So we finally got on the train. Not our train but the train before. Our train the 7 15p.m. was going to be even later so we got on the 6 15 which was already 55 minutes late. We were then confronted by a French couple as we were in there seats. They decided it didn’t matter and took two seats across from us. Next to them was an incredibly shy French boy of about 14 and they were joined by a brash American woman who was living in Amsterdam. As we finally got going we all listened willingly or unwillingly to the Americans tale of her trip from Amsterdam that had taken all day, she was off to meet a friend for dinner before the friend left Paris the next morning. As the trip continued we all exchanged friendly conversation and the Belgium beer flowed thanks to our new French friends. The group were keep entertained by the nimble fingered French boy who made fantastic origami before departing to find his parents elsewhere in the carriage. Next to depart was the stressed out American. Our train was growing later and later so she was in danger of missing her dinner date which did little for her mood. She arranged with the French man to carry her heavier suitcase when the train finished. Off she went and the rest of us were left to puzzle over her actions, not for the last time this night.
Finally a little over two hours late we got to Paris Gard de Nord, one of the world’s great stations. Off we got with the French couple and the crazy ladies suitcase. The French couple decided that they would go to collect some reinbursment once they had dropped off the suitcase. They invited us to join them and it seemed like a good idea after the long ride. Problem, no crazy lady. 15 minutes of searching the station later and we still hadn’t found her. Finally she appeared like a whirlwind ranting that he hadn’t understood her and he should have been at the taxi stand (please bear in mind there is one at every exit of this station). Finally with no reinbursment, but at 11:30 we bid farewell to our best friends of the last 4 hours. It’s a strange old world when you end the night kissing the cheek of the person whose seat you stole, but that was the case on the night we travelled from Brussels to Paris.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Waffles, Chocolates and Frites
We were a little alarmed as we took off from Faro airport only to discover we were heading from 19 degrees to 0. The news got worse as we were told we wouldn’t be landing as the snow was too bad, snow what snow, we’d been walking around in t shirts just a couple of hours ago.
Having experienced a diversion from Bristol to Birmingham when we returned from Blefast we braced ourself for the bad news, but shock horror it didn’t come. Instead came the joyus news we were going to land, or at least attempt to land. We weren’t to sure about the whole idea of attempting to land but that was the pilots call and there was little we could do about it.
What followed through the blustering snow was the smoothest landing we had experienced with Ryanair.
Unfortunitly the drama was not over for the night. The next two hours were spent in freezing conditions waiting outside Charleroi Airport. Taxis pick and choose at theis time and despite assurances one driver would be back in five minutes, we were not the chosen ones on this night. Finally we got a taxi and heading the five minute ride to Charleroi Airport Hotel. 23 euro later we were there, can anyone say rip off. Apparently the driver could when Prue collected a taxi slip from the hotel meaning we didn’t pay. Add to that the fact the hotel were apologetic for the hassle, so they gave us complimentary breakfasts. Finally at 2 a.m. we rolled into our spacious bed. The next day we headed to the train and off to Brussels. Finally we had some snow to play in. Yay. Cold hands boo.
Brussels is a great city and the metro is an easy way to get around it, although we never quite mastered the validating tickets so I think we got a few rides free. The grand plaza was magnificent, Mannekin Pis was amazing, although Maddy was a little disappointed it wasn’t bigger, and the Christmas markets were a joy to experience. But the real highlight of the trip was undoubtably, Ice Skating. At the beginning Joseph showed how adaptable he was by skating away from the rest of us, before the hour was done, Prue and Maddy had also mastered the art of skating. Sadly I did not gain the same level of proficiency. As Joseph will testify my arms flapped as I struggled to remain standing. On some occasions I was successful such as when I hit Joseph across the chest as he came to my aid, however on other occasions I got up close and personal with the ice. We all loved it and Maddy in particular would love to go again. After this both kids went sleighing and then it was time to experience the Belgium delicacies, frites, chocolates and waffles. The frites were the undoubted stars, chocolates pleased the sweet toothes amongst us, while the waffles met mixed reviews. All in all it was a great four days which only culminated when we borded the fast train for Paris, 1 hour late because of snow on the tracks!
Having experienced a diversion from Bristol to Birmingham when we returned from Blefast we braced ourself for the bad news, but shock horror it didn’t come. Instead came the joyus news we were going to land, or at least attempt to land. We weren’t to sure about the whole idea of attempting to land but that was the pilots call and there was little we could do about it.
