Thursday, November 11, 2010
Anglesey Sea Zoo
I have just been looking at the web site for the Anglesey Sea Zoo.
What a marvel it seems, with so much to see and learn and do.
And an added bonus would be the play areas outside.
We pulled up in the car park on a dull, rainy Friday morning - mid morning.
A family were already making their way back to their car.
"They didn't stay long" I thought.
And not very much later we could see why their visit was short.
We tried to make the best of a paltry experience and enjoyed what their was to enjoy.
Ecky specially liked the sea horses.
And we all enjoyed the bigger fish swimming up close. 
What a marvel it seems, with so much to see and learn and do.
And an added bonus would be the play areas outside.
We pulled up in the car park on a dull, rainy Friday morning - mid morning.
A family were already making their way back to their car.
"They didn't stay long" I thought.
And not very much later we could see why their visit was short.
We tried to make the best of a paltry experience and enjoyed what their was to enjoy.
Ecky specially liked the sea horses.
And we all enjoyed the bigger fish swimming up close.
Everybody did. It was generally crowded in that small part - and noisy with some bawling toddler and an angry father.
Ecky knew it was disappointing.
We all did.
Bill and I could only look back and compare it with the Phuket Aquarium - so much better.
Good grief! We had only chosen the Sea Zoo because we knew that the Pili Palas (butterfly centre) would look shabby after the amazing one in Phuket, which you will see in a couple of days.
The outdoor play area had a number of things - with additional charges on top of the high prices paid to go into the Sea Zoo.
The outdoor play area had a number of things - with additional charges on top of the high prices paid to go into the Sea Zoo.
At the Anglesey Sea Zoo, in all weathers for all ages we guarantee a fun learning experience and a splashing day out!
This is a quote from the web site.....
do you think we could have them up under the Trade Descriptions Act?
Still, we made the best of things.
Labels: wales
Friday, November 05, 2010
Family visit to Celtic Gateway at Holyhead
After walking at South Stack we drove into the town of Holyhead.
In Welsh this is Caergybi - the fort of Gybi.
It is the largest town of Anglesey - but is not on the island of Anglesey. It is on Holy Island.
It is one of the major ports taking passengers and goods to Ireland.
After strenuous exercise at South Stack, we were glad to have some lunch.
Ecky stands in front of St Gybi's church.
The walkway on the sea side of the bridge had many metal plates set into the surface - depicting many aspects of the sea.
I love the way the designer used blue material for the fencing - making the waters of the harbour a brilliant blue, even on that dull autumn day.
The Station.
Back across the bridge we noticed the interesting art work that links it to the High Street. 
And there was a mosaic on the wall of St Gybi.
There was also one of St Seiriol; he was based at Penmon, which we visited last time we were in Wales.
In Welsh this is Caergybi - the fort of Gybi.
It is the largest town of Anglesey - but is not on the island of Anglesey. It is on Holy Island.
It is one of the major ports taking passengers and goods to Ireland.
After strenuous exercise at South Stack, we were glad to have some lunch.
Ashley felt up to the challenge of the belly buster breakfast.
Breakfast - although it was gone 2 o'clock by the time we ate.
Ecky stands in front of St Gybi's church.
We walked in the High Street and explored the charity shops.
And then crossed The Celtic Gateway Bridge.
Not just a bridge, but a fine piece of artistic engineering.
It was opened in 2006 and links the town with the station and the port - designed and built by Italians.
The walkway on the sea side of the bridge had many metal plates set into the surface - depicting many aspects of the sea.
I love the way the designer used blue material for the fencing - making the waters of the harbour a brilliant blue, even on that dull autumn day.
The Station.
I was put onto a train at this station when I was just 11 years old.
I had been staying with family friends for 3 weeks.
My father met me at Euston Station in London.
Back across the bridge we noticed the interesting art work that links it to the High Street.
And there was a mosaic on the wall of St Gybi.
There was also one of St Seiriol; he was based at Penmon, which we visited last time we were in Wales.
Seiriol looked much more gentle than Gyby!
Now scroll down to the next post - a selection of pictures showing lots of happy silliness in Holyhead.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
South Stack, Anglesey.
We chose the right day to visit South Stack near Holyhead.
Did it rain at all? I can't remember.
We drove across the Menai Bridge to Anglesey and then across the island.
