Cheers Everyone,
The time has arrived that we must think about packing and doing any last minute purchases. We had a relaxing morning reading the paper. I was also able to speak to Christopher on Skype for about an hour to catch up on his life in Japan, which was very nice. We also both gave him hell about not updating his blog; so hopefully those of you who have the link will be able to catch up with what is happening in his life. We then headed out to check out a Sainsbury's at Gloucester Rd. for a soup called Moroccan Lamb with Couscous. Alas none is available. Then we headed to Piccadilly Circus to get the tea for our tea granny's in the family, Mom, Colleen and Michelle as well as myself. Our last walk today was only a couple of hours over old stomping grounds back to the flat, then to do the dreaded packing. Somehow packing to go away always seems easier then coming back.
Tonight's supper mostly done by John but with a lot of Adrienne's help is Duck Lasagna, salad and home made Italian ice cream.
Hope you've all enjoyed following our adventures.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Liverpool Football Match - Oct 18,2008
Greetings All,
Today we are off to an early start as John, Fred and I head north to Liverpool for a footie(soccer) match. I luck out on a ticket as Fred's cousin's wife had a baby boy on Wednesday so no game for him. The drive to Liverpool was fairly good with the only real slow down being near Stoke where there was a 4 car accident.
The routine for game day is the lad's meet at a pub for some pre-game brews. The pub we meet at this time (The Mersey Pride) is bright and has a great selection of food. Both John and I remark we should have had lunch here instead of where we stopped (McDonalds). We will know better next time. After three rounds we all walk up to the game. Brian's (Fred's cousin) son Barry comments that does not matter how cold it is everyone will be very hot by the time we get to the match. It is uphill all the way and I slowly start to fall behind as the guys all walk very briskly. Brian drops back and we chat on out way up, finally catching up and enter the ground.
Our seats are in the Kop. This used to be a section of the ground where the fans stood to watch the game. It now has seats and is one of the livelier parts of the stadium. We are part of the crowd that gets to pass the massive flag of the club around. I take only a couple of pictures as I am told by Fred you just don't do that in the Kop and John makes faces. Toughies I take my shots anyhow. The fans are a wild bunch at times and very vocal when things don't go the way they think it should. We had three in front of us who left a lot to be desired at times. The one guy did try to keep his friend in line though and kept apologizing. When Liverpool scored the winning goal pandemonium broke out. People where hugging each other, screaming, shouting, crying you would have thought they scored the goal. The guy in front of us turned around and grabbed Fred and John and hugged them tight. I must have given him the Sandy Look cause he quickly apologized. I guess I just don't get the team spirit to the extreme thing :). I really did enjoy the game and it was fun being in the Kop. The game ended on a high note as at the very end a rainbow broke out over the stand and looked like it started at the Team's Crest on the top of the roof. Sadly though, I don't think the picture I took turned out.
The drive back to London was uneventful and we had time to pick up Adrienne and head over to the White Swan for a nightcap. Sadly tomorrow is our last day .
Cheerio
Sandy & Fred
Today we are off to an early start as John, Fred and I head north to Liverpool for a footie(soccer) match. I luck out on a ticket as Fred's cousin's wife had a baby boy on Wednesday so no game for him. The drive to Liverpool was fairly good with the only real slow down being near Stoke where there was a 4 car accident.
The routine for game day is the lad's meet at a pub for some pre-game brews. The pub we meet at this time (The Mersey Pride) is bright and has a great selection of food. Both John and I remark we should have had lunch here instead of where we stopped (McDonalds). We will know better next time. After three rounds we all walk up to the game. Brian's (Fred's cousin) son Barry comments that does not matter how cold it is everyone will be very hot by the time we get to the match. It is uphill all the way and I slowly start to fall behind as the guys all walk very briskly. Brian drops back and we chat on out way up, finally catching up and enter the ground.
Our seats are in the Kop. This used to be a section of the ground where the fans stood to watch the game. It now has seats and is one of the livelier parts of the stadium. We are part of the crowd that gets to pass the massive flag of the club around. I take only a couple of pictures as I am told by Fred you just don't do that in the Kop and John makes faces. Toughies I take my shots anyhow. The fans are a wild bunch at times and very vocal when things don't go the way they think it should. We had three in front of us who left a lot to be desired at times. The one guy did try to keep his friend in line though and kept apologizing. When Liverpool scored the winning goal pandemonium broke out. People where hugging each other, screaming, shouting, crying you would have thought they scored the goal. The guy in front of us turned around and grabbed Fred and John and hugged them tight. I must have given him the Sandy Look cause he quickly apologized. I guess I just don't get the team spirit to the extreme thing :). I really did enjoy the game and it was fun being in the Kop. The game ended on a high note as at the very end a rainbow broke out over the stand and looked like it started at the Team's Crest on the top of the roof. Sadly though, I don't think the picture I took turned out.
The drive back to London was uneventful and we had time to pick up Adrienne and head over to the White Swan for a nightcap. Sadly tomorrow is our last day .
Cheerio
Sandy & Fred
Friday, October 17, 2008
Clapham Common - Oct 17, 2008
Greetings All,
Well we're suckers for punishment. We walked again today for 4 hours today and at a more leisurely pace due to the fact I was kind of dragging my ass. We took the tube to Clapham South. We walked up to the Common (just a park really) and around. Nothing much to see and the only points of note was the Church of the Holy Trinity where William Wilberforce in 1807 campaigned successfully for the abolition of slavery. The homes here appear small but there is a lot of renovating being done plus lots of places for sale and let.
From here we decide to walk back to the flat. So we walk on and on and it was a great day for it. A bit overcast by now but a good view of the south west part of London. We eventually find our way back to Battersea Park area; some old stomping grounds. Down along the river bank which is quite high. I decide to take a couple of pictures and Fred asks what do I think I am doing. I am trying creative photography. OMG he says we are in trouble now. The man has no sense of creativity. A two stop day at Pub's; the first at Battersea The Victoria as I needed to use the facilities and the second by John's, the Gallery. Here I chatted with a young man who took our picture for us about London and Italy.
John and Adrienne are once yet again treating us to a sumptuous dinner. Braised pork chops with tomatoes and sage Modena style, mushrooms and rosti potatoes.
Tonight I discover that John and I have another thing in common; the love of music. Music not only the love of listening to great music of all sorts but singing as well. Who would have thought as Fred is tone deaf. John is very kind as he says there is no such thing, but then he has not heard my Mom sing (the secret cowboy voice at Church). Mom you know where this is coming from. John and I both competed in Kwanis as kids in our school choirs and won. So ends a great day.
Cheerio All,
Sandy & Fred
Well we're suckers for punishment. We walked again today for 4 hours today and at a more leisurely pace due to the fact I was kind of dragging my ass. We took the tube to Clapham South. We walked up to the Common (just a park really) and around. Nothing much to see and the only points of note was the Church of the Holy Trinity where William Wilberforce in 1807 campaigned successfully for the abolition of slavery. The homes here appear small but there is a lot of renovating being done plus lots of places for sale and let.
From here we decide to walk back to the flat. So we walk on and on and it was a great day for it. A bit overcast by now but a good view of the south west part of London. We eventually find our way back to Battersea Park area; some old stomping grounds. Down along the river bank which is quite high. I decide to take a couple of pictures and Fred asks what do I think I am doing. I am trying creative photography. OMG he says we are in trouble now. The man has no sense of creativity. A two stop day at Pub's; the first at Battersea The Victoria as I needed to use the facilities and the second by John's, the Gallery. Here I chatted with a young man who took our picture for us about London and Italy.
John and Adrienne are once yet again treating us to a sumptuous dinner. Braised pork chops with tomatoes and sage Modena style, mushrooms and rosti potatoes.
Tonight I discover that John and I have another thing in common; the love of music. Music not only the love of listening to great music of all sorts but singing as well. Who would have thought as Fred is tone deaf. John is very kind as he says there is no such thing, but then he has not heard my Mom sing (the secret cowboy voice at Church). Mom you know where this is coming from. John and I both competed in Kwanis as kids in our school choirs and won. So ends a great day.
Cheerio All,
Sandy & Fred
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whirl Wind Tour London - Oct 16, 2008
Greetings All,
Today we hooked up with Meaghan our daughter-in-law at St Paul's Tube Station. She is in London for 5 days for her friends wedding on Saturday. We basically hit all the highlights of London in 8 hours.
The majority of this was done by walking from one point of interest to the next, except Harrods which at the end of the day we took the tube to. St Paul's Cathedral, London Stone, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, St George's Pub,Westminster Abbey, Parliament Buildings, London Eye, Thames Path (River Walk), Deans Yard, Buckingham Palace, St James's Park, Green Park, The Horse Guards and Trafalgar Square. Supper was at John and Adrienne's and she finally got to meet them both. A very long but successful day with just a taste of London.
