LOOK What I Did

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.

So another couple of days out, primarily to visit The Harry Potter studios with our little one. But as it was so far away we decided to stay a couple of nights in Kings Langley and visit the Zoo today and HP tomorrow.

Whipsnade zoo was quite surprising, as it seemed to be more of a wildlife park than a zoo, which was good. It was spread over a wide area and had large open “pens” for the majority of the animals. You can bring your car on site, for an additional £20, but they also have a small bus which goes around the perimeter which is fine to hop on and off. Unfortunately if you don’t have a carriage to yourself you get to enjoy the company of humans in various states of evolution and put up with the noise they bring with them. Anyone with any money just drives in for the extra 20 quid!

There was a good variety of animals, and we caught the sea lion show which was okay. Luckily, again there were not too many people there which made the majority of the trip a pleasure. Even the canteen wasn’t too bad. We saw pretty much everything we intended to, even saw the elephants walking passed us, which was nice. It rained for a short while and we sheltered miles from home, but all in all it was a good day out.

Once finished we made our way back to Kings Langley and had a couple of beers in the pub next to the Premier Inn. Then into town and passed one pub which stated it had no license for children, to the pub at the end of the village – which was very pleasant. Decided on an Indian for supper (http://www.cinnamon-lounge.co.uk), and the place we went was quite nice, and the staff were very friendly – even got a couple of photo’s of the owner and staff. And they served Mongoose, which I don’t think I have had before… Nice Vindaloo, but Keema Naan was far to well presented!

Quick visit to Taunton on the way back from Cornwall. Worked quite well really. It was a little get together for Phil’s 40th, which he had no idea about. When I got to his house he was muttering about why is it that no one comes to visit and then we all do. Some other friends were already in the house, and Phil was all a fluster as Jess was out with her horse, and he didnt know what to do. After a sweaty 15 mins trying to get some bets on, I was ready to help him relax and get over the pub in time for the national. Phil told us the pub was great for children (you can tell he has none! ;o), and actually it wasn’t bad – we settled in for a couple of drinkies. We did a sweepstake in the pub and I think the bar maid was slightly aggrieved that we (well our Kate actually) won. She had pulled out the same horse in the sweepstake as the one she had bet on – Neptune Collonges (my Granddad always said “bet on the grey”) , so won in total around £60 pounds.

Couple more pubs and a few more people joining and we went to the Mint and Mustard (http://www.mintandmustard.com/) fancy pants Indian restaurant. Which was nice. But sooo expensive. I had a Cobra, which I didn’t realise until half way though was 8%, and a Lamb Naan with a Goan Porc ‘Vindalu’ – which was very nice, but £11.50 for a “vindaloo” – hmm.

Anyway, all enjoyed and they went off for more beer as we walked back to the hotel to get the little one to bed.

Day 3 was a day to explore the region slightly more.

We had a couple of ideas of things to do, but on the whole we thought we would explore around the area and see what we could find. We started off on a high, in more ways than one, at Adrenaline Quarry. An excellent cash cow for the owners, this is set in an abandoned quarry site, and consists of a massive zip line and swing, and a type of orienteering you can join up on.

We went for the zip line, it is sold as the: Longest, Highest and Fastest ( http://www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk/ ) it is also I would wager the most expensive! I often moan to anyone who will listen that its not the cost, its the value – this was £12.50 each, for one run. ONE RUN. Shocking. Anyway, as I am easily twisted round the fingers of my family we signed the disclaimer and went for it.

I am not very good with heights, but this, although touted as the highest did not really give too much impression of height. Once buckled in, away we went for our 30 second zip. I must admit it was pretty cool, until half way when it felt like my rope was slipping ;o) As they only have two, Kate and I went first, then before I could get out of my harness Sian was already down. It was good, but good value? Probably not.

