Budapest (Hungary) - November 2014

Hotel: Central Basilica, Pest

After we had seen "Grand Budapest Hotel" at the cinema, and loved it, Clare had decided that our secret anniversary destination this year would be Hungary.  Last year I had taken Clare to Edinburgh as our first anniversary treat, Clare had definitely up the ante with Budapest for our 2nd.

We arrived late in the evening on the Sunday night so quickly unpacked and set off to a local restaurant for something to eat.  Clare and I love to eat with locals and not big flash places, as we tried to find our way around, we stumbled across a quaint little place that look ideal.  The place was full of locals (I say full, there were 6 tables), and the service was fantastic.  The food was superb for a little place and was full of flavour, I knew I was going to enjoy the food in Budapest, and this just confirmed it.

We woke in the morning and it seemed as though the weather we had in Scotland had followed us across seas.  Despite this we set off the to furthest destination from our hotel, "Hero's Square".  When we arrived the thought of walking back down to our hotel despite being wet and cold was something we both didn't fancy, so we jumped on the next hop-on hop-off tour bus and toured the city in the warmth of a lovely cold double decker bus.  It was difficult to see most of the sites as the windows had steamed up that much, but it helped us get our bearings ready for the next non rainy day.

When we arrived back at the hotel, our feet were that cold we had to jump straight into a red hot bath and stand until the feeling returned.

I had downloaded the trip advisor app before arriving in Budapest and it was great for finding the kind of restaurants we like on holiday, local, cheap and authentic.  Our second night took us to another Ettorem, the food was divine and so tasty, i got a recommendation from the waitress and with starters, mains and drinks the bill came to a little under £20.00, you cannot beat that!

On our second day the sun had come out for a little so we decided to venture towards the palace and castle hill on the Buda side to see the vistas.  After finding the hilliest route with the most steps, we finally arrived at the palace and it was definitely worth the hike.  The views into Pest were breathtaking and the Parliament building just looked immense.  The palace was so beautiful and well worth our walk.  Our next destination was the castle hill, I had originally assumed that we would have covered half of the climb and could cut across, but no, we had to go back down, across a main round and the double the distance on the next climb.  Suffice to say, Clare was none too happy with me as I kept saying, "we are nearly there" for another set of stairs to appear.  Again, when we reached the top all sense of aches and pains from the climb deteriorated and the view just blew us away.  When we arrived at ground level we started to head back towards the hotel and we found a main street with shops galore, one being the most expensive Christmas shop on the planet, I was a little terrified walking around, but I knew it made Clare happy
.

Using our trip advisor app again, we found another local restaurant that changed everything.  I was considering either the Pork Knuckle (an Eastern European favourite of mine) or something different like a Deer Stew.  When I presented my options to the waiter, he simply took the menus and walked away.  Fearful that I had ordered both mains due to language issues I waited pensively.  The waiter brought me the deer stew and told me that there was no other decision for me to make, he was fully correct.  It was possibly the best meal I have ever had abroad, and believe me, I eat well abroad. The flavours were so rich and moreish, I actually struggled to engage Clare in conversation for fear of missing some part of this experience.  Believe me, it was that good!  When we returned to the hotel that night I checked my pedometer and we had covered 18 miles in a day, the feet needed some rest!

The next day brought a little more rain, but things were brightening up, we ventured towards the grand market hall and tried to see as many of the Christmas Markets as possible.  They had only just started opening as it was early in December, but it still felt very Christmassy.  We returned to the restaurant from the night before to try the soup for our dinner, Transylvania Meatball Soup, it was as good as it sounds!  As I am trying to complete a marathon soon, I had taken my runners with me to Budapest, so decided to go out into the city for a 7-8 mile run.  What a fantastic adventure, from the Basilica, passed parliament, over to Buda, up to Fisherman's wharf and then along the banks of the river Danube, cross back into Pest and then a busy run back to the basillica, the sights were a lot more interesting than my home town and that what kept me going.


In the evening we boarded our Danube River cruise accompanied with a vodka and schnapps (which were very strong) and the beautiful city around us.  Parliament building had only been seen by us during the day, so the night time version really impressed us.  As well as castle hill, the palace and fisherman's wharf, such a beautiful city.

