Last night marked my first visit to The Radnor Arms, Nunton. What a cracking pub let down only by it being a Hall and Woodhouse establishment and therefore not having anything decent to drink beer wise (last night they had Tanglefoot and Badger Best one, neither of which do I care for much). However, we were not there for the beer and instead were visiting en-masse on the recommendation of my sister for the food.
I started with gravlax of salmon with dill mayonnaise, the mayonnaise was obviously homemade and delicious - properly buttery and the gravlax nicely cured. The main event was the Scotch fillet steak that was cooked very well, very tender and nicely beefey. I have not had a decent steak for some time (excepting infrequent visits to Belgium of course) so this was a rare treat .The handmade chips were tasty - perhaps a bit longer in the frier would have been good but that is not to everyone's taste.
Martin Village Shop - Now Open!
The shop is an extension of the work started by Future Farms in Martin, so will sell their own fruit and vegetables and meat, but complementing this with a range of groceries and non-food products for people to buy. There is also a strong emphasis on goods produced in the immediate local area, so this means chutneys and jams from Damerham and biscuits from Sandleheath to give just two examples.
My role has been to act as a retail advisor, covering a huge range of subjects from how to display goods on which shelves to which wholesalers supply which products. I have also offered access to our suppliers who have a high minimum order which often excludes small retailers ordering from them - I know that was the case when we opened Abbey Stores.
The opening hours for now are Monday to Friday, 9am to 11am and 5pm to 6pm, with Saturday morning 9am to 12pm. The shop is manned entirely by volunteers from the village and the surrounding area and is located in a purpose-fitted room at one side of the village hall - apparently the former chair and table store!
I wish the shop every success for the future and hope it thrives and prospers. The more village shops that are trading successfully the more popular they will come, to the detriment of the supermarkets and their all-pervading penetration of the retail market.
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| The crowds gather before the ribbon is cut. |
Its been a long time...
since my last post and also since I last drove a long motorway journey. So it is fitting that I should celebrate both with an "incident" on the M40 and a blog post to explain all.
On Tuesday, when I arrived into work at Coombe Bissett at 7am to open up, my tills were not working. This was obviously a big worry becuase we rely heavily on our EPoS system, not just for stock control but also for cash management, customer accounts, VAT calculations and returns, sales figures and so on. So with some trepidation about what I might find I went briefly into the office where the main server is kept to find a Windows BSoD. That is, the Blue Screen of Death that denotes the fact that your machine, the one you rely on, has just crashed out of doing what it is supposed to do and now needs major surgery and attention. Deep joy.
By this time I had a stream of customers also needing my attention so switching over to the trusty sheet of A4 and a pencil I started to write down every item I was selling for later inputting to the system when it finally came back into the land of the living. A time consuming exercise but without this we would have no record of what had been sold when the system was down.
Over the next couple of hours staff arrived to help and in due course it was diagnosed by the supplier that the server's hard drive had failed in the night, it would not be possible simply to fit a new one as there would need to be data installed on it first such as the EPoS software and databases, etc etc. Therefore the only option was for a courier to collect the dead server, take it back to Nottingham where the offices are, for the work to be done and then deliver it back to CB.
By my reckoning it could easily be Thursday or Friday until we were trading properly again, during which time we would still need to either write everything down or possibly trade from a single, reserve till point. This was set up during the morning but is not really enough in a busy shop when there is added pressure from needing orders generated - things normally done in the back office.
So I decided to take the van up to Nottingham to the supplier's offices, have the work done, and possibly be back that night or certainly the following morning. Shaving a lot of time off the problem and getting me out the shop for a few hours as an added bonus. What could possibly go wrong???
Friday afternoon cool sounds
I have just been sent a link to a lovely flash based website that needs sound; it allows you to set up your own background sound which is just right when working indoors on a lovely day like today.
Try it here:
http://lab.andre-michelle.com/pulsate
Try it here:
http://lab.andre-michelle.com/pulsate
BIrthday celebrations at Coombe Bissett Stores
Look at what has just arrived on my desk, courtesy of Jill and Mary, for my birthday:
Because of the strawberries (freshly picked this morning at Bake Farm) I can safely consider this low fat and enjoy it with a clear conscience. Incidently, having weighed around 125kg this time last year I was down to 105kg yesterday morning so something must be going right!
