Maggie's Magic Pantry

A chilly Saturday around town.

2012-02-12T14:44:00.001Z

Every Saturday there's a street market in Boscombe. This butcher comes from the Midlands and sells meat in 'lots'. As in, you get lots. Yeah, I know. The humour's awful. Good thing it's free.

The fruit and veg guy always adds a great splash of colour to a grey afternoon.

Dining out. In front of a charity shop. On a freezing cold day. There really is no accounting for taste.

OK, I cheated here- these guys weren't actually busking in Boscombe. They were in Bournemouth, just down the road. But they're FROM Boscombe. And they're really good- they play proper Rock n' Roll. With the appropriate degree of Attitude.

Boscombe has its faults, but one nice thing is that it's fairly wheelchair accessible. After my Mum died, I used to bring my Dad here in his chair and he relished being out and about amongst people. Nice to see this guy enjoying some independence.

Frozen Hengistbury Head

2012-02-02T17:22:00.000Z

This was my first day as a volunteer at my favourite place, Hengistbury Head. Work starts at 9.30. There are quite a variety of things that need doing- today it was clearing gorse and brush. We were all equipped with sharp pointy things and set loose upon the unfortunate foliage.

Once the unwanted undergrowth was felled, we dragged it to the bonfire. As you can see from the size of the heap, we were busy little bees. And I think the bloke doing the burning had bagged the best job, because look how cold it was today!

Those aren't waves- that's ice.

Anyway, I got smacked in the face with brambles, tripped up by roots and went home with aching muscles. Obviously, then, I'll be going back next week!

Izmir, Turkey

2012-01-29T14:58:00.000Z

The city of Izmir is, like Istanbul, a wonderful blend of old and new. I really enjoyed Izmir. And also like Istanbul, it has a 'buzz'; you're never quite sure what's going to happen next.

Here's a cafe in the bazaar. I love the riot of colours and textures. If this doesn't appeal to you, just go out to the main street and you'll find a Starbucks.

When you escape the temptations of the bazaar (and oh! what temptations there are! I could have shopped for Britain. Indeed, I tried), it's a short walk to the seafront.

You can sit and watch the ferries enter the harbour.

Sunset.

And back in the city, here come the cars.

Hengistbury Head

2012-01-27T09:35:00.000Z

After a storm comes a rainbow.

Something to remember....

Pergamon, Turkey.

2012-01-13T11:21:00.002Z

The cable car.

Some of the group in the cable car, trying to appear nonchalant as we wobble up the side of the mountain in a pod that shook if you so much as blinked . Everyone looks really relaxed, but you should have heard the dialogue.
"Nobody move til we reach the top."
"But it's quite safe!"
"Sit. Down."
Those aren't smiles. They are gritted teeth.

The view from the top.

It's a long way down!

The Acropolis, or rather, what's left of it.

The amphitheater. You can appreciate how big it is when you realise those ants climbing all over it are actually people.

Our group, with our guide Yaren telling us how Pegamon was built.
I was too busy taking photos, but all I can say is, it's a good thing they had that cable car. Heaven knows how they would have got those stones up there otherwise.

Market in Turkey.

2012-01-12T14:33:00.001Z

I haven't shown you half the places I saw in Turkey yet. Got to blame the 'Lazy Bone'.

We stopped at this huge covered market on the way to Ayvalik. It was unseasonably chilly- in fact it was chuffing cold.

Underwear, anyone? In this weather?? Thought not!

The produce was wonderful, varied and fresh. Cheap, too. And there was lots of dried fruit and spices for sale.

This woman was selling a very thin dough, which she's making here; it's sold in big bagged bundles. It's a hard way to make a living I think.

The Beatles

2012-01-09T17:37:00.001Z

It might not look like much, but this spot was a Very Important Place 50 years ago- because it's where I met the Beatles! They were staying at the Palace Court hotel on Westover Road in Bournemouth. The hotel was on one side of the alley, and the theatre where they were playing was next door (it's a cinema now).
On the Saturday afternoon, I begged, whined and pouted, as only a pre-teen girl knows how, with my parents to let me stand there til the group appeared.
My perplexed parents said OK. So there I waited, along with about two dozen other Beatles fans. Eventually John Lennon, Paul MacCartney and Ringo Starr emerged to be swamped by their adoring fanlets (we were all about 12 years old).
We all got their autographs.
It is one of the best memories from my youth!

January- Brrrr!

2012-01-03T18:35:00.001Z

80 mph winds today. This is what the seafront looked like after the storm was over.

I think it'll take a few days for the beach to get back to where it belongs.

Boscombe.

2011-12-29T18:11:00.000Z

There's some great architecture around Boscombe, but 'Property Developers' are gradually knocking it all down. I went out on Christmas Day to get some photos (while there weren't too many people around). The photo above used to be a bank, and the photo below is the Royal Arcade. I'll post some more examples of old and beautiful buildings in the coming weeks.

The Royal Arcade.

Inside the Royal Arcade.

This photo (below) is the new mall called 'The Sovereign Centre. I think it's a 'modern monstrosity', without too much going for it. It's not even built well; on rainy days, a veritable garden of buckets blooms inside, to catch the leaks! But on Christmas Day the glass entrance doors were closed and I liked the effect of the reflected sky.

Carousel

2011-12-08T21:55:00.001Z

As you can see from the antlers, these are the famous Carousel Reindeer.

Huh?

London Airport

2011-12-06T13:55:00.001Z

Wish I'd written this!

London Airport.

Last night in London Airport
I saw a wooden bin
labelled UNWANTED LITERATURE
IS TO BE PLACED HEREIN
So I wrote a poem
and popped it in.

by Christopher Logue

Ephesus

2011-11-17T20:29:00.000Z

What can you say about Ephesus? Only that you've been there. And that it's every bit as amazing as you've always heard it is. Oh, and get there early. Really early. Seriously. The crowds are huge.

The library (above).

This is what you see if you're standing in the library and look up. (Above) Beautiful, isn't it?

This used to be the water's edge (above). Now it's miles inland.

The huge ampitheater (above).

That's our own expert Dave! What he doesn't know about the area probably isn't worth bothering with. (Hope you're reading this Dave. A bit of flattery never goes amiss! And it's true)

Our shadows cast on the ancient stones in the early morning sun.

One of the residents!

Seen in Izmir.

2011-11-16T14:32:00.001Z

Remembrance Day 2011

2011-11-13T09:21:00.002Z

Never forget.

Market vendors in Turkey

2011-11-13T09:19:00.000Z

Olive oil.

2011-11-13T09:10:00.000Z

On our way down the coast, we stopped at an olive oil factory. For me, it was to be an interesting visit because the production of olive oil seemed to reflect the story of Turkey, 2011. Just as the country is a fascinating mix of modern technology and old, traditional ways, so is the production of olive oil.

Luckily we arrived at the same time as a load of freshly harvested olives, picked by hand, as it has been for hundreds of years. The olives were packed in sacks and hauled to the factory by that old farm standby, the tractor. Here they are being unloaded (below).

