Home again

Hi all,
Well, we are finally home.
Had good last day in Singapore. Went over to Sentosa island on cable car. Awersome view though still hazy.
Was more humid and a bit unpleasant.
Found a better HUGE shopping mall, could have spent hours there but had to get back to hotel to pack and check out after showers.
Quick trip to airport, a hiccup checking in as booking missing but sorted finally.
Small world, met my ortho surgeon who I also know from work, with family in Qantas lounge!!!
Another squished flight in jumbo this time but luckily shorter. Slept for a while. Poor D a bit miserable with a head cold.
Ryan picked us up so we are home and I am using his iPad as our modem kaput. D will look at it later.
HAve to face unpacking and washing,
Back to reality.

Day 30. Singapore.

This is our 2nd full day in Singapore. We left UK on Tues/pm flight after Phil and Eileen kindly dropped us at Heathrow after a day of exploring Oxford.

We waited in Combined Qantas club lounge enjoying their food and drinks then on onto the plane, our first trip in A380. Big and when full, no less squished than any other flight. Aus Youth Commonwealth ten on board after success at Isle of Man so we were invaded by teenagers!!!
Slept ln and off for a few hours after meal then they served bfast which didn't seem right. Sort of watched 2 movies!!
Pleased to arrive in Singapore late evening, got to hotel by 7pm and headed down to bar for drink and snack meal.. ready for bed!!!

Slept in so went to bfast late then walked to Orchard Rd shopping district but HUGE shopping mall, TOO hard to find stores we would like to look in ;<0.

Bought hop on hop off bus ticket and headed to Marina. Very balmy. Went up to top of Marina Sands resort and had a snack up there. Amazing  36
Views!!!:-)  . Very hazy views as apparently bushfires in Indonesia.

Caught bus back to our area, after a tour of another district and walked back to hotel. Very pleased to fall into the pool. Drinks and nibblies in exec lounge then dinner in Rest with lots of Asian choices and wonderful table with garden and wzterfall views.
Neither slep well, delayed jet lag. Bfast then back out to catch bus into Chinatown, went to Tooth Relic Temple, very interesting Buddhist temple. Not overly enthused by Chinatown and shopping. Bus back to Main centre' quick lunch and then on to "wacky duck" amphibious vehicle for city tour and Harbour /river cruise, OK but had seen much of tour on bus!

Went to "Raffles Hotel" ,very expensive but felt the atmosphere, had coffee in cafe there a cab home as bus paaa had expired. Again, pool very welcome. Now in exec lounge as no wifi in room.
Late checkout tomorrow before fight home tomorrow night. Will probably go over to Sentosa tomorrow.
Goodnight.

Day 26. A day in the Cotswalds.

1st photo-Avon river, Stratford upon Avon,
2nd- Warwick Castle.

sadly  our 2nd last day in UK:<(
We headed north after bfast and first went to Warwick Castle which is a great looking castle but very commecialised and a good day out for families but very expensive just for a quick look so guys went off into town looking for good views of it whilst E& I looked at gift shop.

Next went to Stratford  upon Avon to Anne Hathaway's cottage, also very expensive and could see enough without going in to appease us!
Walked around town, saw Shakespeares birthplace and walked along river, very pretty, before lunch at "The Dirty Duck", a more substantial lunch than usual.

Back on the road to explore the villages of Stow-on Wold and Burford as well as Broadway Tower, a big folly in great condition but we didn't stay long as so windy up there. We have really been feeling the effects of ex Hurricane Katia with gale force winds but luckily no rain today.

Back to Oxford late arvo and we sorted our suitcases before walking down the road to look for dinner. Ended up at different Italian than last night and had a  nice meal. I had lobster Ravioli, yum!!
Had to believe its nearly all over and leave tomorrow. Leaving our suitcases in E&P/s room before going into town to explore.
Next 'blog will be from Singapore
Until then. Jill

Day 25. Maidstone-Oxford, Oxfordshire

Spent last night in Sandgate, at 'Ships Inn', just down hill from BD. Old pub with slightly disorganized proprietor who is in process of doing reno, or a relie is. Has renovated a couple of rooms for B&B. Our was a sea view suite which certainly lived up to its name! We were no more than 30 metres from Channel!! Had drink in old pub and a lovely dinner in new pub restaurant right on water front. I had Scallops on pea puree and Dover sole meuniere, yum!!

He cooked us best bfast we have had so far, regaled us with info on want to see and we went on our way up hill to.... Dixwell rd and there was ex BD. Now James court apts (17 of) but still very recognizable with no external changes at front except 2nd floor balcony, ?Sinkies room, sure not there before. Playing fields gone and rows of very tacky garages out the back. Now painted cream. Apts looked quite nice. A lady came out and asked if we were OK. Turned out she went to St Margarets, another school a bit before our time but remembers BD girls as rivals!! Her apt is the original kitchen, laundry rooms. Apparently school closed in early 70's and was converted soon after. We walked all around,remembering what rooms were what. I really expected it to be gone or unrecognizable!! Took a few photos but sorry this is the only I remembered to reduce so I could send it via email.

We went for a walk along the Leas, saw old church, went for a drive through town an out the other side. All decided it is a lovely seaside town and we could live there, especially in houses along the Leas!! :-)

Went on to Battle of Britain memorial at Capel de Ferme which pleased the guys and was very interesting.

Drove through Dover and on to White Cliffs, don't ever remember seeing them that close.

Then to Ramsgate and Margate but not very impressed by them.

To Canterbury, left car at park and ride and got bus into town. Went to Canterbury Cathedral and it was just amazing, so big, huge stain glass with does and such history. Couldn't go into Trinity Chapel or Quire as closed for special service.

From Canterbury went up M2 to Stood, Rochester and found Berber Rd and it was pouring by then!!! Rang door bell of number 13 and young man answered, had only owned house for 8 months and said people before them had only lived there a few years and was happy fo me take a couple of photos. I should have take them on phone or loe Res BUT it was raining and not thinking straight! : <(. Will have to show you them when we get home. Staying in Maidstone tonight before heading off to Oxford tomorrow and lunch with my cousins, Steve and Martin at restaurant outside Oxford. We only have 2 sleeps left till we fly out Tues :<(.

