I know that there are couple of people out there who still come here occasionally so I apologise for wasting you time over the past few months. Life has been busy but that is really no excuse, I have been lazy and also I have focussed my comments elsewhere (facebook).
it is much easier to put updates and to upload photos. I am going to stop using this site but if you want to stay in touch send either sue or me an email/text and I will let you know how to get in touch via facebook.
regards
Jeff
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Forrest Gump
this is a classic film and it keeps poppng up when i am in a contemplative mood.
there are some classic lines:
have you found god - i didnt realise i was supposed to be looking for him.
Run Forrest Run
Does this mean i cant play ping pong no more.
I want to try out my sea legs - you dont have legs
I always try to keep my promise.
Stupid is what stupid does (are you stupid or something)
Life is a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get
Oh - btw I ate the chocolate (at least tonight)
OH TO BE SO STUPID
there are some classic lines:
have you found god - i didnt realise i was supposed to be looking for him.
Run Forrest Run
Does this mean i cant play ping pong no more.
I want to try out my sea legs - you dont have legs
I always try to keep my promise.
Stupid is what stupid does (are you stupid or something)
Life is a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get
Oh - btw I ate the chocolate (at least tonight)
OH TO BE SO STUPID
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Golf - Wentworth
Sue and I went to the PGA last weekend at Wentworth. we had a great day wandering around what is a truly beautiful golf course. Well done to Simon Khan who won. Although we didnt see him play we did manage to watch Ernie Els, Marcel Siem, Lee Westwood and Scott Strange (an Aussie).
some photos:
Ernie Els
Stenson (and Fanny)
Sergio
some photos:
Ernie Els
Stenson (and Fanny)
Sergio
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Paris Weekend
Caught the train from downtown Balham to Kings Cross/St Pancras early Saturday. Arrived with plenty of time but spent most of this queuing with thousands of other people heading into Europe for the bank holiday.
Got on the Eurostar found our seats and settled in for the trip to Paris. Easy as pie. Got a light meal on the train and with a one hour time difference arrived at Gare du Nord at 12:45.
First little hiccup (and trap for new players). I had booked some metro passes online when booking the tickets, but you cant pick them up at Gare du Nord so it cost a few extra euro’s and a side trip to Tulleries to pick them up. This was ok in the middle of the day as we had plenty of time but it could be a pain. Lesson – you can buy a metro pass at Gare de Nord.
After picking up the tickets we went back into the Metro and travelled to our hotel, dumped our bags and went out for a walk to familiarise ourselves. Walked for bloody miles up the Rue de Rivoli and along the Seine. Had a meal, picked up some wine, cheese, strawberries and a baguette and went back to the room. By 8.00pm I was asleep (must have been tired).
Sunday was pretty much the same. Had a bit of a sleep in then went and had some breakfast (standing up because its cheaper) in a restaurant near the Bastille. Served by a beautiful French “maid”. After breakfast we decided to go to Versailles. Easy as pie – buy a ticket (eu$11.60 return for two) and get on the train.
Second little hiccup – no pre-purchased entry tickets to Versaille – queue for tickets is about 3 hours long. We stood in it for about 10 minutes before deciding we could do Versailles another day. The place is very grand from the outside so I am sure it will be equally as grand from the inside one day. The little town near the castle is very French so we walked around that for a couple of hours then got back on the train and went back to Paris.
During the afternoon it rained a little on and off, but we just zipped our jackets up and kept walking. Dinner comprised a couple of quiches, a lemon tart and a bottle of red wine. About 5.30 we decided to go watch the sun go down from the Sacre Coeur. It was pouring at times but again we just soldiered on. The sun didn’t go down, but we got some nice pics of the church and around the Montmartre area. When we got home we had a supper - some cheese and baguette and a bottle of vin rouge. We bought some chocolate during the day but didn’t eat it (must have been full). Had another relatively early night for me – 10.30.
Monday we visited Notre Dame – I am not particularly religious but you can’t help being awed by the grandeur and elegance and spiritual feel of these great cathedrals. The structures are awesome and the stained glass windows are simply works of art. Following Notre Dame we wandered into and out of the Latin Quarter. It is still interesting, but quite touristy. We then found our way over to the Champs Elysys and walked up it, before jumping on the metro and ending up in place de italie. Here we had a real meal before heading back to Bastille and then home.
Again dinner consisted of some pastries and a bottle of vin rouge. Sue had a bath to soothe her weary legs and settled down to read her book. Not sure what tomorrow holds but it will probably be just as interesting before we head back to London for a rest.
Tuesday we just wandered around in Paris. We went to La Defense and then walked back to the Arc de Triumphe. La Defense is amazing for the scale and diversity, but clearly planned, architecture. After wandering down this grand avenue we walked through the Tulleries back to the Louvre and then went to Les Halles before finding somewhere for lunch. It is so easy to do.
