tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51489174866680409252024-03-17T19:28:51.658+00:00Sensational Baby BoomersSensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-61924897502903599032023-07-14T07:00:00.001+01:002023-07-14T07:00:00.155+01:00DOES TOURISM RUIN AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY?<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNywghI-T9DyZpbrz6duGK0vQAO3Ehotsfm1xBxPyheRM2Hb2OdGSqZHeacsleS4dYPZeRO0jLDbTh24uBVGW_UuGl3HsNqn_g4cSBuMqgiYRAwZaVuCd3OnEQPIRYH0NTPGjtHjHqQtqS5nRZY8LieYN-x9DTjHszlR5GtQQHFXpA9PNCW7dDQGA5w/s2592/DSCF1575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNywghI-T9DyZpbrz6duGK0vQAO3Ehotsfm1xBxPyheRM2Hb2OdGSqZHeacsleS4dYPZeRO0jLDbTh24uBVGW_UuGl3HsNqn_g4cSBuMqgiYRAwZaVuCd3OnEQPIRYH0NTPGjtHjHqQtqS5nRZY8LieYN-x9DTjHszlR5GtQQHFXpA9PNCW7dDQGA5w/w624-h391/DSCF1575.JPG" width="624" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Recently the governor of Lanzarote has announced she wants to ditch the island's dependence on British tourists.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This of course has caused uproar amongst the the 2.5 million tourists - more than half of them Brits - who travel to the Canary Islands for some much needed sunshine - something we are sorely deprived of in the Northern Hemisphere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The island plan is to reduce the number of British tourists, but to "increase spending i<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">n the destination so that they generate greater wealth in the economy as a whole."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Growth would therefore be expected in the French, Italian, and Dutch markets.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So is it that the islands can attract more of the "wrong" kind of tourist - groups of hen/stag parties looking for cheap booze and rowdy nights out rather than those interested in culture and history?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Certain resorts in Spain and the Canaries have definitely encouraged them with English pubs and fish and chip restaurants, but it's hard to see how they're going to encourage more continental clientele. Or even whether the clubs, restaurants, hotel and bar owners will want to see their profits plummet.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So has tourism ruined places of outstanding natural beauty?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A couple of years ago I joined a "Going to Hawaii" Facebook Group before a trip there. I was horrified to read several posts from locals telling tourists (not just Brits, I might add) to "stay away" because they were ruining those beautiful islands, with large corporations taking over the tourist attractions, and pushing out the locals.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbKr9YMTDxrPIMS7kkXgPNuqVJEN0rWcutspbsSCaXR9F0ILElekLp-3ndI1JQxh4ics1U3akciyN8n9Klp3rDoF98eVbjrWxd3JG8yWmVHpfNRRghtVnJc8_Wf1ZzB3w09eMipNGY8sZYkW1L6M8LaxV1fbb-1oqH63Xz0EaMZ57GwAYN8au50WssQ/s4032/IMG_5686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbKr9YMTDxrPIMS7kkXgPNuqVJEN0rWcutspbsSCaXR9F0ILElekLp-3ndI1JQxh4ics1U3akciyN8n9Klp3rDoF98eVbjrWxd3JG8yWmVHpfNRRghtVnJc8_Wf1ZzB3w09eMipNGY8sZYkW1L6M8LaxV1fbb-1oqH63Xz0EaMZ57GwAYN8au50WssQ/w625-h402/IMG_5686.jpg" width="625" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When we eventually got there, however, the locals were very friendly, the islands were pristine and we saw no signs of damage. All of the tours we took part in were focussed on ensuring that natural habitats were not disturbed and we there was no destruction to wildlife, nor rubbish left behind - even our sun lotion had to be ocean friendly!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">That most definitely isn't the case in Santorini, recently voted the most popular holiday destination for Brits. We have been visiting the island for almost 25 years and until the last few years, we have seen little change. Cruise ships docking into the port were limited some years ago, to cut down pollution but there are no high-rise hotels, and very few new builds, though tourism has certainly increased, along with fast food restaurants in the capital Thira having multiplied exponentially. Visitors flock to Oia to watch the stunning sunset - if you can get anywhere near to see it. Sadly, along with that come mountains of rubbish, especially plastic bottles.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacq9zUDZlnNsJi7aYJjkz-kgosrjZTcd1ROJZB1nNyB6F815CLqJ4QUnbAXD8CNZFdkkytqCl6cLYG20PvI4k2KqnTeZexxT9LLYAnss3Xt_MzzIk_mtGka0ytl2RwVxVoD3bfbKbVo5C6BIVLAtGWNLh6JEubCb2Sk1xwiuYVKWEaq9V0BsOe--cxw/s4320/080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacq9zUDZlnNsJi7aYJjkz-kgosrjZTcd1ROJZB1nNyB6F815CLqJ4QUnbAXD8CNZFdkkytqCl6cLYG20PvI4k2KqnTeZexxT9LLYAnss3Xt_MzzIk_mtGka0ytl2RwVxVoD3bfbKbVo5C6BIVLAtGWNLh6JEubCb2Sk1xwiuYVKWEaq9V0BsOe--cxw/w630-h441/080.JPG" width="630" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And on our last visit, the sleepy village of Megalachori had a bus load of American tourists marching along the single track main road - something never seen before. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">While in the small beach resort of Perissa, two smart new beachside hotels seem to have overloaded the drainage system, creating quite an unpleasant smell. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">Loud pop music blares out from beach bars in Perivolous and also in the capital, which comes alive at night after the ships have departed.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">As tourism has increased, so have the prices. Happily though, this is not an island which encourages cheap booze and hen/stag parties, rather this is more a couples destination, which we hope will deter those looking for sun, sand and a bit of the other!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">So are the Spanish right to start managing tourists, and does that mean that travel will be priced out of range for most families in the future?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">We have always been responsible tourists - if that isn't a misnomer. Yes, taking planes across the world pollutes the planet, but I can't help thinking that our airmile footprints are infinitesimally small when compared with industries in China, India, Russia and the US. And we do try and look after our own local environment with recycling, eating less meat, and walking wherever possible. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">However, that said,I realise that we are a long way from being carbon neutral and many tourist countries rely on visitors for their own survival. Will we be holidaying abroad again this year? Yes, but I hope we do so with respect for the local environments and populations.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="graphik, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"><br /></span></span></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-29635451105724459732023-07-08T18:52:00.000+01:002023-07-08T18:52:01.618+01:00A CITY BREAK TO PALMA, MAJORCA<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFZD1RUJR-RlrQ2SAJDFp5lC4Qset_7ME464w3BGb8ItjAxor1Go7A_9TiIhLVt4F3yQkrahhh4ZHupDLE8bca06zG678HQ0iaMVET8SvCKaTV56eH14yxS0rPqgQjADzjsqkHDZD_qkZZ42r7xmkHqgjSgF5ALKZzyNaBG-lQ0Q55NnCQ_YGxp6mykBa/s4032/The%20Royal%20Palace%20at%20night.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFZD1RUJR-RlrQ2SAJDFp5lC4Qset_7ME464w3BGb8ItjAxor1Go7A_9TiIhLVt4F3yQkrahhh4ZHupDLE8bca06zG678HQ0iaMVET8SvCKaTV56eH14yxS0rPqgQjADzjsqkHDZD_qkZZ42r7xmkHqgjSgF5ALKZzyNaBG-lQ0Q55NnCQ_YGxp6mykBa/w613-h399/The%20Royal%20Palace%20at%20night.jpg" width="613" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After a long and miserable UK winter, we decided to seek a little sunshine (it's been a while since we managed to get a holiday together!) and book a short city break. After debating on Italy (too expensive and Anne H will be visiting family there soon), Greece (Anne C going there later in the year) and other European destinations, we listened to friends' recommendations and booked Majorca.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Now Majorca is probably one of the place I have previously ignored as being famous mostly for Hen and Stag holidays, with my only previous experience of a holiday there being 50 years ago with my Mum and auntie!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But a fabulous surprise was in store for us. First off, it's just a two-and-a-half hour flight for us flying from our local airport. It was also quite a special occasion, as Anne H had booked wonderful surprises for me as part of my pre-big-birthday celebrations coming this summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We fast-tracked through security and settled into the luxury of a travel lounge before departure, with a tasty breakfast, followed by a smooth and trouble-free flight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our accommodation was a two-bedroom apartment at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187463-d15680452-Reviews-Borne_Suites-Palma_de_Mallorca_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html" target="_blank">Borne Suites </a>in the centre of the old town in Palma, which was perfect for exploring the many fabulous bars, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and was also very close to the marina. It was situated above the Hugo Boss store, with a perfect view of the sparkling fountain in the middle of the road! The apartment had all the necessary amenities, though we didn't do any cooking or food preparation - but we could have done if we had chosen to do so.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNyIaybjzcv08KLYp-Ri_8IZcHj172dTij4_uL3wRtQvcwjm1dfUohYD4116Cn2F4V9MdvjrRmL1Kqvh9BMtGDLyuw2XL_3x3aYNHHCZ9IWaKtTTGOYQvo4Bfv_wuRAQ9AtvFpHaznHK8HZaweT0wvDJC0L5E6KAQXGK1ovBhOwlIjyxVyeS0QFwC0QVM/s4032/Borne%20Studios.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNyIaybjzcv08KLYp-Ri_8IZcHj172dTij4_uL3wRtQvcwjm1dfUohYD4116Cn2F4V9MdvjrRmL1Kqvh9BMtGDLyuw2XL_3x3aYNHHCZ9IWaKtTTGOYQvo4Bfv_wuRAQ9AtvFpHaznHK8HZaweT0wvDJC0L5E6KAQXGK1ovBhOwlIjyxVyeS0QFwC0QVM/w626-h452/Borne%20Studios.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While the building looks modern, it is actually built on Roman remains - a fact which escaped us as we entered the building, but on leaving and stepping back out of the lift, it was disconcerting to see a glass floor featuring the stone remains beneath it - causing me to do a double-take and step back into the lift.</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">EXPLORING - Day One</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Arrival day was spent getting our bearings and exploring. We came upon a lovely little restaurant <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187462-d5899771-Reviews-ES3_BAR-Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html" target="_blank">EG3</a> (very mixed reviews on Tripadvisor - maybe we were lucky!) and ordered our first sangria and delicious tapas. The pavement restaurant was full - always a good sign - but we managed to squeeze onto a table.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Although it is a city, there is a beach nearby and a marina boasting some very impressive super yachts. There is plenty to do and see - if only to people watch - which we did a lot during our trip, over a cocktail or three. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There are more independent boutiques than I have ever seen in one city, but beware - the shoes can be very expensive, and designer boutiques are not for those on a budget. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We spent the evening wandering through many of the tiny backstreets, alleyways and courtyards. There is an eclectic mix of architecture, from quaint gated courtyards to wide modern streets, but it was all completely accessible and felt very safe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We wandered up to a central plaza - known as a patio in Spanish - opposite the City Hall and decided we just wanted a light bite for dinner. The <a href="https://www.hotelcappuccino.com/?partner=5235utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=MyBusiness&utm" target="_blank">Hotel Cappuccino</a> provided a perfect, delicious small plate. It is obviously part of a chain, since we did find another restaurant of the same name close to the magnificent cathedral. Decor was very modern, boasting some impressive tiles, which we found were a feature in many other restaurants, thanks to the Moorish influence which pervades the city. We loved the place so much, we returned another day for a meal. It looks fabulous to stay there - but expensive!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-qOME4d2NsxVMFCYm0SwftRCeiB8WU4GGZw02v8AVtMwWhq-vlLY8Zi01QRVPr02NfLOPH36mM5qCiueFbjoj1cYV9gxNQTiBhzvA-9h_upST1ABRdoU2eFcClssM7ftZNsoPtsJ3zb70R47sKsYk9acWSLIvS8pQh-xQ8UzJ-Uc69bQrmOeJFntCUB/s4032/Palma%20City%20Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-qOME4d2NsxVMFCYm0SwftRCeiB8WU4GGZw02v8AVtMwWhq-vlLY8Zi01QRVPr02NfLOPH36mM5qCiueFbjoj1cYV9gxNQTiBhzvA-9h_upST1ABRdoU2eFcClssM7ftZNsoPtsJ3zb70R47sKsYk9acWSLIvS8pQh-xQ8UzJ-Uc69bQrmOeJFntCUB/w642-h404/Palma%20City%20Hall.jpg" width="642" /></a></div>City Hall<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTaaxfMjRaasV44TvdzFQKUqTSzo3YWUOEWgyTX-mo0n1_tPHm_5Hf2kc0P5GJe3IUZAsoIMTKbZFt6mbIKsvbcN5cLVYQbmzGNkzBBIgWjlz1Ipf6svlixVYJikBTo5FA4wOQkZ395M3BCjYNPrZqjqccL2tjeLn0bePe4PavxJKw7a7KtVRTVfHKqQN/s2016/Hotel%20Cappuccino.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTaaxfMjRaasV44TvdzFQKUqTSzo3YWUOEWgyTX-mo0n1_tPHm_5Hf2kc0P5GJe3IUZAsoIMTKbZFt6mbIKsvbcN5cLVYQbmzGNkzBBIgWjlz1Ipf6svlixVYJikBTo5FA4wOQkZ395M3BCjYNPrZqjqccL2tjeLn0bePe4PavxJKw7a7KtVRTVfHKqQN/w632-h491/Hotel%20Cappuccino.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>Hotel Cappuccino<br /><div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><h3><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Day Two</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">One of the first things we do in a new city is to get the hop on-hop off bus so we can scout where we want to go. Being over 65s meant we paid only 10 Euros for our tickets, and the bus took us around the city area into the suburbs, so we knew where we wanted to go for the rest of the holiday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The bus took us through many of the residential streets and up to the Bellver Castle, with its impressive panoramic view, as you would expect from an island which has been invaded several times. We didn't hop off this time, but you can read about it <a href="https://castelldebellver.palma.cat/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Back at the terminus, there was a little market in the shadow of the cathedral, selling all manner of jewellery, trinkets, souvenirs and artworks - all well worth a browse.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEANwZiawkC9uzx_Ts0k9dX04V9QSoHFJFLUyaPZ849At7yrQIQcZDsPvjDj--BCCiN3sa5I6zQN_B3dIKVODcm3fpalAoPR1jqB89I1OO_141WiRLhFx78Oa-lM2Up_8Ep7erxySAIeLTUJVOaIvMEy3fovRduDSgyylHWn0CfpuGxH6UouKOHtbAUiPT/s2016/Anne%20&%20Anne%20at%20the%20Marina%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEANwZiawkC9uzx_Ts0k9dX04V9QSoHFJFLUyaPZ849At7yrQIQcZDsPvjDj--BCCiN3sa5I6zQN_B3dIKVODcm3fpalAoPR1jqB89I1OO_141WiRLhFx78Oa-lM2Up_8Ep7erxySAIeLTUJVOaIvMEy3fovRduDSgyylHWn0CfpuGxH6UouKOHtbAUiPT/w663-h484/Anne%20&%20Anne%20at%20the%20Marina%202.jpg" width="663" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">Cocktails by the Marina</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dinner on the second evening was at THE place to be seen - the <a href="https://www.mardenudos.com/" target="_blank">Mar de Nudos</a> brasserie overlooking the marina. Our pre-dinner cocktails (Porn Star Martini for me (my new favourite) and G&T for Anne) were delicious, but as we sat for dinner, it was obviously the place for all the beautiful people to congregate. Nevertheless, the food - a mix of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine - was perfect. It was also a great place for people watching, and for soaking in the atmosphere.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Day Three</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBinFrlKmbfveRx2V2H6CCSdbYUDMUKrkIr-y8TJWzuIbZL5W_jxsoqOp5koHU7vc0UKi6jG71vpGPf6eFhSZSE6qoHA_thUpIyizuzVJ8YwgpS7XtiTy--sRgDtKhODqGJEE0hqit0MZSpFPosBKom3w-Aef43L8YWv0NFOwCqtSIGlVKK1soA6EL4XS/s4032/Palma%20Cathedral.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBinFrlKmbfveRx2V2H6CCSdbYUDMUKrkIr-y8TJWzuIbZL5W_jxsoqOp5koHU7vc0UKi6jG71vpGPf6eFhSZSE6qoHA_thUpIyizuzVJ8YwgpS7XtiTy--sRgDtKhODqGJEE0hqit0MZSpFPosBKom3w-Aef43L8YWv0NFOwCqtSIGlVKK1soA6EL4XS/w644-h385/Palma%20Cathedral.jpg" width="644" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Day three saw us visit the very impressive cathedral - actually called the Catedral-Basilica de Santa Maria - which is an absolute must for any visitor to Palma. We had pre-booked our tickets, enabling us to skip the queues, which had stretched around the side of the building by the time we exited.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi1Qwx_nwhMNn56URqV2zfrePLu9mDAkElc1u18bL2tWKu1trX6BrnsrRrOPkqiR9qZljHoMJP1WinwtAgRoyt2T9W9Ojw3v_YRxM_xsBiZmExl3ffmP2e7REi_kH9n9wgV9g-HrwA0YqvdhtqWsuQ-KbhGxUPEDDo28iQv0MFREoRmwhSqzdHAOFt_7W/s4032/IMG_8306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi1Qwx_nwhMNn56URqV2zfrePLu9mDAkElc1u18bL2tWKu1trX6BrnsrRrOPkqiR9qZljHoMJP1WinwtAgRoyt2T9W9Ojw3v_YRxM_xsBiZmExl3ffmP2e7REi_kH9n9wgV9g-HrwA0YqvdhtqWsuQ-KbhGxUPEDDo28iQv0MFREoRmwhSqzdHAOFt_7W/w529-h600/IMG_8306.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">We took hundreds of photographs in the cathedral, so difficult to show you all of them, but this one features the Dormitrion of the Virgin Mary who "fell asleep before she is taken up to Heaven, body and soul." The exhibit is removed to the centre of the cathedral on the 15th August in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Vysc_26TG8HfJd4-sCexxo4yC_4_oqUXiq3SWtTOdvl3J1ueERf1qaUZM1OLRhlyRA8m4Hz0SeZNWo931T_GZ4Y6_Tb7_Gg8viTgfuPE7JppvVnP6uN3pqaXPeDc6PJSwEqxhukfIKs_MYUqnYe8QeqRPEDKMZ4ts-sEI5gng8WD2g0RIhEcTpd0z0V/s4032/The%20beautiful%20stained%20glass%20window.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Vysc_26TG8HfJd4-sCexxo4yC_4_oqUXiq3SWtTOdvl3J1ueERf1qaUZM1OLRhlyRA8m4Hz0SeZNWo931T_GZ4Y6_Tb7_Gg8viTgfuPE7JppvVnP6uN3pqaXPeDc6PJSwEqxhukfIKs_MYUqnYe8QeqRPEDKMZ4ts-sEI5gng8WD2g0RIhEcTpd0z0V/w556-h635/The%20beautiful%20stained%20glass%20window.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>The beautiful stained glass window, which perfectly aligns with another window at the exact opposite end of the cathedral<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Construction of the Cathedral of Mallorca started in the 13th century and ended in the 1630s. The Cathedral is in the Mediterranean Gothic tradition, but over the centuries, it has incorporated cultural forms of the modern and contemporary periods.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The history of the Cathedral is intimately linked to the local monarchy. After the conquest of Madina Mayurqa in 1229, James I, who was king of Aragon and Count of Barcelona, ordered the consecration of the former great mosque to the Virgin Mary as a site for Christian worship and the building of a new church in the style of that time, using part of the site of an old mosque.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Interestingly at the end of the 19th Century there was a plan to make the cathedral more accessible and to remove many of the original Gothic features. Its young bishop had met Antoni Gaudi in 1899, and two years later he moved to Majorca to take on the mammoth project.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Gaudí adapted the inner space of the Cathedral to meet those new liturgical and pastoral requirements. His renovations, promoted by the bishop, Pere Joan Campins, were carried out between 1904 and 1915. This liturgical restoration recovered space for the faithful and opened up the choir’s chancel, the bishop’s throne and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While he succeeded in making those renovations, his radical plans did not meet with approval of the church and he finally left in 1914 (obviously after some major disagreements) to devote his time to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, while his assistant succeeded in finalising the changes. Apart from his influence in the cathedral, there is an interesting Gaudi-esque building in the city centre shopping area, adjacent to the Carrer de la Bosseria.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZLxQEs7xbs3Cdly3qEO3cVAZU9RiEMVQNCd5CrO4tHDoMvNexeWc0aBZ1i6jgsCOtDR8PTbA9yKfB9PCx06Zgfahz1wnDo_qKADxo4rYcaMEBbXay6AtQEELOznLR9-SlcaYIg-y40CHE0EufMrgHahbi0t0NtY8KLJdPD9QJGFZM053wxg21wCAKy1K/s1307/Gaudi%20Building.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1307" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZLxQEs7xbs3Cdly3qEO3cVAZU9RiEMVQNCd5CrO4tHDoMvNexeWc0aBZ1i6jgsCOtDR8PTbA9yKfB9PCx06Zgfahz1wnDo_qKADxo4rYcaMEBbXay6AtQEELOznLR9-SlcaYIg-y40CHE0EufMrgHahbi0t0NtY8KLJdPD9QJGFZM053wxg21wCAKy1K/w610-h405/Gaudi%20Building.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We moved from the Cathedral to the <a href="https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-la-almudaina" target="_blank">Royal Palace of Almudaina</a> next door. While the palace is the traditional summer residence of the Spanish royal family, it is also used for more formal royal events.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The royal castle has been the seat of power on the island possibly since Roman times. Remains of the Arab citadel, which was mentioned in the 12th and 13th century references, can still be found in the layout of the present castle, which was built between 1305 and 1314 for James ll.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE0paifnGFlKi-k_P1yCO6gQx3e0sJrZHw9CDwXdNTw6UTPd8d6oh6XQoIszHvENXC6sfXkOD2UnNIciLcnFtb28ihPQmV-VR2I4NdNmo-YIT9L0CWRNLXZvmF6N74tt4MyDdIzScK9ioccWEVJt05RtuMkOQip_1-UcO9k1W5d8Uqbsg5AuYhypeRkpd/s2016/Inside%20the%20Palace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE0paifnGFlKi-k_P1yCO6gQx3e0sJrZHw9CDwXdNTw6UTPd8d6oh6XQoIszHvENXC6sfXkOD2UnNIciLcnFtb28ihPQmV-VR2I4NdNmo-YIT9L0CWRNLXZvmF6N74tt4MyDdIzScK9ioccWEVJt05RtuMkOQip_1-UcO9k1W5d8Uqbsg5AuYhypeRkpd/w606-h541/Inside%20the%20Palace.jpg" width="606" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Lunch was at the <a href="https://grupocardon.com/restaurantes/bocalto/" target="_blank">Bocalto</a> restaurant, featuring more tapas. We spied a delicious old-fashioned bakery next door and planned to buy cakes for later, but in the end, we were too full, so gave it a miss. It's on my list of places to visit next time though!</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFVL_dYzdoOdjntN_Mx1cepPaJQx4K9DVtv96FXwDMhILllAMaR0SloRtO-A59TcppEMkz-jPqRpllKH9YUvtAXizM6zUG_hCJCbimc_NHI3m2j7C_4aHbleEOAdV_0CQ6em3RVJCM3tZvxiuReD43DouvvmVSwZBiib_xnDT7L0PqZSwOOLJ4EmEHwNW/s4032/IMG_8265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFVL_dYzdoOdjntN_Mx1cepPaJQx4K9DVtv96FXwDMhILllAMaR0SloRtO-A59TcppEMkz-jPqRpllKH9YUvtAXizM6zUG_hCJCbimc_NHI3m2j7C_4aHbleEOAdV_0CQ6em3RVJCM3tZvxiuReD43DouvvmVSwZBiib_xnDT7L0PqZSwOOLJ4EmEHwNW/w575-h477/IMG_8265.jpg" width="575" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The afternoon was spent browsing the impressive buildings and window-shopping the fabulous clothes and even more fabulous shoes, but you will be spoiled for choice. There are of course some recognisable shops - Zara, H&M, and Massimo Dutti, but many more independent Spanish boutiques.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The beauty of our central apartment was that if we needed a rest or a coffee, we could just nip back and put our feet up for an hour - which we did. </span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dinner was another treat - a vegetarian tasting menu at the <a href="https://eatbotanic.com/galeria" target="_blank">Botanic</a> - a little haven tucked away in a back street, and entry through a large wrought iron gate, leading to a large secret garden. The food here was exquisite.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd12PIltFzywBPwjlPDo32U8RovoEcqS4Wd3U4WIVBoc0j8jaagH3eHKtRTN3sxHeGyk3dFqtxtN3D83ODhkszm0yjAR7N6v2BWluy-ax6mOVkTDK4JjhAD7RYsw1ZPNJ6Z6MJ2cPDCq_mkaElVUc5JCoRDUSlfw_vfBDDz69NSwlLXGV495MhLljRHepW/s1544/IMG_1492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1503" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd12PIltFzywBPwjlPDo32U8RovoEcqS4Wd3U4WIVBoc0j8jaagH3eHKtRTN3sxHeGyk3dFqtxtN3D83ODhkszm0yjAR7N6v2BWluy-ax6mOVkTDK4JjhAD7RYsw1ZPNJ6Z6MJ2cPDCq_mkaElVUc5JCoRDUSlfw_vfBDDz69NSwlLXGV495MhLljRHepW/w598-h596/IMG_1492.jpg" width="598" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;">Dinner at The Botanic<br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It is worth mentioning a small cafe/restaurant right next to our accommodation - <a href="http://Ombu." target="_blank">Ombu.</a> We planned to have lunch or an evening meal there, though it never happened, but we did eat breakfast there every day. We can highly recommend the creamy scrambled eggs or the pancakes with your cappuccino!</span></span></p><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">DAY 4</span></span></h4><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I think I have said before that I am a compulsive shopper, but Anne kept me in check, though I did manage to buy a jacket and a handbag. For those who love jewellery, it is probably worth visiting the <a href="http://www.pearls-factory.com/" target="_blank">Mallorca Pearl Factory</a>. Although we didn't get there, there are plenty of shops in the city selling beautiful pearl jewellery from Majorca. A lovely young assistant explained there are three qualities - two of which depend on how long the pearls have been in the sea, while the third are man-made in their local factory. </span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There are also a number of small galleries showcasing interesting works of modern art - particularly if you move away from the main shopping area into the back streets.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNRAM0rxB8kIR-4q_GIgC6SkZCtowxw2ORSpvEm-uraw77VzZe0gY1mtYEeubUCI0aPL7mS0scadmo7Xt8TE0O2LRBEECJ5o4XQpwu00fdIorNsTpxQGEUYbtopaXMI5RtZGS4c5gShJ1rdrXd6sPemXatvFsX92s1uwNujRt0ndObrjW6QCI1FSLRQMB/s4032/Works%20of%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNRAM0rxB8kIR-4q_GIgC6SkZCtowxw2ORSpvEm-uraw77VzZe0gY1mtYEeubUCI0aPL7mS0scadmo7Xt8TE0O2LRBEECJ5o4XQpwu00fdIorNsTpxQGEUYbtopaXMI5RtZGS4c5gShJ1rdrXd6sPemXatvFsX92s1uwNujRt0ndObrjW6QCI1FSLRQMB/w526-h462/Works%20of%20art.jpg" width="526" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For our last visit, we took a taxi to the <a href="https://www.seemallorca.com/sights/museums/poble-espanyol-spanish-village-palma-de-mallorca" target="_blank">Pueblo de Espanol</a>, which we had seen from the bus n our second day. This is a small "miniature village" - though the buildings are full size - which has been especially built to represent the different architectural styles on the island and in wider Spain. From traditional Spanish buildings to the Moorish influences from the time Majorca was controlled by the Turks, we strolled through pretty streets decorated with beautiful tiles and flourishing orange trees. It wasn't busy - and I felt more could have been made of it since it looked as if it was mainly used as an evening event centre.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YbKmOA2nlCx5EyTzALqc_4v821HUGNI7fYmTTDjtD_s3jxcimdTwHNb2ccWAyuirEJXq-ZhOVqAJuOxbPcFn17b8d9CX6W7vopdzLKx-_YlcTd55Sfj6Ou9xeppdfDLYJ8PEgoSvD7Dsh1BqWESWhhBVfY4u2t_wwR-stCF1rq3Z6RD8_TmMpql7wL6A/s2016/Anne%20at%20Pueblo%20de%20Espanol.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YbKmOA2nlCx5EyTzALqc_4v821HUGNI7fYmTTDjtD_s3jxcimdTwHNb2ccWAyuirEJXq-ZhOVqAJuOxbPcFn17b8d9CX6W7vopdzLKx-_YlcTd55Sfj6Ou9xeppdfDLYJ8PEgoSvD7Dsh1BqWESWhhBVfY4u2t_wwR-stCF1rq3Z6RD8_TmMpql7wL6A/w428-h510/Anne%20at%20Pueblo%20de%20Espanol.jpg" width="428" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcPYlJ4w5hu1qgzXNTefh1udR9Kt23jZBNYP9eho-kzb8crEdzEQZH-93JF1uQ-OmGWb82NijkN71gNlzzPzs53nmvepwQCrJEKiWTEo3fo_YMGNHiOcVD4GdD_2zN9i4yKJqVhTNYr4LnieWJ5aBBSTL7untphp3-GUqKqjea4m4zkLeq2BnPrKc3_vJ/s2016/Puebli%20de%20Espanol%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcPYlJ4w5hu1qgzXNTefh1udR9Kt23jZBNYP9eho-kzb8crEdzEQZH-93JF1uQ-OmGWb82NijkN71gNlzzPzs53nmvepwQCrJEKiWTEo3fo_YMGNHiOcVD4GdD_2zN9i4yKJqVhTNYr4LnieWJ5aBBSTL7untphp3-GUqKqjea4m4zkLeq2BnPrKc3_vJ/w521-h504/Puebli%20de%20Espanol%202.jpg" width="521" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We walked back through the shopping area, visiting <a href="https://www.elcorteingles.es/centroscomerciales/en/eci/centros/centro-comercial-jaume-iii" target="_blank">El Cortes Ingles</a> department store, which had all the well known designer brands of perfume/make-up and handbags etc, and Spanish clothing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dinner on our final evening was another treat and had been recommended by a friend. We struggled to find the <a href="https://tast.com/es/restaurant/tast-club/" target="_blank">Tast Club</a> since it was tucked away down a side street with very little signing. It was another interesting building, which we entered through a cobbled yard and into a back door, through a library and eventually into the dining room. Decor was reminiscent of a traditional gentleman's club - not that we have ever visited one! However, once again the food was outstanding (although the ice crushing machine - if that's what it was - was exceptionally noisy). Fortunately it didn't detract from the evening.</span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3rVrAuXG_Ko4jE-KkPfyZDFudgK3oAqhG-c6aQ7jwVnQE1VwPO0hgr23Azad-h9qF0ms6iNc7HMpMzsf4PRtir5Chp5pGWKxuEkGyBD9ukLmed8roEEVVbF3q5H-5GP2rg2Qs18H-HUjkf385hnu1NUaUft6BawO8Z9pHmOCxHBo2Xww0aIriF_50a-p/s2016/The%20coach%20house%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3rVrAuXG_Ko4jE-KkPfyZDFudgK3oAqhG-c6aQ7jwVnQE1VwPO0hgr23Azad-h9qF0ms6iNc7HMpMzsf4PRtir5Chp5pGWKxuEkGyBD9ukLmed8roEEVVbF3q5H-5GP2rg2Qs18H-HUjkf385hnu1NUaUft6BawO8Z9pHmOCxHBo2Xww0aIriF_50a-p/w554-h500/The%20coach%20house%20bar.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><br /> Abaco Bar<br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We had been recommended to visit the <a href="https://bar-abaco.es/" target="_blank">Abaco Bar</a>, and finally managed to get there on our last night. The place is just WOW! I wish we had gone sooner - such an interesting place hiding behind a huge wooden gate. Originally a 17th century house - apparently the previous home of the noble Marcel family, the bar is situated in what was the carriage house and stables, but is now interestingly decorated with flowers and an abundance of fruit which would put a market garden to shame. The garden was prettily decorated with tables, and candles, while the upstairs rooms - which originally housed the family, gave us a peek into life from another century. Well worth spending an evening there! Please click the link to browse their website and see other wonderful gallery photos!</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRVBVih7eLINCVeMqpZSS1JEftWnND9FRUgep_HDK2SOVmH8-8ZepAGHV2lpv40Qn0RBCquxRW5_rIgNo96axPAHlTH0YJCDvCqbSZQX4zq1CZpDvpm8HIpHfGj43EO5I5w8pxs6mHXEuPelGzsewxRUgtPbx5SVvsJdfdHcjTAda9J6MuhtbWDSXOWBU/s2016/Abaco%20Bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRVBVih7eLINCVeMqpZSS1JEftWnND9FRUgep_HDK2SOVmH8-8ZepAGHV2lpv40Qn0RBCquxRW5_rIgNo96axPAHlTH0YJCDvCqbSZQX4zq1CZpDvpm8HIpHfGj43EO5I5w8pxs6mHXEuPelGzsewxRUgtPbx5SVvsJdfdHcjTAda9J6MuhtbWDSXOWBU/w570-h590/Abaco%20Bar.jpg" width="570" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 5</b></span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our final day meant we had to check out at 12, while our flight wasn't until 8 in the evening. (having said that, it was delayed an hour due to bad weather - yes it poured just as we got in the taxi to leave). The weather, much like the rest of Europe at the end of May, was very mixed. There were a few spots of rain throughout the week, but it was generally warm and sunny, interspersed with cloudy intervals, followed by an almightly cloudburst as we were leaving.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We headed to the marina again, where we had lunchtime cocktails (oh dear) but the friendly staff were in no hurry to move us on, so we moved onto lunch, and then eked out the time by finishing with coffee. We had left our luggage in the free lockers at the Borne accommodation, which was useful.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If I am being honest, I probably wouldn't have had Palma high on my bucket list, but we had a wonderful break, and Palma is lovely. Would I go back? Oh yes - I need to visit the pearl factory and the <a href="https://www.cuevasdeldrach.com/" target="_blank">Cuevas del Drach</a> in Porto Christo next time.