Hey
okay, so this happened back in March. But Tracey who was over here, had a monoply farewell pub crawl. Here are photos (thanks to Craig's brilliance) - you can click on each square to get photos relating to that pub.
http://www.theguestchef.com/monopoly
It was a fab (but long) day. We spent more time walking than drinking. I made it all the way around, with a drink in each place (sharing a half with Cass in two out of three pubs, and in hte third having a half for myself). The last place, I kinda went overboard with shots!
In the second last place, when we gave Tracey her drinking medal as a farewell gift, we had a little ceremony and since we were mostly Aussies, we sang (shouted!) the Anthem and then promptly got told off for being too noisy.
All the way around, we were pretty much 'competing' against two other groups (both men) - well they were actually trying to compete with us, but they didn't have Aeron's brilliant map reading and organisation skills. Needless to say, we won :)
more posts will be coming soon.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Prague
Hey everyone. Before you say it, yes it has been ages since anything appeared on here. Well life has been very busy. I moved into the new house at the end of february, and so March was preoccupied with trying to get some things organised there - who knew so much had to be done in a new house. Then at beginning of April, Brian arrived and he was only here a day or two before we were off on our first Europe trip - 5 days in Prague.
We left on Maundy Thursday on BMI baby - our first experience on a budget airline and it wasn't bad, particularly as we managed to score two seats by the emergency exit. Of course there was a whole under 19s rugby team on board as well (all wearing bright green, all very loud and all drinking!). It was about a 2 hour flight so not bad. We arrived late in the evening but managed to get to our hotel from the airport relatively easy (and since we were in Prague, cheaply too!). We were meeting Aeron and Anthony the next day, and Aeron had sorted out the accommodation - Ibis just near old town square - a great location. Thursday night saw Brian and I finding a local place to eat - an italian restaurant! but it did some great food and cheap beer.
now before I go any further, I must get the weather out of the way (see I am British after all - consumed by the weather!!). It was cold. Hat, gloves, scarf kinda cold. Brian was freezing - he hadn't really acclimatised and didn't really have enough warm clothes! At least it didn't rain.
Friday saw us just wandering around old town, collecting brochures on things to do (there are like a million different walking tours you can do, all with their own coloured umbrella for english speaking ones, or coloured other things that you can stick in the air so that the crowds can follow you) and waiting for Aeron and Anthony to join us. It was all going well, until Brian found a pothole in the cobble stones and twisted his ankle. We managed to work out that to get a pain killer (like Paracetmol) we had to go to a chemist, use our best sign language to get across that Brian had hurt his ankle (as you can't actually buy anything - it is all behind hte counter and you have to have a consultation), and got some stuff. We then hobbled back to the hotel, got some ice and waited for Aeron and Anthony. When they arrived, we went off to another restaurant - this time, one that did local food, and had some great food. Pretty much I ate pork, dumpling and cabbage (red and green) every time. It was very yummy - I loved hte cabbage - it was sweet and great. of course there was local beer. Pretty much we had worked out that you had either light or dark beer. referring to the colour of course (which foxed a few other aussies when asked if they wanted light beer!).
Saturday saw us go on a mammoth walking tour. We met outside the clock in the square along with about a thousand other people! We went with the yellow umbrella tour. It was very informative. It talked about the architecture of hte buildings, which sounds a bit ho hum, but was actually very fascinating, particularly as the buildings around the square represented about 600 years of history and different designs and fads. And this info has helped in other cities that we have visited! There was a lot to take in and really I am not sure I remember much! There was a bit of a boat cruise where it seemed like we went around in circles and we went over the bridge to the castle. On the bridge there was a saint that was supposed to the confessor a queen. Jealous king wanted to know what the queen confessed (as she went there every day), but the priest wouldn't say, and ended up drowning in the river. He is now a saint because of this!
The castle was good, but we didn't have much time to visit it. But as we had another couple of days, we were going to back later anyway. 6 hours or so after the tour started it finished. We had just enough time to wander around the Easter Markets (and I haven't even mentioned them yet and they were the main reason we were there) before we went on our next tour 0 a pub tour! It wasn't the best, as there were too many of us, but we had some good beer and go out a bit more. After drinking, we had some gelati - a common theme on holidays! Italy has really taken over Europe.
Sunday saw us go back to the Castle, and also saw us very under dressed for the weather. We had a good walk around the castle, which housed a fantastic cathedral that took quite a while to stand in queue (which we did on Monday). We bypassed this and went to a lane where some famous writer lived. Upstairs in teh cottages, it was all joined together and at the very end, there was an opportunity to shoot a cross-bow. Which Anthony and Brian did. It was quite hard, and some people before our turn, had bolts bouncing off the target. Anyway, Anthony went first and managed to hit the target. Brian went next and did well. They had 5 shots each, but I had Brian's last shot. I picked up the bow, didn't have my finger near the trigger, as it was heavier than expected and I wanted to line it up. then once lined up I moved my finger near the trigger and off it went! just as well I had it lined up, otherwise it could have gone anywhere. Anyway, I had the best shot of the three of us! and I didn't gloat THAT much.
