Glimpses of summer

Long time, no traveling. But last weekend was nice and sunny and we could not resist a drive to the English seaside on the North sea. Ideal day for the journey which passes through a forest to reach Blakeney to see the seals. But no boats were available as the tide was low and so we had to content ourselves with wild fowl.

We did continue our drive to Sheringham and Cromer to see the towns, do some shopping with Nat and of course a quick nap on the beach. What a holiday and such lovely sunshine. Almost like we were not in England anymore.

The dream lasted only a week and now we are back to English weather, read cloudy and rainy, looking forward to some more sun. Great for the gardens though which seems to enjoy and all flowers are smiling.

Walk in the past

Last weekend saw us enjoying a walk in the past at Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. We started with Kettering where the boots/shoes making started as an industry and the local museum gave an idea about life in the previous centuries. Our chosen halting board was in the middle of nowhere and gave us some much needed relief from any pressure of modern life. Hehe..

Stratford is a nice cute town with the Birthplace of Shakespeare. We learnt about his life in particular and life at the time in general by visiting the old houses which are very well preserved and recreate part of history to enjoy. There was also a local farmers market to boot and we bought some local produce.

The next phase of the short trip was the Castle at Warwick. Truly picturesque looking over the countryside, the castle is great for a one day trip for people of all ages. Much admired the gardens and wax models while we were at it. Not to mention the walk on the walls or the Ghost tower. Really worth a visit. Completed the sojourn at the Mill where the wonders of electricity were benefited long ago, for one of the first times for the happy few.

Here is us at the place where Shakespeare is said to have lived/retired.

A Glimpse of Alpes

Grenoble (G went there for a short business trip) is located in a valley surrounded by the french Alpes; while landing the Mont-Blanc showed its majestic white peaks through the plane's windows.

And in the city, under a fresh but bright sun, one is never far from a magnificent view of these mountains. Just reminds us that Humankind is not the whole universe, but a small part of it! Nevertheless, the local food and the language all french added to the atmosphere.
By the way, typical products there are "noix" and all what one can make out of them: oil, liquor... The difficult part was to go leave the place and its french touch.

But home is were the wife is!

Plans and Resolutions...

...Are made to be broken unlike promises!

This month has been a real start.
A new job for Soumya and another routine, yet trying not to succumb to it.
January with its cold and we look forward before the winter is out to a trip up north, maybe some ski. May never happen though.
For now its all at a standstill.

We did plenty of reading-- Nevil Shute and some others. Some of Shute's books are really amazing and we are surprised at his reasoning.
We found some new CDs but nothing especially great.
Also we got to start working on the website sometime.

So much to do and see... while trying to keep up with the "Plans" as much as possible.

Seasons Greetings

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous new year!
And of course, that the first week has been one of joy and fun!

We surely are having our fill.
Started the new year in London to watch the fireworks at the London eye.
They do keep reminding you it's the best on the planet!
Yet, the embankment is already crowded 5 hours before... We were unsure if it was worth standing in the cold night for so long...

Needless to say, it was worth it and much more!
The most spectacular show ever!
At midnight, eveyone around was so stunned by the noise, colours of the fireworks that they even forgot to wish each other for a full 15 minutes!
Makes us want to return next year if possible.

Then was the partying on Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
All the streets of London seemed to be awake until morning.
We managed to be back morning as well after a lovely drive.

Another drive was a trip to Birmingham before Christmas on a busy and foggy day.
Also visited Coventry; not much industry left there.

Many more drives with doll soon to come...

Or Christmas in English

After a hiatus, back to blogging again.
Been busy and did not travel.

Now its all Christmassy.
The lists for gifts are written and exchanged.
The tree stands in its finery and decorations.
Lights herald the season everywhere.

On the other hand its icy.
No snow, just frost and fog.
Maybe the reason Noel is celebrated in December is to make it easy to
bear the long cold winter nights.
To busy oneself in the festive spirit(s) and get on.

Looking forward to open the gifts and share them with each other, wish
to be together until next year, happy and peaceful.
And of course, to the Christmas dinner.
Since we dont cook meat, we plan to have a meal of new dishes.
The joy is doing things for each other keeping it a surprise.
Never knew it could be so much fun to do that.

Just surprise with little things.
Simple things make life worthwhile.

Frosty news

This time we go backwards. The ground is covered in white sheet in the morning making it look like winter. Any sun is treasure and there's been some.

Lot of fireworks on November 5th for Guy Fawkes day, music in Oxford with Ragha for Oxjam on the 3rd. Simply mesmerising. Lot of parties on 1st and 2nd.

Winter brings in some fun, eh?

We watched Googlewhack Adventures. Well, fun and at the same time, crazy. A must watch for cyberjunkies.

Drives: The drive to Oxford was another highspot at midnight and onward on a foggy night in country roads. Even saw a fox. Pity we don’t hunt;-)