Back again Sunday night and sitting up in bed after Fab day:-) :-) :-)

Had good trip to Oxford, only misplaced once but found our way to Fishes pub/rest. E&P dropped us off. Steve, martin and Steph already there and Steph recognized us as i had sent a photo a few days before. It was so daunting to realize these strangers were my cousins but it wasn't long before they didn't feel like that!! We had a lovely lunch and we didn't know what to talk about next! I had taken some family photos on my Acer tab and they had some of Rob and Emmas (Martin and Stephs son) wedding 5 weeks ago. Martin and Steph had a 3 hour drive home so we reluctantly said goodbye after some photos and caught cab into Oxford. We still had so much to talk about!

Whilst we were at lunch, E and P had done our washing at Laundromat after checking into B&B AND carrying our cases up 2 flights of stairs!!!! True friends:-) :-)

Walked down road for Pizza at little but busy Italian place. D and I did manage pizza/after our lunch. Was funny, served by Aussie girls at lunch and dinner!! All in all in all, a wonderful day to add to our memories of this great holiday

Off to explore Cotswalds tomorrow.

1st photo-Jill cousins (and wife)
2nd- J in from of thatched cottage Little Hinksey, outside Oxford.
More tomorrow.

Day 24. Sat. Folkestone- Maidstone,Kent

1st photo-fitting in with the scenery at Folkestone Leas, near where J went to boarding school in '69-'71.
2nd- J in front of old school Brampton Down.

Now in Kent, my fathers birthplace and childhood home county.
Spent last night in Sandgate, at 'Ships Inn', just down hill from my old boarding school.
Old pub with slightly disorganized proprietor who is in process of doing reno, or a relie is. Has renovated a couple of rooms for B&B. Our was a sea view suite which certainly lived up to its name! We were no more than 30 metres from Channel!! Had drink in old pub and a lovely dinner in new pub restaurant right on water front. I had Scallops on pea puree and Dover sole meuniere, yum!!

He cooked us best bfast we have had so far, regaled us with info on want to see and we went on our way up hill to.... Dixwell rd and there was ex BD!!! Now James court apts (17 of) but still very recognizable with no external changes at front except 2nd floor balcony, sure not there before. Playing fields gone and rows of very tacky garages out the back. Now painted cream. Apts looked quite nice. A lady came out and asked if we were OK. Turned out she went to St Margarets, another school a bit before my sister Priscilla and I were there. She remembers BD girls as rivals!

We went for a walk along the Leas, saw old church, went for a drive through town an out the other side. All decided it is a lovely seaside town and we could live there, especially in houses along the Leas!! :-)

Went on to Battle of Britain memorial at Capel de Ferme which pleased the guys and was very interesting.

Drove through Dover and on to White Cliffs, don't ever remember seeing them that close.

Then to Ramsgate and Margate but not very impressed by them.

To Canterbury, left car at park and ride and got bus into town. Went to Canterbury Cathedral and it was just amazing, so big, huge stain glass with does and such history. Couldn't go into Trinity Chapel or Quire as closed for special service.

From Canterbury went up M2 to Strood, Rochester and found Berber Rd and it was pouring by then!!! This was the house my father grew up in,all houses in street much the same as then I would say, a bit depressing:<(.  Rang door bell of number 13 and young man answered, had only owned house for 8 months and said people before them had only lived there a few years and was happy for me take a couple of photos. I should have take them on phone or low res BUT it was raining and not thinking straight! : <(. Was weird to imagine D as child/ young man living there!! 
Staying in Maidstone tonight before heading off to Oxford tomorrow and lunch with my cousins Steve and Martin at restaurant outside Oxford.  Eileen and Phil will drop us off.
We only have 2 sleeps left till we fly out Tues :<(.

Day22. 8th. The Quies at Newquay- Stanwell House, Lymington

1st photo D in front of Sandgate Castle
2 nd- wild horse on side of road in "New Forest', Hampshire

Woke to very foggy, misty they call it here ,morning..
After bfast, guys carried cases down yet another set of stairs!

Stuck to main roads until after Exeter and drove  from Cornwall through through, Devon, Dorset and into Hampshire. Had a cuppa outside of Exeter and didn't stop again for ages as were looking for usual 'Services where there was usually a 'Costa' ', good coffee and at most a Cornish Pasty shop. Today our luck ran out and we ended up at a 'Little Chef' which we had so far avoided but we were pleasantly surprised and all happy with our lunch choices. Phil finally got to try Welsh Rare it which he says was OK but wouldn't rush to have one again.
We have nicknamed the boys Jonah (Phil)  and Jinxy (Dave)as every time they mention we are having a good run or the road looks good, we encounter traffic snarl or accident!!

Drove into Lymington, in Hampshire where Daves' fore fathers came from. His brother Peter was here a few weeks ago and found a headstone  supposedly belonging to a rel but couldn't read the inscription so we didn't bother looking.
We did however imagine rels walking on the cobbled streets and living in some of the very old cottages we walked past on our exploring.
Walked along coastal path,past marina and watched ferries to Isle of Wight . Boys WERE going to walk to point where they could see hopefully see Castle Hurst but it was further than expected! They left me sitting overlooking harbour when I wore out!! E stayed at hotel walking ot her forte.

This (very old)  boutique hotel in is in the main street. Parking in a different place and our rooms are up 2 flights of steps, some of them very old stone ones!!!
Room very eclectic art decor!

Walked down street to 'Ships Inn' pub and had nice meal and drinks. Haven't really had bad meal except I had some very dubious lamb in Edinburgh and Eileen a less than average burger  at a pub in London!:-(

Off to Folkestone tomorrow for me to do some reminicing as I went to boarding school there in 1968-70 there. Know old school closed but hopefully buildings still recognizable!!
Until tomorrow. Sorry no photos. Only took a couple in high Res, too big for blog.

Back again on Friday and now in Sandgate near Folkestone, Kent.
I couldn't post this yesterday as couldn't connect to wifi at Stan well House.

