Brownies

Europe……… We loved the ferry trip from Dover to Calais in France, once again the sun shone and it was a smooth crossing. To meet us was our guide Francesca who’s a real sweetie. It was then off to Belguim where we spent our first night in Brussels. After a tour of the city with a local guide we dined out in one of the streets at a Greek restaurant and we were serenaded by a couple of local musicians. The next day it was Brekkie in Belgium, smoko in Luxembourg, lunch in France and Switzerland for Tea!!!!!! Not as crazy as it sounds just the way we had to head to get to Switzerland. There’s a great bunch on the bus. As usual, Alan is like the Court Jester, though they all call him “Exit” ... read more

The other half of the Aussie Gypsies have arrived. We were flat strap the first few days showing them the sights of Nth Ireland then we headed into Southern Ireland. The weather has been fantastic, sunshine nearly all the way. We've toured castles, old estates and cathedrals, sang and danced in Pubs, over indulged in too much fine Irish food, pulled a guinness, climbed mountains, stood on cliffs, walked along and rode across Loughs, visited ancient Abbeys, toured a whiskey distillery, visited St Patrick's grave the list goes on and on, but Laura has all the photos about 4000 at the last count. We're now back in the North spending the night in a B & B just outside Belfast before catching a flight to Cardiff early tomorrow. So I've posted a few photos. Laura's mates ... read more

Just a quick entry as you know Travel Blog collapsed hopefully it wasn't the Belfast Bloggers corrupting the system. The kids have been and gone. We had a great time showing them the sights, touring Alan's childhood neighbourhood and meeting rellies again. Kristelle and Ryan will be back in Australia tomorrow. They've had a great holiday but are looking forward to home. Michelle and Iz are in Amsterdam tonight and will continue around Europe for a bit before China then home. Michelle has managed to rescue her blogs and she should start blogging again soon for those who have been following her travels. I have just posted a few photos this time. Michelle has taken heaps of the family and she's a better photographer then me so once she gets going again you'll be able to ... read more

July and there’s some Sunshine at last After the wettest June on record and July heading that way it was great to see the sun shining this week. Stan’s is doing really well now and fairly independent again so Alan and I have been doing some sightseeing. We visited the fairly new Bangor Castle built around 1850. In the grounds is also an old Abbey and we enjoyed checking out the old cemetery. The grounds are the site of a very old settlement from about 600ad, there was a wonderful museum in the castle with a herb garden with varieties of herbs that monks used in those times also some old varieties of peas, beans etc. The 12thCelebrations We packed up and went down to Henderson St for the Eve of the bonfires, as it’s usually ... read more