Photo shoot

Well, that made a pleasant change from my normal day-job. I was invited to attend the Awards Ceremony of a key client and take the official photographs of the event.

Apart from a small techy-glitch towards the end, it all went very well. I now just have to get the photographs printed & framed and then dropped off to the client.

A great day � nice to see so many people really enjoying themselves in a work environment!

Ely Ely Oh!

The three of us (Ann, Nicki and I) took a drive to Ely today. I haven't been there for a gazillion years.

Parking was pretty straightforward � a dedicated car-park for the Cathedral, our first stop. As we walked from the car, we suddenly realised how cold it was � but worse was to come!!

After a fairly thorough look around the Cathedral (marvellous!) and taking a load of photographs, we decided to head into town � a BIG mistake - as it got colder and colder and then it started to SNOW. Not the gentle stuff, but big flakes of the white stuff�more and more and more. We got soaked, and decided to postpone any further exploration and head straight back to the car!

Phew! - time for lunch then, so we headed for the 3 Horseshoes at Madingley. We had not been there before and what a treat it turned out to be! It was very busy, but they managed to get us a table in the pub bit. The menu turned out to be 'rustic Italian' (whatever that is!)�all we knew, was, it was brilliant! and we're definitely be going back there again.

We got home around 4, after treating Ann's car to its first visit to the hand car-wash in Finedon � a shiny motor now!!!

Time to put our feet-up, read the papers and watch a DVD. Today, we decided to go for 'Inglorious Basterds' starring Brad Pitt and directed by Quentin Tarantino. A curious film set in WWII and with its tongue firmly in its cheek! Some very, very violent scenes though and a bit strange!

Learning Network Group Meeting

We all met at the excellent Royal Festival Hall today for our final meeting of 2009. Rick took us through his experiences of measuring leadership performance through the use of a comprehensive questionnaire � the whole thing was fascinating and useful in equal measures.

The small turnout of Lydia, Antoinette, Sharon, Angela and Jan, plus Rick and me was more than made up for by the interest shown by us all. The venue was good too as we were able to tuck ourselves away upstairs in one of the public areas � perfect! 

We finished around lunchtime and decided to eat at the nearby Pizza Express. Coincidentally, we ended up being seated in exactly the same spot as the time when Ann and I went there, back in September, 2007 � what an coincidence! As last time, the service and food was excellent.

After lunch, we went our separate ways and Rick dropped me off at St Pancras. I missed the 3 o'clock by a whisper, and settled for the 3.30. It's been a great day and good to catch-up with many of my closest training colleagues and friends.

Home by 4.45 � feet-up and do b*****-all for the rest of the evening!

London

I'm in London all day. There was a time when I was here much more often but I haven't been here for ages!

My! St Pancras International now has even more shops!

Some things haven't changed though - a packed train going in and the sight of hundreds of commuters doing what they do every day - busily heading from 'a' to 'b' looking like the world is on their shoulders

I don't miss that bit at al!!

Because I'm Worth(ing) it�

We travelled down to Worthing to see Ian and Sharon. 'Plan A' was to attend the Foster Carers' annual bash, but for some reason it had been cancelled and move to early next year. Still, we already had Edwardian Dreams B and B booked, so we thought we'd make a weekend of it anyway.

Friday
We set off almost as soon as Ann got home � around 6pm. I knew from yesterday's experience, that the M25, where it joins the M11 was going to be bad (because of long-term road-works) and the Tom Tom planning service online confirmed that! So, we headed down the M11 to the A13 heading for the Blackwall Tunnel. That wasn't much better either! In fact it was a pretty poor journey all round. We eventually stumbled into the B and B at 10.30 � that's four-and-a-half hours to cover 150 miles� bonkers! Brian greeted us as soon as we arrived, and we went straight to bed!

