Just Me and Dot again. The Seafrance ferry is a bit French, all very arty, everything is designed to look good but I found it to be very uncomfortable, food not bad though.
We would be visiting quite a few places in France this trip.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
France 2005
Monday, 29 February 2016
Czech Republic, Prague 2005
For Dot's 50th birthday, we booked a hotel in Prague on the net (I think it was the Hotel Atos), it was fairly central and good for what we paid for it. The temp never once got above freezing while we were there but we really enjoyed the whole thing.
We arrived booked in and got straight out exploring, we did many things around town, not sure of the order we did thing or the days we did them though.
I do know it was fairly late by the time we got out the first day and it wasn't long before places started to close. Even the pubs, we did manage to get a last drink in a nice pub very close to the hotel, the Olympia, however we did use it again (see tomorrow).
Up early and a good breakfast in the hotel (it was weird, but we got enough), then set off for a good wander around. We were incredibly wrapped up, to keep warm, two pears of socks etc.
After a good wander around the place and a really weird meal and some drinks, we made our way back to the pub we popped into last night.
Next day we did just about the same a the day before but we wandered through the park and up to the Prague Castle first. We had food up there, we eat outside with blankets over our legs and heater in the background. A lot better food than last yesterday.
That night we were to meat one of young Ralph's friends who was working and living there now (he has since passed away though). After that we went into a real ale pub, the microbrewery and restaurant Pivovarský Dùm, and had couple of good beers and something to eat.
It was snowing when we came out and we had to walk back to the hotel in the snow.
Next day it was Dots birthday so we walked back up to the castle in the snow and had food up there again.
After that we went for a boat ride on the river Vltava, it was still very very cold but warmer inside the boat. That night we had some very good food for Dots birthday, and opened lots of little things we had bought from the jewellery market.
Next day we were off back home but we did have lunch before we left, I had soup or broth inside of a loaf and ate the lot. Not sure if I could cope with it that cold nowadays.
We arrived booked in and got straight out exploring, we did many things around town, not sure of the order we did thing or the days we did them though.
I do know it was fairly late by the time we got out the first day and it wasn't long before places started to close. Even the pubs, we did manage to get a last drink in a nice pub very close to the hotel, the Olympia, however we did use it again (see tomorrow).
Up early and a good breakfast in the hotel (it was weird, but we got enough), then set off for a good wander around. We were incredibly wrapped up, to keep warm, two pears of socks etc.
After a good wander around the place and a really weird meal and some drinks, we made our way back to the pub we popped into last night.
Next day we did just about the same a the day before but we wandered through the park and up to the Prague Castle first. We had food up there, we eat outside with blankets over our legs and heater in the background. A lot better food than last yesterday.
That night we were to meat one of young Ralph's friends who was working and living there now (he has since passed away though). After that we went into a real ale pub, the microbrewery and restaurant Pivovarský Dùm, and had couple of good beers and something to eat.
It was snowing when we came out and we had to walk back to the hotel in the snow.
Next day it was Dots birthday so we walked back up to the castle in the snow and had food up there again.
After that we went for a boat ride on the river Vltava, it was still very very cold but warmer inside the boat. That night we had some very good food for Dots birthday, and opened lots of little things we had bought from the jewellery market.
Next day we were off back home but we did have lunch before we left, I had soup or broth inside of a loaf and ate the lot. Not sure if I could cope with it that cold nowadays.
France 2004
This year we are going as a family, we will be accompanied by Nicole our daughter, Tim her husband and twin granddaughters Georgia and Emily. We will also be followed two days later by Mick, Bren and their now teenage children, Josh and Jen. Then unbeknown to all of them, for the last three days of the holiday by my son Ralph, his partner Tracey and her daughters Saffron and Chelsea, will be joining the rest of us.
Tim has been added to the van insurance to let me have a bit of a rest on the longer runs.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
France 2004
Tim has been added to the van insurance to let me have a bit of a rest on the longer runs.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
France 2004
Portugal, Praia da Rocha 2003
Just us, I am now retired but we haven only been to France, the reason is having the new grandchildren, twins Georgia and Emily. So we booked a cheap holiday away in Praia da Rocha, Portugal, we were in a very large hotel, which was not to our liking but it was somewhere to stay.
Praia da Rocha has some very good beaches but every other bar is an Irish bar, we did make some Irish friends though.
We just had a nice holiday relaxing we didn't do much at all, we had a few walks and sits on the beach, we also had some very good nights out.
