Thursday, March 6, 2008

Post Birthday News

A day full of surprises started off with a birthday call from my sister - all the way from Indonesia!
Though it was pretty crackly, it was still wonderful to hear her voice. (Especially since she has such a lovely voice - as anyone who knows her would agree adamantly!) I must say, over the years of travelling and constantly having "itchy feet", I have been fortunate enough to have been able to reach my sister rather easily anytime I wanted - as long as it was during the "Woo hours" of the night, of course! :P Now that Little Woo has hit the road herself, it has been a good reminder of how much I miss talking to her frequently. Thankfully, there is always email.
(Anyone curious enough to find out more about an enigmatic "woo" thing, check out:
www.littlewoo.org)

Back to sleep we went since it was still early and we had no plans but to chill out...when we were brought back to reality with yet another phone call! (except this time, it was suddenly noon!)
Our dear friend, Jamie was making a trip with his girlfriend to see us here on the coast! Jamie is part of an amazing group of friends down in Tasmania - and we hadn't seen him since February 2006...the day before we left Down Under for good...and we had had a big party the night before, followed by a morning of snorkeling and eating oysters right off the rocks...and an abalone BBQ for brunch! Needless to say, we were pretty ecstatic for a chance to meet up with Jamie again before he left for Oz in a couple of weeks. Also, we would get to meet his fantastic lady friend, Berna. The crazy couple hopped on some trains and arrived in Bournemouth late afternoon, where we took a walk down to the beach and pier and came home to have a relaxing meal with some drinks. Before the end of the night, we popped over to the local pub for one more round where we were treated to the end of a disco/karaoke night! Seems even the Brits are ga-ga over karaoke...it's not just an Asian phenomenon!





My birthday was coming to an end and so we had a few more cheers and headed home for a nightcap. Before we knew it, it had gotten well into the "Woo hours" and we dragged ourselves to bed. A short sleep was had, as we were all anticipating a "Poach-Off" between the boys for breakfast! Adam displayed great skill and finesse, being a master of the morning meal and we decided we would have Jamie execute his version of the "perfect poached egg" next time we met. (Reasons were twofold: one being that they WERE our guests and secondly, we were too full to eat a bite more!)

Sadly, we had but a mere 23 hours with our friends. After an eye-opening walk down to the water (where we found million-dollar homes just blocks away), Jamie and Berna had to rush back to London to make it for work the next day. We had such a great time and I felt really blessed to have had some good people come celebrate with us!

"THANKS FOR COMING TO VISIT, JAMIE AND BERNA!!!
We look forward to meeting up again - be it in the UK or back in Tassie."

Back on our own, we took advantage of the many movies at Darren and Nicola's lovely home.
We had a movie marathon here and there and suddenly it was Adam's birthday!!!
(Adam and I get to be the same age for 3 days each year!)

We opted for a romantic dinner out to an Italian/Sardinian restaurant down the street.
We had great friendly service and revelled especially in the prosciutto e melone starter and the very decadent tiramisu dessert! No need for birthday cake when you can have TIRAMISU!!!
(Isn't it strange that "tiramisu" is an Italian dessert? I always think it sounds so Japanese...)

Since I can't seem to add any more photos in this posting, you will have to scroll down
to see a few more new pix!

All in all, Adam and I had great birthdays and we wish to thank the many birthday wishes we received by phone, emails and text messages!!! It's always great to hear from loved ones.

Now that the birthday celebrations are over (although Darren and Nic have promised some more revelry upon their return!), we have been back on the job hunt and finalizing our CVs.

Check in once in a while - once we move into our new flat next week, I will post some pix
of the 400 year old house we will be calling "home"!

Be good!!
xoxo

1 comment:

Gaudi Mirror

Gaudi Mirror
Sometimes a reflection is the best shot!

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia
Ever under construction...

Antoni Gaudi creations...

Antoni Gaudi creations...
On the ceilings of a raised platform, Gaudi's ceramic mosaic creations abound!

Entrance of Park Guell

Entrance of Park Guell
These magical houses welcome you into the most creative park imaginable.

Ah..the architecture of Barcelona!

Ah..the architecture of Barcelona!
Somehow very reminiscent of Russia, no?

Standing guard...

Standing guard...
At the front of the National Palace Museum, these handsome figures look over the vast city

The National Palace Art Museum

The National Palace Art Museum
Impressive even at night!

Mosque of Hassan

Mosque of Hassan
Mostly the minaret and the foundation remain of this mosque, built in the 12th century

Guarded entrance to Hassan Mosque

Guarded entrance to Hassan Mosque
Two mounted guards stand patiently as the tourists pass....

Medina walls of Sale

Medina walls of Sale
Across the shore from Rabat

Stop.

Stop.
or...so we guessed.

