Jersey Oct 2012

After an overnight stay in a travelodge and an amusing meal in a little chef, we are awake at 5.30 to catch a sea cat to Jersey. We are soon on board, fear of driving the car on and parking it was unfounded, a previous horror with a brand new BMW and a paranoid husband still haunts me. The Captain welcomes us and says it might get  a bit choppy once we are out in the channel. This turns out to be the understatement of the year. A BIT choppy, BIT ha!. The vessel was rolling from side to side VIOLENTLY, and up and down just as violently. Waves were crashing against the windows, thunder and lightening crashed around, I feared not only would I, be seeing again the bacon roll I had for breakfast but my car would be as dented as a golf ball by the end of the journey.

However unlike many of the other passengers, I refrained from vomiting and after cooling off outside was fine. Once we reached Guernsey it was much calmer & I even managed a snooze. It was a speedy crossing only 4 hours, 12 on traditional ferry. Jersey is quite far across the channel, only 14 miles from France. We found out later that it was the 2nd worse crossing in history, me, I was still worried about the journey back. The vessel had also been nicknamed the “Vomit Comet” very apt given the circumstances.

St Helier is not the picturesque place I had imagined but there are lots of things to see & many restaurants. So it is not long before we are out & about in town sampling the delights.

The sun is shining so we sit outside the Cock & Bottle ( wonder how that got it's name?) & soak up the atmosphere, have a drink (just to settle my stomach you understand) and decide where we will eat that night.

Now the whole point of this journey is because the Channel Islands are holding the annual Tennerfest, where many restaurants have set menus for £10. Well, they did a few years ago, now its between £12-£17 for 3 courses. The fish here is so fresh, we are savage that we cannot take any home. But make up for it whilst we are there.

Later that evening we eat at the Blue Ocean in the fish market. I had Prawns to start & Ian had squid. Then we shared a Pork & Clam cataplana. Back to the hotel, the Mayfair. I forgot to say we got a great deal £390, Ferry crossing plus car, B&B for 3 nights for the 2 of us. Hotel 3 * but large rooms, very clean and excellent brekkie. The hotel is packed as  Pontypridd are playing Jersey at rugby this weekend and a ladies netball tournament is on plus several other events.

There is “entertainment” as well. We have a quick look but as it is not up to the standard of Mark Santana (see trip to Bridlington May 2012) we take to our beds. Twin room, George and Gaye Gambol style. Lovely sleep.

Saturday - Torrential rain early morning soon clears. We go birding at Noirmount point, meet the author of Jersey birds, have a good walk, look at the spectacular coastline and trundle around German bunkers and gun turrets.

There are lots of birds flying overhead, migrating south. Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Linnets, Wagtails, a Hobby, many Meadow pipits and Swallows. The air is filled with chirps and tweets as they constantly call to each other. It is an amazing sight, such tiny birds & such a long journey. I did learn that Wood pigeons migrate and we watched a group of  30-40 fly out to sea, kept watching until they were specks in the distance. Amazing.

Mr F is constantly surprised at how much things cost. I on the other hand think Jersey to be quite cheap compared to what I thought. Mr F is constantly saying “Robbing B’stards they should be wearing a  mask. He really does spend far too much time behind a desk.

We drive around the island stopping off for walks, cream tea, photographs & general sightseeing. It is a great day with plenty of sunshine. Enough to have the roof down on the car.

For dinner we go to Rosa’s Bistro, again in the fish market. I have prawns again, this time in a lovely chili butter, then sea bass so very fresh and beautifully cooked. Mr F had Moules a la creme and a whole sea bream. It was a fantastic meal. What en excellent chef - highly recommended.

Had another good sleep but woken at 2am by the aforementioned Welsh having a barney outside.

Another hearty breakfast and we are out again. It starts to rain quite heavily. Ian decides he is going down the war tunnels and I stay & write you my dear diary. The sun soon shines, Ian emerges from the gloom of an underground war hospital and we head fro the coast with the roof down again.

We bought some Jersey potatoes from the side of the road, a huge bag £1. Mr F say’s a £1 a £1 for a bag of potatoes!!  Robbing b’tards I left .40p ( I do jest here, I am sure he left a £1 honest).

Sunday night we ate in a Portuguese restaurant - my least favorite meal. I had calamari (frozen) V disappointed and really no excuse for it. Ian had sardines which were good. Then we had Espertada basically anything on a skewer and charcoal grilled. It was nice but nothing special, they had already lost me.

