http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/Random thoughts and photos from trips and special timesen-EUMokoFeed10http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/5c/b66d0a8c7ab0c38a0cfc32800584b7_160x200.jpghttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/zante-pics-7137924/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-10-10:/2009/10/10/zante-pics-7137924/Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:15:16 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0323.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0323.jpg" border="0" alt="Tommy &amp; Roby"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0324.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0324.jpg" border="0" alt="Sunrise"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0332.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0332.jpg" border="0" alt="Beer time"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0342.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0342.jpg" border="0" alt="Porto Roma"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0346.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0346.jpg" border="0" alt="Porto Roma"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0347.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0347.jpg" border="0" alt="Plaka"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0352.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0352.jpg" border="0" alt="Plaka"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0365.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0365.jpg" border="0" alt="Zante town"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0366.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0366.jpg" border="0" alt="It"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0367.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0367.jpg" border="0" alt="Zante town"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0374.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0374.jpg" border="0" alt="Our own singer in the rain!!"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0375.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0375.jpg" border="0" alt="After the storm"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0382.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0382.jpg" border="0" alt="Porto Roma"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0393.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0393.jpg" border="0" alt="Sean &amp; Pamela"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0394.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0394.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0403.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0403.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0404.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0404.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0407.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0407.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0414.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0414.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0416.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0416.jpg" border="0" alt="Al &amp; Phil looking forward to lunch"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0419.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0419.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0422.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0422.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0423.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0423.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0424.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0424.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0428.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0428.jpg" border="0" alt="Kampi"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0434.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0434.jpg" border="0" alt="It wasn"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0446.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0446.jpg" border="0" alt="Kalamaki Beach taverna"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0448.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0448.jpg" border="0" alt="Kalamaki beach just before it rained!"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=IMGP0456.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_IMGP0456.jpg" border="0" alt="Al &amp; Phil"></a><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/?action=view&current=Lyn_Carol.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20Sept%20098/th_Lyn_Carol.jpg" border="0" alt="Lyn &amp; I enjoying the wine"></a><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/zante-pics-7137924/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/zante-pics-7137924/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/title-7106524/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-10-05:/2009/10/05/title-7106524/Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:49:59 +0200 <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Another brilliant holiday on our favourite island and much better weather than last Sept. with a storm over the first weekend and the odd shower on our last day <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""> shame we were walking the beach at the time!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Flight out bang on time, bags off very quickly and within 45 minutes of arrival we were checked in, changed and enjoying a cold drink at the Venus.<span>  </span>With Big Al & Lyn arriving the day after it was nice to see a familiar face in Michael (Alan's twin brother) and his wife Wendy.<span>  </span>Still find it spooky that they are so alike. Peace was shattered the following day when Al arrived and it's then plain to see who the noisier brother is!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Taking full advantage of the lovely weather we spent a couple of days lazing around the pool.<span>  </span>Julie delivered our hire car on the third day and we headed off to Porto Roma for coffee followed by a long lazy day at Plaka.<span>  </span>The following day we headed down to Kerri and had lunch at Ag Sostis.<span>  </span>Just love driving around the island and stopping as the mood takes you.<span>  </span>Friday morning was not looking good so we headed off to Zane town for some shopping and then back to Laganas to see my favourite jeweller, Phil was by then several Euros poorer so I just had to buy him a beer down on the beach!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>After the storm the weather took a turn for the better and we spent most of the second week by the pool.<span>  </span>We had arranged with Lyn & Al to spend a night in Alykanas so we set off on the Monday morning for a bit of a tour of the island, stopping at the Castello for those great views and then up and around the mountains arriving in Kampi just in time for lunch and those really stunning views.<span>  </span>From there we drove to Alykanas and checked in to our hotel.<span>  </span>Now this was a bargain price and sadly the rooms were nothing short of well awful<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/10rolleyessmile.gif" alt=""><span> </span>We headed off to Bonkers Bar and over a beer decided the hotel was not for us and headed back to the Venus which caused some amusement.<span>  </span>Shame really as it would have been good to see the resort at night.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>We had some really good evenings at Buon Amici, Dias, Paolos and Zeppos with drinks/lunch at Cronulla, Iguana, Venus, Stanis and Crystal Beach.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The food in all of these places was as usual excellent and the welcome received just fantastic.<span>   </span>We have some great memories but one I shall not forget is on the night of the storm leaving Dias and making an undignified exit<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""><span> </span>My flip flops aquaplaned on the top step and I landed at the bottom in a heap muttering something very unladylike!!<span>  </span>Fortunately no damage done apart from a wet bottom and a couple of bruises which did not deter me from a nightcap back at the hotel!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Venus remains our favourite place and it was good to see so many returning guests. Nick and the team maintain their very strong customer service and it truly is our home from home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Kalamaki still works for us and much has been said about how quiet it is this season.<span>  </span>We found that the popular restaurants and bars were busy in the first week and a little quieter in the second.<span>  </span>It is sad to see some empty buildings especially down on the old Kalamaki road which did seem to be regenerating over the last couple of years. Hopefully once this recession is behind us we will see the resort back to the thriving place we all know and love.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>So here we are back home after a wonderful holiday and now on countdown to next year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Photos to follow - trouble uploading at the moment..............</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/title-7106524/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/title-7106524/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/weekend-in-france-6911141/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-09-07:/2009/09/07/weekend-in-france-6911141/Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:05:28 +0200 <p>As Ray & Viv's visit is approaching the end we took the opportunity to pop over to Caen for a weekend.  With Den picking us up bright and early on Friday morning we caught the 8am ferry, bit choppy but not too bad.  Arriving in France we headed straight down to Carrefour to stock up on essentials, although few this time as space was limited<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/08wink.gif" alt="">, well with 5 adults and their luggage it was a trifle challenging!!</p> <p>We were soon in the hotel, unpacked and in the bar opposite for a drink in the sunshine whilst making plans for our short stay. Early eveming it was a Kir or two  followed by dinner in L'Embroche which was just lovely.  We were so pleased Viv & Ray liked the food there as much as we do.  Having started our day at 5am we were all feeling tired so no late night revelling for this bunch of oldies!!</p> <p>Saturday we were up and out on the bus to the <a href="http://www.memorial-caen.fr/fr/circuit_tour/index.php?lang=EN">Caen Memorial</a>   We have been a couple of times before but this was a first visit for Ray & Viv.  We spent the morning there, so much to see and so much to take in that hours just disappeared.  We left Ray, Viv & Den there exploring further and headed back into town.  I can't do <a href="http://www.tourisme.caen.fr/anglais/decouvrir/sites/index.htm">Caen</a> and all its lovely buildings without finding time for some retail therapy<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/10rolleyessmile.gif" alt="">  So it was lunch in the sunshine followed by  a couple of hours shopping before meeting up with the others for, you've guessed it, an afternoon tipple<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""></p> <p>Sunday morning and it was time to pack up the car and plan our day.   After breakfast we walked the quiet streets of the City centre up to the <a href="http://web.france.com/image/labbaye_aux_hommes_caen">Abbey des hommes</a>.   After a few photos we made out way back doen to Port de Plaisance for a taste of the sunday morning market which was extremely busy.  It was then time for us to move on and it was back to the car and out to the beach.  For Ray this was one of the reasons for visiting Caen as it was my mother's favourite place and Sword beach in particular was special for us all.  He had not had the opportunity of spending some time here so it was good the sun was shining and we were all able to remember Mum in ths way.  From the beach we walked up to Bella Riva for a reviving drink and yet more chat.   With an eye on the time it was back to the car and on our way to <a href="http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/pegasus_bridge.htm">Pegasus Bridge</a> and <a href="http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/airborne_museum_pegasus_bridge.htm">museum</a>  We spent a long time in the museum,  so much to see and take in.  A walk across the new bridge to the Cafe Gondre completed our visit as we realised we had a very short time to reach the ferry for our return crossing..........</p> <p>As we left the sunshine of Caen with a last glimpse of the beaches we all wondered where the weekend had gone, it was good to spend time with each other and we didn't waste a minute with all the walking making sure the food and wine didn't do too much damage!  The crossing home was flat calm and hot enough for us to sit out on deck in the sunshine until the sun went down as we approached the Isle of Wight. </p> <p>With their holiday approaching an end it will be back to the Queensland and warmer weather, we shall miss them and will be counting down until our next trip to Oz.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0168.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0168.jpg" border="0" alt="We won the onboard quiz"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0173.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0173.jpg" border="0" alt="Blustery arrival in Ouisterham"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0179.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0179.jpg" border="0" alt="Yes Viv it"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0181.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0181.jpg" border="0" alt="Chill out Phil"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0188.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0188.jpg" border="0" alt="Happy family"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0192.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0192.jpg" border="0" alt="Our favourite restraunt in Caen"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0215.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0215.jpg" border="0" alt="Caen"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0216.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0216.jpg" border="0" alt="Caen"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0221.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0221.jpg" border="0" alt="Bella Riva"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0231.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0231.jpg" border="0" alt="Mum"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0240.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0240.jpg" border="0" alt="Me &amp; my "></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0245.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0245.jpg" border="0" alt="Cafe Gondree"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0246.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0246.jpg" border="0" alt="Cafe Gondree"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0252.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0252.jpg" border="0" alt="Cafe Gondree"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0257.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0257.jpg" border="0" alt="Horsa Glider"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0264.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0264.jpg" border="0" alt="Pegasus Bridge"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0268.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0268.jpg" border="0" alt="Mum"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0296.