Now the modern technology took over. The next thing that happens is they are weighed on a giant digital scale. I didn't take a photo. We all know what a scale looks like. For anyone on a diet (that's me), they're the stuff of nightmares. So; no scales.

After being weighed, the olives are washed and then crushed to produce the oil. Then the oil is filtered and then stored in massive stainless steel tanks. Working on the theory that we have all seen at least one tank of some sort or another, I didn't take any photos there either. Too boring.

Below- one of the filtering gadgets.

Then- the bottling (below).

After all the modern technology and shining stainless steel, the labelling dept was a bit of a surprise (below); just a solitary woman sitting in the middle of a sea of bottles, diligently affixing one label at a time- by hand. Not a conveyor belt or machine in sight.

And here's the finished article. We got the chance to try and buy. Lucky us! The oil was delicious and the bus weighed quite a bit more by the time we re boarded, having each bought at least one bottle. Lovely stuff!

Dress shop, Izmir Bazaar

2011-11-03T20:31:00.001Z

Old and new.

2011-11-02T11:36:00.009Z

As you can probably tell, I've developed quite an affection for the country of contradictions that is Turkey. It's an exciting place of contrasts and colour. Turkey has adopted new technology- and that technology often works side by side with the older ways: Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, even as you walk the streets of a ruined city built in the time BC; switch on a TV in your modern hotel room and find CNN or BBC World news service- and step outside to find the Evil Eye embedded discreetly somewhere near the main door; and enjoy the superb Turkish olive oil, processed in a spotless factory, with sparklingly clean stainless steel equipment, only to learn that the olives were picked the hard way, by hand by someone who earns less than £5 ($7.50) a day.
Here's a few more examples I managed to photograph.

Troy.

2011-10-31T16:15:00.014Z

After we visited Gallipoli, we caught a ferry across the Dardanelles and arrived at the next hotel quite late at night. The following day, after yet another early start, I dozed off on the coach. I snoozed quite happily until I felt the vehicle stopping as we pulled into somewhere called Troy.

And here I must make a somewhat embarassing confession. I, er, thought Troy was in Greece. Not wanting to appear to be too thick, and not having actually read every single part of the literature that came with the tour (well, who does?)I didn't like to say anything. Maybe there were 2 Troys, I wondered. I mean, I know there's one in Michigan.

But no, as the coach entered the car park we could see the fabled Trojan Horse. This was clearly the right Troy. Apparently, as I discovered later, there was a time when this part of Turkey belonged to the Greeks. I suppose you knew that.

Our helpful guide soon debunked the story of the wooden horse. If there was any such thing, he claimed, it was probably some sort of structure covered in horse hide. The wooden horse we saw here had been built to delight tourists, especially children, for whom it was designed so they could go up inside. Hmm. Children, you say.

Well, you know what happened next, don't you? Yes, of course I did! And here's the view! That's the rest of the group, probably wondering if it was too late to switch to a different tour.

Anyway, let's put the 'serious' hat on for a minute. These are the first set of walls you see as you enter the site. Apparently they are built on a slope like that to withstand earthquakes.

Because of it's strategic position, Troy was an important location for many centuries, which was why everyone kept fighting over it. All thay mayhem, and the occasional earthquake, meant it was re-built many times over. It's a huge site and very interesting to walk around, but rather than try and explain it all (I'd only get it wrong anyway) here's a map (below).

I included the photo below to try and give an idea of why Troy was so important strategically- you can see for miles, clear over to the Dardanelles.

I haven't included the photos I took of the amphitheater and the many layers of Troy- because quite honestly, unless you're actually there, walking around, they all look alike. Call me a Philistine if you wish, but trust me- by the time I had finished this tour, I almost didn't care if I ever saw any more broken marble. You will see what I mean as I post some more.

However, there was one thing I thought was important (below)- the signs for the loo!

The Evil Eye

2011-10-30T15:09:00.004Z

The Evil eye - it's everywhere in Turkey. But in Bodrum- I think we found the Mother Ship.

Anzac Cove, Gallipoli.

2011-10-30T10:57:00.014Z

I joined a tour group in Istanbul and on our first day out of Istanbul and headed south, we visited Anzac Cove. It was very moving to be were so many lives were lost. And although it wasn't warm when we arrived, it wasn't difficult to imagine how dreadful it must have been for the men fighting on that exposed ridge, in the hot Turkish sun.

These are the actual trenches where the men fought (below). Apparently, at one stage, when the stench from rotting bodies became unbearable, the soldiers made a truce so each side could retrieve their dead and bury them. Then, when they realised that they were just the same as each other, and not the monsters their commanders had told them, they started trading cigarettes and other items, like canned meat; anything to make their miserable time better.
Can't help thinking that if the men who have to do the fighting were allowed to do the negotiating, instead of politicians and generals, there would be a lot fewer wars. I know that's not an original thought, but I think it bears saying more than once.

You'll probably have to double click on the photo (below) to read what Attaturk said, but I think it's worth it. One person in the group said that it was almost as if he was apologising to the fallen.

A good place to eat in Istanbul.

2011-10-30T10:48:00.006Z

Here's the restaurant we went to for the first night of the tour in Turkey. It's called the House of Medusa Restaurant and it's in the old area of Sultanahmet. The food was delicious! That's stuffed eggplant (aubergine)- and no, there wasn't a scrap left!

Here's a link to their website:

www.medusarestaurant.com

Istanbul at night.

2011-10-28T12:25:00.007+01:00

First day in Istanbul, October 2011

2011-10-27T21:37:00.010+01:00

Istanbul is my favourite city in the world, so it was good to be back there again a couple of weeks ago.

It wouldn't be Istanbul without carpets- and cats. Transporting carpets the old fashioned way.

Lots of stray cats in Istanbul- but they don't go hungry. The people of the city feed them.

And after lunch- look where those lucky cats take a pause (notice I resisted the urge to make a dreadful pun here) to do, er, whatever it is cats like to do after lunch. On some carpets.

This last shot has nothing to do with carpets or cats, although of course there could be a carpet in the house; or maybe someone who feeds the cats lives there. But really, I just liked the colours.

Where to stay near Moncton.

2011-10-27T09:55:00.012+01:00

Where to stay near Moncton? Chimera Farms, on route 5050, that's where. It's beautiful. The house is furnished with a charming eclectic collection of antiques and is painted in soft shades of blue and green. There's no TVs, except in the sitting room. It's deliciously quiet. The overall effect is one of great calm. The beds are so comfortable, they enfold you like the arms of Morpheus for a deep nights sleep.

But the best part is the breakfast. Maggie (the proprietor) makes a great breakfast: all the usual suspects, like eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruit- and sometimes, just occasionally, apple pie. And ice cream. For breakfast. Yes, really! I get so excited. Well, you know how I am about 'grub'. Across from the main house there's a separate chalet (below), with a hot tub and Bar-b-Que. It's very private. In fact, all you can see, and can see you, is the 40-odd acres of trees which stretch down to the shore.

