On to Assen

Friday 29 June 2012  - On our way to MotoGP number 4

Day 77 and 82 to go

Paul was up and awake before I eventually stirred at 7.45am I laid in bed not wanting to start the day too early. We watched CNN news and I checked the net. Our parcels have arrived in Perth. I eventually got out at 8.40am and when I was ready we went down the long and winding stairs to breakfast. The small dining area was packed but we found a seat and enjoyed cereal and pastry. We returned to our room packed up our things, dragged them down the stairs and returned to reception. I am glad we don’t have to do that again. 

We checked out and then walked around the corner to the tram stop to wait for the number 3 to take us 2 stops down the round. It didn’t take long before it arrived and we heaved our bags onto it and then heaved them off again 1km down the road. We then followed the GPS to the car hire. While we took a wrong turn and walked further than necessary we still walked in at 10am when we had elected to collect the vehicle. We were given an upgraded car to an Opel Corsa 4 door rather than 2 so that was good. We were shown through the bits and then at 10.30am we were following the GPS to our hotel near Assen an hour and a half away.

The drive through the city was fairly easy as it was not too crowded though the drivers didn’t like us cutting into the lane when we realise we were in a right hand only and not straight. Oh well.

Once we were on the highway it was a cruise for 70 km. It is lovely being able to do 130km on straight, flat and well maintained roads. We passed over large canals and waterways and once off the motorways passed the potato fields in flower and beautiful flower farms.  It was really lovely.

At 12.20 we arrived at our hotel in Doldersum. It is located in a national park popular with cyclists and boy did we pass plenty of them dawdling along the road! We were able to check in and go to our room and unload our things before heading to Assen half an hour later. 

We continued the winding drive through the forest mainly on brick paved roads before driving through the town of smiled and on to the circuit. We found parking in a paddock and then walked to the entrance to find out where we needed to collect our tickets. We had a walk ahead of us to find the booth but eventually we were directed in the right direction and collected our tickets. We then had to return the 500m to the ticket booth to buy a general ticket for today. With them in hand we were finally able to enter the circuit.

We made our way to the food stalls and bought a kebab roll then wandered part of the track watching the GP qualifying race. We then wandered on. The race stopped during a brief shower that didn’t require us to duck for cover.  We stood on a hill watching the race where we could see a few corners. At the end of qualifying Casey had taken pole. We hope that keeps him in front for tomorrow. We continued to walk around the track. We stopped at the merchandise store to pick up badges and shirts from Assen. We located the entrance we needed to come in to tomorrow on the other side to where we parked today. With that sorted we then located our stand and sat down. It was a great spot to watch the start finish as well as the first few corners. We watched the beginning of the Moto2 qualifying before making a move again.

We decided that we would walk a full lap of the track. Walking behind the main straight stands was busy. There were a lot more vendors and people. There was also a lot more rubbish and too many men taking a slash wherever and whenever they felt like. It was just feral.

Our walk continued and continued and continued. The walk around was a long one and my feet and legs were calling out to stop and sit down. I paid 25 Euro for this torture! It seemed like forever before we finally found our entrance and I dragged my feet the final metres before falling into the car seat.

We decided we would try and locate the parking area closer to our stand so we went on a bit of a hike, as we couldn’t just drive around the outer edge. We did eventually end up where we needed to be so I added it to the GPS and then we returned to our hotel at 5.30pm

When we got in we unpacked. I crashed on the bed working on the net and watching the TV. I was so buggered. It was lovely having the sliding door open so we could hear the twitter of the birds. It was so peaceful. 

At 7 we went to the restaurant attached to the hotel. It was all a bit fancy but we were limited for food options out here. The menu was a bit of a guess as it was all in Dutch and while the host went through it the best he could it still left us guessing. In the end I went for fish and Paul had angus beef. Both meals were delicious so we were happy with our choice. We followed it up with a chocolate brownie and I was absolutely stuffed.

We returned to the room and flaked it again.

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Hallo Holland

Thursday 28 June 2012  - On our way again - Hallo Holland

Day 76 and 83 to go

An early start this morning with our alarm set for 7.30am and Paul out as soon as it began beeping. It had not been a great night’s sleep with it being quite humid overnight.

