Look out Dublin - here I come!

Well, I'm all set and ready for White Wolf's 30th birthday do. I'm flying out of Birmingham airport on Friday morning, with Ryan Air and will be back on Monday night. It promises to be one hell of a good weekend, and I've been told that Dublin is very expensive to go out in...

Ok - maybe it is if you get caught in the tourist traps, but I've been advised on the best places to go and eat, as well as go out in the evening - so it promises to be one hell of a trip away for me. The only thing that I have been told that I must try is Guinness... Which I have to admit, I'm somewhat apprehensive about, as I loathe the stuff!

Suppose I should call this entry quits, as I need to be up early tomorrow morning...

Back when I get back from Ireland.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Back to the UK...

Our last day in Gibraltar was Saturday, and Mum and I were flying out at 19:10 (local time - +2 hrs GMT), so we had quite a bit of time to kill..

The morning was somewhat overcast, and the cloud formation on the rock was something that I was determined to get a photograph of:

We decided to head down towards Casement Square to go and get something for lunch, and as we were walking down Main Street, we heard pipes and drums.. I wasn't quick enough with my camera to get the approach, but I did manage to get this picture:

According to one of the locals, they were marching to Casement Square for the ceremony of the keys, which took place every Saturday at 12:00...

Unfortunately, Mum wasn't fit enough to walk down to the square for 12:00, and I was unwilling to leave her to go and see the ceremony.. But I did manage to get this picture of the guards preparing to march back up Main Street:

The rest of the day, Mum and I spent shopping for the usual silly last minute bits and pieces, before heading to the airport... Which was where the fun and games started.

The first part was the total fiasco that passed for check-in. One desk for our flight (Monarch), whilst the BA flight had about four desks... Once that particular hurdle was dealt with, it was relatively painless to go through security and all the other formalities... And then we reached the departure lounge. And I though Jersey airport was primative!

Thankfully, we didn't have too long to wait before our flight, and were able to get semi-comfortable.. (I swear that they'd crammed more seats on the damned plane, but that's another grump that I've always had about travelling!)

The landing at Luton. What can I say, apart from the fact that I swear the aircraft thought it was a kangaroo. It bounced about 4 times on landing, and then it was the fun and games of the hike to passport control. Mum was knackered, and I wasn't much better, and to be honest, I was less than impressed with Luton airport's groundstaff.

They could see that Mum was struggling, and yet when you asked for help, it was a case of "sorry - not my department." I felt like asking them if they knew the meaning of customer service, but I didn't, as I was too damned tired, and all I wanted to do was get the case and get the hell out of there.

Then came the fun with the damned taxi. Neither mum or I were told that the driver would be waiting outside, so that added another 45 minutes to the time that we were stuck in the airport!

Needless to say, the pair of us have said that in future, we will refuse to travel from Luton, as it's a pain in the tail to get to, and a bloody mess.

Suppose I should log off and bog off, as I've got stuff to do around the house.

Back when I get the chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Getting in the holiday mood

It's my last day in the office, and I am so glad. I've had enough crap thrown at me this week to last me a blasted month, and all because of one account.

On the positive side, I've been able to spend quite a bit of time with my partner, who has been a real angel. As my shoulder has been giving me an awful lot of trouble, he went to Holland & Barratt (a local health-food / alternative remedy shop), and bought a bottle of Comfrey oil, which he has been kind enough to massage into the shoulder.

But, I will admit to the fact that I'll miss him whilst I'm away, as we spend most evenings talking on the 'phone if we're not together.

Despite this, I'm really looking forward to my holiday, as I've never been to Gibraltar before.. And I've had my share of the rude comments leveled at me by colleagues in the OTR department - most of them being along these lines..

"You going to see your relatives then?"


"I've got relatives buried on Gibraltar, but none living that I know of...."

"I was talking about the monkeys"

Thanks. Nice to know that I'm being likened to a monkey now! And yes - I am aware of the correct name - the "monkeys" are actually Barbary Apes.

Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I am really suffering from a bad case of TNFI......

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Back from my travels – Part IV - The road home

The final day of our stay, Mum and I went to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton - where one of the Concorde prototypes was located.