South Stack is a wild rocky headland in beautiful surroundings.
The lighthouse warns shipping of the rocks, and guides them into the Port of Holyhead.
As soon as we opened the car doors we were aware of the intensely strong winds.
We looked for extra jackets.
Ashley begins the climb down the 140 steps taking one to a bridge across to the lighthouse.
The wind whipped across that headland, quite taking our breath away and making it difficult to balance.
Ecky was not sure that she could cope with the wind.
Bill and Ashley battle on - neither wanting to admit defeat.
Bill has photographs from the steps and the bottom of the lighthouse.
Ashley spreads his arms to help balance as he is buffeted down the steps.
Ecky sat on the steps so that the wall could shield her from the wind.
The cliffs are steep and high - and it looked so rough and wild down there.
Look how the grass has been moulded into clumps and tussocks by the wind.
Perhaps the wind could carry us across the sea to Ireland.
It was fun!
Ecky was also excited and happy up there.
Bill and Ashley got back safely.
The view to the south.
The light.
High up on the cliffs.
The place where the sea spirits live - Ecky is sure that she saw them.
That windswept look.
Goats from the farm came across the road, wanting the grass by the RSPB centre and cafe.
The goats didn't all just want grass - this one decided it would be warm and cosy in the cafe, startling a toddler.
Farming amongst the bare rocky hillsides of North Wales is a hard life.
Did it rain at all? I can't remember.
We drove across the Menai Bridge to Anglesey and then across the island.
South Stack is a wild rocky headland in beautiful surroundings.
The lighthouse warns shipping of the rocks, and guides them into the Port of Holyhead.
As soon as we opened the car doors we were aware of the intensely strong winds.
We looked for extra jackets.
Ashley begins the climb down the 140 steps taking one to a bridge across to the lighthouse.
The wind whipped across that headland, quite taking our breath away and making it difficult to balance.
Ecky was not sure that she could cope with the wind.
Bill and Ashley battle on - neither wanting to admit defeat.
Bill has photographs from the steps and the bottom of the lighthouse.
Ashley spreads his arms to help balance as he is buffeted down the steps.
Ecky sat on the steps so that the wall could shield her from the wind.
The cliffs are steep and high - and it looked so rough and wild down there.
Look how the grass has been moulded into clumps and tussocks by the wind.
Perhaps the wind could carry us across the sea to Ireland.
It was fun!
I like extreme weather.
Ecky was also excited and happy up there.
She is wearing one of my thick zip-up cardigans over her own jacket.
Bill and Ashley got back safely.
The view to the south.
The light.
High up on the cliffs.
The place where the sea spirits live - Ecky is sure that she saw them.
That windswept look.
Goats from the farm came across the road, wanting the grass by the RSPB centre and cafe.
The goats didn't all just want grass - this one decided it would be warm and cosy in the cafe, startling a toddler.
It was indeed warm in there and we enjoyed a large pot of tea.
Farming amongst the bare rocky hillsides of North Wales is a hard life.
Scroll down to the next posting - it will take you 6,000 miles away to old Phuket Town.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Last day in Bangor and back home.
Where to start after a lovely few days in Wales with so much happening?
I will begin with the exciting event just a short while after we got home.
Well, I thought it was exciting - and I hope our Ecky thinks so too.
We made a cup of tea and watched the Teacher of the Year awards......
and Ecky's class teacher won that main award - Teacher of the Year.
Now, Ecky doesn't really like school - she prefers her own world. I do hope that Mr Davies is good enough to inspire her to some confidence amongst her peers.
My impression generally is that it is a very good school indeed.
Well done Cae Top!
And some time, some day, the family may live closer to the school. That is the plan.
They really liked the house they viewed on Saturday and will return for a second viewing. Purchase (or at least offer) may depend on the height of the loft that they would want to convert into a room.
They will look at 2 other houses tomorrow. One of them is in a superb position, very close to open country and views to the mountains. It is a little further out - but not too far. It is more expensive than the one seen on Saturday.
We shall see.
But it does seem that the next time we go to Bangor it will be to help as much as we are able with the move.
After 2 days of trips out - and a super relaxing evening with Pete and Jean,
yesterday (Saturday) was time to work.
My first job took me to the really odd Bangor car boot sale - odd, because it isn't a car boot sale. It is in ware house and all the stalls are set up permanently and most of the stalls are laden with tat - or overpriced items.
