It’s our last day in China today! Tonight we head off to the airport for our flight home!
We have a slow morning after last night.
I need to go back to the Pearl Market before we leave, so we head over around mid day. This place still amazes me. If I had the time and money, I could spend all day here.
I get to a couple of things I want. I could certainly get carried away here but I’m strict with myself! I have a lot to squeeze into my case already.
After shopping we go to Linda’s for dinner. We order noodles, egg plant, chicken Kung po as well we 2 other dishes. It’s our last chinese meal in China. All the meals we have had here have been good, and this one also doesn’t disappoint.
As we sit outside eating, I can’t help but smile when I see their delivery van! It’s a bit different to our Amazon delivery or the postman!
After lunch, we are all quite tired so retire to our rooms to lie down and have a quick snooze!
We spend the rest of the time chatting away or packing.
Finally it is time to head to the airport. I can’t believe the holiday is over. It has been the best ever.
I would definitely recommend Viking River Cruises if you ever want to visit China. They treat you so well, everything is so organised and you get to visit and learn about so many new places.
We were also lucky to be able to spend a few days with some great friends who showed us even more of China.
As we take off I close my eyes and capture every single memory into my brain. It has been the best 3 weeks ever.
It’s funny but after over 2 weeks in China I’ve seen so much. What I hadn’t seen though was an actual house. Lots of apartments, but seriously, not one single house.
When we arrived at our friends last night, I was so shocked to see their house. It is so not what I was expecting. 2 living rooms, dining room, breakfast kitchen, 5 bedrooms – one is used as an office, 4 have en-suite and the master has a walk in wardrobe which is bigger than the dining room at home and a fantastic, enormous bathroom, area for gym and a balcony overlooking the front living room. If that wasn’t enough it has a double garage and a basement where they have a full size pool table, Darts board, bar, lounge area and even space for a full drum kit. To put the icing on the cake it also has a large garden. It is definitely a dream house.
This morning they have taken us to Hong Qiao, or as it’s also known, the pearl market. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was enormous, and simply sold everything.
We wanted a handbag for a gift and a cap for hubby! What we ended up with was 2 bags, iPod headphones, cap, T-shirt, 4 scarfs and a camera lens! If we had more money, we could have bought so much more !
Afterwards we went in search of tea. If you read my previous blogs you will know that I’d been to some tea places with the tour but the prices were too high for me to justify buying them. Our friends knew of a road full of tea suppliers. We only went to one of the malls, but that was enough. I’ve never seen so many places that sell tea. Everyone was so so friendly.
Our friends wanted to try Lychee tea. They were more than happy to give us a taste. It wasn’t for me as far too sweet, and for me it tasted like liquorice. They bought some and at 80 yuan for 500 grams it was a bargain. For £1O they have enough tea to last years.
The initial place didn’t have the chrysanthemum tea I wanted, but they took us to another one that did. Again they happily made us some to try. I loved it. So light and refreshing. I bought 500 grams for less than £20. As you reuse the leaves multiple times, it is going to last years.
Wandering around the mall, and when I say mall I have to point out it’s very basic, we looked at teapots and tea caddies. I ended up buying 2 tins for less than 50p and a beautiful chinese tea set. I have no clue how I’m going to get this all home.
It’s been a brilliant day and so different. We have been to places where the locals shop. We have also learnt there are 2 prices. One for tourists and the other for locals! My friend got us some amazing deals.
This evening the boys are playing pool before firing up the braai. I decide to throw some darts. I’m trying to think when the last time was that I played. I think it must be 35 years! I’m very pleased when I get 4 bullseyes!
I’m so glad we added these extra days on with friends as we are seeing another part of China and I’m still loving it.
Dinner was fabulous. Steak, jacket potato and salad. It was just what I needed.
We sat in the garden chilling before heading to bed.
Although yesterday I said this was my third favourite hotel this trip, I think the bed was the most comfortable so far. I slept so well.
We have a good routine going in the mornings. I wake up and make a tea for me, and coffee for hubby. While my tea cools I grab a shower.
As our case left the night before us in Xi’an, I didn’t have my Avon So Soft Spray on yesterday. As I look in the mirror now, I see that this was the perfect opportunity for the mosquitos to have a party on me. I have 6 bites around my neck and chest and 3 on my legs.
After my shower I completely cover myself in the spray. I’m not given them another day of fun!
We go for our first breakfast in this hotel. The dining area is beautiful with colourful lanterns everywhere.
There is a great selection once again from western to Chinese.
After dinner last night I felt so bloated, so I decided to just have fruit today, however I did allow a small smoked salmon roll to sneak in too.
