Such a great weekend

I've done a post about Father's Day - but the weekend itself was brilliant too

Thursday night we had Mum over for dinner - just the four of us, that was nice and enjoyable as usual

Friday night we did a BBQ, I went and got Simon from Headington, Sue came over as did Zoe and Niamh - it was a lovely evening. Lots of reminiscing, food was good and the drink was flowing! After everyone left around 10.00pm, Tash and I stayed up later and relaxed and carried on drinking - making the most of the lovely evening weather.

Saturday we went out to Birmingham and met with Lewis and Emily and looked at baby things in Mamas and Papas - fuck me it's expensive! Such a rip off, over £1,000 for a pram - mad. We didn't get one but we did offer to contribute £700.00 which I think is incredibly generous...I hope they agree.

Had a Nando's - which again I felt was under-whelming - and then over to Ikea which was fun as always and we bought some bits and pieces. Said our goodbyes, it was a nice time spent with them, and then Tash drove us home as I was knackered and wanted to sleep - which I did.

Got home and sorted and ready and Jack ran us down to the Cowley Road and we met up with the Millars and Holdens in the Cowley Retreat and then went for a meal in Antep Kitchen - that was excellent and really good food.

Had a few drinks and then went to The Library for a few more, Jason and Sharon had Kate pick them up and we stayed on for another two drinks before getting our own taxis home.

Back here in Wolvercote I went into the DSB and Tash came for a bit and I had the taste for it and stayed on for a YouTube night. I got absolutely wasted, stayed up until it was light in the morning, I don't remember much else to be honest - but who cares, I had a great time!!

I'll suffer for it no doubt, not because Tash will be funny with me, she won't be, just my body and health suffering...

Father's Day

Okay, so I completely and 100% overdid it last night!!

I don't think I went to bed until 6.00am - absolutely steaming drunk.

Ah well!

Went to bed and was back up again about 10.30am, Charlotte came round and spent the day and I was given presents, chuffed to bits to get a Tacchini top, it was a navy blue one that feels snug but we decided it was better that way instead of getting one a bit bigger - just need to do some more sit-ups! I will still request the white track top for birthday or Xmas though. I posted about it on Facebook and got a lot of love for it - I think a lot of lads were of the same opinion that it's a great retro present.

The day was relaxed and lazy, partly because I was dying! Actually I am exaggerating, I was okay, just tired and probably still drunk, I wasn't feeling sick though.

We walked down to The Perch, me, Jack, Charl and Tash, and had a drink and some food - it was hot today (it is going to be all week). It was nice spending time together and I had a nice time.

Walked back and relaxed further, did a couple of jobs but nothing too strenuous.

That was it really, watched some TV in the evening and went to bed around 10.00pm - knackered of course.

Well I had a good day so that was the main thing!! 

So pleased with my Tacchini top.

Royal Albert Hall with Ministry of Sound

Busy day today!

Didn't rush to get out of bed, we're still struggling a bit with being back and being tired all the time, really a bit odd. Tash had things she wanted to do in the day and left me to my own devices.

I left around 8.30am and went to golf and was so surprised to see the place empty, I had a feeling there was an email saying it was closed but that was for a different date I later established. Anyway, wasn't going to complain and got going. Gradually a few other players appeared but it seemed so strange fro a Saturday morning for it to be empty.

Went round okay, lost a few balls to the water but found a few too. Tried different things with my swing, didn't make much difference with my driving - need to organise golf lessons for sure!

Finished about 11.30am and felt a bit guilty that I should go over to the gender reveal for Tiffany and Aeron so went straight to Bicester (it was being held at Sue's of course) and walked in and surprised them at midday as I was an hour early!! I set the BBQ up and running and pottered around. 

Aeron turned up and wasn't too pleased with the BBQ running and its location so we moved a few things around and he took control so I left him to it. Gradually everyone turned up and it was a full house, including Aeron's kids and uncle (and partner) which was nice.

Had the food which was good and then the reveal which was the cutting of a cake to see what colour sponge it was - bit of an anti-climax because the kids cutting it were in the way! But they enjoyed themselves.

Tidied up and then left as busy evening ahead.