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/France%20Aug%2009/th_IMGP0296.jpg" border="0" alt="Sunset near the Isle of Wight"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/weekend-in-france-6911141/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/weekend-in-france-6911141/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/summer-fun-despite-the-weather-6910813/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-09-07:/2009/09/07/summer-fun-despite-the-weather-6910813/Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:14:02 +0200 <p>With Ray & Viv home for the summer it was a really good excuse for some family and friends get togethers<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">    Over the last few weeks there have been barbecues, dinner out, drinks, you name it we found an excuse to spend time with family and friends. Even a rather wet and blustery beer festival didn't dampen out spirits.</p> <p>On bank holiday Monday we all gathered at Hils where despite torrential rain for days the sky cleared and summer appeared!  It was so nice sitting in the sun and catching up with friends and family we had not seen for a while. </p> <p>I am used to Ray & Viv living so far away but now they have been back for a couple of months I  realise how much we miss them being near us.  It's just as well we love Queensland and can plan our next visit<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""></p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0134.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0134.jpg" border="0" alt="Barbie chef"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0135.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0135.jpg" border="0" alt="Relaxing in the sun"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0140.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0140.jpg" border="0" alt="Julia and Mikey"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0144.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0144.jpg" border="0" alt="Viv and Hils"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0150-1.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0150-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Perfect sunshine"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0153.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0153.jpg" border="0" alt="Ray and Chaz - friends since childhood - just a bit older now lol"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/?action=view&current=IMGP0154.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%20bank/th_IMGP0154.jpg" border="0" alt="Nick, Dianne, Sarah and Jonathan"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/summer-fun-despite-the-weather-6910813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/summer-fun-despite-the-weather-6910813/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/08/02/why-does-it-always-rain-6636194/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-08-02:/2009/08/02/why-does-it-always-rain-6636194/Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:35:50 +0200 <p>My brother and his wife arrived a couple of weeks ago for an extended holiday so a great excuse for a bit of a get together.  We decided on a Saturday evening barbie and set about organising it and all was going well until the day itself which was just continual rain and no hope of sitting outside.  Minor panic attack over it was on to plan b!  With a dining room table for 6 and 15 guests we decided to use the wallpapering table and borrow chairs, must admit once a tablecloth was popped on it looked ok.  Huge sigh of relief from me and then in the middle of the hoovering the wires snapped and no amount of screws loosened would release the cable so that was the end of the housework!  The barbie had to be moved into the carport but not a problem once we have shifted the cars around.  Just as the food was ready the rain finally stopped........... The hungry hordes filled their plates and soon found somewhere to sit.  Phil did a great job on the meat and Kathy provided yummy puds.  When it came to puds the men seemed to gravitate to the carport sampling both options plus the cheese .   Lots of chat, a few dinks and much laughter all in all a great evening.  Amongst all the adults was my soon to be 6 years old niece and what a beauty she is.  Nice to see a little girl enjoying her food and a cup of tea<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">  I now have a selection of drawings on my fridge and she very nearly beat me at connect 4........</p> <p>Sunday morning the sun was shining so we at last hard a barbie outside and the bacon and eggs Phil whipped up tasted lovely. Ray & Viv had not been to Gunwharf  Quays so we all headed off there for a little retail therapy and fresh air.  This time it was the boys parting with their cash.</p> <p>All to soon had to face the clearing up but with the hoover out of action not a chore I could complete so now its time to relax and chill a little before work tomorrow.</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0064.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0065.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0067.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0068.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0068.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0069.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0070.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0071.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0073.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0074.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0076.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0077.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0079.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0079.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0083.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0088.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0093.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/August%2009/th_IMGP0093.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/08/02/why-does-it-always-rain-6636194/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/08/02/why-does-it-always-rain-6636194/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/27/marwell-july-6600528/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-07-27:/2009/07/27/marwell-july-6600528/Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:20:23 +0200 <p>Well it wasn't raining when we left home which was an improvement on an earlier attempt to visit Marwell with Pat & Tony. That day we ended up enjoying a very nice lunch at the golf club instead! So it was with grey skies and armed with our cameras we set off arriving just after the park opened. A leisurely walk starting at the penguins up to the Cheetah, Giraffe and on to Cafe Graze for a reviving cup of coffee on the terrace looking out across the valley field. All very peaceful but the animals had deciced to wander off! We did manage to capture a few pics of the zebra. We wandered down to the tigers but they had decided to stay indoors so we weren't able to capture good pics through the glass as several grubby fingers had been there before us! Then on down to the meerkats who were having fun fighting with each other. A quick look at Marwell Hall pointing out where my office is and then a walk through to gardens to the tropical house. The gibbons were next on the list but they were huddled together and no takin photo calls. Lunch was next on the agenda and we did manage to eat at encounter village but it was a race again a shower to finish our food and coffee. After chatting to the wallaby and cookaburrows we thought it would be good to see the tamarins but they too were having a nap. Making our way back down past the Rhinos, we popped in to see the pygmy hippos and then on to the gift shop. Well you have to do a little retail therapy! At this point the rain came down so it was time to leave.</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0001.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0002.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0004.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0005.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0006.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0007.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0017.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0046.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0046.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0047.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0049.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0057.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0059.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0076.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0095.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0095.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0097.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0097.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0098.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0105.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0105.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0111.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0111.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0112.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0118.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Marwell%20July%2009/th_DSC_0118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p>On the way back the car just happened to find its way into the Otter car park so we found ourselves enjoying a drink listening to Roger on the piano. We had seen him perform at another local pub several times so knew we were in for a really good laugh. A fun day out despite the typical english weather and a bit of a busmans holiday for me:DD</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/27/marwell-july-6600528/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>marwellwildlifehttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/27/marwell-july-6600528/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/a-homecoming-a-get-together-and-a-birthday-treat-6546582/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-07-19:/2009/07/19/a-homecoming-a-get-together-and-a-birthday-treat-6546582/Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:02:44 +0200 <p>On Tuesday 14 July I waited at Heathrow like an excited child waiting for my brother and sister in law to exit arrivals.  They are here for a two month holiday which is just brilliant<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""></p> <p>Having settled in and recovered from the long flight it was time to get out on Friday evening  to meet some other friends who are over from Queensland also.  We met up in the Otter for an evening full of chat and a few drinks.  Suddenly it was last orders and time to wend out way home.</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=BellCourtyard.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Bellcourtyard2.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=CP.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=CarolPhilAl.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Carol.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0051.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_IMGP0051.jpg" border="0" alt="Viv &amp; Hils"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0053.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_IMGP0053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0056.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0058.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=IMGP0059.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=LynAlPhil.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=PhilAl.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=PhilRayBrianJohn.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_PhilRayBrianJohn.jpg" border="0" alt="Phil, Ray, John &amp; Brian"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Phil.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=VivHils.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_VivHils.jpg" border="0" alt="Viv &amp; Hils"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=VivMarjorieHils.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_VivMarjorieHils.jpg" border="0" alt="Marjorie, Viv and Hils"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=ray.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_ray.jpg" border="0" alt="Ray"></a> <br>Early Saturday morning we were up and on the road to Stilton to meet up with Lyn & Al.  We arrived at the <a href="http://www.stiltoncheesepublichouse.co.uk/index.cfm?pageID=2">Cheese</a> just ahead of Lyn & Al.  Taking advantage of the lovely weather we opted for lunch on the deck and a lzy afternoon soaking up the sun.   In the evening we headed off to the<a href="http://www.thebellstilton.co.uk/"> Bell </a>for a pre dinner drink in the courtyard.  Suitably refreshed it was back to the cheese for dinner. Lyn & Al had arranged for a bottle of bubbly to be waiting at our table which was most welcome!  The menu is just so tempting its difficult to make a choice but in the end we managed it.  Goats cheese for me baked and dressed with balsamic & salad, very yummy followed by fillets of sea bream with a hint of piri which was just amazing.  Phil opted for scallops and not a word from him until the dish was empty......... he opted for Marlin steak cooked to perfection as his main.  Lyn went for the brie followed by lobster beautifully presented and which soon disappeared leaving her with a smile on her face all evening<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">  Al had his favourite mushrooms a la creme specially created for him by Carlos and a rump steak the size of which made our eyes pop!  He made a good attemp but half went home with him for a sandwich on Sunday!!    Dessert though tempting was just a step too far so we retired to the bar for coffee and drinks.  All to soon it was time to waddle off to bed.   However, as it was past midnight and I was born at 3 minutes past I just had to open my cards and pressies<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/08wink.gif" alt=""> </p> <p>Somehow we managed to do justice to the wonderful breakfast Carlos serves up, bacon and sausages so tasty and perfect poached eggs.  Al & Lyn popped in for coffee but all too soon it was time for hugs as we headed off back down the A1 and home.</p> <p>A perfect weekend and definitely no more food needed but we will curl up with a bottle of birthday wine later on<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/08wink.gif" alt=""></p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Carol.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_Carol.jpg" border="0" alt="Birthday girl"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=BellCourtyard.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_BellCourtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="The Bell"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Bellcourtyard2.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_Bellcourtyard2.jpg" border="0" alt="The Bell courtyard"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=CarolPhilAl.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_CarolPhilAl.jpg" border="0" alt="Al, me and Phil"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=LynAlPhil.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_LynAlPhil.jpg" border="0" alt="Al, Phil &amp; Lyn"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/?action=view&current=Phil.