Today was the annual Easter end-of-term show for James' pre-school, Little Rainbows. We had been busy this week making him an Easter hat for the competition. James did the decorating with glue, scissors and glitter pens and couldn't wait to wear it. I was so proud of him and our first attempt!
At 11.30 the audience was invited to see their show, "A Rainbow of a Tale". The play was written by the children, each contributing a couple of lines from stories they have heard at pre-school this term and from their imaginations. And there were some funny ideas in there! It was performed with excitement and lots of encouragement from the audience and their teachers! James was 'The handsome Prince' and bravely saved the Princess Charlotte from the hungry dragon. I took some video and it was difficult at times to keep the camera still, alternating between laughing, clapping and shouting "hurray!"
After the show the children sang "I'm a Spring Chicken", and the winners of the Easter Bonnet competition were announced. The line-up looked like Ascot on the first day! We weren't victorious but James happily kept his hat on for the rest of the morning and all the way home. He also had cards for his teachers and Easter eggs to hand out to all of his friends. We had a happy day!
We were very nearly caught out with the onset of daylight saving today and we wouldn't have been happy to miss our breakfast! It was a lovely spring morning. The grey cloud from yesterday had lifted so we could see right across the valley. After breakfast we donned our wellies and went for a walk across the farm. The sheep didn't mind us a bit and we followed the path away from the house through the woods and across some fields. We realised how much we miss just walking about the countryside.
We set off from our BB (as James calls them!) at 10.30 and within 15 minutes or so came to Deal on the sea on the very eastern edge of Kent. Unfortunately the castle was closed but we had a good look around and walk along the promenade and jetty. After that we hopped back in the car and went on to Sandwich. Okay, yes, lots of talking about sandwiches for lunch but like most English towns on a Sunday the only place open was the supermarket, so that had to do! We sat on a seat in the sun on the old town wall overlooking a green cricket ground.
Our next sat-nav location (easy peasy!) was Reculver on the north coast. Everything is so close in this corner of England so we had time to make a detour to St Augustine's Cross. St Augustine was the monk who converted the King of Kent to Christianity and he is remembered in pictures on this cross. Returning to the main road we saw signs to the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial adjacent to Kent airport. Martin made a bee-line for it! It was actually a museum staffed by enthusiasts and Martin spent some time there. Afterwards we had a coffee in the grounds in the sunshine.
Reculver was only 10 minutes away and we drove down tiny little roads to get there. Reculver Towers was a Roman church however half of it has washed into the sea and it is now only the two towers of the facade and some low walls remaining. James had fun 'opening' doors and choosing his favourite 'room'.
By now it was 4.30 (where did the day go?) and time to head west for home. We got back about 6.30pm and as I went to find James for his bath found he had put himself to bed with his doggy!
Warm sunny day. Arriving home still with a few hours of sunlight. Time to play with James; riding his bike, kicking a ball, or just talking. Sitting down to a wonderfully cooked meal. Laughter and conversation. Throwing plans about; weekend in Paris, trip to New York, and then maybe Portugal for the summer. Catching up on news of our new friends.
We awoke this morning after probably the best night’s sleep for the past three weeks. We didn’t hear a peep from James and his cough. Maybe it was the picture of the badgers over his bed??
Breakfast was in the conservatory. Although it was a grey morning we enjoyed the views of the Alkham valley. The B&B is perched on a ridge so provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the surroundings. Wendy and Neil cooked up a superb breakfast. They delight in collecting fresh local produce including sausages, eggs, and local Kent honey.
Most trips we take are packed to the hilt with travels and adventures. I’ve had a very busy few weeks with work, and with James’ persistent cold, we were all feeling a little tired. So today we wanted to strike the right balance.
You can’t visit Kent without seeing Canterbury Cathedral so this was our first port of call. Arriving in Canterbury Merrilyn was keen to visit ‘The Goods Shed’ farmer’s market. It’s a permanent market packed with loads of Kent produce. We bought apples, cheeses, vegies and some freshly baked pastries for a snack later on. James wanted to carry the cheese for the rest of the day but we convinced him that warm, squishy washed-rind cheese is not great on biscuits.