So the obligatory scoffing picture:
Because of the strawberries (freshly picked this morning at Bake Farm) I can safely consider this low fat and enjoy it with a clear conscience. Incidently, having weighed around 125kg this time last year I was down to 105kg yesterday morning so something must be going right!
So the obligatory scoffing picture:
Return of the Driving Licence
After a long 11 months of buses, bikes, lifts and the occasional taxi I finally received my newly printed driving licence in the post today. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me while I have been off the road and also for the kind messages I have received this evening.Another month and then I shall be back in the saddle, although I am very keen to avoid the temptation of driving everywhere and instead continue to enjoy cycling to work and seeing the countryside at a slower pace. However, for work and for seeing friends and going to gigs etc being able to drive will be a great help.
Midnight Walk Sponsorship total
A huge thank you to everyone who donated sponsorship for my Salisbury Hospice Midnight Walk fundraising.
I am really pleased to say that the final total was £304.00 which is brilliant and with £269.00 of that eligible for Gift Aid the charity will be able to claim a further 18% on top.
Thank you very much to all those who donated.
I am really pleased to say that the final total was £304.00 which is brilliant and with £269.00 of that eligible for Gift Aid the charity will be able to claim a further 18% on top.
Thank you very much to all those who donated.
Oak Class Visit Coombe Bissett Stores
We have just enjoyed a lovely visit from Coombe Bissett School Oak Class learning all about baking cakes. After looking round the shop at possible ingredients the children found eggs, flour, smarties and baking powder in order to spend the afternoon baking some fine cupcakes. We of course offered our services as chief cake testers and are looking forward to seeing the end results.
(the permission of the school has been sought prior to the publication of this image)
Nicolas the Wine Shop closes in Salisbury
Following the sad and sudden news that my former place of work, as known as Nicholas Wines, is closing I am pleased to announce that Abbey Stores will shortly be filling some of the gap.
Prior to the French chain Nicolas taking over this was where I first started working in retail, back in 2001, when it was known as Oddbins. Little did I consider then that 9 years on I would be running 2 shops and selling a wide range of products - anything from mouse traps to malt whisky! The closure of this business, as covered in this week's Salisbury Journal here:
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/8203233.Wine_shop_closes_suddenly/
means that Abbey Stores will now expand its range of wines and whiskies. Up until now we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Nicholas since if they were asked for a product they didn't have, the referral would come to us. Likewise customers to Abbey Stores would be sent round to Nicholas for their expertise with fine French and other Old World wines.
I am very sad that an established and well-run shop such as Nicolas should close "just like that" especially with no warning given to the two members of staff . While I understand all too well the commercial pressures of business, especially in connection to building rents, I am shocked at how quickly this has come to an end.
Andrew and Gareth are considering now how to open up their own wine shop in Salisbury and I sincerely hope that this happens both for their sake and because Salisbury cannot continue to lose city centre businesses.
Prior to the French chain Nicolas taking over this was where I first started working in retail, back in 2001, when it was known as Oddbins. Little did I consider then that 9 years on I would be running 2 shops and selling a wide range of products - anything from mouse traps to malt whisky! The closure of this business, as covered in this week's Salisbury Journal here:
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/8203233.Wine_shop_closes_suddenly/
means that Abbey Stores will now expand its range of wines and whiskies. Up until now we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Nicholas since if they were asked for a product they didn't have, the referral would come to us. Likewise customers to Abbey Stores would be sent round to Nicholas for their expertise with fine French and other Old World wines.
I am very sad that an established and well-run shop such as Nicolas should close "just like that" especially with no warning given to the two members of staff . While I understand all too well the commercial pressures of business, especially in connection to building rents, I am shocked at how quickly this has come to an end.
Andrew and Gareth are considering now how to open up their own wine shop in Salisbury and I sincerely hope that this happens both for their sake and because Salisbury cannot continue to lose city centre businesses.
Salisbury Hospice Midnight Walk 2010 - Complete!
After 13.1 miles, 3 hrs 15 minutes, 2 blisters and stiff legs, neck and shoulders my walk is complete. Of around 450 starters I finished in the top 50 or so and then cycled home, arriving around 3.45am this morning and falling asleep very soon afterwards.
Sitting at Salisbury Leisure Centre having just enjoyed
a sausage bap after finishing. Yummy!