Stop again.

Stop again.
Either Julio became a giant or the sign could be higher up....

Taxi line-up.....

Taxi line-up.....
Are they paying off the officer for something? Only they know...

Coca Cola

Coca Cola
You too can learn to read in Arabic!

Moroccan toilet and shower

Moroccan toilet and shower
all in one! you first.

Hassan II

Hassan II
Second largest Mosque in the world

Hassan II fountain

Hassan II fountain
Arabic style mosaic tiles....gorgeous

White walls, blue doors of Chefchaouen

White walls, blue doors of Chefchaouen
Enchanting.

Blue door.

Blue door.
Chaouen tradition

Paparazzi shots...

Paparazzi  shots...
An unsuspecting little girl and her pink umbrella....

Blue nooks and corners

Blue nooks and corners
If you explore enough, you come across little magical places

Rooftop vantage

Rooftop vantage
Getting a break from the rain, Adam looks out from the hostel roof top

Marrakesh Market

Marrakesh Market
Decorative dried chameleons, anyone?

Bad idea No.1

Bad idea No.1
Some people just do not have the same sense for danger...

Bad Idea No.2

Bad Idea No.2
Again. Dangerous? Apparently not.

Bad Idea No.3

Bad Idea No.3
You would think there were better ways to transport so many eggs....

Bad Idea No.4

Bad Idea No.4
Muslim country...conservative clothing...not so for the young American sorority girl! In fact...shall I bend over and show you my white thong?

Moroccan garbage truck.

Moroccan garbage truck.
The many uses of a donkey...

"I'm coming to get you, Bin Laden!"

"I'm coming to get you, Bin Laden!"
The funniest toy ever...George Bush Jr. chasing Bin Laden on a track....

Royal Palace

Royal Palace
Here we are in sunny Spain, in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid

Plaza de Toros

Plaza de Toros
The famous bullfighting of Spain...

Museo de Jamon

Museo de Jamon
This enormous wall of ham legs left our mouths watering and our bellies crying out for JAMON!!!

At a snail's pace...

At a snail's pace...
As it was a rainy day, we found many little friends along the way!

Stopping to smell the flowers...

Stopping to smell the flowers...
Unfortunately, we do not know the name of this flower, but the interesting shape and colour says it all!

Melissa and me

Melissa and me
It was so nice to have a bit more time with dear Melissa

One of many giant doors...

One of many giant doors...
Why are they so big?

El Palacio de El Escorial

El Palacio de El Escorial
The grounds were immaculate and pristine.

El Palacia de El Escorial

El Palacia de El Escorial
Another shot of the gardens...

Segovia Aqueducts

Segovia Aqueducts
The Romans built these over 2000 years ago and they are gigantic and still standing!

Top view of the Aqueducts

Top view of the Aqueducts
A perilous climb for Julio gave us a shot of the view on top, where the water would have been running!

Segovia town center

Segovia town center
As dusk came upon us, a beautiful moon took its place...

Alcazar Castle

Alcazar Castle
Does this castle remind you of any other famous castle?

Night view of Segovia Aqueducts

Night view of Segovia Aqueducts
Adam managed to capture the eerie feel of history...

Behind bars...

Behind bars...
I was going to send this picture to our mothers to jokingly ask for bail money! :P

Palencia sites

Palencia sites
One of the many interesting old architectures of the town...

Statue in sepia tone

Statue in sepia tone
Our new world upbringing causes us to immediately see KKK member instead of religious figure...how about you?

Nature shall reign in the end...

Nature shall reign in the end...
Isn't it amazing how things can grow anywhere?

Walking in the Espiguete mountains of Palencia

Walking in the Espiguete mountains of Palencia
Adam and Julio pause for a picture

Nothing like red wine to refresh yourself during a walk in the mountains!

Nothing like red wine to refresh yourself during a walk in the mountains!
Not as easy as it looks, although Julio mastered it quite readily...while I made a big mess of myself!

Bathing buddies...

Bathing buddies...
We were making two batches of Korean chicken soup when one wing caught on the edge and gave us this idea....a bit morbid, we agree.

Some more funny signs we found on our travels

Some more funny signs we found on our travels
Don't the children look like they are running for their lives??

Hmmm....

Hmmm....
Never really figured this one out...

Ain't that the truth!??!?

Ain't that the truth!??!?
You have to appreciate this poster...even as a non beer drinker!

Unos pican y otros non!

Unos pican y otros non!
Some spicy and some don't! Very delicious small salted green peppers...

Scary dolls....

Scary dolls....
I have always disliked certain dolls...too many horror films as a child...but these are nuns on top of it!

Cool camera reflection

Cool camera reflection
Adam managed to catch Julio in his own camera!

Bull or cow?