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/July%2009/th_Phil.jpg" border="0" alt="Phil"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/a-homecoming-a-get-together-and-a-birthday-treat-6546582/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>familythe-stilton-cheeseotterhttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/a-homecoming-a-get-together-and-a-birthday-treat-6546582/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/thassos-june-6357835/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-06-21:/2009/06/21/thassos-june-6357835/Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:04:50 +0200 <p>We have just spent two weeks on this lovely island and could happily have stayed longer<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/05biggrin.gif" alt="">  We left Gatwick very early for our flight to Kavala.  On arrival our luggage was through in no time and we then left it at the airport for Thomson to send by truck (lol not just mine but the whole flight!).  We then had a short bus ride to the port and then time for a refreshing drink quayside before our transfer to Thassos.  After 45 minutes thoroughly enjoying the scenery we arrived in Thassos town and then on to our hotel, the <a href="http://www.socratesplazahotel.com/">Socrates Plaza</a> in Skala Prinou.   We checked in and were delighted to find our room looked out across the pool to the sea.  Our luggage turned up a little later but it gave us a chance to sit and admire the view with cold drink in hand.  Lyn & Al were with us the first week and Jeanette & Nigel were staying just up the beach.</p> <p>The hotel is just lovely, nice rooms, pool and the beach down a few steps.  Family run, as so many are in Greece, and spotless and really nice staff.</p> <p>We spent a couple of days just soaking up the sun and enjoying our evenings trying the tavernas a short walk away.  Our favourites were Larous, Zorbas and Bryan's with pre dinner drinks a must at Elysee as the sunset came in - quite spectacular.  Jeanette & Nigel celebrated their 20th anniversary on the Wednesday so we all went out for a lovely meal after some bubbly at our hotel.</p> <p>We hired a car with Lyn & Al for a couple of days and toured the island stopping at some beautiful places with cameras clicking and sighs of this is the Greece we fell in love with 20 years ago.  No large resorts, neon, wall to wall tv's etc. Lovely tavernas on the beach, simple and stunning.</p> <p>All too soon we were waving Lyn & Al off as we settled into our second week.  We spent many a lazy day on the beach as well as hiring a car for another couple of days.  Before we knew it it was Sunday morning and time for us to pack and go and with final farewell to the lovely view from our room it was off for the bus to the ferry and all too soon we were home wishing we were still in Thassos!</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=022.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=023.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=024-1.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_024-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=026.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=038.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a 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href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0208.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0224.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0224.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0233.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0233.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0239.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0239.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0240.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0240.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0242.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thassos%20June%2009/th_DSC_0242.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/thassos-june-6357835/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>thassoshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/thassos-june-6357835/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/a-quick-trip-to-cornwall-6175913/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-05-25:/2009/05/25/a-quick-trip-to-cornwall-6175913/Mon, 25 May 2009 19:33:12 +0200 <p>Another bank holiday weekend and we just had to get away! So at stupid o'clock on Saturday morning we headed off west, great run in record time until we got to Jamaica Inn and the traffic ground to a halt. Nipped off for a coffee and still the jam was there so it took another hour to our exit to Sue & Reg's. Dropped off the saddle, (long story!), and had a reviving coffee with Sue. Made arrangements to meet later and then headed off to Truro. Lunch outside a bar in the sun was a bonus and then we headed off for retail therapy to make sure Phil is looking his best in Thassos.</p> <p>Eventually we arrived at the Carglaze Travel Inn and were delighted to find we had been allocated a room with a view.</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=Roomwithaview.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_Roomwithaview.jpg" border="0" alt="Room with a view"></a> <br>We met up with Sue & Reg in the evening starting with drinks in the sunshine and a great meal in the restaurant next door to us, lots of chat and catching up as we last saw them at Christmas.</p> <p>Sunday morning soon came around and yes 'sunny Jim '  was alive and well in Cornwall!  Fresh air and exercise was the order of the day so the Lost Gardens of Heligan was our destination. We often drop in there for coffee but it was several years since we walked the gardens, at Christmas it was just so cold. The sun was still shining as we took the path down to the Jungle and Lost Valley, superb and some good photo opportunities. Around mid day we trudged uphill all the way to the productive gardens and Victorian pleasure ground by which time we were in need of a breather. After a bottle of water it was off to explore the rest of the garden. We were delighted at how the whole of Heligan has evolved over the years and although busy we never felt overwhelmed with other people on our heels.</p> <p>After several hours we were just about done not to mention extremely hot, could this really be the Uk?  Mevagissey had a pirates weekend on raising funds for RNLI so we drove the short distance and parked up just outside. After a pasty on the quay we had a wander round finishing with a cold drink in the Sharksfin, a perfect spot for some people watching.</p> <p>Sunday evening was lovely, a short walk across to the pub, drinks on the terrace drinking in the view of St Austell Bay followed by a very nice meal. All the fresh air caught up with us and it was an early night. Monday morning was a little cloudy as we packed up the car and headed to Padstow to stock up on pasties. Enjoyed a pleasant walk around and then all too soon it was time to head home. All the way back we kept saying just one more day would have been good...........</p> <p> As usual some pics</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0069.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0069.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0071.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0071.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0073.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0073.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0086.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0086.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0088.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0088.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0097.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0097.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0107.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0107.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0109.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0109.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0114.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0114.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0116.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0116.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0120.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0120.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0125.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0125.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0126.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0126.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0137.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0137.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0145.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/th_DSC_0145.jpg" border="0" alt="Heligan"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20May%2009/?action=view&current=Roomwithaview.jpg"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/a-quick-trip-to-cornwall-6175913/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lost-gardens-of-heligancornwallhttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/a-quick-trip-to-cornwall-6175913/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/may-09-and-heading-north-6058566/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/may-09-and-heading-north-6058566/Mon, 04 May 2009 19:42:23 +0200 <p>With the prospect of a nice long weekend we headed north to meet Al & Lyn at the Trafford centre for a little retail therapy.  Much to our dismay the lovely shoe shop was no more, a sigh of relief from Phil & Al but not for long as we soon found bargains in another<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">  After a quick look round and a purchase or two it was time for a reviving drink.   We then headed off to the Village Inn in Bury and checked in. </p> <p>Our dear friends Joanne & Steve have had their world turned upside down with the sudden loss of their beautiful son Daniel and we so wanted to see them both and give them a big hug so made our way to Stockport to see them.  We spent some time sitting in the garden and having a chat.  Words are so inadequate.................</p> <p>We spent a very nice evening in the Waterfold enjoying some good food before the early start to the day caught up with us all and we headed off for an early night.</p> <p>Sunday morning after a very good breakfast we headed off to Windemere arriving in time for a much needed coffee sitting on the deck of a bar taking in the views.  After wandering around for a couple of hours it was back into the car and off to Ambleside for lunch.  We were sitting in a garden overlooking the lake with a beer when a quick shower hit us driving us inside for lunch.  The setting of the<a href="http://www.wateredgeinn.co.uk/location.htm"> Wateredge Inn</a> is amazing and we all felt it was somewhere on the list for a weekend break.  After lunch we moved on again to Coniston Water skirting the edge of the lake through some wonderful scenery and finally pulling off the road for ice creams in the most picturesque and quiet spot.  All too soon it was back to the motor way and back to Bury,</p> <p>After a reviving shower we walked across to the <a href="http://www.waterfoldfarmpub.co.uk/foodanddrink.htm">Waterfold</a> to meet some friends for a very nice meal and some good old chit chat.  All the fresh air, not to mention the odd glass of wine eventually caught up and it was time for bed.  Our sleep was rudely interrupted when the fire alarm went off around 3.30am as a result of some late night revellers!  Lyn & Al had not been so fortunate as us with at least some sleep as they had been bombarded with those same revellers banging doors, running up the corridors...........  Needless to say a complaint was lodged and followed up in the morning.  The hotel apologised and arranged a refund of the nights accommodation charges but that didn't give them their nights sleep back!</p> <p>It was bleary eyed that we all emerged for a final breakfast and before we knew it saying goobye again!  Lyn & Al were Ipswich bound for speedway and we just had to stop off again at the Trafford Centre for a couple of hours<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/08wink.gif" alt="">  Our trip back was quick and all too soon it was a unpacking and loading the washing machine!</p> <p>Took a few pics</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=275.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_275.jpg" border="0" alt="Windemere"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=276.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_276.jpg" border="0" alt="Lyn & Al"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=277.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_277.jpg" border="0" alt="Phil"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=279.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_279.jpg" border="0" alt="Windemere"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=293.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_293.jpg" border="0" alt="Windemere"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=300.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_300.jpg" border="0" alt="Windemere"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=304.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_304.jpg" border="0" alt="Arriving at Ambleside"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=307.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_307.jpg" border="0" alt="Ambleside"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=314.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_314.jpg" border="0" alt="Wateredge Inn"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=315.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_315.jpg" border="0" alt="Wateredge Inn"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=316.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_316.jpg" border="0" alt="C,Coniston Water"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=317.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_317.jpg" border="0" alt="Coniston Water"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=326.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_326.jpg" border="0" alt="Coniston Water"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/?action=view&current=328.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/May09/th_328.jpg" border="0" alt="Coniston Water"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/may-09-and-heading-north-6058566/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>windemereconiston-waterhttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/may-09-and-heading-north-6058566/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/04/13/northumberland-and-cumbria-5939434/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-04-13:/2009/04/13/northumberland-and-cumbria-5939434/Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:16:49 +0200 <p>Our long awaited Easter break got off to an early start with us heading up to Stilton where we abandoned our car to the luxury of Al driving the rest of the journey arriving in Durham in time for lunch at a riverside pub.  It was a little drizzly in Durham but this didn't stop us looking around the Cathedral and grounds.  With our legs well stretched we then headed off to our destination of <a href="http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefalconsnestgosforthpark/">Gosforth Park,</a> Newcastle.  A great vintage inn, comfortable rooms and a lovely pub to keep us fed and watered over the weekend.  We spent the first of our three evenings in the pub where the food was varied, reasonably priced and above all the staff very friendly.</p> <p>Saturday morning was bright and sunny  much to our delight so we headed off to <a href="http://www.bamburghcastle.com/">Bamburgh </a>and a walk through the village, along to the castle and down on to the beach.  With blue skies and a brisk walk we were all feeling revived and raring to go to our next port of call <a href="http://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/">Lindisfarne</a>.  On arriving at the car park we discovered the tide was due back in an hour or so later so it was a quick tour before heading back across the causeway.  