But what's really important is- you still get the same breakfast.

Here's Maggie (below), feeding the horses across the road from the main house. Nothing goes to waste around here. Any left-overs go to the horses, or the next-door neighbour's dog. As you may have guessed, she didn't get much while I was there.

So- do I seem to be promoting Chimera Farms? Hell yes! They give you apple pie and ice cream for breakfast- need I explain further?

Here's a link so you can see for yourself.

http://www.chimerafarms.com/

Hopewell Rocks.

2011-10-27T09:41:00.007+01:00

The tides here are amazing -the water retreats up to half a mile. When it roars back in, it erodes the base of the rocks that line the shore, and the result is some amazing shapes. They're known as the 'Flowerpot rocks' because they look like inverted flowerpots and some even have foliage growing on top. To reach the beach, there's a meandering half mile walk down hill- and then 99 steps at the bottom. It's worth the effort. Trust me!

2011-09-30T18:16:00.001+01:00

I passed this scene on the road back from Cape Enrage. It was just too beautiful; I had to stop. That's the Bay of Fundy in the background.

New Brunswick

2011-09-27T19:46:00.001+01:00

Cape Enrage, New Brunswick

2011-09-26T18:02:00.008+01:00

Some bikers enjoying the view. Cape Enrage from the beach.

The lighthouse at the very top.

Here's the walk down to the beach (below)- the tide was out when I took this photo, but when it's in, the beach is inaccessible.
And if you don't get out in time, wet feet are going to be the least of your problems.

Now why is the picnic table on the OTHER side of the barrier and Danger sign? Maybe it adds a little spice to lunch? Eh?

New Brunswick, Canada

2011-09-25T14:14:00.010+01:00

I just spent a wonderful week in New Brunswick, Canada. Here's some shots I took along the road (Hwy 114 to be exact, also known as the Fundy route- because it runs besdie the Chocolate River into the Bay of Fundy).

I saw lots of white, clapboard churches, most of them Baptist. From God's house to the Bird house.

I was about a week early to see the leaves change, but from the flashes of fierce colour that I saw, the season will be every bit as dramatic and vibrant in New Brunswick as it is in New England.

And it wouldn't be Fall without.....Pumpkins!

Is it that time already?

2011-09-25T13:55:00.003+01:00

Look at this! I took this yesterday- the 24th September- in the local grocery store. I am genuinely shocked. We haven't even had Halloween yet, FFS.

My new career!

2011-09-14T12:19:00.004+01:00

It was a tense moment, requiring nerves of steel and the ability to make a snap decision! I saw the smoke, I heard the sirens- I positioned myself to get the best shot- whaddya think? Am I ready for a new career as a news reporter?!

But the real story was- just how did they get that horse on top of the fire engine?

Barber of Seville at the Arena, Verona.

2011-09-12T17:37:00.004+01:00

The beautiful and imaginative set remained on the stage for the whole thing, although they did move the pieces around between acts. This is one of the few operas with a happy ending, and to celebrate, hundreds of fireworks were sent sparkling up into the warm, dark velvet night. Lovely!

Verona at night

2011-09-06T20:07:00.009+01:00

I thought you might like to see Verona at night- this is the area around the Arena. These photos were taken from the park that's in the centre. Local people as well as tourists hang out there in the evenings, just enjoying the ambiance and the occasional ice cream. Beautiful, isn't it?

A Pencil sketch I did a few years ago.

2011-08-28T19:52:00.002+01:00

La Porta Borsari, Verona

2011-08-25T17:57:00.006+01:00

Like many Italian cities, you can wander down any street in Verona, browsing the shops and cafes- and suddenly, there's a beautiful surprise right in front of you; which is how I found myself at La Porta Borsari. It was built in 1 A.D. as part of the original Roman city walls. This is all that remains today, but look how well it's been integrated into life in 2011.

2011-08-22T17:00:00.009+01:00

One evening, as I was walking around Piazza Bra, I spotted an unusual window display. It looked as if the bags had sprouted geese legs. Taking a closer look, I realised that that was indeed what had happened.
What could it mean, I wondered. Were they saying that their ridiculously expensive handbags were the Golden Goose that laid the Golden Egg?

Then I saw the next window- and- Why, yes- Yes, I think they were saying egg-sactly (sorry) that!

The City of Madonnas

2011-08-21T19:39:00.002+01:00

A New Career beckons in Verona

2011-08-20T18:12:00.007+01:00

I saw this guy wheeling his bike along the road outside where we were staying, and was intrigued. So I followed him, and found him setting up on the bridge at Castelvecchio. His whole display was made from recycled objects. His costume was a red sheet fastened with a belt made from discarded bottle tops and later he donned a mask made of old Cd's! Then he would engage in playful fencing (with a plastic sword) with any youngster around, and all for any contributions you cared to give.

I rather liked the look of it. I think I could do that! The bridge.

Below- An innovative merry-go-round, made from the bases of plastic bottled and powered by wind.

Duomo, Verona

2011-08-18T18:51:00.007+01:00

The Confessional- and no, I didn't go in. I feel the same way about Confessionals as I do about baths- only dirty people wash.
What a fabulous building. There's not much I can think of to say about this, so I won't. It really doesn't need my words.

Aida, Verona Opera Festival, 2011

2011-08-18T11:16:00.009+01:00

Our main reason for going to Verona was to see the opera at the Arena. We went last year and booked seats at 76 euros (that's about $50 US, I think) and realised that the people seated on the stone steps for only 25 euros, were having just as much fun as us. But you have to get there early to grab a decent spot, especially at the weekend.

Once you're settled (and don't forget to bring a cushion, it doesn't matter how well-upholstered you are, you'll need one), you can enjoy watching the theatre fill up and the orchestra arrive. Sometimes the crowd are as much fun as the performance. During the interval, people come round selling all sorts of drinks and ice creams. Buy the red wine at your peril. I did. It was one of the worst things I ever drank.

This young man (below) is one of the vendors. He took a shine to a young woman seated near us. "Ah, there you are!" he shouted in perfect English, as a happy smile spread across his face. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you! What would you like?".

Blushing, she protested that she didn't want anything. "But for you, it is free!" he laughingly replied.

After that, he would appear in our section at every interval, and as soon as he saw her, he would beam with delight and offer her anything she wanted. Sadly, his approaches were charmingly rebuffed.

I thought maybe he was just a Romeo (after all, this is Verona) who tried his luck with any nice looking woman in the audience. But although we saw him on every one of our 5 visits, we never saw him behave that way again.

(Below) And here's the opera- Aida, by Verdi. It was a stunning production. They use all the space, right up to the top of the Arena.

And these are my stone-step climbing shoes. I knew you'd want to see them.

Verona.

2011-08-17T12:23:00.008+01:00

Italian men are deservedly well-known for their sense of style, but did you ever wonder what they wear underneath those lovely clothes?

Well, now you know!