One was to Portimão just inland a bit from Praia da Rocha where we found some nice bridges, I think that is what set me off with Bridge photos.
The other walk was to Alvor, just along the coast from Praia da Rocha, it looked very nice there, maybe a place to go back to. It was a really good looking village with nice walks by the sea or bay.
The beach at Praia da Rocha was also nice and we spent quite a bit of time down there, we also used the bars down there.
Most night were spent in the pubs in town, as I said before most of them Irish bars but Irish friends we made it all ok.
Praia da Rocha has some very good beaches but every other bar is an Irish bar, we did make some Irish friends though.
We just had a nice holiday relaxing we didn't do much at all, we had a few walks and sits on the beach, we also had some very good nights out.
One was to Portimão just inland a bit from Praia da Rocha where we found some nice bridges, I think that is what set me off with Bridge photos.
The other walk was to Alvor, just along the coast from Praia da Rocha, it looked very nice there, maybe a place to go back to. It was a really good looking village with nice walks by the sea or bay.
The beach at Praia da Rocha was also nice and we spent quite a bit of time down there, we also used the bars down there.
Most night were spent in the pubs in town, as I said before most of them Irish bars but Irish friends we made it all ok.
France, 2003
This trip in the away in the Motorhome has been brought forward by two weeks (P&O made a small charge for the change) as our Daughter Nicole is due to have twins in August and Dot doesn't want to be away too close to the time.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
France 2003
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
France 2003
Spain 2003
All arrangements with Euromotohomes were done using email with very few problems, we were worried for a while, when we got an email saying that the building of a new motorway, meant moving the showroom to the other side of Barcelona. Bank transfers completed all we had to do now was to get to Spain to collect our van.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
Spain 2003
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
Spain 2003
Spain, Barcelona 2002
When I got back to work from Bali I was made redundant. So I thought it would be a good idea to sell up and move abroad but where? Dot eventually came up with the idea to buy a motorhome drive round Europe and then make a decision.
We found a dealer in the Newcastle area, that sold the Italian made Mclouis and for a few thousand more than ten year old second hand models. We could get a new, 410 model, same layout we wanted, albeit a bit smaller, so we went home to think about it.
Then I got to thinking, If they are cheap new how much would they be second hand, so back to the internet, none in the UK, so I started looking in Italy and then Spain. One showroom Euromtorhomes in Barcelona had loads of them (many this years model) so I emailed them to arrange a visit, next get low cost flights and hotel booked.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
Spain 2002
We found a dealer in the Newcastle area, that sold the Italian made Mclouis and for a few thousand more than ten year old second hand models. We could get a new, 410 model, same layout we wanted, albeit a bit smaller, so we went home to think about it.
Then I got to thinking, If they are cheap new how much would they be second hand, so back to the internet, none in the UK, so I started looking in Italy and then Spain. One showroom Euromtorhomes in Barcelona had loads of them (many this years model) so I emailed them to arrange a visit, next get low cost flights and hotel booked.
The full story can be seen by clicking the link below.
Spain 2002
Bali, Nusa Dua 2002
Something special for our 30th wedding anniversary, the longest haul we have ever done to Bali. We were in a very good all inclusive hotel, Nusa Dua is where all the posh resorts are, we were just next to them. The beaches were again very good. Of all our holidays this is the first time the culture has been so different, and I liked it.
It was a very long flight to get there in fact it took a lot longer than it should have. The flights were changed and we had to spend a night in a hotel near Gatwick airport, next morning we eventually got going but had a stop off in Singapore.
The hotel was fantastic and we had a four poster bed in our room, I say room but is was more like a chalet.
With a lovely place to sit outside as well.
As we were all inclusive every thing in the hotel free, well all food and drink that is. I remember one funny thing though, a French family asking what wine they had, both said the waiter, Red and White.
At about four each evening they served cocktails at the beach, there only seemed to be Me, Dot and another couple that used this most afternoons.
We had a few trips out we got a taxi in to Kuta, the capital, which was a lot more crowded than Nusa Dua, it is sort of a Spain, a Benidorm for the Australians. We had lunch in the Hard Rock cafe, and stayed to watch the sunset, before caching a taxi back.
We had a couple of trips out with another couple and their young one, we went in a small mini bus to Ubud and to Mount Batur.
Mount Batur, is a volcano within an even older very large volcano and it is huge. It was the best part of the hole trip, we had lunch where the photos are taken from.