Monday we went back to Noirmount point to see if we could spot the elusive Wryneck (Look it up) no luck. Our Jersey birder was still there counting the birds migrating overhead. He was a great help to us and gave us lots of info and made our trip that much better. Then we visited beaches up and down the coast had  agood drive around enjoying the scenerey such a beautiful place and lots of walks.

We, unsurprisingly found ourselves back at Rosa’s for lunch on Monday. Cannot remember what we had for starters because the Monkfish wrapped in bacon and served with a chili, lime, turmeric and something else which eludes me was (and I don't say this lightly) Divine, I really did not want the meal to end as I wanted to keep tasting it.

I was however slightly worried that I would again see this food on the return trip across the channel.  I did manage to  park the car without issue on the SeaCat., still had palpitations though. I was well prepared for the trial ahead and stuffed my pockets with sick bags as soon as I got on board. (following lack of on way across which is what I am sure made me feel queasy). Found a good seat facing the right way and off we went. Crossing to Guernsey quite choppy. Oh dear if it’s this rough here what is it going to be like right in the middle of the channel? The weather forecast is atrocious and I am sore afraid. Another fear unfounded, the crossing was a smooth as siting on a coach, The drive home in the pitch black, lashing rain and force gales winds was much worse. I was very glad to see my bed and Willow was just as glad to see me.

I wish that I had been brave enough, or not so vain, to photograph my orange peel thigh to show you the spectacular bruise I had, due to slipping in the bath. So, sorry dear reader you will have to imagine. I only mention it least I forget, as it was quite monumentous and should be recorded for posterity - ha ha Posterior (ity)

We loved Jersey and have plans for Guernsey possible next year! anyone up for it?

A Scary Saturday ---- Whoooooo, 08/10/12

A day trip into London. Sunny autumn day, fabulous lunch in Opera Restaurant, Drury Lane, Covent garden, theatre.

Lunch.

Parma ham carved off the bone, grilled pumpkin, olives, aubergine and scrummy bread. Calamaris and courgette tempura. Then we had Gnocchi with chicken and veg and Papperdelle with Italian sausage. Bottle of Montepulciano - no puds .

Drink.

Then we went to the crusting pipe as someone who will remain anonymous got the time of the theatre wrong. (Well I would say if it had been Ian) 

Theatre.

Woman In black - Fortune theatre London. 

What a perfect theatre and venue for this play. We have been meaning to see the play for more than 20 years. Debbie Orrell told me I should go & see it when we were working in Smith house. Well Debbie , I have been.

It was really good. Despite wanting to doze off, combination of age & Montepulciano, We were on our toes. There were many moments that made you jump out of your skin.  A young lad of about 12 was so scared at one stage, his beaker of sweets was thrown over his head as he hid behind the seat in front of him. Hilarious.

Came home watched The Exotic Marigold hotel with a cup of tea and went to bed. 10/10 for everything.

Croatia September 2012

A very sunny September 15th saw us boarding an Easyjet flight from Gatwick to Dubrovnik. We had booked this holiday through Cosmos as it was the cheapest way I could get what we wanted, we were in fear & trepidation that for once I made made a big booboo. Originally we were on a BA flight but got bumped off that several weeks before as it was full and offloaded on to Easyjet. We did get speedy boarding which I must say was actually very good and although I probably would balk at the idea of paying for it, it was excellent. Mr F & I were first on the plane - extra legroom and a window seat cant be bad. Then I heard an announcement or rather a chat coming over the intercom system, looking up I saw a very smiley captain. He gave a very rousing, helpful and hilarious talk about the plane, himself & where we were headed. It ended with the whole plane giving him a round of applause and loud cheers. Superb! 

2 hours later we landed in Dubrovnik airport  (Captain smiley said he might let the planes tyres down and stay with us)- actually about 8k outside of the city. Now our hotel was very near by - yes we were aware  we would get aircraft noise. Mr F always careful with the pennies when it counts, said that as we were only 10 mins from the airport we would get the coach (included in the price) rather than pay extra for a private transfer. (me not convinced about this- the 3 C’s coach, chavs, children uh uh. Snob me? Definitely!) However, tiny airport as expected, bags off V quick, out to find rep, easy! 

Me to rep - Hi, I am Mrs Floody, we are staying in the Croatia Hotel.

Rep - Hello, ah yes, checks list. Calls to a driver stood nearby.

Rep to cab driver - Translated version - do you have a booking for Floody.

Driver looks at us & holds up a piece of paper with a name on it. Is this you?