By this time lunch was calling so it was off to <a href="http://communities.northumberland.gov.uk/Seahouses.htm">Seahouses</a> where Alan knew just the place to go, a quaint little pub, all small rooms and very busy but we found a table and were soon relaxing over a drink and a sandwich.  A stroll around the harbour followed by which time the day had all but disappeared and it was time to head back towards Newcastle.   We did a tour of the quay area and then drove over the bridge into Gateshead before headind back to our hotel.  Once again we had a splendid evening in the Falcons Nest pub after which we were all very sleepy and ready for bed.</p> <p>Sunday morning was again all sunshine and blue skies and we were up and out early to drive over to the lake district across the <a href="http://www.northpennines.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=144">North Pennines</a>, stunning scenery with Lyn & I both taking photos at a cracking pace!  We arrived in <a href="http://www.keswick.org/">Keswick</a> mid morning, parked and then took to our feet for some stunning scenery as we walked around Derwent Water.  Cameras were again clicking away in attempt to capture the beauty.  After a stop for coffee and a few text messages we went off to meet Jeanette & Nigel in Keswick for lunch.  We found a pub garden where we sat soaking up the sun which by now was very hot and just lovely.  After lunch we headed off to the <a href="http://www.visitcumbria.com/cm/honisterpass.htm">Honister Pass</a> for yet more breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities.  We arrived back at the hotel to catch up with Jeanette & Nigel who had checked in and were waiting for us in the pub garden.  We spent our last evening over a lovely meal and a few drinks when all too soon it was once again time for bed.</p> <p>As we packed up to leave the fog was beginning to lift and after a final breakfast it was time for us all to say bye for now as we headed back South.  The drive back to Stilton was swift and after lunch Phil and I began the final leg of our journey arriving home late afternoon to glorious sunshine. </p> <p>I took some 160 photos and here are a selection</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0006.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0012.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0020.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0023.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0025.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0028.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0029.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0038.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0047.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0054.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0057.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0061.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0062.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0063.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0066.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0072.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0075.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0078.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0079.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0079.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0083.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0085.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0099.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0099.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0103.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0106.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0117.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0120.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0121.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0122.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0122.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0123.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0124.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0125.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0127.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0127.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0129.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0129.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0137.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0137.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0148.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0148.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0151.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0152.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0152.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0157.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_DSC_0157.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=PICT2074.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_PICT2074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=PICT2077.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_PICT2077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=PICT2078.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_PICT2078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/?action=view&current=PICT2079.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Easter%2009/th_PICT2079.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/04/13/northumberland-and-cumbria-5939434/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>derwentconister-passseahousesdurhamlindisfarnenewcastlebamburghhttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/04/13/northumberland-and-cumbria-5939434/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/marwell-spring-5777789/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-03-17:/2009/03/17/marwell-spring-5777789/Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:28:10 +0100 <p>It's been six weeks since I started my new job at Marwell and at last the sun is shining!  The job has more than met my expectations and I am blessed with some really great people to work with<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/05biggrin.gif" alt=""></p> <p>One of the benefits of such a superb location is that walking at lunch time is a pleasure albeit a cold one until this week!  Today I remembered to take in my camera and took a couple of photos,  I only scratched the surface of all there is to see but over the coming weeks I aim to take more!</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0026.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0030.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0035.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0047.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0051.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/?action=view&current=DSC_0055.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/marwell%20march%2009/th_DSC_0055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/marwell-spring-5777789/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wildlifehttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/marwell-spring-5777789/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/edinburgh-part-5671818/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-03-01:/2009/03/01/edinburgh-part-5671818/Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:31:01 +0100 <p>We both enjoyed our trip to Edinburgh in December 08 so much we decided to go again yesterday.  Once again the cheap flights on Ryanair made it a bargain<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/05biggrin.gif" alt="">  We were up bright and early although I was less than bright as a streaming cold had crept up on me during the night!  Our flight out was bang on time and by 10am we were on our way into the town centre.  Scotland were playing Italy at Murrayfield, which answered the question why were there so many people in kilts and blue wigs!</p> <p>Determined not to miss the sights we didn't get to last time we headed off down the Royal Mile to Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament building.  Not so many people around and the mild weather made for a very pleasant walk.  Lunch was calling as we walked back up the Royal Mile and found somewhere to eat.  After lunch it was across the bridge to Princes Street and an afternoon of window shopping, could have spent loads of money but for once kept my credit card firmly in my bag, think maybe I was a feeling a little off colour with the cold!!</p> <p>All too soon it was back on the bus to the airport and a bit of a traffic jam around Murrayfield.  Back at the airport I did hit world duty free for some essential make up<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""> and treated Phil to some of his favourite whisky.  Time for a drink and a sandwich and then back on the plane which again was boarded and ready to go on time.  We arrived home, tired but happy so it was a coffee and for me some paracetamol and off to bed.</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=014.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=020.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=025.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=028.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=029.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=030.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=035.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=038.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=040.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/?action=view&current=043.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Feb%2009/th_043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/edinburgh-part-5671818/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>edinburghhttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/edinburgh-part-5671818/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/time-to-move-on-5473720/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-01-30:/2009/01/30/time-to-move-on-5473720/Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:00:26 +0100 <p>After taking a decision to move on to a new job in 2009 I am very excited to be starting at Marwell  in February.   After eight years in my present job it will be strange to be the newbie! </p> <p>Lisa very kindly organised a leaving dinner for me at the South Garden in Romsey and its turns out I wasn't a 'Billy no mates' as there were 15 of us all indulging in far too many calories<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt=""></p> <p>Here a few pics</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thank%20you/?action=view&current=ByeByeRoke.flv"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Thank%20you/th_ByeByeRoke.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/time-to-move-on-5473720/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/time-to-move-on-5473720/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/18/christmas-new-year-5398442/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2009-01-18:/2009/01/18/christmas-new-year-5398442/Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:57:07 +0100 <p>What a difference a year makes<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/05biggrin.gif" alt=""> Last year we were enjoying a sunny break in Queensland and this year its back to the normality of the UK.</p> <p>Christmas day was spent at home with Frank and our friends Pat & Tony all very bravely opting for my Christmas lunch!  It turned out very well and we all enjoyed it washed down with a drink or two.  The sun came out and there were blue skies if not warmth.<br>Boxing day was spent packing up for our short trip to Cornwall. </p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0017.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0016.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0012.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0012.jpg" border="0" alt="Our garden on xmas day"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0010.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0010.jpg" border="0" alt="Sunshine on xmas day"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0005.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0001.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p>We arrived in Cornwall to yet more blue skies but it was so cold. Our room at the Carglaze travel inn was very cosy though and the pub next door was inviting,  We spent the evening with my cousin catching up on family gossip.</p> <p>The next morning we drove the short distance to <a title="Eden" href="http://www.lookaroundcornwall.com/tours/eden-project-tour.htm">Eden </a>and spent several hours there wandering around the biomes and also ventuirng outside to look at the ever changing gardens and were so surprised to see the daffodils in bloom. </p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0017.jpg"></a><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0151.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0151.jpg" border="0" alt="In the Med Biome"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0154.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0154.jpg" border="0" alt="Signs of spring"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0121.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0121.jpg" border="0" alt="Cork sculptures"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0080.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0080.jpg" border="0" alt="In the Med biome"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0069.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0069.jpg" border="0" alt="In the Rainforest Biome"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0032.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0032.jpg" border="0" alt="Xmas Decoration Eden style"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0016.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0012.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0010.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0005.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0001.jpg"></a></p> <p> The following day we spent shopping in Truro with Phil blowing his birthday money on a rather nice new watch which somehow was twice the amount he had so guess who stumped up the remainder!  Our last full day in Cornwall was another bright sunny day so we headed off to St Ives via the out of town Next on the way, well a girl has to check out their sale.  St Ives was full and it took some tenacity to find a parking space but we managed it in the end.  Lunch overlooking the sea was a delight and later in the day the wind came in driving us out .  We decided to take the scenic route back to Padstow and both remarked how beautiful the coast line is even on a winters day. </p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0164.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0164.jpg" border="0" alt="Padstow"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=DSC_0167-Copy.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_DSC_0167-Copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Padstow"></a></p> <p> We had a final meal in the pub and began the task of packing once more,  After a pit stop in Padstow to stock up on pasties it was time to head home.  Driving into Devon the hoar frost made for a narnia like scene all the way back to Wiltshire.  We arrived home late afternoon and decided to leave new year revelling to those mad enough to venture out on such a cold night.  We opted for pasty and chips washed down with champagne and very nice it was too,</p> <p>The end of our Christmas break was lovely too as Lyn & Al came down for the night on their way to Poole.  We took them for a walk round Romsey and the Abbey after a nice lunch but it was freezing.    In the evening we headed off to the Bear & Ragged Staff for dinner by the fire.  All to soon it was time to drop them back at the Holiday Inn and say bye for now and see you soon!</p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=RomseyAbbey001.