Day eight in France - The Cleaning Fairies

Today we have been to Bordeaux and I have to say, what an amazing city.

Our journey was forced due to the illness of my friend, or as others may term it, my iPhone.  I had it fixed last month after a few intermittent issues that it had, and got it back in the last week of July, but when in Bergerac, it sort of died.  Well, that is what I thought at first, but the screen had gone.   It was able to receive calls, and texts, as well as messages on Twitter, but there was no way to use my screen.  I tried the normal advice on a forced reset, but with no message on the screen, and limited internet access here at La Batellerie (I have it for now), there was no way to get it working.  So this morning, we travelled to Bordeaux.  We thought, from searching forums, that the issue would be with a connection to the screen, but on getting it there, we found that this was not going to be the case.  They offered to repair it, and they did try a low cost repair, but alas, this was not possible.

On the bright side we got to see the city of Bordeaux.  I had not expected it to be so pretty and it was great to see some of its sights.  We did not get the chance to explore it as much as I would like, but it would be great to return in a few years time.  My daughter took loads of pictures and did a bit of shopping while my son was patient and spent time with my while his mother and sister had other bits of fun.

Anyway, we are back at La Batellerie and it was great to come back to find that the cleaning fairies had been in.  My wife always said that they did not exist, but I now know otherwise!

Liberation Day in Jersey

We are back!  My amazing wife booked us a few days in Jersey and we are now finally back.  The children had Thursday off as the school they attend was being used as a polling station and Friday was a "Non-pupil" day so on Thursday morning we travelled down to Gatwick to fly to Jersey.  It meant that we had to wake up early in the morning but as my wife had booked a taxi we slept for part/most of the journey to the airport.  A short flight later on EasyJet and we had landed on Jersey.  We were greeted by the sun which was good as unknown to us, the weather had not been good before we arrived.  Getting our hire car was easy (a shuttle bus to a collection point using Avis) and we were on the road to the Highlands Hotel.  My wife had chosen it for its reviews on Trip Advisor as well as its outdoor heated swimming pool and although the rest of us did not know it, it was a great choice.

The hotel does not look amazing and at first the service was not warm (though even then was excellent) but it was perfect for our needs.  Other than the first few minutes the service was both warm and other than one or two very minor issues, perfect.  We were told about the Tower at the end of the hotel which allowed views of the surrounding sea as well as having a library which came in useful when the kids ran out of things to read.  They loved the binoculars and the telescope that were there and later made use of the playground which while small was on site and kept them both occupied.  While the room did not look as great as it can in other hotels, it was better in that things worked!  Too many times I have been to other places with the kids to find that the television does not work (something that my children need at times).  In addition to this, there were other things for the children to do, and they did.  Both loved the table football and while they did not get to play a game of pool, they did have a go at table tennis.

The restaurant was good though I am fussy with my tea and it was not up to the standards I expect.  Ideally I would prefer to eat dinner elsewhere on the island but they were very accommodating for our two children which is more than many places are, so both good and not quite as good there.  We did get to have dinner at the Oyster Box and that was a highly recommended experience.  While there were initial concerns about its service (our drinks took a while to arrive) after that it was as good as the meal.  One thing that stood out was the way they interacted with the children, something I do not expect in a fine dining restaurant, and offered the children a mocktail.  Little things like that are important and I would highly recommend this both for people with well behaved children as well as adults.

The beaches on Jersey were spectacular and on the first day we drove across the southern part of the island from the south west corner which was where the hotel was to the east of the island.  Along the way we did stop and went for a walk along the sea front, by son sticking to the sea wall with his mother while my daughter and I went exploring along the beach and the rock pools.  There is access to the sea at the Highlands Hotel as well, a great spot to be able to go for walks from.

Even though we went off season, there was quite a bit to do, and while I am not a fan of sea food, my daughter and wife state great sea food to eat.  And that is without discussing our trip to La Mare Wine Estate and Distillery as well as the The Channel Islands Military Museum. I do not know when we are to go back, but when or if we do, we all will be happy to do so.

GCSEs: Who needs them? I've been lying on my CV for years and no one has checked them. B in maths? I can't even count to B.

Well, it is the end of a long day.  We woke at two in the morning for our journey from home to Luton Airport for our early morning flight to Portugal.  The kids were excited as they had never been woken up at two in the morning to travel and they stayed awake for ages!  Luton as an airport was surprisingly easy to get to.  Meet and Greet was in the short term car park, and on arrival, there was no one there to greet us. It could have been worse as at least it was not raining when we arrived.  Things in the airport were simple and it was my wife and I who fell asleep on the plane, the kids both were awake and would wake us up at times.  In fact, it was only once in Portugal that my daughter fell asleep, that being in the car which is normal for her.  Back at the hotel, the kids have loved it so far,  We got here too late to nab a place at the poolside and that is something we are looking forwards to for tomorrow.  So far, rest, food and the kids have been in the playground and have been making friends.  And of course, sleep again...

