Legg House

Went on a works party to celebrate the delivery of a project. We'd hired a Irish folk band called Slanche. They were great, shame the weather turned as they were due to play outside in the grounds of Legg House.

Wellington

Went to the Wellington Monument in Wellington today. It was under repair and was surrounded by corragated iron which had been "jazzed" up by the local community. It looked ok, it made a feature of it. It's on top of a hill so the view should have been good but the trees are overgrown and block it. Shame!

Alanis Morrisette Concert

A great night in Brixton Academy on Thursday at the Alanis Morrisette Concert. I love the venue, it's always been one of my favourites. The last time I was there was for the last INXS tour when they were playing small venues.

Bradford-On-Avon to Freshford

Bradford on Avon to Freshford

Another circular walk today from Bradford-On-Avon to Freshford and back. This walk takes you along the River Avon and then past the Kennett and Avon Canal. You get to stop at Iford Manor and take a break surrounded by some serene surroundings. There is even a seat on the bridge opposite the manor to take a rest. The whole walk is about 6 miles so easily completed in a morning which is what we did.

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.