This castle is in the Borders area of Scotland ( meaning it borders England. But just in Scotland !) we were excited to visit as there is a connection with the Maitland family.
No we’re not directly related. Though Steve’s Uncle, Major General Gordon Maitland headed up Clan Maitland in Australia. He was so enthusiastic that many Maitlands joined and made quite a club.
He had been to Lauderdale and I think met the Earl.
Just some of the Earls of Lauderdale. I think they are up to 15.
The castle was built in 1587. And has been added to over the years.
The original castle was this centre piece. Then the two extra turrets were added. The extended castle
We spent 90 minutes with Gordon & Trish our guides as they took us through room by room. they had many stories about the family , the Earls and the castle itself.
Personal photos of the present Earl and his family. One of the sitting rooms. Gold leaf edged doors. Replaced a few years ago after a fire. Another sitting room.
Chairs are draped with the Maitland tartan – rugs, throws. Etc. our little team of people on the tour were very quiet and didn’t ask much so our guide ploughed on with information about the house and the family. He knows his facts!
We climbed up and down stairs and saw the wing that had been turned into accommodation. We thought about staying here but at £1500 a night we decided t to stay at the Black Bull pub in the town of Lauder 5 mins away.
These little Scottish border towns are just lovely, each is distinctive with its castle or abbey or just a very grand house.
Selkirk is home to Walter Scott the novelist & poet. The Abbey A pub at Melrose Steve’s sister Marg worked in Melrose when a young nurse. Fly fishermen near Kelso. Foote Castle in KelsoStreet in Coldstream home to the Coldstream Guards.
Road tripping around Scotland is fun. Lots to see and not far between little towns.
And the people. So friendly. We are staying at The Black Bull in Lauder tonight. The owner and Steve hit it off immediately as Steve admired a small stool in the reception area. Turns out he does woodwork on a serious level. He’s a building and loves wood. He made all the tables in the restaurant and the bathroom cabinetry is his work.
Notice the tables. All made by the owner.
They chatted for ages about woodwork!
Then we had a great dinner. And retired to a very comfortable room. Not the Maitland suite at the Castle and I’m not sorry at all!
Hadrians Wall is a masterpiece of Roman design and execution. Who knew so many Romans made the trip to Britain to build walls & forts.
This timeline explains when and how the Roman occupation of Britain began and ended.
Steve’s walk along the wall.
A very straight section of the wall. Steve clambered into it for this photo. The famous sycamore tree The tree seen from another point on this looped part of the wall. Where Steve started and finished his loop of 4 hr walking. The last hour in the rain! The thistle growing along side the wall. Along the wall there were sections built as lookouts. A view of the lake from the wall. Some sheep keeping a check on the walkers. I got talking to these two men who are volunteers for the National Trust. They inspect small sections of the wall on a weekly basis. Next stop. Vindlanda
Vindlanda is another museum and the place where the Romans lived while building sections of the wall. It was a small city with barracks, baths, latrines, kitchens. It was discovered and has like so many ancient sites been dug carefully and exposed.
It’s fascinating how much they uncovered. How it tells about the times they lived there.
The whole site.
Our night at Twice Brewed was great. Just made top score of 3 bed 🛌 🛌 🛌 Location excellent particularly for walkers. Restaurant on site. Dinner great. A fun bar. Breakfast included and was terrific. Our room was small ( that’s what I picked) but so well organised. A drying room for wet clothes. All in all 🛌🛌🛌
Today ended up being wet ! Rain ☔️ do we drive into Newcastle. For those who watch Vera on ABC this is the area she is from! When she’s not in the countryside solving murders.
Our hotel The Vermont is in a great spot. But too wet for us to go out. It has big rooms , a terrific bar with cocktails two for 1 price and a nice little restaurant. Steve is too tired to go out so we’ll stay in tonight.
I’m a little sad we are leaving tomorrow. When planning this holiday we had so many things we wanted to do and we thought 6 days here would give us a good taste. Now I would love to do more. To go north. A little more exploring. But I still consider myself lucky to spend 6 beautiful days here in the land of Fire & Ice.
