Monday, 17 July 2006
Sunday, 16 July 2006
1st Day in Florida: Orange Lake Resort Kissimmee
Thuis was where we were staying for the two weeks we were goimng to spend in Orlando. First day we just stayed there and recovered our breath. Been on the go since morning and due to time difference it was only a couple of hours later in the day when we arrived after a sixc hour flight. Plus Nat threw up as we landed and we had to get through the airport where we were finger print scanned (shoe bomb checked on way out ... fuck u richard reed) by the cheerful (satire)port entry staff. Then find luggage, find car and finally find resort ... result Knackered but Jesus did we did have a NICE apartment.
Orange Lake Resorts
8505 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34747-8201
Kissimmee, FL 34747-8201
Saturday, 15 July 2006
Holidaying In Florida: July – August 2006 A Photographic Recollection
We went to America in July 2006, a first for us all, where we holidayed for a fortnight in Orlando followed by a week in Naples (the richest county in the USA we were told). We stayed a the The Orange Lake Resort Orlando which was located outside of Orlando but conveniently situated for all the various parks. The only trouble was that all of Orlando looked like all the rest of Orlando; block after block of the same stores connected by what looked like third world wiring. I kept losing track of where I was when we drove along the highways until one passed one of the few unique sites situated here and there. We went everywhere we could, we did all the Disney' Parks and Universal World of Adventure. After two exhausting weeks of this we travelled down to Naples on the Gulf of Mexico for a final week's chill out in a small time-share located on the beach. Here we had the chance to meet some holidaying Americans which was quite a change for Orlando where there wasn't really the opportunity to meet anyone, excepting the nice kids we spoke to whilst queuing to get into Shrek 3D. Once I've found all the missing photos and added them to the stream here i'll try and remember more of what we did.
Video of The Kraken at Seaworld - Nat and I road this one either twice or three times can't recall exactly:
Video of The Kraken at Seaworld - Nat and I road this one either twice or three times can't recall exactly:
Night before we Fly to Florida
Trip
stuck M25
to0o late for luggage
over night stay in Elizabethan house
Monday, 9 January 2006
Thursday, 4 November 2004
4 November - My First Night of Nights on Nights!
Tonight I joined the JDM overnight team at BGS. We work four nights on followed by four nights off; yes that does mean you can get 12 days off every time you book four days holiday. If you want longer it doesn't work out quite so well because to go to 16 days requires you to take 8 days leave although of course this then automatically becomes 20 days because at the end of the 16 days you start your four days off1 Keeping track of holiday, I'm told, can get confusing. As I've just returned from one I think I'll leave this subject now to another day.
The teams is comprised of:
John - The Manager
Starkey
Duncan
Amit
Carol
Jane
Hasmukh
Ash
Bharat
Prash
and
Myself,
We work from 10PM through the night until 8AM next morning dealing, in the main, with overnight emergencies involving water leaks and such like. There are two specialist jobs overnight that we take turns doing. One is known as manuals, the IT system goes off-line after 10PM to update so all calls afterward until 6AM are recorded in ink on manual worksheets. These need to be collected sorted and eventually faxed to the appropriate centre before 7AM. In winter this is apparently a big job. The other special job is dealing with issuing emergency jobs to over night stand by engineers. This can involve a lot of diplomacy if you wish to avoid getting your ear chewed off by an irate engineer. I enjoyed my first night and everyone brokre me in gently. I will shadow the special jobs quite a few times before going solo. The team seem to be a good bunch although I haven't met hasmuhk yet as he is away on holiday.