2011-08-15T11:27:00.013+01:00

This was my second visit to Verona and I don't want to repeat the photos I posted on here last year (they're under 'Older Posts'). So this year I'll attempt to take some shots that are a bit more 'day-to-day', in the hope that I can share with you the experience of being there.

But first- well, it's such a beautiful city. I can't resist some landscape pictures. Just to set the scene, as it were.

The first one (below) was taken from the top of Verona Arena, overlooking Piazza Bra. I had to climb up- the crane was busy lifting set scenery.

The Piazza is lined with restaurants, most of which stay open 'til the small hours, so you can see the opera and then, when it's over at midnight, enjoy a meal- probably followed by indigestion. Castelvecchio bridge (below), in the late afternoon. The Germans blew the middle of this bridge apart during WW11, but the Italians rescued the rubble from the River Adige and rebuilt it. Castelvecchio at night; a very pleasant place to enjoy an evening libation.
Below- 2 taken from across the river. And high up. Where the bus goes. Had enough climbing after the Arena.

Finally- an early morning picture (below).

Verona.

2011-08-14T17:57:00.001+01:00

If you've been wondering where I've been....well, I went to Verona for 3 weeks. I know, I'm a lucky blighter. And it's been a fabulous trip- but I couldn't find an Internet connection. Well, that's not strictly true: the place where I was staying did offer 15 minutes free wi-fi a day, but after that you'd to pay 5 euros an hour, and frankly, I'm too cheap. I mean, that's the price of a Spritz Aperol! A girl has to get her priorities right, no?

My cheap summer holiday.

2011-07-22T15:57:00.003+01:00

While I was stomping along on one of my early morning walks along the beach, I saw this bin with a Danger sign on it. I wondered how on earth a bin would be dangerous. And here's the answer! Now you know. Don't sleep in the bin.

Dagnammit, there go my plans for a cheap summer holiday.

Istanbul.

2011-07-09T20:22:00.011+01:00

It's pretty obvious from all I've written here that I think Istanbul is an incredible city.

It's intriguing for many reasons: it straddles both Asia and Europe; over time, (a lot of time), it's been home to Greeks, Romans, the Crusaders, the Ottomans and now, today- the Turks; while it's predominantly Muslim, it happily embraces many different religions. And the end result is an almost magical blend.

Maybe it's that confluence that gives the city an incredible energy. I thought I was sleeping badly because I was awake at daybreak every day- at first I blamed the bleating sheep and the blasted cockerel. But then I realised what was really happening; I was so excited about being there, it was as if I was 'fizzing' with energy and I literally couldn't wait for the new day to start so I could go out and see 'What's next'.

For me, Istanbul turned out to be something of a crossroads. Not just because it's where religions, continents and cultures collide- but because it can be a place where, if you're open to it, you come face to face with yourself. I wasn't alone in experiencing that sensation. Some of the others in the group felt the same way I know, because we talked about it.

Who knows how long that effect will last; will it cause long-term, life shattering change? Or just an adjustment that improves the lives we live already? Or, maybe there will be no change at all, as the day-to-day business of living takes over and Istanbul becomes just a wonderful memory? Only time will tell. But I will tell you that, thanks to some help and encouragement from a couple of people in the group (Thanks Rebecca and Claudia), I've started painting again, and have been showing some of my old work on here. It's a start.

And that leads me to a quote that I love: "It's never too late to be who you might have been." George Eliot.

My work- Untitled- Oils on paper.

2011-07-07T20:25:00.001+01:00

So, you want to see the Real Istanbul...

2011-07-02T18:09:00.027+01:00

I think it's fair to say that everyone in our group had chosen the Rick Steves tour (www.ricksteves.com) of Istanbul because we wanted to see more than just the famous sites. We all wanted a deeper experience of Turkey, an opportunity to gain a real sense of the place and the people.

So after seeing all the popular historical wonders of Istanbul in the old part of the city, Mert took us to see the city center, where people live and work. To get there we took a tram and then crossed the river. As with any other area of Istanbul where you can reach the water, there were lots of people fishing from the bridge.

It looks like any other European city, teeming with cars and people.

There's even a MacDonald's! To be fair, it's always good to see one of them, because you know where you can find a clean loo.

Here's Richard, my food hero (below) headed into a sweet shop. Yes, of course I was right behind him. I left clutching a box of Turkish Delight. My third. You can never have too much.

Mert took us into this cafe (below) to try some desserts. We sat 4 to a table and shared 4 different puds. They were, without exception, delish. Amazingly, no blood was spilt during this potentially lethal arrangement (me- sharing dessert?!), but I was a tad miffed that they wouldn't let me use my special sharpened sharing spoon.

Below: A famous pop star. Sorry, got no idea who he is. Wasn't listening. Still thinking about the desserts. But judging by the size of the crowd, he is very popular.

And here's Mert at our rendezvous spot where we were to meet him 2 hours later (below) after we all went our separate ways.

Cynthia, Sue and I decided we wanted to return to an interesting arcade we'd been in earlier for some souvenir shopping. But things had changed in the hour since we were there. Now there were a lot of very serious looking and rather well equipped policemen. We asked a shop keeper what was going on, and he shrugged and said it was something to do with a prisoner exchange and not to worry about it.

Then I saw 5 riot buses (below).

And police who were armed and looked like they meant business. We decided to leave.

These were the protesters (below). The photos they're holding are of 12 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party who had been killed at the weekend. Apparently the protest ended up with rocks and bottles being thrown at the police, who responded with tear gas. But we were long gone by then.

Later that evening, some of us sat in the lobby of the hotel chatting about the day with Mert. Suddenly he was looking at the lights. They were swaying. "I think we're having an earth tremor," he said. We were indeed.

I tell ya- a riot and an earth tremor, all in one day? That Rick Steves really knows how to put on a good tour!

Oil on canvas

2011-06-29T21:32:00.001+01:00

Hagia Sophia.

2011-06-25T11:50:00.011+01:00

I've written about nearly everything I saw in Istanbul- but not the place that awed me the most- Hagia Sophia. That's because whatever I write seems inadequate, as do the photographs. So I'll just say this; it's the most amazing place I've ever been.

This last photo (below) might give you an idea of how big Hagai Sophia is; Notre Dame would fit inside, as would the Statue of Liberty, minus her torch. It's massive. And beautiful. And I hope you get to see it yourself.

Oil on paper

2011-06-24T16:42:00.001+01:00

The Boat Trip on the Bosphorous.

2011-06-24T12:44:00.024+01:00

After walking what felt like every inch of the streets of Istanbul, on day 5 Mert softened and allowed us an easy day. He hired a boat and we went for a trip down the Bosphorous. I'm sure you could hear the collective sigh of relief as we sank gratefully onto the seats.

Claudia and I on the boat (below).

There was so much to see, grand palaces and mosques, that everyone was taking photos, so I took a photo of them.

I think that might be the Dolmabahce Palace, but don't quote me. Also, no nit-picking over the spelling, if you don't mind. The poor, over-worked brain cell was quite tired by this point.