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_RomseyAbbey001.jpg" border="0" alt="Romsey Abbey"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=RomseyAbbey004.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_RomseyAbbey004.jpg" border="0" alt="Beautiful stained glass window"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=RomseyAbbey005.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_RomseyAbbey005.jpg" border="0" alt="Nativity at Romsey Abbey"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=RomseyAbbey006.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_RomseyAbbey006.jpg" border="0" alt="Christmas at Romsey Abbey"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/?action=view&current=RomseyAbbey007.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Xmas08/th_RomseyAbbey007.jpg" border="0" alt="Christmas at Romsey Abbey"></a></p> <p>Back at work on 6 January I was finally able to resign and let people know that I would be moving on to a new job at Marwell Zoological park.  I am so thrilled to be offered the chance to work for this charity and can't wait to get started in February.</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/18/christmas-new-year-5398442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2009/01/18/christmas-new-year-5398442/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/birthday-boy-5253210/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-12-21:/2008/12/21/birthday-boy-5253210/Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:57:35 +0100 <p>It seems like Phil has been celebrating his significant birthday for a month!  First of all was a lovely weekend in Stilton, then the day itself with just the two of us and a champagne dinner and finally last night dinner for friends.  He has been thoroughly spoilt with some great cards and gifts.  We had a lovely evening full of food, wine and chat<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/05biggrin.gif" alt=""></p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08001.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08001.jpg" border="0" alt="All laid up"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08014.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08014.jpg" border="0" alt="Birthday Boy"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08016.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08016.jpg" border="0" alt="Grinners"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08015.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08015.jpg" border="0" alt="Pat &amp; John"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08012.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08012.jpg" border="0" alt="What a lot of cards"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08020.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08020.jpg" border="0" alt="Full up"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08018.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08018.jpg" border="0" alt="Who ate all the food"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/?action=view&current=Philsbirthday08007.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Phil%20bday%2008/th_Philsbirthday08007.jpg" border="0" alt="The Birthday Present"></a></p> <p>Finally thank you all from the OAP - that's Phil of course not me!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/birthday-boy-5253210/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/birthday-boy-5253210/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/edinburgh-in-a-day-5174888/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-12-07:/2008/12/07/edinburgh-in-a-day-5174888/Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:30:52 +0100 <p><span>Set off from Bournemouth at 8am and by 10am we were on our way into the City thanks to the efficiency of Ryanair and a very cheap day return<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/04smile.gif" alt="">  Looking out of the window as flew over the north of england all we could see was snow so we were relieved to land and find a bright sunny day and no hint of snow.</span></p> <p><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0107.jpg"><span><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0107.jpg" alt=""></span></a><span> </span><a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0108.jpg"><span><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0108.jpg" alt=""></span></a></p> <p><span>We started our sightseeing at the Castle and what breathtaking views across the city and beyond.  We then wandered along the Royal Mile stopping here and there just admiring the architecture, spent so much time looking up that I kept bumping into people!  We had so much fun just diving down the little courtyards and discovered so much that it has whetted our appetite for a longer visit and some guided tours.  Feeling a little thirsty we popped into  Deacon Brodies for a drink and what an amazing place.  Deacon Brodie was hanged by the gallows he designed and the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Doctor Jekyll & Mr Hyde was based on this man who led a double life.</span></p> <p><span><span><span>Feeling refreshed we continued our way along the Royal Mile with me diving off now and then into the cashmere shops!  The sound of the bag pipers following us all the way. We decided to go over waverley bridge into Princes Street, big mistake!  It was jammed with Christmas shoppers so we headed to the park and back to the Royal Mile for lunch.  It was after 3pm but everywhere was busy with people seeking food.  So instead of a little pub we decided to blow the budget and popped into the Itcycoo Bar as the Raddison. Spent a very relaxing hour resting our weary feet and decided if we return to Edinburgh this is where we shall stay as its the perfect location for sightseeing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span>As darkness fell we headed back towards Princes Street to look at the Christmas lights, the fairground was ablaze with lights and the shrieks of people on the helter skelter!  All too soon we had to head back to the airport and our flight home.  Within in an hour we were back in Bouremouth where the car was covered in an inch of frost so a chilly end to a perfect day.</span></p> <p>  <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0111.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0111.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0113.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0113.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0117.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0117.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0119.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0119.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0124.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0124.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0132.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0132.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0134.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0134.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0137.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0137.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0148.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0148.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0157.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0157.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0158.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Edinburgh%20Dec%2008/th_DSC_0158.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/edinburgh-in-a-day-5174888/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/edinburgh-in-a-day-5174888/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/11/30/a-wedding-anniversary-and-a-significant-birthday-5138452/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-11-30:/2008/11/30/a-wedding-anniversary-and-a-significant-birthday-5138452/Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:26:20 +0100 <p>was the perfect excuse for meeting up in at the <a href="http://www.stiltoncheesepublichouse.co.uk/">Cheese</a> in Stilton<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">   From North & South we trundled through the fog Sat Navs pointed firmly in the direction of this lovely village!  We all arrived at lunch time and were soon joined by Lyn & Al who had all of 3 minutes driving to do<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/10rolleyessmile.gif" alt="">  Boots were unloaded as we checked quickly into our rooms before heading back to the bar for a welcome drink.  A short walk across the village for some of us to find lunch and yet another drink in the Talbot whilst others made us dizzy walking up and down the street looking for their Geo Cache<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/08wink.gif" alt=""> </p> <p>A quick siesta and it was time to head off for a pre dinner drink at the <a href="http://www.thebellstilton.co.uk/">Bell</a> where a welcoming fire awaited along with a tempting array of drinks!  Just a short cold stroll took us back to the Cheese where dinner awaited and what a dinner!  The fish was fantastic, the steaks huge, the lasagne smelling gorgeous and omg those lamb chops of Jeanette's!  All washed down with the chit chat of people having agood time.</p> <p>Amongst all this conviviality were two special occasions being marked,  Lyn & Al reaching 35 years of wedded bliss and Phil approaching the eve of his OAP status!  Presents exchanged and smiles all round and laughter at Phil's bus pass.  As the evening grew late we headed back to the bar for a nightcap or two gatecrashing the peaceful evening Lyn & Al's friends were enjoying<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/image/smileys/060lol.gif" alt="">  All too soon it was goodnight as we staggered back to our rooms with pledges of never eating again.......</p> <p>Sunday morning arrived all too soon and despite our good intentions there we all were embarking on the mammoth plate that is Carlos' breakfast.  We did it justice along with lashings of tea and coffee.   Al & Lyn arrived for coffee and then it was time to load up the cars once more.  However, we had to make one little trip to <a href="http://www.brownsofstilton.co.uk/">Browns</a> to stock up on a few goodies to take home from cheese to biscuits and cake  we plundered this lovely deli finally emerging with a bag or two to pop in the boot.  It was then time say goodye one and all and see you soon.</p> <p>Our trip back was quick but hardly scenic in the driving rain and there we were just a couple of miles from home stopping for the Sunday papers and the promise of a well earned drink in our local.  I thought no cooking today with a tummy still full from breakfast when the birthday boy proclaimed I am feeling a little peckish!  Well peckish he remains but I expect there will be some foraging the fridge later this evening</p> <p>Becoming an OAP has some advantages then!</p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/PICT2031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></p> <p>  <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2028.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2028.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2029.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2030.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2031.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2032.jpg"></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2033.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2033.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2034.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2034.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2035.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2035.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2037.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2037.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2038.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2038.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2039.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2039.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2040.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2040.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2041.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2041.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2042.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2042.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2043.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2043.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2045.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2045.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/?action=view&current=PICT2046.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Silton%20Nov08/th_PICT2046.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/11/30/a-wedding-anniversary-and-a-significant-birthday-5138452/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/11/30/a-wedding-anniversary-and-a-significant-birthday-5138452/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/zante-sept-08-sunshine-and-showers-4822813/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-10-05:/2008/10/05/zante-sept-08-sunshine-and-showers-4822813/Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:53:25 +0200 <p>After the last minute panic of XL going bust and leaving us flightless for a while we were more than pleased to arrive! Our new flight was from Stansted so opted to stay the night before – fab hotel, just a shame we had to check out at 3am! Easy check in, flight on time and seemed like we were there in no time at all, probably because I slept most of the way.</p> <p>Exited departures and there was Nick waiting to pick us up and as we were loading the cases saw Al & Lyn getting off their flight. Checked in, changed and made for the pool bar which is where Lyn & Al found us a short time later, soon to be joined by Simon & Liz for a nice relaxing afternoon in the sun.</p> <p>The Venus is as nice as ever and we saw several faces we knew from our last Sept trip. This is our home from home and we relaxed from the moment we arrived. Have said this many times but the staff are just so nice and work so hard to make your stay a pleasant one. It was good to see they were as busy in Sept as they were in June even if our favourite sun beds were not always available!</p> <p>Hired a car and spent a lovely hot day on Plaka Beach, and two days just wandering around the island stopping at some favourite places for coffee, lunch or just looking at the views. Also found time to visit my favourite jeweller for a belated birthday present. Also, had a good day out with Al & Lyn stopping in Zante Town before heading out to Tsilivi, Alykanas and Alikes where we met Dave for a drink in what must be the cheapest bar on the island. It was then a dash across to Kampi for a very late lunch. Great pizza cooked to order while you drink in the views which even on a damp day were quite breathtaking. The weather was less predictable this year but we had more good days than bad so lazing around the pool was not hard to do. Even the odd wet day didn’t dampen our spirits when we just went for walks armed with a waterproof and a brolly!