Most of the museum was poorly lit, and I admit that the date on the camera was set wrong - I'd neglected to check this when I selected this feature!!

Some of the display were quite good - I loved the display in the second hall, where the WWII aircraft were - the photograph below being one of my favorites:


However, I admit that my real favorite display was Concorde.



I have to admit, seeing the aircraft up close was a real treat, and I didn't realise just how narrow the aisle was!

As this aircraft was the prototype, there was still the test equipment on-board...


But the real surprise was the size of the cockpit!


The outside of the aircraft was just as beautiful as I'd always remembered:


Hmmm - time to call this entry quits - don't want to blot my copy book by getting caught blogging instead of working!

Back when I get chance.

Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread

So I dub thee unforgiven...

That's the way that I'm dealing with my ex. Ok - I know that it sounds like I'm being incredibly vindictive and nasty, but given the way I'm feeling, I feel entirely justified to react like this.

If I'd had my way, I would have spoken to him face to face, instead of showing the distinct lack of courage and splitting up with him in a 'phone call.

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven

As for my holiday next week, I'm still going to Devon and Cornwall - but I'm traveling with Mum instead. After I'd split up with my ex, Mum made the suggestion that I still went, but that she came with me, as she said that it would be the best thing I could do - get away from the area for a few days, and try and get myself back to some semblance of normality.

Ok - I appreciate the thought - and the best bit (for me, anyway!) is the fact that we're going to go to the RHS garden at Rosemoor in Devon. (See http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/gardens/rosemoor/index.asp)

That's something that I couldn't have done with my ex, as he wasn't that interested in gardening, despite agreeing to go to the Eden project with me (see http://www.edenproject.com/)

So, whatever else may have happened recently, I've got the better end of the deal - I'll be able to go and see things that I want to see - with the added bonus that Mum's a member of the RHS, so the admission will be free, and she can tell me about the plants that I don't recognise!

Suppose I should answer my 'phone before the damned thing drives me mad!

Back later.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Getting something for Dad..

No - I'm not going 'round the twist. It's just something that both Mum & I agreed to do, when we were coming to terms with our loss.

So, we decided to go to Stratford upon Avon - yes - the home of William Shakespeare. The reason? Simple. There is a very good china & glass shop there called BW Thornton (it's at the top end of Stratford by the Shakespeare birthplace trust).

It doesn't look very much, but when you get inside, it holds some of the most beautiful pieces of glass and pottery that you could wish to see. Everything from Isle of Wight Glass to pieces by Sidi Langley and pottery by the Dennis Chinaworks (designs by Sally Tuffin - she of the wonderful wildlife designs!) to the traditional Moorecroft pottery and enamels.

Mum and I were having a look, and the pair of us fell for a small vase by Sidi Langley. It colour matches several pieces that we have in the collection, and every time I go into that shop, all I can recall is Dad trying to talk me out of a perfume bottle that I'd seen for Mum's birthday.

Again, it was a Sidi Langley piece, and he was worried that Mum wouldn't like it. I knew better, and when Mum opened the box on her birthday, the look of delight was something to make me smile, even now.

It wasn't wildly expensive - I think it was about £56 (no idea what that is in other currencies, so please don't ask me!) and the pair of us have agreed that we'll get one piece of glass a year for the collection - be it a paperweight, perfume bottle or other, but the only restriction is that we both like it, and that the piece costs less than £60. Unless it is an exceptional piece that we both like, then the price limit is up for discussion!

I've also agreed to do my best to overcome my severe sea sickness, as Mum wants to go to the Isle of Wight next year. Unfortunately for me, the only way to get there is by ferry. So, I've said that I'll go into the pharmacy, and see what I can take to prevent myself throwing up everywhere - but the only request that I make, is that it doesn't make me sleepy, as there's a good chance that it will be me doing the driving, as I cannot read a map for love nor money!

So, I've sent a request to the Isle of White tourist board (http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/) to get the relevant information, and see what there is to do on the island. I knew about the glass making - that's the main reason why Mum wants to go (that and the fact that she and Dad were planning to go next year!) and I also want to go.