The crowds gather at the start line
A good sight, unfortunately taken down when I arrived back at the end!
I have not yet totted up my sponsorship total but think it is in the region of £200 which is brilliant - I had honestly expected to be chucking £50 in the pot myself but I have been really chuffed with the generosity of customers, friends, family and even strangers who have put something in. I will post again when I have the final figure.
Around a year ago I couldn't walk upstairs without getting out of breath. I was drinking like a fish, smoking 5-6 cigarettes a day (or more) and never walked or cycled anywhere. So I am really proud of myself having lost around 15kg, quit the fags, cycling 50+ miles a week, occasionally swimming and now having completed a walk that is longer than I have ever walked before in a decent time. However, I am not sure I would rush to do it again - I don't feel that walking is the best activity for me and so I think my next challenge will be to do a decent cycle ride. London to Paris has been suggested before now and I might just consider it. Watch this space!
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me already and it is not too late to do so now if you haven't, my online page is at:
5 days to go!
With not very long to go I am beginning to have the first butterflies in my tummy...can I really walk 13 miles in one hit? Can I do it in the middle of the night? and can I do it in the inevitable pouring rain?
If you are not sure what I am referring to, I am taking part in the Salisbury Hospicecare Trust Midnight Walk on 5 June, 13.1 miles from the Leisure Centre to the Hospice and back again.
I am pleased to say that sponsorship and donations are rolling in despite me competing at Coombe Bissett Stores with Carol my colleague, who got me into this in the first place.
People have been extraordinarily generous and my target of raising £100 has I think long been beaten which I am really chuffed about.
Thank you to everyone who has donated or pledged so far and keep'em coming - I am looking forward to the walk and am just hoping for a dry night.
If you haven't contributed and are feeling an overwhelming desire to do so, please click here (this goes direct to my page):
If you are not sure what I am referring to, I am taking part in the Salisbury Hospicecare Trust Midnight Walk on 5 June, 13.1 miles from the Leisure Centre to the Hospice and back again.
I am pleased to say that sponsorship and donations are rolling in despite me competing at Coombe Bissett Stores with Carol my colleague, who got me into this in the first place.
People have been extraordinarily generous and my target of raising £100 has I think long been beaten which I am really chuffed about.
Thank you to everyone who has donated or pledged so far and keep'em coming - I am looking forward to the walk and am just hoping for a dry night.
If you haven't contributed and are feeling an overwhelming desire to do so, please click here (this goes direct to my page):
JustGiving page is finally ready!
On 5th June (less than ten days away...help!) I am taking part in the Salisbury Hospicecare Trust Midnight Walk: 13.1 miles in the middle of the night. It sounded like a good idea when I signed up but now I am now sure I can walk that far and I'm not sure I can stay up that long (I normally go to bed at half past nine!).
Anyway, I have built a JustGiving donation page in case anyone is minded to put some pennies in the pot for the Hospice. All donations gratefully received.
Find the page here: www.justgiving.com/Charlesm
Anyway, I have built a JustGiving donation page in case anyone is minded to put some pennies in the pot for the Hospice. All donations gratefully received.
Find the page here: www.justgiving.com/Charlesm
Campaign to Stop the cuts to the BBC
Can i urge anyone reading to visit this page:
http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/bbccuts#petition
and sign the petition. Even if you don't listen to the stations in question, or use the BBC website, please lend your support to those that do (I use the website daily and often enjoy BBC 6Music).
http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/bbccuts#petition
and sign the petition. Even if you don't listen to the stations in question, or use the BBC website, please lend your support to those that do (I use the website daily and often enjoy BBC 6Music).
Cycling home
What a fantastic evening coming after a stunning run of great weather. This has meant I have been able to cycle to and from work at every possible opportunity. I don't mind cycling in the sun, or the mist, or the cold, or even the snow, but rain...well, I really don't like rain and the spray that goes with it.
I also don't like car drivers who think it is OK to cut past so close that I can pretty much reach out and touch their inside wing mirror, especially when there is no oncoming traffic. Now, I don't expect a passing driver to fall into the opposite verge, but please, give me a bit of space. The road-edges around here are atrocious and there are many holes and rough bits that I may need to swerve to avoid. Or hedges that are not trimmed back and are flicking in my face.