Canterbury Cathedral is a world heritage site. We’ve seen a few very impressive cathedrals in the past few weeks but I guess this one has special historic significance – being the seat of the Anglican faith. In AD597 missionaries from Rome converted the kind of Kent to Christianity. Augustine, leader of the mission, was consecrated as Archbishop and his cathedra (official seat) was established at Canterbury.
We entered the Cathedral via the Nave. Here our eyes were drawn up to via the Gothic arches and pillars to the ceiling high above. At the West end of the Nave is a stained glass window – with some panes dating to 1176.
Perhaps one of the most significant spots in the Cathedral is where Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II’s knights on 29 December 1170. He was violently attacked and there is a belief that one of the Knight’s broke a sword tip with the force of the blows. This spot has become a focal point for pilgrimage and on 29 May 1982, Pope John Paul II and Archbishop Robert Runice prayed together.
The Cathedral contains a stunning crypt. Photos are not permitted so I can’t share with you the visuals. However, it is a large space with many chapels. Some had frescos that date back to the 12th century. It was also a place for reflection and worship. One of the chapels was being used for a service and the sounds echoed throughout the crypt. Amazing.
Returning from the crypt we made out way to the Trinity Chapel. It is surrounded by immense stained glass windows with deep, rich colours. Scenes depict Thomas Becket and Henry II. Some of the windows are 13th century. Also housed here is the medieval tomb of Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince (d 1376).
We had lunch at a local café and then headed to Whitstable to see the Thames Estuary. By now the weather had well and truly closed in and the wind was howling. We parked the car and walked along the harbour. James was exhausted and was sound asleep. Merrilyn and I took turns carrying him. The water of the estuary was a murky brown and in the distance we could make out wind generators in the harbour and the northern shores of Suffolk . There is a thriving fish market but I think that will have to wait for a better day.
We decided to call it a day and have just arrived back at our B&B. We had hoped to walk in the fields but it is drizzling now. Instead, Merrilyn and James have gone to seek out the animals. Tonight we sample another local pub which, we hear, has a good reputation for local produce.
Kent has always held a fascination for us. Both for its wealth of Roman history and castles, and for its markets and gardens. Apart from Leeds Castle, Kent has remained out of reach for day trips.
So for this trip we have booked a two night stay at a lovely farmhouse B&B in Alkham, a few miles from Folkestone, probably best know as the gateway for the Channel Tunnel.
Friday afternoon we made our way to Alkham. Arriving at about 4:30pm we were greeted by our host Wendy. After dropping our kit off in our upstairs room we hardly had time to admire the views over the valley before making our way to the conservatory and a nice cup of tea with the family dog and cat.
Wendy recommended a local pub in Lydden and we were not disappointed. It was a lovely old pub. The proprietor and his son were manning the bar and we all had a chat before retiring to our table by the log fire. It was a chilly 5 degrees outside.
Arriving home we met Neil – Wendy’s husband. Alkham Court won best B&B for South East England last year. And we can see why. They are warm and friendly people.
Technically Spring started yesterday with the vernal equinox. We have experienced about a week of very cold nights - hovering around zero. This morning, as I blog, it is snowing. Large flakes are drifting to the ground. Its been falling for about an hour - just enough to powder the roofs, cars, and garden. Both Merrilyn and James are still asleep. It's early mornings for me lately and James is still struggling with his cold. He's been up coughing every night for the past two weeks. For me - I'm off to stand in the snow waiting for my lift in to work.
I've been looking forward to today! Here in the UK it's Mother's Day and my only requests were a sleep-in and breakfast in bed! Not too much to ask! I was woken at 9am by James and Daddy having a wrestling and tickle match on my bed. I sent them off to the kitchen and they returned with scrambled eggs on toast (with a parsley garnish!) and coffee. Perfect for a Sunday morning. How about every Sunday, fellas...?
