Last day and last post

After 10 weeks, my time here is done. Spent last night with Fi and was first time we were alone for some time, so we revelled.

Mandatory catch up at Davy's, then I cooked Beef Wellington and all trimmings.

Yummy dinner

Fully sated we played music and chatted until wee hours.

Up today to pack and Fi has day off. Been a hoot and until I return ciao.

London on foot

With my holiday winding down it was time to do a bit of London. Met Fi for lunch in Paddington then I wandered off through Hyde Park back towards Westminter. Glorious day and lots of people enjoying the first days of Autumn.

Serpentine with some strange installation

Continued on my way and then added St James Park into my travels. Stopped for a rest there and then made my way back towards Buckingham Palace Road.

Westminster Cathedral

Caught up with Leann's friend Meghan at B Bar where the others all assembled for dinner. Nice evening and then it was a tube and train home for a well needed rest. Managed 16,000 steps in my afternoon wanderings so today I am catching up here.

Last 2 days of holidays now but I have decided to come back for Xmas. Not sure what I am thinking but if there is a chance of a white one then it may be ok!

Porto to London

Up Saturday saw Dave and I separate from the girls who had decided that retail therapy was in order. So off we wandered around Porto enjoying a random explore. As you can imagine in a nation that is over 85% catholic there were plenty of churches.

We looked in a couple and found this one St Benedict Victory.

St Benedict Victory

From there we meandered around and saw huge lines outside the bookshop which was some inspiration for JK Rowling for Harry Potter. Not sure the owner has sold a book in years but coining it charging the queues of people 4 Euro to enter! He/She should thank her everyday.

The other inspiration we saw was groups of students wanderin around in diffeent colours being chaperoned by older students with the capes on. Can see how she got the idea for Hogwarts.

Besides that, Porto architecture is amazing with rows of tiled houses, some in absolute mint condition.

Tiled buildings

So after our meander we met the girls at a small restaurant for a latish lunch and from there they went on to more retail therapy, whilst Dave and I had a beer then made our way back down exploring nooks and crannys.

A refreshment stop for a wine brought us home where we met up. Our last night was spent overlooking the river for dinner, and the company was fantastic.

Bern and Sangria

Back to the fantastic apartment for some late night chats saw us up on Sunday to come home. Sadly we left Dave and Bern, and made our way to airport for 2 hour flight back to London.

Arrived to cold London day after a week in sun, so had to stop at Davys before arriving home. Leann had her mother and niece come in the morning from South Africa and they were out. They arrived back late and after a quick catch up it was off to a welcome bed.

Fi has gone off to work, the South Africans have gone for a walk, and I am revelling in peace. Guess it will ramp up a bit later and looking foward to a home cooked meal tonight.

Porto days

Porto is wonderful and we have done A fair bit in our days. Walked the river and crossed the beautiful old Luis I bridge on top and bottom.

Luis I bridge

Had lunch on water on day 1, well on day 2 as well! Wednesday night we went to ritzy restaurant Vinum on the hill overlooking Porto. Sumptuous food and naturally had some port.

Small port

Found a Fado restaurant Thursday night and it was an exhilarating experience. The first singer Maria was good, then we were treated to a young guy whose voice was sublime. Could make you cry with his plaintive notes.

Could not understand but did not need to.

Fado night

In any case we spent yesterday on personal wine tour up Douro valley with just us 4, as the boys had gone on to Munich.

Spectacular vineyards and brilliant wines. Great day was had and our guide was so good.

Drouro valley vineyards

A little weary by the time we got home so spent night in. Saturday here so will see how it pans out.

Cascais to Porto

Well Finally and I are on the train to Porto, so I can catch up with the blog.

Cascais was great although our accommodation was not up to scratch. More a glorified backpackers than what we thought. Although we had our own bathroom, the bath was under a roof line so could not stand for shower.

In any case we did second day in Lisbon and it was lovely.

Lisbon

After the day doing the sights we returned to Cascais for second evening and another scrumptious meal in traditional Portuguese style.

Up on Monday, it was time to do Cascais properly. We did long day of walking managing 24,000 steps. Not bad considering it was a glorified pub crawl.

Down first to Boca Do Inferno, which is a natural rock formation.

Boca Do Inferno

Back around town and saw great architecture of the area.

Settled down in afternoon with sangria at a cute bar, before heading home.

Sunshine Sangria

Out for dinner at the Marina after we had a sundowner at the posh Farol Hotel overlooking the Atlantic.

After dinner a couple more then it was up to make our way to Lisbon for the 3 hour train trip to Porto.

Got here and apartment is spectacular overlooking the square and sumptuously appointed. What a change from Cascais.

View from balcony

Bern was there to meet us and later Dave and the boys joined us before we head out for dinner.