I, of course, feel a foot shorter as this was our longest non-stop walk yet. Some pictures will be posted later but mainly as these were sites we have done Meaghan used Fred's camera to get a record of her visit.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
Today we hooked up with Meaghan our daughter-in-law at St Paul's Tube Station. She is in London for 5 days for her friends wedding on Saturday. We basically hit all the highlights of London in 8 hours.
The majority of this was done by walking from one point of interest to the next, except Harrods which at the end of the day we took the tube to. St Paul's Cathedral, London Stone, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, St George's Pub,Westminster Abbey, Parliament Buildings, London Eye, Thames Path (River Walk), Deans Yard, Buckingham Palace, St James's Park, Green Park, The Horse Guards and Trafalgar Square. Supper was at John and Adrienne's and she finally got to meet them both. A very long but successful day with just a taste of London.
I, of course, feel a foot shorter as this was our longest non-stop walk yet. Some pictures will be posted later but mainly as these were sites we have done Meaghan used Fred's camera to get a record of her visit.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Britisih Imperial War Museum (BIWM) - Oct 15, 2008
Greetings All,
No pictures today and really not much to tell. We walked to the BIWM after lunch and spent 2 1/2 hours in the exhibit In Memorial which is all about WWI. It was really fascinating and also amazing the material that they had as mementos and writing from soldiers of the time. The tragedy of war is always hard to comprehend but the conditions then and the weapons of the time sure give you some moments of reflection. We also looked at pictures artists of the time were not allowed to have shown as they were thought to reflect negatively for Britain and the war effort at the time.
Last but not least a display by Jewish artists whose paintings reflected WWII and the Holocaust. This was very interesting as it spanned artists who were survivors, family members of survivors and a generation that really only heard stories of the war but are removed from it by two generations of the terror of that horrific time in our history.
As this is a short update I thought I would once again relate things I have missed in previous Blogs. Yesterday I did not mention that the Heath had three ponds dedicated to swimming. One strictly for men, one strictly for women and a third for mixed swimming. In this day and age, I guess only the Brits can pull that one off. Also on the Heath, in one of our detours we came across a group of young school girls chatting (well teenagers). They were chatting about their teacher who happens to play rugby and has a nice bum when he tenses his muscles. I wonder what the students say about Christopher? I really don't think I want too know!!! Last but not least I really need a camera that has no lens cap and basically does almost everything for you. I cannot tell you the number of times I have explained to Fred "The Camera is Broken" only to find the lens cover is still on. Missed some damn good shots because of that if I do say so myself.
Well that is all for today. Have a great evening all,
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
No pictures today and really not much to tell. We walked to the BIWM after lunch and spent 2 1/2 hours in the exhibit In Memorial which is all about WWI. It was really fascinating and also amazing the material that they had as mementos and writing from soldiers of the time. The tragedy of war is always hard to comprehend but the conditions then and the weapons of the time sure give you some moments of reflection. We also looked at pictures artists of the time were not allowed to have shown as they were thought to reflect negatively for Britain and the war effort at the time.
Last but not least a display by Jewish artists whose paintings reflected WWII and the Holocaust. This was very interesting as it spanned artists who were survivors, family members of survivors and a generation that really only heard stories of the war but are removed from it by two generations of the terror of that horrific time in our history.
As this is a short update I thought I would once again relate things I have missed in previous Blogs. Yesterday I did not mention that the Heath had three ponds dedicated to swimming. One strictly for men, one strictly for women and a third for mixed swimming. In this day and age, I guess only the Brits can pull that one off. Also on the Heath, in one of our detours we came across a group of young school girls chatting (well teenagers). They were chatting about their teacher who happens to play rugby and has a nice bum when he tenses his muscles. I wonder what the students say about Christopher? I really don't think I want too know!!! Last but not least I really need a camera that has no lens cap and basically does almost everything for you. I cannot tell you the number of times I have explained to Fred "The Camera is Broken" only to find the lens cover is still on. Missed some damn good shots because of that if I do say so myself.
Well that is all for today. Have a great evening all,
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Hampstead Heath - Oct 14, 2008
Greetings All,
After a breakfast of fried potatoes and egg (potatoes left over from the lamb dinner) and toast we head out by tube to Hampstead. Once again we are in the northern end of the city. The walk is a steady climb uphill again, just not as steep as yesterdays adventure. On our way to the heath which is really a huge park with wooded areas and numerous ponds we pass a modernist home built by Erno Goldfinger. For an architect the home really is nothing to look at. Ian Fleming of the James Bonds books fame and a resident of Hampstead hated the house so much that he named one of his villains after the architect. Thus Goldfinger came into being. We move to Keats Grove, where the poet John Keats lived and wrote from 1818 to 1820. This site is closed, however, as the Trust Society is refurbishing the home and cleaning up the paintings and furniture and it will not reopen until late 2009. We do learn here the value of spit. I am sure you all remember a time when your Mom or Dad would lick a Kleenex and wipe your face or hand of some dirt. Well it turns out that saliva and cotton swabs work wonders in restoring old oil paintings when it comes to removing dirt that has built up over the centuries.
We now enter the Heath and spend a good 4 hours walking along trails. We have packed a lunch and stop at the top of Parliament Hill to eat half our sandwich. This area overlooks the city both to the north and south and I see where we explored yesterday. It is still higher than we are currently. As it is an overcast day and the views to the south are hazy we don not bother to take any pictures. Fred must have tourist guide stamped on his forehead as he is approached by two old dears on what they can see there. We show them the card from our London Walks packet and they thank us and go on their merry way. After a short rest we carry on with our walk and take a few detours as we turn the wrong way. The heath itself does not have regular signs that tell you were you are so it is easy to get turned around. After what seems like hours and hours of walking (actually only two) we reach Kenwood House. This mansion was used as a convalescent home during WW I and is now a historic site that houses artwork, old furniture from the 1600 -1700's as well as jewellery and shoe buckles. The ceilings are constructed after the architecture that we saw in Italy. Unfortunately, picture taking is not allowed and they did not sell postcards that showed you what the inside looked like.
From here we wend our way out onto Hampstead Lane and locate the Spaniard's Inn, a pub built in the 1500's, for some refreshment. We then take a long walk to the Hampstead Tube Station and back to the flat. A long day of walking, in all 6 hours.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
After a breakfast of fried potatoes and egg (potatoes left over from the lamb dinner) and toast we head out by tube to Hampstead. Once again we are in the northern end of the city. The walk is a steady climb uphill again, just not as steep as yesterdays adventure. On our way to the heath which is really a huge park with wooded areas and numerous ponds we pass a modernist home built by Erno Goldfinger. For an architect the home really is nothing to look at. Ian Fleming of the James Bonds books fame and a resident of Hampstead hated the house so much that he named one of his villains after the architect. Thus Goldfinger came into being. We move to Keats Grove, where the poet John Keats lived and wrote from 1818 to 1820. This site is closed, however, as the Trust Society is refurbishing the home and cleaning up the paintings and furniture and it will not reopen until late 2009. We do learn here the value of spit. I am sure you all remember a time when your Mom or Dad would lick a Kleenex and wipe your face or hand of some dirt. Well it turns out that saliva and cotton swabs work wonders in restoring old oil paintings when it comes to removing dirt that has built up over the centuries.
We now enter the Heath and spend a good 4 hours walking along trails. We have packed a lunch and stop at the top of Parliament Hill to eat half our sandwich. This area overlooks the city both to the north and south and I see where we explored yesterday. It is still higher than we are currently. As it is an overcast day and the views to the south are hazy we don not bother to take any pictures. Fred must have tourist guide stamped on his forehead as he is approached by two old dears on what they can see there. We show them the card from our London Walks packet and they thank us and go on their merry way. After a short rest we carry on with our walk and take a few detours as we turn the wrong way. The heath itself does not have regular signs that tell you were you are so it is easy to get turned around. After what seems like hours and hours of walking (actually only two) we reach Kenwood House. This mansion was used as a convalescent home during WW I and is now a historic site that houses artwork, old furniture from the 1600 -1700's as well as jewellery and shoe buckles. The ceilings are constructed after the architecture that we saw in Italy. Unfortunately, picture taking is not allowed and they did not sell postcards that showed you what the inside looked like.
From here we wend our way out onto Hampstead Lane and locate the Spaniard's Inn, a pub built in the 1500's, for some refreshment. We then take a long walk to the Hampstead Tube Station and back to the flat. A long day of walking, in all 6 hours.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Monday, October 13, 2008
Walking amongst the Dead - Oct 13, 2008
Greetings All,
Today after breakfast and a leisurely read of the morning papers we head out to do a walk among the Dead. We took the tube to Highgate which is in the northern part of London. On reaching Highgate our walk takes us past some very historic sites. A pub "The Flask" that was built in 1663 and St Michaels Church where the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is buried. The roads in the neighbourhood are steep in places (a gentle climb according to the directions) that takes us to the Highgate Cemetery and Waterlow Park. Autumn has descended on London and we sit in the quiet of the park and have our lunch before heading into the cemetery.
