I flew from Gatwick to Girona very late on Friday, 02 July - too late to collect the children that evening. I still didn't go to bed when I got to Port Vendres as I was in definite holiday mode, and wanted to enjoy the first hurdle being over (the flight from London) and bring on the enjoyment of relaxation!
Saturday, 03 July: Collioure - Bring on the holiday!
I met the lovely Anne for a coffee at 8.30am. We chatted until the last minute before I had to pick up Ruby and Finn, so I left Port Vendres at 9.40am and arrived at Sorède dead on time at 10am! They ran out into the street to greet me - so much excitement all around!
We went back to Port Vendres, did a bit of grocery shopping the to Pippa and Phil's to to make some ham and cheese sandwiches for a picnic, along with some fruit and drinks, before taking the bus to Collioure, getting off at Portd'Avall. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. So lovely to be back to this place, full of such bittersweet memories. Anne came down and met us on the beach during her break (working at La Plage Rouge).
The gorgeous Mr Finn.
The equally gorgeous Miss Ruby.
Finn imitating one of the French National Police lifeguards... I always think of that beginning to the original Charlie's Angels, where they underwent all that really hard training to qualify and then got jobs such as lollipop ladies... (until Charlie came to the rescue). Ditto the FNP whose job it is to patrol Collioure.
We walked all the way back from Collioure to Port Vendres... around all the beaches of Collioure and then climbing that big hill between the two towns. We ate vegetable fried rice for dinner, then the children played "offices" while I tidied. We went to bed a little late for a 5am rise.
Sunday, 04 July: Port Vendres - Girona - Rome - San Vincenzo
What a day - three countries in one day, with a very early start to boot. I got up at 4.45am and we left Port Vendres at about 5.45am to drive to Girona airport! But a lot of excitement meant any tiredness disappeared. Finn had had a shower the night before and acknowledged that he could be difficult to wake in the morning if he was tired. He therefore came up with an ingenious solution: "I know," he said, "I will sleep in all my clothes so that I just need to get up and put my shoes on!" So, he duly showered the night before we left and got dressed for bed (even wearing his new watch)! We arrived at the airport at 7.30am for our 8.40 flight to Rome Ciampino. From there we took a bus to Roma Termini and then a train to San Vincenzo. We had time to pick up some nice coffee, pastries and panini from the station before catching our train (and adding to our collection of home made food) bound for Pisa Centrale.
At Girona Airport awaiting our flight to Rome.
The Hula Hoop Monster (whom we love with all our hearts) on the train from Rome to San Vincenzo.
Our Fairy Princess on the same journey.
Finn showing off his lovely new watch.
A taxi picked us up at SanVincenzo railway station and took us to the supermarket to do our big grocery shop for the holiday. While we were waiting for the supermarket to reopen we played in the park across the road. When it was time we did our shopping and called back the cab to drive us to Podere l'Agave. We were really, really on holiday! Bliss: sunny skies, two inviting pools and a fridge full of lovely Italian food to come back to each day.
And this bit of blue really became our home for the next ten days or so.
Monday, 05 July: Podere l'Agave
Sun and water all day. We visited the rabbits and pigs in the evening. Podere l'Agave is a working farm making a variety of foodstuffs: salami and other meats, olive oil, wine, cheese, and a wide range of vegetables, which we could buy fresh each day.
A bit of football to start the day...
The children quickly got settled into the pool...
Finn and Martino (Barbara's son) playing swingball.
Some slide shots.
In the evening we went to visit the rabbits and pigs on the farm.
In the evening we went to visit the rabbits and pigs on the farm.
Some beautiful shots walking back to our apartment in the evening.
Tuesday, 06 July: Martino's birthday party and a BBQ with Vittoria, Anne and Cheyenne
xxx
Friday, 16 July: Pisa
It was our last day in Italy and given Ruby and Finn's reticence for the Med, we decided to have a long leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then take the train to Pisa for the day. Our flight from Pisa to London was not until really late, so we had plenty of time to enjoy ourselves.
Some beautiful buildings around the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Ruby and Finny drawing their perspectives of the Leaning Tower.
Artwork by Finn (for some reason I had real problems scanning these to a good resolution - will keep trying!).
