The days are flying by but each day we are rewarded with a little more joy. We are finding that Landon can sleep through the night if we put him down at 9 and then feed him at 12 without waking him up fully. We have been lucky some nights to sleep until 8:30. He also has been using his hands more, holding his bottle when feeding or his toy in the pram. When striking at something he still uses his fist but it wont be long before he grabs everything he can get hold of.
We have worked out a daily plan so that we can get the most out of each day without over stimulating him. He can copy simple speech like o-la or e-lo and pokes his tongue out when you do. His little legs are going always on the go! I think we have a cyclist. Swimming tomorrow in the pool lets see how he likes that.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Streets
The pavements are in the worst possible state you can imagine, it resembles a building site sometimes. If the tiles are missing, buckled or uneven then you are lucky. Most tiles have been stolen, no doubt to tile someone´s own house, nicked for cash or just vandalised. Sometimes just there in the middle of the path is a bloody great hole a few feet deep. Not really good fun to navigate with a pram.
If that does not get you between each pathway and the road is an open trench that takes the water away and supplies the tree roots. This also can be a few feet deep and if it’s been raining heavy can contain a fast flow of water that you would most certainly perish if you fell in to it. All this of course is normal and just outside.
Here the house owners are responsible for their own pavement and some bastard has nicked half of ours! We also have two trees that are buckling up the floor.
We have a really nice house but I guess we won´t be winning the best kept pavement award after all. Just like everyone else.
If that does not get you between each pathway and the road is an open trench that takes the water away and supplies the tree roots. This also can be a few feet deep and if it’s been raining heavy can contain a fast flow of water that you would most certainly perish if you fell in to it. All this of course is normal and just outside.
Here the house owners are responsible for their own pavement and some bastard has nicked half of ours! We also have two trees that are buckling up the floor.
We have a really nice house but I guess we won´t be winning the best kept pavement award after all. Just like everyone else.
Asado Argentina
There was really only one way my decision was going to go; Chicken or Meat for the BBQ? We bought 6 kilos of meat for 100 pesos or 15 quid and paid the fee for exiting the car park.
Before long our guests had all arrived and it was time for start the fire. Argentine´s are the world champion´s at BBQ or Asado.
In England we have 30 minutes of clear weather to eat, drink and fall out with someone so we are off like we´re in a race. The carbon is lit but before its had chance to catch fire we are already bunging fatty sausages on, then goes on the liquid fire lighter for extra crispy petrol taste. If we survive the explosion in the garden we get food poisoning and adopt the loo pan as our new best friend.
Here however things can go at a different pace. Sticks and paper will soon light the little dried out logs in the corner of the BBQ. Then some bigger logs can go on. Whilst this is happening the grill is leant over the fire to get it hot and clean. The fire and the grill are from then on always separate. Once the embers start to fall from the burning wood they are scooped up and spread out under the grill, this is continuously topped up. The meats are cut entirely different but only prepared with rock salt before being loaded up on the grill. The cooking itself normally takes a few hours but it is worth the wait.
Before long our guests had all arrived and it was time for start the fire. Argentine´s are the world champion´s at BBQ or Asado.
In England we have 30 minutes of clear weather to eat, drink and fall out with someone so we are off like we´re in a race. The carbon is lit but before its had chance to catch fire we are already bunging fatty sausages on, then goes on the liquid fire lighter for extra crispy petrol taste. If we survive the explosion in the garden we get food poisoning and adopt the loo pan as our new best friend.
Here however things can go at a different pace. Sticks and paper will soon light the little dried out logs in the corner of the BBQ. Then some bigger logs can go on. Whilst this is happening the grill is leant over the fire to get it hot and clean. The fire and the grill are from then on always separate. Once the embers start to fall from the burning wood they are scooped up and spread out under the grill, this is continuously topped up. The meats are cut entirely different but only prepared with rock salt before being loaded up on the grill. The cooking itself normally takes a few hours but it is worth the wait.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Hawkers
There he was yesterday as we loaded the boot in the supermarket car park. I saw someone lurking by a car a few spaces down from us. Our eyes met, SHIT! I never meant to look but I couldn´t help it. He knew he had scored a hit because he gave me a grin only a three tooth mouth can give. He was a Hawker! He must of clocked me as soon as I left the store.