The 19th May is Ataturk's birthday and it's an official holiday. Flags are flying everywhere you look, even down the side of buildings.

Left- this fortress was built by Mehmet the Great at the narrowest point of the Bosphorous to protect the city.

Fishing seems to be the most popular sport- every available spot is utilised (below). Either that or, I think more likely, the Bosphorous is a good source of 'dinner'.

Ataturk's image (left).

Then we arrived at our destination and disembarked. We were officially in Asia! Which means- I can add another continent to my travel-snob list.

Looks just like the European side, doesn't it? But no! It's Asia! Bragging rights.

I wanted a surreptitious photo of the group outside the cafe where we had lunch, but you can never get much past the eagle-eyed Mert! He spotted me and told them all to strike a funny pose. So they did. Well, I hope that's what they were doing, 'cos they'd be a pretty scary bunch if this was their normal look.

Finally, after a long and wonderful day, we caught the ferry home. Happy feet!

Bournemouth Race for Life, 2011

2011-06-19T17:06:00.029+01:00

Something strange happened this morning. Bournemouth seafront changed colour from the usual blue and gold, to....pink! The annual Race for Life was first run to raise both funds and awareness for breast cancer. It's become so popular that now it's to help fight all forms of cancer, but the tradition of wearing pink has continued. and the runners are all women

As the runners pass, you see that many of them have a pink square of paper on their backs. That's where they post the names of the cancer sufferers who they are running for, their friends and families; even themselves.

Sometimes, there are too many names, too much for one person; sometimes not even a name- just an empty wheelchair.

But the Race for Life isn't a sad occasion- in fact it's quite the opposite. These women run for love. Who knew there was so much love in the world?

You'll certainly find a tear in your eye- but then you'll find yourself laughing at some of the antics. The general air is of optimism and hope. It's more like a celebration of the lives lost and a tribute to the bravery of them and their friends and families. It is also a statment of determination that one day a cure will be found. This Marshal (below) 'high-fived' as many runners as he could- and there were thousands of runners.

Mothers brought their children in pushchairs......

.....and others even carried their kids!
Even having a cast on one leg couldn't hold this woman back; and look, she's smiling!

The little girl wasn't so well, but was still determined to be there, so her Mum pushed her in her wheelchair.
Lots of people dressed up for the run. You know it's going to be fun when the cowgirls show up.

They wore funny headgear.

Some of them may have been on a day pass....
And- OMG!- it's Jedward! (If you're not from the UK, you won't understand this one- but trust me, that's something to be happy about. You have been spared Jedward).

People brought their dogs, and some of them were dressed too.

And this band (below) played with joy the whole time, making happy music to raise your feet.

The event has become so popular that it's now been split into 3 races. The first one at 9am was 10K (about 5 miles) and the next two were half the distance. I took over 130 photos, and that was only one race. I would have loved to put them all on here, every single one- because they all deserve to be shown.

Istanbul.

2011-06-16T14:35:00.005+01:00

This was the view from the window, early morning, looking out over the Bosphorus and the Marmaris Sea. As we gazed at this beautiful scene, we were serenaded by: trains; the local road digger; the call of the Muezzin; and a rogue cockerel who had his times all wrong (poor confused thing would make an almighty racket at 2 a.m. and then not another peep 'til 7!) . Also, on occasion, we would hear the bleating of sheep. We never saw any sheep. But there was a lot of lamb on the menu in the restaurants nearby. Oh dear.

Topkapi Palace.

2011-06-15T12:02:00.013+01:00

The Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions. I enjoyed it, but to be honest, I think I was getting a little bit 'cultured out', if you know what I mean. Anyway, it was worth going if only to see the fabulous tiles; and also to learn why the eunuchs in the Harem were invariably black. Castration was not always successful- so if any of the women in the Harem decided to play around, and got knocked up, it would be obvious that the offspring were not the Sultan's nippers!

Just one example of the beautiful tiles (below).

The Best Group Ever! - all listening to Mert. Except me. See, attention span of a gnat.

Fabulous windows.

The courtyard.

Here's one of the best views across the Bhosphorous and the Marmaris sea.

Oil Painting.

2011-06-15T11:58:00.001+01:00

Pencil drawing.

2011-06-15T11:28:00.002+01:00

Another side of Istanbul.

2011-06-14T09:06:00.015+01:00

One reason I, and I think everyone in the group, signed up for this particular tour, was because it promised to show more than just the tourist view of Istanbul. Our guide Mert didn't disappoint. After visiting most of the predictable sights, he took us to the poorer area of the city. This is what we saw.

Richard buying some fruit! There weren't many people around but the folk we saw were quite friendly.

This old fella (below) waved and gave us a wonderful toothless grin when we rambled through his 'manor'.

As we walked beneath the balcony they were playing on, the girls greeted us enthusiastically, laughing happily at our mangled attempt (OK, MY mangled attempt- everyone else sounded pretty good) to say 'Hello' in Turkish. (It's 'Merhabah', pronounced 'mehr-hah-bah).
Elections were imminent, and we saw flags and posters everywhere which suggested to me that the people are a lot more active in politics than here in the UK, where apathy prevails.

To sum up, the atmosphere was very different from what I had experienced in other parts of Istanbul, which is generally a dynamic and tumultuous city. This area was much quieter- there weren't many people on the streets. Maybe most people were working.

I can only speak for myself, but I felt a bit guilty being here, almost as if I was treating poverty as a tourist attraction. Of course that was not my, or anyone's intention. I just wanted to know as much about this city and the people who live in it as I could, and the only way to do that, is to go behind the candy-coated image and have a look. But I grew up very poor and I'm not at all sure I'd have been too thrilled with other people coming to see how we lived. So I hope we didn't offend anyone. That certainly was not our intention.

The Chora Church mosaics.

2011-06-12T20:13:00.013+01:00

The Chora Church houses some of the best examples of late Byzantine mosaics anywhere. The mosaics tell stories from the Bible.

The church itself was rebuilt in 1100 after an earthquake and when the Ottomans took over Constantinople in the 16th century, it was converted into a mosque. But rather than destroy the beautiful mosaics, the Muslims opted to whitewash over them. They stayed hidden until the 1940's when they were re-discovered and cleaned up.
The glittering mosaics really are breathtakingly beautiful., and my photos don't do them justice.

It really seems as if the eyes (left) follow you when you move. That's achieved by the way the stones are set.

The mosaics are stunningly lovely, but they are also set high up, so you are continually craning upwards to see them. I became tired and a bit dizzy, so I went outside to get some fresh air, and that was, for me, the best part, because I was shown a great kindness by the gentleman in the picture below.

He was sitting patiently outside the church selling fezzes and harem shoes. When he saw me sit on the stone steps, he immediately came over, offering me the cushion from his chair. That's why, in the photo at the top of the page, he's seated and in the one below, he's standing. It's because I've got his cushion.