Saturday, 17 July: LondON
Having arrived so late, we did manage something of a sleep in... getting up around 10am. Ruby and Finn were quick to want to dance around the Mews seeking out their friends.But before... she was cleaning her tooth and guess what popped out? (Slightly gruesome photo but Ruby wanted the event recorded for posterity...)
We were lucky to enjoy a couple of pizzas from the amazing oven of Fratelli la Bufala at Gabby's... continuing our eating style of late! The beautiful Abigail came over later in the afternoon and played shops - Ruby had set up her market stall outside the door and was selling ice-creams and fruit and veg. Bed came too late after an unpopular (but really nice!) risotto alla Milanese.
Sunday, 18 July: At home
A late rise on my part and it was soon lunch and a shower and the children were off to play at Abigail's for the afternoon. Day over! We watched Grease on TV together in the early evening.
Book: Pippi Longstocking - we saw the series that I loved as a child when we were in Italy. This inspired Ruby and Finn to really want to get back to reading this lovely tale.
Skateboard by Finn
19-22 July (Monday-Thursday): In the countryside with friends...
The day before our last day we enjoyed going to Will's school for an end of term presentation to the teachers. Then on our last day we drove back into London, intending to have a picnic on the Heath. But as we unpacked our things, the heavens opened, so we elected to borrow umbrellas and walk five or ten minutes to Giraffe in Belsize Park.
Friday, 23 July: Hamley's
It is Hamley's 250th birthday, so they have a big sale on to celebrate. We decide that today was a good day to go into the West End and seek out desired treasures. Ruby has wanted a pram for Coco since we visited Hamley's the last time, so we were keen to get that for her but they had sold out! I knew that they were still available online, so we went home and bought one that way - we are hoping it arrives by Tuesday. Finn had a fabulous time playing with his car - I mean Turbo Twister Lunar Stunt Car with Lights!
Friday, 23 July: At home
At home - made really good progress sorting through cupboards and even commenced designing a bag! Ruby and Finn enjoyed playing in the Mews with Finn's remote control car...
Sunday, 25 July: Pizza and films
It is the last day of holidays for me for a while, so we needed an easy at home day to enjoy. Stuart came over at lunchtime and we ate lunch and watched Finding Nemo. The children played with Max and Zac in the afternoon and then all four ate pizza at our house while watching the lovely movie, Lassie. Ruby and Finn role-played dogs/dog owners afterwards. Ruby had trouble getting to sleep as she couldn't stop thinking of sharks, she said.
Monday, 26 July: Coram's Fields Playscheme, here we come!
It was an exciting day for Ruby and Finn as they began on the Coram's Fields Playscheme today.
We went a long around 9.30am and finished at 5pm.They had a fabulous time working and playing with other children, doing art activities, playing in the grounds, getting their faces painted, reading books, playing sport and so on and so on. Not long after we got home around 6 o'clock, Rebecca came over to stay for a few nights, so it is full house here!
Tuesday, 27 July: The beginning of some lovely regular family time
For the next few weeks we are all living and loving some regular family time together. The three of us are so happy, as I know are friends and family, for us. In this time, I will just blog special things and weekends... the rest of the time we will just revel in regularity...
Wednesday, 28 July: M&S after Play Scheme
Saturday, 31 July: Toy Story 3
We woke up around 8am - poor Rebecca who had come home about 2.30am! We stayed at home watching some TV, talking and playing until about 2.30pm when we left to go to Toy Story 3 3D at the Everyman in Belsize Park. I love you London, but £33 to take my children to a movie? I mean, come on! BUT, it was great (just not £33 great)! We all had such a nice time and enjoyed being at the cinema together. Finn chose popcorn to eat and Ruby had a white chocolate ice-cream.
Toy Story 3 sees Andy going away to college, having to make the decision about which toys are for the attic, which he needs to recycle (at a nursery) and which (if any) he wants to take away with him to college.
A good phone day today... Ruby and Finn spoke with Andrew on the telephone and Ruby spoke with her Granny in England and then Ruby and Finn both talked to their Gran in New Zealand via skype!
Sunday, 01 August: Hampstead Heath and a tooth!