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: #ececec; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 752px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-80265307743276564912023-03-24T07:00:00.001+00:002023-03-24T07:00:00.198+00:00MAKING MERRY IN MADRID<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5leYIUSJZ7ll6G5VLlbx8ZWRxCv4PhhqjeSWE0akZjSQuDof2jxRpcCH9_kH_k7QxGgSIFk-7QC1kp3jgmwqV9cpIVKYwfBIVi2g3EUbpGuhy_01oYyRO7Bc2xkrylP0nEhoK5oxDSzkYLVWwet8Jtf1ufWbFwqDObXtIYMclKKjWiNx_oJnu4THXg/s1920/Roayl%20Palace%202%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5leYIUSJZ7ll6G5VLlbx8ZWRxCv4PhhqjeSWE0akZjSQuDof2jxRpcCH9_kH_k7QxGgSIFk-7QC1kp3jgmwqV9cpIVKYwfBIVi2g3EUbpGuhy_01oYyRO7Bc2xkrylP0nEhoK5oxDSzkYLVWwet8Jtf1ufWbFwqDObXtIYMclKKjWiNx_oJnu4THXg/w640-h563/Roayl%20Palace%202%20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you're looking for a city break in warmer climes, then look no further than Madrid - a perfect destination from the UK. In a little over three hours you can be landing in Spain for sunshine, siesta and sangria.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Anne H flew from Liverpool airport - with convenient on site parking, then over the road into the terminal, so no messing with off-site parking or pickups.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Anne took the trip in October last Autumn, where the temperature was a very pleasant 29/30 degrees, staying at the central and very modern <a href="https://carretasapartments.madridhotels360.net/en/" target="_blank">Carretas Apartments</a>, which was central for everything she and her friend wanted to visit.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The balmy weather was pleasant to sit out in the evening and have a drink, and nottoo hot for walking around the city - something they did a lot! With its beautiful boulevards, manicured parks and accessible museums, there was plenty to pack into a short break.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She recommends pre-booking before departure, however, to ensure tickets are available - it tends to work out cheaper too, rather than buying ad hoc tickets on the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.pradomuseumtickets.com/" target="_blank">The Prado Art Museum</a> showcases Spain's rich heritage and some of Europe's finest paintings, including those by <a href="https://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/exhibition/goya-in-madrid/297f52f2-36c7-4580-b03a-8ff66da64f8d" target="_blank">Goya</a>, but also features more modern artists.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">An open-top bus is a must for virtually any city tour, and will give you an introduction to this wonderful city. One and two day tickets are available and you can hop on and hop off wherever takes your fancy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="hhttps://www.royal-palace-madrid-tickets.com/ttps://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/royal-palace" target="_blank">The Royal Palace of Madrid</a> is a magnificent must-see. Once the home of the Spanish Royal Family, it is still their official home but is now mostly used for state occasions. With its ornate tapestries, golden thrones and magnificent staircases, construction finished in 1751. There are 3000 rooms and its armory is one of the most significant collections of its kind.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj1t1-gwrod5vDAlkOuzXlWWGXoOugZgnR073xEEpcl3FCNFrp24IMur-qfCj8v6-oMZmSWfey7t1pnCcSGVMprUMgwTbi-y1botV-Gf5qXVuVZv-wHP8J-11JO8RuGARjObARq85DNksZQ7gOP-KO47gUVO4jbLr3EdjDSoBCSggv9EXZZ38EoSYEQ/s1920/Royal%20Palace%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj1t1-gwrod5vDAlkOuzXlWWGXoOugZgnR073xEEpcl3FCNFrp24IMur-qfCj8v6-oMZmSWfey7t1pnCcSGVMprUMgwTbi-y1botV-Gf5qXVuVZv-wHP8J-11JO8RuGARjObARq85DNksZQ7gOP-KO47gUVO4jbLr3EdjDSoBCSggv9EXZZ38EoSYEQ/w640-h610/Royal%20Palace%20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><b>The Royal Palace</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w2g31y4g4j_gcsBVsFKNrcuKjciabufBf1NOGm8EzULfWSb6nL-Mu2wN0mpSlqeovpH0Uenu-O5NM2axuwjbJGfohEPeJOWwsrDUFqDJLHPf2HeTDE-KWMmPuE1YQC-0W2WiA_Jdsd3o2xuzbnZfPes_pr4AXau5Y6aZFf2Inyj8Eyf82rsQr2eo8g/s1920/Royal%20Palace%203%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w2g31y4g4j_gcsBVsFKNrcuKjciabufBf1NOGm8EzULfWSb6nL-Mu2wN0mpSlqeovpH0Uenu-O5NM2axuwjbJGfohEPeJOWwsrDUFqDJLHPf2HeTDE-KWMmPuE1YQC-0W2WiA_Jdsd3o2xuzbnZfPes_pr4AXau5Y6aZFf2Inyj8Eyf82rsQr2eo8g/w627-h640/Royal%20Palace%203%20.jpeg" width="627" /></a></div><div><b>Stunning frescoes and decor</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L4rLJHmkJhseEbtZR73wxf5_QBhk8I7o2fowLHxZ8HomdS11JT7gxy-249ddJDUL7u-2VNv4nohWgS9WDcihjcmchkoyMiYzUTrGdqa0q9dQHvkjpxVuLE6759u5LHofAcHfy7Drs2mb5JofDe9blb8O6mc12Xmc8E0A8R0UiV22HpSPQJd0y5CuDQ/s1920/Royal%20Palace%204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L4rLJHmkJhseEbtZR73wxf5_QBhk8I7o2fowLHxZ8HomdS11JT7gxy-249ddJDUL7u-2VNv4nohWgS9WDcihjcmchkoyMiYzUTrGdqa0q9dQHvkjpxVuLE6759u5LHofAcHfy7Drs2mb5JofDe9blb8O6mc12Xmc8E0A8R0UiV22HpSPQJd0y5CuDQ/w628-h640/Royal%20Palace%204.jpeg" width="628" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Food and drink were very reasonably priced, with generous and delicious portions of tapas, accompanied by wine at £3.50 a glass. They ate three meals a day for 4 days, spending less than 300 euros, so very affordable.They headed to one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid - <a href="https://www.timeout.com/madrid/things-to-do/the-best-of-the-barrios-la-latina" target="_blank">La Latina</a> - for the best food, though it can get very busy at weekends and in high season. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5q6sQXHjXLkbUhkxDUaiPrQIrp4zbMHY9GAyhzleSAMkqd6q2CHYRR95kY1UV_rigmrTfik0q9l942Q7qQCD-MhtkduGTIoD7Dl7O4NDy5hY_H7J7FQcVV9e9jBJHoUiFZ5Rsv3kOiqt766-PQHCurOXhYs1G861lF6ERboJa_4LML9huukH1uf01Q/s1920/La%20Venencia%20-%205%20types%20of%20sherry%20and%20tapas%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5q6sQXHjXLkbUhkxDUaiPrQIrp4zbMHY9GAyhzleSAMkqd6q2CHYRR95kY1UV_rigmrTfik0q9l942Q7qQCD-MhtkduGTIoD7Dl7O4NDy5hY_H7J7FQcVV9e9jBJHoUiFZ5Rsv3kOiqt766-PQHCurOXhYs1G861lF6ERboJa_4LML9huukH1uf01Q/w635-h640/La%20Venencia%20-%205%20types%20of%20sherry%20and%20tapas%20.jpeg" width="635" /></a></div><b>La Valencia - with 5 types of sherry and tapas!</b><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcM7E9JC_uIQ8okSlLFt24_tiXrKWu5WDOfa19KymkRIlbUnJdoOQAqKLhtYvfk5fImdZ6bsloLjWia5dMWQph2Pe00i0O6ry-qqFo7ETxBKm5AHEDw2D2ahhYo6s7uOpVpvL2LkuLNX1gB19M-hCz7BgZF1lvWNCLKcncOPOxsCZVh2XA61y5fAqLw/s1920/La%20Plateria%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcM7E9JC_uIQ8okSlLFt24_tiXrKWu5WDOfa19KymkRIlbUnJdoOQAqKLhtYvfk5fImdZ6bsloLjWia5dMWQph2Pe00i0O6ry-qqFo7ETxBKm5AHEDw2D2ahhYo6s7uOpVpvL2LkuLNX1gB19M-hCz7BgZF1lvWNCLKcncOPOxsCZVh2XA61y5fAqLw/w640-h372/La%20Plateria%20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><b>La Plateria</b><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It is also a great place to stroll in the evenings, with tiny churches nestling side by side with apartments, piazzas and restaurants.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPzJcmGkjOCyUlGpHnzuFtrNfhBfEPShTHb41JOPW4vAp55H0zxqt_04xE7KcOZVw3Jdr-eVM6PpagGIu7ZRfZhfqGIC2T8AJcraNIhDfkSXD39TQ6m86ICXYUiB8AaOecW0Q-1_2wp-sAZznI0Km5kAelJKFXOV6SLPrYjgFrCeQ1lIE-ARe88ieRw/s1280/Plaza%20Mayor%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPzJcmGkjOCyUlGpHnzuFtrNfhBfEPShTHb41JOPW4vAp55H0zxqt_04xE7KcOZVw3Jdr-eVM6PpagGIu7ZRfZhfqGIC2T8AJcraNIhDfkSXD39TQ6m86ICXYUiB8AaOecW0Q-1_2wp-sAZznI0Km5kAelJKFXOV6SLPrYjgFrCeQ1lIE-ARe88ieRw/w640-h475/Plaza%20Mayor%20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><b>Plaza Mayor</b></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Highlight of the week - apart from the trendy rooftop bar - was a Flamenco show at the <a href="https://www.lacuevadelola.com/" target="_blank">Cueva de Lola</a> sorry no photos were allowed!) They chose a tiny basement venue with a small stage where dancers strut their stuff in time to the heady but romantic music.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EgSczlC6vwhkqsd8X3LAsDhCX7DEqt54iJ5zcdCTfAgkzgp3HMVgt81t82ix4BrlH8npYI_1I6fcertCk5VddiD-oyZh3fsgWaKRcUzOMWFO8oAoZSRfEtDGIp0fDY3uEwbPN4JJiYyN12sVkrScIe4mUM0w4C0sHD8-9Ptv63B1tOhJJguC32eyIg/s1920/Parque%20de%20El%20Retiro%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EgSczlC6vwhkqsd8X3LAsDhCX7DEqt54iJ5zcdCTfAgkzgp3HMVgt81t82ix4BrlH8npYI_1I6fcertCk5VddiD-oyZh3fsgWaKRcUzOMWFO8oAoZSRfEtDGIp0fDY3uEwbPN4JJiYyN12sVkrScIe4mUM0w4C0sHD8-9Ptv63B1tOhJJguC32eyIg/w646-h640/Parque%20de%20El%20Retiro%202.jpeg" width="646" /></a></div><b>Parque del El Retiro</b><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A fabulous few days - and a quote from Anne that she would definitely go back!.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-49503966531797218822022-08-05T07:30:00.001+01:002022-08-05T07:30:00.170+01:00THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE EXCITING OF TRAVELLING POST-PANDEMIC<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54ABBzPMAgNIW2dpD1atuKTIInEC0noERHrUrPKvsqBJ7tVBFYyjyon9rC0_CXsXkJtrsw_u0qS3Zfe2oTbOtVncxvqFNrZpHHxwsP7dnCHgbZw6BRPUGB9FTXEAj476G8Ytcm-i6huP-WOUapF5vuyPYkEgpM9sKYVFwdgOw_2cd72K39H5pT2BJdA/s450/Dolphin%20watch%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="450" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54ABBzPMAgNIW2dpD1atuKTIInEC0noERHrUrPKvsqBJ7tVBFYyjyon9rC0_CXsXkJtrsw_u0qS3Zfe2oTbOtVncxvqFNrZpHHxwsP7dnCHgbZw6BRPUGB9FTXEAj476G8Ytcm-i6huP-WOUapF5vuyPYkEgpM9sKYVFwdgOw_2cd72K39H5pT2BJdA/w697-h334/Dolphin%20watch%20(2).jpg" width="697" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Flying post pandemic</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Thank you for reading our bucket list last four blogs - our epic holiday taking in Las Vegas, Honolulu, the Hawaiian Island cruise and Los Angeles. We can honestly say that it was one of the best holidays we have ever taken. And we would love to thank the lovely people at our travel agents, North America Travel Service, who swapped and changed our bookings four times over the period of two years as lockdowns and restrictions thwarted our travels.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We travelled in May/June when we still had to take COVID tests to travel to the US. It was incredibly stressful in the run-up to our flights, since we were worried that if we caught COVID, we would not be allowed to travel and may have lost our entire holiday. We switched our work days for some weeks before, allowing us to virtually isolate for the two weeks prior to going away, and fortunately for us, our PCR tests taken the day before travel were both negative. First hurdle successful!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But we weren't home free, because we had a day's flight and five days in Vegas and three days in Honolulu before we had to take another test to board the ship. This was much trickier since we weren't isolating and were mixing with other visitors from all over the world. We wore masks whenever we could, but in desert temperatures, it wasn't easy! Indoors wasn't much better in terms of stress levels since the buildings were all air-conditioned and we worried about circulating air. We were also using Ubers to get about, hopping in and out of cars every day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We had to take our cruise-recommended test via Zoom within two days to be allowed on board, and fortunately we were able to let out a huge sigh of relief when we were both negative. From then on it was plain sailing - literally!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSSl6xN46Krujx24mHZZmoDsSRZ6gGCSsEQkPohLceEsEF0yKlvaj-nlCxU1H13abaBWY_ECG4vGgcyUPLDPesRPZkNhi0LMEu8nl-074wy_dxB3d8N306jr0yDDNvhy7fk8rILrMDJ2KrFWTLSBkEm2R9uXkeAqUFJsSOlM30xjlznz4HNu0t13gYA/s2475/IMG_5855%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1892" data-original-width="2475" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSSl6xN46Krujx24mHZZmoDsSRZ6gGCSsEQkPohLceEsEF0yKlvaj-nlCxU1H13abaBWY_ECG4vGgcyUPLDPesRPZkNhi0LMEu8nl-074wy_dxB3d8N306jr0yDDNvhy7fk8rILrMDJ2KrFWTLSBkEm2R9uXkeAqUFJsSOlM30xjlznz4HNu0t13gYA/w640-h490/IMG_5855%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Airports in the UK were also reporting huge queues and cancelled flights, which was a worry for us in case we were caught up in the mayhem.. Our trip involved six flights each - from our regional airport to Heathrow, Heathrow to Las Vegas, Las Vegas to Honolulu, Honolulu to Los <br />Angeles, Los Angeles to Heathrow, and Heathrow back to our regional airport. The international flights were all with British Airways, and the Hawaiian flights with Hawaiian Airlines. All were supposed to be checked in online, but not a single one worked, which flew me into a panic from day one. Fortunately, with the exception of Hawaiian Airlines, the check in desks were very helpful and found our seat bookings - though not without some difficulty. In Honolulu, however, a very rude customer service advisor refused to help us and told us to do it ourselves. We still couldn't check in but fortunately another advisor - who had just joined the airline from Delta - was helpful and eventually found our booking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">British Airways food was pretty good, except my gluten intolerant daughter's breakfast was just an apple and banana, while mine included a yoghurt - which doesn't contain gluten! Hawaiian was a fairly basic snack which was not to my taste - and no gluten free at all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Travelling home was relatively easy though there was a bit of a wait to get through security at Heathrow as we transited back home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Food was obviously an issue for someone who is gluten intolerant. While venues, hotels and restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options, someone with IBS, for whom gluten is not a lifestyle choice meant sustenance was often limited.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKPb-SN_17uOPV-7DfpZQj4l1i7fQeVbLPFRmiwGSKcL3jOBvcbMBNzIm9MYeRo6z67eu5LmS96pUCfC2B2kQ-Iltqa3g_vNpk-SLvBhC8ShhFxivix3nT6ZRELE_ZWfkmvsZb8mG2RRvfPrkR39VwOrBQF6Psgj-y9_erSDgTOCSlbrThcewQr8hmw/s4032/IMG_5717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKPb-SN_17uOPV-7DfpZQj4l1i7fQeVbLPFRmiwGSKcL3jOBvcbMBNzIm9MYeRo6z67eu5LmS96pUCfC2B2kQ-Iltqa3g_vNpk-SLvBhC8ShhFxivix3nT6ZRELE_ZWfkmvsZb8mG2RRvfPrkR39VwOrBQF6Psgj-y9_erSDgTOCSlbrThcewQr8hmw/s16000/IMG_5717.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America was very good, with only a couple of quibbles. Firstly it was absolutely freezing inside - so much so that we didn't watch any of the evening entertainment because we hadn't taken jackets or cardigans, so spent most evenings in our cabin with the heater on, or on our balcony if we were in dock. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While I am not a seasoned cruiser - this was only my third cruise, there were clothes washing facilities on board PandO and SilverSea cruises. Bearing in mind we had been on holiday for 10 days when we boarded the ship, we needed some clean clothes - especially undies. Embarrassingly we had to send our knickers to the laundry at a cost of $2 a pair ( too many to rinse through in the bathroom sink).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Again embarrassingly, the toilets kept backing up - presumably because people kept putting things in them that they shouldn't. This happened three times in seven days when the loo just wouldn't flush.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The excursions we booked from the UK - despite having fairly good reviews - were mixed, with personal recommendations from friends being the most successful. Our sunset flight over the Grand Canyon with Maverick helicopters was superb, and the highlight for me of our Las Vegas visit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Absolute highlight was Hawaiian Islands which were stunning. While I had expected them to be pretty, I was unprepared for the absolutely breath-taking scenery and the wild beauty of the islands. We found the locals friendly and very protective of such a wonderful natural environment. Seeing the Napili coastline from the ship was so awe-inspiring, it catches in my throat. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBc9lMCDJYm3sLL-RAliZP1azpG5pJIlfHToyyibBRsysdXqKnhA2b0dXjX7Lqpk0GnfFShKUTWCwS5KGG-fkpmJtwN-W74tVTgAmxw4amEMSa4TNvJYB5YSjfnZT1VisOYsU6ke6-cHMN9MAt9BDNsQ6dA8rc6PYTTKabxqDD5-JBiMOp8xnCieDXQ/s4032/IMG_5822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBc9lMCDJYm3sLL-RAliZP1azpG5pJIlfHToyyibBRsysdXqKnhA2b0dXjX7Lqpk0GnfFShKUTWCwS5KGG-fkpmJtwN-W74tVTgAmxw4amEMSa4TNvJYB5YSjfnZT1VisOYsU6ke6-cHMN9MAt9BDNsQ6dA8rc6PYTTKabxqDD5-JBiMOp8xnCieDXQ/s16000/IMG_5822.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And seeing dolphins swimming and dancing next to our catamaran off Maui was another highlight. Watching the sunset at Haleakala was amazing, and The Kalua Ranch on O'ahu where Jurassic Park, King Kong and Lost plus many others were filmed was also a visit to remember. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nkTOZfMeJb8Dxfi0_bdaNImVYpEinTNJ1cm-KiQ9PrVVegUEN3wgV1HlASYKVf1OVAoG8Dt02adplbf1RzJMrRbWkBH51GlP462A6-TwjKMV9sV7856W9KhyZb4zujxhflbFtSyctzctHlA13DAfR0HIzenNR1r6CG1YhJ6vYxGCazTJQ4HHC1McrA/s4032/IMG_5600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nkTOZfMeJb8Dxfi0_bdaNImVYpEinTNJ1cm-KiQ9PrVVegUEN3wgV1HlASYKVf1OVAoG8Dt02adplbf1RzJMrRbWkBH51GlP462A6-TwjKMV9sV7856W9KhyZb4zujxhflbFtSyctzctHlA13DAfR0HIzenNR1r6CG1YhJ6vYxGCazTJQ4HHC1McrA/s16000/IMG_5600.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I have mixed feelings about Pearl Harbour. The SS Arizona memorial was very moving, but I found the main site too commercial, though I do realise they have to make money for upkeep of the site. The ladies rest room, however, was disgusting, with no attendant for the huge number of visitors. The Lua dinner was recommended by a tour guide at our hotel, but it wasn't really what I had expected - maybe a plantation .... not a run-down holiday camp. Note to self to do research first before committing the best part of $500 for two!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3P4XB0rJ-w4z0pxgM5wwn4p2iOaO99_Ga1aq76gAWdkO9hXJp378lKRiwXYgWYzPzWoJDgGGj4ku9qc3F1Ur2Fn_pNYxVyf0KPDnScD5u05pLfphRdFsMR4vlrr2VWvt8skgn1Sca4W1R33DCZOsj9RegWtlk-aiMe-3br23X5Jz1rhQjgGBZTZeXg/s3099/Dancing%20the%20night%20away%20at%20a%20lua.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3P4XB0rJ-w4z0pxgM5wwn4p2iOaO99_Ga1aq76gAWdkO9hXJp378lKRiwXYgWYzPzWoJDgGGj4ku9qc3F1Ur2Fn_pNYxVyf0KPDnScD5u05pLfphRdFsMR4vlrr2VWvt8skgn1Sca4W1R33DCZOsj9RegWtlk-aiMe-3br23X5Jz1rhQjgGBZTZeXg/w624-h640/Dancing%20the%20night%20away%20at%20a%20lua.JPG" width="624" /></span></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The hotels - The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the Hyatt Centric in Honolulu, were excellent, with comfortable beds and helpful staff. I won't mention again my disappointment with the hotel in Los Angeles.</p><p>But these are relatively minor complaints compared with the overall trip which is one I will remember forever. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively during the past 10 years, and have seen some of the most amazing sights across Europe, Asia. Australia and the United States. This was certainly one of the best.</p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-13114619999334009732022-07-29T07:30:00.037+01:002022-07-29T07:30:00.178+01:00THE CITY OF ANGELS<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI2qEa7QnsI2gDdyCvR8Kq9_UFkVMPUVLZXiAvm_JwrLaytmiyEOId9K9ZCxIY0rB5uuNTgeM_2Z3bgCUyGdyzyrteIA16TAWLQH5EYBuptkAA_zChsaYDIgLfu1DJaUZgy6uImgMvREDYWBjsvEC7mTIUtRZE_BhQ_8EzNCFrA_P1hjk6lZ4QseqHg/s4032/IMG_5968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI2qEa7QnsI2gDdyCvR8Kq9_UFkVMPUVLZXiAvm_JwrLaytmiyEOId9K9ZCxIY0rB5uuNTgeM_2Z3bgCUyGdyzyrteIA16TAWLQH5EYBuptkAA_zChsaYDIgLfu1DJaUZgy6uImgMvREDYWBjsvEC7mTIUtRZE_BhQ_8EzNCFrA_P1hjk6lZ4QseqHg/w640-h480/IMG_5968.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our final destination on our mega holiday was <a href="https://lacity.gov/" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a> - the City of Angels. But leaving Hawaii was more of a wrench than we expected, since it had been a wonderful ten days of activities. And I know we will never be able to go again.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The contrast couldn't have been greater - from beautiful islands with a relatively laid-back way of life to the frantic pace of suburban Los Angeles - home to most of the movies and TV programmes with which we were familiar.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">History</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Los Angeles originally made its money, surprisingly, through oil - and there are currently 68 named oil fields in the greater LA area - 10 of which are deemed to be "giants" containing more than a billion gallons of oil. Residential areas sprang up around the oil fields to support the workers, but there is little tolerance now in the current climate for accidents, oil spills, and climate damage, so legal steps are being taken to ban re-working old mines. Having said that, 542 new permits have recently been issued to open new oil fields and 1500 permits to rework old sites.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The movie age brought new investment to LA. Inventor of the movie camera, Thomas Edison, had tried to create a monopoly for the production of movies back east, so many producers in the 1920s and 30s had moved west to escape the confines of the Trust he set up to control the industry. F</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ilm makers demanded good weather all year round, and California was the perfect playground for film sets with year-round sunshine and away from the confines of the trust.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Movies</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />We arrived late at night, so had booked a relatively easy time for our first full day in LA. We discovered Lyft - which we don't have in the UK , and which operates just like Uber. We wanted a gluten free restaurant for brunch, and our friendly driver took us to iHop (for gluten-free pancakes!) close to the <a href="https://lacity.gov/" target="_blank">Academy Museum</a> of Motion Pictures, which would give us our first fix of the movie industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Academy Museum</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />We are huge movie fans in our house, so we immersed ourselves in some of our favourite films - right from the original Wizard of Oz - a childhood favourite of both of us - up to the modern day classics of Star Wars and Jaws.Every genre is catered for, and costumes were on display from such films as Edward Scissorhands and ET to the fabulous gowns worn by Oscar winners from a by-gone age.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Top of my list to see were Judy Garland's ruby slippers (I have a very cheap version of my own!) which were on display in a glass case. Artifacts and props from some of the earliest films to the latest blockbusters kept us entertained for the morning, before we headed off to explore LA.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Incidentally, there is a glass skywalk from the top floor to a viewing platform, but since we are terrified on heights, we gave that a wide berth!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexC9mEGPiuGD-bvbcE0QXYbFSMJubbA8SsTas_sp9XlRMkwviLXilvK0HZDG4YVvpmOSh9MQKk4Ppcqj__fnsXkWmi9M5Pt-OLR2WdfmrFznsOvSWRDPDwQwh4kA0K7uWdahuRxkR93RgviqWHKbGtGD0mUpL2_Jnw7eGoU6E_C5alITg9YJDgFGpQg/s4032/IMG_5878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexC9mEGPiuGD-bvbcE0QXYbFSMJubbA8SsTas_sp9XlRMkwviLXilvK0HZDG4YVvpmOSh9MQKk4Ppcqj__fnsXkWmi9M5Pt-OLR2WdfmrFznsOvSWRDPDwQwh4kA0K7uWdahuRxkR93RgviqWHKbGtGD0mUpL2_Jnw7eGoU6E_C5alITg9YJDgFGpQg/s16000/IMG_5878.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Grove and Farmers Market</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our walk took us directly to <a href="https://thegrovela.com/" target="_blank">The Grove</a> and the <a href="https://farmersmarketla.com/" target="_blank">Farmers Market</a>, where we discovered the fabulous Whole Foods store - which became our favourite go-to place to buy wonderfully fresh food, pre-packed snacks, fruits and salads. I wish we had something like this back home.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Grove boasts restaurants, a tourist tram and designer shops, and has featured in many a celebrity movie, though Neiman Marcus was way out of our price range. We did, however, discover Ross -Dress for Less (a bit like our TK Maxx) which became our favourite store while we were there, and had much more affordable prices.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3Y5UQl-LpPb3EtepuOc_K9LpF_cM2ecmCf3MpFE_Qpp5ok1wx7Vxr3L43A3LrlFOF-CeUjmiByibiOSi7l_HjwV6BtcG3381n81haKcUSDXsXO6LHmTkEr6FJ7FTha78k6aoiBMsY80aG6HP7niZVPwvsDwhe6vnC9Bjsl2G4CcR1wnlHc5s7J5qmQ/s3247/IMG_5907%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2978" data-original-width="3247" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3Y5UQl-LpPb3EtepuOc_K9LpF_cM2ecmCf3MpFE_Qpp5ok1wx7Vxr3L43A3LrlFOF-CeUjmiByibiOSi7l_HjwV6BtcG3381n81haKcUSDXsXO6LHmTkEr6FJ7FTha78k6aoiBMsY80aG6HP7niZVPwvsDwhe6vnC9Bjsl2G4CcR1wnlHc5s7J5qmQ/w640-h586/IMG_5907%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQpkuR5s6hAEL2pE9MhA5qEfuecfsf3ynlkw5xEy7G78RaGKjNT0dunZ_IZGSWm1n8uv_puM_qqQdlXWGVc3Te90aqrr4XcSAUhzNHcQjrhXsAIvlPJeBG35cTWKAuiwVtNcc67VDMrOHR0CtoxcVv-pOuZoi__d2D5EQnnr0G0MhnmRr8q79gsxb9Q/s4032/IMG_5912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQpkuR5s6hAEL2pE9MhA5qEfuecfsf3ynlkw5xEy7G78RaGKjNT0dunZ_IZGSWm1n8uv_puM_qqQdlXWGVc3Te90aqrr4XcSAUhzNHcQjrhXsAIvlPJeBG35cTWKAuiwVtNcc67VDMrOHR0CtoxcVv-pOuZoi__d2D5EQnnr0G0MhnmRr8q79gsxb9Q/s16000/IMG_5912.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Farmers Market boasts the largest number of dining options in LA, and it's easy to see why. There's every kind of food stalls available, from American hot dogs to gourmet dishes from around the world. They also hold foodie tours and events.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> It was a perfect pit-stop for my gluten-free daughter to pick up some tasty treats, which seemed to be lacking elsewhere.</span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hollywood Boulevard</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, we had booked a table for dinner at <a href="https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/hollywood-on-hollywood-blvd/" target="_blank">Hard Rock Cafe</a> (don't we always?) on <a href="https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/famous-attractions-things-to-do-on-hollywood-boulevard" target="_blank">Hollywood Boulevard</a> - the latter of which was a complete shock to the system. Full of tourist shops selling all manner of tat to the street hawkers trying to push unwanted tickets, the sidewalk (pavements to us Brits) were dirty and those cherished stars were cracked and broken in some cases. It was not what I had expected to see - I thought these would be regularly cleaned and easy to find our favourite celebrities.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Of course the area is a must-see but was such a disappointment, with beggars, drunks and crazies vying for attention with the street performers. Gauman's (now TCL) <a href="http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/" target="_blank">Chinese Theatre</a> , scene of many Hollywood blockbusters, was busy with tourists looking for those famous foot and hand prints, though there are various stories as to who stepped first into wet concrete and set off the custom.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZ1p3VyX-FB7B-IFkJaZRdFiXgJbvijotEjkhp0nV3iYJT4EltvTpaEzo3KxIChYMF49cumUoO1t-3rlBmV3Lo3Q06hkzIcJVcLkoINX5oqkfBXsZYBmMaXF9d_P140YsjBpdTV8jK6RVn7VwPklPHs9yLEHVO6TCoNv4VGm-ixRoHLt6ijZ5KkqCPA/s4032/IMG_5929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZ1p3VyX-FB7B-IFkJaZRdFiXgJbvijotEjkhp0nV3iYJT4EltvTpaEzo3KxIChYMF49cumUoO1t-3rlBmV3Lo3Q06hkzIcJVcLkoINX5oqkfBXsZYBmMaXF9d_P140YsjBpdTV8jK6RVn7VwPklPHs9yLEHVO6TCoNv4VGm-ixRoHLt6ijZ5KkqCPA/w640-h480/IMG_5929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I did find the star of my early teenage crush, musician Peter Frampton, who deserted our home shores for mega-stardom in the US. I have happy memories of seeing him perform live with his band "The Herd" in the late 60s.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJCZB9TcajrvvdN-iftajL6jlzpYJnDn8_RClSxb1_LZGXb4MVD6JK96tV7g-dHgSc9UyvTXsTWpZn8itVqIaUQOi66I4LksbS9TcW6u2gRAmFY-WUuDzEhGgQfAMy7pGZZD9YSAJIlU0NoIA16bgujYyYujj_j5pxzJjiyLWYza8L6GAUzq-HfkbHA/s4032/IMG_5924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJCZB9TcajrvvdN-iftajL6jlzpYJnDn8_RClSxb1_LZGXb4MVD6JK96tV7g-dHgSc9UyvTXsTWpZn8itVqIaUQOi66I4LksbS9TcW6u2gRAmFY-WUuDzEhGgQfAMy7pGZZD9YSAJIlU0NoIA16bgujYyYujj_j5pxzJjiyLWYza8L6GAUzq-HfkbHA/s16000/IMG_5924.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">All our tours for the three holiday destinations - with one exception - were booked before we left the UK, with Tripadvisor recommendations. On our second day we were picked up from our hotel for a full day's tour of LA. Despite good ratings, the tour seemed to lack some organisation. We were taken by minibus to Santa Monica where we were taken to a cafe (but the driver had not said a word to us until he told us to get off the bus!) and told to get a coffee while we were sorted into groups, then before the coffee arrived - we were put one another minibus. The tour took in most of the main sights but felt rushed as for the most part we had only 30 or 40 minutes to look around some of the most iconic scenery in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhf_7VWYw4X4NnqR9_GmVOubVwRYMdjUphKnYtYMNRj48bTa9m7nFeMyQCXjKjrZI5imdDWk85dYE4bk4FXpNrUiXp3WUZILxlydp2dZROSHdsar4v5AP4kj6jPdNTAm0bDxVy9hFbQj0XtpXcJ20-K1Jwqy4I2hwMOgCRgxOF7yj-G7bG-IwX71SFw/s4032/IMG_5920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhf_7VWYw4X4NnqR9_GmVOubVwRYMdjUphKnYtYMNRj48bTa9m7nFeMyQCXjKjrZI5imdDWk85dYE4bk4FXpNrUiXp3WUZILxlydp2dZROSHdsar4v5AP4kj6jPdNTAm0bDxVy9hFbQj0XtpXcJ20-K1Jwqy4I2hwMOgCRgxOF7yj-G7bG-IwX71SFw/s16000/IMG_5920.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Santa Monica Pier</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">First stop was <a href="https://www.santamonicapier.org/" target="_blank">Santa Monica Pier and beach</a>, taking in the end of <a href="https://www.theroute-66.com/santa-monica.html" target="_blank">Route 66</a>, the 2,448 mile road which starts in Chicago and was the main migration route to the West Coast during the "Dust Bowl Years" in the 1930s when dust storms and drought in the prairies devastated farming, and prospectors decided to try their luck out west.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjMBCDcjvCx3RW4G6MhpoGLji1TEbnclg58ZuQY74YHNYpsmFGduNXT7wcYTfm9ZoPhfBu5YAtzDHLkfphnX-ilzcgdr72uEpi3FDtrKaQ8eNotdMfGORu07Qln7xa1HizcBLMvQTCID7Z_q3QEzB2652HxIpZBxaSPtP40qJMgNdmWQ8MBC53Sy-uQ/s3491/IMG_5935%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3491" data-original-width="2849" height="834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjMBCDcjvCx3RW4G6MhpoGLji1TEbnclg58ZuQY74YHNYpsmFGduNXT7wcYTfm9ZoPhfBu5YAtzDHLkfphnX-ilzcgdr72uEpi3FDtrKaQ8eNotdMfGORu07Qln7xa1HizcBLMvQTCID7Z_q3QEzB2652HxIpZBxaSPtP40qJMgNdmWQ8MBC53Sy-uQ/w680-h834/IMG_5935%20(2).jpg" width="680" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Santa Monica Pier</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pQh0aHNqNK1SUE1JuYwvas5Z-WPL5XlhL8AEV0CNtpxQvm2x82UZN3tbLoQsKLhO3BmsoTChkGnmjsb7Zom6aN6NYYour3H_CpOLa-V1EKa6tIyWwScTdXb4s443RtLZBGPbmbwt0UJZq52UPF0klPJg5kdVkXZvkCvj53qdjjZLVcMgZF0MHw1U7w/s4032/IMG_5940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pQh0aHNqNK1SUE1JuYwvas5Z-WPL5XlhL8AEV0CNtpxQvm2x82UZN3tbLoQsKLhO3BmsoTChkGnmjsb7Zom6aN6NYYour3H_CpOLa-V1EKa6tIyWwScTdXb4s443RtLZBGPbmbwt0UJZq52UPF0klPJg5kdVkXZvkCvj53qdjjZLVcMgZF0MHw1U7w/s16000/IMG_5940.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Venice Beach</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was then onto <a href="https://smmirror.com/2021/12/venice-named-the-most-dangerous-beach-in-country-according-to-outforia-study/" target="_blank">Venice Beach</a>, which had originally been built in a stylised version of Venice, with waterways and amusements, and marshland transformed into beaches and amusements. Unfortunately the original owner went bust and gradually the waterways disappeared until there is just one canal left. Venice is now a playground for surfers and muscle men who strut their stuff on Muscle Beach - made famous by the most famous muscle man, Arnie Schwartzenegger. The original Muscle Beach, however, had been based in Santa Monica.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, on doing research when we returned, it turns out it that with a history of gangland activity, Venice has been recorded as the most dangerous beach in America for crime, shark attacks and surfing fatalities. But during the day, it looked like a fairly bohemian community, and we didn't feel at all unsafe.