Category: Personal

Spain Here We Come

 

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Well it’s that time of year again when 5 couples have decided to leave their Caravans behind and have an early holiday.

I will not list them all at the moment, you will recognise them from the photographs that I Hope to upload in due course, that is of course depending upon the Quality of the Internet connection available. (It’s the same crowd that went to Cyprus in 2016)

Apparently there are a few Fans of my Blog so this Tale is for them and also for the Nosey one’s who like to know what’s going on, also for those who like a really personal read.

What ever, enjoy and keep the Comments and Questions coming in

This year we have decide to go to Torremolinos, Malaga.

No doubt many of you have been there before, personally I have not, apparently it comes well recommended.

Follow this link for more photographs of the hotel:(https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/spain/malaga-torremolinos/clubhotel-riu-costa-del-sol/#

 

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Not many there at moment bars must be full

Pass Ports and Insurance (That was a bit tasty with my 3 TIA’s) checked,  EHIC renewed. All I have to do now is to make sure we are up and waiting for Tony Coles to collect us at the silly time of     2-30am Sunday morning.     Till  then!

Finally on our way.

Nothing unusual with our luck and the weather, it is snowing.

Tony Coles collected us at 3.00am and we made our way to  Bristol International Airport.

Made our way through security into the departure lounge and then to the departure gate only to be told due to the snow we have a 2 hour delay then they will update the situation.

Never mind gave us the opportunity to sample the range of expensive crap food they have on sale.

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This delay became a joke, every couple hours the departure time extended

We received vouchers for the sum of £10.00 to be spent on food available in the airport that in my estimation was a load of crap Fast Food.

Complaints to the staff were met with statements on ignorance they are airport staff not Air line Representatives

Frustration and anger was mounting amongst those that were affected.

Aircraft were landing and taking off where was ours that was outside of the terminal but eventually disappeared

It then became apparent that our aircraft had been reallocated for a flight to Turin.

Disabled passengers who had boarded prior to the general public were asked to leave the aircraft and wait again in the departure lounge after sitting on the aircraft for two hours along with every one’s luggage.

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Of course news of this spread amongst the passengers and situation became very tense.

There was nothing anyone could do, there were no representatives of Tui to complain to, ever one was simply left in the dark.

We just had to sit wait and hope that the departure time was the real one.

We were not the only ones.P1010384P1010381

Eventually at 2230hrs we eventually took off.

Great but that was not the end of it.

Remember this was a short hop flight of 2 5 hours approx. so the seats were adjusted accordingly, too short for my legs. I was allotted a window seat, Sandra next and a strange women on the isle, my bladder was ok, but my legs were not and my feet were twitchy and no where to go.

That was my situation for the next 2.5 hours bearing in mind 18hrs of sleepless stress and a couple beers, I was not comfortable, I am sure there are a lot of sympathizers who have had similar situations.

After struggling to sleep a welcome sound form the pilot, were are approaching and to fasten your seat belts

The lights of Malaga were apparent and eventually we landed and the familiar process of hoping your luggage was on the same flight as you and not in Turin.

Now to find the Transfer coach to the hotel and make sure you do not end up in the wrong hotel. Fortunately this part of the journey was efficient.

We ended up all together in the correct hotel but due to the large numbers there was an unwanted queue, and after along, long day it was not wanted.

Signed in with our all inclusive identity band secure around our wrists Sandra and I made our way to our rooms.

Due to the size of the hotel I had to drag our suitcases another 1/4 of a mile to our room. Some others who had more stamina agreed to meet in the 24hr bar afterwards

I just about made it to my bed, what a day

Sandra said bad start good finish , I hope she is right.

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Above is a view from our bedroom.

It is a hugh Hotel, the tall building is where the reception and all the restaurants are situated and the view we were greeted with when we emerged in the morning after our arrival.

We finally arose in the morning around 11′ ish after getting to bed at 3.00am .

I was still jaded and knackered after the turmoil of the previous day.

Met in the Foyer  around 12.00 and decided to have some wholesome food, in one of several Restaurants.

