tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105963222024-03-07T23:47:00.018+00:00The Grand Adventures of JustinItching to know what is happening in my life? Well I am sure you are not the only one. Grab a drink, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog!Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-31382558324093012322007-01-17T22:24:00.000+00:002007-01-17T22:27:01.438+00:00Bye Bye BlogspotWell it is time to say goodbye to blogspot. Unfortunately the image posting problems have not gone away.<br /><br />So I have started a new <a href="http://geldof.vox.com">blog</a> (and eventually all the posts here will be migrated). You can view it over at <a href="http://geldof.vox.com">http://geldof.vox.com</a>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-63893122606208705202006-08-21T19:07:00.000+01:002006-12-16T20:20:46.679+00:00SantanderThe weekend started early saturday morning with a long trek to <a href="http://www.stanstedairport.com/">Stansted Airport</a>. Some really good friends of mine, Joe and Linda (and their kids - Jasper and Ella) have been in Europe for the past month or so and I was meeting them in <a href="http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Destinos/TipoII/Datos+Generales/F/EH/0/santander?language=en">Santander</a>, Spain.<br /><br />Unfortuntely <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/">Ryanair</a> was the only airline that flew there, and they only flew from Stansted. It took a good four hours to get to the airport from Spain! Anyway, the flight there was uneventful (although cramped) and Joe, Linda, Joe's Dad and the kids were waiting at the airport for me.<br /><br />It had been a good sixth months since I had seen them last so it was really good to see them again. We headed into Santander proper - Joe and his father were from the area, so it was nice to have a guide showing us around.<br /><br />We headed to the park surrounding the old <a href="http://grupos.unican.es/arte/ingles/Lugares/Santander/SXXpi/1/FArte.htm">summer palace</a> for the Spanish Monarch which was right on the beach front. It was a beautiful area. Nice and green with heaps of things for kids to do. We walked around the animal enclosures they had (the kids loved them) and then got on a little train for a quick tour of the park - it was very impressive.<br /><br />We then headed back to the Posada where Joe's dad was staying (there was no room for us there, so we were staying close by) to have dinner, before heading back to our Posada for the night.<br /><br />Jasper was up first on Sunday, but he entertained himself and went downstairs to have breakfast with the owner. After we had ours, we headed over to pick up Joe's dad and then headed towards Asturias and Fuente De in the <a href="http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Naturaleza/Espacios+Naturales/0/Parque+Nacional+de+los+Picos+de+Europa?language=en">Parque Nacional Picos de Europa</a>. It was a beautiful drive there, through forest and parkland. The north of Spain is remarkably different to the South. I think it is actually a bit nicer. Definately a lot greener.<br /><br />At Fuente De we jumped on a cable car to take us up the mountain. The view from the top was spectacular. Once we made it back down to the bottom (I will have to go back and walk down the mountain one day) we headed over to the beach town of <a href="http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Destinos/TipoIII/Datos%20Generales/F/EH/0/Comillas.htm?Language=en">Comillas</a>.<br /><br />It was a beautiful village with cobblestone streets and even a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD">Gaudi</a> designed building. Whilst we were walking around Joe and his Dad ran into some relatives which was a nice meeting for them. The kids also played in the park for a while before we all headed back to the Posada for dinner.<br /><br />Today we headed back over to Comillas and went to the beach. It was nice having a bit of a swim and relax. We had a beautiful lunch at an old house where Joe's dad use to play Boule. It was a nice end to a far too short weekend in Spain.<br /><br />After dropping me off at the airport and a short stopover in Stansted, I am now in Dublin. Tomorrow I am off to Chicago for six days!<br /><br />Click on the photo below (of Ella and Jasper) to see all the photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/gp/89107658@N00/FQ7O11" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/132/320611803_bbe0c0c69c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Santander" /></a>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-22021347267369458382006-07-16T17:30:00.000+01:002006-12-12T17:50:04.241+00:00The WeddingWell it has been a fantastic day for all I think.<br /><br />Jules and Peter have just headed off to <a href="http://www.theritzlondon.com/">The Ritz</a> in London (tomorrow they are off to <a href="http://www.visitmaldives.com/">The Maldives</a> for their honeymoon), I am a little tipsy and Jen is off to <a href="http://www.stanstedairport.com/">Stansted</a> for her flight to <a href="http://www.gardalake.it/">Lake Garda</a> tomorrow morning.<br /><br />The wedding itself went very smoothly. Jules looked fantastic, Jen was pretty good as well. In fact we all scrubbed up okay (unfortunately I don't have any photos).<br /><br />It was held at <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.294">Old Wardour castle</a>, an <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.2">English Heritage</a> property near(ish) to <a href="http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/">Salisbury</a>. We all <a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/whitehart/index.htm?ac=ggppc1">stayed</a> in Salisbury last night (went to a <a href="http://www.bsolive.com/">proms</a> concert) and started early this morning.<br /><br />Jules' hairdresser got her times mixed up, so I had to go and help Jen out with a couple of things, but it all went pretty smoothly for Peter and I. Although the photographer was there while we were getting ready which was a little strange.<br /><br />Peter and I got a taxi out to the castle and I set up the last remaining things we needed before we went into the room where the ceremony was being held to wait for Jules and Jen to arrive. They were a little late, but it was all good once the arrived. The ceremony was short but beautiful.<br /><br />We then had pictures (and a nice drink) around the castle, before heading over to <a href="http://www.stockhillhouse.co.uk/">Stockhill House</a> in <a href="http://www.gcci.org.uk/welcome.asp">Gillingham</a> for some lunch.<br /><br />The house itself is a lovely place - an old Victorian Mansion converted into a hotel and restaurant. The owners fussed over us while we ate and we all had a great time (the food was fantastic as well).<br /><br />And that was the day. I thought it might be a little strange with it just being the four of us, but it really wasn't. It turned out to be a great day!Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-3099040438743492702006-07-03T17:29:00.000+01:002006-12-12T17:13:34.812+00:00The Bucks (Stag) WeekendWell I am exhausted. I have just spent three days with Peter and his brother, Evan, in <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/">Scotland</a> for Peter's bucks weekend (or a stag weekend as they call it over here).<br /><br />It started friday night when we all arrived in <a href="http://www.edinburgh.org/">Edinburgh</a> (Peter from Birmingham, Ev from Belfast and myself from Southampton). Ev's plane was late and we had a bit of trouble finding a park in the city, but it all worked out and we were able to hit the city soon enough.<br /><br />We started with food at a Mexican restaurant and then on for drinks. Scotland has already <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4845260.stm">banned smoking</a> in pubs, so it was really nice. We got back to the <a href="http://www.apartmentsroyal.com/royal-mile-apartments.html">apartment</a> about 2am but Ev and Peter wanted more booze, so they headed out on a quest. They could not find a bottlo (or a <a href="http://www.7-eleven.com/">7-Eleven</a>), but found a take away shop that would sell dodgy wine if you bought some food. They apparently pretended to be with some other people and managed to score some wine. They also met up with a couple of drunk blokes sitting out the front of the apartment who insisted they took their spare alcohol as well (and who were they to argue!).<br /><br />The next morning we headed out for a cooked breakfast and to look around Edinburgh. It was the first time Ev or myself had been there, so it was nice to see the city. We didn't hang around too long though as we had to head up to <a href="http://www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/">Fort William</a> which was where the real reason for the weekend away was. Peter had decided he wanted to climb <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Nevis">Ben Nevis</a>.<br /><br />We arrived to the news that England had been booted out of the World Cup by <a href="http://www.portugal.org/">Portugal</a> (which most of the Scots were happy about!). After dumping our bags we headed into the town proper to look around. We had some dinner and watched as the lone Portuguese person walked up and town the mall celebrating the World Cup win - he was pretty excited.<br /><br />We started early the next morning and headed out to the car park at the bottom of the hill. The first part of the climb was awful. It was almost vertical and pretty tough on the legs. After a while though it leveled out and it was quite a nice walk. There were heaps of people climbing as well, it was very popular.<br /><br />We were lucky to have fantastic weather as well. It did get colder as we climbed, but it was not raining and there were not many clouds, which, from what I understand, is a real bonus for Ben Nevis.<br /><br />It was great when we made it to the top. We sat around and had some lunch and Ev handed out hip flasks to each of us (he bought them specially for the weekend). Unfortunately the shirts I had gotten made did not arrive in time so we could not wear them.<br /><br />We met up with some other Aussies who we shared the trip down with. Going down was actually tougher then walking up (especially on the knees), but we eventually made it . It was done and it felt pretty good actually.<br /><br />We headed back to the hotel for a swim and a rest before heading into town for dinner. We decided to head back to the hotel so we could all drink and celebrate the days achievements. Despite Ev's and my whinging about Peter's choice, I think we all enjoyed it!<br /><br />We left Fort William this morning for the leisurely drive down to Edinburgh for our flight home. The scenery on the drive back was fantastic. We were stopping almost every five minutes to take photos.<br /><br />We stopped at a place called <a href="http://www.monachylemhor.com/">Monachyle Mhor</a> in <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/balquhidder/balquhidderglen/index.html">Balquhidder</a> for lunch. It was absolutely amazing. The food was out of this world and the setting spectacular. There was also a two year old kid (a son of the owners) who was wandering around doing whatever he liked!<br /><br />We then headed straight to the airport in Edinburgh where we had a couple of drinks while waiting for our flights back. <br /><br />What a great weekend!<br /><br />Okay, sorted out the photo issue (kind of). They are now all on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. So click the photo below to view the whole set.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/gp/89107658@N00/E8O206" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/131/319710409_44821eb140_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ben Nevis" /></a>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-69675581595703942302006-06-18T17:31:00.000+01:002006-12-12T17:30:00.911+00:00The Foo FightersSo it has been a fantastic weekend! I have had an absolute ball.<br /><br />Tamsin got us tickets to see the <a href="http://www.foofighters.com/">Foo Fighters</a> in <a href="http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/hyde_park/">Hyde Park</a> for my birthday and the concert was last night. It was one of the best presents I have received, she did a fantastic job.<br /><br />After checking into our hotel we went to <a href="http://www.wagamama.com/">Wagamama's</a> near <a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/">Harvey Nics</a> for lunch and then onto the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/">V&A Museum</a> where we went to the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1331_modernism/home.html">modernism exhibition</a> (it was pretty cool).<br /><br />We then headed over to Hyde Park to get into the concert. It was absolutely rammed! It took us about forty-five minutes to get through the gates (so we missed the first act).<br /><br />We found a spot by the fence (we were in the outer loop, rather then the inner loop) and watched <a href="http://www.angelsandairwaves.com/">Angels and Airwaves</a> (they were alright) and <a href="http://www.qotsa.com/">Queens of the Stone Age</a> (fantastic!). <a href="http://www.imotorhead.com/">Motorhead</a> then came on so we went and grabbed some food and drink and took it easy.<br /><br />About 10 mins before the Foo Fighters came on we pushed out way through the crowd and found a nice spot on a small hill where we had a pretty good view of the stage. Unfortunately we were close to a bunch of really drunk blokes who were pretty rowdy, but they did quieten down after a while.<br /><br />The Foo Fighters set was great. They played for over an hour and it was awesome to hear them! I know I have said it before, but it was great!!