What followed through the blustering snow was the smoothest landing we had experienced with Ryanair.
Unfortunitly the drama was not over for the night. The next two hours were spent in freezing conditions waiting outside Charleroi Airport. Taxis pick and choose at theis time and despite assurances one driver would be back in five minutes, we were not the chosen ones on this night. Finally we got a taxi and heading the five minute ride to Charleroi Airport Hotel. 23 euro later we were there, can anyone say rip off. Apparently the driver could when Prue collected a taxi slip from the hotel meaning we didn’t pay. Add to that the fact the hotel were apologetic for the hassle, so they gave us complimentary breakfasts. Finally at 2 a.m. we rolled into our spacious bed. The next day we headed to the train and off to Brussels. Finally we had some snow to play in. Yay. Cold hands boo.
Brussels is a great city and the metro is an easy way to get around it, although we never quite mastered the validating tickets so I think we got a few rides free. The grand plaza was magnificent, Mannekin Pis was amazing, although Maddy was a little disappointed it wasn’t bigger, and the Christmas markets were a joy to experience. But the real highlight of the trip was undoubtably, Ice Skating. At the beginning Joseph showed how adaptable he was by skating away from the rest of us, before the hour was done, Prue and Maddy had also mastered the art of skating. Sadly I did not gain the same level of proficiency. As Joseph will testify my arms flapped as I struggled to remain standing. On some occasions I was successful such as when I hit Joseph across the chest as he came to my aid, however on other occasions I got up close and personal with the ice. We all loved it and Maddy in particular would love to go again. After this both kids went sleighing and then it was time to experience the Belgium delicacies, frites, chocolates and waffles. The frites were the undoubted stars, chocolates pleased the sweet toothes amongst us, while the waffles met mixed reviews. All in all it was a great four days which only culminated when we borded the fast train for Paris, 1 hour late because of snow on the tracks!
Seville
It wasn’t on our itinerary, but when we found out we could make a day trip to Seville for a paltry 16 euro per person we jumped at the chance. It was only three hours to get to the most beautiful Plaza de Espana. Scenes from Laurence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode two were shot at this majestic setting. After a short bus ride we were at our next destination, the world’s largest cathedral (Seville Cathedral). Words and pictures cannot begin to do this justice because the size a beauty were unbelievable but it was breathtaking to stand in the treasury and see the most gold you could lay your eyes on this side of El Dorado. Seville Cathedral is also home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and it was a wonderfully strange experience to stand in the presence of the legendary explorer. As Joseph mentioned we seeing an awful lot of things relevant to things we’ve heard about. A trip to the cathedral is not complete without climbing the grand tower. This is the only part of the cathedral that has been retained from the original mosque when it was taken over by the Catholics. There are no stairs in the tower, just 35 inclined ramps, leading to the peak. This is because people used to ride horses up to the top. At about ramp 20 we began to think there was something in this and began to look for a stray pony, but alas none were to be found. Physical discomforts aside, the views across Seville were amazing and it was well worth the effort to get to the top.
Upon leaving the cathedral it was time for food. Joseph and Maddy hit the local pastries with gusto while it would be pointless to be in Spain without sampling the local food. As our guide Victor said, “gastronomy is part of travel”. With this in mind we visited a Spanish restaurant and ordered a tapa of paella. It was delicious and very reasonable at just 2:50. It would have been impossible to eat a full sized dish so this proved a great choice. Finally there was a chance to hit the shops, a find some Spanish tiles before embarking on the ride back to Albufeira. It seemed to fly by in the dark, probably as we were all a bit tired. What a great day and an unexpected bonus to our trip.
Upon leaving the cathedral it was time for food. Joseph and Maddy hit the local pastries with gusto while it would be pointless to be in Spain without sampling the local food. As our guide Victor said, “gastronomy is part of travel”. With this in mind we visited a Spanish restaurant and ordered a tapa of paella. It was delicious and very reasonable at just 2:50. It would have been impossible to eat a full sized dish so this proved a great choice. Finally there was a chance to hit the shops, a find some Spanish tiles before embarking on the ride back to Albufeira. It seemed to fly by in the dark, probably as we were all a bit tired. What a great day and an unexpected bonus to our trip.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Portugal
We arrived in Portugal early in the morning. Sore from sleeping on the most uncomfortable seats Ryanair could offer we then saw Faro. Our hearts dropped as we saw the disappointing buildings that surrounded the bus station. The marina was nice but that was the extent of it. However an 1 hour 30 minute bus ride later and we arrived at the resort, Albufeira. Now this was a beautiful place. 18 degrees and to top it off we were staying in a great hotel for only 23 pounds a night. Albufeira offered a relaxing time in the sun. Beach volleyball and long lunches of piri piri chicken were the perfect way to spend the days, while the games room offered some evening entertainment.
