Friday 21st December
Was really pleased to see this image in The Derby Evening Telegraph. The colours were reproduced beautifully and it looked better than the original.
Thursday 20th December
Graham and I spent the morning catching up with 'work'. Went Christmas shopping with Lucy in the afternoon. In the evening we collected Robert and his things from Loughborough and then went on to Leicester to collect Lucy's belongings.
It was very strange being the only ones in a student halls of residence...
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Day One, Saturday 15th December...
This will be the fourth consecutive year we've been away to celebrate my birthday. The day before we left, the weather had been thick fog, so when Saturday arrived sunny and bright, it was a huge relief, especially as we were travelling all the way down to Bristol airport. (Please can we fly from East Midlands next time?)
The journey was long, but it was lovely to see familiar haunts on the way down, and we spotted numerous large clumps of mistletoe from the motorway. Going on holiday always increases the appetite, and we were very lucky to stumble upon a Toby calvery at Brockworth, whilst searching for the local Harvester. (This summed up my map reading skills for the whole holiday!)
Eventually we arrived in Bristol and followed the aeroplane symbols. Unfortunately, we soon came to a complete halt due to the local football match. The ordinary traffic was halted while streams of coaches were escorted by the police to the ground. (Cheek!) When we at last stumbled across Bristol airport, it was getting dark and on leaving the car we were met by an icy blast on this windswept hill top. Inside the building, the mood was sombre, and only mildly alleviated by a hen party scantily dressed in santa suits on their way to Gdansk!
The flight was smooth and uneventful, punctuated only by a brief glimpse of the Eiffel Tower shining in the dark. On and off the plane, we were able to walk to the terminal without the need of a drafty bus ride. We picked up our car and braced ourselves for a ride on the motorway, in the dark, on the 'wrong' side of the road. We reached Milan, no problem, but actually locating our hotel within the myriad of ever decreasing circle of streets proved another matter. By the time we reached the hotel it was well after 11pm. We were too late for any food, so ended our evening at the bar emptying two bowls of nuts and crisps...
The journey was long, but it was lovely to see familiar haunts on the way down, and we spotted numerous large clumps of mistletoe from the motorway. Going on holiday always increases the appetite, and we were very lucky to stumble upon a Toby calvery at Brockworth, whilst searching for the local Harvester. (This summed up my map reading skills for the whole holiday!)
Eventually we arrived in Bristol and followed the aeroplane symbols. Unfortunately, we soon came to a complete halt due to the local football match. The ordinary traffic was halted while streams of coaches were escorted by the police to the ground. (Cheek!) When we at last stumbled across Bristol airport, it was getting dark and on leaving the car we were met by an icy blast on this windswept hill top. Inside the building, the mood was sombre, and only mildly alleviated by a hen party scantily dressed in santa suits on their way to Gdansk!
The flight was smooth and uneventful, punctuated only by a brief glimpse of the Eiffel Tower shining in the dark. On and off the plane, we were able to walk to the terminal without the need of a drafty bus ride. We picked up our car and braced ourselves for a ride on the motorway, in the dark, on the 'wrong' side of the road. We reached Milan, no problem, but actually locating our hotel within the myriad of ever decreasing circle of streets proved another matter. By the time we reached the hotel it was well after 11pm. We were too late for any food, so ended our evening at the bar emptying two bowls of nuts and crisps...
Friday, December 28, 2007
Day Two, 16th December... (My Birthday!)
We had a lovely room (my view wasn't shared by Graham), it was on the top (5th) floor next to stairs overlooking the inner courtyard. Not the best view, but as the hotel was surrounded by tram lines, we were the furthest away from the rumbles which could be heard throughout the night. I took my cards and presents down to breakfast, where the gift bags proved useful in carrying away a sausage buttie and a pain au chocolate. Outside the shining sun and azure sky belied the actual temperature of minus three! After buying a tram ticket from the local cafe, we stood waiting in the freezing cold for the No 3 tram which we hoped would take us to Milan's Duomo. Unfortunately, after almost an hour on this cold uncomfortable contraption we were turfed off (along with everyone else) on the edge of Milan, miles from anywhere and expected to somehow find our way to our destination. We followed everyone else and stood in a silent queue on the side of a tram line. We had a map, but were so far out, we were off the map! In desperation I asked the old chap next to me whether the line went to the Duomo, I say 'asked', but as my Italian is so limited, I used the one word approach which didn't elicit much of a reply as he was deaf...but he did gesticulate that we were waiting on the wrong side of the track. Once across, I approached a younger chap who I hoped would understand English (they all did in Rome, last year), but no, no English, but he helpfully pointed to the metro entrance which was now clearly visible. Our tickets were almost at their 75 minute expiry time, but just lasted until we boarded a train from Abbiategrasso, which we re-christened 'End of the Earth' stop!!