Why? Simple. There's a peculiar thing called a garlic farm there (see http://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/ for details!) - and I am a garlic addict - much to the dismay of my work colleagues I may add!

Time to call it quits - I'm getting glared at by the appetite on legs again - he's being ignored whilst I'm on the computer, and he doesn't like it. And more to the point, I don't think my Jaffa cakes are safe with him around!

Back later - if I can get the peace and quiet!

Karen.


Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Back from holiday.

And I'm tired, and extremely annoyed. The reason? Only a three hour delay at Jersey airport, with no information being given as to the reason why other than "it's a technical problem". Congratulations. That tells me bugger all. But, I shall refrain from naming the airline - the people who know me will know which one I'm talking about! *Grin*

Having said that, there was a similar delay on the way to Jersey - only this was due to crew sickness (the captain called in sick at the last minute, so a substitute had to be called in) - something which we didn't find out until we were on the aircraft!

Now onto the holiday itself. I make no apologies for the amount of external web links that will be in this blog entry - they can give you far more information about the places that I went to than I can (ok - their versions of it). The opinions in this blog, are mine, and mine alone - and I make no apology for them whatsoever.

Once we'd landed at Jersey airport, Mum and I went to collect the hire car. OK- that wasn't a problem. The car itself was though. It was a Fiat Panda (See http://www.fiat.co.uk for a picture of the hideous interior!!! I'll give you a clue - it was the yellow - with a pale blue exterior!)

I will say one thing - if it was my car, I would have taken it straight back to the garage where I bought it from, as there were several things that sounded seriously wrong with it: - the gearbox clunked when you changed gear manually (it was an eastronic box), it whined like there was a servo winding itself up, when the offside front door was opened, and it also sounded like there was a wheel bearing going in the offside rear.

Once we'd found the hotel (The West View hotel: - good food, good beer, and quiet - but I would recommend having transport of your own to stay there, as it's a little bit remote - see http://www.jersey.com for more details!)

After we'd gotten lost because of the lousy directions that we'd been given by the hire company, we got settled, and then headed off for a tour of the island.

Our first stop was Jersey Pearl. (http://www.worldpearl.com ) Don't get me wrong - I'm not one of these women who loads herself up with jewellery. Far from it. I tend to go for a couple of classical pieces, and make them count.

But, as I was wandering 'round, I will admit, I fell for a lovely pair silver drops with dark pearls on them. They weren't wildly expensive, and I will admit, I kept walking back to them and I knew that was it - I was going to buy them.

The following day, Mum and I went to the Eric Young Orchid Foundation. It's open throughout the year Wednesday through to Saturday. (http://www.ericyoungorchidfoundation.co.uk/) Unfortunately, the site doesn't show the display houses, but as soon as I get the scanner on the computer working, I'll post the photographs that I took there.

There were orchids that smelt of Vanilla - yes, orchids do have scent! The vanilla pod comes from the vanilla orchid! We then went for a drive round the island.

To be honest, it's hard to remember which day we did what, but some things really do stick out in my mind - the trip to Jersey Lavender (http://www.jerseylavender.co.uk) being one of them.

Simply because on the previous trip to Jersey, I bought some Lavender & Rosemary cologne and that was it. I was hooked. Needless to say, I've stocked up, and made damned sure that I can get it via the web site!!

One of the other places that sticks in my mind is the La Mare Vineyards & Distillery. (http://www.lamarevineyards.com) For the simple reason, that on the two occasions I've tried their wines, I've found them little better than paint stripper.

OK, they may be award winning wines, but as far as I'm concerned, you can keep them. The apple brandy wasn't much better - again, it reminded me of something that you could use to take the paint off the floor!

However, the one place that I really wanted to visit was the German Underground Hospital. It's now known as the Jersey War Tunnels (http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/) and I will admit, the first time I went, I was with my late father.

Mum refused to go on both occasions, as the one and only time she went, it gave her the creeps to such an extent, she's refused to go back ever since. So, I left Mum with the car keys, and off I went.

The first time I went, I will admit to feeling slightly daunted. But for some reason, this time, I felt really uncomfortable. Ok - I know that there will be some people who twitter on about me picking up psychic vibrations - it was nothing as far out as that. It was the mere fact that the last time I was there, I was with my late father, who did a wonderful job of explaining the things that I didn't understand, as I hadn't studied history at school.