We went to temples, waterfalls, paddy terraces on the side of hills and to see wild monkeys, they were all great except for the monkeys.
In-between these two visits we also walked to watch the procession of the hotel staff from all of the hotels in Nusa Dua. It took ages, it was a lot bigger that I thought it was going to be.
We also had a walk along to the end of the spit of land we were on, quite a nice walk, we did however stop for a beer along the way and also at the end.
The people that we met in Bali were amongst the most friendly we have ever met but Bali had a religion of Hinduism whereas the rest of Indonesia is Muslim and is shows.
On the flight back we did the same as coming but we got a seat at the back with the smokers. The only thing good about this was, as the plain thins the seats go down to two, so we had seats with no one else to get in the way.
It was a very long flight to get there in fact it took a lot longer than it should have. The flights were changed and we had to spend a night in a hotel near Gatwick airport, next morning we eventually got going but had a stop off in Singapore.
The hotel was fantastic and we had a four poster bed in our room, I say room but is was more like a chalet.
With a lovely place to sit outside as well.
As we were all inclusive every thing in the hotel free, well all food and drink that is. I remember one funny thing though, a French family asking what wine they had, both said the waiter, Red and White.
At about four each evening they served cocktails at the beach, there only seemed to be Me, Dot and another couple that used this most afternoons.
We had a few trips out we got a taxi in to Kuta, the capital, which was a lot more crowded than Nusa Dua, it is sort of a Spain, a Benidorm for the Australians. We had lunch in the Hard Rock cafe, and stayed to watch the sunset, before caching a taxi back.
We had a couple of trips out with another couple and their young one, we went in a small mini bus to Ubud and to Mount Batur.
Mount Batur, is a volcano within an even older very large volcano and it is huge. It was the best part of the hole trip, we had lunch where the photos are taken from.
We went to temples, waterfalls, paddy terraces on the side of hills and to see wild monkeys, they were all great except for the monkeys.
In-between these two visits we also walked to watch the procession of the hotel staff from all of the hotels in Nusa Dua. It took ages, it was a lot bigger that I thought it was going to be.
We also had a walk along to the end of the spit of land we were on, quite a nice walk, we did however stop for a beer along the way and also at the end.
The people that we met in Bali were amongst the most friendly we have ever met but Bali had a religion of Hinduism whereas the rest of Indonesia is Muslim and is shows.
On the flight back we did the same as coming but we got a seat at the back with the smokers. The only thing good about this was, as the plain thins the seats go down to two, so we had seats with no one else to get in the way.
Greece / Zákinthos, Amoudi 2002
Greece again with Me, Dot, Nicole and Tim this time, we flew from Newcastle again, to Zákinthos one of the islands. We were in a small hotel in Amoudi, a very small and quiet place but but nice, the beach was good though.
We found a nice little bar opposite the hotel with very friendly owners and used it most nights. That is except for the night England were playing, the bar was full of Scottish people, so we moved on to our hotel and watched in the bar there.
With a hire car we went into Alikes and had a great day on the beach and in an outdoor pool there.
We also had food out away from Amoudi a couple of times one was for Nicole and Tim's wedding anniversary, we also went to an oriental restaurant, where some had Chinese some had Indian.
While we had the car we drove over to Navagio, where there is the wreck on the beach but it is only accessible from the sea. We stopped at the top of the cliffs where the viewing platform is. It is very high up the photos do not show just how high it actually was.
I think this is the time we went out for Nicole and Tim's wedding anniversary but I could be wrong.
It was a very good relaxing holiday and we had a very nice time there.
We found a nice little bar opposite the hotel with very friendly owners and used it most nights. That is except for the night England were playing, the bar was full of Scottish people, so we moved on to our hotel and watched in the bar there.
With a hire car we went into Alikes and had a great day on the beach and in an outdoor pool there.
We also had food out away from Amoudi a couple of times one was for Nicole and Tim's wedding anniversary, we also went to an oriental restaurant, where some had Chinese some had Indian.
While we had the car we drove over to Navagio, where there is the wreck on the beach but it is only accessible from the sea. We stopped at the top of the cliffs where the viewing platform is. It is very high up the photos do not show just how high it actually was.
I think this is the time we went out for Nicole and Tim's wedding anniversary but I could be wrong.
It was a very good relaxing holiday and we had a very nice time there.
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Turkey, Gumbet 2001
Our only visit to Turkey up to date, just Me and Dot in a small hotel, this was the first time, we ever did an overnight excursion while on a holiday. The beach was a bit gritty though but not too bad, Gumbet had lot and lots of bars and it was great for good cheap excursions.
