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Day before my Birthday, so we wanted to escape somewhere for the day to get out of the house before the rains. Almost went to Avesbury, but instead headed for Hereford. Not sure I have ever been there before, certainly driven through it, and would be surprised if I had not – but I can’t remember if I did. Anyway, its about an hour up the road – so we were there about mid day.

Looked on Google Maps for the best parking place on the approach, so no problem with getting somewhere to park, then we walked over the bridge and into the town. Just over the bridge was a place called Left Bank, it had fantastic terraces overlooking the river – three tiers and looked really nice. Until you got close up and realised it was now an empty shell – probably was something once, but was in such a fantastic position it seemed strange nothing had been done to it. Followed some folks down a back street and came out at the cathedral.

There was noise and white tents and lots of people, we were shaghighed as we entered the court-yard and was told that we had stumbled upon the Hereford Food Festival – and yes, Mary Berry was going to be there. Lots of tents and stalls, mostly selling cheese or some type of fruit drink. You could see the stalls with free samples as they were packed, the ones without were left alone by the greedy throng. Too many people really for my liking, but it was bustly and a little like a Christmas market. We had a nose around and tasted some very nice cheeses, but with all this food around we needed lunch!

We took a walk into the town itself and came across an array of food stalls, selling lots of hot, tasty, nice smelling stuff. But it was parky out, so we had a look, then a warm in The Entertainer, then looked for a pub. None to be seen. This must be the first place I have ever been that didn’t seem to have any pubs around. We found one, which was closed (or at least looked closed) and lots of shops, but nothing else – we must have been looking in the wrong places as there are always pubs in towns like these – but they weer well hidden. So we ended up in Pizza Express. We nearly had a buffet of English/Chinese and Indian, but Sian scoped the place and we decided against it. Pizza Express was good.

Then we had another stroll around the tents, and the Cathedral itself, then Kate bought a rubbish cake from a stall and we made our way back to the car, with 10 mins to spare on our three hour ticket. That was Hereford. Seems nice, not enough pubs to keep my attention though.

Big deal today was the Houses of Parliament. So after a pretty good breakie we were off on the tubes to Charring Cross again to see it in day light. From Trafalgar Sq we walked up the Mall to Horse Guards then out to Whitehall and past Number 10. There were many police about because the Unions were moaning again about the fact that the world is suffering a shortage of money, but they don’t want to help they just want more money and no cuts to anything. Like we live in a magical world that because they think it makes it so – idiots.

Had a meeting with our guide to keep, so we headed over to the Big House. Stopped on the way for a tinkle, until we found it cost 50p. 50 sodding pee for a tinkle. Crazy, I’d prefer to wet myself than pay that. Anyway we survived the wee scare, and trundled through the ridiculous security screening to get into the House. All these security personal are tossers. Whether in the airports or at screenings like this. They all have the same holier than thou attitude, brisk and borderline rude. Hateful little people, who know no one dare say anything in these situations cos they’ll “do you” ;o)

Into the hall and time for a free wee, then into line for the tour. Tour takes about an hour – and takes you around the Lords area, which is dripping in gold and fabric, then through to the Commons area which isn’t. It does all have the pomp and ceremony around it – which I think I think is okay – but the Commons area is completely different in appearance. I thought the most interesting bit was seeing the marks Black Rod made on the door and the area where the dudes go to be in the “Yes” camp or the “No” camp. When they have to vote like this a bell is rung across the Whitehall area and they have 8 minutes to get into the right room for the vote to stand. Its like a grown up and slightly posher “Runaround”, but without Mike Read. Tour was good, interesting and not too long. I snuck a sit down in the House of Commons, even though we weren’t supposed to – ain’t I naughty.

After this the tour began, because of the imbeciles “protesting” it took longer than it should have to get the tube, and we headed out to Aldgate East. From this tube we walked east to a little road, which looked very dodgy indeed. But it soon turned into a slightly less dodgy road called brick lane – very famous for the Chinese and Indian “restaurants”  all along the street. Also, not quite so famously for the street art, or graffiti as us New York hipsters call it. Too much choice for lunch, so we picked a street vendor and had a nice bit of chicken and noodles on a little bench. After food we had a quick look at the banksie car in perspex. And a little look at an exhibition by some bloke called Shepard Fairey, no, I didn’t know who he was either – apparently her did a picture of Obama.

Onward to the top of Brick Lane and across to the North West to a place called Arnold Circus – which my dad wanted to see. Back then to Spitalfields Market – which has been all revamped, so we had a beer at a traditional London pub called Los Iguanas. Back to Aldgate tube, then next stop – Monument – which I didn’t realise was called Monument because there is a Monument there. And I also didn’t realise it was a Monument to the Great Fire of London which started in a little road called Pudding Lane, which is just there!> We paid 3 quid each for the pleasure of walking up 311 steps – it was quite tiring, and the top made me feel dizzy!. Once done, off to Bank to have a quick look at the Bank of England.

If we had arrived earlier we were going to have a looksee at the Bank of England museum, but some might same fortunately we were too late, and after a quick look around we took the tube a couple of stops to St Pauls. Once here we walked past my head office and to a little place called Postman’s Park – which is really worth a visit if you are in the area. Not much here but a very pleasant place. After this we headed off for a pint. First place we went was just about to serve us, but told us Kate had to be out at 5:00, as it was 4:55 we declined a pint and walked elsewhere. Next stop was Madison Roof Top bar, which was high up, high up in a lift with glass sides. That’s scary ;o) What was more scary were the prices. Luckily not my round, but two wines a three quarter pint of   heineken and two soft drinks was a wopping £25. He nearly bought a bottle, but after she pulled the cork out he inquired on the price – £36 she said – just stick some in two glasses then he said.