Me - No

Driver - Another piece of paper - Is this you

Me  - No

Several pieces of paper later & nothing remotely resembling our name, the rep says this is your driver anyway.  Out we go to the bright sunshine & our very own 4X4 - Result.

8 to 10 mins later we arrive at the hotel. Walking into reception Mr F Gasps & says look at the view “ is it real”. The reception desk which snaked the whole length of the long foyer, was backed by floor to ceiling picture windows and all we could see out of it was the sparkling blue sea and the clear blue sky. We had arrived.

Room not ready until 2 so we settled for a drink in the outside bar which overlooked the small bay of Cavtat. It was very hot but there was a storm brewing over the bay towards Dubrovnik. The currency (Kuna) was very strange & took us a while to get used to it, initially we thought the hotel to be expensive but it was not the case, mostly the price in the price list (bar) was not the price you paid, actually lower!

First impressions of our room were, wowzer look at that view. Second were it’s not very big (based on Gran Canaria), third not a lot of wardrobe space. The room was totally fine and we had more than enough space for each other & our clothes.

There are no real beaches around where we were staying. The coastline is very rocky steep cliffs and stunningly beautiful. Our hotel is up a hill from Cavtat and a cliff face to the sea the other-side. The swimming pool area is too small for a hotel of this size so sun beds are precious, and as it is surrounded by woods you do get some shading by trees.

Mr F turned sulky as we could not get a sunbed - we went down to the “beach” area which is where they have made sun bathing areas on the cliff face. There are no sun beds, so you have to lie on the concreted areas. Sounds dreadful but actually it was so peaceful and quiet we spent a bit of time down there. Added bonus if you are that way inclined there are nudist areas. Mr F wasted very little time in divesting himself of his trunks but was rather concerned about getting his todger sunburnt.  - Cue for jokes about rubbing in suntan lotion etc etc!!!

Look a little closer

I soon turned sulky about lying around here as I was getting severe lockage of the spine, and a crick in my neck to see the 2 naked men along the cliff. So we turned German and got down to breakfast early and up to bag the best sunbeds, if sunbathing was the order of the day.

Cavtat is a delightful place and very beautiful. It is made up of a small peninsula with bays either side. Plenty of restaurants, caters for tourists but not touristy. Fantastic food, great wine (you have to shop around the bars to find a good one that serves cold white) One,Anchora was recommended to us and we whiled away some time watching the world go by here during the week.

There were huge yachts coming in to moor up for a night or 2/3/4. Some of them were massive consortium owned, now that is the type of cruising that I would really enjoy. 

We were half board in the hotel and while the food was OK it was just OK so we ate out a few times. I don't know if it was the time of year but the hotel was filled with old people, yes older than us. We felt like we were on holiday with our grandparents. However it was really good as they talked to us, told us the best places to eat, drink and get the best deals.

We got the water taxi to Dubrovnik one day. It went along the coastline picking up people along the way. This was a bit of an eyeopener as we could see several bombed out hotels, left after the war in the early 90’s. They have no money to pull them down or do them up.

The derelict hotels

Dubrovnik was lovely and it was not too hot, so we managed to walk the walls with no problem. It appears we did not have too many cruise liners in that day, as it was relatively quiet. Had a great lunch in an out of the way restaurant called Lady Pi Pi, which had the most disgusting statue outside. If you cant use your imagination to what it was then google it, but don't say I didn't warn you. However we had an incredible meal here, Scampi Buzarra and Cuttlefish risotto with Squid ink, with homemade bread and a cold glass of wine. We are high up and right by the city wall so have really good views, whilst being shaded by vines overhead. Lovely.

Water taxi back home and a snifter in Anchora before the 120 step back up to the hotel. We had calf muscles like Wayne Rooney by the end of the week as there were steps EVERYWHERE and I mean EVERYWHERE we went. The hotel did run a golf buggy down the hill, which was great fun as they alway pretended to drive into the sea. (hehehe I always do that says the driver) but you did feel like the proverbial old fogey if you caught it back and it was daylight. Having said that I got on it 2x just because it was there and Mr F 1x just because I said he had to.

Highlights of the holiday were.

The View

The Lemons - OMG so flavorsome and so juicy and the aroma was sweet, strong & heady.

Pomegranates hanging off the trees.

Huge Scampi in rich garlicy tomato sauce

Sitting in the harbour watching the yachts and life in general.

The sea is soooo clear and fantasic views  of fishes swimming and the nearby islands

It was much better to be out of Dubrovnik & travel in.

Bonus of private transfers.

Such a beautiful peaceful place.

Only 2 hours from Gatwick

Oh did I mention the view.