Day 18 - Learning 'scouse'

Day 18 - our last one in Liverpool. We spent the morning at the docks, had a coffee with the Fab 4 then visited the excellent Museum of Liverpool. We visited the Egg cafe for lunch (ahh the irony) and then back to the Cavern so I could get my t-shirt! Back to the flat to pack and have a quiet night while Zac went to training. Tomorrow we head to Bangkok for a rest then home!.

 

Farewell to the Old Dart - it's been fun!

Day 17 - Oxford, my love

Day 17 was lots of fun! We met up with Annie and Warren in Oxford for a tour of the Bodleian Library. Before the tour we had lunch at the Turf Tavern where we all got a good education in the important things. During our tour of the library I was confused by the tour guide's accent (think Joanna Lumley meets Joan Crawford) so I asked Annie - her reply "I think she's just drunk" - Classic Annie! We were both excited to hear part of the library was used in the filming of Harry Potter - the Infirmary. Of course we immediately became sick and had our photo taken.

After saying our goodbyes we headed back to Liverpool to have dinner with Zac's English family. A great night was had with Rob, Vic and Sam Cooke. Best English pub food I've had on this trip with wonderful company

Day 16 - Leek : fruit or vegetable?

Day 16 we travelled to Leek for Zac's hockey match. The first half saw Bowdon dominate but lots of missed chances and lots of send offs for both teams. With Bowdon up 2-0 at half time it seemed they would take the game easily but that was not the case. The Loud Leek boys played a tough niggly style and there were many more cards with Bowdon twice having only 9 men on the pitch. Leek had a few sent off as well. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Zac didn't see a lot of the ball but was good with his touches. Tonight we are staying just out of Oxford ready for a big history day tomorrow!

Day 15 - Rest day!

Day 15 was a quiet one - thank goodness! Mick went with his boy to watch him coach his school hockey teams while Carly and I stayed home to catch up on study, sleep and coffee. We went to the Central Perk to hang out with our friends (Lily you would've loved it). Tonight was dinner up an upmarket pub and we were photo-bombed by the security guard. Tomorrow it's on to Leek to watch Zac play, then to Oxford to catch up with the gorgeous Annie and Warren!

Day 14 - Carved by a glacier

Day 14 was full on! On advice from our B&B owner we took the mountain road across to the west coast of England. Words cannot describe the wonder of the mountains and valleys carved by long gone glaciers we drove through. A-MA-ZING. We stopped in a tiny town along the way and were able to listen to the final quarter of the Swannies flogging North Melbourne (nice).

 

 

Then it was on to Munster, sorry Muncaster, castle and a look through this stately home dated back to the Romans. It is also the home of an Owl Sanctuary so we watched a bird show. Tonight back in Liverpool the kids took us to the Cavern which is the venue the Beatles played at over 200 times and is famous for discovering them.

 

Day 13 - A walk in the woods!

Day 13 - we headed off to Keswick for some hiking. Our first track was seriously like walking through the children's book 'Each Peach Pear Plumb'. Along the way We met sheep and visited the mysterious 'miniature' Stonehenge (Castlerigg). Then the best ever navigator (me) got us lost trying to find our second walk. We got to drive around an unexpected lake then eventually found the place we were looking for. Still confident in my navigation abilities I proceeded to get us lost in the woods but eventually we found more sheep to lead us out! Dinner was a let down as we had it at a pub waiting for the live artist to appear but even the staff didn't know there was someone performing. The blackboard said it was Julio Iglesias.

Day 12 - A hat wearing Aussie

Day 12 and we braved the Autumn English heat wave (25 degrees) to go walking in the Lakes District - please note I was the only person wearing a hat. We also visited the excellent Beatrix Potter museum. Just returned from dinner at Beresford's where the staff could be described as ancient and aggressive - hilarious evening with Mick Brazel making many friends including the dessert menu!

Day 11 - Sights of Bath

Day 11 was a slight improvement and it was able to manage a walk around some of the sights of Bath. The kids spent a couple of relaxing hours in the baths and it looked amazing. Braz and I visited Jane Austen.

