tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13490650823982219642024-02-21T01:43:41.380+00:00Forty at 40One big birthday....forty things...that's the plan...Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-9988390734623147032016-04-17T19:08:00.002+01:002016-04-17T19:08:25.458+01:00Forty at 40 - the endWell that's that then. All done! Back in February last year I had no idea whether I'd make it through the list, what would be the best thing, what would be the hardest or even what some of things would even be. But make it I did and had an amazing time in the process. Of all of things I did it's impossible to pick a favourites, but I couldn't leave this blog behind without at least picking out a few highlights.<br />
<br />
So then....<br />
<br />
<b>HARDEST TO ACHIEVE</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/34-frame-matisse-print.html"># 34</a> - Framing that blooming Matisse print! What I thought would be an easy task ended up taking up way more leg work, research and time than I expected. I'm still glad I did it though<br />
<br />
<b>MOST UNEXPECTEDLY BRILLIANT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/33-see-iive-band.html"># 33</a> - Booking tickets to see Bellowhead on whim, based on the fact that I quite liked a couple of their songs, and then reluctantly dragging myself out of the house on a wet, dark November evening, were two of the best decisions I made all year.<br />
<br />
<b>BEST FOOD-RELATED</b><br />
<br />
# 40 - No question about it, the meal at Midsummer House was the best meal I've ever had. End of.<br />
<br />
<b>MOST IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/7-run-5k.html"># 7</a> - Running a 5k. Well, <i>completing</i> it anyway, running is what fit people do. But a 5k though. Me!<br />
<br />
<b>MOST LIKELY TO HAVE NOT HAPPENED AT ALL</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/35.html"># 35</a> - It did though, ha!<br />
<br />
<b>MOST FUN</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/28-ride-segway.html"># 28</a> - Once mastered, Segways are the most fun you can have on two wheels. And riding them round Lyon on a sunny end-of-summer evening made the whole experience even better.<br />
<br />
<b>AND FINALLY, THE TOP 3</b><br />
<br />
Out of so many great things this isn't an easy choice but, in no particular order...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/33-see-iive-band.html"># 33</a> - Again, that Bellowhead gig<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/14-take-part-in-jersey-island-walk.html"># 14</a> - Taking part in the Jersey Island Walk - I'll never forget walking along the east coast of the island as the sun came up behind Gorey castle. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/20-visit-ecrehous.html"># 20</a> - Visiting Les Ecrehous - this was such a fun trip and it was great to be able to share it with my whole family. Next time we'll hopefully see some dolphins!<br />
<br />
Oh, and yes, I did complete the diary. Just.<br />
<br />
So there you go. It's done. Finished. Complete. And don't ask what I'll be doing for my 50th. That's AGES away!<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-16656232653370297732016-03-13T16:14:00.001+00:002016-03-13T16:20:12.483+00:00# 40 Eat at a Michelin Starred RestaurantI was hoping that the very last item on my list would be one of the best and would help to round off the year in style and I was not disappointed!<br />
<br />
After considering a few options, we decide to book a table at the Midsummer House restaurant in Cambridge. There are several very well known options in London but with Cambridge so close, spending the extra time making the journey into London seemed unnecessary. Plus, Midsummer House is said to be one of the Top 10 restaurants in the UK. So it seemed like a good choice!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ__m9eRQ2rlWsakvNnktbReA0xxXvrRGOverdAYYUnVpprtP6l7IZXEjdxfdOCcxIc5kKrsQ1xseuLotNITwYdr8v7jLuPY9tC1cYXZpX4QSpHL6Ikt8icd3iA1Xc-zJmLO9DPuxVk8/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ__m9eRQ2rlWsakvNnktbReA0xxXvrRGOverdAYYUnVpprtP6l7IZXEjdxfdOCcxIc5kKrsQ1xseuLotNITwYdr8v7jLuPY9tC1cYXZpX4QSpHL6Ikt8icd3iA1Xc-zJmLO9DPuxVk8/s400/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Many top restaurants have very strict booking policies which involve calling as soon as lines open on a particular day and hoping for the best. Booking a table at Midsummer House is much more straightforward and I had no trouble reserving a table a few months in advance.<br />
<br />
As soon as we arrived we were quickly welcomed in out of the cold, with one person ready to open the door, one to take our coats and one to show us to our table! Throughout the evening the service was impressive and consistent but also friendly at the same time.<br />
<br />
So, onto the food. As we there in the evening we had a choice between a 7 course and a 10 course menu. As we hadn't tried this type of dining before (and in the interests of our finances!) we opted for the 7 courses. Apologies for the photos, the lighting was quite dim and I was trying to take photos with my phone without be too obvious about it. So, we had...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Smoked haddock, potato, pickled onion and caviar (no picture)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Celeriac baked on open coals, hazelnut, hollandaise, celery and wood sorrel</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMKNeB4JooNNl1ZX12br_CHVjMC-WkL8-XRHCdyo1Qx9at3wmZ139dLYGVNqinPrCBkdtSSi5F6ithzqZSUKNYXvQqIA2uT9FMNcQ6V7V5I4fswqNPIu5koIAS8jhhb9Imaje4pQ8vtY/s1600/IMG_0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMKNeB4JooNNl1ZX12br_CHVjMC-WkL8-XRHCdyo1Qx9at3wmZ139dLYGVNqinPrCBkdtSSi5F6ithzqZSUKNYXvQqIA2uT9FMNcQ6V7V5I4fswqNPIu5koIAS8jhhb9Imaje4pQ8vtY/s320/IMG_0480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sauteed duck liver, gingerbread, pear and chicory salad</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFSKNfYP0o_vWh7rIzZWIsKDATe5Ecb_G981Fa0cptLW2Yp-KfChiiwThTTzeGhUBe7XYyk6hGnStmZrwNy5XoHcMgSSUflJ2VvknVClARXk1HrkCIe48w-GQpQBUvkgMqIb4XbXJa4/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFSKNfYP0o_vWh7rIzZWIsKDATe5Ecb_G981Fa0cptLW2Yp-KfChiiwThTTzeGhUBe7XYyk6hGnStmZrwNy5XoHcMgSSUflJ2VvknVClARXk1HrkCIe48w-GQpQBUvkgMqIb4XbXJa4/s400/IMG_0481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sauteed scallop, Granny Smith, celeriac and truffle (no picture)</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Roast loin of pine smoked venison, cannelloni, apple and elderberry puree</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55NumZS9fsYpPyRIKlqnXTzYA5Y-YmOLAFptM5C5TRibRgs-1WOt2skPJdpit49qyKcbvl2ps9pxQFp2csVaUbJPMT40H7bKCGvb7b1OgksPlZ3mMvv24wVCEyfDfA-ifPQGzIN4zecI/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55NumZS9fsYpPyRIKlqnXTzYA5Y-YmOLAFptM5C5TRibRgs-1WOt2skPJdpit49qyKcbvl2ps9pxQFp2csVaUbJPMT40H7bKCGvb7b1OgksPlZ3mMvv24wVCEyfDfA-ifPQGzIN4zecI/s400/IMG_0483.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Aerated pear, blueberry, white chocolate</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL096d5nle6EJ9T5mexZ0DYpthjIm-1ozqc6aqctRXVbwaNV0FbZrND6RlxYzppFsSZM0MH1U_T0vk0XI-dwNDJklzUIc14zzdXVGgkonxpx2nsYiQaoYLwv72dPA-PTvqNsMuqtdYGgE/s1600/IMG_0484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL096d5nle6EJ9T5mexZ0DYpthjIm-1ozqc6aqctRXVbwaNV0FbZrND6RlxYzppFsSZM0MH1U_T0vk0XI-dwNDJklzUIc14zzdXVGgkonxpx2nsYiQaoYLwv72dPA-PTvqNsMuqtdYGgE/s400/IMG_0484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Passion fruit, yoghurt, dark chocolate</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX1cHy8IEZnLWJ5dSPSliC24a8M1qa3GeS1m7Stss1PTm05xLSv2BAVoQkoWxnkBHVM3Q31o_r-R9Elamql4fCfHxGcHX3AbjjVmCY08JC8oOvUp67K76IvuZhh9gzwUboLIk3e3EVek/s1600/IMG_0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX1cHy8IEZnLWJ5dSPSliC24a8M1qa3GeS1m7Stss1PTm05xLSv2BAVoQkoWxnkBHVM3Q31o_r-R9Elamql4fCfHxGcHX3AbjjVmCY08JC8oOvUp67K76IvuZhh9gzwUboLIk3e3EVek/s400/IMG_0485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That wasn't all we got though. Before the first course arrived we were presented with a small plate of appetisers (including an amazing "bubble" of potato crisp filled with sour cream). This was then followed by another small dish containing little duck filo pastries and finally two balls of ham hock covered with fried onion strings (I'm sure they described these much better!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYFWtxKV86xVWyPweUrtkoQraGC5jEAiAvKOwOB5j10awH03tfl0mSD6jYTW5LDlIK-FYi7dyRPpm_v5nlLp4BePOFiVV-5Vzo3Yk1CY2dRy0fFXorimdZTSfTTTHL7ij6ecFiA9CNkU/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYFWtxKV86xVWyPweUrtkoQraGC5jEAiAvKOwOB5j10awH03tfl0mSD6jYTW5LDlIK-FYi7dyRPpm_v5nlLp4BePOFiVV-5Vzo3Yk1CY2dRy0fFXorimdZTSfTTTHL7ij6ecFiA9CNkU/s400/IMG_0477.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fpZLeSQxQLUagMfWjq4iATsYm_bVTgPk04RctJKHF1lovxjfVycwl8u3JQrtcmtaBFk8hjJgw5nVzb2AiiEEvyLjWbIqcWYFoQ8rZjJ07mcrKHp2YMd9zIC77xrvZRp6tiowE-YaKyc/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fpZLeSQxQLUagMfWjq4iATsYm_bVTgPk04RctJKHF1lovxjfVycwl8u3JQrtcmtaBFk8hjJgw5nVzb2AiiEEvyLjWbIqcWYFoQ8rZjJ07mcrKHp2YMd9zIC77xrvZRp6tiowE-YaKyc/s400/IMG_0479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then each course began to arrive. Each time we were provided with a full explanation of what we had been given and often final flourishes (sauces etc) were added at the table. My unexpected favourite was the celeriac that had been roasted on hot coals, which was sliced open and served at the table and then topped with hollandaise sauce that had been "frozen" in liquid nitrogen. Amazing.<br />
<br />
We decided, again in the interests of finance, to forego the cheese course. A decision we regretted when we had to listed to other tables being presented with and talked through an amazing selection of cheese. Next time!<br />
<br />
Finally, or so we thought, we had the two delicious desserts, but again though this wasn't quite the end. We were offered tea or coffee etc and P decided to have a port. I made the impulsive decision to have a hot chocolate which turned out to be a virtual bath of rich, thick hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. And then they brought us even more food! Firstly, a dish of the lightest doughnuts you ever ate, accompanied by a salted caramel sauce and a creamy, custardy sauce to dip them in. Again, amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMai93-2VD1MfEPSbNtD2E9Uf-4QKcXSxBGb4jOI8CBmTT7cLmcia9QdG4sVtgPgcVHeA5ZO3bKx1qbu1A8_2tuh80vXP_iDUMY6fKjViu_1-YmRxnlD3U6TvA7qb3yz2KJyeUJ0brgCs/s1600/IMG_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMai93-2VD1MfEPSbNtD2E9Uf-4QKcXSxBGb4jOI8CBmTT7cLmcia9QdG4sVtgPgcVHeA5ZO3bKx1qbu1A8_2tuh80vXP_iDUMY6fKjViu_1-YmRxnlD3U6TvA7qb3yz2KJyeUJ0brgCs/s400/IMG_0486.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An then, finally, a large wooden box on a stand was brought to our table and opened to reveal a vast selection of chocolates from which we got two choose six to share.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBVop8MBpFqIerZa8wm_9A519k2Med89Th1-HFnKgSwSwb7XS-vsfBmrqzg41hK0Kk4qWDieHRqfei15fphe2emTvEHvCqdm-rRH6sMOH6HDk_qEUC60Dw0xJgcoMY0miRsM_OMyHNhw/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBVop8MBpFqIerZa8wm_9A519k2Med89Th1-HFnKgSwSwb7XS-vsfBmrqzg41hK0Kk4qWDieHRqfei15fphe2emTvEHvCqdm-rRH6sMOH6HDk_qEUC60Dw0xJgcoMY0miRsM_OMyHNhw/s400/IMG_0489.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks to the hot chocolate I was very full by this point but luckily they were happy to box mine up for us to take home with us.<br />
<br />
This really was a truly amazing meal from start to finish and one day we'll definitely go back. I just won't have the hot chocolate!<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-48664423399024627152016-03-13T16:12:00.001+00:002016-03-13T16:12:41.083+00:00# 39 Make a CD/playlist of the yearI should think that most people who grew up during the 80s, when cassette tapes were the high point of technology, have fond memories of making mix tapes and compilations of favourites songs, back in the days when the Sunday afternoon top 40 was our version of iTunes. Those days are long gone but every year I still start off with a plan to download and make playlists of songs I like and every year I never quite manage to do it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So making a compilation of songs from 2015/16 was on the list and I began to accumulate a selection. In the end, though, there was only <i>one</i> CD of the year...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXj9UsZ4ZDeV6pgVoQvmQwNaJeQYpFlDIZ0hr4sz0Bi_MKzYhvEfqrkCg4dPOpIJINf4CmJGxgInXHlsX7JfJVToGr8Koxc-7AHJqSeCPJ6UAhgsmm4JpUeZnrX8mKvCuJ01T2mu8zTA/s1600/A14J6NpjkXL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXj9UsZ4ZDeV6pgVoQvmQwNaJeQYpFlDIZ0hr4sz0Bi_MKzYhvEfqrkCg4dPOpIJINf4CmJGxgInXHlsX7JfJVToGr8Koxc-7AHJqSeCPJ6UAhgsmm4JpUeZnrX8mKvCuJ01T2mu8zTA/s320/A14J6NpjkXL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Starting with Roll the Woodpile Down, another running song (see below) that was played on repeat through the spring, through to seeing them live in November and again in January at Maida Vale studios, Bellowhead unexpectedly ended up providing the backing track for the year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Having said that, there are some honourable mentions that should also be included for the record though (no judgements please)...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1) Shake it off, Taylor Swift - this song is perfect to run to and was with me as I worked my way up to the 5k I just about managed to complete in the summer. It will always remind me of morning runs around Ickworth Park</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2) All about that bass, Megan Traynor - like I said, no judgements. When I spent the day at Nowton Park running the 5k in the morning and then volunteering in the afternoon they had a selection of songs that they played on a constant loop. This was one of them and now it always reminds me of that day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3) Joy, Will Young - we watched Will Young sing this at Carfest in the summer. Such a great day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) Fireflies, Owl City - after our trip to the Ecrehous in August my brother in law made a CD of the movie footage he'd taken. One of the backing tracks he added was the instrumental version of this song, little knowing, I assume, that it is one of my favourites. Now one of my favourite songs will be forever associated with one of my favourite days</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5) Rattle that Lock, David Gilmour - anyone who has spent any time in a French train station will understand why this song makes me think of the trip P & I took to Lyon. Even more so because there was an poster for the album right next to us as we queued for the Eurostar.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6) Detectorists theme tune, Johnny Flynn - not directly related to the list but this is the theme tune to one of P & I's favourite TV show, the second series of which was released last year. This is pretty much the musical equivalent of valium </div>
<div>
</div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-10595688143032763932016-03-05T12:22:00.002+00:002016-03-05T12:22:13.933+00:00# 37 Take a Cookery/Baking course & #38 Learn to make MacaronsOk, so completing two things in one go is a tiny bit of a cheat, but never mind. I didn't plan it that way from the start but as I had both on the list and the course sounded good I thought I might as well kill two birds with one stone.<br />
<br />
Despite loving cooking and baking I'd never got round to taking a course on the subject. I've visited the Macarons & More shop in Norwich, which is run by the Masterchef runner-up Tim Kinnaird, and tried some of their delicious macarons and brownies so when I heard about their macaron making class it sounded ideal.<br />
<br />