We leave the hotel at 7.00 am for the 2 hour drive to the Great Wall. I am so looking forward to this, I just hope my bladder holds out for the duration of the drive!
I’m pleased to say I made it. The trip reminded me of when I was a kid going to the seaside. Searching the landscape for my first sight of the sea. We drove through the Badaling Hills which is the highest point of the Guangou Gorge. As I look around it is all so beautiful, and then, there it is, my first view of the Great Wall. It was amazing.
During the drive Terry our guides tells us all about how it was made, the staggering length of over 6200 miles in total.
We get off the bus and all quickly head to the ‘facilities’ as Terry calls them before starting the final part of the journey to the wall.
To get to the wall you take the Funicular up. I’m so pleased as I was expecting a climb! It takes just over 3 minutes and gives you a chance to take in the gorge a little.
Once at the top, you walk out and it’s there right in front of you. We take our first steps onto the wall and I can’t believe I’m here.
Terry is there ready to take our cameras so that each couple or group can have photos together.
The section we are on is part of the best preserved section. We decide to walk up the steep part first while we have fresh legs.
Some of it is steps , other parts slopes. Going up is very steep at times, but the views are amazing. 360 degrees of outstanding views in fact.
As we walk along the wall I have to keep pinching myself that I’m here.
When you see how far into the distance the wall goes, I can’t help wonder how on earth they got the bricks up here, nether alone to build it. It is a really beautiful, incredible landmark.
After the wall we visited a Jade factory. Hubby and I loved a table and 2 chairs made of Jade. It was only $1.8m, so we ordered 2 sets!! In our dreams!
They showed us how they cut the stone and the different colours. I always thought it was only green, but you get all variety of colours including red, yellow, blue and white.
After a tour we head upstairs for lunch. We have the usual array of dishes, but this time as well as the beer they gave us a bottle of ‘fire water’. We all take some on our table and toasted each other before downing it in one! Jeez, I now know why it’s call fire water! It was so bad we had to have a second toast!
After lunch we had time to walk around the shop. I decided to treat myself to some lovely blue earrings. I wanted a pendant to go with them, but sadly they didn’t have one in the same colour.
Some of the pieces were quite expensive like the table and chairs. These bracelets were from £1000-£1300 each, although they did offer 30% discount!
It was lovely walking around though looking at the pieces, especially when you know they were cut from one piece of rock!
We then took a walk along the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. The walk is lined by 18 massive statues of elephants, lions, camels, and mystical beasts, protecting the tombs of Emperors. As we walk through the tree lined avenue, Terry explains the meaning of each of them and the old customs and suspicions. It is so peaceful and the smell of the pine trees adding to its calmness.
At the end of the Avenue you pass through the Great Red Gate which is more than 400 years old. With its 3 archways, it is one of the largest stone archways in China.
We start the journey back to the hotel. As we drive we pass buildings for the Beijing Olympics, which Terry points out for us. One of the beauties of Viking, is that you get a whole lot more than you expect every day and Terry is such a fabulous guide, explaining everything to us. He also cracks quite a lot of jokes which gets the whole group in stitches.
Back at the hotel we have a few hours to ourselves before leaving for dinner.
In the basement of our hotel and across the street is a big, high end shopping centre. The memory card on my small camera is already full and Hubby’s camera is close to being full, so we decide go on the search for a camera shop. Jimmy from Viking had suggested there may be a store in the basement of China World opposite the hotel. After a while we find a shop and are pleased to buy two 32MB cards for less than £12 each.
We arrive back to our room with 1.5 hours to spare before going out to dinner.
I’m so full, I really can’t cope with any more food. It’s a different style to normal with custard filled dim sums at the beginning as well as custard tarts.
I sample a little of some of the dishes, but I’m just still so full from lunch.
After dinner we join Kellie and Joe, a lovely couple from USA, who we have met on this trip, for a drink in the bar before heading to bed! It is the end of happy hour so Prosecco is 2 for 1 until 9 pm. We made it with 6 minutes to spare!
The mini bar in the hotel is free so we finally retire to our room for a drink before going to sleep.
After the long day yesterday we had an early start this morning. The alarm was set for 5.45 am so we could have a cup of tea before shower and breakfast.
Tea was a bit different to what you usually get. It was loose tea leaves. As I don’t speak Chinese I couldn’t tell you what it was but it was delicious. After adding the hot water it looked almost like fresh leaves.
Breakfast was amazing. We are staying at the 5 star Westin Hotel. Breakfast options are vast. You can have a full on Chinese breakfast which includes rice, noodles, dumplings etc. Alternatively you can have a selection of fruits, cereals or an English breakfast.