Except one - it was the one I planned to visit. Though I discovered it wasn't actually run by the woman I thought it was.
I had been hoping to meet Anglesey Allsorts once again.
I am sure that people would enjoy seeing her blog - full of charm, country crafts, converting junk into useful and beautiful things etc.
I met her in the summer and talked of her with the woman who ran the shop I had visited the day before.
Instead I met Rosie and bought from her.
I am making dealer/friend contacts in North Wales you see.
Time then, to view the house. Bill and I haven't seen inside - but on paper it looks lovely and the situation is good - on a bus route and only 10 minutes walk from school.
Then it was time to visit B & Q. Ashley and Liz had a list of things that perhaps it was wise to get to make their house look in just a bit better condition.
It probably doesn't matter too much - because it would be 99% certain that it will be bought by an investor to convert into student accomodation.
Now, for once I enjoyed a visit to B &Q!
Ecky and I wandered off to view the Christmas department.
We were both quite excited that black is an available colour this year for Christmas decorations and we discussed the fun of creating a Goth tree.
We both bought a black lantern shape to make a start on the idea.
And then we found some silly toys that made us laugh lots and lots.
These fluffy hamsters could listen to what you said or noises you made and repeat it back to you.
We played with the 4 in the front row - such fun to have them all repeating the same silly things we said and then picking up our own giggles and repeating the laughter back.
We even got them all blowing loud raspberries!
Then we went to Argos to get another shelf for Ecky's room.
And then to Tescos for food.
And then home for some lunch and a rest.
But soon we were all working.
Ashley brought down boxes from the loft. It is time for a clear out.
Already 900 books have been sent to the charity shop or disposed of through Freegle (for those that don't know, that's a web site where you can just offer to give things away to people who might need them - you can of course also get things for nothing sometimes too).
So the boxes were emptied - years of bank statements, lecture notes from university, sermons Ashley has given - all destined for the paper recycling.
But Ashley's first school books - no, no no; they are treasured and we all enjoyed his 6 and 7 year old news and stories. My goodness he could write so much and so well, even at that age.
I left them to it and went off to attack the bathroom.
How I would have loved all the assistants that the women have who do "How Clean is Your House?" on TV.
I would have been so pleased to complete the job.
Bill took the new loo seat to the upstairs toilet and fitted that. Ashley has some new vinyl flooring to put down in there too.
Liz and I worked together to get a roast dinner prepared - which pretty well filled us up!
In the evening Liz sorted out the flat packed shelves for Ecky's room and I did a bit more to the bathroom.
I gather that during today the clearing out has continued.
I loved doing that when we had the new kitchen and new lounge carpet.
It is all too easy to find cliches like "You can't move on to the next chapter in life if you are still living too much with the past chapter's things"
But, as with many cliches, there is a simple truth in it - and I found it very liberating.
I am sure that all this activity - tiring, exciting, scary and stressful will work out to feel very liberating for Ashley and Liz and Ecky in the end.
The journey back was a long one - seven and a half hours, with only a short stop.
There was so much traffic on the road.
But at least we missed the shed load of vegetable oil and the cow who had run amok on the motorway!
And, I have to say I enjoyed 300 miles of the most superb autumn trees. Even without much sunshine, the oranges and gold that surrounded us were quite uplifting.
Time for some rest now.
Why on earth are the public still voting for Ann Widdecombe in Strictly Come Dancing?
We must get up early and get organised for a shop day tomorrow - my new stock is not ready to take in yet.
I will begin with the exciting event just a short while after we got home.
Well, I thought it was exciting - and I hope our Ecky thinks so too.
We made a cup of tea and watched the Teacher of the Year awards......
and Ecky's class teacher won that main award - Teacher of the Year.
Now, Ecky doesn't really like school - she prefers her own world. I do hope that Mr Davies is good enough to inspire her to some confidence amongst her peers.
My impression generally is that it is a very good school indeed.
Well done Cae Top!
And some time, some day, the family may live closer to the school. That is the plan.
They really liked the house they viewed on Saturday and will return for a second viewing. Purchase (or at least offer) may depend on the height of the loft that they would want to convert into a room.
They will look at 2 other houses tomorrow. One of them is in a superb position, very close to open country and views to the mountains. It is a little further out - but not too far. It is more expensive than the one seen on Saturday.