We set off in brilliant sunshine though as always there were amazing clouds. Streaky ones, fluffy white ones & grey snowy ones. The sky is interesting here. I think coming from Queensland where we have such bright blue skies ( unless it’s stormy) this is a contrast.
We searched for the basalt stones. This series of columns Kirkjugolf. ( the Church Floor) is a series of eroded and shaped columnar outcrops where only the top of these basalt columns can be seen.
The columns were formed by lava flow and the way it cooled then eroded smooth by the weather. There is no evidence a church stood here but perhaps was an area occupied by Irish hermits in the years before Iceland was settled !
Sellfoss is one of the larger centres in Iceland. it was very small but has grown to over 4,000 residents. And lots of tourists
Some lovely shops and restaurants.
We went volcano hunting by choosing the coast road toward the Blue Lagoon. We saw the turns offs to car parks with walks into view the volcano. But I could spot it from the car park. Big black and imposing. But no firey lava.
We were early for our 5 pm Blue Lagoon booking but the lady took pity on my crutch and let us in.
It’s a very well organised operation. It’s expensive – there are two packages you can take. The Comfort: includes entry, a towel , 1 drink and a silica mud mask and well equipped bathrooms with good shampoos , conditioners and body creams.
Or you can take the Premium: entry, towel, a robe, 2 drinks 2 masks. We thought the Comfort package was fine so that’s what we did.
I was excited ! we scanned our wristbands and in we went. You use the band to scan any extra drinks , masks, food or products you buy.
The shower area is well set up with lockers you scan to access. You change , shower ( I thought it was in the nude like other spas but this one allows you to dress in swimwear first )
They encourage you to put conditioner in your hair as the water can make hair dry and brittle. I lathered it on
Then out to the pool I was pleasantly surprise it wasn’t as crowded as I thought it might be. We slipped in. Delightfully warm
Pictures don’t do the colour justice. Ut was a milky blue.
After a good soak I move over to the mud house. You are given s big scoop and you apply it all over your face. It was strange seeing lots of people with white or mud faces.
Its supposed to give you beautiful soft skin!
We got our free drinks. Water and a rather good carrot apple ginger juice. No beer for us! So healthy!
After about 2 hours of being constantly in the warm water where my knee felt wonderfully light and not sore we dragged ourselves out.
Unfortunately back on hard floors it was indeed still sore! I had a long warm shower using lots of the included shampoos etc. the shower room has individual shower stalls. Unlike l when we went to the spas in Budapest where it’s all communal.
We drove to a little apartment I had found in Keflavik because we have to return the car and get to the airport early tomorrow. It’s only about 10 mins from the airport.
What a nice surprise. It was such a comfortable place. The bonus was the great view over the water and the beautiful shower and bed. Luckily we had brought dinner with us so enjoyed staying in.
It was lovely place to stay so a 🛌🛌🛌. 3 bed rating. SOL Apartment. it’s on booking.com
What makes a great hotel? I’m going to be an expert by the end of this holiday. We’ll be staying in 32 different hotel beds over this holiday.
I’m going to be rating them as I go. I’ll keep a list and publish at the end. I’ll keep the rating simple 3 🛌🛌🛌 ( very good would highly recommend) 2 🛌🛌 ( not bad would stay again) 1 🛌. ( didn’t like it. Wouldn’t stay or recommend )
Remember these are not 5 star hotels. I’ve chosen mostly on location & value for money, but the rating includes room comfort, the way it’s planned , things working! Bed comfort , access ( lift).
Last night Boma Hotel If you’re visiting Strasbourg I’d recommend it. Modern but so well planned. 3🛌🛌🛌
Tonight a new one in Paris. We were to stay with friends but they are away on holiday so we changed to one near the station. We arrived today by train from Strasbourg.
Strasbourg this morning was fine then once again raining by lunch time. Steve went on a boat cruise on the river that circles the town of Strasbourg. I did this last time I was here so opted to move around town and observe people.
We had a salad lunch before heading to the station for the 2hr trip to Paris. If you haven’t been to Strasbourg I’d recommend it. It’s in a great part of France. The Alsace region. Lots of lovely villages around to investigate.