After that expense we went a stop down the line and got to the Citte of York, quite an old pub, with secluded dark wood alcoves – again policy is no children after 5:00, but we snuck Kate into an alcove and the rest of us sat at the bar and had adult conversation. Sam Smiths pub, so cheaper prices a good £10 cheaper. Couple of pints here, then it was time to walk around the corner to Red Lion street and Isolabella’s for nosh. Another top table 50% off grub offer, so we all ordered with blatant disregarding for prices and had a pretty good meal. Got a great table again and left full and happy if a little tired. Great thing about the place was the slowness, which could annoy you, but we were in no rush so it was great to have a big pause between the starters and mains…

Back on the tube again, and 20 mins later we were home to bed. I was knackered and slept almost immediately, not everyone did. Sunday morning saw a couple of swimming off in the pool, a big massive breakfast and back on a packed train at 12:37 – the London visit for Autumn was over.

Long weekend, and time for our London visit.

Ma and Pa arrived up on the Thurs around 5:30, just time to show them the buildings around the corner in the last of the light. Then we had mash and a couple of sausages, bought from the sausage company in Bristol – so we had quite a variety – from lamb to Buffalo and back to good old Gloucester old spot. Early to bed supposidly ready for the trip tomorrow.

Friday morning, and with school and work booked off we set off to Bristol Parkway just after the morning rush-hour. Surprisingly easy to park at the station we were all ready for the train at 10:30. As we knew we were going I had booked tickets for 4 adults and a child, for 80 squids all in – bobby bargain. By 12:00 we pulled into Paddington.

I took everyone to where I thought the Underground for the City line was, but things had changed slightly at the station, so I figured we would be better off going down the side of the station and back onto the District line to Edgeware road where the hotel was. By the time we had popped up into the London grime it had started to rain. A quick dash across the road and into the Hilton Metropole.

What a place. Its massive, and I hated it as soon as we arrived. After a while queuing I was told we couldn’t check in, and had to drop the baggage off in the “West Wing”. After a bit of a faff, as some of us had to get changed into our finery (I had my tie on all day) we dropped the bags off and headed out into the rain for a drink.

A few yards past the Underground was a decent looking pub called The Chapel, so we called in for a beverage. Once slightly watered we walked round the corner to a “famous” place called the Windsor. It was jam packed with English memorabilia so a real London boozer, but also a Thai restaurant – that does fish and chips. Odd. Couple of pints, and a plate of fish and chips for the little one – cheaper than a round in the last place. This one had name plates on the bar next to peoples seat so the pissheads knew where to sit I suppose?

Anyway – by this time we were ready for the main event, so a couple of tube stations later we emerged once again into the rain opposite the Ritz.

Firstly we didn’t know which way to get in, and the entrance and foyer area is not much to write home about, and someone opened some double doors and there we were, next to Palm court ready for our tea. Walking along the corridor a little way and you find the tea area to your left and the cloaks to the right. Its nice, but not *that* nice. So we hung about for 10 mins, and then walked up to the bloke with the penguin suit and the iPad and were shown to the table. Great table on the edge, so that everyone apart from me had a great view of the whole room. Took some time, to be served initially but once it started it was pretty well done.

17 Types of tea on show, and it’s impossible to guess what might be nice. The table went for English Tea, I pushed the boat out with one with Red in the title. Then came the tea tray things, with some little cakes on the top, then an empty plate and then sandwiches at the bottom. The are finger sandwiches, about three to a normal slice of bread, with Salmon, chicken, ham, cheese, cucuber and egg – along with others types of “sauces” and breads. The best for me was the cheese (and onion bread) and the chicken ones – although I ate a number of ham ones. If you need any more, you just shout, although they do come around and top them up anyway.

After a while, they took the middle plates away, only to return slightly later with a half dozen warm scones  – they were fabulous. Massive dollop  of clotted cream, and jam if you like it. I loved them. Not really something I eat much – but I managed two – they were good. Then I had a tiny cake on the top, which was chocolate and more chocolate and was lovely. They came round with another two big cakes and more tea but by this point I was surprisingly stuffed. We stopped for about and hour and a qrt, we were full and enjoyed it – £42 a head, you wouldn’t want to do that every day, or week, or even year for that matter – but taking it all into account it was okay as a once off experience. Kate was £21, so here cucumber sandwich and small cake were about 11 pounds each!!! ;o)

Still raining, so we headed back to check in. Hateful. We queued, and attempted to track down our luggage, then we got to the counter only to be told the room bill would be an *extra* £160. So that made it over £900 for two rooms for two nights. I couldn’t bloody believe it. £226 a night per room. We were looking at around £760, as this was what we were quoted when we booked, because we were using the fantastic Tesco Voucher scheme – but we had no regress when told it was more again. We just stared dumbstruck and muttered to ourselves like any self respecting Brit would do. We got the keys and off we were to rooms 708 and 710. They were not big, and neither were the bathrooms. But, we didn’t have a second bed in the room – for Kate. We were specifically told that out of all the hotels in London we had to book this one as the rooms were big enough (and more expensive) to cater for another bed – seems to be complete and utter bollocks.  So, kindly Sian went and had a chat, then half hour later we were on the 17th floor, with another bed, but an even smaller bathroom.

