Thursday, April 26, 2012

Denmark



Well, what a fantastic surprise! My birthday week got off to a flying start (literally) with the first leg getting us to Copenhagen, and the second to Billund: home of Lego. The weather did nothing to dampen our spirits as we enjoyed all the attractions that Legoland could offer. 
The Atlantis Sea Life aquarium made a great bolt hole when the sky turned grey, but for the most part it stayed dry enough for us to admire Miniland and get the most from the rides. An evening flight took us back to the capital, and although the landing was bumpy and wet, we arrived safely and managed to navigate our way to Ibsens Hotel via the metro. 



On Wednesday we headed out to explore the northern and eastern district. Our "cOPENhagen card" got us access to the palaces at Rosenborg and Amalienborg which both had interesting treasures on show. A short walk north took us to the fortified Kastellet, on past the Gefion fountain to The Little Mermaid, and back round to our hotel. 
Thursday was set aside for us to enjoy Tivoli park. The gardens and theme park rides are nestled right in the heart of the city. Found over 100 years ago, and known to be an inspiration to Walt Disney, the park still keeps the population entertained with free concerts, dozens of restaurants, an aquarium and of course a nice selection of thrill rides. The evening was rounded off with an enormous plate of house special ribs at the Promenaden restaurant. Yummy!



On our last full day we tried to tick off the remaining sights on our list; Christiansborg slot, Rundetårn, Nyhavn, Nationalmuseet, Vor Felsers Kirke and back to Tivoli for something to eat. Saturday was our last day, and after another "Breakfast in a Glass" at Ibsens we swung by a few shops and had coffee in the Paludan Bogcafe before catching the metro back to the Lufthavne, and our flight home. 
Superb. 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Screw it! Not again...

Although I've been keeping a keen eye out for potholes again this year, the puncture magnet that is my nearside wheel, managed to accurately embed a screw in its tyre. 
Given the wear on the offside tyre this actually resulted in me purchasing two new boots, but at least I'm rolling again. 

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Sculpt 6.0

Finally decided to do something about my eyewear. Apparently my actual eye wear has not altered too much but a new contact lens package and new specs  means that I should be able to see what the future holds with even more clarity. 
Just as an aside, the optician who did my contact lens consultation had the most unusual character trait; she seemed unable to look me in the eye! It was quite odd that someone who so actively avoided eye contact would want to become an optician.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Lancaster


Monday 12th March

En route we called to see Carys in Manchester and had time for lunch in Sparkles café in the Northern Quarter. Then, after arriving in the city of Lancaster we picked up the keys to the Music Room, dropped luggage, bought supplies and had a Curry Night in.

Tuesday 13th March

We explored Lancaster on foot and arrived at just the wrong time to get in the Castle or Maritime museum, so we explored the City Museum and had elevenses in the Music Room Coffee Shop.
Refreshed, we returned to the Castle and did the guided tour. The building (which still functioned as a prison until 2011) has been the site of occupation since the Romans and later the Normans who built a stronghold against the marauding Scots. The Shire Hall still functions as a Crown Court but plans on what to do with the rest of the site have yet to be determined.
After a slow meal in Bella Italia we watched The Woman in Black at the cinema.

Wednesday 14th March

Today we went for a 6 mile walk along the River Lune and Lancaster Canal. Our journey took us past Skerton Bridge & Weir up to the Lune Aqueduct. We then followed the canal to Hest Bank on the coast and had tea in "The Shore" café. From here we walked along the beach and promenade into Morecambe where we met Eric and then got the bus back to Lancaster.

Thursday 15th March

Firstly we visited Atkinsons and bought coffee before driving up to Williamson Park & Ashton Memorial. We spent a very pleasurable couple of hours trying to photograph the butterflies before heading north to visit Sizergh Castle.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Kenilworth Fireworks


Kenilworth Round Table's 24th Bonfire & Fireworks Gala

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Hollowell Steam & Heavy Horse Show



We had a great day out at Hollowell Steam rally. It was our first time but the event is now in its 25th year and has raised over £1m for charity to date. The engines and horses are definitely the main attractions but there were plenty of stalls and other exhibits to browse around.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

72 pencils




I'm liking this! George Hart makes some wonderful geometric sculptures, but 72 pencils is my favourite