Chambord Chateaux and Vouvray Chenin Blancs

Sunday (4 weeks in-only 10 to go)

Off to the most impressive chateaux in the Loire-Chambord.  Pretty impressive and fairly busy with tourists.  Took about 2 hours to look inside and have a quick look at the grounds.

Then off to Vouvray AOC district.  Chenin Blanc country. We visited a tiny producer whose methods made Bill Chambers look modern. Beautiful still and sparkling chenins.  5 euro a bottle. Website  pagesjaunes.fr

We also went to a place where 30 producers combined their marketing about 40 years ago. Now much more knowledgeable on Vouvray wines-sec, demi-sec, moelleux, cuvee tradition etc

Back to Blois and out to dinner at a Moroccan restaurant. Learning not to overeat so only had a tagine each plus a bowl of couscous-yummy!

Tomorrow we are off down the Loire.  Nothing booked as we are now just going to see what happens.  Read the next post to see the result-I have no idea.

Au revoir

Water pump-who does it look like-some say Iain? or Jason? or JA? or Brian? or Philip? or Dean?-beauty is the..........
The car's name is Madeleine
Wines in Vouvray and underground with 4 million bottles

The Loire and liquid prunes

Saturday 28 April   The Loire

Quick weather update.  As the UK is getting record April rains so France is cold (ie coats all the time) with occasional showers.  The umbrellas are getting used.  Made on early getaway for the Loire.  Love those tollways until you have to pay.  I sat on 130 whilst they whizzed around me. We reached Blois in time to settle in to the hotel and check out the old part of town.  Our book had mentioned a ‘quaint homely French place’ for dinner. As it was Saturday night it was full but if we could be there by 7pm they could fit us in for the early sitting.  Well they hadn’t heard of the Fishers who had the 3 course top menu, a little bit of wine and yours truely was convinced that a prune based digestive would be a good end to a great night at about 10.30pm. We had snails and pork salad, beef and veal cassolet, a ‘taste of 5 goats cheeses’ of various ages, hardness and mold, and Robyn had a chocolate tart.

PS If this blog is getting too foody for you then bad luck-you may be just a bit jealous?

Young attractive blond girl-pulls up at roundabout, puts red bike on footpath, chains bike up, flicks hair and goes! Voilla!!

Friday-Villers Bretonneux and the huge andouillette

Off early after another good breakfast.  The Australian war memorial at Villers Bretonneux is a very emotional place. As you can see from photo it is on the top of a rise and is very stark against the landscape. It has a tall tower at one end where you can view the graves below. It remembers thousands of fallen, most of whom have no identified grave.

It was very emotional for Robyn as her grandmother’s young brother (ie Robyn’s great uncle) is buried here (see photo). We think that Robyn is the first family member to visit.  Edgar Kent left Kilcunda in Gippsland as part of the war effort and was killed on the Somme on 5 July 1918 aged 22.

Lunch in the cold

We also found the grave of  Alfred Sennitt, who is a distant relative-in-law of mine at a memorial in Perron.

That evening we (actually me) went on yet another eating adventure. Some of you will have heard my story of the Lyonnaise sausage in Lyon in 1984.  Well the local andouillette leaves it for dead.  It is a large sausage packed with pork, intestines, chitterlings(colon) etc. In fact it has a strong (sort of) smell and this one had a creamy sauce.  Robyn had a taste but did not come back for more.  Sorry there is no picture but just think very orinary looking and it looked worse when you looked inside-but yummy!!

Amiens-here we come

Time this morning to hit the supermarket etc and set up with picnic plates/cutlery/glasses etc. Brought supplies for first of many lazy lunches in the country side.  Off to Amiens and spent afternoon checking out town. Another great dinner at a place with NO English-lucky my failed form 4 French is so good?