Out later and straight onto the Strand to pitch up at Smollensky’s for half price nosh thanks to top table. The drinks took ages, then all the food came at the same time, starters and mains. No one was hugely hungry, but I managed a full rack of BBQ ribs, couple of Stella’s and then the night train back to the Hotel.

Didn’t sleep great – was so stuffed and still felt a bit sick after the scones!

To Caerphilly today.

Had to stop off at Tesco first so Kate could print out her photo’s for her Scout photography badge – interesting set up where you just stick your USB stick in and print them out then and there. Our’s came out with a bit too much green on them, probably cheaper than doing them at home, at 30p each.

Caerphilly is only a few miles away, and I had never been there, so a quick drive North brought us to the town. The Morrisons has a massive carpark, so we parked there and had a stroll around the town. It was okay, but nothing special – two parts to it really, and we ventured through both, but it was lunch time so we looked for somewhere to have some nosh – we picked – Wimpy. Yes its still open.

Plenty of space in there, so we sat in the diner chairs which have not changed for 30 years – very very efficient staff, we were asked if we were ready three times before we’d picked up the menu. After what for the staff seemed like ages, we were finally ready – I asked for a chicken toastie – she told me it would take “too long”! She said he’d have to cook the chicken, then mix it with the sauce, then add the cheese, then make the toastie – pretty much what I would expect – but she really did’t want me to have it – so I had a bacon cheese burger. Sian asked for a Tuna toastie, but they had no tuna, so she settled for a cheese and onion one. I had chips and onion rings cos I is greedy…

Foods came in seconds, and it was okay – tasty in fact, and I was stuffed at the end.

After lunch was the main event – cookies from Greggs, then we had a look round the castle. Very impressive – the only thing we didn’t get to have a proper look at was the Great Hall, because there was a wedding going on, although we spied then from an upstairs window. It’s a very impressive castle, and has been refurbed to an extend over the last 100 years. Lots of rooms and heights to see.

Not a bad place Caerphilly, but its done now, and we won’t rush back I don’t think.

Out and about in Bristol today. Went down in the morning to do a little bit of shopping returns in Cabot Circus. Its really quite a good place to go now, with the new “mall” thing, and easy parking – and the bays were big enough for the car. M32 can bit a pain, but we sailed straight in around 11:00. and spend an hour or so mooching around the place.

Once returned, we made our way to Clifton, a “village” on the top of Bristol – its a village in the London sense of the word – as it is plainly not actually a village, but it likes to dress itself up as one. The last time I was here was probably about 20 years ago, when I can for a breakfast in a famous place, which I cannot remember much of. Biggest pain in Clifton is parking.

We circled three times before deciding to cross the suspension bridge and park on the street on the other side. After a bit of faff, we secured a parking space and walked back over the bridge. 50p for cars, but free for walkers, it really is quite impressive, its high, its suspended and it now has a security fence to stop all the jumpers. It was too high for me, I am pretty sure I couldn’t do a bungee anymore. Over we went and into Clifton proper – even though we had parked on the other side it only took 5 mins to get across, then into the village itself to find a pub and some food.

We were going to go to the terrace bar at the White Lion, but could see it was packed – so we decided to go there later. Onward and into the village, passed old Georgian houses which looked a lot like Bath. Found what looked like a nice pub, which it might have been, but no for us, so after a quick coke and moldy Smirnoff we let Kate take us to a sandwich shop. I had a “doorstep” sausage sanger. It was massive, good job my gob is too. Nice and full we wondered around a little more, and Sian took us past her old digs and told us stories of yesterworld.

Once full of Clifton (want to go to the chippy next time), we ambled back down to the White Liuon which has a large terrace area with a great view of the bridge and the gorge. It was packed. It was sunny mind. The service was shite, and we queued for a fair while for our expensive drinks and just managed to get a table and steal a few chairs. It was hot, it was sunny and we had alcohol – fab. We assembled some Lego figures and before we knew it we had to leave. Another walk over the heights – not so bad this time, and home.

Got back and the sun was still out, so nipped to the local for a couple in the last of the autumn sun.

Nice day – like Clifton (and Bristol).

Back home to Pembs this weekend, Sian and Kate were off on Friday, so we left around 14:30, and got back in quick time. Spent the evening with my folks and gobbled down a nice Chinese and a couple of beers.

Saturday was “clean the attic” day, my goodness there was a lot of stuff up there – it filled a room. Afterwards I had arranged to meet up with Mr Bradley and we spent a good few hours and a good few pints talking nonsense outside of the Trader in town. Managed to stumble home, then some cod in the Rising Sun (Cod tastes of nothing at all..) a couple of Amstel’s and then it was time for bed – I was knackered some snoring before Kate.

Next morning saw us run around the Haven Road a couple of times, Sian did an extra 3 mile loop – then we showered and said our goodbyes in the different places as we went off to the Christening, which was the real reason for the visit. The church was in Rubuxton, which doesn’t seem to exist in Google Maps, so we kind of knew where we were going, and got there with a few mins to spare.

We sat at the “back”, then realized that the font and the action was also happening in the back, so we had the best seats in the house – probably should have moved for the parents, but it was too late then!. Christening is a little silly, grown people talking about imaginary friends – odd. Anyway some people like it, so I’m all for it for them.

Afterwards we had a convoy back to Crundale for some tea and crisps. Had a quick beer, and some sandwiches and sausages and a quick catch up with some of the old crew – and everyone had a better half – we must be getting old. We had to get back to Magor so didn’t stay too long, and enjoyed a drive home in the pouring rain.

