, I have added a question to all my new interviewees which has been instated to find out if the people of Kent have interesting facts or information to share with me.  I always like to learn new things about Kent!

Gabby has selected to inform us about the history of Dover Castle, commissioned to be built by Henry II in the 12th century.

"The tunnels were first dug for the Napoleonic Wars, and then used as a command centre for Operation Dynamo which was the operation set up for rescuing soldiers from Dunkirk.  This is all well known."

This can be found on the English National Heritage website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

What was more intriguing was what Gabby relayed next.

"There was also a lower level call 'Dumpy' which was the command centre during the Cold War and it was going to be opened to the public after the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act made it legal to do so.  But English Heritage went under there and found a lot of subsidence and were not as sturdy as the Napoleonic ones and also left in a hurry when the level got decommissioned, so they're not structurally sound. Lovely chalk!"

"And that is why the public won't be allowed down there!"

Gabby feels it is a shame as she would love to go down there and see them.  I would love to see it as well, it sounds fascinating.

We moved on to one of my favourite subjects: FOOD!

Gabby likes to dine at Maggie's cafe on Week Street.  I agree Maggie, whoever she is, does a blinding fried breakfast!

"The wholemeal baguettes and fillings are wonderful, not to mention the salads, the chilli, the cakes and pastries (all home-made) and the staff are the friendliest in town."

Also, Gab enjoys eating at Kitsu, a Tunbridge Wells based place that has, in her words 'The best sushi and teriyaki beef I've ever had."

Equally, Gabby likes an Indian at the Royal Tandoori in Chatham, traditional chips from a chippy in Lenham and her favourite pub is the Ringlestone nr Harrietsham.

We definitely have something in common here!

I always like to be a little bit nosey and find out what my interviewees get up to in their free time.  It feels like I can relate to them if they have something in common with me (in addition to food of course).

"Reading, reading, reading. I can't get enough of books!" Gabby says. "Guess it's lucky I work in a library!"

"I also love visiting English Heritage sites, you see something new every time.  And spending time with family and friends.  Nothing beats a house full of the people you love, all having fun and laughing, sharing life and food & drink."

I think Gabby is a great person, who lives life to the full.  That's the kind of people we need more of in this county to keep up its awesomeness.

This is always my favourite part of the interview: hearing a short story that sums the interviewee up.  I have heard some whoppers since I have been writing this blog - waking up half naked on a beach, buying items such as a bouncy castle on impulse, walking into walls or buying 'Chillis' when you are supposed to buy 'Jelly'.

"I was born in Puerto Rico (in the Caribbean), and I moved to New Orleans to my master's degree.  I still miss New Orleans, every day I'm not there, though I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world but here, in Kent."

That's what I like to hear!

"My first apartment burnt down, soon thereafter, I met Mark (now my husband- he's English, of course), and moved into a lovely shotgun house in New Orleans (For all who are not familiar, it is a narrow, rectangular building)."

"Mark and I got engaged, and i started getting my paperwork for the visa to come here to live and get married. There was a rumour that someone burned down their house near my house to collect the insurance money. The whole block of houses, including mine, burnt down.  I barely had time to grab my cat and laptop and run out of the house.  When I came back to see what was left, almost everything was burnt, except my visa papers and my winter clothes, and a crocheted Afghan my gran had sent me from Puerto Rico."

I want it noted now that Gabby has done fantastically to bounce back from this ordeal where others probably would have rolled over and given up.

"I took that as a sign from God and the Universe that I needed to go with my heart, to Mark and England.  And I didn't look back."

"Do I miss my family and friends from the other side of the Atlantic?  Oh yes!"

"Would I change anything? Not really. I only wish I'd met Mark before so we could have stated our life together sooner and that I had the power to teleport so I could visit my gran and my friends as often as I liked."

What a great story with both highs and lows but an overall outcome that is justly deserved.

It is always important to evolve and progress over time. That is true in both people, nature and our much loved county.  Gabby has some interesting suggestions on how to achieve this.

"I think we should have a better public transport network and it should be more realistically priced, so that people are seen to be quite foolish to take their cars out.  