The first night there, we arrived in the middle of the night, we found the hotel bar still open and had to use it. Nicole phoned us late in the morning to ask if we had seen the news.
It was the 11-9-2001 or as the Americans say 9-11-2001. What a time to be making our first visit to a muslim country. Everyone was in shock and we spent most of the day watching TV. We were in the Indian restaurant, when the twin towers finally came down and it was on TV where we could see.
That night, well the next morning we noticed the noise coming from the shop below our room and it was very noisy. We eventually managed to get our room moved to a much quieter spot.
Latter that day we just had to get on with our holiday and booked trips all over including Pamukkale and Ephesus a two day trip with overnight in a hotel. This also came with two other trips thrown in free.
I think our first trip out was from Bodrum by hydrofoil we went to the island of Kos, specifically to Kos town. Nice place, will probably be back for a proper holiday someday (that is what I wrote a long time ago). Ferry from Bodrum for the day out was our first time on a hydrofoil the time before that we went for a hydrofoil in Bulgaria, it wasn't working.
The next trip was our overnight excursion, we left Gumbet on a fairly large bus and traveled to Ephesus. First though we went to Mary's house top in the hills above Ephesus, this was Jesus's mams house. It was very full of catholic ideology and lots of priests, Dot and I went for a walk but did look around Mary's house.
Ephesus was a much better place to visit and is quite fantastic, although the amount of the town still under ground or just not on display in disappointing. We spent a lot of time there and had a really good look around.
On our walk around the place the theater is one of the best places to sea and we had a good walk inside and a sit near the top.
From there we were separated onto two busses, we got the smaller one that went off to find the hotel for the night, the other one presumably went straight back to Gumbet.
The hotel we stayed overnight in was very good, no idea where it was though and all food we included. Next morning our rep slept in and we had to wait for him, he was very apologetic, he also kept apologising for the 9-11 plane crashes.
We were now on our way to Pamukkale, with its waters, we parked up on top and were allowed to wander about on our own. I do remember that there was an air display on while we were there. We had quite a good time in the pool there but getting out was very different, it felt like we weighed tons.
The main part of Pamukkale is the white falls down the side of the hills, all very beautiful and a lot bigger than they look.
And to top it all, there was also another Roman town there right behind the falls.
On the way back the bus caught fire and we all had to get off quick and we had to wait for another bus to come for us to get back.
I have in my records that we also had a trip to Turgutreis but I do not remember it at all.
I think the last trip we had was a night boat trip from Gumbet to Bodrum and back.
All in all it was a very good holiday, very cheap and plenty to do, we had some very good nights out with plenty to drink.
On the way back home we were not aloud to take any hand luggage on the the aeroplane, the result of the bombings.
The first night there, we arrived in the middle of the night, we found the hotel bar still open and had to use it. Nicole phoned us late in the morning to ask if we had seen the news.
It was the 11-9-2001 or as the Americans say 9-11-2001. What a time to be making our first visit to a muslim country. Everyone was in shock and we spent most of the day watching TV. We were in the Indian restaurant, when the twin towers finally came down and it was on TV where we could see.
That night, well the next morning we noticed the noise coming from the shop below our room and it was very noisy. We eventually managed to get our room moved to a much quieter spot.
Latter that day we just had to get on with our holiday and booked trips all over including Pamukkale and Ephesus a two day trip with overnight in a hotel. This also came with two other trips thrown in free.
I think our first trip out was from Bodrum by hydrofoil we went to the island of Kos, specifically to Kos town. Nice place, will probably be back for a proper holiday someday (that is what I wrote a long time ago). Ferry from Bodrum for the day out was our first time on a hydrofoil the time before that we went for a hydrofoil in Bulgaria, it wasn't working.
The next trip was our overnight excursion, we left Gumbet on a fairly large bus and traveled to Ephesus. First though we went to Mary's house top in the hills above Ephesus, this was Jesus's mams house. It was very full of catholic ideology and lots of priests, Dot and I went for a walk but did look around Mary's house.
Ephesus was a much better place to visit and is quite fantastic, although the amount of the town still under ground or just not on display in disappointing. We spent a lot of time there and had a really good look around.
On our walk around the place the theater is one of the best places to sea and we had a good walk inside and a sit near the top.
From there we were separated onto two busses, we got the smaller one that went off to find the hotel for the night, the other one presumably went straight back to Gumbet.