I had a shower while Paul finalised as much of the packing as he could. I then finished off the last little bits before having breakfast and watching the morning TV.

By 8.30am we were all packed up and ready to go. Dario arrived at 9am and we crammed our bags into his car and began the journey south on the motorways to London City Airport about 90min away. We weren’t entirely sure how long the journey was going to take us with peak hour traffic to contend with but it actually worked out all right with very little sitting around.

We made it to the kiss and ride at 10.20. We said our goodbyes to Dario and waved him off before entering the terminal. We weren’t able to drop our bags as we were too early so we found a coffee shop to sit in, have a hot chocky and check the internet with the free wi-fi this airport provides, unlike other English ports.

At 11.15am we checked our bags in and then made our way through the departure screening where Paul was frisked yet again. We then made our selves comfortable in the lounge. Paul wandered the lounge checking the shops and food outlets while I was on the computer.  He then returned to read his bike mag. 

At 12 I did a wander of the terminal before we moved to the bar area for a drink and some food. Unfortunately our plane was called to boarding shortly after so we downed our drink and took our food with us.

We checked in and then boarded our little British Airways fight and at 1.05pm we were racing quickly down the tarmac and up, up and away. I started reading my book “A Patchwork Marriage”. We were given a drink and snack and with 2 chapters read we were over Holland and touching down at Schipol 35min later.

The taxiing to the airport took a further 10min before we disembarked at 2.45pm, winding our watch forward 1 hour.

We found our way to the baggage carousel, collected our cases and walked out of the airport straight into the train station. We bought our ticket to Amsterdam Central and at 3.25 we were on the train. It was all too easy.

The train trip is only 15min to Central. We watched the little boxes of houses wiz by and when we arrived at the station we dragged our bags behind us, out of the station and straight onto a 13 tram towards our hotel. The tram driver told us where to get off and with the GPS on we walked 50m down the street to our hotel. Too easy!

We were met by the receptionist who offered us a welcome beer and wine while we checked in. She then gave us a map before telling us the great news that we were on the 3^rd floor and there is NO lift! We followed the girl up the tiny, very steep and very narrow stairs. Paul carried the smaller of the suitcases up, I don’t know how he did it. We were both completely out of breath when we got to the room. I opened up the door to the balcony and laid on the bed.

We took in the sights and had a rest. I did a quick check on the computer before we decided to go for a walk. We wandered the street heading back towards the Dam Square. We took some money from the ATM and then I took photos of the canals, bicycles and buildings. All the things that make Amsterdam, Amsterdam. We wandered past the Royal Palace and crossed the Damrak before stopping at a Fritz store for chips and mayo. We found an outside bar to sit down at and have a drink and finish off the chippies. It was great being able to people watch as there are always interesting sights.

It was so warm we were melting in our jeans. We haven’t experienced this humid weather for a long time it was taking its toll but it was so wonderful to be warm again.

We made our way back to the hotel stopping for some champagne to have back in the room. When we got in we checked the net before putting on the spa and enjoying the champagne. Bliss.

At 8pm, in cooler clothing, we left again to find an Italian restaurant to eat dinner in and to watch the soccer between Italy and Germany. We went back to one we had walked past on our first trip out. There was plenty of room inside so we picked the table closest to the TV before ordering calamari and a pizza to share.  For a change the soccer was quite lively and we actually had 2 goals scored in the first half by Bellatoni or Dorothy as I call him, because he looks like a dinosaur with his stupid haircut.

When the first half was complete we left the restaurant and wandered up the street to O’Reillys Irish pub to watch the second half. This place was packed with standing room only. We bought ourselves a drink and then found a patch to stand and watch the final half by the doors making it a little less muggy. Germany came out determined but met too much resistance from Italy. In the end Italy conceded a late penalty but it was all over and they remained in front at the final whistle 2 -1.

We made a hasty exit before being squashed by the disappointed German fans, My feet and back were so sore from standing in one spot for the hour. We then wandered through Dam Square and towards the entertainment district checking out the red light boxes. Gawd some of them are just disgusting. It is amazing what they will pay for! It is great for a laugh.