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Griffith Park</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the afternoon we were taken to <a href="https://griffithobservatory.org/visit/" target="_blank">The Observatory</a> at Griffith Park, with a very distant view of the iconic <a href="https://www.hollywoodsign.org/" target="_blank">Hollywood sign</a>. What they had failed to mention when we booked the trip was that the building is open only Thursday to Sunday. My daughter had previously visited LA and this was absolutely the one place she wanted to go. The views of course are magnificent of the city, but The Observatory is a one-off so we were very disappointed not to be able to visit inside. We were also disappointed to see the Hollywood sign was so far away, we could only see it through a zoom lens.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUF21Tsqpw4RTIXcXdCjIe9_jbROhn61HZTE3uFkGsQX0aCgMRaOrcDh_CB-OZha5xUGE3KUxmTzyXvvjIfLBrXXqwvJPY3jNMmanXNnB4JoscpJf7zZt7mNjcN3CWMfHbJrbvHDNKfMbzJZTCq893ehbD3tXMrmmW13jo10nZ74jRQIp3ANyO3OcDQ/s4032/IMG_5984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUF21Tsqpw4RTIXcXdCjIe9_jbROhn61HZTE3uFkGsQX0aCgMRaOrcDh_CB-OZha5xUGE3KUxmTzyXvvjIfLBrXXqwvJPY3jNMmanXNnB4JoscpJf7zZt7mNjcN3CWMfHbJrbvHDNKfMbzJZTCq893ehbD3tXMrmmW13jo10nZ74jRQIp3ANyO3OcDQ/s16000/IMG_5984.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Bizarrely, there is a bronze head of film star James Dean, which had been commissioned by the man himself. The 1955 film "Rebel without a cause" featured the Observatory heavily in both internal and external scenes from the movie, and helped put it on the international map.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WHnmg8m_2KheX7f-KkpU9iTTcW4qQV81rxt3AkVrpJAPEXEm3zV4cA4kBiN8DuQhJWXATj8hJ01d4oC3LBb-Y6rIwoCZjSDvvnFu7dzc6KesXDm7d8DTtEcIXMTS0DXuQ9CCLO0S0IwL8NUfsEUzf813zvCUE9gUMzgehBGJbM84-DBEy5V8UT1Ngg/s4032/IMG_5983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WHnmg8m_2KheX7f-KkpU9iTTcW4qQV81rxt3AkVrpJAPEXEm3zV4cA4kBiN8DuQhJWXATj8hJ01d4oC3LBb-Y6rIwoCZjSDvvnFu7dzc6KesXDm7d8DTtEcIXMTS0DXuQ9CCLO0S0IwL8NUfsEUzf813zvCUE9gUMzgehBGJbM84-DBEy5V8UT1Ngg/w640-h480/IMG_5983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOKzvjV08YBD_9McaPywfP7smbkIMsk7vWYxH1zxguUN_2YQpVPTC0QzBxHUGJIgOs7lc3RR98-F9X9ayFacRdQNY0C1id4oY1KblkAAeOUy5efnErzABNlTH0U1KP6of24hTRzDF_-vyepkvtELJ_iLHziwheqfqjEA6co705nBmhlpveJcejNzFaw/s4032/IMG_6014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOKzvjV08YBD_9McaPywfP7smbkIMsk7vWYxH1zxguUN_2YQpVPTC0QzBxHUGJIgOs7lc3RR98-F9X9ayFacRdQNY0C1id4oY1KblkAAeOUy5efnErzABNlTH0U1KP6of24hTRzDF_-vyepkvtELJ_iLHziwheqfqjEA6co705nBmhlpveJcejNzFaw/s16000/IMG_6014.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Famous Sites </span></h3><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We had a short stop on <a href="https://rodeodrive-bh.com/" target="_blank">Rodeo Drive</a> - but only just enough time to find a toilet and then get back on the bus, so no designer shopping for us!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The rest of the tour was just riding on the bus which was not what we wanted to do. We drove down <a href="https://melroseavenue-shop.com/" target="_blank">Melrose Avenue </a>( which looked a little down-at-heel), saw the hotel where Julia Roberts climbed down the fire escape in Pretty Woman, went by Angelina Jolie's home, and went past the Los Angeles sign until dropping off once again on Hollywood Boulevard - by which time we had had enough, and returned to the hotel. My daughter completed a less-than flattering TripAdvisor review, and we did get a partial refund for this tour. In reality, we should have taken two leisurely tours instead of trying to pack everything into one day.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zq_nw29WlF9uqr7RY0ZcrjbViCBU_5InlxwFbzSdtHAqx7aU1cgF6wx0vSBeqnASOlJqIx4mi-PTwno4m29M-f87Zm6JArxOBBZsvWM1Y2lpY2PQT3tHOmNlRPdFHO8JSgJCc-2ydBnRctyxjCWPlj_b9qdeeDMsAi-YpWzRQRjJbLBIsg8FGNs42A/s295/Pretty%20woman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zq_nw29WlF9uqr7RY0ZcrjbViCBU_5InlxwFbzSdtHAqx7aU1cgF6wx0vSBeqnASOlJqIx4mi-PTwno4m29M-f87Zm6JArxOBBZsvWM1Y2lpY2PQT3tHOmNlRPdFHO8JSgJCc-2ydBnRctyxjCWPlj_b9qdeeDMsAi-YpWzRQRjJbLBIsg8FGNs42A/w512-h640/Pretty%20woman.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We stayed at Mr C in Beverley Hills, which was also a disappointment. Although the public rooms were stylish and comfortable, our room was above a 12 lane crossroad and extremely noisy with sirens up and down all night. What was once an elegant room was starting to look tired with dirty, ill-fitting curtains, frayed leather furniture and only one chair on the balcony, so not a place I would recommend. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">They also debited my credit card a week after I arrived home - but this had already been paid by my travel agent, and my receipt on leaving confirmed there had been nothing to pay. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The city is a sprawling metropolis so difficult and expensive to get about easily if you don't have a car. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Being completely honest, LA was a disappointment from what I had expected - glitz, glamour and impeccable customer service were decidedly lacking. But maybe I had too high expectations after such an amazing time in Hawaii. After three weeks away from home, I think we were also a little jaded.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I'm glad I went and saw it for myself, but I won't be going back.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyU_OnTG9j7XBtV3tOTb0sZI9SNZorpe5ZD0QlpRSbdvqvsofwVA66K4ABTlNk2KEdv03X4zD4bocXnqgeZx0Qww8e0siORm-4oi3ZK8XDQCAwhVRL0u-uNF4gzK2HM7UmneBWqLzjVvlbVJwsteT1sN2i01B0RlVgqzLFTr95Tq2r1uJe99OPVgEqA/s4032/IMG_6016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyU_OnTG9j7XBtV3tOTb0sZI9SNZorpe5ZD0QlpRSbdvqvsofwVA66K4ABTlNk2KEdv03X4zD4bocXnqgeZx0Qww8e0siORm-4oi3ZK8XDQCAwhVRL0u-uNF4gzK2HM7UmneBWqLzjVvlbVJwsteT1sN2i01B0RlVgqzLFTr95Tq2r1uJe99OPVgEqA/s16000/IMG_6016.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Wall art on Melrose</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-4017554782680948272022-07-03T21:38:00.000+01:002022-07-03T21:38:08.351+01:00CRUISING THE SPECTACULAR HAWAIIAN ISLANDS<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqazrwtXmbFphWnPn_6ry8I4MHoSBSCwahM3QHyIGjm7NB6AxkUuJ3KG0ReTqGhTFV6gg0A-httbcpBMVn38yT_fwRVxULijQmBlpOuPOIlRDfUyYf1sVS6g3BJWneH-iscBw4mckcMG5hyB2TOwTnWBfvxXuhyRhYRPAeBPOLZMEpAkd_s_kzW_P1w/s4032/IMG_5593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqazrwtXmbFphWnPn_6ry8I4MHoSBSCwahM3QHyIGjm7NB6AxkUuJ3KG0ReTqGhTFV6gg0A-httbcpBMVn38yT_fwRVxULijQmBlpOuPOIlRDfUyYf1sVS6g3BJWneH-iscBw4mckcMG5hyB2TOwTnWBfvxXuhyRhYRPAeBPOLZMEpAkd_s_kzW_P1w/s16000/IMG_5593.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pride of America</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is part three of my mega holiday with my daughter Louise and I thought I would do a separate blog about our fabulous cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. Having spent five days in Vegas and three days in Honolulu (see previous blogs), we set sail on board Norwegian Cruise Line's the Pride of America for the beautiful islands.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While I am not a particularly seasoned cruiser - this is only my third cruise - it was a first for my daughter, and we both absolutely loved it! The huge ship is a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">80,439 ton, 15 deck vessel which normally carries some 2,186 passengers with around 920 crew </span>b</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ut post-pandemic, the passenger list was less than capacity due to staff shortages, and some of the restaurants were closed. However, we found the cafeteria style Aloha Cafe restaurant was far better than some of my previous cruises, offering a wide choice of international food. In fact, our only two visits to other eateries on board (the beautifully decorated Skyline and the funky Cadillac diner) were decidedly ordinary, though all the staff on the ship were always wonderfully helpful, cheerful and polite. </span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Maui</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Day one was cruising and allowed us to find our sea legs, and for day two we had booked an excursion to the crater at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm" target="_blank">Mount <span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a;">Haleakalā</span> </a>, on the beautiful island of <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui" target="_blank">Maui</a> to see the sun set. Our trip instructions had told us to take a sweater as it could be chilly, but in all honesty, it would have been more appropriate to take an overcoat, boots, scarves, gloves and a woolly hat - it was freezing! Those obviously in the know had also taken blankets with them!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But of course, 10,000 above sea level was bound to be cold but the view was well worth shivering for - it was spectacular! Our bus took us way above the clouds into the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a;">Haleakalā</span> National Park</a>.<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a;">The park is a rich, 34,000-acre tapestry of biodiversity that begins at the summit of Haleakalā at 10,023ft., and cascades down to the Kīpahulu District’s black volcanic sands. More than 24,000 acres of wilderness area provides exploration opportunities, ranging from high altitude cinder lands to lush coastal rainforest.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a;"> Such a fabulous start to our Island adventure!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Day two saw us on a catamaran as we sailed the Pacific, stopping first off the coast of Lanai Island for snorkelling. The trip was a the cruise ship excursion with the conservation company <a href="https://www.pacificwhale.org/" target="_blank">The Pacific Whale Foundation and PacWhale eco-adventures</a>, and they made sure that we understood not to touch the fish - and especially not the turtles if we saw any beneath us as we swam above. The colours of the fish were exquisite - so bright and very "Finding Nemo"! Unfortunately after 10 or 15 minutes, I began to feel quite queasy, so came back on board to enjoy the sunshine. We sailed onto a second beach area where I stayed on the catamaran, but apparently everyone managed to see those elusive turtles swimming beneath the waves</span>.</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqRiSeFXGJ50EhI9esq2tl3FXNGg6UjY32JlfKKmDAIOWPkdjHaf5J3F9UkxQ7coxoSfAnmnEpfjYQVOvaYD-LxgYu7inwAdZqcSzR_bOriCTlxU93FW2PijBbVNs_G0vVoRgUuuQhHcwoL6pyxMPAY8AAwxCVN-Q7dMVWKdfV0vsBFe7svL3QhuEEQ/s450/Dolphin%20watch%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="450" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqRiSeFXGJ50EhI9esq2tl3FXNGg6UjY32JlfKKmDAIOWPkdjHaf5J3F9UkxQ7coxoSfAnmnEpfjYQVOvaYD-LxgYu7inwAdZqcSzR_bOriCTlxU93FW2PijBbVNs_G0vVoRgUuuQhHcwoL6pyxMPAY8AAwxCVN-Q7dMVWKdfV0vsBFe7svL3QhuEEQ/w640-h308/Dolphin%20watch%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">After lunch - which I declined - we had an afternoon sail along the Maui coastline, with its modern hotels lining the beach. We were delighted to be joined by a pod of dolphins, swimming and diving right next to the catamaran. What an absolute treat! Our coach picked us up at the harbour but I would have liked to have stopped at he Fleetwood Mac bar and restaurant on Front Street, though sadly we had to return to the ship all together, though we did pass by it (Hubby is a huge fan).</span></span></span></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;">On deck</span></span></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw-FvOFAKm6ZHZCd4_CbLb1H1H98Ag9AHaDPVZZsRGdYWl2U6BEu9_pswC2kPH2JwXfyIRiaNjv5wh966uOOv_ygz6trHgP7mV-SiduREtKzus26hLXnzrcfdL-CvqkA3u-Ke3R2iapOlnrp0znLksKWX5vMh-HhxQ9u9n4gCNqSAXzXBoXd7XQhSnw/s3088/IMG_5579(Edited).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw-FvOFAKm6ZHZCd4_CbLb1H1H98Ag9AHaDPVZZsRGdYWl2U6BEu9_pswC2kPH2JwXfyIRiaNjv5wh966uOOv_ygz6trHgP7mV-SiduREtKzus26hLXnzrcfdL-CvqkA3u-Ke3R2iapOlnrp0znLksKWX5vMh-HhxQ9u9n4gCNqSAXzXBoXd7XQhSnw/w635-h846/IMG_5579(Edited).jpg" width="635" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;">Day three saw us chilling on the ship, while our fellow travellers went off to explore <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/hilo" target="_blank">Hilo</a>, on the Big Island, famous for rainforests and waterfalls, but since we had booked a rainforest hike and swim for later in the week, we took the opportunity to relax on board and check out the shops and activities - settling on the pool deck with a delicious mocktail.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;">The Big Island (Hawaii)</span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;">Day four was one of my favourite days as we dropped anchor in Kona on the Big Island - where the coffee grows. This was a history tour - but with the obligatory tourist shop stop to sample the different flavoured coffees! Then it was onto <a href="http://thepaintedchurchhawaii.org/" target="_blank">St Benedict Painted Church</a>. I've said I love stories and this one goes like this.... Father John Velghe left his native Europe to travel to a new parish in South America, but stopped along the way in Hawaii. He was persuaded in 1899 that he was needed there instead of South America, and that there was a church with an active congregation needing a priest. When he eventually saw the church it was completely derelict, and there were no worshippers.</span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMqbPS2U2a1HWT1q2MdxlBnmHr0uFQcCTmJCVYfKrBjsL2ITNHUfEKkvW-nvtD6df408RQP59rnL-aydOy8aw-KGFY2G2GJ2KAVk0jRD8T6d3WNw_q9_fHOr7L7SzoZLGpuPAPtZWFsIoj4ZHNunyxqcOrlKnVtzJDkoEi8HERxV_sJAiKNMOgkmjDQ/s1319/St%20Benedict's%20Church%20Kona%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1319" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMqbPS2U2a1HWT1q2MdxlBnmHr0uFQcCTmJCVYfKrBjsL2ITNHUfEKkvW-nvtD6df408RQP59rnL-aydOy8aw-KGFY2G2GJ2KAVk0jRD8T6d3WNw_q9_fHOr7L7SzoZLGpuPAPtZWFsIoj4ZHNunyxqcOrlKnVtzJDkoEi8HERxV_sJAiKNMOgkmjDQ/w640-h304/St%20Benedict's%20Church%20Kona%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">Undaunted, he took the church apart bit by bit and with the help of a donkey, he carried the church up the hill to where he felt he was needed. It took him - and the donkey - three years until the church was built. At that time most Hawaiians did not read - Hawaiian was not a language that was written down at that time anyway - so the priest told his stories from the bible in pictures. An untrained artist, he used house paint that was given to him - in the only colours available - yellows, browns, greens and blues, creating beautifully painted frescoes on the walls and ceiling of the church.</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFem2VJDueovLnd2jkHm-T58qYIvvm8AMtSylAOmgrnEYO3RXgT-dJ5Iu_UYhQLarb5ElIxhYkp9uqmXu-5fqKh3xVVEvUY6XEldJpz_aIcrMUD1kEL-Nl9imvgMcWsaRt0VjS3lrap5Q1X8ZRbsWJ59J0qzjzpErCZq9hO5iIYUnjUJlbCXyG9yxkHg/s4032/IMG_5660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFem2VJDueovLnd2jkHm-T58qYIvvm8AMtSylAOmgrnEYO3RXgT-dJ5Iu_UYhQLarb5ElIxhYkp9uqmXu-5fqKh3xVVEvUY6XEldJpz_aIcrMUD1kEL-Nl9imvgMcWsaRt0VjS3lrap5Q1X8ZRbsWJ59J0qzjzpErCZq9hO5iIYUnjUJlbCXyG9yxkHg/s16000/IMG_5660.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">Those original frescoes still adorn the church today - in perfect condition with one exception. Despite the face that there are three frescoes on the same wall, the only one which is faded is the one depicting the devil and hell. There is no direct sunlight on the frescoes, and the paintings are just inches apart. Some divine retribution perhaps????</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SQMbCcrufjtO5_DmWGtFebEOU46zrk9ReCzf2eMsX85LhwKIT1ES7RCfBfdhwBjcGgFlnlA7nrGAK7nXfMvtZJCWbx0IDR6rcqVbaIuUDNm6slb7x3XOcLaRwItwbFKq8LG8YpudLsDhEaMWuwhqSsK5u3OQWrH9lBj3aCRUj2gQzhmoi3NC_033Mw/s4032/IMG_5661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SQMbCcrufjtO5_DmWGtFebEOU46zrk9ReCzf2eMsX85LhwKIT1ES7RCfBfdhwBjcGgFlnlA7nrGAK7nXfMvtZJCWbx0IDR6rcqVbaIuUDNm6slb7x3XOcLaRwItwbFKq8LG8YpudLsDhEaMWuwhqSsK5u3OQWrH9lBj3aCRUj2gQzhmoi3NC_033Mw/w640-h480/IMG_5661.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">The graveyard is interesting here too - since the landscape is built on hundreds of volcano eruptions over the centuries, digging graves is a difficult process so some are lined with lava rocks, but many original bones are still to be found scattered beneath sacred sites around the islands.</span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumJliwN0Xiz1F6a-fX_dHIouIVJWWRMs5rBehpKt-bhSYER_sz-NRnryncNCuqATqvW9YDXM5Vpdzuh-LogXrt8L6_SH1pG8P0UhvU0GuepwlyYNNM4VFZxfksDOJwUPWk7PYxpzPvZj0rbXSc72bbq1iYXINNFRePb1iuTEdBNuKOq3TCi5Ekp0jEA/s4032/IMG_5712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumJliwN0Xiz1F6a-fX_dHIouIVJWWRMs5rBehpKt-bhSYER_sz-NRnryncNCuqATqvW9YDXM5Vpdzuh-LogXrt8L6_SH1pG8P0UhvU0GuepwlyYNNM4VFZxfksDOJwUPWk7PYxpzPvZj0rbXSc72bbq1iYXINNFRePb1iuTEdBNuKOq3TCi5Ekp0jEA/s16000/IMG_5712.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">Our day trip also took in the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm" target="_blank">Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park</a>, known as the "place of Refuge" where locals fled to when they had broken the law. Now a small fishing village, the bay is noted for snorkelling, reef diving and dolphin and whale spotting. It is such a pretty spot, with palm trees fringing the beach and rocks, and wild goats foraging for food among the lush vegetation. Last year the National Parks Service and partners removed more than 450 goats to protect the cultural and natural resources. They were given to locals who had applied for permits and could provide transport to take them safely away.</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3RUcocXIt9K6sQbPrfaV_f4tGuNcs90bCNyVkIBlpErvcB_xlsKa4z_5uv5kT7j-sLyFBje1gBiuAOLXKM-iW8Opf9ipwoealhm8NpcpDbj5S37iIAKDDJfc9YOfaoEt1e8FwmuIJaP1hm4tX2E_4RXzXTosnB0s2jZzYEFg-cOQW5TlUV6NQ5tPcw/s4032/IMG_5676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3RUcocXIt9K6sQbPrfaV_f4tGuNcs90bCNyVkIBlpErvcB_xlsKa4z_5uv5kT7j-sLyFBje1gBiuAOLXKM-iW8Opf9ipwoealhm8NpcpDbj5S37iIAKDDJfc9YOfaoEt1e8FwmuIJaP1hm4tX2E_4RXzXTosnB0s2jZzYEFg-cOQW5TlUV6NQ5tPcw/s16000/IMG_5676.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">The guardians pictured above and below and which mark the beach are the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/puho/learn/historyculture/kii.htm" target="_blank">ki'i </a>- images or statutes in the image of the many gods who protected the inhabitants. They are usually carved from wood, stone, or even sea urchin spines. Those standing at the bay were created in the 1960s when the site was renovated, with much of the work done by the descendants of the original carvers. For more detail about the site and the statues, see <a href="https://www.nps.gov/puho/learn/historyculture/kii.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5qWV-xbpwaRrvncs6SV9V738fX2Ntu7fjrk5lRHXiIXeM2ZVcVUKqThWTrAgklV9vM7FTignt6sX7DhEBVE1f7Np7i4PY8yY1Cdf7Doti9gJKz2BRVqsjH6SAVslw9nXbZSvVDp6IRBjoQZ9YFpXj-7EyD0g33T1Wq1QMvmvUnc0ReuWsphySr_Y8w/s4032/IMG_5686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5qWV-xbpwaRrvncs6SV9V738fX2Ntu7fjrk5lRHXiIXeM2ZVcVUKqThWTrAgklV9vM7FTignt6sX7DhEBVE1f7Np7i4PY8yY1Cdf7Doti9gJKz2BRVqsjH6SAVslw9nXbZSvVDp6IRBjoQZ9YFpXj-7EyD0g33T1Wq1QMvmvUnc0ReuWsphySr_Y8w/w640-h480/IMG_5686.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">We finished the day with a wander around the port where the ship had docked. There were some gorgeous little shops and even a farmers market, which had goods identical to those being sold on the ship, but much cheaper. I could have spent lots of money, but as I have previously said, our baggage on the way out was already overweight!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a; font-size: medium;">We discovered Dole Whips - a frozen dairy-free dessert made of pineapple juice, frozen pineapple chunks, vanilla ice cream, lemon juice, salt and sugar which was amazing. It was a recipe from the Dole company, formerly the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which is actually now headquartered in Ireland, and which is the world's largest producer of fruit and vegetables.</span></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQizwEpjwqPc5IuPIcA6Jgj0nrDSompK5WoiDNDuJEPvguBZ8kLK9-06UxbuCZS2pN4L9o2etKu7k7FLV-VZcp0RPDu_HwjcYq2NaEjAdbil4OXFqUuXvQCI8tdOFDaFCibKfAn7cSn1oQG1jPXzBg8vEOn4xwV_mO9jPXGvFA4wl_-AawHYYV-HPhw/s1936/IMG_5719(Edited).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="1936" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQizwEpjwqPc5IuPIcA6Jgj0nrDSompK5WoiDNDuJEPvguBZ8kLK9-06UxbuCZS2pN4L9o2etKu7k7FLV-VZcp0RPDu_HwjcYq2NaEjAdbil4OXFqUuXvQCI8tdOFDaFCibKfAn7cSn1oQG1jPXzBg8vEOn4xwV_mO9jPXGvFA4wl_-AawHYYV-HPhw/w640-h536/IMG_5719(Edited).jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>The beautiful house pictured above is <a href="https://daughtersofhawaii.org/hulihee-palace/" target="_blank">Hulihee Palace</a>, standing on the beach in Kailua.The Palace was originally built out of lava rock during the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, on land known as Kalāke‘e, a former residence of Kamehameha the Great. The Palace itself was first home to High Chief John Adams Kuakini, brother of Ka‘ahumanu the favorite wife of Kamehameha, and later home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawai‘i. Hulihe‘e Palace consists of six large graciously appointed rooms, two large inviting oceanfront lanai and lovely grounds. After falling into disrepair, it was eventually restored by the Daughters of Hawaii in 1927, for use as a museum. (if you look carefully at the left of the picture, you can just see the Pride of America ship anchored at sea).</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #413a3f; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b2a2a;">KAUA'I (THE GARDEN ISLAND)</span></span></span></h3><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Day Five was probably not my favourite day, but I'm glad I went! To explain, since the accident when I fractured my spine, I struggle to walk uphill. But my daughter wanted to trek through the rain forest to see a couple of waterfalls and swim beneath the cascading water, so we booked the ship's excursion - there were probably only about eight of us - which took us downhill through the forest, while our knowledgeable guide pointed out the flora and fauna - what was edible and what was poisonous. We had had to sign a waiver before we started, which hadn't filled me with confidence from the start.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2a2a; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We rested at the first small waterfall, carrying further down the hill until the small waterfall cascaded into a pool. Obviously not one of those waterfalls several feet high, but still enough pressure to knock you off your feet. We were invited to climb the rocks and walk behind it, but that was a stretch too far for me, so we contented ourselves with a cooling dip in the pool beneath the water. No pictures of us bathing - they're not very flattering!!! Oh and the water was cleaner than it looked! </span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDnwQcGj_Zy7vPI-UU1qIbqp6kTXPpE_plgLif7ajwyeL2LcvAQ0hNT25ZiHlIUx1X36Rgb17xNfDf9iLkJK63aMbr4IR-jt2-z3CTiLLDym4UP7Wy4Bp1YMG1Z6lka6cxlRpwtchzkjx8LaRxpiWuffZ-UwF5KlZfbXU1KbwPZMwO4OYkvhWxHYWsg/s4032/IMG_5794.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDnwQcGj_Zy7vPI-UU1qIbqp6kTXPpE_plgLif7ajwyeL2LcvAQ0hNT25ZiHlIUx1X36Rgb17xNfDf9iLkJK63aMbr4IR-jt2-z3CTiLLDym4UP7Wy4Bp1YMG1Z6lka6cxlRpwtchzkjx8LaRxpiWuffZ-UwF5KlZfbXU1KbwPZMwO4OYkvhWxHYWsg/s16000/IMG_5794.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">The trek back up the hill - even with a stick - was excruciating, but with frequent rest stops, I made it in one piece. The afternoon was spent resting on the <a href="https://www.kauai.com/kalapaki-beach" target="_blank">Kalapaki Beach</a>, a short walk from <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/nawiliwili-harbor" target="_blank">Nawiliwili Harbour,</a> which is the main port on <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai" target="_blank">Kaua'I</a>. Unfortunately it was the only beach we managed to rest on during our action-packed cruise - Hawaii has the most beautiful soft, sandy beaches, but this was not a particularly restful holiday. Nawiliwili itself has an average of 50" of rainfall a year, but fortunately, it was a beautiful sunny day during our visit, though the nearby <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/hiking-trails/waialeale-blue-hole-hike" target="_blank">Mount Wailaeale</a> is one of the wettest places on earth, hence the lush green forests and spectacular waterfalls.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Our final day on board ship, however, was relaxing as we set sail back to Honolulu, but I've saved the best until last. I hate the term "awesome" for something which is helpful or useful, but our final cruise took us along the 17 mile <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/north-shore/napali-coast" target="_blank">NaPili coastline</a>, which was just unbelievably awesome! Nature has created such stunning scenery from those devastating prehistoric volcanoes. The coastline features towering peaks fringed by pale sand beaches which are all but inaccessible except by sea. My first sight of these majestic cliffs did actually leave me speechless. Such a beautiful end to our magical voyage - and for once, our photos really don't do it justice.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVmDJ3uH-JROonoOXiNUu1F8Slv2_DJ0oNsmgLGP6_fbPoGAsan4__qrddGaN-1jZ6q-pN3l1GGXiiAEOi2zXiMc_oA70PyEdq5N4JYkgjSU2pJPcNV_MDKXi0FRzntVsgsHOjk1A5hUpUiDIH_Fu3ntfeBBnx9NDE2fWM9m5male7aS2flHEIDAZkw/s4032/IMG_5822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVmDJ3uH-JROonoOXiNUu1F8Slv2_DJ0oNsmgLGP6_fbPoGAsan4__qrddGaN-1jZ6q-pN3l1GGXiiAEOi2zXiMc_oA70PyEdq5N4JYkgjSU2pJPcNV_MDKXi0FRzntVsgsHOjk1A5hUpUiDIH_Fu3ntfeBBnx9NDE2fWM9m5male7aS2flHEIDAZkw/s16000/IMG_5822.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDt7gL8EOb1QVjmQW0RFeBCPRX52L7EEzbWHpA1EuSFQPJsuRVe-GYPRTX29wXaoi8E1wgyU3guTtPyhnMV6fPHEmIYPtC5kSjVfr3hd6u-QgSgcoHDlG3Ac9btNYifzlX0WVPRakxL9ZGfsY-JhwhQXsufEH7wwXgXDImVrDfqJ49IRzZPBobiI3jQ/s4032/IMG_5821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDt7gL8EOb1QVjmQW0RFeBCPRX52L7EEzbWHpA1EuSFQPJsuRVe-GYPRTX29wXaoi8E1wgyU3guTtPyhnMV6fPHEmIYPtC5kSjVfr3hd6u-QgSgcoHDlG3Ac9btNYifzlX0WVPRakxL9ZGfsY-JhwhQXsufEH7wwXgXDImVrDfqJ49IRzZPBobiI3jQ/s16000/IMG_5821.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sadly, this brought our cruise to an end. And I do mean, sadly, because I can honestly say it truly is paradise. We barely scratched the surface or immersed ourselves in the rich historic culture, but it is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I would love to go back some day but I know that's not going to happen since it is so far away from the UK and incredibly expensive to both get there and also once you're there. But I'm grateful I have managed to experience even a little of it.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Next time, we will finish our bucket list holiday in Los Angeles, so please join us again!<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #2b2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p></div>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-88330960744608066042022-06-26T18:29:00.000+01:002022-06-26T18:29:03.114+01:00HAWAII - A TASTE OF PARADISE<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQjxLkYh3s77kHsM2g5YwYJ_k5tHWEpRB8CSDes8WVIBOCNIukA4-0vYXCgXNf-QEUzifr75WhyYOS5XoSaix3vqTCoT5K4f0eOSIYodQiafrlkOIf6VQEG62_-4avwVdixGqhXGcdN-OLdvUmqlrTyjrM_zR8309zbh34Shoaww8-KOrMwj3GwIcg/s3099/Dancing%20the%20night%20away%20at%20a%20lua.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQjxLkYh3s77kHsM2g5YwYJ_k5tHWEpRB8CSDes8WVIBOCNIukA4-0vYXCgXNf-QEUzifr75WhyYOS5XoSaix3vqTCoT5K4f0eOSIYodQiafrlkOIf6VQEG62_-4avwVdixGqhXGcdN-OLdvUmqlrTyjrM_zR8309zbh34Shoaww8-KOrMwj3GwIcg/w624-h640/Dancing%20the%20night%20away%20at%20a%20lua.JPG" width="624" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Where to start with Hawaii? It was the most amazingly stunning place I have ever visited! But it got off to a very inauspicious start. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Honolulu</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hawaii is certainly an area of contrasting weathers! Excited to finally be in Hawaii, we dumped our bags in the beautiful <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/hyatt-centric-waikiki-beach/hnlct" target="_blank">Hyatt Centric Hotel</a> (complete with heated toilet seat) in central Honolulu and rushed out to see the world famous <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/waikiki-beach" target="_blank">Waikiki Beach </a>... in the rain!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Fortunately the shower was short-lived and our 10 days in Hawaii more than exceeded our expectations. Honolulu itself is certainly a city of high rise hotels and designer shops, but once you get away from the main area to discover the rest of O'ahu, it is amazing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anLFjup-GQTOJrwGElpNdplbiFjhleGQXzTl1kvEafNjofbeVYNdrHCfcSRGTCZpzj6jSwqcsCmhJL8TSAXP6VEHkcmliKKFXMhILpgdp-kSiAOn3Kz97s5sKn-7-rt4mh-nmKtsbC9iveRAOuzcbeX0vE2NLOfm39DJ_boWCvk34u8GVZSkeXvWVg/s4032/IMG_5835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="869" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anLFjup-GQTOJrwGElpNdplbiFjhleGQXzTl1kvEafNjofbeVYNdrHCfcSRGTCZpzj6jSwqcsCmhJL8TSAXP6VEHkcmliKKFXMhILpgdp-kSiAOn3Kz97s5sKn-7-rt4mh-nmKtsbC9iveRAOuzcbeX0vE2NLOfm39DJ_boWCvk34u8GVZSkeXvWVg/w652-h869/IMG_5835.jpg" width="652" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Kualoa Ranch </span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The first day we booked a trip to the <a href="https://www.kualoa.com/" target="_blank">Kualoa Ranch</a> on a movie set tour. But the ranch is so much more, and had we known, we could probably have spent a couple of days there. There's horse riding, bike trails, quad bike experiences, Jurassic Park tours, as well as agriculture experiences - including the pineapple farm, and so much more. It also happens to be in a beautiful spot next to <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d1d1d; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kaneohe Bay</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7d3rWiRrJh8BottG2vCi962PtaJadFOi3ySwdydHsetmygADq6m7p4GaL2j0SodFEs2WolJKQ-N7qm9uv8Zy4J-ESQjiy8_radAwYujWBAJq0zEYwYWd6HcHrwTFlJGuGR5femEWhLPELJvp0-mECfYAdSgL3x6wyD-8ovX_RTcw17LQEC3bKjHDCg/s4032/IMG_5319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="857" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7d3rWiRrJh8BottG2vCi962PtaJadFOi3ySwdydHsetmygADq6m7p4GaL2j0SodFEs2WolJKQ-N7qm9uv8Zy4J-ESQjiy8_radAwYujWBAJq0zEYwYWd6HcHrwTFlJGuGR5femEWhLPELJvp0-mECfYAdSgL3x6wyD-8ovX_RTcw17LQEC3bKjHDCg/w643-h857/IMG_5319.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pWiPgyPzPSwbz1p2ZlFwQQSCgWuwT-gAapCmtGlRkRQKlAM0y8mxYY78Tz5hwpBKu8KC9unCW-IPCm8S4YBoFl22AZgQjn-JAY1Gg6-knnlX1ilqoBgQ7PbRbLxgFMf28auQaj5FVvBkP0d2B7JftL21ofqZIbgykkLrWTUZjqBM4UQA7PqN9OI1Rw/s4032/IMG_5347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pWiPgyPzPSwbz1p2ZlFwQQSCgWuwT-gAapCmtGlRkRQKlAM0y8mxYY78Tz5hwpBKu8KC9unCW-IPCm8S4YBoFl22AZgQjn-JAY1Gg6-knnlX1ilqoBgQ7PbRbLxgFMf28auQaj5FVvBkP0d2B7JftL21ofqZIbgykkLrWTUZjqBM4UQA7PqN9OI1Rw/w638-h851/IMG_5347.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CWvxxKMidzVLTt9ZhK5NA4QtbsPDJJKqvY9xrKX_0AunV5jD6twg2_uEtPClOFp_ZWs2pOm5giDscu43fCL-kKSt-ntl3Ye5SkIdRdSXWjGpWbloNVbuDIne-yy3fXETYNnlNLaZ-p1e_bvXK5AF6fY_DyZSxWFbQLpR7tQliE3juSOwnNsUDDG-lw/s3504/IMG_5349(Edited)%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="3504" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CWvxxKMidzVLTt9ZhK5NA4QtbsPDJJKqvY9xrKX_0AunV5jD6twg2_uEtPClOFp_ZWs2pOm5giDscu43fCL-kKSt-ntl3Ye5SkIdRdSXWjGpWbloNVbuDIne-yy3fXETYNnlNLaZ-p1e_bvXK5AF6fY_DyZSxWFbQLpR7tQliE3juSOwnNsUDDG-lw/w640-h518/IMG_5349(Edited)%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Our open bus took us through our first sight of the stunning landscapes which are so awe-inspiring. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kualoa is a 4,000 acre private nature reserve as well as a working cattle ranch with more than 600 head of cattle, 120 horses and 200 sheep,</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">stretching from the steep mountain cliffs to the sparkling waters of nearby </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kaneohe Ba</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">y</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">More than 70 major Hollywood productions have been filmed at the ranch, seen by more than a billion people worldwide since the 1950s. These include the Jurassic Park movies, Lost, Godzilla, Jumanji and of course Pearl Harbour. Many others have featured snippets filmed at the ranch, which has been in private hands since 1850, and is now owned by the eighth generation. There are no private homes on the site - not even the owners' - who have also turned down more than a billion dollars to build a hotel complex. Certainly well worth a visit, so check out the <a href="https://www.kualoa.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for more information about all they have to offer.