The hotel we stayed overnight in was very good, no idea where it was though and all food we included. Next morning our rep slept in and we had to wait for him, he was very apologetic, he also kept apologising for the 9-11 plane crashes.
We were now on our way to Pamukkale, with its waters, we parked up on top and were allowed to wander about on our own. I do remember that there was an air display on while we were there. We had quite a good time in the pool there but getting out was very different, it felt like we weighed tons.
The main part of Pamukkale is the white falls down the side of the hills, all very beautiful and a lot bigger than they look.
And to top it all, there was also another Roman town there right behind the falls.
On the way back the bus caught fire and we all had to get off quick and we had to wait for another bus to come for us to get back.
I have in my records that we also had a trip to Turgutreis but I do not remember it at all.
I think the last trip we had was a night boat trip from Gumbet to Bodrum and back.
All in all it was a very good holiday, very cheap and plenty to do, we had some very good nights out with plenty to drink.
On the way back home we were not aloud to take any hand luggage on the the aeroplane, the result of the bombings.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Spain, Calella de Palafrugell 2001
Back on the bus again and back with Mick, Bren, Josh and Jen to Spain. It was a surprise to them and we were supposed to just turn up on the bus, but Bren had burnt her foot the day before and they were going to not go. So we had to tell them the kids didn't know though.
Calella de Palafrugell is a small but very pretty, with the campsite just behind the town but not that far from the good beach. We were in a caravan, the others had a holiday cabin.
Dot and I had a walk along the coast to the north to Llafranc, all of the people there were in overcoats, we had t-shirts on.
We also walked along the coast the other way, with Josh and Jen, we followed the cost, it took about an hour. We walked back the quick way and it took about quarter of an hour, the kids were not impressed.
Calella de Palafrugell is a small but very pretty, with the campsite just behind the town but not that far from the good beach. We were in a caravan, the others had a holiday cabin.
Dot and I had a walk along the coast to the north to Llafranc, all of the people there were in overcoats, we had t-shirts on.
We also walked along the coast the other way, with Josh and Jen, we followed the cost, it took about an hour. We walked back the quick way and it took about quarter of an hour, the kids were not impressed.
Greece / Halkidiki, Hanioti 2000
Well this was a surprise one, we went with Nicole and Tim for their wedding, it was the first civil wedding ever in Hanioti and it was to be in English. But let's start at the beginning, we had about a week before the wedding.
The nice hotel was on the edge of town and we were in apartments next door to each other, it, as well as the rest of the place was very friendly.
We had a nice relaxing few day after we arrived but decided on a boat trip and booked in town. We booked a boat trip to Mount Athos, the bus to the port would pick up from the hotel gates, only it didn't turn up. After complaining, back were we booked we did get to go but it was the next day.
It was a very long and pretty boring boat trip, although we did stop off on the way back to get something to eat.
The beaches in Hanioti were a bit pebbly but it was very nice there and we found some good bars.
The big day soon arrived and it is all a bit of a blur, it seemed to go on for ever. We had found a photographer to do the photos, that saved me and we had booked a place for the meal afterwards. Nicole and Tim had been earlier in the week to do all of the booking for the wedding with the Mayor.
Tim and I, after a drink in the bar, walked down to the town hall and Nicole and Dot came in a taxi, which was all done up for a wedding.
With the wedding all done, we all got into the taxi a drove all around the town with the horn blaring and everyone waving to us. The place we had booked for the reception was just next to the town hall but we drove all over. Then the photographer took hundreds of photos, good photos, before we eventually sat down to eat.
We had more food than you can shake a stick at but it was wonderful.
After the food we went for a walk around the bars in town and got free drinks in I think all of them, we were very drunk by the time we got back.
Next day we walked back down in to town and one of the bars had made Nicole and Tim a cake.
In the car we made a visit to Petralona cave, there was nobody else at all visiting, it was as if nobody at all knew they were here, well I suppose that didn't before we got here.
We walked to south to the village of Pefkohori one day, where we had food and Nicole and Tim has a swim in the sea.
Another day we walked to Polychrono, which was the other way and about the same distance.
The nice hotel was on the edge of town and we were in apartments next door to each other, it, as well as the rest of the place was very friendly.
We had a nice relaxing few day after we arrived but decided on a boat trip and booked in town. We booked a boat trip to Mount Athos, the bus to the port would pick up from the hotel gates, only it didn't turn up. After complaining, back were we booked we did get to go but it was the next day.
