Hop on the bus Gus

We finally made it to Belfast after a 4 hour bus trip and then a 3 hour ferry trip. The sea was like glass with hardly a ripple on the surface. I can see why people choose to go on cruises as everything is on the ship. After getting off the ferry we were bussed into Belfast City. Our accommodation was in a great spot giving us access to a line of pubs, more pubs and small bars. I was pretty excited to be in Belfast as we were finally going to catch up with the baby of the family Tom and my 4th son Owen Conway. Tom and Owen have been travelling since April in Canada and the USA. They both look extremely well and had lots of stories to share with us. Carol and Dave if you are reading this your baby Owen has 5 tattoos and 6 lots of new piercing, not to mention the new girlfriend who is coming back to Geraldton to live on your farm. I can stretch the truth a little as I am now in Ireland!

I had organised to hire a 9 seater bus from Corrigan Bus Hire, however, before I left Australia this had turned into a 12 seater as something had happened to the 9 seater. Paul and I with some help from the locals jumped into a people's taxi which for those of you who haven't yet experienced this mode of transport it works very effectively. Its like catching a bus but with fewer people and you just pay a nominal fare like on a bus. We soon reached our destination and introduced ourselves and proceeded to fill out the paper work coming to terms with picking up a 12 seater bus rather than a 9. But there's more just like that telly add back home, we now have a 15 seater bus. I was getting pretty anxious at this stage because there was a pattern happening right under my nose... 9  12  15. Were we going to end up with an 18 and then maybe a 24?  Phew...the 15 seater was brought around. A quick check over by Paul and Dennis the checker and we were on our way. We were, until Paul heard this ticking sound..........." I can't drive around the countryside with this ticking noise" said PC.  "It's not like it's a bomb" says me. "Don't say that word" says PC. "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb and as if anyone is going to hear me" I reply rolling my eyes. My eyes only got the chance of doing one roll because when they got to the part where they had to focus it was on a police car coming straight towards us. The next word to come out of my mouth didn't start with the letter b! The policeman waved at us but not to pull us over but just as a friendly gesture. We quickly returned to where we had picked up the bus and Paul told them about the ticking noise. "Don't worry about the noise it's just the fan belt, go off and have yourselves a holiday, a beer and just relax". We are taking his advice.

Snow Globe Awards

The Snow Globe Awards were started as a bit of family fun a couple of years ago when my sister Judy and her husband Mike and daughter Emily along with Paul, Ross,Tom and myself went to Melbourne to see the tennis. Every now and then one of us would do something that would be embarrassingly funny or just plain silly. Points at the end of the holiday were tallied up and after a quick discussion the person with the most points to their name would win a snow globe of Melbourne.

An example of snow globeness was when Ross caught up with a uni friend and she arranged for Ross to meet her at the Lucky Cock, a small bar in St Kilda not to be confused with the Lucky Shag in Perth. We all thought this was embarrassingly funny (Paul thought Ross was a lucky bastard) Another example was when I chose a Chinese restaurant that had won a lot of awards as they were plastered all over the restaurant and it turned out to be one of the worst eating experiences ever. The food was terrible.

The winner of the award was Judy. Now if you know Judy she is a very talented, intelligent and worldly woman. Judy is a dedicated teacher who could have been a builder, a tiler, a designer, you name it. When we went out for a drink and a meal at an Irish Pub in Melbourne one evening, Judy decided to order her meal. She hadn't noticed that we had all gone around a corner to order at the bar....Judy went straight to a cupboard that had a curtain as a door and was very surprised that there was no one behind the curtain to take her order. We all thought this was embarrassingly funny and embarrassingly silly.

This leads us to the question of who is going to win the Snow Globe Award on this holiday?  I can give you a clue......his first name starts with the letter P. Paul is now owning up to snow globeness even when he does something embarrassingly funny or silly and there are no witnesses. We have no chance to overtake his lead on the tally board, however, Mick, Leonie, Imogen and Trac have now  joined the tour. In Ireland snow globeness gets translated to "feckin eejit"!