This afternoon I was feeling slightly better and we had a walk around the Deer Park in Manchester. Now enjoying first solid food in two days! Tomorrow it's off to the Lakes District.

Day 10 - A record breaker

Day 10 has not been a good one. How do you make a 3.5 hour trip to Bath 2 hours longer? Invite a tummy bug into the car. Vomit free since '93 is now broken. Perhaps the lowlight was having a police car safely guide you off the M6 while throwing up. On a better note our accommodation in Bath is magnificent with Braz and the kids enjoying dinner in the bar. Zac and Mick did a run along the canal which was beautiful. Tomorrow (hopefully) we will explore Bath.

Day 9 - Study break

Day 9 of our English adventure was a quiet one. I spent the day in the beautiful Liverpool Central Library studying (boo hiss) while Mick ventured to Timperley to watch the boy play another game. While Zac was warming up, Mick went to the local deer park and made some friends! Tomorrow we are all off to Bath.

Day 8 - No travel without hockey for the Jibbers

Day 8 - apologies but this will be a sports' report. While in Australia the hockey is wrapping up, today was the English league's first match of the season with Zac's team the Bowdon Hockey Club preparing for a midday match. The Bowdon Boys were taking on the Wakefield Whingers. The spectators warmed up with coffee and cake as there was lots of cheering to be done. It is fair to say the Bowdon Boys were slow to start and after 10 mins found themselves 3 goals behind. It was at that point the Wakefield team turned on the whinging and quickly capitulated. By half time Bowdon had pulled back to 3-3 and were completely dominating. The second half saw a multitude of cards, speaking realms about the umpires' lack of control. Apparently the rules are the same as what we play in Australia but you would never know! Anyway the Bowdon Boys stepped up and scored 3 unanswered goals including one by No. 1 son Zac! I enjoyed the game immensely, including what I thought was an impromptu performance by the Wiggles (left, Wiggle, left!). Zac played a great 'in front' game making key intercepts leading to goals. And afterwards both teams got together for a cup of tea and massive feed in the club house. English hockey players are certainly well looked after here.

Day 7 - York!

Day 7 - York lived up to all expectations. I joined the seniors club and signed up for a guided tour of the York Minster. Wow these tour guides know their history! York evolved out of Jorvik (Lily stop yawning) and we visited a reconstructed Viking village. The English know how to create amazing museums - this too was awesome. Braz tried the local beer in the oldest pub and the fish and chips. After York we drove to Knarlesborough where we were going to go for a hike but I'd blown out my calf so that was out. We hobbled around and then found ourselves in the dried out moat of the town's castle ruins - a beautiful find.

Day 6 - Lost in the Moors

Day 6 - an adventure through Yorkshire. Beverley was calling after our morning walk so we stopped for some divine intervention. Are you going to Scarborough Fair? someone asked and I wish we hadn't but we were rewarded a little further on in Robin Hood's Bay with the best coffee and atmosphere in this ancient smugglers' cove. A drive through the Yorkshire Moors was a fitting way to end the day before finding out accommodation in York. Tomorrow we explore some more.

Day 5 - From Scotland to Bottomhouse

Day 5 in the UK (after the ghost tour which was lacking ghosts) started with a trip to the North Sea on super low tide and finding the Royal Britannia. We then left the high road and headed back to Liverpool to drop off the kids. An interesting jaunt across to the Peak District to our B&B, which is located AFTER Bottomhouse, was followed by a traditional English tea in a traditional English pub. What the Flying Horse lacks in culinary skill it makes up for in size....

Day 4 - A walk in the park

Day 4 has been exhausting! We started with an early and enthusiastic hike up to Arthur's Seat. The view made it worthwhile. Zac then gave Mick a heart attack climbing St Anthony's Chapel. After a hearty Scottish breakfast we headed to the Royal Mile and the Castle. The view was only marred by the cranes erecting the Quidditch stands for the Military Tattoo at the entrance.

The Scottish Library (2nd biggest reference section in the world) beckoned and we were enlightened on the authors published by Scottish publisher John Murrray, including Lord Byron (cad), Livingstone and Darwin. Very cool display. Quick visit to the Elephant House (for some JK Rowlings inspiration) and Worlds End pub (where Mick tried haggis) and finished off at the Palace. For those brave enough, the Ghost tour happens tonight!!