It was a very long and pretty boring boat trip, although we did stop off on the way back to get something to eat.
The beaches in Hanioti were a bit pebbly but it was very nice there and we found some good bars.
The big day soon arrived and it is all a bit of a blur, it seemed to go on for ever. We had found a photographer to do the photos, that saved me and we had booked a place for the meal afterwards. Nicole and Tim had been earlier in the week to do all of the booking for the wedding with the Mayor.
Tim and I, after a drink in the bar, walked down to the town hall and Nicole and Dot came in a taxi, which was all done up for a wedding.
With the wedding all done, we all got into the taxi a drove all around the town with the horn blaring and everyone waving to us. The place we had booked for the reception was just next to the town hall but we drove all over. Then the photographer took hundreds of photos, good photos, before we eventually sat down to eat.
We had more food than you can shake a stick at but it was wonderful.
After the food we went for a walk around the bars in town and got free drinks in I think all of them, we were very drunk by the time we got back.
Next day we walked back down in to town and one of the bars had made Nicole and Tim a cake.
In the car we made a visit to Petralona cave, there was nobody else at all visiting, it was as if nobody at all knew they were here, well I suppose that didn't before we got here.
We walked to south to the village of Pefkohori one day, where we had food and Nicole and Tim has a swim in the sea.
Another day we walked to Polychrono, which was the other way and about the same distance.
USA, New Orleans 1999
The drive from Pensacola to New Orleans was very long, it was over a 200 mile drive and we had to pass through another two States. We drove out of Orlando and into Alabama then through Mississippi into Louisiana, eventually ending up in New Orleans. I say eventually, we took a wrong turn and went through a very rough part of town but got there in the end.
The reason we drove from Pensacola, was to met up with friends CL & Ruth from Baton Rouge for night out but we would be meeting them tomorrow.
We had a fantastic hotel in the French quarter, (well it was, I hope New Orleans is back to normal after that hurricane and flooding). The first night Dot and I had a very good night out but tomorrow would be good.
After a walk around next day we decided to take a river trip on a paddle steamer. It was a nice ride out with a jas band playing in the lounge and food and drink available. I thought I had many photos of this trip but can not find any. Afterwards we had a drink in a modern shopping center by the river before going back to the hotel to change.
We met up the Cl and Ruth and had a fantastic time, we ate at one of their favorite restaurants, where I had alligator (tastes like chicken). Looked it up and it was Mulate's the Original Cajun Restaurant.
We then wandered around the old town and I got very drunk. We had massive cocktails, the Hurricane in one bar, Pat O’Brien’s, and I mean massive. I also think we had two, not a good idea, as the amount of alcohol in them is enormous. It was a great time I think I fell asleep in one bar.
Next morning we had to drive back to Pensacola but the holiday wasn't over yet.
The reason we drove from Pensacola, was to met up with friends CL & Ruth from Baton Rouge for night out but we would be meeting them tomorrow.
We had a fantastic hotel in the French quarter, (well it was, I hope New Orleans is back to normal after that hurricane and flooding). The first night Dot and I had a very good night out but tomorrow would be good.
After a walk around next day we decided to take a river trip on a paddle steamer. It was a nice ride out with a jas band playing in the lounge and food and drink available. I thought I had many photos of this trip but can not find any. Afterwards we had a drink in a modern shopping center by the river before going back to the hotel to change.
We met up the Cl and Ruth and had a fantastic time, we ate at one of their favorite restaurants, where I had alligator (tastes like chicken). Looked it up and it was Mulate's the Original Cajun Restaurant.
We then wandered around the old town and I got very drunk. We had massive cocktails, the Hurricane in one bar, Pat O’Brien’s, and I mean massive. I also think we had two, not a good idea, as the amount of alcohol in them is enormous. It was a great time I think I fell asleep in one bar.
Next morning we had to drive back to Pensacola but the holiday wasn't over yet.
Friday, 26 February 2016
USA, Pensacola 1999
I had a works visit to Plant in Pensacola, so we flew from Orlando. It was the smallest plane I have ever flown on and I think some of the people on board were ever more scared than me. In Pensacola we had to have a better car and got a massive Oldsmobile, if was really good.
We had a suite on beach at Gulf Breeze (this hotel is long gone now I think it was badly damaged in a hurricane) and Dot would have a nice time on the beach while I worked. It was a very good beach and I never seen sand so white, almost blindingly white, the photo is on the evening after work.