Edinburgh you are more than a tattoo

 

                                                  Ben the dog who made friends with Ross

 

Hills near Balerno where Sheila lives

A natural spring is housed inside this

Paul near where Skyfall was made

Train journey to Edinburgh went very smoothly even though the train was jammed packed with holiday makers. It was lucky that we had reserved our seats as we would have been standing the whole three and a half hours. I was pretty excited to reach Edinburgh as I was meeting up with Sheila who I first met in Israel on Kibbutz Ruhama in 1979. The last time I saw Sheila was in 1982 at Julie and Gillie’s wedding in Sydney. Julie and Gilly had also been on the kibbutz. Sheila had given me directions and we were soon on the number 44 bus to Balerno a suburb of Edinburgh. It was lovely to see Sheila and meet her husband Max. Cold beers all around, stories swapped, lots of laughs and a private whisky tour for Ross who had mentioned to Max that he was keen to do a tour whilst in Scotland.

Saturday we caught the bus back into the city to explore and gape at all of the heritage that surrounds you. Leaving Ross to do his own thing Paul and I headed up to the Royal Mile towards the Edinburgh Castle. We didn’t stay too long away as Sheila and Max had invited friends over for a bbq to meet the Aussies. One of these friends was Jane who had also been on the kibbutz as both she and Sheila had done their nursing together. Another couple Alan and Carol had returned back to the area after living in London for about 30 years along with Morag. Most people in Scotland love to sing and this was certainly the case as the evening progressed into the wee hours of the morning.

Rest day Sunday with Sheila, Jane, Paul and I heading off to a walking area near Balerno. This was an amazing place with lochs, hills, walk trails and woodlands. The family dog Ben joined us. That evening we ended up down the local pub the Grey Horse where local musicians were having a jamming session. We followed up with a Chinese meal cooked by the chef/owner of the pub. Very tasty meal.

Monday an early bus ride into the city centre to start our 2 day tour up into the highlands. Beautiful weather still. Lots of mountains some with small amounts of snow. Went around Loch Ness and stayed in Inverness for the night at a B&B. We had a hoot of a time at HOOTANANNYS a pub that is very popular and the live music being a mix of traditional Scottish folk music and hand clapping and foot tapping.

On another note being away this year meant that Paul and I would not be doing our usual stint in Broome. This would be the first time in the last 6 years that we would be “midge” free. Alas the little wee blighters are alive and biting in and around Edinburgh. Our tour guide said this is why the clans would dab on the blue paint that Mel Gibson made famous.

Off to Belfast in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manchester you surely are a mixed bag of lollies

 

 

 

 Organic Cider tasted like the fox was in the bottle!

 

 

                     National Football Museum

 

 

         A building in Thomas Street with a  silver tree

 



Stung by the railway system. We had to pay double the amount on our fares from Cambridge to Manchester as we didn’t book them in advance. We have certainly learnt our wallet lesson. 3 hour train ride sitting next to a lady who had a cute pooch. Dogs can travel on the train as long as no one objects. I’m not sure you would object if it was a pit-bull, lucky it wasn’t. The dog had been rescued from a dog shelter in Spain. On the previous train apparently the conductor allowed the dog to sit up on the seat next to its owner so it could look out the window to see the sheep! So I guess it had a bone to pick with me as I had taken its seat on the train. Before arriving in Manchester there were green rolling hills and fields full of fat sheep and cows. Manchester is a huge city with the population according to Paulapedia around 2.6 million. We only had a 10 minute walk to the Light our boutique hotel accommodation. Settled in and pleased to say no need for Nakeesh to do the washing as we have our own machine in our room. Who to blame now for the missing socks.