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ot2kTX9_QfHE02rh4-CtMyqSJg1orNf_DUc6tdogq2quMTHmyQI03xM3mSruOe5onkaa4Pa3h4frZSrubLz8B5LkrDNCYJUMjl_V8gIAshwiKqg-w7WZiKRG0IC1iRjP2BfeKyGFk-WmNRC3C3vaJejtv3hs1GiIJLbmy2gm1rAkikKPgGan0Hpiw/s4032/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ot2kTX9_QfHE02rh4-CtMyqSJg1orNf_DUc6tdogq2quMTHmyQI03xM3mSruOe5onkaa4Pa3h4frZSrubLz8B5LkrDNCYJUMjl_V8gIAshwiKqg-w7WZiKRG0IC1iRjP2BfeKyGFk-WmNRC3C3vaJejtv3hs1GiIJLbmy2gm1rAkikKPgGan0Hpiw/w640-h480/IMG_5353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: roboto; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKmQBnJ02LQJCze_nh87GGKEqyIMflfdYHroElHezAIfSOCsOiqOrwXF92EbKNvA7hxqM7Vb1Zv3ZfVWWTR9vIiSExE0_TvExNuK7Hl3c9ndq0iMw9R_JzR0uALW3ILKZkNXtXOAgACezSBTnjPJOiODf48KmkiBdAdkIAx0cjmzhEVzfPFMvY1wTfw/s4032/IMG_5296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKmQBnJ02LQJCze_nh87GGKEqyIMflfdYHroElHezAIfSOCsOiqOrwXF92EbKNvA7hxqM7Vb1Zv3ZfVWWTR9vIiSExE0_TvExNuK7Hl3c9ndq0iMw9R_JzR0uALW3ILKZkNXtXOAgACezSBTnjPJOiODf48KmkiBdAdkIAx0cjmzhEVzfPFMvY1wTfw/w640-h480/IMG_5296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Pearl Harbour</span></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">On our second day we had booked a trip taking in <a href="https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/" target="_blank">Pearl Harbour </a>- the actual museum which also takes in the USS Bowfin, USS Missouri, SS Arizona and the air museum. Being perfectly honest, I was disappointed with the main site. It was very commercial - with gift shops selling merchandise from T-shirts to Christmas decorations - really???? While I totally accept that they have to raise money to keep the site in pristine condition, I felt some of the gifts were totally inappropriate for what is essentially a huge graveyard. Also insisting you have a smiling photo which was then printed onto a tacky faux newspaper was completely unacceptable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And by the way, the ladies' bathroom was disgusting, even at 10.00am in the morning, with a huge queue of around 20 women waiting outside by 10.30. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUs68JfFABSl8QSAAeAMAnKJ3I4ZPmB8vC_HLrsTrn8bPcxA8OHBQpToXBaZtsucloRD38sP2RTpU357RHHziKZiUAV_92S96hrqKqXljPtKuzvEqZI6YQWdsUY1QTw_BzOiYqbwAcKpG0LmBTRPQQ2RDxk3fVxkzFV1RyvP8quoaHsNTsGV2WY6TTA/s4032/IMG_5430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="868" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUs68JfFABSl8QSAAeAMAnKJ3I4ZPmB8vC_HLrsTrn8bPcxA8OHBQpToXBaZtsucloRD38sP2RTpU357RHHziKZiUAV_92S96hrqKqXljPtKuzvEqZI6YQWdsUY1QTw_BzOiYqbwAcKpG0LmBTRPQQ2RDxk3fVxkzFV1RyvP8quoaHsNTsGV2WY6TTA/w651-h868/IMG_5430.jpg" width="651" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Rant over! The accommodation in the submarine was a real eye-opener, and hard to believe that 70-80 men lived in such a tiny space., but all the "rooms" were compact and I would guess the servicemen had only the minimum of possessions. What struck me was the lack of privacy - particularly in the bathroom areas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoRRHlAs8m-oS-tFMaUVzx_JDyEMI0b9ex-Tx_9LaU77op9-dmK3UonWPUySlT6V0EkZPZON3kWW2Vwsz4eCLpUiLQLP6vR9mYCJ6iRQ_ZBdKLSZCpL7qx6R67sZa7pcOlZ4_an4-5MSNXrIz2QHrCcR72C_mLbirCumPTcvZnIQAPPcEIc5dmja8Hg/s4032/IMG_5460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="852" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoRRHlAs8m-oS-tFMaUVzx_JDyEMI0b9ex-Tx_9LaU77op9-dmK3UonWPUySlT6V0EkZPZON3kWW2Vwsz4eCLpUiLQLP6vR9mYCJ6iRQ_ZBdKLSZCpL7qx6R67sZa7pcOlZ4_an4-5MSNXrIz2QHrCcR72C_mLbirCumPTcvZnIQAPPcEIc5dmja8Hg/w639-h852/IMG_5460.jpg" width="639" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">USS Missouri</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We stood on the deck of the huge <a href="https://www.ussmissouri.org/#" target="_blank">USS Missouri,</a> where the Japanese surrendered their involvement in WW2. I love the stories of individuals which come to light following such dreadful circumstances. We heard of the young 19-year old Japanese kamikaze pilot who crashed into the Missouri on 11 April 1945, causing minimal damage, but who was killed during the attack. The commander of the ship, Captain William M Callaghan, declared that he was only doing what any one of them would have done - obeying orders, and directed that he was to have a full military funeral and burial at sea. His remains were placed between a hastily sewn Japanese flag and he was committed to the deep, followed by a three-volley salute from the firing party.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKR5aO_Xi9x1gH-CGBDt0vGQTMhidc3X5TmGPPVo-WB8suKsDHjs-KS3AUMI6qLD-P-dJGhPVAU4a0CaNCJVaUauBDdwkbE1j93P_7aCRl8CNKdKbMUhcWeDVsUs5I6zfKWoeklbOjrb68iNH5EattrYP3RLFXSvMCWZGPl-yj809kiPUJ2kUI6mlkA/s4032/USS%20Missouri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1963" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKR5aO_Xi9x1gH-CGBDt0vGQTMhidc3X5TmGPPVo-WB8suKsDHjs-KS3AUMI6qLD-P-dJGhPVAU4a0CaNCJVaUauBDdwkbE1j93P_7aCRl8CNKdKbMUhcWeDVsUs5I6zfKWoeklbOjrb68iNH5EattrYP3RLFXSvMCWZGPl-yj809kiPUJ2kUI6mlkA/w640-h312/USS%20Missouri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">USS Arizona</span></h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For me the most poignant part of the whole visit was to the <a href="https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/pearl-harbor/arizona-memorial" target="_blank">USS Arizona</a>. We boarded a small shuttle boat out to the memorial, which is built over the sunken ruin of the ship. Beneath the memorial is the broken hull bearing the remains of 900+ servicemen who perished during the seven minutes it took for the ship to sink. Only part of the funnel remains above the water line and oil still leaks from the depths. Inside the memorial, the names of those who died are featured on a large stone wall. For me, this was the epitome of what the site is all about - paying homage to those brave men who never stood a chance to escape.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I say this as the daughter of a British airman who also devoted his life to the service of his country.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pHGyeEX6ROSbhwf2q9DOE5Ps5X2plH5yrv54CFfxiDrdTqd7owGAsCLmLHh8D08vwS6dr0gKXMyUPMQ7C0SlAOhcJ82Q8VWh96gku7a_sxerUjo2yTvj0JcNpDVQXvvtRjs3wctuqYb_hhwdQ6tP9dMEdrR0pup1IaKKKHRh1_LK3RYu7DCodg4WTg/s1795/51A4E372-69CD-4BB0-99D0-5F31044E8679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="806" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pHGyeEX6ROSbhwf2q9DOE5Ps5X2plH5yrv54CFfxiDrdTqd7owGAsCLmLHh8D08vwS6dr0gKXMyUPMQ7C0SlAOhcJ82Q8VWh96gku7a_sxerUjo2yTvj0JcNpDVQXvvtRjs3wctuqYb_hhwdQ6tP9dMEdrR0pup1IaKKKHRh1_LK3RYu7DCodg4WTg/w648-h806/51A4E372-69CD-4BB0-99D0-5F31044E8679.jpg" width="648" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Again, with my love of stories, the guard told us of one hapless young man who had gone ashore the previous night for an evening of fun, and either returned late or in a drunken state. He was promptly sacked and told to collect his belongings and leave, which he did. But then after the attack he watched from land and bravely saw a way to save one of his colleagues who had been on the ship, and subsequently went onto complete his naval career.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yOM7Gx-JW5xA2jPqUz7ybmkMUqN0us5ulLIL0Tab2KHsd4_t3TdJw8ch1PmAe1deu9PSNXZXmaPwNfr5kd7K0G8GgKWsvftrtaFwtIx1YeG9RCbnaonmzwzxlaxzJt9sKkhWrCM6eA9zjg33Dk-7wAzHtofpKq6TZ5t0vjUv4aPEt_krXCJmv5hAkQ/s4032/IMG_5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yOM7Gx-JW5xA2jPqUz7ybmkMUqN0us5ulLIL0Tab2KHsd4_t3TdJw8ch1PmAe1deu9PSNXZXmaPwNfr5kd7K0G8GgKWsvftrtaFwtIx1YeG9RCbnaonmzwzxlaxzJt9sKkhWrCM6eA9zjg33Dk-7wAzHtofpKq6TZ5t0vjUv4aPEt_krXCJmv5hAkQ/w665-h499/IMG_5475.jpg" width="665" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Lua Show</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">One of the things I wanted to do while in Hawaii was to go a real hula show. We took the advice of an on-site tour guide, but honestly, I don't think we got the best experience. The show was excellent, and the food was just ok, but the site was a real disappointment, so please be careful and do more research if you want to attend a more traditional lua! We were told it was out in the country, so expected something rural, but it seemed to be an abandoned holiday camp. Nevertheless, you make the most of it, and we have a fun evening, though nowhere in Hawaii that we came across seemed to cater for gluten-free food options needed by my daughter.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoZEO-I-mMlBpBrM7zJVfbUzHOAriY1E42fpwgnQrk1LijRzLrUY-zHy63-gQYOugK2sByeZYB5kDVnlHuOBaA2t08oI0O1kkVreGOmHq3ka6YMvCh8R9RkPLnSY5Pl8b0qUl5-j90vnw3VXTaxPJ09NtITui6ahgNV2hs520ayfTVeeSVV9bpwWdfQ/s4032/IMG_5397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoZEO-I-mMlBpBrM7zJVfbUzHOAriY1E42fpwgnQrk1LijRzLrUY-zHy63-gQYOugK2sByeZYB5kDVnlHuOBaA2t08oI0O1kkVreGOmHq3ka6YMvCh8R9RkPLnSY5Pl8b0qUl5-j90vnw3VXTaxPJ09NtITui6ahgNV2hs520ayfTVeeSVV9bpwWdfQ/w640-h480/IMG_5397.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Our lua included the show, a beautiful lei, supper and several drinks vouchers - unless you wanted your drink in a pineapple, which we did, and which was extra! There was also a free towel each but we left those behind since our baggage was already overweight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Talking of food - we always eat at a Hard Rock Cafe (daughter's favourite), but paid our first visit to the Cheesecake Factory which had been recommended. Unfortunately we didn't have time or transport to visit the many more local eateries which we had read about, which probably would have given us better value for money and more natural choices. We did however, find a small place called Banan, selling delicious concoctions of shaved coconut, ices, fruit and nuts, which we ate sitting on Waikiki Beach - one of those "pinch yourself" places that you can hardly believe you're there. These delicious ices prompted us to try and find macadamia honey nut butter all over Hawaii - until we paid another quick visit as we were leaving and bought three jars of the stuff!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNNiwa0sjvBPEZyWwGgqdSD_v9rLA7QOUmtubiL2xN8R-UxnwwMGE0l9ZnC9O3LrxvV82LIFMMbh5cykn5eRQtIh_7SzgeXGvsevBM6CgJvzRCN_zhkSbn6Z5lL_8RgfpLXKqQd_t5-6omNwevpSDJfm88NGsO5qTw_8SGnaRItwwfhpjq5G183bL-Q/s4032/Our%20favourite%20snack%20stop!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNNiwa0sjvBPEZyWwGgqdSD_v9rLA7QOUmtubiL2xN8R-UxnwwMGE0l9ZnC9O3LrxvV82LIFMMbh5cykn5eRQtIh_7SzgeXGvsevBM6CgJvzRCN_zhkSbn6Z5lL_8RgfpLXKqQd_t5-6omNwevpSDJfm88NGsO5qTw_8SGnaRItwwfhpjq5G183bL-Q/w640-h480/Our%20favourite%20snack%20stop!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">On one of our trips, our part-time young guide and driver was a marketing student, but a fountain of knowledge, who told us his favourite places to eat, interspersed with some of the fascinating history of the islands. He finished off by taking us to the local tax office building - the exterior of which is actually used as Police headquarters in Hawaii Five O!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjccMWZLBD2xdVfJB6DxK_QZjJyyLUBDTwULQ2hLJX3uubUDkQt6-KgyfVgovK-VjFTZ-lyiFfZ7BsoOoy1L70msE0F6S-8tM3kqRknTGZ95wGW0-JhmPZR0RYtSkchEhoh8hWXfmYaAqINEdNlx7y81NY0CaKN2mU-5PA4krY0jCQHldTdacftjCFw/s4032/The%20tax%20office,%20not%20Hawaii%20Five%20O!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjccMWZLBD2xdVfJB6DxK_QZjJyyLUBDTwULQ2hLJX3uubUDkQt6-KgyfVgovK-VjFTZ-lyiFfZ7BsoOoy1L70msE0F6S-8tM3kqRknTGZ95wGW0-JhmPZR0RYtSkchEhoh8hWXfmYaAqINEdNlx7y81NY0CaKN2mU-5PA4krY0jCQHldTdacftjCFw/w640-h480/The%20tax%20office,%20not%20Hawaii%20Five%20O!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This blog post is rather longer than I had originally planned, so I have divided up our Hawaii adventure into this one featuring the mainland O'ahu, which I hope you have enjoyed, with and the next part of our mega-holiday which was on board the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/cruise-ship/pride-of-america" target="_blank">Pride of America Norwegian Cruise Line</a> cruise ship. More next week.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-54802290225443129122022-06-17T07:30:00.001+01:002022-06-17T07:30:00.188+01:00VIVA LAS VEGAS!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_ynYMP2X9enHrk0ahRcEoDMhlsMNUeo8CxUjXecv3qlEuzgCeNZtQuz3MqSBYpKFv9t5JoQDdMUzURvZHDKd7ACLFKXJ5xqsg4fbqFlIfVSA2Y4mOpj6pNjlHHmR1t_nNw1N3bh3goF-z5urcFPZiIJkB82c1QO6SrxdUDx3eUl8KFj6oWg-lF0jlA/s4032/IMG_5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_ynYMP2X9enHrk0ahRcEoDMhlsMNUeo8CxUjXecv3qlEuzgCeNZtQuz3MqSBYpKFv9t5JoQDdMUzURvZHDKd7ACLFKXJ5xqsg4fbqFlIfVSA2Y4mOpj6pNjlHHmR1t_nNw1N3bh3goF-z5urcFPZiIJkB82c1QO6SrxdUDx3eUl8KFj6oWg-lF0jlA/s16000/IMG_5021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.lasvegas.com/" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a> is an assault on the senses! Previous followers may remember that I (Anne
C) was on my way to Las Vegas six years ago when I was involved in an accident
in New York which curtailed my holiday and I never made it to Vegas – which had
long been on my bucket list.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Well finally I made it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After several more postponements due to COVID, I combined my delayed
visit with a mega holiday, accompanied by my daughter, to the United
States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next few weeks, I will
be detailing our three destinations and comparing our experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Hotel</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But first – Las Vegas – apparently the most popular place in
the world for visitors, with an estimated 42million people a year! It was hot,
noisy and colourful to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stayed at <a href="https://www.venetianlasvegas.com/" target="_blank">The Venetian</a> – the second largest hotel in the world, with more than
7,000 rooms and 250 elevators, so it was easy to get lost until we got our
bearings. The hotel itself is stunning, with shops, boutiques, restaurants,
fast food and of course a faux Venetian canal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvocxk6erkNULfR3I5E7fLYgtERnHJXamW6i91wBd2SywWA5uDb70uLNk2y1xUnPzGjTzSBfWIyOR88Wp4616G2mq0JPIYhUYET4LpTZq_y2iBmyCNcLgKea5uk7rrwHH1Tb8HQOpLn1VtN7NM04QILbtGmF_JlUKcQjRgyqbeaYkVt5Gz1Ma4VC_Org/s4032/IMG_4955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvocxk6erkNULfR3I5E7fLYgtERnHJXamW6i91wBd2SywWA5uDb70uLNk2y1xUnPzGjTzSBfWIyOR88Wp4616G2mq0JPIYhUYET4LpTZq_y2iBmyCNcLgKea5uk7rrwHH1Tb8HQOpLn1VtN7NM04QILbtGmF_JlUKcQjRgyqbeaYkVt5Gz1Ma4VC_Org/s16000/IMG_4955.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The decor was traditional, with huge frescos, exotic pottery
and an abundance of marble in the public rooms, while the bedrooms were much
larger than average and the beds were super comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would also like to transfer the bathroom
into my own home, with its fabulous double sinks, make-up table, huge shower
and deep bath. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But first on our list to do was a <a href="https://www.venetianlasvegas.com/resort/attractions/gondola-rides.html" target="_blank">gondola ride</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been with Anne H previously to Venice
but we had to share our gondola with others and the pictures were not
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we pushed the boat out (pun
intended!) and went on both the indoor gondola and outdoor gondola rides, where
both gondoliers actually serenaded us as we meandered along the Venetian-inspired
waterways fringed by “outdoor/indoor” cafes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLREsKCBo4pbSK7Ymov9weKDNRRLkHwzDoETPxW2ZImfydcQGHxFYqRVIIyyj_9oHU-dNGzimMel17gdsEWFZlY_9n07e123iiCT1dTrzjXP5mAzywPq1nv4ShmTaqAHWDjTJITEi_tkRqu9il53UO7d-g9tYD3CJbki8GlGaAAE9dRk7B4yJVeNv3cQ/s4032/IMG_4951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLREsKCBo4pbSK7Ymov9weKDNRRLkHwzDoETPxW2ZImfydcQGHxFYqRVIIyyj_9oHU-dNGzimMel17gdsEWFZlY_9n07e123iiCT1dTrzjXP5mAzywPq1nv4ShmTaqAHWDjTJITEi_tkRqu9il53UO7d-g9tYD3CJbki8GlGaAAE9dRk7B4yJVeNv3cQ/w480-h640/IMG_4951.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A visit along <a href="https://www.visitlasvegas.com/mapexplorer/" target="_blank">the Strip</a> has to include a peek inside some of
the fabulous hotels there, and of course, stopping along the way to see the
$40million <a href="https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/fountains-of-bellagio.html" target="_blank">dancing fountains</a> outside <a href="https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en.html?ecid=GMB_BE_HO" target="_blank">The Bellagio</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw them both during the day and at night,
and it’s certainly one of the most popular attractions on the 4.2-mile Strip,
which incidentally is not in Las Vegas, but lies within the boundaries of
Paradise and Winchester.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwMoOdQ_oPkg6uTrc3ORsi7I7sdeGPKpvw3mH_ZuWvJWVxG3eFw5B-s0WjwXbyo2xzg0d0foIoNtDFNae50sHipJPPmicImON-KOO6tM8npCVWDQXJNUdyeO2jdznApd8dog_zJujeyXfkAfpEM8zsA2uuaqul8BNJAxCeDN5Oy6DyM7EM78lW7IeaQ/s4032/IMG_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwMoOdQ_oPkg6uTrc3ORsi7I7sdeGPKpvw3mH_ZuWvJWVxG3eFw5B-s0WjwXbyo2xzg0d0foIoNtDFNae50sHipJPPmicImON-KOO6tM8npCVWDQXJNUdyeO2jdznApd8dog_zJujeyXfkAfpEM8zsA2uuaqul8BNJAxCeDN5Oy6DyM7EM78lW7IeaQ/w480-h640/IMG_4963.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOSr0eJYdsueUvYFuM2qBEvrzE9oGqwwyTSackQMRi1oZCREeE8LILKK69YaAdzTJvjXVOC_uI-pERhjKHBzuV91FJ3h-0oCE7XsbdmBtDCfdYf_ZcTm9MhfrhCQHmnravyQzXZQCTqhP5B_7K-Y1RW2jkPq_4ex92F2H4q-AFhBd2ao-94PRFghw_w/s4032/IMG_5037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOSr0eJYdsueUvYFuM2qBEvrzE9oGqwwyTSackQMRi1oZCREeE8LILKK69YaAdzTJvjXVOC_uI-pERhjKHBzuV91FJ3h-0oCE7XsbdmBtDCfdYf_ZcTm9MhfrhCQHmnravyQzXZQCTqhP5B_7K-Y1RW2jkPq_4ex92F2H4q-AFhBd2ao-94PRFghw_w/w480-h640/IMG_5037.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, the whole area was incredibly busy – maybe partly
because the Billboard Awards took place while we were there – and it was
difficult to walk without being confronted by girls dressed as showgirls or bare-chested
hunks dressed as cowboys …. none of which are appearing in any current shows,
and you are expected to tip generously if you stop to have your photograph
taken with any of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Grand Canyon</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The absolute highlight of the trip was a helicopter flight
over the <a href="https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/grand-canyon-national-park" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Mead" target="_blank">Lake Mead</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojave_Desert" target="_blank">Mojave Desert,</a> landing in the Canyon and
celebrating with a glass of fizz 300 feet above the Colorado River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/wind-dancer-tour">The Maverick Wind
Dancer </a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(love the name and so
topical!) flight had been recommended by friends and also by our travel agent,
and was certainly one of those pinch yourself moments. We are both quite
nervous flyers so our handsome pilot Adam was very gentle with us and we had a super
smooth flight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew8fb2zoERHCzy8ttw-tC61Og1n7zEYIJOwwXTbTmaxeAPU1-h4UQifKdfzh2LtXkfK7zRigsoH0kULtWSH4fhAJWDBWmnAQR2S8gpSqFj6-t4poT05-lYXp7k4ae6idSS_s-KaSHGZmkmz2JIDDOfE5VGrnn0gTaryQo7uuFqKQOwHXed2wussa74A/s4032/IMG_5010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew8fb2zoERHCzy8ttw-tC61Og1n7zEYIJOwwXTbTmaxeAPU1-h4UQifKdfzh2LtXkfK7zRigsoH0kULtWSH4fhAJWDBWmnAQR2S8gpSqFj6-t4poT05-lYXp7k4ae6idSS_s-KaSHGZmkmz2JIDDOfE5VGrnn0gTaryQo7uuFqKQOwHXed2wussa74A/w640-h480/IMG_5010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Lake Mead</span></h3><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Flying over Lake Mead, he pointed out the paler rim indicating
the water level, but which has dropped so considerably that the experts
estimate the water, currently at 26% of capacity follow a 20-year drought and which
supplies 40 million people – will run dry in the next 30 years. It has also revealed
three bodies which have been submerged for years – probably dumped there during
the mob years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94XsFwILu1pYeVjTtXJXvg0vW1oQe9wuaYwCbg5ISFpDtgL-u77B_mgP3qV7w5VNYokTrFrfu6mXPbWP3-oa-uxbA7bZEByox7KqRvus-YKi809jIiCIx2VcH6eVsTiuXGuwhdVGR0SCk1jr12ea8TKd-UB_eotr6KGCcHVt7_DbKt_zthJiGkfECMg/s4032/IMG_4984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94XsFwILu1pYeVjTtXJXvg0vW1oQe9wuaYwCbg5ISFpDtgL-u77B_mgP3qV7w5VNYokTrFrfu6mXPbWP3-oa-uxbA7bZEByox7KqRvus-YKi809jIiCIx2VcH6eVsTiuXGuwhdVGR0SCk1jr12ea8TKd-UB_eotr6KGCcHVt7_DbKt_zthJiGkfECMg/s16000/IMG_4984.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Downtown Las Vegas</span></h3><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Talking of The Mob, we later took the hop on-hop off bus and
stopped at <a href="https://themobmuseum.org/" target="_blank">The Mob Museum</a> in downtown Las Vegas. It gave us a fascinating
insight not just into the development of Las Vegas, but also of immigration and
the rise of crime in America’s major cities at the turn of the last
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, the wall against
which seven of Al Capone’s arch enemy, Irish gangster George “Bugs” Moran’s men,
were gunned down has been taken apart and reconstructed as one of the exhibits –
complete with bullet holes. No-one was ever prosecuted for the murders and
Capone claimed to be in Florida at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hoover Dam</span></h3>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">It is unsurprising that Vegas
became almost a Disneyland for adults, given its history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally a stopping place on the railroad
between Utah and California during the gold rush, the young prospectors stopped
here for refreshment and entertainment – particularly since gambling was
illegal at the time in California. As gambling grew, it attracted the criminal
elements from Chicago to New York. It was the building of the <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/" target="_blank">Hoover Dam</a> in
1931 which led to the urbanisation of Las Vegas as young men were brought in to
work on its construction.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">At the same time, divorce laws were liberalised in Nevada, leading to "quickie divorces" and an anything goes culture in Las Vegas. While the saying might well be "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", we're happy to share!</span></span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpkECPcnnFz8u43BoXjMFXjEa9DbiBJ9UgtbBDMRcOhCREMyzwoMLS6Y0twk65KqtoRmVfuQpzZS3RSoFvJlS9Qv0K_UVDwfSXsVVc0LTCFeSftyBb51sD-epOLoT5Ep0fS4maJiNXa_XtO_UDaj3zUOyg0vWdFLqMvGZe0kPbwblEsKfk285goEbrA/s4032/IMG_5150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpkECPcnnFz8u43BoXjMFXjEa9DbiBJ9UgtbBDMRcOhCREMyzwoMLS6Y0twk65KqtoRmVfuQpzZS3RSoFvJlS9Qv0K_UVDwfSXsVVc0LTCFeSftyBb51sD-epOLoT5Ep0fS4maJiNXa_XtO_UDaj3zUOyg0vWdFLqMvGZe0kPbwblEsKfk285goEbrA/w640-h480/IMG_5150.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">More than 20,000 people were
hired to work on the dam, while the workers made plenty of use of the nearby
bars and casinos.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As a result, they
turned up to work either drunk or hungover, so they moved </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">them out of Vegas to nearby Boulder, which
subsequently grew as a small town – and gambling was banned, which it still is
to this day.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Having flown over The Hoover Dam on our helicopter flight,
we decided to see it close up, and our excursion took us to a viewing platform,
which runs alongside the busy US 93 Highway, and over the Mike O’Callaghan and Pat
Tillman Bridge (respectively a former governor of Nevada and an American
football player).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y74lKdAeXFbTNfeZrv77MrHb0CiwRhxudZ3RJfmBe89wNATwwb4tUpyIxxXWj_f38HvxHK-Y6mHhHY-o_LWm9UeEn3xwYL_DruLUBWn-y7Ap-NoN7lRi4if_AJUMwKIo6jEY8zQvdwxIF3JHxonAg1ZZxL6RpFsRtvBbeYCm1rgTuxxFMWi7ksH1VA/s4032/IMG_5144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1y74lKdAeXFbTNfeZrv77MrHb0CiwRhxudZ3RJfmBe89wNATwwb4tUpyIxxXWj_f38HvxHK-Y6mHhHY-o_LWm9UeEn3xwYL_DruLUBWn-y7Ap-NoN7lRi4if_AJUMwKIo6jEY8zQvdwxIF3JHxonAg1ZZxL6RpFsRtvBbeYCm1rgTuxxFMWi7ksH1VA/s16000/IMG_5144.jpg" /></a></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Hoover Dam is as tall as a
60-story building and was the highest dam in the world when it was completed two
years ahead of schedule in 1935. Each spillway, designed to let floodwaters
pass without harming the dam itself, can handle the volume of water that flows
over Niagara Falls, while the amount of concrete used in building it was enough
to pave a road stretching from San Francisco to New York City. The amount of
water in the lake, when full, could cover the whole state of Connecticut ten
feet deep. Only a huge dam could stand up to the pressure of so much water. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Our tour also took us to a
very odd “art installation” in the desert, which to be honest I found a waste
of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ridiculous piece of
artwork, billed as “fun” was just a load of painted rocks, which have become a
magnet for graffiti.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Created by Swiss artist Ugo
Rondinone, “<a href="https://sevenmagicmountains.com/" target="_blank">Seven Magic Mountains</a> is an artwork of thresholds and crossings, of
balanced marvels and excessive colours, of casting and gathering and the
contrary air between the desert and the city lights”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as well it’s free because I would want
my money back if I had paid for it!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDFghKJhV8Vs73VKsIRmJzPzaoC6UijsyH5hLNenctkomG1xkZx8_mAdB5_Mlmz2-qAcYiQL7Cs0GBqqGGmbfapYEZS0nXcBvbhw21U5DwhMPG3cq51kI3cj0v9a9zDurqk57zduKKmzV4cr4YN80Qx_BoGUz1jSIHfCsHd7jxiDd8pXhRRQziyZ6xQ/s4032/IMG_5210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDFghKJhV8Vs73VKsIRmJzPzaoC6UijsyH5hLNenctkomG1xkZx8_mAdB5_Mlmz2-qAcYiQL7Cs0GBqqGGmbfapYEZS0nXcBvbhw21U5DwhMPG3cq51kI3cj0v9a9zDurqk57zduKKmzV4cr4YN80Qx_BoGUz1jSIHfCsHd7jxiDd8pXhRRQziyZ6xQ/w480-h640/IMG_5210.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The previously-mentioned hop on
- hop off tour took us up and around the Strip, pointing out many of the sights
from famous movies, and celeb hang-outs from a bye-gone era.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I think the tour guide was an old movie buff,
but was a mine of information. Vegas was initially promoted as a family resort,
but it actually put off gamblers, and is now very firmly aimed at adults.</span><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Of the 145 casinos, 30 hotels
and 150,000 hotel rooms, all are owned by just two companies – MGM and Caesar’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incidentally the MGM Grand Hotel, opened in
1993, had a Wizard of Oz theme (in keeping as a family attraction), which is why
it is green – taking the idea from The Emerald City.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Freemont Street</span></span></h3><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKigKH2QroXMNSZD6yfNG4YLtQ8_ZzJM6Kqxl0qqwUH3ah5faNrJNI2hGezCvfmBBpm-VC3ZvtrjVn59Cuu2sdqRWpfsJOxkji0zRJLVv6MlnoXUdbbWDMyyzaWzvS-uVhzF1cN7Q9cUyFEi1-PA5aNhInaLoPrTUsAc382DroKxqF-WONYp6ARudNg/s2048/Freemont%20Street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKigKH2QroXMNSZD6yfNG4YLtQ8_ZzJM6Kqxl0qqwUH3ah5faNrJNI2hGezCvfmBBpm-VC3ZvtrjVn59Cuu2sdqRWpfsJOxkji0zRJLVv6MlnoXUdbbWDMyyzaWzvS-uVhzF1cN7Q9cUyFEi1-PA5aNhInaLoPrTUsAc382DroKxqF-WONYp6ARudNg/w640-h480/Freemont%20Street.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The bus tour also took us to the Freemont area, but as this
was during the day, we decided to take a cab down later during the evening when
the area comes alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it didn’t
disappoint!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s rather like a hyper
Times Square!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Street hawkers, performers
and just the weird and wonderful give you plenty on which to feast your eyes if
you enjoy people-watching. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoERb8NdoNW_E6Cqj3gAzh0hKdzEaU-e0bkhWgHBkKLQ9Dj0RJEPeHcUSBCUHg7MRulR2JOS3SGK200WJoeNSo5yaoCQP3-PBYFcrc8bjrhK60bHPJUlbaeBujGMiV7hrVWA3l3a64hzJh9nKpAV5ulUK0yD0fVYlAKYiFsKk5-bjol9m2mNQrCm3PQ/s2048/Not%20show%20girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoERb8NdoNW_E6Cqj3gAzh0hKdzEaU-e0bkhWgHBkKLQ9Dj0RJEPeHcUSBCUHg7MRulR2JOS3SGK200WJoeNSo5yaoCQP3-PBYFcrc8bjrhK60bHPJUlbaeBujGMiV7hrVWA3l3a64hzJh9nKpAV5ulUK0yD0fVYlAKYiFsKk5-bjol9m2mNQrCm3PQ/s16000/Not%20show%20girls.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp6X9CRlnOcFGC7sBMbVaqBL_EhHfRk8YmeSm3wGCIqUDqyK1rNhvpGnmeZ4FtYp8o4e_B5mQ_kuaNAlWRVFPx-urbtbWg-Vba9lMNbk2P9gsDJjXiE-aweSk9b6QUjSFmNoRciGYSmw6t1HUnwiaMf6yIcuWCv11uDrAs8C9eexuwPkqwEUJ4terCA/s800/vintage-las-vegas-1940s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp6X9CRlnOcFGC7sBMbVaqBL_EhHfRk8YmeSm3wGCIqUDqyK1rNhvpGnmeZ4FtYp8o4e_B5mQ_kuaNAlWRVFPx-urbtbWg-Vba9lMNbk2P9gsDJjXiE-aweSk9b6QUjSFmNoRciGYSmw6t1HUnwiaMf6yIcuWCv11uDrAs8C9eexuwPkqwEUJ4terCA/w640-h478/vintage-las-vegas-1940s.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Of the original hotels, the Golden Nugget, was one
of the largest gambling houses in Vegas back in the 60s and featured in Elvis’s
film “Viva Las Vegas”, and in the James Bond’s “Diamonds are forever”. Elvis
had a regular spot at the Westfield hotel, where he completed more than 800
live performances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Iconic Vegas Sign</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7Kix-kgKwdgJg15wCIcAflOEKgLevCo-5v1s3KPmkZbhJUIqmY3mGziwW3kMmni4Id5ylwQgnlOvlKN0gWyXBZzckat3PRxZimj7aIUl4dS4aTmbqdq9jUzOsHOKeGOPYydelOQVNyD9Rd3hCWrstBMAgtfvZYf1_AFznHFS0yzrUTvGUJTzMp-wg/s809/Las%20Vegas%20sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="787" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7Kix-kgKwdgJg15wCIcAflOEKgLevCo-5v1s3KPmkZbhJUIqmY3mGziwW3kMmni4Id5ylwQgnlOvlKN0gWyXBZzckat3PRxZimj7aIUl4dS4aTmbqdq9jUzOsHOKeGOPYydelOQVNyD9Rd3hCWrstBMAgtfvZYf1_AFznHFS0yzrUTvGUJTzMp-wg/s16000/Las%20Vegas%20sign.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;">No visit to Vegas would be complete
without a visit to the Vegas sign – which we did twice.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The first time was early morning to avoid the
crowds – though there was still a queue, and the second time later in the
evening, where a couple were actually saying their wedding vows as more people
watched from yet another queue.</span></span></div></div>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">And to round up our visit, we
booked to see Cirque du Soleil’s” Michael Jackson One” at the Mandalay Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having seen MJ live many years ago, it was
interesting to see a hologram of his performance, which was very well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was expecting more acrobatics from Cirque
du Soleil, but it was mostly dancing and gymnastics with very little overhead
performances, but still worth seeing. All shows are no longer than 90
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for this was that
while visitors are watching shows, they are not gambling – which apparently
costs the casinos around $60,000 in lost revenue per night for every additional
six minutes a performance runs!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-KadpzPFvn_zZJ9uYHpWzI3RbVJ3CeeZkxm7MJcTdNXQ5f8Dfl3lfvtO1KM4Uy7SxxAe3G5r4aY4_yJ3BbulHscKT_NcUTYNfX30i0BO18_LHSrT-f-Cf7EGrHr-M0CJGbFOMKFKuGhhYpIUnNGCaZnhdSMunPLYa3Y0-EKfcnvBdiqfdBm2wyYsfg/s669/One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="669" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-KadpzPFvn_zZJ9uYHpWzI3RbVJ3CeeZkxm7MJcTdNXQ5f8Dfl3lfvtO1KM4Uy7SxxAe3G5r4aY4_yJ3BbulHscKT_NcUTYNfX30i0BO18_LHSrT-f-Cf7EGrHr-M0CJGbFOMKFKuGhhYpIUnNGCaZnhdSMunPLYa3Y0-EKfcnvBdiqfdBm2wyYsfg/w640-h426/One.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Still there are plenty of
restaurants to choose from.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">My daughter
always likes to visit Hard Rock Cafes wherever we travel – you’ll see we went
to each one in the cities we visited! But we also found the Rainforest Café which
was a trip down memory lane for us as we used to visit the restaurant in Manchester
(now closed in the UK) when she was younger.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black;">Did we see people behaving
badly? Yes, a couple of times. Obviously
too much drink played a part in this and we saw a couple of girls inside our
hotel throwing up in a very public place.