The evenings were really good though and we went out along the many bars on Gulf Breeze. One night there were even bands playing on the bandstand (rock bands) and you could get beer from a window in one of the buildings.
One night we went out to eat, in a hotel on the beach, they had very good beers and the servings were enormous especially the afters.
We had to leave Pensacola to meet up with friends in New Orleans but we would soon be back.
..................................................................
A couple of days latter and we were back in Pensacola.
It was a different hotel we stayed at this time though, it was just a one we found in coupons we found on the drive between Pensacola and New Orleans. It is now a Quality but I an sure it had a different name back then. There was a view of the plant from where we stayed and a couple of long bridges.
We found a nice place for a drink in town but as I was driving, we went back to the hotel, only the bar closed early there, so we had an early night.
Next morning we wandered over the road to the service station and had a very nice breakfast. I am not sure if we stayed one or two nights but it wasn't long before we headed for a plane back to Orlando and then got a taxi to the next airport and straight home.
We had a suite on beach at Gulf Breeze (this hotel is long gone now I think it was badly damaged in a hurricane) and Dot would have a nice time on the beach while I worked. It was a very good beach and I never seen sand so white, almost blindingly white, the photo is on the evening after work.
The evenings were really good though and we went out along the many bars on Gulf Breeze. One night there were even bands playing on the bandstand (rock bands) and you could get beer from a window in one of the buildings.
One night we went out to eat, in a hotel on the beach, they had very good beers and the servings were enormous especially the afters.
We had to leave Pensacola to meet up with friends in New Orleans but we would soon be back.
..................................................................
A couple of days latter and we were back in Pensacola.
It was a different hotel we stayed at this time though, it was just a one we found in coupons we found on the drive between Pensacola and New Orleans. It is now a Quality but I an sure it had a different name back then. There was a view of the plant from where we stayed and a couple of long bridges.
We found a nice place for a drink in town but as I was driving, we went back to the hotel, only the bar closed early there, so we had an early night.
Next morning we wandered over the road to the service station and had a very nice breakfast. I am not sure if we stayed one or two nights but it wasn't long before we headed for a plane back to Orlando and then got a taxi to the next airport and straight home.
USA, Orlando 1999
I had a conference from work in Orlando that was cancelled but as I had bought tickets for Dot we went anyway.
This trip to the USA was really in three parts so that is how I will cover it.
The hotel in Orlando was on International Drive, it sounds familiar but it took us ages to find. Orlando is a very big place, you definitely need a car.
As we were in Orlando, we had to visit, Disney World, we got cheap tickets from a stall (I believe these have all gone now) and did as much as we could do in one day. We got a bus from our hotel to Disney World, and got the ferry over into the Magic Kingdom, it was on this boat that we started to smile and it took quite a bit to wipe them off.
We did as much as we thought possible, watched a parade, before moving on the Epcot center and spent ages there. We walked right round Ebcot and visited every place there before the firework and light display on the night.
After that we made our way to Downtown Disney and had a few drinks, at midnight there was another firework display which was very disappointing. Latter we got a taxi back to the hotel, a very good but tiring day out.
We went to Cape Canaveral and it is a lot further than it looks but really well worth it. We did the full visit there but only after we had been to the beach, which was far too hot, we got out of the car burnt our feet, got back in and continued to the space center.
We had a great day there and even bumped into a couple from Billingham while we were there.
This trip to the USA was really in three parts so that is how I will cover it.
The hotel in Orlando was on International Drive, it sounds familiar but it took us ages to find. Orlando is a very big place, you definitely need a car.
As we were in Orlando, we had to visit, Disney World, we got cheap tickets from a stall (I believe these have all gone now) and did as much as we could do in one day. We got a bus from our hotel to Disney World, and got the ferry over into the Magic Kingdom, it was on this boat that we started to smile and it took quite a bit to wipe them off.
We did as much as we thought possible, watched a parade, before moving on the Epcot center and spent ages there. We walked right round Ebcot and visited every place there before the firework and light display on the night.
After that we made our way to Downtown Disney and had a few drinks, at midnight there was another firework display which was very disappointing. Latter we got a taxi back to the hotel, a very good but tiring day out.
We went to Cape Canaveral and it is a lot further than it looks but really well worth it. We did the full visit there but only after we had been to the beach, which was far too hot, we got out of the car burnt our feet, got back in and continued to the space center.
We had a great day there and even bumped into a couple from Billingham while we were there.
