The Hardy Wench

Goes a travellin!

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  • And relax….

    And relax….

    Leaving Cape Canaveral we headed south along the coast to another Disney resort situated beside the sand dunes of Vero Beach. The resort consisted of a large reception building with accommodation villas and apartments nearby, not to mention a pool shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ears!.

    With a pool, Tennis courts, crazy golf, restaurants, bars and of course the beach there was nothing to do but laze around, swim, eat and drink!

    It was lovely to see a beach so wild and uncommercialised. A popular turtle nesting site it was a relief to see the nests were marked out so that they weren’t disturbed by humans. The Antlantic sea was really warm and despite the rather grim warnings of rip tides and sharks it was provided some great swimming.

    To make sure Keith didn’t forget this trip was in honour of his 70th birthday we organised a little surprise ‘Karate party,’ in our apartment. Thankful to report not everybody was Kung Fu fighting and a jolly time was had by all!

    When the party was over we headed North again for our last three nights at Animal Kingdom our last theme park for this trip!

  • To Infinity and Beyond!

    To Infinity and Beyond!

    The next morning we said goodbye to Donald Duck and left the fantasy world of Disney for the real world of Florida but not for long. We were soon headed for a new world of Space Exploration at the Cape Canaveral JFK Space Centre.

    We Started in the Rocket Garden where we could see early rockets and how they had been developed. We were then taken around the huge complex by bus to see some launch pads along with the building where the rockets were built before being transported painstakingly slowly to the pads which have to be at least three miles away from any spectators.

    We were guided through the various Space programmes, the several Apollo missions and the space shuttle Artemis, triumphs and tragedies. It was so well done and brought back memories I had done of a project of the famous moonwalk Apollo mission in 1969 when I was in the top year of Primary school!

    It was overwhelming to see the size of some of the rockets and to be so close to them.

    I was even more amazed to see that Portland had made it into part of the Space Race with a show all about ‘Fraggle Rock!’

    We could have easily spent two days here, there was so much to see but as we had another few lies to cover we headed south to our next destination ‘Vero Beach!’ A relaxing few days to follow!

  • Hollywood Calling!

    Hollywood Calling!

    Our next adventure took us to Hollywood Studios, yet another more than a theme park theme park! Certainly designed around the golden age of Hollywood, the architecture was very Art Deco giving a very 1930’s feel. The crowds in shorts and Teeshirts did not quite fit the glamour of Old Hollywood! The first ride which, I declined, was a jerky lift in placed in the ‘Tower of Terror’ which, jolted you in a downwards direction. This was followed by show telling the story of ‘Beauty and the Beast. This I could cope with! As with everything seen so far the quality of the production, costumes and ability of the actors was incredibly polished.

    This was followed by a show displaying how scenes involving stunt actors are made, geared around ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ Fight scenes combined with explosions and the inevitable baddies chasing the hero and heroine! All good stuff.

    Next we joined ‘Star Tours, a ride which simulated a galaxy mission guided by C-3PO. Following which we wanted around a Star Wars landscape recreation.

    Another hairy ride followed this, spot who is missing!

    Can you spot who is missing?

    After lunch we made last way the to Runaway train another ride which simulated many adventures is a range of settings. A stroll through Toy Story World followed which, was like seeing old friends as characters from the film were dotted around.

    The finale for the day was a show titled Fantasmic. What seemed like thousands of park guests filed into a huge amphitheatre in front of a lake and behind which was a mountain. The show was truly incredible, a romp through the many films and characters created by Disney, beginning with Mickey Mouse and moving through all the characters up to the present day. The show was accompanied by some of the most incredible special effects I have ever seen.

    The show ended with a steamboat full of Disney’s favourite characters waving goodbye!

    Our adventures were not yet over; deciding to take the Skyliner cable car home, we were subjected to an unexpected delay and spent some time dangling in mid air before eventually arriving back at our boardwalk home!

  • Orlando bound!

    Orlando bound!

    This year one of my very good friends Keith reached the milestone of seventy! His wish to celebrate this momentous event was to visit Disneyworld with his five favourite other pensioners, his wife Andrea, myself and other friends Chris, Mike and Julie. Keith and Andrea organised the trip and booked the flights some time ago so anticipation had been mounting for some time.

    After a 6.00am start from Weymouth we met up at Heathrow ready for our USA adventure.We flew on Virgin airlines and service was excellent and the extra few inches of legroom made for s very comfortable flight.