<br /><br />After they finished playing we went and grabbed a drink and then headed back to the hotel.<br /><br />Today we went over to the <a href="http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/">British Museum</a> to try and see the <a href="http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/michelangelo/index.html">Michelangelo exhibition</a>, but we could not get tickets until later in the afternoon. So we did a quick tour around the rest of the museum (thanks to the 20 minute guide in the London Timeout book). From there we headed over to <a href="http://www.spitalfields.org.uk/">Spitalfields Market</a> and met up with my cousin (Paul) and had lunch.<br /><br />It was nice to see him again, particularly because he has to head back to Oz soon (his visa is almost expired). So we had a chat and a beer, it was nice.<br /><br />We then jumped on the train and headed back to Southampton. Unfortunately the only blight on the weekend was Australia losing to Brazil in the World Cup. But then I guess I cant have everything.<br /><br />Click on the photo below to view the whole set!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/gp/89107658@N00/E8O206" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/123/320585597_05bff0ffe7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Foo Fighters" /></a>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-67694157094547375182006-06-15T14:44:00.000+01:002006-11-15T17:30:29.677+00:00Munich (The World Cup!)A few months ago Jules, Peter and myself entered the lottery for <a href="http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/">world cup</a> tickets. We chose Australia's three group matches and then a couple of other matches to fill the days in between.<br /><br />We ended up getting none of the Australian matches and just one of our other choices. So I just got back from a couple of days in <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/home/60093/Homepage.html">Munich</a> where we saw <a href="http://www.saudinf.com/">Saudi Arabia</a> v <a href="http://www.tourismtunisia.com/">Tunisia</a>!<br /><br />We started yesterday with a look around the city. All the locals seemed to be excited that the world cup was in Germany. We got stopped by so many people who could hardly speak English trying to point out where all the sites were!<br /><br />So we started in the main drag (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marienplatz">Marienplatz</a>) which was a funky square surrounded by old buildings. The Tunisians were out in force, playing music and dancing around. They seemed so happy that their team was playing that afternoon. There were heaps of Aussies about as well. I guess it is because they are playing <a href="http://www.braziltourism.org/">Brazil</a> in Munich this sunday.<br /><br />We slowly made out way through the streets to the <a href="http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/mu_res.htm">Residenz</a>, the palace where the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Bavaria">rulers</a> of <a href="http://www.bayern.de/English/">Bavaria</a> lived until the <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/">first world war</a>. It was absolutely huge and we spent ages walking around. It was a little disappointing however. Apart from big empty rooms, there was not a great deal to see. Not much information about the various rooms or anything like that.<br /><br />We then headed over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englischer_Garten">English Garden</a> - a huge park in central Munich. It was pretty warm and the park was a nice place to walk around it to try and escape the heat. One interesting thing was the number of naked people around. It turns out that people come into the park during their lunch break, strip off and lay in the sun! There were thousands of people doing it. Perhaps it is something people could start in <a href="http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/hyde_park/">Hyde Park</a>?<br /><br />Anyway, we made our way to the <a href="http://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/BDGWebsite/Gardens/Seehaus.htm">Seehaus</a>, a beer garden in the park, for some lunch. There were heaps of people around, so we joined them with our wieners and steins and watched the footy!<br /><br />We then headed back to the <a href="http://www.hauptbahnhof-muenchen.de/">Hauptbahnhof</a> to get our train to the <a href="http://www.allianz-arena.de/en/index.php">stadium</a>. It was packed. Very much like <a href="http://www.sydney.com.au/">Sydney</a> was during the <a href="http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=2000">Olympics</a>. Security was a lot more visible though. Everyone going in had to go through metal detectors and be patted down.<br /><br />The stadium was awesome. Apparently there are two local teams that use it as their home ground and the exterior changes colour depending on which of them is playing there!<br /><br />It was absolutely packed as well. The organisers had sold spare tickets cheaply to locals to ensure full houses. The whole crowd were getting into the game. It was awesome to be there which was a big surprise. In the end the result was a tie, but football was the winner (I had to get that in somewhere!!).<br /><br />We headed back into the city and went to the <a href="http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html">Hofbrauhaus</a> for dinner and drinks. I could get use to drinking steins!<br /><br />Today we decided to head out to the <a href="http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/uebers/nymphbur.htm">Schloss Nymphenburg</a>. The guide book said it was one of the highlights of Munich. While we were waiting at the tram station to head out there this drunk or high British bloke came up to talk to us. He was absolutely rotten. Anyway Peter and Jules both reckon he was hitting on me - apparently because I looked shiny (whatever that means). I was completely oblivious to it all!<br /><br />The Schloss was very impressive. It was absolutely huge. But like the Residenz, it was empty. So again, it was a little disappointing. We walked around the gardens and then went to one of the cafes for lunch. We then jumped on a tram again to head back into the city.<br /><br />At one of the stops about 100 Australian's piled on. It was standing room only (and then there was not much). They were all singing songs ("Stand up if you're the top of the group" and "Super <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=enPlayerProfile&playerId=38226">Timmy Cahill</a>") and were having a great time. They even tried to tell me that I lived in a beautiful city in German, but soon stopped when they found out I was Australian. It was a great example of the atmosphere in the city.<br /><br />We picked our bags up at the train station and headed back out to the <a href="http://www.munich-airport.de/EN/">airport</a>. Unfortunately it was time to head home. It was a great couple of days. I definitely need to get back to Munich.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050584.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050584.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>Views from Marienplatz.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050588.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050588.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>Views from Marienplatz.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050590.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050590.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>Views from Marienplatz.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050593.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050593.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>The Residenz.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050601.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050601.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>Inside the Residenz.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050621.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050621.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>The English Garden.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050623.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050623.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>The funky stadium.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050624.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050624.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>The match!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050643.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050643.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><i>At the Hofbrauhaus.</i><br /><br /><br />Blogger is playing silly buggers, so you will have to wait for the rest of the photos.Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-62634141038634298562006-05-29T20:07:00.000+01:002006-11-10T17:18:42.119+00:00Copenhagen, Part TwoYesterday it was raining.<br /><br />Luckily I came prepared and packed my umbrella. Peter and Jules were not so organised. I felt guilty for a while, but after they passed up countless opportunities to buy an umbrella, the guilt passed. <br /><br />The first stop of the day was <a href="http://www.rosenborgslot.dk/">Rosenborg slot</a>. We took our time getting there so we could see more of the city. It really is quite a lovely city to be honest. There are plenty of parks and funky buildings. I was nice to be walking around (and not getting wet!).<br /><br />The castle was built as a summer palace for one of the Danish Kings (even though it was not that far from the normal palace). It was small but interesting. They also had part of the crown jewels to look at which was pretty cool.<br /><br />Once we were done we headed over to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyhavn">Nyhavn</a> for lunch. There were heaps of places to choose from so we used Peter's logic and chose a <a href="http://www.caphorn.dk/English/index.htm">place</a> that was yellow (apparently he likes places painted yellow). It turned out to be pretty good! I had a burger which was great! Although that may have been the drinks we had as well.<br /><br />The rain had not stopped so we headed over to <a href="http://www.folketinget.dk/?/samling/20061/menu/00000005.htm">Christiansborg Slot</a> to have a gander. This is where the Danish government lives and they made us put these covers on our shoes so we would not ruin anything. The tour was only in English, but I think they had Danish ones at other times.<br /><br />Anyway we got to find out quite a bit about the Danish Royal Family. It turns out that none of the thrones or jewels or anything are used anymore. The Danes (and the Royal Family) decided that by using them they would be raising one person above another which is not right. So the Queen has to sit in a normal chair just like you and me! <br /><br />We got a tour of the state rooms which were the right kind of fancy (as these places all are). Although almost every palace or posh house I have toured has some form of contemporary art in it. Christiansborg was no different. I am not a big fan of contemporary art. It always seems like the artist was hallucinating or something when they painted it. Again, Christiansborg was no different.<br /><br />It was still raining when we left (and I was still dry), so we headed to a funky little bakery for a coffee and then went to <a href="http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-3351.htm">Tivoli Gardens</a> to look around.<br /><br />We managed to convince Peter to ride the <a href="http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-4681.htm">roller coaster</a> with us, although he almost chickened out once it started raining! It was fun, although it could have been longer. Jules went on <a href="http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-4686.htm">another ride</a> that went around in circles and then we just wandered around the park. It was in a great location (right in the city centre) and they seemed to have heaps of events scheduled, but not while we were there.<br /><br />We had dinner at <a href="http://www.pederoxe.dk/English/index_english.htm">Peder Oxe</a> which was great. They had a system where you switched on a small light above your table to indicate to the waiter that you wanted service. It was a great idea! Oh, the food was nice as well.<br /><br />A movie followed dinner (<a href="http://www.slevin-movie.com/">Lucky Number Sleven</a>) before heading back to the hotel. Luckily we had no trouble getting in.<br /><br />Today was our last day in the city and we started at the <a href="http://www.designmuseum.org/">design museum</a>. I was expecting it to be full of funky Danish design pieces, and while they did have some funky stuff, a lot of it was rubbish. It was a bit of a disappointment.<br /><br />We then headed over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Our_Lady_%28Copenhagen%29">Vor Frue Kirke</a> (the cathedral) which is where <a href="http://www.crownprincecouple.dk/63000c/GSID/5767703">Our Mary</a> got married back in 2004. It had this scary gold statue of Jesus at the front - enough to scare anyone away from Christianity!<br /><br />For lunch we headed to <a href="http://www.idadavidsen.dk/index.php?page=8">Ida Davidsen</a> (a cafe) to have some traditional Danish <a href="http://www.idadavidsen.dk/index.php?page=10">smørrebrød</a>. These are open sandwiches and they are delicious. We had a choice of so many interesting toppings and everyone that I tried was fantastic! I can highly recommend it.