I agree as I walk every where and think they should pump more money into transportation.

"If the buses and trains took us to where we wanted to go, frequently and cheaply enough, I swear people would give up cars quicker than you can say 'petrol'.  This is particularly true for people in rural locations, who are often quite isolated if they don't have a car.  But even between town centres, the service provision seems almost random!"

I think Gabby talks absolute sense and is valid in that our services are at times extortionate and something needs to be done to preserve the environment for the future generations.

And now to the finale.  My random question of the week.

You hear the four minute warning, you know it will only take you 10 seconds to get into a safe place, what would you do with the other 3 minutes and 50 seconds?

"That's a hash one!  Wow. I wasn't expecting that."

I like this reaction as it is meant to be surprising and awkward to answer.  It is my unique thing!

"I am close to Mark and Sebastian (my son) so I can make sure they're safe with me but even if not, the same applies.  Get as many people as I can into the safe place, hold them close and send a prayer up for the rest of my loved ones and the world!"

Sounds depressing but a nice answer and a good way to round off this sensational lady's interview.

Thank you Gabby for your time and I wish you all the best for the future. This interview has been a pleasure!

Well that's all folks for this week, check in again soon to see who will be my next victi... interviewee!

Well, now the Christmas period is over and the ice and snow are finally melting, I can get back to interviewing you fine people of Kent.

This is Mark Wickens, 25 from Maidstone.

Mark is an Airline Pilot and has spent time abroad training.

In his free time he enjoys visiting the gym and most recently Horse Racing.

"This is largely down to my brother who is an avid fan."

Unfortunately he is also a big Arsenal fan so rightly he receives a ribbing from his mates about their weekly performance.  What must be more sickening is that their London rivals Tottenham have notched up a victory against them, meaning one of Mark's Spurs supporting mates has bragging rights.

Kent, in Mark's opinion, is in a good location and is far away enough from major cities for it to be a calm place.

"Kent is relatively quiet and tranquil but equally there is lots to see and do in the vicinity should you want to make the short trip from home."

Again, like Katie a few weeks ago, Mark has selected a Bearsted eating spot as his first choice when eating out.

"I am a fan of The Oak on the Green.  The food is all freshly cooked and very tasty."

In his free time he claims not to be a film buff but after reading his quote, I would question it.

"I am slightly ashamed to admit that I have not been to the cinema for about 4 years. However, I really liked the original Matrix and Closer. I also enjoy a bit of James Bond (don't we all).  I've also seen Top Gun more times than I can remember.

Mark has great determination to succeed and the story he has told me about himself only proves that.

"About 4 or 5 years ago, I was working as a Store Designer for a large retail company which I very much enjoyed but I decided that I wanted to do something really rewarding with my life and move in a completely different direction."

"I decided that I wanted to follow my aspirations of becoming an Airline Pilot. It was a big decision and a massive commitment from both a training point of view and a financial aspect.  But some three years down the road and I have been very fortunate to have recently landed a job with one of Europe's largest airlines."

I am with Mark on this one as this blog is one of my steps towards being a writer. Mark has some good advice for anyone chasing a dream.

"I am a big fan of making your own luck in life and like to encourage others to follow their dreams and do whatever it is that they want to do.  As long as you are prepared to give up pretty much everything else, and maybe a bit more, as well as the resolve to keep going whatever the circumstances then you will make it!"

As always, I like to find out what the people of Kent think about improvement to our county and more importantly, ways to implement them.

"I personally think that Kent and Maidstone's public transport leaves a lot to be desired. Being a car person, naturally I am reluctant to get out and onto public transport. Why does it still take over an hour to get to London Victoria."

"It's also not particularly flexible or practical for lots of journeys."

Mark's suggestion is a good one and I also believe that our public transport should be refreshed and updated.

"I would like to see a vast improvement in this area as I would like to do my bit for the environment but I don't want to be out of pocket as a result of choosing to use public transport."

As always at this stage of the interview, I like to round it off with a random question of the week and this one is in-keeping with the festive season.

If you could have any Christmas present, exempt expense, what would be and why?

