Lucerne Trip - Day 4

Sunday morning. Long leisurely breakfast. Didn't want to leave. Another walk in the glorious sunshine and final goodbyes to lovely Lucerne. The train took us back to Zurich airport where we spent the very last of our Swiss Francs on chocolate. We have touched Switzerland so briefly but it is definitely one of our favourite places. Auf weidersehen!

Photos are here.

Lucerne Trip - Day 3

Today was to be taken at a more leisurely pace, given the exertions of the day before (no, not really!). After another fabulous breakfast we walked up Lowerstrasse to the Lion Monument. I was soothed by the peaceful setting by the pond in the shade although the lion was dying (we told James he was sleeping, so shhhhh!) and it is such an evocative sculpture.

We consulted the map and found the old city walls and towers. We could climb and walk the battlements which was tough going for little legs, but he was soon rewarded with a play at a little playground. And it was all downhill from there! After lunch in our room we all had a sleep and Martin went window-shopping briefly.

At 4pm the boys headed to the hotel pool and I went for a massage. Ja, this is my kind of holiday! I could hear James laughing and splashing and having fun. Feeling refreshed and somewhat rubbery, we decided to find some dinner. On the way we passed the pedal boat hire and thought it would be fun to go out on the lake. We pedalled along, past the hotel and moored boats and across the lake for an hour. I was thinking that by tomorrow my muscles would not be happy and the lovely massage undone, but that wasn't the case. We set James the task of spotting Pirates and other boats which he did and assured us that when he was a man he was going to have a turn pedalling. With pleasure!

On we went, but by now the restaurants in the Old Town were full and so were the hotel ones so we bought plates of food and cups of Heineken from the music festival and ate on the lawn between the hotel and lake. Very casual but fun and part of the atmosphere.

Photos are here.

Lucerne Trip - Day 2

Today we purchased tickets for a trip that took us across Lake Lucerne and up Mt Pilatus by all means of transport!

First leg was on the lovely steamer 'Unterwalden', constructed in 1902. We all loved the massive engines working steadily and the windows to the paddle wheels. Although we had top deck access James was more interested in being down with the machinery. It was 90 minutes of glorious alpine scenery and photo opportunities! We thought the retraction of the mast and funnel to go under the bridge was truly unique and quite funny! It was an act practised many times by the crew with inches to spare.

The steamer left us at Alpnachstad where we boarded the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. And yes, it felt like we were going straight up! On the 30 minute trip we saw mountain goats and heard the bells of cows on the hillsides. Arriving at the top of Mt Pilatus, at 7000 feet high it was quite cool, only 12 or so degrees.

We ate lunch in the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm but were itching to get out and walk. The legend of Pilatus has a friendly dragon as its hero so off we went searching for him. There were plenty of caves and tunnels inside the mountain where one would expect a fire-breathing dragon to hide but despite our efforts we never saw him. The views were worth the climb, and the summer wildflowers were plentiful along the steep paths. Just lovely and awe-inspiring.

We stayed up top for about 3 hours then boarded the 'aerial cableway' (big gondola) back down the mountain. Half way down we got off at Fräkmüntegg and tackled Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run, all 1.3km's of it! It was quite a ride and James had a great time, although they blamed the high-pitched shrieking on me! [Martin: James and I went first. Setting off I couldn't help but enjoy the high banking turns at speed. Before long I had the sled up on two wheels and about to tip on the apex of a curve. Holding on to James with one had I slid off the back and had to force myself and the sled back upright - all at speed. Nice recovery! And I have the friction burns on my knee and forearm to remember it by!]

Back onto a smaller 'panoramic' gondola and down to Kriens to catch the Number 1 bus back to Luzern. Along the way we had met a Dutch/Canadian couple, Greg & Miriam, and their 4 year old daughter Sara. They were fun and we had some good conversatio before heading down the mountain together. We had a recommended local Swiss restaurant - 'Le Dezaley' - booked so invited them all for dinner.

Far from being an old-style traditional restaurant it was a modern and stylish place to eat. We had cheese fondue, bread and wine and ate until we were soooo full! James and Sara ate hardly anything, so engrossed were they in each other's company. They were very well behaved given the hour and the days activities. Dinner over, we said goodbye and we three once again walked about in the evening warmth and eventually wound our way back to our hotel. James had no problem with going to bed, and we followed soon after. Martini's preceding of course!