The courses aren't held in the shop but in their much more spacious kitchen on the edge of the city where they have plenty of space to prepare all the goodies before they go on sale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsZHzrG-kHPOD3QTzsHX8isLhQe5BwNIwF66e_PZY-QVgMtwcWnHCnDU5TK6OPA9EyuQo-rfs-Qakv6t0P632AhgvKqfo54tY-rxMzDUVoXnIfOuwyjySniQF_ey5KChds0bBVkroDFM/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsZHzrG-kHPOD3QTzsHX8isLhQe5BwNIwF66e_PZY-QVgMtwcWnHCnDU5TK6OPA9EyuQo-rfs-Qakv6t0P632AhgvKqfo54tY-rxMzDUVoXnIfOuwyjySniQF_ey5KChds0bBVkroDFM/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvSu6BkdCq3W5OGxbVlRBsWeWzK_5qTGdHQCS6hUyuAeDhUuOWh0FBuNe7abZ_xixENjUc4QJnRL6rtNBCOAIZ2U4ucp6IFzRx0i4qDhEisbgd2cm8U5bRswS0aF2T39UkjFTqBzrC34/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvSu6BkdCq3W5OGxbVlRBsWeWzK_5qTGdHQCS6hUyuAeDhUuOWh0FBuNe7abZ_xixENjUc4QJnRL6rtNBCOAIZ2U4ucp6IFzRx0i4qDhEisbgd2cm8U5bRswS0aF2T39UkjFTqBzrC34/s400/IMG_0458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On arrival we were welcomed into a little reception room and we offered drinks and cakes (home-made of course). We then got to meet Tim Kinnaird who got us to introduce ourselves and then explained the itinerary for the morning. Then it was time to move through to the kitchen area and our workstations. Everything was set up ready for us with all of the ingredients weighed out - if only all cooking was like this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiJROnjP0UjH1u0KfVKLdg1Inl1PkTLeT8ACeZ2tF9SH-L1_fkfn4xBbgiCKv6J09auW0q0lGlAniXVUW-5mNImetawayP7EC9EwzTq0ZVL47JHdhjSX1gVUofIaRXfgsYcssVm2vl4o/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiJROnjP0UjH1u0KfVKLdg1Inl1PkTLeT8ACeZ2tF9SH-L1_fkfn4xBbgiCKv6J09auW0q0lGlAniXVUW-5mNImetawayP7EC9EwzTq0ZVL47JHdhjSX1gVUofIaRXfgsYcssVm2vl4o/s400/IMG_0455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMkAZaCxs4Ex0VaAfKNMwiBjJQRWeow6uQ29C12DT3mjia6ii5WGkETlXErWjbLMpSEnOEjequNOCF8-o6xb9nNpoMe5xZhaRRUc80rztTUsP6Bg3E1x3hRIx_ElPFYk8F5YJmQjj_u0/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMkAZaCxs4Ex0VaAfKNMwiBjJQRWeow6uQ29C12DT3mjia6ii5WGkETlXErWjbLMpSEnOEjequNOCF8-o6xb9nNpoMe5xZhaRRUc80rztTUsP6Bg3E1x3hRIx_ElPFYk8F5YJmQjj_u0/s400/IMG_0456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then the cooking began. I won't go into too much detail but at each stage Tim gave us a demonstration and then left us to have a go ourselves. It was great fun and, while macarons can be a bit tricky to make, when shown everything step by step we all produced some pretty good results.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifqTQz_xLksHOkmV-qVclYsGF_X8A80d_jGDewIefy6pqZSsZtQVOONPg7h2I2toiuTb6p1kiU8ubt5VApqRGLnORDvzqWTiOWW8lvwvGeoEuUZi9fyCQAD-VXTBIPdvAVXhmdpmkPLk/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifqTQz_xLksHOkmV-qVclYsGF_X8A80d_jGDewIefy6pqZSsZtQVOONPg7h2I2toiuTb6p1kiU8ubt5VApqRGLnORDvzqWTiOWW8lvwvGeoEuUZi9fyCQAD-VXTBIPdvAVXhmdpmkPLk/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMzoUsHoBRYFS3reEsudgVu1SlpjnLU9Bemns82M_3N3g8y2piYWTR1rIQJe3P9DUO1xNzluxOTqD_dVncOToG6WXO4CrBoyr1dXXYpMozrwrNGM6JDiIYwaDVaPAbMPrrB8E1Y8UF8/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMzoUsHoBRYFS3reEsudgVu1SlpjnLU9Bemns82M_3N3g8y2piYWTR1rIQJe3P9DUO1xNzluxOTqD_dVncOToG6WXO4CrBoyr1dXXYpMozrwrNGM6JDiIYwaDVaPAbMPrrB8E1Y8UF8/s400/IMG_0461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisorWVzAzPQ6phJpG6fWN9xKAWbTw0ozbYndmJeu1BgGD_CJb1UcZLxzwOiI3TOF9UXZ9av6SBm2wzxu3tP4nPCQ59TmSY12Xk1XE94epsbMB861mmZ4261S5Ni-bi89eK8S81QeVVqVQ/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisorWVzAzPQ6phJpG6fWN9xKAWbTw0ozbYndmJeu1BgGD_CJb1UcZLxzwOiI3TOF9UXZ9av6SBm2wzxu3tP4nPCQ59TmSY12Xk1XE94epsbMB861mmZ4261S5Ni-bi89eK8S81QeVVqVQ/s400/IMG_0460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end of the baking session there was still more to come as we were shown back into the reception room for lunch. I thought we might be offered something simple like sandwiches but in fact we were all presented with a delicious dish of veggie chili and potato wedges. And to follow we were treated to a mango and lime mousse which they had been trialling in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR_64Z1ZE4YsBWA34zEk_gRADzqcNbRzEciv9T7lOX7l7DD0R9BbOKtfFg1zYdxROF6rBZApMrbXirjlKsPI_5ffkNDbZveWtjY7jNUxM_PFvUNTIvKKEZC1EBSNDLer3b39D4HYpY3Q/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR_64Z1ZE4YsBWA34zEk_gRADzqcNbRzEciv9T7lOX7l7DD0R9BbOKtfFg1zYdxROF6rBZApMrbXirjlKsPI_5ffkNDbZveWtjY7jNUxM_PFvUNTIvKKEZC1EBSNDLer3b39D4HYpY3Q/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JKkVl9wrv8X6TPOW1jVUF1zj7GJcd_jOtwWNmapF-CYkckUGdbkbOJ8ITrqFk382og8-RTxMHdWpJFpaULe_H0HHMU2rpgXjZ7qYsBEEFBfyUPTdhjm8SQgzHGwdDXUXEFNy3htnHc/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JKkVl9wrv8X6TPOW1jVUF1zj7GJcd_jOtwWNmapF-CYkckUGdbkbOJ8ITrqFk382og8-RTxMHdWpJFpaULe_H0HHMU2rpgXjZ7qYsBEEFBfyUPTdhjm8SQgzHGwdDXUXEFNy3htnHc/s400/IMG_0467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When lunch was over we were given all of our creations to take home, together with the recipes and a box of Macarons & More macarons (so we could compare ours to the real thing!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The course wasn't cheap but I definitely felt I'd got my money's worth as it was such an enjoyable experience. Tim Kinnaird was also very nice and happy to share stories from his time on Masterchef. They run other courses, including a pork pie making courses which sound very tempting!</div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-91629074435761485872016-03-05T11:44:00.000+00:002016-03-05T11:44:38.806+00:00# 36 Cook Roast BeefThis is another nice easy one. I'd never cooked roast beef before. Although I've thought about it a number of times I'd just never got round to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxKaLTKL937b0XeZtadBcN257NOEBP5xXDIZDu_KXOtF0ldmwDTjJqBaY7NGqzXteVS_ZkoAFr-5SaUJupC9ALtGuNyf2bQVXsD7VCw01IhQKn6wz637LJVWY-vR2SUMC47ejq2Sv2HM/s1600/IMG_9734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxKaLTKL937b0XeZtadBcN257NOEBP5xXDIZDu_KXOtF0ldmwDTjJqBaY7NGqzXteVS_ZkoAFr-5SaUJupC9ALtGuNyf2bQVXsD7VCw01IhQKn6wz637LJVWY-vR2SUMC47ejq2Sv2HM/s400/IMG_9734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w4SBvFOh5VBX8sZKHW13XwpC5pkNaOZLADFKkV8JpLW_Ftmx5c-qBizo2I62nmQb7e7kZTUeQlOzQhGBPGUUfNIFpnA9n1857F1DLwhzPoSdTftwuhd8mbJGILzMk4BiysIQtapUsts/s1600/IMG_9739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w4SBvFOh5VBX8sZKHW13XwpC5pkNaOZLADFKkV8JpLW_Ftmx5c-qBizo2I62nmQb7e7kZTUeQlOzQhGBPGUUfNIFpnA9n1857F1DLwhzPoSdTftwuhd8mbJGILzMk4BiysIQtapUsts/s400/IMG_9739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It turned out really well and was very easy so I'll definitely being doing it again. Everything worked out really well, especially the gravy which was lush, although most of the credit there probably belongs to the stock pot concentrate thingy I threw into the pan juices along with a splash of port left over from Christmas. I also used some leftover goose fat for the roast potatoes which pretty much always guarantees a great result. The only downside were the yorkshire puddings which turned out depressingly sad and flat (didn't heat up the pan enough). Still, they tasted ok so they weren't a complete disaster. (another attempt a few weeks later was <i>much</i> more successful).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eL_5e-_VXMUY_Cm3qovxycHWYsaSVial0qT-pq2TCabmFfbQwI8JfKdMHNBXQ2HBZisLP60STpa3Okx_4nThTu18gN5SQ0tOC_YP4kOx3vrlvMwMDE9FongvNxf2Tvewf0EkdrQ4k28/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eL_5e-_VXMUY_Cm3qovxycHWYsaSVial0qT-pq2TCabmFfbQwI8JfKdMHNBXQ2HBZisLP60STpa3Okx_4nThTu18gN5SQ0tOC_YP4kOx3vrlvMwMDE9FongvNxf2Tvewf0EkdrQ4k28/s400/IMG_9737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-51258096913214751452015-12-31T14:45:00.000+00:002015-12-31T14:45:06.686+00:00# 35 ????Another mystery project this one so no more information will be revealed here. Sorry!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jm0g2hH56903G-zLJgXnvFbkj7XpFru1iGceAIAxciXUbsJSyarzADnsrBgBjnJozPg5dVpmFKPiQnhuP2orvRXU0OX9n-GwGK5giTXWYyI_TajCqyyXAlJ_4tGLc96bgiIMbYZIcn4/s1600/%253F%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jm0g2hH56903G-zLJgXnvFbkj7XpFru1iGceAIAxciXUbsJSyarzADnsrBgBjnJozPg5dVpmFKPiQnhuP2orvRXU0OX9n-GwGK5giTXWYyI_TajCqyyXAlJ_4tGLc96bgiIMbYZIcn4/s400/%253F%253F.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-7237492602243698922015-12-31T14:41:00.000+00:002015-12-31T14:41:04.654+00:00# 34 Frame the Matisse printI know next to nothing about art but I LOVE Matisse's cut-outs and have for years. Last year I was lucky enough to see an exhibition at the Tate Modern and it was amazing to see some of the originals in real life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJUtBCnmWxtze16R3TIhpbYIfnXoTNO6Z_cGv5pZcrajP24ETXZ1aSBtHBUzqDL4KIA-VVLo5EGrdJWN46sPenu6FeMr4NOwTM1Tqr1i_1xPd_RsiVy3bq6UEARYIoCi8R4pncTcUuGI/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJUtBCnmWxtze16R3TIhpbYIfnXoTNO6Z_cGv5pZcrajP24ETXZ1aSBtHBUzqDL4KIA-VVLo5EGrdJWN46sPenu6FeMr4NOwTM1Tqr1i_1xPd_RsiVy3bq6UEARYIoCi8R4pncTcUuGI/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, around 16 years ago (I know!) I found a print in the Washington Museum of Art, purchased it and managed to transport it home in my rucksack. It may well have been my first encounter with Matisse but it was so long ago I can't be sure. Since then it had got no further than a basic frame propped up in a corner in the bedroom. So I was determined that <i>this</i> would be the year that I gave it the frame it deserved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG17f1Zf-kphg1hXWiF_SnkXRTD5cgsYIAe7wQk07rGWhBOxQ7nBvmc367aaYRlT1dFqAS_qnrw-Kn1VvDB6c5c72fuSQQfmmyM0gp0DWQHKN3wt1Ee8DEaP9cn4rPYjneV8dadfHPBo/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG17f1Zf-kphg1hXWiF_SnkXRTD5cgsYIAe7wQk07rGWhBOxQ7nBvmc367aaYRlT1dFqAS_qnrw-Kn1VvDB6c5c72fuSQQfmmyM0gp0DWQHKN3wt1Ee8DEaP9cn4rPYjneV8dadfHPBo/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Simple right? Actually this turned out to be one of the most difficult tasks of the whole year. I already have a framed Matisse print (an original 1950's lithograph and one of my most prized possessions) and wanted to match the style so they could hang side by side. To cut a long story short it involved visits to a number of framers and searches on the internet before I managed to find someone who could achieve even close to what I was after.<br />
<br />
I got there in the end though and while the result isn't an exact match to it's brother it's not far off and, finally, after all these years, my little print is hanging where it belongs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZ7Y99U_VJCFEXeBfcmZmpdMDak_aFsegtYmyyNLWc69mLW7xMY_i8n3Q3cs70WwYpDnbi8-xn8SUXLZ8FNoeXBF1B97MUQZGZfoDholQ1rbTgscLRKmH3Q6AGzLJPV3ITJe24heWhMU/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZ7Y99U_VJCFEXeBfcmZmpdMDak_aFsegtYmyyNLWc69mLW7xMY_i8n3Q3cs70WwYpDnbi8-xn8SUXLZ8FNoeXBF1B97MUQZGZfoDholQ1rbTgscLRKmH3Q6AGzLJPV3ITJe24heWhMU/s400/IMG_0437.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-40161626161715391132015-12-31T14:25:00.000+00:002015-12-31T14:25:36.730+00:00# 33 See a Iive bandThis one is probably going to win the award for most unexpectedly brilliant evening. <br />
<br />
At the beginning of the year I knew that seeing a live band had to be included on the list, however at the time I had no idea who that would be. Fast forward a few months and I heard on the radio that Bellowhead had announced the dates for their farewell tour so, based on the fact that I really liked one of their songs, that Bury St Edmunds was included in the tour and Chris Evans on Radio 2 saying that they were an amazing band to see live, I impulsively bought a ticket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRSDScUN8mYTG4UDAN66C6urvMaoHlDGnk4t3SaydUsEmUN1txrFPsVE-7hGRMdwq5Bqk2Am3hzXI3KkzRZfg5vmrWRmIyIfz-lA-nEZpMRiGiV8qvhMQJjHc-zDB7kafbaZU2A-M8DY/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRSDScUN8mYTG4UDAN66C6urvMaoHlDGnk4t3SaydUsEmUN1txrFPsVE-7hGRMdwq5Bqk2Am3hzXI3KkzRZfg5vmrWRmIyIfz-lA-nEZpMRiGiV8qvhMQJjHc-zDB7kafbaZU2A-M8DY/s320/IMG_0393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few more months later and on a dark Monday evening in November I wasn't feeling overly enthusiastic about going out to see a band I wasn't sure I'd like, although I had bought one of their CDs which was good, but more folky than I'd usually go for. I definitely made the right choice though as they were A.MA.ZING! As always, live music is a thousand times better than listening to it on a CD and this was no exception. It was also great to see them at a small venue where I was just feet from the stage, rather than squinting at big screens across a huge auditorium.<br />
<br />
(<i>scuse the terrible photos</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs62zqWEeN8969Iuox0AwwJoJEYxYrILvjuc88VWj9VShfO_mBDj81sHvYhPiEg6zA6hxrNLAabJON5X7CO2VeM9o-VLyTO25denk-N8p7IDEvHx_qSlUGQbWBmggjP96gTvZ3Xg5G1Yk/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs62zqWEeN8969Iuox0AwwJoJEYxYrILvjuc88VWj9VShfO_mBDj81sHvYhPiEg6zA6hxrNLAabJON5X7CO2VeM9o-VLyTO25denk-N8p7IDEvHx_qSlUGQbWBmggjP96gTvZ3Xg5G1Yk/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1RmTjimVswM0Inxc6eoHFnEY6OMlusYY6vgJUOE_AGWJeTavMP4cScCJf9pgnoSw-0zXzkVSMPiySNHdEPq9JwO6OR2lXmjRATxDGeCY_HsBWard2iT-BT7lMvM7A9NKJk3CuDltO48/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1RmTjimVswM0Inxc6eoHFnEY6OMlusYY6vgJUOE_AGWJeTavMP4cScCJf9pgnoSw-0zXzkVSMPiySNHdEPq9JwO6OR2lXmjRATxDGeCY_HsBWard2iT-BT7lMvM7A9NKJk3CuDltO48/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The only downside is that I didn't discover them years ago and only discovered how fab they on their farewell tour! There's a good chance that this evening will be one the top 3 events of the year.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-58350566478880492482015-12-31T13:59:00.003+00:002015-12-31T13:59:42.341+00:00# 32 Read Balleine's History of JerseyOr, that damn book as I now like to call it. Ok, that's a bit unfair. I did find myself choosing it over other reading material from time to time. Although saying it was a more interesting read than Pension Regulations Update 2015 is possibly not that much of a compliment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60yMyJb-GV0yoFHlqGIWk2ni13EM6P4Pr55A2dwexx__5_-xj8TNQELho0Kqjm14-ZExTYEjtjUokz-MjPVhLy9cnlTlAoOon01VBVShWkUSg3OgSsghpX1mfQ42mKVx69kN970LIvUo/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60yMyJb-GV0yoFHlqGIWk2ni13EM6P4Pr55A2dwexx__5_-xj8TNQELho0Kqjm14-ZExTYEjtjUokz-MjPVhLy9cnlTlAoOon01VBVShWkUSg3OgSsghpX1mfQ42mKVx69kN970LIvUo/s400/IMG_9666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm exaggerating a bit of course. Jersey is an interesting place with a very interesting history. But this book is 300 pages of close printed text so requires quite a lot of commitment on the part of the reader to get through it. Usually at bedtime I have a 10-15 minute window between picking up a book and having it fall on my face as I fall asleep so not surprisingly it took several months to work through the whole thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7DVHQIHCuzWlVz3uKM9UVotNfZYIki7fzCiQ4kqSgnI2fBkma0kVt3L8pQ0dMIlBC_oB8O_zsg-OsU0FrO7Be-LqCKF4iRA98rrOFS66n5bMNTYECGjLw1rI2UsFfWdgq6TYk6E6bTU/s1600/IMG_9669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7DVHQIHCuzWlVz3uKM9UVotNfZYIki7fzCiQ4kqSgnI2fBkma0kVt3L8pQ0dMIlBC_oB8O_zsg-OsU0FrO7Be-LqCKF4iRA98rrOFS66n5bMNTYECGjLw1rI2UsFfWdgq6TYk6E6bTU/s400/IMG_9669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am glad I got through it though and did learn some new things, for example...<br />
<br />
* The stuff I was taught at school about perquage paths is NOT TRUE. They don't necessarily start and end in the same parish and are more likely to follow valleys or streams to the sea.<br />
* During elections in the 1700s, hostile voters were sometimes taken from their beds and dumped on the Ecrehous for a day! (which doesn't sound so bad to me - see <a href="http://fortyat40-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/20-visit-ecrehous.html">number 20</a>).<br />
* Just before the Battle of Jersey in 1781, Jersey actually surrendered to the French (who were bluffing about the number of troops they had). Luckily Major Pierson (an Englishman) decided otherwise and stepped in to save the day.<br />
<br />