Behind the wheel of two tonnes of metal I understand that these are things a driver does not worry about, and why should they. But the cyclist, who is doing something for their health and general well being is very concerned with them and also the possibility of being tipped off into the path of the car behind.
So, the plea for tonight is give the cyclist a bit of space. A bit of air. Room to breathe and all that.
Rant over.
I cycled home tonight from Coombe Bissett along the Stratford Tony Road, up to the Race Course, then down on the Wilton Road, through Quidhampton, onto the Town Path (dismounting where appropriate*) then along the Harnham Road and back up to Ridings Mead and home. It took around 40 minutes, which was quicker than I had expected, and I felt and still feel fantastic when I arrived home.
The views as you see when dropping down off the Race Plain, looking towards the Cathedral over the water meadows was truly stunning and it was nice then to ride across that view, as it were, on the Town Path. Unfortunately I didn't stop for a photo but this is on the doorstep of anyone in the Salisbury area so come and have a look for yourself.
*The Town Path is causing a bit of contention at the moment due to its cycling path status. The path links Harnham to Crane Street in Salisbury and is well used by walkers, joggers, runners, people admiring the views, and cyclists. The bridges at either end of the Path are currently "No Cycling" which seems fair, as they can be crowded and especially at the Harnham end are very narrow. In between, it is a joint cycleway/footpath, and tonight I slowed or stopped a couple of times to let people through but was able to cycle the majority.
Unfortunately there have been a number of accidents with cyclists crashing into pedestrians (or possibly the other way round) and to add fuel to the fire Wiltshire Council are now trying to interfere but much to the disgust of some of the pedestrian users, rather than stop cycling altogether they are proposing to make the whole path a cycleway, including the narrow bridges.
Now, I cannot see why they need to meddle at all, and if they are determined to do something then some narrow bollards on the bridges (or a chicane-gate) would mean cyclists are forced to dismount and I think this might solve a lot of the problems.
However, they have proposed the exact opposite, something to do with maintaining an unbroken cycleway from somewhere to somewhere else.
So, it is contentious, I feel that cyclists should all do better to improve our image (3rd party insurance in case of accidents, always wear a helmet and high-vis clothing, behave responsibly when on the bike and stop if you think you might hit someone). In turn, we would hopefully be viewed with more respect by the public and in turn given a better deal when we are on the road. See my plea above.
I would be interested to read other people's thoughts on this issue - just leave a comment below.
I also don't like car drivers who think it is OK to cut past so close that I can pretty much reach out and touch their inside wing mirror, especially when there is no oncoming traffic. Now, I don't expect a passing driver to fall into the opposite verge, but please, give me a bit of space. The road-edges around here are atrocious and there are many holes and rough bits that I may need to swerve to avoid. Or hedges that are not trimmed back and are flicking in my face.
Behind the wheel of two tonnes of metal I understand that these are things a driver does not worry about, and why should they. But the cyclist, who is doing something for their health and general well being is very concerned with them and also the possibility of being tipped off into the path of the car behind.
So, the plea for tonight is give the cyclist a bit of space. A bit of air. Room to breathe and all that.
Rant over.
I cycled home tonight from Coombe Bissett along the Stratford Tony Road, up to the Race Course, then down on the Wilton Road, through Quidhampton, onto the Town Path (dismounting where appropriate*) then along the Harnham Road and back up to Ridings Mead and home. It took around 40 minutes, which was quicker than I had expected, and I felt and still feel fantastic when I arrived home.
The views as you see when dropping down off the Race Plain, looking towards the Cathedral over the water meadows was truly stunning and it was nice then to ride across that view, as it were, on the Town Path. Unfortunately I didn't stop for a photo but this is on the doorstep of anyone in the Salisbury area so come and have a look for yourself.
*The Town Path is causing a bit of contention at the moment due to its cycling path status. The path links Harnham to Crane Street in Salisbury and is well used by walkers, joggers, runners, people admiring the views, and cyclists. The bridges at either end of the Path are currently "No Cycling" which seems fair, as they can be crowded and especially at the Harnham end are very narrow. In between, it is a joint cycleway/footpath, and tonight I slowed or stopped a couple of times to let people through but was able to cycle the majority.