The teams is comprised of:
John - The Manager
Starkey
Duncan
Amit
Carol
Jane
Hasmukh
Ash
Bharat
Prash
and
Myself,
We work from 10PM through the night until 8AM next morning dealing, in the main, with overnight emergencies involving water leaks and such like. There are two specialist jobs overnight that we take turns doing. One is known as manuals, the IT system goes off-line after 10PM to update so all calls afterward until 6AM are recorded in ink on manual worksheets. These need to be collected sorted and eventually faxed to the appropriate centre before 7AM. In winter this is apparently a big job. The other special job is dealing with issuing emergency jobs to over night stand by engineers. This can involve a lot of diplomacy if you wish to avoid getting your ear chewed off by an irate engineer. I enjoyed my first night and everyone brokre me in gently. I will shadow the special jobs quite a few times before going solo. The team seem to be a good bunch although I haven't met hasmuhk yet as he is away on holiday.
Monday, 25 October 2004
Thursday, 14 October 2004
Tuesday, 12 October 2004
October 16 – Nov 4 2004 – Holiday in Fuerteventura, Death of John Peel, Joining the Over-Night Team
I've had to date this entry a little early because I was having problems uploading from Windows live Writer
We spent two weeks in a time-share in Fuerteventura prior to my changing my shift at work. During the time we were there the shook news of the daeth of radio presenter John Peel was announced, he died of a massive heart attack whilst on holiday in South America on 25/10/2004. I remember reading about his death while at the pool and because of this these two events reinforce themselves in my memory so that if i think of one I invariably recall the other also. The photos we took on this holiday are probably somewhere on disc at home and If I ever locate them I’ll upload them here. Where were we staying: HERE
Here's a close up on Google Maps
And here’s a map of the town – Caleta de Fuste – with photos and videos that other people have tagged on Google Maps
We had a great holiday and because this was our second visit to this Time-share we were already familiar with the area; however Nat was terribly disappointed that Hippo Land, which had been located at the bottom of the hill leading into town, had closed since our last visit two years before. Blond haired three year old Han was the toast of all the waiters in all of the restaurants we ate in and managed to wangle herself a quite a few free ice-creams. We ate out most nights and often caught the Road Train to and from town; when we did stay on site we frequented the local entertainment mall and the bar opposite the resort; unlike the last time we were there Nat when asked refused to join the Brazilian (female) dancers on stage, after all he was now seven years old and had to maintain his dignity.
We returned home on the Saturday; the following Thursday 4 November I joined the over-night team where I remain to this day!
The resort of Caleta de Fuste is located halfway down the east coast of Fueteventura, approximately 6 miles south of the airport. Caleta de Fuste is situated around a partly natural, partly man-made sandy beach. It is sometimes known as El Castillo de Fuste, the ‘Castillo’ (Castle) refers to the 18th Century watchtower by the Harbour, near a small marina and lighthouse. The Resort has grown up either side of the coast road, a tunnel that runs beneath that road links the two halves. Caleta de Fuste is suitable for anyone in search of an effortless beach holiday and good bars and restaurants for evening entertainment. Caleta de Fuste is good for families and keen golfers. The beach, Playa Caleta de Fuste is the focal point of the resort. It has good sand and thatched parasols, and a breakwater, making it safe for young children and weak
swimmers, protects it. A new golf course with a driving range and club hire facilities is just a five minute drive away. It is an 18 hole par 70 course which has three large lakes connected by a stream all of which come into play at several holes.
For those not so serious golfers Caleta de Fuste has three mini crazy-golf courses. Our duplex houses are located just beside the main commercial areas directly across the road from the 4* Hotel Barcelo Fuerteventura.