It was bright and fresh outside as we set off for Legoland Windsor. We've decided to purchase Annual Passes as most of James' friends have them and the parents swear they are worth the money. The park is only 3 miles from here so we can visit any time we like and for as long as we like. James was so excited to see all the Lego and having loved the Tivoli in Copenhagen was bursting to go on rides. After being photographed for our passes we caught a little train down the hill (there's a brilliant view of our castle from the top!). We had fun on the Ferris wheel, swinging chairs, Lego steam train and diggers. Whilst there the hail alternated with bouts of warm sunshine - almost a Melbourne day! We had lunch there but it wasn't great and next time it will be a picnic for us.
James was asleep in the car within minutes and is still asleep now! So much fun for a little boy!
[Martin: The highlight for James and I was definitely the diggers. Check out the photos here.]
In our inexhaustible quest to discover Britain, we once again set off this morning for the city of Winchester, and hour via the M3 from Windsor. Martin had read much about the city’s intricate history and we were keen to explore.
We are adept now at setting our GPS for a Park & Ride and getting to places the easy way. No more one-way streets and packed car-parks for us! Park & Ride is always a highlight for James, and he runs straight to the back of the bus!
Alighting in the city centre at Abbey Passage we headed for the Winchester Cathedral. Its story is amazing – the first Saxon church was built here in 648. In 1043 Winchester became the capital of England (bet you didn’t know that!) The present Cathedral was begun by William the Conqueror in 1079 and the nave is the longest in England. We were met inside by very friendly vergers who made it clear that James was free to roam and explore as he liked. His ‘church behaviour’ is quite good and he is always treated to all our small change for lighting a little prayer candle.
So, interesting points about the Cathedral – Jane Austen is buried here (she died in 1817 aged 41); the font is 12th century and still used today; the 13th-century medieval tiled floor is the oldest and largest surviving in England: the impressive West Window was destroyed in the English Civil War (1642-48) but the glass was collected and saved and the window re-modelled as a mosaic in 1660.
Usually I am not one to make a bee-line for the crypt, but I was told I’d be sorry to miss this one. It is highly unusual in that it floods regularly in winter. Keeping a steely grip on James’ hand we descended underneath the nave to a beautiful arched cavern. In the middle and up to its knees in water was the sculpture “Sound II” by a modern artist. However there was too much water surrounding us for me to be comfortable there with James for very long. And in stark contrast to the blue sky outside and the heated Cathedral it was a bit cold!
Not to be missed is the 12th-century Winchester Bible which took around 20 years to produce. Its gold and lapis lazuli illuminations are still in perfect condition.
But the Cathedral is not the only feature of Winchester! Outside the day had warmed and become bright and sunny. We found a terrific playground for lunch and a play in glorious sunshine. We walked through the town to our next point of interest, The Great Hall.
Winchester was once the capital of England. Although there are only a few remnants of the original foundations, the Great Hall remains intact. Within is housed King Arthur’s round table mounted high on the wall of the northern wall. The table is painted with the names of knights with a picture of Arthur seated on a throne at the top. In fact, this table was constructed some 400 years after the Arthur’s time. And it is debated whether Arthur is in fact a King or a commander of the Welsh Armies. Regardless of the mythology is was fascinating to see the artefact.
James has a bit of a chest cold and is awake during the night coughing. So he had had enough at this point so we caught the bus back to the car. Arriving back in Windsor James wanted to ride his tricycle. So we all went for a stroll/ride on the Long Walk enjoying the late afternoon sun.
I've mentioned the arrival of Spring in a number of recent blogs. So this morning, after kicking a soccer with James on the Long Walk and waving to the Queen on her way to church, I though I'd take a stroll through the street to take some photos. As it turns out today has been a warm and sunny (actually about 13 degrees - so it must be English to call that warm!) so we've all had a relaxing day. More later.
