That Time Someone Stole Our Suitcase...

Hellooooo again! I had every intention of writing this post sooner but it's been a stressful week (as you'll find out) and whilst the words have been spinning around in my head, I've found it hard to put down in writing.

Some of my Twitter friends may already know about the nightmare mum and I had last Tuesday, but I wanted to share the story again as a warning to others to be more vigilant on public transport.

First, here's a bit of background information about Tuesday. Since 2005, March 8th has been a very sad day for mum and I. It is the anniversary of grandad's passing, and whilst there's not a day that goes by without him in my thoughts, his anniversary always hits home just how much I miss him.

Last year, Kingsland had their album launch party on the same day, and whilst I still felt sad, it was nice to be able to spend the day with so many of my favourite people and actually create a positive memory on what is usually a very painful day.

So this year, when I found out that DNCE were going to do their first ever UK show in London on the same date, I begged for time off work, grabbed one of the last few tickets and jumped at this special opportunity.

For those of you wondering who the flippin' 'eck is DNCE, they're the four-piece band behind the super catchy track 'Cake By The Ocean'. Oh yeah, and the lead singer is Joe Jonas, a.k.a the teenage LOML. He has been bae since I was 16 and my car, which I've had since I was 17, is named after him haha. Not forgetting the time back in 2009 when I was the coolest 18 year old in the land, saying f-you to a big party and opting to see the Jonas Brothers live for my birthday instead.

In the week running up to the gig, I kept tracking social media to see whether there would be any opportunities to meet DNCE in London and I'd worked out a few possible places. I saw that they'd met loads of fans at radio stations, airports and venues during their other European dates too so it's fair to say that I'd built my hopes up quite a bit. We'd even chosen a super early train so that we would have plenty of time to wander round London in case they announced something last minute.

In fact, I'd stupidly dreamt that this post was going to be called 'THAT TIME I MET THE TEENAGE LOML' but instead it's 'that time some wanker stole our case from the luggage rack on the train and subsequently ruined our entire day' - catchy.

Yes, some absolute tosser thought it was okay to help themselves to our suitcase and its entire contents. To be honest, I'm still in complete disbelief at the situation. We boarded the first train in Carmarthen at 3am, before arriving at Swansea. We then changed trains, and boarded the direct service to London Paddington. We had seat reservations, so we stepped into the specified carriage, put our suitcase in the only luggage rack on that particular carriage and went to our seats, which were halfway or so down the carriage, with our backs to the rack. In hindsight, everything about this situation screams alarm bells, but as seasoned travellers for at least four years now, we thought nothing less and trusted our case to be safe in the rack.

At roughly 4am, the train set off, and then arrived into Paddington at 7:30am. With both myself and mum feeling poorly anyway, and being up at stupid o'clock, we slept quite a bit during the journey. As we rolled into Paddington, I allowed all the work people to get off the train first before making my way to the luggage rack, just to be greeted with absolutely nothing.

I've never felt my heart drop so much, I didn't know what to do. After searching the other end of the carriage and speaking to one of the train staff, we were told to go to customer services to arrange to speak to the Transport Police. Lots of long conversations ensued, we did further checks with lost property etc., but the reality was that our case was long gone and there was nothing we could do about it. CCTV was supposedly checked at every station, but there was not enough evidence to secure a conviction. One thing I was quite horrified to learn is that there's no CCTV on board any of the high speed trains to London, which baffles me a bit in all honesty.

Perhaps I'm extremely naïve but as a regular train user, I've never seen or heard of this happening to anyone before. In hindsight, thieving happens everywhere but I've never considered it happening on a train. Of course, there's always messages on the train telling you to be vigilant of your personal belongings but when you have a case, you can't keep it beside you. You have to put it in the racks provided and it's not always possible to sit beside it or keep an eye on it for the entire journey.

I did some googling on luggage train theft a few days ago, and one of the suggestions was to either stand by the luggage rack for the journey or get up at every stop to check your luggage. In all honesty, who does that? You'd get in the way and be extremely uncomfortable if you were to stand all the way, and as for getting up at every stop, you would have to wait until passengers boarded and left the train first, and by then it would be too late anyway. The only benefit I can see of doing this would be the ability to pin point where exactly your case was stolen, however with thieves being so crafty I don't think it would make a difference.

Following the phone call to the Transport Police, we sat down in Paddington and made a list of everything that was in the case. The only 'valuables' were mum's camera and glasses, however the case was also full of clothes (practically half of mum's wardrobe since she always packs the kitchen sink). All of these are materialistic but we don't own masses of clothes so for us it made a huge difference.