Manchester has a mix of old and new buildings and certainly a mix of people. Lots of cultures were visible and this was also the City so far where people were begging and directly asking you for money. The Manchester International Festival is on however we are too early to see Russel Crowe on stage in Macbeth. Paul said he wouldn’t go and see the phone thrower anyway but I would have. Lots of tiny bars in the back streets and we visited the Port Street bar which had been recommended by a friend of Ross’s. I ended up choosing a Black Fox organic cider thinking it would be better for me than just a regular cider. I was right I didn’t have another one. I think the apples had been pissed on by a black fox. Paul and Ross stayed on at the bar and I headed to our room walking towards the Light. Curry tea courtesy of Tesco, a more suitable cider for my pallet and a spot of cricket on the telly and I was feeling pretty happy. C’mon Aussies. The boys swayed in a couple of hours later.

After a sleep in and checking emails Paul and I trundled off to the Art Gallery which by far has to be one of the most user friendly galleries I have visited. The National Football Museum was also worth visiting with lots of information not only on the game itself but also the fashions, WAG’S and of course the history of the sport. Lots of shiny trophies on display. Germaine Greer once said “Football counts as culture just as much as Opera does” but I don’t think she was alluding to the AFL. Home for a short break before heading off to the Common another small bar Ross had discovered during the day walking around the city.  Whilst walking there a couple of lads noticed we looked like tourists as Paul was wearing his Steve Irwin shirt, matching shorts and camera out proceeded  to shouted out “bomb’. Paul’s deaf, Ross in his own little dream state and me knowing what they were up to were a big letdown for the desired effect.  Our own personal bombshell was when Cousin Mary informed us that there would be 90 people at the first gathering in County Tyrone. Edinburgh is the next stop.

 

 

BYO bike and punt

                                                              Punts on the River Cam

Cambridge here we come! We have had such good luck when catching trains and managed once again to jag a connection from Salisbury changing at Clapham to Vauxhall and Kings Cross to Cambridge. Our advice to Paul was don’t ask any questions just keep up and once you get to your destination it will be a lot easier to explain. The train to Cambridge was an express and had us rocking into Cambridge in no time. We are staying at the Earl of Derby in Hills Road about a 25 min walk into the City. The pub is an oldie and it doesn’t look like the Earl has been to stay recently. The city is absolutely amazing with all the various colleges. We went punting on the river Cam which was a very pleasant experience. We saw a person lose his pole and another one who ended up going for a swim. Not the sort of water you would want to swallow. Our punter was very entertaining and had us laughing at all of his stories, most of them practical jokes that had been played by the students of the colleges. The best story was about a door that opens into the river. The third year boys placed an exit sign over the top of it from the inside and then proceeded to set off the fire alarm. Apparently all of the first year students went to the nearest exit which was the door out to the river! Everyone rides bikes and you see some amazing sights even the high heels and tight summer frocks can manage the bike. Another big walk all around the city before having a meal with the Earl and then into bed.

We spent most of today following in the footsteps of my ancestors. I had a visit to the Cambridgeshire Archives where I recorded the dates of births, deaths and marriages for the Arnolds who migrated to Australia in the early 1800’s. All of the Arnolds lived and worked in a small village named Newton about 8 miles from Cambridge. Most of them worked as labourers for the manor and some were listed as servants. The dates range from the 1600’s to the 1800’s which I think is a very substantial time for a family to be in one village. A short taxi ride to Thriplow another village about 1.5 miles from Newton to see where a family connection was before walking back to Newton. Bloody hot walk. We discovered the church of St Margaret’s and the Church Warden was very happy that we had visited. I think Ross was dreading his decision of coming with us. Thinking that the pub The Queen’s Head would be open to hydrate ourselves we were informed it opened at 6 and it was now 5! Paul found a Sporting club that were happy to have us as day members for a pound each. A local signed us in and we were happy as Larry. A very enjoyable afternoon hanging with the locals. Off to the pub for a meal and Ross is happy he is with us, amazing what a couple of pints of ale can do to make you cheery. Pub is like a museum really old and really simple food that is enjoyable. Taxi of £15 back into Cambridge. Ross and Paul off to the Flying Pig just down the road from the Earl to listen to some local music leaving me to sit back and relax. Tom is now in Dublin and Jonn off to the Ashes in Trent Bridge Nottingham with his mate Phil who lives in London. Jonn will be wearing his blonde mullet wig so look out for him in the crowd on the telly.

