Wardy’s Travel Blog

Dublin… Wild Windy and Wet… oh yeah and Wallabies

A couple weeks ago I met up with Drew in Ireland for a weekend of Wallaby watching.  As there were not that many wallabies about we had to participate in some of the local customs of women watching and Guinness drinking.

And I must say that Guinness tastes amazing when you buy it fresh from the factory.  I suppose it is like an earthquake… The further away you are from the epicentre the less an impact it has on you.

Anyway… that pint cost about £8 (ok there was a tour thrown in as well!) but still for something that nice it was worth it.  When I get a couple hours to sort out my photos expect to see some on this site!

 Keep well…

Wardy

Edinburgh… Wallabies, Castles and a spooky side

Last weekend I went to Edinburgh in Scotland for the first time. What a beautiful place! It reminds me a lot of Stockholm with its architecture and layout… The castle is stunning and overlooks the whole city but it really comes into its own at night.

The purpose for the trip was to watch the Wallabies play Scotland at Murrayfield. Thankfully we won the game (44-15) and finished the season on a high. But they better pull their finger out if they want to be there at crunch time at next years world cup!

I also did a tour of part of the underground city of Edinburgh… This is an amazing story… Parts of Edinburgh actually are built on 5 layers. They think. Not really sure but they know of a couple. I will write at some stage about the history of it all but I will just say that the short trip we did was pretty creepy. No lights, paranormal activity and images of torture tools…

Anyway… on a brighter note I will put some photos up soon so don’t forget to come back for a look!

Guten Tag from Frankfurt

Hello!!!

Well I am in Frankfurt and having a great time with my course.  The team that I am with is fantastic and love to tell it how it is!  Something I really enjoy hearing.  It is so refreshing to be in a work environment where people enjoy receiving feedback from others and more importantly, feel comfortable enough to give feedback…  Mostly people are too scared to say what they think and are too afraid they will offend someone.

Well enough of that…

 Frankfurt is lovely, as usual, but it is wet, windy and FREEZING!!!! We did not get the snow I was hoping for but they are now saying that it is going to be one of the warmest weeks in November on record.   

 I WANT SNOW DAMMIT!!!!! 

I am going on a night tour on thursday so hopefull i shall have a few photos to post here soon…  Well there will be some as I am off the Dublin on friday with Drew to watch the Wallabies take on the Irish…  GO WALLABIES!

 Talk soon and keep warm and well.

 Cheers

Wardy

Frankenfurter!!!

I am off to my current second home, Frankfurt, for another week of work. Frankfurt is the German finance capital and quite a lovely city. There is a bit of the old town still around (after it was pretty much flattened during the war) but the new buildings look great.

After that I go spend the weekend with the Paddys in Dublin… To watch the Wallabies!!! Let’s hope that the buggers win!

Oh… yeah… they are predicting snow in Frankfurt on Tuesday! Keep those fingers crossed!!

Cheddar, toasties and childhood memories

As a young-un I grew up having toasted cheddar cheese sangas (called toasties over here) and still fondly think of them on a cold winters day. They bring back so many wonderful memories.

So needless to say I leapt at the opportunity to try the original cheddar cheese from the village of … you guessed it… Cheddar. Tastes much nicer than what i remembered but all those wonderful memories came flooding back with one small morsel. Only could have a small bit because it costs $60 a kilo.

But what a wonderful taste!!!!

Angry mobs, pyromaniacs and pyrotechnics

Guy Fawlkes is with us once again and the traditional angry (?) mobs paraded past the front door of my house today. What a sight!!! And what is one to do but grab the flaming torches and join the procession.

And what a great show they put on… There was a 30 minute fireworks show that kept the hordes of flame bearing mobsters entertained and refrained them from torching the town!

Shame it was soooo cold though. Everyone was shivering by the end of it!

Can’t wait for next years one now!

No sex please… they’re British

Anyone between the age of 20-38 and planning to come to England to sow their oats better think again. If you are single that is!!! According to a report from the ONS (Office of National Statistics) there is almost a 40% chance that you will not succeed.

Click here for more details: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20648266-13762,00.html

Funny reading…

Ripley bonfire night… Believe it or not!

Last night I vetured with some friends into the village of Ripley (Surrey) to help celebrate the annual “Ripley Bonfire Night”. This event has run for many years and is held the week before Guy Fawlkes night.

And what a wonderful night was had. It all started with a couple drinks waiting for the parade… which lasted about a half pint as the 3 floats went past. The crowd, obviously entranced by the procession, followed the floats to the fair grounds where a MASSIVE bonfire was lit. And I did forget the marshmallows!

We all cashed up big and hit the rides in the fairground. It was great to have some fun at a show again and enjoy fair rides. But when the rain started, as predictable as only English weather can be, we decided to particpate in another english tradition. A pint at the pub!

A real funny night! Now bring on Guy Fawlkes for some great fireworks!!!

oh yeah Dad… I have asked to go back with my camera so I can take some photos of the fire brigade… if they have one!

Happy Birthday Chris!

My other brother, Christian in sweden celebrates his 31st birthday today! Have a great one buddy!!!

Check the links section and you can find some photos and more info on the wonderful lad, his beautiful fiance Anneli and their gorgeous daughter, Stella.

The nerve!!!

Over the last few years the US has come up with some unusual laws and rulings, but their current stance on Vegemite takes the cake! Because of a technicality in the FDA rulebook, some Aussies are being checked for “illegaly” importing the taste of Oz: Vegemite!

The recipe of our favourite spread includes folic acid which in the US is only allowable in Breads! Click here for more info:http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20623973-2,00.html

Such a sad day… is there something we can let them win to placate them into changing the rules? Maybe if Thorpie and Hackett tie their legs together when they swim and let the Americans win more golds…. mmmm