Got back to the hotel and picked up our bags and went back to Gare du Nord. Final lesson – it doesn’t take long from anywhere to get there and border control is way simpler than an airport.
Random Selection
Got on the Eurostar found our seats and settled in for the trip to Paris. Easy as pie. Got a light meal on the train and with a one hour time difference arrived at Gare du Nord at 12:45.
First little hiccup (and trap for new players). I had booked some metro passes online when booking the tickets, but you cant pick them up at Gare du Nord so it cost a few extra euro’s and a side trip to Tulleries to pick them up. This was ok in the middle of the day as we had plenty of time but it could be a pain. Lesson – you can buy a metro pass at Gare de Nord.
After picking up the tickets we went back into the Metro and travelled to our hotel, dumped our bags and went out for a walk to familiarise ourselves. Walked for bloody miles up the Rue de Rivoli and along the Seine. Had a meal, picked up some wine, cheese, strawberries and a baguette and went back to the room. By 8.00pm I was asleep (must have been tired).
Sunday was pretty much the same. Had a bit of a sleep in then went and had some breakfast (standing up because its cheaper) in a restaurant near the Bastille. Served by a beautiful French “maid”. After breakfast we decided to go to Versailles. Easy as pie – buy a ticket (eu$11.60 return for two) and get on the train.
Second little hiccup – no pre-purchased entry tickets to Versaille – queue for tickets is about 3 hours long. We stood in it for about 10 minutes before deciding we could do Versailles another day. The place is very grand from the outside so I am sure it will be equally as grand from the inside one day. The little town near the castle is very French so we walked around that for a couple of hours then got back on the train and went back to Paris.
During the afternoon it rained a little on and off, but we just zipped our jackets up and kept walking. Dinner comprised a couple of quiches, a lemon tart and a bottle of red wine. About 5.30 we decided to go watch the sun go down from the Sacre Coeur. It was pouring at times but again we just soldiered on. The sun didn’t go down, but we got some nice pics of the church and around the Montmartre area. When we got home we had a supper - some cheese and baguette and a bottle of vin rouge. We bought some chocolate during the day but didn’t eat it (must have been full). Had another relatively early night for me – 10.30.
Monday we visited Notre Dame – I am not particularly religious but you can’t help being awed by the grandeur and elegance and spiritual feel of these great cathedrals. The structures are awesome and the stained glass windows are simply works of art. Following Notre Dame we wandered into and out of the Latin Quarter. It is still interesting, but quite touristy. We then found our way over to the Champs Elysys and walked up it, before jumping on the metro and ending up in place de italie. Here we had a real meal before heading back to Bastille and then home.
Again dinner consisted of some pastries and a bottle of vin rouge. Sue had a bath to soothe her weary legs and settled down to read her book. Not sure what tomorrow holds but it will probably be just as interesting before we head back to London for a rest.
Tuesday we just wandered around in Paris. We went to La Defense and then walked back to the Arc de Triumphe. La Defense is amazing for the scale and diversity, but clearly planned, architecture. After wandering down this grand avenue we walked through the Tulleries back to the Louvre and then went to Les Halles before finding somewhere for lunch. It is so easy to do.
Got back to the hotel and picked up our bags and went back to Gare du Nord. Final lesson – it doesn’t take long from anywhere to get there and border control is way simpler than an airport.
Random Selection
Thursday, April 15, 2010
you lazy B
Its been an age since my last blog post. Been pretty busy, but also havent felt really inclined to blog.
since the last blog we have been to Australia and back for 10 days. Main reason for travelling was Sue's mum's 80th birthday. It was a surprise. Travelling half way around the world for 10 days is a challenge (it took 3 days going to get over the jet lag), especially when you cram as many breakfast, lunches, dinners and BBQs in as we did. We also managed to drive 1400kms in the 10 days so we spent a fair bit of time in the car.
Sue's sister (Mum still hasnt clocked the surprise)
Now She Gets It
the one downside to the overall trip was the death of Georgia's nanny Phil while we were there. Unfortunately, she did not manage to make it to see her before this happened but she did stay on a few more weeks so she attended the funeral and drank one or two wines for her at the wake. RIP Phil
Once the "holiday" came to an end we were glad to get on a plane (except for the 20 hours flying time).
Now we need to knuckle down to work again. Next trip is supposed to be to Italy in late August/September (Tuscany) with the possibility of a trip to New York for Xmas if the budget can stand it.
Coming back to London has been great. Spring has definitely sprung.
So what are the key differences between Perth and London?
- I did not here one siren in the 10 days
- people dont honk there horns in Perth
- the sky is blue (all the time)
- the food is fantastic especially the meat and seafood (but now perhaps more expensive than London)
- I could drive
- there are more people in our supermarket on a Sunday in London than in the main street in Perth on the same day
- there a way fewer people and cars (see bleow)
City Freeway at 6.00am (never see this in London I bet)
since the last blog we have been to Australia and back for 10 days. Main reason for travelling was Sue's mum's 80th birthday. It was a surprise. Travelling half way around the world for 10 days is a challenge (it took 3 days going to get over the jet lag), especially when you cram as many breakfast, lunches, dinners and BBQs in as we did. We also managed to drive 1400kms in the 10 days so we spent a fair bit of time in the car.
