We had another boat trip today, put on the smaller boat called the Zodiac. The highlight was to be the chance to snorkel with the whales if the conditions were right.
Last night there had been a few reservations about whether to go on the trip from a few people and Steve and Caroline had decided not to go after the really choppy conditions yesterday. On the way back to the room however, a conversation with one of the receptionists had changed her mind. Steve decided that he would rather have a "duvet day".
We met for breakfast and then made our way to be shoehorned into our drysuits. Getting your head in was the worst bit as the rubber seal around the neck was really tight.
That done, we were taken to the docks and boarded the boat, which was an open dingy type vessel that could carry about twenty.
The first thing we saw was a sea eagle that swooped down from about 250m to gather a fish that had been thrown from the boat. It was magnificent, so majestic and graceful. I could have gone home happy then. But no, our job was to find killer whales, and to jump in the water with them!
Next, we saw a grey seal - a rarity for these parts, apparently.
Then, shortly after, Rolf, the boat's captain announced that Orca were ahead and masks and snorkels were handed out.
The boat came closer to the pod, consisting of several adults and one or two younger ones and the call came to get into the water.
It wasn't as cold as I expected and I saw a flash of white below me for a second which may or may not have been a whale. We were helped back on the boat and there were tales of mixed success.
The boat followed the whales and once close enough, in we went again.
I saw nothing, and got out to be told that one had been right behind me!
Off we went again until we came upon more. This was certainly more successful than yesterday and we were so close to the whales that you got a real feel for their elegance and grace as they swam through the water.
The shout went up again to go into the water.
This time I had the fortune of being able to see three Orca as they swam past me and disappeared into the gloomy distance. I was elated! They were so graceful as they glided past me. Fantastic!
This pattern continued and at one point we were surrounded by whales. One surfaced near the boat and those in the water at that time said that as it dived beneath the boat it turned over on its back.
One time I was in the water I had a whale swimming beneath me for what seemed like ages. Unfortunately someone close to me knocked my snorkel out, forcing me to surface.
Interspersed with the whales, we got to see more sea eagles dive towards the water, picking off fish. All in all, the whole morning was superb.
The drysuits did their job and were incredibly bouyant, so much so that it was sometimes difficult to manouvre. They were also surprisingly warm and I was much warmer than I was yesterday.
Finally, it all had to end and the boat sped back to the dock. Once there a group of us decided that one further dip was required and we leapt from the dock into the water! This time, it was cold but very refreshing. Then it was back to the centre to be pulled out of the suits and to have a cup of coffee.
We then had a rest before meeting up for a chat and a drink, then a further rest before meeting up for dinner and viewing todays video before retiring for the evening.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thar She Blows!
Woke early to breakfast at 7.30am to be ready for our day out on the boat to search for Orcas (Killer Whales)
After breakfast we had a short lecture on the wildlife of the area and the Orca themselves. They come to this area to feed on the herring that swim into the fjords this time of the year. However, over the last couple of years, not so many of the herring have been coming into the fjord, preferring to stay outside, so not so many of the Orca are around in the local vicinity.
After the lecture we boarded a coach to the quayside and then the boat and headed out into the fjord. Each of us clothed with several layers topped with waterproofs.
It was very windy and cold and once we were out into the fjord the boat rocked around quite a lot. I stayed outside in an effort to stave off seasickness, which partly worked. During the really choppy bits I felt quite queasy.
Around lunchtime we were told that one of the other boats had spotted a pod of whales and we headed in that direction. Suddenly there they were, swimming quite fast a few hundred feet from the boat. The boat followed for a while until they disappeared into the distance. Then the boat headed for home arriving back as it got dark - about 2pm!
Once back at the centre we rested for a couple of hours before meeting up to have some food and play cards for a couple of hours.
After that we watched the video footage taken from the various boats during the day's excursions before retiring for the night.
Tomorrow we're going out on the smaller boat that can get closer to the whales. The wind is forecast to be less than today, so hopefully it won't be so choppy.
After breakfast we had a short lecture on the wildlife of the area and the Orca themselves. They come to this area to feed on the herring that swim into the fjords this time of the year. However, over the last couple of years, not so many of the herring have been coming into the fjord, preferring to stay outside, so not so many of the Orca are around in the local vicinity.
After the lecture we boarded a coach to the quayside and then the boat and headed out into the fjord. Each of us clothed with several layers topped with waterproofs.
It was very windy and cold and once we were out into the fjord the boat rocked around quite a lot. I stayed outside in an effort to stave off seasickness, which partly worked. During the really choppy bits I felt quite queasy.
Around lunchtime we were told that one of the other boats had spotted a pod of whales and we headed in that direction. Suddenly there they were, swimming quite fast a few hundred feet from the boat. The boat followed for a while until they disappeared into the distance. Then the boat headed for home arriving back as it got dark - about 2pm!
Once back at the centre we rested for a couple of hours before meeting up to have some food and play cards for a couple of hours.
After that we watched the video footage taken from the various boats during the day's excursions before retiring for the night.
Tomorrow we're going out on the smaller boat that can get closer to the whales. The wind is forecast to be less than today, so hopefully it won't be so choppy.
North into Darkness
We breakfasted at the hotel and then gathered in the foyer to make our way back to the train station so we could catch the train to the airport.
Once at the airport we checked in - Mark and Alicea had their fingerprints taken to use as boarding cards, the rest of us had "old fashioned" paper ones, not sure why - and we made our way through security to the gate, where the fingers worked and most of the paper didn't in the automatic barriers there.
The flight was pretty much on time and we were soon on our way to Evenes airport, inside the arctic circle.
It was about 3pm and still light when we left Oslo. From the window of the plane you could see a dark band on the horizon that got bigger as we flew closer to it. By the time we landed at around 3.45pm it was as dark as night!
We picked up our bags and then had a 45 minute wait for the car to arrive. Mark had booked a nine seater minibus that fitted us and our luggage perfectly.
Soon we were on our way to the Tourist Centre at Tysfjord where we were staying for the next few days.
As none of us had eaten anything since breakfast we stopped at a restaurant only to find it just closing. At 5.15pm!
We had a ferry to catch at 8pm about an hour's drive away so a decision was taken to drive to the nearest town (about 20 mins away) to find an eatery there. This we did and found pizza place and we made it to the ferry in perfect time.
The ferry journey was about an hour during which we played cards as the ferry rocked back and forth as it carried us across the fjord.
Once on the other side it was a five minute drive to the tourist centre.
The centre is really nice (I'm not sure about the proliferation of stuffed animals around the place) and the room is warm and comfy. The bathroom has underfloor heating, which is great.
After booking in and dropping everything in our rooms we all met in the bar for a drink. We then decided to retire to Steve's room to crack open the duty free. On the way, due to a collision between Rob and myself near the huge stuffed polar bear next to the entrance, I managed to drop my glass which smashed into a thousand pieces. After it was cleared up we met in Steve's room where we played cards (Anna is the current sh@thead) and drank until retiring for bed.
Once at the airport we checked in - Mark and Alicea had their fingerprints taken to use as boarding cards, the rest of us had "old fashioned" paper ones, not sure why - and we made our way through security to the gate, where the fingers worked and most of the paper didn't in the automatic barriers there.
The flight was pretty much on time and we were soon on our way to Evenes airport, inside the arctic circle.
It was about 3pm and still light when we left Oslo. From the window of the plane you could see a dark band on the horizon that got bigger as we flew closer to it. By the time we landed at around 3.45pm it was as dark as night!
We picked up our bags and then had a 45 minute wait for the car to arrive. Mark had booked a nine seater minibus that fitted us and our luggage perfectly.
Soon we were on our way to the Tourist Centre at Tysfjord where we were staying for the next few days.
As none of us had eaten anything since breakfast we stopped at a restaurant only to find it just closing. At 5.15pm!
We had a ferry to catch at 8pm about an hour's drive away so a decision was taken to drive to the nearest town (about 20 mins away) to find an eatery there. This we did and found pizza place and we made it to the ferry in perfect time.
The ferry journey was about an hour during which we played cards as the ferry rocked back and forth as it carried us across the fjord.
Once on the other side it was a five minute drive to the tourist centre.
The centre is really nice (I'm not sure about the proliferation of stuffed animals around the place) and the room is warm and comfy. The bathroom has underfloor heating, which is great.
After booking in and dropping everything in our rooms we all met in the bar for a drink. We then decided to retire to Steve's room to crack open the duty free. On the way, due to a collision between Rob and myself near the huge stuffed polar bear next to the entrance, I managed to drop my glass which smashed into a thousand pieces. After it was cleared up we met in Steve's room where we played cards (Anna is the current sh@thead) and drank until retiring for bed.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Heading North
We stayed at the Stansted Radisson hotel on Christmas night and popped into Colchester on Boxing Day morning hoping to pick up a few bargains. However, not too many shops were open so we ended up going to Freeport in Braintree instead where we picked up a couple of bits.
Then it was back to the airport to drop the car off and meet the others.
Steve was already there and the others, Rob, Caroline, Mark and Anna turned up a little while after.
We queued for about an hour to check in and by the time we got through security, it was time to board which meant a very quick race through Duty Free to get some booze before heading to the gate.
When we got there we still had to wait for a bit, and eventually we boarded.
The flight was good and, although we took off late, we landed pretty much on time.
Once in the airport in Oslo we looked around for something to eat but everywhere was shut so we caught the train from the airport into Oslo and walked to the hotel.
After booking in, some of us popped to a local garage (the only place open) to get some snacks before retiring to bed.
Regards
Gary Nicklin
Global Professional Services
Please excuse the brevity of this message, it was sent from a BlackBerry.
Then it was back to the airport to drop the car off and meet the others.
Steve was already there and the others, Rob, Caroline, Mark and Anna turned up a little while after.
We queued for about an hour to check in and by the time we got through security, it was time to board which meant a very quick race through Duty Free to get some booze before heading to the gate.
When we got there we still had to wait for a bit, and eventually we boarded.
The flight was good and, although we took off late, we landed pretty much on time.
Once in the airport in Oslo we looked around for something to eat but everywhere was shut so we caught the train from the airport into Oslo and walked to the hotel.
After booking in, some of us popped to a local garage (the only place open) to get some snacks before retiring to bed.
Regards
Gary Nicklin
Global Professional Services
Please excuse the brevity of this message, it was sent from a BlackBerry.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Demuths, Bath
2 North Parade Passage, off Abbey Green,
Bath BA1 1NX
Demuths in Bath has a really good reputation among vegetarians however, a recent visit by a friend of mine was quite scathing so I decided to see for myself. The place itself is on two floors and I was shown to a table downstairs. I was the only one there for quite a while, during which time I skimmed through some sample copies of the restaurant's cookbooks that they have for sale, and they looked pretty good, with some nice recipes.
The menu I was presented with wasn't overly inspiring, there were roughly half a dozen choices on both starters and mains menus, and also an appetisers menu with a similar amount of options. I forewent the appetisers and chose the Beetroot and Potato Patties from the starters and an Ethiopean Platter from the mains menu.
The starters menu was quite varied, however the mains contained a curry and the Ethiopian Platter (essentially another curry) a risotto, and a nut roast. As curries, risottos and nut roasts are quite often the "vegetarian choice" on a standard restaurant menu, I didn't think they showed the culinary possibilities that vegetarian food can attain no matter how good they might be.
The Beetroot Patties were three in number and were quite nicely presented spread with pea puree and accomanied by a raita and a few salad leaves. They were nicely spiced and the pea puree was good, but there was little or no beetroot flavour, which was a little disappointing. If the sweet beetroot flavour had been there, this would've been a splendid little dish. However, as it was the only real clue to the presence of the beetroot was the colour of the patties.
The Ethiopean Platter consisted of two different dhals (yellow split pea and red lentil and bean), spiced spinach and potato, and bean and carrot curry served on an pancake, Each of the individual ingredients were fine in themselves, but nothing special. However, the pancake was tasteless and, when eaten in combination with any of the other parts of the dish, somehow had the power to render them equally tasteless which was a touch weird.
For dessert I had Red Wine Poached Pears served with Blackberries and a Honey Labne. Again the presentation was very well done and it tasted really nice. The dish was sprinkled with honeycomb and it complemented the pears really well.
The service was quick and efficient, but not particularly personal. The prices seem to me to be quite high - £6 for a starter and £14 for a main course is a bit steep for this kind of fayre. My three course meal with a coke and a water came to over £35, which is very high.
Would I go back? Probably not. The food was okay, but nothing special, and it was expensive. It is nice to be able to be given a menu in a restaurant where I can eat everything on it, however I'd much rather have a smaller choice of really imaginative and tasty food than a dozen "so-so" items.
I have had some fabulous meals in vegetarian restaurants, Terre a Terre and Il Margutta in Rome, for example, but the majority of the best meals I've had have been in restaurants where the non-veggie meals have been top quality too, like Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons or The Lanesborough.
I guess, in the end, it all comes down to the skill and imagination (and attitude) of the chefs no matter what kind of restaurant they are in.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Last day in Italy
We woke early and finished packing before going down to meet the taxi to the airport.
The airport is very close to Pisa and within ten minutes, we had arrived. We had a coffee and a croissant while waiting for the check in desk for Alicea's flight to open. Once she had checked in and joined the queue for departures we said our goodbyes, and I caught the bus back to the hotel. On the way, I bought a ticket for the Leaning Tower and the surrounding buildings.
I went up the tower (more steps!) and popped back to the hotel to check out before looking around the baptistry and cathedral.
I then went to find somewhere for lunch stopping on the way to watch as artist creating a picture using spray can paints. It was fascinating.
I then came across a huge market that spanned several streets selling everything from furniture to soap to records to pottery.
After an hour walking around that, I went to a restaurant in one of the piazzas near the Leaning Tower for lunch. The food was fine but the service was awful, I'm not sure whether it was because I was on my own - I wasn't even given any bread! So, I left no tip.
From there I went to look around the cemetery building that is part of the Leaning Tower complex. I'm sure that in its heyday it was fab, but as a museum, it lacks a certain something. It could be that virtislly none of the exhibits are labelled and those that are have label that read "square sarcophogus, 4th Century" or similar, and that's the extent of the information you get!
From there, I wandered back to the hotel to get my bags, picking up an ice cream on the way and caught the bus to the airport.
The plane was about 15 mins late taking off, but landed on time.
The airport is very close to Pisa and within ten minutes, we had arrived. We had a coffee and a croissant while waiting for the check in desk for Alicea's flight to open. Once she had checked in and joined the queue for departures we said our goodbyes, and I caught the bus back to the hotel. On the way, I bought a ticket for the Leaning Tower and the surrounding buildings.
I went up the tower (more steps!) and popped back to the hotel to check out before looking around the baptistry and cathedral.
I then went to find somewhere for lunch stopping on the way to watch as artist creating a picture using spray can paints. It was fascinating.
I then came across a huge market that spanned several streets selling everything from furniture to soap to records to pottery.
After an hour walking around that, I went to a restaurant in one of the piazzas near the Leaning Tower for lunch. The food was fine but the service was awful, I'm not sure whether it was because I was on my own - I wasn't even given any bread! So, I left no tip.
From there I went to look around the cemetery building that is part of the Leaning Tower complex. I'm sure that in its heyday it was fab, but as a museum, it lacks a certain something. It could be that virtislly none of the exhibits are labelled and those that are have label that read "square sarcophogus, 4th Century" or similar, and that's the extent of the information you get!
From there, I wandered back to the hotel to get my bags, picking up an ice cream on the way and caught the bus to the airport.
The plane was about 15 mins late taking off, but landed on time.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Goodbye Cinque Terre
Today we return to Pisa ready for the return to the UK (for me) and the USA (for Alicea). But before we left we took one more trip to Monterosso where we say on the beach for a couple of hours and the went for lunch at the place where Alicea enjoyed her salmon and dill the other night.