We finished loading the car and he whipped the trolley away from the back of the car in a flash and out of harms way or the 5 feet he had the energy to push it. Then when I gave him a few coins and like a true pro he provided me with the hand signal assistance I needed to back out of the empty lot. I must have short changed him because all I got was one back up wave and he was off back into his shady retreat.
This of course is harmless poor people trying to help out for a few coins as they have no other way of getting by. The ones I really don´t like are the window washers who keep on trying until at least the 3rd NO or the traffic light jugglers who hide in the roadside ditch until they get the red light or most of all the car protectors who will scratch up your car if you don´t pay them enough protection money, they will of course stop the traffic for you to reverse out on to the road after they´ve taken your money.
We finished loading the car and he whipped the trolley away from the back of the car in a flash and out of harms way or the 5 feet he had the energy to push it. Then when I gave him a few coins and like a true pro he provided me with the hand signal assistance I needed to back out of the empty lot. I must have short changed him because all I got was one back up wave and he was off back into his shady retreat.
This of course is harmless poor people trying to help out for a few coins as they have no other way of getting by. The ones I really don´t like are the window washers who keep on trying until at least the 3rd NO or the traffic light jugglers who hide in the roadside ditch until they get the red light or most of all the car protectors who will scratch up your car if you don´t pay them enough protection money, they will of course stop the traffic for you to reverse out on to the road after they´ve taken your money.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Mate
Mate is traditionally drunk in a particular social setting, such as family gatherings or with friends. In Argentina, the same gourd and straw are used by everyone drinking. One person (the cebador) assumes the task of server. Typically, the cebador fills the gourd and drinks the mate completely to ensure that it is free of particulate matter and of good quality.
In some places passing the first brew of mate to another drinker is considered bad manners, as it may be too cold or too strong; for this reason the first brew is often called mate del zonzo (mate of the fool).
The cebador subsequently refills the gourd and passes it to the next drinker who likewise drinks it all, without thanking the server. When there is no more tea, the straw makes a loud sucking noise, that is not considered rude. The ritual proceeds around the circle in this fashion until the mate becomes lavado ("washed out" or "flat"), typically after the gourd has been filled about ten times or more depending on the yerba used (well-aged yerba mateis typically more potent, and therefore provides a greater number of refills) and the ability of thecebador. When one has had his fill of mate, he or she politely thanks the cebador passing the mate back at the same time. It is considered rude to complain about the temperature of the water or to take too long to finish drinking.
Some drinkers like to add Sugar mate dulce (sweet mate). It is considered bad for the gourd (especially for the natural (squash or wood) ones) to be used for mate dulce so it is normal for households with drinkers of both kinds to have two separate gourds.
Traditionally, natural gourds are used, though wood vessels, bamboo tubes and gourd-shaped mates, made of ceramic or metal (stainless steel or even silver) are also common. Gourds are commonly decorated with silver, sporting decorative or heraldic designs with floral motifs.
In some places passing the first brew of mate to another drinker is considered bad manners, as it may be too cold or too strong; for this reason the first brew is often called mate del zonzo (mate of the fool).
The cebador subsequently refills the gourd and passes it to the next drinker who likewise drinks it all, without thanking the server. When there is no more tea, the straw makes a loud sucking noise, that is not considered rude. The ritual proceeds around the circle in this fashion until the mate becomes lavado ("washed out" or "flat"), typically after the gourd has been filled about ten times or more depending on the yerba used (well-aged yerba mateis typically more potent, and therefore provides a greater number of refills) and the ability of thecebador. When one has had his fill of mate, he or she politely thanks the cebador passing the mate back at the same time. It is considered rude to complain about the temperature of the water or to take too long to finish drinking.