We spent two weeks in a time-share in Fuerteventura prior to my changing my shift at work. During the time we were there the shook news of the daeth of radio presenter John Peel was announced, he died of a massive heart attack whilst on holiday in South America on 25/10/2004. I remember reading about his death while at the pool and because of this these two events reinforce themselves in my memory so that if i think of one I invariably recall the other also. The photos we took on this holiday are probably somewhere on disc at home and If I ever locate them I’ll upload them here. Where were we staying: HERE
Here's a close up on Google Maps
And here’s a map of the town – Caleta de Fuste – with photos and videos that other people have tagged on Google Maps
We had a great holiday and because this was our second visit to this Time-share we were already familiar with the area; however Nat was terribly disappointed that Hippo Land, which had been located at the bottom of the hill leading into town, had closed since our last visit two years before. Blond haired three year old Han was the toast of all the waiters in all of the restaurants we ate in and managed to wangle herself a quite a few free ice-creams. We ate out most nights and often caught the Road Train to and from town; when we did stay on site we frequented the local entertainment mall and the bar opposite the resort; unlike the last time we were there Nat when asked refused to join the Brazilian (female) dancers on stage, after all he was now seven years old and had to maintain his dignity.
We returned home on the Saturday; the following Thursday 4 November I joined the over-night team where I remain to this day!
The resort of Caleta de Fuste is located halfway down the east coast of Fueteventura, approximately 6 miles south of the airport. Caleta de Fuste is situated around a partly natural, partly man-made sandy beach. It is sometimes known as El Castillo de Fuste, the ‘Castillo’ (Castle) refers to the 18th Century watchtower by the Harbour, near a small marina and lighthouse. The Resort has grown up either side of the coast road, a tunnel that runs beneath that road links the two halves. Caleta de Fuste is suitable for anyone in search of an effortless beach holiday and good bars and restaurants for evening entertainment. Caleta de Fuste is good for families and keen golfers. The beach, Playa Caleta de Fuste is the focal point of the resort. It has good sand and thatched parasols, and a breakwater, making it safe for young children and weak
swimmers, protects it. A new golf course with a driving range and club hire facilities is just a five minute drive away. It is an 18 hole par 70 course which has three large lakes connected by a stream all of which come into play at several holes.
For those not so serious golfers Caleta de Fuste has three mini crazy-golf courses. Our duplex houses are located just beside the main commercial areas directly across the road from the 4* Hotel Barcelo Fuerteventura.
Sunday, 10 October 2004
Monday, 6 October 2003
Nat’s Sixth Birthday Treat – 3 Days in London Ongoing to Finish
Day One
Train to London
Building Euro Link at st pancrus had to take diversion to get to Tube because normal access closed
We too the Tube to Earls Court and came out here. we walked to the end of Earls Court Road and then turn left up Cromwell Road until we crossed over to our hotel that was located on the other side.
View Larger Map
Out hotel was a knocked together conversion of a number of Victorian Town-House and was very pleasant and reasonably priced. We were booked in for three days and we were situated on, if I recall correctly, the third floor down toward the end of the corridor as you exited from the lift. The door used an electronic key card, my first! After we had settled in we decided to walk down Cromwell Road until we reached the natural History museum which was to be our first port of call. It was rather a long walk and Nat's first time in London traffic but we ambled gently along and eventually arrived at out destination. The greast thing was that the walk itself was part of the experience. If you don't live there you can't conceive of how busy London is. I worked there for about a year and it still knocks me for six whenever I visit. I had never been to the NHM before and to say it was a revelation would be an understatement. No wonder many people describe it as a cathedral to Science; it is sipmle enormous and absolutely breathtaking...and that's before you even go inside!
VIDEO OF NHM
Walk to natural History Museum (my first ever visit to)
Stayed until six
Art Exhibition in Grounds
Underpass to get underground to to earls court and save feet where we saw a didgeridoo player busking
Hotel
Rang Redditch
Han wouldn’t stop crying
Day Two/Three
Science Museum Morning
Buckingham Palace
Horse guards Parade
Whitehall
Downing Street
Nelson’s Column
Coffee cafe in Wall
London Eye
Boat trip on Thames
Hamleys Toy Store – Laura Lamb for Hannah
Saw Lion King Lyceum Theatre via new Covent Garden
Celebrating 10 years of the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Walked through Theatre crowds to tube afterward
Imperial War Museum
Tea in Cafe opposite Earls Court Tube
Train to London
Building Euro Link at st pancrus had to take diversion to get to Tube because normal access closed
We too the Tube to Earls Court and came out here. we walked to the end of Earls Court Road and then turn left up Cromwell Road until we crossed over to our hotel that was located on the other side.