</p> <p>As always had some great meals and this time visited Buon Amici (no surprise there as it’s our favourite and always good to catch up with Nick, Liza and Laddi). Al & Lyn joined us one evening for their first ever visit and judging by the smile on Lyn’s face as she dug into the mussels I don’t think it will be nine more visits to the island before they go there again. Once again I could not resist the veal dishes and the salmon carpaccio. Paolos never fails to please us and this trip was no exception with yummy moussaka and bekri meze. Dias has become a favourite too and again great food especially steak Dias which I became quite addicted to. Went to Hera one evening as Phil was keen to try the kleftico which was highly recommended by others and he said it was the best he had tried in the resort. We really enjoyed our evening there and would go again next time round. Also must mention the great food Maria and Chrisoula do at the Venus, such a large menu which kept us dithering over what to have at lunch times. As for bars well we are pretty much creatures of habit preferring Cronulla, Iguana and of course the Venus although we did pop into Oceanic one evening with Joanne & Steve and saw quite a few familiar faces in there. Looking around the Venus one evening it did seem as though it was a JZ get together and as much as we love going to Bury have to admit it’s nicer in the sunshine!! </p> <p>The resort was about as busy as it was in June and the popular bars and restaurants were doing ok. It’s obvious that visitor numbers are declining so let’s all hope that next season it gets better and the local tourism people cast their net at new markets who like to eat out at night.</p> <p>As always some pics which I've put on a short video and a first for me complete with music, just click<img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><br> <a href="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20video/?action=view&current=Zante08.flv"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%20video/th_Zante08.jpg"></a><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/zante-sept-08-sunshine-and-showers-4822813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/zante-sept-08-sunshine-and-showers-4822813/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/six-let-loose-in-bucks-4635168/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-08-25:/2008/08/25/six-let-loose-in-bucks-4635168/Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:21:59 +0200 <p>A bank holiday weekend and a great excuse to get away with friends<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt="">  Lyn worked her magic and came up with a hotel in High Wycombe at a very sensible price - too good to turn down!!  We stayed at the Uplands De Vere in High Wycombe.  Reviews had warned us that this was a recently acquired de vere venue and it was in need of a refurb but really at the price we were willing to take the chance.  It's set in extensive grounds and has a lovely old manor house which houses a bar, reception and conference rooms.  The rooms are a later addition, at a guess around the 70's.  They are a little outdated and ours was in the tower, strange layout with lots of wood and very large windows.  No wardrobe but hanging space in the bathroom<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/10rolleyessmile.gif" border="0" alt=""> and should the blinds be up a very nice view from the toilet!  However, they were comfortable enough.<br> <br>We arrived around the same time as Lyn and Al who had already found a very nice pub for lunch,  we sat outside in the sunshine while Lesley & Andrew were making their way down the M6.  It was so nice we decided to book for the evening.  Back at the hotel we settled into the lounge to take advantage of the complimentary coffee and biscuits.  Lesley & Andrew arrived in time for a quick chat before we all departed to freshen up for the evening.  </p> <p>Suitably smartened up we headed off to the Polecat Inn courtesy of Lyn driving and a seven seater, where Phil decided the seat in the boot was perfect for him, in fact he wouldn't sit anywhere else all weekend! The meal was superb, all of us having something different and no one disappointed.  The portions were large and very enjoyable washed down with a couple of drinks.  Back at the hotel it was a nightcap or two in the bar before sleep was needed. </p> <p>After a very good breakfast watching the rain we decided on a trip to Henley-On-Thames as it was only 8 miles away.  We all piled into Lyn's car again, set the sat nav and a short time later found oursleve in Henley Turville!!  Still it was very pretty with lanes as narrow as those in Cornwall.  Setting the sat nav again we finally ended up in Henley On Thames just as the rain stopped.  We spent a couple of hours wandering the tow path up to the weir and lock gate, cameras clicking merrily as this is such a pretty place. Suitably footsore and in need of alcohol we headed back to town and found a pub with a garden and as it was Weatherspoons very cheap too.  Sat in the sun chatting all the while tucking into shared plates of greek dips and nachos not to mention the onion rings<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt="">  Finally we headed back to the car and a trip into Marlow.  After Henley we were all a little disappointed in Marlow as it wasn't anywhere near as nice. </p> <p>Back at the hotel it was time for coffee in the lounge while we decided what to do in the evening.  Before long we were all heading off to freshen up.  Al had found the address of a local brewers fayre so after a drink in the bar where Ben our very attentive barman had rustled up six comfortable chairs for us in the bay window we set off again, one wrong turn and a circuit of the town later we arrived at our destination.  Another very nice meal and a drink and we were on our way back to the hotel bar so our driver could embibe a couple of well earned Baileys.  We had all joked about the saga party who were staying but all to soon we were needing our beds too. </p> <p>Woke up to a sunny morning and a final breakfast before we all parted for home.  Phil and I stopped off in Windsor for a walk and a coffee and were home by lunch time as it was such a short drive for us. It was a really lovely weekend and in just three weeks or so we'll all be on our favourite island in the sunshine so no jumpers needed then<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/07cool.gif" border="0" alt=""> </p> <p>Here are some pics:</p> <p><strong>Home for the weekend<br></strong><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0084.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0084.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0086.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0086.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0087.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0087.jpg" alt=""></a> </p> <p><strong>The Polecat Inn</strong></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1994.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1994.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1996.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1996.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1997.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1997.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1999.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1999.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1998.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1998.jpg" alt=""></a> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC004971.jpg" alt=""><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_PICT1993.jpg" alt=""></p> <p><strong>So which way is the river?</strong><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0008.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0008.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>A Sunday morninng stroll<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0022.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0022.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Phil wants this little place on the river!<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0046.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0046.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0048.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0048.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0050.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0050.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0061.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0061.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>How many pairs of glasses Lyn<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt=""><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0081.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/th_DSC_0081.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0050.jpg"><br></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0061.jpg"><br></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC_0081.jpg"><br></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/DSC004971.jpg"><br></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Aug%2008/PICT1993.jpg"><br></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/six-let-loose-in-bucks-4635168/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/six-let-loose-in-bucks-4635168/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/21/birthday-treat-4480997/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-07-21:/2008/07/21/birthday-treat-4480997/Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:39:57 +0200 <p>Another birthday, they come around so quickly these days! we spent the weekend with Lyn & Al and I was thoroughly spoilt with bubbly, flowers and great company We arrived just as the pub opened, great timing as always! We had lunch in Stamford and managed to dodge the showers, then went for a bit of walk and some retail therapy followed by a drive round some lovely villages. Then it was back to the Cheese for a shower and change. Early evening drinks at the Bell followed by a great dinner back at the Cheese and yet more drinks. All too soon we were tottering back to our room for some much needed sleep. Up bright and early for breakfast which was so good it kept us going for the rest of the day! Lyn & Al arrived for coffee on the deck and then reluctantly we had to make our way home. Like Cinderella I found myself back in our local pub with the Sunday papers just 3 hours later despite heavy traffic around heathrow and the top of the M3 wondering just where the weekend had gone. All in all it was the perfect relaxing birthday weekend.</p> <p><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/DSC_0001.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/th_DSC_0001.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/DSC_0002.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/th_DSC_0002.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/DSC_0003.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/th_DSC_0003.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/DSC_0004.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/th_DSC_0004.jpg"></a><br> <br><br><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/DSC_0005.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Birthday%2008/th_DSC_0005.jpg"></a><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/21/birthday-treat-4480997/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/21/birthday-treat-4480997/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/return-to-zante-june-4396919/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-07-03:/2008/07/03/return-to-zante-june-4396919/Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:12:40 +0200 <p>After what seemed a very long wait departure day finally arrived! Our flight with XL was bang on schedule and soon we were coming in over the bay with my camera clicking away. Our cases were amongst the last to come off the conveyor and then we were on our way to the Venus. Checked in, pulled on some shorts and flips flops and then straight down to the pool bar for a cold drink. It was a bit like ground hog day with so many people there who we knew from previous visits, in fact in the bar later that night Donna looked around and said I think everyone is here now!! We had an afternoon stroll up to Cronulla and caught with yet more people up there and then it was the supermarket dash for water and wine. Eventually unpacked and got ourselves ready for an evening out. We spent our first evening in Cronulla, Buon Amici and the Venus Bar, great food and drinks and a very late night.</p> <p>On our first day we just relaxed around the pool chatting and soaking up the sun. On day 2 our hire car arrived and we trundled off to Kerri and Ag Sostis. With Manthos gone we tried another taverna for lunch which was fine, generally Ag Sos was very quiet. The following day we went off to Vasilikos and spent the day on Plaka Beach. It was so nice just lazing on a lounger and then cooling off in the sea, perfect! Day 3 and we decided to do a bit of an island tour and set off to Porto Vroma, stunning views and the colour of the sea was amazing. Stopped for lunch in the village of Maries, amazing views from the terrace of the restaurant. We then trundled up to Volimes in search of a tablecloth for our yet to be delivered dining room suite. From there to Alikes stopping on the way to take pics of Kefalonia, a quick stop at Micro Nisi and back down the coast road to Zante town. A long day but a good one. That was the extent of our activity apart from a long walk on the Sunday morning around Kalamaki. The temperature went up to the 40’s so it was sun lounger and the pool for the second week.</p> <p>That’s the potted version of our stay, so where did we eat and who did we see! Lesley arrived the same day as us and we caught up several times over the two weeks and ate together at Buon Amici, Dias and Gastronomy. Gastronomy was a first for us and we went there after a few drinks up in town at the Strada Marina roof top bar. Gastronomy is a great place for a special evening out as it is a little way out of the resort and a little more expensive. That said the food is wonderful and the ambience of the restaurant terrific. </p> <p>We also went to Zeppos which was very reasonable, the haloumi cheese and grilled veggie starter was superb and Phil’s kleftico was he said one of the best he has had in the resort. The service was good and it was nice to meet Deanna (who recognised me from JZ) who is working there this summer. Paolos and Buon Amici never fail to please us and we spent many a happy evening in both places enjoying the company and food. </p> <p>Had many a cooling beer in Iguana late in the afternoon where we saw Ian several times, spent loads of time up at Cronulla Bar where we met Lesley & Andrew for drinks many times and on our last night met Sarah, Colin and Harley. Many a late night was spent in the Venus Bar with the regulars. We went in to Mojitos for a drink but to be honest it wasn’t very busy and there was not much of an atmosphere, maybe its sour grapes as we miss Paris! We also popped in to oceanic and met Geoff briefly and I also caught up with a Lynne who I had been chatting to on line in the lead up to the holiday. She was a first time visitor to Zante and they were really enjoying their visit. As we waited for our flight we finally met Emmzie.</p> <p>The new departure terminal was ok and it was good not to queue outside in the searing heat so definitely an improvement. We liked the new duty free area as its much larger. The lack of seating lets the terminal down but you are only in there for a short time so bearable.</p> <p>Kalamaki was reasonably quiet but the popular places were busy every night. Outside the resort the roads were quite empty which did much for our sanity on those mountain roads so not too many OMG moments.</p> <p>We had a brilliant holiday, had loads of fun, the Venus remains outstanding and our favourite restaurants never fail to please, who could ask for more We are now counting down the days to September </p> <p><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0003.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0003.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0008.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0008.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0009.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0009.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0010.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0010.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0011.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0011.