Some drinkers like to add Sugar mate dulce (sweet mate). It is considered bad for the gourd (especially for the natural (squash or wood) ones) to be used for mate dulce so it is normal for households with drinkers of both kinds to have two separate gourds.
Traditionally, natural gourds are used, though wood vessels, bamboo tubes and gourd-shaped mates, made of ceramic or metal (stainless steel or even silver) are also common. Gourds are commonly decorated with silver, sporting decorative or heraldic designs with floral motifs.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Driving in Argentina
Driving here is quite difficult, one reason is because you have no idea who has the right of way at the cross roads. You have to live here and learn from others because there are not many signs and no other way of finding out. Every road has a cross road and most have many.
It’s the law to drive with your lights on but many cars don´t even have lights. Driving in the night you realize just how many. The roads are wide so with a quick glance each way I have managed to navigate my way through the town.
So after having battled and so far survived the traffic, I’ve come to conclude there are three types of cars:
1.Larga distancia – newish cars. Common brands are Renault, Peugeot, Fiat. Recently also VolksWagen and Toyota are popular.
2.Corta distancia – many old clunkers are clearly for only local drives to the supermarket, or the river. The old Ford falcons are good candidates.
3.Distancia questionable – there is an entire category of cars from which you don’t know if they will make it to the corner. And yet many make it across the country or even the Andes. But you’re really gambling and should be prepared for anything: doors falling off, no lights, engine overheating, death etc.
It’s the law to drive with your lights on but many cars don´t even have lights. Driving in the night you realize just how many. The roads are wide so with a quick glance each way I have managed to navigate my way through the town.
So after having battled and so far survived the traffic, I’ve come to conclude there are three types of cars:
1.Larga distancia – newish cars. Common brands are Renault, Peugeot, Fiat. Recently also VolksWagen and Toyota are popular.
2.Corta distancia – many old clunkers are clearly for only local drives to the supermarket, or the river. The old Ford falcons are good candidates.
3.Distancia questionable – there is an entire category of cars from which you don’t know if they will make it to the corner. And yet many make it across the country or even the Andes. But you’re really gambling and should be prepared for anything: doors falling off, no lights, engine overheating, death etc.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Foreign toe surgery
Yesterday I went to the family doctor here in Argentina. The guy welcomed me in and directed me to the operating table. After a quick observation of my ingrown toenail he requested that I lay down and relax while he injected my toe a couple of times to numb the pain.
The translation of the procedure was not the same as my Spanish and English doctors advised I needed. This was causing me concern. Here I was, now with a needle in my toe when he announced that it was better to remove the whole nail and not just one side.
I had an ´oh no´ feeling but was assured he knew his stuff. I hate the word assure because normally it´s me that is the ass so I did my best to persuade him to remove only the bit I did not want.
We came to a compromise that he would only cut half of it off but not kill the root so he could sting me again no doubt when it grew back. So with a numb toe I laid back and hoped his experience won over my fears.
You should have seen the big jagged blood stained barbed piece of nail he cut out of my toe! It looked like a sharks tooth. No wonder it had been hurting me so much. I was told the anesthetic would wear off in about an hour but 5 minutes later the pain started.
My toe is sore because half the nail is gone but I am OK. I recommend you don´t have any kind of surgery even a small one if you don´t understand doctors technical jargon in a foreign language.
Especially if his surgery looks suspiciously like his house, there is no
secretary and the magazine are thrown on a heap on a stool.
The translation of the procedure was not the same as my Spanish and English doctors advised I needed. This was causing me concern. Here I was, now with a needle in my toe when he announced that it was better to remove the whole nail and not just one side.
I had an ´oh no´ feeling but was assured he knew his stuff. I hate the word assure because normally it´s me that is the ass so I did my best to persuade him to remove only the bit I did not want.
We came to a compromise that he would only cut half of it off but not kill the root so he could sting me again no doubt when it grew back. So with a numb toe I laid back and hoped his experience won over my fears.
