What are you all up to
Comments
-
Have a wonderful moulesy. I am sure you will. We are more used to rural NI when we visit. I shall have to persuade our son to give us a comprehensive tour of Belfast!
1 -
Grand photos, Moulesy, enjoy your time in NI.
Glad to hear that the CL is very nice, WN, both of you have a good time on Anglesey.
After yesterday's exertions and after doing a clothes wash, we took it relatively easy today with a walk from the van around the local fields and lanes. It has been hot again so spent much of the afternoon just lazing about before packing up the canopy ready for our next move tomorrow. Here is a photo of Hanley Swan's Catholic Church,Our Lady and St Alphonsus, and it's elegent presbytery, just up the road from the site.
4 -
Went for an early morning walk along the stunning Belfast waterfront - just me and a few joggers! Outside the Odyssey Arena is this art installation called the "Yard of Sound" - you're invited to stand inside and strike the bars to make music (I decided not to risk it!
). There are a series of glass panels "Glass of Thrones" based, I gather on a popular TV series? A little further along is this stunning metal statue at Thanksgiving Square. And finally back to the hotel via the Cathedral where some architectural genius decided it'd be a good idea to plonk a 40m high stainless steel spire on the top if the ancient building (don't ask me why!)4 -
Just resting off the "full Irish breakfast experience" before heading out on a city tour!
Did a little bit of reading about that fabulous steel statue on Thanksgiving Square which, apparently, is called variously, "Harmony", "Beacon of Hope" or, less reverentially "Nuala with the Hula"!
1 -
Just returned home after a month’s tour of East Anglia staying mainly on club sites. Fabulous National Trust and Nature Reserves visited. A brief couple of days stay in London reaffirmed my preference for the countryside but this sight at The Tower of London was a delight.
Now it’s DIY that rules the day!https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/superbloom-at-the-tower-of-london/#gs.zkl6wg
2 -
nuala with the hula is a bit like the statue of Nell Gwynn which is often called 'The tart with the cart' 🤣🤣
We were sitting relaxing yesterday evening and suddenly 2 deer came running past. They looked like youngsters and wouldn't stop to have their photo taken 😁. They were in addition to the numerous baby rabbits that are all over the place. It is grey and chilly today but we are told that it should improve in a day or two.
3 -
I am the same about London Micky, nice to visit, some fabulous history, gardens, scenery, but I couldn’t live there, even on the outskirts, I love big rolling hills, empty moorlands, but it’s great to visit. We were lucky enough to see the wonderful ceramic poppy display at the Tower. I want to go back to Hampton Court again.
Another lovely day here. I am sat with Mum while Sis has a few hours off. Trying to get Mum to like one of those animatronic cats, she’s not too sure at the moment, thinks I should take it home to look after. OH and I are planning a day out and bike ride for Weds, taking MH so we can be comfortable and cater for ourselves. I’m hoping to do part of Trans Pennine Trial, then we will swop over and OH will take to the hills around Holme Moss😱 Too much for me, even powered up🤣
1 -
EDIT: Apolgies, of course it wasn't Nell Gwyne - 'The Tart with the cart' was Molly Malone.
3 -
Have you thought about treating yourself to a "Black Cab" tour of Belfast, a different insight to the City
David
0 -
Didn't Samuel Pepys say that if you were tired of London you were tired of life or was it someone else? London has so much to offer and I just wish I had the energy to enjoy it. You could be there a month and not see everything of note. When I was at work I regularly, about once or twice a month, had to go to London for various meetings and I just enjoyed the busyness of the place.
David
0 -
Beautiful day out today.
We drove the short distance to Moelfre on the coast and did a circular walk taking in part of the Welsh Coastal Path and then inland to visit a 4th Century remains of Roundhuts occupied by locals, a ruined Chapel dating from the 8th Century with an open burial vault from 1600s, a Burial Chamber that is somewhere between 4-4,500 years old. The Capstone is reputed to weigh more than 25 tons. Also a statue by the RNLI station.
Good variety of terrains with a couple of nettle laden passages but we managed.
The area is famous as the site of a shipping disaster in 1859 when the fastest ship in the world met its match and hundreds of lives were lost. The Vicar of the local church who worked tirelessly to identify the washed up bereaved or their artefacts/clothing was praised by a journalist who wrote
"The vicar worked alone for hours solemnly surrounded by eyes that could not see or lips that could not speak to him, patiently examining the tattered clothing, cut off buttons, marks from linen, anything that might identify the bereaved..."
Not bad prose from the journalist, a certain Charles Dickens.
3 -
Worked in Westminster in my younger days. Lived in Stoke Newington for a couple of years. Huge change after growing up in the country. Loved the atmosphere and experience. But sometimes felt like a caged rabbit - escaped home to my parents then. It was 40 plus years ago 😱 so not quite so busy as now!
Still enjoy a visit, but coach trip to the destination and pick up at the door afterwards. Best of both worlds, hustle and bustle in the area but not caught up in speed walking, platform worrying etc. Thought such trips might be over, but found a local coach company that does similar. Found theatre trips that way fantastic value, generally travel, seat and few hours of freedom, usually less than cost of the theatre seat 😉
Kew Gardens attractive anytime of the year, but special after dark when lit up. Tower of London, Hampton Court wow to name a couple.....
Yet another cool grey day, 13C, with chilly breeze. Flaming June.
Got to have laser treatment after cataract op 4 years ago. Impressed on service, set in business park! Seen by 3 different 'trades' before making date and time 😱😱😱 for my op. 6 July!
0 -
We were very lucky to be here for the Junior Rideout which took place just outside the site. It was great to watch. The senior one is in a few weeks.