Some trees and shrubs are just starting to sprout new leaves. Although most are still buds. The most prominent sign of Spring is the flowering of bulbs. Besides the daffodils the flower boxes lining our drive are in bloom. Besides the daffodils there's also hyacinth and polyanthos. From Sheet Street I strolled back to the Long Walk, past the communal garden, and snapped a photo of more daffodils that seem to be planed at the base of trees. In fact, one of the most impressive displays is in the large round-about that's at the end of Sheet Street. I navigated the traffic to walk amongst them and take a few shots.
My walk led to Peascod Street where I called Merrilyn and found her with James at Bachelor's Acre playground. I couldn't resist the warm weather and bought James hist first cup of Chunky Monkey ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. He guarded it from the other children who also wanted some!
We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the garden of our apartments - with more soccer afterwards. The warm sun was very relaxing and I grabbed a beer for some R&R. This afternoon we took a walk to Carluccio's and had a coffee. Unfortunately the biscotti we ordered didn't arrive!
As I type this Merrilyn is sitting in the window reading the copy Coast & Country that Lynne sent us (it has her article about Churches in it) and James is watching Aladdin.
Today we finally got to catch up with Andrew, Suzanne, Kayley and Ryan. We've been trying since about Christmas. We all love travelling, and with Andrew's flying schedule, it seems it's been tough to get a day where the stars align.
We met at Harpenden about 11am. James immediately ran outside to see his cousins. Kayley organised a game of soccer (she's very good a looking after the younger ones!) and the kids ran around. Spring is here. On the way up I noticed the first of the spring leaves sprouting on the hedgerows. And of course there is blossom about. Welcomingly, the sun had a little warmth in it today.
Before long we bundled into two cars and headed off to Ely - just north of Cambridge. The satnav advised a 13:00 arrival - not ideal for the kids.
Its an easy drive on the M1, M25, M11 and the satnav guided us right to a car park in the heart of Ely. Being a Saturday the place was packed. We tried two car parks before deciding to head out to a park & ride. We usually go for these straight away and should have done so again today. There was hardly any cars there, parking was free, and the shuttle bus (again free) dropped us off right in the city centre. Too easy!
We were all hungry so it was off to a pub. Suzanne go the kids going with colouring whilst Andrew and I go stuck in to a few pints of ale. A nice way to spend the afternoon.
Sorted - we headed off to Ely Cathedral. Its an imposing building that sits in a commanding position such that it can be seen for miles. It was founded as a monastery in 673 by St. Etheldreda, a Saxon Princess from East Anglia and was subsequently destroyed by the Danes in 870. William the Conqueror rebuilt the Cathedral in the early 1080s.
You enter from the West Tower and are immediately confronted by The Nave. It was built by the Normans and is almost 80 metres long. The afternoon light lit the northern columns and allowed us to get a good view of the ceiling - painted in Victorian times.
Walking along the Nave you come to the Octagon. This replaced the central tower, which collapsed in 1322. It's a timber, glass and lead structure with exquisitely painted wood. A wedding was in progress in the Presbytery.
I think the kids were less impressed. Outside was a large lawn and they enjoyed running around and climbing on the stone walls. We retired to a cafe for coffee and then it was back to the bus for the short journey back to the car.
These past few weeks James has been pushing some boundaries. Driving home, I think he was playing opposites. He didn't like the car, then didn't like the music, then wanted to have the window open. We were all glad to be home!
A colleague is also a pilot with a part share in a Nanchang CJ-6. Today I got to go flying!
With the weather forecast for rain today it was somewhat surprising to wake to clear sunny skies. At 10am I received a call that Sean was offering to take Gary and I up. What an opportunity. And I knew James would be keen to see the aircraft.
So off we went to the White Waltham airfield just to the west of Maidenhead - about 20 minutes drive away. This is the home of the West London Aero Club but was established in 1928 when the de Havilland family bought 196 acres of grassland to house the de Havilland Flying School. During World War II the field was used by the Air Transport Auxiliary, established to transfer new, repaired and damaged warplanes between factories, delivery points from the United States, maintenance depots and active service airfields.