After a longish run this morning, we thought we should get out and see something today. So we went to Monmouth.

Took the new car and it was a pleasure to drive down there, bit of a problem parking as it is still bigger than a parking bay – but being Sunday we managed. Monmouth is a great little town, really just one long street of shops and pubs and restaurants. We have a stroll and a look in the toy shop, and luckily it stayed warm, even though the rain was close.

Has a quick pint in the Gate House which was nice, might venture back another time. Also saw that Fred MacAuly was on in the Savoy, which we may possibly go to see?

Picked up a chicken from Waitrose and off we went – home.

Quite like Monmouth.

Down the Cotswolds this weekend. I had booked the night away in the Dial House in Bourton many months ago and had almost forgotten about it, it was a night and a tasting menu for two – which is something that I don’t usually go for, but after watching the Trip I am now more keen!!. So got down to Bourton about midday, and couldn’t check in for a couple of hours, so we had plenty of time to stroll around the village. And what a place it is, we had been there a few times in the past, and it is really a great place, it is almost perfect as a chocolate box, English village. It has a river running through it which is fed by a spring, and is only 10 inches deep at any point – so perfect for paddling. Loads of lovely Cotswold stone houses and plenty of pubs and cafe’s.

Trouble is, it is always full of sodding tourists when the weather is nice.

We decided to head through the village for the first rest stop, as there is a pub on the way in which is some 500 yards from the village center, it has a couple of seats outside and compared to the village proper is dead. Real surly get behind the bar though, looked a little like Brick Top, but with a few “heavy” gold chains and rings – what a plonker Rodney. He didn’t seem to happy to serve us and after pouring Sian’s drink he said anything else –  so I asked him for a taste of his Chilli nuts, and he turned and grunted – In the drink..

Back into Bourton for a quick bite to eat as we didn’t want to spoil supper, and we had a little sit down in the Hotel garden which was quiet and just perfect for me. Sian had a doze and I watched the people milling about. A little later when some of the hoards had left, around 5:30 we ventured back in and had a wonder around the place then had a couple of beers in the beer gardens overlooking the river – other than the nosy kids and the spaktards who descend on these places it was idyllic..

Quick spruse up in the room, which was quite nice – across the way from the hotel in the Coach House (No.9) was plenty big enough, great shower and large bed. We went down to our culinary experience. Order a Miguel and got a tiny glassful, we sat in the garden for a short while before the waitress come out with “Some c compliments of the Chef” obviously I figured that this was the smallest c in the world because they didn’t want to spoil our appetites but it was actually a sign of things to come. They were kidney and smoked butter with prawn – or something like that (something a little more poncy) well, it must have been an ant kidney, it was tiny. I ate it and the entire thing got caught between my teeth. The smoked butter thing was odd, but tastly, but it had one prawn in, one, and not as you might expect a massive prawn which looks more like a lobster, it was a tiny shrimp. I hadn’t even noticed mine, so i must have swallowed it, it was so small.

Anyway, I was worried I might burst, but we were shown to the table – and you could see that this was “that” sort of place, she even undid my napkins and placed it on my lap – oh how lardeedaa. The rest of the food was stupid.

So after eating some foam, and some chicken and some salmon, and some goat cheese with beetroot, and a cucumber and wasabi sorbet we left. Only realising we missed the scrummy after dinner chocolate festival when we were heading back to the room.

Breakfast was magnificent. You could have a Breakfast starter, so I had the fruit platter which was a work of art and the thinnest but most tasteful apple I have ever had. The full English was great, nice bacon, nice sausage, nice eggs, nice hash brown, nice mushroom, nice black pudding, crap fried bread.

We were out of there by 9:30. Really good trip, great place, nice hotel, interesting food experience and fab brekkie – what more could you ask for. Big thumbs up to Bourton and the Dial House.

Another big breakfast. You get into a bit of a routine with this breakfast lark, but mustn’t grumble.

So today was the last day, doesn’t it come round fast? We had booked a Bus Hop on Hop off a couple of days back, and after the nonsense of Sunday today was the day to redeem the ticket. It was warm. We got the bus early door’s and managed to get the very front seats on the top deck, that made me feel sick. Still all over the shop thanks to that stupid bloody sea trip.. Anyway, bus takes ages, but not as long as the local service. We sped on towards Marsaxlokk, which was sold as the Padstow of the South of Malta. Not having been to Padstow myself I cannot confirm the similarities, I think it might be different. Had a walk up the front and looked at all the fishing boats which are famous in these parts. Very warm, so soon stopped off for a beverage – it was cheap. We had a look at the menu even though it was unfortunately very early there were sandwiches there for 70 cents. another 50 ccent to toast it. It was mental. About a third of the price of anywhere else we had seen. So, the next bus was in an hour, so we had a look around and then were undecided whether to stay another hour and have some lunch or get down to the Blue Grotto. We left, it was a good move….

Got to the Blue Grotto next around midday, was worried it would be very busy, but as we made our way down the steep hill to the boats it was looking nice and quiet. Got to the boat and went straight on, there were eight in the little boat and the driver, as we left the harbour everyone else stuck on their life jackets, we didn’t – that’s how we roll man. The Blue Grotto is a number of caves with the clearest water I have ever seen, some of the water was so blue that you wouldn’t believe a picture of it. Our driver (a Liverpool supporter!) gave us the tour, and you could tell it wasn’t the first time he had handled a boat. It was good there. Liked it alot.