Fed ad walked Bess and then around 5.30pm John and Pauline arrived and I drove us to London, we were hoping to have a picnic in Hyde Park but the weather was against us so after I'd parked up near Edgeware Road we found a pub and had a couple of drinks - so nice to be in the centre of London and soaking up the atmosphere. It started raining so we go an Uber to the Royal Albert Hall but the traffic close by was packed so we jumped out and walked through the park.

Got to the Hall and big queues so went in and we were up in the Gods as high up as you can get. But it was good because there was loads of dancing space and we managed to find a place where we could look over the balcony and see the stage (just about).

The concert was Ministry of Sound dance anthems played by an orchestra - exactly like Pete Tong and the Heritage orchestra and many songs were repeated funnily enough. However, that didn't distract, it was brilliant and we had a great time, so, so good. It was fine not having had a drink too (well, x3 all night). The show didn't start until 9.45pm so finished around 11.15pm and we then walked net to Hyde Park and back to Edgeware Road to get a kebab and we ended up in a shop sat down to eat.

That was good food and then we got the car and drove home - Tash and Pauline fast asleep in minutes!

Decent drive home, I was tired, but it was fine and we got home at 2.00am - said our farewells and off to bed.

A busy, long day but well worth it - the concert was brilliant.

However, I did feel that the Heritage Orchestra just edge it!!  

Cinque Terre - Day 6

Our last day today, and for once, no hiking was involved - just pure, guilt-free beachside relaxation.

We did a bit of packing first thing, then popped out for coffee and pastries to get us going before catching the train to Monterosso. Even though we hadn’t seen a ticket inspector in days, we decided not to push our luck this time and actually bought tickets. Sensible for once.

Set ourselves up on the beach and just relaxed. Spent time sorting photo albums for social media, listening to music, dozing in the sun, and occasionally heading into the sea to cool off. It really was the break we needed after the week’s exertions.

It does make me smile seeing the steady stream of travellers arriving at the beach - rucksacks on backs, hiking boots still on, dragging their suitcases across the sand. Most of them town-hopping their way along the coast. We definitely feel like we’ve done it the better way: one base, and day trips out. Much less hassle and more time to soak it all in.

Lunch was focaccia again - couldn’t resist. Same as half the town, judging by the 30-minute queue, but it was worth it (again).

By 6:00pm we were back on the move. We rushed to the train and risked skipping the ticket again. We then got on the wrong train and went flying past our stop! Quickly jumped off at the next one and changed trains to go back again, managing to avoid inspectors once more. All in all, the fare-dodging has saved us about £40, but it’s been stressful enough to call it quits now!

Back at the apartment we had a beer while we showered, changed, and finished packing. Reality was beginning to set in - home tomorrow.

In the evening, we wandered down into town. It was unusually quiet, and we found a peaceful restaurant where we had lasagne and a bottle of wine. After that we headed to the square for a couple of drinks, sitting outside and just watching the world go by in that slow Italian way.

Just as we were about to call it a night, we bumped into Marco again - and the American couple we’d met earlier in the week. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were all in a bar drinking and chatting, joined later by another American couple. It was such a fun way to finish the trip - unplanned, loud, and full of laughter.

We probably had one too many, because we ended up staggering back home around 3:00am. Not ideal with a 6:15am alarm looming, but to be honest, we wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

It’s been such a great week together - beautiful scenery, good food, a few unexpected moments, and just the two of us doing what we do best. 

Loved every bit of it and would recommend going there to most people - as they don't have to hike all the time like we did.

Cinque Terre - Day 5

Woke up feeling fresh and so much better than the past few days. Had coffee and biscuits on the veranda, soaking in the view over the bay. Peaceful and calm - just the two of us and that little hum of morning life below.

Headed to Pirate Café for breakfast, which lived up to its reputation. It’s recommended all over the internet so, unsurprisingly, it was packed, but the food was delicious and definitely worth the wait.

Afterwards, we had a little wander around Vernazza. It’s a small town, so there’s only so far you can go before you loop back to where you started. But the little back alleys are fun to explore - tight lanes with laundry overhead, random doorways, hidden corners… you know the type.

