Amsterdam (The Netherlands) - January 2015

Hotel - American Hotel Hampshire Eden

Whilst in Budapest, Clare was suggesting places we should visit for our 3 year Wedding Anniversary, Amsterdam was one of the places mentioned.  Little did she know that I had already bought the flights and arranged the hotel and wrapped it as a Christmas/5 year together/Weekend away to remember Spud present.

Amsterdam has a real stigma associated with it, and it is a place that has never been high on my visit list due to this.  When I told work colleagues and friends that I was going to Amsterdam with Clare they immediately asked, "Will you be trying any of the "cakes" out there?", or "will you be "window shopping" much?"  This stigma was not helped with the fact that on Friday evening we arrived at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and boarded our flight with the absolute scum of the universe.  The "Gentlemen" sat next to me on the plane had headphones on throughout the entire flight, refused to wear his seat belt and left rubbish all over the seat and underneath, he was rude and ignorant to the cabin crew and generally a disgusting person, may be this was me just being picky, but most of the other souls on board were not much better.

We had seen on the website that the easiest way to get from the airport to the hotel was on the 197 bus, it could not have been easier as 30 minutes later the bus stopped right outside our hotel.  This is the first holiday that I have fully booked myself as Clare is our resident holiday guru, and she was a little apprehensive as she had no input.  When we arrived at the hotel I think a lot of that apprehension disappeared, although it was mentioned later that Clare was expecting them to say, "Oh sir, you have come to the wrong hotel, you are actually staying at our sister hotel which is actually a youth hostel and currently being knocked down".




The American Hotel was divine, absolutely fantastic, and the breakfast was superb.  Clare was slightly impressed by my hotel booking skills.

We ventured out on the Friday night for a quick drink before retiring for our day of adventure, as we left the glorious surrounds of the hotel we arrived in what I can only describe as Magaluf, drunks falling over and being sick on the floor, the rife smell of hash in the air and within 5 minutes I had been offered Ecstasy from a peddler stood under a huge sign saying, "do not accept drugs from street peddlers".  Maybe the stigma of the city was well and truly deserved.

We woke fairly early on the Saturday ready for a full day exploring the sights (and smells) that Amsterdam had to offer.  After a filling breakfast we walked towards Dam Square.  It was national Tulip Day in Amsterdam and the Red Cross were setting up a tulip gathering event, the colours around the square really brightened up the morning. From here we ventured up to Centraal, through the Red light district onto the Chinese district.  Getting closer towards lunch and having our eyes opened slightly by the "offerings" on display in the red light district we headed over to the Jordaan district passed the Ann Frank Haus (and it's massive queue).  Here we found a couple of streets hosting a food market with cheese, salami, and stroopwaffels.  The smells and atmosphere here really made my day, and the Stroopwaffel with it's extra syrup was just what I needed.

We then headed down towards Museumplien with the Van Gogh museum and "I Amsterdam" sign.  It is amazing how many people flocked around this sign and the amount of pictures being taken when the city has so much else to offer.  So we joined the trend and took as many different pictures and selfies as possible.




A trek back through Vondelpark towards our hotel ticked off most of what we wanted to see within the city and clocked 14 miles on the walk.  Our legs were a little tired so we headed back for a shower and freshen up before heading out for our evening meal

Clare had found a little Dutch Restaurant near the Centraal earlier in the day so we headed back out for a bite to eat.   Amsterdam seems to have a vast array of restaurants available with a multitude of nationalities, but a lot of them seem like chain restaurants, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Argentinian, Mexican, American (Burger King and McD's on every street) but very little Dutch choices  The crowd that had been hiding their aching heads for most of the day had started to come out again, but we knew which areas now to avoid.  After a lovely meal, we decided to head back towards the hotel, but enroute we would take in the sights of the Red Light District again, with the added advantage of there being more people around this time of evening and it wouldn't feel as weird.  Again, Clare was a little shocked at what was on display and wondered what the window dancers would put on their CV's for future employers.

On the Sunday morning, our whistle stop tour of Amsterdam was coming to a close.  With our legs aching from the 19 miles we had walked the day before, we only went as far up as Dam Square and the floating flower market and then back for some chips and mayonnaise (as the Dutch recommend).

It is a shame that the city is potentially ruined for travellers such as Clare and I as Amsterdam is a beautiful city.  It's canals, amazing buildings and fantastic markets are tainted by the smell of hash you get on every street you walk.  I think we are glad to have experienced what the city had to offer, but it is not somewhere I would return to in a hurry.

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