Wednesday 31 October 2018

The Magic Fountain, Barcelona













Our trip to Barcelona took place during the second week of the school holidays, we were here for 4 full days, so we packed in a lot of sightseeing.

The first evening we went to see The Magic Fountain which is situated very near to Plaza Espana, in the Montjuic area. It takes place in the evenings and it depends of the time of year as well. In October it is on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

There was a huge crowd as to be expected but we found a spot to wait. At 9pm it started and we were not disappointed. The music, the different colours and the changing of the water made for a great spectacle. It did kind of remind me of the light show we saw in Singapore.

It lasted around 20mins and afterwards we went back to our hotel. I took my new camera with me and it seems I still do not know how to use it. I tried to put the photos on my laptop but they would not download. I hope I manage to do it.

We are not really in the Halloween mood, I have been ill since the weekend and have been off work too. Alessio is going to a Halloween party this afternoon, so at least he will have some fun. I guess I should get some sweets in case some kids come knocking on the door.

Happy Halloween

Sunday 14 October 2018

Wellington Botanical Gardens, New Zealand


















For our summer holidays we spent three weeks in New Zealand, I divided up the weeks between the North and South Islands. Our last stop on the North Island was in the capital Wellington. As with much cities there is lots to do and see, one of which was taking the funicular up for a lovely view.

It leaves from downtown Lambton Quay and you arrive in the suburbs of Kelburn in only 5 mins. We took in the views of the city and surrounding area and went on to visit the Cable Car Museum. It is free entry and very small so worth a look since you are up there anyway.

Afterwards we walked back down through the botanical gardens, which was a very pleasant walk. Obviously it depends on what the season is and as it was winter when we were there, there was not so many flowers. There were ponds, a Treehouse information centre, playground and rose garden.

Once we left the gardens we made our way back in the city centre and got a bit lost too, but we arrived sound and safe.

Alessio has been away this week on a cruise, which he enjoyed but would not go on another one though. Next week we are going to Barcelona and we will go to see another match of FC Barcelona. This time they will play against Sevilla.

Hope you are all having a great weekend

Sunday 7 October 2018

Isle of Harris - Tweed














Our trip to the Outer Hebrides took place in summer 2017 and we visited most of the big islands. While we were on the Isle of Harris we went to see this exhibition about Harris Tweed.

The making of Harris Tweed is all done in the Outer Hebrides, in fact there statutory Act of Parliament that says the weaving of Harris Tweed must be done in the homes of the islanders. If you want to know more about the whole process here is a link!

The fabrics we saw were amazing, I liked the chair and all the clothes are just spectacular too! I bought a small purse and my father bought a bunnit or bonnet (a flat cap)

The location of the place was fantastic, when we were there it was quite peaceful. Back in Tarbert the main town we went to a shop selling Harris tweed and Alessio got a bonnet too! I also bought a lovely purple/light blue cushion in another part of the island too.

In Tarbert we also visited another big tourist hit Isle of Harris distillery. We couldn`t get tour of the place as all the tours were booked out, but we did eat at their restaurant and bought two bottles of the gin! It is in a beautiful bottle, which I have kept! You can see it here

Both places a well worth a visit if you are in the area!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!