"Well, my weakness is cars and my favourite car ever is the Ferrari F50. I absolutely love it! I have wanted one as long as I can remember and I was fortunate enough to sit in one many years ago, however I never could afford one so I would definitely ask Santa for one of those."

I would like to thank Mark for his time in talking to me and I would like to wish my fellow Kentish men (and women) a very Happy New Year!  

If you live in Kent, let's talk!

If you would like to appear on my blog, all I ask is that you live in Kent and that you are willing to talk to me for 10 - 15 minutes about yourself.

If you think you'd like to give it a try, drop me an email on millendauthor@gmail.com and we will see what we can do!

As you are all aware, the last two weeks in Kent have been somewhat horrendous. Unless you are between the ages of 5-17 of course! What with school closures, sledding, snowball fights, it’s far from a hard life for the youths.

That can’t be said for the full timers of the county, I certainly haven’t enjoyed the snow ... in fact, I’m pretty sick of it now. As a commuter into the city, last week was definitely not all-white!

Tuesday 30^th November: Plan of action - Save the company from being snowed under!

   It’s 6am and I switch on the telly to see the Weather News.

  ‘We urge you not to travel unless it’s completely necessary’

   I ignore that whilst sipping a hot cup of tea and loading myself up with Beechams.

   I take a quick glance out of the window to see 15cm of snow covering gardens and rooftops.  I must say it looks gorgeous when you’re behind double glazing. Anyway, I ignore the snow whilst opening the front door to head towards the coach stop in my utterly-unsuitable-for-snow kitten heels. I managed to plod halfway up the garden path before slipping onto my backside, hooking myself onto the brown bin on my way down (Massive bruise under the armpit... check!)

I thought I would be the Hero at work that would show all the 15-minute commuters up... living the furthest away I hoped for a big applause as I ploughed my way into the 4^th floor office.

Turns out, turning up 20 minutes late is anything but applaud-able especially when everyone else manages to make it in early despite the weather! I was quite confused as to how we had so much snow in Kent, yet London didn’t even have an icicle in sight? If anyone knows why the snow doesn't settle in London, I’d be very interested to know...?

Anyway, my lovely boss decided he’d let me leave 30 minutes early to avoid any ‘bad weather traffic’... However, all he really done was contributed 30 minutes to my 6 hour journey home. You’ll know from my previous posts that I’m not the biggest fan of commuting and that my coach doesn’t cater for us ‘might need a wee at some point’ passengers. Ultimate result was 3 ladies (including me) clambering off the coach to the hard shoulder and baring all to the standstill traffic and relieving ourselves into the snow. Not my finest moment, although we did receive a few car horns. *beep beep!*

Feeling like my heroic effort was completely wasted on Tuesday; I decided not to attempt the commute for the rest of the week. I hoped my managers would be understanding as I had sent them numerous photos of my traffic troubles the night before. I thought we’d put it down to ‘A Bloody Nightmare Week’ and they’d let me play in the snow instead. Unfortunately, I had to chomp away at my 3 remaining holidays I had left for the rest of the year.

In case you are wondering... the photos I sent them were of jack-knifed Lorries and abandoned cars, not of me squatting on the M25!

I suppose I shouldn’t moan too much as it could’ve been a lot worse. Those poor passengers stuck on a train at Orpington for 2 days! Including one disabled man, who was luckily moved to some sort of ‘safe house’ while they arranged engineers etc. You’d think that the trains nowadays could withstand against temperatures lower than -3 degrees!

I would love to hear other’s stories of Snow-vember & how it affected them.

Happy Sledding!!

Well the big freeze has hit England again and so the South East and Kent in particular have been plunged into chaos.  But I still just about managed to get an interviewee.

This week's interviewee has plenty to look forward to in the next 7 months.  She has the build up to Christmas like the rest of us but more importantly, in May 2011 Jo is getting married to her fiance Ben.

So firstly, I want to offer my best to both for the coming months.  (Ben, see you on the Stag Do!)

(I was assured this was a Diet Coke and not an alcoholic beverage)

So this is Joanna Marie Goldhagen, 25 from Malling.  Previously she lived in Kings Hill and then West Farleigh where she picked up an interesting fact.