Wow what a selection of food it was certainly a 5* hotel, following on from our Hotel room that was designed to perfection with great thought to detail.

Apparently open quite recently

A few of us decided to take a stroll along the beach road. The sun was shining with a NW wind that was chilly

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Surprisingly most of the restaurant menu’s were predominantly in English if that is due to the number of British attending this part of Spain on that English is considered to be the International language remains to be determined

We investigated the area and low and behold came across this Irish bar that advertised some good entertainment.

This was noted and we carried on our way

Any way our stroll ended and we returned for a chill out evening in the restaurant and entertainments area.

 

 

 

 

Cyprus in September

You Must be Joking

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First time to Cyprus with a few friends, not really my style of holiday, but persuaded.

Temperature, forecast to be the normal 25 – 30° c  which means I shall either be in the Sea, Bar or Shade.

May even be in the shade of a bar by the sea.

On Reflection, how wrong can one be.

Of all the holidays that one has during your life time, some stand out, and this was one of them.

I will do my best to take you with me on this enjoyable holiday. By the way I was going to celebrate my 78th Birthday in Cyprus.

As normal we had to be at the Airport early in the morning, all excited but knackeredp1000296

Oh! by the way as normal I am there but as usual taking the photographs.

This was not all of the party, we were meeting two others who were already in Cyprus, two other swere following by another flight

The flight was ok but we nearly touched down when the Pilot raise the undercarrige and accelerrated back into the sky.

Bit unknerving, taking a large cicular flight towards Turkey. No information was offered by the flight crew

We continued to circle and eventually landed, boarded the transport and headed towards our hotel in Asia Napa.

Nice hotel,  clean all that one would require, drinks package that was included and full board.

Food menu was great and extended, self service with good helpful staff.

Tony and Elaine were staying at another local hotel where their son had got married a few day’s previously. Mark and Sue arrived shortly after and that completed our gang.

It prooved to be a happy gang also with out any of the Nit picking individuals that often populate gatherings of this nature.

 

RFU 6 Nation Trophy’s

Following on from my Last post “RFU Calcutta Cup”
The venue for this match is always the Murreyfield Stadium in Scotland during even years and the Twickenham Stadium in England during odd years.
I wondered if you were aware that there  are other Trophy’s awarded during the 6 Nations Championship.

The Centenary Quaich

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A trophy contested by Scotland and Ireland Annually during the 6 Nations Championship, introduced in 1989

This traditional Scottish drinking vessel was used to offer a guest a cup of welcome and also as a farewell drink, usually a dram of whisky.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy

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Awarded first time on 3 February 2007 to France as part of the                 celebrations of the  bicentenary of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s birth.                   He was an Italian revolutionary born in 1807.

Millennium Trophy
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Contested annually by Ireland and England  It was initiated in 1988 as part of Dublin’s millennial celebrations.                                                                The trophy has the shape of a horned Viking helmet.

Unfortunately I could not find any Trophy that is contested by Ireland and Wales.

Please Note:                                                                                                       All Trophy’s shown are for illustration only and are not to scale

RFU Calcutta Cup

The Calcutta Cup is the trophy presented to the winner of the England versus Scotland rugby union match which takes place during the annual Six Nations Championship – also currently known as the RBS 6 Nations – between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy.

Calcutta Cup 1901 England Vs Scotland
Calcutta Cup 1901 England Vs Scotland

 

                                                                                                                                                                              Following the popular introduction of rugby to India in 1872, the Calcutta (Rugby) Football Club was established by former students of Rugby School in January 1873, joining the Rugby Football Union in 1874. However, with the departure of a local British army regiment (and perhaps more crucially the cancellation of the free bar at the club!), interest in rugby diminished in the area and sports such as tennis and polo began to thrive as they were better suited to the Indian climate.
Whilst the Calcutta (Rugby) Football Club was disbanded in 1878, members decided to keep the memory of the club alive by having the remaining 270 silver rupees in their bank account melted down to be made into a trophy. The trophy was then presented to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to be used as “the best means of doing some lasting good for the cause of Rugby Football.”