We shall see.
But it does seem that the next time we go to Bangor it will be to help as much as we are able with the move.
After 2 days of trips out - and a super relaxing evening with Pete and Jean,
yesterday (Saturday) was time to work.
My first job took me to the really odd Bangor car boot sale - odd, because it isn't a car boot sale. It is in ware house and all the stalls are set up permanently and most of the stalls are laden with tat - or overpriced items.
Except one - it was the one I planned to visit. Though I discovered it wasn't actually run by the woman I thought it was.
I had been hoping to meet Anglesey Allsorts once again.
I am sure that people would enjoy seeing her blog - full of charm, country crafts, converting junk into useful and beautiful things etc.
I met her in the summer and talked of her with the woman who ran the shop I had visited the day before.
Instead I met Rosie and bought from her.
I am making dealer/friend contacts in North Wales you see.
Time then, to view the house. Bill and I haven't seen inside - but on paper it looks lovely and the situation is good - on a bus route and only 10 minutes walk from school.
Then it was time to visit B & Q. Ashley and Liz had a list of things that perhaps it was wise to get to make their house look in just a bit better condition.
It probably doesn't matter too much - because it would be 99% certain that it will be bought by an investor to convert into student accomodation.
Now, for once I enjoyed a visit to B &Q!
Ecky and I wandered off to view the Christmas department.
We were both quite excited that black is an available colour this year for Christmas decorations and we discussed the fun of creating a Goth tree.
We both bought a black lantern shape to make a start on the idea.
And then we found some silly toys that made us laugh lots and lots.
These fluffy hamsters could listen to what you said or noises you made and repeat it back to you.
We played with the 4 in the front row - such fun to have them all repeating the same silly things we said and then picking up our own giggles and repeating the laughter back.
We even got them all blowing loud raspberries!
Then we went to Argos to get another shelf for Ecky's room.
And then to Tescos for food.
And then home for some lunch and a rest.
But soon we were all working.
Ashley brought down boxes from the loft. It is time for a clear out.
Already 900 books have been sent to the charity shop or disposed of through Freegle (for those that don't know, that's a web site where you can just offer to give things away to people who might need them - you can of course also get things for nothing sometimes too).
So the boxes were emptied - years of bank statements, lecture notes from university, sermons Ashley has given - all destined for the paper recycling.
But Ashley's first school books - no, no no; they are treasured and we all enjoyed his 6 and 7 year old news and stories. My goodness he could write so much and so well, even at that age.
I left them to it and went off to attack the bathroom.
How I would have loved all the assistants that the women have who do "How Clean is Your House?" on TV.
I would have been so pleased to complete the job.
Bill took the new loo seat to the upstairs toilet and fitted that. Ashley has some new vinyl flooring to put down in there too.
Liz and I worked together to get a roast dinner prepared - which pretty well filled us up!
In the evening Liz sorted out the flat packed shelves for Ecky's room and I did a bit more to the bathroom.
I gather that during today the clearing out has continued.
I loved doing that when we had the new kitchen and new lounge carpet.
It is all too easy to find cliches like "You can't move on to the next chapter in life if you are still living too much with the past chapter's things"
But, as with many cliches, there is a simple truth in it - and I found it very liberating.
I am sure that all this activity - tiring, exciting, scary and stressful will work out to feel very liberating for Ashley and Liz and Ecky in the end.
The journey back was a long one - seven and a half hours, with only a short stop.
There was so much traffic on the road.
But at least we missed the shed load of vegetable oil and the cow who had run amok on the motorway!
And, I have to say I enjoyed 300 miles of the most superb autumn trees. Even without much sunshine, the oranges and gold that surrounded us were quite uplifting.
Time for some rest now.
Why on earth are the public still voting for Ann Widdecombe in Strictly Come Dancing?
We must get up early and get organised for a shop day tomorrow - my new stock is not ready to take in yet.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A day of rest and last memories of Bodnant.
There is not very much to say about today.
It has been an oasis of not doing very much - between the past days of athletics and buying and selling and the next few days of having a new floor in the kitchen, more athletics and more buying and selling.
This morning we took the advice of the doctor and had a walk. It was not a specially interesting walk for we had things to do en route.