All in all it was a worthwhile read. But not one I'll be adding to my favourites pile!Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-9892692737635242382015-11-13T22:20:00.001+00:002015-11-13T22:29:04.178+00:00# 31 Visit the Cutty SarkThis is the last on the list of places to visit and I managed to fit it just after the clocks changed on a lovely sunny Sunday morning at the end of October. P, E & T decided not to come with me ("too boring"!) so I enjoyed a relaxing solitary trip down to Greenwich, parking at Stratford and using the DLR for the rest of the journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUWi3iQ-L06cZ7TqPBp5_c8avryTpLVMblWyhPmnN3UqVmeFSHDPKPAiAeE_0Mwbt9i5Q2KDR_chWoK8BrAGqbb2ZxIvbrUcOVjVmv7bf-QWBJN0LPuIhpiIPejfKbE9ZpODGJVg7pMY/s1600/CIMG6379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUWi3iQ-L06cZ7TqPBp5_c8avryTpLVMblWyhPmnN3UqVmeFSHDPKPAiAeE_0Mwbt9i5Q2KDR_chWoK8BrAGqbb2ZxIvbrUcOVjVmv7bf-QWBJN0LPuIhpiIPejfKbE9ZpODGJVg7pMY/s400/CIMG6379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The route round the ship begins in the lower hold, where hundreds of tea chests were stored (later replaced by wool apparently).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTge-j4YWQ-M2RD3ZmOh5Pna8LhYZl9oTQpzuwoxdqybzDwgl-FLQsm2J6g4Ghb9xpu7rNu5BK9uV1kw4R-LjsWAPFcIO6TERS5a5aAvg5xxFjDAMirMZNDVk033dDq7pDdpIXnP-1lk/s1600/CIMG6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTge-j4YWQ-M2RD3ZmOh5Pna8LhYZl9oTQpzuwoxdqybzDwgl-FLQsm2J6g4Ghb9xpu7rNu5BK9uV1kw4R-LjsWAPFcIO6TERS5a5aAvg5xxFjDAMirMZNDVk033dDq7pDdpIXnP-1lk/s400/CIMG6407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were then directed up to further displays of ship-related artifacts to look at on the middle deck before returning outside and onto the main deck (I'm sure there are official technical terms for these!). This was probably the most interesting bit as you can nose around the sailors' sleeping quarters and work rooms and the area for the senior officers and captain. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzpgXk7A6IIWUwC0T6K16nWOay7STzhgznj81MJh4PyvOPiTYMY7E6HAY4v8dONTX9Xt22PvJ3gtetfudI6QG_QN0JdSheluI3nl3T7rnnNOFZPzA_I1-N4UadMBSZWYKXFp1k8FKJ-8/s1600/CIMG6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzpgXk7A6IIWUwC0T6K16nWOay7STzhgznj81MJh4PyvOPiTYMY7E6HAY4v8dONTX9Xt22PvJ3gtetfudI6QG_QN0JdSheluI3nl3T7rnnNOFZPzA_I1-N4UadMBSZWYKXFp1k8FKJ-8/s400/CIMG6384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ws0CDvEZeOBi8ofW-shWAFbkDCPfDbdg71YeR3c0sdKdRFfXIuxPNd1ll28utpmgFgZfpzBOtH-cg2MXY8dv8c1Pdy8M4xYtXdfuZWsbK5yPtNMjYgTS3hnfD0vBuZjRq4z77jGmaG4/s1600/CIMG6393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ws0CDvEZeOBi8ofW-shWAFbkDCPfDbdg71YeR3c0sdKdRFfXIuxPNd1ll28utpmgFgZfpzBOtH-cg2MXY8dv8c1Pdy8M4xYtXdfuZWsbK5yPtNMjYgTS3hnfD0vBuZjRq4z77jGmaG4/s400/CIMG6393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailors' sleeping quarters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FsR2RdLVQMn8-BTdXBddNnR4RYH21Izcuq5dxvcXywQ3ZiHbNWOPIhyphenhyphenpeCnAiu2ZhQTCO-c_xvH30-FVmHLyTGtmIbXt2Zp5p3ep3fkv_fzMBVwhc1XzjVOSAIlztQqqajqo9WRulIc/s1600/CIMG6388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FsR2RdLVQMn8-BTdXBddNnR4RYH21Izcuq5dxvcXywQ3ZiHbNWOPIhyphenhyphenpeCnAiu2ZhQTCO-c_xvH30-FVmHLyTGtmIbXt2Zp5p3ep3fkv_fzMBVwhc1XzjVOSAIlztQqqajqo9WRulIc/s400/CIMG6388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUXHehwV0u7qK8aHacYsHFCl__FJk2OWRBtBa0XbY5smClv_yANYKYlJEavlxamp5J8AYVN1fpnyI2yludoSEygfiuhmPI8t0FMGy9BNHju5nMW7KdQP84ihDXxNbEFAzmATgADFT2os/s1600/CIMG6396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUXHehwV0u7qK8aHacYsHFCl__FJk2OWRBtBa0XbY5smClv_yANYKYlJEavlxamp5J8AYVN1fpnyI2yludoSEygfiuhmPI8t0FMGy9BNHju5nMW7KdQP84ihDXxNbEFAzmATgADFT2os/s400/CIMG6396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvX0B4FUxNtg0650JVam7tdvypftl9GIn_jRL8dhAwj21rY5StheQehKZvTBO26aZ2F1AYacXQ1Eot5rPQfF48frYiy7GAs8eJmh9rM6KjRwORjaGCfHFYttAQL1MlzzoyeYQu-Wh2VQ/s1600/CIMG6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvX0B4FUxNtg0650JVam7tdvypftl9GIn_jRL8dhAwj21rY5StheQehKZvTBO26aZ2F1AYacXQ1Eot5rPQfF48frYiy7GAs8eJmh9rM6KjRwORjaGCfHFYttAQL1MlzzoyeYQu-Wh2VQ/s400/CIMG6397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had heard about the work done to the ship since the fire several years ago and was looking forward to seeing the space they had created underneath it. The ship has been deliberately raised off the ground to help preserve it resulting in a large open space with a café at one end and more facts and figures about the history of the ship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK_xYA1c-kqc9zXG1iMJWFiv168VnM4TpOSd5krgeF4Jk5pB5vm8kW1uwTci73IdSQ1DXgKz9Tcmmj1tMa8UpDrQ0O33FldcOhiMCBXnLaixv-NsvZMh8llBFtYm_fPNc31bEVwr6BTI/s1600/CIMG6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK_xYA1c-kqc9zXG1iMJWFiv168VnM4TpOSd5krgeF4Jk5pB5vm8kW1uwTci73IdSQ1DXgKz9Tcmmj1tMa8UpDrQ0O33FldcOhiMCBXnLaixv-NsvZMh8llBFtYm_fPNc31bEVwr6BTI/s400/CIMG6402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkTy0htQSO2jdUnSK6AcE3WJW7v-iibProUrbzz_FnK3-_XLKGOI2sMcbIIo-10droqJS5JcvKkga2G0cKAy7QcrndstEKdVvr89WVwZwC9lUO13YjvmqsZBJhIhdEqhbuiamLw9eJFE/s1600/CIMG6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkTy0htQSO2jdUnSK6AcE3WJW7v-iibProUrbzz_FnK3-_XLKGOI2sMcbIIo-10droqJS5JcvKkga2G0cKAy7QcrndstEKdVvr89WVwZwC9lUO13YjvmqsZBJhIhdEqhbuiamLw9eJFE/s400/CIMG6408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There was also a very impressive collection of ship figureheads at one end!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rC9P_bqR_DYxLMiBVHRj_II92jDW8bVU-nAPjlU2BSvYWxS39HPFkWRNGFplsdzLyx0uwI2RKyi88aE0mJOrTqUAqPDoR43rXNXpRonyjcfkSmkE8w24YyltWpbnYLWVPECVapxJYkA/s1600/CIMG6401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rC9P_bqR_DYxLMiBVHRj_II92jDW8bVU-nAPjlU2BSvYWxS39HPFkWRNGFplsdzLyx0uwI2RKyi88aE0mJOrTqUAqPDoR43rXNXpRonyjcfkSmkE8w24YyltWpbnYLWVPECVapxJYkA/s400/CIMG6401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all a very successful trip, rounded off with a sandwich from the Jamie Oliver deli in Greenwich and shopping in Stratford.<br />
<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-68498229350118162692015-11-03T13:30:00.002+00:002015-11-03T13:30:53.451+00:00# 30 Make fresh pasta After searching through several books for a recipe for fresh pasta, I settled on the one in Jamie O's Italian book. It's a basic recipe, 600g '00' plain flour and 6 eggs, although you can exchange one egg for two egg yolks for a richer dough if you want to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSoMEGJm49QSlH63NaV196fghj-xtPdHOxSAU_5x2RnHlgo05xwBEo8L8SxfYMfQC_Cs88fnIn1QNaPewrLlpkEWTkVYxg7aRsaymGMqEKWD-m2tGwGNwCrS9JPSHfCGkRAiz0ky9OmE/s1600/IMG_9594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSoMEGJm49QSlH63NaV196fghj-xtPdHOxSAU_5x2RnHlgo05xwBEo8L8SxfYMfQC_Cs88fnIn1QNaPewrLlpkEWTkVYxg7aRsaymGMqEKWD-m2tGwGNwCrS9JPSHfCGkRAiz0ky9OmE/s400/IMG_9594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Making the pasta dough is fairly straightforward, although pretty messy, and kneading it is pretty similar to making bread dough. It's the rolling out that causes the trouble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJTTFR-HfzU9GqFl7j8ytODOgnRbfXCAYtUiPF0oqrc6zSI6mX6UhpnBujdLyxyrCoZ5buc7hmMhHiHi2Pi4VptGwYKj7Ca-PSWBYML2Rj4sRXxssVPKPlILn9fnnOCqwA7oRJZy6Mns/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJTTFR-HfzU9GqFl7j8ytODOgnRbfXCAYtUiPF0oqrc6zSI6mX6UhpnBujdLyxyrCoZ5buc7hmMhHiHi2Pi4VptGwYKj7Ca-PSWBYML2Rj4sRXxssVPKPlILn9fnnOCqwA7oRJZy6Mns/s400/IMG_9596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, Jamie says you don't need a pasta machine to roll out the dough. Ha! Ok, yes it is possible, <i>theoretically</i>, but it's bloomin hard work and I found it almost impossible to get the pasta really thin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL49Sbr4ErGvCRlOxcQBJS97N0z4zsyjjqH3hyphenhyphen35qzrCHjlJa5d9TDw6w4YYPE-xjSIz3SCYNSWuils3mEYvUN6qcXvacXNq20OAApWPJDldg8nkzwNd2iF4Wep9cdip-5JMPLRkj2o-w/s1600/IMG_9597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL49Sbr4ErGvCRlOxcQBJS97N0z4zsyjjqH3hyphenhyphen35qzrCHjlJa5d9TDw6w4YYPE-xjSIz3SCYNSWuils3mEYvUN6qcXvacXNq20OAApWPJDldg8nkzwNd2iF4Wep9cdip-5JMPLRkj2o-w/s400/IMG_9597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I got there in the end though, just about, and once rolled out I used a ricotta and spinach mix to make the pasta into ravioli and a tomatoey sauce to go with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l44pRrUbAiYucNk6SIqgwc0F6ycsKnvJHmiknhg1ESvT0wfqx5HkG0v-z52uRWTcGemxXLS_yS02Jq3Ts6h8fbgMtJk4F1r0ynXWXvSfeONB6gAY3QJqW76JHYfk287T3GjTyewy5z0/s1600/IMG_9601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l44pRrUbAiYucNk6SIqgwc0F6ycsKnvJHmiknhg1ESvT0wfqx5HkG0v-z52uRWTcGemxXLS_yS02Jq3Ts6h8fbgMtJk4F1r0ynXWXvSfeONB6gAY3QJqW76JHYfk287T3GjTyewy5z0/s400/IMG_9601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The end result wasn't brilliant (the pasta was a bit too thick and a bit heavy) but they were edible and on the whole the family enjoyed them. I might make them again <i>if</i> I had access to a pasta machine but with all the great fresh pasta you can buy in the supermarkets I may have to add it to the list of things-not-worth-making yourself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkuxSlpQHrrnPZf_9F8xwolI7O92ZAhUFYauDfonE6NlCPXMyn0a8jCqO2R6qMaO28VSC_FqMqck8INsAF403Htz0i-GrIliiW1N7fN-_aIZrSveQmW3XFJvPCh2HXu7wUf44xMhBNQ4/s1600/IMG_9604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkuxSlpQHrrnPZf_9F8xwolI7O92ZAhUFYauDfonE6NlCPXMyn0a8jCqO2R6qMaO28VSC_FqMqck8INsAF403Htz0i-GrIliiW1N7fN-_aIZrSveQmW3XFJvPCh2HXu7wUf44xMhBNQ4/s400/IMG_9604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-34360639320729655522015-10-30T16:53:00.000+00:002015-10-30T16:53:18.242+00:00# 29 Cook with figsI have eaten figs before, mostly in the form of fig rolls, but I've never eaten or cooked with raw ones. To be honest I wan't even sure which bit you actually ate. Just the inside like a passion fruit? The whole thing?<br />
<br />
The September issue of delicious magazine had a fresh fig tart by Rick Stein which looked lovely so I took a quick trip to the local market to stock up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomf1Cv7l-8F48SYP0GPxUheeofE9uSlgwWI_jb_wkeWxOnmgisH6CCV5RG-GT66rzYroRlJSIHaOMyXYrkI_9SSGd5372ao3SiI3eRWvzk0Om1OvFCc7boWenL_hyphenhyphen_7PXIY0Q01y40aQ/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomf1Cv7l-8F48SYP0GPxUheeofE9uSlgwWI_jb_wkeWxOnmgisH6CCV5RG-GT66rzYroRlJSIHaOMyXYrkI_9SSGd5372ao3SiI3eRWvzk0Om1OvFCc7boWenL_hyphenhyphen_7PXIY0Q01y40aQ/s400/IMG_0365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing's for sure, figs are very photogenic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyE9o4mNYT7rIiKrUieHMSnKBe8c_pHMdzb5lbQrLfLgMtSj-wkHDQURKpa6CgFeL6xKI7_w6DnXDlJ0pyx5wEpY3KtnnmxonBraiIgkJ4cAQ1lqCpTVKfR0cWDdlgm8hgwAVnWA4QEQ/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyE9o4mNYT7rIiKrUieHMSnKBe8c_pHMdzb5lbQrLfLgMtSj-wkHDQURKpa6CgFeL6xKI7_w6DnXDlJ0pyx5wEpY3KtnnmxonBraiIgkJ4cAQ1lqCpTVKfR0cWDdlgm8hgwAVnWA4QEQ/s400/IMG_9534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The tart wasn't too hard to assemble. Even the pastry didn't give me too much trouble and the mascarpone filling just took a few minutes to mix together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GR10k9kmPA-nUxTQktBkjp8fWB6k_ZlxzUhXjm7ByLKRXamYvq4os4vhgImTcLFFttEeQRXc-ZXgbdZdmJjbxswP3piQ01WZ_QrPz-YNWuWcGh0v6roogy5kPO7-4feCGBpppt2fyxE/s1600/IMG_9545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GR10k9kmPA-nUxTQktBkjp8fWB6k_ZlxzUhXjm7ByLKRXamYvq4os4vhgImTcLFFttEeQRXc-ZXgbdZdmJjbxswP3piQ01WZ_QrPz-YNWuWcGh0v6roogy5kPO7-4feCGBpppt2fyxE/s400/IMG_9545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The end result looked pretty good and everyone said they liked it for the most part. Except for the figs. Oh well! I thought they were ok, although the slightly crunchy texture from the seeds was a bit strange. As a whole it was a lovely tart though and I'd like to try the honey and mascarpone filling with a different fruit. I'll definitely give figs another try too, maybe in something savoury next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXHqqmyCgZpjRPXeSN6lY1dr2AK8BRGxrve6YmJ7tUbe4_0Et8kASCLZ-UNMtdyWctHyreWcmPYLiRq51v4ZFOXUFtN1XTawK6rnqMacwLLfsUR0pmiBfdZLmuSLotEVbovEZk-IiGNo/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXHqqmyCgZpjRPXeSN6lY1dr2AK8BRGxrve6YmJ7tUbe4_0Et8kASCLZ-UNMtdyWctHyreWcmPYLiRq51v4ZFOXUFtN1XTawK6rnqMacwLLfsUR0pmiBfdZLmuSLotEVbovEZk-IiGNo/s400/IMG_9547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJ04emYBlxslW7GHz2Dvag0qSEPsfSRuaD5LeYeVqGKirS_-sgFDprbaM-kFf3Zl5j_5My1HqhHnDHfdVAlM4cdXgoncpCOBWli7If-ty6f3xm7nqJEVTOpMva9iZjqLkcgCLUUWYEvc/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJ04emYBlxslW7GHz2Dvag0qSEPsfSRuaD5LeYeVqGKirS_-sgFDprbaM-kFf3Zl5j_5My1HqhHnDHfdVAlM4cdXgoncpCOBWli7If-ty6f3xm7nqJEVTOpMva9iZjqLkcgCLUUWYEvc/s400/IMG_9559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can find the recipe for Rick Stein's Dalmatian Fresh Fig Tart <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/11776088/Rick-Steins-fresh-fig-tart.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-90368061783671382792015-10-04T19:10:00.000+01:002015-10-04T19:34:36.543+01:00# 28 Ride a SegwayThis was something I was hoping to do earlier in the year but wasn't able to get it organised so when we saw that Segway tours were available in Lyon we put them right at the top of our to-do list.<br />
<br />
With a bit of help from the tourist office we managed to find a company offering tours on our first day and were able to book a tour for 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon (20th September).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSORkndDjb2QrsPHKKWFmMr8i0CzCSPoa1TA7Bg0cZCwFYClT6soivndomhyPgJeHQ-uT29VRWVFaAwTLyzHAAv5fvuHmr1fQlA-sR3Saw3uOotpWd2HkfJbNlACDfhwBbVIs9yp4UCg/s1600/CIMG6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSORkndDjb2QrsPHKKWFmMr8i0CzCSPoa1TA7Bg0cZCwFYClT6soivndomhyPgJeHQ-uT29VRWVFaAwTLyzHAAv5fvuHmr1fQlA-sR3Saw3uOotpWd2HkfJbNlACDfhwBbVIs9yp4UCg/s400/CIMG6357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDkeXV2mlODQaB66AuvurpbIakejVF8Zi5ckHglgaj9WAFZCQMa693RMzXE0hEaS2PT3_os-BTNeO7V8SHEMcU7xmjccV0zSVwCwz7jOC_e-1fKDecAYy8FYb05779PlgsTKbgLgcvbM/s1600/CIMG6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDkeXV2mlODQaB66AuvurpbIakejVF8Zi5ckHglgaj9WAFZCQMa693RMzXE0hEaS2PT3_os-BTNeO7V8SHEMcU7xmjccV0zSVwCwz7jOC_e-1fKDecAYy8FYb05779PlgsTKbgLgcvbM/s400/CIMG6359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When we arrived we found our guide (Andrew) getting our Segways ready. He introduced himself and then gave us and the one other person in our group some brief instructions on using the Segways. We had about 5 or 10 minutes to practice and then we were off through the city, navigating crossings and dodging pedestrians!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZFulEb4Rkb5Oc6cGeVIrWJCJtWZAjsqfVcnP1Hy1I9XqmkVpiudiEOQdX0h5DGSpgWgFPdReR1FrXHlsx14IWzVtIGY8owUw7MVBaMkcIlncq3aqQtltYEqjkze4rnKHOnFkiUeUqc8/s1600/CIMG6360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZFulEb4Rkb5Oc6cGeVIrWJCJtWZAjsqfVcnP1Hy1I9XqmkVpiudiEOQdX0h5DGSpgWgFPdReR1FrXHlsx14IWzVtIGY8owUw7MVBaMkcIlncq3aqQtltYEqjkze4rnKHOnFkiUeUqc8/s400/CIMG6360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Luckily Segways are very easy to get the hang of and it didn't take long to feel confident on them. The main problem is their big tyres which you have to keep a close eye when approaching tight corners, as I discovered early on! I fell off once when one wheel clipped a kerb but other than that it was plain sailing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoVdFBZfCQSoybgbsTsgZX06dhPSycWjVj99uQOZTKHfukJQzXc9CDEacEvS6l5kUiHdv8qyg9fEetDvmf41OgtQh9QobM8_ofu-M2eNho1_pFhsBVbRop-cSRrzZ0Cf__cfizAECTqk/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoVdFBZfCQSoybgbsTsgZX06dhPSycWjVj99uQOZTKHfukJQzXc9CDEacEvS6l5kUiHdv8qyg9fEetDvmf41OgtQh9QobM8_ofu-M2eNho1_pFhsBVbRop-cSRrzZ0Cf__cfizAECTqk/s400/IMG_0338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0h-EPXA_oN_0w04j3jJpQzMnpRbsQx-gniAflxdkYGcqQk-rlNYR1V6g6AvJ1mTx0iqYiMf8xWVfQhOOfJWzEzbfLRqF9gY2N9WNcWGgnNhBts8LfuCLIVCvnoO3eixbjYjX3_FXMvc/s1600/CIMG6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0h-EPXA_oN_0w04j3jJpQzMnpRbsQx-gniAflxdkYGcqQk-rlNYR1V6g6AvJ1mTx0iqYiMf8xWVfQhOOfJWzEzbfLRqF9gY2N9WNcWGgnNhBts8LfuCLIVCvnoO3eixbjYjX3_FXMvc/s400/CIMG6364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a lovely sunny evening and we had lots of fun whizzing through the city along the cycle routes (Lyon has lots of these and they were perfect for Segways). Although our guide's english wasn't brilliant he still did a really good job of showing us around and sharing some facts about the city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwagzFwLNef5jRdzEMnGFl4-Q9jmouZvi2wzZjpyVDP2bY7qinfe92AgwXegFW3bYJ4mDvYHRVS9NQgT73n-KPsYd0-mdEcByaiJzxax0cEPiMP0KOuHk0NjxYnSWfdijtTRHDG5mMlnY/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwagzFwLNef5jRdzEMnGFl4-Q9jmouZvi2wzZjpyVDP2bY7qinfe92AgwXegFW3bYJ4mDvYHRVS9NQgT73n-KPsYd0-mdEcByaiJzxax0cEPiMP0KOuHk0NjxYnSWfdijtTRHDG5mMlnY/s400/IMG_0348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzzWsWBufsO0TK0984FaUYyhbKFRQTIdRZOnphibVOpzG66uF2eguaOjdvVMHPwFUa2bFAquETT7PE62JGdu5oZACwxuV_CwX5u9D1O89axpf3NY2gReQYnJEFBI010U3cK7zD2exTYk/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzzWsWBufsO0TK0984FaUYyhbKFRQTIdRZOnphibVOpzG66uF2eguaOjdvVMHPwFUa2bFAquETT7PE62JGdu5oZACwxuV_CwX5u9D1O89axpf3NY2gReQYnJEFBI010U3cK7zD2exTYk/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Towards the north of the city they have a tunnel through the hill for cars plus an extra one for electric buses, pedestrians and bikes. It's about 2 kilometres long and isn't your usual tunnel as it has moving images projected on the walls with bizarre sounds and music to accompany them. Speeding through it on the Segways was a really weird experience!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPmh40y7FS3Re-UPhMAfjeXeCmrlT0dabVb_7DDSaKvNo7CIpZvo5Ps1FHFyBldhPEgSK18mGHgFjaI1fy79_Vg7Mer42NyRefIxoRRblwL2dOuZB4NV0pjwfVW8Z-F82U1fyJLIsjxA/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPmh40y7FS3Re-UPhMAfjeXeCmrlT0dabVb_7DDSaKvNo7CIpZvo5Ps1FHFyBldhPEgSK18mGHgFjaI1fy79_Vg7Mer42NyRefIxoRRblwL2dOuZB4NV0pjwfVW8Z-F82U1fyJLIsjxA/s400/IMG_0343.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a brilliant evening and definitely a highlight of the trip, even though my feet were aching at the end from standing up for so long. I now really want to do it again so will definitely be looking for somewhere local.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-29859705692692631952015-10-04T18:50:00.000+01:002015-10-04T18:50:59.023+01:00# 27 Take a trip with P<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Phil turned 40 in 2012 he choose the destination for a child-free weekend away so this year it was my turn. There are many places we want to visit but it was surprisingly hard to find something to fit our criteria of not too expensive and not too far away. Then I saw an advert for the Eurostar's new direct service to Lyon (no flying!) and the decision was made.</div>
