We only have a few months left in England, so John decided we had better make more of an effort to see the country while we are still here. John thought Wales would be a good long drive but close enough for us to spend some time sight seeing. We got the car packed up as if we were travelling away for a month, who says women over pack…..they have not met John. We travelled for hours on the M4 with a few coffee breaks and wee stops. It was not until we got off the M4 that the scenery changed and not a lot. Small green paddocks boxed by hedges chequered across the rolling landscape not a great deal different from England. The ugly duckling (our car) did not like the hills very much, at one stage John was getting quite upset over a tractor we had overtaken previously, was now quickly gaining on us, as the ugly duckling was struggling to get over the hill before the tractor caught up. Probably the only time John gets frustrated is in the Mercedes.
We passed many little villages scattered along the road, but nothing like the many I have seen here in England, they seemed rather ordinary by comparison, we stayed at a b&b near the Pembrokeshire coastline. The accommodation was up above a quiet pub that is what we were told. John and I got our overnight things out of the car. A good walk was needed to stretch the legs so off we drove to the coast path car park, we had to go through a firing range, the range only allows access through its premises on weekends, during the week the barriers are closed. A quick walk and two hundred photos later we thought we would go back to the room for a shower then have dinner. We planned on an early night so the next day we could look around nice and early. An elderly gentleman sitting in his car, interrupted our walk back. It seems he wanted to know the way out of the car park. John said we are visiting and do not know the area, but we did tell him how we got in, I assume he just wanted to talk. The fellow was a local and told us of many ways to get out. He was sitting in his car waiting for family to return, he told us jokes in an effort to keep us as his captive audience a little longer. Yes we felt guilty when we said we had to go, but I think we did give him a fair hearing.
Back in the room, purple bedspread and orange curtains absolutely hideous the room was small but clean. There were four rooms in all, and no vacancies left. We sat drinking our tea, me at the desk and John on the bed we knew it was going to be an awful night. Every noise made in the adjoining rooms was very audible to us and none of the doors shut quietly. Even the patrons in the restaurant down stairs could be heard.
Feeling tired and deluded we trudged down stairs, the place was packed. All seats were taken or booked except for a table for two, which we were lucky to get, John suggested I go sit down and he will bring us back some drinks. With all the patrons it took John a while to be served, so I had lots of time to stare into the eyes of a huge bull that had the misfortune of its head being stuffed and mounted on the wall. I swapped seats where the view was a little more palatable, and John returned with a much needed drink.
The meal was exceptional, we became chummy with the couple next to us it was a lovely evening to our surprise. But then came bed time, by morning we both knew how many springs were in the lumpy bed, what time the bar downstairs closed, and how many times the door slammed upstairs it was a long night. The men in the next room to ours had hijacked John on his way to the car. They were hiking in the district and told him of many places to Visit, the must sees of the area. St Governs chapel on the bottom off the cliff ( a small stone building) was disappointing because I was expecting some thing magnificent and Stack Rocks was similar to Lulworth beach. The thousands of birds that nest on these rocks are noisy and very smelly.. We also saw Wales surfing beach where they hold surfing competitions, it was spot the wave, a swell of two foot was all that we found.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Geneve
On the 26th of June, Trents birthday John and I went to Geneva, a five am wake up call, a taxi at six and delivered to Heathrow the new terminal five by six thirty. The BA lounge was lovely we had breakfast while waiting for our plane. I do not think I will ever like plane travel, the British airline hostesses missed our row of seats when offering refreshments and we so wanted a cup of tea, I had to buzz them to get service they were apologetic. One hour and forty minutes later we were in Geneva and at the hertz counter renting a car to take us to Les Hotel de Rive in Nyon. John has no problem adapting to left hand drives, it feels so strange sitting beside him which to me should be the drivers side.