<br /><br />After lunch it was time to head out to the <a href="http://www.cph.dk/CPH/UK/MAIN/">airport</a>. Jules and Peter had an earlier flight then me (by about 30 mins) so I busied myself by looking around. Like almost everything else in Copenhagen, the airport oozed style. It was cool and a nice finish to the weekend. Everyone should go to Copenhagen some time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050549.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050549.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Park views.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050550.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050550.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>City views.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050556.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050556.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Christiansborg Slot</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050559.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050559.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Christiansborg Slot</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050563.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050563.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Tivoli Gardens</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050573.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050573.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More Tivoli.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050577.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050577.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More city views.</i><br />Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-76311195553121592332006-05-27T18:41:00.000+01:002006-11-08T19:07:58.532+00:00Copenhagen, Part OneSo it has been an interesting twenty-four hours!<br /><br />It started yesterday with a mad dash to the airport. Dash is probably the incorrect word actually. I think everyone else in the south of England was also trying to get to Heathrow. Anyway, I just made check-in and had to push my way though security to make the flight.<br /><br />I met Jules and Peter once I landed in <a href="http://www.cph.dk/CPH/UK/MAIN/">Copenhagen</a> (they flew from Birmingham) and we caught the train into the city. It was about 11:30pm by the time we arrived at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B8benhavn_H">central station</a> and we headed straight to the <a href="http://www.cab-inn.dk/UK/index.htm">hotel</a>.<br /><br />Here is where we had some more fun. Despite advertising 24 hour reception, the hotel was closed. It seems they should have said 24 hour access, as reception was only open between 7am and 11pm. We tried to phone the other two branches of the chain in the city. They had 24 hour reception, but could not help us. They could not check us in and they did not have any rooms for the night (in fact they told us that we would have difficulty in finding anything).<br /><br />So for the next couple of hours we walked around the city trying to find a room. Nothing at all was available. Not even at one of the <a href="http://www.radissonsas.com/cs/Satellite?pagename=RadissonSAS/integration/hotelInfo&language=en&hotelCode=cphzh">most expensive hotels</a> in the city. So we decided to hole up in the train station while we could (it was closing at 4am). We then decided to move to one of the Cab-Inn's that was open and sit in their entrance. Luckily they had a no show and considering it was 3am they decided to let us use the room. So we finally found somewhere to sleep!<br /><br />We got up the next (well the same actually) morning and went over to our reserved hotel and checked in. We were lucky that they had kept the room open for us. We dumped our bags and then hit the city!<br /><br />We headed to the <a href="http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-78929505-Denmark_Copenhagen_Radhuspladsen.html">central square</a> (the Radhuspladsen) to have a look around. A lot of the buildings were quite old, but a lot of the newer ones oozed the style and sophistication that the Danes (and Scandinavians in general) are known for. We had a look at the <a href="http://www.georgjensen.com/gj/flash/brand/brandPage.html">Georg Jensen</a> shop as Jules wanted to buy some wedding jewellery. Everything in the store was pretty cool.<br /><br />By this time we were hungry so we started looking for a nice lunch place. We ended up stumbling across Cafe Norden, which was in a great spot and looked pretty cool inside. Unfortunately they service was not that great and the food was pretty uninspiring, but I would still recommend the place. Its location and interior are fantastic!<br /><br />We then headed over to check out <a href="http://kongehuset.dk/publish.php?dogtag=k_en_pal_ama">Amalienborg Slot</a>. This was where the <a href="http://www.kongehuset.dk/english/">royal family</a> live. Unlike <a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page555.asp">Buckingham Palace</a>, you can get pretty close to the entrance of the palace. They still had soldiers on guard, but it felt like you were closer to the action!<br /><br />We then headed over to the <a href="http://www.marmorkirken.dk/uk.html">Marmorkirken</a> and then to <a href="http://www.wcities.com/en/record/,69339/99/record.html">Kongens Have</a> (one of the parks). We walked past the <a href="http://www.rosenborgslot.dk/asp/menu/menuPages/frontpage_2.asp?countryID=2">Rosenborg Slot</a> (another castle/palace) and finally over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid#The_Little_Mermaid_statue">Little Mermaid</a>. I know it is a Copenhagen landmark, but it was pretty disappointing. We then headed into the Churchillparken and walked around. We finally ended up at <a href="http://www.st-albans.dk/">St Alban's</a> Church which had a fantastic fountain out the front!<br /><br />By this time we were exhausted and pretty tired. Jules was also not feeling very well. We decided to take the easy route for dinner and went to <a href="http://www.jensens.com/238.aspx">Jensen's Bofhus</a> - a chain restaurant all over Denmark. The food was actually quite good! It was a nice surprise.<br /><br />After dinner we headed back to the hotel. After the fun of last night we just wanted an early night. We were to be thwarted again however. A couple of streets from the hotel we were stopped by the police. They told us there was a stabbing in the area and the streets were blocked off while they look for evidence. We could not get to the hotel at all!<br /><br />We could feel the call of the SAS Radisson bar, so we headed there. The bar was very funky, a nice place to be. So we sat back and consoled ourselves with expensive drinks. It was just what we needed!<br /><br />After a couple of hours we headed back to the hotel without trouble! It was nice to jump into bed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050456.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050456.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Views of the city.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050464.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050464.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Someone didn't want their bike!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050467.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050467.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Town Hall.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050468.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050468.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Views from the Radhuspladsen</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050482.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050482.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Nyhavn.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050488.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050488.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The funky new music hall.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050493.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050493.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Amalienborg Slot.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050498.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050498.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Marmorkirken.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050502.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050502.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Rosenborg Slot.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050505.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050505.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>In the park.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050513.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050513.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Street views.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050517.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050517.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More street views.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050518.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050518.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More park!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050520.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050520.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Me trying to be a windmill!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050522.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050522.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More park.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050528.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050528.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Funky pidgeon holes.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050536.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050536.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>St. Alban's Church.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050544.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050544.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The cool fountain out the front.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050547.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050547.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Radhuspladsen at night.</i><br />Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-34578626523434030492006-05-07T18:14:00.000+01:002006-11-01T18:18:09.636+00:00Woburn AbbeyWe spent yesterday in and around Birmingham just taking it easy. Saw <a href="http://www.missionimpossible.com/">Mission Impossible Three</a> (it was not the best movie!).<br /><br />Today we decided to head out for the day. Peter was coming back to Southampton with me so that he could look at a couple of houses with Suzie, so we all decided to head out and Jules was going to get the train back to Birmingham from wherever we ended up.<br /><br />We decided to head down towards <a href="http://www.woburnabbey.co.uk/">Woburn Abbey</a> and grab some lunch along the way. We ended up in some uninspiring pub with food that I cant really remember, so it must not have been that great!<br /><br />We then headed down to check out the Abbey. We arrived quite late so we could not go around the Safari Park. In fact we just had enough time to check out the house. As with similar places it was grand and full of expensive furniture, but not really a place that you would like to live.<br /><br />We then went for a bit of a walk around the grounds which were lovely, but it was cold so we decided to head off.<br /><br />We dropped Jules off in <a href="http://www.mkweb.co.uk/">Milton Keynes</a> (which was unlike any place I have seen in England) and then headed back to Southampton.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050442.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050442.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>A pond in the grounds.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050447.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050447.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The House</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050450.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050450.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The grounds</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050454.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050454.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The house and grounds.</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-53319567036368127092006-05-05T20:33:00.000+01:002006-10-31T21:34:09.699+00:00My BirthdaySo today is my birthday (time for everyone to celebrate!). If I follow the rule that once you turn 21 you get to start counting again, then I have just turned 6!<br /><br />I decided to take the day off work (no one really likes to work on their birthday do they?). I slept in, talked to family and friends back in Oz (it was really nice to hear from them) and generally took it easy around the house.<br /><br />I then drove up to Birmingham to spend the weekend with Jules and Peter. They were going to take me out for a fancy dinner and generally feel pity for me turning one year older (it is nice to have great friends like that!).<br /><br />Anyway, Jules decided to take the afternoon off as well, so once I arrived we headed over to the <a href="http://www.gourmetburgercompany.co.uk/">Gourmet Burger Company</a> for lunch. I have decided they don't really know how to make proper burgers here in the UK. I think it is related to their problem with making sandwiches as well (although the sandwich part is over all of Europe). People here seem afraid to put too many ingredients on a sandwich or a burger. You get strange looks if you ask for more then three items on a sandwich. Its just not cricket! So while lunch was nice, I really do miss Australian style burgers (and it is not just the beetroot!).