By stealing our case, all the thief gained was a camera. Well done lad, I really hope it was worth it because for us, we lost so much more and you ruined our time.

On the materialistic front, we lost a case full of clothes, some of our best and most loved items, some of which we had to try and replace whilst in London as we only had what we were wearing to travel. For most people, this would be relatively easy but when you're big in size, it's a nightmare. I hate shopping at the best of times, but when I HAVE to look for things it's even worse. I managed to get a few bits in Primark but there are other things you just can't buy on the cheap. Even buying toiletries in London is expensive (I was quite grateful on that day that I don't wear make up, the essentials cost far too much as it was!)

On the childhood dream front, having our case stolen and having to traipse round London all day subsequently meant that my opportunity to meet Joe was taken away from me. I stupidly went to reply to a friend's tweet at some point in the morning and saw pictures of DNCE with fans outside Capital FM on my timeline. Our plan had been to head to Leicester Square for breakfast as we had a feeling they would be stopping at the radio station. I was right, but I didn't even get the chance to try and meet them as our plans for the day had to drastically change. I'm still bitter about this - I've been a fan for eight years and this was the first real opportunity I really had to make a dream come true, yet some wanker took it away from me all for the sake of a camera essentially.

As for making March 8th more positive, that went down the pan too. Obviously the person who stole our case had no thought for anyone but themselves, however it just so happened that he picked a day that's already so painful for us and decided to make it even worse.

The experience has also made me so paranoid on public transport now. I practically gave myself whiplash on the first train home, as we sat three seats in front of the luggage rack and I kept turning round every two seconds to see if our new case was still there! On the second train, the case was on the bottom rack and we were sat facing it, yet I was so paranoid that I couldn't see it, that I got up to check and moved it higher up the rack twice.

In the future I would consider using a holdall or something for an overnight stay, anything that can be kept by our feet on the train (although we always tend to use a case as it's much easier). On longer stays which involve two cases, we will definitely be splitting clothes so that if one case was to be stolen, we'd still have some clothes left in the second, as surely the chances of two cases being stolen are very small. I will also put the case on a higher shelf on the rack, with the handle facing in. Our case was on the bottom rack, which I imagine was easier to steal as it's more hidden. Learning that there's no CCTV on our London trains has also made me more wary when travelling at silly hours, which we often do. It's scary to think that there's no security on these trains, especially when you barely see staff walking around during the journey, anything could happen.

We've learnt our lesson the hard way and I hope it encourages others to be more wary in the future too. I can only be grateful that valuables were limited in the case and that we were only away for one night - we've done two whole Kingsland tours via train before, imagine how much worse the damage would have been had someone stolen our case then haha.

The only good thing that did happen that day was DNCE's gig. As much as we didn't feel like going by then, it was either that or staying in our easyHotel room, which oozed prison vibes with its lack of TV and windows lol. To be honest, for an hour, DNCE made me forget about the crap day we'd had. They genuinely were phenomenal and I really hope I can see them again soon, and maybe even meet Joe next time lol. You can read my review on the CelebMix website.

The whole case saga made me angry, upset and frustrated, it's put a dampener on travelling for me but it won't stop us from going. The thief will not win and won't put us off from doing something we enjoy, it's just a matter of being a lot more careful in future. I'm adamant that NOBODY will be stopping me from seeing John Newman on the weekend - no thief will ruin my day again if I can help it.

If anyone's made it through this post, I'm interested to know if you've ever had your luggage stolen from a train or know anyone that it's happened to...leave a comment below.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

There's Only One Direction...

On Thursday I went to see One Direction in the O2 Arena, London. This was the first show of the UK arena leg of the On The Road Again (OTRA) tour and my first time seeing them perform a full set. Having seen them perform a short set at Summertime Ball earlier this year, I was really excited about watching a full show from the world's most famous boyband.

The first thing that surprised me as we sat in our seats was the variety of people in the audience. Whilst I was greeted with screaming fangirls in abundance (which was totally expected) there was also older women, couples and quite a few men!

Before 1D came on stage, we were treated to a great support act in the form of Jamie Lawson. I didn't really know who he was beforehand, I'd never heard him sing and my knowledge of him only stretched to the fact that he's signed to Ed Sheeran's record label. I was pleasantly surprised, as it turned out that he was a fantastic singer-songwriter. Jamie performed his original songs and a crowd pleasing cover of 1D's More Than This.  I can see why Ed Sheeran has signed him - he reminded me so much of the Ed Sheeran I first saw live a few years ago, and no doubt that after this tour that Jamie will grow even further in confidence.  Whilst I thought he was really good, personally I would have chosen someone livelier as a support act. I think an audience like 1D's want to be hyped at all times, yet I found Jamie's songs too mellow to get incredibly excited over. I think Jamie would have shone even more as a support act for someone else.  Nevertheless, this tour is the most incredible opportunity for him and an excellent platform to showcase his fantastic music.