Rocking on and then into Bath

Left London Saturday morning by train to Salisbury. We only needed to do one change from Olympia to Clapham which made travelling with a heavy suitcase a lot easier. Paul volunteered to guard our cases whilst the rest of us found seats further back on the train. Paul now alone had the opportunity to crack onto a couple of mature English ladies heading to Devon for their holidays. It took just over an hour on the train alighting at Salisbury then a short taxi ride to 2 Park Lane guesthouse. When it comes to taxis it seems rather odd that if the first taxi in the queue is a mini why they think they can fit 4 adults with luggage into it beats me! Wizards obviously!  Our guesthouse was lovely and the breakfast provided extremely tasty.

Once settled we decided to explore Salisbury and headed off walking into the City along the Avon River very unlike the one Paul has paddled back home. Heaps of people around so we followed the trail to the Cathedral which is known to have the highest steeple in England. Also on display in the Chapter house was one of the few remaining Magna Cartas. We did think about having a drink free day but that was very short lived stopping at George and the Dragon, Avon Brewery and Qudos. Qudos had live music so we stayed, danced and met some very interesting people. At this pub I decided that PC needed to know that he should be aware of how the people around him were interacting with each other. If a young mutton decides to dance suggestively on the dance floor with you maybe check to see how big her boyfriend is first. Lucy a young lady just loved one of his Loud shirts made in Gero and must have told him at least a dozen times. A married couple sat at our table who were so in love with each other they should file for divorce. Of course PC became their mate as the honeypot had her Dolly Parton’s on display. I instantly became a snob and showed a lot more interest in the band. Jonn and Ross who were on their own table had a throng of young women to dance with and after we left at 12ish they continued to party on. We managed to walk home which was probably a good thing and Paul went to bed happy knowing that he still “had it”  and I had just “had it” with all of the walking!

Sunday was the day for Stonehenge and Bath. I had booked a chauffeur for this day before leaving Geraldton with one of the locals from Salisbury as we wanted to see as much of the area possible in a day. £160 for the 4 of us was well worth it as it was a very comfortable air-conditioned car. We certainly needed air conditioning as it has been like the summer of 1976 lots of days of extreme heat which means above 25C and for more than 1 day. Martin the driver was ex-police force so new all the back roads and how to avoid the traffic jams. Stonehenge was a great discussion point. Ross thinks the stones were a big doorway and the rest was made of wood and then rest just rotted away. Paul reckons the locals had too much time on their hands and needed something to do. The Heritage mob are spending a mere £29 million on an interpretive centre. 8,000 visitors a day is big business. Years ago before the inner circle was closed  you could get in and mix it with the stones or stoners, but just think of how your photos would look with every Tom Dick and Harry hanging in there.

Lacock Village is a listed heritage working village where lots of period movies are made. Judy Dench is well known in this area. We also went past Gordon Sumner’s aka Stings house and left a message in a bottle. Bath was certainly very crowded due to it being peak season and I do believe Paul is all heritaged out! Amazing buildings and Roman baths and you definitely need more than 4 hours to take in all of the architecture. 9 hours later we were back in Salisbury at The Lazy Cow a pub owned by some Limerick butchers who know how to do a mean tender steak. Blown the budget today.

Architecture and Design

Friday started off very slowly as we needed to work out how to get our laundry done. Do we leave it at the Laundry Service and they do it. or do we find a self-service? In the end we chose to pay £18 to leave it with Nakeesh a very nice gentleman who. Washing disposed of we ventured off to the John Sloane Museum as this is a must for enthusiastic Architecture students, collectors and people looking for a wow factor. This was truly an amazing house where collecting priceless items was an obsession for Mr Moneybags John Sloane. The sad part about this story is his two sons thought he was a dork (Paul's interpretation). There is no comparison to Paul's priceless collection of items as it all boils down to how you view the word priceless! Mr Sloane use to "rat" the ornaments off any old buildings that were being demolished. Might stop here and not mention anything about Paul's padlock and nail collection!