First up (well, after breakfast), Ruby and I made chocolate fudge cake - old Eastwood family recipe.
Ruby and her fudge cake - yum!
Ruby and Finn with their funny hotdog lunch - small buns with jumbo frankfurters!
Setting off for the Heath after lunch. Finn walks Coco.
In and out of the pool at the Heath.
Flying Finn's kite at the Heath (given to him by Gran).
Monday, 02 August: Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre
I worked from home today. I promised Ruby and Finn that if they were really good I would take them to the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre teaching pool. And, because they were so good, we did just that! We were there about two hours, with Ruby and Finn confidently jumping in, Ruby swimming lengths unaided (but in an unidentified swimming stroke), while Finn managed the same with his arm bands. On the way out in the early evening, I saw that there was some flamenco on at the restaurant Del'Aziz the following evening. We went and chatted with them and booked a table! We were very excited about the approach of Tuesday evening!
Tuesday, 03 August: ¡Olé!
Ruby and Finn went to Play Scheme and I went to work... eagerly awaiting our evening of flamenco! After taking the bus home we had a snack and got cleaned up, ready to catch the C11 to Del'Aziz. Ruby and Finn both wanted to wear clothes that they could dance in...
View from our table with Finn's body emerging from the pool...
Ruby and Finn's menus were colouring in pages... for dinner Ruby chose sausage and mash while Finn chose chicken nuggets and chunky fries.
Friday, 03 August: Just a lovely picture by Ruby
I really liked this mosaic girl that Ruby made at Play Scheme today.
Saturday, 07 August: Pup Idol
The day of the stars: Pup Idol at the Golden Gate! But first Abigail came over for a wee bit of train play...
Ruby and Finn in the Garden of the Golden Gate, awaiting the start of Pup Idol - a bit of fun to raise money for Dog Rescue.
Lee Appleton with her dog on the Pup Idol stage...
... and Finn with Max.
A real doggy bag!
Liam Gallagher at Pup Idol.
Sunday, 08 August: Le Cirque Invisible
Today was a day of much anticipation as we were going to the Southbank Centre to see Le Cirque Invisible!
Waiting at the bus stop to go to Waterloo.
And on the way...
We arrived early to pick up the tickets, so had a bit of time to play first. We went to the part of Southbank where (mostly) boys skateboard and bike stunts. Finn really loved that and wants a skateboard in London so that he can go there (but they were pretty full on stunts)! And there was another attraction:
We arrived early to pick up the tickets, so had a bit of time to play first. We went to the part of Southbank where (mostly) boys skateboard and bike stunts. Finn really loved that and wants a skateboard in London so that he can go there (but they were pretty full on stunts)! And there was another attraction:
There was a beautiful fountain where different water vents kept opening and shutting or firing water lower or higher... we were sad we didn't have our bathing costumes, although some brave people tried to enter without getting wet!
And then we ate some lunch in the sun...
Ruby and Finn on the steps of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, eating ice-cream during the interval.
There is a very interesting story of the two, Jean-Baptiste Thiérrée and his wife Victoria Chaplin (daughter of Charlie) that make up Le Cirque Invisible here:http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/article6734509.ece
and here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/the-silent-types-le-cirque-invisible-never-do-interviews-here-they-grant-an-audience-but-not-an-interview-to-emily-green-1449108.html
But how did Le Cirque Invisible get its name?
It’s said that Le Cirque Invisible got its name in 1990 when its founder, Jean-Baptiste Thiérrée, took his act to a venue in Italy and found that a booking mix-up had left it empty. Before leaving, he pinned a wry note to the door: “The Invisible Circus will play to the Invisible Audience.”
For two hours we were treated to a superb vignette of sketches... each and everyone a play on the pleasure of silliness or - in the case of Victoria - transformation. Bravo - there was indeed a standing ovation.
Afterwards, we enjoyed some fabulous music and singing on the South Bank.
Because we ended up later than I expected - and it was Sunday and we were enjoying the weekend, we decided to stop off at Chez Bob at Belsize Park. We all ate fish and chips!
Ruby, Finn and Coco at Chez Bob... I really love that wallpaper with the cowboys on it!
