The Olympics and some Autumn trips.

The London Olympics.

Just a quick word on the Olympics (and Paralympics), held here in the UK last summer. Well, I had my doubts about them - would they be a success? Would anyone care? etc etc...right up until about ten minutes into watching the extravagant opening ceremony on BBC1. Then I was hooked and got into the whole thing! Danny Boyle's cinematic opening show was simply *magnificent*; one of the best pieces of television I've ever seen was the 'Industry Changing Britain' section. Wow, the look and sounds of those towers raising and the flying and exploding Olympic rings over the stadium were stupendous. Plus we also got to see James Bond aka 007 and The Queen parachute into the stadium, Mr. Bean's musical talents, the sci-fi esque lighting of the torch, and Kenneth Branagh in a tall Victorian hat. Class.

Of course, it was great to watch some of the sport as well, especially the women's beach volleyball which was a blast. Seemed like it was daily party down there in horse guards parade! Also, I loved the stadium and park, put together very efficiently and well, I thought. The future of that part of east London looks positive. Closer to home, it was fun to see the Ricoh Arena stadium at Coventry used for some of the football games. The bunting on the stadium front looked very impressive!

The olympic rings come together and float over the Olympic Stadium during the impressive opening ceremony.

A day out in Evesham and Alcester.

Together with out pal Toria, we had a drive around these two pretty towns last Autumn one day, and it was especially pleasant as the weather was cool but very clear and sunny. Evesham features some very nice old buildings in the main town centre and towards the river around the old abbey. The park by the river is lovely to walk around. Also, it was fantastic (for me at least as I'm a cinema fan) to pay a brief visit to the old Regal Cinema (now renovated and running successfully.) I will definitely be back to see a film there and have the tour one day soon! Alcester was also great to go visit on the way back home, as it contains more lovely streets of old buildings and has a nice feel.
 

Abbey bell tower, Evesham.

River Avon, Evesham.

High Street, Alcester.

A trip to the North-East: Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, and Newcastle.

We'd been meaning to go up to this area for some time, and so decided to have a look at a new (well, new to us) part of England. We were lucky enough to find some accomodation at Durham Castle for one evening, and then stay with our friend Trudi in nearby Stockton-on-Tess for two more. We had an enjoyable time in the area, and saw some great stuff. Durham is a very interesting and pretty 'university' town, with some fabulous sites to visit such as Durham Castle, the Cathedral, the green, and the gorgeous river walk. Oh, those lovely trees by the river! Also, we found a fantastic noodle bar there so it was definitely a case of "om nom, nom"! :)

Durham Cathedral, Castle, and River Wear.

Newcastle was fun place to visit on a busy Saturday, and its an easy city to navigate around and drive into. Spotted The Angel of the North statue on the way in and back, as it is just off to the East of the A1. In the city, the castle keep is a must to visit, as is the waterfront where you can see the famous bridges, including the new Millenium Bridge. We also discovered some of the old town walls on our walk abouts. There is a popular market in the city as well, selling some very tasty food items!
  

The Tyne Bridge, over the River Tyne, Newcastle.

Carla and I on the Millenium Bridge, Newcastle.

Me at the top of Newcastle castle keep. Fine views over the whole city! St. James' Park stadium is in the far background.

Trudi and Carla at Newcastle castle keep.

Looking towards the Gatehouse at Newcastle castle keep.

 * * * * *