Back in the main square, Tash finally gave in to temptation and tried on a few dresses we’d walked past all week. She ended up treating herself to one and looked great in it. We then went down to the beach for a short rest after sorting our train tickets for later. Spent about 45 minutes relaxing and people-watching before heading back up to shower and get ready.

Then came a bit of drama at the train station - Tash realised she couldn’t find her phone and immediately assumed it had been stolen. Panic mode set in. We checked Find My Phone and saw it pinging at the apartment, so I legged it back through town as fast as we could. Thankfully, it was just sat there on the side where she’d left it. Heart rate finally returned to normal!

Caught the train to Manarola - just nine minutes down the line, though a quick €20 gone. We wandered through the town and made our way up to Nessun Dorma, the restaurant perched above the bay. We’d booked onto a pesto-making class and when we arrived, we were handed aprons and led to our table… along with about 60 others! The whole place had been turned into one big terrace classroom.

The class was brilliant - hands-on, informal, lots of laughs - and the pesto we made was genuinely delicious. The setting, the sun, the views, the atmosphere… it all came together. Coincidentally, the American couple from Marco’s bar the other night were sat behind us, and she kept popping over for a chat and photos. She was loving it too.

Afterwards, we were served a selection of antipasti and a carafe of wine. Music kicked in, there was some spontaneous dancing and general partying - such a great vibe. The two hours flew by.

Afterwards, we wandered around the corner and found a quiet spot near the water’s edge. I sat and caught up on my diary while Tash swam, then sunbathed to dry off. It was a real pinch-yourself kind of moment relaxing with the locals as no one else would think to go around the coastal path that far.

Later in the afternoon we set off for Riomaggiore, walking the high pass. It was only meant to be an hour, but more than half of that was uphill. As usual, sweat pouring off me, but the views from up there were something else again.

We arrived in Riomaggiore and walked around for a bit. Tash couldn’t even remember the town from earlier in the holiday - back when we first passed through on our 5 hour hike and she was deep in hangover territory! We made our way to the water again, then stopped in a bar for a quick drink before grabbing a takeaway pizza and a bottle of Prosecco.

We clambered over the rocks in the harbour to find a spot in the full sun for the sunset. Found a good ledge to balance our plastic glasses and bottle and sat back to enjoy the evening. As the sun started to drop, more and more people arrived with the same idea - although most were just carrying bottles of beer. We easily could’ve cracked open a second bottle but, for once, decided to show a bit of restraint.

The sunset was beautiful. When it was over, we made our way to the station and saw we had a 25-minute wait, so grabbed a beer at a little café nearby. We risked not buying tickets for the return - figured there wouldn’t be a conductor doing rounds on a Sunday night train at 9:30pm. We were right. €20 saved!

Back at the apartment, we finished off the last of the beers we’d bought earlier in the trip and played cards on the veranda.

Honestly, a really fantastic day - one of the best. Full of variety, laughs, little dramas, great food, new faces, and postcard-perfect views. Very memorable.

Cinque Terre - Day 4

This morning was a bit of a struggle. I wasn’t as hungover as Tash had been the other day, but definitely felt heavy-headed and slow to get going. Still, we got ourselves up and moving—today’s plan was another walk, this time to Corniglia. Picked up some focaccia for breakfast (can’t go wrong with that here), then set off.

Not far in, we reached a checkpoint and for a moment thought we’d taken the wrong trail. But all was good, and we began the climb up to the high path. And up. And up. It was relentless - over two hours of steady uphill hiking. I found it pretty tough going. I was drenched in sweat within minutes, but one thing that helped was the peace and quiet. Hardly anyone else on the trail, just us and the mountains. The views, as ever, were spectacular - same sweeping coastline, same glittering sea, but it never gets boring to stop and look.

Eventually we reached the top, the highest point in the area at 600 metres. From there, the trail led us through forest paths, and we started to come across more people and even a few mountain bikers. The descent down to Corniglia was no walk in the park either - really hard on the knees and thighs, and we found out it was busier because the lower trail to Manarola was closed due to a landslide.