Saturday
Birthday Boy! 21 today!! :) I slept well (mainly through exhaustion, I think!) and got around 8 o'clock only to find that the clock in the room was an hour fast! We tucked into Edwardian Dreams legendary 'full-English and then I opened all my cards and pressies that we'd brought with us. Thanks everyone � very much appreciated!! I just realised, I forgot to pack the camera! :(

This year, I got cards from:

• Ann (obviously!)
• Bev
• Mum
• Mae and Denis
• 'Shadow' and 'Glade'
• Neil and Debbie
• Roger, Jane and Oliver
  
  
• Angela
• Antoinette
• Carol
• David and Val
• Humberto and Lee
• Ian and Ann 
• Ian and Sharon (just the envelope!)
• Jo and Janet
• John, Trish, Sean and Conor
• Margaret and Alan
• Nick and Celina
• Nicki
• Paul and Karen
• Paul and Sue
• Pete and Diana (Ian and Sharon's friend)
• Ralph and Karen
• Sally
• Stefan, Debs, Laura and Alex
• Tom, Julie, Nick, Lewis and Georgina 

Pressies

• Ann � Books: 'Lost in Translation' and 'What on Earth Happened�' Chocolate: 'Caramel' and 'Chilli' (yum!)
• Bev � CD: 'E=MC2' by Giorgio Moroder
• David and Val � Book: �I Never Knew That About England�
• Jo and Janet � Molton Brown gift set
• Mae and Denis � Books: 'World Registration Plates' and 'Do Not Adjust Your Set'
• Mum - �50 JL voucher
• Nicki � Selection of cheeses
• Paul and Karen - Bottle of Port
• Roger, Jane and Oliver: DVDs: 'Torchwood, Children of Earth' and 'The Italian Job' (the original) � both Blu-Ray

It was a gloriously hot day in Worthing and so after opening the cards and pressies we drove into Worthing town for a look round the shops and then headed for Littlehampton for lunch and a walk. As we were queuing for lunch, Ian rang to say that Sharon and Jessica had a car accident and our plan to all meet up after lunch was postponed. We therefore took our time with lunch (and so did the chef!!) and after eating, we settled on a seat on the seafront for a snooze in the sun � almost a cloudless sky and soooo warm!!!! wonderful.

Then it was back to the B and B for another snooze before Ian and Sharon picked us up for the Chinese meal at 7 tonight. Initially, there was a blip where it looked like the whole thing was off because Sharon would still in hospital, but they discharged her and we were back on!

Ian, Sharon and Julia met us outside the B and B and Ian drove us into town and to China Palace, probably the largest Chinese restaurant we've ever been in. Spread across two floors it must have seated around 400 people in total. We ate on the upper floor (confusciously called 'Far East') and settled in for a night of feasting. It was quiet when we arrived, but soon filled to capacity.

Price-wise, they charged �15.90 for all you can eat and rather than have a buffet where places like this often turn into 'pigs round the trough', this had a waiter service. We did well between the seven of us. Two rounds of starters; a duck course and then Ian and I forced down a main course. Three hours later, we were all fit to burst and ready to leave. The portable card-paying machine had other ideas though, and various waiters faffed-around trying to coax it into life after it conked-out mid-transaction. Finally the Manager resolved the problem and we duly paid-up.

It was now 10.45 when we stumbled onto the street. The whole area was packed with 'young-things' congregating on the pavement, strutting their stuff, drifting from one pub to the next before, according to Ian, hitting the Clubs. We all decided we felt very old, seeing girls who seemed to be trying out-do each other by wearing the shortest of skirts and the highest of heels. In one case, a girl's heels were so high (Switch to fetishist mode: Sharon reckoned 5 inches), she was having to hang onto a tree to stand-up � or maybe that was the alcohol! I guess some trees are just born lucky :). The ultimate insult for us was when we walked past a bar and the hostess standing outside DIDN'T offer us a drinks voucher and an invitation to go inside!

Oh to be a teenager again (he said in a Les Dawson type of voice).

Sunday
We were up about 7ish, and whether-wise, it looks like another hot day down here.and started to pack. We wanted to be away by 9am to get a good run to Mum's. We also needed some time to get through the B and B's 'big' breakfast! After a quick scoff, we were away by 8.45 and heading up the A27.