After our cruise we found another local restaurant and Clare had Chicken in a Honey and mustard sauce, returning the lack of converation I had given clare the night before with my deer stew, Clare did the same with this dish, no talking whilst eating, the food is just superb.


Our last day and we decided to walk to Parliament, impressed by it last night on the cruise we wanted to see the
impressive building up close, it was still as impressive, and the sun had come out to play as well.

All in all, Clare's surprise anniversary trip to Budapest is something I will remember forever, a fantastic, vibrant city with so much to see and do, we didn't even scrape the surface.

Gadgrith (Scotland) October 2014

Hotel: Gadgrith Lodges, Annbank, Ayr

Having loved our last trip to Annbank as it was just what we needed at the time, we thought we would return on a happier occasion, my 35th Birthday.

This time we had opted for the larger lodge with us having Chewie and regular holiday hijackers Clare's Dad and Debbie joining us a couple of days in.  This lodge was significantly larger, the living area was huge, the kitchen massive and the bedrooms more than adequate.

We settled in straight away and got Chewie used to his new surroundings.  Then off we tottered to the Lang Scot Mile in Ayr, a mile long walk along the promenade looking out to sea and the Isle of Aaran.  Chewie absolutely loved this freedom and was chasing leaves continuously.  We also treated our little monkey to a play on the beach.  Chewie had not really seen sand before and was just overwhelmed by how much fun he could have.  Digging, sniffing, scuttling and generally running around, he was one happy puppy.  We then returned to a lovely log fire and settled in for the night.

The week we had chosen, mainly because it was birthday week, must have been the wettest week in Scotland for years.  We had rain pretty much everyday, but this did not dampen our spirits.
We covered familiar haunts of the previous year, such as Ayr, Alloway (Robbie Burns Birthplace) and Troon even before our guests had arrived.

Chewie was loving the whole Scottish life and would bounce every time we got out of the car, ready for his new adventure.

When Clare's Dad and Step-mum joined us, the cards came out and the holiday ritual began, Nomination Whist.

A little trip back to Alloway, Ayr and Troon were on the cards on the first day, just to take in the sights nearer to home, hoping that the rain would clear for our longer treks

We ventured as a group to the idyllic Loch Lomand for a boat trip around the deepest loch.  The rain had stopped for a few hours so the trip was really picturesque and relaxing.  Chewie loved his first boat trip and was also a little star on deck.  Some tourists were happier to take pictures of our little puppy rather than the sights around.



I awoke on my 35th birthday and lit the log fire ready for the day ahead.  Chewie was already giddy and I can't thank Clare, Terry and Debbie for making me feel so special on this day.  A trip to Dean Castle was my treat, (one I had decided on a few weeks before) as I knew it would be a great place for Chewie to run around, but also a great place for a walk.  Little did we know that the rain would not stop all day.  Still, we had fun as we always do, and I even treated myself to a scone.

We found a little sanctuary restaurant that was happy to take dogs into the restaurant and serve lovely hot soup.  This park is one I would like to return to when it wasn't so wet and cold as it was a real delight and the fact that we could nip in for a warming drink and soup with our little mutt is a pure bonus.

Ayr is a lovely place to visit and there is so much to see an do within a close proximity, the lodges just add that extra cosy feel, and with Chewie settling in and enjoying himself so much, I am sure we can look to do something similar in the future...as long as it has a log fire!

Prague (Czech Republic) March 2014

Hotel: Hotel Roma

With our current fascination with Eastern European countries, Clare suggested a trip to Prague for our usual February get away.  Having been to Krakow a couple of times, we though we would try somewhere that offered something a little different, yet still had the feel of the city.  We were a little underwhelmed by the beauty of the city and how much was crammed into such a small area.

We arrived late evening in Prague, the taxi driver taking us to our hotel was a font of knowledge advising us to only drink the local beers, if not afraid of height to head up the fenicular and see the Lesser Square and Astrological Clock. We arrived and czeched (sorry) into our hotel, and decided to go out into the main point of the city for something to eat.  This was when we first discovered Charles Bridge (Karlos Muntz), the main bridge connecting the old town and new town.