The Calcutta Cup on display at Twickenham, 2007

The trophy, which stands at approximately 18 inches (45 cm) high, sits on a wooden base whose plates hold the date of each match played; the winning country and the names of both team captains. The silver cup is delicately etched and decorated with three king cobras who form the handles of the cup and sitting atop the circular lid is an Indian elephant.

The original trophy is still in existence but years of mistreatment (including a drunken kick about in 1988 on Princes Street in Edinburgh by the England player Dean Richards and the Scottish player John Jeffry in which the trophy was used as the ball) have left it too fragile to be moved from it’s permanent home in the museum of Rugby at Twickenham.

Instead both England and Scotland have full size models of the cup to be displayed by the winning team and when England are victors the original Trophy is displayed by the museum of Rugby in purpose built trophy cabinet with a revolving stand.

 

With Thanks To:  http://www.Historic-uk.com

Sleepless Nights

I came across this topic somewhere on Word Press and wanted to respond with my own thoughts, so here goes.

Also suffering from sleepless nights I tried to analyse why, sleep is required to refresh the body and mind from the previous days living both physically and mentally.

What drives us as we wake.

Our Mind or Brain, it tells us what to do, our commitments from the previous day.

In order to perform our commitments we need our physical self.

Together we enter the day.

2 Days to Go

Quite a relaxing day today, after days of anxiety, lack of sleep, and worry on our trip to Europe and my organisation.

Remember it is only me that holds the whole responsibility of our forthcoming Holiday (I hope) the success or failure to France and Spain relies upon me.

Anyway today my son Paul invited me to watch Bristol Vs Yorkshire  Carnegie rugby match.

What a day a few pints before during and after, resulted in a good win by Bristol after an uncertain start and managing  a win in the dying minutes of the game.

Disappointing  in the fact that Carnegie are 12 place lower in the league.

Anyway, details,  I booked various stops with the club, the details were very precise and designed for Car and caravan great, most impressed.

But upon further investigation, the sites information recommend following, co-ordinates, great again indicating that sites in France and Spain do not have the postal code accuracy as we have in the UK and can be  quite misleading

Who wants to arrive in France for the first time at Dusk/Dark,you don’t know where you are in a strange country, no one around and you cannot speak the language anyway.

The site coordinates are given as Decimal Points, but try entering them on the Popular Sat Nav’s.

They only accept Degrees and seconds, most inconvenient.

I wonder why?

Prior to this I had visited my well experience traveller of Europe and South Africa, Dave Seaward. He provided me with his post code, I entered into my Sat Nav.

Nearing the address I had a feeling that I was being directed a long way around Minchinhampton  common to his address.

I arrived at site , Sat Nav stating “you have arrived at your destination”

Unfortunately we were in a road off a road and in small circular cul-de-sac, the curtains were beginning to twitch as neighbours were wondering what we doing in their community

I contacted Dave who said surprisingly, I was the second to arrive at that site in two years.

He decided it was best he came to collect me.

We enjoyed a nice lunch that Mags had prepared, then discussed my forth coming adventure, on top of that he offered to loan me his un used updated Sat Nav that I graciously accepted.

They were busy Packing for their departure to the EU so we left when convenient, bade our farewells until we meet again in March.Minchinhampton.

A few days later I paid a visit to Russell who had offered me some items that may be useful for my trip.

Those of you who know Russ, I left his house with an Electrical shop under my arm  suitably equipment with all the knowledge to use, that I will only realise when on site  when I encounter problems. So now I am suited and booted as they say.

My advisors have made it easier for me nearing my departure.
I think I am getting too involved with my adventures, I like to cross my “T”is and dot my “I”s leading myself to confusion and worries.

Others Just get up and go. Don’t know what is the best approach.

Today we have finished most of the packing, Sandra has to visit the dentist on Tuesday morning and after a bit of dinner we shall be oft.

Making our way to Poole Harbour to spend the night on the Quay side ready for departure at 8.30am.

Amsterdam 2

Amsterdam today

As recommended we caught the shuttle bus into Amsterdam approx. 1 hour journey

Alighted in the center and arranged to collect the coach again at the same spot, so off we went just following our Noses.