<br />
We set off on Thursday 17th September for an overnight stay in a Premier Inn before our train at 7.55am the next day from Ashford International. After a relaxing four hour journey (which passed through Marne la Vallee on the way giving us a brief glimpse of Space Mountain and the castle) we arrived in Lyon Part Dieu station at 1pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLc77X7QgQIstYxqepxo47_ow-frPqfRnG-IhvB9YLGpO2tKeC_5dYVm8mo6pnbB2UDVSRzMuIdhNuvsPT6M9lVm0dA1ji_f9LeKiAB5ZXOQeB_yZRkuN2PzM-M9opdh8cikcNkb3LWc/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLc77X7QgQIstYxqepxo47_ow-frPqfRnG-IhvB9YLGpO2tKeC_5dYVm8mo6pnbB2UDVSRzMuIdhNuvsPT6M9lVm0dA1ji_f9LeKiAB5ZXOQeB_yZRkuN2PzM-M9opdh8cikcNkb3LWc/s400/IMG_0271.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We weren't quite ready to try out the public transport so pulled (or dragged in my case) our bags to our hotel - the Mecure Centre Lyon Beaux Arts. And very nice it was too. We'd paid a bit extra for a preferred room and were rewarded with lots of space, a nice view and a free mini bar (non alcoholic).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf0IoIuRzwor2hpfkwmoUqoW3dive4YubxpwbwD9UJbNIcK_3Lh81t3tbV4LzDJ7l2BqzlAKUMz6fCwToPuljxJ__oUG3RymV_T0P3fosqXv5q4shqel8B1wJ0NSJz7qU8gPx5U3mpiA/s1600/CIMG6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf0IoIuRzwor2hpfkwmoUqoW3dive4YubxpwbwD9UJbNIcK_3Lh81t3tbV4LzDJ7l2BqzlAKUMz6fCwToPuljxJ__oUG3RymV_T0P3fosqXv5q4shqel8B1wJ0NSJz7qU8gPx5U3mpiA/s400/CIMG6355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy8n2sC5QTjmOfTQHBIoSEc59OnQktr2yA3tsioQzYK2HphsZi4SDcupC2fhycK9sKiiismdTwVgkx0vFPZuMP0WbbhzmWNBUyOHMbCr61GQDsxbRhsGDcv3VSCh0wQzo4nnhR_EfGFo/s1600/CIMG6279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy8n2sC5QTjmOfTQHBIoSEc59OnQktr2yA3tsioQzYK2HphsZi4SDcupC2fhycK9sKiiismdTwVgkx0vFPZuMP0WbbhzmWNBUyOHMbCr61GQDsxbRhsGDcv3VSCh0wQzo4nnhR_EfGFo/s400/CIMG6279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj9pnC1tE8YY_WNj0jNZEBbxS7G-R1_b0lFVxul-RScLjluZo3NDdp3WCGUN3jhJuH6nVofzoRh72b2r0GHtqyPZ3FPoSg7w7F7bRidJh-e3csWFgpNcb_X1mmYuHj3PVBme99-Ndgfo/s1600/CIMG6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj9pnC1tE8YY_WNj0jNZEBbxS7G-R1_b0lFVxul-RScLjluZo3NDdp3WCGUN3jhJuH6nVofzoRh72b2r0GHtqyPZ3FPoSg7w7F7bRidJh-e3csWFgpNcb_X1mmYuHj3PVBme99-Ndgfo/s400/CIMG6281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were there for three nights and spent our time walking around the city and seeing lots of sights. We had some cloud and a bit of rain but otherwise the weather was lovely and warm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRycH5_wTC_j3yEqKtUfSbrDuPZdZoO-pAIOEhpnW9GI3CSCiyjjtjRqHIimScrcEbvU5GUNyOvCq7hsnNv9FsSxjnEEM2Yi-hScfcrg8wPCmYf-mvkHFazZ91ov7T7_RuF4_LLpoOYi0/s1600/CIMG6373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRycH5_wTC_j3yEqKtUfSbrDuPZdZoO-pAIOEhpnW9GI3CSCiyjjtjRqHIimScrcEbvU5GUNyOvCq7hsnNv9FsSxjnEEM2Yi-hScfcrg8wPCmYf-mvkHFazZ91ov7T7_RuF4_LLpoOYi0/s400/CIMG6373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvI8G_nA0FPwVEh4r83ZXZ4-9-Gae5qiZWEGU1vpWTLkYHdq_2pQE1Fv2_XQvF-Y_csTGBP0kCFAtc6q1-aoy5rZvZbMfhHybmaAFaKO637I7a-cNcy90iSIaPHmBA3APPc3g6EWHYYM/s1600/CIMG6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvI8G_nA0FPwVEh4r83ZXZ4-9-Gae5qiZWEGU1vpWTLkYHdq_2pQE1Fv2_XQvF-Y_csTGBP0kCFAtc6q1-aoy5rZvZbMfhHybmaAFaKO637I7a-cNcy90iSIaPHmBA3APPc3g6EWHYYM/s400/CIMG6293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vieux Lyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJLYMBMUL1uYhOd2QoIeTzRIVroapqwm9a7dX42Vt9frKfS1vGF_3S4jBLcULnmDqLyzOwNknZdxMXGhPirJeW0WzH7HbD1pVICeoflIZi1FoHJLnl_bgkuZJXdnrCK467XaVs1XDwok/s1600/IMG_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJLYMBMUL1uYhOd2QoIeTzRIVroapqwm9a7dX42Vt9frKfS1vGF_3S4jBLcULnmDqLyzOwNknZdxMXGhPirJeW0WzH7HbD1pVICeoflIZi1FoHJLnl_bgkuZJXdnrCK467XaVs1XDwok/s400/IMG_0294.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the city's traboules, or secret passageways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEleivVfjw_O4D-8WMpqI2r5f7yz_oc-SOsaIab66tY61AUTkWUU_LinGeSybNp648hXyMHct1jamnp7YgE2kZdnImn-bx2GB-yMdDHwKzXHwmuhViC3_073DK5ngSDQButhsArOLVE/s1600/CIMG6378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEleivVfjw_O4D-8WMpqI2r5f7yz_oc-SOsaIab66tY61AUTkWUU_LinGeSybNp648hXyMHct1jamnp7YgE2kZdnImn-bx2GB-yMdDHwKzXHwmuhViC3_073DK5ngSDQButhsArOLVE/s400/CIMG6378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1NgKFORu97aiZmyo2tAIEWBOgx8V7JIE-oPWLMOFR5IXrM13GTPQKUAXJTh0fQC8hHlDcpMiFvkbkOceghK4klVkUEyss3KbDqLhR29o1OYn8Oa-f-oA7pMdlx-IgnPGTlO08ijsMJM/s1600/CIMG6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1NgKFORu97aiZmyo2tAIEWBOgx8V7JIE-oPWLMOFR5IXrM13GTPQKUAXJTh0fQC8hHlDcpMiFvkbkOceghK4klVkUEyss3KbDqLhR29o1OYn8Oa-f-oA7pMdlx-IgnPGTlO08ijsMJM/s400/CIMG6291.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de Notre Dame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDYBcRad9sL6Jlm0KkDmjvAgP8DxVDkwS4lJrLdzaCJ_2StspRGEsr_8XkKGFiS6Onzavm66p79AZp1IWoOJHDnvHM4qdHksLMixDiyAvqtTAsN7Xsr_meJXyk2D9ZaMtkl6ekBfl5CA/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDYBcRad9sL6Jlm0KkDmjvAgP8DxVDkwS4lJrLdzaCJ_2StspRGEsr_8XkKGFiS6Onzavm66p79AZp1IWoOJHDnvHM4qdHksLMixDiyAvqtTAsN7Xsr_meJXyk2D9ZaMtkl6ekBfl5CA/s400/IMG_0279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of Forviere Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhD_Xg1LZZbQwnqFSeGs69BxlrDjRqE9ou1FDT9GIR1zwkAMTBQmTnHkqan6a1qDNpujeYhzdh7uvVcsDxpkpyxGcExiSAP_iXn66Q0C7PVXILXdZOPCbeBNMX4AOemZdx4F8IjylCnk/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhD_Xg1LZZbQwnqFSeGs69BxlrDjRqE9ou1FDT9GIR1zwkAMTBQmTnHkqan6a1qDNpujeYhzdh7uvVcsDxpkpyxGcExiSAP_iXn66Q0C7PVXILXdZOPCbeBNMX4AOemZdx4F8IjylCnk/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior of the Musee de Cinema</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVQPtEmW1pF7DCTW97MeHyDvnTbm025kf1TvgqHQNegdF__0Gl0kEVoa0n4LfTE-Nyulw-3ozAN48Bh0HzKfogtus_hkmsmJKoEWglZ8euSEzxGdiowdBkQ-fRCe2UQCE1L6LJlqF9uE/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVQPtEmW1pF7DCTW97MeHyDvnTbm025kf1TvgqHQNegdF__0Gl0kEVoa0n4LfTE-Nyulw-3ozAN48Bh0HzKfogtus_hkmsmJKoEWglZ8euSEzxGdiowdBkQ-fRCe2UQCE1L6LJlqF9uE/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building decorated with pictures of famous Lyon residents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3kBpSu0cuDkT_qqUxVzdiI6-Gtgp4hfXHTvkbwtggdXCAYaGrNFnY-KauF9F5ddtODbXig7sLamBsfjYgTNa34htVAR3tOi5CF5p-5ZqavHf2A6zOiDT51eYNNDSgC5dnd2F1vMcw6U/s1600/CIMG6317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3kBpSu0cuDkT_qqUxVzdiI6-Gtgp4hfXHTvkbwtggdXCAYaGrNFnY-KauF9F5ddtODbXig7sLamBsfjYgTNa34htVAR3tOi5CF5p-5ZqavHf2A6zOiDT51eYNNDSgC5dnd2F1vMcw6U/s400/CIMG6317.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee des Confluences</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lyon is reported to be the gastronomic capital of France and we found lots of lovely food at the local restaurants (bouchons) and bakeries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygziCvpR_68ISwUhJcUvQj663wo1dWWnIVnvd__fujIQuLehOu6BJbxJkdMNAnNbTqn-rjDdesW0iVXGu7gsxspn7d_4z0pxm9ffkElM8AVJQASrUgReFrTbWejip7hA8Ds5P26deIWQ/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygziCvpR_68ISwUhJcUvQj663wo1dWWnIVnvd__fujIQuLehOu6BJbxJkdMNAnNbTqn-rjDdesW0iVXGu7gsxspn7d_4z0pxm9ffkElM8AVJQASrUgReFrTbWejip7hA8Ds5P26deIWQ/s400/IMG_0292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXd9DTJfxZCnpzXV3ohJx1r278XMfSS9lOGpDuKOiAlkjWvty2pyF2KI6MicrPu1BUTZMr5ouqi__C47esnrqTRgsS16u68r20us-Gkc1qq4FfsbCUawRwqCme482g61wN6GrMgIMB64/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXd9DTJfxZCnpzXV3ohJx1r278XMfSS9lOGpDuKOiAlkjWvty2pyF2KI6MicrPu1BUTZMr5ouqi__C47esnrqTRgsS16u68r20us-Gkc1qq4FfsbCUawRwqCme482g61wN6GrMgIMB64/s400/IMG_0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Brawn & Veal Trotters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTfmC_5OlvSDlEZfjWmKlq3veAhL8L4zMSB3c7EukK1aG9OpbxorNgztR7cNDzCUc0udEXtG7FxNstjMo9P6VyazilybigElKacNTsqqE8JqqZH50Stzd0os-1lQU_X0Pn9X_pdQPW6I/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTfmC_5OlvSDlEZfjWmKlq3veAhL8L4zMSB3c7EukK1aG9OpbxorNgztR7cNDzCUc0udEXtG7FxNstjMo9P6VyazilybigElKacNTsqqE8JqqZH50Stzd0os-1lQU_X0Pn9X_pdQPW6I/s400/IMG_0300.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My massive Lyonnaise salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy3SdVI9U2ykr-qgukgs0LYb70Wx_296Gucud0y6fvPK14_RUKEnKO5WbtU2vOk4WMKcGo_dtBPTgF4Si56clehlsk1ZnVfAz-NA_BE8fkrKfRAKs_P2RDxxKHL10icOkJOPgb8YhpCY/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy3SdVI9U2ykr-qgukgs0LYb70Wx_296Gucud0y6fvPK14_RUKEnKO5WbtU2vOk4WMKcGo_dtBPTgF4Si56clehlsk1ZnVfAz-NA_BE8fkrKfRAKs_P2RDxxKHL10icOkJOPgb8YhpCY/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escargot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFxR51_mM7iV_T9HEez3Si8wDvvotdHNRX59bkLZ70lQTov4rxExabpy8r_GFxdFPvZROvUAuJ8iWuw-dM1pUR-D09x2fsX-PTmMPyCDM0MJacvoy_bhSylPisZi062Bnyqlm6WqI8GM/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFxR51_mM7iV_T9HEez3Si8wDvvotdHNRX59bkLZ70lQTov4rxExabpy8r_GFxdFPvZROvUAuJ8iWuw-dM1pUR-D09x2fsX-PTmMPyCDM0MJacvoy_bhSylPisZi062Bnyqlm6WqI8GM/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravioli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFKSBMW1Eq3Ai5_ccCUNwUV-1IWfmTzub1cIOWiolToau5b4ayTyyOw8soHD3NBrG3fxUagV1ESrWnWlmlBhZq9LWmlmHD4_KS531ylz_9wzXPIFoCp3Hd7EXMlZQkzl9B9UBMD38-hc/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFKSBMW1Eq3Ai5_ccCUNwUV-1IWfmTzub1cIOWiolToau5b4ayTyyOw8soHD3NBrG3fxUagV1ESrWnWlmlBhZq9LWmlmHD4_KS531ylz_9wzXPIFoCp3Hd7EXMlZQkzl9B9UBMD38-hc/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croque Madam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8-5_CBkrpvCWRZO58ncDp92WtrA71At0OBT4eiXm9U2BQQi9DIVH-QqBJccHjLAQJr_1CWLky3EkL5xvyyuw3LF0ZWoA9fxm0Q-kAOdskZjY3fCluIGgsdVDKdqwOfFmjnnx5tvV8Ow/s1600/CIMG6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8-5_CBkrpvCWRZO58ncDp92WtrA71At0OBT4eiXm9U2BQQi9DIVH-QqBJccHjLAQJr_1CWLky3EkL5xvyyuw3LF0ZWoA9fxm0Q-kAOdskZjY3fCluIGgsdVDKdqwOfFmjnnx5tvV8Ow/s400/CIMG6307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delish patisserie from the food market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5nJov-MJpqfQ3e1FJvpQFxYn-eVxZD6CP9BxTrXV9bQOjVFmdcbK9WlTKR8J9-RMHfuEbZI7v_F_ncosxEYBmh5I5ACgvFaVWmpUytAGRh7cu_a_3LbrK_LvICf9ua825poP2xc8k9M/s1600/CIMG6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5nJov-MJpqfQ3e1FJvpQFxYn-eVxZD6CP9BxTrXV9bQOjVFmdcbK9WlTKR8J9-RMHfuEbZI7v_F_ncosxEYBmh5I5ACgvFaVWmpUytAGRh7cu_a_3LbrK_LvICf9ua825poP2xc8k9M/s400/CIMG6370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moules and unlimited fries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_PVFULM8K1cSQubbKT7-gLfUU-rOWwDaD6dDeYpTu4s9Dzuj547ctt_egYpmUsFe2o13ES-EPiTkfUgFb1zrlPAUlhWxMWGqeW_4yGx3zMhnUwNCbtFeiZ-h7ttgHiL0JgV1TWKNaGw/s1600/CIMG6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_PVFULM8K1cSQubbKT7-gLfUU-rOWwDaD6dDeYpTu4s9Dzuj547ctt_egYpmUsFe2o13ES-EPiTkfUgFb1zrlPAUlhWxMWGqeW_4yGx3zMhnUwNCbtFeiZ-h7ttgHiL0JgV1TWKNaGw/s400/CIMG6376.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy crepes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lyon is a lovely city for a short break and we had no trouble find things to fill our days. Travelling by Eurostar was also a big plus as it so hassle free and we were lucky to have no delays on either journey.<br />
<br />
One of the highlights of the trip was a Segway tour of the city, but more of that in post number 28!<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-17759186155086264722015-10-04T18:19:00.001+01:002015-10-04T18:19:37.187+01:00# 26 Visit Buckingham PalacePart two of our trip to London on Saturday 12th September was a visit to Buckingham Palace and in particular a tour of the State Rooms. We booked our tickets several months in advance and choose an arrival time of 1.30pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla8TAWgNgIWX9NLBSKBlNIRCaRTmRsMG6A5_0BWnLMovMe9zsgwFzhlOt6OX3y06xcAO321RkAVFVjYHzacnb_JsWnss3ShyphenhyphenkxR0JM1x0gpGLSV23oLAnNxivIOgthBeL7PeRKkVrXsc/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla8TAWgNgIWX9NLBSKBlNIRCaRTmRsMG6A5_0BWnLMovMe9zsgwFzhlOt6OX3y06xcAO321RkAVFVjYHzacnb_JsWnss3ShyphenhyphenkxR0JM1x0gpGLSV23oLAnNxivIOgthBeL7PeRKkVrXsc/s400/IMG_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvcQveaENAQU_WipBJMQJ4C928u_XUP5sS1UlAyqEAXSUa2C_2TNggogLe_iURJ415i6AuMxCItAYAW4KDHGCVYm_LcJBEKO5j_dryTY1fNQJ-6DH17qhtaQLZ9-StSa-w4bvx0glalw/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvcQveaENAQU_WipBJMQJ4C928u_XUP5sS1UlAyqEAXSUa2C_2TNggogLe_iURJ415i6AuMxCItAYAW4KDHGCVYm_LcJBEKO5j_dryTY1fNQJ-6DH17qhtaQLZ9-StSa-w4bvx0glalw/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The entrance to the State Room tour is on the left hand side of the palace through tents set up just for visitors. Not surprisingly we were guided through security before we could get inside the building. We were also advised that no photography was allowed on the tour so I've found a few photos online to remind us of what we saw.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLiYnUu64-4dA8FD1ujjL_iqBQ4Yi8vrEAh0DnsWq04KvevXj9uSgBG9udWvX2N50yMH5OoEYz8aldTIh2D7XEXizZDj5mxO29vaBcSCDG3cg6gUkaiCtgpSyiTLof98SOdcDUIdtT_8/s1600/405-Buckingham-palace-Staircase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLiYnUu64-4dA8FD1ujjL_iqBQ4Yi8vrEAh0DnsWq04KvevXj9uSgBG9udWvX2N50yMH5OoEYz8aldTIh2D7XEXizZDj5mxO29vaBcSCDG3cg6gUkaiCtgpSyiTLof98SOdcDUIdtT_8/s400/405-Buckingham-palace-Staircase.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WnvzBw2anseJSMZ6UbgFH2hyphenhyphenQTfCLok83fOHAThBWh7dBiJXhfk-BT5nFAT_ojJ9q2uI_nXpASRMlhYLPF4T61MzZDSFzqXQtu9BfxgwL8EZRpm8KGH5ChPEq7pW8d9BeShk8MU71Do/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WnvzBw2anseJSMZ6UbgFH2hyphenhyphenQTfCLok83fOHAThBWh7dBiJXhfk-BT5nFAT_ojJ9q2uI_nXpASRMlhYLPF4T61MzZDSFzqXQtu9BfxgwL8EZRpm8KGH5ChPEq7pW8d9BeShk8MU71Do/s400/Unknown.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throne Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3HCvLHg442G87JFEKA4YS_8WByT_ApgOGwWBsqriZNi0JGe8kMaP8ApQ61lhPY1ELBW_6mDLzjYI5ykVj2tQHqCG7DQzOxCWgSgqgKDwpC5rQxPIAIvIadm49inme5IzpWWqveD5-e0/s1600/2AC70B4D00000578-3172560-The_Buckingham_Palace_ballroom_set_for_a_state_banquet_is_part_o-a-19_1437683711526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3HCvLHg442G87JFEKA4YS_8WByT_ApgOGwWBsqriZNi0JGe8kMaP8ApQ61lhPY1ELBW_6mDLzjYI5ykVj2tQHqCG7DQzOxCWgSgqgKDwpC5rQxPIAIvIadm49inme5IzpWWqveD5-e0/s400/2AC70B4D00000578-3172560-The_Buckingham_Palace_ballroom_set_for_a_state_banquet_is_part_o-a-19_1437683711526.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banqueting Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