As we arrived we saw the warbird on the grass field beside the car park. Sean had brought it over so the kids could get a good look. Unfortunately it rained overnight and the ground was still wet - causing the aircraft to get bogged! The nosewheel doesn't turn so to steer you have to apply asymmetrical braking to one or other of the wheels. Sean was able to get moving but found that the plane slid towards the fence. Applying braking to steer only resulted in the dragging wheel digging into the soft earth. Result - the ignominy of having to get a club vehicle to tow it out.
A little history for those who, like me, have an interest in warbirds. The CJ-6 was a primary trainer for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It is based on the Russian Yak-18A. About 10,000 were produced and the one we flew today was circa 1965 vintage. As a trainer it has duplicated controls and instruments in the rear seat.
Gary went up first and returned after about 30 minutes - legs shaking. Sean had performed some basic aerobatics that left poor Gary a little motion sick. Great - I'm next!
Sean helped me in the rear seat, over the parachute that doubled as a seat cushion. He strapped me firmly in the four point harness making sure that the lap sash was tight. We'd be doing some short inverted flying so need to make sure you don't move about. Sean gave me a run through of the instruments: airspeed indicator, electronic compass, vertical speed indicator, artificial horizon, engine rpm and temp. Between my legs was the stick which, Sean explained, would be moving about a bit during taxiing and manoeuvring. I donned the headset which allowed us to talk. Sean pointed out that beside my left thigh was the throttle which has the radio push-to-talk button. "Don't hit that when we're flying or we'll broadcast to the world". I'll keep it in mind.
The aircraft uses pneumatics for brakes, flaps, and to start the engine. So the prop needs a few turns to get pressure in the lines. After that, Sean joined me and started the engines. I had my canopy open slightly so could hear the engines and smell the fumes. Great! After idling for a minute or so to bring the engine temp up we set off on a fast taxi to avoid getting bogged again. As we approached the grass strip Sean broadcast his intent to takeoff and then we accelerated away.
As we climbed I could see a few rain clouds approaching. Sean explained that these were easily avoided and we made a right hand turn and headed towards the Thames and Marlow. As we were on visual flight rules, and with no radar, etc on the aircraft, Sean asked me to keep a lookout for other planes. We climbed to an initial 1500 feet and proceeded down a valley. Its an amazing sensation flying in an aircraft such as this. You are surrounded by the canopy so have a panoramic view. The cloud deck was at about 3000 feet so the ride got a little bumpy at this point as the air was sucked up the valley into the clouds. I looked out at the stubby wings and held on to the instrument shroud.
Sean found a clear patch of sky and advised that he was about to climb to 3000 feet. Why? To get some distance from the ground for our manoeuvres and because flying around the clouds was "fun".
Once at our target altitude we had to do some clearing turns. These allow us to get a full view of any aircraft around and below us. Its also a chance to feel a few g's in prep for the aerobatics. Sean brought the airspeed up to about 280 km/h and then pulled in to a tight right hand turn; dropping the right wing down about 45 degrees. I experienced about 2gs and I have to admit that the sweat started to prickle. After checking I was OK we did the same for a left hand turn. Neither of us saw any aircraft so it was on to the fun part.
First manoeuvre was a wing over. Getting some more speed Sean pulled the CJ-6 in to a 45 degree climb at which point you again experience about 2g. He then executed a tight left hand turn dropping the wing what felt like almost 90 degrees. This way the aircraft essentially pivots on the dropped wing and descends. I alternated between looking down the wing to the ground below and craning my head to get a fix on the horizon. It was fun but at the same time a little scary and I felt a little queasy.
Recovering from the wing over Sean asked whether we should go again. You bet! This time is was a left hand wing over with a little more g. Ok - heart going now!
It was time for the aileron roll. In this manoeuvre we'd be briefly inverted. Sean gained airspeed - about 300 km/h, and pulled the nose up to about 30 degrees of climb. The aileron is then fully deflected to commence the roll. A little forward stick is required to keep the right attitude but there is a momentary very small negative g. As the horizon spun I tried to keep my eyes steady. I definitely felt the harness work as we went inverted. Probably not more than 10 seconds later and we were level again. What an experience!