We had a good journey to Mum's (just over the hour). She was in good spirits although her back was playing-up. We left around 10.45 and headed home. The traffic was amazingly light and as a result, we were home by 12.35 � a record!

It's been a great weekend! We�ve done a lot, seen a lot and the cards and pressies are great! Thanks everyone!

Messing about in Boats

Busy, busy first thing! Neither of us slept too well (again) but we had to at Waitrose for opening and then Central Garage to pick-up Ann's hire car.

The weather forecast is looking good � perfect for boating!!!

So, with all the 'must-dos' out-of-the-way, and a bit of food preparation behind us, we went round to D and V's and then headed over to Buckden Marina to cast-off for a day on their boat.

What a fantastic day! The weather did turn out to be perfect � probably one of the best days we'd had..just wall-to-wall sunshine!


We headed in the St Neots  direction and even though the locks were against us, it was still great fun. When we got to St Neots, we had lunch and then had a walk around the town.

We got back about 6.30 � just time to bore D and V to death :) with our holiday photos from Japan!!

By 8pm, we were all shattered � time to call it a day! It's been a great one!!!

Tolethorpe Hall � The Tempest

We went to Tolethorpe Hall tonight to see The Tempest and we plan to see Chris and Pete M there too. 

The weather has been a little unpredictable this week (ahh, the irony�weather�tempest�geddit!?), so rather risk a picnic, we ate at The George Hotel Stamford. Janet picked us up at 5.15 and together with Jo and Carol, all in the same car, the five of us headed for Stamford.

We left on time and had a trouble-free journey to Stamford. On arriving, the car-park was as normal, pretty busy, but we managed to get a space right by the steps to the exit � perfect!

As we walked towards the entrance, that's where we ran into Chris and Pete � perfect again! Ironically, the weather was looking really good, so maybe�maybe, we could have risked a picnic!

We were shown to our table where the restaurant was already buzzing. The waitress told me that they are like this every Saturday and they'll probably do 250+ covers tonight before she finishes at 12.15 am!!

We had a great meal � the food was well above average and the service too. We left about 7.30 for the short-ish journey to Tolethorpe Hall.

On arriving the car-park was almost full but Janet's disabled badge, secured us a prime parking position.

As expected, it was a full-house � and rightly so, as the production turned out to be superb! From the fine acting; the excellent music quality; the brief pyrotechnics and the range of lighting effects, they were punching well above their weight as an amateur group � brilliant, brilliant, brilliant and brilliant!

The production lasted just over two-hours - -one hour for the first half, then an interval and then final half. The time flew by and although Tolethorpe Hall is known for its cold evenings and we had come well prepared � we needn't have done so, as even at the end, the outside temperature was still just above 18 degrees.

We said our goodbyes and Chris pointed us to a quicker way out to the A1 cutting-out Stamford town centre. As a result, we think it chopped 15 minutes of the journey-time.

After Janet dropped us off, we headed for bed straightaway and 'under the covers' just before midnight.

What a great day - and the girls' idea of choosing The George as a replacement for the picnic was inspired!

Burghley House with Ian and Ann

We had antipasti for lunch and then drove over to Burghley House. The drive there was very pleasant and the weather was gorgeous � 24 degrees. When we got there, the car-park was packed but after a couple of drive-rounds, we secured a space.

It was great to return to Burghley � we haven't been since June 2007 when we went there with Nick and Celina. We had a good look round the house, and I'd quite forgotten how stunning the interiors are! After the visit to the inside of the House, we took a 'pit-stop' and sat outside the Tea-Room with our pots of earl-grey tea. Gosh, the weather was hot!!!

Given the gorgeous weather, the main attraction was the garden area � the 'Surprise Garden' - full of kids enjoying the water features. The garden also contains some interesting 'constructions' based around the theme of water and the elements. We then had a quick look round the 'Sculpture Garden' and (Ian's) Ann spent some extra time taking more photos there. 

Time flew and we must have spent all-in-all a couple of hours there .