Tuesday, 10 August: Making dinner for tomorrow
Good news! Becky is coming over for dinner tomorrow (and a sleepover as the children put it), so Ruby and I made a tart tonight so we could just relax and enjoy tomorrow evening.
Tuesday, 10 August: Making dinner for tomorrow
Good news! Becky is coming over for dinner tomorrow (and a sleepover as the children put it), so Ruby and I made a tart tonight so we could just relax and enjoy tomorrow evening.
Friday, 13 August: Musical Mix at the Museum of Childhood and the ENB
Today we were off to the wonderful Museum of Childhood for a day of Musical Mix. The day revolved around four members of the Grand Union Orchestra. The Orchestra is based in London and in its entirety has many musicians from countries all around the world playing an equally diverse range of music.
But first up was something to eat followed by a very good look at the exhibition Sit Down Seating for Kids.
A beautifully shaped cardboard chair.
Ruby and Finn write about a chair made of recycled plastic bottles.
A folded cardboard chair called Spotty, created in 1964.
Finn drawing the tractor... to the left is an Eames moulded elephant seat.
I really loved the drawings on the wall to complement some of the seats (so there are quite a few pictures...).
Car seats and a booster seat (see who is taller).
Victorian "naughty" chair. It is very narrow and high and difficult to sit on. For punishment children would have to sit on it for a long time, quite still. Because of the chair's narrowness, if a child fidgeted they would easily fall off.
This chair, made of birchwood, was created by Charles and Ray Eames in 1945. It was too expensive to produce commercially but has since been manufactured in plastic for the mass market. (I have also seen it in moulded plywood.) This is just one of many beautiful chair (and other furniture) designs by this remarkable duo.
We then played for a bit in our much-loved beach zone at the MOC.
We then played for a bit in our much-loved beach zone at the MOC.
For our day at the Museum of Childhood, the GUO were focusing on the musical cultures of South America and Africa. We enjoyed a fabulous concert (with a whole lot of education thrown in). The four members of the orchestra that performed for us were from Australia, Chile, Uruguay and England.
Ruby dancing to the music.
Ruby on percussion...
And it all ended with a lot of singing and dancing!
These are not great pictures but they are in for Finn - because he loved the wire bikes.
Then it was time to head to the arts and crafts room to make some percussion instruments.
Finn with his bikes is a bit better(except that you can't really see the bikes!)...
Then it was time to head to the arts and crafts room to make some percussion instruments.
Finn with his finished drum/shaker.
We raced home after finishing at the MOC, ate some food and got dressed for the ballet. We were off to see the English National Ballet perform Cinderella. The ENB is celebrating 60 years this year and to mark the occasion put on two summer shows: Cinderella and Swan Lake. We were very lucky to be able to see the wonderful 60th anniversary version of Cinderella. The dancing was beautiful and the costumes, absolutely gorgeous. We saw the production at the London Coliseum.
Cinderella shows her dancing skills.
Cinderella is tormented by her step-sisters.
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother appears to protect her.
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and Stars.
The Prince falls in love with Cinderella.
The Prince's ball.
Oh, no! Midnight!
Time to go!
14-15 August (Saturday-Sunday): A barbecue in RichmondTime to go!
We took the overland train from Hampstead Heath to Richmond early afternoon on Saturday to goto Keith, Julie and Max's house for a barbecue with them, as well as Janine and the boys, Liz, and Jo and Boyd.
The party kicked off with some diablo-ing:
Finn loved hearing his voice broadcast around the property!
Lots of time was spent on the trampoline - rain or shine.
Janine and the boys and Ruby, Finn and I stayed over in Richmond. We sat up late playing cards which was great and then enjoyed some sunshine and coffee the next morning before heading back home on the train and, er... replacement bus. A bit of a long end to a fabulous afternoon, evening and morning. Thanks everyone!
Ruby waiting for a bus.
After we got home on the Sunday, we made pink cupcakes.
Monday, 16 August: A day at home
We were at home today... I've been unwell for a few days and couldn't bear the pain in my ear anymore so we walked together to the doctor's surgery this morning. I got some antibiotics for what turned out to be a middle ear infection (repeat of last summer) so hopefully will be on the mend soon. However, I just managed to mooch around the house today. Ruby and Finn played with Abigail a bit and we were very happy to see Max and Zac back from their holiday in Italy.