He wasn't trying to sell me anything and wouldn't take no for an answer. He was just being very kind and gentlemanly. And that's how a lot of people are in Turkey; friendly and nice. And I will always think of him when I think of the Chora mosaics.

Where to buy a wedding dress - Istanbul!

2011-06-12T18:06:00.006+01:00

On our way to see the Chora mosaics, the bus whizzed though the Wedding Dress district. If you harbour a secret desire to look like a meringue, this is the place for you. I have never seen so many frills and flounces!

The Underground cistern.

2011-06-09T21:18:00.007+01:00

In the 6th century A.D., during the Byzantine Empire, the underground cistern was constructed as a massive reservoir as an emergency supply of water for the fast-growing city of Constantinople.
336 columns support the brick ceiling. The cistern is about the size of 2 football fields and can hold 27 million gallons of fresh water.
The carp were introduced to keep the water clean. I'm not sure quite how that works, since we all know what fish do in water.

These days the cistern is a tourist destination. You walk through it on slippery platforms. Before the platforms were built, the only way around was to row a boat in the dark- which made the perfectly evocative setting used in James Bond 'From Russia with Love'.

It's quite cool and definitely damp. Why anyone would want to dine at the cafe (below), I have no idea. But then people do many things I don't understand. Nothing new there.

Love this sign!

2011-06-09T18:29:00.001+01:00

Poppies- in watercolours

2011-06-06T21:31:00.003+01:00

For Heidi!

Up on the roof.

2011-06-03T09:29:00.008+01:00

Most trips have a 'WOW' moment; this was one for me. One hot and dusty day, Mert (that's him in the 4th photo below) took us through some alleyways to a grimy hole in the wall. "Follow me!" he commanded as he disappeared through the hole and started to climb the crumbling stairs; and like sheep, we did, never questioning why we were traipsing up what looked like the Stairway to Hell. That's how much trust we had in him by this point, although I must admit, my instincts were twitchy.
And look where we arrived. This is the amazing view from the rooftop of a textile Han.
All of beautiful Istanbul was spread below, like a magic carpet. A light breeze cooled us, and then, incredibly, a man appeared bearing a tray of Turkish tea to revive us.

Graffiti artists got here first!
Drinking black, sweet Turkish tea in the shade. And Mert, happy that we were enjoying ourselves.

Spanish Dancer in acrylic paints

2011-06-02T12:12:00.002+01:00

Fast Food, Istanbul

2011-06-01T10:30:00.022+01:00

There are food carts on almost every corner, so it's always easy and inexpensive to find something to eat. The most prevalent cart sells seed covered rolls, soft cushions of bread rolled in toasted sesame seed, as in the photo above.

But here's a delicious alternative. Sheets of soft flat bread are grilled and then filled with goats cheese, folded and then grilled again so the cheese melts. Absolutley delicious. On a hot day outside Hagia Sofia, these guys do a lot of business.The cart has a peeler thingy rigged up so the vendor peels the apples and cuts them into a spiral shape. There's Richard, from our group, buying one. He tried everything!This watermelon was wonderful- for 5TL (Turkish Lira) you can have juice dripping down your chin and pink sticky fingers! Yum! It was only a minute of watching Claudia enjoying herself before I went and got mine.
More fruit- pomegranate juice is popular, but I didn't like it- it tastes like medicine. I suppose that means it's really good for you.

This kebab cart (below) serves one of the best meals in town. Every evening he would set up on this dusty street corner and cook wonderful food. Fortuitously for us, he was only one block from the hotel. After another day of trudging through miles of dusty hot streets in pursuit of Mert's Mystery of the Day, some of my friends bought their evening meal, to take back and eat in the hotel.
Where was I? Food, and I'm nowhere in sight? How can that be? Never fret. You know I don't like to miss a meal. I was already happily ensconced in the bar across the street, cold beer in hand. The carnage had already commenced.

And if nothing else here appeals- there's always ......Ice Cream!

The Blue Mosque.

2011-05-30T14:57:00.009+01:00

The first outing for our group (below). Mert, our guide for the next week, is on the right, telling us about the beautiful Blue Mosque, and giving us some insight into Islam.

This is the view from the hotel where we stayed.

Feeding the Angels

2011-05-30T14:49:00.003+01:00

In the UK, pigeons are regarded by many (not me) as a pest. Sometimes, people call them 'flying rats'. They're not; they're birds. And in Istanbul, people buy packets of food for 2 Lira for the pigeons (the woman on the left is selling the food, the man on the right has bought some). It's known as 'Feeding the Angels' because when you feed a pigeon, it's believed you feed an angel. I like that much better.

Istanbul cats

2011-05-29T17:43:00.004+01:00

Lots of homeless cats in Istanbul; but they don't go hungry. People put food out for them- and they go through the trash, like these two were doing early one morning outside the Blue Mosque.

Pssst- Wanna buy a carpet?

2011-05-27T10:11:00.012+01:00

There seems to be a Turkish carpet shop on every street in Istanbul. Usually there's also a very friendly man standing outside who, once he finds out where you're from, will beam with delight when he realises - what a small world!- he has a distant relative from the very same place! Well, of course you must come into the shop to discuss this amazing twist of fate. He'll even make you some tea! While you're there , you might also like to look at some of the finest carpets made in Turkey.
Hmmmmm....

While the constant attentions of such salesmen can leave you reluctant to even look in the window of a carpet shop, the truth is that Turkish rugs really are quite beautiful. So, after a quick lesson in bartering Turkish style, Mert organised a trip to a better quality shop where at least we could see how the carpets are made before the assault on the wallet commenced.

Since I live in the same world as Walmart, I had previously thought that these rugs are rather expensive. But after watching the process, I've changed my mind. Turkish carpets really are a work of art, taking months to complete. And if I ever get rich, I will have one made of silk. But until then, I'll just have to dream.

We were seated and treated- a choice of tea or soft drinks. And then the dramatic presentation began.

Carpets were unfurled and skilfully thrown at our feet (see on the right, below). The rich colours and designs collided and swam together in a gorgeous pool. As the rugs piled up on the floor it was like being seated at in a Sultan's playground, carpeted with warm, glowing wools and softly gleaming silks.

Once the display was over, the salesmen moved in. If anyone showed even a smidgeon of interest (and how could you not?) you were escorted to a room on your own for 'The Close'.

Even though I had no intention of buying a carpet when I arrived, I found that yes, after watching that dazzling display and listening to the smooth sales pitch, maybe I would like one to take home. However, when I found myself closeted with a sharp eyed Turk who meant business, the ether quickly wore off. But several of our group did purchase a rug, and I truly envy them. They have purchased a thing of beauty which will last for years and always bring back a memory.

One of the art galleries.

2011-05-25T21:14:00.007+01:00

We had arrived in Istanbul a day early so we decided to go out and explore this beautiful city. As we walked up a steep cobble-stone street, we saw this hole in the wall and the sign that said Art Gallery. Well, of course I had to go in, wondering all the time if this was a literal 'tourist trap' - you know, one where they really trap tourists and you're never seen again. Er, really?