Day 3 - Home of the brave: Scotland

Day 3 - Welcome to Scotland! We arrived late afternoon after a leisurely drive. We stopped for lunch at Lockerbie and admired their strange affinity with sheep. Our accommodation in Edinburgh is amazing and we had time for a quick walk around the streets before we head out to dinner. I did have time to find a Clan shop and bedecked myself in the Colquhoun tartan in honour of my heritage. Eliza and Lily you will be pleased to know I bought a jaunty cap for each of you. Tomorrow we do the Royal Mile and if Zac has his way the ghost tour.

Day 2 - A walk through Liverpool

Day 2 of our Magical Mystery Tour was a walking tour of Liverpool with Zac and Carly as tour guides. Highly recommend Bold St where Zac and I bought cool retro sunnies. Checked out the bombed-out church and Liverpool Cathedral which were both beautiful. St James garden below the cathedral was eerily serene ringed with ancient tombstones. Then it was time for a bit of déjà vou  as we happened to be in Liverpool for a major cycle event - the Tour of Britain! Met some of Liverpool's 'lambananas' sculptures (interesting). Chilling out with a drink now for Father's Day with my beloved.

Day 1 - Liverpool

Official Day 1 in the UK has been a very long day. Up early to drive to Liverpool which was interesting after we sat in an Audi for 10 minutes trying to work out how to start it then how to work the NAV man, we were told it was the wrong car! So into another Audi, which was a lesser model and another 10 minutes figuring this one out we finally got on the road. We eventually found Zac (his unit isn't on the NAV and his instructions were slightly lacking in precision) and it was wonderful to have a hug from my boy! Quick breakfast and then he had to leave for hockey. We then visited the Beatles museum which was awesome and excellent value as your ticket last for 48 hours - there is much to see. 

Off to Cannock (I got to see an English country land on day 1 - stoked!) to watch Zac play hockey. This game had it all: goals, dives and blood. English hockey is GOOD!! And the field was nestled in English countryside, with wedding guests watching the game. Now we are back in Liverpool enjoying a drink in the hotel and fighting jet-lag.

One night in Bangkok

Had a lovely night in Bangkok Novotel Airport Hotel. Highly recommend it! Fantastic massage and beautiful food. Swim and then off to the airport for flight to UK.

2014 - The Jibbers hit the UK!

September 2014 - UK here we come!

Day 21 - Finale

Day 21 was our last day in Germany. We put the kids on a flight to Spain then we checked out a bit more of Dusseldorf. Surprisingly I caught the 168 metre lift up the Rhine Tower - a fantastic view! We finished up with afternoon tea and stroll on the Rhine promenade.

Thanks Germany - we had a blast!

Day 20 - Family Funk!

Day 20 started in Alsfeld the medieval town on the fairy-tale road. An absolutely amazing village but people, it's summer here so why is nothing open? I was desperate to see the fairy-tale house - closed; the puppet show - closed; the museum - closed. However we had a blast walking through the village with Zac and Lily providing the entertainment!

From Alsfeld to Cologne (Koln) for more chocolate and the Sports/Olympic museum which I highly recommend - another highlight from this amazing city.

In Dusseldorf tonight to put kids on a plane to Barcelona early tomorrow morning.

Day 19 - Boots and all!

Day 19 started with the purchase if boots for me and Lil (of course!) in Hameln. Then we visited the beautiful Museum with not only the history of the Pied Piper but of the town itself.

Back on the fairy-tale road we went in search of castles and tales. First it was Hamelschenburg's amazing castle (suggested origin of Edward Scissorhands).

Sleeping Beauty's castle was next which was another wonder. Tonight we are in Alsfeld so we can check out Red Riding Hood tomorrow!

Day 18 - Along the fairytale road

Day 18 - Hameln you are gorgeous! My favourite place so far. The Pied Piper is everywhere in this very cute town - the storywriter in me was smiling big time.

A true highlight today was a wandering minstrel sign our 'wedding song' to my beloved and me. A wonderful memory to cherish for the Travelling Jibbers!

More of the same tomorrow as we head to Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Day 17 - Hockey is done!