There is a tour that you can take in the western portion of the cemetery which we decide to pass on after being greeted by an old snooty English women. We are reading the details about the area and she approaches and basically demands whether she can help us. Then carries on to inform us that we can't have big cameras as this is a cemetery and we need to show respect. Well, needless to say we walk away with comments to each other. As it turns, out as we leave the Eastern Cemetery guess who's conducting the tour of the Western Cemetery? Old Biddy herself. She should not be in that position but hey we are only the paying tourists.
Now I know some of you think we are getting really freaky walking among the dead. But I must say it was peaceful and historically informative. Also, like in Italy whole families are buried on the same site. Some of the more historical figures buried here are Donald Alexander Smith a baron who in 1885 was the Canadian High Commissioner for the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Karl Marx the father of Marxist philosophy and Richard Smith who devised the process for making hovis bread (brown bread). Just to name a few. The cemetery is still used as a burial site today and it was interesting to see recent burials intermixed amongst the old head stones. There were many of the older head stones that you could still read and they stated that the person went to sleep rather than they died. The head stones in some cases were over grown but still beautiful and serene. It is unfortunate that some have fallen over or are in a state of disrepair or are so old that you can no longer read the inscriptions on them.
The next spot is full of life. We walk across Waterlow Park. Here city workers are out trying to clean up the leaves. Can you imagine the never ending job that would be in a park, but they are like the squirrels in the area scurrying around gathering up the leaves to take away to god knows where. We continue our walk with some slight detours as we once again take a wrong turn. Finally we get on the tube and head back to Victoria Station were we get off as it is hot and crammed and walk back to the flat with a stop at the White Swan pub for a drink and snack as supper will be late. Adrienne is cooking Chinese tonight.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Today after breakfast and a leisurely read of the morning papers we head out to do a walk among the Dead. We took the tube to Highgate which is in the northern part of London. On reaching Highgate our walk takes us past some very historic sites. A pub "The Flask" that was built in 1663 and St Michaels Church where the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is buried. The roads in the neighbourhood are steep in places (a gentle climb according to the directions) that takes us to the Highgate Cemetery and Waterlow Park. Autumn has descended on London and we sit in the quiet of the park and have our lunch before heading into the cemetery.
There is a tour that you can take in the western portion of the cemetery which we decide to pass on after being greeted by an old snooty English women. We are reading the details about the area and she approaches and basically demands whether she can help us. Then carries on to inform us that we can't have big cameras as this is a cemetery and we need to show respect. Well, needless to say we walk away with comments to each other. As it turns, out as we leave the Eastern Cemetery guess who's conducting the tour of the Western Cemetery? Old Biddy herself. She should not be in that position but hey we are only the paying tourists.
Now I know some of you think we are getting really freaky walking among the dead. But I must say it was peaceful and historically informative. Also, like in Italy whole families are buried on the same site. Some of the more historical figures buried here are Donald Alexander Smith a baron who in 1885 was the Canadian High Commissioner for the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Karl Marx the father of Marxist philosophy and Richard Smith who devised the process for making hovis bread (brown bread). Just to name a few. The cemetery is still used as a burial site today and it was interesting to see recent burials intermixed amongst the old head stones. There were many of the older head stones that you could still read and they stated that the person went to sleep rather than they died. The head stones in some cases were over grown but still beautiful and serene. It is unfortunate that some have fallen over or are in a state of disrepair or are so old that you can no longer read the inscriptions on them.
The next spot is full of life. We walk across Waterlow Park. Here city workers are out trying to clean up the leaves. Can you imagine the never ending job that would be in a park, but they are like the squirrels in the area scurrying around gathering up the leaves to take away to god knows where. We continue our walk with some slight detours as we once again take a wrong turn. Finally we get on the tube and head back to Victoria Station were we get off as it is hot and crammed and walk back to the flat with a stop at the White Swan pub for a drink and snack as supper will be late. Adrienne is cooking Chinese tonight.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Sunday, October 12, 2008
London - Oct 12, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving All,
As it is Sunday I am sure you are all enjoying a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings. This is the 3rd year we have missed out on turkey but its a sacrifice that's well worth it. Today we did a quick shop for Amy (Fred's mom) at Lillywhites a most horrible store if I do say so myself. Hot, crammed and ignorant people. Mission accomplished though in the end. We then walked for about 2 hours covering some old ground and what I thought was new. Supper tonight is lamb abruzzi style with potatoes. We are trying Italian so will see how it goes. Strawberry salad , wine, coffee and dessert. The pictures for Italy are finally done all 1529 of them. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed sharing our travels with you. Once again the link for your easy viewing is:
www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins
Just a quick note for our friend Mike: Us Indians knew what we were doing when we gave you Turkeys instead of Donkeys :)
Cheers
Sandy & Fred
As it is Sunday I am sure you are all enjoying a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings. This is the 3rd year we have missed out on turkey but its a sacrifice that's well worth it. Today we did a quick shop for Amy (Fred's mom) at Lillywhites a most horrible store if I do say so myself. Hot, crammed and ignorant people. Mission accomplished though in the end. We then walked for about 2 hours covering some old ground and what I thought was new. Supper tonight is lamb abruzzi style with potatoes. We are trying Italian so will see how it goes. Strawberry salad , wine, coffee and dessert. The pictures for Italy are finally done all 1529 of them. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed sharing our travels with you. Once again the link for your easy viewing is:
www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins
Just a quick note for our friend Mike: Us Indians knew what we were doing when we gave you Turkeys instead of Donkeys :)
Cheers
Sandy & Fred
Saturday, October 11, 2008
London - Oct 9, 10 & 11, 2008
Greetings All and Happy Thanksgiving.
First off I must tell you something of our initial shopping experience when we arrived on Wednesday. We decided to stop in at Sainsburys on our way to the flat as we had the car and it would be useful in getting the heavier items. At the checkout the lady told us she could not sell us the milk we had picked up as it was the last day of the best before date on the bottle. Wow not sure how she knew it, whether it would not scan or she noticed. That sure does not happen in Ajax as I have had sour milk that was not even at its best before date.
Oct 9 - We are up rather late our first full day and are relaxing with tea and juice before making breakfast. I had just finished commenting that the maid Lourdes had not arrived so I guess she is not coming in. No sooner are the words out and the key is in the door and she arrives.
She must have a specific routine as she starts right away in the kitchen. Of course we are now in the way making breakfast. She has already done the two glasses we left from last night and when I say leave the pans we have dirtied she says she can't because Mr. John pays here to clean and clean she must. Me I am just not used to someone cleaning up after me and so quickly. We head out to get the balance of the supplies for meals and lunches for the next 4 days and to get out of her way.
Walking to Sainsburys we pass a butchers shop and stop to have a look in the window. Lamb burgers, rabbit, chicken, quail and pork are the pick of the day. We decide to change the menu we have made up and go for lamb burgers for supper which we will get on our way back. I always enjoy shopping here unlike at home where I like to get in and out as fast as possible. The variety of meats and potatoes (7 different kinds in the supermarket) alone make food shopping an enjoyable experience. Here we change our menu again. Fresh duck breasts with orange sauce replaces chicken. After a quick stop at the butcher we head back. Lourdes is still cleaning but has now moved down to the living room. I really though she would be gone as the place has been empty since she cleaned the week before. Not sure if she is paid for working certain hours but she is done early to her and asks Mr. Fred do you have any shirts or anything you need ironing. Iron not a word in my vocabulary you take in out almost dry give it a good shake and hang up. No ironing needed. We tell her go home early relax its OK. She thanks us but makes of point that she will tell Mr John she has left early. Honest as the day is long for sure, me I would have been out of there hours ago. Fred has worked all day on the pictures trying to catch up. Seems we have over 1000 pictures as of supper time today. Supper was amazing if not as exotic as Italy and Adrienne's and John's dinners if I do say so myself. The lamb burgers were the tastiest I have ever had and they did not shrink. Brown rice, and strawberries (that tasted like strawberries) and double cream for dessert. Of course our usual wine (though not Italian) :( and coffee. Some TV for me and more uploading of pictures for Fred then off to bed.
Oct. 10 - We decide to do a couple of walks in the morning before going to the Borough Market to get a leg of lamb for Sunday's supper as we are chief cooks as John and Adrienne will not be getting back from Italy until late Saturday night. We get somewhat of a late start and we take the tube to Old Street Station to explore the Hoxton and Shoreditch area. This used to be the epicentre of the British Art Scene back in the mid 1990's. Now it still is host to a number if bistro's, night clubs and Asian food outlets. The town hall of Shoreditch has some lovely architecture. Other than the town hall the only other thing worthy of note is the Geoffrye Museum. This is a series of 18th century almshouses, with a small cemetery and walled herb garden.