Went for a drive to Beaulieu where there is a big Abbey, gardens and motor museum but just wanted to get a look at house but traffic horrendous as multitudes arriving for 'Auto jumble', whatever that may be?!!? Actually, just looked that up and it is an international event where all sorts of motoring things are displayed, sold etc.
Didn't even get a proper look.

Back on the road and on our way through Hampshire, Sussex and into Kent.
Main roads without any of the benefits of services on M roads so didn't find the Cornish Pasty stalls we were looking for, just 'Costa OnThe Go' and very average pasties for lunch!

Found Sandgate after some very narrow 'hairy' roads. Very difficult to find a parking spot and pub looked average but turned out our rooms are rather nice, newly renovated. We have 'suite ' which has sea views and is right on ocean.

Dave and I went for a walk then got ready for dinner.
Ate down in restaurant here and had lovely meal. Others had steak which they said was superb and I had Scallops on pea puree with crispy ham then Dover sole meuniere, delicious:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Wadered along seafront before heading up here. Quite a balmy night with sea mists rolling in.

A day exploring Kent before a night at Maidstone. Only 4 sleeps.

Day 21. Wed 7th. Newquay, Cornwall

1st photo-view out to lighthouse,Lands end,
2nd- Fish and Chips at Rick Steins at Padstow.Yum!
3rd- very cold and windy at Lands End
4th- Rick Steins Seafood restaurant with statue of "Chalkie', his dog, now in dog heaven!

Woke to the sun trying hard to peep through heavy clouds, still windy! 
Got on the road and headed south to Lands End, truly at he end of the earth when I came to weather!!! Cold and blowing a gale. Not as many people there as  I expected but by the time we left they were pouring in. Lots of tacky exhibits extra to drag the unsuspecting tourist in!!
Went to Penzance,  parked in top of town and walked through and had a cuppa. Long way to harbour and wanted to get going. Weren't that impressed by town.

Headed back up the A30 and went into Padstow, saw park and ride but against MY better judgment, boys decided to wing in and drive through town....HUGE mistake!!!
Once committed, came across streets around harbour literally teeming with people. D Squeezed little car through a sea of people  who eventually parted, quite unconcerned for their well being and once we could escape the crowded narrow streets, headed straight for park-n-ride!!

Then faced a queue to get into Rick Steins sit down fish and chip shop, worth the wait. Would have liked to go to his Cafe but didn't find that and were all hungry by then!! Found his Seafood Restaurant but thats the one you have to book into months ahead!!

Walked through the crowds around harbour and then voted we getboutof there ASAP.So.... crowded, not pleasant. :<(

Headed back to Newquay on the very windy and hairraisingly narrow  coast road.

Pleased to be off the roads.
Walked into town for dinner, found nice modern Italian, La Luna and had nice meal and drinks.
Big drive tomorrow to Lymington, near Southampton. Dave family came from that area.

Day 20. 6th. Bath to Newquay,Cornwall

Photos:

1- Sir Francis Drake memorial
2- view to Pilgrims steps from higher above Sutton harbour
3- from yesterday,'J out front of Jane Austen centre with her friend Jane!

Well, nearly 3 weeks since we arrived,,hard to believe we have been on the road for  a week and only 1 to go:<(
We walked into Bath for Pizza at 'The Real Pizza Company 'last night in Bath, lovely pizza in small crowded restaurant.  Girls drank a bottle of red, boys stuck to beer. Nice meal with delicious dessert, something we ate usually too full for!!

Bath pretty quiet on Mon night as many places closed. Walked back to hotel in light rain. Had a nightcap before heading to bed.

Got away after 9 and on road down south, drove through Glastonbury, roads pretty good so quick trip except for 20 min delay for accident, appeared to be caused by Farmer Brown and his tractor and hay laden trailer!!
Phil had heard very pretty town, not overly impressed!!
Went on to Plymouth as Phil wanted to see Mayflower Steps and actual ship but E and I thought it was in Boston Mass, USA and turned out we were right. Finally got the bad weather we had been evading and it was wet and very windy all the way. Wasn't too wet in Plymouth. FINALLY had a Cornish pasty for lunch, something we had all been hanging out for!!!
On to Newquay  a d found our a com in funny little B&B with yet more stairs, very narrow this time, boys:-)  getting very tired of negotiating them with big cases!!
Have sea view, will take a photo in am if sun comes out.

Walked down  hill into town and had superb Greek meal at Stavros Taverna,had Special Meze platter, meal, with four courses to share, everything so fresh and delicious 'Greek beers and Red wine.Then enjoyed Ouzos and Metaxa brandy ryton the house. Even I had an Ouzo!!

Staggered up the hill being blown by the wind but at least it didn't rain but it may fine up tomorrow, fingers crossed:-)
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Plan to drive down to Lands End, Penzance and St. Michaels Mt.
Would like to get to Padstow for lunch at Rick Steins Cafe but that may be a bit ambitious so may end up at his fish and chip place at Falmouth!

Our day in Bath.

1st photo-D in the Royal Crescent
2nd photo-D at Roman Baths
3rd photo NOW I know who actually invented Pandora beads, the Romans long before our time!!
-Bit noisy here during night as right on busy road and warm enough to need windows open.

Early start for us, well 9.15, and walked into town.  We got wet on way in as heavy rain forecast :<( .
We went to Roman Baths, E&P thought it too expensive but it was just so.... interesting. The whole culture of those Georgian times and 'taking the waters' is interesting but the actual building of the Baths by the Romans is pretty amazing!! We spent at least 1 1/2 hours there and off to do more exploring. Decided to do the Hop-on-hop- off bus and did a city tour stopping to look at the sights, the Royal Crescent, Assembly rooms and many other sights.  We also did the Skyline tour which took us up high around the rim of the bowl shaped valley  Bath is in. We dodged showers all day. Sun out in between!
When we got  back, we wandered through very mod shopping centre, had some lunch and then went to look into the Jane Austen Centre but D wasn't that interested in an hour tour there and I was wearing out by then so we walked back to hotel for a cuppa and well earned rest feeling satisfied we had 'experienced Bath!:-)

Will head back into town at 6.30ish for  dinner. We had dinner at a very old building,was a hotel, now apartments for aged Bath residences costing £4 million each!! It is now called Garfunkels at the Empire. Had a lovely meal, I had my first Bangers and mash of the trip, yum! Got accosted by a pommie couple who heard our voices and came over to chat. They lived in Aus for 3 years, ages ago but came back... mad  I say!!
Off to Newquay tomorrow, longish drive. P still toying with detour to Stonehenge but may talk him out of it yet!!!