Green , But Not Eco-Friendly...
It just wasn't meant to be, when we surfaced from the metro, we expected to see a deserted square on a Sunday morning, instead we were created by ear splitting loudspeakers and people dressed in green (green everything, including smoke) and a seething mass of people all congregating for some kind of political rally.
Sanctuary...
Seeking refuge inside the Duomo, it was at least quiet, and the complete antithesis of the rumpus outside. The hushed silence had a calming effect on everyone and the gentle droning of the priest conducting a service proved a very moving experience. Once outside again, we headed for the adjacent shopping centre, (Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle ll) where you look, but don't buy. It was a haven for photos, but still jam packed with people, some still with their placards. Out the other side we crossed to see La Scala Opera House. Very ordinary to look at during the day. Tonight's performance was of Tristran and Isolde...
Castles In The (Cold) Air...
The remainder of the day was spent queuing up in McDonald's to 'use the facilities', (even our guide book stated: 'toilets in Milan are very rare'... ) and walking through outside market stalls until we reached Castello Sforzesco. By this time it was 3.00pm and I was seriously flagging, so we headed back to the Underground and eventually reached the hotel an hour an a half later. My early morning sausage buttie had never tasted so good!
After a good rest, I did feel a little rejuvenated and having exhausted all the TV channels, we descended for our well earned evening meal. For starters, I had delicious potato soup and Graham had 'cheesy' pasta. Wondering how we would have room for our main course, we needn't have worried...my chicken breast in poppy seeded wine sauce was hardly cooked and the sauce was pure salt, as was Graham's sauce accompanying his seared, but not cooked beef fillet. (Am I being too fussy?)
After a good rest, I did feel a little rejuvenated and having exhausted all the TV channels, we descended for our well earned evening meal. For starters, I had delicious potato soup and Graham had 'cheesy' pasta. Wondering how we would have room for our main course, we needn't have worried...my chicken breast in poppy seeded wine sauce was hardly cooked and the sauce was pure salt, as was Graham's sauce accompanying his seared, but not cooked beef fillet. (Am I being too fussy?)
The Station, Milan...
Wanting to make the most of my birthday, I persuaded Graham to go for a 'short' walk to the main station, hoping to see some of the sights on the way. Setting off at 9.30pm, it took 20 minutes to get there. I'm sure the freezing cold enhanced my photos, but it didn't do much for my stamina, which was clearly flagging. We returned by Metro, which actually took longer than walking, but by then I had used up my quota of energy for the day. It was now 11.00pm, so we headed straight for the bar. I won't mention my deviation downstairs to view the mini gym, - I just wanted to see what it looked like, or the fact I couldn't make it back up the stairs so used the lift , only to find the doors wouldn't open when I reached the floor. A perfect ending to a 'perfect' day... No I wasn't stuck in the lift too long, I couldn't bear the thought of the fuss I'd cause if I pressed the alarm bell, so instead took out my mobile and called Graham, luckily there was a signal...
Day Three 17th December...
After a good sleep, I felt ready to face the day with renewed vigour. All went well until we arrived at what I'd hoped would be the highlight of our visit to Milan, Leonardo's 'The Last Supper'. Along with my map reading skills, my reading of the guide book proved to be erroneous. Virtually nothing is open on a Monday in Milan and this proved the case with the building housing this remarkable painting. I was heart-broken. I had planted the thought in my head that this might induce a 'Lourdes' - like experience. The end to all my pain and discomfort, a shining light that would heal all, but it was not to be...
You Can Never Have Too Many Gloves...
We now changed plans and gave up on visiting the sites to concentrate on shopping, besides, it was warmer...