Not more than ten minutes of driving and enjoying the sites along the way, when wack a motor bike rode straight into us. My first thought was for the motor bike rider, will he be alright, my legs were like jelly and the head was spinning. John pulled over to a safe spot just ahead in a bus Zone. I do not think the biker had even fallen he was travelling with another biker. John was out quick as a flash and checking the damage on the hire car and trying to communicate to the French speaking biker that he wanted his licence. Where was I you ask? Still sitting in the car a mess of nerves and jelly until John asked for a pen and paper which I supplied and finally got out to copy the licence number and bikes rego number at John’s request. John needed to get in touch with some one from work that could communicate with him and the biker. “Welcome to Genève” John said in an attempt to be humorous or maybe it was sarcastic I could not tell, but I did think at that moment standing on my jelly legs in the heat, that it was not the welcome I wanted nor John I suspect. All details covered we were on our way again, I asked John if he was OK he certainly appeared to be, but I did notice a slight tremble in his hand, he is human after all( I know that).
The Hotel in Nyon overlooked Lake Genève, after lunch in a lovely little café along the water front John went to work and I stayed in the motel room and caught up on some needed sleep, the pillows smelt like dog, but being so tired I just accepted it, and could not help but feel guilty that poor John was working. After a nap I woke with a congested nose and continuous sneezing, the corners of my eyes were very itchy I felt miserable. I took my hay fever tablets but it made little difference. Time to study the room I knew there was a dog upstairs as it kept barking. Nothing much to discover in the room, I did note we do not have any coffee or tea making facilities. Otherwise pretty much the same as any hotel motel accommodation. A walk now to discover the area, it was still very hot and humid. The light cotton shirt I was now wearing was much more suited for the day. Lots of alley ways and cobbled streets I took the first alley leading up toward a chateau on top of the hill, cobbled steps between stone buildings winding up. The quaint old stone houses had planter boxes under their windows most had red geraniums hanging out of them, but the heat was making the hair stick to the back of my neck and the humidity was making me feel sticky. At the top, it opened up to a huge courtyard area where people were dining and drinking ale overlooking the roofs and lake Geneva.
I walked on discovering shops and parks it was beautiful. When John came home we did it all again, but we included a walk beside the lake, we stopped and had a beer from a small kiosk, it was still warm we sat on a stone wall watching the water lap against the wall a rhythmic and soothing sound, there is something very calming and relaxing about water. After the beer our pace had settled to a dawdle arm in arm John and I went to a restaurant to eat, it was nine after all. Long twilights here as well. Back to our room to settle for the night with the stinky pillows, and when your head is on it you cannot escape it, so off into sleep I drifted dreaming of dogs. John thinks I am mad he could not smell what I smelt, only the citronella oil burning for the insects.
I hope the insect problem is only seasonal like Christmas in Australia or you would never open up windows at night as thousands are attracted to any light. John had had a good nights sleep unlike me battling dog fumes all night. We both had awoken to sunburnt faces and I was whingeing to John’s deaf ear about the stinky pillows. John left for work leaving me to amuse myself in this beautiful place for a day. Dressed in the coolest clothing packed I prepared for a morning of walking, discovering many more hidden walkways, the most enjoyable being along the waterfront away from the tourist area. A small dirt track between houses and jetties crab pots and cages stacked up on sides, the odd shop selling tackle, rope, fishing wire it was another world. But it was getting hot and my feet were blistering (wrong shoes) so I headed back. A block from the motel I am in pain, but could not help to stop and glance up a medieval looking street I was curious and would love to investigate but decided my feet wont like that idea, that is when a man speaking French was waving at me to go in, and talking to me in words I had no understanding of. So up I went on his instruction. I was taken to the chateau where I had already been the previous day by another entrance, this time I entered the building, magnificent and the views spectacular I sat in the shade of a big willow just outside and admired the view, resting my now intensely burning feet. Travelling back down to our hotel I again encountered the French speaking Swiss gentleman. It was an animated conversation he wanted to talk, but I had no idea what he was saying all those hours of French and I doubt that I understood a word, he even drew with his finger in the air, it was getting very embarrassing. Au voir came in handy with my best smile, and off I bolted.