View Larger Map
We stayed at
Premier Inn London Kensington Olympia, London
22 - 32 West Cromwell Road, London, SW5 9QJOut hotel was a knocked together conversion of a number of Victorian Town-House and was very pleasant and reasonably priced. We were booked in for three days and we were situated on, if I recall correctly, the third floor down toward the end of the corridor as you exited from the lift. The door used an electronic key card, my first! After we had settled in we decided to walk down Cromwell Road until we reached the natural History museum which was to be our first port of call. It was rather a long walk and Nat's first time in London traffic but we ambled gently along and eventually arrived at out destination. The greast thing was that the walk itself was part of the experience. If you don't live there you can't conceive of how busy London is. I worked there for about a year and it still knocks me for six whenever I visit. I had never been to the NHM before and to say it was a revelation would be an understatement. No wonder many people describe it as a cathedral to Science; it is sipmle enormous and absolutely breathtaking...and that's before you even go inside!
VIDEO OF NHM
Walk to natural History Museum (my first ever visit to)
Stayed until six
Art Exhibition in Grounds
Underpass to get underground to to earls court and save feet where we saw a didgeridoo player busking
Hotel
Rang Redditch
Han wouldn’t stop crying
Day Two/Three
Science Museum Morning
Buckingham Palace
Horse guards Parade
Whitehall
Downing Street
Nelson’s Column
Coffee cafe in Wall
London Eye
Boat trip on Thames
Hamleys Toy Store – Laura Lamb for Hannah
Saw Lion King Lyceum Theatre via new Covent Garden
Celebrating 10 years of the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Walked through Theatre crowds to tube afterward
Imperial War Museum
Tea in Cafe opposite Earls Court Tube
Wednesday, 25 September 2002
Wednesday 25 Sept - Tuesday 8 Oct - Fuereventura: Our First Visit
Above is a view of where we stayed form Google Earth; we travelled out to Fuereventura on a Time-Share package. This was a cheap holiday in exchange for them trying to sell us a time-share. The time share resort Club Montecastillo ( Club Montecastillo, situated 8 km. from the international airport, it is a family orientated complex with plenty of activities, either on site or close by. The resort offers garden areas, a large adult's swimming pool as well as a children's pool and play area. Other recreational facilities include a sauna, gym, and Jacuzzi and an on-site bar. There is also a restaurant, hairdressers, snack bar and mini-market. In the neighbouring area you can find a golf course and tennis courts) was very nice with a huge pool and a large bar restaurant directly opposite reception and an entertainment complex a little further down filled with bars, amusements, restaurants and shops etc.. To get to the complex you used a set of stairs that ran down parallel to the aforementioned bar; there were a few small shops along this route and one of them sold hand made items like sharks teeth bracelets which were made by the two ageing hippies (scandinavians if I recall correctly) who owned it. A little further down and to the left was a supermarket where we bought fresh pastries, for breakfast, each morning. The resort was on the hill above the town of Caleta de Fuste (now called Costa Caleta)
Secret garden
Tiger singing
Lion sleeps tonight
Nat snorkelling
Ruby and her family
lovely pool side bar
Daddy fart pants
Han photo at bar
Brazilian dancers
submersible tour of harbour
Chipmonks
Coach trip to the south
Nude germans
German town
TO BE CONTINUED
Thursday, 29 August 2002
Nat Starts at Millfield - His First Day in BIG School
This is where he starts to leave us and begins to grow into his own person; today is Nat's first day in "proper" school. He finished at the nursery at the end of last term and today he becomes a fully fledged member of Millfield School. This first teacher is Miss Burns (Angie to her mates) who is smashing and doesn't look her age at all. She's nearly 40 but looks like a twenty something hippy.
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