Unfortunately there have been a number of accidents with cyclists crashing into pedestrians (or possibly the other way round) and to add fuel to the fire Wiltshire Council are now trying to interfere but much to the disgust of some of the pedestrian users, rather than stop cycling altogether they are proposing to make the whole path a cycleway, including the narrow bridges.
Now, I cannot see why they need to meddle at all, and if they are determined to do something then some narrow bollards on the bridges (or a chicane-gate) would mean cyclists are forced to dismount and I think this might solve a lot of the problems.
However, they have proposed the exact opposite, something to do with maintaining an unbroken cycleway from somewhere to somewhere else.
So, it is contentious, I feel that cyclists should all do better to improve our image (3rd party insurance in case of accidents, always wear a helmet and high-vis clothing, behave responsibly when on the bike and stop if you think you might hit someone). In turn, we would hopefully be viewed with more respect by the public and in turn given a better deal when we are on the road. See my plea above.
I would be interested to read other people's thoughts on this issue - just leave a comment below.
Fabulous scientific comedian
For anyone with an interest in science, especially physics:
http://fora.tv/2009/11/08/Science_Laughs_Science_Comedian_Brian_Malow
Definitely worth 20 minutes of your time.
http://fora.tv/2009/11/08/Science_Laughs_Science_Comedian_Brian_Malow
Definitely worth 20 minutes of your time.
Salisbury Hospice Midnight Walk 2010
Now that I have been back at work for 6 days and back in the swing of things, my thoughts have turned to something I signed upto before my holiday.
On 5 June 2010 I am taking part in the Salisbury Hospice Midnight walk, which is 13.1 miles leaving from the Five Rivers Leisure Centre at Midnight. The hook, the thing that convinced me to sign up, was the promise of free bacon butties on arrival back there once the walk is complete!
So, although I am back to cycling and have indeed cycled to and from work every day this week, and although I can obviously take myself out for walk in the evenings, I know I would be more motivated to becoming accustomed to walking 13 miles in one stretch if I had a training partner.
So, if you, or someone you know is also doing the walk or is already a walker who could give me some company once a week or so over an increasing distance between now and June please let me know and I will look forward to the first walk. (I would also like to do some longer bike rides with someone else, so any offers?)
On 5 June 2010 I am taking part in the Salisbury Hospice Midnight walk, which is 13.1 miles leaving from the Five Rivers Leisure Centre at Midnight. The hook, the thing that convinced me to sign up, was the promise of free bacon butties on arrival back there once the walk is complete!
So, although I am back to cycling and have indeed cycled to and from work every day this week, and although I can obviously take myself out for walk in the evenings, I know I would be more motivated to becoming accustomed to walking 13 miles in one stretch if I had a training partner.
So, if you, or someone you know is also doing the walk or is already a walker who could give me some company once a week or so over an increasing distance between now and June please let me know and I will look forward to the first walk. (I would also like to do some longer bike rides with someone else, so any offers?)
The final wrap-up
So, its nice to be back for sure but I'm not at all looking forward to cycling into work tomorrow morning - 2+ weeks of eating big portions of good food have not done my waistline much good at all!
I have totted up some thoughts here which will perhaps remind me for next time and may even inspire someone else to follow in my train tracks!
Time spent in Europe: 17 days
Distance covered, approximately, had I driven all the way: 5200km
Number of countries visited at least once: 8
Number of trains used (not including Eurostar or the trains home from Harwich): 19
Number of sleeper trains: 2
Ferries: 1
Buses: 3 (Two of them in England as "rail-replacements")
Segway tours taken: 2
Segways fallen off: 1
Places stayed in and explored: 9
Best bunk to sleep in at a Youth Hostel: bottom
Best bunk to sleep in on a train: top
Nicest place I visited: Krakow
Most horrible place visited: Birkenau
Vehicles driven: 1 (Trabant)
Km walked: Lots and lots!
Money spent: I really don't want to think about this one...
Nicest meal: The Mexican restaurant in Krakow
Worst food: Currywurst in Munich for Breakfast
Split of hostels/hotels: ~50/50
Best beer of the trip: The Winter Special in Prague, in the Castle.
Worst beer of the trip: 3 pints of "Jupiler" in Amsterdam - tasteless chemical muck.
Thats all I can think of for now, so thanks for reading posts and I hope you have enjoyed them. Please feel free to comment or let me know if you have any questions.