You should have seen the big jagged blood stained barbed piece of nail he cut out of my toe! It looked like a sharks tooth. No wonder it had been hurting me so much. I was told the anesthetic would wear off in about an hour but 5 minutes later the pain started.
My toe is sore because half the nail is gone but I am OK. I recommend you don´t have any kind of surgery even a small one if you don´t understand doctors technical jargon in a foreign language.
Especially if his surgery looks suspiciously like his house, there is no
secretary and the magazine are thrown on a heap on a stool.
Marlon´s Baptism
We had slept through the night like babies even me and I was on stag. By 8am local time we were up and getting ready to go to Mendoza centre to find the church. I was feeling a lot better now and it was a strange but great feeling to meet our friends from Fuengirola at the church.
After the service we drove to Bianca´s Uncles house where we spent the afternoon drinking beer and wine and eating empanadas and cake mmmm. Before too long though, it was time to sleep some more so we departed.
Later we went to Paola´s for BBQ and we gave presents, it felt great to be here again even if my Spanish wasn´t up to scratch. I can work on that!
After the service we drove to Bianca´s Uncles house where we spent the afternoon drinking beer and wine and eating empanadas and cake mmmm. Before too long though, it was time to sleep some more so we departed.
Later we went to Paola´s for BBQ and we gave presents, it felt great to be here again even if my Spanish wasn´t up to scratch. I can work on that!
A new chapter in life.
To start a new chapter in life you must finish the old one and sometimes that can be painful. I miss things about my job and the people I knew there, as well as the scenery and my apartment and the friends I had outside work. Most I miss my dad who I left behind. I do hope he is going to be ok. Dan, Hannah and Lilia who I love to spend my time with, and Lee who has been the brother I never had.
The day came quicker than I hoped for but like all days they come and go in the blink of an eye. We are packed and ready just counting the hours left in England. After a short goodbye with my mum we were loaded and rolling towards Heathrow in my dad´s van. The m25 was clear for half the journey and then the inevitable happened and the traffic came out of nowhere. It didn´t take long for me to reflect on the travel plan and confirmed that England can keep the traffic jams, the darkness at 16:30 and the damp because we were on route to a new life.
The airport checking was fairly painless but we were told that the travel company had not booked us the seats needed with extra room when taking a baby, Nor the cot for the long haul flight so on the lap he must be.
We left my dad with a brave face but both started to cry when we was out of sight and made our way to the security area. We jumped the queue and breezed through the scan with our baby´s water, perfume, powdered milk, toothpaste and other bomb making materials in about 5 minutes.
After a quick stop in boots for cartons of readymade baby milk and a sandwich we walked the 1500 miles to gate 42 for our flight to Madrid. The flight took an agonising 3 hours, I think the pilot only got to third gear (London to Gibraltar only takes 2 and a half hours).
The connection bus took us on a 10 minute journey to the right terminal and with a very quick toilet stop we were jumping the queue to board the next plane.
The bastards make you walk past first class with fully reclining chairs with side tables and champagne stands to get to your cramped up seat without leg room and then have the cheek to wish you a good flight. After an hour´s run up we took off and as soon as we levelled out the trolley dolly´s were handing out the food. I chose meat and got a leaking tray of beef casserole with hard potatoes. Two very nice people were persuaded to swap seats with us because they had an empty seat to the side which allowed us to put Landon in the middle in a bed of cushions. I had a TV screen with remote that had games, blockbuster films, and sitcoms etc at my disposal but I would had swapped my right arm for a bed of cushions.
When we came in to land we were given the most spectacular display of what Mother Nature can create. The whole flight I had a feeling of ´I hate this and want to get off now´ and when we landed instead of jumping up and relieving the numbest bum ever I had a feeling of ´that wasn´t too bad´ which really pissed me off.
Chile or at least the airport in Santiago has been invaded by USA´s trademark names like Dunkin Doughnuts and Starbucks. All were avoided as it was time for a wash and change of clothes. In a few hours I was going to be hugged by lots of people.