"The residents are out numbered by sheep apparently."

Jo is an Investment Portfolio Administrator for a London corporation.  Her job entails dealings with ISAs, Unit Trusts, Exams and Pensions.  Despite the huge demand on her, Jo clearly enjoys what she does.

"I love the people I work with, including the Fund Managers.  The commute to work is a killer, particularly with the current snow conditions."

The only benefit of Jo's daily commute is that her fiance also works in London and so, she has a familar face to look at across the carriage.

Although she highly enjoys her current job, Jo also, like most of us, has an ideal occupation.

"I'd like to become an eating disorder counsellor or ultimately, I'd love to open a chocolate shop where I could just bake cakes all day and make truffles for people to enjoy over hot chocolate and coffee."

Aside from mandatory jobs, Jo finds some free time for her hobbies which include making chocolate and confectionary treats such as brownies, truffles, shortbread and fudge and wedding planning.

"My friends would argue that one of my hobbies is wedding planning as I've been planning my own wedding for almost 3 years.  A lot of effort has gone into creating my ideal 50's style sweet themed wedding."

In her childhood years, Jo used to enjoy figure skating but has put her lack of commitment to it down to wariness of breaking something.

I know how great Kent is but it feels even better to know that the people of Kent feel the same.

"I like that we are close enough to London to be able to work and shop, but far away enough to enjoy the countryside.  Kent is picturesque and the people, particularly in smaller villages, I find are very friendly."

"I think the best restaurant in Kent is the The Mulberry Tree in Boughton Monchelsea.  My wedding reception will be held there and it has the best food ever."

Jo is also partial to a fish finger sandwich and recommends The Horseshoes in East Farleigh.

I was surprised with all her wedding plans, chocolate making, commuting and hectic working life that Jo had time to sit down and watch a flick or a TV programme.

"It's a tough one but I particularly love action films: Rocky, Die Hard, Man on Fire and Taken.  They are up there in the best films ever for me.  However, in complete contrast, I love The Sound of Music and La Vita Bella."

I thought I knew Jo well enough already from the information above yet she still had another story to tell me about from her childhood.

"When I was 3, my mum, brother and a family friend and her chidren all went to Butlins in Bognor.  One of the first days there, we went swimming and after, when we were changing, I couldn't find my mum.  I remember thinking 'Mum's left me here!'".

Most kids would panic at this point and it actually happened to me when I was about 7, but Jo funnily did pretty much what I did.

"Rather than crying, I went off to the play park for a bit, then managed to walk home to the chalet where we were staying."

(This next bit, I definately didn't do!)

"Little did I realise my Mum had just been in the toilets. My disappearing act had shut down the whole of Bognor Regis Butlins with the 'Red Coats' out combing the streets and stopping every car going out to check the car boots for me!"

Jo's moral to the story is that she has always been the type of person to just shut up and get on with her life. 

"I think people complain too much about things and give up too easily."

Seeing as Jo didn't give up too easily, I continued to question her and I was really interested to know how Jo would improve the county if she had the power too.

"I would make the Southeastern train lines more reliable.  Kent commuters pay the highest ticket prices and due to the snow, not one person from my area that works in London has been able to go to work.  I would also encourage schools to offer more assistance to all students and not just tell them to go to university.  They should encourage them to explore the other possibilities such as employment, apprenticeships and vocational study."

Again I totally agree and as I said before, I did not go to university and I did an apprenticeship and it was one of the best things I could have ever done for my future career. Unfortunately, the savage cuts the government are making will make opportunities like these few and far between so ex-students and non university folk out there, get your applications in quickly!

Finally, as always, Jo had to be asked my random question of the week:  If your life was summed up in a song, what would it be and why?

"It would have to be Time Warp from Rocky Horror Show.  It's weird, fun, energetic and addictive which couldn't sum up my life better!"

And as I'm writing this line, that is all I can hear in my head so thanks Jo.

Best wishes for the wedding (I'll await my invite in the post!) and I hope you have a great Christmas.

