There comes a time in every man’s vacation when he has to face reality and do some work. Today is such a day. Off to the smoke until Wednesday (10.16 outa Lincoln Central). Couple of meetings today including my regular get together with Rich of LONAP.
Tonight will be a glass of wine or two, a bite to eat and early to bed no doubt 🙂
trefor.net also resumes operations today.
Take care now:)
It would somewhat misleading to say that the subject of this entry, and hence the featured image, is leeks and their fate. It was just a convenient image to hand so up it went. The leek itself does form part of our dinner tonight, roast chicken with all the trimmings, so it isn’t totally out of context. I could just as easily have put up the photo of the chicken, or of the pan-full of chopped tomatoes currently in the process of being turned into soup. I didn’t.
I have just returned from the frozen North. The house is pleasingly warm. The welcoming smile very welcome and certainly makes up for the tedious drive from Newcastle (via Durham) variously at 70 and 50 mph. The roadworks seem to be never ending. It’s a lot harder to maintain 50mph than 70 especially when it would appear that my cruise control has gone to warmer climes to avoid the freezing conditions. Some might say who can blame it but not I. The cruise control is an inanimate object. Its purpose is to serve me.
Moreover I quite like a cold crisp winter’s day. In fact I will shortly be wrapping up and walking to the train station to simultaneously pick up some tickets for tomorrow’s trip to London and try out my new boots.
I leave you with two videos. The first is a ride in the lift from the 6th floor to reception at the brand new Crowne Plaza hotel in Newcastle. The second is a video of a track repair train (I assume that’s what it is) leaving Newcastle station. It was taken from my room on the 5th floor and I can only surmise that it is related to the fact that there is a replacement bus service operating for train journeys between Darlington and Newcastle.
Only the best on philosopherontap… Why aye!
The clock ticks inexorably on into January and the freeze has set in. We are without snow but it will hopefully be on its way. I like snow although the household resilience to its effects is now somewhat diminished since the departure of the Jeep. The snow does need to hold off until I’ve been to Newcastle and back.
Today I set the compass North to head to Richmond to buy some AltBerg walking boots and thence to Newcastle to deliver a laptop and some sustenance to Davies progeny. Anne is staying behind with John. It feels somewhat indulgent to go off on my own but that’s the way it’s worked out on this occasion.
I ended up buying a very comfortable pair of Meindl boots. My feet are so wide there were no AltBergs wide enough. Popped into Richmond for a bite – lovely cobbled market square. Arrived 15.30 at Joe’s gaff and blew a ton in Morrisons on tins of soup and other foodstuffs. Now very comfortably ensconced in my upgraded room at the Crowne Plaza with no less than 2 USB ports by the bed. This is a new hotel and that’s what I call progress:)
You will want to know that I am back at home and sat in my office with the Dyson fan heater keeping the ambient temperature at a comfortable level. I’ve whizzed through a few token tasks on my virtual jobs list and will shortly be heading to Coops’ garage with Hannah in the Peugeot to get it MOT’d. Hansk and I are then walking back home via a cawfee shop or summat.
It’s my last official day of holiday. Tomorrow’s trip to Richmond and thence to Newcasssssle is just weekend stuff. I’m off to the Alt-Berg shop to buy some walking boots and then taking the Northern based kids out for a curry in Toon.
It’s good to be home. We have had a great week away but there ain’t no place like where I am now. It means getting back to a normal routine. Swim before breakfast etc although I did ok on the swimming front in the Isle of Man.
Later…
Hannah and I had lunch in Cafe Portico on the way up Steep Hill. Bit of salad (featured pic). Yum. Fair play. They had a large Ed Waite hanging on the wall. We like Ed Waite. Next up is a whizz to Waitrose for a couple of ingredients for Han’s leaving dinner tonight – “Chicken For A Crowd”. In our case four’s a crowd.
Catch ya later:)
In cabin 812 aboard the Ben My Chree 8.45 out of Douglas bound for Heysham. There is something exciting about being in a port as dawn arrives. It’s the start of an adventure. In our case we are off home, via the Wirral where we will pay a visit to Anne’s sister Sarah. I have fuelled up with a bacon sandwich from the caff and have purchased a small carton of milk so that we can have proper cups of tea instead of using the UHT muck they give you.
Although in recent years we have flown to the Isle of Man from Liverpool we are experienced ferry goers. On the Heysham route it is an essential survival tip to book a cabin. The best way to survive a rough crossing without seasickness is to lie down for the whole journey and maybe get some kip.
The kip bit will be welcome enough as last night was not a good sleep. Firstly I always wake up during the night if i have set an alarm and secondly the bloomin side gate kept banging in the wind. I ended up having to get up at 4am to shut it properly. When the alarm did eventually go off it came as a shock to the system. Urgh!