Up this morning with no plans except to explore.

Cascais and Lisbon quick post

Fi and I flew out to Lisbon on Saturday morning and arrived in Portugal. No car waiting, so cabbed to Cascais.

Quaint accommodation and then in Arco we did a quick recce.

Cascais frontage

Beautiful place and after a sower we found a traditional restaurant close and dined on prawns and pork scallops.

Lisbon yesterday and lots to say but will need better wi Fi.

The bridge

Will do a big update when able, but we have a day exploring before we head to Porto.

Days with Sam

My nephew Sam arrived Monday afternoon after nearly 6 months travel through most of Southern Europe. After he dropped his kit we wandered off into Greenwich town to get his bearings.

Did a quick tour then it was a chat at the Richard III pub.

Sam relaxing

Made our way slowly home via another couple of establishments to await the arrival of the girls. They duly came home and we all sat up and chatted for some time. Dinner occurred somewhere in that  and finally we all tottered off to bed.

Up Tuesday and Sam and I decided on a walk around Greenwich Park. Did the full circuit and enjoyed the scenery, although no deer could be seen, and chats.

View from observatory over Queens House

In any case decided on a lamb roast for dinner so we picked up the fixings and returned home. Sam stepped out to see a mate and I dutifully did a smash up roast with all trimmings. Girls got home but no Sam!

We 3 ended up eating at 8.30 before Sam made his way back and had his heated up! In any case he had a great time.

He was leaving on the Wednesday night so a quick tour of Canary wharf then into town for the Borough Markets. I left him to see some girls he worked with in Australia for lunch and made way home.

Sam took off last night and today sees me tidying up and now in preparation for Fi and I to go to Portugal on Saturday for 8 nights.

Tchau

Dordogne area and chateaus

Saturday saw us all packed into the 9 seater people mover they had hired and with Pete the chauffeur we took off to Sarlat to see the market there. Well it was huge! 8 of us went off in our own directions without working on a meeting point, so this was going to be fun!

When I say huge, I mean we went down the street and it kept going, around a corner it continued as far as eye could see.

Sarlat market

In any case Fi and I had a great look around and caught up with Bob and Pat at one point and set a meeting spot at 1.30 to tell the others if we saw them. After seeing so much including the food and countless pate de fois gras stands we met Bob and Pat but none of us had seen the others.

So we sat down for a coffee then I went back n to locate others. Found Pete and Wendy as the market was clearing at 2.00. We 6 then made our way to a restaurant for lunch and eventually located Don and Vicki.

Well fed on duck (was only choice) we made our way back to car and as the stalls had moved we could actually see the place.

Sarlat architecture

From there we had a country drive and stopped at Cro-Magnon where the bones were found. Nearly lost Bob but he was found safe in a bar with beer in hand!

Returning back to Monpazier was easy and on out return some of us wiled away our time at the square with a welcome beer.

We had a booking at restaurant for that night and at 8.00 we sat down and had a great meal with the local wines.

The area is in Bordeaux so the local wines by carafe were great. I had the rabbit for a main as did 4 other and it was superb.

Back home for a few after dinner drinks saw us all of to bed.

Up Sunday and only 4 of us headed out for day as the others wanted the down time after their first hectic week having had 4 days in Paris before arriving.

Villereal church with 3 bells

Well our first stop was because we saw a large church so Pete the driver was asked to stop. The church has 3 huge bells in tower. There was also an interesting antique market on so naturally we had to stop for a poke around.

Then it was off to Issigeac for another market! Guess you are getting idea of tour director Wendy's plans!

In any case a smaller market than Sarlat, however many of same stallholders! After a bit there we headed off to a medieval town of Beaumont. I am still trying to figure why some are Bastide and some are medieval.

In any case another beautiful place with the defensible church inside the walled town.

Church at Beaumont

Our plan was for lunch but it appears that the French on Sundays close off at 2.00. So we decided to head towards river and hopefully find a larger pace where we could feed.

In any case we headed north and soon fell across a majestic chateau overlooking a valley and perched upon a rock.

Chateau de Bannes

It is a private estate and is majestic. A quick look to get some photos and off we headed towards Lalinde where we expected some sort of eating establishment on river Dordogne.

Again beautiful area but no eatery open anywhere.

Lalinde on the river Dordogne

we commented that with such a lovely river and views a pub/cafe on river would clean up. In any case with the hunger biting we returned to Monpazier where we had tucker!

So with Fi and I having to leave at 6.00 we made up platters and enjoyed wonderful company for a couple of hours.

Quick drive to Bergerac to drop off car and then the quaint airport which is so civilised. Easy through with a bar, so we recapped our days before leaving France

Arrival in London City Airport has helped regain my faith in how travel should be. Quick efficient and w were soon on our way back to Greenwich.

