Saturday 18 July 2015

We Lost A Day

17/07/15 Walton On Thames to Home


We had a pretty quiet night at Sue and Brads' on Friday, because we knew we all had a big one Saturday. Scorch and Becks are friends of Sue and Brad, and own a heritage home called Manor House. It is next door to the The Old Manor pub, obviously, on Manor Road, well of course. They have planned and organised a family festival/fun day, on the grounds, to raise money for Alzheimers. Something that is close to them, and almost everyone really. So as they have an amazing bunch of supportive friends, of which they made us feel a part of, we were all doing and making something.

Sue had volunteered us for Coleslaw duty, so we had to take a trip to the store. She had also said she would do mystery shots, so we purchased a few bottles of "mystery" liquor. We head home to make enough coleslaw for 250 people. Holy crap, I hope she has a food processor! Well she did, so we set about chopping enough cabbage to increase the UK gas emissions over their limits. Some improvisation was required when we realised the lack of sizeable bowls, but we got it all together just outside of schedule.


Coleslaw making team, thank god I've peeled a few carrots in my day.


The finished products, hope all the people show up or guess what we'll be eating for the next week?


We wheelbarrowed the many bottles of mystery alcohol over, had some scouts come and help carry the coleslaw, we arrived at The Manor to an amazing scene of families on rugs, picnicking, a bouncy castle, a band in preparation, the scouts on BBQ duty, and some mobile public toilets. I've not seen anything like it in someone's backyard. Totally cool. So everything was free, all they asked is if you enjoyed the food, or the entertainment, or got your face painted, or required a drink, then maybe you could make a small donation in the buckets provided. Who wouldn't? It was great fun.


                                      
Beautiful sunny English day, lots of people enjoying the music and relaxed setting.


                                     
Singing, dancing, it was a great day. The Manor house in the background. It's lovely.


The band was an amazing mix of guys and girls, with a horn section, and a great music selection. They got everyone into a happy mood, and we all danced and mixed and enjoyed. During their break, Sue was on kids games, and as usual, roped me in to assist. We had 5 dozen eggs, some boiled, but most not, and the first event was the old egg and spoon races. These went off as usual, with no dramas, but then came the "Pick an Egg and Throw to Your Partner" game. You know, where you keep moving apart until one of you drops it? Well, there was one boy who had no partner, he was a bit of a hand full, so Sue volunteered me up to be with him. Oh no, I am useless these days, with small objects. Cross eyed, old lady sight, unco ... This is not going to be good. I warned him!

We start, and I catch the first couple. He catches the first couple. We are getting further apart, and it's my turn to throw. I concentrate, bend my knees, and gently, using the under arm technique, lob our egg. It is looking perfect, easy, and I'm watching carefully, feeling very happy with my lob, until, "Crack!". Oh shit! He didn't catch it, and the throw was so perfect, it hit him square between the eyes, and splattered all over his face. Oh my god, I'm not allowed to laugh, I did that! I can't run, I can't laugh, I just have to try and make light of it.....nope, I'm laughing, it was hell funny! Sorry, but it was!


                                        
Gotta have a conga line, it is essential to a great day with awesome tunes.


                                       
I really got my "Hippy" on, and got a dragonfly painted on my face. Cool!


Needless to say, the games turned to teen egg fights and lolly pops distributed, adults evacuated. Back to Pimms and dancing. Afternoon was turning to evening, the band finished, and the shots began. I called it a night, and left Will to fend off the enquiries. I was knackered, and I'd had enough. It was an awesome event, and I hope they raised a good sum for Alzheimers. I don't know what time the others made it home, but when I woke in the middle of the night, they were home, and music was still coming from Scorch and Beck's.


                                     
Barmaid Suey lining them up. They sold over £700 worth of shots. Woo hoo!


                                        
I'm sure you have all seen this game on Facebook, so funny!

