macandcaz

Continuing from the last blog: Sat 3rd Sept - well, the Amtrak train had an internet connection alright but it didn't allow me to upload all the photos, so I finally got that finished by going to McDonalds (boo!) near Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, as we had an hour or so to kill before getting the Greyhound bus to Whistler. The journey was only 2.5 hours long and we arrived in Whistler at 5.30 p.m. The hotel (Whistler Pinnacle International) was just around the corner from the bus stop so we were soon in the room. Very nice, great views out to the mountains and an open chair lift, jacuzzi tub, fake log gas fire (totally unneccessary right now as it's still so hot hot hot!), huge cable TV, fully equipped kitchen (actually including crockery, ... read more

Continuing from last blog: Sat 27 Aug: we ate dinner at Robson Sushi again, as it was so good first time round, "all you can eat" is an excellent way to try out different Japanese food as it's not just sushi on offer and finally Robson Street is only a few minutes stroll from the hotel. Sun 28 Aug: caught a seaplane to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, at 8.00 a.m. - a fabulous 35 minute flight, smooth take-off and landing (I'd imagine due to the water). The plane was small, just a few rows of seats, 2 on one side and 1 on the other. With flying at a lower altitude than an ordinary plane, the views were much clearer; rows and rows of tree tunks in the water (can anyone tell me why? Heaps of ... read more

Continuing from last blog: We're just back from five glorious days in the South of France; a perfect trip, staying with our very good friends who have recently relocated there from Christchurch, New Zealand. The sun shone every day, in fact it became almost unbearably hot most days and any shade, however small, was most welcome! We were based in Corbarieu but our wonderful hosts and tour guides ensured we had an amazing snapshot of the wider area: Montauban, Bruniquel, Cordes, Albi and Toulouse. The scenery was splendid - fields of tall yellow sunflowers, rolling green meadows and valleys, and terracotta-colured rooftops and cathedral spires dotted throughout in the numerous small towns and villages. The drive to Bruniquel, Cordes and Albi in particular was spectacular, with sweeping views across open countryside, making you want to reach ... read more

Continuing from last blog: Fri 15 Jul: From Tallinn it was a pleasant 2-hour ferry crossing to Helsinki, on the MS Star, Tallink Line. The time passed quickly for me as I was near the end of an amazing book borrowed from my friend Imelda: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, almost 1000 pages of fantastic story telling set largely in Bombay. Now Mac is reading it. I'd recommend it. But again I digress!!! We decided to try and find the Radisson Blu Plaza on foot and it took about an hour, which was OK as although it was a little drizzly it gave us a good opportunity to get a first impression of Helsinki. I'd sum it up as big, wide streets with huge, imposing buildings varying in style, many art nouveau. It's very clean and ... read more

Continuing from the last blog: Tues - spent the morning in Elgin, photographing the wonderful architecture and sampling the local pies! Wed - went swimming at Moray Leisure Centre and finally made it onto one of those big waterslides! Then the big event, a 2nd birthday party complete with Thomas the Tank Engine birthday cake. Thurs - a full day out in the stunning Cairngorms mostly - started with a tour and wee dram at Glenlivet Distillery, then on to Drumin Castle, Tomintoul (and the whisky castle), Braemar and Ballater, via incredible views and miles of green open space. Fri - back to Preston by train and bus, through Aberdeen and Glasgow. Scotland has been an amazing experience, what with all the ruined castles, cathedrals and abbeys, luscious greenery, all round views, glorious weather, friendly people ... read more