Sunday also saw us find the local Aussie bar, to check out Aus v Eng in world cup cricket. During hte first innings, Aeron and I went shopping at the Easter Markets (where we saw a bird of prey display), whilst Brian and Anthony drank beer and watched cricket. We then had dinner back at the italian we visited on thursday, went on a ghost tour and made it back in time to watch Australia triumph over England!! all in all, a long day but a good day.
Monday saw us back at the castle to queue up for the cathedral (and I thought the stained glass really was worth it) and to finish off bits of the castle we hadn't managed to see before. There was a lot of history there, and mainly undisturbed, suprising for a country that hasn't really been a country until now. then it was off home. Forget to mention that first thing in the morning we went to Wencelas square. Wasn't as good as old town, and felt very seedy - almost like a nightclub in hte morning not good.
Prague is as beautiful as what everyone says it is. Old Town is fantastic (but avoid Wenscales square), and it is still relatively cheap to do things. I definitely would go back again.
We left on Maundy Thursday on BMI baby - our first experience on a budget airline and it wasn't bad, particularly as we managed to score two seats by the emergency exit. Of course there was a whole under 19s rugby team on board as well (all wearing bright green, all very loud and all drinking!). It was about a 2 hour flight so not bad. We arrived late in the evening but managed to get to our hotel from the airport relatively easy (and since we were in Prague, cheaply too!). We were meeting Aeron and Anthony the next day, and Aeron had sorted out the accommodation - Ibis just near old town square - a great location. Thursday night saw Brian and I finding a local place to eat - an italian restaurant! but it did some great food and cheap beer.
now before I go any further, I must get the weather out of the way (see I am British after all - consumed by the weather!!). It was cold. Hat, gloves, scarf kinda cold. Brian was freezing - he hadn't really acclimatised and didn't really have enough warm clothes! At least it didn't rain.
Friday saw us just wandering around old town, collecting brochures on things to do (there are like a million different walking tours you can do, all with their own coloured umbrella for english speaking ones, or coloured other things that you can stick in the air so that the crowds can follow you) and waiting for Aeron and Anthony to join us. It was all going well, until Brian found a pothole in the cobble stones and twisted his ankle. We managed to work out that to get a pain killer (like Paracetmol) we had to go to a chemist, use our best sign language to get across that Brian had hurt his ankle (as you can't actually buy anything - it is all behind hte counter and you have to have a consultation), and got some stuff. We then hobbled back to the hotel, got some ice and waited for Aeron and Anthony. When they arrived, we went off to another restaurant - this time, one that did local food, and had some great food. Pretty much I ate pork, dumpling and cabbage (red and green) every time. It was very yummy - I loved hte cabbage - it was sweet and great. of course there was local beer. Pretty much we had worked out that you had either light or dark beer. referring to the colour of course (which foxed a few other aussies when asked if they wanted light beer!).
Saturday saw us go on a mammoth walking tour. We met outside the clock in the square along with about a thousand other people! We went with the yellow umbrella tour. It was very informative. It talked about the architecture of hte buildings, which sounds a bit ho hum, but was actually very fascinating, particularly as the buildings around the square represented about 600 years of history and different designs and fads. And this info has helped in other cities that we have visited! There was a lot to take in and really I am not sure I remember much! There was a bit of a boat cruise where it seemed like we went around in circles and we went over the bridge to the castle. On the bridge there was a saint that was supposed to the confessor a queen. Jealous king wanted to know what the queen confessed (as she went there every day), but the priest wouldn't say, and ended up drowning in the river. He is now a saint because of this!
The castle was good, but we didn't have much time to visit it. But as we had another couple of days, we were going to back later anyway. 6 hours or so after the tour started it finished. We had just enough time to wander around the Easter Markets (and I haven't even mentioned them yet and they were the main reason we were there) before we went on our next tour 0 a pub tour! It wasn't the best, as there were too many of us, but we had some good beer and go out a bit more. After drinking, we had some gelati - a common theme on holidays! Italy has really taken over Europe.
Sunday saw us go back to the Castle, and also saw us very under dressed for the weather. We had a good walk around the castle, which housed a fantastic cathedral that took quite a while to stand in queue (which we did on Monday). We bypassed this and went to a lane where some famous writer lived. Upstairs in teh cottages, it was all joined together and at the very end, there was an opportunity to shoot a cross-bow. Which Anthony and Brian did. It was quite hard, and some people before our turn, had bolts bouncing off the target. Anyway, Anthony went first and managed to hit the target. Brian went next and did well. They had 5 shots each, but I had Brian's last shot. I picked up the bow, didn't have my finger near the trigger, as it was heavier than expected and I wanted to line it up. then once lined up I moved my finger near the trigger and off it went! just as well I had it lined up, otherwise it could have gone anywhere. Anyway, I had the best shot of the three of us! and I didn't gloat THAT much.