Even arriving at a train station can’t dampen the Paris effect. There’s just something about the trees. And the light. We’re about to head out for a drink and dinner by the Canal St-Martin. It’s a lovely afternoon so I’ll finish later …….
Walking down towards the Canal we passed many of the cafes so famous here.
Glimpsed the station another very elegant building.
Gare L’Est
And saw some wall art ( and a shop that sold all the spray cans needed to create the art)
Pretty cute design
There was cool breeze coming from the canal where people sat on the steps chatting, smoking, listening to loud music 🤫 or smooching. It is Friday night.
I avoided taking pictures with people. But the canal is a peaceful strip within a busy city
We sat at L’Atmosphere, selecting a table just inside the door. Amazing how many people still smoke here. It’s banned inside but the footpaths tables are all awash with smoke.
View from our table across to it’s extra outside seating and the canal.
The waiters here must easily get their 10.000 steps in. They were running all evening.
Shops and apartments across from the canal. Very colourful for Paris.
I had sea bass and ratatouille which was good and Steve had pepper steak and green beans. Of course with a glass of wine!
We walked back through the little park and saw a park guard on his bike stop a lady who was walking her dog off lease. He directed her sternly to leave the park. The French are strict in so many ways ( take the citizens vote to ban the lime scooters) but they challenge everything as well.
And so to bed in our little Parisian hotel.
Barely any floor space for bags and Steve’s morning exercises, but beautifully planned.
A flight to Singapore from Brisbane is pretty painless. We left at 10.30 had a nice lunch on board watched a movie had a nap & arrived in at around 4.30.
We decided to stay at Changi a village near the airport.
The Hawker markets
Not far from the airport, it is good for a walk by the water and an easy dinner at the Hawker Markets. I love these markets. Open air. Only locals. Pretty lights and so cheap and tasty. 10 satay sticks, a plate of tom yum fried rice and beef rice, some lime sugar sodas and it was about $20. Not bad for Singapore prices.
Our choice for dinner. One man show. He took the order cooked on a single wok, took the money. 5 min. And no we didn’t get good poisoning.
Heading into downtown today we thought we’d explore all types of public transport. We caught a local bus to the station and the train into Marina Sands.
I love the public transport here. It’s efficient, clean, on time and has the best signs to amuse you.
See the top sign. No eating – fine $500 No smoking – fine $1000. No flammable good – fine $5000 and No durians ! Poor fruit. Just too smelly and Stand up Stacey there to remind you to give up your seat.
My favourite was watching the little movie showing what to do in case of a terrorist attack , a bag caught in the door, leaning on the door. All these little scenarios. So much fun.
Arriving at Marina Sands is a complete contrast to the Hawkers markets. It’s a hotel, shopping centre, sightseeing centre and a haven for the rich, and the poorer travellers trying to think rich.
Starting with coffee near the indoor river where we thought about a ride on a gondola. Deciding that was a was a bit much, we took a ride to level 57. I’d booked ahead for Lavo the lovely restaurant with a view.
The indoor canal. The hostess insisted on a photo in front of the sign. The river view was great.
Sitting at a shaded table looking out at the view we felt a million miles away. We ordered a refreshing Spritz. An Aprerol for me a Negroni for Steve. We shared an octopus salad – delicious ….then I had a veal cutlet and Steve the carbonara. Opted out of Asian food today.
Following a leisurely lunch we took bus 106 to Orchard road. Avoiding too much walking to protect my knee we did a little browsing before moving along to Raffles.
I love Raffles. It’s super expensive but it’s unique.
The foyer with a harpist. The beautiful portico’s all way round.
An iconic hotel opened in 1887, its so very beautiful, famous and oldy worldy. I could see Somerset Maugham there in a crushed linen suit slinging back a few Singapore Slings before tossing his peanut shells all over the floor in the the Long Bar. . Unfortunately, we tried to book the Bar & Billards room for lunch but it’s closed on Tuesday so thought a drink in the Long Bar after lunch would be a treat. The queue to get in was LONG so we thought NO. After checking out the lobby bar which only does fancy afternoon teas ( we’d just had lunch!) we opted for a Gin Sling for Steve and a frozen lime daiquiri for me, sitting under the striped umbrellas in the courtyard.