Wednesday-Off to France-eventually

Boulogne-sur-mer -out the window

Breakfast, catch up on email and off to catch the Eurostar to Calais.  Train moved 10 metres and then stopped.  90 minutes later (after fixing the power problem) we were off.  Supposed to be picking up car at 3.15 pm French time.  Have rung the car people and hopefully we will get there before they close.

Finally got to car pick up spot.  Very efficient.  Metallic grey Peugeot 308 diesel hatch.  Off to first night just 40k down the coast at Boulonge-ser-mer. Highly recommended in book and at hotel to have dinner at a local fish place and we were not disappointed-Robyn had mussels for a change.

On the route for 2012 Tour de France outside Boulogne-sur-mer. Dozens of bikes on all the light poles.

Knole at Sevenoaks and Covent Garden

Jill and Peter took us on a trip to Knole at Sevenoaks which is a National Trust property that has acres and acres of land inc a golf course.  Long walk then ploughman's lunch and back to London.  Said goodbye and thanks for an unforgettable 44 hours. 

Took bus to Covent Garden Travelodge.  Had good reviews as an excellent budget place.  Found ourselves on the 12th floor, kingsize bed, huge room, great view and hot water that even Robyn couldn't run out plus full breakfast. It was busy as the London Marathon was on today (37,000 runners) and many of them were staying here.  Walk through Covent Garden and down to Trafalger Square.  Lots of Olympic stuff everyehere. Went out for a nice quiet dinner where we opted for the fixed price/two course for 17 pounds each.  We fought over who was having the calfs liver and when it arrived it was the biggest serve I had ever seen.  My lamb shank was similar in size.  Fantastic value.

Covent Garden-anyone for paella and Nelson's Column.
PS-These photos are courtesy of Robyn (that's while she is not in any).  My freshly washed camera is very clean but useless.  Buying a new one tomorrow.  Future travelling tip-check that your compact camera is not in dirty clothes pile!!

London/walks/food and FOOTBALL

Friday/Saturday 20/21 April

Arrived in London and trains to Greenwich North near the O2 stadium.  Peter and Jill (Iain’s parents) picked us up and took us back to their apartment overlooking the Thames (see photo).  We went out for dinner at the Beauno Aries restaurant that served fabulous Argentinean food.

Saturday was ‘football day’. We had breakfast out and then walked into Greenwich before catching a city clipper boat back home.  Quick lunch and off to ‘The Valley’ to see Charlton Athletic play. They had already won promotion from first division to Championship division but a win today would mean they had won the first division.  Great atmosphere and great result (2-1).  Lots of celebrating but no pitch invasion as there was over 200 security/police ringing the ground. Home for a quick rest and change of gear.  Wash some clothes and camera (yes camera!) and out to a foody pub.

Live on train to London

This is 'live' on the train to London. In first class with all meal  and drinks provided. 4 and a bit hours to Euston station. Free wifi. Not at all like Italy train first class!!!
Next post in London.
Picture below is at 11.15 am on the train. Robyn just catching up on bit of family history!!

Glasgow Family History Adventure

Another breakfast.  Off to meet another of Robyn’s relatives. Jane Duncanson is a distant relative that contacted Robyn about 5 years ago. Jane and her sister Ann Marie took us on a tour of Glasgow with a family history focus. I was the driver and we visited the Cathedral and lots of places where Robyn’s relatives had lived. Lunch and then back to Jane’s place for tea.  Great chance to meet her husband, John, and children.  Finished up about 6pm and back home to the hotel to pack before going out on our own in Glasgow.  Off to a ‘genuine tapas bar’ for a couple of plates and home.

Given all the talk of Glasgow weather it has been ok.  Cold but only a couple of showers. The Marks Hotel was in a great position and once we upgraded from the cave into a great room with a view all was fine. Even the car hire was hassle free (Enterprise). Off to London in the morning.