Unfortunately, that particular dish was unavailable so she had smoked salmon which wasn't as nice. We both then had a pesto dish before returning back to the hotel to await our lift, with our bags, to the station.
The train was fairly on time and we arrived in Pisa around 7.20pm. With the help of one of the locals we caught a bus to the Campo dei Miracoli and then walked to the hotel.
Once we had dropped our stuff off we went to one of the restaurants near the Leaning Tower (having learnt our lesson last week). We ended up sitting next to an Australian couple who were quite loud and stereotypical (at least to begin with) and Alicea spoke very quietly so that they didn't realise she was Australian too and begin talking to her!
Once we had finished eating, we returned to the hotel and booked a taxi to take Alicea to the airport tomorrow morning.
Unfortunately, that particular dish was unavailable so she had smoked salmon which wasn't as nice. We both then had a pesto dish before returning back to the hotel to await our lift, with our bags, to the station.
The train was fairly on time and we arrived in Pisa around 7.20pm. With the help of one of the locals we caught a bus to the Campo dei Miracoli and then walked to the hotel.
Once we had dropped our stuff off we went to one of the restaurants near the Leaning Tower (having learnt our lesson last week). We ended up sitting next to an Australian couple who were quite loud and stereotypical (at least to begin with) and Alicea spoke very quietly so that they didn't realise she was Australian too and begin talking to her!
Once we had finished eating, we returned to the hotel and booked a taxi to take Alicea to the airport tomorrow morning.
Friday, October 12, 2007
An aborted swim...
We arrived at Bonasollo station to catch the train to Monterosso and then onto Riomaggiore.
I'm not sure why there is a ticket office at Bonosolla station as it is never open, even when it is supposed to be! In fact someone has scribbled "if we feel like it" above the opening times. So, we had to buy a bottle of water from the bar next to the station to get enough change for the only one of the three ticket machines that was working.
Once in Monterosso, we bought a Cinque Terre day pass and our ticket for Pisa tomorrow and also rang the dive people to book ourselves in.
Then we caught the next train to Riomaggiore.
Once there we walked to Manorola along the Via Dell Amore and had our piccy taken on the kissing seat... What romantic fools we are!
We then had lunch in Manorola before walking back to Riomaggiore to go for the dive.
We were all kitted up and followed the guy who was leading us out into the harbour. Once I began to go under the water my mask began to fill with water - my moustache was stopping the mask from getting an airtight seal - and try as I might I couldn't stop it. In the end I have it up as a bad job and left Alicea with the instructor while I went and got changed.
She was gone for about forty five minutes and said that she was a little disappointed as what she saw was pretty much what you could see snorkeling.
Once she had got changed we caught the train to Vernazza where we had dinner at Gianni Franzi's before ruturning to the hotel.
I'm not sure why there is a ticket office at Bonosolla station as it is never open, even when it is supposed to be! In fact someone has scribbled "if we feel like it" above the opening times. So, we had to buy a bottle of water from the bar next to the station to get enough change for the only one of the three ticket machines that was working.
Once in Monterosso, we bought a Cinque Terre day pass and our ticket for Pisa tomorrow and also rang the dive people to book ourselves in.
Then we caught the next train to Riomaggiore.
Once there we walked to Manorola along the Via Dell Amore and had our piccy taken on the kissing seat... What romantic fools we are!
We then had lunch in Manorola before walking back to Riomaggiore to go for the dive.
We were all kitted up and followed the guy who was leading us out into the harbour. Once I began to go under the water my mask began to fill with water - my moustache was stopping the mask from getting an airtight seal - and try as I might I couldn't stop it. In the end I have it up as a bad job and left Alicea with the instructor while I went and got changed.
She was gone for about forty five minutes and said that she was a little disappointed as what she saw was pretty much what you could see snorkeling.
Once she had got changed we caught the train to Vernazza where we had dinner at Gianni Franzi's before ruturning to the hotel.
A walk in the dark
Last night we went into Monterosso for dinner at one of the restaurants on the front. We say out on the balcony overlooking the sea which was lovely.
After that we caught the train back to Bonassola and walked back to the hotel up a long line of steps. Luckily we had bought a torch earlier as some of the way was quite dark.
Today, we are hoping to go diving, which should be good and finishing our day with a meal in Vernazza. That's the plan anyway.
After that we caught the train back to Bonassola and walked back to the hotel up a long line of steps. Luckily we had bought a torch earlier as some of the way was quite dark.
Today, we are hoping to go diving, which should be good and finishing our day with a meal in Vernazza. That's the plan anyway.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
More walking
Last night's dinner was okay, but not up to the standard of the food that we've been eating lately.
Once the dinner was over, we retired to bed. There were no church bells this time, but the bed creaked so much, that every time one of us moved, it woke the other one up!
This morning we walked to Levanto, the next town for lunch (about 5km) and then walked back again, taking a slightly different route. Levanto was really quiet compared to the other places we visited, I guess that not being one of the CT villages really takes its toll.
Our knees are aching again and Alicea bought a couple of sticks to help when walking over the hilly bits. The one that she got me for my birthday has been great and has really helped during the tougher stretches of the walks.
It's quite a walk from the hotel here in Bonasolla to the station, and there are no taxis, so if we want to go anywhere else to eat its quite a trek. We've tried ringing a few other hotels in the Cinque Terre villages, but they're all fully booked, so it looks like we are stuck here for the next couple of days.
Once the dinner was over, we retired to bed. There were no church bells this time, but the bed creaked so much, that every time one of us moved, it woke the other one up!
This morning we walked to Levanto, the next town for lunch (about 5km) and then walked back again, taking a slightly different route. Levanto was really quiet compared to the other places we visited, I guess that not being one of the CT villages really takes its toll.
Our knees are aching again and Alicea bought a couple of sticks to help when walking over the hilly bits. The one that she got me for my birthday has been great and has really helped during the tougher stretches of the walks.
It's quite a walk from the hotel here in Bonasolla to the station, and there are no taxis, so if we want to go anywhere else to eat its quite a trek. We've tried ringing a few other hotels in the Cinque Terre villages, but they're all fully booked, so it looks like we are stuck here for the next couple of days.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A new hotel
Last night when we got back to the hotel after dinner we started to pack, ready for today's change of hotels.
I went to get all my bits out of the room safe but it wouldn't open. Luckily, this morning the one of the people that run the hotel came along and opened it for me.
After leaving our bags to be transported to the hotel in Bonassola where we are staying for the rest of the holiday, we said our goodbyes and took a boat to Porto Venere, a town at the lower end of the Cinque Terre peninsula and had a wander around for a few hours.
It's another pretty town with stepped streets and a large harbour. Overlooking the town is a 12th century church.
After lunch we caught the boat back to Monterosso and then boarded a train for the two stops to Bonassola. After asking several people where the hotel was, including a workman who beckoned us over to talk to his English speaking employer we finally arrived, only to be told that they would have given us a lift from the station if we had rung!
The hotel is on a hill overlooking the town, the view is beautiful, but its not very convenient for getting anywhere.
Our bags had arrived okay, and we were booked in for dinner. Unfortunately the set menu wasn't really to our taste so we've ended up with a pasta dish and a salad.
The room itself is okay, but small. It sounds like we were bumped out of a better room (with a balcony) by some guests that arrived earlier. It's not as nice as the hotel in Monterosso which was really nice and the service was superb!
Still, it might be one of those places that grows on you...
I went to get all my bits out of the room safe but it wouldn't open. Luckily, this morning the one of the people that run the hotel came along and opened it for me.
After leaving our bags to be transported to the hotel in Bonassola where we are staying for the rest of the holiday, we said our goodbyes and took a boat to Porto Venere, a town at the lower end of the Cinque Terre peninsula and had a wander around for a few hours.
It's another pretty town with stepped streets and a large harbour. Overlooking the town is a 12th century church.
After lunch we caught the boat back to Monterosso and then boarded a train for the two stops to Bonassola. After asking several people where the hotel was, including a workman who beckoned us over to talk to his English speaking employer we finally arrived, only to be told that they would have given us a lift from the station if we had rung!
The hotel is on a hill overlooking the town, the view is beautiful, but its not very convenient for getting anywhere.
Our bags had arrived okay, and we were booked in for dinner. Unfortunately the set menu wasn't really to our taste so we've ended up with a pasta dish and a salad.
The room itself is okay, but small. It sounds like we were bumped out of a better room (with a balcony) by some guests that arrived earlier. It's not as nice as the hotel in Monterosso which was really nice and the service was superb!
Still, it might be one of those places that grows on you...
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Return to Riomaggiore
This morning we caught the train down to Riomaggiore so we could have a look at the village. We'd started our walk from here yesterday but hadn't walked up from the station to the village.
It's quite a pretty little place with a single road leading down to the station and marina. However, there isn't an awful lot to see, so we caught the train back to Monterosso and were back for lunch.
The afternoon was spent checking the boat times for our trip tomorrow to Portovenere and sitting in a café on the seafront.
It's quite a pretty little place with a single road leading down to the station and marina. However, there isn't an awful lot to see, so we caught the train back to Monterosso and were back for lunch.
The afternoon was spent checking the boat times for our trip tomorrow to Portovenere and sitting in a café on the seafront.
An unexpected journey
We decided to go to Vernazza for the evening to eat, so met up at the station to catch the train.
The train came in on time, so we boarded and then were somewhat bemused as the train passed all the local stations without stopping.
We alighted at Le Spezia and jumped on a train that was heading in the opposite direction. This one stopped in Vernazza so we got off, finishing a half hour journey that should have taken five minutes.
We headed for the main piazza which was next to the harbour and to a restaurant that was recommended in one of our guide books. It was pretty good and served a very nice ravioli in walnut sauce. After the meal we sat on the harbour for a while before catching the train back, this time without any problems.
The train came in on time, so we boarded and then were somewhat bemused as the train passed all the local stations without stopping.
We alighted at Le Spezia and jumped on a train that was heading in the opposite direction. This one stopped in Vernazza so we got off, finishing a half hour journey that should have taken five minutes.
We headed for the main piazza which was next to the harbour and to a restaurant that was recommended in one of our guide books. It was pretty good and served a very nice ravioli in walnut sauce. After the meal we sat on the harbour for a while before catching the train back, this time without any problems.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Facts
I forgot to mention, the walk from Riomaggiore to Monterosso is rougly 15km and it took us about six hours.
Cinque Terre Walk
The Cinque Terre consists of five villages along the Ligurian coastline in northwest Italy.
One of the attractions is that you can walk between them. So, that was today's quest.
We met Steve at Monterosso station at 9.30am and caught the train to Riomaggiore the southen most of the CT villages where our walk was to begin.
The first part of the walk, to Manarola, is along a man made coastal path and is an easy stroll, lulling you into a false sense of security.
For the next section, to Corniglia, our guide book gave us the choice of a route through the hills or an easier coastal route. Still suffering a few aches from yesterday's trek we decided on the coastal route, which was okay, however it ended with a climb of 382 steps!
After some refreshment we struckout for Vernazza where we planned to have lunch. The path was very narrow in places and there were many, many steps. Eventually, we reached the village and found the restaurant that had been recommended to me for its tomato sauce. It was very nice.
Once we had rested we began the final part of the walk, to Monterosso. Boy was it hard. The start of it was mostly steps going up, all very uneven, and extremely narrow cliff edge paths with no handrails. The descent into Monterosso was down what seemed to be thousands of uneven steps and by now my knees and hips were theatening to go on strike. Eventually we arrived back in Monterosso.
The walk was very hard, but the views were spectacular.
Once back in our 'home' village we then went for a much needed and much dreamed about (during the walk) dip in the sea, which was great.
We're planning to take the train back to one of the villages tonight for dinner, as it's Steve's last day tomorrow.
One of the attractions is that you can walk between them. So, that was today's quest.
We met Steve at Monterosso station at 9.30am and caught the train to Riomaggiore the southen most of the CT villages where our walk was to begin.
The first part of the walk, to Manarola, is along a man made coastal path and is an easy stroll, lulling you into a false sense of security.
For the next section, to Corniglia, our guide book gave us the choice of a route through the hills or an easier coastal route. Still suffering a few aches from yesterday's trek we decided on the coastal route, which was okay, however it ended with a climb of 382 steps!
After some refreshment we struckout for Vernazza where we planned to have lunch. The path was very narrow in places and there were many, many steps. Eventually, we reached the village and found the restaurant that had been recommended to me for its tomato sauce. It was very nice.
Once we had rested we began the final part of the walk, to Monterosso. Boy was it hard. The start of it was mostly steps going up, all very uneven, and extremely narrow cliff edge paths with no handrails. The descent into Monterosso was down what seemed to be thousands of uneven steps and by now my knees and hips were theatening to go on strike. Eventually we arrived back in Monterosso.
The walk was very hard, but the views were spectacular.
Once back in our 'home' village we then went for a much needed and much dreamed about (during the walk) dip in the sea, which was great.
We're planning to take the train back to one of the villages tonight for dinner, as it's Steve's last day tomorrow.
A long walk...
I slept fitfully mostly due to the local church clock striking every half hour.
We made sure we had a largish breakfast before leaving for the first of our walks.
The walk was 10km long and went through the hills and forests that surround Monterosso. It was very pretty with some amazing views but very hard as some of the climbs were very steep and very long. We also had to change the route slightly after being chased by two dogs! By the time we both arrived back, about four hours later, our legs really ached. And we've an even longer one tomorrow...
We made sure we had a largish breakfast before leaving for the first of our walks.
The walk was 10km long and went through the hills and forests that surround Monterosso. It was very pretty with some amazing views but very hard as some of the climbs were very steep and very long. We also had to change the route slightly after being chased by two dogs! By the time we both arrived back, about four hours later, our legs really ached. And we've an even longer one tomorrow...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
The First of the Cinque Terre
We left the hotel and its surly breakfast staff around 9am and caught a bus to the train station, using my pidgeon Italian to get directions to the bus stop.
We had about an hour to wait for the train, however it was travelling straight through to Monterosso without us having to change. The trip was straightforeward except that we had forgotten to stamp our tickets and got fined €5. Barely a day in Italy and already we're criminals!
Once we arrived we made our way to the Hotel Marina. The hotel is really nice, in the old town and a stones throw from everything.
After dropping our bags we wandered around the town looking for somewhere to eat. It's pretty crowded and although our first choice was full we found another place a few doors up that looked nice. I had some really nice peccorino with honey and walnuta followed by troffie pasta with pesto (Liguria is where pesto was invented) and Alicea had a seafood platter that looked as though it had been tipped out of a fisherman's net.
From there we wandered around the town a little more before retiring to the hotel for a siesta. We've a busy few days coming up so we thought we'd get a rest while we could.
Steve SMS'd us to tell us held arrived and to arrange to meet up for dinner.
Around 7pm we met up with Steve and went for a drink. While we were there a huge thunderstorm hit the town and the rain poured down. We then went to a restaurant where we "mushroomed out" by ordering just about every mushroom course on the menu! The waitress brought out a large basket of fresh porcini to show us what we would be having!
Once we had finished, we retired to our respective hotels, Alicea and I to prepare for our walk tomorrow, Steve to prepare for his "duvet day"!
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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We had about an hour to wait for the train, however it was travelling straight through to Monterosso without us having to change. The trip was straightforeward except that we had forgotten to stamp our tickets and got fined €5. Barely a day in Italy and already we're criminals!
Once we arrived we made our way to the Hotel Marina. The hotel is really nice, in the old town and a stones throw from everything.