The only downside to our time in Portugal was the earthquake that shock us in room 524 (5 stands for fifth floor). Albufeira was a little of a ghost town during December, although it sure beats being in northern Europe in terms of weather at this time of the year. After 5 days there though it was time to move on to our next destination and whatever that brings.
The only downside to our time in Portugal was the earthquake that shock us in room 524 (5 stands for fifth floor). Albufeira was a little of a ghost town during December, although it sure beats being in northern Europe in terms of weather at this time of the year. After 5 days there though it was time to move on to our next destination and whatever that brings.
What the Fog!
There is nothing like an early morning train ride with luggage on the tube to get you into the mood. After saying our farewells to Kim, we headed into London before making the quick across town ride on first the Northern line and then the Victoria line to get to Kings Cross. Once at this station it was onto the train for Edinburgh. Five hours later after travelling the east coast of the UK we reached our second capital city of the day. It was a beautiful day made all the better because Pam and Michael (Mum’s brother) met us at the station. After dumping our luggage it was time to take in a German Christmas Market in the heart of the city. It may have been cold but Edinburgh do cold well. There was plenty to eat and in this environment who could resist some Haggis. Apparently everyone but me, so this is another delicacy I’ve braved alone. I may have conquered my own fear factor, but Maddy had her eyes on a bigger challenge. The Edinburgh Wheel. Unlike the London Eye this is not a permanent feature of the cities skyline. This one appears for Christmas and it was not as stable as the London Eye either. Undeterred by the lack of interest from Joseph, her Mum and myself, Maddy bought her ticket and waited to board the pod. At this point Prue and I became guilty about our poor parenting sending this poor girl up by herself, so after rummaging through our pockets to find the four pounds I joined Maddy just as the pod was ready to leave. The views were wonderful, but the weather was freezing. While up high we also discovered the wonderful feature inside the pod called a steering wheel. On a ferris wheel there should be nowhere to go except round and this was the case. So we big smiles we got a horizontal spin going as the wheel took us around vertically. The attendants not wanting to be left out spun us even more every time we passed by causing great joy for both Maddy and myself. As darkness descended on Edinburgh we decided it was time to head home (4 pm). Once at the Travelodge we were greeted by the biggest hotel room we’d ever seen.
The next morning we were greeted by the foggiest day we’d ever seen. We also had foggy heads as Maddy had been unwell overnight so we made a slow start to the day. Little did we realise at this time that we had experience our final clear view of Edinburgh. In fact the only way we beat the fog was to head to Dunbar to Pam and Michael’s for lunch. We spent an enjoyable afternoon at their house and finally after five months we had cottage pie (my fav meal). Back to Edinburgh we headed and then the next day (foggy again) it was off cross country to Prestwick. Nobody travels to Prestwick without the intention of leaving and we were no different. The next day we were flying out for Faro, but first we spent a pleasant night at the Muirhouse Lodge in Monkton. An old homestead style hotel and at a fraction of the cost of the more known chains we had a wonderful night, although the 4.30am wake up for the trip to the airport put a dampener on proceedings. Just one more note about Scotland, it’s cold! -3.5 as we drove to the airport. Hopefully there is some heat around the corner.
The next morning we were greeted by the foggiest day we’d ever seen. We also had foggy heads as Maddy had been unwell overnight so we made a slow start to the day. Little did we realise at this time that we had experience our final clear view of Edinburgh. In fact the only way we beat the fog was to head to Dunbar to Pam and Michael’s for lunch. We spent an enjoyable afternoon at their house and finally after five months we had cottage pie (my fav meal). Back to Edinburgh we headed and then the next day (foggy again) it was off cross country to Prestwick. Nobody travels to Prestwick without the intention of leaving and we were no different. The next day we were flying out for Faro, but first we spent a pleasant night at the Muirhouse Lodge in Monkton. An old homestead style hotel and at a fraction of the cost of the more known chains we had a wonderful night, although the 4.30am wake up for the trip to the airport put a dampener on proceedings. Just one more note about Scotland, it’s cold! -3.5 as we drove to the airport. Hopefully there is some heat around the corner.