Two pencils embedded with swarovski crystals, two beaded purses from a department store (one for Lucy) and two long sleeve tee shirts from Bennetton, one with crystals, one with 'Milano' written across it.
As we flagged around lunch time we stubbled across an Argentinean steak house where the proprietor helped us translate the menu and showed us his own (Italian) iphone. Never had a meal been so welcome or so delicious!
Two pencils embedded with swarovski crystals, two beaded purses from a department store (one for Lucy) and two long sleeve tee shirts from Bennetton, one with crystals, one with 'Milano' written across it.
As we flagged around lunch time we stubbled across an Argentinean steak house where the proprietor helped us translate the menu and showed us his own (Italian) iphone. Never had a meal been so welcome or so delicious!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan, Italy
My first movie on my blog.
Apologies for the quality (and for Graham who keeps popping into the frame) but it gives just a taste of the atmosphere.
Apologies for the quality (and for Graham who keeps popping into the frame) but it gives just a taste of the atmosphere.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Invigorated, we stumbled back out into the cold, with enough fuel to last us the rest of the day. (Similar to the porridge oat advert) As dusk descended, the quality of the lighting in the main shopping arcade and outside enhanced any image we sought to capture, it was such fun!
We didn't stay out too late and on our way home bought an ample Christmas supply of Lindt chocolate for Robert and Lucy.
We didn't stay out too late and on our way home bought an ample Christmas supply of Lindt chocolate for Robert and Lucy.
The Locals Have More Stamina...
The day dawned sunny, but hazy and we were ready to leave 'Milano' and head for the open road in our comfortable little Peugeot 207. We found the road to Como without difficulty (or a map) and spent the journey making jokes about the name: "We're going to see, Perry, comb-over" etc etc...We were surprised that at no time between Milan and Come did we see any countryside, it was all completely built up and we weren't even following the motorway.
Everything about Como was breathtaking. The houses clinging to the hillside, the size and beauty of the lake, the twisti-ness of the road (?). It was just fantastic.
Everything about Como was breathtaking. The houses clinging to the hillside, the size and beauty of the lake, the twisti-ness of the road (?). It was just fantastic.
What Goes Up Must Come Down...
The evening before we had 'bought' half an hour of time on the internet and read up about Como, so as not to miss out on anything. One thing that was mentioned was the Funicular, rising 1000' to the town of Brunate and taking just 7 minutes. Although I was struggling again today, I was determined to be able to say I'd had a ride on this (even though I'm scared of heights). We found the entrance without too much difficulty, and parking nearby purchased a ticket for the next ride.
Freddo Footprints/..
It was even colder today and although the sun seemed warming, out of it's rays, it was the coldest I'd ever experienced. Climbing to the top took exactly 7 minutes, as advertised and from there the view was amazing, if a little hazy. However picturesque it was, the icing on the cake was provided by the dusting of snow just deep enough to make a foot print in. We didn't venture very far at the top, instead rewarding ourselves with a warming cup of cappuccino in the only coffee bar.
Sun Setting On Lake Como, Italy
Once down again we walked as far as an inviting-looking restaurant, where we sampled the delicious, but very boney fish from the lake - described as a white trout. it was just so 'nose runningly' cold that our only option was to retreat to the cosy warm car and see how far we could travel around the lake before it was time to turn back and head for the airport. Luckily, we managed to find a shop selling maps for this last part of our journey. Everything next to the lake brought a tingle of joy and excitement. Who would have thought that such sights would have instigated such emotion. The journey was punctuated by freezing stops just long enough to jump out of the car, take a snap and jump back in again before becoming completely 'frozen to the marrow'. Our last view was the best , the nirvana of the whole trip, the wonderful sight of snow covered Alps in the distance bathed in the warming glow of a setting Italian sun...
Nearly, Not Quite...
Wednesday 12th December
Whenever I go out there's always a dog (or two) to avoid. However, happy to have captured these setting sun pics and come home in one piece...
Whenever I go out there's always a dog (or two) to avoid. However, happy to have captured these setting sun pics and come home in one piece...
Look Deeply....
Tuesday 11th December
Felt loads better this morning. Graham took me to the dentist for a check up and had to wait 20 minutes. Luckily someone in the practice likes photography and there were loads of 'Digital Photography' magazines to read!