Who is the next resident of Kent to speak about our county?  You tell me!

If you live in Kent, let's talk!

If you would like to appear on my blog, all I ask is that you live in Kent and that you are willing to talk to me for 10 - 15 minutes about yourself.

If you think you'd like to give it a try, drop me an email on millendauthor@gmail.com and we will see what we can do!

Devotion to the cause is one thing but snow covered train tracks, nightmarish roads and slippery pathways have made supporting your favourite band like a snowplough clearing a Himalayan avalanche this week.

I have always been a man of my word but the bravado of my previous blog’s “call-to-arms” at Kent’s gig-going fraternity so nearly came crashing down on me.  

“The spirit of rock and roll should implore you to support your favourite band no matter the obstruction or journey time” I said from the comfort of my desk chair. Little did I know the frustration I was about to endure, made worse by the feeling of helplessness against the elements. 

I set off to see Arcade Fire at the O2 Arena last night (Thursday, December 2) at about 5pm. I wasn’t too worried about seeing whoever was supporting. The main aim was to meet a mate of mine up there for a few beers and to head in for Arcade Fire a little while before they were due to start at 9pm. What could possibly go wrong?

The train to London Bridge, where I planned to get the tube on the Jubilee Line to the O2, was due to leave at 5.18pm but I accepted there would be a delay. The ticket operator advised the next train should be about 40 minutes despite the snow covered line, pictured.

Two hours and a quarter later I am still waiting for a train to arrive with no hint on when the next one will be. At this point my mate Mark has already made it to the O2 from where he works at Bexleyheath. We are losing valuable drinking time and it looks like I am only just about going to make it for Arcade Fire. A train finally pulls in at 7.30pm.

Okay so I’ll allow double time to get to London Bridge – a 40 minute journey. With the tube that should mean I reach the O2 just in the nick of time for Arcade Fire. Happy days! We’re on again! Or so I thought.

What followed was a one and a half hour journey from Gravesend to Dartford. This normally takes about 10 minutes. The train struggled with the hilly route, unable to draw power from the line. It would travel 100 yards, then go back 50 so it could take a run up to do another 100 yards. At this point I was a broken man.

I called Mark and told him to go home. At this rate I would be lucky to make it to London Bridge by Christmas. He was gutted but understood. I just felt guilty because he had made it there and I was stuck on a train with the tickets.

Then a glimmer of hope. The train was terminating at Dartford but another service was running to London Bridge via Greenwich and rumour had it the line was clear.

As I stepped onto the platform I asked the conductor what the chances were of making it to London tonight was. “This is the only line that has not had a delay on it all day” she said. I felt elation.

“Mark turn around you have to come back mate” I said frantically on the phone. “This train is apparently fine and I reckon I’ll beat Greenwich for 9.30pm.”

And on it went, flying like the wind. Plan A was long out the window and I hopped off at Greenwich and hailed a taxi. At this point Mark had returned with his car and parked up at a nearby Odeon cinema. Bless him – he originally got the bus from work so he could have a beer, then when I told him it was all over he got back on the bus to Bexleyheath only to drive his car all the way back to the O2. We picked him up on the way and pulled up at the arena at 9.55pm.

We legged it to entrance F which was right on the other side of the main entrance. With tickets scanned we hurtled in to find Arcade Fire just as they were about to begin their track The Suburbs. The feeling was amazing. It looked all over but we had made it after a five hour journey. It was close to the feeling I had when Ole Gunnar Solskjær poked in the winner in the 1999 Champions League final for Man Utd in the 93^rd minute in a game which had looked out of reach for so long. Close.

And the gig? Worth every travelling minute. Arcade Fire will be a classic stadium rock band, ending their set with Wake Up, a song made for arenas as impressive as the O2. Would I do it again? You bet!

The Do's & Don'ts of Commuting

I am one of many who take on the commute into London. Whether it’s driving, jumping on the train or catching the coach; everyone knows it’s an uncomfortable and boring experience.

For those of you who have never had to face our death-breath in the mornings... you aren’t missing a lot.