We head back towards Old Street Station to start the second part of the walk going the other way. Here we pass a fire hall and one of the firemen starts waving with a big smile on his face so I wave back. No idea if he was waving at us but what the hell being friendly never hurts. Fred says I just wanted to chat up the firefighters. Hey whatever works!! On this walk we come across the Wesley Chapel and Museum. The site where John Wesley the founder of Methodism began his movement in 1738. The chapel is open but as there is a funeral, we pass on going inside. Bunhill Fields across the street from the chapel is a cemetery. Sadly most of the stones are in a bad state due to the elements. It is here that the writers Daniel Dafoe and William Blake are buried. The castle like facade on the building next to the cemetery is the home of of the Honourable Artillery Corps and on the field behind it they practice their ceremonial military displays. The field looks like a pristine football field; green and trim. A slight turn takes us to Finsbury Circus once part of a 16th century park with gardens and a lawn bowling green. Unfortunately most of this area was destroyed during the WW II bombings so the balance of the walk is disappointing as new office buildings and stores have replaced the old historic sites. Lunch was at the Railway Pub. Fred hand roast beef in a Yorkshire pudding wrap and a pint. I had a Philly Club Steak sandwich. Not like ours at home this was wholegrain seeded bread, roast beef, old old cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickled onion slices. Man was it good .Of course wine a french Merlot wine this time. Now off to the Borough Market.
At the market we pick up a few supplies for Sundays supper and as luck would have it they are taping a show of various chefs. We arrive near the end where Gordon Ramsay is having some kind of test on cutting up half of a salmon. Fred is able to get a good shot of Gordon but I unfortunately can't get close enough to ask him what his Mom thinks about his potty mouth. He is not a very big man just a smidgen taller than Fred and those heavy lines on his face are for real. I think he should smile more and frown less. The cheese shop is also a treat. The gentleman who serves us explains that Romano cheese is a pecorino cheese that they do not have as they only carry British cheeses. He recommends a substitute which we will try on the lamb. I also get cheddar cheese and ask for strong and old. He supplies us with tastes and I pick the Montgomery over the Keen. Back to the flat by way of the tube with our shopping. Friday rush hour in the tube is not pleasant. It is hot as hell with people crammed everywhere. We should have walked may have taken much longer but would not have been as exhausting.
Supper is late as we need to unwind, cool down and relax after our tube ride. Duck breast with orange sauce, mashed potatoes and broccoli. Wine, coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. We watch a series on Liverpool done by a comedian who left Liverpool in his 20's to return to see just what makes Liverpool so unique. Very interesting and informative since this will be our home in the near future when we first move across the pond.
Oct 11 - Today is a day of rest. Fred continues to upload pictures onto Flickr and hopefully we expect to be right up to date by Sunday.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
First off I must tell you something of our initial shopping experience when we arrived on Wednesday. We decided to stop in at Sainsburys on our way to the flat as we had the car and it would be useful in getting the heavier items. At the checkout the lady told us she could not sell us the milk we had picked up as it was the last day of the best before date on the bottle. Wow not sure how she knew it, whether it would not scan or she noticed. That sure does not happen in Ajax as I have had sour milk that was not even at its best before date.
Oct 9 - We are up rather late our first full day and are relaxing with tea and juice before making breakfast. I had just finished commenting that the maid Lourdes had not arrived so I guess she is not coming in. No sooner are the words out and the key is in the door and she arrives.
She must have a specific routine as she starts right away in the kitchen. Of course we are now in the way making breakfast. She has already done the two glasses we left from last night and when I say leave the pans we have dirtied she says she can't because Mr. John pays here to clean and clean she must. Me I am just not used to someone cleaning up after me and so quickly. We head out to get the balance of the supplies for meals and lunches for the next 4 days and to get out of her way.
Walking to Sainsburys we pass a butchers shop and stop to have a look in the window. Lamb burgers, rabbit, chicken, quail and pork are the pick of the day. We decide to change the menu we have made up and go for lamb burgers for supper which we will get on our way back. I always enjoy shopping here unlike at home where I like to get in and out as fast as possible. The variety of meats and potatoes (7 different kinds in the supermarket) alone make food shopping an enjoyable experience. Here we change our menu again. Fresh duck breasts with orange sauce replaces chicken. After a quick stop at the butcher we head back. Lourdes is still cleaning but has now moved down to the living room. I really though she would be gone as the place has been empty since she cleaned the week before. Not sure if she is paid for working certain hours but she is done early to her and asks Mr. Fred do you have any shirts or anything you need ironing. Iron not a word in my vocabulary you take in out almost dry give it a good shake and hang up. No ironing needed. We tell her go home early relax its OK. She thanks us but makes of point that she will tell Mr John she has left early. Honest as the day is long for sure, me I would have been out of there hours ago. Fred has worked all day on the pictures trying to catch up. Seems we have over 1000 pictures as of supper time today. Supper was amazing if not as exotic as Italy and Adrienne's and John's dinners if I do say so myself. The lamb burgers were the tastiest I have ever had and they did not shrink. Brown rice, and strawberries (that tasted like strawberries) and double cream for dessert. Of course our usual wine (though not Italian) :( and coffee. Some TV for me and more uploading of pictures for Fred then off to bed.
Oct. 10 - We decide to do a couple of walks in the morning before going to the Borough Market to get a leg of lamb for Sunday's supper as we are chief cooks as John and Adrienne will not be getting back from Italy until late Saturday night. We get somewhat of a late start and we take the tube to Old Street Station to explore the Hoxton and Shoreditch area. This used to be the epicentre of the British Art Scene back in the mid 1990's. Now it still is host to a number if bistro's, night clubs and Asian food outlets. The town hall of Shoreditch has some lovely architecture. Other than the town hall the only other thing worthy of note is the Geoffrye Museum. This is a series of 18th century almshouses, with a small cemetery and walled herb garden.
We head back towards Old Street Station to start the second part of the walk going the other way. Here we pass a fire hall and one of the firemen starts waving with a big smile on his face so I wave back. No idea if he was waving at us but what the hell being friendly never hurts. Fred says I just wanted to chat up the firefighters. Hey whatever works!! On this walk we come across the Wesley Chapel and Museum. The site where John Wesley the founder of Methodism began his movement in 1738. The chapel is open but as there is a funeral, we pass on going inside. Bunhill Fields across the street from the chapel is a cemetery. Sadly most of the stones are in a bad state due to the elements. It is here that the writers Daniel Dafoe and William Blake are buried. The castle like facade on the building next to the cemetery is the home of of the Honourable Artillery Corps and on the field behind it they practice their ceremonial military displays. The field looks like a pristine football field; green and trim. A slight turn takes us to Finsbury Circus once part of a 16th century park with gardens and a lawn bowling green. Unfortunately most of this area was destroyed during the WW II bombings so the balance of the walk is disappointing as new office buildings and stores have replaced the old historic sites. Lunch was at the Railway Pub. Fred hand roast beef in a Yorkshire pudding wrap and a pint. I had a Philly Club Steak sandwich. Not like ours at home this was wholegrain seeded bread, roast beef, old old cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickled onion slices. Man was it good .Of course wine a french Merlot wine this time. Now off to the Borough Market.
At the market we pick up a few supplies for Sundays supper and as luck would have it they are taping a show of various chefs. We arrive near the end where Gordon Ramsay is having some kind of test on cutting up half of a salmon. Fred is able to get a good shot of Gordon but I unfortunately can't get close enough to ask him what his Mom thinks about his potty mouth. He is not a very big man just a smidgen taller than Fred and those heavy lines on his face are for real. I think he should smile more and frown less. The cheese shop is also a treat. The gentleman who serves us explains that Romano cheese is a pecorino cheese that they do not have as they only carry British cheeses. He recommends a substitute which we will try on the lamb. I also get cheddar cheese and ask for strong and old. He supplies us with tastes and I pick the Montgomery over the Keen. Back to the flat by way of the tube with our shopping. Friday rush hour in the tube is not pleasant. It is hot as hell with people crammed everywhere. We should have walked may have taken much longer but would not have been as exhausting.
Supper is late as we need to unwind, cool down and relax after our tube ride. Duck breast with orange sauce, mashed potatoes and broccoli. Wine, coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. We watch a series on Liverpool done by a comedian who left Liverpool in his 20's to return to see just what makes Liverpool so unique. Very interesting and informative since this will be our home in the near future when we first move across the pond.
Oct 11 - Today is a day of rest. Fred continues to upload pictures onto Flickr and hopefully we expect to be right up to date by Sunday.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Liverpool - Oct 5th - 8th, 2008
Hi All,
Oct 5 - Cecilia gives us some bad news today (Sunday). The flats we were hoping to view on Monday have all been rented so we have to start looking again at sites to find places. It is very cold compared to Italy and the clothes I have are really not warm enough. We head into town to do some shopping and grab lunch. Primark has good prices so I head there. Pick up jeans and 3 tops and another pair of shoes like the ones I picked up when we first arrived in London. They are really comfortable much like wearing slippers. For those of you who don't know me I hate clothes shopping. Give me the home shopping channel or Sears catalogue to shop. Well nothing fits, the jeans are the kind the kids wear around their fanny's and with the size of mine that is one scary sight. So shopping here is a bust except for the shoes and some baby stuff for Fred's cousin John and his wife who are expecting their second in a couple of weeks time. Cecilia takes me to Bon Marche a ladies shop and I score a pair of jeans and two tops. Lunch we have lunch at a Yates pub in town and then head back to her place to surf the net for flats.