Anne Marie, Robyn and Jane
Tenement where Robyn's great great grandmother died

Scottish adventure-great dinner

Wednesday 18 April

After another Scottish breakfast we did a drive over to the west coast through to Sterling and back to Glasgow in time for dinner with a second cousin of Robyns (Jane)who lives near Glasgow. Fantastic dinner at restaurant called Sisters-make sure to try it if you are ever in town.

The picture below is taken from our hotel window-lots of wind turbine on skyline.

Carnoustie-Anyone for golf!!

GREAT breakfast with all the Scottish stuff plus plus. Enough to keep you going all day.  Off on a scenic drive to Carnoustie which is above Edinburgh on the east coast. On the way we visited the Falkirk Wheel which moves boats from one canal up 40 metres to another canal-amazing engineering.  Relatives of Robyn, Matthew and Frances, had us over for dinner at the local Indian-the best we have ever had. Matthew was keen to organise a round of golf for me at the Carnoustie Championship course but I had to decline as we didn’t have time and maybe it would have been a wee bit embarrassing (Iain-have you played there?)

Falkirk Wheel (just google it to be amazed at the engineering)

Off to Ringmer-Home of the Millers

Up early and on the move after collecting my winnings from the Grand National jumps race on Saturday. My horse came second in the closest finish ever. The race had 40 starters-less than half finished and two horses had to be put down.

We said goodbye and travelled back to London Gatwick via Lewes and Ringmer which are the villages that my grandmother and grandfather came from. Found the house in Ringmer (again) and took another photo.

 Arrived at Gatwick to find some flights cancelled including ours. Earlier in the day a Virgin flight had filled with smoke after takeoff and had made an emergency landing with slides deployed etc.  The runway was then closed for hours whilst safety people inspected it. We were bussed to Heathrow then caught a 7pm (instead of 5pm) flight to Glasgow.  In hotel by 9.15, quick meal and bed.

 Robyn in Ringmer at grave of Ambrose miller-Tom's great grandfather

Miller home in Ringmer(left side only)

Sunday-Family Reunion Lunch

Sunny but cool morning. Doreen was all organised for the big (huge) family lunch. 15 people in all.  I met lots of relatives I had heard about but never met.  Some of them hadn’t seen each other for years.  It was a most successful day with too much food. After everyone left we went for a long walk along the waterfront stopping in for a quick pint at one of their little pubs (of which there are dozens within walking distance). No need to have dinner so off to bed after watching the football.

Jean, Doreen and Steven (Doreen's brother-in-law0)
(MORE PHOTOS TO COME)

 Robyn, David and Jean

Horses, betting and pub

Doreen, Tom and Jean in photo above.  Brighton Marina.

After breakfast we went down to the betting shop to put on our Grand National bets.  We then went round to visit Aunty Jean who we last stayed with in 1984 in the same place. Out to lunch at the Brighton Marina with them all.  It was great to have time to talk to Jean about Mum and Dads time in Sussex in 1950-51.

In the evening we went out with 6 of David and Doreen’s best friends. Great night at a foody pub.  All back to David and Doreen’s for a nightcap.

London to Brighton

David and Doreen's garden

Up and off to pick up our ‘small-mid’ sized car. End up with a large Range Rover.  Off to Brighton via the back roads.  We were in a cemetery by 11.30am. Not bad for Robyn as we had only been in England for 11 hours. Down to David and Doreen’s at Southwick near Brighton.  Beautiful home and large garden.  We visited their daughter, Anna, and her family (Antony, ) for a catch up before a great dinner whilst watching the football on TV.

Thursday-Moving Day to UK

Thursday    Moving Day to the UK

Up early and all is quiet. Only 6 of us left.  Back into Cefalu and final lunch on the waterfront. Dean gave us a lift to Palermo airport.  Quck meal at airport and then lining up for our EasyJet flight.  We had purchased ‘speedy boarding’ which meant we got on first and had a row of 3 seats near the front. If you ever go EasyJet then I recommend you pay the extra for this priority boarding. Eventually took off 50 minutes late but arrived at London Gatwick only 10 minutes late. Got cab to hotel and in bed by 1.00am.