Sunday also saw us find the local Aussie bar, to check out Aus v Eng in world cup cricket. During hte first innings, Aeron and I went shopping at the Easter Markets (where we saw a bird of prey display), whilst Brian and Anthony drank beer and watched cricket. We then had dinner back at the italian we visited on thursday, went on a ghost tour and made it back in time to watch Australia triumph over England!! all in all, a long day but a good day.
Monday saw us back at the castle to queue up for the cathedral (and I thought the stained glass really was worth it) and to finish off bits of the castle we hadn't managed to see before. There was a lot of history there, and mainly undisturbed, suprising for a country that hasn't really been a country until now. then it was off home. Forget to mention that first thing in the morning we went to Wencelas square. Wasn't as good as old town, and felt very seedy - almost like a nightclub in hte morning not good.
Prague is as beautiful as what everyone says it is. Old Town is fantastic (but avoid Wenscales square), and it is still relatively cheap to do things. I definitely would go back again.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The House is Finished!!!
Hey Everyone
well, failed my new resolution to keep the blog up to date. the only excuse I have is that
aside from working I haven't done much.
However, that is changing! The house is ready and I get the keys on Thursday which is very exciting (and yes I feel very poor!). I have taken photos for you to see without furniture. And as furniture is added I will take more.
This is the outside of the house. As it is hte first thing you see when you come on to the estate, the building company have very nicely put up a metal fence and landscaped the front (including weed matting so I shouldn't have to weed!).
Next is the lounge. Now I spent many hours deliberating over the carpet (there was just too much choice) so in the end I went with one colour throughout. I am very happy with it. The fire is electric, but due to the central heating system, is really just for show. I have already been given a lesson by the builder on how to use the central heating, think I will just stick to 18 degrees and hope it comes on at the right times :)
The next room is the kitchen/dining room. I am very happy with the kitchen ( I feel that I have chosen well). The pictures don't do it justice, so you will all just have to come over and have a look. Its nice to have a big kitchen. I get the fridge/freezer and washing machine delivered on friday (there isn't a laundry room, so the washing machine goes in the kitchen).
Upstairs now, and pictures of the bathroom and ensuite. You need to imagine there are mirrors on the walls and that the carpet isn't there (put there by accident - supposed to be cushioned flooring - lino in our language).
And pictures of outside - the back yard
and the side yard (which is going to be a vegetable garden but looks more like a farmers field that has just been ploughed!).
well, failed my new resolution to keep the blog up to date. the only excuse I have is that
aside from working I haven't done much.However, that is changing! The house is ready and I get the keys on Thursday which is very exciting (and yes I feel very poor!). I have taken photos for you to see without furniture. And as furniture is added I will take more.
This is the outside of the house. As it is hte first thing you see when you come on to the estate, the building company have very nicely put up a metal fence and landscaped the front (including weed matting so I shouldn't have to weed!).
Next is the lounge. Now I spent many hours deliberating over the carpet (there was just too much choice) so in the end I went with one colour throughout. I am very happy with it. The fire is electric, but due to the central heating system, is really just for show. I have already been given a lesson by the builder on how to use the central heating, think I will just stick to 18 degrees and hope it comes on at the right times :)
The next room is the kitchen/dining room. I am very happy with the kitchen ( I feel that I have chosen well). The pictures don't do it justice, so you will all just have to come over and have a look. Its nice to have a big kitchen. I get the fridge/freezer and washing machine delivered on friday (there isn't a laundry room, so the washing machine goes in the kitchen).
Upstairs now, and pictures of the bathroom and ensuite. You need to imagine there are mirrors on the walls and that the carpet isn't there (put there by accident - supposed to be cushioned flooring - lino in our language).
And pictures of outside - the back yard
and the side yard (which is going to be a vegetable garden but looks more like a farmers field that has just been ploughed!).
Thursday, January 11, 2007
House Update
Hi Everyone, thanks for your comments on my resolutions and all the doubt about my running abilities!! I haven't been able to start that one yet - too wet here in Wales (so wet and windy that the rain is horizontal!). However, I thought I would do an update on the house. As you can see by the picture, the roof is going on! I am very excited about this, as with all the crap weather i wasn't expecting that at all. Apparently the stair case is inside and ready to be fitted and the windows are going in early next week, and the scaffolding is coming down.
