(By the by - Matt did an independent 13 000ft parachute jump in Picton, Sydney today)
Straight to Millenium Stadium in the morning. Brekky at indoor Cardiff market and washed down in the Australian Walkabout pub (tee hee - sorry mum xx). I was supporting my Welsh heritage with a Wales scarf, my homeland with a kangaroo tattoo on my cheek but always keep home in my heart.
We entered the Millenium Stadium to the sound of the extensive Welsh choir singing in the background and slowly rising to a crescendo. Brings goosebumps to the skin it sounds so hauntingly beautiful.
The atmosphere during the game was alive with song and cheering as well as emotion as Shane Williams played his last game for Wales and scored their final try. Australia still won however.
Random German Christmas stalls served delicious coffee and frankfurter rolls for dinner, under the imposing turrett of Cardiff Castle.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
2 December 2011 CARDIFF Friday
We drove across the massive Severn Estuary that separates England and Wales, on the Second Severn Crossing and along, what was supposed to be a small coastal road, but was more like sheep pastures, into Cardiff. We had lunch in a delightful waterfront setting at Vale Glamorgan, with numerous small fishing boats bobbing on the peaceful waters, while ominous clouds got darker and darker with the last orange glow and imminent rain simultaneously shimmering on the water.
No sooner had we checked-in than we jumped onto bus 58 for the city centre. A small catastrophy with Al's specs meant a visit to specsavers and all was resolved. Meanwhile the purchase of an umbrella too, became a mild emergency, but was was settled with the recommendation of a good local Wetherspoon pub. Dinner at TGI Friday (because it's Friday!) and home again.
No sooner had we checked-in than we jumped onto bus 58 for the city centre. A small catastrophy with Al's specs meant a visit to specsavers and all was resolved. Meanwhile the purchase of an umbrella too, became a mild emergency, but was was settled with the recommendation of a good local Wetherspoon pub. Dinner at TGI Friday (because it's Friday!) and home again.
1 December 2011 JANE AUSTEN and RIVER AVON Thursday
On our arrival in Bath city centre, we were greeted by the compelling music of a Scottish bandpipe, then went on our way to the Jane Austen centre for an interesting talk and exhibition of her life in Bath and surrounds.
In the afternoon we had a romantic walk along the River Avon and through the Sydney Gardens.
Even more romantic, was our afternoon tea, back at the Jane Austen centre, set in Victorian times with Mr Darcy looking on approvingly from his canvas on the wall.
In the afternoon we had a romantic walk along the River Avon and through the Sydney Gardens.
Even more romantic, was our afternoon tea, back at the Jane Austen centre, set in Victorian times with Mr Darcy looking on approvingly from his canvas on the wall.
30 November 2011 BATH PUMP HOUSE/ROMAN BATHS Wednesday
A free walking tour of Bath, we saw Roman perimeters, The Royal Crescent, Circus Circus where the rich a fmous live - John Cleese, Nicholas Cage, Pittman (shorthand guy), the St John Hospital so ravaged by time and intricate Victorial railings with candle snuffers and a goods winch. While photographing the railings, a poor unsuspecting resident exited his property to the view of 20 onlooking tourists, nevertheless, he greeted us gamely and carried on.
The afternoon was spent with the two of us wandering around the vast ruins of the Roman Baths, where ladies initially bathed fully clothed, then later became more adventurous. The hot springs still bubble water up from rains of 10 000 years ago.
Al visited the Abbey while I roamed the biggest Christmas market in southwest England.
The afternoon was spent with the two of us wandering around the vast ruins of the Roman Baths, where ladies initially bathed fully clothed, then later became more adventurous. The hot springs still bubble water up from rains of 10 000 years ago.
Al visited the Abbey while I roamed the biggest Christmas market in southwest England.
29 November 2011 AVEBURY and STONEHENGE Tuesday
In the howling, bitterly cold wind, we managed to marvel at the gigantic stones of Avebury in their mystical display of religion and cult. We had to walk amongst grazing sheep, under the threatening gaze of a mean-looking ram, and of course, all the sheep poop that came with them.
The ring of stones covers a big expanse of several miles, including crossing a few roads. The size of the rocks is 3 X Al's height and width, with outstretched arms, so trying to imagine them being manouvered across many miles (some from Wales) and buried 1/3 deep, only with antlers and buck shoulder blades, is near impossible. We didn't even want to touch them, even though we are allowed amongst them, it felt too sanctimonious to defile them.
After the obligatory scones and clotted cream, a short drive later, we were face to face with Stonehenge rocks, albeit from a short marked off distance. This time in stinging rain! Covering a smaller area, but equally impressive in rock size and mysticism, sadly though, only a fleeting visit due to the abusive nature of the wind and rain.
A welcoming bolt-hole in Standerwick by the fire for lunch, with the inevitable dog-wag who runs the pub.
The ring of stones covers a big expanse of several miles, including crossing a few roads. The size of the rocks is 3 X Al's height and width, with outstretched arms, so trying to imagine them being manouvered across many miles (some from Wales) and buried 1/3 deep, only with antlers and buck shoulder blades, is near impossible. We didn't even want to touch them, even though we are allowed amongst them, it felt too sanctimonious to defile them.
After the obligatory scones and clotted cream, a short drive later, we were face to face with Stonehenge rocks, albeit from a short marked off distance. This time in stinging rain! Covering a smaller area, but equally impressive in rock size and mysticism, sadly though, only a fleeting visit due to the abusive nature of the wind and rain.
A welcoming bolt-hole in Standerwick by the fire for lunch, with the inevitable dog-wag who runs the pub.
28 November 2011 BATH Monday
Finally, in-house wifi so I'll be able to catch-up. However, I will try to keep it brief so that it's not too laborious to read all the updates. Unfortunately, w(h)e have lost our connection to download our photo's from our camera to my laptop, so that'll have to be re-done at a later date.
An early arrival in Bath meant lunch at Ring O Bells before check-in. After check-in, a languish in the rooftop Thermae Spa was called for as we watched the twilight descend. After freezing in the night-air when we got out of the spa, we needed emergency heart-warming hot chocolate. The steam room re-warmed the cockles of our heart and an invigorating pulse shower revitalised us to our former selves.
Back at our accommodation, f1 toasted sarmies were on offer - how good is that, BUT, we were staying at a Youth Hostel and our sleeping arrangements were a double bunk! (I slept at the top) We did have a private bathroom, but all the same, I'm pretty sure the bedroom and bathroom were smaller than our campervan in the U.S.
An early arrival in Bath meant lunch at Ring O Bells before check-in. After check-in, a languish in the rooftop Thermae Spa was called for as we watched the twilight descend. After freezing in the night-air when we got out of the spa, we needed emergency heart-warming hot chocolate. The steam room re-warmed the cockles of our heart and an invigorating pulse shower revitalised us to our former selves.
Back at our accommodation, f1 toasted sarmies were on offer - how good is that, BUT, we were staying at a Youth Hostel and our sleeping arrangements were a double bunk! (I slept at the top) We did have a private bathroom, but all the same, I'm pretty sure the bedroom and bathroom were smaller than our campervan in the U.S.
Friday, 2 December 2011
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