Day 19. Tenby , Wales -Bath

1st photo - D and P stop to watch Bath cricket game.
2nd photo - Guess who? overlooking Tenby.

Just realised when typed subject, not sure which county we are now in??  Somerset. Will find out later.
Woke to sunshine and amazing views to from Hotel across the bay, along the beach,the town and to the old castle and a fort on Caldey Island.

We just loved Tenby:-)  After bfast, checked out and drove down the hill and parked in town. Boys walked off to look at fort ruins and girls into walled city shopping area, pretty touristy, with lots of shops selling everything for a beach outing and lots of Candy rock and fudge stores. Walked down to harbour on one side of headland and beach on other, so picturesque, a word I have used lots in last nearly 3 weeks!! There were so many people on the beach enjoying the glorious sunshine, lots in water too!!

Sorry to leave there, definitely agreed would be place to go back to.

On the highways through Wales, bypassing big city of Cardiff before crossing the Severn river and back into UK.
Stopped for lunch at roadside service centre and sorry to say 3 of us had burgers at Burger King (first time and prob last!)
Roafs over here MUCH better the in Ireland!! :-)

Bypassed Bristol and onto Bath. Found Ayrlington Hotel easily, old but comfortable, 10 min walk into centre of Bath. D, P and I have just been for a walk into town, over the Avon river, to check out a few places for dinner. Picked a couple of possible places. Stopped to Listen band playing in popular private park. Seems to be the thing to do on Sun arvo!!! Then we walked past Bath cricket ground and I left the boys there watching a game for 1/2 or so!!

About to shower and change before walking back into town for dinner.
Haven't  decided plans for tomorrow yet. Stonehenge 3 hour round trip and exspensive to get in. Can't say its on my list of have to do!! I definitely want to go to Roman baths. Will have a planning meeting over few drinks tonight.
Until tomorrow.

Day 18. 3rd Sept. Waterford -Tenby,Wales

Back on UK soil. Wet weather most of day and quite foggy.
We headed off to Waterford Crystal showroom and factory and it was just beautifully layed out, quite new, after old one closed down for a while.
I didn't really have anything in mind to buy but Dave surprised me and thought a wine carafe might be nice and we ended up with that as well as 6 matching wine glasses!!!! I also bought a small Seahorse ornament as that is the insignia.

Soon after we arrived E&P recognised a woman from Kerri-Anne Kenerllys 9, bfast show, apparently she does  does a cooking segment, Lindy Milan. I don't know her as I am a 7 sunrise fan!!
She was there filming a segment with a film crew. We didn't hang around while they filmed as we had made our purchases and arranged for them to be shipped home.

Headed for Rosslaire and the ferry back, ferry was fast cat and Eileen and I were not reassured by Captains warning of high seas and a 'confused swell!?!?!? Luckily we were well prepared with ginger tabs and sea bands and I read on my tab and felt fine, though E had a little bit of queasiness. Guys were fine. Was only a 2 hour trip and Capt, avoided some of it by heading south then back to the coast. Found our way out of Fishguard and on our way to Tenby with the help of GPS who was back in use after being off air in Ireland as maps not loaded. Roads much better than in Ireland

Got into Tenby ok but didn't have specific address for Hotel so drove around for 15 mins or so before finally finding sign to hotel, perched high up overlooking town!!!
Quite old fashioned and what a rabbit warren! Have room with sea view, hopeful for sun tomorrow to take some photos before we go fo a walk around walled 'old part of town which looks very intetesting.
Dinner and bfast included in the tariff so headed to dining room for drinks and set 4 course menu meal, quite nice but I wouldn't rush to have Plaice again!

Off to Bath tomorrow.
Until then

1st photo

Try again,not sure why all photos don't go sometimes!!

1st photo

Day 15. 2nd Sept. Connamera - Waterford.

1st photo Birthday bubbles!
2nd photo- view across lake to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
3rd photo - Old bridge across end of lake/ river in Castle grounds.
Sorry no photos of Cliffs of Mother as we both took on high Res and they too big for blog. Just have wait until we get home!

What did happen to last 2 days?? We drove into Clifden, which we thought was on the coast but found it to be on a very muddy inlet, with the tide right out,not very impressive.
DID however find a laundrette very quickly where the kind man in there said he would do our washing for 12 €  and we could pick it up all washed and dryed before 6. We said thanks, went and had lunch in a lovely very popular bakery, walked around town, picked up our supplies and on way back to car, laundry man called out and said washing nearly done so we waited around.

Had bubbly in E&P lounge, then went to dinner. Dinner was superb, I had Quial done 3 ways, then trio of seafood special. D had Tuna capraccio and lamb. We had lovely wine then the surprise, light went out, they brought in sponge cake ,layered with strawberries and decorated. E was quite surprised. We had all had more than elegant sufficiency!! Back to their lounge for 'wee dram' and had coffee/hot Choc delivered.

Oh my goodness!!!! This tiny country is very deceiveing!!!
Had warnings  last night when the manager of hotel stopped by to chat with us at dinner and when we told him of our plans for today, he said it would be impossible and told us we would have to give up some of our plans!!
We of course found that hard to believe. He even tried to find us a com for tonight at friends Guest house but no luck. We had a couple of places in mind.

Set off after bfast, took over and hour to get though Galway after a look at the Harbour area.
On to Cliffs of Moher, apparently quite famous for their immense beauty and found it was V popular with tourists and had to pay 6€ each to get in. Big tourist venture, visitor centre and many different walks to view cliffs at their best.
They were very impressive.