After dropping our bags we wandered around the town looking for somewhere to eat. It's pretty crowded and although our first choice was full we found another place a few doors up that looked nice. I had some really nice peccorino with honey and walnuta followed by troffie pasta with pesto (Liguria is where pesto was invented) and Alicea had a seafood platter that looked as though it had been tipped out of a fisherman's net.
From there we wandered around the town a little more before retiring to the hotel for a siesta. We've a busy few days coming up so we thought we'd get a rest while we could.
Steve SMS'd us to tell us held arrived and to arrange to meet up for dinner.
Around 7pm we met up with Steve and went for a drink. While we were there a huge thunderstorm hit the town and the rain poured down. We then went to a restaurant where we "mushroomed out" by ordering just about every mushroom course on the menu! The waitress brought out a large basket of fresh porcini to show us what we would be having!
Once we had finished, we retired to our respective hotels, Alicea and I to prepare for our walk tomorrow, Steve to prepare for his "duvet day"!
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Intuit Real Estate Solutions
Insight. Innovation. Impact.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
To Pisa
The flight was uneventful apart from the food service being postponed due to someone fainting a few rows behind us. Once the poor lady had been revived everything was back to normal and the flight arrived in Pisa pretty much on time.
We joined a queue for a taxi and eventually we got one to take us to the hotel. The Grand Hotel Duomo is a stone's throw from the Leaning Tower so, after dumping our bags we went for a walk.
The complex where the tower stands is very impressive and when I'm back here next weekend, I'll take the opportunity to go around it properly.
From there we took a wander around looking for somewhere to eat. We found a couple of places, then went to a bar to wait for the restaurants to open.
We picked a restaurant that was in the backstreets away from the touristy places figuring that it may have more authentic and regional food to those catering for the masses. However, as there was no menu outside we weren't sure what it would be like.
I told the waitress that I was vegetarian and we ordered our food. We started with crostini which were drenched with a very strong olive oil. Alicea then had a
Prawn risotto and I ended up with what appeared to be pieces of pancake covered, once again, in the same olive oil. To follow that we then had a sformati, which I was keen to try as I have made it on a couple of courses, which turned out to be a sort of cheese souffle and nothing like the dish I was expecting. Still, at least the wine was nice.
From there we went back to the hotel.
We joined a queue for a taxi and eventually we got one to take us to the hotel. The Grand Hotel Duomo is a stone's throw from the Leaning Tower so, after dumping our bags we went for a walk.
The complex where the tower stands is very impressive and when I'm back here next weekend, I'll take the opportunity to go around it properly.
From there we took a wander around looking for somewhere to eat. We found a couple of places, then went to a bar to wait for the restaurants to open.
We picked a restaurant that was in the backstreets away from the touristy places figuring that it may have more authentic and regional food to those catering for the masses. However, as there was no menu outside we weren't sure what it would be like.
I told the waitress that I was vegetarian and we ordered our food. We started with crostini which were drenched with a very strong olive oil. Alicea then had a
Prawn risotto and I ended up with what appeared to be pieces of pancake covered, once again, in the same olive oil. To follow that we then had a sformati, which I was keen to try as I have made it on a couple of courses, which turned out to be a sort of cheese souffle and nothing like the dish I was expecting. Still, at least the wine was nice.
From there we went back to the hotel.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Last Supper
We all met up early evening to go to ***** for some wine tasting. We had a tour around the cellars before trying the olive oil and the wine that the estate produces. We tried the San Geovase and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were nice but I preferred the SG.
The lady conducting the tasting was very interesting. She told us of the process that they have to go through to be allowed to call their wines 'Chianti'.
After buying a couple of bottles and some oil we left to go to the ****** where we were to eat.
The restaurant has an amazing view across the valley. We ordered a selection of antipasti followed by a different main course for everyone. That way everyone got to try a selection of all the dishes. It was all very nice, but the place was busy, so the service was slightly on the slow side. But that didn't spoil the evening, we all had a good time and said our goodbyes to Shilpa at the end of it.
I then returned to my appartment, wishing Linda well as she was leaving early in the morning.
It's been a great week, I've seen some wonderful places, met some really nice people and cooked and eaten some great food.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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The lady conducting the tasting was very interesting. She told us of the process that they have to go through to be allowed to call their wines 'Chianti'.
After buying a couple of bottles and some oil we left to go to the ****** where we were to eat.
The restaurant has an amazing view across the valley. We ordered a selection of antipasti followed by a different main course for everyone. That way everyone got to try a selection of all the dishes. It was all very nice, but the place was busy, so the service was slightly on the slow side. But that didn't spoil the evening, we all had a good time and said our goodbyes to Shilpa at the end of it.
I then returned to my appartment, wishing Linda well as she was leaving early in the morning.
It's been a great week, I've seen some wonderful places, met some really nice people and cooked and eaten some great food.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Friday, June 01, 2007
The final lesson
This morning was the last of our cookery lessons. Manuela showed us how to make risotto, cheesecake, a lovely rice salad and a Tuscan dessert made with chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts and rosemary.
Once we had eaten, some of us visited Poggio Antico, a biodynamic farm, where I bought some pasta and cheeses.
Then it was back to the villa to await this evening's wine tasting and farewell meal.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Once we had eaten, some of us visited Poggio Antico, a biodynamic farm, where I bought some pasta and cheeses.
Then it was back to the villa to await this evening's wine tasting and farewell meal.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Thursday, May 31, 2007
An evening in Siena
We all met up around 4pm and followed Shilps to Siena.
We then had a guided tour of the Duomo and the streets of the city by a guide who was very enthusiastic and very interesting. Once the guided tour was over Shilpa left us to our own devices and, true to form we headed to a bar and then to a very nice restaurant that was on the 'recommended' that Shilpa had provided. We each ordered soaraxtr meals from the menu and got to Tate each others, which was nice. A couple of the dishes were similar to ones that we have made during the week and the consensus was that ours were better.
After eating we braved the drive home and after a shaky start trying to find the expressway we made it back to the apartments.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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We then had a guided tour of the Duomo and the streets of the city by a guide who was very enthusiastic and very interesting. Once the guided tour was over Shilpa left us to our own devices and, true to form we headed to a bar and then to a very nice restaurant that was on the 'recommended' that Shilpa had provided. We each ordered soaraxtr meals from the menu and got to Tate each others, which was nice. A couple of the dishes were similar to ones that we have made during the week and the consensus was that ours were better.
After eating we braved the drive home and after a shaky start trying to find the expressway we made it back to the apartments.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Six go walking
This morning we all went for a walk into the Tuscan countryside and finished off with a picnic.
The weather was gorgeous, sunny but not too hot and we were accompanied by the neighbours two dogs, Bianco and Spotty.
The walk took us through vineyards and olive groves and we ended up at a church where we met Riccardo who had bought a couple of baskets full of food and wine. We then went to a shady spot under a cedar tree that overlooked the valley to eat.
Once we'd finished eating Shilpa gave a couple of us a lift back to the appartment while the others elected to retrace their steps and make their own way home.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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The weather was gorgeous, sunny but not too hot and we were accompanied by the neighbours two dogs, Bianco and Spotty.
The walk took us through vineyards and olive groves and we ended up at a church where we met Riccardo who had bought a couple of baskets full of food and wine. We then went to a shady spot under a cedar tree that overlooked the valley to eat.
Once we'd finished eating Shilpa gave a couple of us a lift back to the appartment while the others elected to retrace their steps and make their own way home.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
An evening out
This evening we all went out to La Spinosa, an organic farm and vineyard where we were to your the winery and then have a meal in their restaurant.
I had elected to drive and wed made our way around narrow hairpins as we climbed to the top of the hill surrounding the valley where the farm was.
On the way we stopped at a pottery where we were shown around by the owner, despite the fact that we arrived afte it had shut, and we stopped again at a chapel and again to marvel at the view across the valley.
We eventually arrived at the farm and were shown around the winery - there were some gorgeous little kittens there - and we then went onto the restaurant where we had a very nice meal starting with pear and pecorino with honey, followed by gnocci with pesto and tomato. Then we had vegetable flan with courgette souffle and finished with a fine cheesecake.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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I had elected to drive and wed made our way around narrow hairpins as we climbed to the top of the hill surrounding the valley where the farm was.
On the way we stopped at a pottery where we were shown around by the owner, despite the fact that we arrived afte it had shut, and we stopped again at a chapel and again to marvel at the view across the valley.
We eventually arrived at the farm and were shown around the winery - there were some gorgeous little kittens there - and we then went onto the restaurant where we had a very nice meal starting with pear and pecorino with honey, followed by gnocci with pesto and tomato. Then we had vegetable flan with courgette souffle and finished with a fine cheesecake.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Stirring custard the wrong way...
This morning we met Manuela who, along with Shilpa, took us through making our lunch today. We made a fabulous tomato and bread soup and a couple of sformati which are a sort of souffle like flan.
For dessert we made a custard tart which was a bit runny. This we blamed on Jane's stirring it in more than one direction when she was told not to.
It was all very tasty and the weather is lovely today, so we were able to eat it, once again, on the terrace.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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For dessert we made a custard tart which was a bit runny. This we blamed on Jane's stirring it in more than one direction when she was told not to.
It was all very tasty and the weather is lovely today, so we were able to eat it, once again, on the terrace.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Tuesday, May 29, 2007
An unexpected departure
This evening we all went to Lindsay, Jane and Jamie's for an evening meal consisting of some salads made from stuff we'd bought at the shops earlier. I made an endive, pear and gorgonzola salad and there was also a nicoise type salad and some antipasto along with some nice foccaccia bread.
We had a very nice evening, however at the end Mark and Jan said that they would be leaving us tomorrow and going back to Manchester. They wouldn't elaborate any further, and it was all a bit sudden and strange.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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We had a very nice evening, however at the end Mark and Jan said that they would be leaving us tomorrow and going back to Manchester. They wouldn't elaborate any further, and it was all a bit sudden and strange.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Florence by Battleaxe!
We all met up at around 8.15 to drive to Certaldo station to then catch the train to Florence.
We met a New Zealand couple on the train, the husband of which turned out to be the second cousin of the boss of one of the girls in the group!
Once we reached Florence we went to meet our tour guide who turned out to be a real old fashioned matron kind of woman - imagine the two fat ladies rolled into one...
She was quite a character, forever telling us to keep up, speaking very loudly in a posh voice while telling other groups to be quiet and moaning at us for visiting the Uffitzi gallery on a Tuesday, as it was its busiest day! However, she did know her stuff and some of the tour was very interesting even if a little politically incorrect.
One of the girls managed to 'escape' halfway through the tour, but the rest of us soldiered on. Eventually the guide left and rather than see the rest of the gallery we headed straight for a restaurant where I had a ribbolata (Tuscan vegetable soup) and pasta with porcini for lunch. This was followed by a fabulous gelato before heading back to the train station via Avis car rental so I could be added as a driver to the hire car.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
We met a New Zealand couple on the train, the husband of which turned out to be the second cousin of the boss of one of the girls in the group!
Once we reached Florence we went to meet our tour guide who turned out to be a real old fashioned matron kind of woman - imagine the two fat ladies rolled into one...
She was quite a character, forever telling us to keep up, speaking very loudly in a posh voice while telling other groups to be quiet and moaning at us for visiting the Uffitzi gallery on a Tuesday, as it was its busiest day! However, she did know her stuff and some of the tour was very interesting even if a little politically incorrect.
One of the girls managed to 'escape' halfway through the tour, but the rest of us soldiered on. Eventually the guide left and rather than see the rest of the gallery we headed straight for a restaurant where I had a ribbolata (Tuscan vegetable soup) and pasta with porcini for lunch. This was followed by a fabulous gelato before heading back to the train station via Avis car rental so I could be added as a driver to the hire car.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Monday, May 28, 2007
Stormy San Gimingnano
We drove to San Gimingnano all the while looking at the ever darkening sky. Several times it rained on route but had stopped by the time we parked the car. However by the time we had walked up to the main piazza of the town, it had begun to rain.
We wandered around a few shops but soon decided that the awful weather wasn't for us and went back to the car. During the journey back we decided to eat in and stopped at the local supermarket to by some ingredients. I volunteered to make melanzana parmigiana for everyone. On discovering that we couldn't get the oven to work, Jamie went to find the landlord, who offered is his oven.
So, we made the dish and took it over to his place and returned to drink and chat while the dish cooked.
About forty minutes later, Jamie and my self armed with a brolly web downstairs to make the trip to retrieve the dish only to discover Tomas coming up the stairs with the cooked parmigiana saving us from getting soaked.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and after an enjoyable evening, during a break in the storm I made my way back to my apartment.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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We wandered around a few shops but soon decided that the awful weather wasn't for us and went back to the car. During the journey back we decided to eat in and stopped at the local supermarket to by some ingredients. I volunteered to make melanzana parmigiana for everyone. On discovering that we couldn't get the oven to work, Jamie went to find the landlord, who offered is his oven.
So, we made the dish and took it over to his place and returned to drink and chat while the dish cooked.
About forty minutes later, Jamie and my self armed with a brolly web downstairs to make the trip to retrieve the dish only to discover Tomas coming up the stairs with the cooked parmigiana saving us from getting soaked.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and after an enjoyable evening, during a break in the storm I made my way back to my apartment.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Tuscan Lunch
The sky this morning looked ominous, but luckily the rain held off until we had made it to Shilpa's ready for today's cookery session.
Today we made a selection of crostini with different toppings - roasted pepper and goats cheese, melanzana and mint and tomato with olive oil and basil. We also did cannelini beans with tomato sauce, panzanella salad, chard and peccorino flan and panna cotta. Unfortunately the panna cotta did not set properly but it tasted wonderful, as did everything else.
This evening we are off to San Gimingnano for some sightseeing and a meal. Luckily, for the moment at least, the rain has stopped.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Today we made a selection of crostini with different toppings - roasted pepper and goats cheese, melanzana and mint and tomato with olive oil and basil. We also did cannelini beans with tomato sauce, panzanella salad, chard and peccorino flan and panna cotta. Unfortunately the panna cotta did not set properly but it tasted wonderful, as did everything else.
This evening we are off to San Gimingnano for some sightseeing and a meal. Luckily, for the moment at least, the rain has stopped.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pasta
Today was the first of our lessons and was taken jointly by Shilpa and a friend of hers called Kiera who runs a restaurant in Barcelona.
We made tagliatelle with two sauces, one with fresh tomatoes and basil and one with courgettes and goats cheese. Both were good, but I especially enjoyed the courgette one. We also made a really good orange and fennel salad and a tiramisu. Once again we sat and ate on the patio overlooking the valley accompanied by nice organic wine, good conversation and the odd firefly or two.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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We made tagliatelle with two sauces, one with fresh tomatoes and basil and one with courgettes and goats cheese. Both were good, but I especially enjoyed the courgette one. We also made a really good orange and fennel salad and a tiramisu. Once again we sat and ate on the patio overlooking the valley accompanied by nice organic wine, good conversation and the odd firefly or two.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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So much for the Beeb
The BBC weather forecast promised that it would be sunny all this week, but it just goes to show that even Auntie can get it wrong.
The morning started fine and I breakfasted on melon followed by bread and honey before leaving to meet the others. On the way there were ominous rumbles of thunder in the distance. By the time we were ready to leave for our destination - an organic farm called La Ginestra - the sky was beginning to darken.
However, the rain held off for the duration of our tour of the farm. One of La Ginestra's main products is honey and we had a tour of their production sheds, and had a chance to taste the raw (as it were) honey before it was removed from the cones and filtered. It was acacia honey and had a very delicate flavour.
La Ginestra also rears pigs and we got to see them rooting around their enclosures - some in fields, others in woodland. The pigs are related to the wild boar and there were a few piglets running around which one of the owner's dogs was paying rather too much interest in and had to be held back.
The farm also produces spelt, chickpeas and olive oil amongst other things.