It looks like the garden is going to be a good size by UK standards, and that is what I am concentrating on designing at this moment. I have done a rough sketch (very very rough) of what I am planning, but I don't have the dimensions of the garden, so I might not be able to do what I want. I am planning a vegie patch down the side of the house, with a herb garden against the fence. I am going to have a compost heap (don't think they have worm farms over here!) and I just saw one in one of those house mags that looks like a beehive, so am going to see if I can get that. I want to have a garden shed, and a rose garden (with climbing roses, bush roses and maybe the odd standard rose). Then there is a path to go in - I was thinking white gravel type path with big rocks bordering it. I was also thinking of having a patio area, and also trying to get some blue stone chip into the garden scape somewhere. I don't think I will have much lawn.
It looks like the garden is going to be a good size by UK standards, and that is what I am concentrating on designing at this moment. I have done a rough sketch (very very rough) of what I am planning, but I don't have the dimensions of the garden, so I might not be able to do what I want. I am planning a vegie patch down the side of the house, with a herb garden against the fence. I am going to have a compost heap (don't think they have worm farms over here!) and I just saw one in one of those house mags that looks like a beehive, so am going to see if I can get that. I want to have a garden shed, and a rose garden (with climbing roses, bush roses and maybe the odd standard rose). Then there is a path to go in - I was thinking white gravel type path with big rocks bordering it. I was also thinking of having a patio area, and also trying to get some blue stone chip into the garden scape somewhere. I don't think I will have much lawn.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
New Years Resolutions
Okay, here are my new year's resolutions (sorry not alot else to chat about!).
1. Keep Blog up to date. Hence this post. Unfortunately I haven't been doing much, and so I thought i would let you know what my resolutions are in order in to keep the first one!
2. Get Fit - okay so a perpetual resolution, but I am determined that by Easter I will be able to run 1 mile (its a mile to work). My big plan is that I will run to work, do a weights workout in the gym at work and run home again. Will be a challenge particularly given the weather that we are having at the moment, but I am up for it.
3. Eat Healthily. When I move into my new house, I reckon it will be a struggle cooking for one and being healthy so hence this resolution. My big plan is to cook up big on the weekends lots of healthy vego food and freeze it so all I have to do during the week is heat it up.
4. Finish all my half started craft projects. I am not that great at finishing stuff (brilliant at starting it though!). So before I begin anything new, I am going to finish everything that I have started. I am shipping all my craft over from Aus, so I will have plenty to do. Watch the blog to see pictures of the finished stuff!
5. Travel. Goes without saying really. Places on my list to visit this year are Italy (tuscany in particular), Prague (cos everyone keeps saying how beautiful it is) and perhaps Spain (just to do the British sit on a beach thing!).
6. Practise my flute. Another thing that I tend to run out of time for. And if miracles happen I might restart learning the violin.
7. Finish decorating the house and landscaping the garden by the end of 2007. now this seems easy, but I do tend to procrastinate and not finish things, so I think this will be tough! My poor unsuspecting friends in UK (although if they read this then they won't be unsuspecting), are going to get invited around a lot on the weekends and when they enter, they will be given either a paintbrush or a spade depending on the weather!!!!
I think that this is it - if you have suggestions of things I can add let me know!!!
1. Keep Blog up to date. Hence this post. Unfortunately I haven't been doing much, and so I thought i would let you know what my resolutions are in order in to keep the first one!
2. Get Fit - okay so a perpetual resolution, but I am determined that by Easter I will be able to run 1 mile (its a mile to work). My big plan is that I will run to work, do a weights workout in the gym at work and run home again. Will be a challenge particularly given the weather that we are having at the moment, but I am up for it.
3. Eat Healthily. When I move into my new house, I reckon it will be a struggle cooking for one and being healthy so hence this resolution. My big plan is to cook up big on the weekends lots of healthy vego food and freeze it so all I have to do during the week is heat it up.
4. Finish all my half started craft projects. I am not that great at finishing stuff (brilliant at starting it though!). So before I begin anything new, I am going to finish everything that I have started. I am shipping all my craft over from Aus, so I will have plenty to do. Watch the blog to see pictures of the finished stuff!
5. Travel. Goes without saying really. Places on my list to visit this year are Italy (tuscany in particular), Prague (cos everyone keeps saying how beautiful it is) and perhaps Spain (just to do the British sit on a beach thing!).
6. Practise my flute. Another thing that I tend to run out of time for. And if miracles happen I might restart learning the violin.
7. Finish decorating the house and landscaping the garden by the end of 2007. now this seems easy, but I do tend to procrastinate and not finish things, so I think this will be tough! My poor unsuspecting friends in UK (although if they read this then they won't be unsuspecting), are going to get invited around a lot on the weekends and when they enter, they will be given either a paintbrush or a spade depending on the weather!!!!
I think that this is it - if you have suggestions of things I can add let me know!!!
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