So what causes a return trip to London to be so unpleasant…

Our fellow passengers and their failure to use 24 hour deodorant?

The refreshment man who manages to steer his trolley straight into your elbow?

The automatic toilet door that mysteriously opens as you are mid-wee? (Even though you are certain you pressed ‘Lock’)

The coach door, that swings open just an inch from your face – surely they should have a warning sign about these!

Or maybe The Transport Companies themselves for ‘seeing how many humans we can pack into a giant tin can’?

I’m not sure myself, but hopefully my Do’s and Don’ts list will help us to have a nicer trip to work.

Do remember your P’s and Q’s when using public transport

- Because frankly there are not enough people that do

Do have your arm rest down 

- If you don’t, the distance between you and the next passenger becomes very awkward and they might take this as an invite to use your shoulder as a dribble-catcher.

Do have your ticket ready for when the conductor requests it

- There’s nothing worse than the pressure of trying to find it while he/she stands and waits.

Do have your ticket ready when you reach the gates at the train station

- Unless of course you want a giant human back-pack

Don’t sleep with your mouth ajar

- I’m convinced the people sitting opposite attempt to get things in my open mouth. I’ve been woken up before and looked down to see a Skittle on my lap – very embarrassing but half-glad they missed and I didn’t choke to death on a kiddie sweet.

Don’t sit on the seat near the toilet

-1) because it smells and 2) see the point I made earlier about the door… no one wants to witness that

Don’t wait right in front of the train doors as it pulls into the station just so you can nab the first seat

- Its very annoying … you know who you are

Don’t text or email a private message whilst on public transport

- There is ALWAYS someone reading over your shoulder. I once discovered the naughty antics of an elderly man just by peeking at his emails, if only I could hunt his wife down on facebook and let her know. Hmm….

Don’t eat smelly food

-Afternoon coffee breath is bad enough on the train home; we don’t need cheese and onion crisps added to the mix.

Don't choose the seat above the wheels on the coach

-The seat itself doesn't supply much leg room and is slightly higher than the rest. Plus you feel every lump and bump of the London & Medway roads. Not good for travel sickness sufferers.

So there are the basics for you, which I will be updating. If you catch anyone on your morning or evening commute do-ing or don’t-ing any of these…. Give them the link to my blog!

Thanks for reading, Happy Commuting!

Well, the report is out and it does not make good reading if you are planning on a university education. The cap on fees have been removed and the threshold for repayment is to reach £21k. Here is a basic summary of the report, provided (gracefully) from the Guardian;

Browne proposes a new system called the student finance plan. No student would start to pay anything for their tuition until they graduate and start work.

• The current cap on student fees, set at £3,290 per year, would be lifted. Universities that charge more than £6,000 per year would have to pay a tapered levy designed to ensure that the most expensive universities contribute more to supporting the poorest students.

• Universities that want to charge more would have to prove that they are improving teaching standards and operating a fair admissions policy.

• The number of places available to students would increase by 10%. Browne says his plans would make this expansion possible.

• Graduates would not start repaying money until they earn more than £21,000 a year, up from £15,000 under the current system. Payments would be "small", Browne says; for example, someone on £25,000 would pay £7 a week.

• The bottom 20% of earners would pay back less than they do today.

• Careers advice in schools should be improved so that pupils have access to the right information about university choice.

• Part-time students should have the same access to tuition support as full-time students.

In my opinon, personaly, is worrying and one is deeply alarmed about the context of the report. I understand our higher education needs reform but we are in danger of creating a two tier system for students and damaging cities, who have a high student population. Canterbury being one of them. If a significant drop occurs in student applications, what happens to the property market and jobs - that rely on student finance? What happens to the leisure trade and consumer spending? These economic factors need to be considered.

What is quite significant is the passage of time to pay off the debt. Only £7 a week taken from a £25,000 salary and surely the interest rate will accumulate the amount of debt over time? We literally could be entrapping a generation to an endless cycle of debt. Ossified attitudes to the finance of univeristy needs to be challenge and radical alternatives need to find the solution. This Browne Report, however, is not the answer.

If you're a student, what do you think of the report?