Italy

Duomo, Milan

I went to Italy last weekend for my friend Steve's wedding. It was just north of Milan, just south of Lake Como in a place called Cantú. We flew out on Friday nearly missing the flight because of all the traffic, luckily for us we made it in the nick of time. The check in gate was shutting and we pushed to the front after doing a mad dash from dumping the car off at the capark.

Milan

We spent a couple of nights in Cantú, had a great time at the wedding which was superb and then headed down to Milan for a day. What an expensive city, I have done it on the cheap before but wow just to get an orange juice near the Duomo which was extortionate. Didn't put me off and my previous impression was that of Milan being a grimey industrial city but I chnaged my mind this time. I thought it had a nice charm to it. Nothing like Rome or Florence for instance but it's ok.

Milan

I've seen loads of cathedrals and chruches in my time and the unique thing about the Duomo for me is that you can go wander on the rooftop and see the amazing statues and architecture. It's a monster and well worth spending some on it!

Milan

.......on the roof of the Duomo, just spectacular.

Milan

.....and another, gothic pleasure.
Check out Tripadvisor for reviews on where we stayed:

Cantú - Hotel Canturio
Milan - Hotel Splendido, Starhotels

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

Ambreen's Birthday @ Whipsnade

At the weekend we celebrated my Sister's birthday. We went to Whipsnade Wild Park. It was a lovely hot day and my highlight was this peacock that decided it wanted our left overs after our picnic. I took this cheeky picture of a giaffe,you know I did not realise that the backend of a giraffe would look like this. The pattern is really interesting.

Colne St Aldwyns to Bibury

Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury

Today was another lovely day, must be the hottest day this year. Went on another walk in the Cotwolds, a six mile circular walk from Colne St Aldwyns to Bibury.

Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury

The walk follows the river Colne for a while which also runs through Bibury. I think this is a Black Swan. The river itself is full of Trout which you can fish at the local Trout farm for a few pounds.

Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury

I like the quizzical look this sheep had. Something about it made me want to take a picture of it. There were lots of sheep with young lambs around on the walk. What I did not realise is that the lamb tails fall off as they get a ring put on them so that it cuts of the blood supply.

Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury

On the way round I spotted this couple having a bite to eat. I have to say this walk had plenty of oppertunities to stop and enjoy a picnic, more than usual.

Bourton on the Water

Cheeky!

I was out walking around Bourton on the Water, apparantly it's the Venice of the Cotswolds (not sure about that). Anyway, it was a 10 mile circular walk taking in Naunton. As we were approaching Naunton these horses were lined up in a row blocking our way to the stile and made for an interesting picture.

Yellow

It's that time of year that the Rapeseed is out , it gives a real blast of colour to the landscape. I seem to see more and more of it each year.