A hop skip and a limp later we were seated on the top story of a super clean No 2 bus to Changi Village. A long ( 1 hr) but air conditioned sightseeing trip back to our hotel. All for a flat rate lower than the hop in hop off bus.
And more fun signs.
Gentle reminders of good behaviour. Move in Martin reminds yo make room for others. His friend
‘Stand up Stacey’ is on the train. Seen from the bus. A back street.
Organising a late check out we’ll have time to freshen up, shower, change, stretch out for awhile and head to the airport for a long late flight to Frankfurt.
Flying Singapore Airlines tonight & we’ll be comparing it to Qantas business yesterday.
I thinking I’ll try for life as a reviewer after this trip.
For Ollie , Leo & Alby. I think you’d like riding around on the buses in Singapore. We wanted to have a boat ride on the river in a bum boat! That’s what they call the little river taxis here. That’s a bit rude!
We were going to go to the church service at the Cathedral but I want to stay outdoors. So we head to our happy place. The beach.
The Merewether Ocean Baths
We drive this time as we want to explore.
These baths are famous and I remember going there as child visiting an aunt in Newcastle. They are wonderful. If I lived here I’d be at these free baths everyday. With the grandchildren. There are two big baths. One very shallow sandy bottom with a sand beach. Perfect for little children.
The other big pool is long – 100m by 50 metre wide with 10 lanes across for lap swimmers. It’s washed by waves and today the waves are pumping. Big waves crashing over into the pool create a wave pool. There are round the year swimmers here daily.
Free pool for all
There are flower capped ladies walking and talking and more importantly laughing together. There are lap swimmers of all shapes and sizes some in budgie smugglers some in short wet suits.
I spoke to one lady as she was preparing to enter and she told me she swam twice a day since her husband died. She said it helped. And I couldn’t agree more. Swimming is good therapy. So good for the mind. As well as the body.
Steve swam so laps and I walked and chatted.
We walked along the beach front and watched the surfers. The surf is up and they are all out there loving it. Hundreds of walkers stood and watched the display.
Newcastle must be a very fit town. Lots of Lycra for its hundreds of runners, walkers and cyclists. and lots of wonderful foreshore to do it. And hills to climb.
Back in the car we drive to Bar Beach left the car and walked north to eventually join the Memorial Walk. A new walkway suspended above the cliffs and rocks. It’s a tribute to those who have served. It was very windy walking along and we saw several hats being swept over the railings.
From there was drive a little further through King Edward Park with Easter picnickers and found the steps down to the Bogey Hole. Down we went until we caught sight of it. Spectacular. No swimming there today. It was so rough. The giant waves were crashing into the pool and half way to the steel steps leading onto the water.
Steps to the Bogey Hole
After all the walking it was time for brunch. The seaside cafes were awash with eaters. The 30% holiday loading wasn’t putting people off. So we headed back to Darby street a few streets back. A different cafe and a delicious brunch.
How many ways to do smashed avocado? lots and lots is the answer. Did we in Australia invent this popular way of serving avo for breakfast? Do you have it overseas as well? I’d love to know.
Back to our lovely hotel where we changed and Steve headed off to start an Easter afternoon of brass bands. I did a little reading then ‘ booked’ our room refresh. This hotel the Crystalbrook Kingsley has an app for your phone or an iPad in the room where you can do everything including selecting a time to service ( refresh) your room. So convenient.
I also love their bamboo room key ( or link your phone to open your door). It has a green footprint so everything is environmentally friendly. The room lights are great. Including the little low level light that comes on as you walk to the bathroom at night. I loved it. No stumbling around.
I got into the swing of it and joined Steve at the Civic Theatre to hear the Brisbane Brass A. ( not Steve’s new band. He’s going in Brass B) They were very good. Good enough? That shall be revealed.
We took a break for dinner and went along the street to an Asian Fusion restaurant Light Years. what a find. We had a few shared plates prawns, pork Bao Buns , Spring rolls. A glass of bubbles and wine before we made it back to the City Hall to hear the last few bands in Brass B section. Yes we heard Brisbanes B band and also one from the country town of Gunnedah. They were a big surprise. A small town with a big sound.