Leaving Home
So the time has come around for us to depart Wales. It was harder to wrap things up than we expected. The kids were not thrilled to be leaving school and their friends and there were schools that I regret leaving (some I was glad to see the back of as well). Then there were the friends we had made who it was time to say goodbye too. This is where it got really hard. Especially with no idea if we will see them again. I guess we are all going to have to be diligent with our emails and letter writing as well as regularly checking Facebook.
Before we could leave Wales for good there were a couple of things we needed to get done. Firstly we had to make a weekend trip to Eardisley in Herefordshire. This is not a common destination for tourists but it did have one attraction we needed to visit - my Great Uncle Paul - he’s a fantastic man who I didn’t know before we came to Wales and it has been one of the great pleasures of this trip having the chance to get to know him. We had previously seen him twice on our travels but this time was going to be at his place and with good reason. He was performing in the village pantomime, I had seen my first panto two weeks earlier at Duffryn School but Prue, Joseph and Maddy had never experienced one. The performance of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves was superb and very professionally done. We all agreed it was a great performance to have seen and would love to see another in the future. The next day we returned to Usk where the kids experienced the surprise of a lifetime as we sat in a welsh pub for a quiet drink. As Joseph prepared to head to the bar (coke only), who should appear - their father over for work. If it is possible for 14 year olds to have heart attacks I’m sure Joseph came close. Maddy on the other hand was still being treated for shock a few hours later. That meant we had another guest to join us at Jan and Gren’s for Christmas champagne the next night. It was a lovely way to wrap up our time with these two great friends. We did see them before we left, but this was an important night for us all.
With the house packed and me having wrapped up my teaching in Wales with my final day at my favourite school, Milton Junior (the staff were so welcoming and the kids were great), it was time to head down the M4 to London. Luckily Kim had a big car so with luggage piled high we were able to share this trip together. We spent the night in Walton on Thames where we dropped off some luggage and met up with Michelle and her kids before saying our goodbyes to Kim the next morning as we headed off for the next leg of our trip, the Final Month.
Before we could leave Wales for good there were a couple of things we needed to get done. Firstly we had to make a weekend trip to Eardisley in Herefordshire. This is not a common destination for tourists but it did have one attraction we needed to visit - my Great Uncle Paul - he’s a fantastic man who I didn’t know before we came to Wales and it has been one of the great pleasures of this trip having the chance to get to know him. We had previously seen him twice on our travels but this time was going to be at his place and with good reason. He was performing in the village pantomime, I had seen my first panto two weeks earlier at Duffryn School but Prue, Joseph and Maddy had never experienced one. The performance of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves was superb and very professionally done. We all agreed it was a great performance to have seen and would love to see another in the future. The next day we returned to Usk where the kids experienced the surprise of a lifetime as we sat in a welsh pub for a quiet drink. As Joseph prepared to head to the bar (coke only), who should appear - their father over for work. If it is possible for 14 year olds to have heart attacks I’m sure Joseph came close. Maddy on the other hand was still being treated for shock a few hours later. That meant we had another guest to join us at Jan and Gren’s for Christmas champagne the next night. It was a lovely way to wrap up our time with these two great friends. We did see them before we left, but this was an important night for us all.
With the house packed and me having wrapped up my teaching in Wales with my final day at my favourite school, Milton Junior (the staff were so welcoming and the kids were great), it was time to head down the M4 to London. Luckily Kim had a big car so with luggage piled high we were able to share this trip together. We spent the night in Walton on Thames where we dropped off some luggage and met up with Michelle and her kids before saying our goodbyes to Kim the next morning as we headed off for the next leg of our trip, the Final Month.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Up to Now
Well, we can't believe that it is only 1 1/2 weeks till we leave our home in Wales and head on our way to our final month of travel .... so to catch up, we have kept pretty low profile over the last few weeks as we have been saving hard for our upcoming travel. The major event would have been Maddy turning 12 on the 23rd and having a party with her friends here, what a lovely group of friends she has - we had 7 girls here in our small place and it was the first party where I was not allowed in the room, lots of giggling and fun going on - but also there is nowhere else really to go here so we just sat at the dining table for a few hours, handing out food and drinks. They had an awesome time from what I heard, Joseph literally hid in another room and only came out when he heard the word "food", even then it was around the corner grab food then go ... he was good tho for a 14 yr old boy into a room of 11/12 yr old girls. Photo of Maddy and her friends here in the lounge/bedroom (mine and How's). Unfortunately being a winter birthday on this side of the world there were no outside games to keep everyone occupied - but fun when a few squirrels and rabbits run past outside. So far we are .... Wales - London - Edinburgh - Glasgow - Portugal, Faro, Albuferia - Brussles, Charleroi - Brussels - Paris, City then Disney - Rome.