As part of the entrance fee, I was given a reproduction of a Jersey Identity Card or Identitaetskarte, which related to a person in the gallery - along with a brief summary of their life, and what happened to them during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. [The only part of the UK that the German Third Reich actually managed to invade during the Second World War].

The person on my identity card was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp gas chambers, for trying to help runaways from the underground hospital's labour force.

There is little more that I can say about the tunnels - other than if you go to Jersey, go and see them for yourselves and you'll see exactly what I mean.

The other place that had an impact on me was the Durrell wildlife conservation trust - also known as Jersey Zoo. (http://www.durrellwildlife.org)

I personally found the Tamarin wood the funniest part of the trip, as the Tamarins scamper around an open woodland, giving their usual vocal calls, and occasionally, posing for photographs! The rest of the tour was well worth it, with the Lemurs making both Mum and myself laugh with their antics - which are totally natural, before people start bristling about that!

Other places that Mum & I visited included Jersey Potteries (http://www.jerseypottery.com) This left me cold, as there was little that actually caught my eye, and the few pieces that did, were horrifically over priced (in my opinion anyway!). The much vaunted museum left a lot to be desired as well, as there were very few pieces in the display, and very little information about them, and several I'd seen for sale on e-bay!

But, one place I did enjoy going to, was the Living Legend (http://www.jerseyslivinglegend.co.je/) It's great for kids, and to be honest, there are times when I'm little more than an overgrown kid myself! The presentation was slick, and gave an interesting insight into the island's history.

The comment that stuck in my mind was "England is Jersey's oldest possession" as the island was part of the Duchy of Normandy - and became part of the UK when William, Duke of Normandy invaded England in 1066 (yes - he was William the Conqueror).

Aside from doing the tourist bit, Mum & I did go into the main town on Jersey (ok - the ONLY town in Jersey!) St Helier. We had a walk around the shops - and noticed that some of the larger chain stores (who shall remain nameless) were trying to charge the full 17.5% VAT on their goods.

What makes me mention this? Simple. The Channel Islands have no VAT on their goods. But, we did find that if you went to the smaller shops (i.e. the one-off shops) the prices were quite a bit lower, even if certain stores had delusions of grandeur. Having said that though, I did manage to find a rather unusual aftershave. It's called Monsieur Balman, and is lemon based - a real favourite of mine.

Ok - there were a couple of aftershaves / perfumes that I liked, but the price difference wasn't worth me considering buying them. As for me wearing aftershave, I'm of the opinion that a fragrance is a fragrance - and, if I like the smell, and it suits my skin acidity, then I'll wear it.

However, there are perfumes by Dior (Dune being the main one) that I cannot wear, simply because they smell awful on me. I tried Dune when it first came out, and the guy I was shopping with [yes - a man who liked shopping - great rarity!] said that I smelt like I'd been urinated on by a camel (or words to that effect!) Needless to say, that comment caused me to change my mind rather rapidly about the perfume - but I will admit I'd been in two minds about it anyway.

Other shops were interesting, but some were a complete waste of time in my opinion. But, having said that, I was glad that I took my book with me. In the evenings, after dinner at the hotel, there was nothing I liked better than to curl up on the bed with my book. I took the Tom Holt omnibus - For Two Nights Only - which contains Overtime and Grailblazers. Put it this way, I had tears of laughter running down my cheeks - especially in this passage from Grailblazers:

"Running away" Boamund said, "is just not done."

"I've done it," Toenail interrupted, "lots of times. It's quite easy once you get the hang of it."

"But it's not right," Boamund protested. "Sir Lancelot never ran away from people."

"Maybe not." Galahaut retorted, as they skittered over a patch of turbulence. "Maybe the fact that everyone was shit-scared of him had something to do with it. I don't think that lot are terribly frightened of us, do you?"

He waved an arm behind them...

(For the rest, you'll have to read Grailblazers I'm afraid!)

Hmm - suppose I'd better leave my perch, and see who's had the nerve to ring the door bell.

Back when I get free.

Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?