    Arrival in Orlando was slightly lengthened by a long wait for our luggage; (Kieth’s case was the very last case on the belt!) but, we were soon on our way in a huge transfer vehicle to our destination ‘Boardwalk Villas,’ part of the massive Disney complex.

    One could not help but be impressed! The traditionally whiteboard style buildings fringed a man made lake across which ferry boats took guests to various parts of the complex. The lobby of our building boasted a large golden dragon hanging from the ceiling whilst the walls and carpets were in pastel shades of green and blue. Our own apartment had two floors again with a high ceiling and the largest twin beds I have ever seen! A balcony overlooked the lake and we were welcomed by a firework display from the Epcot Centre a short walk away. Our destination from the next day!

    Quite a greeting!

  • The Magic of Disney

    The Magic of Disney

    Even if not a big Disney fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by Disney’s Magic Kingdom which, proved to be much more than a theme park. The rides were incredible and more than just rides! Mostly themed around Disney films we were transported into “Small Worlds, Caribbean Pirates, Haunted houses, Tiana’s bayou and Wild West gold mines.

    ‘Main Street,’ was constructed of replica all American clapperboard building leading to the iconic Disney castle.

    My face says it all!

    I was a bit apprehensive about some of the rides but although my face shows absolute terror I did enjoy them.

    Look behind you!

    Interspersed with the amazing rides were two parades (one in daylight and one in after dark,) followed by a very spectacular firework display accompanied by very stirring music. People crowded into the Main Street and all around the resort to see this stunning display which emanated from the iconic Disney castle. An exciting end to a tiring but very enjoyable day.

    Familiar faces!

    A very grand finale!

  • Epic Epcot

    Epic Epcot

    The following morning we boarded a ferry for a short hop across the lake to the Epcot Centre, where world countries are replicated in a series of bulldings particular to that country. We were greeted by a very twee England complete with Roase and Crown pub, followed by a film journey around Canada. Recreated Mayan Mexican temples stood side by side Chinese Lions, Morroccan souks and Italian plazas.

    A replica of the Itsukushimi shrine framed the Epcot dome from which a spectacular firework display was held almost every night.

    We attempted a space simulation ride which took us on a journey around the world giving us knobs and joysticks to play with whilst we blasted around space!

    A sudden thunderstorm caused us to seek shelter in a Chinese cafe for lunch. Following this we enjoyed Bellinis in an Italian Plaza where we were entertained by a juggling clown.

    Following a very British dinner in the Roase and Crown pub (where we were served by wenches in very traditional costume!) we were treated to the first of thefireworks shows before returning home after what had been a busy first day!

  • A Room with a View!

    A Room with a View!

    Arriving in La Valle at the two floor apartment which is Nereyda’s home I couldn’t help but be struck by the beautiful view they have over the nearby mountains.

    This morning we were going to breakfast (I know it’s a continuous eating fest!) in a local cafe popular with workmen to have what is known in Valenciano as ‘esmorcai’ in Castilian ‘almuerzo,’ which is a snack between breakfast and lunch. Due to the high winds everyone was inside and a noisy scene of almost all men greeted us when we entered. Although loud, the atmosphere was convivial and animated. I had developed a headcold and Nereyda recommended a coffee cremaet (cremated coffee). This is a black coffee which is made in a terracotta cup with rum or brandy which is set alight before the coffee is added. I’d certainly recommend this as a remedy for a cold, it made me feel much better, at least until the alcohol wore off! Although it was windy it was not as bad as we had expected so we headed for Moncofar the small beach village near the La Valle. It seems unusual for Spain as the beach is a pebbly one. The sea was very blue and I wished I had been feeling well enough for a swim but the the current looked strong and I didn’t think it a good idea with a cold so instead we headed to another cafe where I had my favourite ice cream, Blanco y Negro. A ball of ice cream served over frozen coffee, another great cold remedy recommendation.

    After returning home for a siesta we made ready to go out for yet another meal, this time to a restaurant ‘Ca Mario,’ in a village Alfondegiya, three kilometers away. The decor was very traditional ceramics and the menu related to us orally by Mario himself. Yet another gastronomic success with Sepia, Pork croquettes and a seafood casserole. I tried my first Vermouth which was beautifully served.

    We had arrived early for dinner (eight o’clock) by Spanish standards and we were the only diners when we arrived but by the time we left it was full.

    And so home and to bed once again after a busy day of eating and drinking!

  • More Friends and More Food!

    More Friends and More Food!