2 -
It opens on June 23rd AD, it's the only London gallery I've never visited so maybe I'll get there this time round. I got offered a job in Islington when I was young but had second thoughts about it so turned it down, no regrets, I "escaped to the country."
We went to see the film "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" this afternoon. I had the book a few years back and couldn't get into it but the film was excellent, a good story, quite powerful. Interesting to spot all the places on the pilgrimage. Jim Broadbent's acting was riveting.
0 -
We visited lovely Felbrigg Hall today. We always love a wander round the house and the walled garden. We also donated a large bag of books to their book shop and they were very appreciative, unlike our local charity shop who always make me feel that they are doing me a huge favour by taking them.☹️
I love the National Portrait Gallery. My cousin and I often used to visit there when we met in London. I read that they are not now showing the portrait of princes William and Harry.
Your day out in Angelsey sounds lovely WN.
6 -
It's been a full on day today - there is just so much to see in Belfast - I'm exhausted!
This morning we joined a city tour, visiting the Stormont parliament building (or non parliament right now!) The image is instantly recognisable from news reports. Then to the beautiful buildings of Queen's University and the new bust of Senator George Mitchell who did so much along with Mo Mowlam to bring peace to the province (in the news at Easter when Biden, Clinton, Blair et al turned up for the unveiling to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.) Finally a visit to see the murals on Shankill Road (unionist) and Falls Road (nationalist). Not sure if they're a good or bad feature harking back to troubled times. A very good school friend of mine was one of the first members of the British Army to be killed back at the start of The Troubles in 1971 so it was quite a sobering moment.
Just a small sample of the 140 photos I took this morning!
3 -
And this afternoon was all about Titanic with a visit to the original memorial at City Hall and then on to the "Titanic Belfast Experience" . I'm not normally a big fan of museums/exhibitions/"experiences". But this really is something different. The building itself is fabulous and the exhibition fascinating, no matter how well known the story of Titanic is. The final 2 halls, with the list of all those saved and perished and the final light and sound show is moving beyond belief!
5 -
I do think that the bod in the centre of the photo { Sir George Ivan Morrison himself } reminds me so very much of Alun Armstrong who can hit the odd note or six, as he did in Les Mis
Certainly caused me to interrupt my playing of " The Irish Tenors " { Still one of Brian's favourite groups while I'm faffing about on 'ere
0 -
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, Brue, and the follow up to it, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, also. Must see the film, so hopefully it will appear on Netflix or the like.
0 -
People are still working at Stormont moulesy. Our son, who is a researcher there, is still working. It's just that no-one is making any decisions🥺. Did you go inside? It is a beauitful building. Our son took us for lunch there - silver service - very grand. It sounds as though you have a packed schedule!
Great video brue.
0 -
Sad to hear about your books, Millie !! I take mine and anbody elses to British Heart Foundation, Crewe and they are so very pleased to get them that they even take the bag they come in ( Great Dorset Sunday Telegraph Freebie ) but sadly that I will no longer be getting
0 -
Thanks for asking about our new van (Brue, Millie, and others). It feels very spacious. We've managed to transfer all the stuff and have had a few days away last week at Richmond Hargill House CAMC site.... where we were entertained by a bagpiper!! (see previous post). One or two tiny little things to be done by the service dept, but everything seemed to go smoothly.
Apologies for not being as 'active' on here at the moment - spending more time readibg than posting - In the middle of the summer concert season at present, but have just managed to organise a visit down to Rose Awnings to get a new Thule Rollout fitted....
We have done a 'weight upgrade' on the van and have been discussing the merits (or otherwise) of the E&P levelling system. The biggest disadvantage, as far as I can see, is the big price tag! We'd have some saving to be done!!
David
0 -
David
Just replied to your post re E&P and wanted to say that your decision - based on my experience with Rose Awnings - is a wise one. John Rose has been so helpful in getting the problems with my Thule Omnistor sorted out - even though we didn't buy it from him. (But we did buy the Veduta from them). Had it not been for Ros's current situation, we would have been down there a couple of weeks ago getting the Omnistor re-fitted but it's now gone back to our dealers instead (they collected the van and are returning it).
Please pass on my regards - and re the E&P - go for it! You won't regret it at all
0 -
Enjoying all the photos, so many different places. A lot of history at Moelfre, very interesting!
Pleased to hear you like your new van DSB even with a few "niggles." I think self levelling is good, we wish we'd splashed out years ago, a bit late now.
B2 I've had laser treatment and it's not too bad at all. Just glad to have someone with me because of all the eye drops, no chance of driving on the day after all that! Hope it goes well for you.
A dull start again but more sun later. Hoping we get some rain at the weekend as we're having to water everything.
0 -
Beautiful weather in Devon so packed summer clothes to go to our van. Now freezing here in Stratford, wish I’d packed just one pair of jeans, but it is June! I never learn. OH smug in thick jumper and jeans, and that’s inside! Says warmer tomorrow. A few bedding plants to put out so building up to that with a hot mug of coffee. Maybe a walk at Charlecote later.
Been booking rooms this morning. One of our granddaughters will be 18 in July, she has chosen to stay at Alton Towers for her treat. All our family want to celebrate with her so we have all booked in for 2 nights. I used to have a little one to take on the Cebeebies rides but she’s almost 10 now and as daredevil as the rest of them. All 6 grandkids and their Grandad love all those rides, they call him ‘The Legend’. OH cant manage to walk too far but he gets round there ok! In the evening the grandkids used to have mocktails but now, apart from 2 of them it will be cocktails to celebrate, where do the years go.
Better brace myself and get on with this bit of gardening.
1