Obviously there were a LOT more people there during our visit! We were each given an audio tour guide which gave us lots of information as we visited each room and it was very interesting to see this inside of one of the world's most famous buildings. There were a number of displays showing how the castle worked, how banquets were planned, where the Queen's outfits are created etc. It was fascinating to read about how they organise the various functions they put on.<br />
<br />
It took an hour or two to walk through all of the rooms open to the public (if only we could have looked behind some of the locked doors!) and at the end of the tour we were directed out of the rear of the building and into the gardens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY9pE-4IVEwoHVmbm0UOeM5ckrA0qUK7j7OKXALtEVvxe8rozN4WnP2KWzvkOB8Amv37sgYXFhttqd2DAxao0Z6htzZAVQI8zbLYJihLXgOIYVZRv5oh8_yo-H1OFfDzqWEAOhdRaaM4/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY9pE-4IVEwoHVmbm0UOeM5ckrA0qUK7j7OKXALtEVvxe8rozN4WnP2KWzvkOB8Amv37sgYXFhttqd2DAxao0Z6htzZAVQI8zbLYJihLXgOIYVZRv5oh8_yo-H1OFfDzqWEAOhdRaaM4/s400/IMG_0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp41m9xQi0HNcl8VL9ZX8xzsn-IKtdMf5wdKkaWP3TD7YSwLIU_jeGHcJ4IAqE4GWXMDiUvxuLVlf_bQ_wir-HPG6p4Y2vbETfo_C-qMQlHPKUsyavBgu67t3_dsD4Q1J1-CZDllOKeE/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp41m9xQi0HNcl8VL9ZX8xzsn-IKtdMf5wdKkaWP3TD7YSwLIU_jeGHcJ4IAqE4GWXMDiUvxuLVlf_bQ_wir-HPG6p4Y2vbETfo_C-qMQlHPKUsyavBgu67t3_dsD4Q1J1-CZDllOKeE/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegh3Ac-YLcUyUU-DWkv1mUW54AMwk8t66PI9h26pOLzr5F4pAHArd54ogapF3rT0buEJZyF0i0xme6klqI5tbCiIo_m23KrWvRONXR-3BrwLOL8InnJoJwnbGZ0YzTUfKl46MqUWkwEs/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegh3Ac-YLcUyUU-DWkv1mUW54AMwk8t66PI9h26pOLzr5F4pAHArd54ogapF3rT0buEJZyF0i0xme6klqI5tbCiIo_m23KrWvRONXR-3BrwLOL8InnJoJwnbGZ0YzTUfKl46MqUWkwEs/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuzH537bqePt7PAL_Zi2SjP13n6zAW2LHjjEk1P8u-meBr4Wze2No8Q2vlP-t_sNd4pTFcI2NSE14p9Qnk208eaZaZ_fHO3ndSiULObjs6RnKooW1AAJTE16x_fvIywEBfWKp4S1Tzdw/s1600/CIMG6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuzH537bqePt7PAL_Zi2SjP13n6zAW2LHjjEk1P8u-meBr4Wze2No8Q2vlP-t_sNd4pTFcI2NSE14p9Qnk208eaZaZ_fHO3ndSiULObjs6RnKooW1AAJTE16x_fvIywEBfWKp4S1Tzdw/s400/CIMG6277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We couldn't actually walk in the gardens or on the grass but it was a nice walk along the paths and out of the exit at the rear gate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg990tzoSRzOPfjt0lUPx9rE4o9GIWCMRozJ7bmUBxeysBcHUCS7zHYqGoE8jRo03pee5uv6L5hJ8TyWqBCVcD5MNwm2g77Y9gNb_rXDNKUFwKTgQK5p3TplVfVs-2TMPJnVaxr2OhRWrM/s1600/CIMG6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg990tzoSRzOPfjt0lUPx9rE4o9GIWCMRozJ7bmUBxeysBcHUCS7zHYqGoE8jRo03pee5uv6L5hJ8TyWqBCVcD5MNwm2g77Y9gNb_rXDNKUFwKTgQK5p3TplVfVs-2TMPJnVaxr2OhRWrM/s400/CIMG6278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-51354413500001693222015-10-01T13:25:00.000+01:002015-10-01T13:25:09.188+01:00# 25 Visit the Victoria & Albert MuseumThis is another place I've never got around to visiting until this year. Our trip to Buckingham Palace was booked for the afternoon of Saturday 12 September for some time and about a week beforehand I decided that I might as well make good use of the morning and tick another item off the list. E is developing an interest in art and design so I persuaded her to join me while P & T found something else to do that didn't involve "looking at wallpaper".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU3FG7dGV5NDk03sNZc4lsrenYEsdStIdr38lMZMjFSCa10avKwtb848PfOe5wWuo2zoiBcWNg7kzhnQ2uJpCzDDZvQYz1vz1gpIiavr781HOEERT1YzSDTt6F5peT-Yr0QzUb6kbVyU/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU3FG7dGV5NDk03sNZc4lsrenYEsdStIdr38lMZMjFSCa10avKwtb848PfOe5wWuo2zoiBcWNg7kzhnQ2uJpCzDDZvQYz1vz1gpIiavr781HOEERT1YzSDTt6F5peT-Yr0QzUb6kbVyU/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8RA2gw5D9PdTKc-EX7nc0mECKQ1lKsHgkg9TQkjCqGY0dOApzkukvzY4jztUPrcWWllNbslSdR2f5bMQ597BR3-DSYgSw2BYpVzwJDpXH9YOwl8GfvN4OGfVVHMIj3FSNl6vEzuAYbE/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8RA2gw5D9PdTKc-EX7nc0mECKQ1lKsHgkg9TQkjCqGY0dOApzkukvzY4jztUPrcWWllNbslSdR2f5bMQ597BR3-DSYgSw2BYpVzwJDpXH9YOwl8GfvN4OGfVVHMIj3FSNl6vEzuAYbE/s400/IMG_0256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgJaOFJXRY8kfvtWjjLvOTl1Tda_pYq-nbkeVtyaXACNUoaNCz6gZS6bXQxLLbXv6onI1laPax4pFTFbADlrlMfSIeXWM5oy8Ivn1H7kEIjtOHeOazrUx76yZGAUflY6CheYAFASFpzY/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgJaOFJXRY8kfvtWjjLvOTl1Tda_pYq-nbkeVtyaXACNUoaNCz6gZS6bXQxLLbXv6onI1laPax4pFTFbADlrlMfSIeXWM5oy8Ivn1H7kEIjtOHeOazrUx76yZGAUflY6CheYAFASFpzY/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, yes, there was some wallpaper there but there were lots of other things too. No, it wasn't all especially exciting, but there is a huge amount to see and we found lots of things to look at. We particularly liked the huge jewellery collection and had fun trying on some of the historical clothing (don't worry, we were allowed to).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR1MGOH-Nueg6D__9-v7R46WqLK8NsQzVDYatNZ00tOLcp3TUWN2-EON6TSafEsfkVQNUyD0bDMcsP2EJGnNqBDjGPyMSa8Zd8KIQkN2ddi1qk8l_AQ58emyHkFfponimDTTJ1pLPIBg/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR1MGOH-Nueg6D__9-v7R46WqLK8NsQzVDYatNZ00tOLcp3TUWN2-EON6TSafEsfkVQNUyD0bDMcsP2EJGnNqBDjGPyMSa8Zd8KIQkN2ddi1qk8l_AQ58emyHkFfponimDTTJ1pLPIBg/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMvL8YRqcOnE-Jmh_AaSVUlpcNgdL4I4Bg8gEtTPOvxhXH9zqXshXg7MgW4g_t5zI5wig4L4rCvzelh4j_g3eioe78roAXdRNkw-aFpjkujCRlLmaUymq8Ig5GfIvBP_4c_0oUG4iDHA/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMvL8YRqcOnE-Jmh_AaSVUlpcNgdL4I4Bg8gEtTPOvxhXH9zqXshXg7MgW4g_t5zI5wig4L4rCvzelh4j_g3eioe78roAXdRNkw-aFpjkujCRlLmaUymq8Ig5GfIvBP_4c_0oUG4iDHA/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ilYCu1fJZTVzAnQnNrKPxN2XvSHuJNW7CVkZ7ZFE10Ipa_5032bY0_BG_n7pGpEMsfSTjEgBEMxwCjV8CROPGTtZbEFglMvpS0JjChEMQhmCghx_Dj06hRoNKw9_T89tLbbeGIre3kM/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ilYCu1fJZTVzAnQnNrKPxN2XvSHuJNW7CVkZ7ZFE10Ipa_5032bY0_BG_n7pGpEMsfSTjEgBEMxwCjV8CROPGTtZbEFglMvpS0JjChEMQhmCghx_Dj06hRoNKw9_T89tLbbeGIre3kM/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More than anything, though, it's a really lovely building and a great place to get lost in. Compared to the busyness of the Natural History Museum next door it was very peaceful, especially in the some of the furthest reaches of the building, and a lovely place to just wander around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrhuHqgKTUcOjy-9uuBdawW4hMAZYkgsFa63iCazoInd_ZuEP5trZI9pibb-i47Cl08oF5IszlXZqJDhUubgqV1izoSUIoQu1tgV-U313khuJibl6tmgogBkLduyIIaVuo0dr-LpRUcU/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrhuHqgKTUcOjy-9uuBdawW4hMAZYkgsFa63iCazoInd_ZuEP5trZI9pibb-i47Cl08oF5IszlXZqJDhUubgqV1izoSUIoQu1tgV-U313khuJibl6tmgogBkLduyIIaVuo0dr-LpRUcU/s400/IMG_0242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp0pv3DWbdQqfGwFfh76e1wC_GGxs_SYpmN6l536sn3nUdKcH1jExErM1w0r46VvN-FVab-wEAE8OCZ2QIRFEzaCLqPmcrOdNYb9Y684xS7MonMZW-sYOR5ZBjl6rGVFsCp79JhWl8OU/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp0pv3DWbdQqfGwFfh76e1wC_GGxs_SYpmN6l536sn3nUdKcH1jExErM1w0r46VvN-FVab-wEAE8OCZ2QIRFEzaCLqPmcrOdNYb9Y684xS7MonMZW-sYOR5ZBjl6rGVFsCp79JhWl8OU/s400/IMG_0244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LR7HbVxsOfPSuQHOlkxOJAh8zk5s2JFNIR-q97dMw4spmcyFvUCiyMHFi-iJ0BVbOZXirQxAnUl1AiKKdU_lywFwQHO-7Td_gIwJJvW1hiExwMkSnSKsoke45k5HXw7GxaX_S-5W-VQ/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LR7HbVxsOfPSuQHOlkxOJAh8zk5s2JFNIR-q97dMw4spmcyFvUCiyMHFi-iJ0BVbOZXirQxAnUl1AiKKdU_lywFwQHO-7Td_gIwJJvW1hiExwMkSnSKsoke45k5HXw7GxaX_S-5W-VQ/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Special mention also goes to the cafe which had a lovely selection of food and will be my first choice if I happen to be in the area again in the future. There were several different sections serving hot dishes, sandwich, deli items and cakes and there was plenty of seating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHmQ7M1Az3XtZXjjdUvNto38rCO0mE4iQN11CBKPu4gywCuNQ4uHu2BLAOh109mZT-2GzTVYz3WYDjWjiQ_VTJtqHMeWdfY_9y2Ye_w9_4hzuKjSs4HoCNkgvvfU8M8orNBj3c1PU0P8/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHmQ7M1Az3XtZXjjdUvNto38rCO0mE4iQN11CBKPu4gywCuNQ4uHu2BLAOh109mZT-2GzTVYz3WYDjWjiQ_VTJtqHMeWdfY_9y2Ye_w9_4hzuKjSs4HoCNkgvvfU8M8orNBj3c1PU0P8/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmC0zsGds6FVN_F1xtCdkkNAWoTlQbXQ6HFuz0H99Tlh0cLNcuCm98WSwpmfu3IO4VXTy10OtmxCfZQS0WISVHSbngpedzKXWdCm8ALjwQd90mTpkKIDTha_m0VhVbejUgQaLLXOr2UA/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmC0zsGds6FVN_F1xtCdkkNAWoTlQbXQ6HFuz0H99Tlh0cLNcuCm98WSwpmfu3IO4VXTy10OtmxCfZQS0WISVHSbngpedzKXWdCm8ALjwQd90mTpkKIDTha_m0VhVbejUgQaLLXOr2UA/s400/IMG_0251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The courtyard outside is also a lovely spot on a sunny day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJITX5bxhhGwGjolJ2XgCoYM3N8QuwOV2GYKMGbZ9lCnM7vA4yto27l5uS1oBW3KLheJExXWesQ6kNWogeZ2u84jLwYx5dCry7UGw3J5KfZylW3jgmj6TKaLKmtHRJsQ7LWm4TUGlnDg/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJITX5bxhhGwGjolJ2XgCoYM3N8QuwOV2GYKMGbZ9lCnM7vA4yto27l5uS1oBW3KLheJExXWesQ6kNWogeZ2u84jLwYx5dCry7UGw3J5KfZylW3jgmj6TKaLKmtHRJsQ7LWm4TUGlnDg/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQOYuJBdzfzqJ8P_NYg20nJfV-lp0AZUAQc95aiegDlfDtkW9VLyCpQeAXniJlECTYJ9f-PW-0_bvI_53hqfzj_QRNEyAsql91T9cMVCunfWGFhOVKKzjEex0WfufKJatByHHCFR0D3U/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQOYuJBdzfzqJ8P_NYg20nJfV-lp0AZUAQc95aiegDlfDtkW9VLyCpQeAXniJlECTYJ9f-PW-0_bvI_53hqfzj_QRNEyAsql91T9cMVCunfWGFhOVKKzjEex0WfufKJatByHHCFR0D3U/s400/IMG_0252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-57804088128566814922015-09-24T21:45:00.001+01:002015-09-24T21:45:08.592+01:00# 24 ????I'm afraid I will be keeping one or two of the items on my list to myself and this is one of them - sorry!<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f0WGF_yjWk0Zd5ahbHtEw4Gk5m3ef9Zc-r4JeBd8A_gm0jeOu4w2C4NAn9w5mkwHn_P3_H8zBwr1sU2jL7KCger3fVAYGr-d_2eR9vOT47nEEYN5Nvy-7Ml3i4Nr4E16BUZ3kBbpfrc/s1600/%253F%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f0WGF_yjWk0Zd5ahbHtEw4Gk5m3ef9Zc-r4JeBd8A_gm0jeOu4w2C4NAn9w5mkwHn_P3_H8zBwr1sU2jL7KCger3fVAYGr-d_2eR9vOT47nEEYN5Nvy-7Ml3i4Nr4E16BUZ3kBbpfrc/s400/%253F%253F.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-69062292533587821492015-09-01T19:53:00.000+01:002015-09-01T19:53:15.541+01:00# 23 Jersey WondersI had initially put "Make Jersey Wonders" on the list, but, really, who am I kidding. Some things are best left in the hands of the experts so I soon switched "Make" for "Eat".<br />
<br />
Jersey Wonders are a local delicacy similar to a doughnut but less sweet and more deep-fried. They're a bit of a hard sell to be honest and, on the whole, it seems that you have to be Jersey born and bred to truly appreciate these greasy, almost-certainly-really-bad-for-you, balls of dough. "Wonder why you eat them" is a popular comment from non-fans.<br />
<br />
Now, ideally, these should be freshly made in front of you, preferably by someone in local costume and a bonnet. However this variety can be hard to come by in which case you'll need to source one from a farm shop, or in my case this time, from the Vienna Bakery in the market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mBeyzEw1karxkY7IOyElh6qeBnyUt8vTdN6BC37TM_c3jBJeSuWYg7YDyX6lYYeOT_oUda73SC7dkEpmmy1sgI6Cj73XbWnvWqhGiQk2KvT2r3qYi7pjigroy6ZmHbfutqd-_NW3bpM/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mBeyzEw1karxkY7IOyElh6qeBnyUt8vTdN6BC37TM_c3jBJeSuWYg7YDyX6lYYeOT_oUda73SC7dkEpmmy1sgI6Cj73XbWnvWqhGiQk2KvT2r3qYi7pjigroy6ZmHbfutqd-_NW3bpM/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note - this picture was taken a couple of years ago - they are now 68p!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You know you're on to a winner when your pastry does this to its paper bag.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7kkEERneEY4wDHfWiou68JH4sPaNkcWuo376rew0U3pkU5Kd5eLu4zXGxT2vEqh7IgSy6ds96q01K6acei1SQ9QVffMGsgma6_AL-m4Qi3rLmmL2o7gyndh9lwhzw8UHTN7M6oxt31U/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7kkEERneEY4wDHfWiou68JH4sPaNkcWuo376rew0U3pkU5Kd5eLu4zXGxT2vEqh7IgSy6ds96q01K6acei1SQ9QVffMGsgma6_AL-m4Qi3rLmmL2o7gyndh9lwhzw8UHTN7M6oxt31U/s400/IMG_0213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-through thanks to all the grease!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A quick warm in the oven and you're good to go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pHvRdaivSEJ6NhglEY9pHPlOi6vPY-4vFlXxQaIec_87giPuPIw-q-jUUAz5hDNT544vHVrBbdq0nrMdUu4Asif5hEAXkpExFBnpS0QIlaujb3EVQfD07nk3_H8WvPkgWc5fKquniAM/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pHvRdaivSEJ6NhglEY9pHPlOi6vPY-4vFlXxQaIec_87giPuPIw-q-jUUAz5hDNT544vHVrBbdq0nrMdUu4Asif5hEAXkpExFBnpS0QIlaujb3EVQfD07nk3_H8WvPkgWc5fKquniAM/s400/IMG_0210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lovely (if you're from Jersey)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnXUTshLX6nXWEbrGLwArCKh0IEijBGH9IesyyoSRw7I-WzGj0e_esf3fiLSA1d9RbnKvoPZei8Al5xGODpvOSua6f_lTJcF20PwTYll97cWeHbgzYRWDLn9VGWdgqHZ05YOP-eJ8x-s/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnXUTshLX6nXWEbrGLwArCKh0IEijBGH9IesyyoSRw7I-WzGj0e_esf3fiLSA1d9RbnKvoPZei8Al5xGODpvOSua6f_lTJcF20PwTYll97cWeHbgzYRWDLn9VGWdgqHZ05YOP-eJ8x-s/s400/IMG_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-73104573363999210332015-09-01T19:41:00.000+01:002015-09-01T19:41:20.256+01:00# 22 Eat at Longueville ManorLongueville Manor is a bit of a Jersey institution and one of the most highly regarded hotels on the island. Everyone who visits only has good things to say about the service and the food and as I'd never been myself it was a prime candidate for the list.<br />
<br />
We had booked a table for lunch on Monday the 24th of August and as soon as we arrived we understood what we'd heard about it feeling like a real escape from the outside world. The hotel is on the outskirts of a fairly built up area of the island but as soon as you drive through the granite entrance the grounds feel very secluded and peaceful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFc_ekRHLxBc7883R2gMuMn7TMC8UzIni77aJcOHBs0h_MpK1vhUCo7S2SqdLf8pPlybGGMbu4UEM0E3a4IfD7ESaVnwK_FYch2wCwBKRrHMBHv-p_rE8bGwdlWa9HQTKLr5ROuwAPQY/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFc_ekRHLxBc7883R2gMuMn7TMC8UzIni77aJcOHBs0h_MpK1vhUCo7S2SqdLf8pPlybGGMbu4UEM0E3a4IfD7ESaVnwK_FYch2wCwBKRrHMBHv-p_rE8bGwdlWa9HQTKLr5ROuwAPQY/s400/IMG_0208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Hq0TqsZfwBz6MVwTnf7bdF2ktg8fgbKNV6ArGOqHUXSzaBgRILlnIYlI9yibjpyZuFiAaDszmqZqOMalmtiEcg5EPXEM-PuJgMURV8zsXFSLUMw1CpRvG546lvQqOx2I96D9k1_Mv7Q/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Hq0TqsZfwBz6MVwTnf7bdF2ktg8fgbKNV6ArGOqHUXSzaBgRILlnIYlI9yibjpyZuFiAaDszmqZqOMalmtiEcg5EPXEM-PuJgMURV8zsXFSLUMw1CpRvG546lvQqOx2I96D9k1_Mv7Q/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were greeted by a member of staff as soon as we had stepped out of the car and guided inside. We were given a lovely glass of Pimms to get things started and offered the chance to look around outside before we sat down. As it was still fairly sunny we had a nice stroll around the gardens and pool area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVt80r74XnBpYkB99GMz2nyFjBD4ckMdSXSX-T-CtSML_2g3u5VnbuWwn9gWj2vjD7DzPegNNbh2F4bwjIWB1fFnXzEk5G5CUpu1vO-HOe2RUcL6LVoS6fwObeNyKhOuoBfx_N7dglGo/s1600/CIMG6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVt80r74XnBpYkB99GMz2nyFjBD4ckMdSXSX-T-CtSML_2g3u5VnbuWwn9gWj2vjD7DzPegNNbh2F4bwjIWB1fFnXzEk5G5CUpu1vO-HOe2RUcL6LVoS6fwObeNyKhOuoBfx_N7dglGo/s400/CIMG6243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhNpMt58LiuQ37UgKwzPlXcKD1IiLAF5o7laQY9mY_lAD6sMm5yO3Ww-dzHftvzM8BNsjgxpgb3o50vqxP89otcw91tANiaFYrhOED9bFdvZ7OLDuvGl1AoWrBrVSX8WYKsJx9Ubl1b0/s1600/CIMG6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhNpMt58LiuQ37UgKwzPlXcKD1IiLAF5o7laQY9mY_lAD6sMm5yO3Ww-dzHftvzM8BNsjgxpgb3o50vqxP89otcw91tANiaFYrhOED9bFdvZ7OLDuvGl1AoWrBrVSX8WYKsJx9Ubl1b0/s400/CIMG6244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short walk we headed back inside and were shown to our table. We obviously eat a lot earlier than most as for a while we were the only people in the dining room. We didn't mind though and it gave us the chance to take a few selfies and pictures of the food without worrying.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9JxNdQBedTWVhNbgrCC4BKrEb6ax5JWHX25FvvKNV3gM4g5Zq6sTqORuNAGrPRJWiNLeFvbGjNvnUPYLsWlFK6Fp8VovfVRAYuxuW2XdWnpG2SLN-urbxeKV4NjNwT7-jhTV0tWUIDk/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9JxNdQBedTWVhNbgrCC4BKrEb6ax5JWHX25FvvKNV3gM4g5Zq6sTqORuNAGrPRJWiNLeFvbGjNvnUPYLsWlFK6Fp8VovfVRAYuxuW2XdWnpG2SLN-urbxeKV4NjNwT7-jhTV0tWUIDk/s400/IMG_0198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuXw_gck0Ou8nVTzrDJyJM6VNDzvFeOMOKkIGMtLMidByLdGioGWQz_TgHFl-RkzIgde_RchN0yfLLCAFhD0uOFfXiPvdOkF33sOOFlfTfBR-FFzF_HLUxIUoLy32zYbJsn4T4sBCbz0/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuXw_gck0Ou8nVTzrDJyJM6VNDzvFeOMOKkIGMtLMidByLdGioGWQz_TgHFl-RkzIgde_RchN0yfLLCAFhD0uOFfXiPvdOkF33sOOFlfTfBR-FFzF_HLUxIUoLy32zYbJsn4T4sBCbz0/s400/IMG_0195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bread was lovely and we were also given a little dish of halved radishes on ice with a lime mayonnaise to dip them in as an appetiser.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOM6XkU955x3SI6p7H41ri4Y2_WC54RbpAlt5Ajv-KTTAZNtEOzd2WwRSBG15-kU9fmNRqcXgQBaGpj8s9UZa1TK0wLRzMo7RtOR_Zsbnro3uUMAuRPTWypCHdrPkBU9Jfu7rb6QPQMw/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOM6XkU955x3SI6p7H41ri4Y2_WC54RbpAlt5Ajv-KTTAZNtEOzd2WwRSBG15-kU9fmNRqcXgQBaGpj8s9UZa1TK0wLRzMo7RtOR_Zsbnro3uUMAuRPTWypCHdrPkBU9Jfu7rb6QPQMw/s400/IMG_0197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37J48-N8ctSZM_FsYojEUEnRxqzLye6w_EVrezuy8F9axmysGCRuqh0tJPYUG8FH3JzwcC_hQpzoMYjzbaXEIB6zwxRb3kCtPxkn05uWqEddhZAh0_u2E9-yIwpnfXOdVurWaDKFfrrM/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37J48-N8ctSZM_FsYojEUEnRxqzLye6w_EVrezuy8F9axmysGCRuqh0tJPYUG8FH3JzwcC_hQpzoMYjzbaXEIB6zwxRb3kCtPxkn05uWqEddhZAh0_u2E9-yIwpnfXOdVurWaDKFfrrM/s400/IMG_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The service was excellent from start to finish and while they were quick to clear plates, refill water glasses etc we didn't feel rushed in any way.<br />