Next we set off to Golitha Falls, a river with some small rapids and falls, about 15 miles from Liskeard. Now this was nice. It was quiet and unspoilt with noise, it was really just a small river winding itsway through some trees, with a couple of small falls on the way. But the pathway along the river was interesting, and Kate took great delight in crossing every fallen tree in sight, both across smaller streams and the main river itself. We got to the end only too quickly though, and as we expected some real falls, were slightly disappointed, but in all its was great. If only we had packed some sausages we could have had a camp fire by the river.

After Golitha, we looked for nosh, we came across the Halfway House, which looked okay, it was quiet and the meals were adequate. Sausage and mash was plentiful and the other meals were pretty good.

After food we ventured down little roads to Carnglaze Caverns which was reasonable proice to enter and was really quite impressive. Not and long and spectacular as Wookey Hole or Dan-yr-Ogof this is just three caverns and a couple of pools. The scale of the main cavern is what is most impressive. Its huge. The caverns are used for concerts and weddings, and I was very impressed with the bar in the first cavern – the only one in Britain apparently? The next cavern is really impressive, to think it was all manually drilled/exploded and dragged out by people makes it all the more impressive. You need to read all the info signs, and take your time or it would be over very quickly. We spent perhaps 45 mins down there, and was was all quite interesting.

Once finished the rain started. We had been lucky with the weather and also the lack of people so far on the trip, so we decided to have a look at the towns in the area – the closest being Bodmin. It was rubbish. We had a cup of tea and left (and I had paid for 3 hrs parking!)

Next stop was St Austells, we thought it might have a harbour we could sit on whilst the rain rained, but if it did we couldnt find it. We found the brewery though, and spent 30 seconds admiring the outside whilst we turned round to leave, sharpish.

We also did not seem to be able to find a coast road – its not as easy to tour as Pembrokeshire, but we headed for Polperro as I had heard about this, and it was sort of on the way back to the hotel. The rain gods were kind as the rain stopped as we neared the place and as we pulled in the car park, the car park gods were also kind as someone (slightly reluctantly in the end) gave us his parking ticket. Polperro is great, I really liked it, even though by the time we got there the masses were leaving and walking back to the car park passed us. Its a nice harbour village, with many restaurants and shops and a couple of pubs. We waked though and down the the harbour, which is probably slightly nicer when the tide is in, and down on to the “beach” to skim some stones. Unfortunately the weather was not great so we had a quick pint in the Blue Peter and set off for home.

Had food in the Liskeard Tavern again, which was so unremarkable I cannot remember what I had and that was that.

Day two, and a tremendously opportunity for hilarity as we are spending the day in (the) looe.. Ho ho…

Took the train from Liskeard, with a railcard only £7 for the three of us, amazing value. The line was supposed to be fantastically pretty, well, it was nice – but nothing more than many other lines you can go on. It is a separate branch line from Liskeard, but run by Great Western. It was reasonably quiet, except for some hateful woman who brought about 8 children, she told then to “go right” when she “went left” and left them take over the carriage we were in. So they just did as they pleased, and she didnt give a stuff – typical. Trouble was they were not quite awful enough to make a fuss, but as you can imagine it was enough to have be hurrumphing into my kindle.

Trip was only around half an hour, and we walked the five minutes into the village of Looe itself. We were quite underwhelmed at first sight – it seems everywhere in East Cornwall could do with a coat of paint. Anyway, I was starving and there were pasty shops everywhere so I just had to have one. They even had the “Cornwall Pasty Company”, which I saw in Manchester the last time I think, I was very lucky and found a place called The Pasty Shop, Sara’s Pastries – I had the Steak and Kidney Pie, and I am not joking when I say it was <clarkson> the best pie – in the world </clarkson> it was fabulous so stuffed full of steak and kidney – loved it. We sat on the front by the little beach as I stuffed down my pie, then went for the first of many walks around the tiny streets.

After walking for a while, we realised we forgot our “crabbing kit”, so searched out the cheapest place for a replacement and set to gather some crabs. On the third throw in, the line got tangled, and I spent 15 mins pulling the line. As i am pathetic with heights I was too scared to go to the edge of the harbour wall so I was doing a pathetic job really. We realised it was no good, and we tied it up and left it.