With a few rain clouds approaching Sean called the field to get the local conditions. We turned back and flew past Henley on Thames. As we approached the field I spotted a light aircraft approaching at out 11 o'clock on an opposite heading but with perhaps a 1000 feet vertical separation. It is a completely difference experience when you can see this through way amounts to an uninterrupted canopy. We lined up on finals just as the rain clouds approached the field. A few small bumps of turbulence and we were on the ground.
Thanks Sean! Can't wait for the next flight.
Photos here. Short 3min video below (although not of the flight. Sean made me empty my pockets let alone have a camera on board during the manoeuvres!)
James' Top 5 1. gelati - anywhere, anytime 2. chasing pigeons in Piazza San Marco 3. the gondola ride 4. cornetti for breakfast. Every day. 4. the bidet in the bathroom
Merrilyn's Top 5 1. shopping - anywhere, anytime 2. vegetarian food - more more! 3. the peace and quiet of Venice 4. Murano glass factory and shops 5. sharing all of this with my boys
Martin's Top 5 1. espresso, macchiato - anywhere, anytime 2. glorious food - arancini, mozzerella and anchovy, biscotti... 3. discovering new Campi (small squares) 4. watching James chase pigeons in Piazza San Marco 5. rose glass in the street lights on the Grand Canal
Our last day in beautiful Venice (I know I use that word a lot, but it's true!) The breakfast room at our hotel was bordered by a small canal on two sides, so it was exciting to see gondolas glide past as we ate. James was keen to get out and chase pigeons. We made his day by buying a bag of corn for 1 Euro to feed them. He squealed with delight and giggled helplessly, declaring "they peck-ed my fingers!" I was at him with the anti-bacterial wipes straight away!
There was no queue at the Palazzo Ducale, Doges Palace. The rooms here were just incredible, so sumptuous and richly decorated. It was easy to imagine the mighty Doge (Duke) sweeping along the corridors and presiding over the council chamber.This massive room houses the largest oil painting in the world by Tintoretto. Apparently he was so honoured to receive the commission he applied to the council for a reduction in his payment! That's dedication!
From the state apartments we crossed over the covered, two-way Bridge of Sighs on the way to prison. Funny, but one can't help but sigh! It was cold and dank in contrast to the regal splendour of the palace. We didn't stay too long.
We were all glad to get back out into the relative warmth outside. James chased more pigeons (they didn't see him coming) and we took the long way to lunch via the Rialto. But once there we decided to hop a vaporetto and go right around the island, past the port and railway station. It was good to get a different perspective. It took a fair while with many stops but arriving back at San Marco we boarded another boat and went a few stops up to the Accademia district. There was definitely a different vibe going on here - a little relaxed and possibly bohemian. There is a university here and it seemed like the cool place to be. The bridge crossing the Grand Canal is made of iron, in contrast to the more common stone ones. It was originally built by Austrians in 1854 (virtually modern!) but was demolished by Mussolini and rebuilt in it's current state in 1985.
The other side of the canal was San Stefano and it's huge Campo, overlooked by three palaces. Here James made a visit to the famous San Stefano gelateria - the home of true Venetian gelati. He chose strawberry. He is always very generous and offers us a taste. This one we could hardly resist eating it all!
Lunch was back again on the Calle dei Fabri at our 'usual' cafe. We tried different things, including an Italian aperitif, Aperol (bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb and herbs) which I adored! Alcohol content of a mere 11% yikes!
Last task was to pick up our suitcase at the hotel and make our way to Marco Polo Airport for the flight home. James fell asleep within minutes of being on the water bus. I was sad to leave Venice. I felt that once there I didn't want to leave, but the prospect of returning makes me happy.
This morning we took a vaporetto directly across the Grand Canal to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Although majestic on the outside as it guards the mouth of the Canal, it was comparatively stark inside. There were works by Tintoretto but it was quite cold. James made a beeline for the candles and once again accepted all my change in exchange for a tea light. It has become a highlight of his European education and we don't mind contributing to the upkeep of these masterpieces.