                                        
The kids wanted to have a go, but couldn't get a look in edge ways....ha ha ha


Needless to say, Sunday was a very chilled day, followed by Monday. Actually, the rest of our stay was very chilled, with only packing and sorting and a couple of relaxing walks. Sue had a few days off with us, which was nice, and I think she enjoyed the relaxing around the house bit. We all helped do some more unpacking for them, and I got to build a small cupboard for the doggies room, while Will packed up our bikes. 


Oh, be careful Will, Black Betty is special to me, and Yellow Dawg just waiting his turn.


Using the S & S couplings made it easier this time, Will said.


Yellow Dawg all packed up again. See ya in Perth old mate!


                                        
Walking the doggies and letting them have a swim. It was overcast but warm.


                                       
Having a last drink at the Old Manor pub, and taking in "the sights".


Wednesday night Brad, Sue, Rod and Collette took us out to their favourite French restaurant in Hampton, and we all enjoyed a beautiful dinner, some extremely nice wine, and a pretty early night. 


We got to doggie sit OTTO, the black Lab, at the back is Bailey, and then Cosmo.


Thursday was another crazy day at Oud Manor, with builders, gardeners, garden builders, security CCTV man and the house cleaners. All up about 20 extra people, two golden retrievers and two nervous adventurers. At about 10:30am, we couldn't handle it anymore and evacuated to town for a quiet coffee to await our 1pm taxi. Sue and Brad went to work, which makes the good-byes a bit easier. I hate them, and they make me sad.


Relaxing while the workers work, I'm getting used to it now. Good bye Wendy house (shed).


Just like that, and it's gone. More party space now.


So our taxi came, and we got to Heathrow in good time, checked in and made our way through security. I won't bore you with the rest, only to say that we left the UK at 4pm Thursday and arrived in Perth at 6pm Friday, looking and smelling like a couple of zombies. It is a bloody long flight, stopping in Doha this time, but all went smoothly, and it was bloody awesome to see two of our three grown up kids there to pick us up. Another hours drive, and we are home and the adventure is actually over. Wow! Just like that.


Good-bye England.....


Hello Perth!


Almost out, just customs to go. No probs, hey Will?


It has been really amazing, with so many people helping to make it great. To think about what we have achieved is difficult to comprehend, it feels like it happened to someone else, although we feel different. We don't want to stop now, so we are going to get our home and "stuff" sorted out properly, and keep going, so stay tuned, as the next big adventure is just around the corner. Thanks for sharing this one, it has been great having you all along to help make it awesome. Don't forget to check out Wills' www.crazyguyonabike.com/wiljen , he has updated that one too. Cheers.

"To infinity and beyond!" .... I love kids movies...ha ha ha

Sunday 12 July 2015

Farvel Danske Dudes

10/07/15 Helsingor to Oud Manor

Thursday came over cold and raining, thank goodness, as Will and I were in need of a lazy day on the couch. And that is exactly what we did. It rained pretty steadily for the morning and until about 3pm. So Will and I decided to take a walk and check out the inside of the two churches, as everyone had said they were very nice.


                                       
It's movie day, yay, the only time we are happy it's raining.


Inside the church of St Mary. It is full of interesting things.


I just love these old buildings and the skills used to make and keep them.


They were right, very interesting places, and both very different. We also took a look at the Shipping Museum, but didn't go in, as we had had our fill of museums. But an interesting building and I think it would be worthwhile seeing next visit.


Going from one church to the other, was an awesome view and interesting.


This is the church of St Olai.


Fantastic old organ.



Heading down to the shipping museum, with a great view of Kronborg Castle.


Helsingor has a Little Merman, we call him the silver surfer.


It's pretty cool. I like him better than the Mermaid....


Will being a bit artsie fartsie, but a cool photo hey?


Our last dinner in Denmark, and the guys took us to a Chinese buffet, which was super delicious, and then we came back to Thomas' flat to scare the crap out of ourselves watching "The Conjuring". Based on a true story, whoah, whoah, whoah, frickin scary.

Friday was our last day, and we just chilled out, cleaned up the apartment and talked. Jesper came over to hang out, so we decided to have a last go at 10,000. Jesper was desperate to win once. I won the first one, then Jespers' dream came true, and he battled Will for the final win. Then he drove us to the airport with Bettina.