Hotel Una Brighton

Back at home now.  Finally.  As posted yesterday we were at Hotel Una in Brighton last night.  A windy day which meant that I did not take the kids to the beach, or the pier as I had intended.  Instead we spent sometime shopping and I had a much overdue hair cut.

The hotel stay was great though.  From when my wife phoned to make the booking to after we checked out, the staff there were brilliant.  The room was great, remember this is a boutique hotel, so do not expect a huge amount of space, but they way they use it is admirable.  The bar was great, they way they accommodated our two kids was brilliant, the recommendation as to where to eat, what to do in the day, advice on car parking, where to go and what to do in Brighton as well as looking after our cases once we had checked out.  We have stayed in Brighton before, the last time was over five years ago and we are used to great service in the town, and while we have not been disappointed in the past this place has been the best so far, and considering the competition it faces, I think that has to be considered as well.  When we return to Brighton, even though we have had great experiences in other the places we have stayed, I suspect this will be the first place that we will call.

Praia dos Caneiros

We went back there today.  All I can say is that it is an amazing beach, one which the kids love.  They enjoyed the sea and they enjoyed the sun.  And also the food, though the ice cream/lollies probably helped.  Afterwards, while my wife made use of the spa the kids slept which meant that we were able to go out at night again to ONZE, though this time we almost did not get a table as we had not booked!  Great day for all once again.

Vale D'oliveiras Quinta Resort And Spa

Today the kids got to spend the day at the pool.  It was an enjoyable day, one where the wife and I got to relax and the kids got to try to swim.  As you can see from the picture, there are two pools, one deeper, that being in the backgroud.  The kids did try the deeper one with me, but in general they were more than happy to splash around in the shallow one.  So far, so good here.  The service is friendly and the setting is wonderful.  My wife has yet to try the spa but if it is like the rest of our stay here so far, she will have a great time.

Hilton Gatwick

Well, it has been an interesting start to the holiday so far.  Yesterday we travelled to Gatwick to fly away today. 

We have stayed at the Hilton in Gatwick before, this being in the time before kids, the attraction being the walk way into the terminal, but this time the experience was more memorable.  The kids were one reason, they loved being away from home and they both loved the room.  We ate in Giraffe in the terminal before going back to the room.  It was a great room, loads of space for the kids, the only issue I had being the bed which I was convinced was not level, and I feel it was due to this that I nearly fell out of bed on more than one occasion in the night.  But other than that, it was a great stay and I am sure that if ever we have the opportunity to stay there again that the same would not happen again with the bed issue and the reason for this was the communication that took place by e-mail before our stay and the way the staff were helpful.  Besides, things could have been worse.  If we had stayed at the Sofitel, we would not have been able to book in due to a security alert!

Anyway, we are knackered now.  The kids have had a full day, waking up early in the morning and then a flight and now a stay elsewhere!

Environmentalists say that every day an area the size of Wales is destroyed... Why is it never Wales?

Actually, I love Wales so I do feel a bit guilty about the joke.  We went there on the weekend, travelling down on Friday to stay at a lovely hotel for a wedding yesterday.  I have to day, the hotel was great.  On the Gower Peninsula it was a great place to stay, once I had worked out how to open the doors, and the kids loved it.  Not just because it was close to the beach, but because of the way the rooms were set out, having the space to play, clean and of course, watch Cbeebies on the large screen in the living room, and the televisions in their room or in ours.

We have been to Wales before (and I would return to the Gower Peninsula again), mainly because the best man at my wedding, Tony, lives there with his lovely wife Sally and their three kids, Dan Lowri and Tomos.  Mind you, I am hoping that I have spelt their names correctly.  And today, we met up with them on the way home.

So the wedding first of all, one which the kids loved, and so did we.  A cousin of my wife marrying a welsh beauty.  I had met the cousin before, and I do like him, and it was great to be there for his (and her) special day, one which celebrated their different backgrounds, with people flying in from across the globe to be there.  At the table I was on, there was one gentleman from Chile.  The kids were really good there.  Which was amazing as they were there for ages.  We got there are 1400 for the ceremony.  The legal stuff actually had been done the day before with close family and friends present, this being a day for everyone else to show their joy at the marriage of the two.  And it was an out door wedding, which was at risk of the elements.  Which considering that Wimbledon is about to start, was a brave decision. We found out later, that there was no plan B but as I said, if there was a plan B in case of rain, it would have rained.  Not sure if anyone (including myself) fell for that!  The vows that the happy couple made to each other were brilliant, and of course, reminds me of how wonderful a wife I have as the vows, about true love, apply to her as well.  After that it was drinks and a game of cricket, where the groom was caught out by the bride!  Start as she means to go on!  My daughter did find herself popular with insects, the wedding being held in a farm.  And after the tears, she was convinced to risk being bitten again (though I did not tell her about that) and the two kids and me walked around the farm looking at the hen, the cockerel and of course the two horses which my daughter loved.  I think that my son liked the chickens more, but they both loved seeing the animals.