<br /><br />We then walked around the city for a bit before heading back to the apartment and taking it easy. Jules and Peter also gave me my birthday presents. They were a <a href="http://www.radisetcapucine.com/article.php3?id_article=322">plant</a> that cannot be killed (no, it is not a plastic plant) and a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Can-Sing-Essential-Aspiring/dp/184442880X">learn to sing book</a> (they obviously have not heard me sing properly). I think the book was just in case I make good on my threat to sing at their wedding!<br /><br />They also took me out for dinner. But it was not just any dinner. We were heading to <a href="http://www.jessicasrestaurant.co.uk/">Jessica's</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_Guide">Michelin</a> starred restaurant in Birmingham. Being such a fancy place we had to all dress up (but everyone likes to go formal every now and again, right?). We caught a taxi over to the restaurant and had one of the most amazing meals I have ever eaten. I cant remember what I had for starters or dessert, but for my main I had:<br /><br />Roast Saddle of Lamb with Aubergine tart, Tomato butter, Black Olives, Courgette puree & Cumin roasted Tongue.<br /><br />It was fantastic! I could see why they had won so many awards!<br /><br />So feeling full and slightly tipsy we decided to see what the nightlife of Birmingham could offer us. We got dropped off in Broad Street and went to a couple of bars, but it was pretty quiet in the city for a Friday night. In the end we headed back to the apartment and chatted while listening to music and drinking! It was a great way to finish off a really good birthday!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050434.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050434.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Jules, Peter and I before going out.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050437.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050437.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Jules after dinner (and a couple of drinks)</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050438.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050438.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Me, feeling happy</i><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050439.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050439.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Peter - very drunk!</i><br />Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-84161772804871250062006-05-01T18:19:00.000+01:002006-11-02T11:41:55.209+00:00Cotswolds, Part TwoSo we basically spent yesterday lazing around the cottage and taking it easy. Tamsin cooked us a fantastic breakfast and then we played <a href="http://www.drumondpark.com/articulate/">Articulate</a> and <a href="http://www.cranium.com/our_products/cranium_uk.asp">Cranium</a> for most of the afternoon (and drank of course!). Oh, I got a birthday present as well! While in town yesterday Tamsin grabbed me a red and green solar powered plant. It is plastic and its leaves rock up and down when there is sunlight around! It is probably to make up for the fact I have killed most of her live plants here!<br /><br />Today we packed up the cottage and headed over to <a href="http://www.berkeley-castle.com/">Berkeley Castle</a> to look around. They were filming some history documentary in part of the grounds which was pretty cool! The castle itself was interesting although you could not see much of the interior.<br /><br />It turns out that the Berkeley family (it is pronounced Barkeley in case you were wondering) was quite famous and that is who the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkshire">Berkshire County</a> (pronounced Barkshire naturally) and the city of <a href="http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/">Berkeley</a> in <a href="http://www.ca.gov/">California</a> are named after!<br /><br />Anyway after we finished at the castle and checked out the attached butterfly enclosure (boring!) we headed over to <a href="http://www.roseandcrown-nympsfield.com/">Rose & Crown</a> in a little village called Nympsfield for lunch. It seemed like everyone else in the area had the same idea as we could not get a seat inside. We decided to sit outside but it was too cold for Suzie so she sat in the car while we ate.<br /><br />We then drove over to <a href="http://www.woodchestermansion.org.uk/">Woodchester Mansion</a>. The car park was about a mile from the house itself and Suzie and Tamsin did not feel like walking down. So we left them in the car while we went to look.<br /><br />The house itself was never finished. The owner ran out of money, but what he had done was pretty impressive. It was supposed to be a religious place, but he ended up going broke....<br /><br />The tour took ages, so it took us a while to get back to the car. I don't think Suzie and Tamsin were too impressed!<br /><br />In the end though I think we all had a great time. It was a fantastic break and was nice to have the others around!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050383.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050383.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The documentary being filmed.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050402.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050402.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Castle protection (they made sure we paid to get in!)</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050403.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050403.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The castle</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050413.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050413.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>More of the castle.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050425.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050425.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Woodchester Mansion</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050426.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/320/P1050426.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The grounds around the mansion.</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-10281372304430961372006-04-29T17:47:00.000+01:002006-10-29T19:26:59.389+00:00Cotswolds, Part OneSo we arrived in the <a href="http://www.the-cotswolds.org/top/english/intro.shtml">Cotwolds</a> last night. It is the early May bank holiday weekend and Tamsin, Suzie, Jules, Peter and I have rented a <a href="http://www.letsgothere.co.uk/lgtnet/attraction/0036378-0.aspx">cottage</a> in the Cotswolds. The cottage is in a little village called <a href="http://wotton-under-edge.com/">Wotton-Under-Edge</a> and it is very English. We are staying on a farm (you can here the cows mooing) which is pretty cool, although they really need to update the beds!<br /><br />Anyway, we arrived last night, grabbed some food and sat up drinking to god knows what time. Today we headed over to <a href="http://www.bourtoninfo.com/">Bourton-on-the-Water</a> to have a look around. It is a picturesque village and also one of the most popular in the region (although we were lucky and it was not too busy).<br /><br />Peter had his walk book and convinced (or perhaps told, it has been a while now!) us to do a walk in the area.<br /><br />Tamsin turned back after about thirty mins (she wanted to see the village a bit more), but she was with us long enough to get an ice cream. Peter got a brown bread flavoured one which was interesting.<br /><br />Anyway, the rest of us continued on and really enjoying the walk. Until, that is, we find that Peter has got us lost (it turns out that he had done this walk before and made the same mistake as well).<br /><br />We eventually made our way to a pub in a quiet little village and had a break before continuing back to Bourton-on-the-Water. I think Tamsin was about to send out a search party for us!<br /><br />We then headed to the <a href="http://www.thewildduckinn.co.uk/">Wild Duck</a> for a fantastic dinner and then back to the cottage for some more drinks!<br /><br />(Sorry about the photos. I have been wrestling with blogger for a week now!)<br /><br /><A HREF='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050285.1.jpg'><IMG SRC='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/160/P1050285.jpg' border=0 alt='' ></A><br /><i>Bourton-on-the-Water village green</i><br /><br /><A HREF='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050288.jpg'><IMG SRC='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/160/P1050288.jpg' border=0 alt='' ></A><br /><i>On the road....</i><br /><br /><A HREF='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050289.0.jpg'><IMG SRC='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/160/P1050289.jpg' border=0 alt='' ></A><br /><i>A lock</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050336.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/400/P1050336.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Nice wild flowers!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050300.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/400/P1050300.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>A cool water wheel!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050302.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/400/P1050302.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Ice cream time!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050324.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/400/P1050324.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Fences...</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050371.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050371.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Idylic setting.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050339.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050339.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>Time for a beer!</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/1600/P1050338.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4066/1293/200/P1050338.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>On the way back to Bourton</i><br />Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1154549344043241582006-04-17T21:09:00.000+01:002006-10-21T17:46:36.242+01:00Amsterdam, Part ThreeFor our final day in the city we decided to hire bikes and ride around. The city (well the entire country really) is perfectly suited to this because it is flat and has so many bike lanes going just about everywhere.<br /><br />Anyway we first hit the <a href="http://www.jordaaninfo.com/">Jordaan</a> area, which is an alternate kind of area and pretty cool! We then headed to the harbour (on the river Ij) and rode around there (even across the huge bridge - the wrong way though) before heading to the <a href="http://www.e-nemo.nl/index.php?id=5&s=85&d=551">Nemo</a> - which is a funky science museum with fantastic views across the city!<br /><br />We then headed back into the city centre. Claire led the way and was an absolute demon on the bike. If anyone was going too slow they got a beep (well a bell!) or if any pedestrian even looked like stepping out onto the bike path they got a beep as well!<br /><br />We made our way to a recommended frites shop near Spui (I think) and had some fantastic frites (with Pinda Saus). Tamsin then looked around in the shops, which Ben, Claire and I grabbed some souvenirs!<br /><br />We then rode back to the hotel (where we had to drop the bikes off), but unfortunately Claire took a wrong turn. It all worked out okay though, so we dropped off the bikes and had a drink before grabbing some Wok To Go for dinner. We then headed out to the airport for our flight back home!<br /><br />What a great weekend - good company, fantastic city and lovely food. I dont think you really need much more!<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050233.0.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050233.0.jpg'></a><br /><i>More Canals</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050267.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050267.jpg'></a><br /><i>Tamsin and Claire</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050268.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050268.jpg'></a><br /><i>Funky Canal Houses</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050270.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050270.jpg'></a><br /><i>A cool music hall</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050276.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050276.jpg'></a><br /><i>View from Nemo</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050277.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050277.jpg'></a><br /><i>More view from Nemo</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050279.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050279.jpg'></a><br /><i>Nemo steps</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050280.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050280.jpg'></a><br /><i>Nemo steps</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050282.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050282.jpg'></a><br /><i>Watch out!