The Hardy Wench

Goes a travellin!

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  • Hollywood Calling!

    Hollywood Calling!

    Our next adventure took us to Hollywood Studios, yet another more than a theme park theme park! Certainly designed around the golden age of Hollywood, the architecture was very Art Deco giving a very 1930’s feel. The crowds in shorts and Teeshirts did not quite fit the glamour of Old Hollywood! The first ride which, I declined, was a jerky lift in placed in the ‘Tower of Terror’ which, jolted you in a downwards direction. This was followed by show telling the story of ‘Beauty and the Beast. This I could cope with! As with everything seen so far the quality of the production, costumes and ability of the actors was incredibly polished.

    This was followed by a show displaying how scenes involving stunt actors are made, geared around ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ Fight scenes combined with explosions and the inevitable baddies chasing the hero and heroine! All good stuff.

    Next we joined ‘Star Tours, a ride which simulated a galaxy mission guided by C-3PO. Following which we wanted around a Star Wars landscape recreation.

    Another hairy ride followed this, spot who is missing!

    Can you spot who is missing?

    After lunch we made last way the to Runaway train another ride which simulated many adventures is a range of settings. A stroll through Toy Story World followed which, was like seeing old friends as characters from the film were dotted around.

    The finale for the day was a show titled Fantasmic. What seemed like thousands of park guests filed into a huge amphitheatre in front of a lake and behind which was a mountain. The show was truly incredible, a romp through the many films and characters created by Disney, beginning with Mickey Mouse and moving through all the characters up to the present day. The show was accompanied by some of the most incredible special effects I have ever seen.

    The show ended with a steamboat full of Disney’s favourite characters waving goodbye!

    Our adventures were not yet over; deciding to take the Skyliner cable car home, we were subjected to an unexpected delay and spent some time dangling in mid air before eventually arriving back at our boardwalk home!

  • Orlando bound!

    Orlando bound!

    This year one of my very good friends Keith reached the milestone of seventy! His wish to celebrate this momentous event was to visit Disneyworld with his five favourite other pensioners, his wife Andrea, myself and other friends Chris, Mike and Julie. Keith and Andrea organised the trip and booked the flights some time ago so anticipation had been mounting for some time.

    After a 6.00am start from Weymouth we met up at Heathrow ready for our USA adventure.We flew on Virgin airlines and service was excellent and the extra few inches of legroom made for s very comfortable flight.

    Arrival in Orlando was slightly lengthened by a long wait for our luggage; (Kieth’s case was the very last case on the belt!) but, we were soon on our way in a huge transfer vehicle to our destination ‘Boardwalk Villas,’ part of the massive Disney complex.

    One could not help but be impressed! The traditionally whiteboard style buildings fringed a man made lake across which ferry boats took guests to various parts of the complex. The lobby of our building boasted a large golden dragon hanging from the ceiling whilst the walls and carpets were in pastel shades of green and blue. Our own apartment had two floors again with a high ceiling and the largest twin beds I have ever seen! A balcony overlooked the lake and we were welcomed by a firework display from the Epcot Centre a short walk away. Our destination from the next day!

    Quite a greeting!

  • The Magic of Disney

    The Magic of Disney

    Even if not a big Disney fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by Disney’s Magic Kingdom which, proved to be much more than a theme park. The rides were incredible and more than just rides! Mostly themed around Disney films we were transported into “Small Worlds, Caribbean Pirates, Haunted houses, Tiana’s bayou and Wild West gold mines.

    ‘Main Street,’ was constructed of replica all American clapperboard building leading to the iconic Disney castle.

    My face says it all!

    I was a bit apprehensive about some of the rides but although my face shows absolute terror I did enjoy them.

    Look behind you!

    Interspersed with the amazing rides were two parades (one in daylight and one in after dark,) followed by a very spectacular firework display accompanied by very stirring music. People crowded into the Main Street and all around the resort to see this stunning display which emanated from the iconic Disney castle. An exciting end to a tiring but very enjoyable day.

    Familiar faces!

    A very grand finale!

  • Epic Epcot

    Epic Epcot

    The following morning we boarded a ferry for a short hop across the lake to the Epcot Centre, where world countries are replicated in a series of bulldings particular to that country. We were greeted by a very twee England complete with Roase and Crown pub, followed by a film journey around Canada. Recreated Mayan Mexican temples stood side by side Chinese Lions, Morroccan souks and Italian plazas.

    A replica of the Itsukushimi shrine framed the Epcot dome from which a spectacular firework display was held almost every night.

    We attempted a space simulation ride which took us on a journey around the world giving us knobs and joysticks to play with whilst we blasted around space!

    A sudden thunderstorm caused us to seek shelter in a Chinese cafe for lunch. Following this we enjoyed Bellinis in an Italian Plaza where we were entertained by a juggling clown.