Thomas made us his world famous omelette for brekkie, which was delicious..


Hey Will? Dig in and enjoy.


                                    
Heading to the departure area, I'm feeling a bit sad. I hope it isn't three years till we see these guys again.


It was a fantastic mini adventure, and we already miss our Danish Dudes (you too Bettina and Camilla), but we are sure we will visit again with our bicycles. There are many great cycle routes in Denmark, and I have found a great web site with them all on it. The highest hill is only 171mtrs, so no problems. Sue came and collected us from Gatwick airport, and took us back to our home away from home. We are buggered.

The Foods of The Vikings

08/07/15 Helsingor to Roskilde 

Monday was a rest day, and that's what we did. We blogged, watched movies, had a little walk around town, and did some shopping for dinner. I cooked dinner for Thomas and Camilla, and we just chilled out around the flat. Oh and did some washing too.

Tuesday Will had organised to catch up with Bent again, so we had a quiet morning before walking to the square and meeting Bent. We sat in the sunshine, in the square, and had a beer with Bent, then he took us on a mini tour of Helsingor, giving us a bit more history, and some stories of his life in Denmark. 


                                        
Delicious Smørrebrød, Danish beers and schnapps. Cheers Bent, thank you.


Bent took us for Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish lunch, which was very nice. A light selection of open sandwiches, made with dark bread and meats, salads and sauces. We all had a couple more beers, and tried the Danish schnapps. It was strong, not sweet, but nice. Then we tried the Swedish schnapps, which was a bit less bitey. There were heaps of people sitting in the sun, eating and drinking, and I'd noticed this on all our walks too. I was thinking that these Danish people just eat and drink all day, everyday, but Bent informed us that they are mostly Swedish. They come over by ferry, which takes about 20 minutes, to buy alcohol. It is easier and cheaper in Denmark than Sweden. Huh, how funny, now I noticed that a lot of them had carts and trollies to carry their stash home.


                                       
Bent telling me about the pillar that was given to Denmark by Sweden.


After lunch, we carried on the mini tour, where Bent also took us to the famous Helsingor ice cream shop, Brostræde, which has been run by the same family since 1922. They make the ice cream themselves and the waffle cones are freshly made daily. It was very light and tasty. While we enjoyed our ice cream, he showed us the two churches, and we wandered down to the Naver Gaarten to have a couple more "cheap" beers. We sat out in their courtyard area, and met Sorren, another member, who takes care of the maintenance in the garden, and a bit more. We chatted and enjoyed the afternoon, arranged to borrow Bent's car for a venture out on Wednesday, then headed back home for a nap, that we didn't end up having.


                                         
An original street, narrow, cobbled and uneven. The gutter in the middle was for sewerage.

                                        
The Church of Olai and it's spire, named "The Virgin of Helsingør.


                                        
Inside the Naver Gaarten, it is a real honor to be invited in.


Camilla came and collected us around 6pm, for dinner at Bettina and Jespers. We were treated to the traditional Danish roast Pork, with new potatoes, pickled red cabbage (Rødkål), sliced cucumber (Agurkesalat), and a very delicious brown sauce. The boys did the cooking, and they did an excellent job. Then it was time for a re-match of 10,000. There was plenty of dice whispering, magic hand waving and cursing, until Will emerged the victor over Camilla, just. The rest of us remained in awe of their skill. A short break for another tradition, Danish Strawberry Cake! No, we didn't need it, but we ate it and it was delicious. Then round three! This time us losers started well, and were determined to beat the winners. All was going well, until midway, then the wheels started falling off, and only Jesper managed to stay in contention with Will and Camilla. On the last roll each, Jesper got to 10,050, but Will had his final roll. He rolled 400, to be equal winner and had a chance to roll again to win.....what to do? Risk it all and possibly lose, or go for it? Us losers were shouting..."Do It! Do It!". He did it. Rolled again, and ..... Bloody well scored 600. Winner again! Ugh, oh well. Fun night, now we will roll our bellies home and sleep off our food babies.