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1154543734773100962006-04-16T19:35:00.000+01:002006-10-21T17:37:36.077+01:00Amsterdam, Part TwoAfter grabbing breakfast at the hotel, we hit the streets again! This time we headed down to the <a href="http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp">Van Gogh Museum</a>. We were smart and bought a two in one ticket at the Rijksmuseum, so we were able to avoid the (very long) queue and walk right in!<br /><br />It was an interesting museum and there is no doubting that the man had talent, but I must admit he is not my favourite painter. There were a few standouts though. One painting of his <a href="http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/musees/chambre-vincent/gb/index.html">bedroom</a> and another of a Japanese bridge - I thought both of those were quite cool.<br /><br />We then all decided it was time to hit a "coffee shop". So we first tried <a href="http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Database/ShopsA/Dampkring.html">Dampkring</a> (as featured in <a href="http://oceans12.warnerbros.com/flash.html">Oceans Twelve</a>), but it was way too busy, so we then headed to <a href="http://www.abraxasparadise.nl/">Abraxas</a>. It was quite trendy and definitely catered to a younger more hip scene, but we went in anyway. Not being a smoker myself, I just had a Brownie (like Kearns). Tamsin was a bit more adventurous and tried a mint tea (with weed of course). Claire just sat back laughing at us!<br /><br />Anyway, after we finished we went and had a drink in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwmarkt">Nieuwmarkt</a> and that is when the Brownie hit me (and Kearns as well!). So rather then make fools of ourselves we headed back to the hotel to have a nap (and very strange dreams!).<br /><br />Afterwards we headed to a <a href="http://www.brasserieharkema.nl/index_eng.php">funky restaurant</a> for dinner. Ben was still feeling the effects of the Brownie, so he was not very interactive, but the rest of us all enjoyed it! Ben then headed back to the hotel while Claire, Tamsin and I went and had Pannekoeken and a drink to round off the day!<br /><br />The next day we decided to leave the city and head to <a href="http://www.haarlem.nl/smartsite9.htm">Haarlem</a> for a look around. Before any of you get too worried (Mum!) this Haarlem is considerably safer then its namesake in New York. Anyway, after a quick train ride we were walking around the small town. It was typically Dutch - noone closes the curtains in the windows and noone cares if you look in - and being a beautiful day it was nice to just wander around.<br /><br />After having a coffee at a great place over looking one of the canals we headed into an old (well so we thought) <a href="http://www.molenadriaan.nl/SiteResources/Data/Templates/Template1.asp?DocID=233">Dutch Windmill</a> to look around. Unfortunately it was just built to look traditional, it was in fact only four years old, but then there was an old windmill on the site before that, so I guess it is okay.<br /><br />Anyway, we got a tour from a guy who knew way too much about windmills, but he was still interesting to listen to. It took close to two hours, and unfortunately I have forgotten most of what I learnt, but if you are ever in Haarlem the windmill tour and recommended!<br /><br />We headed back to the city centre for a late lunch and a carnival had popped up in the four hours since we had been there! So while it was noisy, it was nice to sit back and soak up the atmosphere!<br /><br />We then jumped on the train and headed back to the city. The weekend was catching up with us, so we went and had a drink and then a nap before heading out to a dutch restaurant - <a href="http://www.hotelamsterdam.nl/restaurants.htm">De Roode Leeuw</a> (Red Lion) for dinner. Tamsin made up some story about wanting to take some photos around the red light district (although I think that was just an excuse to go back there!) so we headed over there before heading back to the hotel!<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050233.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050233.jpg'></a><br /><i>More Canals</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050236.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050236.jpg'></a><br /><i>Haarlem</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050238.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050238.jpg'></a><br /><i>Haarlem</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050244.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050244.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Windmill</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050248.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050248.jpg'></a><br /><i>More Windmill</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050255.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050255.jpg'></a><br /><i>Carnival Rides!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050264.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050264.jpg'></a><br /><i>Carnival Rides!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1154541048675454002006-04-14T18:50:00.000+01:002006-10-21T17:37:35.984+01:00Amsterdam, Part OneSome friends of mine from Oz, Ben and Claire, were visiting and we all decided to spend Easter in <a href="http://www.visitamsterdam.nl/">Amsterdam</a> (yes, I know life is tough). Tamsin decided she would tag along as well, so after picking Ben and Claire up from the bus station (yes, they came direct from Heathrow) we headed out to <a href="http://www.flybournemouth.com/">Bournemouth</a> to catch our <a href="http://www.thomsonfly.com/">flight</a>.<br /><br />We must have landed in <a href="http://www.visitbelgium.com/">Belgium</a> because it took up about 20 minutes to taxi to the <a href="http://www.schiphol.nl/home/Index.jsp;jsessionid=GQyS816dxgJv9LhDYmWyXqk9p!1029068890?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395729236&bmLocale=en&GENERIC%3C%3EclientGenericEvent=Changed+locale+to+en&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395729236&VIRTUAL_TEMPLATE%3C%3Evt_id=10134198673795849&bmForm=log_client_generic_event&bmFormID=1154541778722&bmUID=1154541778722">terminal</a>, it was longer then the time we spent in the air! Anyway, we were now in Holland.<br /><br />Most of you should know by now how much I love the country. So it was great to be back. We jumped on a train and headed for the city centre and then down to the <a href="http://www.rhohotel.com/">hotel</a> (which was only about a 15 minute walk from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Centraal">Centraal Station</a>).<br /><br />By the time we arrived Ben and Claire were stuffed (which was not a surprise considering they had not slept for about 30 hours). So they headed off to bed and Tamsin and I went to have a look around. It was three years since I was last in Amsterdam, but I still remembered my way around! We stopped to grab some food at Wok To Go (very cool!) and then just wandered through the old city. Eventually we ended up in the <a href="http://www.amsterdamhotspots.nl/redlights.html">Red Light District</a> (much to Tamsin's shock) - which was still an eye opener!<br /><br />We eventually made our way back to the hotel (via the bar across the road) and went to bed!<br /><br />The next morning Ben and Claire looked a little bit more alert! So we headed down towards the <a href="http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp?lang=en">Rijksmuseum</a> via the <a href="http://www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl/index_engels.html">Begijnhof</a>. This was an enclosed garden and once you entered it was like the city did not exist. It was so quiet and peaceful inside!<br /><br />The line for the Rijksmuseum was huge (it pays to book ahead - then you can wander straight in!). But we stuck with it. Unfortunately most of the museum was closed for renovation, but the small exhibition they kept was interesting and we still got to see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt">Rembrandt's</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Watch_%28painting%29">Nachtwacht</a>.<br /><br />We then had a spot of lunch before jumping on a <a href="http://www.canal.nl/en/theme.php?theme_id=3">canal boat</a> for a tour of the city. This is something I had not done before, so it was different to see the city from a different angle!<br /><br />Afterwards Tamsin went back to the hotel to have a nap while Ben, Claire and I sat down and had a drink. We then headed over to the <a href="http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2">Anne Frank Huis</a> (another place I had not been before) which was quite heavy going. Luckily we arrived late enough in the day that it was not too busy.<br /><br />We then headed to an Argentinean Steakhouse (which seemed to be all the rage) for dinner, before giving Ben and Claire a tour of the red light district (Tamsin was an expert now after her visit the night before). It is interesting (or a shame depending on how you look at it), that the district is in one of the nicest parts of the city.<br /><br />Anyway, Ben and Claire seemed to enjoy it (well Claire especially! ;-)) which was good. So after a quick drink we then headed back to the hotel!<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050170.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050170.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Begijnhof</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050177.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050177.jpg'></a><br /><i>Canal View</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050180.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050180.jpg'></a><br /><i>Crooked Canal House</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050187.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050187.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Rijksmuseum</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050190.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050190.jpg'></a><br /><i>Canal</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050200.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050200.jpg'></a><br /><i>Canal Houses</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050212.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050212.jpg'></a><br /><i>Claire, Tamsin and Ben (Kearns)</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050213.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050213.jpg'></a><br /><i>More Canal</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050220.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050220.jpg'></a><br /><i>More Canal</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050221.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050221.jpg'></a><br /><i>A 3D Nachtwatch</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050232.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050232.jpg'></a><br /><i>Canal Crossroads!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1149775981517341902006-04-08T15:13:00.000+01:002006-10-21T17:37:35.907+01:00Romsey WalkTamsin's sister - Polly - was over for the weekend, so we decided it might be nice to go for a walk somewhere. So we chose a nice walk (with a pub in the middle of course) in <a href="http://www.hants.gov.uk/localpages/south_west/romsey/">Romsey</a>, which is not too far from Southampton.<br /><br />Tamsin decided Polly could direct us (which was probably a good decision considering her past record), so we drove over to Romsey and started the walk.<br /><br />The town itself it quite small, but old - it was pretty funky actually. We had a bit of a look around before starting on the walk.<br /><br />The first stop was the pub (naturally). It was called the <a href="http://www.diningpubs.co.uk/pub_details.asp?id=1890">Dukes Head</a> and even though they stuffed Polly's order up, it was still alright. They had pictures of different dukes on the walls as well.<br /><br />We then walked through some trees and along streams. For an early April day the weather was not too bad. We stumbled across a huge paddock of pigs (man they were big). <br /><br />After a while, however, we realised that we were lost (perhaps letting Polly direct was not the best idea after all...). So we kept on walking and walking until we finally found someone to ask directions off. He basically told us we were lost (which we already knew) but told us the best way to get back to Romsey. So we headed off again, this time walking along a busy A road (instead of the lovely quite country roads we had been on), but sure enough after about another ninety minutes of walking we made it back into Romsey proper.<br /><br />So all up we probably walked about 12 miles, which is not too bad considering the walk was only supposed to be 6!<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050148.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050148.jpg'></a><br /><i>Romsey Scenes</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050152.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050152.jpg'></a><br /><i>Tamsin (and Polly in the distance)</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050155.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050155.jpg'></a><br /><i>Romsey Views</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050156.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050156.jpg'></a><br /><i>Foot and Mouth!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050157.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050157.jpg'></a><br /><i>Pigs!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050159.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050159.jpg'></a><br /><i>Romsey in the distance</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050163.