We must be in the eye of the storm because the wind has died down and the rain is no longer thundering against the french windows. Dad is in Nobles Hospital having a cataract removed. Anne and I have been for a swim and we are shortly to depart for Tynwald Mills whereupon we shall indulge in a cawfee. There might even be a sale bargain or two up for grabs.
Storm is the norm here in the Isle of Man. When visitors mention that it took them half an hour to walk a hundred yards down the street into the teeth of a gale the Manx raise half an eyebrow and mention that they hadn’t noticed the weather was particularly bad.
If you want to buy flowers they sell them at Tynwald Mills. And cheese, which we had for lunch.
Winter in Peel is not for the faint hearted. Wrap up warm, fasten all zips and hold onto hats. Battle around the castle. Seek shelter in the Creek. Scallops and bacon in white wine and garlic. Okells Ale. A warming bottle of red. Home to watch the snooker.
Excuse the noise of the wind in this video – it was wild out there.
If you ever find yourself in the Marco Polo Lounge at Marco Polo Airport (Marco Polo would have been impressed) just watch you don’t slip on the carpet. They have polished floors covered with very nice rugs. Look very nice and designed to reinforce the Darwin theory whereby those not destined to pass on their genes slip and do themselves and injury.
Rest assured that not only have I already successfully passed on my genes but was also able to draw on balance and recovery skills inherited from my own parents to stay upright and conscious.
A miserable wet day in Venezia is a good choice to leave. We are bound for the Isle of Man somewhere guaranteed to be even more miserable and wet than Venice but somewhere I am able to call home.There are only two other people in this part of the lounge, plus an unattended Louis Vuitton bag. I got the attendant to remove the bag. Better safe than sorry.
Whether it is a genuine LV I know and care not. There are two schools of thought regarding this bag. Either it is genuine and the person who owns it is so rich that forgetting their very expensive carry on luggage means nothing to them. Alternatively it isn’t genuine and some poseur has just carelessly forgotten it. You may also make up your own alternative scenario. I care not.
Some bloke has now returned with the bag. There was an announcement, in Italian. I think it’s a fake. He is a normal looking guy.
This is going to be quite a long day. We are at the airport ages before we need to because I thought it was a 11.30am flight whereas it is actually 12.30. At least we have the comfort of the lounge in which to sit and relax.
When we get to Gatwick we have a 4 hour layover. This is made worse by the fact that we won’t be able to check in our luggage with Easyjet until 2 hours before the flight. So 2 hours of the 4 will involve hanging around the desert that is the check in area. Urgharoonie (that’s for the Davies kids).
Whoever said international travel is glamorous. Not moi.
Se avete mai avuto l’occasione, e queste opportunità non appendere lì penzoloni in attesa di essere spennati, accettare l’offerta di un tour privato intorno al negozio fabbrica di vetro Vecchia Murano a Venezia. E ‘proprio dietro la Basilica di San Marco.
Un signore di nome Maurizio Ballarin noi adottato nel negozio e ci ha portato dietro le quinte. Siamo stati trattati per un bicchiere privato soffia dimostrazione e un tour delle camere non è aperto al pubblico. E ‘stato come una grotta di Aladino. Il vetro era davvero incredibile, tanto che ero preoccupato solo camminando per le stanze. Il valore di quello che era in offerta era inestimabile. Ogni pezzo fantastico era valore di migliaia di euro e c’erano centinaia di oggetti in mostra.
Non c’erano “nessuna fotografia” segni ovunque. I display portato il tat in mostra nelle vetrine dei negozi delle strade sottostanti in prospettiva reale. Purtroppo avremmo solo potuto permettersi il “occhio” e dopo aver visto quello che si potrebbe davvero fare con l’arte non c’era modo avremmo visto il nostro modo di comprare niente di meno che il meglio.
In altre notizie dopo 5 ore di martellamento in pietra di Venezia strade asfaltate e attraversando innumerevoli canali siamo tornati nella nostra camera per un periodo di riposo La galleria d’arte dell’Accademia era davvero la pena di visitare -. Basta fare in modo di evitare la visita guidata da un sapere tutto americano guida turistica. Ha ottenuto il mio stoppino e abbiamo dovuto passare a un’altra stanza. Almeno ci ha insegnato che siamo stati felici con un po ‘di informazioni su un dipinto piuttosto che un’analisi approfondita del significato di ogni pennellata.
Stasera è pub crawl e pizza tempo, per domani si parte per l’Isola di Man.
For those of you ungifted in the language of the Venetian Lagoon I offer a translation:
If you ever get the chance, and these opportunities don’t hang there dangling waiting to be plucked, accept the offer of a private tour around the Vecchia Murano glass factory shop in Venice. It’s just behind the Basilica of St Mark.