Lunch at the All Bar One a franchise bar. Eating and drinking is not cheap in London however in saying that I did pick up a punnet of very nice fresh English strawberries that tasted delicious. Summer berries are in an abundance here. Hydrated and fed we tubed it over to Tower Hill to walk over the Tower Bridge, crossing the Thames and walking along the embankment to the Design Museum.

The 2013 Design Awards were on display and seeing these designs makes you feel in awe of the people who created them. There are various categories of design. The chair in the photo above is made out of chain that is wrapped around the old furniture item before it is destroyed by fire thus recording its shape. Entries from London included the Olympic cauldron, Olympic signage and the UK governments website. Australia's entry was the blank packaging for cigarettes. Our accommodation here in London has been given the glaring error award.

After a group discussion we decided to tube it during the peak hour to see how Paul would handle the experience. He did remarkably well, however, a Velcro wrap would have come in handy. Sardines have more room to move in their tin than what we had on the tube! Jumped off at Shepherd's Bush to pick up the washing. Thankfully all clean, dry and folded with only one of my socks missing which happens even to me when I do it. Money well spent and a design greatly appreciated!

Learning all about the "Ashes"

Day three......headed off to London Tower for a history lesson. Not to sure about the crown jewels though. Saw the biggest gold punch bowel. It takes 144 bottles of wine to fill it up. That is my super fact for the day. We all did a tour of Lords and I must admit it was much more interesting than I thought it would be. Us Aussies were pretty good at cricket. Heard the good old story about Booney drinking 56 cans of beer on his flight home from London to Oz after one of the tours. Lots of great banter between all of the people on the tour....Warney's ears must have been burning.

Paul and I were left to fend for ourselves as Ross and Jonn went off to find a drinking hole that suited their age not ours. We visited the National Portrait Gallery where we voted for the peoples choice. After this we stumbled across Buckingham Palace by me taking a wrong turn, however, it was worth a look. I should have guessed we were close to it as I saw lots of people walking Corgi (plural). Long walk back to Victoria Station to tube it to our station and then another walk home. Not sure where the boys ended up as they were off beer tasting and got home Soho late!

London Tourists

After a long wait at Singapore and a very long flight to London we managed to find our luxurious studio (not). The funniest thing when we were in the taxi, Jonn noticed the man in the car beside us was making a cup of tea whilst driving. The cup between his legs, teabag being jiggled before being thrown out the window. Who needs Muzz Buzz! After storing our bags as it was too early to check into our studio we went off for a walk to Hyde Park. Deck chairs for hire but as yet no sun. Lots of people walking their dogs. I can understand that a small dog can fit into an apartment but how does one store a large dog? Stopped for a pint or two at the Swan and then at the Goat before heading home to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Day 2 was an early start, but what was the need as most places don't open until 10am. First tube ride for Paul and I got the impression that he was impressed with the 150 year old mode of transport but who would want to do this everyday of the week he asked? Almost a "Give me Geraldton any day" moment. Crossed the Thames, and over to hop onto the "London Eye" to be greeted by a very long queue all wanting to do the same thing as us. Paul found out that you can bypass the long line by paying 10 pounds more. Of  course we did this and only had a small wait of 10 mins rather than 45mins. Fast track and we were up in the air! It was amazing seeing all the different buildings, the very old, the old and the new. I am sure there is an architectural term for all of these styles but Ross is preoccupied atm. The scream for the day was me screaming when we did the London Bridge crypt tour. Once they knew I was a scaredy cat they took full advantage of it. Jack the Ripper was always lurking close by.

The Tate Modern initiated lots of discussion about the Artists and their works. At the end of the day at my request we visited Earls Court said g'day mate to a couple of people, watched Murray win his match before tracing my footsteps from 34 years ago to where I lived at 3 Bina Gardens. Tube home zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.