13th July 2014 - Brits Abroad (Holiday Day 2!)

I was surprised to find that I slept very well, considering that it's usually scorchio in the room and I am disturbed! I think it was a little cooler than it has been in previous years, which helps!

We had a brew (or two) on our balcony while we decided what we wanted to do and once that decision was made, we went right out and did it!

We decided to go on a rail trip to Monaco!

Villefranche station is very small and a little bit of a trek away from the apartment but we walked there via some shops and made it in perfect time to catch a train!

The local trains are double decker, so we imagined that they would be very well kept and there would be loads of room. We were wrong on both counts.

We managed to find some fold-away seating in the corridor by the out of order toilet. Apparently it stank there, but as they were the only seats we could find, it was the best option.

It only took 15 minutes to get to Monaco, which is about half the time it takes to drive it! Awesome! Instead of going to the casino and our usual haunts, we decided to go on an adventure to the other side of Monaco, behind the palace and see what's there!

We walked up a LOT of steps, past lots of high rise apartment buildings which probably all cost a fortune. Worth it for the view they have though!

 But still we kept on climbing until we were both too shattered to climb any more and would have got really bad vertigo!

We looked out over towards the sea and found the stadium of Monaco's football team!

So pretty! So we decided to find it!

It took us a little while to work our way back down but it was a pretty view to get down so couldn't complain too much!

There it was! Stade Louis II!

We decided to walk around the outside of the stadium, which was very bizarre, until we found the famous arches!

Note my JJ Abrams-esque lens flare!

So pretty! We walked around a bit further then headed out towards the harbour. Paul seemed to know where we were going so I happily followed him. His destination?

The Ship and Castle - an English bar in the heart of Monaco. We're in France/Monaco and having lunch in a flippin' English pub. Unbelievable!

We could have had a Sunday dinner of Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding, but I draw the line at that! Plus it wouldn't have been as good as Paul's, of course!

We had a nice lunch and chill out then headed back round the port.

I found this fountain. I liked it!

Pretty views!

More pretty views!

Pretty view of the harbour. Lovely!

As we walked back round into civilisation, we found the Classic Car Museum. We had seen signs for it before but never found it and voila! C'est ici!

We didn't go in as we'll save that for another time, but in the doorway we found this:

This is Lewis Hamilton's 2008 championship winning car!I think. I know didly squat about F1. But it's quite cool, right?!

We wandered around a bit, back towards Monte Carlo, and checked out the yachts moored up there. Some pretty giant ones, to be honest. Some were a little too ostentatious for my liking, but some of the smaller ones would have been nice! We looked for somewhere we could go and chill for an hour or so with our books and let the world go by. We ended up in Papaya, a little outside cafe/bar/restaurant with a fabulous view! We ordered some ridiculously expensive beers and got immersed in our books! The only distractions being a chap who was singing English songs in a French accent, which amused and the Scouse stag-do that was a few tables over! We can't escape bloody Liverpudlians!

After enjoying our relax, we headed back to the station and got on a train back to Villefranche. We managed to get an upstairs seat this time which was nice! Pretty Mediterranean views!

Paul's Mum had asked us to book a restaurant for dinner that evening giving us assurance that we would be able to eat and get back to the apartment in time for the World Cup Final!

No problem, says us, so we decided to scope out some of the restaurants on the front. There was a new one that had opened up since last year so we thought we'd have a drink there! It was nice and not the worst priced place we'd ever been to! Plus there was a cracking view!

Google made the panorama for me! Hence why there's a section a bit darker than the rest! I just took loads of pictures and they gave me this! Thanks!

Notice the little tourist train? Never been on it! Maybe next time!

Choo choo!

We booked in at a restaurant we went to last year called Achills, then waited for Paul's Dad to come and pick us up as I wasn't sure my leg/ankle could cope with the uphill walk as well as all the trekking we had done today!

Menu looks nice, no?

We headed back to the apartment and got all cleaned up to head out that evening. I had forgotten quite how crappy the shower was but never mind!

We had a nice dinner in the sunshine and tried some lovely food. Paul had mixed seafood risotto...

...and I had filet mignon de Porc with grainy mustard sauce.

It was very nice, just a little on the cold-side, which really was a shame.