Inside- beautiful artwork.

Hubbly Bubbly!

2011-05-25T17:13:00.011+01:00

Can't go to Turkey and not try the Hookah! Mert took us to a place not far from the hotel (very wise) because although they only put tobacco and some fruit flavours in the pipes, we all managed to become a little 'light-headed'.
Well, I did anyway.
Which is why I have no recollection AT ALL of a conversation I had with the desk clerk back at the hotel.

Inhale.

And exhale.

Blowing smoke; something I'm good at!

Street Market, Istanbul

2011-05-24T20:11:00.010+01:00

The Grand Bazaar

2011-05-24T20:02:00.008+01:00

May 19th is Kemal Attaturk's birthday, and the Turkish flag was flying everywhere (below). He's a national hero, considered to be the Father of modern Turkey, after passing many reforms.
There are monuments to him everywhere.

What you can't find in the Grand Bazaar, you probably don't need.

I didn't buy it all. I tried though.

The Gold Merchants in the Grand Bazaar

2011-05-24T19:52:00.006+01:00

I see they have my crown ready.

This man was working in a hole-in-the-wall spot, smelting down metal to extract the gold. It was hot and claustrophobic. I don't envy him, at all.

Here's Claudia taking snap number #1001. We both took so many photos, Thank Heaven for digital.

On the road to Istanbul- first stop London!

2011-05-24T13:56:00.013+01:00

After meeting Claudia for the very first time, we went for a walk around London (well, it may be more accurate to call it a 'pub crawl'). If it had been me who had taken a trans-Atlantic flight the day before, I'd have been asleep in my beer; but Claudia was wide awake and looking for Guiness.

Look at these fabulous windows, at Fortnum and Mason! And how appropriate, given that we were on our way to Istanbul!

I think they're gorgeous. If you click on them (maybe a double-click) they'll come up bigger.

24 April, 1915 - 24 April, 2005 My lovely Mum.

2011-04-24T13:10:00.004+01:00

It would have been my lovely Mum's birthday today. It's also her 6th anniversary.

I think about you every day Mum, you're always in my heart. Thanks for everything- there was so much.

Leading the charge

2011-04-17T18:19:00.003+01:00

To the sea! To the sea!

It's a jungle out there....

2011-04-12T08:30:00.002+01:00

The Elephant formerly known as Canute.

More art in Marbella.

2011-04-10T10:13:00.002+01:00

2011-04-08T18:03:00.000+01:00

Working Marbella.

2011-04-04T10:54:00.017+01:00

It takes a fair amount of effort to keep somewhere as popular as Marbella looking good. Since I was up and out early most days, I thought I'd get some photos of the work.

First thing in the morning, sweepers clean the promenade and empty the bins. They were looking at me a bit suspiciously, I don't think they are used to being a subject of interest. But the work they do is really central to the beauty of the town.

Lots of painting going on at the beginning of the season.

You might think that while this Garage was being painted, they'd have closed the place- but no! These poor guys had to keep hopping out of the way of cars driving in and out.

Two men spent a day cleaning out the whole fountain, all the pipes and everything, and then re-painted it all. I took the photo of it working (on the right) when I was in Marbella 2009- don't want you wondering how all the greenery suddenly appeared.

Even plastic plants need love......

And why is it that all over the world, for every man working there are 3 more watching?

I don't know how much the workers featured here enjoyed their work, but here's a man who I'm fairly certain is really content with his career choice. He builds sandcastles. And once he's finished, he'll spend the rest of the summer in that recliner, waiting for people to throw coins into a bucket.

Now that's what I call a good job!

Art show in Marbella Old Town

2011-04-02T19:16:00.010+01:00

I was pretty happy when I discovered this art exhibition in the Old Town part of Marbella. Apparently it's held once a month on a Saturday. And it's free! We like free. My favourite was this display of work (below) by a French guy. He had some really original ideas for presentation and framing. Some of his pieces were painted on several different bits of canvas which were then mounted on top of each other. He used all sorts of framing materials, including bits of old wood, and even pieces of riding tack. The whole display was very original and it sparkled with energy and excitement.

I would have loved to have bought one work from him, but they were all too big.

Mr. Ryanair would have never allowed it.

But then I found these two (below) at another stand. I thought they were prints when I bought them, but it when I got them home I realised they're originals. A real bargain at 20 Euros for the pair.

And they fit into my suitcase, so that nice man at the airport was OK about it.

Interesting Sales Technique

2011-03-31T17:49:00.002+01:00

Well, I don't care for magnetic jewelry too much either, but really, is that any way to talk to your customers?

Marbella Carnaval 2011

2011-03-31T12:10:00.025+01:00

It was most considerate of the Marbella Carnival organisers to wait until I arrived to hold their annual Parade.

Nothing I enjoy more than to see people enjoying themselves and cutting loose the restraints of everyday life.

Apparently you don't have to be in the parade to wear a costume, and just about every child was in fancy dress. Of course, that meant lots of photos had to be taken (above).

Little princesses meet the Queen Bees (think she might regret that choice of costume when she sees the photos; oh, come on, you know who I mean).

Of course the parade didn't start on time (it's Spain, what did you think would happen?) So clever Mums have brought food........

...and entertainment.....

...to keep the little dears busy.

Isn't this little girl just gorgeous in her Spanish outfit (below)?

Then the kids got restless ....

and started amusing themselves....

Then finally! The parade arrived.

And then it was all over. Nothing left to do but pick up the litter and go home.

Red shoes.

2011-03-06T08:54:00.003Z

My dream career, shoe model. Apparently I've got the figure for it, too!

Oystercatchers!

2011-01-20T17:47:00.009Z

One of my favourite birds is the Oyster catcher. They dress well in lovely black dinner jackets and accessorise with startlingly orange bills and legs. Their cry is a delicate 'peep'. They're very shy and it's rarely that you can get close enough to them to take a decent photo. ,P.But yesterday I was in luck! The beach was quiet and I saw these birds from some distance away. I took my time getting as close as I could and took about 100 photos. Thank heaven for digital. I won't bore you with all of them (OK, I heard that sigh of relief) but here's a sample.

19th January: the first sunny day of the year.

2011-01-20T17:34:00.007Z

This is the first sunny day of the New Year, and what a relief it was to finally see blue sky and crystal, sparkling light.
Being in dire need of some cheering up, I headed for the beach and walked along into Bournemouth along the shore. These shots were taken from Bournemouth pier.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T13:14:00.003Z

Boscombe Beach at noon on 1 January, 2011. Temp- just above freezing.

The annual New Year's Day dip in the sea. They ran in- they positively sprinted out. Mad bastards.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T18:10:00.003Z

Well- Is your life more interesting than a Squirrel's?

2010-12-19T19:20:00.005Z

I saw this on the London Underground- thought it was an intruiging question! If you need to make the photo bigger, just double click on it. I am now ready, as they suggest at the bottom of the poster, to 'embrace my inner squirrel'.
So anyone with nuts had better be careful.
But you knew that.