Once back in the harbour we found a quiet spot in the shade and dove straight into the water. Swimming between the boats being able to see the bottom some four meters beneath you. Unfortunately within half an hour the crowds started appearing. The harbour queue got bigger and foriegners started swimming and jumping and sitting and talking next to us. That’s my cue for a sharp exit. Up the hill and had just enough time for a drink before the next bus was coming. Bus driver told us there was no where for lunch until back at Slemia, so we sat in the aircon downstairs this time for 45 mins until we returned. Went to one of our local haunts for a beer and a bit of nosh, Kate had a massive burger dinner, Sian had some ginormous duck pancakes, which were actually pancakes as in pancake day stuffed with a whole duck, I think I has thai fishcakes. They were big.

Up to the room next, I was shot, and just wanted a shower and a relax – great having a balcony, Kate took Sian up to the pool for a couple of hours – nice.

Evening meal on the final day was to the highly rated L’Artist, we had peeked at the menu before so Kate was as happy as a pig in poo to get down to the Maccy D’s in town for a Chicken Burger. Off we went to the restaurant early. The only people eating were the owners, only about six tables in the whole place – every one was reserved. Luckily they took their plates off their own table and sat us down. Simple menu, quickly order – Largest Rib Eye on the menu for me, Mixed sea food fury for Sian. Told the boss that I wanted my steak cooked how the chef would like it. Don’t think they understood, but I have faith. Great big bowl of bread, oil and balsamic vinegar later and along came the mains. Delish. Mine was basically just the steak on a plate, with some potatoes (baked! ;o) on the side, Sian’s was an enormous pile of mussles, prawns, calamari, garlic, wine and herbs. Loved it. Steak was medium rare, which I wouldn’t normally order for a rib eye, but it was fabulous – strangely it was “just” Aberdeen Angus, it must have been the fact it was cooked on a lava stone that made the different…

Home James, and bed for the last night. Next day was a reasonable 8:45 start for the airport, so no problems with getting up. The airport experience for significantly better than UK.

Some things we learned

Just spend a couple of hours in the Blue Lagoon – get a speed boat and do a short trip

Water Taxi over to Valletta is great. couple of Euro’s

Use the local buses, they are very cheap and cheerful, regular and well worth using

Its quite warm

The sea isn’t as warm as I remember

I liked it.

The fabulous cruise to the Blue Lagoon.

Oh, breakfast again, sausages and bacon and crispy potato, and ham and cheese and bread and fruit juice and tea and just everything. Was getting a little sick of it my now, but as I type I would love some of that!

Today was the planned cruise to the Blue Lagoon. What could be better then to be whisked away on a Turkish Gullet across the calm blue ocean to the paradise that is the Blue Lagoon, where the sea is so clear it looks like it isn’t even there (or that it looks blue or something) and the deck chair attendants serenade you with cold beers and ice lollies. It wasn’t really like that unfortunately.

Got there early, got checked, queued. In a real British sort of way, with no pushing and shoving. Some people had yellow bands, we didn’t, we felt perhaps we should have. After some time we got on board. Straight to the prow, on the seats – great. Then it filled up. Most people lay on the deck on mats, we had some room, the boat was only about half full, but that was enough. Then we were away on our magical adventure..

Chug chug chug, oh look there is the blue sea, and some rocky coastline, and some odd looking houses, and a hotel, and a speed boat – oh look there is some blue sea… Bored. A little bit of excitement was when the boat nearly ran over and capsized a small fishing boat – I can imagine that fisherman was quite cross when he stumbled out of his Cisk induced stupor. Then we got to Gozo. Hmm. We then found out that the Yellow band dudes were leaving us there to go for a trip in a mini-bus around Gozo – ha, in your face yellow band.

We left then to find a “secluded cove” for some swimming and then some lunch. We arrived, it was secluded a little, it was lovely and blue and calm, well calmish. We moored, the ship began to roll. I dived in (off the boat I must add, just like tarzan) the swimming was great. Then lunch. Well I could barely walk on the deck it was rolling that much. I dont mind up and down on a boat, i don’t really mind full 360 rolling, but this was rolling side to side – not good. Got a little bit of food, staggered back to my seat, had a touch. Sat there feeling like the world was about to end.

Some time later we left the cove and headed for the main event. We got there and pulled up next to another 100,000 ships. Hardly idyllic. Problem is with places like this is that they were nice once, then they got popular, now they are shit.

The sea was amazingly blue and clear, so we snorkeled, just to get off the boat really. And swam round to where the “beach” was. We got to it and all of a sudden the visibility went completely. There were a million people in a small fenced of space all enjoying this slice of paradise. It was like a human mackerel net, a hungry giant would have loved it. We stayed for the amount of time it takes to read this sentence.

Got back to the boat and Kate jumped in from the deck and we were whisked away back home. Chug Chug, , oh look there is the blue sea, and some rocky coastline, and some odd looking houses, and a hotel, and a speed boat – oh look there is some blue sea… Bored. A bit of excitement when we nearly caught up with our sister ship. I felt bad. Sick and wobbly, like being smashed, but without the pleasure of being smashed.

I sat on the balcony for a while, Kate took Sian to the pool (again). I could barely drink my Cisk, my world was bobbing – and not in a good way. Went to a great place for supper – L’Aroma. Which was the restaurant for a small hotel. Nosh was very good though, I had a mixed grill and the rib eye was the best I had ever tasted (until tomorrow ;o)

Bed.