The food in Prague is similar to most Easter European countries, meat (pork hocks/chicken) with cabbage, potatoes or beetroot and we love it.  Whilst in Prague we tried Wild Boar, Chicken on sword skewers and lots of goulash

On the recommendations of thousands on Trip Advisor and our Taxi Driver we trekked to Lesser square to take in the Astrological Clock.  All I can say is...what? we waited around for about ten minutes, choosing the prime location for viewing the spectacular that was about to happen.  The crowds built, the tensions mounted and then the hour struck.  After the minute of mechanic bravado, I turned to Clare and she was just laughing, what had we just witnessed, and why were people clapping? Had we missed something?

No City break with a river would be complete without a boat trip, I love me a boat trip.  Clare and I

were soon aboard our cruise with a free Pivo (beer) and cup of tea and off we sailed.  Learning more of the city and it's history, I felt much more knowledgeable of our surroundings.

Charles Bridge is a great place to meander up and down as there is always something happening on there.  One of the many bands performing "The Band on the Bridge" are just one of the highlights.  A group of 4 aged gentlemen delighting audiences with their music, and flogging CD's

We also took a trip up the fenicular to the tower on the hill for real panoramic views of the spectacular city,  I braved the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and took the camera with me.  The views from here were just awesome.  We then skipped down to the Palace to which we were just in time to see the changing of the guard.  

Everything is in walking distance in Prague, however to walk to everything in one day really takes a toll on the little feet.  

Prague, for me, will always be the place I heard Clare laugh for the first time in months.  We had suffered real heartbreak and Clare had trouble seeing life for what it had to offer.  Hearing Clare laugh whilst stood on Charles Bridge early in the holiday will be something I always remember. 

Krakow (Poland) December 2013

Hotel: Galycia, Krakow

Having loved Krakow, although it was so cold, on our last visit, we had gathered the troops again for another visit.  With Clare, Terry, Debbie, my Ma and myself already for the temperatures again, suitcases full of fluff and enough zlotties to feed an army we ventured off.

We had chosen December time as the Christmas Markets were in full swing on the Rynek Glowny, if you want to feel a little Christmassy then I insist you visit somewhere like this.  It was magical.  Similar to the Christmas Markets that have now become very trendy all over the UK, the market on the Rynek Glowny is something else, and the price is a major difference too.  Only a few weeks before, Clare and I were in Edinburgh paying £4-5 for a Mulled wine, here we were paying just over 80p and it tasted better, probably due to it being cold and Christmassy.

We also ventured to the Castle Warwel, a huge structure that is visible from most of the city.  On our previous trip we had not fancied the high altitudes due to the freezing weather, but this time, although still frosty, we took in the sights

With the temperatures being about 20 degrees celcius hotter than the last time, only 1 and 2 degrees now, we were able to see more of the city as we could stand to be out longer in it.  We were amazed to how much more there was to see and how many little bars and restaurants there were on offer.

One little place we came across very early on was the "Vodka Shoppe".  For 4 Zlotte (about 70 pence) you could choose from Vodka, Beer, Wine, Coffee or Tea, everything was just 4 Zlotte.  The same went for food, Soup, Sausage, Cold Beef, all 4 Zlotte.  This little bar became our local and as Debbie quite rightly put it, we would go in there for our afternoon "Session".

We also found a few extra coffee shops for those afternoons were the thought of more Vodka was a little too much.  The Polish really know how to do hot drinks.  After a couple of days, Clare and I thought we would try somewhere different, a coffee shop that looked a little mainstream.  We happily stayed in there for most of the morning and dragged our parents in for more.  Hot mead, mulled wines, hot ciders, the tastes were to die for.

Every night we returned to the hotel, the cards were out in force.  After the success of Nomination Whist in Italy, this was our holiday card game and the vodka's flowed easily whilst playing.

On or last night in Krakow we had decided to flash a little cash (as we were really struggling to spend it) and have a meal in a posh bohemian restaurant with live Polish Polka Music.  The entertainment was fantastic, and I can say the meal was superb, but unfortunately it was too cheap again, and we had to go and spend more money on the Christmas Markets.