Today we had a lovely day, Maddy had a sleepover at Kirsty's house in Caerleon last night so Kirsty's parents invited us to lunch, (Merv and Chris) the car we have been using died so we got a lift out there and had a lovely lunch and chat over food and wine and then Merv dropped us home again. Tomorrow How's aunty and uncle are coming down from Hereford for lunch which will be good to catch up again with them.
I had another trip into Monmouth on Thursday with Jan and Gren - always enjoyable company, and did a look around and then probably our last supermarket shop here in Waitrose (lovely but more expensive than Asda). Other than that work has been going well for both me and How, good supply around and me starting back with my job has worked out really well with no issues not being in the office in Wellington happened at this stage - nothing that cannot wait.
We have been busily booking our plans from here, but this weekend is about lunches, as above, and packing .... not as scary as it sounds as I have been posting stuff home, mainly summer clothes, but also other stuff so I think we can just about manage it ... famous last words :) This weekend coming we are heading to Eardsley in Hereford where we will stay with How's Great Uncle Paul and he is in a pantomime which we will go to on Saturday night - really looking forward to that as not only the pantomime which we just don't have in NZ but also Paul is a lovely guy who I am looking forward to catching up with again, as are we all - Maddy calls him Greatest Paul :)
So this week for me will be packing, sorting out, cleaning up and generally doing lots of "things for the last time", I will be sorry to leave behind some people here as will the kids be with their friends, Jan and Gren have been just the best and I have really enjoyed spending time with them - I hope they will remain great friends and we are trying to convince them to come to NZ - Jan hates flying so may take lots of convincing. Also have a lunch to keep this week with Louise and baking to do for last days at school etc .... have my Edmonds Cookbook at the ready.
Places we have booked we have made sure have internet, firstly for work (as I will be working thru) and secondly to make sure we update what we do each day, how easy it is to forget small things that you do and it is the best diary we can keep.
Today we had a lovely day, Maddy had a sleepover at Kirsty's house in Caerleon last night so Kirsty's parents invited us to lunch, (Merv and Chris) the car we have been using died so we got a lift out there and had a lovely lunch and chat over food and wine and then Merv dropped us home again. Tomorrow How's aunty and uncle are coming down from Hereford for lunch which will be good to catch up again with them.
I had another trip into Monmouth on Thursday with Jan and Gren - always enjoyable company, and did a look around and then probably our last supermarket shop here in Waitrose (lovely but more expensive than Asda). Other than that work has been going well for both me and How, good supply around and me starting back with my job has worked out really well with no issues not being in the office in Wellington happened at this stage - nothing that cannot wait.
We have been busily booking our plans from here, but this weekend is about lunches, as above, and packing .... not as scary as it sounds as I have been posting stuff home, mainly summer clothes, but also other stuff so I think we can just about manage it ... famous last words :) This weekend coming we are heading to Eardsley in Hereford where we will stay with How's Great Uncle Paul and he is in a pantomime which we will go to on Saturday night - really looking forward to that as not only the pantomime which we just don't have in NZ but also Paul is a lovely guy who I am looking forward to catching up with again, as are we all - Maddy calls him Greatest Paul :)
So this week for me will be packing, sorting out, cleaning up and generally doing lots of "things for the last time", I will be sorry to leave behind some people here as will the kids be with their friends, Jan and Gren have been just the best and I have really enjoyed spending time with them - I hope they will remain great friends and we are trying to convince them to come to NZ - Jan hates flying so may take lots of convincing. Also have a lunch to keep this week with Louise and baking to do for last days at school etc .... have my Edmonds Cookbook at the ready.
Places we have booked we have made sure have internet, firstly for work (as I will be working thru) and secondly to make sure we update what we do each day, how easy it is to forget small things that you do and it is the best diary we can keep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