We needed to go to the post office to withdraw money to pay the floorman and we needed to buy some milk.
I guess we might have covered 2 miles. It was actually quite warm, but the strong wind from the north made it feel a bit chilly if the sun was hidden behind a cloud.
This afternoon I described half a dozen things for EBay.
The old toffee tin with a picture of horses going over one of the high jumps of The Grand National has already attracted some interest.
I have done a shop blog today.
My interest is waning a bit - surely not because of that electricity bill, mentioned yesterday.
I guess I do start to wonder what future the shop has.
http://pilgrimsantiquesweststreetdorking.blogspot.com/
I think my computer will be out of action whilst the floor is being done - not sure if I can wheel it back tomorrow evening.
Never mind I can always use Bill's.
Now back to Wales for the last time - until about November, when we will make our next trip there.
Today I am using my Bodnant pictures, which show the beautiful gardens - but most of all show people.
Yesterday you might have seen me enjoying the fantastic laburnum walk.
Now you can see Liz and Ecky.
I love this picture.
Shortly before we left, nearly at closing time, I returned to the laburnums and hooray - an almost clear view.
This is not the complete length, because one obstinate person just would not move about 20 yards along, so I moved alongside them to take the picture.
There was much to experience.
Yes - I did flower pictures too.
And Liz had her notebook out to jot down a few plant names.
Bodnant House was built to enjoy tremendous views across the valley to the lower slopes of Snowdonia.
Ashley and Liz play on the rickety bridge.
Now they are all playing on the stepping stones.
This is a meconopsis. It is known as the Welsh poppy.
Typical poppy - gaudy and showy and wonderful.
I enjoyed a rest when we had climbed back up to the terraces. Liz borrowed my camera and set about photographing water lilies and damsel flies - just like Bill.
Ecky also borrowed the camera - I have chosen to use a couple of pictures she took of people.
Look - we have met up with Bill again.
Two lovely mother and daughter pictures.
It has been an oasis of not doing very much - between the past days of athletics and buying and selling and the next few days of having a new floor in the kitchen, more athletics and more buying and selling.
This morning we took the advice of the doctor and had a walk. It was not a specially interesting walk for we had things to do en route.
We needed to go to the post office to withdraw money to pay the floorman and we needed to buy some milk.
I guess we might have covered 2 miles. It was actually quite warm, but the strong wind from the north made it feel a bit chilly if the sun was hidden behind a cloud.
This afternoon I described half a dozen things for EBay.
The old toffee tin with a picture of horses going over one of the high jumps of The Grand National has already attracted some interest.
I have done a shop blog today.
My interest is waning a bit - surely not because of that electricity bill, mentioned yesterday.
I guess I do start to wonder what future the shop has.
http://pilgrimsantiquesweststreetdorking.blogspot.com/
I think my computer will be out of action whilst the floor is being done - not sure if I can wheel it back tomorrow evening.
Never mind I can always use Bill's.
Now back to Wales for the last time - until about November, when we will make our next trip there.
Today I am using my Bodnant pictures, which show the beautiful gardens - but most of all show people.
Yesterday you might have seen me enjoying the fantastic laburnum walk.
Now you can see Liz and Ecky.
I love this picture.
Shortly before we left, nearly at closing time, I returned to the laburnums and hooray - an almost clear view.
This is not the complete length, because one obstinate person just would not move about 20 yards along, so I moved alongside them to take the picture.
There was much to experience.
Yes - I did flower pictures too.
And Liz had her notebook out to jot down a few plant names.
Poor Liz!
Her garden is even smaller than ours.
Bodnant House was built to enjoy tremendous views across the valley to the lower slopes of Snowdonia.
Ashley and Liz play on the rickety bridge.
Now they are all playing on the stepping stones.
This is a meconopsis. It is known as the Welsh poppy.
It is the only example of this species that grows in the UK - all others are in the Himalayan regions.
Typical poppy - gaudy and showy and wonderful.
I enjoyed a rest when we had climbed back up to the terraces. Liz borrowed my camera and set about photographing water lilies and damsel flies - just like Bill.
Ecky also borrowed the camera - I have chosen to use a couple of pictures she took of people.
Look - we have met up with Bill again.
Two lovely mother and daughter pictures.
So, tomorrow morning (early) the floorman cometh!
Not the original one of course - have not seen him for months.