We had a good journey back to and on returning, settled in the garden reading the newspapers, watching the cats catch butterflies and chatting about this that. 

Ann started to prepare the evening meal and at 7pm on the dot, we were ready to eat � another Italian masterpiece - Lasagne and Salad, followed by home-made Panacotta and then a humungous cheese-board � all washed down with some wine and soft drinks. We initially decided to eat outside as it was still quite warm. However, by the time we got to the cheese course, it had turned a bit chilly, so we headed indoors.

Ian and Ann left just after 9, just as it was getting dark. It was great catching-up with them both � a perfect day! 

Good food + good friends + good weather = a perfect combination!

Busy, Busy!

Another busy Saturday, but for all the right reasons!.

First, off to car-wash to get the car cleaned, then onto Central Garage to drop Ann's personalised number plates off; sign the hire-car paperwork; pick-up the hire-car; then back home to tidy-up and do some cooking before Ian and Ann join us for the rest of the day. We're probably going to Burghley House after lunch today if the weather holds � so far the forecast looks good!

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 4)

I got up at 7 so I'd have time for a shower before heading up the road to get a ticket for the car that we couldn't park near the hotel last night.

Ooooo�I've noticed I'm a bit pink this morning after all that exposure to the good weather yesterday � they'll be no chance of that today though, it looks very grey out there.

Mission accomplished � we're parked for three hours for the reasonable sum of �3.

We hit the breakfast scene around 9 and then headed for Gunwharf Quays. We're going to catch the Gosport Ferry to meet up with Steve and Denise.

First stop though was the excellent D-Day Museum just up the road in Southsea. It was a really comprehensive museum and the most stunning (and unexpected) part was probably the 'Overlord Embroidery' � a bit like the Bayeux Tapestry� only longer � telling the story of Operation Overlord. 

After leaving the Museum,  we headed into town and jumped on-board the 11.30 Gosport Ferry, and rang Denise to let us know we were on our way. The weather by now, was deteriorating!
Denise met us at the Terminal in Gosport and after a short walk, we were on board the good ship 'Touch�'. Wow, what an impressive boat! Denise and Steve are sailing to Alderney tonight and the weather is definitely getting worse!!

After leaving Steve and Denise at the Marina, we decided to visit the Royal Marines' Museum back in Southsea. This was also an impressive place including probably the biggest collection medals we'd ever seen. We spent over an hour there and as we left the weather was worse � such a change from yesterday. We jumped straight back in the car and headed back to the Hotel.

Time for 'feet-up' and bit of TV before getting ready to see Ian and Sharon in Chichester at The Cider House Restaurant, Chichester. It's their Anniversary tomorrow and we've got them a cheese-knife set from John Lewis.

The Cider House menu is

here

  - and what a menu! The food was nothing short of excellent and the service was spot-on too! One of the owners (Julia Dent) was serving and the place was packed! We must drop her a line to compliment her on the whole experience � superb!!
We said our good-byes and had a smooth journey back to the Hotel, getting in around 10.45pm. We even got a a parking space nearby, which was an improvement on last night!

Well, it's been a GREAT break and we've been so lucky with the weather (apart from today!). We're leaving straight after breakfast tomorrow, so we should be home by lunchtime.

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 2)

6.30am. I was up with the sound of birds and the faint sound of a hovercraft! A bright blue sky outside suggests today might be a fine day weather-wise.

8.30am. Breakfast calls, so it's a short walk across the road (!) and in through the back-door to the breakfast-room. It wasn't a very big room, and it was very busy when we first got there � but we were soon seated. Michael took our order � scrambled egg and salmon on granary bread for Ann; scrambled egg, sausage and beans for me.

9.30am. After breakfast, we took the short 5 minute walk into Southsea.

Once in the town, we headed for a unique John Lewis still called 'Knight and Lee'. Unique because it was very small and it had possibly the loudest escalators we'd ever seen heard. The staff seemed to have tune-out the noise, but we found it quite irritating. Back to the mission: I bought Ann some casual shoes and a belt. We then headed for Debenhams (sorely in need of some money being spent on it) where I stocked up on socks and added to my t-shirt collection. We then walked back to the hotel.