Who knows where I shall travel to next and I know for certain that I will not be going away again for a while yet - Penny who has held the fort while I was away will not let me!
I have totted up some thoughts here which will perhaps remind me for next time and may even inspire someone else to follow in my train tracks!
Time spent in Europe: 17 days
Distance covered, approximately, had I driven all the way: 5200km
Number of countries visited at least once: 8
Number of trains used (not including Eurostar or the trains home from Harwich): 19
Number of sleeper trains: 2
Ferries: 1
Buses: 3 (Two of them in England as "rail-replacements")
Segway tours taken: 2
Segways fallen off: 1
Places stayed in and explored: 9
Best bunk to sleep in at a Youth Hostel: bottom
Best bunk to sleep in on a train: top
Nicest place I visited: Krakow
Most horrible place visited: Birkenau
Vehicles driven: 1 (Trabant)
Km walked: Lots and lots!
Money spent: I really don't want to think about this one...
Nicest meal: The Mexican restaurant in Krakow
Worst food: Currywurst in Munich for Breakfast
Split of hostels/hotels: ~50/50
Best beer of the trip: The Winter Special in Prague, in the Castle.
Worst beer of the trip: 3 pints of "Jupiler" in Amsterdam - tasteless chemical muck.
Thats all I can think of for now, so thanks for reading posts and I hope you have enjoyed them. Please feel free to comment or let me know if you have any questions.
Who knows where I shall travel to next and I know for certain that I will not be going away again for a while yet - Penny who has held the fort while I was away will not let me!
Amsterdam - Antwerp - Rotterdam - Ferry - Home
Well, I've made and am back home after a really good night's sleep and an ecstatic welcome from two of the happiest cats I will ever meet.
On my way out of Amsterdam I broke my first rule of travelling - don't visit old Churches. For sure, the architecture is stunning and the sense of peace and quiet in a bustling city is always welcome, but to be honest there are only so many old graves and sweeping naves that I can take.
So, ignoring my heart I had read at length about the church in the heart of the Red Light District in Amsterdam and even ignoring my annoyance at having to cough up E5 to get in I went. I really should trust my instincts more as the church is currently being restored so half of it is fenced off to visitors and the other half is virtually empty of displays or anything else of interest. And it is no longer a church but instead used for exhibitions and to cap it off, standing in front of a newly replaced stained glass window (very nicely done, by the way) is a glasswasher of all things - the sort that I have at work and slave over after running event bars. This is why I don't visit old churches anymore.
Luckily the rest of Amsterdam is not so disappointing. I spent a good half day walking around and visited the Houseboat Museum which is really worth seeing. If you have wondered what it is like to live on the water, or indeed fancied it yourself, the museum in a former houseboat tries to answer a lot of the questions and is run by a really nice Dutch guy who can sell you a coffee, welcome you on board in at least 3 different languages and tell you about life on board.
Not too far away I found this former barge, now converted to be a houseboat. Apparently there are no longer any free berths in Amsterdam, just boats that are already berthed. The purchase price is typically about the same as a similarly sized house, with berthing fees, higher insurance, etc etc on top, and steel hulled vessels have to be pulled from the water every 3 years for rust proofing and hull inspections. Concrete hulled boats don't need this, but are much more square and to my mind ugly.
I think these buildings are halls of residence but as the rain was beginning to spatter I snapped the photo and moved on - I had a date with a beer.
A Citroen H Van - I think it belongs to a nearby record shop. There is something about these vans that I have long loved, although according to The UK HVan website costs of ownership can match those of an elderly Jaguar, so that sounds as though owning a Land Rover is relatively cheap in comparison. I never thought that would be true!
Just to prove I am not totally against churches, I did spot this tower peeking out from behind some houses.
This picture has not been photo-shopped - I saw a few of these driving around and they are single seated, or have two narrow seats, and look brilliant for negotiating crowded cities. The top speed is around 45kmh or 30mph.
So moving on from The 'Dam, I decided on a whim to go to Antwerp. I have visited once before, on a trip organised by Off Licence News, and I remember enjoying it immensely although that could be down to the huge quantities of sponsored beer we all took on board. There is also a working port and I quite fancied a trip out on the harbour if possible, and supposedly some other interesting sites.