After what felt like a lifetime of waiting, it was finally time for 1D who burst onto the stage to perform No Control. As one of the most popular songs amongst Directioners, the boys most definitely chose the best opening to the show and in return, the crowd showed their appreciation by screaming, singing along loudly and dancing about.  Kiss You was next, one of my favourites from their earlier days and they put on a very energetic performance!

Fireproof was one of the first ballads performed which was made even more special by fans holding signs baring the words 'Nobody saves us the way you do'. These were handed out before the show began (the first of many different projects that the boys will see during their tour) and I thought it was a really cute idea.

One of my highlights was Stockholm Syndrome.  When I first heard Four, it instantly became my favourite song and I was so excited to hear it live. Despite Zayn being the main singer on the album track, the boys did a fab job and didn't disappoint! I definitely got a bit over excited during this song, no shame haha!

One of the most eventful songs was Night Changes. The poor souls had real difficulty as they were hearing something different in their ear pieces and had to attempt the song three times! In the end, with the help of the fans they were back on track and I must applaud them on dealing with the sound problems so well. To be honest, the fans didn't mind at all as it meant getting a short acoustic snippet of Infinity which excited the crowd even further and gave them an insight to what they can expect on their new album Made in the A.M. The banter between the boys was also hilarious, Harry was trying to get people to tell jokes which was funny in itself!

There was a good mix of different album tracks and well known songs on the setlist, including Little Things, Best Song Ever, Clouds, Diana and Little White Lies. It was nice to see Niall playing the guitar on several songs. The boys spoke a lot in between songs, mainly thanking the fans for all of their support over the last five years. I must also mention Harry starting a kiss cam which was funny - an older couple kissed on camera and in return they bagged Niall's plectrum as they had a sign asking for it.  They were completely over the moon at the whole thing haha.

1D finished the set with Steal My Girl, however knowing that there were some important songs missing, we knew that there would be an encore.  Several minutes of anticipation later and they boys reappeared on stage to perform Act My Age, What Makes You Beautiful and Drag Me Down. They most definitely saved the best song until last - Drag Me Down is such an anthemic song and it's even better live (once again, no shame in losing my shhhh whilst they performed haha).

Liam kept saying how the O2 was one of his favourite venues to perform at, so I'm glad that I got to see them at such an iconic venue.  Their two hour set was the epitome of energy at all times and you could see what a great relationship they had with each other. I can finally say that I've seen a whole One Direction set and it was definitely worth the wait :-)

Here's some pictures from the night, courtesy of mum as she had a better view than I did!

Niall and his guitar

Liam

Louis

Harry entertaining the crowd

with the girls

the boys

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

'London' - Britroyal album review

photo credit: Min Reid-Richards

This week the lovely Kais and Mazin, aka Britroyal finally released their debut album London! Having worked with Pledge Music to deliver the album, it is currently available exclusively to pledgers.  This means that if you missed out on pledging, you will have to wait until the iTunes release I'm afraid!!

I thought I would review the album in order to hopefully entice anyone to support the guys and their album once it is widely available.  London is a brilliant album, instantly memorable with catchy choruses and plenty of strings and guitar riffs.  If you are familiar with Kais and Mazin's music then you will recognise the trademark Britroyal sound throughout the album. However, on the whole it is a far more positive and upbeat record, full of inspirational messages delivered through anthemic tracks.

The track listing is as follows:

1. Stronger - what an epic beginning to the album! The opening chants are anthemic and there is a good, positive message to the song.  The song tells you that any pain you go through makes you stronger in the end.  You can imagine this song being played at a gig with everyone swaying their phone lights in the air!

2. Defiant - this song is more upbeat and carries another strong message, that you should never let anyone get you down - be defiant and fight for your dreams in life.

3. Change - I found this song to be almost countryesque!  The chorus is the winner here, simply telling you that 'it's never too late to change your life'. Whilst I love the message in the song, at the moment it is my least favourite track from the album.

4. Count on Me - there are woah oh's in abundance at the beginning of this song and it is extremely anthemic.  There is a good use of strings in the song too which adds to the great sound created by the guys.  Once again the lyrics are very positive, one of my favourites being 'I'll be the light in the dark when you can't see".  This song is a great way of telling someone that they can depend on you.