A little video of Brisbane B
Many in the band are still at school. ‘At least half ‘ said one of the proud mums sitting near us. The conductor was the most enthusiastic bouncy conductor there. It’s obviously a big community effort to get them here. Shades of the movie ‘Brassed Off’s ‘ Grimthorpe Band. They were followed by a local band of mostly retired musicians. I’m getting invested in this competition.
Brisbane B played and were very good. The last band performed at 8.30. There was quite a wait for the results. We looked up the results of the Brass A bands and Brisbane A came a very good 6th.
Finally the results were in for Brass Bands B …..a Victorian band won followed by ……… Gunnedah! Small town made good. I was thrilled for them. Disappointed for Brisbane B. But their 6th out of 14 bands was still very good. They all played 4 pieces. A hymn, their own choice , a March and the test piece selected by the judge ( poor them heard it 14 times).
So it’s all over until 2023 when they will be held in Adelaide. So we could be in Adelaide even longer in March with the Writers Week, The Fringe and now the Brass Band Competition . if Steve is playing with them!
Now the long trip home. 10hours and at the moment Steve is playing his favourites from his CD collection. Yes Brass Bands. I might put my AirPods in and listen to an audio book.
After the dramatic lightening last night today it was a bright, sunny but very windy day. We decided to walk along the Harbourside to Newcastle beach.
There are some lovely buildings in this very old town. It was settled very soon after the first settlement in Sydney.
The old railway station Customs House
Steve was keen to swim in the Ocean Baths. A famous old sandy bottom pool. Unfortunately it is closed. After a lot of controversy it has been decided to renovate the pool and concrete the bottom!
We continued on to the beach. Newcastle has many beautiful beaches and is known for its good surf. I love the steps leading onto the beach. It gives a natural seating area to sit and watch the beach , the surfers 🏄♀️ and to catch a little warming sun.
The beach cafe was doing a brisk business in the very chilly breeze. Steve got our coffees and we sat away from others on the steps in the sun. So good.
We walked back up the hill behind the beach. Newcastle has a few good steep hills with wonderful views over the beach and to wards the harbour.
There are some lovely very old buildings including the old hospital.
The hill rose sharply towards a cathedral which we thought was Catholic but turned out to be Anglican. It was cool outside so we went into explore and found a team of volunteers cleaning, getting ready for the Easter celebrations.
I sat and quietly observed and enjoyed the peace while Steve went off to explore. I then heard a voice calling ‘Fran, is that you!’
I looked over to see a lady armed with a broom. It was Janey Smith , the National Chair of ADFAS. I’d just returned from our Sydney Conference ( where I picked up covid) Janey knew to keep her distance and we laughed about the coincidence of meeting in the church. We had planned on meeting for coffee but when I got covid I canceled. Yet here I was ! Almost covid free but definitely keeping away.
I love the tapestry kneeling pads. There must be 300 in the church.
Back to our lovely room at the Crystalbrook for a rest and refresh. This is a very good hotel with a lovely room and a well planned bathroom. What is your favourite hotel ? For amenities and layout?
By now it was lunch time which we were having at an airy outdoor cafe on Darby St There are lots of places to choose from but our friends Brian and Deb Campbell had chosen one for us that had big tables and was away from any other people.
We had a huge catch up. Like Elizabeth and Peter from Crescent Head we met the Campbell’s through their son Richie and our son Rob’s waterpolo career. We sat and cheered their many games together in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane , Beijing & London. Our boys are friends and so are we!
After lunch Steve headed off to more band competition and I headed to the room to rest and read.
Steve enjoyed Canberra City band where he played about 55 years ago!
Steve had a chat to some of the members of the Canberra City band including the conductor. A good reminisce for him. They’ll be inviting him to the bands 150year anniversary in 2025!
The National Band Championships are to be held in Newcastle. an hour north of Sydney. About 10 hours south of Brisbane.
We always go to our beach place at Caloundra for Easter but Steve has joined Brisbane Brass and will start with them playing his trombone after these championships.