Now with sore feet, hot, and frustrated with language I tackled the problems of stinky pillows. I told the front receptionist on my way back that I wanted my pillowcases changed because they smelled…. Sent mauvais in French, in case you wanted to know. New pillow cases were bought up to the room, and they smelt much better. I never ventured out for the rest of the day until John came home from work as it was too hot. When John came home to the hotel we then went out for a lovely dinner in one of the delightful restaurants that are along the lake edge.
The following day Michael, Johns boss in Switzerland drove us around most of the day. We were taken to many places and I cannot describe how beautiful Switzerland is …….. picturesque, splendorous, magical are words that do not do this country justice, from the green country side to rolling hills and snow capped mountains, winding roads through vineyards, platforms on the top of mountains that give you a view of the lake, restaurants and bars that do the same. Every one is friendly and always say Bon jour I think it was heaven, window boxes with flowers usually red geraniums and they are also on walls and hung from street lights as well as road signs, always maintained. Michael took us to his house where we met his wife Sharon and his two boys. A tour through his home revealed he had a bomb shelter. The Swiss government made it compulsory for many years that every new home built had to have a bomb shelter, fascinating stuff. We were treated to a barbecue dinner, while eating we heard the cow bells from the neighbours property, we also saw three baby foxes playing in the hay bails in a field below us it was so cute. We drove back to our room rather late, we were tired it was a big day.
Our last full day in Switzerland, John and I did a little driving around ourselves. After lunch we took a ferry ride across the lake to a historic town in France called Yvoire yet again magical, a French Medieval lake side village, lots of little shops so cute. Back across the lake and I was thankful for a breeze we had to return to our room and get ready to dine out with John’s colleagues. The dinner was exceptional ( how will I ever lose weight) I was a little bored as every one needed to talk shop and I could not contribute much to the conversation, but on the whole they were nice to me. And I guess I will be doing a lot more of that in the future, so I had better get used to it.
Next morning bright and early we were packing our bags, John accompanied me flying to Heathrow. John then had to take yet another plane and went on to France it cost less to go to France via England than to fly straight from Genève, can you believe that, or maybe he just wanted me back safe in England since I have never flown on my own, and we all know I panic very easily.
So we parted company I left to catch a bus to Reading and then a train to Mortimer station, a ten minute walk with back pack and a big luggage bag, I was so grateful it had wheels. At home I was greeted by a very messy garden, and a lawn in great need of a mow. Back to normal life.
Not more than ten minutes of driving and enjoying the sites along the way, when wack a motor bike rode straight into us. My first thought was for the motor bike rider, will he be alright, my legs were like jelly and the head was spinning. John pulled over to a safe spot just ahead in a bus Zone. I do not think the biker had even fallen he was travelling with another biker. John was out quick as a flash and checking the damage on the hire car and trying to communicate to the French speaking biker that he wanted his licence. Where was I you ask? Still sitting in the car a mess of nerves and jelly until John asked for a pen and paper which I supplied and finally got out to copy the licence number and bikes rego number at John’s request. John needed to get in touch with some one from work that could communicate with him and the biker. “Welcome to Genève” John said in an attempt to be humorous or maybe it was sarcastic I could not tell, but I did think at that moment standing on my jelly legs in the heat, that it was not the welcome I wanted nor John I suspect. All details covered we were on our way again, I asked John if he was OK he certainly appeared to be, but I did notice a slight tremble in his hand, he is human after all( I know that).