Another time we were queueing in Walgreens and someone (acting
suspiciously) was asked to leave. He
threw a mega strop, pushed over a display stand and very aggressively got in
the face of the</span><span style="color: black;"> poor (diminutive) girl who had asked him to go.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And would I go back? I'm not a gambler - we had planned to have a lesson but never got round to it, so that part doesn't appeal to me. I think it was a one-off ... I've wanted to go for so long, and I enjoyed it, but I doubt I will go return. We packed a lot into five days so maybe my next holidays will be a little more relaxed.</span></p><p style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuyGNh2xBmpfCHAQ75ighNvRujkXyqbmkgap0OLGhk6IJS0Iit-95UIxc5SzzorMAYlR-wKvpH2O8ZNOoj2ahSU2tj7_GbkAxCiBtvAKRze2VwQY5kpbD5_b4Uc0Zw0XbqH2m1t5_Zdo0tfVzgr7fpGMkYqfP_oZ0yOzZB5WQkNMkOdGHPIASxbvfXw/s4032/IMG_0155(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuyGNh2xBmpfCHAQ75ighNvRujkXyqbmkgap0OLGhk6IJS0Iit-95UIxc5SzzorMAYlR-wKvpH2O8ZNOoj2ahSU2tj7_GbkAxCiBtvAKRze2VwQY5kpbD5_b4Uc0Zw0XbqH2m1t5_Zdo0tfVzgr7fpGMkYqfP_oZ0yOzZB5WQkNMkOdGHPIASxbvfXw/s16000/IMG_0155(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Final thoughts on Vegas:</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It’s expensive ($65 for a small salad, a sandwich, two waters and two small strawberries dipped in chocolate at The Bellagio, but we had to do it!)</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Fortunately, we didn’t feel like eating so much because of the heat, so just brunch and tea were ideal for us. We had tried to take in brunch at The Wynne which had also been recommended to us, but having queued for nearly two hours we hadn’t moved very far so we gave up.</span></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-65337909278067510672022-05-06T19:37:00.000+01:002022-05-06T19:37:30.777+01:00TRAVEL IS BACK ON!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcfj9r6oHT3p7c-E2Ql7KAUudz9ODiF0tARLwqZmTEX5Kmx5pR0Hblwfhs2kj1HqCPgSbB0j7MSH_HDIE1b1RaufyTIG5Zp3YKnFsCcC-Ef1wWoeS4lFSfmL8iTlEHx-Xxmumt4fB8Dlc5rZLF341tb_RHivkqzTXxFWikhT4GrRLsitHlsl-3JBRfQ/s539/Waikiki%20Beach%20at%20sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="539" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcfj9r6oHT3p7c-E2Ql7KAUudz9ODiF0tARLwqZmTEX5Kmx5pR0Hblwfhs2kj1HqCPgSbB0j7MSH_HDIE1b1RaufyTIG5Zp3YKnFsCcC-Ef1wWoeS4lFSfmL8iTlEHx-Xxmumt4fB8Dlc5rZLF341tb_RHivkqzTXxFWikhT4GrRLsitHlsl-3JBRfQ/w596-h376/Waikiki%20Beach%20at%20sunset.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We have been very quiet over the past few months – sometimes
real life gets in the way of our blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have both had first world stuff getting in the way of enjoying life –
not least of which we have both – separately at different times – had COVID.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bad weather, isolation and, being honest a little bit of
apathy, has meant the blog has suffered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But as Spring comes into full bloom we are making tentative
steps to try and get back to a normal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And first things first – that involves travel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While we can honestly say this was one of the reasons we
started the blog in the first place, it has pretty much taken a back seat
during the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While Anne H managed her annual trips to Tropea, Italy, and a
staycation in England last year, Anne C hasn’t been away for more than two
years. Fortunately, all is about to change, but it hasn’t been without issues.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anne C and her daughter will be jetting off to the USA for a
mega holiday shortly – one which she initially planned with the other
Anne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, following so many
postponements and restrictions, she decided not to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And looking at the hoops still required for international long
haul travel, who can blame her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Anne
C has suffered any kind of anxiety about the trip, stress levels are now
through the roof.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1tTB7L9M-E9qAFkZ4PyV8s-ULR1IDUwisiyL6k0EuaGGZaxln4cv4cDUx3JEWwW08SIb56beo-87lES68Yzl0bKtOKi-oVelJ4SrlR_ElYTF7tZT2I3AgLAj9tQSM7E9XXV5Ds4zw3eUkknlHPpcQKEN5zmeWqnmyprYreUMuZWE69Wm4l_MBZ7xaQ/s225/Las%20Vegas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1tTB7L9M-E9qAFkZ4PyV8s-ULR1IDUwisiyL6k0EuaGGZaxln4cv4cDUx3JEWwW08SIb56beo-87lES68Yzl0bKtOKi-oVelJ4SrlR_ElYTF7tZT2I3AgLAj9tQSM7E9XXV5Ds4zw3eUkknlHPpcQKEN5zmeWqnmyprYreUMuZWE69Wm4l_MBZ7xaQ/w575-h575/Las%20Vegas.png" width="575" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">At the time of writing, a PCR test is still required to
travel to the US, and masks are optional, while masks are not required on
internal America flights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the trip
also involves a cruise, another test from an international provider is required
and this must be taken while in the States and watched on a video call.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1ocqpOO3mMymdDeBkWgfpuv0sXObZeEPZeca4y6od0VAooIhEi3H7kfRM2GIg5rpRTv2OjaEUXwVLp8dAUlpROa8JT6UuJ3CcqbHYaBBVcty3BOpPdXGo0lhS1l-YT7ToskFy5PcClo_beLjoMzpzrmwcknLw3EkYKxPhNV5YGkWQPJOol15sCWUaQ/s284/Pride%20of%20America.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="284" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1ocqpOO3mMymdDeBkWgfpuv0sXObZeEPZeca4y6od0VAooIhEi3H7kfRM2GIg5rpRTv2OjaEUXwVLp8dAUlpROa8JT6UuJ3CcqbHYaBBVcty3BOpPdXGo0lhS1l-YT7ToskFy5PcClo_beLjoMzpzrmwcknLw3EkYKxPhNV5YGkWQPJOol15sCWUaQ/w571-h358/Pride%20of%20America.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It all seemed like a good idea back in 2019 when we planned
the trip, but three years later, it has certainly made travel more daunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much so that this may well be Anne’s last
major holiday (she is also speeding towards 70!), so it’s likely to just be
shorter trips to Europe – and her beloved Greece - in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMy8AsR6uaR2hAeT8p7ECJFTr0gIGML5UnON1Or_sP7QkjDaE1z7XTbbxuM9YVhVwU-sAfYt7Fe01yCeCT4WZM-GWN3bATv2WfqH9VmWol1KFApYioLeBdkXnBmoIrLT4PbHc7xpoCYvDq1DG-D_1c3157Rz9KjrE91_16zdP2uQEICrCeQ5hpxPVeg/s1200/Hollywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMy8AsR6uaR2hAeT8p7ECJFTr0gIGML5UnON1Or_sP7QkjDaE1z7XTbbxuM9YVhVwU-sAfYt7Fe01yCeCT4WZM-GWN3bATv2WfqH9VmWol1KFApYioLeBdkXnBmoIrLT4PbHc7xpoCYvDq1DG-D_1c3157Rz9KjrE91_16zdP2uQEICrCeQ5hpxPVeg/w551-h395/Hollywood.jpg" width="551" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anne and her daughter Louise have a full itinerary planned
for the trip, which will take in Las Vegas, the Hawaiian Islands and Los
Angeles, with lots of visits to iconic landmarks, which she will share on forthcoming
blogs. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So fingers crossed and watch this space.....</span></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-60529002217059055082022-01-07T07:30:00.118+00:002022-01-07T07:30:00.181+00:00WHERE TO GO IN 2022???<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj018t0Y-KBnAS9tUqFVoQL8vxoU7ZZ7mK53Xaazg6s_DjQ1Tz4XhKv0slsUJ1s23SMb_-3jE8k2e2-BSD7fyeulIfmhO76i-FJu0xnzFduQ5Hlq-5Pbt0t1nqDaVKkM5fi1mpSK09B_NaXdTTMx22HtUMDcHkiphJAy2W5Ltw5WWi_SzLoDDphazJJQQ=s4320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj018t0Y-KBnAS9tUqFVoQL8vxoU7ZZ7mK53Xaazg6s_DjQ1Tz4XhKv0slsUJ1s23SMb_-3jE8k2e2-BSD7fyeulIfmhO76i-FJu0xnzFduQ5Hlq-5Pbt0t1nqDaVKkM5fi1mpSK09B_NaXdTTMx22HtUMDcHkiphJAy2W5Ltw5WWi_SzLoDDphazJJQQ=w639-h480" width="639" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anne in Tropea</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We all know what a miserable couple of years it's been due to COVID-19 and ever-changing travel restrictions. But we hope 2022 travel is looking more promising as entry requirements change. It helps that both of us are now triple jabbed, so maybe able to travel again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While Anne H managed a quick trip to see elderly relatives in Italy (see a previous visit <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/04/tropea-calabrian-jewel.html" target="_blank">here</a>) last year, Anne C hasn't been away for a couple of years. And while we had some sunny days in the UK last summer, holidaying at home was incredibly expensive as resorts cashed in on international travel restrictions. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit69M0KQNxxqMIOON0Dg88V5rXj79uwkXHGGvCEA_7T21vMqoV4QlbJBqBeOqqjRv7_izn1JgbNW3_mAfsWMSj7QPl0GRXZMF8uuVKkyjYtqDzPDdlWeFSNUFgQgitovsjPslIgeDA9G9wpFrcFdX-tGGUSYLXzXGqO21ogE4s62peHofzteL48CJ4aA=s4320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit69M0KQNxxqMIOON0Dg88V5rXj79uwkXHGGvCEA_7T21vMqoV4QlbJBqBeOqqjRv7_izn1JgbNW3_mAfsWMSj7QPl0GRXZMF8uuVKkyjYtqDzPDdlWeFSNUFgQgitovsjPslIgeDA9G9wpFrcFdX-tGGUSYLXzXGqO21ogE4s62peHofzteL48CJ4aA=w690-h517" width="690" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A view from Tropea town</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Planning this year's holidays</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So it is with fingers crossed that we try and plan our much-needed and long overdue holidays for the coming year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anne H will hopefully be heading to Italy again - this time to Verona as well as <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2018/10/tropea-2018.html" target="_blank">Tropea. </a> The Verona trip was due last year but was one of the trips which fell foul of Italy's restrictions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anne C has a bucket list holiday booked in the USA, which has been cancelled four times due to the pandemic, but also the back-story started in 2016.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you've been a long-standing reader of our blog, Anne and Anne went off to <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/05/big-city-nyc-lights.html" target="_blank">New York</a> with their respective daughters. The plan was for Anne C and her daughter to spend five days with Anne H and her blogger daughter Lizzy, before continuing onto Las Vegas for a further five days. (Anne and Lizzy had previously been to Las Vegas and didn't plan to go again). </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqNQmmz_QVlljVtiJzEXcUFE3NTaHejoYIqLN_FxTbpTET3Yj14bbVSbFB6RZr_1iWv7l5-e5SRVsEU3qJKtwi3wKUZUikjQA5rCTem7hUrwNg4zodvqWLdNejxodxL8pC-aV2yZgVtUYGKcbKeddLuPCu_pK_EgsJKPsv90Z18Zr6row-cUMgL-_Q1Q=s3423" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3423" data-original-width="1943" height="682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqNQmmz_QVlljVtiJzEXcUFE3NTaHejoYIqLN_FxTbpTET3Yj14bbVSbFB6RZr_1iWv7l5-e5SRVsEU3qJKtwi3wKUZUikjQA5rCTem7hUrwNg4zodvqWLdNejxodxL8pC-aV2yZgVtUYGKcbKeddLuPCu_pK_EgsJKPsv90Z18Zr6row-cUMgL-_Q1Q=w463-h682" width="463" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That trip went badly wrong. As Anne C was getting out of a taxi, the driver suddenly accelerated away from the kerb. She was thrown into the road and fractured her spine. Instead of heading off to Nevada, she spent the night in hospital and was forced to travel back home to the UK laid out flat in business class, and subsequently spent nearly a month in a wheelchair. (Incidentally it was the first time she had ever flown first class and was so sleepy on diazepam that she doesn't remember any of the flight).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKIA-6PYuKMTquSy25Yf24tuYucgIAdXDLQUDLdSctn3kQTLr2ChT09ExiKwWkGwNbXJKmdXgiHrDqro2dhZI4RmEeysPy6LcmIFxCANF-RnAx2W0ubvw_KEaE5lGEL7xXAb1xHI3dcgsROkfSPYCpG4ec5jZGvQ_PCN0TOeofdbYa7Sf0Pc7OCuV8UA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKIA-6PYuKMTquSy25Yf24tuYucgIAdXDLQUDLdSctn3kQTLr2ChT09ExiKwWkGwNbXJKmdXgiHrDqro2dhZI4RmEeysPy6LcmIFxCANF-RnAx2W0ubvw_KEaE5lGEL7xXAb1xHI3dcgsROkfSPYCpG4ec5jZGvQ_PCN0TOeofdbYa7Sf0Pc7OCuV8UA=w667-h443" width="667" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A subsequent visit back to New York in 2018 was to claim compensation, which fortunately was ultimately successful. However, Anne is still often in severe pain, but thankfully can walk relatively normally again.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdCi4keRsFhGJAxcjLkr3hpxWHBcmg6cHvs2B0-YRHS7fJXqFPbXW4cg8AP8LMjwfEjwX3asXnfwvNbZBqfY8NpkorfAliLl_Ma0eASNypVuZvLgtikq3OEyGciP-d9mQQut518P0PU2lJatt7g7qoaWw5JMDaMOAPvH-fpJtJzd-KExAoQLO9VQ4vKA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdCi4keRsFhGJAxcjLkr3hpxWHBcmg6cHvs2B0-YRHS7fJXqFPbXW4cg8AP8LMjwfEjwX3asXnfwvNbZBqfY8NpkorfAliLl_Ma0eASNypVuZvLgtikq3OEyGciP-d9mQQut518P0PU2lJatt7g7qoaWw5JMDaMOAPvH-fpJtJzd-KExAoQLO9VQ4vKA=w647-h756" width="647" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So it is with fingers crossed that in 2019 Anne and her daughter booked what to her would be the holiday of a lifetime, taking in <a href="https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/visitors" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a>, <a href="https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/" target="_blank">Hawaii </a>and <a href="https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/business" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a>. Firstly due to mechanical issues with the ship they were due to cruise, followed by the pandemic, it has now been postponed four times, but hopefully it will go ahead this Spring.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The plan is to spend five days in <a href="https://www.visitlasvegas.com/" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a>, taking in the <a href="https://www.grandcanyon.org/park-information/?cid=14762092235&agid=130592060147&mt=&dev=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn4AjZYIKAke3sNPacrbdR3UCLO4y_VKJIfB49Uq7iOUfCpF-aPLr5UaAhKTEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a>, the <a href="https://travelnevada.com/historical-interests/hoover-dam/" target="_blank">Hoover Dam</a> and all the bright lights - we also did try and get Adele tickets since we couldn't even get the UK ones, but that hasn't been successful either. Then it's onto <a href="https://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn7AJI2QdW6RUQ3CHgQIIFcdOfvPyuWQBwfrR2nLJwSq6TMIBkmZI1YaAhOxEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Honolulu</a> for a few days, before boarding the <a href="https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/cruise-ship/pride-of-america?cid=PS_NEO_UNK_BRA_GOO_NA_EXT_SHIPPOA_NA_700000002053262-71700000068758231-58700006102256920-pride+of+america&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn50DnFaXU88u9-tGqj6JZNILOSxftCztp5zYQWbezcqdKvT-Q7lYFwaAnIJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Pride of America</a> and setting sail for a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. Finally, we will stop off in LA for a couple of days to relax.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqc-VeUSsEWdTeLZTZgUSzrIfZ2IIqOI9fEnxU6xzPOPIUed-qnyr5SdDzi6T5Ofr4LbVTAQeWNc6c1slBCz1hhKM2yOBd6QQSvxSaIUoyDTFzWvoAzbKp9CvtdSIWod08q6CYY-guYqkIXxOp9PZkH6OnGaGUSCHZyyOSZ_ElvB2nwRkIqNXLeY2uxg=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqc-VeUSsEWdTeLZTZgUSzrIfZ2IIqOI9fEnxU6xzPOPIUed-qnyr5SdDzi6T5Ofr4LbVTAQeWNc6c1slBCz1hhKM2yOBd6QQSvxSaIUoyDTFzWvoAzbKp9CvtdSIWod08q6CYY-guYqkIXxOp9PZkH6OnGaGUSCHZyyOSZ_ElvB2nwRkIqNXLeY2uxg=w674-h443" width="674" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It may well be the last major holiday Anne has, other than staying in Europe and visiting her favourite Greek island of <a href="https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/santorini/" target="_blank">Santorini</a> (she's even been learning the Greek language!) For our American readers, Europe is just a short hop for us from the UK, and flights are relatively inexpensive. I say this because we were once criticised by our US followers who said our blog was unrealistic and that Greece was out of the question for most seniors. Similarly of course, the same is true for us travelling to the United States.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Whether all of these plans will come to fruition is anyone's guess of course, since Covid is probably here to stay and we will have to learn to live with it for years to come. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sadly, the last time we managed to get away on holiday together was in autumn 2019 when we cruised <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2019/11/cruising-adriatic.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SensationalBabyBoomers+%28Sensational+Baby+Boomers%29" target="_blank">Italy, Malta </a>and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2019/11/cruising-around-croatia.html" target="_blank">Croatia</a>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDRy0QmEps5ZNTdMN2pF8DRagsOF3eQi2fOlYc7v80Xy5bQaRSGmqvc6TiK43BuABZ1kTupEhuYrRaSq47_fTk0TxzXvPm1ITUK-K-lV9Y3nOfJUgvPaGWX-LWtkxvDE3dlzXpaRwjxBEu6Up6StPnm7mkERiF86C9QSN0wSfTVmr-uel5uHsCRl33Lw=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDRy0QmEps5ZNTdMN2pF8DRagsOF3eQi2fOlYc7v80Xy5bQaRSGmqvc6TiK43BuABZ1kTupEhuYrRaSq47_fTk0TxzXvPm1ITUK-K-lV9Y3nOfJUgvPaGWX-LWtkxvDE3dlzXpaRwjxBEu6Up6StPnm7mkERiF86C9QSN0wSfTVmr-uel5uHsCRl33Lw=w667-h889" width="667" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But I do know that we both need a little sunshine in our lives this year. Fingers crossed.</span></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-14276153377030870622021-12-10T07:30:00.001+00:002021-12-10T07:30:00.190+00:00OUR FAVOURITE PLACES, PART TWO<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T_m2nAgCxbNrFkp9CJZ9TA-b4Fg_KoxuPBAYcS2Q94EQhAS1Hh6Q0QGu5VcgXfFzutvSSbesKqkgKD7NRqNewqKbVLim-4yEm5Ph4f7_-gsEsBqPraGA2csfZxDGsUVW-2jg7aGWjeyF/s2048/Vancouver+island.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T_m2nAgCxbNrFkp9CJZ9TA-b4Fg_KoxuPBAYcS2Q94EQhAS1Hh6Q0QGu5VcgXfFzutvSSbesKqkgKD7NRqNewqKbVLim-4yEm5Ph4f7_-gsEsBqPraGA2csfZxDGsUVW-2jg7aGWjeyF/w628-h419/Vancouver+island.jpg" width="628" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You may remember that Anne C gave us her favourite places in
the world a little while ago, and now it’s Anne H’s turn to give us the lowdown
on her most memorable and enjoyable holidays.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">First up for Anne has to be Vancouver and Vancouver Island,
which she visited a few years ago with her daughter Lizzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a city, Vancouver was manageable to navigate
and easy to walk (increasingly important as we get a little older), and is such
a beautiful location, situated on the waterfront, bounded by the ocean and its
many inlets. Surrounded by mountains, this bustling seaport is a gateway
between the great outdoors and a thriving and successful modern city. No wonder
it is high on the index of best cities in the world – and for Anne at least,
one of those places you could imagine living. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further details about Anne’s previous trip can be found
<a href="https://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/09/vancouver-my-dream-city.html">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARFgWQN2yvTD6kaFARczyiNTXeSUFRdj0X6DftYMzxzi1380jIgHPJc9godxvTTMTSQUc0DCrejREHGmFfXSsg2AHtblpVhg8Mhu1hDu89_6k6cOpfbKfbA9S6TcINkSN6Gfy9OuSJ5pt/s2048/Vancouver+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARFgWQN2yvTD6kaFARczyiNTXeSUFRdj0X6DftYMzxzi1380jIgHPJc9godxvTTMTSQUc0DCrejREHGmFfXSsg2AHtblpVhg8Mhu1hDu89_6k6cOpfbKfbA9S6TcINkSN6Gfy9OuSJ5pt/w626-h416/Vancouver+2.jpg" width="626" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The same trip also encompassed Vancouver Island, which was
probably her paradise on earth, with stunning scenery, a myriad of wildlife featuring birds, sea creatures and even bears. Fortunately the seals were not threatening
and Anne and Lizzy didn’t encounter any bears (though there were some lurking
in the woods). They were able to appreciate the stunning views of wild and
unspoilt countryside, empty beaches and
glorious sunsets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGkaMHoAKrjbSc_NoPgUuDvKt6iMJoPVY1wyHOd1Mbiq7pWB7OAVVBnicDkFAIWwl7tGDsPtBujQbPOxAbyPRuNJz2b7leIEEPn7dfVOSrcZy7IHYz8Dlpwi5vhT0D3LP_tGsxoao_8bx/s2048/DSC_0552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGkaMHoAKrjbSc_NoPgUuDvKt6iMJoPVY1wyHOd1Mbiq7pWB7OAVVBnicDkFAIWwl7tGDsPtBujQbPOxAbyPRuNJz2b7leIEEPn7dfVOSrcZy7IHYz8Dlpwi5vhT0D3LP_tGsxoao_8bx/w624-h373/DSC_0552.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">They found Victoria to be one of the most beautiful cities
in the world, with sea planes landing and taking off, hydrofoils heading to Seattle and
lots to see and do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More details <a href="https://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/09/our-paradise-isle-vancouver-island.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Next up on Anne’s list has to be Tropea in Italy, where she
has family so is a regular visitor. One can’t visit Italy without mentioning
the food, and Tropea has an abundance of fabulous restaurants dishing up the
most amazing food. With its stunning hilltop setting, the beach is a bit of a
trek down the steps, but offers crystal clear water and great beachside dining,
a beautiful position, laid-back life style and sun, sun, sun! While Anne has
family here and usually visits at least once a year, we have both holidayed
there and absolutely love the laid back vibe. See previous visits <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/04/tropea-calabrian-jewel.html" target="_blank">here</a> and
<a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2018/10/tropea-2018.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zC3D1xRS4kxnVBRN3Nhp1rfx-nJi262VupR7ASUXovCVydZonoEPJsk1iE0PSLgOx20n5DosIBxzCTVTqoAaLkorfU1Ovij-WV2XW-iWnEC1e32pQ8aFIfF7JCB-x_xXvSqHdADNLP3U/s2048/Tropea+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zC3D1xRS4kxnVBRN3Nhp1rfx-nJi262VupR7ASUXovCVydZonoEPJsk1iE0PSLgOx20n5DosIBxzCTVTqoAaLkorfU1Ovij-WV2XW-iWnEC1e32pQ8aFIfF7JCB-x_xXvSqHdADNLP3U/w630-h392/Tropea+2.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Staying with Italy, Rome is high on the list of favourite
cities for both of us – though actually we have never visited there
together.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What’s not to love about the
amazing history, the stunning architecture and seeing for real all those
fabulous landmarks you’ve only ever seen in the movies? And then of course
there’s the wine, the food … and you can’t visit without mentioning Italian
gelato which is to die for! And the shops – definitely la dolce vita! See
previous visits <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-roman-holiday.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/04/my-top-tourist-spots-in-rome.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2020/02/rome-eternal-city.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Three visits - you can tell me love it there!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1NHfRjCw9eAmYIwyl8GbsvPikriYjztAtoTUQ60v3jjAKhinn9gMTN42ik61rgUEIOGG2pV2rlyX06oU8Bhi4tGTl8kF1wO2fOomAlYRA1td_2ELBjN3kwVPl5g2V0XYO2MbB2Vq7mVz/s1333/Rome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1333" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1NHfRjCw9eAmYIwyl8GbsvPikriYjztAtoTUQ60v3jjAKhinn9gMTN42ik61rgUEIOGG2pV2rlyX06oU8Bhi4tGTl8kF1wO2fOomAlYRA1td_2ELBjN3kwVPl5g2V0XYO2MbB2Vq7mVz/w583-h357/Rome.jpg" width="583" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So where to next? There are so many different European
cities which have such a lot to offer, that it’s difficult to choose where next
to go… Madrid? Lisbon? Porto? Florence? Hamburg? Vienna? And back to France –
where we have both previously enjoyed visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For us Brits, Europe offers much closer destinations and
it’s easier to get to as we get a little older (at least under normal
circumstances and not during COVID restrictions).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every city has a different vibe due to cultural
differences and natural geography. It’s also nice to relax on a fabulous beach
holiday from time to time, which gives us the opportunity to relax and recharge
the batteries.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-52669610286558475932021-10-15T07:30:00.001+01:002021-10-15T07:30:00.237+01:00DRIVING THE NORTH COAST 500<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgIenItPJoFJZcHr9RP2jG6HNN1sB4EEBkZnxTxyRD5txj4utJ4YZS5SlmXgZn93h9d7an0nCPscwpvyCh-B4Qxoyy9qyRfF6wmG00UDe6lSE3lDs3i9wBLzlIKEyh4K4qSLVYnWzJhns/s2048/Highland+Games+Braemar+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgIenItPJoFJZcHr9RP2jG6HNN1sB4EEBkZnxTxyRD5txj4utJ4YZS5SlmXgZn93h9d7an0nCPscwpvyCh-B4Qxoyy9qyRfF6wmG00UDe6lSE3lDs3i9wBLzlIKEyh4K4qSLVYnWzJhns/w533-h711/Highland+Games+Braemar+.jpg" width="533" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With foreign holidays still causing some difficulties for UK residents,
staycations have become the norm for 2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Winding back before</span> the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne H took to the high roads (with another
friend, not Anne C) to discover the stunning natural beauty of Scotland.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Beginning and finishing in Inverness, the North Coast 500 is
a 516 mile drive around some of the most stunning countryside in the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anne undertook this epic drive during late
2019 before the pandemic and any restrictions on English travellers to
Scotland, so any visitors this year may well have seen an increase in road
traffic on what can only be described at best as rural roads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And if you would like to undertake this mega driving holiday, we recommend buying The North Coast Journey by Brigid Benson, available on Amazon, before planning your trip.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Plan your holiday</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For that reason, her first piece of advice would be to avoid
high summer, since the roads are narrow in parts, with well-marked but limited
passing places – not great if you meet a motor home head on coming from the
opposite direction!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her second piece of
advice would be to carefully plan the journey beforehand and ensure
accommodation is booked in advance since there are no large hotels, and
accommodation is largely in B&Bs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And finally – avoid your trip between May and September – those midges
love warm, damp weather and migrate towards shorts and sleeveless tops!