We took the lift to the top of the bell tower. The view was fantastic - arguably the best for seeing Venice from above. The bells gave us a huge fright when they chimed 10 o'clock right above our heads. Poor James! [Martin - we all got quite a fright!] But he was soon back at his position watching the elevator machinery through the glass walls. View? What view?
Our next stop was the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. It was erected in 1630 to thank the Virgin for ending the plague that had raged through the city. It was spectacularly decorated inside and out. The marble floors were amazing.
Back across the water and to the Basilica San Marco, the 'golden church'. The remains of St Mark were brought here from Egypt in the 11th Century as a direct snub to Rome and St Peter. It is the most breathtaking building - almost completely gold, jewel and mosaic encrusted. I can't do the church justice describing it here. You'll just have to see it for yourself! The floors were almost as impressive as the ceilings. James bumped his head on a marble column, but don't worry, both are fine. He was so tired his head rested on my shoulder and he was audibly snoring and dribbling within seconds - it was so funny!
He stayed that way as we ate our lunch at a tiny, 4 tabled caffe on the Calle dei Fabri just near our hotel. There was no room to move but we managed! Marty and I were in heaven as we ate delectable, olive oil-soaked morsels and drank caffe. We seriously didn't want to leave. It was a real find and we vowed to return!
At about 4pm we hailed a gondola (easiest thing in the world as there are so many of them!) and enjoyed 45 minutes of just cruising around the canals and backwaters of Venice. James was very well behaved and displayed his 'Gondola manners' beautifully. Our gondolier, Alex, pointed out interesting places and Martin went snap-happy! [Martin - We got to see the residence of Marco Polo which was a treat. This is only accessible from the small canal.] The silence was broken by the conversations and salutations of the gondoliers as they ducked under bridges and navigated these beautiful, graceful boats around sharp corners and alongside building and other boats with centimetres to spare. It takes up to 2 years to qualify and one certainly requires the skill. We didn't see any L-platers but they must be out there somewhere!
We had passed a trattoria displaying it's home-made pasta in the window several times and decided on that for dinner. See what I mean about a gastronomic tour! It was very early, 6pm, but the staff were very friendly and made a fuss of James. Marty and I adored the pasta with artichoke sauce and also drank prosecco. James had farfalle (butterfly) pasta with a tomato sauce and Martin and I finished what he didn't! Needless to say, dinner was followed by more gelati. James declared his favourite flavour was the 'Crema del Dogi', a rich vanilla concoction with caramel and chocolate running through it. Ok, it was my favourite too!
After breakfast, cornetti and caffe of course, we took a private tour to Murano. We walked down to the Rialto dock where a beautiful, wooden water taxi was waiting to take us away through the canals and out to Murano in record time. Beats the water bus! The fog had lifted from the day before and we had good views as we sped away. Arriving at Murano we visited a glass making factory which we found interesting. The glass master and his apprentices were making goblets and we watched them for a fair while, fascinated by the skill involved in manipulating the molten glass. Afterwards we were taken to the showrooms which were breathtaking. I've never seen so much beautiful (and expensive!) glass and crystal. Rooms crammed with chandeliers and sculpture and glass sets. My birthday present was a truly luminescent blue glass and silver necklace and a set of bracelets. A special reminder. Thanks Marty!
After this we strolled along Murano's own Grand Canal, criss-crossing it's many bridges and looking in nearly every shop window. We came across a fruit and vegetable seller on his boat alongside the promenade. It was a typical Friday morning and the locals were purchasing the produce. It made me hungry! We stood at the bar of a cafe and downed an espresso each and hopped back on a boat.
James coped well with all the walking he'd done so far but by this time was fading fast. We bought arancini rice balls, pizette, anchovies in mozzarella and 'red' orange juice and ate at the table in our suite. He was determined not to have a rest so out we went again and jumped on a vaporetto (water bus) toward Ca'd'Oro district. James fell asleep in my arms. Martin took him from me and went back to the hotel so I could shop unencumbered! I bought some jewelery and a handbag. It was a great feeling to meander along narrow laneways over countless canals and past some of the most exclusive shops I've ever seen in one small area! Three Gucci stores!