The Hotel in Nyon overlooked Lake Genève, after lunch in a lovely little café along the water front John went to work and I stayed in the motel room and caught up on some needed sleep, the pillows smelt like dog, but being so tired I just accepted it, and could not help but feel guilty that poor John was working. After a nap I woke with a congested nose and continuous sneezing, the corners of my eyes were very itchy I felt miserable. I took my hay fever tablets but it made little difference. Time to study the room I knew there was a dog upstairs as it kept barking. Nothing much to discover in the room, I did note we do not have any coffee or tea making facilities. Otherwise pretty much the same as any hotel motel accommodation. A walk now to discover the area, it was still very hot and humid. The light cotton shirt I was now wearing was much more suited for the day. Lots of alley ways and cobbled streets I took the first alley leading up toward a chateau on top of the hill, cobbled steps between stone buildings winding up. The quaint old stone houses had planter boxes under their windows most had red geraniums hanging out of them, but the heat was making the hair stick to the back of my neck and the humidity was making me feel sticky. At the top, it opened up to a huge courtyard area where people were dining and drinking ale overlooking the roofs and lake Geneva.
I walked on discovering shops and parks it was beautiful. When John came home we did it all again, but we included a walk beside the lake, we stopped and had a beer from a small kiosk, it was still warm we sat on a stone wall watching the water lap against the wall a rhythmic and soothing sound, there is something very calming and relaxing about water. After the beer our pace had settled to a dawdle arm in arm John and I went to a restaurant to eat, it was nine after all. Long twilights here as well. Back to our room to settle for the night with the stinky pillows, and when your head is on it you cannot escape it, so off into sleep I drifted dreaming of dogs. John thinks I am mad he could not smell what I smelt, only the citronella oil burning for the insects.
I hope the insect problem is only seasonal like Christmas in Australia or you would never open up windows at night as thousands are attracted to any light. John had had a good nights sleep unlike me battling dog fumes all night. We both had awoken to sunburnt faces and I was whingeing to John’s deaf ear about the stinky pillows. John left for work leaving me to amuse myself in this beautiful place for a day. Dressed in the coolest clothing packed I prepared for a morning of walking, discovering many more hidden walkways, the most enjoyable being along the waterfront away from the tourist area. A small dirt track between houses and jetties crab pots and cages stacked up on sides, the odd shop selling tackle, rope, fishing wire it was another world. But it was getting hot and my feet were blistering (wrong shoes) so I headed back. A block from the motel I am in pain, but could not help to stop and glance up a medieval looking street I was curious and would love to investigate but decided my feet wont like that idea, that is when a man speaking French was waving at me to go in, and talking to me in words I had no understanding of. So up I went on his instruction. I was taken to the chateau where I had already been the previous day by another entrance, this time I entered the building, magnificent and the views spectacular I sat in the shade of a big willow just outside and admired the view, resting my now intensely burning feet. Travelling back down to our hotel I again encountered the French speaking Swiss gentleman. It was an animated conversation he wanted to talk, but I had no idea what he was saying all those hours of French and I doubt that I understood a word, he even drew with his finger in the air, it was getting very embarrassing. Au voir came in handy with my best smile, and off I bolted.
Now with sore feet, hot, and frustrated with language I tackled the problems of stinky pillows. I told the front receptionist on my way back that I wanted my pillowcases changed because they smelled…. Sent mauvais in French, in case you wanted to know. New pillow cases were bought up to the room, and they smelt much better. I never ventured out for the rest of the day until John came home from work as it was too hot. When John came home to the hotel we then went out for a lovely dinner in one of the delightful restaurants that are along the lake edge.
The following day Michael, Johns boss in Switzerland drove us around most of the day. We were taken to many places and I cannot describe how beautiful Switzerland is …….. picturesque, splendorous, magical are words that do not do this country justice, from the green country side to rolling hills and snow capped mountains, winding roads through vineyards, platforms on the top of mountains that give you a view of the lake, restaurants and bars that do the same. Every one is friendly and always say Bon jour I think it was heaven, window boxes with flowers usually red geraniums and they are also on walls and hung from street lights as well as road signs, always maintained. Michael took us to his house where we met his wife Sharon and his two boys. A tour through his home revealed he had a bomb shelter. The Swiss government made it compulsory for many years that every new home built had to have a bomb shelter, fascinating stuff. We were treated to a barbecue dinner, while eating we heard the cow bells from the neighbours property, we also saw three baby foxes playing in the hay bails in a field below us it was so cute. We drove back to our room rather late, we were tired it was a big day.