I surf while Fred tries to get our pictures that are not yet loaded on flickr into some kind of order and purge the duplicates/blurry ones. Cecilia prepares us a nice supper of roast chicken, boiled new potatoes, cauliflower and for dessert trifle. Mark her son has made sure wine and beer were in for us. Fred checks what I have picked for viewing as I have no idea where in Liverpool the places are as the location maps that are provided are not clear and as many of you know my map reading skills suck. We finally agree on 4 flats. I'm off to bed early again as I am bushed. Fred and Cecilia view pictures of our trip and of Santorini where Elizabeth Cecilia's daughter and her husband Andy run a bar.
Oct 6 - Fred calls up the estate agents and makes arrangements to view some flats (apartments) on Tuesday, unfortunately we can only see 2 of the 4 as the others have already been rented. We head out to Asda (Walmart) to price dishes, cutlery etc as I really don't know what comes in a furnished flat and shipping from Canada will cost us a pretty penny I'm sure and also a conduct a dry run to the locations of the flats so we don't have any problems tomorrow morning. After lurch at Cecilia's we head out to Ormskirk for a family visit with Cecilia's parents Jim and Cecilia. A very nice afternoon and evening spent catching up on family events both past and present.
Oct 7 - Finally what we really came to Liverpool for, the viewing of the flats. Cecilia comes with us as back up for directions. TomTom is good if you can follow its instructions which at times come out very confusing. A bend in the road is sometimes called a turn when there really is no turn and or a turn when you should just be bearing right or left. The first flat is nice but location is disappointing as we can not see the River Mersey. I want the river as a view and not just a man-made pond with ducks. The agent advises that the keys for the second viewing have been taken by the landlord but that he has another one for us to look at on Wednesday morning. We advise him we will leaving for London on Wednesday morning so he scrambles and is able to get us into the second place in the afternoon.
So after a quick lunch, more shops, where I get a jacket we head off to see the second flat. This one is almost perfect. You can see the river but still not as much as I would like. The flat itself is a good size. Two large bedrooms, a separate kitchen fully equipped, and living room. Also the security features are cool. You can actually see who is ringing to get in on a video. While we are not ready to move quite yet as the house has not sold we now know what the expenses are and as they say Location Location Location. We know what Quays are on the water and what views you get. Fully furnished means just that all you need is your clothes. Our agent Jamie will have 10-12 viewings line up for us once we are ready to make the move .
I also get a lesson on how the two finger sign (and I don't mean peace) came into being in England from our agent who does archery. During the battle of Agincourt the English Archers were far superior to the French causing a great many deaths. So when the English archers were captured their two fingers that would pull the drawstring where chopped off so that they could no longer shoot their bows. Those who escaped before being maimed would give the French the so called two finger salute reminding the French of their inferiority. Well so goes the story not sure if it is true but given the love the English have for the French works for me. Guess that would also explain his saying you got to look at a lot of frogs before you find the perfect flat for you!!
We head back for a supper of pork chops, carrots and baked potatoes. Dessert Fred's favorite Eccles Cakes. Look like tea biscuits for those who don't know but are a pastery on the outside filled with raisins. After supper I do some packing getting ready for the drive back to London then Fred takes us across to the local pub the Hare and Hound for a nightcap. It is pouring rain so we drive over and Fred and Cecilia run in ahead of me. I run in and get the crap scared out of me as it is dark and two big buggers are in the doorway which I am not expecting. Cecilia figgers I need a strong belt to settle me down. I settle for wine. Back we go and bed early as the car needs to be back by two tomorrow afternoon.
Oct 8 - We are on the road by 9:00 a.m. Unlike our drive north on the previous Saturday the roads are busy. I have some rather tense moments and the idea of book reading just does not work. Fred checks with me a few times to make sure I am not a total basket case and asks if I would like a rest break. I really just want to get the drive over with and as he does not need a break we carry on. Driving in London is also a treat although not as bad a Rome. Those buses and truck sure seem to come close especially when you think you are on what should be the driver's side.
Needless to say with Fred's expert driving we arrive at John's flat safe and sound. I sure like walking in London way better then driving and don't know how in the hell I will be able to drive here once we cross over the pond! Tomorrow we will have nothing to report as we are catching up with laundry and pictures so don't panic.
Tarah for now,
Sandy & Fred
Oct 5 - Cecilia gives us some bad news today (Sunday). The flats we were hoping to view on Monday have all been rented so we have to start looking again at sites to find places. It is very cold compared to Italy and the clothes I have are really not warm enough. We head into town to do some shopping and grab lunch. Primark has good prices so I head there. Pick up jeans and 3 tops and another pair of shoes like the ones I picked up when we first arrived in London. They are really comfortable much like wearing slippers. For those of you who don't know me I hate clothes shopping. Give me the home shopping channel or Sears catalogue to shop. Well nothing fits, the jeans are the kind the kids wear around their fanny's and with the size of mine that is one scary sight. So shopping here is a bust except for the shoes and some baby stuff for Fred's cousin John and his wife who are expecting their second in a couple of weeks time. Cecilia takes me to Bon Marche a ladies shop and I score a pair of jeans and two tops. Lunch we have lunch at a Yates pub in town and then head back to her place to surf the net for flats.
I surf while Fred tries to get our pictures that are not yet loaded on flickr into some kind of order and purge the duplicates/blurry ones. Cecilia prepares us a nice supper of roast chicken, boiled new potatoes, cauliflower and for dessert trifle. Mark her son has made sure wine and beer were in for us. Fred checks what I have picked for viewing as I have no idea where in Liverpool the places are as the location maps that are provided are not clear and as many of you know my map reading skills suck. We finally agree on 4 flats. I'm off to bed early again as I am bushed. Fred and Cecilia view pictures of our trip and of Santorini where Elizabeth Cecilia's daughter and her husband Andy run a bar.
Oct 6 - Fred calls up the estate agents and makes arrangements to view some flats (apartments) on Tuesday, unfortunately we can only see 2 of the 4 as the others have already been rented. We head out to Asda (Walmart) to price dishes, cutlery etc as I really don't know what comes in a furnished flat and shipping from Canada will cost us a pretty penny I'm sure and also a conduct a dry run to the locations of the flats so we don't have any problems tomorrow morning. After lurch at Cecilia's we head out to Ormskirk for a family visit with Cecilia's parents Jim and Cecilia. A very nice afternoon and evening spent catching up on family events both past and present.
Oct 7 - Finally what we really came to Liverpool for, the viewing of the flats. Cecilia comes with us as back up for directions. TomTom is good if you can follow its instructions which at times come out very confusing. A bend in the road is sometimes called a turn when there really is no turn and or a turn when you should just be bearing right or left. The first flat is nice but location is disappointing as we can not see the River Mersey. I want the river as a view and not just a man-made pond with ducks. The agent advises that the keys for the second viewing have been taken by the landlord but that he has another one for us to look at on Wednesday morning. We advise him we will leaving for London on Wednesday morning so he scrambles and is able to get us into the second place in the afternoon.
So after a quick lunch, more shops, where I get a jacket we head off to see the second flat. This one is almost perfect. You can see the river but still not as much as I would like. The flat itself is a good size. Two large bedrooms, a separate kitchen fully equipped, and living room. Also the security features are cool. You can actually see who is ringing to get in on a video. While we are not ready to move quite yet as the house has not sold we now know what the expenses are and as they say Location Location Location. We know what Quays are on the water and what views you get. Fully furnished means just that all you need is your clothes. Our agent Jamie will have 10-12 viewings line up for us once we are ready to make the move .
I also get a lesson on how the two finger sign (and I don't mean peace) came into being in England from our agent who does archery. During the battle of Agincourt the English Archers were far superior to the French causing a great many deaths. So when the English archers were captured their two fingers that would pull the drawstring where chopped off so that they could no longer shoot their bows. Those who escaped before being maimed would give the French the so called two finger salute reminding the French of their inferiority. Well so goes the story not sure if it is true but given the love the English have for the French works for me. Guess that would also explain his saying you got to look at a lot of frogs before you find the perfect flat for you!!
We head back for a supper of pork chops, carrots and baked potatoes. Dessert Fred's favorite Eccles Cakes. Look like tea biscuits for those who don't know but are a pastery on the outside filled with raisins. After supper I do some packing getting ready for the drive back to London then Fred takes us across to the local pub the Hare and Hound for a nightcap. It is pouring rain so we drive over and Fred and Cecilia run in ahead of me. I run in and get the crap scared out of me as it is dark and two big buggers are in the doorway which I am not expecting. Cecilia figgers I need a strong belt to settle me down. I settle for wine. Back we go and bed early as the car needs to be back by two tomorrow afternoon.
