A COUPLE have left Huddersfield to realise their dream to go globe-trotting.

Bob and Kate Rose flew to India on Christmas Eve as the first step to a new life seeing the world.

The couple, who have been living in Bath Street, off St John's Road, plan to visit the Taj Mahal before going to Indonesia.

Bob, 34, is a photographer and musician and Kate, 29, is a freelance theatre manager and also plays music.

Said Bob: "It was pretty much a spontaneous decision to go. But we had no idea where we were going until a few days ago.

"We were thinking of going overland to Asia or flying to Morocco.

"In the end, we decided on India. From there we are travelling to Indonesia.

"Kate has studied and lived in Indonesia and was keen to return at some point."

Bob added: "We have some money, but we will be working out way around the world.

"I have already done some photo-journalism. I would like to get to China to photograph some of the events in the 2008 Olympics."

Bob was born in London, but came to Huddersfield 15 years ago to study music at the university.

Bob, a pianist and rock guitarist, has photographed artists including Pink, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Lily Allen, The Who, Deep Purple and Oasis.

He has covered major music events, such as the Glastonbury Festival, for national newspapers and broadcasters.

Said Bob: "It has been a lot of fun, but I think I've got to the stage where I want to travel round the world and photograph the less glamorous side of life."

Kate said: "I used to work in Indonesia and I speak the language.

"I want to work there as a freelance charity and arts manager.

"Indonesia only recently became a democratic country.

"Since then, more charities have been able to set up and say what they think about issues there.

"But they also need help to get off the ground."

Kate, who has lived in Huddersfield since she was 10, graduated in Indonesian and South-East Asian studies at Hull University.

She has also managed theatre companies in Leeds and Barnsley.

Kate said: "I'm really excited about this trip.

"Last year I was on holiday in Spain, sitting on the beach and thinking how nice it would be not to be going back home.

"Now we don't have to."

Examiner readers can keep up with the couple's adventures on the internet via blog.eyesopen.co.uk