We got back to the apartment and watched the World Cup Final, also known as GerArg. Which is a Whedon joke and pretty much the only thing that I enjoyed about the game! I chilled and drank some gin and read my book then went to bed!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

12th July 2014 - Happy Birthday Ma-In-Law! (Holiday Day 1!)

Early start. Suckfest for a Saturday!

We showered and got together the last few odds and ends, bits and bobs that needed to be gathered for our vacances. There always seems to be one more thing that needs to be put in the case after you've locked it, right?

One of the last few bits to be put in the case was an old friend of mine - my favourite bookmark, made by Mia at Three Violet Buttons, back when she made this sort of thing!

It had got a bit tarnished over the years so I gave it a bit of a clean with my jewellery cleaner, also my wedding/engagement ring (multi-tasking!) and it came up good! I've lost count of how many holidays this has been on but I have a problem with people who crease the corner of a page or *gasp* leave the book open face down (poor cracked spine!) so this is my way of combating such atrocities!

Then, at the entirely reasonable hour of 8am we called a taxi and prepared ourselves for our trek to the airport!

We sailed through check in and went to have breakfast. After last year's disappointing experience at one of the restaurants in the airport we were left with two options: Weatherspoons or Frankie & Benny's. Yeah. We might have eaten at the same restaurant two days running. Two meals running. Whatever, it was awesome!

After a speedy and not disappointing breakfast, we headed to duty free, bought some fizz for Paul's Mum's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY KIRKHAM! - some new sunglasses for Paul and a new scent for me! Paul chose the fragrance as obviously I can't smell it and he'll have to put up with it so it's best that he likes how it smells!

We then went to chill and it's time for the annual photograph. I might have to make a collage of these pics one day!

 Paul plus pint at a usually inappropriate time of the day. Holiday tradition: check!

I got in on the action. With a more mediocre serving!

Really quickly we were on the plane! We had speedy boarding so much to the annoyance of most people, we were fast tracked onto the pain. We're not so fussed to be honest. We just like being able to sit in the extra leg room sears. The downside being that we have this:

We're in the emergency space! If something goes wrong on this flight, I am in charge of this emergency exit. High pressure indeed. You know that I revised that emergency sheet they give you with the best of my study skill! If this plane is going down, I'm going to be the master of this exit! The only downside being that if we crash on water we all have to hug each other and float in the water awaiting rescue. No inflatable to hold. I don't swim so well. Fingers crossed.

Well the fact that I am typing this should indicate that all was well and we arrived in a very overcast Nice safe and sound to be greeted by Paul's parents not long after! I hate waiting for baggage though. It's the worst feeling awaiting your case just in case it's yours that has been misplaced...but it wasn't this time. All was well!

We headed to the apartment and started unpacking. We looked over our favourite view and found it cloudy but that's ok. It's the first evening of the week! Can't really grumble as we're away from everything!

We headed to the restaurant just down the hill from where we were staying for dinner. I had my traditional lasagne. Well - we've been going to the same apartment for 6 years and the same restaurant on the first night for 6 years, it would be wrong to order something else on the first night, right? Plus the lasagne is really good! :)

I managed nearly all of it, but considering there was quite a lot, I couldn't manage it all. Paul obliged, kindly, then ordered dessert for himself!

Tiramisu. Paul's favourite. He really rates this one as well. It does look good, don't you think?!

We headed back up to the apartment for a little drink before bed. Sunset was lovely to watch with a cheeky gin and tonic in hand.

Then, after watching the World Cup third place play off, it was time for bed! Long and weary day.

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

11th July 2014 - Busy Day!

I didn't feel great this morning. Paul had to work this morning but I wasn't in work. I felt sorry for myself for a little while but there were more pressing matters to attend to...

That's right - it's holiday time! As if you hadn't already guessed! Which means a lot of work, stress and heartbreak. Let's not thin about that right now. Let's just get on with the packing.

Which is difficult, when you have cats.

I think Maia wants to come with us. I'd let her in a heartbeat!

 Barney got strapped in and ready for take off!

We got it all done pretty quickly once Paul got home which is good in some ways and bad in others. Being done means that the kitties have to go on their holidays as well. They go to Kennotels for the week and have for a few years now.

While we were there showing the cats their home for the next week, we also got to meet their neighbours, a couple of Sphinx cats! It's the first time I've ever seen a hairless kitty and got to stroke one of them who had leathery skin. Weird! They look so grumpy but we were assured they were purring away!

I came home and sobbed. A lot. I hate this house without kitties in it.