The next flight took only 30 minutes and again Mother Nature was on display as we crossed the snow capped Andes Mountains before touching down again for the last time. Finally I got the ´get out of my way or i´ll kill you´ feeling that only comes with long haul. It felt good!
Screams of joy were heard just before we were bundled and cast aside before Landon was robbed from us and passed around. There were tears a plenty while we walked outside to load up the car.
The feeling was great to be in the car and breathing the hot air and sweating because it meant I was only 30 minutes from our new home.
The day came quicker than I hoped for but like all days they come and go in the blink of an eye. We are packed and ready just counting the hours left in England. After a short goodbye with my mum we were loaded and rolling towards Heathrow in my dad´s van. The m25 was clear for half the journey and then the inevitable happened and the traffic came out of nowhere. It didn´t take long for me to reflect on the travel plan and confirmed that England can keep the traffic jams, the darkness at 16:30 and the damp because we were on route to a new life.
The airport checking was fairly painless but we were told that the travel company had not booked us the seats needed with extra room when taking a baby, Nor the cot for the long haul flight so on the lap he must be.
We left my dad with a brave face but both started to cry when we was out of sight and made our way to the security area. We jumped the queue and breezed through the scan with our baby´s water, perfume, powdered milk, toothpaste and other bomb making materials in about 5 minutes.
After a quick stop in boots for cartons of readymade baby milk and a sandwich we walked the 1500 miles to gate 42 for our flight to Madrid. The flight took an agonising 3 hours, I think the pilot only got to third gear (London to Gibraltar only takes 2 and a half hours).
The connection bus took us on a 10 minute journey to the right terminal and with a very quick toilet stop we were jumping the queue to board the next plane.
The bastards make you walk past first class with fully reclining chairs with side tables and champagne stands to get to your cramped up seat without leg room and then have the cheek to wish you a good flight. After an hour´s run up we took off and as soon as we levelled out the trolley dolly´s were handing out the food. I chose meat and got a leaking tray of beef casserole with hard potatoes. Two very nice people were persuaded to swap seats with us because they had an empty seat to the side which allowed us to put Landon in the middle in a bed of cushions. I had a TV screen with remote that had games, blockbuster films, and sitcoms etc at my disposal but I would had swapped my right arm for a bed of cushions.
When we came in to land we were given the most spectacular display of what Mother Nature can create. The whole flight I had a feeling of ´I hate this and want to get off now´ and when we landed instead of jumping up and relieving the numbest bum ever I had a feeling of ´that wasn´t too bad´ which really pissed me off.
Chile or at least the airport in Santiago has been invaded by USA´s trademark names like Dunkin Doughnuts and Starbucks. All were avoided as it was time for a wash and change of clothes. In a few hours I was going to be hugged by lots of people.
The next flight took only 30 minutes and again Mother Nature was on display as we crossed the snow capped Andes Mountains before touching down again for the last time. Finally I got the ´get out of my way or i´ll kill you´ feeling that only comes with long haul. It felt good!
Screams of joy were heard just before we were bundled and cast aside before Landon was robbed from us and passed around. There were tears a plenty while we walked outside to load up the car.
The feeling was great to be in the car and breathing the hot air and sweating because it meant I was only 30 minutes from our new home.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Packing again
Tomorrow we leave on the next step of our adventure. England has been great but we ran out of time so no trip to Stone Henge and Longleat Animal Park in the west country and no skydiving at Bedford wind tunnel :(
23 boxes were sent off by courier to Canada yesterday. 4 suitcases, 1 holdall and pram are packed for South America tomorrow. Mum's 3 suitcases are packed and ready for Canada on Sunday.
Clearing the house now and taking care of all the unfinished business.
Tonight we are having farewell drinks with mum's side of the family so there should be a few tears.
23 boxes were sent off by courier to Canada yesterday. 4 suitcases, 1 holdall and pram are packed for South America tomorrow. Mum's 3 suitcases are packed and ready for Canada on Sunday.
Clearing the house now and taking care of all the unfinished business.