Unfortunately I came away (after spending a night there) that while there is nothing wrong with Antwerp, and I'm sure it is a nice place to live, it is not somewhere I shall be revisiting for a while. To be fair, I did not go inside any of the six or so nice churches that are dotted about - see my comments above. The picture shows a nice Medieval alleyway "hidden" off the main street - hidden that is apart from the guided walk going through there which I followed.
But in the main the harbour tours don't start for another couple of days and the rest of the city seemed a bit quiet. I was also hacked off by the attitude of the waiter who (didn't) serve me in a reasonable restaurant in town - while I understand entirely that the pretty girls at the next table will always receive more attention from 2 waiters than the bloke on his own, they could have remembered my existence a little bit.
Finally on leaving the city I did enjoy the refurbishment of the Centraal Railway Station - cleverly the wonderful arches of the glazed roof have been kept and restored and the station has been expanded by adding extra layers.
You can see in the first picture that main station clock which just looks superb and then in the second the arrangement of trains on 3 levels, with shopping areas in between. I know that is is not unique - the Berlin Hbf and even St Pancras to name just two do something similar but I liked the old/new arrangement here very much.
From the top, there is a platform, then a layer of shops/coffee places, then another train (you can just see it), then I think another layer of people, then right in the depths are the platforms that handle the trains to France and The Netherlands. The same is repeated on the other side.
So, moving on I headed for Rotterdam. There is one comment I have to make about Belgian and Dutch trains: they are slooooow. I know both are small countries and therefore fast trains would fall off the edge, over the boarders, and I know that one can take the Thalys train which is essentially a TGV that runs from Brussels to Amsterdam stopping a couple of times en-route, but I wish the normal services could go a bit faster!
Rotterdam was my last stop, I arrived at around lunchtime and left early evening for the ferry. This was just enough time to walk into town from the station, have an excellent lunch, grab a tour of the harbour and walk back to the station.
I enjoyed Rotterdam. It seems a lively city and although I have no idea what else is going on there is a huge maritime museum in the old harbour which I would love to have a proper look round and there is a pleasantly wide street with fountains and small lakes that leads you into the city centre and looks really welcoming.
At the end of this however is a giant gnome holding what looks to me like a giant sex toy! Now, I know that the Dutch are relaxed about such matters but perhaps they intended this to depict an ice cream or something!
Given that I had missed out in Anrwerp I naturally headed for the water and a harbour tour. Unfortunately this was of the canned-commentary, entertain the coach loads variety and as such was rather dull, but I did spot my own ship pictured here (my initials are CGM).
Rotterdam is blessed with this stunning suspension bridge over the river and although I ran out of time to walk over it (next time) it really provides a centre piece to the city, with considerable redevelopment work both completed and ongoing around the bridge.
In the shadow of the bridge, at the "Water Restaurant" which is part of a sleek, modern hotel looking over the port area I enjoyed one of my best lunches of the trip - a spring salad with lovely fresh and crisp leaves, crumbled goats cheese, caramelised onion and finely chopped tomato with a nice dressing.
Served with a couple of freshly baked bread rolls it should have been lunch in itself, but I had not realised this and ordered the XXL Burger as a main dish! Of course the frites were superb - properly double-fried and served with lots of mayonnaise, and the burger was juice and tasty and with bacon and with cheese and with a lovely salsa relish.....is it time for lunch yet?
Feeling like a balloon ready to pop I headed back to the station to catch the final (Interrail) train of my journey to Hoek Van Holland Haven - about half an hour away.
My arrival on board the Stena Britannica was notable only because I was the first foot passenger to board, and I soon found my way to cabin 9611. On overnight sailings cabins are compulsory, and I had opted to pay the extra £6 to have a window.
The berths are really comfortable and I slept like a log. I had pre-booked an (all you can eat) evening meal & and breakfast knowing that it would save money on board, but not knowing how filling my lunch would be. Still, I managed to force something down (having a choice of stir-fry ingredients that a chef will then cook for you was good) and it would have been a shame to waste the meal booking!
Breakfast was served at 0530 and it was nice to get outside a full English after eating the flacid ham and cheese with a roll that is available on the continent.
My journey home was relatively painless although buses were used on two portions of the journey from Harwich - amazing how I could complete my entire trip without a replacement bus in sight, but you get to England and they're everywhere. Still, I didn't have to wait any more than 15 minutes anywhere for a connecting train (or bus) and arrived in Salisbury to be met by a real train which was nice.