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0012.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0012.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0016.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0016.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0031.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0031.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0032.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0032.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0034.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0034.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0035.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0035.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0037.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0037.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0039.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0039.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0040.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0040.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0041.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0041.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0044.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0044.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0050.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0050.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0051.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0051.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0053.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0053.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0060.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0060.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0062.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0062.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0074.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0074.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0083.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0083.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0090.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0090.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0091.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0091.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0092.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0092.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0094.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0094.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0097.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0097.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0098.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0098.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0101.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0101.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0112.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0112.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0114.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0114.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0124.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0124.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0131.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0131.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0133.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0133.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0139.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0139.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0141.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0141.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0144.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0144.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0150.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0150.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0152.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0152.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0153.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0153.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0157.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0157.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0158.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0158.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0164.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0164.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0165.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0165.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0169.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0169.jpg"></a><br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/DSC_0177.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Zante%2008/th_DSC_0177.jpg"></a><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/return-to-zante-june-4396919/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/return-to-zante-june-4396919/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/title-4144689/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-05-07:/2008/05/07/title-4144689/Wed, 07 May 2008 19:58:23 +0200 <img src="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/CommunityMapImage?id=6811253&type=TRIPADVISOR&size=LARGE"></p> <ol> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g189462-Zakynthos_Ionian_Islands-Vacations.html">Zakynthos, Greece</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g261678-Noosa_Queensland-Vacations.html">Noosa, Australia</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g552103-Manly_New_South_Wales-Vacations.html">Manly, Australia</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g294265-Singapore-Vacations.html">Singapore, Singapore</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g255106-Auckland_North_Island-Vacations.html">Auckland, New Zealand</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g187182-Caen_Basse_Normandie_Normandy-Vacations.html">Caen, France</a></li> </ol> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/members/KazpUk">View my profile</a></li> <li>Create your own <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/MemberProfile-cpt">travel map</a> or <a href="http://www.travelpod.com/">travel blog</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/">Visit TripAdvisor.com</a></li> </ul> <p></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/title-4144689/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/title-4144689/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/bury-get-together-4134778/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-05-05:/2008/05/05/bury-get-together-4134778/Mon, 05 May 2008 17:51:26 +0200 <p>This time last year we made our first trip to Bury and liked it so much we have been since just for the shopping! </p> <p>Our like minded Zante friends had organised another get together so as it was a bank holiday weekend we were able to join them. We drove up early on Saturday morning and met Lyn and Al at the Trafford Centre where Lyn and I indulged ourseleves in the shoe shops<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""> As I said to Phil my new shoes were definitely a case of buy one, get one free! Easy to justify two pairs of shoes if you need to <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt=""> We eventually tore ourselves away from the shops and retreated to a bar where we met up with Joanne who had been doing a little retail therapy herself. Later in the afternoon we checked into the Village Inn and just chilled. In the evening we went out for a meal which was very nice and then we were wilting having been up at 5.30 so an early night was in order.</p> <p>Sunday morning we decided to explore Bury and spent an hour or so sheltering from the rain in the shopping centre. At lunch time we headed back to the hotel to met up with everyone else for a very nice afternoon of food, chat and the odd drink!  By the time everyone had headed for home we had been in the bar for over eight hours so I guess the management will frogive us for moving all the tables and chairs to accommodate our rather large party as their till must have clocked up several pounds<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>It was so nice to see some familiar faces and to meet some new ones. There was a lot of chit chat about our favourite island and when people were going or should I say how many sleeps left to departure day!</p> <p>After a good nights sleep we were up and packed for the trip back but not before a last breakfast with Lyn and Al. The trip home was swift and traffic jam free so we were back in Southampton at lunch time. It was rain most of the way back but the sun was out at home so we have been sitting in the garden, or should I say I have been observing Phil doing some gardening<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/07cool.gif" border="0" alt=""><br>Here are a few pics from a truly relaxing weekend</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1986.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1986.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1985.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1985.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1984.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1984.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1983.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1983.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1982.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1982.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/PICT1980.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Bury%20May%2008/th_PICT1980.jpg" alt=""></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/bury-get-together-4134778/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/bury-get-together-4134778/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/spring-in-caen-4134645/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-05-05:/2008/05/05/spring-in-caen-4134645/Mon, 05 May 2008 17:25:30 +0200 <p>Looking back over my blog it does seem we are creatures of habit and having given it a bit of thought I make no apology for that. We do have our favourite places and as a weekend break out of the UK Caen is hard to beat as its so accessible from where we live so not all weekend is spent travelling giving us time to enjoy the cruise across the water and loads of time in France.</p> <p>So we left Portsmouth on a grey Friday morning half an hour early as their weren't too many people and vehicles to load. Great views of the Victory, Warrior and the Spinnaker tower on the way out. We settled in a cosy corner of the bar and read for much of the way over taking time out for a drink and some lunch. On arrival in Caen we headed off to the supermarket to stock up on wine and goodies for the summer and within in an hour the car was garaged for the weekend and we were sitting outside le Grillon in the sun with a beer - perfect.</p> <p>Friday evening we strolled up the Vageaux quarter and L'embroche for a truly excellent meal followed by the sheer novelty of sitting outside a bar late at night with a coffee and not shivering!</p> <p>Saturday morning we were up bright and early and set off to do a little shopping and sightseeing in Caen city centre. It was a gorgeous hot day so we were more than happy to sit in the sun enjoying lunch with a glass of wine. Unfortunately I underestimated just how hot it was and ended up with a pink nose and a t-shirt tan. In the evening we returned to L'embroche and another great evening.</p> <p>Sunday morning came round all too soon and after a walk round the market buying our fruit and veg for the coming week it was time to get back in the car and head out of town. We stopped at Sword Beach, had coffee and then took a long walk making the most of the sunshine. It is here that we feel close to my Mum who loved this area so much, we spent a few minutes having a 'little chat' with her and remembering the great times we had all spent together. We miss her every day but our little trips to this part of france are our way of remembering her enjoying life to the full and giving us all a laugh a long the way.</p> <p>We opted for lunch in France rather than dinner on the ferry so walked up into Riva Bella and found a great restuarant and sat outside on the terrace people watching and enjoying our meal washed down, of course, with a glass of wine.</p> <p>All too soon it was time to board the ferry back to Portsmouth, no sun set as it was cloudy but a smooth crossing arriving back bang on schedule at 22:30 tired but happy and of course with a few photos</p> <p>By bye Portsmouth<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/DSC_0063.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/th_DSC_0063.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Hello Caen<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/DSC_0108.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/th_DSC_0108.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Our taxi!<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/DSC_0153.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/th_DSC_0153.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Sword beach, what a lovely way to spend an hour just walking along the shore<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/DSC_0130.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/th_DSC_0130.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/spring-in-caen-4134645/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/spring-in-caen-4134645/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/04/13/al-s-surprise-4038570/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-04-13:/2008/04/13/al-s-surprise-4038570/Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:51:17 +0200 <p>With Al's birthday weekend a great excuse to get together we all planned a surprise for him. Everyone managed not to let the cat out of the bag, even Lyn who must have found it so difficult and managed the subterfuge admirably but must now be pleased that the stress has gone out of her life<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>We set off from the South and trundled up to Stilton as the others left the North doing much the same thing! We arrived at lunch time with a pit stop rendezvous in the car park with Lyn to take possession of the birthday cake. We were soon in the bar of the <a href="http://www.stiltoncheesepublichouse.co.uk/index.cfm?pageID=2">Stilton Cheese Inn </a>being warmly greeted by Sue & Steph and the key to our very nice room. The rest of our party arrived soon after and it was time to text Lyn to persuade Al he needed a beer. So they arrived with Al expecting  to see their Son , Richard.  We hid and could here him ordering his beer at which time the bar his side was empty. We needed to reveal the surprise so I suddenly appeared from the opposite side of the bar brandishing my camera shouting surprise and he was<img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"> He had an even bigger surprise when he came round and found eight of there waiting for him!</p> <p>Where is Richard?</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/AlWhyamIinanemptybar.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_AlWhyamIinanemptybar.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Surprise!!</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/AlInshock.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_AlInshock.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>A drink or two later and we all headed across the road to the <a href="http://www.thetalbotinnstilton.co.uk/page2.html">Talbot</a> for a late lunch and several drinks while the footie enthusiasts amongst us caught up on the scores!</p> <p>After a quick retreat to our rooms to freshen up for the evening and the odd siesta for some it was soon time to wander across the deck to the pub for dinner. </p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Afternoon5.