Tonight we are having farewell drinks with mum's side of the family so there should be a few tears.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The day my son laughed for the first time
The scene was Leicester Square, the place was the 'All in one' restaurant. Landon laughed for the first time. My dad stole the first smile a few weeks ago so I was over the moon to bag such a prize. I was eating my steak sandwich and I noticed him looking at me and smiling, obviously I am very funny to look at. A quick look at him and a smile and he burst out laughing at me.
Before that we had been to Covent Garden, there was a guy singing opera and I must say he was very good. Outside there was an Australian who had pulled his shoulder out of his socket and he squeezed himself through a tennis racket. He was teasing the crowd and we laughed at his jokes for a while until he finished his act. He said he didn't want money as that would just embarrass both of us and that a pint would be great. That was my ticket to walk away without paying and I did just that.
We had a walk around Leicester Square and had a bite to eat. Lights were being set up for a premier but we didn't stay as we had to get back.
In the evening Dan, Lee and I sunk a few pints in the local pub whilst playing poker and talking about the old days.
Before that we had been to Covent Garden, there was a guy singing opera and I must say he was very good. Outside there was an Australian who had pulled his shoulder out of his socket and he squeezed himself through a tennis racket. He was teasing the crowd and we laughed at his jokes for a while until he finished his act. He said he didn't want money as that would just embarrass both of us and that a pint would be great. That was my ticket to walk away without paying and I did just that.
We had a walk around Leicester Square and had a bite to eat. Lights were being set up for a premier but we didn't stay as we had to get back.
In the evening Dan, Lee and I sunk a few pints in the local pub whilst playing poker and talking about the old days.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday lunch
When in Rome do as the Romans do. Sunday lunch is a must in England. Roast beef, roast potatoes and all the trimmings. The setting was a hotel in Essex and the company was great. Yummy
Monday I had family over to say goodbye we had a nice day. I met my Auntie Sandra and her family for the first time.
Monday I had family over to say goodbye we had a nice day. I met my Auntie Sandra and her family for the first time.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Autumn
Today we waited in because of the pouring rain. The type of rain that gets you soaked from the door to the car. There was a short window of opportunity but thats all we needed. Epping Forest was the destination for a ride in the car. All the colours were out on show, this picture doesn't do it justice but it really was quite special.
Paradise Wildlife Park
As I have been here before I knew not to expect too much as the park is very small, however I remember having fun there so thought it was worth another go. The rain had held off so we jumped in the car and drove out of the edge of London's concrete footprint and straight into the country lanes of Hertfordshire. The forest trees were almost bare but still very good to see, oh I miss England, I had forgot how much. After making a few wrong turns we pulled up at the park and paid the £28 entry. Here you can buy bags of chopped veg to feed some of the animals so I walked to the food stall which was unmanned. I resisted the temptation to help myself to the pre-packed bags just sitting there and called the dopey assistant to pay her. On the way out I picked up the 2 bags and helped myself to a bonus bag for being honest. It didn't take long to walk round but i'm sure you will agree the Emu's were very funny.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A day out in London Town
Having a baby means you can't just get up and go right? Wrong! We packed the baby bag with 3 bottles and plenty of nappies and we were off at 09:30 on the tube train.
First stop was south Kensington for the National History Museum. The last time I was here I remember looking up at the massive dinosaur in the great hall in awe. This time the dinosaur was smaller or I am just bigger and harder to please? Seriously it was still awesome and not awesome like a tasty American hot dog but awesome mouth open, eyes popping wow. We only had an hour and a half so we were almost running round. It's not often you see a grown up fascinated but my wife's face was a picture of amazement. It felt great watching her look around and to be honest I was enjoying myself too.
Before long the time was up and we had to leave the warmth of the museum and walk the long tunnel back to the station. After a brief tube ride we were at embankment and crossing the wobbly bridge to meet Dan, Hannah and Lilia. We stopped for a £30 coffee and sandwich and boarded the London Eye. Florencia and my mum were the least interested in going on the eye but were the most impressed by the experience, although I had been on before on a clear day I enjoyed pointing out all the sights but I thought £17 for 30 minutes was a bit much.
