Not long returned from a two week tour of Japan (or the main Honshu island at least). This was a trip we had been promising ourselves for a while, and decided that a tour was on balance probably the best way to get a sense of Japan in the time we had available. On reflection, we both agreed that the ratio of travelling to ‘experiencing’ was a little off kilter and might be improved by extending the length of the tour, but more on that later.
redandwhiterag
Picture of Doreen Gray – Wolsey Theatre
Yesterday, went to see the latest production from Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding – known collectively as Lip Service. This year’s offering takes its cue from Oscar Wilde’s A Picture of Dorian Gray. All the usual Lip Service trademarks are present and correct – the minimalist set is the butt of many of the jokes, the ageist humour is in full flow and the facial mugging and …
Back on Track?
After a couple of months without any serious rambling (multiple bouts of flu and cold etc. have kept us away), popped up to Snape yesterday for a fairly gentle ramble along the river Alde to Iken. Always plenty of wildlife to see along the river (should have taken the camera) and although we didn’t spot any seals on this occasion we were rewarded with a variety of birdlife. …
Leeds – Business and Pleasure!
Just back from a three night stay in Leeds. Based around a visit to the Department of Health in Quarry House (see below), we at least managed to get a look around the City Centre, fit in a play and film and have a couple of decent evening meals to kill the pain!
London Rubens Palace Hotel Bash – 6th to 9th February
It’s not just the monarchy that gets two birthdays! On Denise’s “official” birthday (actual birthday last week), we indulged in a three night break in London at the Rubens Palace Hotel. First afternoon we had an excellent afternoon tea at the hotel and, following the leaked news that the break was a delayed birthday bash, the hotel very kindly provided a couple of glasses of champers, a ‘birthday cake’ and happy birthday in chocolate in the tea selection (and a birthday card). Lovely service and a pretty good reflection of the hotel generally.
Aldeburgh Break
Excellent weekend at the Wentworth House Hotel at Aldeburgh to celebrate Denise’s ‘big birthday’. Been threatening to sample this hotel for a while and, although certainly not cheap, it was definitely worth the money. Excellent food (although sad to report that a big cream tea followed by a three course dinner in the evening is now seemingly beyond us) and lovely public spaces, it’s possibly best …
A Rambling We Shall Go – 2015
First ramble of the New Year today. Coincidentally, it started from Newbourne Village Hall, which was the location for our first Ramblers’ walk in June of last year. Not the same walk though, this one took in lovely countryside, some estuary walking along the Deben and parts of Kirton. Strongly suspect we transgressed some local path closures along the estuary, although it wasn’t marked as …
A Sunderland Christmas
Just back from Christmas with Scott and Ginnette in Sunderland. Lovely time, despite not feeling too good with man flu (cold, sore throat, cough etc.). Excellent home made food and an ‘extensive’ selection of alcohol. Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light to see an absolutely woeful display by the Black Cats as they lost 3-1 to Hull City, despite being gifted a goal in …
London Again (03/12/2014)
Can’t stay away at the moment, another trip to London yesterday, second time in six days. Until these recent visits, we hadn’t been down to ‘the smoke’ for quite a while. Same format as the week before, a visit to an exhibition followed by a matinee and then a bite to eat.
London for the Day (27/11/2014)
Last minute decision to pop down to London yesterday, hoping to catch a matinee and then a late night showing at the Courtauld gallery. Went surprisingly well, although in the immortal words of Mr. Morecombe, not necessarily in the right order.
Tyne & Wear Sojourn
Just spent four days in the North East. Managed to fit in a couple of nights with family, a lovely meal out at a local Italian, a nostalgic trip to the Metro Centre (not as impressive as we remembered after 20 odd years away) and an unexpected victory for the oldies at Trivia Pursuit.
Pampering Day
Spent yesterday on a Spa Day special at Clarice House. This was what proved to be a cracking Christmas present from Scott and Ginnette that, as usual, we left till the last minute to use. The day consisted of a 45 minute swim (for me) in the morning, followed by a full one hour body message, a very good two course lunch and a shorter dip …