After some deliberation we decided on Malta for the holiday this year. Arranged by us as a seperate flight and hotel, as this meant we had total control over it and it worked out cheaper than using a company. With the internet today this is very easy and was the same as just booking a few nights away in on he UK. We decided on Sliema as the town, and the Palace as the hotel. Once booked I got flights through Ryanair as they fly from Bristol, then ordered the insurance and the car park booking. Sorted in an afternoon….

So early start on the first day woke at three, out of the house at four and down a quiet motorway to the airport… We managed to arrive about two hrs early so figured we would have plenty of time. Hmmm. First queue was to check the bag in, massive queue which fed 5 counters, and no one was too sure where to stand. On our bit there seemed to be two people but one of them jut seemed to busying himself leafing through a brochure. Anyway lots of time later we got to the counter and had the worrying wait to make sure the bag was not too heavy. Over limit means £100 fine, or a panic restacking of the hand bags.. we were fine, 4 ounces to spare. Next queue was security. We queued, we swayed, we metallic tested we forgot to take all the liquids out of the hand luggage. So we waited to be told off for being a little silly.

Made it through, just a quick wee wee then in the queue for the plane. No time to get a drink and we were still almost at the back. Gates open, we rush forward with another 100 people trying to get a seat. We needed 3 together and were very fortunate to get one of the last ones. Safe and sound we prepared for take off.
Although Kate had been in a plane before the take off it was not something that she actually remembered very well, as you might imagine she loved it. Some food, some tea, some reading, some movies and before we knew it we had landed in Malta – landing is better than take off  Kate tells me. Doors open and into the oven we went…-

We had a man pick us up and in 20 mins we were at the Palace. First impressions were that it was cool, which was nice. And well sorted man. They told us we could not check in until 3:00 so after a weird soft drink called Kinnie we went for a mooch….

The sea was only 5 mins a way and we let Kate lead the way towards the big blue. Once on the promenade we set off to see the sights. It was warm. We walked for a good while until we hit the spot kate had arranged for us to have lunch in. It was about 12:00 so certainly time for drinkies. Discovered very soon that the local beer was  called Cisk, pronounced ch isk. Not bad, and quite cheap (at least at this place)… Kate had some lunch, we had another beer. Once finished, we continued onto St Julians and I found a Macdonalds to get rid of some Cisk and had a weird experience with the door. Long walk back to he k in.

The hotel told us we had an upgrade to a supaerior room, which was nice, but it didn’t have a balcony. Great room, crap view. We moaned. Up to the infnity pool and felt quite conspicuous as the only pinky white dudes there. It was quite obvious we were new as we didn’ t know what to do. We had a swim, i had a doze, we left.

Went to a loverly italian called La Cuccagna in the evening and cos i had not had any food for hours and hours I had a chicken burger. Made with mince chicken in a real burger. Should have tried some pasta but it was nice anyway. Home to bed. Pretty tired. Had some earplugs. Slept.

Our daughter graduated today. I guess you don’t get to say that very often in a lifetime…..

She has been away in Aber for the last three years (doesn’t time fly!), and it was her turn to shake a hand and accept a piece of paper to say she has a degree in English. Next stop career!..

Set off early doors, to get up to Aber for about 10:00 – strange journey up there across the center of Wales – its like driving on a roller coaster. But we were there in plenty of time, and found ample parking in the University thanks to the efficient “men in yellow” who directed us. Parked up, and the berk in the next slot parked up about 13mm away from my car, seeings as we were on the end of the line he could have left a bit more space. After he parked he realised his mistake, but the guy next to him had parked so he had to reverse out a bit to allow grandpa to leave his passenger door – then back in.

Squeezed out and stood outside the Uni by the “graduation steps” waiting for Becs to finish her trial run. After a number of photo’s with her in her finery it was time to watch. Due to various complications our youngest and I watched the ceremony from the Aber cinema, which although we didn’t get the interaction, we had a fantastic view, and really comfy seats. Plus, once the English dudes were finished we could run away and get down the cafe.

Once complete, and after a few more photo’s we had the afternoon to kill.

We decided to head down to Devils Bridge, which we didn’t know anything about, so off we went and parked up. The place itself is a bridge on a bridge on a bridge which has a slightly odd story about an old woman, a cow, a dog and the devil. But either side of it are waterfalls and smart rock formations. We went on one side which was a quid to enter. 2 minutes later we were back. The other side was slightly longer, but it started to rain and we left in search of food.

Nearby was a nice looking hotel, which was actually shite. So we went the other way and stopped in a small cafe which was part of a Caravan park. It was the 13th July, and there was hardley anyone there – if it had been sunny it would propably have been overrun. So bacon and sausage sandwich for the boys, chicken nuggets and tuna sandwiches for the girls and a mug of tea later we were off to the “Guest House”.

What a place, found it, and couldn’t find the owner, then she appeared – all white hair and beard. Strange. She talked about a number of rooms, and walked off. We saw one room, then another – one had bunk beds, so Kate wanted that one – she didn’t use them!

Spent as short a time as possibly here, then back to Aber for some awkward moments, then into town. Becs advised we sup up at a salubrious destination, the Academy at Aber – it was okay, if a little sticky – probably better when you are 20 and out of your face on Skittle Shots.