From there we went to the restaurant that is run by the farm, and on the way the weather turned. Hailstones battered the car and you could barely hear yourself talk!
We arrived in the restaurant under brolly cover and went to enjoy some wine and nibbles before the meal.
The meal started with bruchetta that had the sweetest tomatoes (I don't usually eat tomatoes) and was then followed by a potato and herb cannelloni. The cannelloni was really light.
We then had roasted vegetables and salad that was then followed by fennel in a saffron sauce (yum). Finally we had a chocolate cake and cream.
After finishing the meal, I bought some honey and olive oil to bring home and we all went back to base to prepare for this afternoon's pasta making.
On the way we decided to take the dirt track back to the apartments and very quickly got stuck as the car started sliding sideways through the mud and off the track. We all got out and pushed and, with the help of some passing Belgians, we finally got the car back on the road and made our way back to base, with enough time for a short rest before the pasta making starts.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
The morning started fine and I breakfasted on melon followed by bread and honey before leaving to meet the others. On the way there were ominous rumbles of thunder in the distance. By the time we were ready to leave for our destination - an organic farm called La Ginestra - the sky was beginning to darken.
However, the rain held off for the duration of our tour of the farm. One of La Ginestra's main products is honey and we had a tour of their production sheds, and had a chance to taste the raw (as it were) honey before it was removed from the cones and filtered. It was acacia honey and had a very delicate flavour.
La Ginestra also rears pigs and we got to see them rooting around their enclosures - some in fields, others in woodland. The pigs are related to the wild boar and there were a few piglets running around which one of the owner's dogs was paying rather too much interest in and had to be held back.
The farm also produces spelt, chickpeas and olive oil amongst other things.
From there we went to the restaurant that is run by the farm, and on the way the weather turned. Hailstones battered the car and you could barely hear yourself talk!
We arrived in the restaurant under brolly cover and went to enjoy some wine and nibbles before the meal.
The meal started with bruchetta that had the sweetest tomatoes (I don't usually eat tomatoes) and was then followed by a potato and herb cannelloni. The cannelloni was really light.
We then had roasted vegetables and salad that was then followed by fennel in a saffron sauce (yum). Finally we had a chocolate cake and cream.
After finishing the meal, I bought some honey and olive oil to bring home and we all went back to base to prepare for this afternoon's pasta making.
On the way we decided to take the dirt track back to the apartments and very quickly got stuck as the car started sliding sideways through the mud and off the track. We all got out and pushed and, with the help of some passing Belgians, we finally got the car back on the road and made our way back to base, with enough time for a short rest before the pasta making starts.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
I'm here!
The flight from Paris to Florence was pretty much on time and my case was one of the first to come out, which makes a change.
Customs was non-existant and I was out of the airport fairly quickly. I had a look around for the Avis car hire place and waited in line with about half a dozen people so that I could try and add my name to the drivers list of the one that had been hired by one of the other people on the course. I noticed that the bus that I had to catch to the railway station was waiting so I decided to get onto that. After a very bumpy ride through Florence I arrived at the train station, bought my ticket and found the train that stopped at Certalfo, where I was to be picked up and taken to the place where the course is taking place.
After about 10 minutes some of the others turned up in the car to pick me up and we then popped to the local supermarket to pick up some stuff for brekky. We then went back to the place that I am staying which is an apartment attached to a house run by a woman called Paula. The apartment is very naiv and quite rustic but is clean and comfortable.
After settling in, I met with the others on the course and we wandered down to La Selva where Shilpa and Riccardo live and the course is to be run. The other people on the course are really nice and we had a nice evening eating and drinking. I even got the chance to put a pizza into the wood fired oven using one of those big metal 'spatula' things. We feasted on foccaccia, pizza, roasted veg, beans and potatoes and finished off with fruit salad, all of which was lovely. Then we walked back to our various apartments marvellung at the fireflies as they lit up the hedges and nearby fields.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
Customs was non-existant and I was out of the airport fairly quickly. I had a look around for the Avis car hire place and waited in line with about half a dozen people so that I could try and add my name to the drivers list of the one that had been hired by one of the other people on the course. I noticed that the bus that I had to catch to the railway station was waiting so I decided to get onto that. After a very bumpy ride through Florence I arrived at the train station, bought my ticket and found the train that stopped at Certalfo, where I was to be picked up and taken to the place where the course is taking place.
After about 10 minutes some of the others turned up in the car to pick me up and we then popped to the local supermarket to pick up some stuff for brekky. We then went back to the place that I am staying which is an apartment attached to a house run by a woman called Paula. The apartment is very naiv and quite rustic but is clean and comfortable.
After settling in, I met with the others on the course and we wandered down to La Selva where Shilpa and Riccardo live and the course is to be run. The other people on the course are really nice and we had a nice evening eating and drinking. I even got the chance to put a pizza into the wood fired oven using one of those big metal 'spatula' things. We feasted on foccaccia, pizza, roasted veg, beans and potatoes and finished off with fruit salad, all of which was lovely. Then we walked back to our various apartments marvellung at the fireflies as they lit up the hedges and nearby fields.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
Bonjour
I'm now at Charles De Gaulle airport waiting for my connection to Florence.
I'm very tired as neither of us slept that well last night due mainly to a load of people that spent the whole night chatting in the corridor and knocking on each others doors.
Alicea dropped me at a very busy Heathrow airport and I grabbed some brekky before checking in. The flight to Paris was good and took less time than my brekky took to get from Wetherspoons kitchen to my table!
More news when I get to Italy.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
I'm very tired as neither of us slept that well last night due mainly to a load of people that spent the whole night chatting in the corridor and knocking on each others doors.
Alicea dropped me at a very busy Heathrow airport and I grabbed some brekky before checking in. The flight to Paris was good and took less time than my brekky took to get from Wetherspoons kitchen to my table!
More news when I get to Italy.
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Never Again...
Everyone always says that about moving don't they? So why should we be any different?
Anyway, the day started okay with the removal men turning up on time although we then realised that we'd packed the kettle, cups etc so had no way to offer any refreshments on this, particularly hot, day. So, a trip to the local caffe nero was in order to get a selection of drinks.
Around 10.00 we heard that the sale had completed. The removal men left at about 11.00 to take our stuff into storage until next week when we move in. We handed the keys to the new owner who had just arrived and left to take the final stuff to the tip.
On the way I had a phonecall to say that the new owners had been in touch to ask where the washing machine, dishwasher etc were. This was news to us as we hadn't been told that they wanted any of it and we'd disposed of everything!
So we ended up at our solicitors trying to sort out what had happened. There had obviously been a break down in communications somewhere on the line. Through various phonecalls, we agreed to supply the items we still have and the money that our buyers had paid the solicitors would be returned, although the solicitors would pay the balance so we would not be out of pocket due to an incident that was not our fault.
From the solicitors we then went to Bexleyheath to sort out the mortgage on the flat we've bought. This, aside from a few computer glitches, went okay and we then went to drop my car off at a work collegue's for him to look after it while I'm away.
Dinner at Carliccio's (of course) and then to a hotel near the airport ready for my flight tomorrow.
Phew, what a day...
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
Anyway, the day started okay with the removal men turning up on time although we then realised that we'd packed the kettle, cups etc so had no way to offer any refreshments on this, particularly hot, day. So, a trip to the local caffe nero was in order to get a selection of drinks.
Around 10.00 we heard that the sale had completed. The removal men left at about 11.00 to take our stuff into storage until next week when we move in. We handed the keys to the new owner who had just arrived and left to take the final stuff to the tip.
On the way I had a phonecall to say that the new owners had been in touch to ask where the washing machine, dishwasher etc were. This was news to us as we hadn't been told that they wanted any of it and we'd disposed of everything!
So we ended up at our solicitors trying to sort out what had happened. There had obviously been a break down in communications somewhere on the line. Through various phonecalls, we agreed to supply the items we still have and the money that our buyers had paid the solicitors would be returned, although the solicitors would pay the balance so we would not be out of pocket due to an incident that was not our fault.
From the solicitors we then went to Bexleyheath to sort out the mortgage on the flat we've bought. This, aside from a few computer glitches, went okay and we then went to drop my car off at a work collegue's for him to look after it while I'm away.
Dinner at Carliccio's (of course) and then to a hotel near the airport ready for my flight tomorrow.
Phew, what a day...
Regards,
Gary Nicklin
Please excuse the short message - it was sent from a Blackberry handheld.
Monday, September 11, 2006
South Africa 2006 – Weekend
The firm I’m working for moved us to a hotel that is closer to the city and quite near the V&A Waterfront. Not as close as I’d hoped, so it’s unlikely that we’ll be walking there – we did try it on Friday evening, but gave up after we got fed up of being constantly harangued by beggars. It’s not as though they just ask you once – they follow you for a hundred yards down the road. We’d walked the best part of a mile when we decided that we would rather not do this and returned back to the hotel, on the way being accosted by a young boy whose performance should win him an Oscar.
So, I returned to my room and ordered room service, getting the maps of the area out to try and work out how to drive to the Waterfront.
I then discovered, hidden in a drawer, the list of the services that the hotel provides and one of them is a shuttle to the Waterfront. It costs R30 return (less than £3) so we decided to use that today (Saturday).
So, off we went after breakfast and booked up to go out on a boat Whale-Watching and we put our name down to do a “Combat Mission” in a Huey helicopter, which had been recommended to us as a “must-do.”
The Huey needed a minimum of six people to fly so they said they would call us when they had another four people booked.
After wandering around the Waterfront for a while, we went to an Italian restaurant for lunch and then joined the boat for the Whale-watching trip. It wasn’t long before we came across a couple of Southern Right Whales close into the shore. It was great to see these huge creatures in the wild. The boat kept a good distance from the animals to avoid disturbing them. Shortly after, we saw another on the other side of the boat that briefly surfaced, giving us all a great view of how large and majestic it was.
On the way back into the harbour, the Huey people rang to ask if we wanted to go on a flight, which we did, but unfortunately, by the time we got there, one of the people had dropped out, bringing the numbers down to five. We put our name down for one of the flights for Sunday which now had its full quota of people, so hopefully it’ll be okay.
We then went did some more shopping before going to an Indian restaurant for our evening dinner and then catching the shuttle back to the hotel.
I had a bit of a lie-in on Sunday and caught the 11am shuttle to the Waterfront in preparation for the 1pm Huey ride we were booked on. At around 12.30 we were put on the mini-bus and driven to the base where we were to begin our flight. Apparently the company has around twenty Huey helicopters.
There were eleven of us on the flight and after a brief safety briefing (basically – don’t take any loose objects and this is how you put your seatbelt on) we climbed onto the helicopter to begin the flight.
I sat on one of the outward facing seats towards the rear of the helicopter and was strapped in. The seatbelt was a simple lap belt, about two inches wide. These, we were assured were military issue and worked just fine in Vietnam. The End by the Doors began to play (nice touch) and we took off. After initially feeling a little uncomfortable with the fact that there was nothing between me and the outside world (oh yeah, did I mention that this Huey “Combat Ride” was done with all the doors open) I settled back to enjoy the ride, and the stunning views.
After about 5 minutes flying over the sea the helicopter started spiralling downwards towards the water. It then pulled up sharply and swooped towards the land about five or ten feet above the waves. It was superb. The trip continued with low-level high speed runs over the dunes and the scrub punctuated with sharp turns and dives all accompanied by a rock soundtrack.
Unfortunately all this was a bit too much for one girl on the trip who went very pale and spent the rest of the trip with her head in her hands and a handkerchief in front of her mouth.
After about twenty minutes the helicopter headed back towards the Waterfront and 5 minutes or so later it was all over. It was a great experience and one I’d recommend to anyone who visits Cape Town.
From there we went for a late lunch at Cantina Tequila and from there we went to the Two Oceans Aquarium and arrived just in time to watch the shark-feeding. The sharks are fed by divers who drop into the tank and hold out dead fish on sticks which the sharks eat as they swim past. Unfortunately (although this depends on your point of view I guess) the sharks didn’t appear to be hungry and only one bothered to take the fish.
>
The rest of the aquarium was pretty good with some great exhibits of crustaceans, some of which looked like something out of a sci-fi film.
From the aquarium we wandered around the craft market and then watched some of the performers at the amphitheatre before catching the shuttle back to the hotel.
So, I returned to my room and ordered room service, getting the maps of the area out to try and work out how to drive to the Waterfront.
I then discovered, hidden in a drawer, the list of the services that the hotel provides and one of them is a shuttle to the Waterfront. It costs R30 return (less than £3) so we decided to use that today (Saturday).
So, off we went after breakfast and booked up to go out on a boat Whale-Watching and we put our name down to do a “Combat Mission” in a Huey helicopter, which had been recommended to us as a “must-do.”
The Huey needed a minimum of six people to fly so they said they would call us when they had another four people booked.
After wandering around the Waterfront for a while, we went to an Italian restaurant for lunch and then joined the boat for the Whale-watching trip. It wasn’t long before we came across a couple of Southern Right Whales close into the shore. It was great to see these huge creatures in the wild. The boat kept a good distance from the animals to avoid disturbing them. Shortly after, we saw another on the other side of the boat that briefly surfaced, giving us all a great view of how large and majestic it was.
On the way back into the harbour, the Huey people rang to ask if we wanted to go on a flight, which we did, but unfortunately, by the time we got there, one of the people had dropped out, bringing the numbers down to five. We put our name down for one of the flights for Sunday which now had its full quota of people, so hopefully it’ll be okay.
We then went did some more shopping before going to an Indian restaurant for our evening dinner and then catching the shuttle back to the hotel.
I had a bit of a lie-in on Sunday and caught the 11am shuttle to the Waterfront in preparation for the 1pm Huey ride we were booked on. At around 12.30 we were put on the mini-bus and driven to the base where we were to begin our flight. Apparently the company has around twenty Huey helicopters.
There were eleven of us on the flight and after a brief safety briefing (basically – don’t take any loose objects and this is how you put your seatbelt on) we climbed onto the helicopter to begin the flight.
I sat on one of the outward facing seats towards the rear of the helicopter and was strapped in. The seatbelt was a simple lap belt, about two inches wide. These, we were assured were military issue and worked just fine in Vietnam. The End by the Doors began to play (nice touch) and we took off. After initially feeling a little uncomfortable with the fact that there was nothing between me and the outside world (oh yeah, did I mention that this Huey “Combat Ride” was done with all the doors open) I settled back to enjoy the ride, and the stunning views.
After about 5 minutes flying over the sea the helicopter started spiralling downwards towards the water. It then pulled up sharply and swooped towards the land about five or ten feet above the waves. It was superb. The trip continued with low-level high speed runs over the dunes and the scrub punctuated with sharp turns and dives all accompanied by a rock soundtrack.
Unfortunately all this was a bit too much for one girl on the trip who went very pale and spent the rest of the trip with her head in her hands and a handkerchief in front of her mouth.
After about twenty minutes the helicopter headed back towards the Waterfront and 5 minutes or so later it was all over. It was a great experience and one I’d recommend to anyone who visits Cape Town.
From there we went for a late lunch at Cantina Tequila and from there we went to the Two Oceans Aquarium and arrived just in time to watch the shark-feeding. The sharks are fed by divers who drop into the tank and hold out dead fish on sticks which the sharks eat as they swim past. Unfortunately (although this depends on your point of view I guess) the sharks didn’t appear to be hungry and only one bothered to take the fish.
>
The rest of the aquarium was pretty good with some great exhibits of crustaceans, some of which looked like something out of a sci-fi film.
From the aquarium we wandered around the craft market and then watched some of the performers at the amphitheatre before catching the shuttle back to the hotel.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
South Africa 2006 - Tired
It’s Wednesday, or “hump day” as Paul calls it. I think it’s because it’s the middle of the week, but maybe there is some other reason.