We stopped for a drink before continuing the wander back to the square. It was quite lively so different to when we were here in the winter 4 years ago. People were out enjoying the light and warm. Though there weren’t as many buskers out and about.

The walk back to the hotel seemed so much longer as my feet were killing me. These new sneakers I bought to replace the ones I left in Devon are lacking good cushioning and the soles of my feet were burning. I was o relieved to make it back to the room.

Paul opened up the balcony door and I got straight into bed exhausted. It was lovely laying there listening to the trams whiz by with the ding of their bell and the familiar clacking over the rails. While it was loud it was soothing and I was asleep in no time. 

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Last 24 Hours in England

Wednesday 27 June 2012  - Down to the last 24 hours - Happy Retirement Day Mary - Lucky Duck! - Happy 5 - 0 Adam.

Day 75 and 84 to go

With no real plans for today Paul and I were happy to sleep in again. It may be the last one we have over the next month. By 9 it was time to surface. Paul cooked up our breakfast again, yum and we watched the TV and checked our emails. I tracked our parcels on the net they are now in Germany and should make it home by Friday. Not bad really.

We then decided we would head out to Milton Keynes where there is a large shopping complex. It took just under an hour to get there. We found parking easily and then went for a wander. We were able to find a moneychanger and stock up on Euros ready for tomorrow when we head to Amsterdam. We picked up some things to read. I bought the new Jane Green book and “50 Shades of Grey” that everyone seems to be talking about at the moment. They should keep me busy for the next few months.

We continued our aimless wander and then found Waitrose where we bought groceries for dinner tonight and a couple of pre-made meals for lunch. We then made our way back to the car.

On our way to the shop we had seen a giant pagoda so we found our way back to that and parked at the Willen Peace Park. The park is a giant open space with lakes and a Japanese garden and temple along with a Buddhist pagoda. We took our lunch to the Japanese garden and ate there. It was very peaceful. We then wandered around the edge of the lake and up and around the Pagoda before returning to the car.  

Paul wanted to drive through some of the smaller towns so we made our way through Olney and Wollaston before heading back around Bedford through Shefford and back to Hitchin.

We unpacked our groceries and then Paul started preparing dinner while I worked on the Internet bits while watching Wimbledon.
Checked on the status of our parcels and they are already in China. Not bad going. 
At 6 I started cooking up the enchilada mix for dinner while watching the news. Chell rang to check on how we were going and to say bye again.  At 7pm Dario and Charlotte joined us. We put on the Euro Soccer semi between Portugal and Spain and I served up the enchiladas with salad. We cheered on the soccer except Charlotte who is over soccer. Was quite funny.
At half time i did up the chocolate pudding with berry compote and clotted cream. Very indulgent. Boy will we have an effort ahead of us when we return home to loose the excess weight we are both carrying. 
We watched the second half hoping for a score but none were forth coming despite Ronaldo's continual efforts on goal. At the end of regular time we said goodbye to Charlotte and Dario, with Charlotte vowing to come to New York to help me shop. 
We returned to the soccer again hoping for a score from one of the teams but yet again extra time disappeared with no score and it ended in heart breaking penalties. With Spain going through after Portugal missed 2. Bummer. 
I had a look through our snap shot of photos from the trip so far. Gee we have done a lot and seen so many amazing things and had such an amazing time. Now we are ready to get on the road again after having a great 3 weeks here with the family. Ready for the next adventure.

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counting down time

Tuesday 26 June 2012  - On our own

Day 74 and 85 to go

With the days now rolling into one before we head on again we have started to get into travel mode. We were up and out by 8.30am. I hadn’t heard Chell leave at 3 this morning but Paul had. We had a cooked breakfast and watched TV.  With our boxes being collected sometime before 5 today we were housebound until further notice.

I rang home speaking to Brad and seeing Darcy who is now 4 months old and starting to look more like his Mum. When Jack returned home we were greeted with a huge smile and lots of bouncing around on the couch. We had a good chat with him. He was being silly and told us Yogi looks like Grandma. Classic.  I then rang Ma & Pa to catch up on news with them and to see Yogi dog.