Three days after being hit with covid we set off. Steve decided he could risk sitting with me in the car for the 10 hours it takes to drive. If I wear a mask.
We were to stay with our friends Peter & Elizabeth in their beautiful home on the hill overlooking Crescent Head beach. But I wouldn’t put them at risk.
Instead, we met them by the river in Gladstone. It’s a pretty spot. The weather was warm and Elizabeth had the Rose,beer and nibbles all ready at a socially acceptable distance. After sitting for 5.5 hrs with a mask I was ready for a splash of Rose!
After two hours of non stop chat we drove into Kempsey to stay the night at the Blue Moon Motel. At $140 it was a find. They had room service from their motel’s Chinese restaurant and a full moon. Just right for a night.
My covid symptoms are very mild almost non existent, thank goodness. So I’m coping well with the travel.
Last night we had dinner with Dinah, a school friend from Steve’s Canberra days. It was at a airy table almost on the verandah – to be away from others. It was at her sons restaurant Tinta. It’s on Lake Belmont and was just lovely. delicious barramundi.
Our hotel in Newcastle is well located next to City Hall where the championships are held.
This morning we heard the Brisbane Brass band 2 – the one Steve has joined and will start playing with when we return. They were very good and Steve is feeling nervous that he isn’t ready for it. But boy …..he’ll give it a go.
Dinah & Steve we’re at school together more than 55 years ago The views over the lake were beautiful including the lightening behind the clouds.
We’ve always gone to Ukaria in the Adelaide Hill for an Adelaide Festival concert. I always enjoy it.
Ukaria was built to house beautiful performances.
Taken from their website.
The performance this year was called Dawn.
It was a stunning performance. The quartet was wonderful but the second piece a Beethoven for Violin and piano was simply amazing. The playing was so wonderful it is hard to describe. The room was spellbound and at the end stood and applauded.
We followed this with a visit to a park in Mt Barker to see the Disco Dogs. It would be better at night when the dogs are lit up but still fun in the day. Music is coming from the dogs and you can walk around and through them and dance along.
The park had a great Sunday afternoon vibe. Food vans picnicking families and beautiful weather.
A quick visit to niece Vashti and her family in nearby Balhannah rounded off the afternoon.
The first one at one of the many squares ( should they be called piazzas!) in Adelaide.
Called 80’s Ladies it probably would not be my first choice but my niece Vashti a professional Sax player was in the band for the show. and it was great.
It was a riot of fluro. See niece Vashti with her saxophone 🎷 in the background of the above photo. It was loud , fun, and our group were definitely the oldest in the crowd!
Somehow it was great fun. I sang along to 80’s songs like Working 9 to 5 and It’s Raining Men…… and we came out smiling.
The show finished ….. we sat outside having a Gin & Tonic looking at the trapeze artists then walked a few blocks to another Square – all lit up and in party mode.
We scrambled into the Speigeltent, found seats and settled in for Elephant Man the Musical. You probably remember the sad story of the Elephant Man. A movie starring John Hurt. Now thanks to a wonderful director – a local team – including musician husband & wife – it’s now a musical.
Complete with a ringmaster, beautiful nurse, evil Doctor, assorted musicians, actors and the sad elephant man we clapped and sang and shed a tear through the musical journey of the elephant man.
After thunderous applause we left the tent to meet the actors outside. My niece knew the music writers from her days of studying jazz at the uni.
Vashti meets her old uni friend – composer of the music.
This original Australian production is co-directed by the Olivier-award winning, Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe veteran Guy Masterson alongside Christopher Mitchell. This gothic fairy tale retelling is as hysterical and heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. It’s going to Melbourne soon if you happen to live there.
We followed the next afternoon with a visit to the old Capri theatre complete with art deco foyer, velvet chairs and old style organ. It’s gorgeous and if I lived here I’d be on the volunteers list and work here. We saw the new Fisherman’s Friends movie. A great fun viewing.
Capri Theatre , Goodwood Adelaide. Restored art deco foyer
We could go to shows morning, noon and night. It’s a feast here during Festival time. You should try and come one year.
frans travel tales 