We had some slight spots of rain, so went into a little cafe for a coke, the time to decide where we were to have the fish and chips we decided in the end to go to Daves Diner, near the harbour. Tiny place, with old placemats, but the fish was nice, good chips, nice curry sauce and reasonably priced. Kate was presented with a couple of posters after showing some enthusiasm with the types of fish on the walls – which was nice.

After nosh we went for a walk to “West Looe”, which was the runt of the Looe litter, but had a big bronze seal. It then rained, so we went to the pub, then another, then perhaps one more. Another quick shopping trip around all the rest of the alleys Looe had to offer and we made our way back to the train. Quick pint in the pub opposite the station and we were on our way home.

Once back in Liskeard, we were brace enough to sample the local pubs, the Stag was first, and by Jove it was West Countryish. “Orwight moi luvverlies” the buxom wench said they had run out of nice lager, so had Carling. After here we mooched into another pub called The White Horse, which would have been a little troubling without seven pints rolling around you.

So over the road to the curry house, waited for over an hour – I felt ill and left when the food came. No one enjoyed it much and we walked home. Me feeling sicker than I should have.

So Eastyer hols are here, and we thought we would head off to that there Cornwall for a couple of days, as neither of us could really remember being there much before. We decided to base ourselves in Liskeard as they had a Premier Inn there, and we know you get good value there. Probably in hindsight there might have been better places to stay..

Set off nice and early to make sure we made the most of the day. Drive down is M4/M5/A38 and when there is no traffic the roads are great. We made fantastic time, and arrived a fair bit earlier than expected. Checked in early, luckily our room was ready, then walked into Liskeard itself.

The walk in was about a mile, and we strolled round realising that it wasn’t really a very touristy place, and to be honest a bit of a hole.. We had expected something slightly nicer, with some decent pubs – but it all looked in need of a little TLC. Anyway, found one pub that looked okay, as we needed to kill 45 mins before the train, so we had a couple of pints in the “beer garden”, which was a concrete slab behind the pub – but it was sunny, and they had San Miguel.

After spending 5 minutes too long in the pub we walked/ran to the train station to get the train, we got there with about a minute to spare – perfect. So slightly flustered and warm we set off for Plymouth.

Half hour later we got to Plymouth and walked in a straight line from the station to the “Hoe”. The walk down was through a massive open concorse, with shops on the side – very 1970’s, but okay none the less. We got down to the Hoe in around 10 mins, and spent 2 minutes looking at the statue wondering where the bowling game actually took place, then full of education we looked for a pub.

As we walked along the front and passed the Lido, we spotted the Yacht club, non members welcome – so we got a pint and sat out by the sea – it was warm and very pleasant. After a quick beer, we walked round to the harbour front. It had many pubs and restaurants and was really quite a nice place. Luckily for us there were very few people about so we could take our pick of the pubs and tables. Nice. Kate had a bite to eat and we shared some Whitebait at the Ship Inn – which were lovely, and plentiful.

Over to the Aquarium for a quick nose about, expensive and not very impressive. They have a massive tank and that’s about it. I think we spent longer in the gift shop than the place itself!

Another couple of pubs to check out and then back on the train to Liskeard.

We walked back to the hotel via “the forest”, and had some simple but nice (Sharing platter and chips) and the hotel pub and then to bed. Day 1 complete.

We went to see fourteen locks today.

This is a place near to Newport, where some people are attempting to renovate a number of the locks that used to be used as part of the Newport canal. To be honest they seem to be only just starting, as they have an awful lot to still do, but on a nice day its a pleasant enough place to visit.

After parking “up top” we started our walk down the locks, the first few are very well renovated, and the surprising thing for me was how deep they were. As a hights shandy I couldnt get near the edge, but Kate was straight over to it without a care. First thing for her was to get down the ladder and into the lock itself. As these are being renovated they all have very little water in them, so it was quite a climb for her, by the time she got back up she was a little tired!.

Next stop was a thin wooden block which was placed to help hold the water back before the lock, about ten foot high, she wanted to tightrope walk across it – I thought she’d fall in, she didn’t so she had to do it again coming back over, showing us how she could go one legged on the “beam”.