Adventures to old villages

Today the electricity is off in our street from 8.30am so all up and out on the big adventure to discover old and quant villages.  Before long we realise that there are dozens. Some are literally perched on the top of sheer cliffs.  We had a walk around a few, coffee in one and lunch in another. It was a sunny day and wonderful insight into rural Sicily.

Back at the villa  it was pasta night.  Nibbles and prosecco on the rooftop deck watching the sun set over the sea, followed by aubergine (thanks Julie) and spaghetti bolognaise (cooked by Robyn and yours truly). We then had the Cefalu table tennis championships over many hours and refreshments. Not sure who one but I didn’t. But remember the journey was more important than the end!!

Off to bed as 3 of our party are flying out at 8.00am to Venice and Rome. Thy have to leave by 5.30am.

Cefalu-Conquer the Rock and Birthday Dinner

Cefalu Tuesday-Conquer the Rock and Birthday Dinner

Lazy day in Cefalu.  Some of us climbed the Rock which is an outcrop that dominates the town.  45 minutes UP the track.  Great views and an old fortress dating back over a thousand years.  Birthday dinner in town.  Wonderful restaurant and by now the group is just moving like a big party.  Back home for well deserved sleep.

Cefalu Monday-Advetures and feasts

Cefalu Monday-Adventures and feasts

Breakfast and off to climb the rocky outcrop that dominates the town. It is about 1 hour up. Unfortunately the Rock was closed due to high winds. It was still cold so I now have another jumper. In the afternoon we went east from Cefalu on an adventure. We ended up at an amazing metal pyramid structure (40 metres high) on the top of the hill. It marks the 38^th meridian.

Back home to prepare the feast.  Nibbles, antipasto plate, homemade garlic bread, bbq fish, Italian sausage by the metre and shasliks. Add roasted potatoes and fennel, salad, bread, a little bit of wine and it was a great night.

Slow Sunday and caught in rain

Once organised (8 independent adults) we were off to explore the old part of Cefalu. Coffee and walks through the old town. Dean and I then drove tp Palermo to pick up Jesse.  Home in time for a pre-dinner drink and then out for dinner to a modern Italian restaurant that was one of Julie’s favourite.  Lots of fun until we had to get back to the cars in the pouring rain. Home to dry out and finish the evening with conversation and a little glass of something nice.

Off to Cefalu

Up early and on the 8.00am bus to Salerno-but not before another espresso at the local shop-Robyn joined me this time! We then caught the train from Salerno to Cefalu (Sicily)-8 hours. We went first class and I am writing this on the train-carriage for 6 people and we are on the window. It was full but now there are only 4 of us. Good time to have a snooze.

The train rolled onto the ferry a bit like a car ferry. The 8 carriage train was broken into 2 lots of 4 carriages. Once that was done we could get out of the train and go and have a drink on the deck. The whole process took about 1.5 hours. Arrived at Cefalu and Julie was waiting and we caught a taxi up to the villa which is up about 4 k’s. Dean picked up the others from the airport at Palermo and we were all enjoying Julie’s cooking and Dean’s wine.

Positano and Easter Processions

Decided to go to Positano by boat. About a 20 minute trip and a great wat to see Positano as it is almost vertical. A very upmarket and touristy place. There is the waterfront and beach with boats and chairs and umbrellas etc for hire. Above the beach is the town-very steep roads and laneways. We had bought our lunch stuff so we made our ham, cheese and tomato rolls siting in the shade right in front of the expensive restaurants. After lunch we caught the bus back to Amalfi.

In the evening there was the procession of Christ from the Duomo, around the village and up to another church.  It involved over 200 participants and all the town lights were turned off.  From our hotel reception (first floor) we could see the Duomo start and then from our room we could see the procession moving along the waterfront-very dramatic. The square was full of people. It all took over 2 hours.