However, that might mean you miss out on the good weather. Be warned, Scotland
is lush and green because it rains quite a lot and the winters are cold, so you'll need to take appropriate clothing and footwear! But if you're heading there in Autumn, what could be cosier than a roaring fire and a wee dram to ward of the chills? Or better still - take time to visit one of the many distilleries in Scotland<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That said, the scenery is absolutely stunning and well worth
the trip.The journey can take anything
between five and 10 days – depending on what you want to see and where you make
a detour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travelling counter-clockwise,
the journey will take you north-east and then west, taking in Dornoch, Wick,
Tongue, Lochinver, Ullapool, Kinlochewe and back to Inverness.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Beautiful Scenery</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wF_qAIyNGHvFEDyET-3PlBlEg_AGfatXWSl-d11_1hPAOgMBydALFQSTcrVMlv4RdDwcsIakSsWcnUYaTuSYR0Pgc1UtAl6nVreoK3jG4KB7UtuTN0W5CLuD5wHZfiCT9IsBBuU38MKp/s2542/Achnasheen+-+Laide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="2542" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wF_qAIyNGHvFEDyET-3PlBlEg_AGfatXWSl-d11_1hPAOgMBydALFQSTcrVMlv4RdDwcsIakSsWcnUYaTuSYR0Pgc1UtAl6nVreoK3jG4KB7UtuTN0W5CLuD5wHZfiCT9IsBBuU38MKp/w640-h312/Achnasheen+-+Laide.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Picture above: Achnasheen Laide and below:Achnasheen Poolwe</i></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVefAOdwaHl3rhUjTxkAeadUdvGVWjPTn2i9AAnKLb6Qybw6iT6FITymC8xbcjIaiUOLFlxSdwRAP2FDDRiBXM5Yk6Oo5qRM8BuuHh_9nZvTxVX0hexkgyl8xJ62oc0hsJ8DY1j1Vd21/s2048/Achnasheen+-+Poolewe+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVefAOdwaHl3rhUjTxkAeadUdvGVWjPTn2i9AAnKLb6Qybw6iT6FITymC8xbcjIaiUOLFlxSdwRAP2FDDRiBXM5Yk6Oo5qRM8BuuHh_9nZvTxVX0hexkgyl8xJ62oc0hsJ8DY1j1Vd21/w631-h473/Achnasheen+-+Poolewe+.jpg" width="631" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you’re not in a rush, and your pace is leisurely, you can
detour to Loch Ness – and maybe do a little Nessie Monster spotting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the ferry from Scrabster near Thurso to
Stromness and check out its Viking Heritage, along with the 5,000 year old
stone circles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtqNMrqdUgW8RfGoJ_so5AqSE_l7chI5cgpfFouauSizVlwt6lvp0yk8f4xK5jrtNezElVi-wHcNFZCWQwc-KS2wMQNPti3pegbnm0IjjjXKMvLgMiZjCrprs7mtHI9liq_d1ephdDVXZ/s2048/Apprlecross+2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtqNMrqdUgW8RfGoJ_so5AqSE_l7chI5cgpfFouauSizVlwt6lvp0yk8f4xK5jrtNezElVi-wHcNFZCWQwc-KS2wMQNPti3pegbnm0IjjjXKMvLgMiZjCrprs7mtHI9liq_d1ephdDVXZ/w623-h468/Apprlecross+2+.jpg" width="623" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Above and below: Applecross</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv2cXSauIE4CUQnIbIojmewwswn77gUZJ1YkcvLgb6cLfmAsq2E14XFBC5Ptq3LZWAG3pNXG80FXHl6kFl2HcrlDpRvonbHWiwq4dH06dVSk-6VdzQULEUqMd4wsrLneNLIgvBNTM2qd9/s2048/Applecross++%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2030" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv2cXSauIE4CUQnIbIojmewwswn77gUZJ1YkcvLgb6cLfmAsq2E14XFBC5Ptq3LZWAG3pNXG80FXHl6kFl2HcrlDpRvonbHWiwq4dH06dVSk-6VdzQULEUqMd4wsrLneNLIgvBNTM2qd9/w555-h491/Applecross++%25282%2529.jpg" width="555" /></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For those brave outdoor types (not us!!) head to the Isle of
Skye for wild swimming in the Fairy Pools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For those who are not so brave, at least there are some fabulous
Instagramable shots to be had. You can either drive over the 500m Skye bridge
or take the ferry, and dine at the world famous <a href="https://www.threechimneys.co.uk/about/quality-grading">Three Chimneys</a> or the Michelin
starred <a href="https://www.lochbay-restaurant.co.uk/">Loch Bay restaurant</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Royal Connection</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkebQ1WGub-1EqqRIpRGVb70Ez1niPDn5bE4UR-PYaLjf9U9Wk8wFuviWvJPmdFUi6gLvFXP5jgyp1dbwJDwb4UmRU4uysRjkbTGrfRRMDI0Vze4esNLIqubH1ex6-WR9LRhl46WeagGc3/s2048/Castle+of+Mey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkebQ1WGub-1EqqRIpRGVb70Ez1niPDn5bE4UR-PYaLjf9U9Wk8wFuviWvJPmdFUi6gLvFXP5jgyp1dbwJDwb4UmRU4uysRjkbTGrfRRMDI0Vze4esNLIqubH1ex6-WR9LRhl46WeagGc3/w593-h445/Castle+of+Mey.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Castle of Mey<br /></span></i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Scotland is also famous for its castles, and the links with
the royal family go back centuries.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother owned the Castle of Mey as a holiday
retreat, though this was later bequeathed to</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;">The
Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust and The Prince's Foundation. She renovated the castle with her own money –
which delighted the residents of Caithness because it brought running water and
reliable electricity to nearby residents.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Staying with the royal connection,
Anne’s visit to Scotland coincided with the Braemar Gathering, traditionally
attended by Her Majesty the Queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
includes traditional Highland Games, Scottish Dancing, bagpipes and caber
tossing. Her Majesty spends the summer at her Scottish residence Balmoral,
which is close by, while Prince Charles (who uses the title The Earl of
Rothesay when in Scotland) stays at Birkhall which is also on the Balmoral
Estate.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And when the Royal Family visit Balmoral, they worship at the small local village church - Craithie Kirk, pictured below:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXuefWIuj23LrzbPXYoRuy6HSNjdJjFm30YfO9qAS-GswqkktywX27Hh_KcAOLmFFlXHarfs9hcS1t8MDAE1Cgh4PnhMEZv2Ib8PnSHiRaVk4zWBrB3QGu0cAja6zq2fUHNBRAu42yclL/s2048/Crathie+Kirk+Balmoral++%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2026" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXuefWIuj23LrzbPXYoRuy6HSNjdJjFm30YfO9qAS-GswqkktywX27Hh_KcAOLmFFlXHarfs9hcS1t8MDAE1Cgh4PnhMEZv2Ib8PnSHiRaVk4zWBrB3QGu0cAja6zq2fUHNBRAu42yclL/w626-h632/Crathie+Kirk+Balmoral++%25281%2529.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Craithie Kirk</i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;">Both of us have previously spent
time in Scotland, and there is much more to see than just the North Coast
500.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;">Edinburgh (where Anne C spent part
of her honeymoon) and Glasgow, apart from having plenty to do and see, also
have some fabulous shops where you can stock up on tartan and beautiful woollen
goods.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;">During a previous holiday
together we visited the amazing Royal Yacht Britannia.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: helvetica;">Who doesn’t remember those iconic photographs
of Prince Charles and Princess Diana aboard the yacht during happier times?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sadly the yacht was taken out of
service in 1997, and is now docked permanently in Leith, Edinburgh, and open to
the public to view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t as
luxurious as you might imagine, but is well worth a visit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Anne's itinerary and her Bed and Breakfast recommendations:</span></span></span></h3><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Braemar - <a href="http://www.cranfordbraemar.co.uk/">Cranford Guest House</a>. Very nice B & B Highly recommend </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Inverness - Jacobite Rose. Basic B&B - fine for one night</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Applecross - <a href="https://www.applecrossinn.co.uk/">Applecross Inn</a>. Lovely place to stay . Lovely food and views. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Gairloch - <a href="https://www.gairlochview.com/">Gairloch View Guesthouse</a>, Lacked a bit of character but clean, and good views.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ullapool - <a href="https://www.thesheilingullapool.co.uk/">The Sheilling,Garve</a> Friendly and lovely place to stay </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Kylescu - <a href="https://www.kyleskuhotel.co.uk/">Kylescu Hotel</a> Fabulous. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Durness -<a href="https://www.visitdurness.com/">Mackays Rooms</a> Highly recommended </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Melvich - <a href="https://www.melvichhotel.co.uk/">The Melvich Hotel</a></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wick - <a href="http://www.theclachan.co.uk/">The Clachan</a></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We found this was probably making trip one night longer than needed and would choose between this and Melvich </span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dornoch - Where we stayed no longer available but would recommend looking in centre - there are a few good B&Bs</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Muir of Ord - <a href="https://the-dower-house-bed-breakfast-muir-of-ord.hotelmix.co.uk/">Dower House</a>. Lovely place to stay, highly recommend. </span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX8e_3We13WZ8mQZILzIcX6e7JttjotlW1amSH0GUKohpdCRUyRG9cJU9f_LGYo9E3_EtWdoN1INy2kUwLwdxv40OOFANDk5r7B1h0BxOy4i48RZ4aW8EsIrPbgjUU-Fj_lO86jv31xy9/s2048/Lairg+-+Kylesku+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX8e_3We13WZ8mQZILzIcX6e7JttjotlW1amSH0GUKohpdCRUyRG9cJU9f_LGYo9E3_EtWdoN1INy2kUwLwdxv40OOFANDk5r7B1h0BxOy4i48RZ4aW8EsIrPbgjUU-Fj_lO86jv31xy9/w626-h425/Lairg+-+Kylesku+.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Lairg - Kylesku</i></div></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES6CTHSBz4px6IgIqCs44B9TQIK29CwYcb7k9R-RtlNVg86AG-mCqenVG0in3T7XjEJxl_qHB8RJGMZZLo8mnrNMszDG7-jDN5y6AorKPufnAK_M6L79FCLP30cezacALTUmxwfkQ6_um/s2048/Lands+End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES6CTHSBz4px6IgIqCs44B9TQIK29CwYcb7k9R-RtlNVg86AG-mCqenVG0in3T7XjEJxl_qHB8RJGMZZLo8mnrNMszDG7-jDN5y6AorKPufnAK_M6L79FCLP30cezacALTUmxwfkQ6_um/w637-h712/Lands+End.jpg" width="637" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Land's End</i></div></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu6Zz2m-5c1ZDs3qlicdDuQIDz_lt-7ZSGNUG4O_ctw1XEiOlWiwDF7gzpawAuYnV25EaZ2yemMaEO7fcDUVZJzUiR5KYhtPpfyzYbJXNyilKCYpemhXHdeNMBiipTcDeXPH8hO4Z4e_8/s2048/Lybster+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu6Zz2m-5c1ZDs3qlicdDuQIDz_lt-7ZSGNUG4O_ctw1XEiOlWiwDF7gzpawAuYnV25EaZ2yemMaEO7fcDUVZJzUiR5KYhtPpfyzYbJXNyilKCYpemhXHdeNMBiipTcDeXPH8hO4Z4e_8/w647-h410/Lybster+.jpg" width="647" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Lybster</i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-23671784810159470602021-02-19T07:30:00.001+00:002021-02-19T07:30:06.437+00:00OUR FAVOURITE PLACES<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAQQbi8IdVEq457PkfkHr8CrggTrYE3YCwW1PRh4y4FVCTI_EK3XD7LW-L9m8PARWoFy9gRWRNPJBJBmQuqVSO_mh1KlkgfDymAccWOQOG27qMHlO_z96Xf6iJup1jdJkNk-QzO_KPf1X/s2048/IMG_0490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAQQbi8IdVEq457PkfkHr8CrggTrYE3YCwW1PRh4y4FVCTI_EK3XD7LW-L9m8PARWoFy9gRWRNPJBJBmQuqVSO_mh1KlkgfDymAccWOQOG27qMHlO_z96Xf6iJup1jdJkNk-QzO_KPf1X/w638-h479/IMG_0490.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We haven't been able to travel for more than a year, or meet up for around three months, (all due to COVID) so please accept our apologies for the lack of new content on our Sensational Baby Boomers blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However, it's high time to dust off the laptop, and although it's too early yet to plan our next holidays, we thought it would be a good idea to look back at some of our favourite places.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There are sometimes very specific reasons or times when holidays create extra special memories - a special birthday, an anniversary, or even exceptional hotels and bucket list places, and our travels have incorporated some of these.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>ROME</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We have both been to Rome, though not together, yet both of us have found this to be a very special place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is Anne C and I visited Rome for the first time in early 2020, before the virus took hold. The trip was to celebrate my daughter's birthday and had been on my bucket list for a while, not least because Anne H had been a couple of times and said how fabulous it was.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We were slightly apprehensive about the time of year - we went in January - but the temperature was pleasant and it was good to get away from the bitter cold in the UK.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We got off to a fabulous start when our pre-booked transport arrived - a rather comfortable Audi - and as we approached the centre of Rome with its beautifully lit and well preserved ruins, "Nessum Dorma" came on the car stereo and the trip became magical.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have already covered the trip in detail <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2020/02/rome-eternal-city.html">here</a>, and Anne has also written previously about it <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-roman-holiday.html">here</a> and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/04/my-top-tourist-spots-in-rome.html">here</a>, but I can honestly say it is one of my favourite cities in the world. The history is everywhere - and beautifully preserved while still being very much on public display. The food, of course, is amazing and we were incredibly lucky with the hotel, whose staff went out of their way to ensure my daughter had a fabulous holiday - even bringing her a gluten free birthday breakfast (complete with cake) in bed on the day!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0upTxl92ybb-I-4h-Wed1HNnVjUWJTWiwzfJ6tklGkhc7MQrxEzV0877vNWrCza-Yla47lzl7BzXvLJm3K_JPOhyV8O9oBcKbYNGHygkj0b6hGwfQYQ3lmpkPAmdTFUI4BO5AWxPf8KUh/s2048/IMG_0506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0upTxl92ybb-I-4h-Wed1HNnVjUWJTWiwzfJ6tklGkhc7MQrxEzV0877vNWrCza-Yla47lzl7BzXvLJm3K_JPOhyV8O9oBcKbYNGHygkj0b6hGwfQYQ3lmpkPAmdTFUI4BO5AWxPf8KUh/s16000/IMG_0506.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>SYDNEY</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I visited Sydney in 2014, and although I had never particularly yearned to go there, it turned out to be a wonderful holiday. In context - my daughter had been saving through university to go travelling, and finally set off in 2013 flying off to Thailand and spending months in the Far East. She ended up working on a farm in Australia, and since I was on a cruise with Anne H in the Far East (more of that later), I flew on to Aussie to see her for the first time in six months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There are times when you actually pinch yourself because of where you are, and Sydney was full of those moments. The first time I spotted the Opera House from the Botanical Gardens, and of course when I set foot on Bondi Beach - I absolutely could not believe I was there!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kfxzZ8elIjq-DpCjIT7DYCLAsBFrrZ1r_CvcKXGXRWiTx8_uRbJTOnERJf3UTnbJifoKXu4bQylLbp_kZXTVPyYqRRCkVyjdKjwBDMVQfK9mGQfskt0N0dVSTJYlTtUY9EKdiwUEYv6-/s2048/125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kfxzZ8elIjq-DpCjIT7DYCLAsBFrrZ1r_CvcKXGXRWiTx8_uRbJTOnERJf3UTnbJifoKXu4bQylLbp_kZXTVPyYqRRCkVyjdKjwBDMVQfK9mGQfskt0N0dVSTJYlTtUY9EKdiwUEYv6-/s16000/125.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Of course, the fact that I had missed my daughter terribly made it so extra special, but also that our accommodation was lovely, the weather was fantastic, and there was lots of interesting places to visit. I loved the laid-back vibe, while the friendliness of the locals and the fact that everyone spoke English made it such a wonderful trip. See full details of the Sydney trip </span><a href="https://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/11/an-emotional-trip.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">here</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcMNuUiEeTLDQObQWQDGl63ADi6xXAEBaWIRc0IvNytfR4sUY9Ho-8laRofbbLGAIbgFry9wc2Pbub2sufPtv5PGRqOzsQcuYO7sNC0SQ4kOtjUxc82iC0WB74LdOkvjv2nCQqtSVSzk3/s2048/157+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcMNuUiEeTLDQObQWQDGl63ADi6xXAEBaWIRc0IvNytfR4sUY9Ho-8laRofbbLGAIbgFry9wc2Pbub2sufPtv5PGRqOzsQcuYO7sNC0SQ4kOtjUxc82iC0WB74LdOkvjv2nCQqtSVSzk3/s16000/157+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>SANTORINI</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I couldn't not mention our annual holidays in Santorini, which has almost become a second home for me. I've even been learning to speak and read in Greek - no mean feat for a 67 year old!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having visited several of the Greek Islands, and loved the sunshine, the food and the wonderful Greek people, it was around the year 2002 that we headed off to Santorini for the first time and fell in love with the place. We stayed in a small hotel, and the owners had two young children, slightly younger than our own daughter. But they played together and we tried to chat to the owners in their broken English. We have returned almost every year since, occupying one of two of our favourite rooms on a wide balcony over the dining room. We have also taken several of our friends to stay there over the years - including Anne H and her daughter too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Although most of the photos you see of Greece are taken in the capital, Thira, with its stunning west-facing sunsets over the Caldera, we stayed on the south east coast, in the lovely friendly resort of Perissa. Thira is a bustling, Instagram-worthy town, full of tourists and cocktail bars. It's great for a shopping trip or watching the sun go down, but it is quite expensive for meals and drinks (and jewellery), and if you're staying in hotels with a view, the cost is eye-watering.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4kNCevftwdqVSNdzMZbJl5oc8uBYLmjaH0zqrC7wNsMAPI1AZ0ZuaQbzaYa6qDysDtbYEES6wwJMBfMt6S4NUcyRLyf08LHdQRhw2cfD6ABBQutaMM5J5vvHnd3oJzagz9igANoEDT5q/s4320/521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4kNCevftwdqVSNdzMZbJl5oc8uBYLmjaH0zqrC7wNsMAPI1AZ0ZuaQbzaYa6qDysDtbYEES6wwJMBfMt6S4NUcyRLyf08LHdQRhw2cfD6ABBQutaMM5J5vvHnd3oJzagz9igANoEDT5q/s16000/521.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having now been going back for the past 20 years (though sadly not last year for obvious reasons), we now know many of the locals, and are on kissing terms with the bar and restaurant owners! </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6IAZ6a8Q_SX1GUFdxnyjglVP77qp45kjJGiUfHVIljWVsJTRIt_7V0O6-RuVt5S0eycnDx5FEbRdFibaIoPR_FsB5MDQIKQqCwY8aUH1xnFVtV8_gBaCNPkzSMRH7rqp0Bd9dTVGZIl1/s540/IMG_6100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6IAZ6a8Q_SX1GUFdxnyjglVP77qp45kjJGiUfHVIljWVsJTRIt_7V0O6-RuVt5S0eycnDx5FEbRdFibaIoPR_FsB5MDQIKQqCwY8aUH1xnFVtV8_gBaCNPkzSMRH7rqp0Bd9dTVGZIl1/s16000/IMG_6100.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Perissa is a small resort, not particularly sophisticated - no nightclubs or rowdy bars - and mainly attracts couples. There are no pavements or street lights along the main road, yet it feels entirely safe. It is almost a throw-back to how Greece used to be before tourism really took off. Most people walk along the coast road, which is forbidden to traffic in the evening - where there are a few shops and bars, though nothing too fancy. It's a place to go to chill out, relax and just enjoy good food and sunshine. Santorini trips<a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/08/stunning-santorini.html"> here</a> and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/09/sensational-santorini-our-second-home.html">here</a>.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofaP6EF3qTEzGBCnNKrguiXVA9ZdUlCSa4XnQdWA5GhzMrMcE5f4HLhAu1R4n0ZtsfRRhOaAUWHk-rlnfPrmT37Z1NAYRlkvijy0JnwppIWy38hq-dpzAUM0LQY8CyMqMfKySa4YT5T7N/s2048/015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofaP6EF3qTEzGBCnNKrguiXVA9ZdUlCSa4XnQdWA5GhzMrMcE5f4HLhAu1R4n0ZtsfRRhOaAUWHk-rlnfPrmT37Z1NAYRlkvijy0JnwppIWy38hq-dpzAUM0LQY8CyMqMfKySa4YT5T7N/s16000/015.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>THE FAR EAST</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lastly, but by no means least, one of the best holidays we spent together was a cruise to the Far East with <a href="https://www.silversea.com/" target="_blank">SilverSea Cruises</a>. This was a special treat a few years ago to celebrate my 60th birthday, although in fact we went some months after the special day because of sailings, and ended up celebrating Anne H's birthday on board, We certainly pushed the boat out because the ship - The Silver Shadow - was fabulous. Everything about the trip was amazing - from visiting Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong, to our fabulously comfortable - and spacious - cabin, to browsing the markets in Bangkok. We had our own butler, a fridge stocked daily with champagne and fabulous toiletries stocked in the bathroom ( which also boasted a full sized bath). I had another "pinch myself" moment when we were sailing down the Mekong Delta - those faraway places we had only heard about on the news during the Vietnam war. More on our far eastern trip <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/05/our-trip-of-lifetime.html">here</a>.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriRM2Xz6rw8e9TsOHgWOu5PZKLKo7RRRAK6F4e3rHOfAiPIUXsp0PcpvxBR9lHBrLsIDp_Ms9GwcF6gqVus7ceO_1su-5rpZinO6nmMVRHTe0iWLFdr4H8B8CJD8oOfbArIlt7mFgQbEo/s4207/SAM_0473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2506" data-original-width="4207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriRM2Xz6rw8e9TsOHgWOu5PZKLKo7RRRAK6F4e3rHOfAiPIUXsp0PcpvxBR9lHBrLsIDp_Ms9GwcF6gqVus7ceO_1su-5rpZinO6nmMVRHTe0iWLFdr4H8B8CJD8oOfbArIlt7mFgQbEo/s16000/SAM_0473.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Well, these are my favourite holidays, but not exclusively those we have enjoyed, either together or separately. <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2018/02/land-of-fire-and-ice.html">Iceland</a> was fabulous, and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2016/05/some-of-our-favourite-new-york-haunts.html">New York</a> was amazing, despite having rather a bad accident there. There are places I've seen where I would happily go back - <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2019/11/cruising-adriatic.html">Malta</a>, <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/search?q=bruges" target="_blank">Bruges</a>, <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2019/11/cruising-around-croatia.html">Croatia</a> (and some of the above), <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/search?q=france" target="_blank">France,</a> and others I'm happy to have seen but have no desperate desire to return - <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/search?q=cologne" target="_blank">Germany,</a> </span><a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2019/05/a-budget-trip-to-budapest.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">Hungary</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> and </span><a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/search?q=copenhagen" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Denmark</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, though never say never!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I still have a bucket list - Las Vegas, Hawaii, the Maldives, Canada and Niagara Falls, Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily. I have booked Vegas five times and for various reasons it has been cancelled through no fault of my own (three times due to COVID) and was due to sail to Hawaii this year but that is now looking dubious too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Next time, Anne H will take you through her favourite places and holidays.</span></p>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597334.434878799368732 -38.592223 76.321223200631266 31.720277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-31174912517844986142020-03-13T07:30:00.000+00:002020-03-13T07:30:02.591+00:00A WINTER TRIP TO COPENHAGEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ib6YoyOggIePNzwmymedmimJEwmCXyyn0n8qVALZrDAv479tcS-0gGwvCGOPr4yZOSXFtMBJqfS_PZHjKdhoGNExnyyG768_lic8R5IprHud6_zOAL8Y1gbSgqm2dTNaHlM3yhtwfsTs/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ib6YoyOggIePNzwmymedmimJEwmCXyyn0n8qVALZrDAv479tcS-0gGwvCGOPr4yZOSXFtMBJqfS_PZHjKdhoGNExnyyG768_lic8R5IprHud6_zOAL8Y1gbSgqm2dTNaHlM3yhtwfsTs/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my Christmas present last year, I was delighted to receive from my daughter plane tickets and a few days stay in Copenhagen. However, when she told me we would be staying in a hostel, to say I was a little apprehensive was an understatement! This from a girl who travelled around South East Asia, through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Australia - so hostels were no problem for her, but I prefer a little bit of luxury when I'm away from home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I was so pleasantly surprised when we got to <a href="https://www.steelhousecopenhagen.com/">The Steelhouse</a>, very close to <a href="https://www.tivoli.dk/en/">Tivoli Gardens</a>, that I would even stay there again. I pictured steel bunk beds and having to trot down the corridor to the loo in the middle of the night, so I was even thinking I would take a quick look then find a proper hotel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.steelhousecopenhagen.com/">Steelhouse</a> was far from that. She had booked a private en suite room for two, although actually there were six beds (four unused of course), but instead of bunk beds, there were cosy pods which were actually bigger than a single bed. Some of the rooms even have a balcony! There was even a hairdryer and shower gel provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The decor was distinctly urban chic - bare concrete walls and rustic tables and benches, but since we didn't eat there, it wasn't a problem, and the comfy chairs in the lounge were perfect for a delicious hot chocolate at the end of the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food was available - breakfast "bags" of sandwiches, and there were pastries and yummy yoghurts with compote and granola, but as my daughter is gluten intolerant (more of that later) we ate out every night. There is a kitchen for those who want to cook, and even a swimming pool - but of course these cost extra. While it wasn't exactly luxury, it was adequate and certainly wasn't "roughing in" while the guests included people of all ages and young families. There are walking tours and there is entertainment provided too - perfect if you're on your own or just want to join in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My tick list for Copenhagen was <a href="https://www.tivoli.dk/en/">Tivoli Gardens</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyhavn">Nyhavn Harbour</a> with the multi-coloured buildings and the <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/little-mermaid-gdk586951">Little Mermaid </a>statue. Tick, tick, tick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first day saw us wander around the city centre to get our bearings and work out what we wanted to see. First stop was the <a href="https://www.tivoligardens.com/en/mad+og+drikke/spisesteder/tivoli+food+hall">food hall</a> attached to Tivoli Gardens, where there was every kind of food from salads to street food to sushi or burgers. It was a perfect choice for my gluten free daughter, and the salads were delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had googled "gluten free restaurants" before we went and saw that there were around 170 offering gluten free food, however, most offered only one dish on their menus, so we did struggle. Since I am ok with gluten, it was such a shame as there was an abundance of beautiful fresh vegetarian and vegan sandwiches - but my daughter couldn't eat any of the bread. Fortunately we stumbled on <a href="https://www.joejuice.com/menu/uk">Joe and the Juice</a>, which became our go-to eatery for much of the holiday, as they served gluten free flatbreads, juices and salads. I was even heartened to see that they have premises in the UK, though unfortunately not near us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had quite a walk to the Nyhavn Port, but it was so pretty, with traditional Danish houses painted in different colours, and boats moored along the water. It is here that you can take a tourist boat along the river, though as it was freezing cold, we gave that a miss, but it must be very pleasant in the summer months</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a very touristy area and I can imagine that in summer it is very busy with pavements full of tables and chairs for the restaurants and bars spaced every few yards. Famous author <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyhavn_67">Hans Christian Anderson lived at No 67,</a> which now bears a plaque commemorating where he wrote many of this fairy tales, although actually, he wrote many more books which were not for children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a gluten-free dinner at the <a href="https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/copenhagen/#utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Yext&utm_campaign=Listings">Hard Rock Cafe</a> (we always have to go in every city we see, since my daughter has to have "verified visits" (!). I love the decor but the menu is not my personal favourite) we visited the Victorian fairground at <a href="https://www.tivoligardens.com/en/om?_ga=2.243873676.82907241.1583773921-27108166.1583773921">Tivoli Gardens</a> after dark. Built in 1843, it is the second largest amusement park in the world, with the fairground featuring traditional rides, while the site was beautifully lit with vibrant colours. Unfortunately since this was a cold, damp night in February, it was rather too chilly to take advantage of the rides, many of which were not running, though the ice skating rink was open for business. However, if you are planning a winter trip - check that it is open as it closed shortly after our visit and doesn't re-open until April!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We returned the following day to see the fairground in daylight, and it was a little busier, particularly with families, and there were more rides open. There are various ticket prices, meaning you can get a 24 hour pass, group or child discounts, or one with unlimited rides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the weather took a turn for the worst, so as always we jumped onto a <a href="http://333cpjf/">hop-on, hop-off red bus </a>to see the city from the top deck. To note there is more than one company, and for a few krona extra, you can include a boat trip with your ticket price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing Denmark is also famous for - more for the residents than the tourists, is cycling! Every road has a cycle track with its own traffic lights, and motorists don't view them as a nuisance as they do in the UK. Having said that, the cyclists tend to be on traditional bikes, ridden sedately rather than the lycra-clad,helmeted cyclists on sports bikes we see on our roads. The first cycle lane in Denmark was opened in the early 1900s and there are five bicycles to every four people! Many tourists take to cycles too, which is probably quite sensible as the city is very spread-out, and you can hire a bike or electric scooter almost on every street corner. Just pick up a discarded bike, log in and leave your credit card details, and then log out when you get to your destination and leave the bike for the next person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally we made it to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(statue)">Little Mermaid statue</a> - featured in Hans Christian Anderson's iconic tale. The bronze statue is quite tiny, and was modelled on ballerina Ellen Price, though she did not pose in the nude - the body was actually based on Eline Erikson, wife of the scultor Edvard Erikson. In her 100+ years, the mermaid has been decapitated twice although her head was returned both times. She has also had her arm sawn off, she has been blown off her rock with explosives and doused in various paints as protesters made various political statements. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our red bus dropped us off while we took photographs, and waited until everyone was back on board to set off - for which I was eternally grateful since it was quite a schlep from the centre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been fans of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2011_TV_series)">Danish thriller "The Bridge"</a> we were keen to see the fabulous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98resund_Bridge">Oresund </a>Bridge which we had spied from the plane as we landed. Jumping on a train to Malmo, Sweden took us onto the bridge, although the rail track runs beneath the road surface. Incidentally, the helpful staff at Copenhagen station told us to buy a family return ticket, which worked out cheaper than single tickets for the two of us. The bridge is partly underground as it departs Copenhagen, built so that it would not cause issues for planes landing at the Danish airport. Once clear, the bridge travels across the water for five miles and is the longest combined rail/road bridge in Europe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be completely honest, <a href="https://visitsweden.com/malmo/">Malmo </a>was a bit of a disappointment. We found the most unattractive castle which looked more like a prison, so wandered round the grounds and found a delightful old windmill and a park which is probably very pretty once the flowers bloom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in Copenhagen, we got back back on the red bus since we had bought a 24 hour ticket, which was still valid. Tours are always helpful in relating the history of the city and some of the buildings which one would never know about. The yellow Nyboder buildings had fascinated us the first time we saw them, so it was interesting to learn that they were built by King Christian IV in 1631 to house naval personnel. The rows and rows of terraces housed families who had access to their own medical care, police and guardhouse, but in exchange, all boys born into those families had to complete military service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided on our last afternoon, to wander around the shops "downtown". There are a number of independent boutiques and bookshops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also some great tourist spots, including <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/amalienborg-palace-gdk492887">Amalienborg Palace</a>, home of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II and her son Crown Prince Frederik, where you can watch the changing of the guard at 12 noon daily. Tourists also make their way after dark to the <a href="http://cphicebar.dk/en/icebar/">Ice Bar</a>. Visitors can play games or quizzes or enjoy a cocktail or two if you can stand the cold! This is a real bar with ice hewn and imported from Northern Sweden and kept at a frosty -5 degrees. It was cold enough outside and we preferred a hot drink, thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearby is Rosenburg Castle, now a museum housing the crown jewels and art treasures, the lovely King's Gardens and the imposing <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/gefion-fountain-gdk410604">Gefion </a>fountain<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Gefion is dedicated to the Norse Goddess Gefion, who plouged the island of Zealand from Sweden. The story goes that Swedish King Gylfe offered her as much land as she could plough in a day and a night - so she changed her four sons into oxen and they ploughed so well that they pulled the land into the sea and created an island. So much for legends!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found three days to be long enough if I'm honest, but maybe the inclement weather didn't help. I would suggest if you are going to visit, then go when the weather is a bit warmer. Everyone tells me there is a great atmosphere in the bars and restaurants during the warmer months, so it strikes me it would be quite a lively place to go. There are also a number of museums and <a href="https://www.copenhagendowntown.com/blog/copenhagen-contemporary-art-scene-top-5-galleries-to-visit">notable art galleries</a> in Copenhagen, but these are scattered throughout the city and suburbs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth visiting - yes, but go when it's a bit warmer!</span></span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-65158228082117377222020-02-21T07:30:00.000+00:002020-02-21T07:30:02.244+00:00ROME - THE ETERNAL CITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rome became known as the Eternal City because is of its fierce history of achievements and conquering lands far and wide, so it is easy to see that Romans felt themselves invincible. Their belief was such was that if Rome fell - then so would the rest of the world - hence it became known as The Eternal City!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the saying that Rome wasn't built in a day? Well that's easy to see where that came from - during the great days of the Roman empire, their fabulous buildings were both architecturally beautiful and also built to last - with many still standing several centuries later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is Anne C and while my colleague Anne H has been to Rome many times (and wrote about it a couple of years ago <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-roman-holiday.html">here</a> and <a href="http://sensationalbabyboomers.blogspot.com/2017/04/my-top-tourist-spots-in-rome.html">here</a>), but this was my first visit. I have tried to approach it slightly differently to her blog, so I hope you're not bored!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My daughter and I flew to Rome in January to celebrate her birthday - and we both fell in love with the city! It is everything you read about, see in photos and watch in the movies - and much more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a vibrant, happy, beautiful, stunning and historic city with plenty to do and see. Turn any street corner and you find remains of the magnificent buildings which once formed one of the most powerful civilisations in the world at the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We booked into a small Bed & Breakfast, the <a href="https://www.domuslibera.com/">Domus Libera</a>, in the centre of the city and obviously had no idea what it would actually be like. My daughter made the arrangements, and when I saw the address, l was disappointed to see that it was in a back alley and we had a code to enter the door as there was no reception between 7pm and 7am. However, we did actually get in without any problem as the code worked perfectly. The lift was so tiny that the two of us and two cases didn't fit it, so she gamely walked up the three flights to our room - which was opened with said code!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But what a surprise! The room was just lovely - a large king sized bed, huge bathroom with double sinks, loo and bidet and lovely toiletries. (See my daughter's Tripadvisor review <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187791-d7377533-r740789094-Domus_Libera-Rome_Lazio.html">here</a> for more information about the hotel). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Trevi Fountain</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We ventured out to get something to eat, and just a few minutes later found ourselves next to the <a href="https://www.turismoroma.it/en/node/1286">Trevi Fountain</a>. Tick one off the bucket list! Despite the fact that it was January, the fountain area was very very busy, so I dread to think what it is like in high season. We visited both during the day and on our first evening, and I think it is probably my favourite place in Rome - it did not fail to inspire with its beauty and stunning turquoise waters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a good night's sleep, we went down to reception, which doubled as the breakfast area. Again, we had a fabulous surprise. Although small, there was plenty of continental fayre to eat, and they had catered especially for my daughter who is gluten intolerant. The two reception staff, friendly Speranza and handsome Lorenzo, were absolutely lovely and totally made our stay enjoyable with their help, constant smiles and helpful suggestions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A short 15 minute stroll took us straight to the <a href="https://parcocolosseo.it/">Colosseum</a>, which of course is stunning. We had booked a full tour which wasn't cheap (there are several from which to choose), but our tour guide, Tiziana, spoke excellent English and had the most wonderful sense of humour (apparently ancient Romans were short and women were not allowed in the Colosseum, she told us - so imagine 6,000 Hobbit men in here....)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will notice that only part of the Colosseum outer walls exist due to the great earthquake of 1349 - half of the structure was built on sandy terrain and the rest on more stable ground. The damaged stones were later used to build palaces and churches throughout Rome - hence why there are many holes in the walls where the metal rods holding the stones were also removed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately because it was January, we were not able to go underneath the ground floor </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">during winter months</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, but we could see into the Hypogeum (the underground), which was a disappointment. Currently the area is a building site, undergoing a $20million renovation to construct a new arena on the site, which will eventually be used to hold events and re-enactments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tour also included the adjoining <a href="https://parcocolosseo.it/area/foro-romano/">Roman Forum</a> - known as the heartbeat of ancient Rome and its Empire. Historians believe the first meeting there was 500BC. We saw where the funeral pyre of Julius Caesar took place, and the following day just happened along the <a href="https://www.turismoroma.it/it/luoghi/largo-di-torre-argentina">Largo di Torre Argentina</a> in the middle of a shopping district, which was where Brutus inflicted the fatal wound that killed him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This area was close to shops and our favourite gluten free restaurant, and was actually in part a cat sanctuary where you could "adopt" a kitty. (It's a wonder we didn't come home with another one since we wanted to smuggle one home, they were so cute). We had found the restaurant, incidentally, when Lorenzo rang round on our behalf to local establishments near to the hotel to find one which served gluten free food. Obviously when you're in Italy, you have to eat the most delicious pizza and pasta!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our next tour was of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City">Vatican City</a>, again, one which we pre-booked. Our guide was an art historian so we certainly got chapter and verse about every painting, fresco and map, since she was extremely knowledgeable about all the famous artists and sculptors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo">MichaelAngelo</a>, famous for painting the <a href="http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/it/collezioni/musei/cappella-sistina/storia-cappella-sistina.html">Sistine Chapel ceiling</a> was in fact a celebrated sculptor before he began one of the most famous tasks in the Western world! Of course all were completely awe-inspiring and such stunningly beautiful works of art from the ceiling to even the floors - one of which was decorated in the luminous blue, ground from lapiz lazuli stone and which was used by many of the Renaissance artists - often for the Virgin's Mary's startling blue robes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, and the Pope is the King. It is easy to be confused by the number of popes and kings unless you have studied them, but each has left something of themselves behind in the Vatican, even including the scandalous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Borgia">Borgia family</a> (Pope Alexander V1 was born Rodrigo de Borja and fathered several children by his mistresses).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photographs are not allowed to be taken in the Sistine Chapel (so I've used this photo below which I found online), and in certain parts of the Chapel and <a href="https://www.rome.net/st-peters-basilica">St Peter's Basilica</a>, there are signs requesting silence. I was horrified, particularly at the gate of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQNchugB3hc">St Peter's tomb</a> to hear a family loudly shouting and laughing at their young children who were running riot at the tomb. While I am not particularly religious, it is a holy place and not an amusement park. The kids were obviously bored - maybe they should have taken them to a playground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Peter's Basilica</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Staying with the Basilica, we saw the world-famous statue, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0_(Michelangelo)">Pieta by Michaelangelo</a>, depicting Mary holding the body of Jesus after his Crucifixion. This sits behind gates and bullet-proof glass, since a vandal attacked the priceless artifact, chopping off Mary's nose, arm and fingers with an axe. He was never charged with an offence, but spent two years in an Italian sanatorium and then deported. The statue is one of the few ever to be repaired, since this can negate its authenticity, but it was felt this piece was too important to leave so severely damaged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can climb to the top of the dome, but there are more than 400 steps, and a lift which only goes part-way, so I knew I would never make it to the top. Besides, I hate heights, and this is one scary drop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you do every venture to Rome, visit the Vatican on Wednesdays. Unfortunately we did not know when we booked that Wednesday is the day the Pope appears on the balcony when he is in residence. We went on Tuesday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rome by Night</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We later returned to the Colliseum that evening to see the fabulous building at night - and it is just as stunning as during the daytime, although we couldn't actually go inside the walls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In fact Rome is just as stunning at night as it is during the day. Many of the old ancient stones are lit up and are even more impressive by moonlight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hop-on, Hop-off Bus</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always when we do a city tour, we do the hop-on hop-off bus tour. However, because the streets are so narrow, the bus cannot drive through the centre - so it did a loop around the city, pointing out yet more fountain monuments (250 of them) and water drinking fountains (several hundred) but you couldn't actually see the main attractions because many are down side alleys and in pedestrian areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Pantheon</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had seen the Pantheon on the first day - the circular church in the Piazza della Rotunda (where we had the most delicious pasta lunch, though also the most expensive!) Originally a Roman Temple, it is now a Roman Catholic Church ( the Basilica de Santa Maria ad Martyres, or Church of St Mary and the Martyrs). Despite its age - it was dedicated around 126 AD, it is still the world's largest unenforced concrete dome, despite being in constant use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our final day there was spent revisiting those places we loved the most - including the Trevi Fountain by day, which is stunning - and eating the most delicious ice creams. The gelato shops sell so many delicious flavours that you just have to try as many as you can while you're there! We also paid a second visit to the Spanish Steps - again another place which was very busy so it was difficult to get good shot without hordes of tourists in the picture. It's also very close to all the designer shops - a good place to go window shopping only!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Spanish Steps</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope I haven't bored you with the history - there is so much of it and so many churches. ruins, museums and fabulous buildings of such historic significance, that it was impossible to see in just a few days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to admit there was a lot of walking - something which I find difficult after a while since a bad accident a couple of years ago fractured my spine. I had to have frequent stops with either cappuccino or gelato to fortify me, but a tip for those not used to walking is to wear very thick rubber soled shoes, trainers or boots - there are lots of cobbled streets and after a while I could feel every piece of grit in my normal-soled patent leather boots!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is one of the few places to which I hope to return - we had such a magical time. The weather was kind to us, the people were friendly, the food was incredible and the place is just stunning. It is also hard to imagine how far advanced a civilisation Rome was more than 2000 years ago, and how well it has stood the test of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Caio Rome - I'll be back!</span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-24974141012234434252020-01-31T07:30:00.000+00:002020-01-31T07:30:05.317+00:00MARRAKESH <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne H here. I was lucky enough to spend a week over New Year in Morocco visiting Marrakesh with some friends and being joined by my daughter for a few days.</span><br />