Bull or cow?
I am embarassed to admit that I had never seen a cow with horns before!

Quarteira Beach

Quarteira Beach
We took full advantage of the sunny weather!

Fancy dinners...

Fancy dinners...
At the top of the hill, right on the resort grounds, we found a jewel of a restaurant called Casa Azul...great food and within walking distance!

Lisboa backdrop

Lisboa backdrop
The rooftops of the city were beautiful to see...the white and red colours were such a great contrast to the blue sea and sky!

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral
The second largest cathedral in England, reaching its 750th year this year!

Salisbury Cathedral interior

Salisbury Cathedral interior
Although beautiful cathedrals are a dime a dozen in Europe, you can definitely still be impressed!

Salisbury Cathedral interior 2

Salisbury Cathedral interior 2
Notice that along both sides of the walls, there are giant pipe organs! Would have been amazing to attend a concert there.

Salisbury Cathedral interior 3

Salisbury Cathedral interior 3
Beautiful stained-glass windows along every wing and wall, unfortunately, it was rather difficult to truly get the colours.

Adam in Salisbury

Adam in Salisbury
Some interesting crests upon archways...

The QUEEN!!!

The QUEEN!!!
Along with great sites in Salisbury, we got a real nice close-up of the Queen too! (okay, it´s only a picture of a postcard...)

The True Stonehenge

The True Stonehenge
Not nearly as mysterious and enchanting as you would expect, eh?

The Sun in the flora

The Sun in the flora
We happened across this beautiful flower, so brilliant in colour it's almost unreal.

Important Caution signs...

Important Caution signs...
Since "common sense" isn't always so "common"...

Hot Ice

Hot Ice
Things to ponder....

We have company!!!

We have company!!!
Berna, Jamie and Adam cozy on the couch

What?!?! No Guinness!?!??

What?!?!  No Guinness!?!??
Sorry, Gaz...the boys were too full for a real pint....

Birthday Dinner

Birthday Dinner
A chance to dress up and have a romantic meal together!!!

Up close and personal...

Up close and personal...
Who's schmoopey?!

New Forest

New Forest
A lovely stroll through these quiet woods made a great Saturday afternoon!

New Forest

New Forest
Guess who!!?!?

Darren and Nicola

Darren and Nicola
What would we do without great friends and hosts?

The Road Not Taken

The Road Not Taken
"Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear..."

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

The gang at the local pub

The gang at the local pub
Everybody needs a local pub....

Nicola and me

Nicola and me
Cheers!

Homemade Faggots...

Homemade Faggots...
Things are a little different here...

Sunsets in Lancing

Sunsets in Lancing
Every dusk, we enjoyed the view from Austen's bay windows...

Old friends reunited

Old friends reunited
After a decade apart, Austen and I had a chance to really catch up again!

Merry Monk

Merry Monk
Why are monks in England often portrayed so??!!?

Brighton Buses!!!

Brighton Buses!!!
Our Lonely Planet book warned us that double decker buses were almost a thing of the past...not so down here in the south coast!

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier
Famous for its pebble beaches, Brighton also has a well known pier!

Royal Pavillion

Royal Pavillion
Although not typically English looking, the pavillion is still beautiful and apparently great for weddings!

Royal Pavillion

Royal Pavillion
Another shot of the pavillion in Brighton

Thai food in Worthing

Thai food in Worthing
Sharing a nice meal with Austen

Marmite Crisps!!!

Marmite Crisps!!!
You may have heard of Vegemite and Marmite...but have you heard of Marmite chips?!?? Now, you HAVE seen it all!

Guinness Red

Guinness Red
Happiness found...the limited Guinness Red...sweet sweet beer...

Ah, Guinnesses!!!!

Ah, Guinnesses!!!!
Adam at O'Neills in Brighton

Oh My!

Oh My!
just read it carefully...hehe

Snow snow snow!!!

Snow snow snow!!!
All this snow accumulated in a mere few hours..gotta love Onterrible!

Christmas dinner at home

Christmas dinner at home
untraditional but yummy dinner!!!

Japan Times

Here are some highlights of our time in Japan.
We were lucky enough to make wonderful new friends
and also get to visit some kindred spirits along the way.
Although our time there was cut short by a few months,
we have plenty of memories to cherish.

Kyoto Temple

Kyoto Temple
Historic Kyoto sites!

Hanami

Hanami
Beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms

Kurashiki

Kurashiki
Us with Tomoko

Kyoto Temple

Kyoto Temple

A-Bomb Dome of Hiroshima

A-Bomb Dome of Hiroshima

Flame Tree

Flame Tree
don't know the real name...

Japanese quirks

Japanese quirks
how many hours in your day?

Being Japanese

Being Japanese
getting ready for the hot springs!