Oct 8 - We are on the road by 9:00 a.m. Unlike our drive north on the previous Saturday the roads are busy. I have some rather tense moments and the idea of book reading just does not work. Fred checks with me a few times to make sure I am not a total basket case and asks if I would like a rest break. I really just want to get the drive over with and as he does not need a break we carry on. Driving in London is also a treat although not as bad a Rome. Those buses and truck sure seem to come close especially when you think you are on what should be the driver's side.
Needless to say with Fred's expert driving we arrive at John's flat safe and sound. I sure like walking in London way better then driving and don't know how in the hell I will be able to drive here once we cross over the pond! Tomorrow we will have nothing to report as we are catching up with laundry and pictures so don't panic.
Tarah for now,
Sandy & Fred
Arrivederci Italy - Oct 4, 2008
Greetings All,
Sorry if you missed us but we didn't have access to the Internet once we arrived in Liverpool. We are now back and reports will once again be regular.
October 4th and we were the first up and off before the rest even stirred as we had a flight to catch in Perugia at 10:40 a.m. The guard at the airport was not only cute but had a great sense of humor. Fred has a British/European Passport and he gets to just waltz through passport control. My Canadian passport is considered foreign so the guard excuses himself and apologizes that I have to stop and have my passport checked. Fred makes some smart ass comment but I respond that I am special as I get a stamp every where we go and he loses out. The guard agrees but tells Fred if he really feels left out he can arrange to have his passport stamped. Of course Fred declines. The flight is one hour late and when we board the first 5 rows are blocked off for those needing help or the very old and infirm. Ryanair is a discount airline where the fares are dirt cheap. We find out why very fast. The seats do not even recline. The are straight up, no magazine pouches and the emergency instructions are pasted on the the back of the seat in front of you. Guess who gets the only two screaming kids sitting behind them!! The whole damn 2 1/2 hours they did not even cry themselves to sleep. We land hard but are glad to get off the plane. The customs line for British and EU passengers is huge and all others which is me has only 6 people in line. Off I go on my own thinking I will be through in no time for once and beat Fred through. Not a chance, a family of Indians or Pakistanis are holding up the line. Figures, just my luck. Well when I am finally called forward the first question is am I travelling alone? No, I'm with my husband so she wants to know where he is. I tell her, with my luck, he's probably already on the other side waiting for me as he is a Brit, and sure enough he appears. I get the usual questions where, how long am I staying. Get my stamp and before she sends me on my way tells me in future to stay with my husband as we are travelling together I will get through faster and no hassles. Once though immigration the posting for the luggage reclaim area takes forever and guess who Fred spots right away!! Did you guess?? The two screaming kids sound asleep in their strollers. I though I was going to have to pull him back from shaking the strollers and shouting wake up!! :). The bags are finally retrieved and we go to pick up the car. Must be our lucky day cause we get a marble mouth girl who we could not understand and was slower then the second coming. Forty five minutes to get everything sorted out. Then on top of all this the car is at the very end of the parking lot and it is very cold. So nerves are somewhat frazzled at this point in time. Finally, we are on the motorway heading to Liverpool. Overall an okay drive just a few tense moments for me as we are in my mind on the wrong side of the road. Three hours later we arrive at Fred's cousin Cecilia.
This drive was exhausting for both of us even though the roads were straight and not really congested. We figure we were so used to hairpin curves, driving up and down hills that is was boring, so tiring. We were in bed by 9:30 on our first night.
The following are some highlights of Italy that I have not previously mentioned. They have a siesta time from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 P.M. in a majority of the towns which is good for them but not so good for tourists. So if you see something you want to buy you better get it there and then cause the place may be closed when you go back. I experienced this in Assisi. Bet you can all imagine Fred's Big Smile on that one. Some toilets have seats most don't so ladies need to be good squatters. Their dark chocolate is amazing!! The people have been most gracious and as soon as you speak or at least try to speak Italian they speak English even in some of the smaller towns. The one thing you do not see is stray dogs wandering around anywhere. Last but not least the gelato is to die for.
Fred and I will definitely being coming back to Italy for future visits as we have barely scraped the surface of the sites, wine and food.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Sorry if you missed us but we didn't have access to the Internet once we arrived in Liverpool. We are now back and reports will once again be regular.
October 4th and we were the first up and off before the rest even stirred as we had a flight to catch in Perugia at 10:40 a.m. The guard at the airport was not only cute but had a great sense of humor. Fred has a British/European Passport and he gets to just waltz through passport control. My Canadian passport is considered foreign so the guard excuses himself and apologizes that I have to stop and have my passport checked. Fred makes some smart ass comment but I respond that I am special as I get a stamp every where we go and he loses out. The guard agrees but tells Fred if he really feels left out he can arrange to have his passport stamped. Of course Fred declines. The flight is one hour late and when we board the first 5 rows are blocked off for those needing help or the very old and infirm. Ryanair is a discount airline where the fares are dirt cheap. We find out why very fast. The seats do not even recline. The are straight up, no magazine pouches and the emergency instructions are pasted on the the back of the seat in front of you. Guess who gets the only two screaming kids sitting behind them!! The whole damn 2 1/2 hours they did not even cry themselves to sleep. We land hard but are glad to get off the plane. The customs line for British and EU passengers is huge and all others which is me has only 6 people in line. Off I go on my own thinking I will be through in no time for once and beat Fred through. Not a chance, a family of Indians or Pakistanis are holding up the line. Figures, just my luck. Well when I am finally called forward the first question is am I travelling alone? No, I'm with my husband so she wants to know where he is. I tell her, with my luck, he's probably already on the other side waiting for me as he is a Brit, and sure enough he appears. I get the usual questions where, how long am I staying. Get my stamp and before she sends me on my way tells me in future to stay with my husband as we are travelling together I will get through faster and no hassles. Once though immigration the posting for the luggage reclaim area takes forever and guess who Fred spots right away!! Did you guess?? The two screaming kids sound asleep in their strollers. I though I was going to have to pull him back from shaking the strollers and shouting wake up!! :). The bags are finally retrieved and we go to pick up the car. Must be our lucky day cause we get a marble mouth girl who we could not understand and was slower then the second coming. Forty five minutes to get everything sorted out. Then on top of all this the car is at the very end of the parking lot and it is very cold. So nerves are somewhat frazzled at this point in time. Finally, we are on the motorway heading to Liverpool. Overall an okay drive just a few tense moments for me as we are in my mind on the wrong side of the road. Three hours later we arrive at Fred's cousin Cecilia.
This drive was exhausting for both of us even though the roads were straight and not really congested. We figure we were so used to hairpin curves, driving up and down hills that is was boring, so tiring. We were in bed by 9:30 on our first night.
The following are some highlights of Italy that I have not previously mentioned. They have a siesta time from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 P.M. in a majority of the towns which is good for them but not so good for tourists. So if you see something you want to buy you better get it there and then cause the place may be closed when you go back. I experienced this in Assisi. Bet you can all imagine Fred's Big Smile on that one. Some toilets have seats most don't so ladies need to be good squatters. Their dark chocolate is amazing!! The people have been most gracious and as soon as you speak or at least try to speak Italian they speak English even in some of the smaller towns. The one thing you do not see is stray dogs wandering around anywhere. Last but not least the gelato is to die for.
Fred and I will definitely being coming back to Italy for future visits as we have barely scraped the surface of the sites, wine and food.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Friday, October 3, 2008
Assisi - Oct 3, 2008
Greetings All,
I forgot to mention that we went into a church in Todi yesterday. The acoustics were unreal. They were playing music that resonated of the ceiling and was so soothing that one could easily fall asleep. I have found out the significance of the lighting of the candles so I light 3 candles for one of each of the Pagazzani girls our adopted nieces.
So we headed out early to Assisi this morning with Geoff and Tracy to finish seeing the sights that we did not get to see yesterday. There is a lot of walking both up and down hill and being a true hill town some of the climbs are rather steep. Geoff and Tracy are very patient with me bring up the rear 98% of the time. The other 2 are when I manage to get ahead of the group. The town is beautiful and we get into the sites we missed the day bere was efore. The castle was worth the climb up to the top of the city. Here you have a full 360 degree view of the landscape below a perfect defensive post if you where protecting the town below. Lunch time and we stop in a little cafe that is mentioned in Rick Steves book. pizza for Tracy, Hh=-am and cheese sandwiches on freshly made focooci bread for me and Geoff and salami and cheese for Fred. There with beer for three and wine for me. As a hill town Assisi certainly has the most in bEeauty and history to offer and I think ranks up Siena as a highlight in the Umbria area.
Tonight we meet the owners of the house plus their manager. Rob Cushman is a very down to earth person and explains to us his wine making process of which Fred knows some of the process and is amazed that I know. Simple need to know but not the work only the final product is important to my taste bud. A great dinner had by all coleslaw, potatoes, pork sausage kabobs and pear and pecorino salad. Copious amounts of wine again and gelato for desert. We all say our good byes. John and Adrienne are headed down the Almafii coast. Fred and I to Liverpool and the balance to Rome then back to Canada,
We have enjoyed our stay in Italy and could very easily come back for a visit or even live here for a period of time.