Spent about 1 hr there before heading off to find lunch in nearby village. Couldn't find bakery so ended up at Cafe.

Back on the road and very slow trip on Ireland's versions of National highways, very heavy going driving and so slow!!!
Got to Limerick and decided NO time for visiting Cork or Ring of Kerry and as it was, didn't get into WAterford where we had booked accom until 5.30!!

Staying at hotel on Marina. D and I went for a walk before we had drinks in the pub here then dinner in the Restaurant, very nice, set price with a bottle of wine Inc, very nice.

Waterford Crystal visitor centre just down the road so off there in am  for a couple of hours before we leave for Rossalare and ferry back to Wales.
Could be an expensive outing!!!! Eileen has birthday present to buy.

Hard to believe I have been on leave now for 3 weeks!! Time is going so fast, only 11 days left in UK! :<(

Until back in UK.

More photos from Ballynahinch

Once again 'photo sending gremlin' struck!!

Day 14. 31st. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.co. Galway. Ire

1st photo-jill and 'Molly Malone
2nd photo - Our bed here in Ballynahinch Castle!!!
3rd photo -Main entrance to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.

Well, finally at our Castle stay and quite impressive it is too!!

We left Dublin at midday after a couple of hours wandering around the old city area around our hotel. Is a lovely clean city, not too crowded. We saw some very stylish old buildings, Trinity College, Castle currently in use.
after being led astray by our map, finally found statue of Molly Malone, of fame for song, "In Dublin's fine city, where the streets are so pretty, I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly MAlone. Where she wheeled her wheelbarrow, through streets broad and narrow, crying cockles and mussels alive a live o" etc.
Did remember words but thanks to Google, fine tuned them!!!

Lovely shops called to E and I but no time to spare, too sad!!

Stopped for quick bite on outskirts of Galway before facing traffic on way through town and onto Connamera district for slow but very interesting trip to our accom for 2 nights. It was a complete surprise to Eileen as it is her birthday tomorrow and we kept location a secret from her, told her we were camping, not that she believed it!!!

It is a 250 year old castle and set on side of 12 Ben's hills and on a lake about 60 kms from Galway. There a lots of activities you can do here including fly fishing and of course,lots of walks!
It has 40 guest rooms. Our allocated room is recently renovated on 2nd floor, NO lift!!
Room allocated to E and P on 1st floor, smaller and not renovated. They wouldn't swap insisted they had other bigger rooms than us so I went to see about getting them a bigger room and got them upgraded to River view  suite, quite a hike from our rooms but very nice! :-) E more than happy:-)

We for a walk before adjourning to the Fisherman's pub for drinks and nice dinner. We are booked into the Restaurant for dinner tomorrow night with a birthday cake organised.

Boys plan to do a big walk in am and E and I plan to do a gentle stroll and not much else! We will probably go for a drive in pm to Clifden, on the coast, about 20 kms, maybe find a laundomat as even on hols,washing mounts up, buy bubbles to share in their lounge pre dinner and a 'wee dram ' for after!

More tomorrow.

Day 13. 30th. Chester -Dublin, Ireland

1st photo - Dave in front of retail outlet for Welsh train station with impossible name!!
2nd photo- Welsh lake area on way to bridge over Menai Straits.

Another day and another country!

We had early bfast at hotel in Chester and got early start. Easy drive out of town and soon in Wales. Got off main roads and followed well known tourist route through Snowdonia National Park. Very picturesque,quite different to Cumbria and highlands quite different to Scotland. Weather not great, grey and foggy in the hills area, not much rain though.

Village and town names just about unpronouncable. Stopped for cuppa a delicious fresh, warm Welsh Cakes at village of Betws-y-coed, try pronouncing that!!!!

Crossed over Lanberris pass and crossed bridge over Menai Straits to Isle of Angelsey, home to Kate and WIlls, popped in to see them of course!!!

Next stop was very railway station; "LLANFAIRPWLlGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH" ( truly, I AM NOT kidding , impossible to pronounce )meaning;
'St Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel, near a rapid whirlpool,and the Church of St Tyslio'near the Red Cave.'
Whole tourist industry there, retail, cafes, tours to look at photo spots etc. Stacks of tourists.
We left there and headed for Holyhead,found our way to huge car ferry easily, had business  class style tickets so got in express queue and then had very comfy lounge seating for 3 hours of trip. Refreshments provided and had lunch also. Read, did puzzles and chatted, time went quickly.

Had discovered GPS didn't have Ireland installed so managed to wing our way to hotel with internet directions. Radisson BLu a lovely hotel and offered upgrade at good rate.

Went to Hairy Lemon PUb for drinks then back to hotel Restaurant for simpe divine meal , I had smoked salmon,potatoe salad and Lamb Kebabs with Cous Cous,delicious, Choc mousse, yum. Shared bottle of Beaujolais.
Lovely evening.
Off to bed now.

Bye for now.

Day 12. 28th.Chester in Cheshire.

Another day,another County.
We were sad to leave Haven Cottage and our new friends Tim and Lindsey.
We had a wonderful 3 night stay , made to feel more than just guests.

We dove straight here on the M6/M56 as it was the last day of Bank Hol w/end and traffic threatening to abysmal. We got here about 1230, luckily could check in. Got a taxi into town as  Doubleltree Hilton on outskirts.
Walked through "The Rows", old black/white timber fronted shops, less crowds than the Lakes area.
Climbed stairs to the old wall which almost circles the city and walked around over 1/2 of it and along River Dee. Wandered back through the shops for Eileen and I, the boys less than impressed!!:<(

Started to rain so ducked down an alley,found the Commercial pub and ended a staying there for a few drinks and cheap meal as it was quiet there.

Had seen about all we wanted to see so got taxi back to hotel now having quiet night.
1st photo"The Rows"
2nd photo Dave on the old city wall

More soon.

A day out in the Lake land district. Sunday. Day 12.