From there we walked the 50 meters to the Aquarium entrance and started the next adventure and this we really enjoyed. The walk round took about 90 minutes and I thought it was money well spent. Rays, sharks, tuna, jellyfish, sea horses, turtles, Nemo and Dori were just a few highlights.
Needless to say the journey home was busy, hot and we couldn't get home quick enough but what a great day we had. Thank you Vicki for your suggestions.
First stop was south Kensington for the National History Museum. The last time I was here I remember looking up at the massive dinosaur in the great hall in awe. This time the dinosaur was smaller or I am just bigger and harder to please? Seriously it was still awesome and not awesome like a tasty American hot dog but awesome mouth open, eyes popping wow. We only had an hour and a half so we were almost running round. It's not often you see a grown up fascinated but my wife's face was a picture of amazement. It felt great watching her look around and to be honest I was enjoying myself too.
Before long the time was up and we had to leave the warmth of the museum and walk the long tunnel back to the station. After a brief tube ride we were at embankment and crossing the wobbly bridge to meet Dan, Hannah and Lilia. We stopped for a £30 coffee and sandwich and boarded the London Eye. Florencia and my mum were the least interested in going on the eye but were the most impressed by the experience, although I had been on before on a clear day I enjoyed pointing out all the sights but I thought £17 for 30 minutes was a bit much.
From there we walked the 50 meters to the Aquarium entrance and started the next adventure and this we really enjoyed. The walk round took about 90 minutes and I thought it was money well spent. Rays, sharks, tuna, jellyfish, sea horses, turtles, Nemo and Dori were just a few highlights.
Needless to say the journey home was busy, hot and we couldn't get home quick enough but what a great day we had. Thank you Vicki for your suggestions.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Remember Remember the 8th of November
The day started with a walk to town, a fry up in my friends cafe and a walk in Forty Hall grounds to feed the ducks. In the evening we were looking forward to the firework display. San Juan it wasn't but this was England, £5 to get in, kettled by police and 20 minutes of average fireworks. There was a few new ones which were good so it wasn't bad at all.
After the firework display we trudged down the muddy path with the thousands of other people joseling to get out. Luckily we had somewhere to go because the show had ended and it was 8pm. The moon under water is a witherspoon pub so cheap drinks were only a few minutes away, the trouble is the bar is always busy which for some reason annoys me. Before long some usual faces had turned up and a good night was unfolding. Thanks to Lee, Dan, Hannah, Warren, Paul, Hit, James, Huseyin, Lee, Angela and Dave for making the night.
After the firework display we trudged down the muddy path with the thousands of other people joseling to get out. Luckily we had somewhere to go because the show had ended and it was 8pm. The moon under water is a witherspoon pub so cheap drinks were only a few minutes away, the trouble is the bar is always busy which for some reason annoys me. Before long some usual faces had turned up and a good night was unfolding. Thanks to Lee, Dan, Hannah, Warren, Paul, Hit, James, Huseyin, Lee, Angela and Dave for making the night.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The day we left Spain
After a mad few last days the day had come and it was time to go. We jumped in the car for the one hour drive to the airport. The airport security we suprisingly nice and held the baby as our pram went through the scanner. Our liquids, perfumes and other banned substances were not taken off of us either. We paid the usual 20 euros for a sandwich and browsed the duty free for a pressie for my mum. We took full advantage of the boarding queue jumping and found our seats. After a quick nappy change and feed we were in the air with only a slight shaky lift off. Our baby made us proud and he was content as always and catching the other passengers attention with his cuteness. Two and a half hour later we landed in sunny England. The chill had hit us the instant we left the plane, it is cold in England and no mistake. Driving home was a little strange as i was used to driving on the other side but it only takes a few minutes to adjust. Before long we were in the warm of my mum's house and enjoying a nice cup of tea.
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