Bouna Sera All as we are now on our way to England!!
Sa ndh &b Fred
I forgot to mention that we went into a church in Todi yesterday. The acoustics were unreal. They were playing music that resonated of the ceiling and was so soothing that one could easily fall asleep. I have found out the significance of the lighting of the candles so I light 3 candles for one of each of the Pagazzani girls our adopted nieces.
So we headed out early to Assisi this morning with Geoff and Tracy to finish seeing the sights that we did not get to see yesterday. There is a lot of walking both up and down hill and being a true hill town some of the climbs are rather steep. Geoff and Tracy are very patient with me bring up the rear 98% of the time. The other 2 are when I manage to get ahead of the group. The town is beautiful and we get into the sites we missed the day bere was efore. The castle was worth the climb up to the top of the city. Here you have a full 360 degree view of the landscape below a perfect defensive post if you where protecting the town below. Lunch time and we stop in a little cafe that is mentioned in Rick Steves book. pizza for Tracy, Hh=-am and cheese sandwiches on freshly made focooci bread for me and Geoff and salami and cheese for Fred. There with beer for three and wine for me. As a hill town Assisi certainly has the most in bEeauty and history to offer and I think ranks up Siena as a highlight in the Umbria area.
Tonight we meet the owners of the house plus their manager. Rob Cushman is a very down to earth person and explains to us his wine making process of which Fred knows some of the process and is amazed that I know. Simple need to know but not the work only the final product is important to my taste bud. A great dinner had by all coleslaw, potatoes, pork sausage kabobs and pear and pecorino salad. Copious amounts of wine again and gelato for desert. We all say our good byes. John and Adrienne are headed down the Almafii coast. Fred and I to Liverpool and the balance to Rome then back to Canada,
We have enjoyed our stay in Italy and could very easily come back for a visit or even live here for a period of time.
Bouna Sera All as we are now on our way to England!!
Sa ndh &b Fred
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Assisi - Oct 2, 2008
Buona Sera All,
Today 7 of us headed off to Assisi while Keith and Sandra headed off to Gubbio. The drive to Assisi was about 1 hour. Assisi is another hill town and as we got as close as we could see the Basilica and tried to get as close as we could so that Amy did not have too far to walk. Adrienne and I joined Amy while Fred and John along with Geoff and Tracey went and parked the cars. Amy and I decided it was best if we got a head start for the walk up the hill to theBasilica. Once we are all together we enter the Basilica. Francesco Bernardone in 1202 rode out as a warrior to battle the Perugians and spent a year as a prisoner. He came back a changed man, casting aside the wealth of his family, the decandence of the time and stripped naked in the town square and declared his loyalty to God alone. He started a new order of monks who preached to the common people in the common language of the day preaching a very simplistic life of humility and love. Pictures in the Basilica are an enforced no no here. The Basilica is beautiful and serene. We went into the lower level (the crypt) to view the tomb of St Francis. Around the outside walls of the crypt are the tombs of four fathers (Francis' most faithful companions Friar's Angelo, Masseo, Leone and Ruffino) whose deaths are in the mid to late 1200's. For once, even with all the tourists the atmosphere is tranquil. It is almost as if his spirit is reinforcing his life teachings. He died at the young age of 45, was accepted by the pope of the time and left a legacy of humanism, equality and love of nature we all can relate to today.
We now head to Spello to John's special wine provider, Roberto (or wine guy as John calls him). I thought we were going to a vineyard for wine tasting but this is actually a gentleman that seeks out small vineyards/producers with excellent grapes and amazing wines and introduces them to the world at large. We have a wine tasting event which had we known what was being laid out for us we would not have grabbed a sandwich in Assisi. Two whites a Chardonnay and and grape from Bologna. Then on to the reds, a Borolo, a Sagrantini and a Super Tuscan. The appetizers to accompany the wines were also from the immediate area. Two vareties of olive oil on warm bread lightly salted that brings out the flavour of both the wine and the oil. This was followed by for different olive oil pastes, white truffles, black truffles, sun dried tomatoes and arugula. Finally, a plate of different pecorino cheeses and pork meats, salami and prosciuttto. The cheeses are amazing, I especially like one that is very strong, sharp plus on the hard side. What was most amazing is that some of the cheeses were served with honey which enhances the flavour. Who would have thought that combining those two very different natural products would produce such a amazing taste. We are serenaded by Roberto's cousin who played guitar and sang. Quite a good voice for a elderly gentleman. We ended with me heartily singing along in a version of When The Saints Come Marching In in English and he in Italian. A most enjoyable afternoon. We bought some wine and paste and olive oil to bring back for very special occasions. One to celebrate our 35th anniversary this past August, one for when we sell our house and one for when we move into a place in England.
We decide to go to Todi for the remainder of the afternoon rather than had back to Assisi as a couple of hours is not going to be enough time. Then it's back to the Villa for supper of orange and sage rossoto, veal and italian cookies. Plan for what was to be a relaxing Friday of doing nothing has changed to a day in Assisi.
Arrivederci
Sandy & Fred
Today 7 of us headed off to Assisi while Keith and Sandra headed off to Gubbio. The drive to Assisi was about 1 hour. Assisi is another hill town and as we got as close as we could see the Basilica and tried to get as close as we could so that Amy did not have too far to walk. Adrienne and I joined Amy while Fred and John along with Geoff and Tracey went and parked the cars. Amy and I decided it was best if we got a head start for the walk up the hill to theBasilica. Once we are all together we enter the Basilica. Francesco Bernardone in 1202 rode out as a warrior to battle the Perugians and spent a year as a prisoner. He came back a changed man, casting aside the wealth of his family, the decandence of the time and stripped naked in the town square and declared his loyalty to God alone. He started a new order of monks who preached to the common people in the common language of the day preaching a very simplistic life of humility and love. Pictures in the Basilica are an enforced no no here. The Basilica is beautiful and serene. We went into the lower level (the crypt) to view the tomb of St Francis. Around the outside walls of the crypt are the tombs of four fathers (Francis' most faithful companions Friar's Angelo, Masseo, Leone and Ruffino) whose deaths are in the mid to late 1200's. For once, even with all the tourists the atmosphere is tranquil. It is almost as if his spirit is reinforcing his life teachings. He died at the young age of 45, was accepted by the pope of the time and left a legacy of humanism, equality and love of nature we all can relate to today.
We now head to Spello to John's special wine provider, Roberto (or wine guy as John calls him). I thought we were going to a vineyard for wine tasting but this is actually a gentleman that seeks out small vineyards/producers with excellent grapes and amazing wines and introduces them to the world at large. We have a wine tasting event which had we known what was being laid out for us we would not have grabbed a sandwich in Assisi. Two whites a Chardonnay and and grape from Bologna. Then on to the reds, a Borolo, a Sagrantini and a Super Tuscan. The appetizers to accompany the wines were also from the immediate area. Two vareties of olive oil on warm bread lightly salted that brings out the flavour of both the wine and the oil. This was followed by for different olive oil pastes, white truffles, black truffles, sun dried tomatoes and arugula. Finally, a plate of different pecorino cheeses and pork meats, salami and prosciuttto. The cheeses are amazing, I especially like one that is very strong, sharp plus on the hard side. What was most amazing is that some of the cheeses were served with honey which enhances the flavour. Who would have thought that combining those two very different natural products would produce such a amazing taste. We are serenaded by Roberto's cousin who played guitar and sang. Quite a good voice for a elderly gentleman. We ended with me heartily singing along in a version of When The Saints Come Marching In in English and he in Italian. A most enjoyable afternoon. We bought some wine and paste and olive oil to bring back for very special occasions. One to celebrate our 35th anniversary this past August, one for when we sell our house and one for when we move into a place in England.
We decide to go to Todi for the remainder of the afternoon rather than had back to Assisi as a couple of hours is not going to be enough time. Then it's back to the Villa for supper of orange and sage rossoto, veal and italian cookies. Plan for what was to be a relaxing Friday of doing nothing has changed to a day in Assisi.
Arrivederci
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Siena - Oct 1, 2008
Greetings to everybody,
After some confusion we head out to Siena in two cars. Geoff, Tracy, Fred and myself in one car and Keith, Sandra and Amy in the other. John and Adrienne with Portia are heading off to do their own thing with what I think is a much needed break from the rest of us.
We decide to walk around the town first to check out the shops and square before touring the Duomo, Museum, Baptistry and Crypt. We take a slight wrong turn and after some exploring get to the square and see where the shops are. We were to meet with Keith,Sandra and Amy for lunch at 1:00 p.m. but as they hadn't arrived by 1:20 p.m. and we are starving (as we got a early start) we pick a cafe in the square to have lunch and where we can watch for their arrival. We are pretty much finished eating when they finally arrive. Arrangments are made with Amy and we go visit the historic sites.
Siena's Duomo is very unusual in that the floor is just as beautiful as the interior of the building.