Once we got passed around four locks you could see that was as far as the renovation had gone, but we continued down the path, under the motorway and then along side the M4 between the tunnels and the Jnt 27. Even though I have driven along that stretch many times, I have never noticed people walking and cycling along it.. So we got down to what we figured was the last lock and turned back. Unfortuntaly it is not a circular route, so we had to retrace our steps avoiding unleashed dogs and cyclists back up to the car.

Not a bad walk, the top section is okay for a visit, the rest of the walk not so much…

We cycled up to the Rose when we got back, for a quick beverage in the sun. Luckily I only had one, as on the way back Sian had a puncture, so I raced home to get the car and save the day!! ;o)

Slade woods – up the road I had never been up – just opposite Severn Tunnel Junction.

New woods to try today, didn’t have a huge amount of time, but seems okay. We parked up and walked down the main “road” in the woods, then veered off to the left. Luckily Kate had her trusty compass or we would never have found our way in, or out alive.

There is supposed to be a lot of good cycling tracks in the woods, thankfully we didn’t see any. The woods look quite expansive, so we will probably go back and explore some more another day. For today we were happy to find a secluded spot and light a fire. Kate was supposed to use her strike fire, but it didn’t work – in fact we only just got it going with big matches. Bear Grills we aren’t.

Ohhh sounds impressive.

It wasn’t.

But not too bad I guess. We knew we were going to the caves, but didn’t bring a torch – so perhaps there was a wonderful exploration we missed because we couldn’t see anything. It was also late afternoon in January so got dark early. And Sian dropped her phone so we spent at least  five minutes or so searching for it (she found it!).

We did some caving, and climbing and may go back – its in a place called Doward. Next time we will take more time and bring a torch. Unfortunatly there were people about, which spoilt the enjoyment somewhat!! ;o)

We have been watching a programme called “The Cafe” on SKY1 over the last few weeks, which was set on the sea front at Weston-Super-Mare. So we decided to venture down there to see if anything looked familiar..

Train was an hour down, which isn’t so bad and was only 21 quid for the three of us. Unfortunately it was a little blowy on day, along with a slight amount of rain. It was chilly. But we were happy and smiley as we left the train, then not quite so smiley as we got into town. We headed for the sea front and wondered down to the site of the cafe – no real surprise to find it wasn’t actually there. Still we forced ourselves to have a drink in the pub nearby, whilst we googled for a place to eat. After bimbling around for a bit, we found a chippy which seemed to suggest it had good reviews, so we tested it out. It was pretty good, if not a bit expensive – but it filled a hole and got us ready for the pier.

The Grand Pier was wind swept if perhaps not too interesting, and at the end was a great big arcade – wonderful… I was so glad it was January and not June, it was just bearable with only a couple of people around – not sure I could have coped in the summer. Anyway, after a brief tour and a game of Wave Rider we trundled back into town and to the train.

Quite liked it, but glad it was quiet!

So, myself and Kate went over to Cardiff for the morning, primarily so that I could investigate digital pianos close up – but also to get a walk round and some lunch!!. What a rainy day, we got to the piano shop in the rain, and wasted 45 mins tickling the ivories on three pianos I was interested in. Kate played chopsticks on every piano in the shop whilst we waiting for the bloke to serve us. After a while we got bored and went to look at the guitars – soon bored of that we went to the Mall.

Kate was the navigator, so we looked out for the best shops in the Mall, she was chuffed to find that they were all pretty close together – Disney, Lego, Game, Greggs then over to Harpers Bizarre and the teddy shop. Fully shopped out at this point we ran through the rain to Pizza express –  as we just got in there it absolutely poured down – really bucketing.

After the pizza, we ran across a 5 lane super highway and had a quick look through the Museum, then it was back to the piano shop for a final 5 minute look before a mad rush over to catch the train (we made it).

Well – nice day, if a little wet – but at least I have now decided on the piano I am going to have – a PX730…