Krakow remains one of my favourite cities I have been to, and I urge people to experience what it has to offer

Edinburgh - November 2013

Edinburgh

Clare had never been to Scotland before, and as our 1st Wedding Anniversary was coming up, I thought it would be a nice surprise to take her for a weekend to see this fantastic city.

My hiding skills were not up to scratch 1 year into our marriage and Clare found all my booking details a couple of weeks before we were about to embark on our 3 hour journey.  I was slightly happy with this as Clare could then pack her own bag.  I would have definitely packed the wrong things and Clare would have been wearing ball gowns all weekend.


I had booked a hotel a little out of Edinburgh as I remember having parking issues there in the past. The hotel offered free parking and an awesome breakfast, so it had me sold.

Clare and I got married on the 30th November, St Andrews Day, so the streets of Edinburgh were bustling with Scottish pride, and places like Edinburgh Castle were free to enter, so we took advantage of this.  Everywhere in Edinburgh is within walking distance, so we were ready to tackle the hills and marched off.  The Castle overlooks the whole city and the views are just incredible.  We also ventured inside the museums on offer and then decided to grab a little lunch.

The Christmas Markets had taken the position along Princes Street, so the city also had a little magical feel to it as well.  On our first day here we had pretty much covered the Grass Market, a few of the special pubs, the Castle and up and down Princes Street and the Christmas Markets, we were ready for a little quiet night.  At 4am we were woken by the fire alarm, grabbing my clothes and rushing towards the door, Clare was still asking what was going on.  Beautifully presented in her onesie, trying to explain to a Japanese tourist that we had to evacuate, Clare was still half asleep.

Luckily the fire alarm was caused by a drunk landlady and we all returned to bed for another few hours.

On the Sunday we packed our things and had another mooch around Princes Street before heading home to our lovely bed.  Clare loved her Edinburgh experience, although short, we packed as much in as possible

Gadgrith (Scotland) September 2013

Hotel: Gadgrith Lodges, Annbank, Ayr

Having recently suffered the loss of our son Spud at 20 weeks, Clare and I desperately needed time to ourselves, but also time for healing.  We had already booked the lodges in Gadgrith a few months ago and instead of cancelling and hiding away, we ventured up to Annbank to our wooden log cabin.

Our cabin in the woods was superb, a real hideaway from everything with log burner, steam room and relaxing environment.


Clare had planned a few trips to see the area and our first destination was Dean Castle.  A nature park

with a stately home in the centre.  A whole host of animals and birds could be found on the grounds and the walk did us good.

Clare had also booked to visit the Sky Dark Observatory near Loch Doon as it was the Summer Solstice and the celebration of the Moon.  Although it took us over an hour to travel 8 mile, we arrived at the Observatory and had a fantastic evening using all the telescopes and equipment on hand.  Then we had to venture back down the rocky terrain back to the lodge.

Near to Annbank are the coastal towns of Ayr and Troon.  Beautiful seaside towns with a quaint feel to them.  Hosting many restaurants, tea rooms and bars we partook in several scones and haggis.
Also close by is the birthplace of Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet.  O'er the Brig O Doon, the Robbie Burns Cottage and Poets Corner, Ayr is a lovely place to visit.



We also took a long trip to Loch Lomond and jumped aboard a boat trip round the massive Loch.

 The mist was coming in from the hills around and it gave the Loch a real eerie feel.

Our log retreat was ideal and just what we needed.  We came back from our holiday still hurting from our loss but feeling stronger as a couple

St Angello (Italy) May 2013

Hotel: Majestic Palace

Based on our previous holiday to The Majestic Palace being such a great hit, we decided to come back to the beautiful place but this time for two weeks and also joined by Clare's Dad and Step Mum

We had raved about the food in the hotel, location and places to see.  We were also there for Clare's birthday which we had planned a trip for a couple of days to Rome, and then returning to Sorrento for Clare's Step Mum's birthday, there was a lot planned.

Vicenzo had been promoted to the Restaurant Manager and recognised us straight away as we went for dinner, he was joined by Nello who was our waiter for the two weeks we were there.  Again, I cannot praise these two enough, they are fantastic.  Also, it seemed that they still employed my Nanna in the kitchen, because the food was exquisite for the full holiday.