<br />
We opted for the set lunch menu which was a bargain at £25 each. Everything sounded lovely but this is what we chose....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIL10AHX9YlBuf1vcnzuZOVCDygcFstoOEqKGMO8l802BRK2ddVP6LDuxWOAaxwfB_-alO-a7GQKTAm7UEcwy_uo-T0JQSS6l74Ne49yqtZOsv6XO7bbNdwP-me2he5wWgDlf7pTkyw/s1600/IMG_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIL10AHX9YlBuf1vcnzuZOVCDygcFstoOEqKGMO8l802BRK2ddVP6LDuxWOAaxwfB_-alO-a7GQKTAm7UEcwy_uo-T0JQSS6l74Ne49yqtZOsv6XO7bbNdwP-me2he5wWgDlf7pTkyw/s400/IMG_0196.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSidP-gCh84Pc_0lDtPVvXe9EWU4r8-LuzbrseAL6hls4ZlVv3RxVK7JiXekQr1tMxyz9qfpCHFs8MyigtRUlRNKihVvpibcr56lkVygaqj65eU0pPpMpj7sTI-zcwsKB0UXNQ9RQ4Kk/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSidP-gCh84Pc_0lDtPVvXe9EWU4r8-LuzbrseAL6hls4ZlVv3RxVK7JiXekQr1tMxyz9qfpCHFs8MyigtRUlRNKihVvpibcr56lkVygaqj65eU0pPpMpj7sTI-zcwsKB0UXNQ9RQ4Kk/s400/IMG_0200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
H - Slow cooked ham hock and apricot terrine, pear and sultana chutney and toasted country bread</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJQBxnxVNcW5f37zFOODatYIj6ReavqbPZqeGx0_DtrxhPEZ1VU_M6Ihr5YZ5vpTBAcsaTjjUlR0eC8bhH5M9IACY8QtsUTnK9q_y2hByzaEDlvOc36BgTsfRr3qPMjcZFsnZeeTwGb4/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJQBxnxVNcW5f37zFOODatYIj6ReavqbPZqeGx0_DtrxhPEZ1VU_M6Ihr5YZ5vpTBAcsaTjjUlR0eC8bhH5M9IACY8QtsUTnK9q_y2hByzaEDlvOc36BgTsfRr3qPMjcZFsnZeeTwGb4/s400/IMG_0201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
P - Hand dived north coast scallops and prawn ragout with linguine and Asian broth</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ebZ3CjHU2BIfbTzR_TsADTf6jywWqOixNK317iuLPy3D9pzvWbyoU7olXHbjKJyUt9gfl406gKOtTNPkbc1e0kU6hZ-ZDoucRMwpKI7SGzBTZb3Bt2zIjt2IH2jOKwoLrpgNJBHwS9U/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ebZ3CjHU2BIfbTzR_TsADTf6jywWqOixNK317iuLPy3D9pzvWbyoU7olXHbjKJyUt9gfl406gKOtTNPkbc1e0kU6hZ-ZDoucRMwpKI7SGzBTZb3Bt2zIjt2IH2jOKwoLrpgNJBHwS9U/s400/IMG_0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
H - Roast maize fed poussin with herb gnocchi, woodland mushrooms and crisp pancetta</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h3FHuI5wzz20Kmm69OzQlZ4gpoYWQgTy4TC-J6w5YNwqEcyzScGXDEFEJTOqQkqd5d3M2I5LNDyIwO1AdMGuU0wAHmU1PEExe8QLWSOc38NhPIEEdPyBzbFLAuXSbC5jm6J9-5f6od8/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h3FHuI5wzz20Kmm69OzQlZ4gpoYWQgTy4TC-J6w5YNwqEcyzScGXDEFEJTOqQkqd5d3M2I5LNDyIwO1AdMGuU0wAHmU1PEExe8QLWSOc38NhPIEEdPyBzbFLAuXSbC5jm6J9-5f6od8/s400/IMG_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P - Confit of Gressingham Duck with sweet pickled figs and garden vegetables</div>
<br />
While making our dessert choices they also presented us with an enormous cheese trolley!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq3JUBZemULEi08AtEGa4Pip8JuFun6P03HVMB3nCdi7idilwT46xtDLOBIiSpl7CIkQ3tKLXYx-OEi8P79mZA9udsWfLoPKKOaYsPQ_LiXOiKOjwFnk_p9T2jRP5Mh4q39_gFlQC0Fk/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq3JUBZemULEi08AtEGa4Pip8JuFun6P03HVMB3nCdi7idilwT46xtDLOBIiSpl7CIkQ3tKLXYx-OEi8P79mZA9udsWfLoPKKOaYsPQ_LiXOiKOjwFnk_p9T2jRP5Mh4q39_gFlQC0Fk/s400/IMG_0205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This would have cost a bit extra so while we were very tempted, in the end we selected desserts from the menu and we weren't disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHftslGuub_4j8qian2xhWBrhyriFr-ieFh4HzZJxhO0YlwUSRsIwAFB3Dde4f0GvSgQauu75bWaFB-8E-mluMSR9ZOHWiZhpD8xmwlsm58Fnm9ltnCaUBgzK2fJFGF80n4O1RuLx-Vas/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHftslGuub_4j8qian2xhWBrhyriFr-ieFh4HzZJxhO0YlwUSRsIwAFB3Dde4f0GvSgQauu75bWaFB-8E-mluMSR9ZOHWiZhpD8xmwlsm58Fnm9ltnCaUBgzK2fJFGF80n4O1RuLx-Vas/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
H - Sun-ripened summer berries with an iced chocolate soup and garden mint ice cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xpWaWx3_BUg52ppJSclPfftbka8n09Qed70Rl_1MW_RxBqLdo4btdDateV1ww1LEifc8kJGHVufsrXY2Y-KepSkXzBD7GIw51f4qAZHmwc_OFZqSbUttqPx8QYDmFKpU6A01mcYA-0w/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xpWaWx3_BUg52ppJSclPfftbka8n09Qed70Rl_1MW_RxBqLdo4btdDateV1ww1LEifc8kJGHVufsrXY2Y-KepSkXzBD7GIw51f4qAZHmwc_OFZqSbUttqPx8QYDmFKpU6A01mcYA-0w/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P - Garden strawberries with crisp meringue, Jersey cream and strawberry sorbet</div>
<br />
After we had finished our meal we made our way to the lounge for tea and petit fours. I had been given a voucher for our visit for my birthday (thanks K&P!), hence the lovely inscription on the plate. I didn't have the heart to tell them my birthday was six months ago!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C-QL6YRfiwlPT5USiZrpe2W6jj2qp25nOWb_xRRR13VHaYuJ1EqAlfxaTGsxs52cg32fSi6mqEquNM7Ok2CzMB8fzH6YRRjfXyNBSAA9GCDEeLW_T438NPQaWZxXIjkMDNOddQjnHBk/s1600/CIMG6247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C-QL6YRfiwlPT5USiZrpe2W6jj2qp25nOWb_xRRR13VHaYuJ1EqAlfxaTGsxs52cg32fSi6mqEquNM7Ok2CzMB8fzH6YRRjfXyNBSAA9GCDEeLW_T438NPQaWZxXIjkMDNOddQjnHBk/s400/CIMG6247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3umGiNz0uFAUioVH7KhWKfwN_P26VF_frHWhkkg-fQCbxuXlGI0sdtGozQBBUIw8IJb1un7ZSB8Tlv5fHNivIr6ZxXRSoBMA2aJIeaN-dBb98SdgEp2cYnKtFY8Q8r-X2alQKYYW1Bis/s1600/CIMG6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3umGiNz0uFAUioVH7KhWKfwN_P26VF_frHWhkkg-fQCbxuXlGI0sdtGozQBBUIw8IJb1un7ZSB8Tlv5fHNivIr6ZxXRSoBMA2aJIeaN-dBb98SdgEp2cYnKtFY8Q8r-X2alQKYYW1Bis/s400/CIMG6248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all it was a lovely meal and, as mentioned above, excellent value for money considering the quality of the food and the level of service.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-60309577379708093992015-08-31T19:35:00.002+01:002015-09-01T19:36:56.303+01:00# 21 Walk to Seymour TowerJust like Les Ecrehous, Seymour Tower is a Jersey icon that every local is aware of but not everyone has visited, mainly because it is situated around a mile offshore and only accessible at low tides. If you're not familiar with the area it's possible to get trapped on a sandbank as the tides come in around you. There have been a number of stories over the years of people doing just that and having to spend an unexpected amount of time stranded from the mainland. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHSpSfA5tYqDeHGNUENhSLtxaLMP_bMok1MWDrHeC8LKdsiUwUqEkM79A0OdDtffC_YYARvjjJ2UpqEdwKACPNEBbX62_0MgP6sAaxSIz4vOpBQ0YNCUOTcKX1l3j0Ru1uEp1YzSInaA/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHSpSfA5tYqDeHGNUENhSLtxaLMP_bMok1MWDrHeC8LKdsiUwUqEkM79A0OdDtffC_YYARvjjJ2UpqEdwKACPNEBbX62_0MgP6sAaxSIz4vOpBQ0YNCUOTcKX1l3j0Ru1uEp1YzSInaA/s400/IMG_0187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At 4pm on Friday 21st August we met our guide, Trudi (of <a href="http://www.jerseywalkadventures.co.uk/">Jersey Walk Adventures</a>), at the Seymour slip in St Clement, ready for our walk. Despite a mixed weather forecast we were lucky to have perfect blue skies all evening. Not being exactly sure what to expect we both arrived wearing trainers and socks, however Trudi confirmed that we would definitely be getting our feet wet and offered us the use of some water shoes. We weren't sure about these at first but they turned out to be surprisingly comfortable and ideal for the job.<br />
<br />
We set off across the sand towards the tower and Trudi was soon sharing lots of information about the area and the local flora and fauna. We also got a close look at the rescue tower placed on one of the sandbanks to help anyone caught by the incoming tide. Apparently the lifeguards have had over 30 callouts so far this year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHQiDHiBIpgzyWTvy3pndKplGsOff8FcvHndWJO4Tn3qk0QLI9JS2VRlPBwxauMeyjk5lzH4icG455tfmcQD_-cYXycOkULTSKHWovO1rhEwTp2MqX5wph_-mlpIJ892lycoaw3wX_z0/s1600/CIMG6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHQiDHiBIpgzyWTvy3pndKplGsOff8FcvHndWJO4Tn3qk0QLI9JS2VRlPBwxauMeyjk5lzH4icG455tfmcQD_-cYXycOkULTSKHWovO1rhEwTp2MqX5wph_-mlpIJ892lycoaw3wX_z0/s400/CIMG6229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seaweed hanging from the posts shows how high the water gets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We weren't hurried and spent lots of time fishing around in the rock pools and looking at shells and seaweed. Although we were visiting at low tide there was still a lot of water around and pools to wade through so we were grateful for the water shoes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1F9q_dZK9cVWk4YCOh1evtvyvkcPSJMRw1vaEqyuwOenxwFSVG8D2F2jumoMTM1JwGg6o95Yb3_JWsHS1kCZiPaWzH6QxGUjjzqq2FYzLARf7oZEPMIpKU0jmWEbo-C-DtYcW_oMqIc/s1600/CIMG6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1F9q_dZK9cVWk4YCOh1evtvyvkcPSJMRw1vaEqyuwOenxwFSVG8D2F2jumoMTM1JwGg6o95Yb3_JWsHS1kCZiPaWzH6QxGUjjzqq2FYzLARf7oZEPMIpKU0jmWEbo-C-DtYcW_oMqIc/s400/CIMG6216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jersey in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBUgEVmg0OKl0lYDjbdty1tEQOQrTd0CUAsUbtnSKNqlYzQJkMp2YQvgNGwOrIrsyAiVsp0nf8M_f1t99Yug_EIoFNWgFuNSnF3PZ2myzeUb_hRTxsS89A40U1FdAni2rwYEQ4m9bxXQ/s1600/CIMG6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBUgEVmg0OKl0lYDjbdty1tEQOQrTd0CUAsUbtnSKNqlYzQJkMp2YQvgNGwOrIrsyAiVsp0nf8M_f1t99Yug_EIoFNWgFuNSnF3PZ2myzeUb_hRTxsS89A40U1FdAni2rwYEQ4m9bxXQ/s400/CIMG6215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Seymour Tower is available for overnight stays and fortunately for us there was someone staying there during our walk. Overnight visitors have to be accompanied by a guide for safety reasons and he was happy for us to have a look inside and climb up to the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xfLYrGEdq7i1Jp6BgsgMeMUI-GIQOR6cBiGYLGkBbdNOBamRsBis8UaXr1qgGoxuIPVRjHxW8hjVddHZ5g430HA1nXqWSxXzeADaplw5LsyNSh0LgX7VZDGJsJ0ukofcpeWBqnH-m8o/s1600/CIMG6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xfLYrGEdq7i1Jp6BgsgMeMUI-GIQOR6cBiGYLGkBbdNOBamRsBis8UaXr1qgGoxuIPVRjHxW8hjVddHZ5g430HA1nXqWSxXzeADaplw5LsyNSh0LgX7VZDGJsJ0ukofcpeWBqnH-m8o/s400/CIMG6218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPelQ_zKKKpbsKarCQNp52sRz3X1LMrOyQbDTkVbW-zYKzbS9HZBc2G_HTMHyn26nRHbHgy0VPo_yu_reVrh0pfvfXZciipGBo0TgNF3ClNWUHwGKG2PsvAFGjzrGV_pMlaCrnH6jlNcE/s1600/CIMG6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPelQ_zKKKpbsKarCQNp52sRz3X1LMrOyQbDTkVbW-zYKzbS9HZBc2G_HTMHyn26nRHbHgy0VPo_yu_reVrh0pfvfXZciipGBo0TgNF3ClNWUHwGKG2PsvAFGjzrGV_pMlaCrnH6jlNcE/s400/CIMG6219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdHGVf_RWqmXEJLidFg_UCjdtdDr89D9cb1hq1BcUNuTfCgW_5RTlyUbvF3MfBzDsKZVUy3d5m9wyO2h4uGkB_33zp0YgOZRwO6mwjFdwhGtjz21274BJxV2TJ3dk337_GdOYeXX0LC0/s1600/CIMG6221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdHGVf_RWqmXEJLidFg_UCjdtdDr89D9cb1hq1BcUNuTfCgW_5RTlyUbvF3MfBzDsKZVUy3d5m9wyO2h4uGkB_33zp0YgOZRwO6mwjFdwhGtjz21274BJxV2TJ3dk337_GdOYeXX0LC0/s400/CIMG6221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOt-ugWg9WhLi7Eu4SaKBoZKBwgyIAv3FpayypxRR6DpOhXH7RaxqfzW6b56Ds9972v99eUsTrgSREfsrLZFiZgbPyGw-E7GlcKg52-qR4hsos_pS9xTrM65kKeCcibC1vPsYTdDRdtk/s1600/CIMG6223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOt-ugWg9WhLi7Eu4SaKBoZKBwgyIAv3FpayypxRR6DpOhXH7RaxqfzW6b56Ds9972v99eUsTrgSREfsrLZFiZgbPyGw-E7GlcKg52-qR4hsos_pS9xTrM65kKeCcibC1vPsYTdDRdtk/s400/CIMG6223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk7NGqli5UsfRhQhs9u2nbUI6SuwHBWUtbYI-EJt97xFr3JKEBp2ocFYKlJmrN3cSzkIPfuxwpZiDcGnLeW2sNhm0WzMttrzjtGZO4eKlpkdqMN6-9E-_Pmzb1kxwgmyVJhQ4todBi1Y/s1600/CIMG6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk7NGqli5UsfRhQhs9u2nbUI6SuwHBWUtbYI-EJt97xFr3JKEBp2ocFYKlJmrN3cSzkIPfuxwpZiDcGnLeW2sNhm0WzMttrzjtGZO4eKlpkdqMN6-9E-_Pmzb1kxwgmyVJhQ4todBi1Y/s400/CIMG6224.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The tower sleeps eight or so in bunk beds and while it has a kitchen and toilet (well, a bag with a seat on it), it still feels pretty basic! I'm not sure I fancy an overnight stay, but it would fun to do one of the day stays that they also offer so you have the chance to watch the tide coming in and surrounding the tower.<br />
<br />
Once we'd finished exploring and taking pictures we headed back for dry land.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktpduYcY5wljBJkBaR5mJSiiMQj3Cw2-SnKKvn5-a0DP4Cugh00rNLUJBkySHA3gvG9ujlu2yTDD-QoI7I36FMkrsGBN8PfAclP_E_a5P0_txF-RyOdvVRlGgkNwt-n8Otg6q_Akvgik/s1600/CIMG6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktpduYcY5wljBJkBaR5mJSiiMQj3Cw2-SnKKvn5-a0DP4Cugh00rNLUJBkySHA3gvG9ujlu2yTDD-QoI7I36FMkrsGBN8PfAclP_E_a5P0_txF-RyOdvVRlGgkNwt-n8Otg6q_Akvgik/s400/CIMG6228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpkd-sOMGi5_61WkH_pFJC5Bbj0LFMT6pfmjq3HdRfcbczjnc3BFj05ibW-i1WH_dGk7aXv8G8Xl9-Axz0gUE0d2y5Kp72e9jYMIOrOVaq_aXq4-NOHQgTf6WeNp-In1_yKSHzXnZYPQ/s1600/CIMG6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpkd-sOMGi5_61WkH_pFJC5Bbj0LFMT6pfmjq3HdRfcbczjnc3BFj05ibW-i1WH_dGk7aXv8G8Xl9-Axz0gUE0d2y5Kp72e9jYMIOrOVaq_aXq4-NOHQgTf6WeNp-In1_yKSHzXnZYPQ/s400/CIMG6226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrr4gcOxmmlXxNot9fueZV8XaRS46zSk5n3PMtIm3h815Uj2uADoXb9rR9OuLNauYaD7VB4OxcVWfKK6kGg8PaISUcxYu-tVI9-6L0LupXr6IP0dl7TtM3BwTQGSs0-HKrVxweP7hSxk/s1600/CIMG6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrr4gcOxmmlXxNot9fueZV8XaRS46zSk5n3PMtIm3h815Uj2uADoXb9rR9OuLNauYaD7VB4OxcVWfKK6kGg8PaISUcxYu-tVI9-6L0LupXr6IP0dl7TtM3BwTQGSs0-HKrVxweP7hSxk/s400/CIMG6225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The walk back took about an hour and we arrived back at the car at around 6.45pm. It was a great walk, made even more interesting by our knowledgeable guide. Next time I'd like to try one of the night walks.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-11729458511255621962015-08-28T20:55:00.001+01:002015-09-01T19:33:36.998+01:00# 20 Visit the EcrehousOr Les Ecrehous to be exact. All Jersey people will be aware of this group of islands and rocks located around 6 miles off the north-east coast of the island, though not many have had the chance to visit. Despite what the French may think, they are part of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the parish of St Martin and, while there are no permanent residents, there is a small collection of buildings including an official customs house. For lots more info and history have a look at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89cr%C3%A9hous">Wikipedia</a>.<br />
<br />