It was another long day at work and we were all supposed to be going out to a Mexican with the clients tonight. I was going to go, however, the client has decided not to go and as I’m really tired and still full from the last few meals I think I’ll have a bit of a rest tonight. I was only going to go along in the interest of business relations (honest) so I’m quite pleased to be able to have a relaxing evening in the hotel room and maybe get a takeaway. I think the others, with the exception of Ian are going to go.
Because of the security issues in SA, only certain delivery drivers are allowed to the hotel. There is a brochure from a company called Mr Delivery in my room. It has the menus of around ten different takeaway companies in it. The idea is that you phone the central contact and they then gather your order from the different restaurants and deliver to you. So I’ve ordered a pizza.
The pizza turned up after about an hour – it was okay, a bit soggy but tasty enough. The rest of the evening I spent watching a couple of films on the tv before falling asleep.
It was another long day at work and we were all supposed to be going out to a Mexican with the clients tonight. I was going to go, however, the client has decided not to go and as I’m really tired and still full from the last few meals I think I’ll have a bit of a rest tonight. I was only going to go along in the interest of business relations (honest) so I’m quite pleased to be able to have a relaxing evening in the hotel room and maybe get a takeaway. I think the others, with the exception of Ian are going to go.
Because of the security issues in SA, only certain delivery drivers are allowed to the hotel. There is a brochure from a company called Mr Delivery in my room. It has the menus of around ten different takeaway companies in it. The idea is that you phone the central contact and they then gather your order from the different restaurants and deliver to you. So I’ve ordered a pizza.
The pizza turned up after about an hour – it was okay, a bit soggy but tasty enough. The rest of the evening I spent watching a couple of films on the tv before falling asleep.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
South Africa 2006 - Settling In
I’ve now been here a couple of days now and I’m gradually settling in. Yesterday (Monday) started with breakfast – cereal followed by an omelette before heading off to work.
It was a long day, punctuated only by half an hour at lunchtime while we wandered around a couple of supermarkets in the local mall unsuccessfully trying to find some sandwiches. I ended up with a pasta salad. We finished work at around 6.45ish and we decided to head out into Cape Town and get some refreshment somewhere in the Waterfront. After some discussion three of us decided to get a taxi and the hotel reception ordered one for us.
The others drove into Cape Town and we waited for the taxi. Eventually a clapped out Mercedes turned up with the fattest guy you ever saw behind the wheel. We all piled in and he dropped us at the Waterfront, leaving us with his number so we could call him later. He was a chatty guy and a Manchester United supporter (aren’t all overseas football fans?) and very proud of his city.
We met up with the others in Mitchell’s a pub that brews its own beer and had a couple of drinks. Then, after some discussion, we headed for a fish restaurant called the Ocean Basket. We quizzed the maitre de about the possibility of a veggie meal and he said they would do a halloumi cheese stir fry.
We started with a few olives, fried halloumi and some feta accompanied by some tasting of the various chilli sauces on the table (one of which was very hot) while we waited for the mains to turn up. When they did, the fish meals were huge and my halloumi stir fry was pretty good. It was served in a large frying pan along with some chips.
I was planning on having dessert, but the main meal was so filling that I decided not too.
Once we had paid our bill we went back to Mitchell’s for a drink – I had an 18yr Glenfiddich and we phoned the taxi. Once he arrived, three of us went back to the hotel, but the others decided they’d stop off at the club down the road for a couple more drinks.
Today started with another omelette for breakfast before heading off once again to the office. Despite planning to leave around 5.30pm we still ended up leaving around 6.30pm although we did go out for lunch to a place called Casablanca in the local mall. It was pretty much a burger joint and I ended up with a salad, which was okay, but not particularly exciting.
After arriving back at the hotel, I spent a couple of hours catching up on some work before meeting the some of the others for a late dinner in the Wild Fig.
The dinner was quite spectacular. I started with the fried camembert again and then followed it with a Thai vegetable curry which was lovely. I managed to pick a nice white wine which accompanied the meal nicely. For dessert I had chilli nut ice cream with chocolate sauce – wow! It was lovely. After the meal, despite the bar being closed, the waiter got us some whiskies and brandy to finish the meal off. I had a very pleasing 21yr old Speyburn. They have quite an extensive collection of single malts so I reckon I’ll be back there before the end of the week.
It was a long day, punctuated only by half an hour at lunchtime while we wandered around a couple of supermarkets in the local mall unsuccessfully trying to find some sandwiches. I ended up with a pasta salad. We finished work at around 6.45ish and we decided to head out into Cape Town and get some refreshment somewhere in the Waterfront. After some discussion three of us decided to get a taxi and the hotel reception ordered one for us.
The others drove into Cape Town and we waited for the taxi. Eventually a clapped out Mercedes turned up with the fattest guy you ever saw behind the wheel. We all piled in and he dropped us at the Waterfront, leaving us with his number so we could call him later. He was a chatty guy and a Manchester United supporter (aren’t all overseas football fans?) and very proud of his city.
We met up with the others in Mitchell’s a pub that brews its own beer and had a couple of drinks. Then, after some discussion, we headed for a fish restaurant called the Ocean Basket. We quizzed the maitre de about the possibility of a veggie meal and he said they would do a halloumi cheese stir fry.
We started with a few olives, fried halloumi and some feta accompanied by some tasting of the various chilli sauces on the table (one of which was very hot) while we waited for the mains to turn up. When they did, the fish meals were huge and my halloumi stir fry was pretty good. It was served in a large frying pan along with some chips.
I was planning on having dessert, but the main meal was so filling that I decided not too.
Once we had paid our bill we went back to Mitchell’s for a drink – I had an 18yr Glenfiddich and we phoned the taxi. Once he arrived, three of us went back to the hotel, but the others decided they’d stop off at the club down the road for a couple more drinks.
Today started with another omelette for breakfast before heading off once again to the office. Despite planning to leave around 5.30pm we still ended up leaving around 6.30pm although we did go out for lunch to a place called Casablanca in the local mall. It was pretty much a burger joint and I ended up with a salad, which was okay, but not particularly exciting.
After arriving back at the hotel, I spent a couple of hours catching up on some work before meeting the some of the others for a late dinner in the Wild Fig.
The dinner was quite spectacular. I started with the fried camembert again and then followed it with a Thai vegetable curry which was lovely. I managed to pick a nice white wine which accompanied the meal nicely. For dessert I had chilli nut ice cream with chocolate sauce – wow! It was lovely. After the meal, despite the bar being closed, the waiter got us some whiskies and brandy to finish the meal off. I had a very pleasing 21yr old Speyburn. They have quite an extensive collection of single malts so I reckon I’ll be back there before the end of the week.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
South Africa 2006 - Arrival
So, here I am on my first day in South Africa. The flight was relatively painless except for the traffic jam at the airport, but I met up with Ben, Paul, Mark and Ian and managed to make arrangements to meet with Ian in SA, as he was on a different flight to the rest of us. Paul and Mark had already booked in when I arrived – Ben had waited so that we could get seats together on the plane.
We had a quick meal in the airport before boarding the plane. Ben and I were at opposite ends of a row, but negotiated with the two girls in the middle to move. This annoyed the air-steward when he brought my veggie meal, but no matter.
The flight took off around a half hour late, but caught up on-route and landed on time. It was fairly smooth, the food was okay (macaroni cheese for dinner, scrambled eggs with mushroom and hash browns for breakfast) and I managed to get a few hours sleep.
Once we’d landed we all made our way through customs and picked up the hire cars. I then followed Paul to the hotel – the Courtyard which is about 10 mins from the airport and about 15mins from the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is quite nice – it has more of a “motel” setup with two storey blocks of rooms around a central courtyard. The rooms each have a small “kitchen” area with a sink, microwave and fridge which might be handy.
We had a quick meal in the airport before boarding the plane. Ben and I were at opposite ends of a row, but negotiated with the two girls in the middle to move. This annoyed the air-steward when he brought my veggie meal, but no matter.
The flight took off around a half hour late, but caught up on-route and landed on time. It was fairly smooth, the food was okay (macaroni cheese for dinner, scrambled eggs with mushroom and hash browns for breakfast) and I managed to get a few hours sleep.
Once we’d landed we all made our way through customs and picked up the hire cars. I then followed Paul to the hotel – the Courtyard which is about 10 mins from the airport and about 15mins from the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is quite nice – it has more of a “motel” setup with two storey blocks of rooms around a central courtyard. The rooms each have a small “kitchen” area with a sink, microwave and fridge which might be handy.
After booking in and freshening up we drove in one car to the V&A and had something to eat at Cantina Tequila, a Mexican restaurant. They had a varied veggie selection which surprised me as SA is very meat oriented in its eating. I had a vegetarian combo which consisted of stuffed burritos, tortilla, wrap, peppers and beans and corn in a barbecue sauce all delivered on a huge plate.
While we were there two guys dressed as kangaroos “bounced” along the waterfront where we were sitting, performing a comedy routine, the highlight of which was one of the bouncing along with a large breasted girl while the other one shouted “Don’t look at the headlights!”
“I can’t help it,” replied the first kangaroo.
“No,” shouted back the other guy pointing up the road to an on coming vehicle. “The van!” The timing was perfect.
After finishing the meal, drinks and coffees (which for four of us came to less than £10 each) we made our way back to the airport to meet Ian, who had had to connect flights in Jo’burg.
After returning to the hotel, Ian booked in and I went back to the room for a rest before we all planned to meet up again for the evening.
Around 6.20pm Ben phoned me to say that he and Mark were going to go down to the club that was just down the road. We walked down there, passing the mental hospital that is next to the hotel and had a couple of beers, before making our way back to the hotel and its adjoining restaurant, the Wild Fig, where we were going to eat.
The menu at the Wild Fig has a couple of veggie options and I started with deep fried camembert served with a fig chutney followed by dolmades stuffed with pureed aubergine, rice and mushroom served with a pesto sauce. For pudding I had crème brulee – about a 7 on the scale. The whole meal was very pleasant – the others sampled springbok and ostrich – and it was all presented very well. For five three course meals, two bottles of wine and coffees the total bill came to around R800 (around £75) which is quite amazing. We then tried to get a nightcap in the restaurant and hotel bars, but they were closed up for the night (it was only 11pm) so we all retired to our rooms.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Australia 2006 - Last Day
Saturday 22nd April
Its our last day. I really don't want to go back. Melbourne is such a fabulous city, and Australia is a great country.
We got up early, booked in to our flight using the internet, finished packing and dropped our cases at the apartment's office.
Then we walked to a cafe opposite South Melbourne Market called Panette where we were meeting Little Louise for breakfast. Last time we were in Melbourne, Alicea told me all about the banana porridge they served, but it was shut over the new year so I've been waiting two years to have it! Louise arrived and I finally got to try the porridge - yummy.
After breakfast we walked around the market It was smaller than the QVM, but still had amazing stuff.
From there Lou drove us to St Kilda, where we had a wander around before meeting Big Lou and Janet at Soul Mama, a vegetarian restaurant in the St Kilda Baths building. Soul Mama is a buffet restaurant where you pick a bowl-size and then you choose the dishes you want to have. It was mostly curry stuff, with the odd pasta and moussaka and I had curry. At present, sitting writing this on the plane, I wish I hadn't as I feel quite bloated and gassy.
After the meal we said our goodbyes and Janet dropped us back at the appartment office where we waited for the shuttle to take us to the airport. Once again, as we left Melbourne, I had a huge lump in my throat and wished that I could stay.
We arrived at the airport and checked in at the online check-in desk - we were pleased that we had done this, as the normal queue was huge.
That done, after a brief moment where Alicea thought she had lost her passport, we went through passport control and looked around duty free, before our flight was called. It took off pretty much on time for the first leg to Singapore.
We arrived slightly early in Singapore. We got off the plane for a brisk walk around duty-free before boarding for the next leg to Dubai. Once in Dubai, we spent quite a while looking around the duty-free and bought a few bits.
The plane from Dubai to England had a better entertainment system and I watched Wallace & Grommitt and Corpse Bride. When we arrived back in the UK, surprise, surprise it was raining...
Its our last day. I really don't want to go back. Melbourne is such a fabulous city, and Australia is a great country.
We got up early, booked in to our flight using the internet, finished packing and dropped our cases at the apartment's office.
Then we walked to a cafe opposite South Melbourne Market called Panette where we were meeting Little Louise for breakfast. Last time we were in Melbourne, Alicea told me all about the banana porridge they served, but it was shut over the new year so I've been waiting two years to have it! Louise arrived and I finally got to try the porridge - yummy.
After breakfast we walked around the market It was smaller than the QVM, but still had amazing stuff.
From there Lou drove us to St Kilda, where we had a wander around before meeting Big Lou and Janet at Soul Mama, a vegetarian restaurant in the St Kilda Baths building. Soul Mama is a buffet restaurant where you pick a bowl-size and then you choose the dishes you want to have. It was mostly curry stuff, with the odd pasta and moussaka and I had curry. At present, sitting writing this on the plane, I wish I hadn't as I feel quite bloated and gassy.
After the meal we said our goodbyes and Janet dropped us back at the appartment office where we waited for the shuttle to take us to the airport. Once again, as we left Melbourne, I had a huge lump in my throat and wished that I could stay.
We arrived at the airport and checked in at the online check-in desk - we were pleased that we had done this, as the normal queue was huge.
That done, after a brief moment where Alicea thought she had lost her passport, we went through passport control and looked around duty free, before our flight was called. It took off pretty much on time for the first leg to Singapore.
We arrived slightly early in Singapore. We got off the plane for a brisk walk around duty-free before boarding for the next leg to Dubai. Once in Dubai, we spent quite a while looking around the duty-free and bought a few bits.
The plane from Dubai to England had a better entertainment system and I watched Wallace & Grommitt and Corpse Bride. When we arrived back in the UK, surprise, surprise it was raining...
Australia 2006 - Back to Mornington
Friday 21st April
We had arranged to meet Nicki at 11am at Federation Square, so we had breakfast on the way at Southbank, then walked to Federation Square where we had a wander around for half hour or so before Nicki picked us up.
She drove us down to Blairgowrie on the Mornington Crescent where Debbie lives. We all then went to the Portsea Hotel for lunch where the girls reminisced about their schooldays. Lunch was good - asparagus risotto followed by a cheese board, but there was a mixup with Debbie's - she is wheat intolerant - but it was sorted out okay.
We went back to Debbie's for the afternoon, stopping by the local school to pick up her daughter and friend - so it was a bit of a squash in the car. We showed them the wedding photos and some of the pictures of the house before we left and Nicki drove us to Surrey Hills, where Robyn lived. She took the scenic coastal route back which was nice but quite a lot longer.
We were all quite full from lunch, so we didn't have anything to eat at Robyn's but we had a nice evening chatting, before we had to say our goodbyes and Nicki drove us to the apartment. Once there, we packed our cases ready for the journey back to the UK tomorrow.
We had arranged to meet Nicki at 11am at Federation Square, so we had breakfast on the way at Southbank, then walked to Federation Square where we had a wander around for half hour or so before Nicki picked us up.
She drove us down to Blairgowrie on the Mornington Crescent where Debbie lives. We all then went to the Portsea Hotel for lunch where the girls reminisced about their schooldays. Lunch was good - asparagus risotto followed by a cheese board, but there was a mixup with Debbie's - she is wheat intolerant - but it was sorted out okay.
We went back to Debbie's for the afternoon, stopping by the local school to pick up her daughter and friend - so it was a bit of a squash in the car. We showed them the wedding photos and some of the pictures of the house before we left and Nicki drove us to Surrey Hills, where Robyn lived. She took the scenic coastal route back which was nice but quite a lot longer.