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050163.jpg'></a><br /><i>Romsey Views</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050164.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050164.jpg'></a><br /><i>Romsey Views</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1144333310063041982006-04-01T15:21:00.000+01:002006-10-21T17:37:35.827+01:00Australia, Part ThreeOkay, another long post. So here is the summary:<br /><ul><li>Week in Uralla with the Family</li><li>Spent the week catching up with everyone</li><li>Nan had a birthday</li><li>Bought a house for Nan and Pop to live in</li><li>Got lost in Brisbane</li></ul><br />After another short flight, we landed in Armidale. Nan, Mum and Zac were there to meet me which was very nice! We then drove to <a href="http://www.uralla.com/">Uralla</a>, dropped of Nan (at her new place which was not very nice), said hello to both grandfathers and headed home. Jacob was there when we arrived so that was good. Dad was out playing <a href="http://www.iseekgolf.com/courses/course_detail.php?c_id=1754">golf</a> and would be home later (this is after he left me <a href="http://geldof.blogspot.com/2006/02/three-valleys-incident.html">injured</a> on the ski field if you remember..). Anyway, once he got home we all had dinner and it was great!<br /><br />The next day (the 24th) was Nan's birthday. Mum got a haircut first at my cousin's house while I entertained her 18 month old daughter. We then headed to Nan's and took her out for lunch (along with Jennefer) to the <a href="http://www.toppuburalla.com.au/toppub/entertainment/welcome.asp">Top Pub</a>. We then headed home for a quiet afternoon and evening.<br /><br />The next day the Boys went out to play golf while the rest of us hit the town (and what an exciting town it is). I had a chat to Mum and Dad and we decided that we would look to see if we could buy a place for Nan and Pop to move into. I had some extra money that I wanted to invest and so did Mum and Dad. We asked Jonathan if he wanted to come in on the deal and he was keen as well.<br /><br />After picking the boys up from golf we had some lunch and then did some searching for some places to look at. There were a couple that seemed alright, but we had to wait until monday to check them out.<br /><br />That night we headed up to one of my Aunts to say hello and see a couple of my little cousins (once removed if you want to be picky) which was cool. We then headed up to Tanya and Neil's place and got them out of bed for a couple of drinks!<br /><br />The next day we drove to <a href="http://www.inverell-online.com.au/">Inverell</a> where Jacob and Zac were playing in a <a href="http://inet-servers.com/Australia/bigsky/inverell/inverell.htm">tournament</a>. Dad did caddy duties for Zac and I did the same for Jacob, while Mum sat in the car reading! It was a bloody hot day (especially for someone use to English weather). But it was nice to be outside and spending time with everyone else. Jacob and Zac both played well which was good. We stayed for some lunch and then for the presentation (which seemed to go on forever) before heading to <a href="http://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/">Armidale</a> to grab some <a href="http://www.coles.com.au/about/hours/hours_single.asp?StoreID=877">groceries</a> and then home.<br /><br />That night Tanya, Neil, Cathy and Charlie came over for dinner and some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_hockey">air hockey</a> (Jacob and Zac's christmas present). We were all pretty stuffed from the day in Inverell, but it was nice to see them all. I beat Mum in air hockey, but then Zac beat me!<br /><br />The rest of the week was spent viewing houses, visiting the <a href="http://www.necu.com.au">bank</a>, catching up with friends and family, eating and drinking. It was nice to be back - although only for a visit. The town had not really changed at all (apart from the powerlines in the main street being moved underground). It was great to see everyone again.<br /><br />We found a place we liked - <a href="http://www.northerntablelands.com.au/real-estate/for-sale/details.php?property=8">a three bedroom flat</a> on Dumaresq Street. It is in a block of three, and Mum and Dad actually lived in one of the other places when they were first married! Anyway, we organised a mortgage with the bank and made an offer! Amazingly (and fortunately for us) it was accepted so we now had a place! It all happened so quick, but it was pretty cool. Nan and Pop were happy to be moving as well (they did not like where they were living).<br /><br />Thursday I went around and said goodbye to everyone and had lunch with Mum, Nan and three of my aunts (Kim, Michelle and Jenny). We headed up to Tanya and Neil's that night to say goodbye as well (and to be beaten by them in cards). The week seemed to go really quick!<br /><br />Friday morning Mum, Dad, Jacob and I headed up to <a href="http://www.ourbrisbane.com/">Brisbane</a>. My flight was the next day, but we thought it would be easier to leave friday and stay the night. Dad drove till <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick,_Queensland">Warwick</a> and then I drove the rest of the way. We had directions on how to get to the <a href="http://www.questbridgewater.com.au/">hotel</a>, but I missed one of the turns and we ended up in central Brisbane. What a horrible place Brisbane is (well if you are driving anyway). They don't seem to have street signs anywhere! Anyway it took us over an hour to make it back to the hotel, but once we got there it was a nice place!<br /><br />Jacob, Zac and I went and had a swim in the hotel and then we all headed to the <a href="http://www.storybridgehotel.com.au/">Story Bridge Hotel</a> for a fantastic <a href="http://www.storybridgehotel.com.au/dining/restaurant.php">dinner</a>. It was a great way to spend my last night in Oz!<br /><br />The next day we walked up to <a href="http://www.south-bank.net.au/">Southbank</a> which was really nice. It was a long walk, but the weather was amazing and there were all these cool lizards along the way. We had some breakfast and walked around the markets before heading back to the hotel for me to get ready.<br /><br />We headed around to the airport and I checked in without any trouble at all. To be honest I was not really looking forward to the flight (it is such a long way). The three weeks went way to quick as well. I think I needed another three! Anyway, we had a drink and then it was time for me to go through customs and immigration. Brisbane airport has a really cool set up where friends and family can stay upstairs and see you after you go through (much better then Sydney's system). Anyway, I waved goodbye to them all and pretty much jumped on the plane. <br /><br />Next stop - England (well via Singapore).<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050086.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050086.jpg'></a><br /><i>My cousin Alyssa</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050087.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050087.jpg'></a><br /><i>My cousin Brooke</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050091.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050091.jpg'></a><br /><i>Brooke and Alyssa</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050105.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050105.jpg'></a><br /><i>Brooke and I</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050132.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050132.jpg'></a><br /><i>Zac teeing off.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050135.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050135.jpg'></a><br /><i>Jacob teeing off</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050142.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050142.jpg'></a><br /><i>Kath and Tanya playing air hockey</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1144332787199461272006-03-23T15:13:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:35.748+01:00Australia, Part TwoOkay, another reasonably long post. So here is the summary:<br /><ul><li>Flew to Sydney</li><li>Got a tour of Jonathan's Boat</li><li>He bought a snake</li><li>Went to Wollongong</li><li>Got to see everyone there which was fanstastic!</li></ul><br />The flight from Canberra was very quick. I had done the trip once before, but that was just on a little <a href="http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/seatMapDash8">Dash 8</a>. This time it was a <a href="http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/seatMap734">737</a>. We were lucky to be in the air for less then 25 minutes, but the flight attendants were still able to serve the people in business class (unfortunately not me) a full meal!<br /><br />Jonathan met me in <a href="http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/">Sydney</a> and we headed back to his house in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Leonards%2C_New_South_Wales">St. Leonards</a>. It is a pretty cool place. He lives on the 19th floor with amazing views over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_harbour">harbour</a>. Mark (our cousin), Christine (a friend of Mark's), Jonathan and I then headed to <a href="http://www.sydneypubguide.net/pubs/Gilroys.aspx">Gilroys</a> for dinner.<br /><br />Jonathan then took me down to <a href="http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/waterhen/">HMAS Waterhen</a> to show me the ship he is serving on (<a href="http://www.navy.gov.au/ships/gascoyne/default.html">HMAS Gascoyne</a>). It was a diddy little ship - a trip to Singapore in that thing would be a bit of a challenge. We then walked back to his house - it was a lovely night and the Northern Suburbs of Sydney are really nice to walk around in.<br /><br />The next day we headed into the city for a look around. We did not really do much except go and see <a href="http://www.foxfilm.com.br/johnnyejune/">Walk the Line</a> at the cinema. It is a fantastic movie, so if you have not seen it yet, you should. Speaking of which, did you hear about the Hollywood actress who killed her husband. It was Reese someone. No, not Witherspoon, With a knife (hahahaha). Anyway, we just walked around the city for the rest of the day taking it easy - it was nice. <br /><br />The next day, after a quiet morning, Jonathan and I went and picked a hire car and headed down to <a href="http://www.tourismwollongong.com/">Wollongong</a>. I was "lucky" enough to be upgraded, so we could have fit an entire football team in the car. Anyway, we first went to Kearns (where we were staying that night), had a quick shower and then headed out for dinner. Kearns had arranged dinner with some people I used to work with at BHP IT/CSC which was nice. It was great to catch up with them all again (it had been a while). The restaurant was pretty nice as well, unfortunately I can't remember the name of it.<br /><br />The next day we walked around Wollongong for a bit. Jonathan had recently bought a snake (yes I know) and wanted to go to the pet shop to get some fuzzies (really tiny dead mice) for it. We then headed out to Warrawong and had lunch with Joe and Michelle (people I use to work with as well). Joe gave me the keys to his and Linda's place (where we were staying last night) so we headed straight over there. They had moved since I came to the UK, and were now in the penthouse in their building. It was a pretty cool place. Just one street back from the beach. Really nice! Jonathan and I went for a walk and ended up at the North Gong Pub (a favourite of Jonathan's for some reason). So we sat back and had a couple of beers!<br /><br />We met Joe and Linda back at their house and then headed over to Belmore Basin for some fish and chips for dinner. Michelle and Wayne (and their dog, Max) met us there and we just sat outside. It was really nice. We then headed over for a quiet drink at the <a href="http://www.fiveislandsbrewery.com/">Brewery</a> before heading home.<br /><br />They next day we had a quick coffee at the beach before saying goodbye to Joe, Linda, Jasper and Ella. We drove back to Sydney and hung out at Jonathan's place for a while before he drove me to the airport. I was on my way to Armidale to see the rest of the family.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050065.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050065.jpg'></a><br /><i>The view from Jonathan's place,</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050077.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050077.jpg'></a><br /><i>Joe and Jasper</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050078.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050078.jpg'></a><br /><i>Linda and Ella</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050079.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050079.jpg'></a><br /><i>Ella</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050080.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050080.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Beach!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050082.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050082.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Beach!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1144332351119613472006-03-19T15:05:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:35.650+01:00Australia, Part OneOkay, so this is a long post, so if you want to be rude and just jump to the pictures here is a summary:<br /><ul><li>First week in Oz</li><li>There for Caroline and Davids wedding which was fantastic.</li><li>It was nice seeing everyone again, especially Ben, my godson, who had grown up so much.</li><li>I think I spent most of the week eating.