With the calls made we then took out our suitcases and started packing up all of our things. With everything we have sent home there was actually a fair bit of room in them. More shopping space I guess. Shame.

Just as we finished up the UPS van arrived and we handed over our 2 boxes. We were so glad the van had come before lunch as we were then able to head out and about.

We grabbed all our things piled into the car and then went for a drive through Upper Caldicot and Old Warden, stopping to take pictures of the foxglove growing in the forest. 

The little villages were very quaint with many homes having thatched rooves. We continued on to Ireland where we stopped at the Black Horse for a drink. This was a very fancy pub frequented by posh women driving expensive cars.

After our drink we drove on through Shefford before returning to Hitchin town centre where we parked up and went for a wander in search of a hairdresser. We eventually located one we thought would be cheap. It was a hair dresser, mod clothing store, tattooist in which there was Bob Marley playing.  Unfortunately we didn’t ask the price and were stung 25pounds for the cut!

When we came out it had started to spit. We grabbed a quick sausage roll, stopped for a pint and then did some quick grocery shopping before coming home.

We sat in the lounge watching TV. Dario came over at 4. We sat chatting for a while before following him to his place in Stevenage. We hung around waiting for Charlotte and Liam to arrive home after returning from Morocco earlier today. When they got in Charlotte got herself unpacked and then we walked to the Chequers Pub not far away. It was quite busy but we were able to find a table. We ordered our meals and then sat chatting. Catching up on Charlotte and Liam’s trip. With our meals served we ate up before ordering dessert or pudding as they say here. 

With our bellies full we wandered back up the road before sitting around in the lounge enjoying a cuppa and watching the TV. Liam couldn’t stay for long and left us to it. We listened to the banter going on between Dario and Charlotte. They sounded like an old married couple! It was very entertaining. 

By 10 we were ready to call it a night so we said goodbye and then drove back home half an hour later we were curled up in bed.

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Bikers day out

Monday 25 June 2012- Back on the bike
Day 73 and 86 to go

Finally a day in the UK that is somewhat sunny. Paul and I were out and up by 9am. Chell was already into the books. We had breakfast and checked emails before ringing Tina.
We grabbed our large box for posting and then went for a drive to Willian where we could send home a letter and check the weight of our box so we have some idea of it's weight when we organise for it to be couriered home. With the post done we drove on to Letchworth.
We wandered the town. I bought a new pair of sneakers after I left mine in Instow. We then went in search of another cabin bag that we found in good ol' Wilkinsons.
We returned to Morrisons to do a quick grocery shop before coming home. Chell was just finishing up with the books. We had a quick bite before getting kitted out with bike gear and organising the bikes. Paul had to resort to the scooter helmet and a massive jacket that made his upper body look huge. It was very funny.

Paul did a quick lap on Chell's BMW before we followed Chell on his Harley to the Ace Cafe in
London.  We drove south on the A1 heading towards London. I could tell Paul was enjoying the ride and listening to Chell ride his Harley, particularly when we traveled through tunnels and under bridges. The traffic got heavier as we got closer to London, not far from the Cafe we could see Wembly stadium 5 minutes later we pulled into the cafe car park. We wandered in, found a table and ordered a sausage in a roll that we all enjoyed. Paul and I had a wander around the cafe checking out the bikes and decor of the cafe that has been running since 1938 and was a hangout of the mods and rockers in their day.

With our lunch finished we got back onto the bikes and made our way back to Hitchin.

The traffic had substantially increased and there was a greater need to dodge and weave amongst the vehicles. It was better when we got out of the traffic and onto the smaller roads through the suburbs. We stopped in at a pub for a rest and a pint. My bum was starting to complain about the seat so it was good to get off. We sat out in the sunshine of the beer garden. It was great to soak up some sun before heading back home.
When we got in we packed up another box of our things and I booked both in with the UPS courier company after a bit of fiddling around on the net. Paul got dinner organised and we ate while watching the news.
We slothed around in the lounge watching the TV for a while. Chell was busy getting himself ready for work as he would be heading out at 3am tomorrow. As the night moved on we said our goodbyes and thank yous to Chell before finishing up and heading to bed.




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