Off for grub in Gannets Bistro next. I think Bistro much be foreign for “someones front room”, as that is what they tend to be. However the food was reasonably – I had Beef Wellington, which came in a thick slice – it was nice, but overdone. Kate had a good child’s lasagna, the others chicken and lamb. We treated ourselves to desert, which was chocolate fudge cake, which tasted like chocolate fruit cake and then we were gone.

Luckily Becs had the car, so took us home. We spralled out on the bed and watched rubbish TV whilst scoffing Onion rings, Wheat Crunchies, Swirls, Cashews and Bacon Fries.

I love holidays!

Been meaning to get down to the Barrage for a while now, just to see what it’s like – so took the opportunity to visit today.

Took an initial detour into Cardiff itself to go to John Lewis and Next (and the lego shop), then off to Mermaid Quay and a look around the Bay. Luckily got there about lunch time so went and got some chicken and unlimited coke in Nandos, once fully full we walked along the new path out to the Barrage.

There is nothing there really, its an okay walk out there, but once past the Norwegian Church there is not really much to see – they are making a Doctor Who exhibition, and the area is supposedly being re-developed, but at the moment there is just a ribbon of tarmac, and too many cyclists.

Half way there are the toilets, and a concrete stake park and a couple of play grounds for the children. A little later on is dramatically signed “The Scott Exhibition”, which is in fact just a poster of the Arctic adventure.

Once at the barrage you can see some machines, and some water, some of it running fast. Luckily for us there was some high drama when a couple of boats wanted to come in and the whole section of roadway magically lifted into the air (it wasn’t actually magic it was a bascule bridge )

Best part for me was the “3 Ellipses for 3 locks” piece of art by Felice Varini, which I am sure many people miss. I loved that.

Then it rained.

So we came home.

Back home over the Bank Holiday extended weekend, and on a slightly drizzly day we thought we would take a look at St Davids..

Arrived at the City and parked just as you entered, where they had a new (to me) visitor center with cafe. Not much inside, but they had an exhibition by Graham Sutherland which I was not very impressed with. I looked at the notes by each painting which were supposed to explain them, and I thought someone had just put a random explanation next to any painting – made no sense to me at all..

We walked down through the town, in the light drizzle, and looked into a craft / art exhibition. Some quite nice stuff in there made from driftwood, but the most amazing thing was seeing Mr Dave Edwards who was my mentor in my original IT job all those years ago. Probably have not seen him in 15 years, can’t say he looked any different…

After the enlightenment of the craft fair we had a look at the cathedral, its still there and big.

Then a quick look into Fat Face, and off for afternoon tea. I had a scone with cream, which made me feel sick. And a glass of “home made” lemonade which was not good. Take me to a chippy any day…

The rain had slightly stopped by the time we trudged back to the car and home.

I like St Davids.

Simon, oh Simon.

For some reason I have never really been able to work out I quite like Simon Amstell, I like the fact that he never really seems to try too hard, that he was good on Buzcocks and his mush just seems okay. I am sure he reminds me of someone I know, perhaps Peaky – not sure. Anyway I booked tickets to see him when I found out he was touring, and we went on Friday.

Started the day with a beer too many in the local pub, even though I told myself to save it for the afternoon. So three pints in I was on the train with Sian and away we went, for a night away from all children – not something that happens very often. Off at Temple Meads, we checked in briefly in the Premier Inn and nipped round the corner to the Llandoger trow, where we met up with Phil and Jess. Next stop was the Elephant, which I liked (although it stank of drains), then on to Pizza Express for a lovely Pizza before a quick pint in Colston Hall.

First bloke, the warm up came on at eight. He was foreign (Norwegian maybe?) and had a comedy accent, which made his set all the more enjoyable. It must be quite hard to be that warm up guy, as obviously everyone was there to see the other guy, but you had to do your turn anyway. I thought he was great. Can’t remember a single joke, but it did make me chuckle. 20 minute interval then the main event…

Numb it was called, which I guess is something terribly clever and meaningful – unfortunately that was how the beginning left me. As I say I like Simon, I even laugh at his sitcom, I like his effeminate stance his sad face and floppy hair – it does appear however, that I don’t really like his stand-up it. It was more like a story, that the moronic audience laughed heartily at – it must be great having followers, like Jesus they believe and laugh at anything that comes out of your mouth. Not me though, oh no. As the audience guffawed, I picked my nails and looked at the wonderful ceiling in the hall. It was all, unfortunately, a little too gay. Not that gay is not  funny (except for Graham Norton) but it was just really mincy and emotional.

About half way through – about something in Peru, it got better. I don’t know whether the material was better, or I had been lulled into the womb of humour he created. But I found myself smiling, and even did a little lol. It became more punchy, slightly edgier, and he swore a couple of times – which always makes me smile. Then before we knew it he skipped off.

So – not bad. Probably not really the type of standup I really like – last event was Jerry Sadowitz – but glad I went, and I think I would really like him as a neighbour.

After the show Sian and I went over to the The Old Duke  to listen to some live music and have a couple more beers. Really enjoyed it, although the band only played for about an hour before they left. After the band a guy just started playing the piano, and a guy from the pub played a little harmonica – it was great for a short while, until “the management” turned the piped music way up to stop them. Not HP, I can tell you. So we moaned about it for an hour over a beer or two and went back to hotel.

Thought it might be nice to get out into the county and see what we could see… I wanted to take Kate behind a waterfall, and what do you know – about an hours drive from us is Ystradfellte where there are four waterfalls – one you can walk behind…

The place is just outside of Ystradfellte, and there are two car parking areas, the better one in my opinion is the one here. Once arrived and paid your £4 parking, you can walk down from the car park to see the “caverns”. They are where the river runs under the rock and through to the other side. It would appear that there is plenty to see as a caver, but even if you don’t have your hard hat and mining light it is still a nice place to look.