</li></ul><br /><br />I was a little nervous heading back to Australia. I had not been back since moving to the UK, so I guess I was just wondering what had changed (if anything) and whether or not I would be able to slip back into the old routine.<br /><br />The flight over was long, but uneventful - as an aside, I can recommend <a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/">Singapore Airlines</a>, but they really need to work on their food, it was absolutely awful! Anyway, I flew into <a href="http://www.bne.com.au/">Brisbane</a> and then jumped on a connecting flight to <a href="http://www.canberraairport.com.au/">Canberra</a>. As I was waiting at the <a href="http://www.airtrain.com.au/">train station</a> in Brisbane to go to the domestic terminal, the platform people announced that the rail drivers had called a snap strike! Luckily they put us all in taxis to head across.<br /><br />Kate met me at the airport and we went to Caroline and David's place (where I was staying), after a quick shower we all headed over to Kurt and Chris' place for lunch. It was fantastic. Chrissy cooked an amazing meal, and it was nice seeing everyone again. Their children Ruby and Ben (my godson as well) had grown a lot. It was quite a shock! Unfortunately I flaked early, so we headed back to Caroline and David's place (hereafter called The Freckers) and sat in the air conditioning (it was 33 degrees!) before heading to bed.<br /><br />On Monday I drove Caroline to work (so I could use her car) and headed into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Centre%2C_Australian_Capital_Territory">Civic</a> to look around. It has not changed a bit. I got <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_fundraiser">charity mugged</a> (chugged) a couple of times, it was like being back home. One thing that did amaze me was how empty it was. It is usually always heaving in the Southampton mall, but in Civic it was barren.<br /><br />I picked Caroline up for lunch and she helped me pick out a classy (and cheap) <a href="http://www.versace.com/">Versace</a> suit and funky shirt and tie for her wedding (one of the reasons I was back in Oz) before we headed to <a href="http://www.sizzlebento.com.au/">Sizzle Bento</a> for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conveyor_belt_sushi">Sushi Train</a>! After dropping her back at work I headed back to Chrissy's place and went for a walk with her and Ben which was good! I hit the wall after picking up Caroline from work, so after dinner (which was lovely) I headed to bed.<br /><br />After dropping Caroline at work Tuesday I headed to the physio (for my shoulder). He seemed a little surprised at my lack of treatment in the UK, and gave me some exercises to do. I then went and had lunch with Pat and Caroline and <a href="http://www.canberrareview.com.au/ed543.htm">Mecca Bah</a> (which was delicious) and then headed to Kate's place (she was not feeling well and at home) for the afternoon. After picking Caroline up we all headed into Debarcle for a catchup with the old DEST graduate crowd - it was really cool seeing everyone again. The night went too quick though, so I did not get to see everyone I wanted...<br /><br />After dropping Caroline off at work I met up with Angie (a friend of mine) for a coffee. It was good seeing her - she was quite pregnant and glowing as well! Which was good. After that I headed out to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston%2C_Australian_Capital_Territory">Kingston</a> to have lunch with the old AGS crowd. It was nice seeing them - although from their stories it seems not much has changed there. After picking Caroline up from work I headed out to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuka%2C_Australian_Capital_Territory">Manuka</a> to meet up with Nick and his wife Zoë (workmate of mine from AGS). They were thinking of moving to the UK and wanted all the info that I could provide - in exchange they filled me with food, so it seemed like a good exchange for me!<br /><br />Thursday morning David, Caroline and I headed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watson%2C_Australian_Capital_Territory">Watson</a> for breakfast, Caroline had the day off work, so we pottered around. I met up with Kurt for lunch and generally took it easy (it was nice). I went to Kurt and Chris's place for dinner which was great. I spent time with Ruby and Ben, played <a href="http://www.singstargame.com/">Singstar</a> (and lost!) and chatted with Kurt and Chris. It was really nice. I was staying at Kate's that night, so she kindly came and picked me up which was nice.<br /><br />Kate had Friday off work so we headed out to <a href="http://www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au/lanyon/index.asp">Lanyon</a> which was a great place. It was a pity I left my National Trust card at home, otherwise I would have been able to look around. We settled for lunch which was lovely. That night we met up with Lainie and a friend of hers for a couple of drinks and dinner, which was lovely.<br /><br />Saturday morning Kate and I headed to <a href="http://www.tilleys.com.au/">Tilley's</a> for breakfast and I met up with Kearns and Claire. I would be seeing Kearns in Wollongong, but Claire was heading to Melbourne for work, so it was nice to catch up with her. Kate then dropped me off at Kurt and Chrissy's place where we all got ready for the wedding! We caught a maxi taxi out to <a href="http://www.poacherspantry.com.au/">Poachers Pantry</a> and met up with the rest of the guests.<br /><br />The wedding was fantastic. The ceremony was nice and simple, held outside under a lovely old tree. The best man had left the rings in the car, but that just added to the informal nature of the ceremony. David was as keen as mustard and Caroline was glowing - it was just lovely. Dinner was delicious and the speeches were all good (Pat did a fantastic job as MC). The night seemed to go really quick unfortunately, before I knew it, we had to get back on the bus and go home.<br /><br />Sunday was a nice relaxing day. Chrissy made us some lovely Eggs Benedict (I have never had any better) and we all just recovered. We all headed over to The Freckers where Caroline and David were recovering. I said goodbye, they were about to head off on their honeymoon, and I was heading to Sydney to visit Jonathan. Kurt and Chris (and Ben!) ran me to the airport, where they had to pick up Ruby. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone there, but I had a fantastic time. It was really good to see everyone again.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050003.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050003.jpg'></a><br /><i>Kurt and Ben</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050018.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050018.jpg'></a><br /><i>Kurt, Ruby and Ben</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050027.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050027.jpg'></a><br /><i>Lanyon</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050053.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050053.jpg'></a><br /><i>Ben</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050041.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050041.jpg'></a><br /><i>David looking proud!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050047.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050047.jpg'></a><br /><i>Exchanging of the rings</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1050052.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1050052.jpg'></a><br /><i>The dinner.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC00227.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC00227.jpg'></a><br /><i>Cutting the cake.</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1141767630344888992006-02-26T21:40:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:34.371+01:00ExeterWell after nearly three weeks of being stuck at home Tamsin thought it would be nice for me to get out of the house and considering I was slowly going crazy (or should that be crazier?) I had to agree.<br /><br />She was heading over to <a href="http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=297">Exeter</a> for the weekend to visit her folks and kindly invited me to tag along. So on friday night be braved the traffic (which was not too bad) and drove to Exeter where her father cooked us a great meal.<br /><br />On saturday woke to find snow on the ground, which was nice. We had a fried breakfast and then went into the city centre and looked around. Exeter was not touched during the war so it still has a lot of its old buildings (something Southampton does not). So it was quite nice to walk around and see all of that. I was also looking for a suitable wedding present for David and Caroline which, after an exhaustive search, I found! So that is all sorted now. We had a lovely lunch at the <a href="http://hilton.org.uk/photo.phtml?n=exeter_boston_tea_party_p">Boston Tea Party</a> (which was in an old school building) and then headed over to the <a href="http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/">cathedral</a> to wander around.<br /><br />On Sunday we had another fried breakfast before heading to <a href="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/">Dartmoor</a> for a walk to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hay_Tor">Hay Tor</a>. It was bloody freezing. In fact the snow which had melted elsewhere, was still on the ground. There were heaps of professional walkers (it seems to be a national pastime in England) but, unlike us, they were suitably cold. So we were only out of the car for about 30 mins before giving up! We headed back to the house for a fantastic roast lunch (yes, I think I put on about 10 kilos while I was there) and then headed back to Southampton.<br /><br />Oh, and my sling came off today. So I now have two usable hands again - lucky me! Unfortunately (well fortunately for my bank account) it means back to work tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040574.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040574.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Quay in Exeter</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040575.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040575.jpg'></a><br /><i>Beside the River</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040579.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040579.jpg'></a><br /><i>The House that moved</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040580.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040580.jpg'></a><br /><i>A funky old house</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040585.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040585.jpg'></a><br /><i>A City Street.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040589.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040589.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Cathedral Grounds</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040595.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040595.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Cathedral</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040600.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040600.jpg'></a><br /><i>On the way to Hay Tor</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040601.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040601.jpg'></a><br /><i>At least there is sunlight somewhere</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040605.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040605.jpg'></a><br /><i>Dartmoor</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1141767303744081382006-02-08T21:34:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:34.299+01:00Mum and DadOkay, it turns out that Dad did receive the text that I sent to them on Monday (about my shoulder), but he thought it was a joke! In any case they were suitably apologetic so everything is okay. The love is there....Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1141764600848099172006-02-07T20:50:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:34.140+01:00The Three Valleys IncidentSo the other day (the 5th to be precise) Tamsin had a significant birthday. To celebrate (commiserate?) she organised for a bunch of us to head to France skiing! So last saturday Tamsin and I flew out from Southampton, while Jules, Peter and Lesley flew from Birmingham and we all met up in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chambery">Chambery</a>, jumped in a car and drove to <a href="http://www.ski-europe.com/resorts/brideslesbains.html">Brides Les Bains</a>, where we skiing for the next two days.<br /><br />Sunday (Tamsin's birthday) we jumped on the gondola for the very long ride up to <a href="http://www.meribel.net/welcome-h.htm">Meribel</a>. Normally February is the perfect time to ski as there is usually a lot of snow and it is not too cold. Unfortunately for us there had been no snow for about three weeks and what was on the ground was slowly melting away, so we were expecting much. Luckily we found a run under the snow makers which was not too bad (it also had red, green and blue options, so everyone was happy).<br /><br />Tamsin stayed with Lesley for a while and Jules, Peter and I had a few goes down the run - it was great to be skiing again, especially after the debacle in Switzerland. Anyway, we spent the morning on this run, met up with Tamsin and Lesley for a few more goes. About 2pm we decided to do one more run down and grab some lunch. I went down the red route and soon realised that I was skiing way to fast. I tried to slow down but ended up sliding out on some ice and falling over in a spectacular (I hope) crash.