Our last full day in Switzerland, John and I did a little driving around ourselves. After lunch we took a ferry ride across the lake to a historic town in France called Yvoire yet again magical, a French Medieval lake side village, lots of little shops so cute. Back across the lake and I was thankful for a breeze we had to return to our room and get ready to dine out with John’s colleagues. The dinner was exceptional ( how will I ever lose weight) I was a little bored as every one needed to talk shop and I could not contribute much to the conversation, but on the whole they were nice to me. And I guess I will be doing a lot more of that in the future, so I had better get used to it.
Next morning bright and early we were packing our bags, John accompanied me flying to Heathrow. John then had to take yet another plane and went on to France it cost less to go to France via England than to fly straight from Genève, can you believe that, or maybe he just wanted me back safe in England since I have never flown on my own, and we all know I panic very easily.
So we parted company I left to catch a bus to Reading and then a train to Mortimer station, a ten minute walk with back pack and a big luggage bag, I was so grateful it had wheels. At home I was greeted by a very messy garden, and a lawn in great need of a mow. Back to normal life.
Home duties
I have been busy mopping birdie poo from our front entrance, it is an every day job. We have lots of birds they sit on the chimney and have a lovely time, some birds have a sweet lyrical sond but others squawk. The pigeon and the Robin are the only birds I am familiar with. There is a very messy brown bird that loves getting into the garden and making a big mess scratching about. The tiny finch like bird that has made its nest above our front door is very dainty and lost one of its little ones last week, the featherless baby must have fallen from its nest, it was dead by the time we found it.Last Tuesday after a shopping trip into Basingstoke, John picked me up on his way from work to take me home. We were at home by eight still very light, the car was unloaded and John waited for me to open the front door. My key just kept turning and not unlocking, John had a turn with his keys, the same thing happened to him. After scouting around the house, all lower storey windows were closed and locked, the only window that was open was upstairs the small bathroom window. Climbing up was the only option as the real estate was closed for the day, I went knocking on our neighbours doors to see if any one had a ladder, ours was locked in the garage and the keys inside the house, so it was of no help. Finally the third house had a ladder and Graeme the owner came to the rescue. Graeme is a large man so it was up to me to manoeuvre my way up an old shaky ladder and squeeze my way through the tiny bathroom window. I had John underneath, giving encouraging words all the way. Well needless to say I have survived and may take up house breaking.
One hour everyday I struggle with French and I wonder when I will grasp and retain all that I am learning, those people that retain information very easily I am very jealous of……John is one of them. John loves learning and reading and watching television shows that are usually documentaries. Where as I have the attention span of a newt. .The outside water feature that I uncovered and cleaned up, is on all day every day we love it. Sitting outside having our meals with a glass of wine listening to the trickling water is so relaxing. We have a bay tree, rosemary, thyme, mint, and beautiful lavender which is out in flower now, the garden is looking pretty good. It is only the naughty birds that make messes every where. A huge walnut tree next door overhangs the back fence. I am not sure if we will benefit from the tree or if we will be in Switzerland by the time the nuts have developed. Do squirrels eat walnuts?, maybe that is why we have so many in our back yard.
One hour everyday I struggle with French and I wonder when I will grasp and retain all that I am learning, those people that retain information very easily I am very jealous of……John is one of them. John loves learning and reading and watching television shows that are usually documentaries. Where as I have the attention span of a newt. .The outside water feature that I uncovered and cleaned up, is on all day every day we love it. Sitting outside having our meals with a glass of wine listening to the trickling water is so relaxing. We have a bay tree, rosemary, thyme, mint, and beautiful lavender which is out in flower now, the garden is looking pretty good. It is only the naughty birds that make messes every where. A huge walnut tree next door overhangs the back fence. I am not sure if we will benefit from the tree or if we will be in Switzerland by the time the nuts have developed. Do squirrels eat walnuts?, maybe that is why we have so many in our back yard.
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