Back again today.  Tim his usual jokey self at bfast with more puzzles for us to solve!! Have been out exploring.  Traffic crazy early this am so after coffee and cake at Giggling Goose Cafe,  bought day Tripper bus passes and set out to explore Grasmere, small village inundated with thousand of people as Lakeland Fair on. Walked all around town, luckily not quite as busy as Bowness!!
Famous for its Gingerbread but the queue.......... Not that keen to try it!!

Caught bus back through Ambleside to Windmere, explored there,not as pretty as Ambleside. Had enough by then so waited for a bus back, appeared to be some bus drivers stop work on, the drivers all seemed pretty agro about the traffic so that might have been the reason!! :<0
Now having a cuppa and some bread an Tzatziki,v late lunch. Have decided to get takeaway Fish and chips and have them here with some drinks. A bit over getting tidied up to go out to dinner. Have to pack tonight, a bit sad, very friendly and comfortable here and nice to be unpacked :-)
Will try and add a couple more photos from today.
1st- view from b&b into Ambleside.
2nd- View form bus of Rydal Water, 1mile from Ambleside
3rd- Church and parkland, Ambleside
Until next time.

Another photo

NO IDEA where other photos went,will try again.

Saturday 26th. Day 11. Ambleside.

Hi again.
Just read posted blogs and realised I didn't mention our Stirling night.
We found Abbey Craig on outskirts with views to Wallace memorial.
It was an old house in suburbia that had had very mod reno. Very comfortable. Drove to local pub, 'Birds ant Bees ' fo dinner. Very busy.  Had prawns and  sea bass, dad had Jambalaya and really enjoyed that. More beers and Eileen and I had a lovely Italian Sangovese.
Another lovely B&B bfast,this time made to order as only 3 rooms.
We have big cooked bfastswhich keep us going until early arvo when we have a cuppa and something depending on where and what, sometimes a scone or a sandwich. Made mistake of having big late lunch on first day driving then dinner was a struggle!!

Now, more about Ambleside. Had drinks from the honour bar in the lounge downstairs with the hostess to entertain us this time. Finally hunger drove us out to find a  lovely dinner at very noisy, busy restaurant,Dodds, only 5 mins walk. I had prawn entrée and pasta marinara, D beef capraccio and swordfish ravioli with mussels. We all really enjoyed our meal there. Staggered home to bed after liquer laced coffees and all slept v well.

We had been talked into late bfast yest as they don't start early and had full house so we were really ready for it by 9.30! It was very well worth the wait, well entertained by an assortment of puzzles left on the table by him who served bfast with help of AUssie girl who has lived out here for 8 years, about to marry and pom and stay!
Lovely fresh cooked bfast. The boys are now eating black pudding with their bfast but I have to confess have only had a taste...not or me :<(
Headed off laden with our dirty washing to find a Laundromat and couldn't believe the crowds in town! It IS bank Hol weekend and this is most pop weekend dest in UK!
A hugely pop walking, known here as rambling area so hundreds of couples, groups, fams either heading off at back from walks.
Found packed laundrette, lined up a machine and we wandered around town while E&P did a load,put ours on had a cuppa then more exploring while we waited. Picturesque hilly town, lots of cafes and rests,SO many people and majority of them with their well behaved dogs. They must be very diligent about picking up dog poo as one would expect streets to be fouled but not so!! It appears to be the done thing to take your dogs on hols as they seem to be accepted everywhere.

We did a cruise on Lake Windmere to Bowness in the arvo and if poss, it was even more crowded!!! Many Indian tourists. Walked around for a while after lunch in quiet cafe in sidestreet. Were glad to get back on steamer to Ambleside. 
Long 2 k walk back to B&B as had discovered no parking near wharf area so guys had dropped us off and ended up parking back at b& b and dashing back 2 KS to catch ferry.

Had drinks in lounge again last night before heading off out to dinner in rain and ending up in bistro of posh hotel out of the rain and away from walking crowds in other eating places.
Great service, good food. I finally got to have Trout which we hadn't seen on menus yet, yum. D had beef and mushie pie, all very well presented, more nice Sangovese.
Wasn't raining when we walked home, pretty foot sore by the time we walked back. A night cap in the lounge with our own Glenfiddich for others and Baileys for me.

Slept V well, even D slept until 7! Tea had and about ready to get ready to go to bfast. Not sure of plans today. May walk to next  villages of Rydal and Grasmere, hopefully not as crowded as Bowness, and catch bus back after yest parking fiasco!

3rd photo. View looking back to Ambleside from steamer.
2nd is of Haven Cottage B&B, Ambleside.
1st one is us at Bowness pier.
Until next time. Take care and keep well.

Friday 26th. Day 10. Stirling to Ambleside,Cumbria

Hi all
Sorry ,silly me, I sent blog before finished
So some added info. Series of locks we saw were at Fort Augusta,joining Caledonian canal ot Loch Ness. We somehow missed the bigger series of locks at Fort William known as Neptunes Staircase so pleased we got a chance to watch boats going through at F.A.

1st photo is taken at Callender Battlefields at Clencoe where some highland battle fought.

2nd- Our oh-so-squeezy Citroen Picasso (DIesel Turbo!!)

1st photo is taken at Callender Battlefields at Clencoe where some highland battle fought.

2nd- Our oh-so-squeezy Citroen Picasso (DIesel Turbo!!)

Interesting trip here from Stirling. Stops at Wishaw for Eileen to find her older sisters grave,she died at 6 weeks old in1952. Found grave in huge cemetery with help from very helpful  custodian. Very emotional for Eileen as she truly believed couldn't be found.Took flowers and a card.So pleased for her she got to see it. Then onto Lockerbie memorial. Not something on my to-do'list but....each to their own.

Bade 'bonnie Scotland farewll at Gretna Green, didn't bother with a stop there.

Saw more glorious villages and scenery before driving into more Highland country. Drove through amazing hills and over steep mountain pass called "The Struggle' to get here, thanks to Navman(really a woman! )and her great sense of direction when byways chosen!!

We arrrived at our gorgeous B&B at Ambleside at 5.30, and we were welcomed by  host, Tim,ever-the joker.Reminds me of my sisters hubbie Paul, very quick witted.