We were all quite full from lunch, so we didn't have anything to eat at Robyn's but we had a nice evening chatting, before we had to say our goodbyes and Nicki drove us to the apartment. Once there, we packed our cases ready for the journey back to the UK tomorrow.
Australia 2006 - Queen Vic Market
Thursday 20th April
I got up very early this morning (5am) to chat to the family back in the UK over the webcam. It worked really well and it was great to see them. After an hour or so online, we went back to bed to try and catch a snooze before getting up again and getting ready to go out.
We caught a tram to Queen Victoria Market for breakfast. We went to a small coffee house for breakfast run by some Italians. They lost our order and we could hear the arguments in the kitchen, which was quite amusing. We were given a free coffee as recompense for their mistake, so we didn't mind too much.
Queen Vic Market is fantastic. The food halls and the fruit and veg market are awesome. The produce looks so fresh and the variety of stuff available is amazing.
After wandering around there for a while, we then wandered around the rest of the market, which has clothes, opals, watches, in fact just about anything you can think of. It really is huge.
From there, we caught a tram back into the city and did some shopping. We've popped into a couple of banks here to see what the options are for us to open an account for when we move here – the bank fees are unreal, especially when you compare them to the free banking in the UK.
We had lunch in the Blue Train Cafe on Southbank, where Alicea picked a disgusting tasting white wine – I'm not sure if it was corked or not, but they replaced it with a red instead without any fuss.
We returned to the apartment, picking up a souvalaki on the way and Alicea made arrangements to meet up with all her friends over the next couple of days.
Tonight its the turn of Janet and her new boyfriend Andrew. We went to a restaurant in South Melbourne called O'Connells. The food and service was really good, and it was good to see Janet again. We all had a good time, and Alicea enjoyed catching up with all the news. Janet and Andrew dropped us back at the apartment after the meal.
I got up very early this morning (5am) to chat to the family back in the UK over the webcam. It worked really well and it was great to see them. After an hour or so online, we went back to bed to try and catch a snooze before getting up again and getting ready to go out.
We caught a tram to Queen Victoria Market for breakfast. We went to a small coffee house for breakfast run by some Italians. They lost our order and we could hear the arguments in the kitchen, which was quite amusing. We were given a free coffee as recompense for their mistake, so we didn't mind too much.
Queen Vic Market is fantastic. The food halls and the fruit and veg market are awesome. The produce looks so fresh and the variety of stuff available is amazing.
After wandering around there for a while, we then wandered around the rest of the market, which has clothes, opals, watches, in fact just about anything you can think of. It really is huge.
From there, we caught a tram back into the city and did some shopping. We've popped into a couple of banks here to see what the options are for us to open an account for when we move here – the bank fees are unreal, especially when you compare them to the free banking in the UK.
We had lunch in the Blue Train Cafe on Southbank, where Alicea picked a disgusting tasting white wine – I'm not sure if it was corked or not, but they replaced it with a red instead without any fuss.
We returned to the apartment, picking up a souvalaki on the way and Alicea made arrangements to meet up with all her friends over the next couple of days.
Tonight its the turn of Janet and her new boyfriend Andrew. We went to a restaurant in South Melbourne called O'Connells. The food and service was really good, and it was good to see Janet again. We all had a good time, and Alicea enjoyed catching up with all the news. Janet and Andrew dropped us back at the apartment after the meal.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Australia 2006 - Melbourne
Wednesday 19th April
We got up at 5.45am as we had to drive to Melbourne this morning and arrive there by 10.30 to avoid having to pay an extra day's car hire. Saying goodbye to Mary was very hard, and we packed everything into the car and left around 6.45. I drove for about three quarters of the way to Melbourne, and Alicea took over for the last 50km or so.
As we got closer, we tuned the radio to Triple-M and listened to the breakfast show, which had us in stitches. They'd never be able to get away with most of the stuff they do if it was broadcast in the UK, but it was so funny. I'll never be able to take the film, The Worlds Fastest Indian seriously if I ever see it. At one point I thought we were in serious danger of crashing, Alicea was laughing so much!
Once we arrived in Melbourne, we went to the apartment booking office and booked into our apartment. Luckily, it was ready, so we dumped the luggage and then took the car back. The apartment is on the 34th floor and has a fantastic view across the city.
We then walked into Melbourne city centre, along South Bank. We did some shopping, and then jumped on a tram that took us to Lygon Street, where all the Italian restaurants are. By now, it was lunchtime so we popped into a restaurant where I had a pizza and Alicea had spaghetti bolognaise.
From there, we did some more shopping, before jumping on a tram to take us back to the main shopping area around Swanston Street. I wandered round the food hall in David Jones (a bit like the Harrod's food hall) and found Tiptree Jams and Maldon Sea salt!
After finishing this particular shopping spree, we popped back to the apartment for a rest, before venturing out for dinner. We walked to Federation Square, where we had a drink at one of the bars, before going to a great Chinese restaurant called BokChoy Tang. The food was really nice, and their was plenty of it.
On the way back we both grabbed an ice cream before returning back to the apartment for the night. Before going to bed, Alicea contacted Nikki to make arrangements to see her on Friday, and I connected my laptop up to the internet, and was surprised and pleased to find John online, so I could test my webcam out.
We got up at 5.45am as we had to drive to Melbourne this morning and arrive there by 10.30 to avoid having to pay an extra day's car hire. Saying goodbye to Mary was very hard, and we packed everything into the car and left around 6.45. I drove for about three quarters of the way to Melbourne, and Alicea took over for the last 50km or so.
As we got closer, we tuned the radio to Triple-M and listened to the breakfast show, which had us in stitches. They'd never be able to get away with most of the stuff they do if it was broadcast in the UK, but it was so funny. I'll never be able to take the film, The Worlds Fastest Indian seriously if I ever see it. At one point I thought we were in serious danger of crashing, Alicea was laughing so much!
Once we arrived in Melbourne, we went to the apartment booking office and booked into our apartment. Luckily, it was ready, so we dumped the luggage and then took the car back. The apartment is on the 34th floor and has a fantastic view across the city.
We then walked into Melbourne city centre, along South Bank. We did some shopping, and then jumped on a tram that took us to Lygon Street, where all the Italian restaurants are. By now, it was lunchtime so we popped into a restaurant where I had a pizza and Alicea had spaghetti bolognaise.
From there, we did some more shopping, before jumping on a tram to take us back to the main shopping area around Swanston Street. I wandered round the food hall in David Jones (a bit like the Harrod's food hall) and found Tiptree Jams and Maldon Sea salt!
After finishing this particular shopping spree, we popped back to the apartment for a rest, before venturing out for dinner. We walked to Federation Square, where we had a drink at one of the bars, before going to a great Chinese restaurant called BokChoy Tang. The food was really nice, and their was plenty of it.
On the way back we both grabbed an ice cream before returning back to the apartment for the night. Before going to bed, Alicea contacted Nikki to make arrangements to see her on Friday, and I connected my laptop up to the internet, and was surprised and pleased to find John online, so I could test my webcam out.
Australia 2006 - Last Day in Moama
Tuesday 18th April
Today is the last day with Mary and Ray before we head to Melbourne for the last few days of our holiday. After breakfast the girls went shopping in Echuca while Will dropped me off at the internet cafe for 30 minutes while he got some petrol and checked his car for his and Lauren's journey back to Adelaide.
Once he'd picked me up we went along to the outskirts of the town to where there were a few car dealerships. We took out a few cars for a test drive. Will took out a large Toyota jeep and a Toyota pickup and I took out a Rav4 and a Ford four wheel drive. Once we'd done that, we drove into town with the intention of having a pub lunch. We pulled up to park outside a cafe next to the pub and saw the girls eating at the cafe, so we joined them.
After eating, we popped back to the car dealership so that Will could show Lauren the jeep he had test driven. We then said our goodbyes to them and they left for Adelaide.
When we got back to the house, Mary showed me how she makes her shortbreads. I feel quite honoured to have been shown her 'secret' recipe as she said that her, Nick and now me are the only ones to know the recipe.
We then popped back into town and went to Big W, Coles and filled up with petrol ready for the journey to Melbourne tomorrow. For dinner I used up some of the stuff in the fridge and had a curry. After dinner, Michael phoned and chatted to Alicea – apparently he had tried to book a flight from Tasmania to Melbourne to meet up with us, but all the airlines were booked, which was a shame.
The rest of the evening was spent watching the tv before going to bed.
Today is the last day with Mary and Ray before we head to Melbourne for the last few days of our holiday. After breakfast the girls went shopping in Echuca while Will dropped me off at the internet cafe for 30 minutes while he got some petrol and checked his car for his and Lauren's journey back to Adelaide.
Once he'd picked me up we went along to the outskirts of the town to where there were a few car dealerships. We took out a few cars for a test drive. Will took out a large Toyota jeep and a Toyota pickup and I took out a Rav4 and a Ford four wheel drive. Once we'd done that, we drove into town with the intention of having a pub lunch. We pulled up to park outside a cafe next to the pub and saw the girls eating at the cafe, so we joined them.
After eating, we popped back to the car dealership so that Will could show Lauren the jeep he had test driven. We then said our goodbyes to them and they left for Adelaide.
When we got back to the house, Mary showed me how she makes her shortbreads. I feel quite honoured to have been shown her 'secret' recipe as she said that her, Nick and now me are the only ones to know the recipe.
We then popped back into town and went to Big W, Coles and filled up with petrol ready for the journey to Melbourne tomorrow. For dinner I used up some of the stuff in the fridge and had a curry. After dinner, Michael phoned and chatted to Alicea – apparently he had tried to book a flight from Tasmania to Melbourne to meet up with us, but all the airlines were booked, which was a shame.
The rest of the evening was spent watching the tv before going to bed.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Australia 2006 - Barmah Forest
Monday 17th April (Easter Monday)
Lauren and Will came round about 10ish and Lauren and Mary went shopping in Echuca. Alicea, Will and myself went to Barmah Forest, a large redgum forest about 30kms from Moama. It was really interesting wandering around the forest with Will as he is very knowledgable about wildlife etc. He found a small ant-lion nest to show us, and we saw a couple of fallen trees that had been used for shelter by kangaroos or wallabies. You could plainly see the tracks left by their tails.
We were hoping to see some goanas, but despite seeing marks on some trees where they had climbed them, we didn't see any of the animals themselves.
We stopped by the river and had some lunch, propping up redgum stumps for a table and chairs before driving through some sandy roads back to the main highway.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at Mary's and left around 5ish to meet with Lauren and Will for a drink at the Border Inn before meeting up with Mary and Ray for a meal. The meal was very nice, but the service was very poor, we had to clear our own table at one point and even summon a waitress for an adjacent table!
Once we left the Border, we went back to Mary's for the night.
Lauren and Will came round about 10ish and Lauren and Mary went shopping in Echuca. Alicea, Will and myself went to Barmah Forest, a large redgum forest about 30kms from Moama. It was really interesting wandering around the forest with Will as he is very knowledgable about wildlife etc. He found a small ant-lion nest to show us, and we saw a couple of fallen trees that had been used for shelter by kangaroos or wallabies. You could plainly see the tracks left by their tails.
We were hoping to see some goanas, but despite seeing marks on some trees where they had climbed them, we didn't see any of the animals themselves.
We stopped by the river and had some lunch, propping up redgum stumps for a table and chairs before driving through some sandy roads back to the main highway.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at Mary's and left around 5ish to meet with Lauren and Will for a drink at the Border Inn before meeting up with Mary and Ray for a meal. The meal was very nice, but the service was very poor, we had to clear our own table at one point and even summon a waitress for an adjacent table!
Once we left the Border, we went back to Mary's for the night.
Australia 2006 - Easter Barbie and Boats
Sunday 16th April (Easter Sunday)
Lauren and Will came around for breakfast – a nice fry up of eggs, mushies, tomatoes, bacon etc. I had my veggie bacon and sausages. Once breakfast was over and everything was cleared up, we went down to the “Soundshell” in Moama, where there was a market. The Soundshell is a small open air 'amphitheatre/bowl' where they hold local concerts etc. The market was a fair size and we spent a little time looking round it before heading back to Mary's for lunch. I didn't buy anything at the market, Alicea bought some novelty bra strap thingies.
For lunch, we had a bbq. I did some kebabs and some haloumi cheese and aubergine rolls. The others had ribs, sausages etc. I had my own electric bbq to cook all my stuff on. It was all rather nice and very filling. Nick popped in just after we'd finished eating for a chat. Once all the clearing up had been done, we had a fairly lazy afternoon chatting and watching Aussie Rules on tv. Mum phoned up around 17:20 – it was nice to hear from her and Dad.
Around 6ish, we left to pick Lauren and Will up from their hotel and we went to the port at Echuca, where they were having an Easter Festival on the wharf. We picked our spot on the front of the wharf and Alicea and Lauren went to get some chips for us to eat. Once they returned and it had begun to get dark we watched a sail past of all of the paddle steamers followed by a firework display.
It was a nice evening – the sail past was accompanied by a commentary telling the history of the boats and the fireworks ended the evening nicely. We left the port and dropped Lauren and Will back at their hotel, before going home to Mary's and to bed.
Lauren and Will came around for breakfast – a nice fry up of eggs, mushies, tomatoes, bacon etc. I had my veggie bacon and sausages. Once breakfast was over and everything was cleared up, we went down to the “Soundshell” in Moama, where there was a market. The Soundshell is a small open air 'amphitheatre/bowl' where they hold local concerts etc. The market was a fair size and we spent a little time looking round it before heading back to Mary's for lunch. I didn't buy anything at the market, Alicea bought some novelty bra strap thingies.
For lunch, we had a bbq. I did some kebabs and some haloumi cheese and aubergine rolls. The others had ribs, sausages etc. I had my own electric bbq to cook all my stuff on. It was all rather nice and very filling. Nick popped in just after we'd finished eating for a chat. Once all the clearing up had been done, we had a fairly lazy afternoon chatting and watching Aussie Rules on tv. Mum phoned up around 17:20 – it was nice to hear from her and Dad.
Around 6ish, we left to pick Lauren and Will up from their hotel and we went to the port at Echuca, where they were having an Easter Festival on the wharf. We picked our spot on the front of the wharf and Alicea and Lauren went to get some chips for us to eat. Once they returned and it had begun to get dark we watched a sail past of all of the paddle steamers followed by a firework display.
It was a nice evening – the sail past was accompanied by a commentary telling the history of the boats and the fireworks ended the evening nicely. We left the port and dropped Lauren and Will back at their hotel, before going home to Mary's and to bed.
Australia 2006 - Morrisons
Saturday 15th April
The plan this morning was for Alicea to drive Will's car around to their hotel and to pick them up. However, her and Ray couldn't get it started, so we had to go in our hire-car. It turned out that there was some security thing on their car that we weren't aware of.
We picked up Lauren and Will from their hotel and drove into Echuca where we did some shopping. I picked up a cookbook and Alicea went to see if her ring was ready and also got some Easter eggs. Then we met up with Lauren and Will in a coffee shop and popped into Safeways to get some supplies for tonight and for the bbq tomorrow. On the way back we double parked outside a wine store and Will pretended to check out under the car bonnet while Lauren bought some wine. Then we went back to Mary's and caught a taxi to Morrisons Winery where we were having lunch.
We started with a wine-tasting and we then had the meal. It was fabulous and the service was great. The waiter went through the menu with me, explaining that they could change the dishes if required, so I ordered a spaghetti with mushrooms where there should have been prawns. When it turned up there were loads of mushies of different sorts – it was great. The setting was great, it is on the banks of the Murray river and it was just a really nice meal. We then went back to Mary's for the afternoon and relaxed.