A gentleman named Maurizio Ballarin adopted us in the shop and took us behind the scenes. We were treated to a private glass blowing demonstration and a tour of rooms not open to the public. It was like an Aladdin’s cave. The glass was truly awesome, so much so that I was worried just walking around the rooms. The value of what was on offer was inestimable. Each fantastic piece was worth thousands of Euros and there were hundreds of items on show.
There were “no photography” signs everywhere. The displays brought the tat on show in the shop windows of the streets below into real perspective. Unfortunately we would only have been able to afford the “tat” and having seen what you could really do with the art there was no way we would have seen our way to buying anything less than the best.
In other news after 5 hours of pounding Venice’s stone paved thoroughfares and traversing countless canals we are back in our room for a rest. The Accademia art gallery was really worth a visit – just make sure you avoid the guided tour by a know it all American tour guide. She got on my wick and we had to move on to another room. At least it taught us that we were happy with a little bit of information about a painting rather than an in depth analysis of the meaning of each brush stroke.
Tonight is pub crawl and pizza time, for tomorrow we depart for the Isle of Man.
This morning’s watchword is Wellingtons. Wellies are really what are needed to walk around Venice. Half the streets are flooded in the early morning and people have to walk around on elevated boards set in the middle of the streets. By 13.30 ish the waters had subsided and we could actually walk on St Marks Square
Things that struck me:
Our hotel, the L’Orologio, is in a really convenient spot right next to the fish and vegetable markets and near to the Rialto Bridge. Famous as it is, the Rialto is I’m afraid not much of an attraction in its current boarded over state. The hotel is less than one year old and has a great combination of Italian design whilst also being very comfortable.
We had a pleasant breakfast at around 09.15 and then “hit Venice”. At 11.30 we stopped for a cuppa. Anne had cappuccino and I had a very luxurious chocolate with a brandy. It seemed the right thing to do, so miserable was the weather. Tomorrow is forecast to be nicer, sunny even.
Back at the hotel for a chill at 2.30 ish and then out again, in the drizzle, looking for some action. There was none. Most people with any sense were indoors. We wandered looking for a bar to sit in. There is nothing along the lines of a pub. They have what look like sandwich shops with small shelves where people stand and sip at espressos or some pink Venetian plonk.
As we were aimlessly wandering looking for a haven I stopped still in my tracks and a local woman behind me bumped into me and muttered something. I guess they have to put up with the tourists but they (we) do bring a lot of cash into the city.
I leave you with a multitude of videos:
The big day arrived and the taxi picked us up at 7am to catch the 07.30 from Lincoln Central to Venice. Of course trains don’t go to Venice from Lincoln but it was a step on the journey:
Home – Lincoln Central – London Kings Cross – London Bridge (by Northern Line) – Gatwick – Venice Marco Polo airport – water taxi – Hotel L’Orologio
We bumped into Andy and Suddy Davidson in Gatwick which was a nice surprise. They were off to Faro for the weekend. We had a coffee with them in the business lounge. Lunch on the plane included a couple of chamagnes and a nice Chilean red (fair play).
Venice was all it was billed to be. If you ever go don’t mess about with public transport from the airport. The private water taxi ride was totally terrific. It took us to the hotel’s own mooring. Effortless. The only way to arrive. Later we went for a stroll to the (boarded over and largely “under construction”) and saw people hauling cases through the streets looking for their hotel. Don’t bother love. Water taxi it.
Dinner was a 40 minute water bus (Vedetti – E7.50 ew) away at Corte Sconta. Google told us it would be quicker to walk but we didn’t want to risk it in the dark on our first night in town. The restaurant was down a small alley (everywhere is a small alley). I bought a local TIM data sim – E30 for 5GB PAYG. LTE. Great experience out of the box. It has already been very handy. It’s mostly goingto be used for maps, translate and perhaps for downloading visitors guides.
Dinner was great – look out for a trip advisor review. Everything was great. Our room looks out over the Grand Canal – lots to see, lots going on. We are just next to the Venice fish market. Look out for pics from Saturday.
My final observation for today is that you really can see that the sea level has risen, or the city has sunk. The water is lapping over pavements that should obviously be higher. Let’s hope they have a handle on the sitch. Featured pic is of two gondolas fwiw.
Off to the pool again this morning (see first vid below). It was chucking it down and the traffic was terrible. You wonder why the traffic is worse when it is raining. I don’t see many people walking to work when it isn’t raining so where do they come from? I guess they might be parents saving little Johnny from getting wet at the bus stop.
The pool temperature was back to normal this morning. Yesterday it was far too warm. Something had gone wrong somewhere. You could almost make a cup of tea using it.
Back at the ranch we are getting ready to head off to Venezia tomorrow. Check-in completed, gadget chargers & adapters packed etc etc. Exciting. It is particularly exciting this time because Anne is coming and she is noticeable excited 🙂 We are doing everything comfort – 1st class train to London, business class tickets on BA, nice hotel (L’Orologio) with deluxe rooms facing the Grand Canal. Why not eh?