    Following a very British dinner in the Roase and Crown pub (where we were served by wenches in very traditional costume!) we were treated to the first of thefireworks shows before returning home after what had been a busy first day!

  • A Room with a View!

    A Room with a View!

    Arriving in La Valle at the two floor apartment which is Nereyda’s home I couldn’t help but be struck by the beautiful view they have over the nearby mountains.

    This morning we were going to breakfast (I know it’s a continuous eating fest!) in a local cafe popular with workmen to have what is known in Valenciano as ‘esmorcai’ in Castilian ‘almuerzo,’ which is a snack between breakfast and lunch. Due to the high winds everyone was inside and a noisy scene of almost all men greeted us when we entered. Although loud, the atmosphere was convivial and animated. I had developed a headcold and Nereyda recommended a coffee cremaet (cremated coffee). This is a black coffee which is made in a terracotta cup with rum or brandy which is set alight before the coffee is added. I’d certainly recommend this as a remedy for a cold, it made me feel much better, at least until the alcohol wore off! Although it was windy it was not as bad as we had expected so we headed for Moncofar the small beach village near the La Valle. It seems unusual for Spain as the beach is a pebbly one. The sea was very blue and I wished I had been feeling well enough for a swim but the the current looked strong and I didn’t think it a good idea with a cold so instead we headed to another cafe where I had my favourite ice cream, Blanco y Negro. A ball of ice cream served over frozen coffee, another great cold remedy recommendation.

    After returning home for a siesta we made ready to go out for yet another meal, this time to a restaurant ‘Ca Mario,’ in a village Alfondegiya, three kilometers away. The decor was very traditional ceramics and the menu related to us orally by Mario himself. Yet another gastronomic success with Sepia, Pork croquettes and a seafood casserole. I tried my first Vermouth which was beautifully served.

    We had arrived early for dinner (eight o’clock) by Spanish standards and we were the only diners when we arrived but by the time we left it was full.

    And so home and to bed once again after a busy day of eating and drinking!

  • More Friends and More Food!

    More Friends and More Food!

    The next day after a relatively relaxed morning, Nuria and I headed to Valencia once again, this time to meet some friends Nereyda and Aureli, who live a little outside Valencia in a small town called La Valle D’Uxo. Yet another lunch awaited, this time in an Italian restaurant. Nereyda was also a friend from university who also became an English teacher. We enjoyed a lunch of Pasta and Lasagne, with much chatter and laughter. I then said goodbye to Isabel and Nuria and went back with Nereyda and Aureli to La Valle. At some point in the late afternoon my phone showed an alert for high winds in the area and advising not to go out. The Moroccan meal we had organized with Nereyda’s students had to be cancelled and supplies brought in, in case we were unable to go out the following day. The supermarket was goi,ng to be closed for the day and everyone was advised to stay at home. So we ate (again!) at home and stayed up talking late into the night!

    We

  • Back to Work and an encounter with a Fallera!

    Back to Work and an encounter with a Fallera!

    As an English teacher in the School of Languages, Nuria asked if I would be prepared to attend a morning at the school speaking to her students who were learning English. The schools of Languages are government subsidised colleges where anyone can learn a modern language relatively cheaply.

    The students are mostly adults learning languages for a variety of reasons. Both groups were delightful and I spent a lovely morning talking a lot (one of my favourite pastimes,) about a range of topics from our pets to the National Health Service to King Charles and my home town, Weymouth..

    All were very engaged and enthusiastic so the morning whizzed by! I headed into Valencia once more, this time to meet another friend Isabel who lives in a small mountain town just outside Valencia. I met her and her daughter Maria and we went for possible the largest lunch I have encountered so far. The portions were huge and the food really good, just a shame we couldn’t finish it. I chose my favourite ‘ Arroz Al Orno,’ and it certainly did not disappoint.

    Following lunch, Isabel and I headed into the centre of Valencia and to the Mercado de Colon, previously a small covered food market but now transformed into a trendy meeting place with gift stalls, bars delicatessens and eateries. We enjoyed a very large Gin and Tonic (No optics in Spain!) and headed back to the Plaza Del Ayuntamiento. On the way, a crowd had gathered outside the theatre and a band were playing. As we approached it became clear it was a presentation of Falleras. This is a preamble to the huge festival of ‘Fallas’ which takes place next month. Girls in traditional dress are presented in a formal ceremony. The costumes and jewellery are very ornate. It was lovely to see such a traditional event taking place and the girls looked beautiful. I thought I had scrubbed up reasonably well but felt very underdressed when I saw them!

    It was time to head for home, so `Isabel and I said our goodbyes and I headed for the metro and home to L’Eliana once more.

  • Continuing the theme of light!

    Continuing the theme of light!