First thing I noticed was the number of bikes that were being used bikes , bikes everywhere (Photo) if you step into the cyclist path you were in for some irritable noises and also sometimes undesirable language.

Surprisingly scooters were also using the cycle paths not only that they were not required to use any protective wear. (Photo)

Pausing for a while studying the traffic flow outside of the main station area was quite confusing as traffic including trams were Cris crossing in such a manner it was surprising there were not any accidents, at least not while we were watching.

Into town along the main drag a wide bus road, motorcyclist, cyclist with loads of tourists, shops cafes etc, a lovely sunny day.

We deviated towards the narrow roads and canals apparently towards the Red Light district.

The smell of cannabis becomes laden upon the breeze, with customers smoking whiffs (is that the correct terminology) sat in the windows of café/ bars. (Photo)

Tourist circulating the area to-ing and fro-ing gazing into unique individual shops

Prepare yourself for a long journey

Sandra and I left home full of anticipation for our 10 day cruise,

Arrived in good time at the Dock car park in Southampton.

Good transfer of baggage and personnel.

Clocked in and registered where we were each given a card that was our presence on and off Ship and also all transaction we made on board.

Our room would be available at 1700hrs, we decide to give it a try fortunately the cabin boy had prepared our Cabin on the 10th deck.

The cases arrived shortly after and we descended to have an exploration of the ship.

We came across a one of the many bars so the exploration would have to wait till later.

We had paid an extra bounty to ensure we would have free drinks on board including tea, coffee, water and Ice cream etc. (I never got to taste the Ice cream)

We engaged in conversation with a very good English speaking Dutchman, (they all seem to have small beards)

He said he was a retired ships engineer of 45 years, was just getting to.

Know his neighbors

His wife wanted to go on a cruise (poor chap) so they could spend some intimate time together.

After a couple of cigarettes they decide to leave and unpack.

We took the hint and also retired to the cabin to unpack.

Sandra done the wifely thing, unpacked and organized our clothes in the wardrobe as this will be our home for the next 10 days.

The Cabin was the size of a small lounge at home, so the cases took up quite a lot of room.

A safe, mirror and an armchair, that got in the way, including a shower room, the type where you don’ want to drop the soap.

It was an inside cabin, without a window.

I did not feel the extra expense was worth it to view the horizon each morning, also did not intend to look at 4 walls for much of the day, we would be up and out living in the real world.

On booking the Cruise we opted to dine in one of the Restaurants seated on a table with 6 chairs.

I will digress a little at this point.

After boarding and securing our bearings it became apparent that the Ship “The Opera” was on a cruise like a bus route, on a continuous circuit calling at various ports with passengers embarking and disembarking, nationality depending upon the port.

Consequently when shown to our 4 seated table in the restaurant we sat in anticipation of whom our guests at the table may be.

The waiter appeared towing a couple in his wake and made his way to out table,

Proceeded to seat them.

The male guest said “Hello”,

a great rush of relief, (at least they are English).

When seated introductions were exchanged.

This was very important, as these were to be our Dining companions for the rest of the cruise.

Both slim in build, with a funny accent that later turned out to be local to Carlyle

In the North of England, near the Scottish Border.

He was an engineer of some repute, with an interest in Rally Driving being hired by the rich to prepare and repair their Rally cars at Meets UK wide.

Both turned out to be good company during our “A La Carte” evening meals.

We explored the ship, had a few drinks along with conversations with other couples, one in particular, Clive and his wife Dee, they had previous experience of Cruising to Amsterdam and advised us to catch the Shuttle bus into the City.

This we organized and retired to bed, ready for our overnight voyage across the North Sea.

On Board. Hooray!

I was a bit concerned, I know we had our tickets a little cheaper but when they arrived with a Paint & Wire brush. But all is ok and ship in fine fettle

Anyway we have bypassed the security and our cabin is ready ahead of time.

Sandra is ahead and unpacking her copious amount of clothes etc.

I will be happy when we are settled on deck with a drink