After our evening meals, we always ventured out to the two local bars, one called Bar Jolly for a few birra and amarro or the Tent Bar, here we played Nomination Whist.  Debbie (Clare's step-mum) told us that she was not a big card player, but soon got addicted to the game and it has now become a staple card game for all holidays

After a couple of days of taking in the sights and surroundings of Sorrento, we decided to venture off to Amalfi for the morning.  The bus was packed solid en-route, but we still got to see the amazing vistas on the decent down the coastline.  Amalfi is still, for me, one of the most picturesque towns in Italy, simply stunning.

Then on to our main destination, Roma.

Hotel: Casa Tra Noi, Rome

I had only been to Rome as a little nipper, I think I was less than 1 year old, so obviously I had no memories of the place and it has always been a place I wanted to visit.  When Clare mentioned about coming here as a treat for her birthday, I jumped at the chance.  I had put a task of visiting the Colloseum on my 40 before 40, this was just an excuse to get to the Eternal City

Our hotel was hidden away in the hills behind The Vatican City, and using the map given to us by the travel bus, it was a difficult one to find.  Eventually we found the religious venue and moved in for a couple of nights.  Clare has a special ability for finding hotels within budget in awesome places, and this was definitely a great find.

As we arrived in Rome, we had decided to jump on a 24 hour tour bus, pay for the day after and then utilise the bus to get around the city.  What we didn't plan for was waiting at the bus stop the morning after to find out that the company had gone on strike.  We opted to walk to the Termini, via the Colloseo, Vittori, and other sites along the way, try to sort something out with the company and then enjoy the rest of the day.  What we didn't plan for was the distance.  We covered most of Rome getting to Termini that morning but we were determined.  My Italian language skills are based around the family in Salerno, not business arguments, but I made my case and the company happily transferred us to another tour and we hopped on and off we went to take in more of the city.

The Trevvi Fountains, Spanish Steps, Panthenon, Piazza Nuovo, Vittori (again) and back to The Vatican to name the main focal points.  What Rome has, is something on every street corner that makes you say WOW! You turn a corner and there is a column with intricate detail, or a huge white building with ornate features.  Rome is just a stunning, mesmerising city.

We celebrated Clare's birthday in a restaurant near the hotel that had "Mamma" in the kitchen.  I think this was definitely a birthday to remember.

Hotel: The Majestic Palace, Sorrento

As we returned to our hotel in San Agnello, we were all tired and drained.  The walking around Rome and busy life had taken it's toll.  We were ready for a few days of relaxing by the pool, a few beers and a lot of cards.  We were soon recharged and ready to take in more sights though.

Our first port of call was to see the Family.  From Sorrento we needed to take a train to Pompeii, change terminals and the take a train from Pompeii to Salerno where Tonino would meet us.  As we arrived at the second terminal in Pompeii, the ticket master decided that he was going for lunch and just shut the desk and left.  Confused by this and how else to get to Salerno, we tried to get information from the locals, but they were all slightly confused too.  Luckily the ticket master returned and we were on our way.  Unfortunately,, at the back end of 2012 one of my Zia Nina had passed away, so what is usually a jolly and jovial home, Mario's was a solemn place and my wonderful cousin Sabi was a little less chatty than usual.  Again, Toni made a fantastic meal and we laughed and giggled all the way through the meal.  Being the translator between so many people was highly confusing and I actually think I started talking to Clare in Italian at one point.

Sadly, we had to leave again, with fear of ticket masters closing for tea, so back to Pompeii and then to Sorrento.

Another of our trips was over to Capri.  The sea was a little choppy, and a few boats had decided not to brave the waves, so we could only go across on the large ferry.  We thought we would be ok, but the waves took many prisoners, one of them being Clare.  When we arrived on the island of Capri, we made a beeline for the fenicula to go up to the Cappo.  The views from up here are amazing, and Capri is so beautiful, but Clare did not seem to be in the mood for it, after the trip across and something upsetting her stomach, Clare was not a fan of Capri.

Again, our time in Sorrento had come to an end.  Terry and Debbie had loved their experience and vowed to return to Italy again, and I knew Clare and I would be coming back, but may be not to Sorrento as there is so much more to see.