Once we finished here, it was onward to the falls. The write ups on the web state about an hour and a half of walking. No chance. We arrived at 12, had a very quick break for lunch, and got back to the car at around 4. Walking all the way. Its pretty knackering, lots of up and down and not a great surface. But we didn’t know this at the time, so off we went…

First thing we saw was some rope by some rocks – this is where the pot-holers  sink into the earth, interesting to see just how small the gap they descend through is, we had a little tentative look, and threw some stones in ;o)

Walked along the river for 35 mins, until we came to a bridge (no waterfall yet), signs pointed us up the hill and after about another 10 mins we arrived at waterfall number 1. Although we had lots of rain recently, the falls were not as big as they get, but this was a quite high and made a good waterfall noise..

Very quick look here, then onward to waterfall 2.

Another 35 mins and we arrived at the next one, I liked this one, but it was a little cold. We had a small picnic here, almost dangling over the edge of the falls. Not very high, but I liked them. After refreshments we walked back up the path to the main drag, then on to waterfall 3.

This was the biggy, long steep descent (with steps), down to the mumma fall. It was a decent size, and the best bit was that you can get yourself behind it. Cool. If a little wet. If, actually it was very wet – almost too wet to take a picture… After walking around and “under” the water, we took the big slog up the steps to the top again. Where is waterfall 4?

No signs to check out where the next waterfall is, nor is there a good idea of how to get back. I then consult the words from the net. And we missed the 3rd waterfall. It was down by the 2nd one. Damn. We were not going to retrace our steps down there again, so we only actually saw 3 out of the 4.

To get back we re-traced all of our steps, right back to the car park. Just before the car park we stopped off to see the Blue Pool, which was where the river emerged from the underground caverns – it was pretty groovy. Would have been great to have a swim – but it was cold ;o) Kate managed to get her feet in without getting swept away – and then that was that. Time to go home.

All in all we really enjoyed it, tiring, and we probably wouldn’t rush back – but for the experience and the images – it was great (and only cost four quid!)

So, the big event – off to see the Magician in Leavesdon…

Second day on this tour, today we had pre-booked the tickets to go on the Harry Potter Tour, at Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesdon scheduled for 15:00. So we had a day to fill. We were instructed to arrive at least 20 mins early, so we looked around the area to see where to visit and decided on St Albans.

We had a quick initial look round the town, and it was a pretty nice place. Long modernish shopping street opening out into a number of smaller, older streets. We walked down and round until we came to the cathedral. It looked pretty big. Then we walked round to the front door, and realised it was massive. I am not really one for the imaginary friend nonsense, but it is easy to appreciate these cathedrals. As normal (unless you are at St Pauls) it was free to enter, and the first thing noticed was how warm it was, their heating bill must be ginormous. Next thing to hit you is the scale of the place – it is huge, I think the biggest one I have ever seen.

We walked around the rest of city, until the rain started, so we headed over to Nandos for a spot of lunch. After Nandos and still in the rain we need to kill an hour and a half, so decided on the Slug and Lettuce. As we walked in, we thought we had mistaken this pub for a crèche, it was packed with ladies who lunch and their tiny offspring. I have never seen that many babies in a pub before. Anyway, luckily it wasn’t too noisy, so we got a couple of drinks and wasted some time.

Before we knew it, it was time for Harry. So off we went to Leavesdon.

Very easy to find off the M25, we arrived, in the rain a little early – with a very, very excited Kate in the back. There was a guy who’s job appeared to be to show people how to go right round the round-about, must be a strange existence – perhaps he swaps with the car park directors some days?

So to the place. You arrive into a large atrium, with a cafe, and the obligatory store. No real signs of where to go or what to do, just a lot of people milling about. We had pre-booked the guided tour, which was a slightly modified iTouch with info about the place, probably find that has been hacked somewhere on the web by now. Once we got this we started queuing behind some people, after having our tickets scanned, we passed the “under the stairs in Privit Drive” set and next thing we know we are in a room with the doors closing.

This is the beginning of the tour, we have been separated out into about 60, who are ushered into a movie theatre to watch a quick trailer of the show, then time for the big reveal. Screen disappears at you are at the great hall. The bloke asked for a helper and a bloody 20 something idiot squeals and puts her hand up. Imbecile.  And we are in!

Great hall pretty impressive, it is “full size” and very well done, then you are free to wander around on your own to look at the sets. They had the majority of the main ones, potion room, dormitory, Dumbledor room, ministry of magic, ron’s house etc. They are alot smaller than you might think, but all in all its pretty impressive. After this area, you go outside to see Privit Drive, knightbus, the flying car etc, and get screwed over for a tiny butterbeer, three quid for a drink of flat lucozade crossed with cream soda, and a globule of crappy cheap tasking cream on the top. Even now when I close my eyes I can still taste the rancid brew. We didn’t drink much of it, plenty did, although I am sure they were mostly gagging on it.

Next section was monsters and diagon alley. Some pictures, then the final section which was a scale model of Hogswort. It was massive, and really very impressive.

Then that was that, back to the shop, where the cheapest thing was seven quid, and the idiotic, imbecilic, moronic Harry Potter fans couldn’t wait to pour even more money into the coffers of the cash cow that is  the Harry Potter Universe.