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THE MEDINA </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were based in the Medina (the old town with its distinctive high walls) for the duration of our stay, which was the most amazing experience. This is a particularly busy time of year as not only foreign tourists visit, but there is a massive migration of Moroccans to Marrakesh as well. This sometimes made navigating the streets quite an arduous task, but once you were off the main routes getting about was relatively easy, especially with the help of Google maps!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plenty of restaurants in the main square that overlook the market on the outer edge of the Medina, and many an hour can be spent there over a mint tea just watching the world go by. One thing to note is that many of the restaurants within the confines of the Medina are "dry" and if you want alcohol you need to venture to the outer edges or into the larger Hotels more appropriate for tourists.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shopping is an absolute dream, I could have filled a container with amazing handcrafted items but managed to contain myself. Rugs are something for which Morocco is world famous and we saw some absolutely beautiful examples. Bartering is the norm in Marrakesh and takes some getting used to. If you can't cope with the slight aggressiveness of the bartering system there is a shop called <a href="http://complexeartisanal.com/">Establishment Bouchaib</a> that has lots of examples of gorgeous jewellery, artefacts, rugs and furniture where the prices are fixed and where we spent many happy hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hustle and bustle of the place is amazing and the colours are dazzling. But there are opportunities to escape down quiet alleyways if you crave some peace and quiet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing to be aware of is being pointed to the direction of somewhere and then being picked up by people who will show you the way and then demand payment. We made this mistake on the first day when being pointed to the Leather area, being told that it was only open that day as the Berbers were going back to the mountains for the holiday. It wasn't the worse experience in the world but did involve paying our guide who was waiting for us when we came out of the final stop which, of course, was a shop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our impromptu tour involved visiting the leather tanning area which actually turned out to be very interesting. On entering we were handed a spring of mint to help mask the smell of urine which is used in the process. The shop we were then taken to included leather, carpets, lamps and furniture and there were some lovely examples of all. I succumbed to a suede jacket and my friends bought a carpet .... pretty much guaranteed one of us had to leave with one, though how they managed to get it home is still a mystery!</span><br />
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WHERE WE STAYED </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We booked accommodation in a Riad via Booking.com ( A riad is a type of traditional Moroccan house of palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Nowadays the term is used to refer to a hotel or guest-house style accommodation with shared common areas and private rooms),<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"> </span>and stayed at the <a href="https://www.riad-el-bellar.com/">Riad El Bellar</a> which was in the centre of the Medina down a quiet alleyway (above). They organised a pick up at the airport and met us at the big square to guide us through the Medina to their location, which we certainly would not have found without their help. But thereafter we managed fine by getting a SIM card that allowed us to access Google maps on one of our phones. Data charges otherwise are prohibitive and you go through your capped limit in the first day very easily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<a href="https://www.riad-el-bellar.com/"> Riad El Bellar</a> was clean and comfortable and included a lovely terrace where you could sit out and get the afternoon sun. Breakfast was served in the courtyard area above and we were looked after really well.</span><br />
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PLACES TO EAT </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had one local restaurant which we frequented a lot called the Chez Brahim on the Derb Dabachi which served amazing Tagines and was incredibly reasonably priced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the <a href="https://terrassedelafontaine.com/">Terrasse De La Fontaine </a>and loved its decor as well. We also enjoyed a marvellous meal on the roof terrace at <a href="https://nomadmarrakech.com/">Nomad </a>admiring the views of the medina and the Atlas mountains. Nomad is part of a chain which includes Le Jardin which we also visited and highly rated. Although more expensive than the Brahim they were both very affordable and the surroundings were beautiful.</span><br />
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GARDENS</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JARDIN MAJORELLE</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAAFG2o53ArW9RBD-I-YXEb5QDZjc8mcC-jLBtz5DCisPS54C_oTtwCTLVtsQ0nq5POxgDyTus4g2ZGmZZqSgykcPJe_Nen5AIX4RrZT9f_XPwpvYUVrPhziiIyiMblDEuIEYnGUlb1m3/s1600/IMG_1175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAAFG2o53ArW9RBD-I-YXEb5QDZjc8mcC-jLBtz5DCisPS54C_oTtwCTLVtsQ0nq5POxgDyTus4g2ZGmZZqSgykcPJe_Nen5AIX4RrZT9f_XPwpvYUVrPhziiIyiMblDEuIEYnGUlb1m3/s1600/IMG_1175.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A short cab ride from the Medina (and cabs are not expensive) is the Jardin Majorelle which was stunning. As one of the most visited sites in Morocco it is worth getting there early so that you can wander the gardens and enjoy the peace and tranquility.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle over a forty year period the use of plants and colour is inspiring and just made me want to get back to my own garden, though the weather is not very inspiring for English gardens at this time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interestingly, the garden was falling into disrepair after the death of Majorells in the 60s and was bought by Yves St Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980 who saved by them from being turned into a hotel complex.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The site also includes the Berger Museum and the gardens of the Villa Oasis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LE JARDIN SECRET</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnunlNt5szdpbjhHS2GxKEiqpwALMVXGDWvuu6I28JmoGhxfsxo_iCmRwAWQXcJd-r6EQB_7qCOoPBtg34t_vPQm6x_wkZqQMI_KFfxE-ngaCjOPEtv5rJocqEtNWMiTjduUjgA3Lb1dTf/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnunlNt5szdpbjhHS2GxKEiqpwALMVXGDWvuu6I28JmoGhxfsxo_iCmRwAWQXcJd-r6EQB_7qCOoPBtg34t_vPQm6x_wkZqQMI_KFfxE-ngaCjOPEtv5rJocqEtNWMiTjduUjgA3Lb1dTf/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A true oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the Medina is the Le Jardin Secret. Set in a traditional Riad, the garden is housed in the centre and is protected by high walls. Comprising of two gardens - The Exotic and The Islamic Garden, both have water features fed from underground channels via a hydraulic system, and there is a cafe and plenty of areas to sit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had also ventured into the newer commercial area of Marrakesh but really it was totally overshadowed by the wonders of the Medina. I think if I ever returned I would make a point of taking excursions to the coast and the Atlas mountains to experience the variety that this beautiful country has to offer.</span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-29910770304633524302019-11-15T07:30:00.000+00:002019-11-15T07:30:04.269+00:00CRUISING AROUND CROATIA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week was the first of our two travel blogs about our <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/">P&O Cruise</a> on board the Oceana. Flying into <a href="https://www.visitmalta.com/en/see-and-do">Malta</a>, our first visits were to the beautiful city of <a href="https://www.zadar.travel/en/city-guide/attractions">Zadar</a> in Croatia, followed by a day in glorious <a href="http://www.venice-travel-guide.com/">Venice</a>. You will have read in the news this week that that beautiful city was subsequently hit by the "acqua alta" - the high tide which has caused millions of pounds worth of damage, including to the beautiful <a href="http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en">St Mark's Basilica.</a> Such a terrible shame that some irreplaceable artefacts have been lost forever. It isn't the first time Venice has been flooded, and we doubt it will be the last, but we hope that Venetians will be able to overcome such terrible losses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We set sail just before midnight, heading to <a href="https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/croatia-destinations/split/">Split</a> - though we had originally been designated to visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/sibenik">Siberni</a>k, but because of our late embarkation, there wasn't time to make our way there. Sibernik - like much of the Dalmation coast, is a beautiful medieval city, boasting two UNESCO sites - the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/963">Cathedral of St James</a> and the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-nicholas-fortress">Fortress St Nicholas</a>. This fortress city is often overlooked since most tourists head for the better know cities of Split and Dubrovnik.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sadly we never got to see it - much to Anne's disappointment, but for me, it meant a visit to Split - which is where I wanted to go in the first place! <a href="https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/about-croatia/">Croatia</a>'s second city is a vibrant and energetic mix of ancient and modern. The stunning medieval buildings and Diocletian ruins sit alongside bustling cafes, restaurants and modern shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 4th Century <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/split/attractions/diocletian-s-palace/a/poi-sig/445175/358789">Diocletians Palace</a> (not an actual palace, more like a collection of ancient churches/buildings and homes) was built by the Emperor Diocletian between 295-305, and while much of the original palace and its mausoleum have been demolished, the area is still home to around 3,000 residents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stroll around the streets and you will come across a ruin in a park, and while the <a href="https://smn.hr/split-katedrala">St Duje's (St Domnius) Cathedral </a>boasts a Romanesque bell tower, the ancient sits side by side with the modern. The architecture of course spans many centuries, and the cathedral itself has had a number of important additions over the centuries - the elaborate 13th century pulpit, the 15th century Altar of St Anastasius, and the 13th century wood carvings and carved choir stalls - all stunningly crafted by hand, and which have stood the test of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like many of the Croation cities we visited, the streets are paved in pure marble, beautifully worn down by the thousands of residents and tourists, but you can never forget that the buildings require constant upkeep and underpinning because of their age.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our next port of call was the beautiful <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/95">Dubrovnik</a> - which has long been on my bucket list. However, I have to admit that I did not get the buzz I expected from it. I'm going to be a little controversial here and admit that tourism can damage some of the world's beautiful places, and I think Dubrovnik is heading that way - unfortunately due in part to the cruise ships. Dubrovnik, like Venice, has taken the decision to limit cruise ships into port, to two per day, carrying a maximum of 5,000 tourists. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reason is evident, since Dubrovnik has become one giant outside restaurant, with cafes and bars catering for the thousands of visitors who throng the streets - not helped of course by the popularity of <a href="https://www.thewholeworldisaplayground.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-dubrovnik/">Game of Thrones</a>, since much of the filming was completed here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The picturesque wide boulevards were overcrowded, with shops catering to souvenirs and jewellery. While still beautiful, somehow it lost its shine for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One can't help but mention the terrible events of December 1991, when Dubrovnik was badly damaged during the war which led to the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia. The devastating cost of the conflict led to a loss of around 140,000 lives and the destruction or damage to many of its ancient buildings. One family documented how they fled from their home with only the clothes they stood up in - while carrying the 99 year old granny from their burning house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having said that, it wasn't a negative experience - it is a beautiful city and has been very tastefully restored. There are stunning churches, since Croatia is still a religious catholic country,and of course there are museums detailing their chequered history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ending on a positive note, our final visit in Croatia was to a beautiful small resort just outside Dubrovnik called <a href="https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/croatia-destinations/southern-dalmatia/cavtat/">Cavtat</a>. Fortunately this lovely harbour is unspoiled and provided a welcome oasis from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With lovely beaches, crystal clear waters and boats for hire, this was a much more peaceful alternative its more famous sisters. We settled into a rooftop cafe for a very welcome cappuccino, and strolled along the promenade, making friends with a lucky black cat which wrapped itself around my legs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like everywhere in Croatia, there is an <a href="https://www.dubrovnikcard.com/product/vlaho-bukovac-home-cavtat/">ancient mansion</a> while notable churches in Cavtat include the church of St Nicholas, and Our Lady of the Snow, while the nearby island of <a href="https://www.absolute-croatia.com/dubrovnik-region/dubrovnik/parks-and-beaches/item/lokrum-island">Lokrum</a> offers 19th century botanical gardens and citrus groves if you need to get out of the summer heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Richard the Lionheart was famously shipwrecked on Lokrum in the 12th Century as he made his way home from the crusades. But beware - there is a naturist beach on Lokrum!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are aware that this was a whistle-stop tour, and gives a small glimpse of Croatia and Venice, but that's cruising for you. Next week we will compare the cruises we have taken, and talk a little about life aboard the ocean waves!</span><br />
<br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-31840065924529615702019-11-08T07:30:00.000+00:002019-11-12T15:33:18.213+00:00CRUISING THE ADRIATIC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a while since we managed to get a holiday together. This year has kind of run away with us, so it was great to relax and get away with your BFF from everyday life - we even managed to keep away from our phones - at least for some of the time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne C here - I had always wanted to visit Venice and Dubrovnik, so when we found a P and O cruise which took in both of those fabulous cities, we knew we were onto a winner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We flew to Malta, which was our embarkation port - a place where neither of us had previously visited. And what a fabulous surprise that was! Valetta is such a pretty resort, with beautiful old buildings, friendly people, a harbour with amazing yachts, and stunning turquoise sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malta has a great climate, even in October (although it did briefly rain while we were there), English is widely spoken, and they even drive on the left hand side of the road as we do. The island has been invaded many times over the centuries and this is reflected in the mixed architecture which owes much to a Moorish influence with beautiful pale honey coloured sandstone and Baroque buildings courtesy of the later of the Order of St John during the 17th and 18th century.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had only a couple of days there, staying at the <a href="https://www.excelsior.com.mt/">Grand Excelsior Hotel</a>, but we managed to wander round the streets during the day, and found a fabulous little restaurant, recommended to us by Anne H's daughter Lizzy, who had previously visited <a href="https://www.theharbourclubmalta.com/">The Harbour Club.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We would love to go back to Malta, since there was obviously much more to see, with prehistoric temples - the remains of which are actually older than the Egyptian pyramids at Giza, churches and beaches. The marina held some very impressive yachts but typical of Malta are the ancient Luzzu boats which are very brightly painted and which historically were used to ferry sailors from their vessels to the port.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malta has some of the earliest archaeological remains in the Mediterranean, dating back to around 4000BC. Phoenicians and Greek traders were followed by the Carthaginians and the Romans. St Paul was reported to have been shipwrecked and converted the island to Christianity. Turks and French later ruled until 1814 when Malta became British and developed as a port - leaving it open to attack by German and Italian forces during WW11.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are palaces, churches and museums to explore, but sadly we did none of these due to lack of time. There are also beaches to the north of Malta, and nearby islands including <a href="https://www.maltauncovered.com/gozo-island/">Gozo</a> with its Megalithic Temples and sandy beaches. Certainly plenty to see next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite the fabulous ship - the Oceana I began to feel sea-sick as soon as we left port - surprising since on my last cruise, it never affected me. A quick visit to the doctor for some pills sorted that out and we headed for the Croatian town of Zadar in central Dalmatia.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.zadar.travel/en/about-zadar/welcome-to-zadar#.XcSklDP7SXI"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Z</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ADAR</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much of Zadar, under control of Germany, was destroyed during by allied bombs in 1943, with 70 percent of the city reduced to rubble. Sadly they were once again under siege in the early 1990s when Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia. Much of what was left of the old city was destroyed, but a beautiful new city has prospered and is now one of the leading Croatian cities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once again there are museums and churches to visit. We walked along the promenade and heard the famous sea organ - the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_organ">Morske Orgulje</a> - set into the steps of the quayside. The sea forces air through pipes, creating a fairly other-worldly sound. Nearby is a Monument to the Sun - solar powered cells (sadly surrounded by barriers) which apparently give off a spectacular light show as the sun sets, but unfortunately we didn't stay that long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We visited the Church of <a href="https://www.zadar.travel/en/city-guide/historical-monuments/22-05-2007/st-donatus-church#.XcSlTjP7SXI">St Donatus</a>, a very plain 9th century circular building which is used for classical concerts because of its amazing acoustics, while in front of the church are the ruins of the Roman Forum, built between the 1st and 3rd Century, and which we were surprised to see were open to the elements and children played in the remains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are beautiful buildings and squares in the town, all with stunning marble cobbles. Shops sell beautiful turquiose and coral jewellery, but at a price. We sat at an outdoor ice cream parlour to match the world go by, and ate the largest - and most delicious gelato ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lunch was in a restaurant next to the promenade, which looked like an old French chateau with torn shutters and peeling walls, but as we sat outside under the trees, it was one of the most perfect moments. Each enjoying a glass of Aperol Spritz and pizza, with Sade playing softly on the loudspeaker and the sun beating down was one of my memorable highlights. We had never previously heard of Zadar, but it is such a beautiful city, it is well worth a visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back on board we were told that our next port, Venice, would give us a longer stay as our embarkation had been put back until later the following day, meaning we wouldn't have time to visit Sibernik, so would go to Split instead. (This suited me anyway because I had wanted to go to Split but felt it was too far from Sibernik for a day trip! However Anne H had previously visited Split so was disappointed not to visit somewhere new.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A very misty dawn broke over Venice as we arrived, which we were told was quite normal for October. We didn't dock in the centre since it is well known that large cruise ship have caused problems in the past and are due to be banned so close to the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Venice of course is a series of islands, and we opted for a trip to Murano, famous of course for its beautiful <a href="https://en.venezia.net/venice-murano-glass.html">coloured glass</a>. Our small tender collected us from the ship and took us to the dock of the Marco Polo Furnace, where we watched a demonstration by a master glass blower and then browsed the beautiful jewellery, ornaments and glassware made on the premises. A quick stroll through the centre of the island uncovered many other glassware shops,but we didn't have time to explore the rest of the island before we were back on the launch heading for the famous old town. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We made our way past the crowds along the water front and over several bridges - stopping briefly to look at the Bridge of Sighs (more on this later) as we headed for our <a href="https://en.venezia.net/gondola.html">gondola</a> ride. Since we were on a pre-paid tour, it meant that we shared our gondola with four strangers, so had to perch side-ways on stools since the first on board got the forward facing two seats, which rather spoiled it for me. So if you're going to visit, opt to pay privately for yourselves (more expensive obviously) but at least you get a better ride!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The canals were very busy and at times we log-jammed with other gondolas and even a couple of speed boats, but the buildings were stunning. We later learned that all the footings, set very close together, to the buildings are made of wood, which you would expect to rot, but apparently not, since the water actually preserves them. It certainly makes you wonder about the architects of the past. Incidentally Italy has indeed created many famous architects, including <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Palladio">Andrea Palladio</a>, of which his Palladian style still exists in grand houses in the UK and around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did go a little overboard (not literally) with lunch however. Our beautiful sandwiches and tea were taken at the famous <a href="https://en.venezia.net/venice-cafe-historical-places.html">Florian's</a> in St Mark's Square, complete with music from a fabulous string quartet. We did look at the prices before we ordered however, since many tourists have been caught out at the cost. Our meal cost us 30 Euros each - ok, expensive but it was a one-off and worth it for the people-watching!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We strolled around the city - taking in another gelato of course - you can't go to Italy and not have ice cream - stopping for photos of the <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/rialto-bridge-information-1548025">Rialto Bridge</a>, which surprisingly to me had shops on it which apparently help to pay for its maintenance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our next choice was whether to visit the <a href="https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/">Doges Palace</a> or <a href="http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en">St Mark's Basilica</a>, but seeing the queue into the Basilica would have taken about two hours standing to get in, it was a no-brainer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again the Doges Palace was a surprise for me. I was expecting a palace with furniture, which it may once well have had, but this is the powerhouse of the Serene Republic and ceremonial sea of the Doges. This palace was equivalent to our houses of parliament, with a prison thrown in for good measure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead there were various council halls, decorated with enormous paintings and frescoes, beautiful ceilings, antechambers, a chapel, an armoury complete with weaponry, and some apartments, but no velvet drapes and horse-hair furniture!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The prison is accessed by a bridge from the palace by the 17th Century Bridge of Sighs, so named as the prisoners took their last look at the outside world. The cells were extremely creepy and as we went deeper into the prison, we couldn't find our way out as we wandered around in circles! Fortunately we managed to get out and made our way by tender back to our ship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We left Venice even later than planned but Anne and I were intrigued about how we were to get back to the open sea - which we had passed earlier in the day, and which seemed to be a long way from the dock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standing on the balcony in our PJs (!) we were astounded at the skill of the captain as he negotiated between the buildings - ancient and modern. What had seemed like a wide waterway when we were in a small tender, was reduced to a stream in a 2,000 berth ship. We also watched the pilot boat as it came alongside and the pilot hopped over from our ship to his small boat. Fascinating!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I started writing this I didn't realise how long it would be so I will split into two and complete next week.In actual fact, each city we visited is worth a blog on its own, but I don't want to bore you. Obviously we didn't spend a huge amount of time in each place, but we hope this gives you a flavour of our travels and whet your appetite for a trip yourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy cruising!</span><br />
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<br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-28425736802627144232019-10-11T07:30:00.000+01:002019-10-11T07:30:06.325+01:00MY HOLIDAY WARDROBE<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the risk of boring you to death about my annual trips to Santorini, I thought I would turn this blog into a summer fashion one - although it all seems a long time ago now, even though I have only been back a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Given that in the UK all it has done for the past week is rain, and the temperature has plummeted - it's almost like winter instead of autumn!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, before we pack all our lovely summer prints away, we do have one more holiday to come - together this time - before we settle down for the winter. Watch this space!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This lovely blue raspberry ripple <a href="https://www.simplybeach.com/products/ted-baker-novya-raspberry-ripple-ruffle-hem-dress-cruise-blue">Ted Baker top</a> was a birthday gift to myself, and although sold out on the main site, it is still available from other retailers. I mostly like to cover my ample hips so this is a perfect style for me, though I think it was initially meant as a swimwear cover up. I've teamed it with ubiquitous thick white <a href="https://www.debenhams.com/search/julien+macdonald">Julien Macdonald</a> leggings (love them or hate them!) however, since it was much too hot to wear trousers or jeans. I also have a similar top in black and pink which I wear in much the same way. The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ted-Baker-Harmony-Beach-Flops/dp/B07FMK6M6R">flip flops</a> and <a href="https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ted-baker-harmony-small-icon-shopper-bag_870-10003-145694/">small tote bag</a> are also from Ted Baker in the Harmony design. However, since these were bought in summer, they are now out of stock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Swimwear cover ups are one of my beach holiday wardrobe staples since I can wear them for the evening over a cami and then over a swimming costume. The advantage is they are super light to pack, and convert to a lightweight top with a self-coloured vest underneath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another new purchase for the summer this year was this yellow tunic from Wallis, worn with <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/straight-leg-roma-rise-jeans/p/p60145352">white jeans from M&S</a>, and sandals which I have had for many years and which I originally bought in <a href="https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/c/women/women-sandals?q=%3AnewArrivals">Sainsbury's</a> (no longer available but they do have some great sandals online). The perspex tote is also a previous year's purchase, but similar ones are still available <a href="https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_089010502999_-1">here</a>. Many have a zip purse attached in contrasting colours for your valuables to avoid having all your money/phones etc on display.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The butterfly earrings were borrowed from my daughter, and the watch is from <a href="https://www.swarovski.com/en_GB-GB/c-02/Categories/Watches/?q=%3AnewIn%3Acategory%3A02&page=1&loadMore=true&show=All">Swarovski</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Silk pieces are a dream to pack - they take up very little space and once you've hung them up in the heat, al the crinkles fall out. This turquoise one was gifted to me last year and has been on every holiday since then. although now out of stock, <a href="https://www.mandysheaven.com/collections/clothing/products/blue-silk-floaty-waterfall-longline-top">Mandy's Heaven</a> has many similar designs still on her website - and the cost won't break the bank either. The trousers are <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/curve-slim-fit-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/p60259008?color=BLACK">M&S</a> and the <a href="https://www.tkmaxx.com/women/shoes/sandals/turquoise-beach-jewelled-slides/p/25036032">jewelled turquoise sliders</a> were a snip at just £13 in TKMaxx.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfgOZ9ESyRLvRgquNJiBl5UN8ZLyflgnorQGgNh-lxnwzzsDI6lKQs_Ug_extQRtCAgscq4SPMEF7Ez8n6llnJ3z4CI-TuuQcg8udapR32eQkFN-JP5YDer9G2R9EvVTSVVFTHXfSsngi/s1600/IMG_3633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="1180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfgOZ9ESyRLvRgquNJiBl5UN8ZLyflgnorQGgNh-lxnwzzsDI6lKQs_Ug_extQRtCAgscq4SPMEF7Ez8n6llnJ3z4CI-TuuQcg8udapR32eQkFN-JP5YDer9G2R9EvVTSVVFTHXfSsngi/s1600/IMG_3633.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The orangey pink top is another beach cover up, this time from <a href="https://www.matalan.co.uk/womens/shop-by-category/swimwear-beachwear">Matalan,</a> and teamed with those same white Julien Macdonald leggings, and Sainsbury's sandals. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsadPndMVtyzw4d6zSq2QkpnN59aOI53F6N1_15aWL7w7MnppMdnRb75tUgqqZFG6o5UpxL3ffskuqerSkP_hoHIUb08y4znThNrxr1WLGdEXSIHl1j53dhBrRlxjFwReJ7EwMfOHTfj0/s1600/IMG_3727+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsadPndMVtyzw4d6zSq2QkpnN59aOI53F6N1_15aWL7w7MnppMdnRb75tUgqqZFG6o5UpxL3ffskuqerSkP_hoHIUb08y4znThNrxr1WLGdEXSIHl1j53dhBrRlxjFwReJ7EwMfOHTfj0/s1600/IMG_3727+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't not include a photo of my lovely Greek friend Ellie - the reason I am taking Greek lessons is so that we can have proper conversations instead of via Google Translate! My white top is still available from <a href="https://www.zara.com/uk/en/blouse-with-frilled-sleeves-p04886052.html?v1=14694298&v2=1281574">Zara</a> and the pink chinos are from Florence & Fred at Tesco - similar ones <a href="https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_054010519507_-1">here</a>. Incidentally, Florence and Fred stopped selling via Tesco online. but are now available via Next. The necklace is originally from <a href="https://www.phase-eight.com/sale/accessories/jewellery/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5_DsBRBPEiwAIEDRW_utIwcfKqUdLGhmjIj0xNIUYvfcDuq0wB3bBPGDv3V3Kzoj-LkYYhoCAxwQAvD_BwE">Phase Eight</a> and perfectly matches the bracelet from <a href="https://simplydevine.co.uk/">Simply Devine</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TIFFANY-CO-Victoria-4047B-Rectangular/dp/B005FNJ530/ref=cts_ap_1_vtp">Sunglasses are Tiffany.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year for the first time we visited the old village of Emporio - built sometime between the 14th and 18th centuries. It is difficult to be precise because many records of its history do not exist. The picturesque alleys and walkways lead to a higgledy pigledy collection of tiny homes build on top of each other with no space between - it is difficult to see where one home ends and another starts. The old castle is still inhabited, albeit in small apartment style homes rather than anything grand, and enjoys panoramic views of the island - presumably so the villagers could watch for invaders, since Santorini has been invaded so many times through the ages. Definitely a place to visit - I can't think why we waited so long to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't not finish with some fabulous photos of Santorini - it is just my favourite place in the world! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thira from the sea - taken from the King Thira pleasure boat (sadly not the fabulous yacht pictured here) for a sunset dinner cruise. There is a full day cruise taking in the volcano and some of the smaller islands but three hours on board was enough for us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunset from Thira looking down onto Thirassia. Panemorfi (beautiful)!</span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-61057865495695581122019-08-31T07:30:00.000+01:002019-08-31T07:30:00.499+01:00A BIRTHDAY VISIT TO COLOGNE<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my daughter told me she was taking me to Germany for my 66th birthday (just gone), I thought it would be a bit of a blast from the past, since I lived in Germany for three years way back in the 1960s. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My father served in the Royal Air Force and we lived at Rheindahlen, which was then the NATO headquarters, but I haven't been back since we left there in 1966.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived on my actual birthday and there was a huge surprise waiting when we got to our room. There had been a mix-up over my daughter's payment to the budget <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1449-ibis-koeln-centrum/index.shtml">Ibis Centrum Hotel</a>, which was to be our home for three days, and to compensate, they had upgraded our room and left balloons and bunting (even though they got my age wrong, but as it made me younger, I didn't fuss about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cologne cathedral </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first afternoon was spent getting our bearings and wandering around the city centre - which was around a 15 minute walk away from the hotel. The first thing that struck me was that I didn't remember any of the city - despite the fact that we had spent many days and hours there and had visited lots of times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously there has been a huge amount of building during the past 53 years - probably most of it during the 1960s as it was obvious from the design of the architecture. Clearly Cologne had been devastated during World War II - as had many English cities, and most of the rebuilding had been completed at a time when square building were the norm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the beautiful and iconic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne_Cathedral">gothic cathedral</a> was one of the few buildings left standing, and stands proud and majestic in the city centre, although it is currently undergoing extensive renovation. Finally completed in 1880, the cathedral took some 600 years to complete and was one of the most important religious sites in Europe, since it was to house the remains of the Three Kings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cathedral is free to enter, though there is a small charge to go up the tower - which we didn't do since I am very scared of heights and the 100m height and 533 steps was just too much for me! Interestingly I don't believe the blackened stone-work has ever been cleaned, leaving it very dark on the outside - testament to the history and the architectural significance of the building. It is absolutely the heart of the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My birthday dinner was spent at my daughter's favourite restaurant - <a href="https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/cologne/">the Hard Rock Cafe</a> - and we have to eat there wherever we travel if there is a branch! The staff were very kind though, and brought free ice cream for us to share!