Better get ready to go out. More another day. Hugs from us both J&D

Photos above
1. Was of Falkirk wheel, an amazing feat of engineering that lifts boats from one lower canal,  Forth and Clyde up to  ? can't remember. You should Google it.
2. Lock system at Fort Augusta, very interesting watching boats being raised from Loch Ness into Caledonian Canal.
3. Wallace memorial in Stirling.

Thursday and Friday. Days 8&9. Nairn -Ambleside via Stirling

Another 2 days of travelling through Scotland and stark contrasts in scenery.
Highlands with breathtaking desolate hills and its babbling steams you imagine to be filled with trout and salmon.
Lush hills and quaint little villages and sheet and cows so different to ours munching on lush pastures and spending lots of time lying around...lazy animals!!!

The Lochs and the Calledonian Canal were so picturesque its hard to describe. We stopped at the lock system at watched the highly organized Lock men and the amazing system of getting all types of boats through the locks. So interesting.

More from Nairn

Hi all,
Didn't put many photos on blog yest as D asleep and couldn't find his camera.
1st photo is of Cawdor castle ( mentioned in Macbeth) where we explored very interesting up and down stairs, saw scary dungeons, beautiful tapestries and read about the history.
2nd photo is of Culloden Battlefield memorial. D and P walked all over the battlefield, not fo us girls.!!
More tonight.
J &D.

To Jan

Especially for Jan,
Tried to email you but was rejected a few times. Could you please confirm your e to mitchellies.jm@gmail.com

Hugs
Jill and Dave

Wednesday 24th. Day 7. Nairn. Invernairne Guest House

Hi again from Nairn.
Woke to a glorious morning,great bfast in room overlooking the sea.
Set out to visit Cawdor Castle, residence of Duchess of Cawdor who moves out to Dowager house during summer to let tourists invade her home. She just seems to move out, charges 12 pound pp, leaving all her knick knacks etc. Lots of eclectic gardens and walled gardens with hidden fountains, statues etc. I got trapped in Gift shop by busloads of American tourists,all spending fortunes! cawdor is also mentioned in Macbeth.

Went onto,look at Cavra Cairns, a pile of rocks of rchealogical significance but did'nt much impress us girls!!!
Next stop Culloden Battlefields of great interest to DAve and Phil who walked all over them whilst Eileen and I browsed in huge gift shop.

Went for a drive through Inverness without a map and found our way to the Harbour.
Also found our way out of town back to Nairn. Its a miracle!!

Had afternoon tea on the lawns enjoying sunshine.
Quiet couple of hours catching up on postcards etc.

Dinner tonight at Bandstand Bar and Restaurant with great  sea views, fab food and good wines,beers and Whiskey. Dave and I both had Seafood pie which was yummy, I had meringue stack dessert, D cheese and we had a night cap, 3 different Whiskey, while I tried a Glayva with apple on the rocks, whiskey based but sweeter. Nice.
It actually had audacity to rain on our way out to dinner.

Another day tomorrow with lots to explore on our way to Stirling, Loch Ness, Fort Williams, Ben Nevis.
Signing off to now.
From Jill and DAve.

Tuesday 23rd. Day 7. Aberdeen -Nairn

Hi all
Had a great nights sleep in the very luxurious Hilton Garden Inn. Had everything you could ask for. Eileen and I convinced the boys to do our washing so we could go shopping for a couple of hours after bfast as hotel had a laundry. I figure we owe them big time now!!

Another day of discoveries around every bend with lots of Castles and little scottish villages and bigger rather ugly towns.
A couple of hour stop at Glenfiddich distillery where we did an interesting 1 hour tour and even the non-whiskey drinker...  me, was very interested in the process and it smelt amazing, sort of vegemitey during the yeast process them very sweet but not unpleasant. Of course the best part was the tasting where we all got to taste 12, 15, and 18 year old. I ,to my amazement, actually liked the 12 year old but I am not quite converted yet!!! Dave was DD so only tasted.His turn tomorrow!! :-)

Staying at B&B in Nairn, a few ks from Inverness, right on the water. Big old house but OK rooms for our first b&b. We got the smaller one but has  partial sea views.
Went for a walk along waterfront then out to dinner at a restaurant at a small hotel a short walk away. I had chicken liver pate and fish and chips and Dave mushrooms stuffed with black pudding and breaded scampi. A bit expensive but nice and quiet. Have found pubs cheaper but very noisy.
Here for 2 nights so more tomorrow and some photos from our exploring.
Until then from Jill and Dave.

Saturday 20th -Monday 22nd. Edinburgh to Aberdeen

My 3rd attempt at this blog deleted first one while trying to put photos on*!*!!** Then it crashed!! :<(
Chaotic since yest blog. My plan to get us off highways a huge success. Saw villages, manor houses, huge farms and such lush picturesque countryside,didn't get lost. Delicious pub lunch,I had Haddock cakes,D a ploughmans at Wheatstaff pub at Corbridge near Hadrians wall,which we did get a glimpse of! I got to see ALnwick Castle, used in harry potter movies, didn't quite look the same but was in a beautiful village.

Battled our way into Edinburgh from outskirts,traffic crazy,hundreds of tourist buses and millions of tourists.

Drama drama with our hotel booking not being in system. EIleen and PHils was. After many phone calls by reception staff to our travel agents supplier with nothing resolved and our stress levels up there, we booked last room and just wanted to get to MIlitary Tattoo on time which we did. It WAS amazing. Such an awe inspiring location and so well managed,fitting 3000+ people in very efficiently. Everything about it was superb. Our very own SA Caledonia band was part of the massed band that sounded and looked fantastic!! Attached photo doesn't do it justice. 1 1/2 hours flew by and ended with Lone piper and fantastic fireworks display!!!:-) Long steep walk up and quicker walk down. Very. Late night. All slept in. On the bus for tour and the Her Majesty invited us to Luncheon on Royal Yacht Brittania (well ,we pretended she did) when we had lunch in the tearoom on board,sandwiches,soup and wedges beautifully presented. More touring of this amazingly history steeped city this arvo then back to our lovely new room (they moved us from the 'last resort room we were in last night) to recharge batteries,ours and our cameras,do some washing etc before we go out to battle the crowds and find somewhere for dinner. Until tomorrow,signing off from the George hotel in EDinburgh.