Jersey Seafaris offer various boat trips from and around the island and as there were initially ten of us planning on taking part (and twelve on the day) we booked a private trip just for us on Thursday 20th August. We were given the option to go in the morning, during high tide, and at 5pm in the evening when the tide would be low. We chose the later time which in the end turned out to be the right decision.<br />
<br />
Our trip left from St Catherine's breakwater and we were met by Richard and his colleague who got us kitted out with waterproof jackets for those who wanted them and life vests for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnQ-0kahDqEX7Fa0d2YuKpFZdwfd9LGMroInepHk3iDfbelcfn30tTkoc5qljnGR1B3a1k7oxp43jZD1m4dT2p8wRSCoDbp5y82EMcTh1mP_eaUe2cWc7D9XFp9WS5Ba3wPkTmer2H2o/s1600/CIMG6182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnQ-0kahDqEX7Fa0d2YuKpFZdwfd9LGMroInepHk3iDfbelcfn30tTkoc5qljnGR1B3a1k7oxp43jZD1m4dT2p8wRSCoDbp5y82EMcTh1mP_eaUe2cWc7D9XFp9WS5Ba3wPkTmer2H2o/s400/CIMG6182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I wasn't expecting the saddle-style seating at the front of the boat but they actually turned out to be quite comfortable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfEpesMMV0YNpQKR5SpEhqBBw3ip0jyDKn8gFtFn7Eh41GCLnAuXJr3NAkNapuTlD8OcfmURoiAywuk0l4wuPXnS69GV2-A9uyDDKsiIeWZ57o3L-jrJt_zy6R1eyPvEjdjdMdOT_n64/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfEpesMMV0YNpQKR5SpEhqBBw3ip0jyDKn8gFtFn7Eh41GCLnAuXJr3NAkNapuTlD8OcfmURoiAywuk0l4wuPXnS69GV2-A9uyDDKsiIeWZ57o3L-jrJt_zy6R1eyPvEjdjdMdOT_n64/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the boat was away from the harbour our guides picked up the speed more than some of us had expected, however they were happy to slow down a bit on request. It took around 20 minutes to reach the islands at which point our guide slowed the boat right down and gave us a bit of information about our surroundings.<br />
<br />
As mentioned above, our visit coincided with low tide which meant that a lot more of the rocks and islands were exposed and we had the opportunity to make a stop at a small, isolated beach for a few minutes. We learnt that this beach only appears at very low tides and is the only area of the Ecrehous made up entirely of shells (everywhere else is just rocks).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdH_25F73l6UVaYY4D0Qmk2NfM1oN2QK4MWELG8-jrrnW3fJ3Iy7-l9a8BohVeuWM9r2wRJHQnvNKMAVhGX0oNf8PqnjC9j6mQ8O4QVuO377_hqFa_hyCSPcYJ6kGaUT3WJOiIYYTBwE/s1600/CIMG6190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdH_25F73l6UVaYY4D0Qmk2NfM1oN2QK4MWELG8-jrrnW3fJ3Iy7-l9a8BohVeuWM9r2wRJHQnvNKMAVhGX0oNf8PqnjC9j6mQ8O4QVuO377_hqFa_hyCSPcYJ6kGaUT3WJOiIYYTBwE/s400/CIMG6190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our shell beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXn0OaDvggvZUhyphenhyphenGbsP0kadm7z5-vYQYbubtRlO79pvDJuPQfkdLWHkbPNkx3sGtKpSfpoRDaZooAuZzeOqXNfqFDQDWlyrkocaOjJhXk6Wc0wb4NPsl18ophmepcj8kV2fO6qL07PLI/s1600/CIMG6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXn0OaDvggvZUhyphenhyphenGbsP0kadm7z5-vYQYbubtRlO79pvDJuPQfkdLWHkbPNkx3sGtKpSfpoRDaZooAuZzeOqXNfqFDQDWlyrkocaOjJhXk6Wc0wb4NPsl18ophmepcj8kV2fO6qL07PLI/s400/CIMG6193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpnTvZwBVVAkss5a6lGAycqLSC7_6413EJEgr-J85NhYFRrGOfYQnDWJXhb5oZudM3Cv2mvb4BE4J1lqv4dOodch-1TkSru4evSXRAXPTMuTn9AIKoZRwrfXizMa9ffA0tCMIjsh7fig/s1600/CIMG6199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpnTvZwBVVAkss5a6lGAycqLSC7_6413EJEgr-J85NhYFRrGOfYQnDWJXhb5oZudM3Cv2mvb4BE4J1lqv4dOodch-1TkSru4evSXRAXPTMuTn9AIKoZRwrfXizMa9ffA0tCMIjsh7fig/s400/CIMG6199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a short stop we returned to the rib and carried on towards the main island, passing a few seals on the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSJHqzaSBueraxTKx83M2J3kWGn9xDwidBxZP5lBTnvhXJYk0hdG9NZ0kyabvovqf3HnoxJ_C5vL1Y-Y8_0Mwhh8lYvj_kbxHJOPLDDTd-TX2nF2IrhbC1W4yYjz0VihWNa2ZEqJlKV4/s1600/CIMG6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSJHqzaSBueraxTKx83M2J3kWGn9xDwidBxZP5lBTnvhXJYk0hdG9NZ0kyabvovqf3HnoxJ_C5vL1Y-Y8_0Mwhh8lYvj_kbxHJOPLDDTd-TX2nF2IrhbC1W4yYjz0VihWNa2ZEqJlKV4/s400/CIMG6201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOxWF44T2E5GMdeK7e_IOY4PUlWIXo2oIeBrICtVL8Q_1dUqyw340pgCTaoD4iCQ_2UubQyIBxcLoTioDPijMRpBF1ZBlF_3xPgkDSTvJqvZJp2x6QLaBhx71VPaYR9Op7begu6eh0zw/s1600/CIMG6202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOxWF44T2E5GMdeK7e_IOY4PUlWIXo2oIeBrICtVL8Q_1dUqyw340pgCTaoD4iCQ_2UubQyIBxcLoTioDPijMRpBF1ZBlF_3xPgkDSTvJqvZJp2x6QLaBhx71VPaYR9Op7begu6eh0zw/s400/CIMG6202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At around 5.45 we arrived at the main island and hopped off at the end of the small jetty. We then had 45 minutes to explore before we had to return to the boat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuf23uk7uaMvI93hij3eNQ6KxoO_qbjog8nmg9SnhlG9GnXQQYHWpeQK3LXQ2uGl5GCT14C-gXuvXa1AOH9R0dejN3yy5jgdjATATEx924lujU16Ow9gmwnLQ4gQPCc9XtHAt8Si49E4/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuf23uk7uaMvI93hij3eNQ6KxoO_qbjog8nmg9SnhlG9GnXQQYHWpeQK3LXQ2uGl5GCT14C-gXuvXa1AOH9R0dejN3yy5jgdjATATEx924lujU16Ow9gmwnLQ4gQPCc9XtHAt8Si49E4/s400/IMG_0143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEa1vXSArvTX7XbcEykXRseYSWn4TSdGi4PvGxUV5ylyhK4Vr0mUvtzqhLJPC_j5ty5wdWJBiXXkljazS7mhd7ZWC979efYM4ovQk3eBiWCCTkKL1lDRdxmy_2ILwD0JX5Gu_4EEJnFo/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEa1vXSArvTX7XbcEykXRseYSWn4TSdGi4PvGxUV5ylyhK4Vr0mUvtzqhLJPC_j5ty5wdWJBiXXkljazS7mhd7ZWC979efYM4ovQk3eBiWCCTkKL1lDRdxmy_2ILwD0JX5Gu_4EEJnFo/s400/IMG_0144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi-UPitnA2-ChVr9S5yIkdGG19Tn1NiWhBQF_YAXCL2yir5WNkJ3KHbn4jwR2bIBr395PTd_9t_d4dqY7LzQ8DXBB7N2MY8r5URbE0RLIVk8Kpcjp_8SX8_gemC-cLIsnIQi9o8J4gzI/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi-UPitnA2-ChVr9S5yIkdGG19Tn1NiWhBQF_YAXCL2yir5WNkJ3KHbn4jwR2bIBr395PTd_9t_d4dqY7LzQ8DXBB7N2MY8r5URbE0RLIVk8Kpcjp_8SX8_gemC-cLIsnIQi9o8J4gzI/s400/IMG_0145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At high tide these buildings are all separated by water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiJrySsIJc1hrTXL3Ah5SyDaLvYPlrDugpG8rMpezGZKouDv8sceoKxnsxqdltPUacYKqXYz0QJWzMvSRcpf-p9dS7NJWeWhLgysIM2nivQ7FXnXQ14MIU7KJHRMDJsubAeH4D-DUBtU/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiJrySsIJc1hrTXL3Ah5SyDaLvYPlrDugpG8rMpezGZKouDv8sceoKxnsxqdltPUacYKqXYz0QJWzMvSRcpf-p9dS7NJWeWhLgysIM2nivQ7FXnXQ14MIU7KJHRMDJsubAeH4D-DUBtU/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9QYEF9umi8b8BeZjkauVsZtHqcMXEG_1KxsIsXmkV19c_qyspwa2o26DmGSuGkJmlC375y4BWTgWs6-FDYzBGjVkgNFbLEdZ4_IciJ0Agh3Jyrgy9CdYGmOdx6Vr7A6XdjdCui2oW7Q/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9QYEF9umi8b8BeZjkauVsZtHqcMXEG_1KxsIsXmkV19c_qyspwa2o26DmGSuGkJmlC375y4BWTgWs6-FDYzBGjVkgNFbLEdZ4_IciJ0Agh3Jyrgy9CdYGmOdx6Vr7A6XdjdCui2oW7Q/s400/IMG_0147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We all loved exploring the little collection of houses and imagining what it would be like to spend some time here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4ugLV-2POrDqd5M1mokSohgQr1HBVj-xMgEI3aa0vLFaVVdkKyX_X-ErfKEdd6b_-_ZMKaiRdxBZaj5TglcK8CtBfwZFBFA46Xf2ZAMHDYNe_gFQq3OKQBBKGI_Em2mZUAnTDcBGgWM/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4ugLV-2POrDqd5M1mokSohgQr1HBVj-xMgEI3aa0vLFaVVdkKyX_X-ErfKEdd6b_-_ZMKaiRdxBZaj5TglcK8CtBfwZFBFA46Xf2ZAMHDYNe_gFQq3OKQBBKGI_Em2mZUAnTDcBGgWM/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbRJ8Ra_THRxbShEwszHwxXfN8cjca5j8TLCIWo3NnCaLet1an2vffiqu7XvVIgWHKkpaL_5hmKxP5gzY3vuUH84Q9BUX-gzz8VUwgchwvVRLgQUWdMmlR8SGi1u7hnzJ2X2c1Iq4IwM/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbRJ8Ra_THRxbShEwszHwxXfN8cjca5j8TLCIWo3NnCaLet1an2vffiqu7XvVIgWHKkpaL_5hmKxP5gzY3vuUH84Q9BUX-gzz8VUwgchwvVRLgQUWdMmlR8SGi1u7hnzJ2X2c1Iq4IwM/s400/IMG_0154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8ftHsCzWpqXkAcDDhsJkSAXP892AzEhyWja96-bCDDdwoEha-u6yAK6259ZxJ73eY5lz1vHlvL-IVbGo02ol5uvFWY4WbjLZfyO4TXhuLAixcvyCkv7RtwrjbXM4fH3EDnWy_g0dU-0/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8ftHsCzWpqXkAcDDhsJkSAXP892AzEhyWja96-bCDDdwoEha-u6yAK6259ZxJ73eY5lz1vHlvL-IVbGo02ol5uvFWY4WbjLZfyO4TXhuLAixcvyCkv7RtwrjbXM4fH3EDnWy_g0dU-0/s400/IMG_0155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShmBHmnyMOP16m56NnEq3uxHNXh8xstQ8YS3mKoopyn7UmLt2rY6rqnihYSgOHITNO5D6aZW_iHnJwNO_vs1Qq7USDQBDfXAMVCn-LY5Y9wDMkmPFnvAJCJcs0wba61USaUAVCJ3i4ho/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShmBHmnyMOP16m56NnEq3uxHNXh8xstQ8YS3mKoopyn7UmLt2rY6rqnihYSgOHITNO5D6aZW_iHnJwNO_vs1Qq7USDQBDfXAMVCn-LY5Y9wDMkmPFnvAJCJcs0wba61USaUAVCJ3i4ho/s400/IMG_0152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We found a little red jellyfish stranded in a rock pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPIujpsZ-PX7Bd0F4mqgkDcG7pnZkngoXXOJL0CjxZv1tTQpHSRo2SrFYZtA7A6o39NPjdlkXqZlzUxjc-49IotCPDJE8cx21-_nNaTx6HoJtSHUPioCi3cqoLe0ntfoim26tVCHKgtk/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPIujpsZ-PX7Bd0F4mqgkDcG7pnZkngoXXOJL0CjxZv1tTQpHSRo2SrFYZtA7A6o39NPjdlkXqZlzUxjc-49IotCPDJE8cx21-_nNaTx6HoJtSHUPioCi3cqoLe0ntfoim26tVCHKgtk/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally it was time to head home and once we were clear of the islands our guide upped the speed again and even included some speedy twists and turns before we reached St Catherine's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpVJcr_4WSKDaHUxs7_VRhwscgQbguLfsEphhNKXtteQs320uk0fXwAn2X6jiyB4SMcXMwnnZQ6Gigc52Jox6SYlK147hF6gM-H69Yk8OoSVFpK4UFiGdHP0WfCr2TqabkFakQX-VLl4/s1600/CIMG6203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpVJcr_4WSKDaHUxs7_VRhwscgQbguLfsEphhNKXtteQs320uk0fXwAn2X6jiyB4SMcXMwnnZQ6Gigc52Jox6SYlK147hF6gM-H69Yk8OoSVFpK4UFiGdHP0WfCr2TqabkFakQX-VLl4/s400/CIMG6203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodcf5kBTR5D1n8gqBu2bwP_H96XG169ZLkLE-1NfPr48r8kjV76e6Q6zLoYj36lYSKSh0xL8vurrQ9A6Kjv-kr67y4KD26w0NPNTl1UnU8AYMLfykUFnFYSS2QoxfnJJLX4I6KmDwvP0/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodcf5kBTR5D1n8gqBu2bwP_H96XG169ZLkLE-1NfPr48r8kjV76e6Q6zLoYj36lYSKSh0xL8vurrQ9A6Kjv-kr67y4KD26w0NPNTl1UnU8AYMLfykUFnFYSS2QoxfnJJLX4I6KmDwvP0/s400/IMG_0165.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's having fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXrjI-e8VtYwCC_yNS-LBZGm5pZk-f7eMXNlT-pOHROGtJgfuSkP8Hd5FQx9yvnfFHav-euv5BsdC5_AUN8IxJhQvPwBwFi-4i1Rxrz6yd47WN6tvlFhbV_j6CFqlT-4AXoiAzP39Vw0/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXrjI-e8VtYwCC_yNS-LBZGm5pZk-f7eMXNlT-pOHROGtJgfuSkP8Hd5FQx9yvnfFHav-euv5BsdC5_AUN8IxJhQvPwBwFi-4i1Rxrz6yd47WN6tvlFhbV_j6CFqlT-4AXoiAzP39Vw0/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all it was a brilliant trip. Although it wasn't sunny at least it stayed dry and the only small negatives were not seeing any dolphins and the trip not being long enough. Everyone agreed that they'd love to do another trip - maybe next time we'll go all the way to France!<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-35025318764642170982015-08-28T18:20:00.001+01:002015-08-28T18:20:18.951+01:00# 19 Go to JerseyOK, so this is one of the things on the list that is definitely not a new experience and, as I take a trip home at least once a year, it was hardly a challenge to achieve it. However, I still wanted to include it as going back to the rock is as important this year as any other. I visited twice; in June by myself and in August with the whole family, and both trips were a starting point for a few of the other activities I had planned for the year (see # ). Here are a few pictures from our little island.<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzspyRB8QymDiwOVCEbH48OVppoP6iQFQJ2znRvZSpi-9tk8boLQl1WcXJBo-XDT4n1_hMplwNvLVksYYLRTP1SxpevnNzXBeStYKFlGXEIBd8H7RagCJC5YP30pw5ZeaZF3Wi88nbfqU/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzspyRB8QymDiwOVCEbH48OVppoP6iQFQJ2znRvZSpi-9tk8boLQl1WcXJBo-XDT4n1_hMplwNvLVksYYLRTP1SxpevnNzXBeStYKFlGXEIBd8H7RagCJC5YP30pw5ZeaZF3Wi88nbfqU/s400/IMG_1455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the north-east coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj1VbFA3ohb260YxG8H6rcoXejzW_eAscnpdfl_RZjHuiAW4AC-WhwXqJX9tRPTqzfRwe560fNhzpPn2bHaf4rLxkRBxk0QqMHsMV1-h7YgWoGc8f2JQ_D6WCJ4TFVsdhyElmlLMgkrA/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj1VbFA3ohb260YxG8H6rcoXejzW_eAscnpdfl_RZjHuiAW4AC-WhwXqJX9tRPTqzfRwe560fNhzpPn2bHaf4rLxkRBxk0QqMHsMV1-h7YgWoGc8f2JQ_D6WCJ4TFVsdhyElmlLMgkrA/s400/IMG_1957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorey Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjBYVQMmuQgQsLDZZyujZ1qTes4GUz71WzkhpwzaVysNb6LIWbpCM7axv8lc16LMhE2UbmSFSuAfQyp7eaJXxvcWtM83xqKr1ycmr45JyXT4oBkbWpgqRTWcAGts68bvYzQ4-1T2fxls/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjBYVQMmuQgQsLDZZyujZ1qTes4GUz71WzkhpwzaVysNb6LIWbpCM7axv8lc16LMhE2UbmSFSuAfQyp7eaJXxvcWtM83xqKr1ycmr45JyXT4oBkbWpgqRTWcAGts68bvYzQ4-1T2fxls/s400/IMG_1975.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingoes at the Durrell Wildlife Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzVaiv9RgMYdvqF2CfcghOebMtCfIOIdUki07EUqOZH982s8qCm97yTe_MMV1GNO6pXUZ3ynRs2RJvTXgBLm5AVzVA0BrhcLr1GxIiszSVc3GAY66gRdFSP4soQ50orx-AaQ15y_rKoY/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzVaiv9RgMYdvqF2CfcghOebMtCfIOIdUki07EUqOZH982s8qCm97yTe_MMV1GNO6pXUZ3ynRs2RJvTXgBLm5AVzVA0BrhcLr1GxIiszSVc3GAY66gRdFSP4soQ50orx-AaQ15y_rKoY/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Brelade's Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI6HGESPQrRYud8HgnKgv6Rml1bWx7Ea7Ue1EoC5v21qJE23qZx4vb6gUZDQdMk2A4KYl-kAUPQ8aJEvIp4HDpc5c-C1ITPcW1VcmFsXwq1yJN9HNIoBkfX4SUO-OMzVEgHsZizYQ4mY/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI6HGESPQrRYud8HgnKgv6Rml1bWx7Ea7Ue1EoC5v21qJE23qZx4vb6gUZDQdMk2A4KYl-kAUPQ8aJEvIp4HDpc5c-C1ITPcW1VcmFsXwq1yJN9HNIoBkfX4SUO-OMzVEgHsZizYQ4mY/s400/IMG_1463.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandcastles at St Brelade's Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyOWzdLLHL-ItB7MHkSeHvWdtA-9XUdtfH8a4dLvUNw0M4gxDsKQm4_g6CO33D_m2r8oet3rjAm03jra8V0gCMnVQMUkzvD1iskAGqMBVvJ5HJDXgUkIzGKaP5Qk8tn5wa1r0E05mMnk/s1600/CIMG4566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyOWzdLLHL-ItB7MHkSeHvWdtA-9XUdtfH8a4dLvUNw0M4gxDsKQm4_g6CO33D_m2r8oet3rjAm03jra8V0gCMnVQMUkzvD1iskAGqMBVvJ5HJDXgUkIzGKaP5Qk8tn5wa1r0E05mMnk/s400/CIMG4566.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plemont at high tide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBYIeB5oPnS45i4FL-i55oXvPLcsXZNyzG02o6rA8o-A9G8hgP2i6lskCB4S-cTDAnnGvVgxYSZ4KYhak1T2hVLIyCBc05yrR1SXAt_H354KDI6Zij0NKhoU6LvVd4Qxt0PUX5QXMVdM/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBYIeB5oPnS45i4FL-i55oXvPLcsXZNyzG02o6rA8o-A9G8hgP2i6lskCB4S-cTDAnnGvVgxYSZ4KYhak1T2hVLIyCBc05yrR1SXAt_H354KDI6Zij0NKhoU6LvVd4Qxt0PUX5QXMVdM/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greve de Lecq</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8so2kWhSBX28bT9fm2Wr9g90ue5EQX1WyXhQakobbfYOsnhoWllpJ0RY3E5yyphtFhVWCWj0FuLgbLJpBdka7nr5_dWDvUANp2urtfj4hZ2bOAujqsraJvEWFICf3XWKHZvC6aGaqX8/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8so2kWhSBX28bT9fm2Wr9g90ue5EQX1WyXhQakobbfYOsnhoWllpJ0RY3E5yyphtFhVWCWj0FuLgbLJpBdka7nr5_dWDvUANp2urtfj4hZ2bOAujqsraJvEWFICf3XWKHZvC6aGaqX8/s400/IMG_0175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg889TwC9dM-ud4XM8ox5kuaI4kzK33STLQApdHwtCFRcQRkw9QpI7M_35sawen4A8lXYquoWFhbisFygnsa8ymumITFUO04hL2USfPfH0fGlV2XWQzoyvy_jO7r06re80rFsq5Br62KnE/s1600/DSC01254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg889TwC9dM-ud4XM8ox5kuaI4kzK33STLQApdHwtCFRcQRkw9QpI7M_35sawen4A8lXYquoWFhbisFygnsa8ymumITFUO04hL2USfPfH0fGlV2XWQzoyvy_jO7r06re80rFsq5Br62KnE/s400/DSC01254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jersey Cows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-30607382213910093892015-08-15T20:43:00.000+01:002015-08-15T20:48:16.320+01:00# 18 Go to a festivalIt's been several years since I went to a festival so I was determined to include one on my 40@40 list. We also thought it would be fun to try out festival-going as a family so when I heard that tickets were going on sale for Carfest, the festival Chris Evans organises in aid of Children in Need, I didn't waste time getting online. Tickets sell out quickly for Carfest but luckily I was able to get tickets for the Sunday (2nd August) at Carfest North at Oulton Park, Cheshire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7sJ15IFrjvJvd95QoXabR0BsuYG9F-Rq4YO6_J4wBnxM2Qu92gX9SA-iRE3XqwBEbW6Qi4OL6XrNqguZhqNZjlPYqXVShKk1TXJKAOFDrkgiYE4zwIwgF-zJq64QiQETGEZoGfj8uw0/s1600/CIMG6081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7sJ15IFrjvJvd95QoXabR0BsuYG9F-Rq4YO6_J4wBnxM2Qu92gX9SA-iRE3XqwBEbW6Qi4OL6XrNqguZhqNZjlPYqXVShKk1TXJKAOFDrkgiYE4zwIwgF-zJq64QiQETGEZoGfj8uw0/s400/CIMG6081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We travelled up the day before and stayed overnight in a Premier Inn (nice) in Crewe (not nice), getting up bright and early the next morning ready for our festival day. We arrived before it opened and had no trouble parking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mjZ7pxfPJxnOB3PUdSoxPEsPCYWVcbyH_PZA6bTIgTUUMbGObTUwtnvw58B8WCUOXjJagZ1hO3E2agvG0K-pB6LLvgr2jZP3l3GQmFwPaDATjLv9QoiZN5HiEKzfLSLUbW5lABCF0Pg/s1600/CIMG6082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mjZ7pxfPJxnOB3PUdSoxPEsPCYWVcbyH_PZA6bTIgTUUMbGObTUwtnvw58B8WCUOXjJagZ1hO3E2agvG0K-pB6LLvgr2jZP3l3GQmFwPaDATjLv9QoiZN5HiEKzfLSLUbW5lABCF0Pg/s400/CIMG6082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Carfest turned out to be a great choice of festival. There was lots to see and do and it was a really well-organised, family-friendly event. There were lots of different things to see and do, the food choices were really good and even the loos were ok (I've certainly seen a lot worse!). Even though it was a long day E&T did really well and we made it right to the end.<br />
