Paul’s blog

Saturday was another wet day. Talking of wet, we started the day by swimming fifty plus lengths of Risborough Swimming pool. After which we popped into Tesco’s for our weekly shop. When we got back to the house we decided to venture into High Wycombe. Évi wanted to try out the ‘Noodle Bar’ which she had heard about from Jenny, and I needed to buy my last birthday present. The Noodle bar wasn’t too bad, it fits in somewhere between a restaurant and a fast food joint. This I liked, the food wasn’t too bad either. Next we battled through the rain to get to Marks and Sparks so I could buy my dressing gown. My old one has been with me for about 15 years, so time for a change methinks. It was bought from money Mum and Dad gave me for my birthday, so thank you Mum and Dad

In the evening we went to the cinema. We had decided to see ‘War of the Worlds’. When we got there we found it was fully booked, I must admit I did not even think to check as the film has been running for three weeks now. So instaed we watched ‘Wedding Crashers’ which we enjoyed.

On Saturday Évi and I had the pleasure of my sister and family visiting. We had been looking for a child friendly attraction nearby, where the kids would not be bored within 5 minutes. Odds Farm Park was the venue we decided on, and it was worth the visit. Thomas and Rebecca got to fed several animals, as well as a tractor ride. After we went just down the road to Chequers Inn for a pleasant meal. Before we arrived back home we took a quick detour to West Wycombe. All in all it was a good day.

Monday was my birthday. I had a fantastic day and some wonderful presents. Highlights were a tripod for my digital camera, perscription swimming googles (I didn’t know they existed) and a couple of walking tee shirts. After the present opening ceremony we went to Windsor, first we had a light lunch at ‘Claudios’ then after a boat trip on the Thames. We chose the 2 hour trip up the Thames via Boveney Lock. The weather was not the best but the trip was present enough. Next we had a quick pudding break at a nearby pub, thereafter walking it off by completing the ‘Long Walk’. I must thank my beautiful wife for a wonderful day.

We have recently returned from a visit to Germany. We flew to Munich last Saturday and where taken to Regensburg by minivan. We were based in Regensburg where Évi has a friend living in the city. As usual I took plenty of pictures, near on 500. I have posted a few on my flickr account. We mostly stayed around Regensburg, taking in a trip to the Hall of Liberation at Kelheim, a fleeting visit to Walhalla, and a boat trip on the Danbue. On the Wednesday we took the train and spent the day looking around Munich.
Coming home was a bit of a nightmare. We left Regensburg at 4 in the morning amid thunderstorms. All went smoothly at the airport, and our flight to Gatwick was OK. At Gatwick we had to get a bus to Heathrow, then another bus to High Wycombe. From here we got a taxi to home. This took a long time, and by the end we were glad to be back.

On Sunday we decided to take advantage of the weather and go for a walk. This turned into two. The first walk took place around the pretty village of Hambleden. This took us 1 1/2 hours and was very scenic. At the end we wanted to get a pint to refresh our aching bodies, but upon entering the village pub we were told “Sorry guys we are shut”. It was only 1510. We decided to go on another walk in Marlow, along the Thames. Whilst en-route we found a pub which was open and had a well-deserved pint.
Marlow was packed, and getting a parking space was a nightmare but we soon started our trek. We treated ourselves to ice-cream at the start and had a lovely stroll down the Thames.

I just heard the news on the radio, we got the Olympic Games in 2012! I still cannot believe it. Fantastic news. Well done to everyone involved with the bid.

Now to start queuing for my tickets

The weather tried to interrupt our weekend but we prevailled in the end. On Saturday we went swimming at Princes Risborough, completing 48 lengths of the pool. It was meant to be ‘Adult swim’ but there were a few kids there for some reason. At least they kept clear, as this is the only time we can have a decent swim. After we went to High Wycombe to pick up our Euros for our Germany trip this Saturday. Regensburg here we come! In the evening we went to the cinema to see ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’, which was watchable.

On Sunday we went to Stowe Landscape Gardens near Buckingham. We were dressed for the worse, but the weather kept improving until it was actually quite nice! Évi and I sent about four hours walking around, enjoying the tea room and me clicking away as usual with my digi camera. Well it keeps me happy.