By the time we had got ready we now only had 30 minutes before leaving on our tour so opted for something quick and easy. I had a chicken sausage, baked beans, an egg boiled in tea, bacon and a steamed bread roll, followed by fresh fruit. Tomorrow we have more time so I plan to be a bit more adventurous. It looked so amazing that it would be a shame not to try some traditional foods.
Our tour left the hotel at 7.15 am for a full 9 hour trip to Suzhou. It takes about 2 hours To get there from Shanghai, but this gives us a chance to look out of the bus window and take in the views. There are lots of high rise buildings, which just reflects the high population here in China.
Suzhou is known as the ‘Venice of the East’, with its canal network . Unlike Venice though it isn’t sinking as the canals are all man made.
Our first stop is for a trip along the Grandcanal in a traditional boat. The houses are very basic, many with no private bathrooms or in some cases, kitchens. People are washing clothes and shoes in the canal as we sail by. Washing is hung from most windows from bamboo canes. It’s so pretty in a kind of way it’s hard to describe. We have taken lots of photos which will be transferred to my YouTube channel when we return home.
Lunch is next on the agenda. It’s a traditional Chinese lunch at the Garden Hotel. We sit on tables of 10 with others on our trip. Plates of food are placed on a lazy Susan. Dishes included rice, noodles, chicken gung po (which I made a slimming world version a few months ago for my YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/mkD4RFWz7uM ), aubergines in hoisin sauce, egg with onions, fish and tomatoes, tomato and potato soup, just to name a few. This was washed down with a bottle of Snow beer. Yes Snow! It made me laugh in view of the current heat.
After lunch we headed to the Silk Museum. I found this really fascinating. You get to look close up at the silk worms, the cocoons etc. They take you through the process from start to finish. At the end you have opportunity to shop. Silk quilts or as they call them ‘comforters’ are so reasonable. Less than £100 for a king size. If I hadn’t just bought one at home I would certainly have brought one back. Instead I bought a large scarf and glass case. I was worried about my luggage allowance for the internal flights so didn’t buy more. I’ve since discovered the China airlines are a bit more flexible. I’m kicking myself now as I know some friends and my own mum who would have loved a Silk scarf too. Maybe on my trip I will find more.
After leaving the museum we went to a gardens. It is down a little alley, tucked away. The garden is built around the house. Ponds, rocks and trees are beautifully set out. It’s called the Master of the Nets Garden. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Yes there are many people there at the moment, but somehow it is so quiet and romantic!
There are a group of Chinese people who seemed fascinated by us and and taking many pictures. I can’t help wonder what they will do with them! I do play to them for a while. They then notice my camera holster and seem to like it. I show them how it works which pleases them. I had it for my birthday and have to say it is amazing. It’s called a camera holster by Spider. It fits comfortably on my waist so I don’t have to have my Camera around my neck in this humidity!
It is here I experienced my first squat toilet! It was a choice thing as the normal toilets had a massive queue! I can see why Chinese ladies have good legs!
It’s been a lovely day. I am certainly going to sleep tonight and although the tour laid on by Viking for today has come to an end apart from the trip back to the hotel, we still have this evening to explore more.
I think our plan is to head towards the river to explore it lit up. We want to do a boat trip tomorrow so may see if we can get one booked. In the meantime I’m chilling out on the bus for our return journey back to the hotel.
I can’t believe the traffic. What should have been a 2 hour trip home now turned up into over 3 hours. To make things worse it’s started to pour with rain.
As we reach our hotel it’s still raining hard. We decide that as it’s also after 7.30 pm the best thing is to get a bottle of wine and a few beers to take to our room, have a bath and chill.
We aren’t hungry but could do with something light so pick up some salads from the cafe in the hotel to take to our room too.
It’s a shame it’s raining but in someways we are both tired, so it gives us a chance to recharge our batteries for tomorrow. We are free to explore on our own so plan an early start.
We are both loving this trip and it’s only really just begun!
A few months ago I came across a lovely lady called Kathy on YouTube. She has a channel called MyDIY and publishes projects based around the things she mostly picks up in Dollar Stores.
Now to say I’m very jealous is an understatement. I cannot believe the quantity and quality of what she can get for just $. And don’t get me started on some of the creations she comes up with.
We have pound shops here in the UK. I do love having a good wander around them. They are great for branded toiletries, large dog poo bags(yep, we have a preference for them in our house!) and kitchen bits and pieces.
Since finding Kathy I have been more inspired to check out the pound stores around me. My recent video shows some of my recent finds :
But it doesn’t matter where I go or when, I never find the amazing things Kathy has from the Dollar Store.
It got me thinking. Why is there such a difference in products from the UK pound stores compared to the to USA dollar stores ? Is it our shopping habits? Are we not as creative? Can USA get better access to products than buyers in the UK? I really don’t know!