So we went out! If you've read last year's post you'll know that every year we go to Frankie and Benny's for our dinner to get out of the cat-less house relax a little before going away!

Not that this is the only way to relax. It helps. It helps numb the pain of my lack of kitties. I miss them already. :(

Paul had a pizza and I had barbecue chicken skewers. They were lush. We also had an extra cheeky portion of macaroni cheese. It wasn't the best mac and cheese I've ever had but it was pretty yummy! :)

Polished off the lot. Awesome!

Not to be sent home early, we headed to the bar for a cheeky drinky before heading back home.

 I had a 'bramble' (gin cocktail) and Paul had a Long Island Iced Tea. Very nice they were too.

Then home to our sad and lonely house. It's not home, not without the kittens.

We got the last few things we could get done sorted before heading to bed. A looooooong day tomorrow!

PREVIOUSLY

2013

9th July 2014 - Leaps and Bounds

I didn't sleep great. I never do when Paul isn't home. Plus the fact that the cats decided to have a party at silly o'clock. Seriously.

Ignoring how badly the stairs need hoovering and my hobbit feet, I found this collection of toys hanging around on the landing!

I tried to get some more sleep and may have dozed for a while, then forced myself out of bed, into the shower and over to work.

It was a quiet day so therefore productive. I'm quite proud of myself by how productive I was today!

When the post came, so did a delivery for Paul - a case for his beloved iPad! Except I was a little concerned about it because the packaging left a lot to be desired.

You can see that it's quite clearly not sealed. The envelope seal hasn't in any way made contact with the other side and instead been stuck to the contents within.

This is the screen cover. The envelope was clearly sealed to this part of the contents. We were really lucky that none of it fell out. There was a stylus just roaming around in the bottom of the envelope that could have easily made a bid for freedom but it didn't. Still not impressed though!

Once I got through work, I decided to have a little stroll to the nearby petshop to buy some more toys for the cats. As clearly they don't have enough! I was going for something specific and as the sun was shining there was nothing stopping me!

The best part - I got to walk through a local park to get to the shop! In the sunshine! What better way to spend an evening on your own?!

Liverpool can be pretty - see?!

I did, however, take a bit of a wrong turn so went the long way to the shop, but I can't grumble as it was a nice evening! If it had been peeing it down, that's another matter!

I managed to get the toy I was after (plus extras, because...I'm a sap!) and made it home only about an hour later than I would have been!

I fed the kitties their meagre portions of food then set out the new toy!

Sorry they're a bit blurred! Barney loves it! It's a mouse that hangs from the top of the door and squeeks whenever it hits something! For only a fiver, you can't complain. Yes, I did hide it when I went to bed! He was tiring himself out jumping around after it! Perfect! Just what the doctor ordered!

See a video of Barney in action with it here!



I had some dinner, played with the cats, but was feeling really tired so came to bed fairly early. I should probably have used the time to do something productive but I had no desire for that, so read for a bit then tried to get to sleep!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

8th July 2014 - Filthy Little Thieves!

A normal-ish get up for us both this morning. We could have gone to the gym, probably...but didn't. Paul's away from tonight for a few nights so we were spending our last few hours together. Aw.

The trains are currently off at our local station, so Paul called a cab to get into town with all his stuff and I waited with him. And waited. And waited some more. We've not waiting this long for a taxi before! Especially this early in the morning. We used the time to put away the dishes and clean the surfaces! How productive of us!

Paul said goodbye to his precious iPad (and the cats and I!) and headed out on his adventure, leaving me and the kitties on our own in our quiet little house. Waaaaa!

Made it into work. It wasn't an awful day but it wasn't in any way amazing either. Just meh. Got through it with little to no difficulty anyway, which was nice.

After work I headed to Tesco in 'The Swan' to get a few odds and sods for our holiday and I also called my parents to have a chat to them as well. They didn't really say much and I didn't have a lot to talk about so it wasn't worth the air time really but never mind!

I got in about an hour later than I usually would and fed the kitties, plus spoke with Paul so at least I knew he had arrived safely. I had my dinner (lamb meatballs) and washed up. Then set to ironing the clothes we had bought at the weekend, ready to pack them away and them to get all creased again...