11.10am. We headed back into Southsea, to the Post Office to drop off a package. Whilst waiting for Ann, a Hummer turned up to pick up a load of girls on some sort of celebration. The Hummer was the centre of attention, with locals taking photographs and other motorists taking note of it blocking-up the high street! 

11.30am. We set off for Devizes to meet up with Johnny H and his wife Mel. On the way there, we stopped off in Wickham, a rather quaint town. We popped into Lilly's a small tea-shoppe. It was already busy but we spotted a table for two in the corner. Ann chose a baked jacket potato with ham and cheese whilst I went for the cranberry, brie and bacon sandwich � both delicious�and the service was excellent.

12,30pm. After picking-up some flowers for Mel in the shop next door, we resumed our journey, narrowly avoiding a short down-pour of rain.

2.15pm. We had a fairly good journey to J and M's, but because I'd set the sat-nav for shortest rather than quickest, we were directed away from the motorway which added to the journey time � it took about two-hours.

It was good to see them both again especially Mel, who's recovering from a very serious operation. The time flew and we were there until 6.30.

Ann drove back, and this time we stuck to the motorway, reducing the overall journey time by about thirty minutes.

8.00pm. We stopped off at Gunwharf Quays and decided to try out Chiquitos a Mexican Bar and Grill chain. We were quite hungry by now. The service was sluggish and the food OK rather than anything better � it could have been hotter too! We weren't offered a dessert and it took an age to get the bill�.but it filled a hole!!!

8.45pm We took a short walk along the top floor of the Quays towards the harbour. The view was spectacular, especially with the sun setting against The Spinnaker Tower (the phone on my mobile doesn't really do it justice).

9.45. We arrived back at the hotel. It's been a busy but enjoyable and rewarding day. Just time for a night-cap, a bit of TV and then � zzzzzzzz�

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 1)

We're off to Portsmouth for a few days. We left around 8.30 and popped into Central Garage on the way out to have a look at their used and new car stock as part of getting a car for Ann.

After much discussion with Paul, we narrowed the selection down to possibly a new Fiesta�but we do have some more research to do.

We left the garage around 10.15 and two-and-a-half hours later we were parking in the Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth car-park � a great journey!

We had a good shopping session as there are loads of shops � Ann got a couple of coats and I picked up a few bits and pieces. We'll probably come back later this week and explore upstairs and also drop into the VUE cinema.

At around 4.30, we took the short drive to the hotel � The Florence House Hotel in Southsea, as recommended by Trip Advisor. We stayed in room 3, a very tasteful and modern design in black and white (how practical, a black carpet!) � very spacious too�and free wireless internet�perfect!

7.10. We asked at the hotel where the places to eat were. There were quite a few but for convenience, we chose The Florence Arms literally two minutes walk from where we're staying. It apparently had a wide range of ciders and the food was top-notch pub-grub!

When we arrived, it was quite busy and after ordering some local cider (yuk!), we were offered the menu, which was quite extensive. We ordered the fish and chips and after a short wait, we were invited into the restaurant.

The fish and chips was excellent and best of all, they had a proper cider available � Aspall's. The service was great too considering there was only one waitress on duty � well done for keeping us all fed and watered. The only shock was when they informed us they didn't take plastic. Luckily, we scraped together the �20...just!

8.45. We planned to take a walk, but it was p****** down, so we headed back to the room.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is good � better than today, and we plan to travel over to Devizes and catch up with Johnnie and Mel.

Ahoy-there Ship mates�

Just call me Captain Pugwash - yes, it's Ann and me on a boat! David and Val's boat to be precise � the good ship Carusa.

We nearly didn't go at all because of the weather - but it started to brighten up and after packing a few provisions, we left around 1pm for Buckden Marina.