Day 17 up early to the hockey where the girls lost to Spain 1 nil in another one-sided affair. We couldn't buy a goal! Team finished 6th out of 16. Disappointment for the girls bit some good hockey played. There was a dinner for parents and players at Venlo where the team was staying. Absolutely beautiful. Now it's on to the fairy tale road trip!

Day 16 - Dusseldorf again

Day 16 was a lovely day with Lily in Dusseldorf. We started at this amazing op shop Le Freak and Chic which had all kinds of stuff from over the past 100 years or so. Then to lunch in the Aldstat, more shopping and a walk along the Koningsalle.

Day 15 - Out for the count

Day 15 I succumbed to heat and illness so didn't make the hockey. Mick and Zac had a good day watching Lily play the USA. Jillys won 4-1 with Lil having a great game.

Day 14 - A loss :(

Day 14 was not a good day with the Jillys losing to the Poms 1-0 after totally dominating the game. Proud of my girl who had a great game.

Day 13 - Cologne on a stick

Day 13 and we hit Cologne - OMG there is so much to see and do! The cathedral (Dom) is breathtaking, the German-Roman museum was so much better than the stuffed bird one we saw yesterday and then there's the chocolate museum... Need I say more? We will have to return to see a whole lot of other stuff.

Day 12 - Enter the Rookie

Day 12 was an early start to the hockey and we just made the national anthem due to a rookie mistake on the trains (Braz). 3 all draw vs NZ puts the Jillaroos top of the table going in to the quarters.
A beautiful afternoon at the pink palace in Dusseldorf (Schloss Benrath) - beautiful gardens and a museum that was a taxidermist's dream - too many stuffed birds for me!

Day 11 - A new city

Day 11 a trip into the Netherlands to Venlo where Lily is staying. Lovely lunch and shopping in this cute city.

Started my journalist job for Hockey NSW with a report on the games so far. (link no longer available)

Day 10 - Running the gauntlett!

Day 10 saw us evading ticket collectors again as we missed our connection with the ticket holders on the train! However we arrived safely at hockey with no fine and a buoyant Aussie supporter group enjoyed a 6-0 win over Russia. Lily got to see Zac and then we headed to Düsseldorf Altstadt (old town) for dinner with a group of hockey parents. Zac survived eating out with all the olds - just.

Day 9 - Let the games begin!

Day 9 saw the Jillaroos begin with a convincing 6-1 win over India. It was a long day at hockey then to airport to get Zac. Solid performance all round.

Day 8 - Rest!

Day 8 was a rest day for the Brazels. We visited the local shops - Woollies here is not like the Woollies at home! I have found a good GF supermarket so I now have plenty of supplies. Had a parent meeting last night for the team so now we are all ready for the show to begin. Game 1 vs India at 2.30pm. Go Lily! Go Jillys!

Day 7 - Family day out

Day 7 and it was back in to Dusseldorf to have a leisurely breakfast with Lil and a little bit if shopping. Tonight Braz and I found a lovely Mediterranean restaurant in Neuss - great food. Tomorrow we will hit the museums!

Day 6 - Transport my life

Day 6 and I'm feeling a bit weary. For those who know me and my dislike of public transport will be surprised to hear I caught trains, trams and buses today! We visited the Alstadt (Old Town) in Dusseldorf and found The Longest Bar and the Promenade. Only a short visit but will return tonight to taste beers. Then off to hockey where a classy Dutch team were too good for Jillaroos in their third practice match. Lil worked hard again. Rest day for team tomorrow.

Day 5 - A warm, warm-up

Day 5 was a train trip to Dusseldorf then out to Monchengladbach to watch Lil's practice match vs Korea. Lily had a great game in very hot conditions. 1-1 full-time so had tie break 1 on 1s. Jillys won 4-1.

Day 4 - Homes of the historic rich and famous

Day 4 saw the Brazels, Padgets and Spences head to Koblenz. There we cruised the Rhine for 4 hours. Very hot day on a very beautiful river. Lots of castles to see! Back home in our Neuss apartment as a thunderstorm rolls in. Hope it cools down for the girls playing Korea tomorrow in Practice match 2.