Pictures (which should be all posted by next week) can only relate the beauty of the work done by the artisans of the time. Complete stories are told on the floor in carved marble while the ceiling with it paintings compliment or tell other stories of a biblical time or historical event. It took forty artists almost tow hundred years to pave the floor of the Cathedral in marble.
We next tour the museum, which contains original facades from the church, marble statutes of various biblical and political persons and well as paintings, tapestries and robes of various popes. Here were are able to climb up to the Panorama del Facciatone for a view of Siena. I only do the first portion of long winding steeps steps. Fred, Geoff and Tracy make it up to the higher level. Fred remarks that the stairs were very step and narrow. Passing people coming down as you were going up or vice versa was an intimate thing. I cool off and enjoy the view.
We head back to the Square to pick up Amy as she has been left to sit and relax while we explore.
She has people watched, been enterained by a village idiot of sorts that plays tricks on tourists in the square for the amusement of tourists eating in the cafes around the square while soliciting for coin later. Prior to heading back to finish our tour we have a drink at a cafe. Amy is walking quite well and we get her up the hill to the Baptistry in no time.
Another seat for Amy while we finish off our tour of the crypt which really is a basement of the original structure upon which the existing Duomo has been built. The paintings here are vivid in colour although they are not complete pictures. The Baptistry has beautiful art work and some detail on the floor.
We head back to the villa after a full day for leftovers from our various sumptuous meals. One slight problem is discovered by Tracy. We have no water!!! Adrienne call's the house manager and the scramble begins. John , Adrienne, Fred and I go to bed knowing water has been pumped into the holding tanks and at least the early bird's will get a shower!
Buona Sera,
Sandy & Fred
After some confusion we head out to Siena in two cars. Geoff, Tracy, Fred and myself in one car and Keith, Sandra and Amy in the other. John and Adrienne with Portia are heading off to do their own thing with what I think is a much needed break from the rest of us.
We decide to walk around the town first to check out the shops and square before touring the Duomo, Museum, Baptistry and Crypt. We take a slight wrong turn and after some exploring get to the square and see where the shops are. We were to meet with Keith,Sandra and Amy for lunch at 1:00 p.m. but as they hadn't arrived by 1:20 p.m. and we are starving (as we got a early start) we pick a cafe in the square to have lunch and where we can watch for their arrival. We are pretty much finished eating when they finally arrive. Arrangments are made with Amy and we go visit the historic sites.
Siena's Duomo is very unusual in that the floor is just as beautiful as the interior of the building.
Pictures (which should be all posted by next week) can only relate the beauty of the work done by the artisans of the time. Complete stories are told on the floor in carved marble while the ceiling with it paintings compliment or tell other stories of a biblical time or historical event. It took forty artists almost tow hundred years to pave the floor of the Cathedral in marble.
We next tour the museum, which contains original facades from the church, marble statutes of various biblical and political persons and well as paintings, tapestries and robes of various popes. Here were are able to climb up to the Panorama del Facciatone for a view of Siena. I only do the first portion of long winding steeps steps. Fred, Geoff and Tracy make it up to the higher level. Fred remarks that the stairs were very step and narrow. Passing people coming down as you were going up or vice versa was an intimate thing. I cool off and enjoy the view.
We head back to the Square to pick up Amy as she has been left to sit and relax while we explore.
She has people watched, been enterained by a village idiot of sorts that plays tricks on tourists in the square for the amusement of tourists eating in the cafes around the square while soliciting for coin later. Prior to heading back to finish our tour we have a drink at a cafe. Amy is walking quite well and we get her up the hill to the Baptistry in no time.
Another seat for Amy while we finish off our tour of the crypt which really is a basement of the original structure upon which the existing Duomo has been built. The paintings here are vivid in colour although they are not complete pictures. The Baptistry has beautiful art work and some detail on the floor.
We head back to the villa after a full day for leftovers from our various sumptuous meals. One slight problem is discovered by Tracy. We have no water!!! Adrienne call's the house manager and the scramble begins. John , Adrienne, Fred and I go to bed knowing water has been pumped into the holding tanks and at least the early bird's will get a shower!
Buona Sera,
Sandy & Fred
Umbrian Hill Towns - Sept 30, 2008
Buon giorno all,
Well today Geoff, Tracy , Fred and I head back to Spoleta to find one of the oldest churches in the world. We take a different route that does not take us over the mountain and seem to be there in no time at all. We stop at what looks to be a very old church however it is locked up. It was not the church we were looking for. Just around the corner from what we thought was San Salvatore we discover the church and cemetery built in the 4th century. The marble doorways and windows are one of the best preserved in Umbria. Inside aside from some restoration done in the 9th century the church has not been touched. The cemetery is amazing, generations of families share crypts and they seem to have a greater respect for the dead then we do. Fresh candles, flowers, pictures are maintained at the various different plots. We spent about an hour walking through the church and cemetery; it was a very serene place.
The next stop was Trevi, which calls itself the Olive Oil Capital. There are over 200,000 olive trees around the town. We stop for lunch here in the square. A light lunch of bruchetta's, breads with various different pates made with olives, tomatoes and just olive oil itself plus a litre of wine and water.
Here we get a cute picture of a tiny little dog that looks like a Chiauau that is looking down on us from a balcony at the restaurant.
A quick walk around town for some photo's of the area and off to the next town.
Montefalco is our next stop and the most interesting for me. It is nicknamed the Balcony Railing over Umbria for it's high vantage point over the valley that runs from Perugia to Spoleta. Here the church of Saint Agostino has three mummy's encased in a glass coffin. One apparently is of a 18th century Spanish pilgrim that never made his trip back home. The other two are what look like nuns but could be sisters or mother and daughter that share a coffin. They are very small in stature. The state of their bodies are really amazing. The Pilgrim is mostly intact, skin dry and you can actually see tendon's around the ankle were the skin has been torn or decayed away. We walk around the outer walls of the town and once again take photo's of the surrounding country side.
Our last stop for the day is Bevagna. This was first built around 220 BC on the ancient consular road, Via Flaminia near enough to Rome to help it become a booming city in its time. There is a rectangular pool that is fed by the River Clitunno where up until 20 years ago laundry was done.
We have gelato here for our afternoon snack and head back to the villa for supper.
Supper is tomatoes and mozzarella with olive oil, basil and balsamic vinegar, veal rolls which John prepares with Adrienne and left over grilled veggies from a couple of nights before. Dessert is an Italian pastry, a roll with figs, raisins and other fruits. Yummy.
Our trip tomorrow is to Siena, which is a 2 -21/2 hour drive, so we spend some time planning.
Arrivederci for now,
Sandy & Fred
Well today Geoff, Tracy , Fred and I head back to Spoleta to find one of the oldest churches in the world. We take a different route that does not take us over the mountain and seem to be there in no time at all. We stop at what looks to be a very old church however it is locked up. It was not the church we were looking for. Just around the corner from what we thought was San Salvatore we discover the church and cemetery built in the 4th century. The marble doorways and windows are one of the best preserved in Umbria. Inside aside from some restoration done in the 9th century the church has not been touched. The cemetery is amazing, generations of families share crypts and they seem to have a greater respect for the dead then we do. Fresh candles, flowers, pictures are maintained at the various different plots. We spent about an hour walking through the church and cemetery; it was a very serene place.
The next stop was Trevi, which calls itself the Olive Oil Capital. There are over 200,000 olive trees around the town. We stop for lunch here in the square. A light lunch of bruchetta's, breads with various different pates made with olives, tomatoes and just olive oil itself plus a litre of wine and water.
Here we get a cute picture of a tiny little dog that looks like a Chiauau that is looking down on us from a balcony at the restaurant.
A quick walk around town for some photo's of the area and off to the next town.
Montefalco is our next stop and the most interesting for me. It is nicknamed the Balcony Railing over Umbria for it's high vantage point over the valley that runs from Perugia to Spoleta. Here the church of Saint Agostino has three mummy's encased in a glass coffin. One apparently is of a 18th century Spanish pilgrim that never made his trip back home. The other two are what look like nuns but could be sisters or mother and daughter that share a coffin. They are very small in stature. The state of their bodies are really amazing. The Pilgrim is mostly intact, skin dry and you can actually see tendon's around the ankle were the skin has been torn or decayed away. We walk around the outer walls of the town and once again take photo's of the surrounding country side.
Our last stop for the day is Bevagna. This was first built around 220 BC on the ancient consular road, Via Flaminia near enough to Rome to help it become a booming city in its time. There is a rectangular pool that is fed by the River Clitunno where up until 20 years ago laundry was done.
We have gelato here for our afternoon snack and head back to the villa for supper.
Supper is tomatoes and mozzarella with olive oil, basil and balsamic vinegar, veal rolls which John prepares with Adrienne and left over grilled veggies from a couple of nights before. Dessert is an Italian pastry, a roll with figs, raisins and other fruits. Yummy.
Our trip tomorrow is to Siena, which is a 2 -21/2 hour drive, so we spend some time planning.
Arrivederci for now,
Sandy & Fred
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