    My ticket for the Art gallery included two visits to churches nearby so feeling much refreshed after a great sleep, I decided to head into the city centre again. I headed first to the church of Saint Nicolas which as recommended by Nuria is known for it’s light show; the entrance was in a very unprepossessing side alleyway but once inside it was clear why this church is known as ‘Valencia’s Sistine chapel.’ The ceiling was totally covered by paintings of biblical scenes and cherubs a plenty. The sides of the church contained several small chapels each dedicated to different saints, each with a story as Tod in the audio guide. I was delighted to see as statue of Saint Anne (My namesake!) the mother of Mary in one of the chapels.
    It was announced that the light show was about to begin so, I sat (as advised by Nuria, in a back pew. The church came to life with beautiful moving lights depicting flying cherubs all over the ceiling along with blooming flowers and what looked like shooting stars. With the musical accompaniment it was so atmospheric, and so well put together. Definately, another priority for visitors I would say.

    One more church later Sant Juan which was also impressive and beautifully restored, I found myself at the Central market. This is the largest covered food market in Europe; the stalls were a blaze of colour with a huge variety of all types of fruits, vegetables, hams, cheeses, wines, fish and seafood. Huge pans of assorted Paella were serving up lunch., Some of the stalls sold drinks and cones of salami and cheese which, locals ate while chatting, creating a social space not just a shopping area.

    I continued my wandering around the city, the now pedestrianised Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, the Bullring, El Corte Ingles; all landmarks I remembered from my time here so many yers ago. I was surprised that ‘El Correos,’ a favourite meeting place was now a telecommunications museum as the need for postage must have declined here as well!

    I encountered some bomberos attending to a tree which had partially blown down in the high winds. I made my way to the Metro station and headed for home. Having walked nine miles in total I was very relieved when Ana, Nuria’s daughter picked me up from the Metro Station in L’Eliana, it had been a long but really enjoyable day!

  • Contemporary Art and Fried Bananas!

    Contemporary Art and Fried Bananas!

    The next morning on the advice of Nuria, I headed into the city to see a new Art Gallery in a restored Palace in the old quarter of Valencia. After a wander around a street market, and, the Plaza Redonda; now sadly depleted of the many traditional ceramic shops previously there I headed to the Centro de Arte de Hortensia Herrero. It certainly did not disappoint. A varied selection of artists from around the world including Mat Collishaw, David Hockney and Manolo Valdes to name but a few. A dominant theme in the works was the use and effect of light in both sculptures and paintings. My favourite was a video linked to ‘Fallas’ with the theme of destruction and rebirth. All housed in a beautifully restored palace with archeological evidence of the Roman occupation on the site many years previously. Certainly I would recommend this for any visitors to Valencia.

    Prior to entering the gallery, I decided to have a cold beer, (the temperature was much warmer than I’ve been used to of late.) I opted for the neares bar/restaurant and mistakenly ordered a ‘doble’ beer which when it arrived was enormous! I made a further mistake by being adventurous and ordering a dish which I knew was cheese possibly served on a wooden board. I was a bit surprised when a plate of fried bananas, rubbery cheese and a mint mayonnaise arrived. Probably not the best choice!

    After a wander around the old quarter with some very traditional shops I decided to head for the Metro and home to L’Eliana.

  • Valencia, here I come!

    Valencia, here I come!

    On a dark rainy morning in February, I joined the throngs a of passengers at Gatwick Airport escaping the near biblical rains we have experienced of late in England, for sunnier climes. Apart from the ‘Fray Bentos’ Steak and Kidney pie which, (clearly an offensive weapon!)caused a bit of a delay at security, (gift for a Spanish friend!) I whizzed through the airport and was soon on my Easyjet flight bound for Valencia.

    Once above the clouds it was a welcome sight to see a blue sky and a hot orangey thing I vaguely remembered as the Sun. Following touchdown, I was greeted by my friend Nuria, we had met 38 years ago when I was studying Spanish at Valencia University, and have remained friends ever since.

    We headed strainght to ‘Las Arenas,’ the beach area of Valencia, almost passing my old home just off the Avenida del Puerto to the seafront area which, when I lived nearby was quite run down with a polluted beach. Not any more; very up market apartments and a five star hotel now replace what were old decaying port buildings. Listen the ‘Americas Cup’ some years ago meant large amounts of cash investment were injected to enhance the whole area. The beach is now clean, with miles of golden sand, although I didn’t venture into the sea I plan to go at least once while I am here.

    We had a coffee and caught up with all the news, it is six years since my last visit here so, lots of family and friends news to catch up on. Afterwards we headed to a beachside restaurant for a Tapas lunch which, outshone any Tapas I’ve had at home! It just always tastes different in the home country!

    Following this, we browsed a couple of shops and headed for home which, for me this week is a small town North West of Valencia called “L’Eliana.” I was welcomed by Nuria’s husband Antonio, and after unpacking and ‘cena’ headed for my bed, the 5 o’clock start had caught up with me!