<br /><br />Tamsin and Peter stopped to help me, but I was pretty out of it, so they carried by skis to the restaurant (which was only 30 metres away) while I stumbled and slid down on my boots (not before almost passing out a couple of times). Once we sat down Tamsin made it her mission to get some food into me, while Jules felt my right shoulder (I landed on it) and found it was dislocated (no wonder I was in a lot of pain). So she called the ski rescue guys over who said I needed to go to the medical centre in Meribel village. They took me down the hill in a body bag (a surreal experience to say the least) to a waiting ambulance (they also handed me a bill for €150.<br /><br />At the medical centre the nurse x-rayed my shoulder (from the looks of it the x-ray machine was the first one ever made) before her and the doctor reset it. Before anyone asks, yes it did hurt, but I also felt relief when it was back in. They took another x-ray to make sure it was all okay before giving me a lovely bright blue sling, a bill for €260 and booting me out the door! If anyone is interested you can see the before x-ray <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/Before%20X-Ray.jpg">here</a> and the after one <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/After%20X-Ray.jpg">here</a>.<br /><br />I went back to the hotel and met up with the others who started fussing over me, but this time the pain was gone, but I was beginning to realise the next three weeks would be difficult with just one usable arm!<br /><br />The next day the others went skiing while I went up to a restaurant on the mountain and sat outside reading a book. While it was nice, I am glad we only had two days skiing, otherwise I think I would have gone crazy. I sent a text to Mum and Dad letting them know what happened, but there was no response. Where is the love I ask you? After having lunch with them I headed back down the hill and went to sleep!<br /><br />Today on the return flight home there was myself in a sling and another poor bloke in a wheelchair, whilst on the Birmingham flight there was another bloke in a sling and a girl in a wheelchair, so I was not alone!<br /><br />Oh and in case you are wondering yes I will ski again, in fact I was a bit annoyed that I could not ski yesterday!<br /><br />So now I am in this sling for the next three weeks so I cannot drive and work will be problematic. Oh and it seems it may take up to six months for it to heal properly - what joy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040556.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040556.jpg'></a><br /><i>Brides Les Bains</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040557.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040557.jpg'></a><br /><i>On the slopes in Meribel</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040559.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040559.jpg'></a><br /><i>On the slopes in Meribel</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040568.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040568.jpg'></a><br /><i>On the slopes in Meribel</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02724.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02724.jpg'></a><br /><i>Jules and I skiing</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02808.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02808.jpg'></a><br /><i>The body bag!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02753.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02753.jpg'></a><br /><i>The lovely sling!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P10405731.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P10405731.jpg'></a><br /><i>A one-armed Justin!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1141765348296638492006-01-21T20:51:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:34.223+01:00Christmas DinnerWith Peter, Jules and myself in Switzerland for Christmas (yes Tamsin I know you are sick of hearing about that), Tamsin and I decided to have a belated Christmas dinner here at our house for everyone.<br /><br />It was a pretty cool night, we made a delicious roast and I met a few new people which was nice. Even the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/victoria/stories/s1531082.htm">Ice Cream Christmas Cake</a> that Tamsin made was good (although I was dubious in the beginning).<br /><br />Plenty of wine was drunk (some more then others) and you will be pleased to know that Peter, Jen and Tamsin won the name that city quiz I made up and Jules, Libby and Carl won the name that song (you would think Tamsin and Jen would know a lot about eighties songs - turns out not as much as Libby, Carl and Jules)!<br /><br />Oh and we still have some of that ice cream stuff if anyone is interested!Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1138553335433926162006-01-02T21:48:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:34.064+01:00Switzerland, Part SixThe final two days in Switzerland were pretty cool! On New Years Day we headed back out over the frozen lake to the village proper to check it out. It absolutely reeked of money. Ladies wearing Dior Moon Boots and men looking ridiculous wearing fur coats (but apparently you cannot be without one in St. Moritz).<br /><br />We saw the posh hotels, rode the <a href="http://www.dailysnow.com:9673/dailysnow/archives/031905_5">longest escalator</a> in Switzerland, saw the <a href="http://www.stmoritz.ch/sightseeing-002-010502-en.php?id=116&action=detail#detail">leaning church tower</a> and ate some pretty nice food before heading back across the lake for a well deserved nap. As we were walking back a helicopter was ferrying stuff to the centre of the lake which was pretty interesting.<br /><br />After a nap we headed to a restaurant close by for a quick dinner and the waitress asked us if we were heading out to see the fireworks (that's what the helicopter was ferrying out to the lake!). So we headed out for a pretty cool fireworks display (naturally it did not compare with NYE in Sydney) and then headed back to the hotel.<br /><br />Today had to get back to Zurich for our flight back to London. The Swiss landscape constantly amazes and it was a pretty nice trip from St. Moritz (as you can see from the pictures).<br /><br />So the final verdict? If you have not been to Switzerland before it is a must see destination!<br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040475.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040475.jpg'></a><br /><i>St. Moritz Village</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02185.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02185.jpg'></a><br /><i>St. Moritz Village</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040482.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040482.jpg'></a><br /><i>Jules and Peter on the Lake</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02197.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02197.jpg'></a><br /><i>Me on the Lake</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02204.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02204.jpg'></a><br /><i>I think it is over there somewhere?</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02235.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02235.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Leaning Church Tower</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040493.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040493.jpg'></a><br /><i>The Town Hall</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02255.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02255.jpg'></a><br /><i>Apparently THE way to get around the village.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02260.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02260.jpg'></a><br /><i>Street Scenes</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02267.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02267.jpg'></a><br /><i>A Posh Chocolate Shop</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02270.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02270.jpg'></a><br /><i>Street Scenes</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040495.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040495.jpg'></a><br /><i>More of the Lake</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040496.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040496.jpg'></a><br /><i><a href="http://www.badruttspalace.com/home.asp">Badrutt's</a> - The Poshest Hotel in the Village</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02308.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02308.jpg'></a><br /><i>Quick way across the lake.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040501.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040501.jpg'></a><br /><i>The helicopter</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040505.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040505.jpg'></a><br /><i>Kids Having Fun</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02345.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02345.jpg'></a><br /><i>Nap Time!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02388.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02388.jpg'></a><br /><i>Fireworks!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02395.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02395.jpg'></a><br /><i>Views from the Train</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02415.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02415.jpg'></a><br /><i>Views from the Train</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02426.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02426.jpg'></a><br /><i>Views from the Train</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02429.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02429.jpg'></a><br /><i>Postcards to everyone!</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10596322.post-1138551785944009782006-01-01T09:00:00.000+00:002006-10-21T17:37:33.999+01:00Switzerland, Part FiveOur train was not due to leave Disentis until late this afternoon, so we took a bit of a walk around town. It was a beautiful sunny day and the fresh snowfall last night gave us the perfect opportunity to throw snowballs (although Peter did not appreciate that).<br /><br />After exhausting all the options in the village we went back to the hotel where they had a games room with a table tennis table. Now here is a quick question, when I have played <a href="http://www.usatt.org/rules/index.shtml">table tennis</a> in the past (singles) when serving you had to serve diagonally to the opposite quarter on the other side, whereas Peter reckoned you just had to get it across the net. We played by my rules, but it turns out that Peter is right! Who would have thought?<br /><br />Anyway, after beating the pants off both Jules and Peter we walked down to the train station, had a drink and waited for the train. As usual (for Switzerland) the train arrived on time, so we dumped our bags and headed to the dining car for lunch! The food was pretty average, but they really worked hard to make the experience something special, so it was quite nice.<br /><br />By the time we got back to our seats it was dark, so we played cards until we arrived to an absolutely freezing <a href="http://observer.guardian.co.uk/travel/story/0,,1717750,00.html">St. Moritz</a>. We had booked the <a href="http://www.hotelstille.ch/html_E/framesetE.htm">cheapest possible place</a> which also happened to be the furthest from the station, so we got a bus over, quickly changed and then hit the town for New Years Eve (or Sylvester as they called it).<br /><br />We walked back into town across the frozen lake (!!) which was pretty cool, and found a bar called <a href="http://www.bobbys-pub.ch/newside.htm">Bobby's</a> (which, it turns out, is where the children of the wealthy tourists hang out). It cost £10 to get in, which was not too bad, and once there we spent the rest of the night (and plenty of the morning) drinking <a href="http://www.lowenbraubeer.com/">Löwenbräu's</a> with a brief change to champagne for midnight!<br /><br />HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! <br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040393.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040393.jpg'></a><br /><i>A Sunny Disentis Morning!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040419.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040419.jpg'></a><br /><i>A Sunny Disentis Morning!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040432.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040432.jpg'></a><br /><i>A Sunny Disentis Morning!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02080.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02080.jpg'></a><br /><i>A hut on the hill.</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02106.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02106.jpg'></a><br /><i>Got him! Yes!</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02124.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02124.jpg'></a><br /><i>Our Train Carriage</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02130.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02130.jpg'></a><br /><i>Views from the GE</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/DSC02137.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/DSC02137.jpg'></a><br /><i>Views from the GE</i><br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/1024/P1040465.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/282/3391/200/P1040465.jpg'></a><br /><i>Playing Cards</i>Justin Geldofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671572397489981786noreply@blogger.com0