By the time we got there, the weather was even warmer and so it was top down and we set sail in the direction of Godmanchester. I even got to drive, pilot, steer, point the vessel. This was a tricky manoeuvre, because the effect of turning the steering wheel was slightly delayed and I hadn't accounted for wash and the wind � in fact, I  was all over the place steering-wise at times! At one point, a guy painting his dinghy, shouted at me to slow down � I must have been doing all of 10 knots. It took a lot of concentration and was great fun! 

We eventually broke out the provisions and that certainly kept the hunger at bay until our destination � Godmanchester.

We arrived in there around 1.30 and parked moored the boat. Time to take a slow, relaxed walk around Godmanchester.  The sun was really shining now and it was gorgeous, just wandering around in the good weather. Ann and I tucked into an ice-cream each from a Mr Whippy van and then we all made our way back to the boat.

We arrived back at the Marina around 5.15 and then headed home. It's been a great day and I'm glad we took a risk with the weather.

David and Val are round to us for my 'chili-chicken' later.

Oundle Festival: The Bootleg Beatles

Nicki drove up to us in the morning and got to us around 11. The weather was a bit unpredictable, but hey, as Jo said: "what's the worst that can happen?". Mum decided to stay at home, because of the threatened bad weather.

So, Jo, Janet, Nicki, Ann and I, stocked-up with enough food for an army (or two), and a range of umbrellas, set off for the event quite early � 4.45 (for a 7.30 start) - in order to ensure we got a good spot at the event.

As we approached Oundle for the Oundle Festival, we joined the jam! It looked like the whole of Northamptonshire was going where we were going!!! We then noticed that the tickets said the gates opened at 5 o'clock not 5.30 � that explains it then�

On arriving, we saw that the car park was packed. We couldn't believe how so many people had got in so quickly, even if they'd got there at 5pm.

After parking close to where we thought the outdoor event was going to be, we noticed that everyone seemed to be walking in a different direction. The 'old' area was now full of cars � things have obviously changed considerably since we last came here.

Laden down with all the food, chairs, blankets and umbrellas, we followed everyone else into the next field. Eeeek, there were thousands there already and we ended up almost walking right to the back of the field for a space.
 
Note to self: get there MUCH earlier next time!

So, we settled down and prayed that the weather would hold. The forecast was rain but it was initially just windy. Being so far away from the stage made it difficult to see what was going and initially the sound from the massive speakers was below par�but they got that sorted after a short while. The distance made photographs  of the acts impossible! Most people brought picnics � some were more elaborate than others, with linen table-cloths and candelabra � As normal we ate well.

We noticed that for the first time, in our experience that there were also stalls selling food and drink. In fact we think that next time, we'll rely on those and that'll save us lugging what felt like 500 tons of provisions across miles of terrain. We even considered getting a taxi there and back next year and that'll save all the walking.

First-up, there was a support Rock and Roll Band, 'The OGs' (a bit out-of-tune in places), followed by The Manfreds (pretty good) and then at around 8.45, the Bootleg Beatles. We'd seen them years ago, and they were great then. They didn't disappoint this time either had captured the sound of the Beatles perfectly.

At around 9.30 the rain started � and it got worse..and worse�and worse! We decided to pack-up and skip the second half of the Bootleg Beatles and the fireworks (a shame) � we then headed back to ours for tea/coffee � the drive home was horrendous..rain, rain and more rain!

All-in-all, it was a great evening, although we could have done with being much closer to the performances and the deterioration of the weather didn't help�next year will be better!!!

At around 11, the girls left (Nicki was driving back home) and we got to bed around 11.30.

Tolethorpe Hall � Midsummer Night's Dream

Tonight we three drove to Tolethorpe Hall to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. David and Val did to, but we needed to take separate cars because of the number of people and the amount of food! The weather was perfect so we'd planned a picnic.

The secret with getting a good picnic spot at Tolethorpe is to get there early � so we left at 4.30 � Ann drove -and arrived at about 5.15. It got very busy, very quickly in the picnic area, so were pleased to have got there when we did!

Between us, we'd created an excellent picnic � ham, coleslaw, crisps, anchovies, olives, soft rolls� and something new (for me anyway), blue-cheese mayonnaise. Plus, a superb trifle for afters, all washed down with beer, elderflower cordial and Appletizer ..then tea and coffee.