Tuesday, 17 August: Rebecca's 30th birthday!
At home unwell again.
Wednesday, 18 August: At home again: Mummy sick
At home unwell again, again. Ruby and Finn went to Gabi's for the afternoon which was nice. Then we all had a picnic supper together in the Mews afterwards.
Thursday, 19 August: Oh dear, Finn not well...
I went to work today and the children to Play Scheme. I had only been at work an hour at most before I got a call to say Finn was not feeling too well. So, not a lot achieved at work but Finn really wanted his Mummy when not feeling great. We went home and had a restful afternoon.
We watched the DVD of the superb story of the wire walker Philippe Petit - Man on Wire. As to why he did what he did, he said: "When I see three oranges, I juggle; when I see two towers, I walk." Ruby and Finn were both captivated by this extraordinary story and Finn made this beautiful drawing for Simon for his birthday.
I observed the tightrope 'dancer'—because you couldn't call him a 'walker'—approximately halfway between the two towers. And upon seeing us he started to smile and laugh and he started going into a dancing routine on the high wire....And when he got to the building we asked him to get off the high wire but instead he turned around and ran back out into the middle....He was bouncing up and down. His feet were actually leaving the wire and then he would resettle back on the wire again....Unbelievable really....Everybody was spellbound in the watching of it.
Sgt. Charles Daniels, NYPD
Friday, 20 August: Indian dancing and a family gathering
Fortunately, everyone was feeling good today as we had a busy day ahead of us! We got up early and took the train to Bethnal Green to arrive there just before 10am when the Museum of Childhood was due to open.There were workshops etc to register for, so we wanted to be there in good time. And so we were, managing to take in a class in Indian dance, a performance (in which Ruby participated), and an arts and crafts class, where the children made peacock headdresses.
But first up was our favourite place on the first floor of the museum:
An end-of-workshop photo.
Next up was a performance in the museum which included children from the workshop.
And a nice break in the courtyard of the MOC.
After a break, we were scheduled for an arts and crafts workshop where we made peacock headdresses. (We had learned how to move like a peacock in our dance workshop.)
After our day at the MOC, it was time to go home, do a quick change, and then take the overland train to Richmond, followed by a bus to Barnes, to meet family for a double birthday celebration: Rebecca and Simon! Yah!
Saturday, 21 August: A school picnic
The children happily played schools at home today before we all went on a picnic at the Heath.
But first up was our favourite place on the first floor of the museum:
We love the magic mirrors!
And then for our dance workshop. We had a lesson in kathak dance. Kathak is the major classical dance form of northern India. The word means "to tell a story". We were given many stories and our wonderful teacher told us how to interpret the stories through dance. These included traditional Indian stories as well as poems by AA Milne such as They are Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace (sung by, I think, Petula Clark).
Next up was a performance in the museum which included children from the workshop.
And a nice break in the courtyard of the MOC.
After a break, we were scheduled for an arts and crafts workshop where we made peacock headdresses. (We had learned how to move like a peacock in our dance workshop.)
After our day at the MOC, it was time to go home, do a quick change, and then take the overland train to Richmond, followed by a bus to Barnes, to meet family for a double birthday celebration: Rebecca and Simon! Yah!
Lil and Rebecca lighting the bougie magique!
Pointing to all that magique!
And the open flower...
Midnight football... well, not really, but quite late. Thanks to Lil, Simon and Jonathan who kept a very keen boy happy. Timmy enjoyed it all too... a word adopted by Lil and Simon for "to me" which was repeatedly called out by Ruby and Finn as they called for the ball to be kicked to them.
The children happily played schools at home today before we all went on a picnic at the Heath.
Ruby and Finn at work in the school office.
The class sitting listening to a story.
School picnic.
Ruby on one of her big walks - she is the little dot just near the trees.
We stopped to admire this beautiful mosaic on the way back - it is The Fleet Community Centre.
Sunday, 22 August: Sunday lunch with Rebecca
The children happily played schools at ho
Sunday, 22 August: Sunday lunch with Rebecca
The children happily played schools at ho