5. What Matters Most - this is one of my favourite tracks from the album. It is a beautiful and poignant ballad which, as with many of the album tracks, appears to have been influenced by personal experiences. Experiencing dark times can make you realise what's important in life.

6. Compromise - this is a more up-tempo ballad about keeping a relationship alive by compromising.  There is positivity within this song and it's most definitely a grower.

7. Head v Heart- cue one of the most trademark Britroyal songs on the album! As the title suggests, the song highlights the head and heart battle between staying and walking away. This will definitely be a good song to hear live. It is instantly catchy and the chorus is very easy to sing along to.

8. Tears - this is the surprise track on the album for me as it is the most far removed from the trademark Britroyal sound.  Nonetheless, between great guitar riffs and the fantastic vibe the song gives, it is one of my favourites by far.  The best line in the song for me is a lyric which almost sounds like a rap, which I find amusing considering how posh Kais and Mazin are haha, but the tongue-twisting lyric is 'and it's too heavy to hold under the weight of it all'. (It will make more sense to anyone when listening to it!).  

9. Love's Burning Out - this takes us back to the Britroyal style that we're used to. The song is definitely a grower and builds from the beginning into a strong chorus.

10. London Streets - the main album ends with another strong ballad.  Filled with woahs, drum beats and great lyrics, this is a great song to end a brilliant album with.

11/12/13. (Deluxe tracks) Wasted I Love You/Unfinished/Ordinary - Britroyal have added three of their previous EP tracks as bonus songs on the deluxe version of the album.  In my opinion these are the three best songs from their EP which you can download here. They are sing-a-long tracks, with Ordinary being the stand out track for me.

When I first heard their EP, it took me quite a while to get used to it however I was instantly hooked on this album within the first time of listening to it. I love how every song has a meaning behind it and how they've taken personal experiences and turned them into positive songs.  They have truly excelled themselves with this album and I'm so pleased that I pledged and got to own this superb album before a lot of other people! 

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Soccer Six Fest

At the start of the month I went to Soccer Six Fest in Mile End.  I'm going to try and keep this short but I wanted to write about meeting one of my long time faves for the first time!!! (More about that later on...).

We arrived at the football stadium to a smaller crowd than what I've seen at previous Soccer Sixes that I've attended.  However, the venue and layout was one of the best that I'd seen and along with glorious sunshine, it was a good omen for the day.  Unlike previous S6's, I wasn't intent on trying to hunt down Kingsland lol, so that in itself made the day more enjoyable.  The main person I wanted to meet this time was Ray Quinn, although I wasn't hopeful as every time I could have met him at S6 before, he'd had to pull out for various reasons.

We saw a group of girls fangirling in a corner outside a small building so we went to see what was going on.  I soon discovered that it was the area outside the players' dressing rooms so we saw quite a few people arriving.  It was then that I caught a glimpse of Ray, and just knowing that he was actually there made me feel so much happier!

We wandered around the pitch and I saw Jake Wood (Max Branning in Eastenders) and had a picture with him. He had a full on beard, which just made me think about how his character is currently in jail and that he looked as if he was on the run haha!

I also saw George from Gogglebox - I'd forgotten that he was going to be there, and being a Gogglebox fangirl, I was properly buzzing to meet him!  He was just as I'd expected him to be, he was so funny!  His mum was also with him and I regretted not going to meet her too!

There were so many people on the line up, between known, unknown and rock acts, so I found it a bit overwhelming and didn't really utlilise my time properly.  I was also a baby when it came to getting people's attention, I don't like shouting at people so missed out on a few people that I would have liked to meet.  If I was to go again I would definitely take someone bolshy with me that isn't scared to get noticed lol! My fear of being hit by a ball was also heightened but I had a lucky escape this time unlike last year haha!

Also I was pretty much intent on meeting Ray, and it was a struggle and a half!!! I came to within an inch of meeting him in the morning but I wasn't on the barrier so I felt awkward clambering over others for a picture.  Several failed attempts later and I finally caught him just as he was leaving!  I'm so glad that I did - I've been a fan since he was in Brookside, around 13 years now and have followed his career from X Factor, Dancing on Ice and beyond.  Some people have said that he isn't very nice in person but they couldn't be more wrong, I thought he was so lovely!

All in all, I had a really nice day.  I didn't stay for the musical performances this time as I was tired and had seen who I wanted to. I didn't have any expectations as I have been disappointed at S6's in the past but this one was one of the best ones that I've been to.  Players were very accessible and it was quite a relaxed day!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️