Photos are here.

Lucerne Trip - Day 1

An early start (5.30 am) for our Swiss Air flight from London to Zurich. It's always easier to get out of bed for days like this! We arrived into Zurich at lunchtime and bought some things to eat on the train to Lucerne. The airport and connecting train services run like Swiss clockwork, as we expected!

After only an hour travelling through quaint towns and along rivers, with the snow-capped Alps looming in the distance, we arrived at Lucerne. Our hotel, the Grand National, was a short walk from the station on the edge of the lake. Only 3 floors high, there was nothing to mar the spectacular view from our room and balconies over the lake to Mt Pilatus and beyond.

We were slightly travel-weary but keen to get going. It was hot, about 25 degrees so we changed and slapped on the sunscreen and headed out to explore Lucerne's Old Town. The highlight here (apart from the shops!) are the old painted houses and buildings. Not painted as in colour, but with murals and scenes depicting the city's history. I've never seen anything like it before. There were plenty of little squares dotted about, most with a central fountain which James found irresistible of course!

We stopped for a short break by the Reuss River. The water was cool so we took off our shoes for a dip. Too cold for me but I couldn't get the boys out! We meandered about and soon crossed the iconic Chapel Bridge, the symbol of Lucerne. The summer flowers made it postcard-perfect. Some beams and pictures damaged by the 1993 fire still remain as a reminder and testament to those who rebuilt and restored the bridge in only 8 months. We told James of the fire and he was very concerned!

In the evening we strolled back along the promenade to the hotel. There was a music festival in progress nearby which rather than detract from the beauty of the city, only served to enhance its liveliness and air of summer frivolity. From our room it wasn't a problem.

We decided to eat at the hotel and were so impressed by the quality and presentation of the food at its main restaurant. James asked for sausages which were forthcoming, and when he asked for bread it was still in the oven being baked! Needless to say it was mouth-watering! Martin and I both had fish and wine.

After dinner and another walk we put James to bed and ordered room service Martinis which we drank on the balcony. The moon was rising and reflected in the lake. Lucerne is aptly referred to as the City of Lights. Ahhh...summer evenings don't get much better than this!

Photos are here.

The rising Thames

I arrived at work this morning to find a crew of hard-working lads out sandbagging all entrances to the office in Staines. As I left tonight the sandbag walls had grown and I had to virtually climb over them to get out. Staines has a flood warning current but I think this is precautionary. The Thames at Runnymede was a few inches higher tonight. Reports indicate that the Thames level should peak tomorrow.

Flood warning in Berkshire

What a difference a day makes!

Heavy rain has been falling for well over a week. We've watched as regions in the north and west have been affected by flooding. A colleague living near Bristol left from Staines last Friday night at 6pm and arrived home 12 hours later! Motorways and roads were cut around Gloucestershire causing chaos. After having spent two hours in the car at a standstill - and following earlier diversions - he pulled in to a side road and slept for a few hours before continuing his journey home.

The deluge is now affecting the Thames. Travelling to work today I couldn't help but notice that its level was the highest I've ever seen - including the height of winter. It has broken the bank at Runnymede. Low lying homes along its bank are now at risk. My office in Staines is theoretically below the water level. Tonight, Staines has a flood warning meaning imminent risk of flooding affecting houses and businesses. We are safe and secure in our home. But I may find access to work restricted. And there is rain forecast for the foreseeable future.

On the way home I stopped at Runnymede to take a few photos and some video.

A break in the storm

Today was a rare day indeed. Unexpected sunshine and even a little warmth. Its been bleak the past two months. Whereas this time last year London experienced its hottest day on record, this summer is shaping up to be the wettest in a generation. Just last Friday Berkshire was inundated with torrential rain and a swollen Thames. There is still a lot of water lying along the Long Walk. But today was different.

We awoke this morning following a fun night with friends Annie, Bill, Oliver (James' fellow soldier friend). Lots of food, wine, and conversation. We thought of heading down to Southampton but decided instead to visit Ikea (!!). OK - James' room was in need of some serious storage solutions. So off to Wembley we went - and a few hours later we were back home with a set of new shelves together with a table & chairs for James' art. He's just showing an interest so we're keen to encourage him.

James and I got stuck in to constructing. It's all pretty easy but James was so proud when I let him use the hammer to hit in some wooden dowels (he ran off to tell Mum immediately). Once built, Merrilyn and James set to work sorting the clutter.