    The next day after a relatively relaxed morning, Nuria and I headed to Valencia once again, this time to meet some friends Nereyda and Aureli, who live a little outside Valencia in a small town called La Valle D’Uxo. Yet another lunch awaited, this time in an Italian restaurant. Nereyda was also a friend from university who also became an English teacher. We enjoyed a lunch of Pasta and Lasagne, with much chatter and laughter. I then said goodbye to Isabel and Nuria and went back with Nereyda and Aureli to La Valle. At some point in the late afternoon my phone showed an alert for high winds in the area and advising not to go out. The Moroccan meal we had organized with Nereyda’s students had to be cancelled and supplies brought in, in case we were unable to go out the following day. The supermarket was goi,ng to be closed for the day and everyone was advised to stay at home. So we ate (again!) at home and stayed up talking late into the night!

    We

  • Back to Work and an encounter with a Fallera!

    Back to Work and an encounter with a Fallera!

    As an English teacher in the School of Languages, Nuria asked if I would be prepared to attend a morning at the school speaking to her students who were learning English. The schools of Languages are government subsidised colleges where anyone can learn a modern language relatively cheaply.

    The students are mostly adults learning languages for a variety of reasons. Both groups were delightful and I spent a lovely morning talking a lot (one of my favourite pastimes,) about a range of topics from our pets to the National Health Service to King Charles and my home town, Weymouth..

    All were very engaged and enthusiastic so the morning whizzed by! I headed into Valencia once more, this time to meet another friend Isabel who lives in a small mountain town just outside Valencia. I met her and her daughter Maria and we went for possible the largest lunch I have encountered so far. The portions were huge and the food really good, just a shame we couldn’t finish it. I chose my favourite ‘ Arroz Al Orno,’ and it certainly did not disappoint.

    Following lunch, Isabel and I headed into the centre of Valencia and to the Mercado de Colon, previously a small covered food market but now transformed into a trendy meeting place with gift stalls, bars delicatessens and eateries. We enjoyed a very large Gin and Tonic (No optics in Spain!) and headed back to the Plaza Del Ayuntamiento. On the way, a crowd had gathered outside the theatre and a band were playing. As we approached it became clear it was a presentation of Falleras. This is a preamble to the huge festival of ‘Fallas’ which takes place next month. Girls in traditional dress are presented in a formal ceremony. The costumes and jewellery are very ornate. It was lovely to see such a traditional event taking place and the girls looked beautiful. I thought I had scrubbed up reasonably well but felt very underdressed when I saw them!

    It was time to head for home, so `Isabel and I said our goodbyes and I headed for the metro and home to L’Eliana once more.

  • Continuing the theme of light!

    Continuing the theme of light!

    My ticket for the Art gallery included two visits to churches nearby so feeling much refreshed after a great sleep, I decided to head into the city centre again. I headed first to the church of Saint Nicolas which as recommended by Nuria is known for it’s light show; the entrance was in a very unprepossessing side alleyway but once inside it was clear why this church is known as ‘Valencia’s Sistine chapel.’ The ceiling was totally covered by paintings of biblical scenes and cherubs a plenty. The sides of the church contained several small chapels each dedicated to different saints, each with a story as Tod in the audio guide. I was delighted to see as statue of Saint Anne (My namesake!) the mother of Mary in one of the chapels.
    It was announced that the light show was about to begin so, I sat (as advised by Nuria, in a back pew. The church came to life with beautiful moving lights depicting flying cherubs all over the ceiling along with blooming flowers and what looked like shooting stars. With the musical accompaniment it was so atmospheric, and so well put together. Definately, another priority for visitors I would say.

    One more church later Sant Juan which was also impressive and beautifully restored, I found myself at the Central market. This is the largest covered food market in Europe; the stalls were a blaze of colour with a huge variety of all types of fruits, vegetables, hams, cheeses, wines, fish and seafood. Huge pans of assorted Paella were serving up lunch., Some of the stalls sold drinks and cones of salami and cheese which, locals ate while chatting, creating a social space not just a shopping area.

    I continued my wandering around the city, the now pedestrianised Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, the Bullring, El Corte Ingles; all landmarks I remembered from my time here so many yers ago. I was surprised that ‘El Correos,’ a favourite meeting place was now a telecommunications museum as the need for postage must have declined here as well!

    I encountered some bomberos attending to a tree which had partially blown down in the high winds. I made my way to the Metro station and headed for home. Having walked nine miles in total I was very relieved when Ana, Nuria’s daughter picked me up from the Metro Station in L’Eliana, it had been a long but really enjoyable day!