A Broad on the Broads

Yesterday was K's birthday, her choice was to walk from Cley to Blakeney and back but the weather had other ideas so we reverted to plan B.
Kicked off the birthday celebrations with Bucks Fizz and a full EB, then took time looking around all the little shops in Holt (while dodging the showers). It stands apart from most places in it's lack of national chain stores. With the exception of Spar and a couple of banks, they're all independants. Later on we had our best meal of the holiday at a mediterranean bistro called Balthazar.
Today we've been sampling different modes of transport. We drove to Aylsham for a look round and a cuppa; then took a narrow gauge steam train for the 40 minute ride along the Bure valley to Wroxham.
Wroxham's known as the 'Gateway to the Broads' so we decided to have lunch on the river and hired a little boat. Weather stayed dry but a little chilly. We're currently back on the train, steaming towards Aylsham. Can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day ;-(

Fish, Chips & Drizzle

Not such good weather today but we're English so we carry on regardless.

Drove to Weybourne, deposited the car the walked along the Norfolk Coast Path to Sheringham. It was about 5 miles of beautiful clifftop views - when the clouds lifted.

Sheringham provided us with a hearty lunch of fish and chips in Dave's Cafe. Suitably sated, we got the bus to Cromer where the rain really started coming down properly. We adjourned to a seafront shelter and spent half an hour reading our books until the rain abated. Got the bus from Cromer back to the car and we're currently sat in The Ship having a swift one before dinner.

Books and beaches

Sun was almost out today, if it carries on like this then I might be able to dispense with my vest and thermal drawers.

We had a lovely long walk on the enormous beach at Wells-next-the-Sea today - when the tide goes out here it really goes out, miles out.

Had a spot of lunch in Wells then carried on to Burnham Market for a look in the bookshops. It's a very attractive village, lots to look at.

Now we're in the White Horse in Brancaster Staithes, having a pre-prandial pint. Tonight we're going to Monday mussels night in a little bistro in Holt. Can't wait, you can't beat a bit of local shellfish.

Deals and seals

Went to an antique fair at Blakeney this morning. K's been looking for a mirror for our hall and we spotted a mahoosive oval one in a gilt frame for £35. Got it for £28 but that was less to do with my haggling technique and more to do with the stall-holder not wanting to carry it home.

We had some local crab and crayfish for lunch then walked along the coast to Morston where we took a seal watching trip out to Blakeney Point. That was a lot of fun and we must have seen about 100 seals.

We got the bus back to Blakeney then nipped up the coast to Cley (pronounced Cly, not Clay) where we had a mooch and a pint; played cards too (10-3 to me so far).

Now back in Holt, sat at the Feathers waiting for my mixed grill. Excellent start to our holiday I'd say!

Hello Norfolk

Easy journey from Lincoln today, it rained all the way but there was very little on the road. We called at Downham Market for a look round and a spot of lunch.

Cottage is really nice and very centrally located. We had a wander round the town; even though most places were already closed, we could tell it's our kind of place. Looking forward to exploring the shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

We're just off out for some traditional Norfolk fayre - a curry.

Monkeys and Modern Art

Today was another scorcher. We had breakfast in the hotel, as it's Sunday there are fewer options, then walked into old Lyon for a look at the art and craft market. We took a metro train to the Park of the Golden Head where Lyon has its zoo. I particularly enjoyed the turtles and mongooses (mongeese?). By way of contrast, we spent the afternoon at the Gallery of Modern Art - some of it was good, some of it was weird, but all of it was interesting. This evening we had dinner in a traditional bouchon - superb food as usual. Home tomorrow, sad to say goodby to Lyon as it's a beautiful city.

Home win!

Olympique Lyonnais 3, Bordeaux 1. I've forgotten what it's like to see a home win! Nick and I also managed to avoid getting beaten up... just. I don't know what the problem is with these Frenchies. Don't they know they'd all be speaking German if it wasn't for us? I haven't had one 'thank you'!

Another sunny day in Lyon

Today we've been up to the Basilica and admired the views from there. On a clear day you can see Mont Blanc but it was too hazy today. The Basilica itself is stunning; the outside is sparkling white and inside, the walls and floors are covered with intricate mosaics. Nick and I are going to Lyon v Bordeaux later to show the froggies what proper English hooliganism looks like.

Lyon by night

This is Notre Dame de Fourviere (on the hill) and Primatiale St-Jean (foreground) both lit wonderfully. It's been a really sunny afternoon. Flight was on time and taxi to the hotel was fast and easy (if a little scary). Hotel itself is great, we have a corner room overlooking one of Lyon's main promenades. Dinner was beautiful (we are in France after all). Looking forward to seeing more of the city tomorrow.

Bonjour Angleterre

Off to Lyon for the weekend with the Felthams. We're currently sat in Wethers at Stansted waiting for brekkie. Nick and I are taking advantage of 'airport time' and having a pint. May as well start as we mean to go on!