So, there we are. I will consolidate in the next post, but overall it is a great way to travel and really nice to look at a map and think "yes I can go there, via x, y and z", and just do it. Sure, I did a bit of booking ahead, the occasional hostel, sleeper train or trip, but everything else was done there and then.
For me, this is the sort of travel that suits me best - the thought of spending 2 weeks on a beach somewhere fills me with horror!
On my way out of Amsterdam I broke my first rule of travelling - don't visit old Churches. For sure, the architecture is stunning and the sense of peace and quiet in a bustling city is always welcome, but to be honest there are only so many old graves and sweeping naves that I can take.
Not too far away I found this former barge, now converted to be a houseboat. Apparently there are no longer any free berths in Amsterdam, just boats that are already berthed. The purchase price is typically about the same as a similarly sized house, with berthing fees, higher insurance, etc etc on top, and steel hulled vessels have to be pulled from the water every 3 years for rust proofing and hull inspections. Concrete hulled boats don't need this, but are much more square and to my mind ugly.
I think these buildings are halls of residence but as the rain was beginning to spatter I snapped the photo and moved on - I had a date with a beer.
Just to prove I am not totally against churches, I did spot this tower peeking out from behind some houses.
So moving on from The 'Dam, I decided on a whim to go to Antwerp. I have visited once before, on a trip organised by Off Licence News, and I remember enjoying it immensely although that could be down to the huge quantities of sponsored beer we all took on board. There is also a working port and I quite fancied a trip out on the harbour if possible, and supposedly some other interesting sites.
But in the main the harbour tours don't start for another couple of days and the rest of the city seemed a bit quiet. I was also hacked off by the attitude of the waiter who (didn't) serve me in a reasonable restaurant in town - while I understand entirely that the pretty girls at the next table will always receive more attention from 2 waiters than the bloke on his own, they could have remembered my existence a little bit.
From the top, there is a platform, then a layer of shops/coffee places, then another train (you can just see it), then I think another layer of people, then right in the depths are the platforms that handle the trains to France and The Netherlands. The same is repeated on the other side.
So, moving on I headed for Rotterdam. There is one comment I have to make about Belgian and Dutch trains: they are slooooow. I know both are small countries and therefore fast trains would fall off the edge, over the boarders, and I know that one can take the Thalys train which is essentially a TGV that runs from Brussels to Amsterdam stopping a couple of times en-route, but I wish the normal services could go a bit faster!
Rotterdam was my last stop, I arrived at around lunchtime and left early evening for the ferry. This was just enough time to walk into town from the station, have an excellent lunch, grab a tour of the harbour and walk back to the station.
At the end of this however is a giant gnome holding what looks to me like a giant sex toy! Now, I know that the Dutch are relaxed about such matters but perhaps they intended this to depict an ice cream or something!
Given that I had missed out in Anrwerp I naturally headed for the water and a harbour tour. Unfortunately this was of the canned-commentary, entertain the coach loads variety and as such was rather dull, but I did spot my own ship pictured here (my initials are CGM).
Feeling like a balloon ready to pop I headed back to the station to catch the final (Interrail) train of my journey to Hoek Van Holland Haven - about half an hour away.
Breakfast was served at 0530 and it was nice to get outside a full English after eating the flacid ham and cheese with a roll that is available on the continent.
So, there we are. I will consolidate in the next post, but overall it is a great way to travel and really nice to look at a map and think "yes I can go there, via x, y and z", and just do it. Sure, I did a bit of booking ahead, the occasional hostel, sleeper train or trip, but everything else was done there and then.
For me, this is the sort of travel that suits me best - the thought of spending 2 weeks on a beach somewhere fills me with horror!
Home
I'm back, shattered, will do a final update tomorrow for Antwerp, Rotterdam and the ferry home.
Antwerp
Don't bother at this time of year - no one about, nothing much to see and the blasted harbour cruises which I was actually looking forward to doing don't start until 3 April. Doh!
So, off to Rotterdam tomorrow, to kill time before getting the ferry at 8pm ish from Hoek Van Holland.
So, off to Rotterdam tomorrow, to kill time before getting the ferry at 8pm ish from Hoek Van Holland.
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