Sue's sister (Mum still hasnt clocked the surprise)
Now She Gets It
the one downside to the overall trip was the death of Georgia's nanny Phil while we were there. Unfortunately, she did not manage to make it to see her before this happened but she did stay on a few more weeks so she attended the funeral and drank one or two wines for her at the wake. RIP Phil
Once the "holiday" came to an end we were glad to get on a plane (except for the 20 hours flying time).
Now we need to knuckle down to work again. Next trip is supposed to be to Italy in late August/September (Tuscany) with the possibility of a trip to New York for Xmas if the budget can stand it.
Coming back to London has been great. Spring has definitely sprung.
So what are the key differences between Perth and London?
- I did not here one siren in the 10 days
- people dont honk there horns in Perth
- the sky is blue (all the time)
- the food is fantastic especially the meat and seafood (but now perhaps more expensive than London)
- I could drive
- there are more people in our supermarket on a Sunday in London than in the main street in Perth on the same day
- there a way fewer people and cars (see bleow)
City Freeway at 6.00am (never see this in London I bet)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Great Day Out in London
sue and I had a day off today (she worked on the weekend and i had a day owing for a recent birthday) so we went for a ride down the river on the ferry to Greenwich and back. The weather was perfect - nice and sunny.
After walking around Greenwich for a couple of hours we had some lunch in a pub and then went back to Canary Wharf. Had a wander around there and then we went back into London.
Had a look in some shops in the Strand and then went over to Paddington to catch up with a friend from Perth. Sue and I had a drink in the Union while we waited (nice bar) and then we had dinner in Zizzi. Steve and I had duck and Sue a pasta. Food was good as usual.
By the time we got home we had been on the road for 10 hours but overall it was a great day out. Greenwich will be somewhere to visit again during spring and summer.
After walking around Greenwich for a couple of hours we had some lunch in a pub and then went back to Canary Wharf. Had a wander around there and then we went back into London.
Had a look in some shops in the Strand and then went over to Paddington to catch up with a friend from Perth. Sue and I had a drink in the Union while we waited (nice bar) and then we had dinner in Zizzi. Steve and I had duck and Sue a pasta. Food was good as usual.
By the time we got home we had been on the road for 10 hours but overall it was a great day out. Greenwich will be somewhere to visit again during spring and summer.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
first ride in London
I bought a bike yesterday a Specialised Secteur and today, other than riding the bike home from the bike shop, I went for my first London ride.
Trip was from Home (Balham) towards London and then through Clapham Junction and back to Balham. Overall, I was out for about 40 minutes.
It is going to be interesting riding here. Perth you dont know how lucky you are. the roads are narrow, the roads are generally quite poor in quality and there are masses of cars (think Stirling Hwy near Fremantle or Gt Eastern Hwy through Belmont at peak hour).
My polar heart rate monitor wondered whether to send for an ambulance or not and i am sure my legs are going to protest tomorrow but it was fantastic to be out and about for the first time in six months.
I think i am going to need a Bike GPS. Tom Tom in the back pocket doesnt work.
the ideas is to ride to work, between 35=45 mins depending on traffic, but if riding around with Sunday traffic is anything to go on weekday traffic could be mental.
the bike - it was comfortable once i got the seat height right and the gear range was good for someone getting back on a bike after 6 months. At 50+ i am not going to be racing, but i managed to get this bike rolling along quite nicely on a couple occasions
more rides next weekend but not much in the week as i am off to Manchester and Derby during the week.
Trip was from Home (Balham) towards London and then through Clapham Junction and back to Balham. Overall, I was out for about 40 minutes.
It is going to be interesting riding here. Perth you dont know how lucky you are. the roads are narrow, the roads are generally quite poor in quality and there are masses of cars (think Stirling Hwy near Fremantle or Gt Eastern Hwy through Belmont at peak hour).
My polar heart rate monitor wondered whether to send for an ambulance or not and i am sure my legs are going to protest tomorrow but it was fantastic to be out and about for the first time in six months.
I think i am going to need a Bike GPS. Tom Tom in the back pocket doesnt work.
the ideas is to ride to work, between 35=45 mins depending on traffic, but if riding around with Sunday traffic is anything to go on weekday traffic could be mental.
the bike - it was comfortable once i got the seat height right and the gear range was good for someone getting back on a bike after 6 months. At 50+ i am not going to be racing, but i managed to get this bike rolling along quite nicely on a couple occasions
more rides next weekend but not much in the week as i am off to Manchester and Derby during the week.
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