For us, the weather was perfect, although Mum did say she felt cold.

We sat inside for a bit and watched the multitudes queue for the loo and then took our seats. The production started a little late � just after 8 and the place was packed.

After a predictable start, the Play got into its stride � and for me, it got better and better � in fact, I'd say, it was the best production I've seen. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the set and the special effects, but of course, it was the actors who carried it, with particularly strong performances from Titania (Lucy Swannell), Bottom (Terry Kenny) and Puck (Robert Anderson).

The interval was short, so we chose not to eat the dessert we'd packed. We'll have that with David and Val tomorrow.

The production finished around 10.45 and as usual, there was a mad dash for the parking area. We had a trouble-free journey home and got in around 11.45

London for the weekend - Sunday

We were knackered! Although we didn't get up until about 8ish, last night's events meant we only got around seven hours' sleep � it should have been enough�it obviously wasn't! :)

We headed for breakfast and fortunately it was less busy than yesterday so we were seated quickly. After chasing tea and coffee � twice � we ate lightly and headed back to the room to pack. We've got that down to a fine art and we were soon checking out and heading for West India Quay DLR.

We got to St Pancras international at around 10.30 and settled in at Le Pain Quotidien � I couldn't resist having one of their desserts � Ann almost resisted mine!!!!

Our train reservation was for the 12 noon to Kettering so there was just time for Ann to mooch round the shops and for me to blog-away.

If the train is on time, we should be home by 1.15.

What a fantastic weekend � we love London!!!

Wow! � The O2

Well what a surprise The O2 turned out to be! We haven't been there since it was called The Millennium Dome back in 1999 � 10 years ago!

(image courtesy of Wikipedia)


The interior has been completely transformed. It now houses dozens of restaurants; a cinema; a theatre and major concert arena. Not to mention the dodgem cars!!

It was absolutely heaving when we arrived on Saturday night at around 6.30. My immediate reaction was that it felt like a town within a town and it could have been anywhere in the World. It must have certainly revitalised the area of Greenwich and it was interesting to see the age range of people there. From spritely young things in micro-mini skirts that barely adhered to the definition of a 'skirt' (phew!) to ageing citizens like us � all of us seemed to be on purposeful missions either going to, or coming from, some activity or event. It was clearly a fashion victims' oasis too and there were plenty of examples of people who didn't have the age nor the shape for some of the revealing attire. Some scary sites that reminded me of firstly, dogs, and secondly elephants! Strange! 

The place we thought was simply a restaurant � Thai Silk � seemed to be the main attraction � especially after the main events had finished. Bouncers at every point, scanners to search those going in and massive queues!

I think we'll probably return there sometime soon as it's a massive place to explore and the transport links to and from are excellent. There is also obviously more fashion victims to look-out for!! :)

London for the weekend - Saturday

Today's the day when we head to The O2 to Jeff Wayne's, The War of the Worlds 30th Anniversary concert tour.

The tour, updated for 2009, will feature a 3d hologram of Richard Burton and a 30ft Martian fighting machine descending from the ceiling � more details later on�

We had a rare lie-in. I got-up at 7.30 and Ann followed not long after. We had breakfast in the hotel around 9.30 - the restaurant was packed � and tucked into a cooked one! The weather forecast was for a warm day so we decided to head for the River and take a boat trip up the Thames on the Thames Clipper service � a wide catamaran design that was exceptionally comfy and incredibly fast! I can't remember ever having done this before and it was great fun taking in the sites of all the converted Wharves along the Thames. The round-trip took about an hour.

We stopped off at Greenwich Pier and looked around the National Maritime Museum and then the Queen's House (designed for the Queen of Denmark by Inigo Jones). Both were really interesting � the museum even had a dude wandering around dressed as Neptune acting as a tour guide; frightening children and just looking weird!