Monday 22nd.Day 6. Edinburgh-Aberdeen
Sorry about 2 day no blog. My Acer tablet 'crashed 'when I tried to load 3 photos onto it so won't be trying that again!! Dave did post a brief one when I was ready to thow tab out the window!!
Will go to hotel business centre and do it from there to load more than 1 photo. 

Our last night in Edinburgh saw us walking the streets, finally ending up in Black Rose pub and I had Scottish lamb shanks,very average. Others chose better than me. I ate it because was too tired and hungry to care.

Got on the road to Aberdeen. Drove north to St Andrews where the guys ticked another thing off their 'bucket lists' and walked around an area of the golf course open to the public and would have hit a ball if they had had the gear!! The attached photo is of them standing on site of 'old course' 1st tee. Also walked main street and had cuppa there.

Then drove to Braemar through the Scottish Highlands,bleak,Heather covered with running streams and little settlement.
Stopped at the Tower bakery in Coupar Angus for sausages in a roll and pies for lunch.

Saw a glimpse of Balmoral Castle  with Royal Standard flying but couldn't see any more, no wonder Royals love it up there. Such a beautiful place,lush and green ,the River Dee clear and fast flowing,full of trout and Salmon I am sure. Took photos at the well guarded gate,chatted to armed but friendly cop.

Easy drive into Aberdeen and found Hilton Hotel, VERY NICE :-) . Aberdeen very grey looking buildings,seems to be more of a working class town.
Lovely dinner in restaurant, I had salmon, D Fish and crab cakes.
Boys having night cap, girls to finish off blogs. Early night.
More tomorrow.

Picture of Tattoo

An update for Edinburgh. Its early Monday morning and I am experimenting with photo uploads so hopefully this works.  Photo is one of the many from the Tattoo.

Day 5 York to Edinburgh

Hi folks

Its Monday morning and time to update our travels.

Spent some time sightseeing in York .......history and students everwhere.

Jill took over the navigating to Edinburgh and took us on a zig zagging route through the countryside.  Fantastic scenery but you needed to watch out for Farmer Brown who seems to enjoy having to right of way. Stopped for lunch at a village pub and tried to see the castle where Harry Potter was filmed.. a couple of glimpses but with time against us we headed to Edinburgh.

Uneventful to Edinburgh until we tried to check in to our Hotel... no booking but that is a story for another time.  Priority was the Tattoo and we joined some 3000 people for a walk up to the castle.  Jill might not forgive me for taking the steepest route but the show made up for it.

The only way to describe the Tattoo is Magic.  The background of the Castle, the bagpipes and the performance was an emotional journey that you need to witness.

Spent yesterday having lunch on the Queen's yacht the Britany ..... its has been decommissioned and is a tourist attraction providing a look at life of the royals. 
Edinburgh is a fascinating city that comes to life during the Tatoo ... I have never seen so many people out enjoying themselves, it seems that the Scots love a pint or two as every pub seem to be packed.

Heading to Aberdeen this morning .. not the most direct route as we all seem to have a particular place to see so provided we get there before dark I will be happy.

Jill will probably take over after this effort

We are well and having fun

Dave and Jill

PS Having some problems with downloading pictures with the tablet so will update when we gain access to a computer.

From London to York.

Sorry about the poor blog last night. WAS a bit tired.
We have decided we should have spent more time in London as we were staying so close to everything. Next time. Loved Buckingham palace tour, so.... pleased we did it.Crown jewels a bit of a queue but well worth it.

EArly start out of London with transfer to back to Heathrow to pick up hire car then on A1 north and to Cambridge where we did a hop-on-hop-off tour of city, so steeped in tradition and very picturesque.
Back into our smaller than expected car, VERY squeezy but a rip off to upgrade to next group so queezy it isI!!
THEN the traffic woes started. the poms do not know how  to drive in traffic!!
Took  41/2 hours to drive  150miles, should have take
Had nice dinner at hotel restaurant,a walk around wall, good food , wine,cider,beer and company,Eileen and Phil great travelling companions.  More than ready for bed.

Back again Sat am and on our way to Edinburgh. Have stopped for cuppa at Costa, good coffee outlet
I am about to scare everyone and get us off A1 onto country roads so we can actually see some villages.:-)
May never be found again!
Will send have to send photos in next couple of days as camera USB cable in suitcase and not here in free wifi spot.
Weather fine today. Hope stays warm for Tattoo tonight.

More tomorrow.
Over and out.
JIll and Dave.

London

Hi to everyone back in aus.

We arrived safely yesterday after an uneventful 24 hour flight.

We had an ok first leg of our flight 'cattle class '  to Hong Kong and MUCH better second leg as were  lucky enough to be upgraded to premium economy! So much more leg room! Hotel in westminster fine, walking distance to great pubs and coffee shops. 

Not too jetlagged, just tired. Was falling asleep at dinner at Westminster bar/pub. Slept 10 hours ready a huge day today.

 Fantastic tour of buckingham Palace,saw "The dress and shoes``! and the mews where all the carriages are stored, even the Australian coach, a gift from 'us to the queen. Was raining heavily by then so hailed a London  cab for a  ride to The  Tower of London and spent 3 very interesting hours there, saw the Crown Jewels.

Very wet river cruise back to Westminster and even wetter walk back to hotel BUT did get to walk past Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster abbey!!! Out to dinner and a well deserved cider/beer at 'marquis of granby' pub.

Off early tomorrow to pick up back to heathrow to pick up car then head up to York.

More tomorrow.

Luv an hugs to all 

Jill and Dave.

Fwd: pre travel

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Jill Mitchell" <mitchellies.jm@gmail.com>
Date: Aug 6, 2011 8:00 PM
Subject: pre travel
To: <mitchellies.jm@perro.bloggers.com>

Its 10 days before we leave and we trying out blogging.
We are going to UK for 30days with stopover in Singapore.

We are travelling  with good friends Eileen and Phil Wright.
More next week.