Corniglia itself was packed. Tourists everywhere, and not a whole lot to do as it’s perched high on the cliffs without beach access or to the sea. We found a spot to sit down and had some food and a drink in the shade we could find, which helped, but I still wasn’t feeling great. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a hangover - felt more like heatstroke, or at least something close to it. I was flagging badly.

Tash was keen to walk on to Manarola, and normally I’d have been up for it, but the thought of climbing back up that path we’d just descended honestly made me want to cry. So instead we walked down what felt like a never-ending staircase to the train station.

Took the train back to Vernazza, stopped for an ice cream on the way through town, and then straight down to the beach for a dip in the sea. I was still overheating and not myself, so we went back to the apartment where I took a cold shower and crashed for a 90-minute nap. Absolute lifesaver.

In the evening, there was a restaurant right next to our apartment that we’d reserved a table for 7:00pm, and had a beautiful meal overlooking the bay. A lovely setting, decent fish, good wine, and I was feeling much more human again after the rest.

Afterwards, we wandered into town for the sunset and had a gentle stroll around the shops. No drinks tonight—we just headed back to the apartment and sat out on the veranda playing crib until about 10:30pm. An early night by our standards, but definitely needed.

Today was harder than expected. It was only a 3.5-hour walk, but the heat and that constant climbing took it out of me. Hoping for a bit more energy tomorrow.

Cinque Terre - Day 3

Slept really well last night, though we were both stirred around 5:00am by the sound of the trains rumbling through town. Managed to drift back off until 8:30am, which felt like a luxury. We had tea, coffee, and croissants out on the veranda, looking out over the rooftops of Vernazza. The view was brilliant and the morning sun already warm - such a great way to start the day.

At one point, a farmer trundled past us on what can only be described as a mini monorail—a proper little hillside contraption. Only in Italy.

We packed up our bits and set off intending to walk the coastal trail to Monterosso, only to discover it’s one-way during the mornings… in the opposite direction. So, plan B: back to the train station and hopped on a quick train there instead. It worked out just fine.

Monterosso was buzzing - a proper seaside resort feel with sunbeds and umbrellas lining the beach in neat rows. We strolled along the promenade, taking it all in, and eventually found a section of beach that us mere mortals could use without paying a small fortune. It was lovely just to lie back and do absolutely nothing for a bit.

The sun was fierce, so we dipped into the sea a few times. It was freezing. Not the kind of gentle ease-yourself-in kind of cold—the full “brace yourself and dive in” kind. But refreshing, and definitely needed.

Lunchtime came, and I grabbed a couple of focaccia from a nearby place. Delicious. Apparently focaccia is the thing to eat here, and I can see why. Will definitely be sampling a few more varieties while we’re around.

Typing this next bit mid-afternoon as we were getting ready to walk back to Vernazza. We were aiming to leave around 3:00pm for the 2–3 hour hike. Tried to find the high route but couldn’t, so ended up paying for the main coastal trail instead.

It was packed. Lots of people heading towards us, which on those narrow paths meant constantly stopping to let others pass. We got stuck behind a slow group for a bit, but eventually got ahead and found our stride. We definitely prefer the quieter high trails where it’s just us and the views - but this route still delivered. Challenging enough, and we made good time.

First thing we did on arrival? Beers. Sat by the quay and drank them in minutes - so we marched straight back up the hill for round two.

Back at the apartment, we showered and got ready for the evening. Cracked open another beer on the veranda, music playing, sun dipping - one of those perfect little moments. Later we headed into town again for food. I went for fish and chips, Tash had calamari and chips, and we sat with a beer watching the sun set into the sea. Bliss.

Afterwards, we stopped by a small bar I’d had my eye on all day, and it didn’t disappoint. Tash ordered a couple of cocktails made to her liking while we chatted to three Austrian women and then an Irish family. I must admit, I got a bit tipsy by the end - okay, more than a bit - but it was a great end to a full day.

We eventually wandered home and crashed straight into bed. Another long one in the legs. To be honest, I didn’t expect these hikes to be quite as tough as they’ve been. Makes me feel a little guilty I didn’t research them more thoroughly. 

But still—no regrets.