We caught the clipper back to Canary Riverside and decided to stop off for a quick bite around 2 at Zizzi's (mainly because it was the first place we saw!). We only wanted a snack so we shared a starter. Service was brisk and were back in the hotel by 2.40 � time to put our feet-up and rest awhile in preparation for tonight's Concert.

Transport-wise, we knew that the nearest station was going to be closed due to engineering work, so travelled again on a Thames Clipper.

We decided to eat at an Argentinian restaurant called Gaucho � mainly because it looked less busy that all the rest. As it was, we still had to book and come back. We returned just after 7pm and they had a table waiting via a lift journey. Boy, was it busy�and some! And very dark! It seems to be a trend these days to make flashy restaurants as dark as possible � just so you can't read the menu.

Anyway, the service was well above 'good'. It was one of the few restaurants where they actually bring out the cuts of meat and explain them all. Ironically, we didn't much care for all the faffing around because it was now 7.20 and the concert started at 8. Fortunately, all the waiting-staff seemed to be used to this challenge, and ours hurried along our order. We still only had around 10 minutes eating-time, but we made it�just! Hurrying the whole affair was a shame because the whole experience was a really good one. Running shoes at the ready as we left Gaucho at 7.58!!!

The Concert - The War of the Worlds

The show started slightly late � around 8.05 - mainly due to many people like us rushing from where they'd been eating. The first thing we noticed when we got to our seat (Row F, very near the front) was how many people were there! We not been here since 1999 when it was The Millennium Dome and had forgotten just how spacious it was. There were thousands of people there and those at the back of the venue looked liked the size of pin-heads. We've never seen a stadium so large�and so full!

There was a hearty cheer when the UllaDUBulla Strings took to the stage and a roar when Jeff Wayne followed. The lights dimmed and we were soon listening to the opening piece � the part where the Martians are justifying their attack on Earth. This wasn't on the original Album and I suspect had been added to contextualise the story for those not familiar with JW's opus.

Not long after, we were in to more familiar territory with the first appearance of Richard Burton (a hologram for this tour, replacing the standard projection from previous tours) and the dah-dah-daaaah�dah-dah-daaah piece by the strings (you can see I didn't formally study music!) � both were magnificent from a sight and sound perspective.

The concert continued with the music being complemented by a cinematic-like screen behind the orchestra and band telling the story in pictures and film � a clever addition. For me, the best and most surprising part was when Justin Hayward sang Forever Autumn � the screen was unsurprisingly showing autumn leaves falling and then the whole audience realised that there were also leaves falling from the ceiling of the venue � thousands of them � brilliant!

Full marks for the two 'old boys' on bass and lead guitar (who I've seen before on the previous WotW DVD) for their music ability and stamina � they carried a lot of the tunes and played their hearts out. They did looked slightly out of place though amongst the 'yoof' representing the rest of the musicians!

The biggest spectacle by far was the Martian fighting machine descending from the ceiling � it was massive, and positioned itself perfectly between the various musicians.

There was short break of just 20 minutes corresponding to the end of side 1 of the Album.

The rest of the concert was just as exciting. The strings worked very hard, so did the band�.and so did JW, conducting like it was the first time he'd ever done it � enthusiastic doesn't begin to describe him, The audience clearly appreciated all of this and when the concert finished just after 10.20, everyone got a standing ovation � well deserved!

Surprisingly, given the number of people trying to leave, our exit was swift and trouble-free.

After the Show
We had pre-booked a Thames Clipper to get us back to Canary Wharf, but it was the last one (23.50), so we had a bit of time to kill. We found ourselves back in a Zizzi's � this time we headed straight for the desserts � Ann had apple crumble whilst I sampled the banana/chocolate/toffee/chocolate/waffle thingy!

Just before heading for the Thames Clipper, we attempted to get hold of a Programme for the event, but we'd\left it too late as they'd all been sold � shame!

We headed for the Pier and after a short wait, boarded the Clipper. After about 20 minutes, we were back at Canary Wharf and by 12.25 we were in bed!

It had been a great day all-in-all and we're now big fans of the Thames Clipper service � what a great way to get around London!

Flyer and Tickets...