Upon returning to the hotel I discovered that James had woken as Martin had tried to put him down to bed and was not to be cajoled into a rest! So we freshened up and ventured out to find some dinner. We were never able to get through Piazza San Marco without James chasing the poor pigeons! He ran around and around and we could only stand and watch with eagle eyes (no pun intended!) as he alternated between roaring at them and calling "come on birdy" with hands outstretched. I hope they had a nice rest when we left!
The sun was setting and we walked along the promenade past the Bridge of Sighs and back around to the now-familiar Rialto. We weren't organised so it was pizza again (no complaints, really!) and another gelati. We were too full and tired to walk anymore so we caught a vaporetto back to San Marco and called it a day. What a day!
[Martin - the vaporetto along the Grand Canal was a spectacular way to see Venice at night. It meanders along the canal stopping outside palaces with the lights from the street restaurants and cafes reflecting off the water. Arriving back at Piazza San Marco we walked under the street lamps shaded with rose venetian glass.]
Today was dress up day at Little Rainbows pre-school to celebrate World Book Day.
Everyone knows James loves the Windsor Castle guards, so we purchased a little uniform and he wore it with pride. I couldn't convince him to march or play his recorder but he looked very handsome (and he knew it!).
I was the Parent Helper on duty today, so I enjoyed surreptitiously watching him play with pirates, Spiderman, princesses, Bob the Builder and Minnie Mouse. He even drew a picture of a guard - the first he has done with an actual body, arms and legs. And a great big smile!
James wore his uniform all day, and is looking forward to wearing it to tea with his friend Oliver tomorrow. He said "there will be two guards in the house!"
Well, our passports are getting a good work out this year! James loves looking at the stamps in his, and of course he is always accompanied by Doggy (with his own passport!) on his overseas trips.
We booked a 4 day trip to Venice only a month ago. Martin had previously visited Venice 12 years ago and was just so happy to be back. As he was in Melbourne at the time of our 10th wedding anniversary in January we had decided to celebrate at a later date, and Venice was the first and unanimous choice! It also coincided with my birthday so it was extra special!
We flew out of Heathrow on a morning flight on Thursday 22nd. James remembered Terminal 2 from our trip to Rome with Mum and he told Martin how the last time he was here he had a fruit salad.Which was true and we were so amazed! Maybe he will remember all this!
Our flight was via Milan and we arrived in Venice at 3.30pm, right on time. A short walk from the arrivals hall was the Alilaguna Water Bus service. It was a strange feeling standing on a dock with planes roaring past us on the adjacent runway. It was very foggy so we couldn't see much. The trip into Venice proper took just over and hour, stopping at the island of Murano, famous for it's manufacture of Venetian glass. This was our first glimpse of real life in Venice - no cars! James stood on the seat most of the way.
As we approached the iconic San Marco and Doges Palace James claimed that he would catch a fish in the Canal for our dinner! Yummy! I couldn't believe that I was actually standing here in this Piazza. Our hotel was only 50 steps or so from the square and we found it easily enough. Our room was perfect - so dark and quiet at night it was hard to believe we were in the heart of the city. But, that's Venice! The silence is the most astonishing thing.
After we'd settled we headed straight out to explore. Martin did his 'usual' trick (gets me every time!) of turning a corner and there was the Rialto Bridge all lit up. It was beautiful. We had pizza for dinner followed by the first of many gelati! On the way back to our hotel we bought some biscotti at a store very much like our favourite in Carlton. The selection made buying just a few a difficult task!
This blog allows us to share in our UK assignment with all our family and friends. We intend to keep it updated will all our experiences (including photos) as we start our new life in London.
Today was the annual Easter end-of-term show for James' pre-school, Little Rainbows. We had been busy this week making him an Easter hat for the competition. James did the decorating with glue, scissors and glitter pens and couldn't wait to wear it. I was so proud of him and our first attempt!