I disappeared into the bike shed to build and then varnish his table & chairs. Strangely I found the whole process very cathartic. I actually missed the pleasure of working with timber (although this is hardly a fine example). So there I was painting away when James popped his head in. He loved my explanation of what I was doing and wanted to stay to learn how to paint.

After dinner we all set off for a walk down the Long Walk. It was a perfect blue sky, the half moon high, and the lowering sun casting the familiar warm glow. As we crossed Osbourne Rd towards the Double Gates at the Deer Park the pools of water cast reflections of the sky. And the light caught the long grasses that are growing almost out of control with all the rain we've had.

Tomorrow and through the week there is more rain forecast. Oh well - looking forward to Switzerland.

Children's Food Festival

Today [well Saturday - we're posting this on Sunday!] we've had a ball at the inaugural UK Children's Food Festival near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. The weather looked promising (still packed a brolly & sun hats though!) and it was only an hour on the M4.

We all know James likes to cook and help in the kitchen. We've always encouraged him and he has a pretty good understanding of different types of food. He knows that food is grown and isn't just produced by Sainsbury's! I'm hoping that this early appreciation will serve him well throughout his life. Now to get him to eat parsley.....!

The Festival was held at an airfield and there were many tents, marquees and stalls, not only promoting and selling healthy food for children, but offering samples and getting the children to participate in educational activities and food preparation. Lively musicians added to the air of festivity.

Our first stop (and purchase!) was at an olive stall - James was thrilled! We went on to eat pots and pots of yoghurt, ice cream, pear juice and honey and honeycomb (complete with a display of real bees). There were some real highlights - James made pesto from scratch with a mortar & pestle, almost by himself but with a bit of elbow grease from Mum and Dad, he selected a carrot fresh from the ground and cleaned, peeled and ate it, he put oat grains through a mill and made rolled oats (and ate those too!), he saw sausages and pasta being made, took his turn at churning cream in an effort to produce butter and the funniest thing was when I turned around to find him he'd crouched down under a wooden cut out of a goat and was milking it! Well, it did have teats and a bucket, so he did it!

For dinner, James shelled broad beans and helped me make fresh pasta. Our final dish was tagliatelle with pesto, broad beans, bacon and cherry tomatoes. James ate up every scrap and we congratulated him on his culinary skills. The pesto was delicious! What a clever cookie!

Photos are here.

A flying visit from cousin Richard

This afternoon my Australian cousin Richard (as opposed to my English one!) came down from London on the train to for a quick visit to Windsor before flying home. James and I met him at the station and before long Martin came home from work. James fell asleep on the couch after a busy day riding his bike on the Long Walk. We woke him up and headed up around the castle for a tour of Windsor, dinner, and a few beers at our favourite Italian Restaurant. We finished up at Carluccio's for coffee and dessert and Rich caught the 10.53pm train back to London.

Photos are here.

The Ugly Bug Ball

Once again it's the end of term at Little Rainbows, and a party was held to celebrate. The children dressed up as all sorts of beetles, bugs and butterflies and the pre-school hall was transformed into a magical garden. James was 'Super Bug' - half beetle half butterfly. Not a big fan of dress-ups, he looked terrific and was even seen dancing at the ball with Millie the Bee, Flora the Spider, Ben the Bee and his ever-enthusiastic teachers. I stayed as a parent helper/disco dancer/food provider and had a fabulous time! We will miss going to pre-school over the summer holidays but we have activities planned and parties to go to. Such a social life!

Photos are here.

James' first Sports Day

Today was Sports Day for Little Rainbows pre-school at the Queen Anne school. James was very excited and was telling me how he had to eat lots f fruit for energy. He likened his racing style to that of a very fast team train. The races were run in heats and all the children did really well. James ran in all races except the hopping. He was extra good in the egg and spoon race (new potatoes were used to minimize spillage!) and received a gold medal for his efforts.

There was also a Mummy's race which saw me streaking along in a pink tutu and tiara, waving my fairy wand as I crossed the line. Luckily no photos of that!

The children descended like hungry wolves onto the food at refreshment time - strawberries and cream, tea and shortbread biscuits. James ate most of my strawberries and later sneakily snuck a bowlful from the table thinking no one was watching!

Afterwards we helped pack up and take equipment back to the hall for storage.

We had a fantastic morning! Photos are here.