Snow on the beach at Bournemouth

2010-12-04T17:43:00.008Z

The view from the clifftop to Hengistbury Head. In the clifftop gardens.

Beach huts.

My favourite house, ever. Sadly, it's not mine.

The pier at Boscombe.

The zig-zag path down the cliff to the beach.

More beach huts (there are hundreds of them but only one yellow one).

The seafront.

Just a pretty picture taken on the clifftop. It's a dead bush, transformed by frost for one day only, into a thing of beauty.

Snow!

2010-12-02T16:57:00.010Z

Isn't this the most pathetic looking palm tree you've ever seen (left)? You can almost see it shivering, poor thing. It must be wondering where it all went wrong.

It's quite unusual to get snow in these parts (on the South coast of England). Typically, about every 3 or 4 years, there might be a sprinkle of fairy dust. Kids try to catch some on their tongues, adults have a good grumble, and wimps like me crawl back under the duvet and hope it goes away.

Then with any luck, at about noon the snow obediently shuffles off down the drains and life goes on. But not today. Oh, no.

Now I want to be clear about this: I do not do snow. I don't do cold either, at least not gracefully. But this morning when I woke up, the world was deeply, seriously white, and it it was evident from the forecast that it was staying that way. Well, if you can't beat it, you might as well enjoy it, so I took my camera for a walk. These photos were taken in the park on the clifftop.

This is the British Government's answer to snow clearance (left). What's that you say, it doesn't look like anything has been done? Really? Well, you're right. The roads are like ice rinks. Staying home is the smart thing to do.
And look, here's White Van Man. For once, he really DOES own the road.

Fields in winter.

2010-11-18T18:05:00.009Z

Summer is naturally pretty, but winter has it's own beauty. Here are some pictures I took today by the River Stour, near Christchurch. Lot's of rain here recently.

See the rainbow? It's over on the right.

Christchurch Priory.

Salisbury

2010-11-17T10:55:00.012Z

Salisbury Cathedral- magnificent, isn't it? Inside, it houses one of the 4 surviving copies of the Magna Carta. And did you know it has the tallest spire (123 meters/404ft) 'in the land' (I'm quoting from the advertisement in the bus, so I assume they meant the United Kingdom) and also the oldest working clock (AD 1386) in THE WORLD! (Again, the bus- Wilts and Dorset bus No. X3 in case anyone wants to pursue that bold statement any further).

It just shows you how long a journey it was (an hour) that I was reduced to reading things written on the bus. But at least this was what might be termed useful information. Usually it's graffiti.

I was on the bus because, quite frankly, it's the easiest way to get to Salisbury from where I live. Of course you can drive, but the road is dreadful and then when you finally arrive, there's nowhere to park. Someone else can have the headache while I admire the view.

This is Malmesbury House (below) and the sign tells you some of the history.

A crenelated gate (below), on the way from the city centre to the Cathedral.

Nuggs- the oldest coffee shop I've ever seen (left). I didn't go in. I was suspicious they might still have some sandwiches left over from opening day.

And River walk (below).

11/11

2010-11-11T19:52:00.001Z

Armistice Day.

May we never forget.

Getting Fresh.

2010-11-06T14:18:00.003Z

Hey- what's going on here? What the Hell is that shirt doing with my blouse??

Throop Mill in Autumn.

2010-11-04T16:48:00.020Z

Yesterday was a lovely day for a walk down a country lane or three.

So I went to Throop Mill (which I wrote about earlier in this blog). Last time I went it was summer; now it's autumn, and of course everything looks a bit different.

Here's Squirrel Nutkin enjoying his nuts. And why not?

If you look carefully in this photo below (I believe if you double click on the photo it'll come up larger), you can see a pheasant running across the field. He was really motoring, maybe he was worried I'd got a gun.
He needn't have panicked - I've eaten pheasant and I have to say, it was one of those 'first and last' experiences.

But these guys here- the Saddleback piglets with Big Momma looking on- well, that's another story. (The Saddlebacks are the black and white ones. Oh, you figured that out already. I dunno what the brown one is - sausages, maybe?)

Pigs are clever animals- and if these piggies ever find out what their address is (below), they'll be moving on out PDQ.

Pork chops, anyone?

A walk in the wood.

2010-09-30T18:32:00.020+01:00

Needed to blow some cobwebs away yesterday, so I headed to one of my favourite places, the New Forest. I have just bought a new camera (I'm a bit of a victim for cameras) and I wanted to try it out.

The name 'New Forest' is a bit of a misnomer, since it's actually quite ancient. It was created way back in 1079 by King William I (William the Conqueror). His Highness desired a private hunting ground and so his park was created at the cost of over 20 small settlements. Understandably, the people who were deposed from their land were not thrilled; it caused much resentment. Two of his sons later died in the forest, Prince Richard in 1081 and King William II (Rufus) in 11oo. It's said that their deaths were his punishment, although King William II is recorded as being a nasty piece of work.

The Rufus stone, where William II met his end, shot by an arrow from the bow of Sir Walter Tyrell, is not far from where I was walking. Sir Walter claimed that he was aiming at a stag when the arrow misfired and hit the surly rat-bag King. Er, yeah, OK. Sure. Whatever you say Wal....

This former Royal playground is now a National park, which covers over 200,000 acres. And no, I didn't try to walk the whole thing- As if!

As a matter of fact, I probably wouldn't have walked as far as I did (about 4 miles) if it wasn't for the fact that when I'd parked in the lay-by, there were several trucks there and the drivers were eating their lunch. They all watched me get my rucksack out of the car and climb over the stile. It must have looked as if I was off on a serious hike, whereas in fact I had thought I'd take a few photos and just, you know, doddle about a bit, before driving somewhere else. But once I realised I had an audience, well, I thought I'd better put a bit of effort into it. And so I marched off determindly, trying to look like that was my intention all along.

It was a beautiful sunny day when I left home, but this is England and the weather can change while you're looking at it- which it did. By the time I'd driven to the spot where I wanted to walk, some rather business-like clouds had rolled across the horizon.

The further I got from the car, the worse the clouds looked.

But the rain didn't start until I was in the forest itself, and the tree canopy acts like a lovely green umbrella. It's a beautiful place- it's tranquil, but at the same time, it gives a sense of wildness.

The name of this particular part of the New Forest is Bolderwood. It's near Fritham Common and the village of Lyndhurst (Lyndhurst claims to be the capital of the New Forest).

New Forest ponies.

The Roman Theater, Verano.

2010-08-18T18:06:00.010+01:00

These are all taken in the grounds of the Roman Theater. That's the museum at the back (below). It's a bit of a climb up, but it's less scary than taking the lift, trust me!

This is the view from the Theater (left).

Below is the Theater from across the river.

I was a long way up when I took this (photo below) from the museum above the theater; talk about the nose-bleed section, lol.

The theater is still in use- this was the set when we were there- looks a bit rude, huh! Heaven only knows what the play was about, my mind is thoroughly boggled.