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Afternoon5.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Afternoon4.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Afternoon4.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Afternoon3.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Afternoon3.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Afternoon2.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Afternoon2.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Afternoon.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Afternoon.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>We were given our own 'room' for dinner which was all laid up and looking great. The food was soon on the table and we all enjoyed two great courses of huge proportions. A few drinks helping us along the way (all in moderation of course!) Very soon it was time for Al to blow out the candles on his cake which had a great scene of zante on it.</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening4.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening4.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Lyn's birthday is also just a short time away so we were able to give her a little present or two as well<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/04smile.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>It was a brilliant evening and all too soon it was time to call it a night with us all feeling a little tired but I think Phil won the prize as he was asleep at the table!</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening7.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening7.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening6.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening6.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening5.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening5.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening3.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening3.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Can you spot Al mark 2 in the background<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/04smile.gif" border="0" alt=""><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening2.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening2.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Evening1.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Evening1.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Sunday morning came round all too quickly but at least the sun was shining. Feeling refreshed Phil and I went for a walk round the village stopping to pick up the paper.</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/TheCheese.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_TheCheese.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Talbot.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Talbot.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Stilton3.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Stilton3.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Love this stained glass window at the Talbot</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/Stainedglass.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Al%20birthday%2008/th_Stainedglass.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Despite protests of being very full we all did justice to full english breakfasts, the calories of which are to horrific to even contemplate counting but suffice to say Carlos has kept us completely full all day!  Al and Lyn joined us for a cuppa and too soon it was time to load up the cars and head off home.  Simon said their was rain coming from the west and we would get it on the way home - he wasn't wrong as soon as we hit the M25 it was torrential rain!</p> <p>All in all a good time was had by all and its not too long before we all get together again.  Lyn and I are looking forward to some serious retail therapy at the Trafford Centre. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/04/13/al-s-surprise-4038570/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/04/13/al-s-surprise-4038570/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/easter-08-cornwall-3946000/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-03-26:/2008/03/26/easter-08-cornwall-3946000/Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:08:47 +0100 <p>We were so looking forward to seeing spring in Cornwall but had not thought about our unpredictable English weather! However, not to be deterred we set off on Good Friday and arrived at lunch time to howling winds and sub zero temperatures. Our first port of call was the pub for lunch and then some retail therapy in Truro. We checked into our hotel and caught up with the local news before wandering across the road to dinner. All that fresh air (or was it the wine:<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/10rolleyessmile.gif" border="0" alt=""> ) knocked us out and it was time to snuggle under the duvet and watch tv.</p> <p>Saturday morning started dry and windy so we decided to go down to St Ives which is one of our favourite spots and such a lovely place to spend a few hours. We managed to park not far from the harbour so spent a pleasant hour wandering around the maze of streets and then we went for a walk on the beach. When the wind whipped up again it was time for lunch overlooking the harbour and the torrential rain.  Still we were inside and lunch was great. During the afternoon we drove up to my Aunties where it was time for a catch up on family gossip.</p> <p>St Ives - I want this house!!</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0030.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0030.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>and this view<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0002.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0002.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>and a pub on the doorstep <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0017.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0017.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Easter Sunday and we woke to heavy rain so decided it would be good to spend the day at the <a href="http://www.edenproject.com/">Eden Project </a> More by luck than judgement we managed to walk down to the biomes in the dry so no need for the land train. We love this place as there is so much to see and on a wet sunday most of it is inside, a definite bonus.</p> <p>Ripe for picking!<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0117.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0117.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>One day Phil's olive tree will be this big <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/10rolleyessmile.gif" border="0" alt=""><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0109.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0109.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>No need to go to Amsterdam for tulips<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0100.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0100.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>The Rites of Dionysus<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0095.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0095.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>I'm useless at naming flowers and shrubs so have no idea what this is now - should have made a note!</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0088.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0088.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Apparently my strawberry pot is going to be full of these in the summer - well once Phil actually buys some!<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0086.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0086.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0072.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0072.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0071.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0071.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0060.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0060.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0038.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0038.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>By the time we moved on the rain had stopped and there was a glimmer of sun so we drove down to Mevagissey and had a walk, quite a few people had the same idea and it was nice to see the place coming alive after the winter.</p> <p>At last some sunshine</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0124.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0124.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/DSC_0122.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/Cornwall%20Easter%2008/th_DSC_0122.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>All too soon it was time to head back to the hotel for one last evening enjoying the great food and wine. </p> <p>On Monday morning we woke to yet more rain so it was a dash to load the car and up to Padstow to stock up on pasties for the freezer. Before long we were back at home and wondering quite where the weekend had disappeared. It was a really lovely break and I got to use my new camera for the first time, so things can only improve as I post again during the year. There is a large book to read but I'm sure I will get the hang of it eventually<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/13confused.gif" border="0" alt=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/easter-08-cornwall-3946000/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/easter-08-cornwall-3946000/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/january_08_blog_update~3623019/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-01-23:/2008/01/23/january_08_blog_update~3623019/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:42:09 +0100 <p>Well it was a bit of a marathon but I have finally updated this blog with our trip to Australia and Singapore. So if you have some time to spare scroll down and have a look at the pics (just click on the thumbnails unless you have good eyesight!). We covered Singapore (twice), Noosa, Melbourne and Sydney so I have put in a separate entry for each.</p> <p>It was a brilliant holiday and one that truly did go too quickly, a month was not long enough and we are already looking forward to a return trip in a year or so.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/january_08_blog_update~3623019/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/january_08_blog_update~3623019/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/singapore_january~3617753/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-01-22:/2008/01/22/singapore_january~3617753/Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:52:09 +0100 <p>We arrived back in Singapore late evening and were once again back at the Merchant Court. We just about had enough stamina left to go for a walk before needing sleep.</p> <p>We decided to spend a day on Sentosa Island so caught the mono rail over.It was so nice to sit by the beach in the sun and then do a bit of sightseeing.<span> </span>Back in town we went to Raffles for a last Singapore Sling and then just made it back to Clarke Quay before getting caught in a thunderstorm!<span> </span>Fortunately by the time we went out to dinner it had stopped so we were able to enjoy drinks and dinner al fresco.</p> <p>The Merlion Centre - The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board  in 1964 the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore&rsquo;s icon to the rest of the world.</p> <p>Imbiah Lookout<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1910.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1910.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Sentosa Beach<br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1901.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1901.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>When in Singapore it has to be a Singapore Sling<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-cool2.gif" border="0" alt=""><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1611.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1611.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>We sat in the warm evening talking about our trip and how much we had enjoyed it and how we just did not want to go home!</p> <p>We don't want to go home!</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1930.jpg"><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1930.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Next morning it was up and out back to the airport for our flight home.During the short time we had been in Australia a new terminal at Changi had opened and it's even more spectacular T2 which we had been using <a href="http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/airport_guide/exp_changi/index.html">T3</a> is an eco friendly building and quite stunning with what seems acres of shopping and relaxation areas not to mention restaurants, bars , leisure and gardens.</p> <p><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1946.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1946.jpg" alt=""></a><br><a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1948.jpg"><br><img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1948.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>After breakfast in the Hard Rock Cafe we did a little duty free shopping before boarding our flight back to Heathrow.</p> <p>Just twelve hours later we were back in Londonto be greeted by yet more rain! The transport we had arranged was waiting and by 21:00we were back home wondering if it had all been a dream! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/singapore_january~3617753/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/singapore_january~3617753/#commentshttp://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/melbourne_january~3617748/tag:kazprince.blog.co.uk,2008-01-22:/2008/01/22/melbourne_january~3617748/Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:50:58 +0100 <p>We arrived in Melbourne around lunch time after yet another flight to find Eileen (Phil's cousin) waiting for us as soon as we cleared arrivals. Although we had seen her just a year ago when she came to the UK we had not been to Melbourne for eighteen years so we were eager to see some of the family. Eileen had organised a barbie so we caught up with Phil's cousins and their children all of whom had been born in those intervening eighteen years. The sun was out in Melbourne and no hint of rain!</p> <p>Our stay was short so the next day we went out for a quick look round and then in the evening Frank (another cousin) and Nell (who had come to the UK with Eileen) plus Nell's friend Maureen all arrived for dinner. It was a fun evening with a lot of chat, food and wine. Poor Saffie (Eileen's dog) was busy all night lookng for treats!</p> <p>Our last day was suddenly on us so Frank, Eileen, Phil and I took a train into Melbourne and made good use of the tourist <a href="http://www.aussie-info.com/places/vic/melbourne/tourist.php">tram</a> ending up on the docklands for lunch in the sun. We spent a quiet evening with Eileen sat in the garden soaking up the last of the sun.</p> <p>Saffie<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1888.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1888.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p>Frank, Eileen, Nell, Maureen and Phil enjoting a pre dinner drink or two!<br> <a href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/PICT1879.jpg"><br> <img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/KazPrince/blog/th_PICT1879.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/melbourne_january~3617748/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://kazprince.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/melbourne_january~3617748/#comments