2012 08 30 Wales

2012 08 30 Wales, a set on Flickr.

Photos from our visit with the Kendrick family in Cardigan, Wales

Visiting the Kendricks

The Kendrick family are wartime friends of my grandparents; a friendship that is continuing down the generations. Michael is the son of Gran and Grandad's friend Connie. He and Margaret live in Cardigan on the west coast of Wales.

While we were there, we caught up with Michael and Margaret's children; Sharon, her husband Rob, and Alison as well as their five grandchildren. It was a real houseful with seven children ranging in age from 12 to almost two and five adults. Meals were an amazingly efficient production line and getting out and about required two cars.

Eleanor and Josh

Cardigan and the surrounding area is remote and beautiful. Eleanor had a great time jumping waves at Mwnt beach; a lovely little cove that is popular, but not over-crowded at this time of year. Her lips were turning blue after an hour or so, but there was still a tantrum when it came time to get out! She also had fun walking Vinny the boxer dog along the river to the wildlife centre and exploring a local iron age fort with the other children (apart from Leo who was napping). 

Emily, Josh, Phoebe, Eleanor, Scott and Sam

Leo had two pushchair rides to Cardigan, one with each of us. It is a pretty little town filled with cafes and craft shops. Leo was fascinated by Michael and Margaret's tortoise, Toby, but was initially a little afraid of Vinny, who is as tall as him. Adrian and I enjoyed relaxing while Eleanor and Leo raced around with the older children.

Eleanor, Emily and Vinny

We all had lots of fun at the Cardigan 2012 Olympics, which were exceedingly well organised by 12-year old Phoebe. Everyone was in a team representing a country; I was in team NZ with Eleanor and four-year old Emily and Adrian was in team China with Scott.

While we didn't win much in the way of medals (although I did scrape in with a bronze for the dress up race after the original gold and silver medalists were disqualified!), we did have a lot of laughs as we played all sorts of games including volleyball, a potato-and-spoons race, hoopla and mini golf. I think Sam representing Jamaica topped the medal table in the end in a close-fought competition. 

With Margaret, Josh, Michael and Phoebe

Thank you Michael and Margaret for your always-generous hospitality; you deserve a holiday after all that!

Yesterday we caught the train from Carmarthen to Swansea, then on to Paddington. Phoebe and her brother Josh came with us as far as Swindon. They were great company and helped keep Eleanor and Leo amused. Last night we said a fond farewell to the UK (for now!) and boarded a flight to Lisbon.

2012 08 Denmark

2012 08 Denmark, a set on Flickr.

Photos from our trip to SIlkeborg and Billund, Denmark

Three days in Denmark

We arrived at Stansted airport on Thursday afternoon excited, tired and happy to be on our way with just five(!) bags after all the packing and organising. We were thrilled to discover that our luggage weighed a total of 39.7kg, leaving us 300g to spare. Souvenir shopping here we come!

Eleanor and Seko

This is our fourth visit to Denmark to see Alan and Jeanne, but our first to Silkeborg. They have a lovely new home, complete with Seko, their very friendly dog, a wild (currently being tamed) kitten called Stewie and sports bar (Chelsea unfortunately) in the garden. We were treated to their usual amazing hospitality. 

Story time with Alan

Silkeborg is a great city; easy to walk around, close to the mountains and surrounded by forests and lakes. Alan and Jeanne live just off a street filled with little local shops, bars and restaurants. We didn't sample the night life, but from what little we could hear from their quiet home it is a good spot to go out. 

Dancing to jazz at the market

We spent our first couple of days getting up late (well, as late as Eleanor and Leo allow!) and generally taking it easy. Highlights included walking the around a nearby lake during which we were soaked at about the half way point in a sudden and intense downpour; seeing the local fruit and vege market and dancing to a visiting jazz band; walking down from the highest point in Denmark to a lake then cruising back to Silkeborg as the sun set; and sausages from the world's best hotdog stand. Alan and Jeanne's BBQing and lasagne-making skills are also well worth a mention along with the amazing beer and wine cellar we had fun assisting to deplete. 

BBQ

Crusin

If you ask Eleanor, the clear favourites are playing with Alan, Jeanne, Seko and Stewie as well as our visit to the original Legoland in Billund; the home of Lego. Legoland was a fantastic place for the whole family, and Alan, to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. We enjoyed boat, car, train and plane rides in the park, as well as a 4D film with real wind, which transfixed Eleanor and Leo. I was a little surprised at how much they enjoyed the rides, including a canoe trip with a big drop and huge splash at the end. Even Adrian and I were a touch shakey afterwards!

Legoland

A great big thank you to Alan and Jeanne for hosting the four of us; no easy task! We wish you good health and are looking forward to seeing you in Wellington before too long. 

Today is a Big Travel Day... Stansted to Cardigan in Wales for a few days with Beckett family friends the Kendricks.