Went for a long walk to the Nature Reserve in the afternoon and took loads of photos and then back via the road. Of course by the time I got home, I knew I had 'over done it' ... back to square three...
Felt loads better this morning. Graham took me to the dentist for a check up and had to wait 20 minutes. Luckily someone in the practice likes photography and there were loads of 'Digital Photography' magazines to read!
Went for a long walk to the Nature Reserve in the afternoon and took loads of photos and then back via the road. Of course by the time I got home, I knew I had 'over done it' ... back to square three...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Published Again...
Thursday 6th December
Nice to have another photo in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
Feel a little bit guilty as this image was taken this time last year, but hey, who cares...
Nice to have another photo in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
Feel a little bit guilty as this image was taken this time last year, but hey, who cares...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
First Trip To London, Post Op...
Tuesday 4th December
It's not often I get any 'freebies' connected with running the website, but because we have been 'working' with the PR person for Aardman Animations, we were lucky enough to receive an invitation to a preview of The Bee Movie (same person does the PR for Dreamwork films.) Unfortunately, Chris couldn't go as she had to attend a funeral, but luckily Jane, who works for ICHF shows (who I've met briefly a couple of times) agreed to meet up and come with me.
With Graham home early from the US, he was able to give me a lift to the station and back. All I had to do was mostly sit and do a bit of walking, even that almost proved too much. However, I had a lovely time overall and was so pleased I had the opportunity to visit and photograph the completed St Pancras Station...
It's not often I get any 'freebies' connected with running the website, but because we have been 'working' with the PR person for Aardman Animations, we were lucky enough to receive an invitation to a preview of The Bee Movie (same person does the PR for Dreamwork films.) Unfortunately, Chris couldn't go as she had to attend a funeral, but luckily Jane, who works for ICHF shows (who I've met briefly a couple of times) agreed to meet up and come with me.
With Graham home early from the US, he was able to give me a lift to the station and back. All I had to do was mostly sit and do a bit of walking, even that almost proved too much. However, I had a lovely time overall and was so pleased I had the opportunity to visit and photograph the completed St Pancras Station...
Brief Encounter...
It's always a thrill to see something 'in person' that you've read about and watched being made on television. This statue is huge and although it's 'miles' from train platform, you can't help but notice it straight away under the new St Pancras clock.
There were lots of people taking photos, but I didn't witness any rendezvous...
There were lots of people taking photos, but I didn't witness any rendezvous...
John Betjeman And Friends...
This is a lovely statue, very life-like. As you stand there next to him, you can imagine having a conversation. It puzzles me why they chose to have a statue of John Betjeman just there...and why he is looking up at the roof. (Someone enlighten me?)
Seeing such wonderful modern-day use of calligraphy is a delight, not only around the base of the statue, but also on the floor plaque further up the station. Although, of all the marvellous verses Betjeman wrote, why choose the last verse of The Hon Sec about a dead bank clerk, when they could have chosen something more in keeping with the main statue 'The Meeting Place'- the lovers under the clock....
Seeing such wonderful modern-day use of calligraphy is a delight, not only around the base of the statue, but also on the floor plaque further up the station. Although, of all the marvellous verses Betjeman wrote, why choose the last verse of The Hon Sec about a dead bank clerk, when they could have chosen something more in keeping with the main statue 'The Meeting Place'- the lovers under the clock....
Meet Me At Libertys...
I waited at this entrance while Jane waited at the centre entrance by the flowers. Lucky we had mobile phones!
We had a nice lunch at Garfunkles, putting the world to rights and then a leisurely walk down Carnaby Street.
We had a nice lunch at Garfunkles, putting the world to rights and then a leisurely walk down Carnaby Street.
The Wrong Door...To A Bee Movie...
This is Jane at 12 Golden Square. If we'd read the small print, we would have noticed that it said 'Carlton Offices' and we needed 'Paramount' which were next door!
Being invited to a movie premiere wasn't quite as I had imagined it. No red carpet, no movie stars, not a single paparazzi (do they come in the singular?) Instead we were shown to the basement and handed a soft drink. In fact we practically had the place to ourselves. There was even more disappointment when we found out that our fellow invitees were mostly bee keepers who busily told us the parts of the film which were factually incorrect.