Ireland, Dublin 1999
We went with Trevor and Pat again, for a long weekend but flying to Dublin this time. We got the tickets with a buy one get one free for the flights and got a hotel cheap. Not too sure about this holiday but I think we must have been there for two nights and we flew in and out of Teesside.
The hotel was fairly central, but quite a walk into the where the pubs are.
Another party town, we did the open top bus ride and popped into the Guinness museum, you could get on and off the bus, I think we got back on the wrong one but it didn't seem to matter.
We did have a good walk about the shops and even found a "Evertings a Punt" shop (this was before the Euro), the first thing I looked at was 2 Punts, this was Ireland. Also flagged a taxi down and the driver said "sorry I can only take four people" we said "there are only four of us" and he replied "thats ok then", this really was Ireland.
On the flight home there were still selling duty frees as the plane was coming down.
The hotel was fairly central, but quite a walk into the where the pubs are.
Another party town, we did the open top bus ride and popped into the Guinness museum, you could get on and off the bus, I think we got back on the wrong one but it didn't seem to matter.
We did have a good walk about the shops and even found a "Evertings a Punt" shop (this was before the Euro), the first thing I looked at was 2 Punts, this was Ireland. Also flagged a taxi down and the driver said "sorry I can only take four people" we said "there are only four of us" and he replied "thats ok then", this really was Ireland.
On the flight home there were still selling duty frees as the plane was coming down.
Spain / Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico 1998
Back on holiday with Mick Bren, Josh and Jen, only flying from Teesside for a change, to the Canaries again. We were in different hotels in Puerto Rico, both up the side of the cliffs there, it is very steep.
Puerto Rico is quit a party town with a main shopping / entertainment complex and very good beaches.
We had a few trips out, Me and Dot got a Boat trip from the harbour to Puerto de Mogán, a very beautiful little village, although we did go back with the others in a hire car.
Mick hired a car, visited Puerto de Mogán again and then we set off across the island to Las Marciegas and La Playa. We had quite a good day out.
We also went to Maspalomas, in the hire car and had a walk on the very large beach there. We were going to visit the zoo but gave it a miss.
Me and Mick went to a bar in the center to watch the cup final, Arsenal v Newcastle, unfortunately Newcastle lost 2 - 0 but it was a good day out.
We also had a very good day out at the waterpark, they were trying to sell bus days out to this park, but we walked there, it took ten mins.
I have not mentioned the nights, well they were very good in the many bars in the center, they were that good that Mick fell in a ditch on the way home one night.
Puerto Rico is quit a party town with a main shopping / entertainment complex and very good beaches.
We had a few trips out, Me and Dot got a Boat trip from the harbour to Puerto de Mogán, a very beautiful little village, although we did go back with the others in a hire car.
Mick hired a car, visited Puerto de Mogán again and then we set off across the island to Las Marciegas and La Playa. We had quite a good day out.
We also went to Maspalomas, in the hire car and had a walk on the very large beach there. We were going to visit the zoo but gave it a miss.
Me and Mick went to a bar in the center to watch the cup final, Arsenal v Newcastle, unfortunately Newcastle lost 2 - 0 but it was a good day out.
We also had a very good day out at the waterpark, they were trying to sell bus days out to this park, but we walked there, it took ten mins.
I have not mentioned the nights, well they were very good in the many bars in the center, they were that good that Mick fell in a ditch on the way home one night.
Holland, Amsterdam 1998
This was a mini break with our friends Trevor and Pat, the accommodation was in cabins on the boat from Hull. We have since been on the ferry from hull many times on the way to France, but this was the first time.
All you get is a day out in the city so you have to make the most of it, we did. On day one, we drank too much on the night getting there, I think Trev won in the casino.
We had time for a good wander around the center and we even had time for a boat trip around the center. We had a beer and a coffe in the Hard Rock Cafe and afterwards a look around the red light district.
Then we went to another pub with a cafe below (with plenty of drugs), before we had to head back to the ferry. The ferry back involved as much drinking as on the way there.
All you get is a day out in the city so you have to make the most of it, we did. On day one, we drank too much on the night getting there, I think Trev won in the casino.
We had time for a good wander around the center and we even had time for a boat trip around the center. We had a beer and a coffe in the Hard Rock Cafe and afterwards a look around the red light district.
Then we went to another pub with a cafe below (with plenty of drugs), before we had to head back to the ferry. The ferry back involved as much drinking as on the way there.
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