I dropped Tom off at Newark Northgate this morning and Joe has just arrived back from Charlotte’s in Cumbria. The house is approaching normality. When we get back from our holiday Joe will have gone and Hannah will only have another day at home before she shoots off back to Durham.
Last night we killed the fatted calf for Tom’s farewell meal. Tonight we wring the neck of a four breasted chicken for effectively Joe’s last supper. We like to party:)
All is now calm and the rain has stopped…
Today’s been one for doing some admin. I hadn’t planned it that way but that’s how it largely turned out. Some of the admin involved booking travel. The odd flight, a couple of water taxis for our forthcoming Venice trip. I also booked Tom and I onto the Coast to Coast trip.
The coast to coast is going to need some serious training but we have 4 months in which to get into shape. I still haven’t found a pair of boots. We spent two hours today in GoOutdoors. Tom found the right pair for him but my feet, being seriously mismatched. I’m going to have to drive up to Richmond in Yorkshire to get some custom fitted ones. It’s worth getting it right.
We will be arriving in St Bees for the first night’s stay on Saturday 30th April and ending up at Robin Hood’s Bay on Thursday 12th. Presumably a couple of stone lighter.
None of this admin was boring stuff. No bank stuff or anything like that so it’s not been too bad. I also bought a large plastic box in which to store our various wetsuits. Anne told me to get the biggest I could find, so I did. When she say it the size came as a bit of a surprise but hey…
At the Coop I picked up some Euros so now we are all pretty much ready to go. Oh and a “sachet” of peppercorn sauce at Hannah’s request to accompany our steaks tonight. We are killing the fatted calf as Tom is heading back to the bright lights of the City and Radio One tomorrow.
Didn’t get any of the Anne’s Vans stuff done today but what can you do eh?
You’ve read the spiel now watch the video:
The fire is lit and a particularly fine guacamole has been prepared by my good self so I now have a few minutes to sit down before the chili con carne is dished up. The chili too is particularly fine. I cooked it yesterday and the flavours will have had a chance to develop nicely in the fridge.
We are back to three of us for dinner tonight. Tom is taking Hannah out for her Christmas present night out. They have a table booked at Lewis, Nige and Terry’s Lincoln Taphouse and Kitchen. Joe is being fed at Charlotte’s in the Lake district, presumably.
Today has been a getting things done day. After my usual swim I settled in front of the laptop and began the Anne’s Vans marketing campaign. Initially this has meant getting campervan Betty registered with Camperbug and then getting the Anne’s Vans Facebook page up. The website isn’t ready yet but we have a logo.
The logo has had a few hiccups. Firstly we left the apostrophe out of Anne’s Vans. It was Annes Vans. No good. Then it arrived with an apostrophe but upon reflection the apostrophe looked like a comma. Digging into this it looks like it’s an error in the font but Nick the developer is onto it.
I’ve taken a break from it for now but am planning to spend all day tomorrow and probably Thursday on the case. Friday we go to Venice.
In other news my new FatFace top came today. Got it for thirty quid in the sale. It’s an Irish themed job with the flag on the back. I’m wearing it now:)
Set the compass South this morning for Grantham. Boundary Mills to be precise, just off the A1. Boundary Mills is the home of discounted branded products hereabouts. It tends to pitch at a certain age group which I happen to sit in.
I was accompanied by kids 2 and 4 and had no preconceived idea of what I might buy if anything. There was nothing there that grabbed my attention (gripped me by the lapels, looked me in the eye and said “buy me you stupid &^%$£ so and so, I’m a great bargain”).
Having systematically worked the menswear section more than once I slowly drifted towards the cafe when I came across a box of socks. £5 for 3 pairs of Pringles. I’ll ‘ave a bit of that I thought and before I knew it had four bundles in my hand. Including a pair of bamboo socks! I’ve had my sights on bamboo socks this Christmas but none were forthcoming in the stocking, so to speak.
The next minute along came Hannah with, believe it or not, some bamboo socks. She led me to a sock section that had a wider choice of bamboo product than I’d ever seen before in my life – not difficult seeing as I’d never actually seen any before. I fetched a basket with wheels and a long handle and the kids and I proceeded to fill it with socks. They were all discounted and there was a further 10% to be taken off at the till. Woohoo.
I did suspect that I’d gone over the top somewhat but I’d been talking about a sock refresh and here was the perfect opportunity, bamboo and all!
Back home we emptied the carrier bag onto a bed and counted 45 pairs in all. They weren’t all for me obvs but a suitably large chunk of them were.
The featured image in this post is of said socks and the video is one I did at the Friendly Farmer where we stopped en route home. I had a chicken and bacon salad which was ok.
Ciao bebes.
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