For dinner, we had some antipasti, and I cooked some fennel in cream and some eggplant with pesto and mozzarella. I also did some tamari seeds, which disappeared pretty quickly. The n we all sat and watched a cookery show called the Iron Chef. Its a Chinese/Japanese show dubbed by Americans and was really entertaining. Once that was over it was time for bed.
The plan this morning was for Alicea to drive Will's car around to their hotel and to pick them up. However, her and Ray couldn't get it started, so we had to go in our hire-car. It turned out that there was some security thing on their car that we weren't aware of.
We picked up Lauren and Will from their hotel and drove into Echuca where we did some shopping. I picked up a cookbook and Alicea went to see if her ring was ready and also got some Easter eggs. Then we met up with Lauren and Will in a coffee shop and popped into Safeways to get some supplies for tonight and for the bbq tomorrow. On the way back we double parked outside a wine store and Will pretended to check out under the car bonnet while Lauren bought some wine. Then we went back to Mary's and caught a taxi to Morrisons Winery where we were having lunch.
We started with a wine-tasting and we then had the meal. It was fabulous and the service was great. The waiter went through the menu with me, explaining that they could change the dishes if required, so I ordered a spaghetti with mushrooms where there should have been prawns. When it turned up there were loads of mushies of different sorts – it was great. The setting was great, it is on the banks of the Murray river and it was just a really nice meal. We then went back to Mary's for the afternoon and relaxed.
For dinner, we had some antipasti, and I cooked some fennel in cream and some eggplant with pesto and mozzarella. I also did some tamari seeds, which disappeared pretty quickly. The n we all sat and watched a cookery show called the Iron Chef. Its a Chinese/Japanese show dubbed by Americans and was really entertaining. Once that was over it was time for bed.
Australia 2006 - Aussie Rules
Friday 14th April (Good Friday)
Got up about 8.30 and had hot cross buns for breakfast. I rained quite hard last night and was threatening to rain all morning. After breakfast Alicea and I walked into Moama to a local bakery to buy some bread. The morning was fairly relaxed, and we popped out again to get some stuff for lunch and dinner. Lauren and Will arrived about noon and after lunch, Ray, Will and I went down the local sports club to watch Echuca and Moama play Aussie rules. Moama lost quite heavily (about 105 – 54 or similar) but despite this it was a great afternoon, drinking VB and chatting with Will and Ray. We returned to find all the girls watching a film, which we tried not to make comments through... and then we had dinner. Lauren and Will took a taxi back to their hotel later when the rest of us retired to bed.
Got up about 8.30 and had hot cross buns for breakfast. I rained quite hard last night and was threatening to rain all morning. After breakfast Alicea and I walked into Moama to a local bakery to buy some bread. The morning was fairly relaxed, and we popped out again to get some stuff for lunch and dinner. Lauren and Will arrived about noon and after lunch, Ray, Will and I went down the local sports club to watch Echuca and Moama play Aussie rules. Moama lost quite heavily (about 105 – 54 or similar) but despite this it was a great afternoon, drinking VB and chatting with Will and Ray. We returned to find all the girls watching a film, which we tried not to make comments through... and then we had dinner. Lauren and Will took a taxi back to their hotel later when the rest of us retired to bed.
Australia 2006 - Long Drive
Thursday 13th April
Alicea, Mary and I went to a place in the old port in Echuca for breakfast called Wistaria. We all had omelettes, mine was spring onion and mushroom and, as it has been everywhere, asking for something off-menu was no problem.
After breakfast I went to the internet cafe, where I updated my blogs and checked my email. Alicea and Mary went into the town to do some shopping. We met up after an hour or so for coffee and then dropped Mary back home while Alicea and I decided what to do for the afternoon.
The original plan was to go to Bendigo and maybe go down a gold mine, but we decided to head for a small town called Barmah instead. It was pretty small, so small in fact that we had driven through it before we knew it. So, we decided to head towards the city of Shepparton.
It was a long and boring drive along about 60 so kilometres of straight roads. Once we got there we parked and wandered around for an hour or so. Shepparton is a fair size but is pretty unremarkable. In retrospect, given the distances we drove, I wish we had gone to Bendigo, as it looks to have a lot more character. We drove the boring drive back to Moama where we picked up Mary and Ray as we are taking them out for dinner in Echuca.
We went to a place called the Harvest Hotel in Echuca for dinner. The food was okay, and once again there was no problem with me juggling the menu around. The only downside of the meal was the mashed potato which tasted suspiciously like powdered potato.
From there we went back to Mary's for the night.
Alicea, Mary and I went to a place in the old port in Echuca for breakfast called Wistaria. We all had omelettes, mine was spring onion and mushroom and, as it has been everywhere, asking for something off-menu was no problem.
After breakfast I went to the internet cafe, where I updated my blogs and checked my email. Alicea and Mary went into the town to do some shopping. We met up after an hour or so for coffee and then dropped Mary back home while Alicea and I decided what to do for the afternoon.
The original plan was to go to Bendigo and maybe go down a gold mine, but we decided to head for a small town called Barmah instead. It was pretty small, so small in fact that we had driven through it before we knew it. So, we decided to head towards the city of Shepparton.
It was a long and boring drive along about 60 so kilometres of straight roads. Once we got there we parked and wandered around for an hour or so. Shepparton is a fair size but is pretty unremarkable. In retrospect, given the distances we drove, I wish we had gone to Bendigo, as it looks to have a lot more character. We drove the boring drive back to Moama where we picked up Mary and Ray as we are taking them out for dinner in Echuca.
We went to a place called the Harvest Hotel in Echuca for dinner. The food was okay, and once again there was no problem with me juggling the menu around. The only downside of the meal was the mashed potato which tasted suspiciously like powdered potato.
From there we went back to Mary's for the night.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Australia 2006 - A Trip to Maldon
Wednesday 12th April.
After breakfast we left to go to Maldon, a small town in the Gold-Mining area. We passed through Bendigo, and arrived in Maldon around 11.30. Its a great little town, but I can't help thinking that it could be much better with a lick of paint and a few more shops selling local produce etc.
We had a cheese scone and a drink and then walked around the town. There are a couple of nice little shops there, and an awful lot selling second hand books, antiques, nik-naks etc and much of the stuff in these shops is pretty awful. At one end of the town is a 'gnome factory' which is fairly awful. The quality of the stuff you can buy there looked mediocre to say the least. There was also a pretty rank Christmas shop there. Unfortunately the vintage motorcycle museum was shut, which was a shame as it looked really good through the window.
We then went back to the same place where we had coffee and we had lunch. I had a teryaki rosti and Alicea had vegetable samosas. Both were very nice.
After we left there, we went to the Goldfields Railway, which is a steam train that runs from Maldon to Castlemaine.
Alicea, not being a train bore like me, drove to Castlemaine with Mary while I took the trip on the train. It was pretty good.
At one point, I thought it had broken down as the train stopped for five minutes or so as it reached the crest of a hill. Apparently, they were pumping water into the boiler so that when the loco headed downhill the water didn't run away from the boiler.
I met up with Alicea and Mary at Castlemaine, and after I watched the train turn around on the turntable, I joined them in the car and we drove back to Moama, via the shops.
After breakfast we left to go to Maldon, a small town in the Gold-Mining area. We passed through Bendigo, and arrived in Maldon around 11.30. Its a great little town, but I can't help thinking that it could be much better with a lick of paint and a few more shops selling local produce etc.
We had a cheese scone and a drink and then walked around the town. There are a couple of nice little shops there, and an awful lot selling second hand books, antiques, nik-naks etc and much of the stuff in these shops is pretty awful. At one end of the town is a 'gnome factory' which is fairly awful. The quality of the stuff you can buy there looked mediocre to say the least. There was also a pretty rank Christmas shop there. Unfortunately the vintage motorcycle museum was shut, which was a shame as it looked really good through the window.
We then went back to the same place where we had coffee and we had lunch. I had a teryaki rosti and Alicea had vegetable samosas. Both were very nice.
After we left there, we went to the Goldfields Railway, which is a steam train that runs from Maldon to Castlemaine.
Alicea, not being a train bore like me, drove to Castlemaine with Mary while I took the trip on the train. It was pretty good.
At one point, I thought it had broken down as the train stopped for five minutes or so as it reached the crest of a hill. Apparently, they were pumping water into the boiler so that when the loco headed downhill the water didn't run away from the boiler.
I met up with Alicea and Mary at Castlemaine, and after I watched the train turn around on the turntable, I joined them in the car and we drove back to Moama, via the shops.
Australia 2006 - Paddlesteamers
Tuesday 11th April
I slept better last night and we had crumpets for breakfast.
We popped into Echuca and booked a ride on one of the paddle-steamers for the afternoon. The guy that sold us the tickets knew of Kent in the UK and spoke of 'two oaks' meaning Sevenoaks and the 87 storms. We also popped into a juice bar and had a smoothie each, before driving to see Nick and Natalie's place.
Their place is quite nice, but is in the middle of nowhere. They are doing a lot of work on it and Nat's family were over helping build a pen for the dogs as well as doing other stuff. We spent about an hour or so there before leaving for Echuca once more.
At Echuca, we parked at the port and had some lunch at the Star restaurant. We had sandwiches and some chips and wedges.
Then we had a quick look around the wharf before boarding the PS Pevensey for a leisurely cruise along the River Murray. It was nice and relaxing and the scenery was great.
After the cruise we had a quick look around some of the other buildings, including an underground bar and tunnel where the locals used to escape from the police when drinking.
After that we brought a few bits at the local shops before returning back to Mary's where I cooked myself a courgette and pumpkin risotto and Alicea had stew on toast which, apparently, is one of her favourites.
Australia 2006 - Echuca
Monday 10th April
I slept in two halves. Despite having some indigestion – I was so full after the meal - I fell asleep fairly shortly after going to bed, but woke up around 2ish and then took a couple of hours to get off again. I heard Ray leave for work somewhere around 3.30 and I must've fallen asleep sometime after that, as the next I knew, it was 8 o'clock.
I got up and cooked some pancakes for brekky as Mary had made a mix up although, to be honest I am still full from the meal last night.
Alicea, Mary and myself drove into Echuca and went shopping at Coles where we bought some food for dinner tonight and the barbecue that Mary is having at the weekend.
Once we had returned to the car, we drove to the old Port part of Echuca which has all the historical buildings. We wandered around a redgum furniture place – there was a fantastic table and a magnificent breakfast bar there – before going to a couple of places to do some wine tasting. We bought a nice Merlot to accompany tonight's dinner and a white port, which was really nice. I also bought some nice olive oil from one of the places that press their own. On the way back to the car, we popped into a fish & chip shop where Alicea had some Dim Sims. From there we went back to Mary's and then popped out briefly to drop some dry cleaning off and have a quick look around the nearby Safeways where I managed to pick up some veggie bacon. The current quest is to find some vegetable suet as it seems to be fairly unknown here, and Mary is going to make some syrup dumplings.
Once back at the house we cooked our dinners. Mary had done herself and Ray some lamb cutlets and Alicea made herself some Spaghetti Bolognaise. I made papardelle with zuccini and chilli.
After dinner we sat down and began to watch the TV, but we were both still tired, so around 8.30pm we decided to retire to bed.
Australia 2006 - Arrival
Sunday 9th April
We awoke and breakfasted at the Hilton around 10ish. After checking out we picked the car up from Budget and began our trip to Moama to see Alicea's mum and Ray. The car is a Nissan Pulsar and has cruise control, which is a bonus when you are driving long distance and have to watch the speed limit.
After an initial mistake, where we missed a couple of turn offs, we were on the road to Echuca and Moama. We stopped at a small town to go to the loo, but other than that it was a straight though drive and we arrived at Mary's around about 2.3ish.
Their new house is really nice. It's spacious and really well laid out. Our bedroom is a good size and the bed is very comfy.
We sat around for the best part of the afternoon chatting with Mary, Ray and Nick (Alicea's nephew) and it really feels like we've never been away. It was good chatting to Nick. He's a chef at a local restaurant and we spent quite some time talking about food. He's quite keen on getting a better knowledge of vegetarian food and has asked me to send him some recipes when I get back.
In the evening we went into Moama and ate at the Border Inn Hotel, which is where Nick chef's, although tonight it was his night off. The food was very nice – and the gnocci was the best I've had for a long time. After eating we went back to Mary's where we watched CSI before going to bed.
We awoke and breakfasted at the Hilton around 10ish. After checking out we picked the car up from Budget and began our trip to Moama to see Alicea's mum and Ray. The car is a Nissan Pulsar and has cruise control, which is a bonus when you are driving long distance and have to watch the speed limit.
After an initial mistake, where we missed a couple of turn offs, we were on the road to Echuca and Moama. We stopped at a small town to go to the loo, but other than that it was a straight though drive and we arrived at Mary's around about 2.3ish.
Their new house is really nice. It's spacious and really well laid out. Our bedroom is a good size and the bed is very comfy.
We sat around for the best part of the afternoon chatting with Mary, Ray and Nick (Alicea's nephew) and it really feels like we've never been away. It was good chatting to Nick. He's a chef at a local restaurant and we spent quite some time talking about food. He's quite keen on getting a better knowledge of vegetarian food and has asked me to send him some recipes when I get back.
In the evening we went into Moama and ate at the Border Inn Hotel, which is where Nick chef's, although tonight it was his night off. The food was very nice – and the gnocci was the best I've had for a long time. After eating we went back to Mary's where we watched CSI before going to bed.
Australia 2006 - Getting There
Saturday 8th April
We landed at Singapore more or less on time. Apart from the stewards forgetting my food, the flight was straighforward and fairly smooth. The planes have outside cameras which let you watch the take off and landing or what you are flying over, which is quite fun. We only had about half an hour at Singapore, so we rushed around duty free where Alicea bought herself a gold charm.
The flight was a bit late taking off, which meant we were around half an hour late landing at Melbourne. I was really pleased that we had booked into the Hilton Hotel opposite the airport as we were able to have a shower and fall into bed vitually straight away after we had cleared customs.
We landed at Singapore more or less on time. Apart from the stewards forgetting my food, the flight was straighforward and fairly smooth. The planes have outside cameras which let you watch the take off and landing or what you are flying over, which is quite fun. We only had about half an hour at Singapore, so we rushed around duty free where Alicea bought herself a gold charm.
The flight was a bit late taking off, which meant we were around half an hour late landing at Melbourne. I was really pleased that we had booked into the Hilton Hotel opposite the airport as we were able to have a shower and fall into bed vitually straight away after we had cleared customs.
Australia 2006 - On the Way
Friday 7th April
The taxi picked us up just before 10am and dropped us at Edenbridge station. The train was on time and got to Gatwick nice and early, enabling us to check in and have something to eat. The flight to Dubai was fairly uneventful and we had a couple of hours at Dubai airport to look around.
The taxi picked us up just before 10am and dropped us at Edenbridge station. The train was on time and got to Gatwick nice and early, enabling us to check in and have something to eat. The flight to Dubai was fairly uneventful and we had a couple of hours at Dubai airport to look around.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Getting Married - Back Home
We woke and went down for breakfast, where I had porridge followed by scrambled eggs, mushrooms and a potato cake.
Then we went back to the room to collect the bags before checking out. The express checkout form they had pushed under the door had missed off last night's restaurant bill, so I queried it. They had removed it from our bill for some reason as it looked as though there had been a mix up and we were charged another room's dinner.
Once we'd paid we drove back to the airport. Once there we dropped the hire-car keys off and checked in.
The flight back was on time and uneventful, and we arrived back home at about 1.45pm to find our marriage certificate and a new bank card for Alicea awaiting.
Then we went back to the room to collect the bags before checking out. The express checkout form they had pushed under the door had missed off last night's restaurant bill, so I queried it. They had removed it from our bill for some reason as it looked as though there had been a mix up and we were charged another room's dinner.