Up today and Fi has gone to work. I am left with the washing etc, but all is good. My nephew Sam is arriving today for a couple of days, so until next time. Au Revoir.

Vive Monpazier

Friday saw us up early for the quick DLR trip to London City Airport. Cute small airport was a dream to get through. Flight to Bergerac (only a tad over hour) was also quick and we picked up hire car.

Bergerac airport is even smaller and we literally did customs in a tin shed!

Anyway a 40 minute drive getting used to wrong side of road brought us to picture postcard Monpazier.

Peter and Wendy and family were out so we let ourselves in and explored town.

Monpazier square

Apparently we missed market day but loved wandering around this old Batiste town.

Back to the 14 th century house after a couple of beers we awaited the crews return.

They arrived and a great night ensued. Fi got on famously and many drinks later we got to bed.

Don, Vicki, Wendy, Bob, Pat,

Peter, Fi, and I

House has 4 bedrooms each with own bathroom, so very comfortable.

Up this morning awaiting our tour director (Wendy) to tell us what we will see today.

Preparing for France

With the weekend past the next weekend sees Fi and I off to Bordeaux region for 3 days. We are looking forward to catching up with Peter and Wendy who are staying in Monpazier for a week, but sadly we only have 2 nights.

So I have been shopping to get a new backpack as my trusty old boy finally had his last trip!

So quietish time although still managing to see my friends at the Mordern.

Locals are strange at the Mordern

In any case I am busily updating new Tom Tom with Europe maps as we will fly into Bergerac airport before heading to see them in Monpazier. Been a while since I drove on right hand side so will se how that all goes.

https://www.northofthedordogne.com/monpazier.php

So next post should be from the beautiful region of Dordogne and we are staying in a 4 bedroom renovated villa that was built in 1353! Wendy's family of dad and mum, and sister and brother-in-law get there today so should be fun.

Culture and shows in East London

Been a few days so will catch up after great weekend in town. Fi and I had decided on a weekend getaway in London. Yeah I know we are in London but wanted a special couple of days.

So on Friday I made my way to Aldgate and booked into the Dorsett Hotel. Very nice hotel and extremely well appointed. Right next door to Aldgate station and that means about 200 metres from East Aldgate station! Means you can take 4 lines to get there!

So after booking in I made my way to Dominion Theatre where caught up with Fi and Leah after work. We had booked into the Bat out of Hell show and after meeting up made our way in.

Ok I had to do it!

The show had the worst storyline linking the songs together about some apocalyptic future and there were also plenty of new songs to help with the linking. If you ignored the storyline, the music was wonderful and all the old favourites were done masterfully.

The main singers (about 7) all had great voices and the production was explosive ( I mean stuff blew up). In any case I enjoyed and the girls are still thinking about it!

Afterwards we had a couple of drinks then Leah went her ways and we returned to our hotel where we went to the ground floor bar for a couple more.

Slept in then with a glorious Saturday ahead, Fi and I wandered off to explore. Found a great cafe for brunch then off to Old Spitafield Markets where Fi was in heaven. Really good markets with interesting stuff. Loaded up we made our way to Brick Lane Markets for more retail therapy and I managed to get a couple of new shirts.

Made our way back to hotel area and went down road where we found ourselves at the Tower which is only about 400 yards away! It was time for refreshments so we had a couple at the Minories Pub which is a lovely set up.

Back up to our Hotel and went to the rooftop bar on the premises.

View from roof looking South with Tower Bridge 

Big day and many kilometres travelled we had a scrub up then decided on chinese as Fi had a craving for dumplings. Looked around but settled on the chinese on the first floor of the Hotel. Sikumen was great and perhaps some of the finest chinese we have ever had.

Went the banquet for 2. Seafood dumplings were superb although sadly I only got one of the 8! Made up with it though with the crispy duck pancakes which was also superb, then we had a beef in wine dish, where the beef literally melted in mouth and vegetable dishes followed by a sweet and sour chicken!

Cocktails and dumplings

Great service, fantastic food and for London very well priced at only £30.00 pounds a head! Would recommend.

Fully sated and happy we made our way back up to rooftop to see the view at night then finally to bed at a fairly late time.

Up on Sunday more exploring was in store so we found another market, this time the Petticoat Lane markets, which were sadly dissapointing with lots of trashy stores.

Continuing on our way we wandered down to the Barbican and then onto London museum to see the old London exhibitions.

London Roman Wall

After a couple of hours there it was back up to hotel to get our bags and finally make our way slowly back to Greenwich with mandatory rest stops along way. Caught up with Leann at Daveys for a debrief of weekend, then home for dinner.

Our East End weekend was a great success and now girls are at work and I am doing the admin chores after a full weekend.