On Sunday, John, myself, Matt & Suz went into Battlesbridge to have a look around (as Suz said she liked antiques). We then went for lunch in a country pub called the Brewers Arms which we literally just came across and then drove a few minutes on to Hyde Hall which has some pretty gardens and ponds. It was a nice stroll around and the weather was quite warm.
We had planned to go to Cambridge on Monday (us four plus my Mum & Dad) but Dad wasn't feeling well, I wasn't either and also the weather was grim and drizzly. We decided to postpone that trip and in passing conversation John said he'd probably head into London to catch a show that evening. Matt and Suzie liked that idea so those three left mid afternoon, with me staying behind which I was more than happy to do as I was still feeling a bit rough.
Tuesday was a lovely sunny day so Cambridge was back on the cards. However, we'd already pre-arranged that today would be a day out with Dave and Tina and Mum and Dad would be looking after the kids. So the six of us descended on the university city which was so much smaller than I had remembered. Mind you, it has been a long time since I was there last.
Most of the universities now charge an entrance fee which I was surprised at so we didn't bother with those, and so we just strolled around the streets and stopped for lunch at a pub. Afterwards, we drove onwards about 15 miles to Ely, as Matt suggested having been there on a previous visit to England. There isn't an awful lot there - mainly the cathedral and Oliver Cromwell's house which is now a tourist information bureau. However, again it was a leisurely walk and we stopped off at a pub for a drink before heading home again.
Wednesday was the big game. Liverpool v AC Milan in the Champions League final in Athens. Both Matt and Dave are Reds' fans and so me being me, had to make a big thing out of it. I'd already bought a huge official flag of the final, made a 'Come on you Reds' poster from newspaper cuttings and pictures off the internet, bought 20 red balloons and together with an England flag, used these things to decorate the living room. It looked great! I'd also had 'You'll Never Walk Alone' to create more atmosphere. I wore all red in support but naturally I will never forget I have lillywhite blood running through my veins. You wouldn't catch me doing this if it was Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd - whoever my relatives happened to be! Liverpool, I have nothing against personally.
Unfortunately a few hours before everyone was due to arrive, my Nan had an accident involving a tempremental washing machine door and she ended up in A&E which a gash in her arm. Luckily my Dad was there at the time and thankfully after a few stitches, she was ok and was allowed back home the same afternoon. And so, in dribs and drabs people arrived at ours for the pre-match barby (seeing as the weather was bing kind to us).
Liverpool played well, looking a far better team than Milan who were seeking revenge after the events of two years ago. Two minutes before the break, a free kick was given to Milan just outside the box and it was unfortunately converted, albeit with a wicked deflection. So 1-0 down at half time. Worse was to come as the Reds went 2-0 down late on in the second half and it was just about game over before Kuyt grabbed a goal back from a close range header with a few minutes left on the clock. Sadly not enough time to equalise and so Milan won the trophy for the 7th time. Not the outcome we all wanted and the boys were gutted. Shame. The champagne is still in the fridge.
And so on to Thursday. It was another beautiful day and apart from Monday, we have been blessed with great weather. Matt & Suz must have brought it with them. Today, we'd planned a day out in London and John had already pre-booked a show for the evening - Wicked, which Suzie particularly wanted to see as it wasn't due to start in Australia until 2008. The sun was blazing when we left Shoebury but once into the capital it was really gloomy. Shame - but at least it wasn't raining. We got off the train at Tower Hill and then set off on foot over Tower Bridge and along the South Bank. It was a nice stroll and Suzie and myself were snapping away with our cameras. We didn't bother with the tube at all - just kept walking. Eventually the clouds broke and it turned into a very warm day. We sat outside and had lunch which was very tasty. Me and Suz had crab and coriander fishcakes with fragrant rice, leaves and mango salsa. Yummy! Nearby was the Tate Modern so we decided to have a look as none of us had ever been in there before. Modern art is not really my thing and whilst I did find some of the pieces intriging, others were just plain irritating - especially the giant canvas which was entitled ' Grey' - it was literally just grey, nothing else. How can you possibly call that art?!!! We did have a problem with Matt inside the gallery - he just wandered off and no-one could find him. Next time we will be taking a leash!
The rest of the afternoon was spent carrying on along the South Bank past the Globe theatre, the London Eye and through Westminster. Loads of photo opportunities to be had so I was more than happy. We had to head to Victoria where the show was playing and decided to eat at the pub John and I had done last time we were here. Although there was nothing wrong with the food itself, we couldn't believe how many things off the menu they had run out of. Firstly, out of about 8 red wines listed they only had two choices, they'd run out of mushy peas, treacle pudding, cream, and they only had one steak and ale pie left which Matt ordered, only to find that he been given a chicken and bacon pie! No apology either. I know it's not exactly fine dining but that's the reason England gets a bad reputation.
With ten minutes to spare, we walked around the corner to the Apollo Victora theatre and took our seats straight away. Good ones too - row M of the stalls to the left of the stage. This was the third time John had seen Wicked and my second but the night was really for Matt and Suzie, who thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
I was pretty exhausted but it was a very enjoyable day.
Today (Friday) was much more relaxing. Late morning, the four of us went into town (Debenhams) to get Sarah and Gary their wedding presents for tomorrow. I know that's leaving it to the very last minute but I had intended giving them money, which had been requested by them as an alternative to a gift, which they could put towards their honeymoon later in the year. However, my Mum seemed to think that the honeymoon might not be happening so a gift would be more appropropriate. They had a wedding list and there was still plenty to choose from. Lunch was spent round my Mum and Dad's al fresco - pizza, salad and potato wedges which went down a treat. Dave was also there with Ronnie - Tina was at work and the girls were at school. When it clouded over and got a tad chilly we headed inside and had a game of Balderdash.
It's now 23:37 and I'm still writing this blog entry. My back is bloody killing me too. I really must think about getting to bed soon as it's going to be a long day tomorrow with the wedding and the travellling to and from Luton. The traffic is expected to be bad seeing as it's the bank holiday weekend, so we'll be leaving about 10:15, well ahead of the ceremony which is at 2pm.
Night night.
(Posted 26 May 2007)
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