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fragrance Museum</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had booked a visit to the Fragrance Museum, which was certainly one of the highlights for me. At just 5 Euros, we went to the <a href="https://farina.org/impressum/">House of Farina</a> for a tour and history of Eau de Cologne, which was quite fascinating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally from Italy, the Farina family set up their business selling Eau de Cologne in the city to combat the appalling smell which we humans emit when we never wash! Since the local water was filthy and smelly it was not used for washing, and consequently the population was also filthy and smelly and something was needed to enable people to live without a permanent bad smell!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the name of Eau de Cologne is French, the product came from Germany, the name endured because all trade and nobility spoke French, which was the language of business and the upper classes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using essential oils, the Farina family developed a fragrance - actually stronger than today's eau de cologne - which was used by the aristocracy and rich population only, since it would cost the equivalent of 1000 Euros for a bottle at today's prices. Bonaparte had a special compartment built into his shoes to place the glass container and reputedly went through a bottle a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fainting was normal for people at events since the smell of the body odour, coupled with the strong smell of the fragrance meant many passed out when in close proximity! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were also treated to some little titbits of how life was like back in the 1700s - people put drops of blood and honey on cloth and hid it among their clothes - the blood to draw the fleas and lice, and the honey so that the little beasties would stick to it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were delighted at the end of the tour to be given a sample of that first fragrance - not as sophisticated as today's perfumes, but still quite pleasant. More modern bottles derived from that first cologne can be purchased in their on-site shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incidentally 4711 was a competitor to the Farina family, which bought a licence to produce a similar product, and although the family tried to rescind the licences at a later date, and eventually succeeded in many cases, 4711 continues to this day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red Bus Tour</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We always book a <a href="https://www.citytour.de/index.php/en/citytour-cologne/citytour-cologne-red-line">red bus tour</a> during our city breaks, and we jumped on a bus just as the heavens opened, so that was a good choice. However, I did find the rest of the city quite uninspiring. Clearly many of the historic buildings no longer exist and it just seemed like any city with lots of office blocks, entertainment and sports venues and museums. On the opposite bank to the city is Deutz - originally a separate town, but now part of the major conurbation. It is here that you can "hop off" if you want to visit the city zoo or shop in one of the larger malls. There was also a zip wire and climbing course for the more adventurous but probably more suitable for those with older children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided then to take the train to nearby Dusseldorf - another place I had often visited during my early teenage years, but again, I didn't recognise anywhere - though there is a fabulous shopping centre! We strolled along the Rhine Promenade, but again, the view on the opposite river bank was largely flat and uninspiring. The train journey however, was exceptionally smooth, with double-decker carriages, largely on time and clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dusseldorf</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Haymarket</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner was spent at the <a href="https://xii-apostel-koeln.de/">X11 Apostles Restaurant</a> in the Heymarket District which was exceptionally good. We had searched for a gluten free restaurant as my daughter is intolerant to gluten, but sadly there is a distinct lack of GF choices on restaurant menus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This area housed the medieval market where merchants came to trade their cloth, leather, salt, cheese and of course hay, and forms part of the old town with its traditional buildings and local breweries.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The area is very lively at night with food and drink stalls, jewellery and leather, and a live band creating a festival atmosphere.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOsoxQHNqrsNezpmxwRcO7Uwtt7IMcEZ2O-M7I2RenBjcHX1sveCe2toJQFVfOxxq2PqeRw8rqekNh10fHTBcHNpz4AQiNCrsTZRSyA3QTP8QuNh8YwRm269fb1I5rMPqOfJVlWlmlqAV/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOsoxQHNqrsNezpmxwRcO7Uwtt7IMcEZ2O-M7I2RenBjcHX1sveCe2toJQFVfOxxq2PqeRw8rqekNh10fHTBcHNpz4AQiNCrsTZRSyA3QTP8QuNh8YwRm269fb1I5rMPqOfJVlWlmlqAV/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> River Boat Cruise</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our final afternoon, we opted for a river boat trip, but I was hugely disappointed since it seemed like a kindergarten with beer! Small children ran around while the adults drank and waitresses </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">carrying trays of beer and chips</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> swerved around screaming children Since we were inside we couldn't hear any of the commentary and the upstairs outdoor area was completely full. We had asked the guy when we got our tickets if the boat was full or if we should book another time, but he said the trips were always full, and there was only one more cruise that day. Somehow I think they are missing a trick. I would have loved an evening cruise with dinner when all the buildings were lit up through the city!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOkfNqG23rVXmJNbB31AwdrFuia9U7EVznTUNUJTfxNYZUGyMNfjXyCOD62mF_0WzZfwdJMw7wV2jOoA_Yy2tZr3Pl1rQvdXhlO53Gfv1u2pCYQllruWRp_UxnXRItZ3Eu-3z4HrXpaNa/s1600/IMG_3229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOkfNqG23rVXmJNbB31AwdrFuia9U7EVznTUNUJTfxNYZUGyMNfjXyCOD62mF_0WzZfwdJMw7wV2jOoA_Yy2tZr3Pl1rQvdXhlO53Gfv1u2pCYQllruWRp_UxnXRItZ3Eu-3z4HrXpaNa/s1600/IMG_3229.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incidentally the Willi Ostermann referred to on the boat above is a famous German carnival singer and composer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A stroll along the river bank is a must - walk around the back of the cathedral and between the museums and it is pleasant to sit and watch the world go by on a sunny day. You can also see the impressive <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenzollern_Bridge">Hohenzollern Railway Bridge</a> spanning the Rhine, and which was largely destroyed during the war It now carries around 1200 trains each day in and out of the main railway station, although there is also a pedestrian walkway running alongside if you want to walk to the other side of the Rhine. There are also plenty of riverside cafes and bars and some pretty old buildings in pastel shades which are extremely instagrammable!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FZnPmo4aDfn0tYOxbkoj1EhBRiUlzKh3_YYoxpXZn11VtxufHNiPEMw70mq0xIF9IV5m3tXFMQ1B5iJFte6Dwvkbt8kZmKnVWfwbPDI4kTVseVkjrMYMQqgHIDOrqlEMeSWtkbrB1ehR/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FZnPmo4aDfn0tYOxbkoj1EhBRiUlzKh3_YYoxpXZn11VtxufHNiPEMw70mq0xIF9IV5m3tXFMQ1B5iJFte6Dwvkbt8kZmKnVWfwbPDI4kTVseVkjrMYMQqgHIDOrqlEMeSWtkbrB1ehR/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is certainly plenty to do - especially if you like <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g187371-Activities-c49-Cologne_North_Rhine_Westphalia.html">museums</a> - there is something to interest everyone, including for sport, art and chocolate! As one of the largest city and oldest cities in Germany, it is certainly worth a visit, but I think if I was to visit again, I would love to go in December to visit the Christmas markets! The shopping is excellent, though many of the names are to be found all over Europe, including the UK, though it was interesting to see C&A thriving here - a store which disappeared from our high street a few years ago!</span><br />
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<br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-64462941563556776452019-07-19T07:30:00.000+01:002019-07-19T07:30:07.669+01:00AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE HOLIDAY IN FRANCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z4q1degFHdBS5BpTyDlGLc82iV_K1vuzu2zAeXoZuAD_f3KTKIixV86w1IiC1WHz8xIa1jomcfFunpqYOHPTiEOVQzk6FLTZSAtViPi_RscAgZ69xwzR6nXEo4wmIHZKATkBB6u8dCER/s1600/7d911450-5fb9-4d56-ac6a-d0d4fe83492f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z4q1degFHdBS5BpTyDlGLc82iV_K1vuzu2zAeXoZuAD_f3KTKIixV86w1IiC1WHz8xIa1jomcfFunpqYOHPTiEOVQzk6FLTZSAtViPi_RscAgZ69xwzR6nXEo4wmIHZKATkBB6u8dCER/s1600/7d911450-5fb9-4d56-ac6a-d0d4fe83492f.JPG" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The House in Apremont</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When your good friends ask you if you'd like to pop over to France with them to stay a week in their <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32889534?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1563285772_fjXI4kfJQvOf8cLq&source_impression_id=p3_1563285776_IFm9%2BRQo0HoSzevP">holiday home</a> - there's only one answer. YES of course!!(And thank you!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My friends bought their lovely holiday bungalow some years ago so I have visited two or three times previously, but they have completely renovated it since then, and it is absolutely gorgeous - and I'm not biased, I just love clean comfortable accommodation - ok, verging on luxury if I'm honest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In fact the house is so popular, that they rarely get the opportunity to relax and enjoy what they have created, since it is rented out most of the summer months. The house is in the pretty village of <a href="http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/apremont.htm">Apremont</a> in the Vendee region in the west of France.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32889534?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1563285772_fjXI4kfJQvOf8cLq&source_impression_id=p3_1563285776_IFm9%2BRQo0HoSzevP">Maison Blanc</a> nestles between fairytale chateaux, ancient walled towns, traditional coastal resorts and natural wonders. But best of all, it's a real home from home, with every modern convenience, from Sky TV and Alexa to a modern fitted and fully functioning kitchen. There is also a washing machine in the utility room, which means you don't have to fill your suitcase with more clothes than you need. Towels and bedding are provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the UK it is possible to either fly or drive, and we have done both in the past. This year we flew from Leeds/Bradford airport (local to us here in Yorkshire) to Limoges, but we have previously taken the ferry or flown from East Midlands airport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me the beauty of <a href="http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/apremont.htm">Apremont</a> is the tranquil countryside and the peace and quiet, which may not be for you if you want to party. It is the perfect spot for family holidays, with a double bedroom, two twin rooms, a shower room with loo and a separate toilet. There are games and books in the cupboard, bikes in the garage, and the piece de resistance is the swimming pool in the garden, with plenty of sunbeds, so no need to get up at the crack of dawn to fight over your sun lounger. The home is tastefully decorated and furnished, and the lovely conservatory at the back of the house is light and airy. There are also a number of nearby activities and places of interest to satisfy everyone in the family - leaflets are available at the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Closest to the house is a small beach and river, which in summer has swimming and boating available to keep everyone happy, and the best thing is, it's just a 10 minute walk away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere, local amenities and nearby towns are only accessible by driving, so hiring a car is a necessity as public transport is nil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a busy and stressful year, I was ready for a little rest and recuperation, so reading a couple of books, relaxing by the pool and pottering around the shops was such a treat. We ate out on the patio when the weather allowed us and there was one magical moment in the late evening when we turned out all the lights as we were locking up. The night sky was a deep indigo and there were more stars than I've ever seen. It was such a clear night - and no street lights - so we could see millions of stars - not all of them very bright, but it conjured up such a perfect feeling of peace and tranquility.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The village has only a handful of shops - a patisserie, a Spar grocery shop, a pretty jewellery shop (yes I bought some earrings!) and a couple of restaurants. Highlight of the day was the stroll to the patisserie for fresh crusty French bread, buttery croissants and pain au chocolat. I was lucky not to come back heavier than when I started, because the bread is so delicious, we ate it every day, usually sitting at the outside patio table in the early morning sunshine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the nearest towns is <a href="http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/challans.htm">Challans</a>, and we spent a couple of hours in the morning browsing the shops. It is useful to note that although it wasn't high summer during our visit, the shops operate siesta times and close around lunchtime, re-opening in the late afternoon. But there were still people drinking coffee and beer all day at pavement cafes - all very French!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/st-gilles-croix-de-vie.htm">St Gilles Crux de Vie</a> is the nearest seaside resort to Apremont, with its charming small inlet harbour, Unfortunately we mis-judged the timing and only had a short time there before the shops closed, but we enjoyed a coffee in one of the many cafes and strolled along the harbour after the tide came in. There is also a fabulous old fairground carousel at the end of the pedestrianised street - very picturesque! It is also possible to get a ferry boat to the small island of<a href="http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/ile-d%27yeu.htm"> Ile D'Yeu</a>, though it is a place we have never been - maybe that's something for another visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Gilles was originally two separate towns, St Gille de Vie and Croix de Vie, separated by the River Vie, and grew up around boat building, where today there are now five factories of leading boat builders. Anglers are able to hire boats for the day to take them out into the Atlantic for a spot of sea fishing if that takes your fancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another day we ventured to the seaside resort of <a href="https://www.lessablesdolonne-tourisme.com/">Les Sable de L'Onnes</a>, which has the most amazingly long golden sandy beaches - a dream during the summer months, and ideal for young families. It is also the largest local port, bringing in fresh fish to the restaurants. There are plenty of water sports to choose from, though it was a little too early in the season to see much activity, other than wander round the boat yard and admire the small boats and yachts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Les Sable is also home to the <a href="https://goldengloberace.com/">Golden Globe Yacht Race</a>, last held in 2018, with a countdown to the next race in 2022.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always love to visit <a href="https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/rochelle-180.htm">La Rochelle</a> with its traditional old harbour, and contrasting modern marina. There's also a fabulous 14th Century Lantern Tower and 15th Century fortress to explore, as well as an aquarium for the kids, a number of museums and a lovely beach. Of course we managed to find a few very nice shops along the way, pausing for lunch at one of the many harbour-side restaurants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However much as I love La Rochelle it was a bit of a trek for our driver (otherwise known as my friend's hubby) and a six hour round trip drive, so it's probably worth spending a separate few days there. Being a port, of course, the seafood is delicious, and no visit to France would be complete without a meal of Moules et Frites (mussels in a delicious cream sauce with fries for those who don't parle Francais).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are boat trips around the coastline from La Rochelle, including one to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Boyard_(fortification)">Fort Boyard</a>, which has had a chequered history and was latterly briefly used as a military prison. Am I the only one who remembers the strange TV game show filmed there with Leslie Grantham (of Dirty Den East Enders fame) and Melinda Messenger?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our last night in France as we made our way back to the airport was an absolute gem - and another place which we discovered was so interesting, it would be good to have spent more than a night there. We had booked a small gite in <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/couleurs-du-daumail.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaFCIAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AtL9pukFwAIB;sid=8e4009c05621dabd9074cd5014d37ec8;bhgwe_bhr=0;dest_id=-1468128;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=2;hapos=4;hpos=4;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1563016939;srpvid=6e894ff51fbc004c;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl">Saint-Priest-sous-Aixe</a> just outside <a href="http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/">Limoges</a> so we were near to the airport for our morning flight. What a perfect spot! We didn't really know what to expect but the little hamlet was a touch of paradise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our little house was a converted barn, part of a complex dating back 1,000 years, and largely owned by one family. The owner had an English father who served in France during WW11, married a French girl and stayed there. The little house had everything we needed for the night, including wifi, and a fully stocked, if rustic kitchen. The rickety stairs led to two bedrooms - a double and twin, with a loo upstairs and a toilet and shower downstairs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We enjoyed a relaxing glass of wine in sun loungers watching the kayakers navigate the small weir as they made their way downstream, which we followed up with a relaxing stroll along the riverbank, passing some very rusty tractors which haven't seen any work this century! I think it was yet another one of those absolutely perfect moments where you totally let go and relax</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We ventured into the nearby town of <a href="http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/">Limoges,</a> which was so pretty, with its porcelain shops and medieval buildings. The <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187159-d2405707-Reviews-Quartier_de_la_Boucherie-Limoges_Haute_Vienne_Nouvelle_Aquitaine.html">Rue de La Boucherie</a> is not to be missed, with its quaint doorways and beautifully restored architecture. The original butchers shops now house such diverse businesses as an historic library, antiques and a seamstress - not a butcher in sight! As always in France, there are museums and churches to visit, but our time there was fleeting, so definitely worth another visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The perfect end to a lovely week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Booking information for Maison Blanc in Apremont available <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32889534?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1563285772_fjXI4kfJQvOf8cLq&source_impression_id=p3_1563285776_IFm9%2BRQo0HoSzevP">here</a> or <a href="https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/LV006460/index.htm">here</a> or <a href="https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/LV006460/index.htm">here</a> (take your pick). With grateful thanks and much love, as always, to Paul and Gillian Hargreaves for a fabulous break.</span></div>
Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-12630909827635650162019-06-02T11:31:00.000+01:002019-06-02T11:31:37.775+01:00A SHORT STAY ON THE RIVIERA <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne H here, recently returned from a lovely short break in the South of France, which is somewhere that I have never been to before, and was on the top of my bucket list. A friend and I went for four nights staying at a lovely little apartment, booked through Booking.com called<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/colonna-best-place-in-old-town-cozy-loft-with-a-47-c-100-meters-from-the-beach-a.en-gb.html"> Colonna</a> which, apart from being on the top floor with four punishing floors to climb, had every amenity and creature comfort. </span></div>
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NICE </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were based in the old town which is really pretty and full of fabulous bars, cafes and restaurants, many with impromptu musical performances in the evening. It is really accessible for the promenade and the new town and all its amenities and travel links and has loads of sights to see within its narrow, pedestrian friendly streets. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On arriving on the Monday afternoon we grabbed a quick snack in a local cafe before tackling the climb to <a href="https://en.nicetourisme.com/nice/92-parc-de-la-colline-du-chateau">Colline du Chateau</a> to see the sun dropping over the red-tiled rooftops and blue Med.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The views were stunning and well worth the walk through beautiful gardens to the site on the top of the hill with wonderful waterfall and stunning vistas of the city on all sides.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From here we walked down the other side of the hill to the port, spying a Russian oligarchs super yacht - the first of many. Then back to base for a quick brush up and wash before heading out to dinner at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187234-d1105157-Reviews-Acchiardo-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html">Restaurant Acchiardo</a> which was a gem of a find and somewhere we frequented again during our stay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next morning we set off for a visit to the Cours Saleya Markets in the market square in the old town one street in from the the Mediterranean. This particular day was the flower market - and what amazing blooms they displayed too! We grabbed a quick breakfast of coffee and croissant at one of the cafes lining the market before heading off to the Tourist Information office to find out about buses and trains that link Nice to other tourist spots along the coast with our sights firmly set on Cap Ferrat for lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On our third day the weather took a turn for the worse and was very grey with rain forecast, so we started the morning on a bus with a trip to the <a href="http://www.musee-matisse-nice.org/">Musee Matisse </a>which was only a 15 min bus trip, and well worth the journey as there were gardens to walk and enjoy as well as the incredible artworks in the Musee.</span><br />
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<h3>
CAP FERRAT </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The easy bus ride to Cap Ferrat on our second day was perfectly timed for lunch by the harbour at a small Italian/French restaurant called <a href="http://www.nonnarestaurant.fr/">Nonna </a>where we enjoyed a relaxed lunch while watching the world go by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We then took the walk around the peninsula following the path that hugs the coastline, taking in the stunning views and admiring the fabulous villas overlooking the sparkling sea.</span><br />
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<h3>
ANTIBES </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the afternoon of the third day we braved the train service to go to Antibes and wander the streets which were pleasantly quiet. Sadly the Picasso museum was about to close so we were unable to go there but maybe that is for another time. We enjoyed a drink by the market and enjoyed a lovely dinner at a restaurant recommended by the waitress at the bar (who had originally hailed from Canada).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was another super yacht to admire in the harbour as well - also Russian and purported to be one of the largest private yachts in the world. </span><br />
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<h3>
EZE </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the Thursday we took ourselves off by bus to visit Eze a village perched on the hill top with stunning panoramic views out to sea. The oldest building dates back to the 1306 along with a tangle of gorgeous medieval streets house art galleries, cafes and shops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking up through the village we arrived at the Jardin Botanique which is renowned for its succulents and not least the magnificent views. Quite a test for me as I have no head for heights, but I finally made it to the top with a little encouragement. Given the beautiful weather the village was very busy and full of tourists, so finding quiet corners was a challenge.</span><br />
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<h3>
MONTE CARLO </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From Eze we shared a taxi down to the coast and picked up the train to take us to Monte Carlo and observe the high rolling lifestyle of this principality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course you have to start at the Casino with a drink and snack at the Cafe de Paris which was not as ridiculously expensive as I thought it would be. The city was preparing for the Grand Prix so some parts of the harbour area were off bounds</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we made our way to the old town to see the Palace and take in the pretty streets that lead to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We both felt it had a strange almost Disneyesque feel - almost too pristine to be real. But worth a visit and wander round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not least for views of yet more impressive yachts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all we had an action packed four days but so enjoyable and blessed with some sunshine to. I can definitely recommend a visit to the Riviera - Monte Carlo didn't really appeal that much, but everywhere else we went was lovely, though we never ventured to Cannes, so think this is one to re-visit.</span><br />
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<br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-36102310638005232122019-05-10T07:30:00.000+01:002019-05-10T07:30:12.221+01:00A BUDGET TRIP TO BUDAPEST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne C here. I first visited Budapest nearly 35 years ago when it was still very much an Eastern bloc country with limited resources and little investment. How times have changed! Hungary's capital is now as vibrant a European city as many others in the West, though what sets it apart is the stunning architecture, its historical legacy and the majestic River Danube.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The visit was a Christmas gift from my bargain-hunting daughter, who manged to get us two return flights from the UK and four nights in a central hotel for under £200. She managed this by booking as soon as the budget <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en">easyJet</a> flights were announced, and bagging a very cheap room at the <a href="https://www.easyhotel.com/hotels/hungary/budapest/101914?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=GBL-budapest">Easy Hotel</a> in the Oktogan. I mention the latter specifically because although the hotel was about as basic as they come, it had everything we needed - a bed, a teeny bathroom and just about enough space for hanging clothes for four nights (no toiletries, breakfast, food, or room service, and cleaning was extra!) It was about the size of a ferry cabin, but since we spent all of our time sightseeing, it was perfect for our needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first thing we normally do in a new city is find the hop-on-hop-off bus, which takes various routes until you get your bearings and a feel for the place. Having been before, I wanted to check out the <a href="https://www.matyas-templom.hu/">Matyas Church</a> in the Buda part of the city, which dominates Budapest from the hill opposite Parliament. I had previously been impressed by the stunning facade of the Holiday Inn next to the church, which had fabulous mirrored panels so the church was beautifully reflected. Sadly it is no longer there - the hotel is now just rendered and very ordinary looking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However that cannot be said for the rest of the cities of Buda and Pest. The view from behind the church is stunning, looking down on the Danube and in particular, showing the Parliament building in all its glory (See close up first picture and looking down on the building from the castle area).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No visit to Budapest would be complete without a riverboat trip on the Danube - and we managed to do this twice, once for an evening cruise, and another daytime trip. Without doubt the evening cruise was stunning - we bought tickets from the hop-on-hop-off company - which also included dinner. My gluten intolerant daughter was a little apprehensive about the food, but it was delicious, including both traditional Hungarian dishes of goulash soup and stuffed cabbage, to salads, chicken in paprika and a <span style="background-color: white;">spicy pork </span>dish, with three free drinks included.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the city, from international chains to local independent restaurants serving traditional Hungarian fare, though I particularly shunned the lamb's liver in its fat in favour of a delicious schnitzel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Hungarian Parliament building was the largest in the world when it was completed in 1902, and features a domed roof, beautiful frescoes and an impressive main staircase. We visited both during the day and at night when it was beautifully lit - as was the rest of the city, giving it a magical feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, Hungary does have a chequered history - much of which I will not have room to mention, but we did visit the poignant <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shoes-on-the-danube-promenade">Shoes on the Danube</a> memorial to the 20,000 Jewish men, women and children who were shot by the right wing fascist Arrow Cross Militiamen during WW11 and whose bodies were thrown into the Danube. The memorial, featuring model shoes was unveiled in 2005 and was conceived by film director Can Togay and created by scupltor Gyula Pauer</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since we were so close to Austria, we decided to jump on a train and visit Vienna for the day during our trip. Budapest is as close to Vienna as we in Yorkshire are as close to London, so just a couple of hours on the train. Rocking up to the ticket office on the day for us to visit London would normally incur a charge of around £150 each depending on the time of day, so we were pleasantly surprised to find it cost the equivalent of around £40 each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day however, was a bit of a disaster! It poured with rain so badly that we were completely soaked to the skin, so spent most of the day on the ever-popular hop-on-hop-off bus. Actually, Austrian and Hungarian history is intrinsically linked through marriages, wars and conflicts, so we got to hear some of the history from the opposing side!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are museums a-plenty in Vienna, from those specialising in art, to science and technology to military history. Since Mozart was Austrian, there are also museums and concerts dedicated to classical music. We stopped off briefly at the Military Museum (I'm the daughter of a serviceman who died in the service of his country) where we saw the actual car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian/Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie the Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated, which sparked a chain of events leading to WW1.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mostly however, we just wanted a hot drink and to dry out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is worth noting that a form of bubonic plague decimated the population of Vienna in 1679 - part of the great plague which swept through Europe (including London) at the time. Memorials have also been erected to commemorate those who died, and which brought the city to its knees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The photograph above is of St Charles' church, which was later commissioned by Emperor Karl VI and built in the 18th Century, dedicated to his namesake Karl Borromaus (Charles Borromeo), who was revered as a healer of plague victims.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back in Budapest, we spent our last day on a daytime Danube cruise, a wander around the city centre, taking in the sights for the last time (and indulging in the ice cream cornets sculpted into the shape of a rose!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are so many statues in Buda and Pest that I lost count of who they all were! This fellow <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/636ae5e2-15df-4046-8ba1-c30da6365447">Imre Kalman</a>, was a famous Hungarian composer and could be found sitting outside the <a href="https://www.jegymester.hu/eng/PlaceInfo/308/Budapest-Operetta-Theatre">Operetta Theatr</a>e, so I had to stop and have a photo with him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will note from the background that the building opposite is currently under renovation, and this is true of a huge part of Pest. There is a tremendous amount of building and also of renovating many of the old properties including a number of outdoor squares where history tells us of specific group gatherings, but most I think will end up being home to restaurants and alfresco dining.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was particularly interested in seeing Heroes Square, which I remember I had visited previously on a very dark and miserable day back in the 1980s. This time the sun was shining and the atmosphere seemed much lighter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Budapest is famous for its healing thermal waters and spas. A visit to the citadel, or fortress, in Buda is the highest point of the city, but also is close to the water supply and thermal springs - the hottest of which can reach around 27 degrees centigrade. Bathing in the waters is a legacy from the Turkish occupation, but is still popular today. Visitors interested in visiting one of the thermal springs may find this <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/budapest/travel-tips-and-articles/a-guide-to-budapests-thermal-baths/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d2760252">guide</a> useful, although it wasn't on our agenda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gellert Hill, close to many of the spas, is names after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_of_Csan%C3%A1d">Gellert</a>, a holy martyr bishop who was put in a barrel and thrown down the hill in 1046 for trying to bring Christianity to the pagans. Local superstition existed for many years that the hill was haunted. At the foot of the hill, however, is the traditional art deco <a href="https://www.danubiushotels.com/hu/szallodak-budapest/danubius-hotel-gellert">Gellert Hotel</a> which also houses on of the most famous of thermal spas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tourism is now huge in Budapest with tourists from around the globe - we heard and saw so many different nationalities while we were there - including a lovely couple from Tennessee we met on the little funicular railway up to the castle area, so a complete change from my previous visit when tourism was virtually non-existent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The currency is forints, but credit cards are widely taken, and some places also take euros.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is impossible to relate all the history and things to do in one small blog, but if you're planning to go, do buy a good guide book as it is such a lovely city and well worth a visit!</span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-50320590532843283502019-02-15T07:30:00.000+00:002019-02-15T07:30:11.047+00:00IT'S A COATIGAN SORT OUT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so pleased to say I haven't got the same number of wardrobes to clear out as the other Anne as I do try to keep on top of it and assess what I have and haven't worn on a year by year basis. It is still surprising however how much you can accumulate whilst still telling yourself you really haven't bought that much.<br />
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I have discovered I seem to have a large number of coatigans that I really haven't been wearing. I think the idea of them is fabulous and they should be such a brilliant transitional piece, but I really don't seem to reach for them at any time. The one above is from COS and as a more weighty piece it has had a bit more wear. Now I re-look at it, I think it is a bit too shapeless and really needs to hit the charity pile. <br />
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This one is also from COS and although lightweight and much more of an oversized cardigan than a coatigan I have still not got much wear out of it. This might be one to try and sell as it is still looking pretty good. COS have similar one in <a href="https://www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/knitwear/cardigans/product.oversized-wool-blend-cardigan-grey-melange.0559858004.html">grey </a>on their website at the moment, but I will resist.<br />
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And last but not least is the keeper, this heavy weight cardigan from<a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/womens-knitwear?categories=1133&intid=CATHEAD_D01-19_WW_KNIT_LP_CTA1_20181029"> Boden</a> which I like for its structure and colour. Lets see if I start to wear it more this spring - otherwise it is for next winters cull.<br />
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Boden do some nice knitwear and well worth a look if you like colour.... obviously not for me then!<br />
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<br />Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148917486668040925.post-75279742835264451062019-02-08T07:30:00.000+00:002019-02-08T07:30:10.501+00:00WARDROBE CLEAR OUT <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've known for a very long time that I have way too many clothes, and since leaving my "corporate" jobs, I no longer wear the same kinds of outfits as I did. So when Anne H told me she had become hooked on watching Marie Kondo, the Japanese de-cluttering expert, I also took a little peak!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While some of her techniques are a little twee (I don't thank my clothes when I throw them out!) I do agree that if some things "give me joy" (ie I love wearing them, love the colour or they have sentimental attachments) then I will keep them, but going forwards I do know that I don't attend corporate hospitality nights at the ballet or business dinners any more, so I don't need those kinds of outfits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have too many items of clothing to put on the bed, as Marie Kondo makes her clients do - I would never see my bed again, the pile would go up to the ceiling - so I started to do one wardrobe at a time (I have 10) starting with coats and jackets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also have clothes in sizes ranging from a UK size 10 (that was a long time ago!) to a size 22 (fortunately I've lost weight since then!) but I have kept most of them even though I know I will never wear them again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to admit that the session did not go as planned. For our photo shoot, I picked out a couple of things to keep and a couple of things which I knew I would get rid of - but actually it did not work out the way I thought it would.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love the slouchy red jacket - in fact I love most things which are red, so this is a keeper. It wasn't expensive - in fact it was one of those impulse buys online from a company I had never heard of, so wasn't expecting it to be very good quality. However, it is wool and although it has only 3/4 sleeves, it is quite dressy and easy to wear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, I had it in mind to keep the tweed jacket bought a few years ago in Debenhams from the Rocha.JohnRocha range. I had worn it for work and always felt it was a useful piece. However, looking at the photographs taken by Anne, we both decided it had to go!! It is too big, there is too much going on - a fussy neckline, peplum bottom, pockets, and it's double breasted - which makes me look even more dumpy than I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I have realised that I can look in the mirror and feel I look ok, but then look at myself in a photograph and I look completely different in the item. How weird is that?</span><br />
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The pink jacket, I wasn't sure about until I put it on. This is a boxy-shape linen Jaegar jacket, and I suppose I bought it for the label since I never particularly shopped there and don't own many Jaegar pieces. I know it's the wrong season to wear it, but it didn't feel right, and I don't think the style does me any favours, so that's going!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WAopA8Iz-5DwJaCBIErCCDk390cSQdk3jGjEsgz0BkGY3s4AYQ1skRUrgvbKU7WhxRA_I4r_eXKK1Dk2Lf0EJrb3z48LKuy4HGxws5pqEvqCC9lNTAbAIWef59cuUKx-oYePGDHKSB1a/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WAopA8Iz-5DwJaCBIErCCDk390cSQdk3jGjEsgz0BkGY3s4AYQ1skRUrgvbKU7WhxRA_I4r_eXKK1Dk2Lf0EJrb3z48LKuy4HGxws5pqEvqCC9lNTAbAIWef59cuUKx-oYePGDHKSB1a/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the pink Wallis coat has been in the back of the wardrobe for years, and I thought it was probably not going to make the cut. However, once I put it on and saw the photographs, I was pleasantly surprised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It isn't a heavy Winter coat, but will be perfect for Spring as it's comfortable to wear and hopefully looks ok either with dark colours or even white or cream for lighter days.</span><br />
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In all of the photos I am wearing black tailored trousers from M&S (similar <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/ponte-straight-leg-trousers/p/p60112481?image=SD_01_T59_5510C_Y0_X_EC_90&color=BLACK&prevPage=plp">here</a>), and the lace blouses - one black and one off-white are from <a href="https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/opaque-lined-lace-top/_/A-F26232_16?PFM_rsn=browse&PFM_ref=false&PFM_psp=own&PFM_pge=1&PFM_lpn=13">Kaleidoscope</a>. Mock-crock boots from Faith years ago - similar ones <a href="https://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/boots-c3/bassanio-leather-womens-black-ankle-boots-p589/s218651?cid=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=%7cpcrid%7c326329575294%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cpdv%7cc%7c&gclid=CjwKCAiAy-_iBRAaEiwAYhSlAz0E2zfRtVealGdid29Yx6X-mtJOYqn9iplqCWD6vOpuYvOP4yYtzRoCuooQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm still working my way through the wardrobes but I do have a pile of clothes now for the charity shop and I've put quite a bit of the better stuff on eBay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up will be shoes - of which I have more than a couple of hundred pairs (42 pairs of flip flops...)</span>Sensationalbabyboomers.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14692181416531889111noreply@blogger.com0