<br />
Here's some of the fun stuff we saw....<br />
<br />
Bike Stunts<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG6gSIjpkh0uTVG3hGLTIWBG1k8ERHQQTkcycRHOXS4hTmxB2S43Ssw1870iUWVCvAcBKnP0hheG1GAtIK94FXkl6SZNUs9UsaT4n23kq66FCF74MCaRxmSZoORXWUTfqPZSaDWKXsH0/s1600/CIMG6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG6gSIjpkh0uTVG3hGLTIWBG1k8ERHQQTkcycRHOXS4hTmxB2S43Ssw1870iUWVCvAcBKnP0hheG1GAtIK94FXkl6SZNUs9UsaT4n23kq66FCF74MCaRxmSZoORXWUTfqPZSaDWKXsH0/s400/CIMG6089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT4JQ3A0el2a0oaNEf2zAZPVMtEubvcjr82EW1lji0UCtLO37BlymcmHIGZLZLaPTkFEc6TnHTo-MdhIj7aSOXXqbS78Vlt8IpzWRstoCSHGUgihm19kHnvXwGqYLa9M_1BJ4gOw5vwk/s1600/CIMG6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT4JQ3A0el2a0oaNEf2zAZPVMtEubvcjr82EW1lji0UCtLO37BlymcmHIGZLZLaPTkFEc6TnHTo-MdhIj7aSOXXqbS78Vlt8IpzWRstoCSHGUgihm19kHnvXwGqYLa9M_1BJ4gOw5vwk/s400/CIMG6091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dancing JCBs<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZX9EaO7XKw4w0AN_wrSNdfM7rqXZhj9Bi2-jhdVIxSlIkgnbhr4zzxTnJPwd3jDTnxidsnyi5vD9OV36LR-0_wuVQyl06hBkQL5lHlHzui_RyO4w66BpcXFDPdwvgE6bMm7hEfmK6G4/s1600/CIMG6095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZX9EaO7XKw4w0AN_wrSNdfM7rqXZhj9Bi2-jhdVIxSlIkgnbhr4zzxTnJPwd3jDTnxidsnyi5vD9OV36LR-0_wuVQyl06hBkQL5lHlHzui_RyO4w66BpcXFDPdwvgE6bMm7hEfmK6G4/s400/CIMG6095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Red Barrows!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaj1dvDlLoFPt4RjcSHkkXtUO85a1dO3MCDzul-ouD02VanJcd3jz-MTF00iVRUVX8vhVQrJUmdqvRrlSBz21U2rAa9e4giuiOP3BbJMifwgg9a-b1IhKdbdFwUnGKgsaOQB3F_bQlZA/s1600/CIMG6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaj1dvDlLoFPt4RjcSHkkXtUO85a1dO3MCDzul-ouD02VanJcd3jz-MTF00iVRUVX8vhVQrJUmdqvRrlSBz21U2rAa9e4giuiOP3BbJMifwgg9a-b1IhKdbdFwUnGKgsaOQB3F_bQlZA/s400/CIMG6093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_evbXjYZzTsRgq_V67jqHsyY8a5yPZkc51goQgZLu-RAL7E6Hi1ySlg2ORzMwRl3ZJOj8JZH7i4KZSXQMBdeVoeTtk4oi9MPCC0MR2e8YE2rXVHNzbFgugWsVz4rCIm6UCUJ3y92AKY/s1600/CIMG6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_evbXjYZzTsRgq_V67jqHsyY8a5yPZkc51goQgZLu-RAL7E6Hi1ySlg2ORzMwRl3ZJOj8JZH7i4KZSXQMBdeVoeTtk4oi9MPCC0MR2e8YE2rXVHNzbFgugWsVz4rCIm6UCUJ3y92AKY/s400/CIMG6101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Big helicopters<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtvpgOFTlZ6OcxoieFNpRn7T1-Kb7t2tPusLLB-cSOpJDrEpVkXiRuaTBWdtBNIg2i4oDF2QRdox22n2OqTxPaBkZa9iyURbP_2ryGo9ZEDwU0I6GQRgFG0IM0T-pp_v6qRSOY_ZHPh8/s1600/CIMG6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtvpgOFTlZ6OcxoieFNpRn7T1-Kb7t2tPusLLB-cSOpJDrEpVkXiRuaTBWdtBNIg2i4oDF2QRdox22n2OqTxPaBkZa9iyURbP_2ryGo9ZEDwU0I6GQRgFG0IM0T-pp_v6qRSOY_ZHPh8/s400/CIMG6108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lots of cars on the race track<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MTH-kpJ-0lXtiMshgkAGS5QBCy8sPb-zFxnuEGtIPdZAybdcA6Ja7T4RUgg1qToS9AvsacwlAiifRZ8gT3OxqHrVkGkkO7pPRpTbR89vfKEPxI3xGxalTI14dfpyJRASrs4iwaMlMLM/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MTH-kpJ-0lXtiMshgkAGS5QBCy8sPb-zFxnuEGtIPdZAybdcA6Ja7T4RUgg1qToS9AvsacwlAiifRZ8gT3OxqHrVkGkkO7pPRpTbR89vfKEPxI3xGxalTI14dfpyJRASrs4iwaMlMLM/s400/IMG_0073.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Chris Evans in one of his super-cars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_tMK1PwC7CI1PJc5SRQrNabyhAosVdhZMhozaU29CWwCX0np1zzmKxP6lTAX6rwkKGl1-hXBjZJB1RNvMKOUe68IPEqu0P5ugU94L3ee9sU_tQxiBtWaWRzhQT1StCWumM__U56FTgA/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_tMK1PwC7CI1PJc5SRQrNabyhAosVdhZMhozaU29CWwCX0np1zzmKxP6lTAX6rwkKGl1-hXBjZJB1RNvMKOUe68IPEqu0P5ugU94L3ee9sU_tQxiBtWaWRzhQT1StCWumM__U56FTgA/s400/IMG_0076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Including a (the?) DeLorean!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7_lwxazBAS06RCOQUFCdN7hvecXyT6rytjyGZ1Dfe6pzmB8j341Im07if7y9hnaHkjO1fMFCjGQxQwgjkW1Ab5mdmVy7n-9nLvzR1zCIBA_h9tOxp1mEJFDojcmlvOTM-UQozD8oKj8/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7_lwxazBAS06RCOQUFCdN7hvecXyT6rytjyGZ1Dfe6pzmB8j341Im07if7y9hnaHkjO1fMFCjGQxQwgjkW1Ab5mdmVy7n-9nLvzR1zCIBA_h9tOxp1mEJFDojcmlvOTM-UQozD8oKj8/s400/IMG_0078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The loos weren't actually too bad<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTQycDBAZjUg4ZAllPko3ckB_O8stjYVxqPfxKXhqYMrU3u1GT-3_5mmNSCTgpIJc6FvTRpIC7yNW_Kk9yrdV0m-0p3lb6f1CjTQ5glFpxpLNgh9f3J47ZWrfVb8n7rQ_1mGs_7vPiDI/s1600/CIMG6105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTQycDBAZjUg4ZAllPko3ckB_O8stjYVxqPfxKXhqYMrU3u1GT-3_5mmNSCTgpIJc6FvTRpIC7yNW_Kk9yrdV0m-0p3lb6f1CjTQ5glFpxpLNgh9f3J47ZWrfVb8n7rQ_1mGs_7vPiDI/s400/CIMG6105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We reeeally wanted those churros!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHyxGnqL_vv5uYNwwHLFVbDqO4SarxS3WmFngL29z_NFNRGzZRMwj3NRsWxKWAmLglwftc4Iy590QnHzioTxB7eyaFLcGJpCufRzXlcOL16jmiiPonbcJ4e3oYtlZxuoVJ6NkRO9gfAg/s1600/IMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHyxGnqL_vv5uYNwwHLFVbDqO4SarxS3WmFngL29z_NFNRGzZRMwj3NRsWxKWAmLglwftc4Iy590QnHzioTxB7eyaFLcGJpCufRzXlcOL16jmiiPonbcJ4e3oYtlZxuoVJ6NkRO9gfAg/s400/IMG_0103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We ended the day with some music, including an Abba tribute band and Will Young<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgH4f1FqXf7oFdV_f8gxhFz2ZrJC7DThyFKoyRxZR4ji0DY33E3ub7c7tV3TXXp2Wekn1Z_p6Z6G2Yudg15kI01CMTx5NBRPGjTm9Mxq_CviigUshyphenhyphen7JmY8gc6sJzpFinR74RlnSxxqA/s1600/CIMG6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgH4f1FqXf7oFdV_f8gxhFz2ZrJC7DThyFKoyRxZR4ji0DY33E3ub7c7tV3TXXp2Wekn1Z_p6Z6G2Yudg15kI01CMTx5NBRPGjTm9Mxq_CviigUshyphenhyphen7JmY8gc6sJzpFinR74RlnSxxqA/s400/CIMG6120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And a finale of fireworks<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU_OTJAg3bR-9SzKQLJ5n7WmpRV-EWhjVjzpSH6bWvbu98a7eo-H6qrGMlbeMdTnM2Hgi3DqXT4xnLmJKl5H3IOAHAcozdsYqjLkyCzLpbyFa_BLdgjI7Zlr6mXTuMLxZWMtMtYeVCGM/s1600/CIMG6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU_OTJAg3bR-9SzKQLJ5n7WmpRV-EWhjVjzpSH6bWvbu98a7eo-H6qrGMlbeMdTnM2Hgi3DqXT4xnLmJKl5H3IOAHAcozdsYqjLkyCzLpbyFa_BLdgjI7Zlr6mXTuMLxZWMtMtYeVCGM/s400/CIMG6124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We all had lots of fun and we love to go to another festival again some day, maybe even trying out a weekend of camping onsite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianC80uOWoUez0RVgHegiabnbOpAV7uqBHIsUNcIKW4XRcXVc67lEqBu8po3MCaQiXlqPoLzBV-o2j9xlhRQhAaOk-CooK8wV5j0ryGdlrVwfCgcTmVqqDa6X8mYCWtZqKizRUL0hVzcQ/s1600/IMG_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianC80uOWoUez0RVgHegiabnbOpAV7uqBHIsUNcIKW4XRcXVc67lEqBu8po3MCaQiXlqPoLzBV-o2j9xlhRQhAaOk-CooK8wV5j0ryGdlrVwfCgcTmVqqDa6X8mYCWtZqKizRUL0hVzcQ/s400/IMG_0098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3nvxrAm6RJgIPN7n8HUW39i9Y3R1Mrs1U0pUfFPcXvisXLqvbq8bwNYBU_p6PkvqwJj-04Je6Q9xjhHnNn6sHAJAj2ZbI_Wolso__TH1vyqWMBV6Fh7VxUpEoI3_PutaPo7dSz8SwEQ/s1600/CIMG6119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3nvxrAm6RJgIPN7n8HUW39i9Y3R1Mrs1U0pUfFPcXvisXLqvbq8bwNYBU_p6PkvqwJj-04Je6Q9xjhHnNn6sHAJAj2ZbI_Wolso__TH1vyqWMBV6Fh7VxUpEoI3_PutaPo7dSz8SwEQ/s400/CIMG6119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-28368903769436317492015-07-04T17:00:00.000+01:002015-07-05T11:24:30.599+01:00# 17 Go for Afternoon TeaNext on the list - afternoon tea! Again, something we've wanted to do for ages but haven't got round to. My work colleagues gave me a voucher for afternoon tea for two at The Swan in Lavenham as a birthday present and we couldn't wait to use it.<br />
<br />
We made a reservation for 2.30 on Saturday the 4th of July which turned out to be a gloriously hot and sunny day and Lavenham was looking lovely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPUpeuFc_uhcFqx6svRZkAsAIaFK1XPzObmvBNaC3lHU9ri2Q28GTOHgIKcaB_cOPDrl5dzibLnvrhgeFY75vfSioeTkhxIhfRgVpGfeaTKgYTZ4MzbdqMtrJp3LUa-BAIjtMXA8lYhA/s1600/CIMG6037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPUpeuFc_uhcFqx6svRZkAsAIaFK1XPzObmvBNaC3lHU9ri2Q28GTOHgIKcaB_cOPDrl5dzibLnvrhgeFY75vfSioeTkhxIhfRgVpGfeaTKgYTZ4MzbdqMtrJp3LUa-BAIjtMXA8lYhA/s400/CIMG6037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxOUBlEjjGI2OvIdyd4vaU-I_CYcfBnFnAjp44K7P-LlLoJRymxFmkBd_KqtkVLcHFZ6qGzkfeEE8PbcwOM1DN0hgIC9A6HWtjmo7daRzlCpivJq3hXsLHaJChIsiNVpLTTMRI7VW2qY/s1600/CIMG6033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxOUBlEjjGI2OvIdyd4vaU-I_CYcfBnFnAjp44K7P-LlLoJRymxFmkBd_KqtkVLcHFZ6qGzkfeEE8PbcwOM1DN0hgIC9A6HWtjmo7daRzlCpivJq3hXsLHaJChIsiNVpLTTMRI7VW2qY/s400/CIMG6033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Swan is right in the centre of the village and is a hotel and restaurant in a beautiful old timber-framed building. Inside, although the building is hundreds of years old, the decor finds the right balance between modern and traditional.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAnVHVJl0Ircq9i9iDwqqElkEAR4iW8MNGD1uGw5xnxgUZlQmuPg66LQJpWszJ7LqpznOtLZbBYo3n0pFJKi2v4GBzeltlGT0NfHdwkuQpiQV0Bvc3d452Ha3YHA8n3EhaJjdNfLOmQ4/s1600/CIMG6038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAnVHVJl0Ircq9i9iDwqqElkEAR4iW8MNGD1uGw5xnxgUZlQmuPg66LQJpWszJ7LqpznOtLZbBYo3n0pFJKi2v4GBzeltlGT0NfHdwkuQpiQV0Bvc3d452Ha3YHA8n3EhaJjdNfLOmQ4/s400/CIMG6038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On arrival, after a short wait in the bar, we were shown to our table in the lounge area. We were given a menu so we could make our selection from a long list of teas and were offered a glass of champagne which was a perfect start on a hot afternoon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP3ZmqbFr5uPDgsrxSTDW_Bafsco6r_iuJNoHiOcs-8Vog698n0Dhv6qKyJ_WVcGSI-4BxGkacB5z4jbHEIsyjDnJtbQmRTO0NyWhhJj2eK7urfL8TTpm0Pp6pLLgfVsBOPShEfmXHGc/s1600/CIMG6040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP3ZmqbFr5uPDgsrxSTDW_Bafsco6r_iuJNoHiOcs-8Vog698n0Dhv6qKyJ_WVcGSI-4BxGkacB5z4jbHEIsyjDnJtbQmRTO0NyWhhJj2eK7urfL8TTpm0Pp6pLLgfVsBOPShEfmXHGc/s400/CIMG6040.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Tea arrived shortly afterwards - English Breakfast for P and Strawberry and Mango for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ysKXwZg03gRimGojgcSjRqxu0MRGZSsZVG5Qd5bsRq6XWqWqkP0RWLnU0QxbQbL8J55ap2y8cV9OWd4KpvDbKWc8wa3bukwK6qKjIlg1nR1x63nzGS13ojyQADuiJFXIrU6y46dcI1g/s1600/CIMG6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ysKXwZg03gRimGojgcSjRqxu0MRGZSsZVG5Qd5bsRq6XWqWqkP0RWLnU0QxbQbL8J55ap2y8cV9OWd4KpvDbKWc8wa3bukwK6qKjIlg1nR1x63nzGS13ojyQADuiJFXIrU6y46dcI1g/s400/CIMG6042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short wait while we relaxed on the sofa with some newspapers our food arrived.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJGPIt58oIcaCCy0u4tivPhjDDKeEUZrW-x6ESTgZBfSQRX3mskPgPFp4x4bW9C3tA7d04vA5eq3l7uQMf_4zZCoUvkM77A1PEuQQprxyMrrZy3vv7Q7CcrRozPoALSJAwAY0hFOdnlE/s1600/CIMG6044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJGPIt58oIcaCCy0u4tivPhjDDKeEUZrW-x6ESTgZBfSQRX3mskPgPFp4x4bW9C3tA7d04vA5eq3l7uQMf_4zZCoUvkM77A1PEuQQprxyMrrZy3vv7Q7CcrRozPoALSJAwAY0hFOdnlE/s400/CIMG6044.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
To start with we had four types of sandwiches - cucumber and black pepper, ham and mustard, salmon with cream cheese and egg mayonnaise - all delicious. We followed those with the scones (traditional and apple with walnut) with plenty of jam and clotted cream.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQyeyM6jL-KFPyat55EspGFjn3zVLph1qn42xDaJaopBP_QeMW2MijdD0bRWWCV7JdWFHuDPsCmLiqLJdZkHEX5JYMLYcrYofiIbc0IHivPte9AUdBBrO064iWpukhfCADOB9t676tU/s1600/CIMG6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQyeyM6jL-KFPyat55EspGFjn3zVLph1qn42xDaJaopBP_QeMW2MijdD0bRWWCV7JdWFHuDPsCmLiqLJdZkHEX5JYMLYcrYofiIbc0IHivPte9AUdBBrO064iWpukhfCADOB9t676tU/s400/CIMG6051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam first then cream of course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally we had three cakes/pastries to choose from...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBqfT9tF2gvMGjE11wTf2O6hLBXB3l47ZBRc-7GRnWKBa1TQ2LQD92_RB7p9TdAlKlDFWgpetEAKk9WCdCh2pKMz7BZ4R-uCiq4ZY8xJAl2GgmxxTrxXjWvAFBdr_tM4JgBNyrgTvg64/s1600/CIMG6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBqfT9tF2gvMGjE11wTf2O6hLBXB3l47ZBRc-7GRnWKBa1TQ2LQD92_RB7p9TdAlKlDFWgpetEAKk9WCdCh2pKMz7BZ4R-uCiq4ZY8xJAl2GgmxxTrxXjWvAFBdr_tM4JgBNyrgTvg64/s400/CIMG6047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
...a lemon drizzle cake, a chocolate tart (my favourite of the afternoon) and a meringue swan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzZZE6apPZBNRcedH_08aGWtaXHJuI-NLot6S_yxNUwvfv78WeGTARflcMNJ8gaDD4yvLtPrbYEOU8VGB4ZSFW54zgCg8kHMzrcaGCSnp2DxCnkf8gje7c1cf8XwXrdgm1So_LxqTFLs/s1600/CIMG6055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzZZE6apPZBNRcedH_08aGWtaXHJuI-NLot6S_yxNUwvfv78WeGTARflcMNJ8gaDD4yvLtPrbYEOU8VGB4ZSFW54zgCg8kHMzrcaGCSnp2DxCnkf8gje7c1cf8XwXrdgm1So_LxqTFLs/s400/CIMG6055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite years of practice I made the rookie mistake of eating all the savoury things first when really I should have saved some for later to balance out the sweetness of the cakes. Hardly a great problem though and I had no problem finishing it all off (Phil, however, had to save one for later - amateur!).<br />
<br />
The afternoon was everything we'd hoped before with the Swan providing both delicious food and excellent service.<br />
<br />
We finished the afternoon off with a quick look around the Guildhall (a restored National Trust property) before heading home.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1349065082398221964.post-48903407223112858982015-06-28T13:00:00.000+01:002015-07-05T11:12:14.765+01:00# 16 Volunteer for somethingLike raising money for charity this is something I've done very little of over the years and when signing up for the Race for Life 5k I noticed that they were also looking for volunteers for the 10k race in the afternoon. As I was going to be there for the morning race it made sense to stay on and help out if I could.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bLmPwnUhtNhY7byuXGLIH828kBOpbeqMqiLa0iRy0VuGWYLCuETox5qODIjWIy5OLFGp67pqD-ZVfwlwGBfC-os4YgPQp_i8dtbaAmc7nUM04s49scfaPlWg_GrVtk1l5Cqeg72rEx8/s1600/CIMG6031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bLmPwnUhtNhY7byuXGLIH828kBOpbeqMqiLa0iRy0VuGWYLCuETox5qODIjWIy5OLFGp67pqD-ZVfwlwGBfC-os4YgPQp_i8dtbaAmc7nUM04s49scfaPlWg_GrVtk1l5Cqeg72rEx8/s400/CIMG6031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the morning's exertions I was directed to the admin tent where we were there to answer any questions and provide people with replacement race numbers if needed. Then a little later on they were short of marshalls round the course so I was sent to a checkpoint to keep an eye on the runners (and walkers) out on the course.<br />
<br />
All in all it was a lovely afternoon and a great, and very easy, way to help out the charity. I'll definitely be doing it again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROL3whajUMaDy0BI3nNSU_w_SNE5Okk3tei9xdBNG-rdqxjjgMsoad9KnWWAn8YpIrSl3ZGpCmOAWkwM_56FFfh83Rm1UT53iNngBLS8Pr-YcEgXpH_Edl4Mi3dNuS1ql4hHWrz78wg/s1600/CIMG6056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROL3whajUMaDy0BI3nNSU_w_SNE5Okk3tei9xdBNG-rdqxjjgMsoad9KnWWAn8YpIrSl3ZGpCmOAWkwM_56FFfh83Rm1UT53iNngBLS8Pr-YcEgXpH_Edl4Mi3dNuS1ql4hHWrz78wg/s400/CIMG6056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05887382443299794623noreply@blogger.com0