They were great during the meal and at the end, it was time to dance, and both loved dancing.  Not that either of my children, or my wife and I could compare to the first dance between the happy couple.  Set to Queen's Don't Stop Me Now, it was a very memorable dance, and had some very impressive moves.  I have to say, the kids would have tired me out with dancing, but I hurt my knee on the dance floor which meant that I had to rest and watch.  After my daughter fell asleep on me (something that does not happen very often now) we later had to call it a night, though the couple and friends partied till three in the morning!

Anyway, come the morning, after my wife met other members of her family again who were present for the wedding, we went to meet up with Tony.  I have to say, I do feel guilty about messing him up a bit.  While we had mentioned to him a while ago we would be coming to Wales, we did not remind him until this weekend.  But his family and he met us at Margam Country Park.  And not only did all the kids (ours and his) have a great time, but we did as well.  One thing that I am amazed at is how few people there are there considering how great it is for kids and families.  It is a pleasure meeting up with Sally, Tony and their three kids, it is just a shame that we do not get to see them more often.

Anyway, after that, a long drive back to England.  And now time to rest...

Take care all. 

Cranmer Country Cottages

I guess this will have to be the last post on the holiday.  We got back last week, and had a great time.

We stayed in Cranmer, in a place called Cranmer Country Cottages.  Our cottage was Swallow and was an amazing place to stay.  The kids had loads of room, and there were a few board games for them to play with.  In addition, in the garden, there was a playground (a climbing frame/swing/slide and a playhouse) in the enclosed field outside.  There were ants in the cottage, but other than freaking out my daughter, they kept to themselves!  Both kids loved the heated swimming pool as well as playing outside and I even taught my daughter the basics of playing chess!  (Well, only how to move the pawns.)  One important thing with kids is that the television has to have access to Cbeebies, which it did.     

It was a great base from which to explore North Norfolk and from there we were able to do things like take the kids on the Wells to Walsingham light railway.  We had a great time there, and if you want to go to North Norfolk with the kids, that is a place I would recommend!   

Strattons Swaffham review

Evening all again.  Time to post again.  I have put the kids to sleep after reading them Toy Story.  Both love it, my son loves Buzz, and since he has got a Woody doll, Woody as well.


But now we are on holiday.  In Norfolk.  We are staying in a place in Cranmer which the kids love.  I will have to remember to write a review on it later once we have left.  Started however with a trip to Swaffham and a stay in a place called Strattons.

It was lovely.  We had stayed there before BC (before kids) and loved it then.  It has interesting decor, which in general you love or hate.  Me, I liked bits, and did not like others as much.  One bit that was there last time we stayed was a light piece in the main reception room.  Last time, I nearly broke it!  Initially I did not like it.  I thought it was awful.  But the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me.  Intricate, there was so much to notice, a bit like the decor.  While you may not like it at first, there is a lot to take in.  And while you may not like all of it, if you are like me, you will find pictures or other things there that you do like.

The room was great, and set up brilliantly for kids.  Unfortunately, there are no chickens in the courtyard as there were before.  Apparently, too many accidents with cars and dogs.  But the food...  For kids, there is a deli which will serve dinner for kids at a time that allows the adults to go to bed.  We took our own intercom, but apparently they have a listening service that they offer.  Now when it came to the food, I wanted to cry.  My starter was nice.  Good food, and in itself, very good.  but the main course...  I wanted to cry.  I could not finish it.  I love steak, and they did it to perfection.  Full of flavour and tender, I could eat it over and over again.  It was one of the best three beef meals I have ever had, the other two were one in Madeira and the other at Locanda Locatelli. I have to recommend the place, both as a restaurant and a boutique hotel.

Anyway time to post a picture. It is a fake, the headline was Cameron and Clegg (begin) running the country.  But this made me laugh!

An interesting deal considering that the Tories were against a coalition.   They said a hung parliament would be bad for Britain and Cameron considered Clegg to be a joke!

I will see if I can post more details on the holiday tomorrow.  Take care all.   

An eye chart to frustrate us men

Well, it is the last few days of my holiday.  And although I am going back to work officially on Monday, I am going to temp on Saturday which means my holiday will be over sooner rather than later.  Yesterday we spent time in Bicester, doing some shopping, having spent the day before in Oxford.  The hotel was nice, breakfast was great.  Unfortunately, dinner did not suit my wife.  I liked it, but not only was service not as good as I would have liked (at first to be fair, it got better later) but they got our bill wrong.  Now, as I said, breakfast, brilliant.  Even my daughter, who I am convinced is solar powered (as she eats so little) loved it!  My son loves the time I am spending with him, though he still likes to try and take me on.  He and my daughter have started to play fight at times, and now both want to wrestle with me.  Fun, though at times, my son will get carried away.

Anyway, I hope you find this funny...

An Alabama preacher said to his congregation, 'Someone in this congregation has spread a rumour that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. It is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the party who did this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian Family.'

No one moved.

The preacher continued, 'Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression.'

Again all was quiet.

Then slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop traffic rose from the third pew. Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, 'Reverend there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets.'