Rødkål, delicious with the pork and new potatoes.


This was so yummy, but totally not good for you. 


Wednesday we had planned a unguided outing, in Bents' car. There is a Viking Museum at Roskilde, about 65kms away, that we thought could be interesting. Bent and Will organised the car, while I got into Jenny GPS mode, and sorted out a route to follow. We didn't bring Davo, or Destiny's Child, so me and Maps.me were it.

At 10:30am, Will and I headed out the big white door to the street, where the car was waiting. We were feeling a bit nervous, as being on "the wrong" side of the road is a strange feeling on a bike or as a passenger, but driving, well, glad I'm not doing it. In we go, and while Will familiarised himself with the little VW Lupo, automatic, indicators and wipers (it was raining a little), I gave him his initial directions to exit the narrow streets and take us onto the main road out of town. "At the T junction, turn left!" I repeated it a few seconds later.


Looking a little nervous, but keen for a go. Let's do it Will!


So far so good, and we were heading towards the main road. "At the intersection, turn left (onto the right side of the road)!" You don't get that extra advice from a machine. At the intersection, I added "Look left!". Out of habit, we look right first, but the traffic closest to us, is coming from the left. Done, and we are safely out on the road heading in the right direction. Well done Willsie! So we continued in this way, with me giving directions, always adding the "look left" or "onto the right side of the road", and it was going well. 

Will did an awesome job driving, while I took a detour from the route suggested, and found that we couldn't get onto the number 6 route we needed. Never mind, I " recalculated" and got us there via a scenic drive through a couple of smaller villages. He he he, bloody Jenny GPS! The Viking museum was easy to find, and we parked and breathed a sigh of relief. We did it! 

Once in the museum, there were a zillion kids, but there was plenty of hands on activities to keep them occupied. Making/painting your own Viking shield or war axe, making rope, chopping wood for your Viking ship and learning how to fight with your newly made weapons. I want to be a kid again. But the museum was really interesting, with some real Viking boats they recovered out of the Roskilde Fjord. They restored what they had recovered, and it took them 25yrs. Wow. The history was interesting, and seeing how far the Vikings reached in their relatively small ships. They even got as far as the USA.


Recovered and rebuilt with the bits they found. Amazing.


They found five boats of various sizes, shuttled to form a barrier across the fjord.


Will doing the all important reading to tell me in easy language, I'll remember.


Life size replica of one of the recovered ships. We are allowed on board.


Watch for the tar Willsie, they use it to waterproof things...it's everywhere.


One of the replicas' you could book a sail on. It was fully hand made and operational.


Once closer to the marina, the tourists have to row. So cool!


After spending so much time in the museum, we were hungry, so decided to have lunch at the cafe, after which we thought a toilet stop would be a good idea before the drive back. Yes, another toilet story.... Well, in I go, with my back to the toilet, I proceed to casually undo my pants, and take them down, when I hear a very definite "ker-plonk"! Uh oh... I know exactly what has happened, and gingerly turn hoping the last person had flushed properly, as my mobile phone had done a very graceful single tuck, pike into the bowl, and was resting nicely on the bottom. Shit! Well thankfully, actually no shit, all was clear, so before my brain could process the level of icky-ness involved, I threw my hand in and recovered the phone, only to thrust it immediately under the tap for a thorough cleaning. Please, please, please Samsung, let this phone live up to it's reputation of being water resistant.


Take us home Willsie.


As I came out giggling to myself, I explained to Will the happenings, and we left giggling together. The drive home was uneventful, and Will was starting to feel less tense, and even thinking he'd be able to handle a manual car on the wrong side of the road. After making it home safely, Will was pretty tired, but pleased with himself. I was pretty pleased too, as he did a great job. We stayed in and had a movie night with pizza, and all the crew. It was another ripper day even though it was a bit colder and rained a little.

Movies and Pizza with the crew after an awesome self drive adventure.