The film? It was brilliant! A bit like Toy Story meets the insect world. The best bit? The name they called the worker bees...'Pollen Jocks'... you'll just have to go and see it...
Being invited to a movie premiere wasn't quite as I had imagined it. No red carpet, no movie stars, not a single paparazzi (do they come in the singular?) Instead we were shown to the basement and handed a soft drink. In fact we practically had the place to ourselves. There was even more disappointment when we found out that our fellow invitees were mostly bee keepers who busily told us the parts of the film which were factually incorrect.
The film? It was brilliant! A bit like Toy Story meets the insect world. The best bit? The name they called the worker bees...'Pollen Jocks'... you'll just have to go and see it...
Christmas Delights...
It's funny when you go and see a film and it's daylight when you go in and dark when you come out. You might have been shut away for days and you'd never know. As we dribbled out into the street, the dark hit us, it was warmer than earlier and the pavements were completely dry...
Jane and I walked back up Regents Street discussing the Christmas lights, thumbs down this year. The colour changing balloon shapes didn't look very Christmasy, so it was nice to see traditional snowflakes above Hamleys. I took a short video to show the moving Tardis in the window and people coming out with armfuls of large, exciting-looking boxes...
Jane and I walked back up Regents Street discussing the Christmas lights, thumbs down this year. The colour changing balloon shapes didn't look very Christmasy, so it was nice to see traditional snowflakes above Hamleys. I took a short video to show the moving Tardis in the window and people coming out with armfuls of large, exciting-looking boxes...
Monday, December 10, 2007
Don't Move...
Monday 3rd November
Graham home early.
He'd gone to Newarke airport yesterday with the aim of flying up to Toronto and then flying back home for Wednesday, but was met with "all flights to Canada are cancelled due to snow".
I'd been asked to do crafts with OAPs over lunch time, so I was duly collected and then Graham came and drove me back.
When I got home, I sent this image off to Amateur Photographer magazine, under the title of "Licking The Blarney Stone" for their 'Snapper's Diary. (Photos which illustrate a strange or funny event.) The next day, I received a comment back from the editor:
"Thanks very much Geraldine. That’s quite disgusting!!!
Very good shot
damien"
Hmm, don't give up the day job then?...
Graham home early.
He'd gone to Newarke airport yesterday with the aim of flying up to Toronto and then flying back home for Wednesday, but was met with "all flights to Canada are cancelled due to snow".
I'd been asked to do crafts with OAPs over lunch time, so I was duly collected and then Graham came and drove me back.
When I got home, I sent this image off to Amateur Photographer magazine, under the title of "Licking The Blarney Stone" for their 'Snapper's Diary. (Photos which illustrate a strange or funny event.) The next day, I received a comment back from the editor:
"Thanks very much Geraldine. That’s quite disgusting!!!
Very good shot
damien"
Hmm, don't give up the day job then?...
The Big Trip...To Leeds...
Saturday 1st November
With Graham away, I was hoping that Robert would come home for the week end to keep me company. As it turned out Virgin had turned off their internet (in Loughborough) and were not due to re-connect until Tuesday (it's a long story), so we decided on a day out... in Leeds.
We had a leisurely lie in and then ordered a taxi to take us to the station for 10.30am. It wasn't a frost, but by noon when we arrived in Leeds, even with the sun was shining, it was still freezing!
This is where our photographic foray began, looking down river from Centenary Bridge.
With Graham away, I was hoping that Robert would come home for the week end to keep me company. As it turned out Virgin had turned off their internet (in Loughborough) and were not due to re-connect until Tuesday (it's a long story), so we decided on a day out... in Leeds.
We had a leisurely lie in and then ordered a taxi to take us to the station for 10.30am. It wasn't a frost, but by noon when we arrived in Leeds, even with the sun was shining, it was still freezing!
This is where our photographic foray began, looking down river from Centenary Bridge.
The Red Monsters...
Where ever you look in Leeds, the skyline seems to be dominated by cranes. I thought these two looked very striking against the blue.
Hold It To Your Eye And Turn...
The Armoury has a centre column, with the inside walls lined with swords and shields. It makes a beautiful pattern, almost like viewing a kaleidoscope.