Once we'd paid we drove back to the airport. Once there we dropped the hire-car keys off and checked in.
The flight back was on time and uneventful, and we arrived back home at about 1.45pm to find our marriage certificate and a new bank card for Alicea awaiting.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Getting Married - All Done
We woke and went to the dining room for breakfast. Then, after we had packed we took the cases to the car. On the way we met an artist who was unloading his pictures for an exhibition. We liked a couple of the pictures and arranged to buy one of Culzean Castle at winter time. The offices to the castle were closed so we couldn't pay our bill, so we had a wander around the grounds, taking a few pictures before we went into Ayr to take my suit back. While I was there I also bought a coat.
From there we drove to Burns' cottage where Robert Burns was born. We looked around the museum, and the cottage itself before going back to Culzean to pay and to pick up the picture. We also got a couple of extra brochures of the castle to give to our families.
Once we had paid and said our goodbyes to David Heron, the castle manager, and Gordon, we had a quick chat with the artist and made our way to Turnberry.
We booked in to find that we had been upgraded to an ocean view room. The room wasn't quite ready so we went across to the spa centre and had a drink and a bite to eat. Alicea booked in for a facial and I waited until about three o'clock before returning to the hotel to get our keys.
The room was lovely and had a magnificent view over the golf course to the sea. There was also a bottle of champagne, flowers, chocolates and a card of congratulations waiting for us. The porter delivered the bags and I sat and waited for Alicea.
I popped down to the car for something and met Alicea in the car park as she returned from her facial.
"What's the room like," she asked.
I told her it was a bit small, trying to keep a straight face. When we got to the room, I had shut the door between the main door and the room itself.
"See, this is it," I said.
She called me some names and opened the door to the room.
We were both very pleased with the room and opened the champagne. We each had a bath and got ready for the evening meal. Before going to dinner we popped down to the hotel shop and then across to the pro-shop to get some presents.
Then we went to one of the bars in the restaurant, the Ailsa Bar where Alicea had a wine and I had a scotch. Then we went to the restaurant. We had both dressed up, Alicea in a lovely black dress and myself in a suit. The food was nice, although the main course I had, poached asparagus, was disappointing as it was little more than a clear soup with a few sticks of asparagus floating in it. Also, there was a mix up with my desert that meant it was late arriving. Other than that, the meal was very nice.
Once the meal was finished, we went to bed.
From there we drove to Burns' cottage where Robert Burns was born. We looked around the museum, and the cottage itself before going back to Culzean to pay and to pick up the picture. We also got a couple of extra brochures of the castle to give to our families.
Once we had paid and said our goodbyes to David Heron, the castle manager, and Gordon, we had a quick chat with the artist and made our way to Turnberry.
We booked in to find that we had been upgraded to an ocean view room. The room wasn't quite ready so we went across to the spa centre and had a drink and a bite to eat. Alicea booked in for a facial and I waited until about three o'clock before returning to the hotel to get our keys.
The room was lovely and had a magnificent view over the golf course to the sea. There was also a bottle of champagne, flowers, chocolates and a card of congratulations waiting for us. The porter delivered the bags and I sat and waited for Alicea.
I popped down to the car for something and met Alicea in the car park as she returned from her facial.
"What's the room like," she asked.
I told her it was a bit small, trying to keep a straight face. When we got to the room, I had shut the door between the main door and the room itself.
"See, this is it," I said.
She called me some names and opened the door to the room.
We were both very pleased with the room and opened the champagne. We each had a bath and got ready for the evening meal. Before going to dinner we popped down to the hotel shop and then across to the pro-shop to get some presents.
Then we went to one of the bars in the restaurant, the Ailsa Bar where Alicea had a wine and I had a scotch. Then we went to the restaurant. We had both dressed up, Alicea in a lovely black dress and myself in a suit. The food was nice, although the main course I had, poached asparagus, was disappointing as it was little more than a clear soup with a few sticks of asparagus floating in it. Also, there was a mix up with my desert that meant it was late arriving. Other than that, the meal was very nice.
Once the meal was finished, we went to bed.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Getting Married - Wedding Day
Just Married
The big day!
We awoke and went down for breakfast to find that Caroline and Iain had got us a card and present for our wedding day. How lovely. It was amazingly nice of them. It was a wooden picture frame. We made arrangements to leave the dress and my suit there until we needed them after lunch and the, after breakfast, we walked into Ayr so that Alicea could get her hair and make-up done.
While she was doing that, I wandered around the town, returning to the B&B around midday. Alicea phoned shortly after to say she was done and I went to pick her up. We returned to the B&B to pay and say our goodbyes and got big cuddles from Caroline, the landlady. We then left for Troon where we had to pick the flowers up. That done, we drove to Culzean, stopping en-route to get some hairspray. The weather was staying dry, but getting very windy.
We arrived at Culzean and were met by Gordon who informed me that he was to be my best man. We were shown up to the Eisenhower apartment and given a quick tour by Kelly Jo, who was arranging afternoon tea and dinner for the evening. I then got changed and went to wait in the drawing room where an afternoon cream tea and cakes was waiting for us. After eating some scones, jam and cream Alicea went back to the bedroom to get changed.
Denise, the registrar, and Robert, the photographer arrived, along with Isabelle who was to be our other witness. Gordon is quite a character and along with Robert and Denise kept the banter light and relaxed while we waited for Alicea. At one point Denise even ended up doing an impression of the Monty Python knights 'galloping'.
At 4pm, Alicea arrived looking absolutely beautiful and the ceremony began. I was quite nervous and concentrated on getting my words right, all the time thinking how wonderful my bride looked. Alicea was quite nervous too I think as she got my forenames around the wrong way, but quickly corrected herself. Once we were pronounced husband and wife Alicea's eyes filled with tears (of happiness I hope) and I gave her a big kiss. Robert had been taking pictures throughout the ceremony but to be honest I'd hardly noticed as he kept out of the way. We signed the register, had some photos with Gordon, Isabelle and Denise and it was time for Robert to do his stuff.
I was really pleased that we picked Robert to do the photos, as he new the castle very well and also knew the people that ran it. This meant that he knew the best locations to take the photos and also managed to get into other parts of the castle. We had quite a few pictures taken outside, but it started to rain before we had a chance to go to the beach to have some pictures taken there. Once Robert had finished, he left and we then had some time to relax before dinner was served.
We had a drink - Alicea had a gin & tonic and I had a whisky - and we decided to phone our parents. They were all thrilled with the news. We put some music on the CD player and had a dance, but the player kept switching itself off.
At around 7.30 we went into the dining room where we were served Cheese Souffle and Stuffed Peppers for starters (which we shared) Alicea had Sea Bass and I had Vegetable Pie for main and a chocolate torte for sweet. This was accompanied by wine.
Once we had finished dinner we sat in the lounge for a while, in front of the fire that they had lit. By this time, we were on our own in the castle. There was a weird moment when the door opened and nobody came in – perhaps the castle has a ghost!
After the fire had started to die down, we went to bed.
Getting Married - Settling In
We both had a fairly big breakfast and after another chat with Caroline we left for airport to get my name added to the car so I could drive it.
Today we had to see the registrar and the photographer. We were both a little apprehensive about seeing the registrar as we weren't sure whether Alicea's visa requirements were correct for her to get married. We arrived at the registrars and spoke to Denise Mackay who was going to carry out the ceremony. She was really nice and went through all the ceremony etc and chatted about Culzean. She didn't mention the visa, so neither did we. Once we were back in the car, Alicea said that we ought to speak to her about it, just in case, so we went back in and she took a photocopy of Alicea's passport, but said that as we had booked the wedding before February it shouldn't matter. That done we went to visit Robert Clark, the photographer.
Robert is a really friendly guy who has done loads of weddings at Culzean so we felt really happy with our choice once we left him.
We then parked back at the B&B and walked to the station where we caught a train into Glasgow to have a look around and do some shopping and get Alicea's wedding ring cleaned. She also got a manicure. Glasgow didn't have the same effect on me as Edinburgh, it seems quite industrial and dreary, but the afternoon was pleasant enough and we had lunch at TGI Friday's before catching the train back to Ayr. We ate in an Italian restaurant called Cecchini's, which was very nice, before returning to the B&B for the night.
Today we had to see the registrar and the photographer. We were both a little apprehensive about seeing the registrar as we weren't sure whether Alicea's visa requirements were correct for her to get married. We arrived at the registrars and spoke to Denise Mackay who was going to carry out the ceremony. She was really nice and went through all the ceremony etc and chatted about Culzean. She didn't mention the visa, so neither did we. Once we were back in the car, Alicea said that we ought to speak to her about it, just in case, so we went back in and she took a photocopy of Alicea's passport, but said that as we had booked the wedding before February it shouldn't matter. That done we went to visit Robert Clark, the photographer.
Robert is a really friendly guy who has done loads of weddings at Culzean so we felt really happy with our choice once we left him.
We then parked back at the B&B and walked to the station where we caught a train into Glasgow to have a look around and do some shopping and get Alicea's wedding ring cleaned. She also got a manicure. Glasgow didn't have the same effect on me as Edinburgh, it seems quite industrial and dreary, but the afternoon was pleasant enough and we had lunch at TGI Friday's before catching the train back to Ayr. We ate in an Italian restaurant called Cecchini's, which was very nice, before returning to the B&B for the night.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Getting Married - Arrival in Scotland
Having packed the night before, we left for Stansted about 6am. We arrived in plenty of time, parked and made our way to the terminal and booked in at the Ryanair desk. We then went to Ponti's where Alicea had a bacon baguette and some coffee and I had an orange juice. Once that was finished we popped to the cash machines. Alicea put her card into the machine, typed her PIN in and the machine switched itself off and rebooted, retaining Alicea's card. She was not happy as she now had no cash of her own to use. She spoke to the man at the Travelex kiosk where the machines were located, but he had no way to retrieve the card. However, he did give us a customer services phone number from where Alicea obtained the number she needed to contact HSBC. Once through passport control we made our way to the departure gate where Alicea spoke to HSBC. They weren't an awful lot of help and just said that they would post the card back.
We boarded the plane and it took off on time. The flight was uneventful, except that Alicea kept getting kicked in the back by the child in the seat behind.
We landed at Prestwick ten minutes early. While I waited for the cases Alicea went to the bureau de change to change some of her Polish and Czech money to sterling. Once she returned we went to the Hertz kiosk to pick up the rental car. I hadn't brought the paper part of my license so couldn't drive until they could verify my details with DVLA, which would be tomorrow.
We picked up the car and drove to the B&B. We had arrived quite early but the room was ready, so we dropped off our bags and walked into Ayr town centre to pick up my suit from Slater's hire shop. All of the measurements had been faxed to them so I hoped that I'd got them right. As it was, the suit fitted perfectly and I bought a shirt and a couple of ties before we went for a wander round Ayr looking for somewhere to have lunch. First of all we popped into a Wetherspoons, but they had no electricity in the kitchens so half the menu wasn't available. We then found a place on the way back to the B&B where we had a soup (I had mushroom - yummy, and Alicea had tomato and coriander) followed by a risotto for me and chicken for Alicea and we shared a bowl of chips.
We the drove down to Culzean to have a look at the castle grounds. On the way we stopped at Electric Brae, a place where the lie of the land makes it look as though the road is going uphill, when in fact it is going downhill. We pulled up in the layby and spent five minutes with the brakes off, gently rolling 'uphill'! We arrived at Culzean after the restaurant and shops had closed so we had a quick look around before making our way to Turnberry to look at the hotel we would be staying in on Wednesday.
We then went back to the B&B to relax and have a bath before going out to find somewhere to have dinner. The B&B was really nice and we stated chatting to Caroline, who owned the place with her husband Iain. She recommended a place called Ellisland to eat which was just around the corner. We decided to try it and were glad we did as the food was lovely and it was very reasonably priced. We discovered this was because they'd left a couple of items off of the bill, so we got them to rectify it, but it was still reasonable. The food was very nice too, especially the sticky toffee pudding! We were also taken with the pictures they had in the restaurant by someone whose signature looked like Hagen, or Hayden, so we're going to try and find out if we can get a print of one of the pictures.
After the meal we made our way back to the B&B for the night.
We boarded the plane and it took off on time. The flight was uneventful, except that Alicea kept getting kicked in the back by the child in the seat behind.
We landed at Prestwick ten minutes early. While I waited for the cases Alicea went to the bureau de change to change some of her Polish and Czech money to sterling. Once she returned we went to the Hertz kiosk to pick up the rental car. I hadn't brought the paper part of my license so couldn't drive until they could verify my details with DVLA, which would be tomorrow.
We picked up the car and drove to the B&B. We had arrived quite early but the room was ready, so we dropped off our bags and walked into Ayr town centre to pick up my suit from Slater's hire shop. All of the measurements had been faxed to them so I hoped that I'd got them right. As it was, the suit fitted perfectly and I bought a shirt and a couple of ties before we went for a wander round Ayr looking for somewhere to have lunch. First of all we popped into a Wetherspoons, but they had no electricity in the kitchens so half the menu wasn't available. We then found a place on the way back to the B&B where we had a soup (I had mushroom - yummy, and Alicea had tomato and coriander) followed by a risotto for me and chicken for Alicea and we shared a bowl of chips.
We the drove down to Culzean to have a look at the castle grounds. On the way we stopped at Electric Brae, a place where the lie of the land makes it look as though the road is going uphill, when in fact it is going downhill. We pulled up in the layby and spent five minutes with the brakes off, gently rolling 'uphill'! We arrived at Culzean after the restaurant and shops had closed so we had a quick look around before making our way to Turnberry to look at the hotel we would be staying in on Wednesday.
We then went back to the B&B to relax and have a bath before going out to find somewhere to have dinner. The B&B was really nice and we stated chatting to Caroline, who owned the place with her husband Iain. She recommended a place called Ellisland to eat which was just around the corner. We decided to try it and were glad we did as the food was lovely and it was very reasonably priced. We discovered this was because they'd left a couple of items off of the bill, so we got them to rectify it, but it was still reasonable. The food was very nice too, especially the sticky toffee pudding! We were also taken with the pictures they had in the restaurant by someone whose signature looked like Hagen, or Hayden, so we're going to try and find out if we can get a print of one of the pictures.
After the meal we made our way back to the B&B for the night.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Weekend Woes
Well, I've been pretty busy with other things this weekend. Saturday was filled with jobs around the house and shopping, and today we went to see the Tin-Tin exhibition at Greenwich before Alicea goes off to Oz.
However, I have now got a couple of hours to have a last fling now, before I go back to work, so we'll see how I go. Overall, I'm please I hit the 20k, I feel that I'm well on my way now, and my previous estimate of fifteen years to finish this thing can now be revised quite a bit!
However, I have now got a couple of hours to have a last fling now, before I go back to work, so we'll see how I go. Overall, I'm please I hit the 20k, I feel that I'm well on my way now, and my previous estimate of fifteen years to finish this thing can now be revised quite a bit!
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Writing On...
Just finished watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics - it was very impressive.
Today, I have mostly been writing "Back Story" and it seems to be coming together okay. I've now hit my target of 20k words and would like to add another 5k before over the weekend before I return to work on Monday. I'm not sure how realistic this is, as we've a few jobs and outings planned that will take a lot of the available writing time, but you never know.
Once I hit the 25k, I feel I wil have broken the back of it and it will be plain sailing to the end... Here's hopin'
Today, I have mostly been writing "Back Story" and it seems to be coming together okay. I've now hit my target of 20k words and would like to add another 5k before over the weekend before I return to work on Monday. I'm not sure how realistic this is, as we've a few jobs and outings planned that will take a lot of the available writing time, but you never know.
Once I hit the 25k, I feel I wil have broken the back of it and it will be plain sailing to the end... Here's hopin'
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