Whilst ironing I discovered this:

They left a tag in a pair of Paul's shorts! No wonder some alarms were going off around us! We couldn't find it when we looked for it and no security guard was bothered by it but still - this is annoying! Luckily I found the receipt so we can hopefully take them back and get the tag removed! We'll find some time some where!

It didn't take long to finish the ironing, thank goodness, as it's all I seem to do! I watched the end of The Desolation of Smaug as I did it to keep me company. I then took it all upstairs to put away and noticed utter cuteness!

Yes, I cut the handles as soon as the bag was empty as I knew that they would want to play in there! Maia LOVED it! She was playing with the cut handles and rolling around purring her head off! It was lovely! This is pretty much the only thing those paper Primark bags are good for. Any sign of rain and they fall apart! At least Maia's enjoying herself!

I played with Barney for a while downstairs and he had a good time too. I then took myself off to bed with my book. I couldn't sleep. I don't like it when Paul's away. Plus the neighbour was warbling her little heart out. All very nice, except when you want to sleep! SHHHHHH!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

7th July 2014 - More of the usual!

Another regular Monday morning of us being rebels and not going to the gym. We are awful. We will rectify it soon. Promise.

Psyched myself up for another week in work. I got to the office to find all the shutters down. Huh. I knew T wasn't feeling great so might be a little late but A or BossMan T is usually in. Nope. I opened up and started questioning if it was actually Monday. Then I remembered that A and BossMan T were having a meeting in town this morning. OK, phew.

T wasn't too late in but really wasn't feeling well. She'd had KFC the night before and was blaming that. Sounds reasonable!

We didn't have too bad a day at work. It went fairly quickly to be honest! I was doing some housekeeping and making sure that everything was as up to date as it could be. This results in an efficient machine! It also meant the hours flew by!

After work I prepared all my stuff for the usual Monday night iron when Paul picked me up and we went out to get a few bits and bobs and FINALLY take all our stuff to the charity bins!

The Tickled Pink bin closest to us got the pleasure of my old clothes!

When we got home, we had dinner of omelette and watched the latest True Blood. Paul then washed up and I ironed. We also played with the cats because thems the rules! Barney was on form and Maia joined in a little! It was nice!

Then to bed to read for a while. Paul had some packing to do as he's away for a couple of days. I sat and read. The ever helpful wife!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

6th July 2014 - Bad to the bone!

We promised ourselves a little lie in this morning as we've had a mental few weekends and we thought we deserved one. The downside being we were both awake early. That wasn't in the plan! Bad body clock!

Still, we relaxed and had a think about everything that we needed to get done today. We drank tea and relaxed. Of course, we played with the kitties, just as the vet ordered!

I'm pretty sure I tired them both out quite easily. They're both so unfit. Bad parents.

A tiny bit later, Paul got a phone call from his Mum saying that they were leaving to come and visit us at 10am. It was about ten to. Which gives us an hour to clean and tidy to make the house presentable! ZOIKS!

Somehow we did it! Of course, most of the stuff I removed from downstairs (all of yesterday's shopping, mostly) was out on the bed thus making the bedroom a bit of a mess, but at least the on-show part of the house was nice and tidy!

Paul's parents' stayed for an hour or so, which incorporated Paul going for a little spin in his Dad's new car and me showing his Mum pictures of the adorable Ted! They hadn't been to the house since November, which is crazy but then I realised that my parents haven't been since before Christmas. Bad Children.

After they left Paul went shopping and then we watched the Silverstone Grand Prix, which was fun. We also had the Wimbledon men's final on the iPad.

Paul was getting annoyed at me taking his picture. Well, what else am I going to take a picture of? Barney?

OK, so I took a picture of Barney as well, who was tired again after even more play! I suppose this is a good thing. He needs to be tired from play as it shows he's exercising, right? I'm not good at this fat cat exercise malarky! Think we need some more toys for him!

We decided to have a nice traditional Roast Chicken dinner this evening. Why not?! Get some veg inside us!

Paul was very proud of the set up!

Before.

After.

Dinner is served!

It was amazingly delicious. There was a bit of begging from Maia but not as much as I thought there would be with a succulent chicken on the plate! Barney was still too tired to beg.

We watched The Hobbit, parts 1 and 2 for the rest of the evening as there was nothing on television. We didn't get to the end of the second movie as both of us were pretty tired. Turns out playing with cats is just as tiring for the human!

I don't have an orange cube to retreat to. This was the evidence that he had well and truly had enough of this play shenanigans!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013