View From Top Of Armoury, Leeds
By the time we reached The Armoury, I was in need of a long sit down. We didn't have time to look round, but took the lift to the top floor which gave a lovely view of the city.
Just Time To Visit The Art Gallery...
After our very late lunch, it was getting dark by the time we emerged from Nandos.
One Last Stop Before The Station...
Having visited the City's Art Gallery and then not being able to climb the stairs, it was time to head for the station. This scene didn't look very photogenic at the time, but I'm glad I stopped and took it as precipitated two comments on Flickr. One being that the figures in the foreground add a sense of scale.
So why does the telephone kiosk on the right hand side look half size?...
So why does the telephone kiosk on the right hand side look half size?...
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Thursday's Shopping Day...
Thursday 29th November
Another trip to the shops by bus - this time there and back. Progress from last week - the only time I spent sitting was whilst trying on numerous pairs of boots.
I re-took the shot of the Christmas lights in the Westfield Centre as I felt that last week's image was a bit 'orange'. By changing the setting to 'tungston', the image is now a more true clean colouring.
Good old Canon, I say!
Purchase: new coat (was very light to carry)
Another trip to the shops by bus - this time there and back. Progress from last week - the only time I spent sitting was whilst trying on numerous pairs of boots.
I re-took the shot of the Christmas lights in the Westfield Centre as I felt that last week's image was a bit 'orange'. By changing the setting to 'tungston', the image is now a more true clean colouring.
Good old Canon, I say!
Purchase: new coat (was very light to carry)
Carpe Vesper... Answers On A Postcard...
I rushed back to my bus stop, only to have a wait of ten minutes. During that time the sun was setting behind the Market Square, and although not the most brilliant subject or the best picture, I am so please I was able to capture the moment...
IN BRIEF
Sunday 25th November
Graham left at 6.00am to catch his flight to Newarke USA and then a connecting flight to Montreal. Usually, flights to Canada are always subject to delay, but this time Graham thought his luck was in when he left on time. When he rang me 40 minutes later, I was surprised to hear how quickly he had arrived in Canada - except he was ringing to say he was back at Newarke, as the plane had developed a fault and had to turn round!
Without any transport Lucy and I probably made quite a comical sight trudging across the field (there is a track) to the bus stop. She carrying her suitcase and me carrying her shoes (we were wearing wellingtons). A neighbour saw us and enquired where we were going in the dark. We held our breath in the hope that he would take pity on us and offer a lift to the station - except he was on his way to the pub at the local golf course...
Wednesday 28th November
At our 'old house' one of the four sets of neighbours who lived next door, have continued to keep in touch. When I had my first operation, Judith came to see me, which was lovely. When I informed her of my impending re-run, I hoped that she would come again. Luckily for me, she was free to come the week Graham was away and was only too happy to take me food shopping, run me to the local Garden Centre for craft essentials and round off the morning with lunch at Denby Pottery. I can only say a huge 'thank you'. It's nice to know I have a true friend...
Sunday 25th November
Graham left at 6.00am to catch his flight to Newarke USA and then a connecting flight to Montreal. Usually, flights to Canada are always subject to delay, but this time Graham thought his luck was in when he left on time. When he rang me 40 minutes later, I was surprised to hear how quickly he had arrived in Canada - except he was ringing to say he was back at Newarke, as the plane had developed a fault and had to turn round!
Without any transport Lucy and I probably made quite a comical sight trudging across the field (there is a track) to the bus stop. She carrying her suitcase and me carrying her shoes (we were wearing wellingtons). A neighbour saw us and enquired where we were going in the dark. We held our breath in the hope that he would take pity on us and offer a lift to the station - except he was on his way to the pub at the local golf course...
Wednesday 28th November
At our 'old house' one of the four sets of neighbours who lived next door, have continued to keep in touch. When I had my first operation, Judith came to see me, which was lovely. When I informed her of my impending re-run, I hoped that she would come again. Luckily for me, she was free to come the week Graham was away and was only too happy to take me food shopping, run me to the local Garden Centre for craft essentials and round off the morning with lunch at Denby Pottery. I can only say a huge 'thank you'. It's nice to know I have a true friend...
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