I used to be very creative. I always made my own cards for example. I even had one published in a crafting magazine a few years ago. It was for my dad and was based on a pair of denim overalls filled with tools. I have also made a few cakes for family and friends, but in the last few years time has been in short supply. With the right products, I am sure I could be inspired again to get my craft cupboard and drawers open once more.
Kathy comes back with signs, flowers, ribbons and so much more from her trips to the Dollar Store. She creates great wreaths, pool party decorations as well as ornaments such as the recent truck she make.
I appreciate that at Christmas, Halloween or Easter our pound stores do step up a bit, but day to day the products are not that inspiring in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, I have picked up the odd thing. I love my hanging flower pots from my recent purchase. It is incredible the gap in products.
It’s a question I may never get the answer to, so for the time being I am just going to have Dollar Store envy and keep watching Kathy.
On the flip side, I do wonder who makes the products at that price. Are they getting a fair wage? I do hope so. There could be an argument that without that work they would be able to feed their family, even if it isn’t much. It’s a tough one!
I’ve never been into a Dollar Store myself. If I ever return to America, I’m certainly going to make a visit! I may have to pay excess baggage home though and I could potentially get carried away!
If you don’t know what I mean, pop over to Kathy’s YouTube channel MYDIY and see, and of course don’t forget to subscribe to my channel Slimminginspirations4u.
The celebrations started with a lovely meal out with my
hubby at a local restaurant – Baraset Barn.
The food there is amazing and the converted barn cosy, with a lovely
atmosphere.
Thursday morning we were up early to head down to Devon to
really start the celebrations. We have
booked 2 apartments in Westwood Hoe for 8 of us. Hubby and I and 2 of our friends were
starting on Thursday with the rest on Friday.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. As we couldn’t get into our apartment until 4
pm we decided to detour to Bideford. A
quick stop off at Morrisons to get some supplies and lunch, we then headed to
the sea front to find somewhere to sit and eat our lunch. It was so beautiful. We then took a walk along the sea front. I say sea, but it is actually an estuary taking
you out to sea.
I recorded the day on my Youtube video here:
The apartment was ready a little earlier than expected so we
decided to go and check it out.
It was just off the seafront in Westward Ho. I had upgraded to the Premier Apartment at
Westbeach Resort. I wanted to wake up
looking at the ocean on my birthday, so this was the best way to guarantee
that. I am so glad I did. Our view was beautiful. We were looking right out across the sea.
The apartment itself was very modern. 2 bedrooms – 1 double – 1 twin, a nice bathroom
with bath and rainfall shower, plus a kitchen which was fitted with fridge, freezer,
oven and microwave. Even a proper coffee
machine.
I quickly unpacked. Our friends were on route, and after a long journey down, I promised to get a cold beer and G&T ready for them.
When they arrived, we sat on the balcony enjoying our
drinks. It was such a gorgeous day so we
decided to go and explore Westward Ho.
It only took us minutes to be on the seafront. There were plenty of restaurants, bars and shops
along the main promenade. It was very
clean and tidy, with a lawned area, childens play area and a large array of
planted borders. The tide was in, so you
couldn’t see the sandy beach sadly.
After a walk around we decided to have a drink in Morans, an
Asian restaurant that we had booked for the next night, for my actual
birthday. We sat outside drinking
cocktails and beer with prawn crackers!
Well it would be rude not to!
Next door was a great fish and chip shop! As we were at the seaside it was the obvious
place to go for dinner! A brass band was
setting up outside, so we sat on a bench eating our fish and chips listening to
the music. It was such a lovely evening.
We headed back to our apartment and sat on the balcony enjoying a few drinks. Slimline wine for me. It was a clear warm evening as we sat watching the sun set over the ocean. What a magical way to start my birthday celebrations.
Tomorrow is the big day!
Stay tuned to see what happened next. I will also be publishing the weekend on my
Youtube channel so don’t forget to subscribe to my channel.
Do you remember at the beginning of
the year I decided to write a list of all the things I would like to achieve
during my 50th year? Well we
are now officially half way through that year.
Where has all that time gone?
How have I done so far? Below is my update:-
1) Travel to China
Still on schedule to achieve.
2)Visit Croatia
We went as planned in May and oh wow!
How amazing. Following where we
went on my YouTube channel
I still have my last day to publish
– but it is worth waiting for!
3)Weekend away in a VW Campervan
Still not on my radar!!
4) Re-visit Lundy Island
Well after a tricky time sorting out a boat, this trip is scheduled to happen
and I can’t wait!
5) Eat at a
Michelin star restaurant
Still not happened!
6) Bake
with Paul Hollywood
Sadly Paul hasn’t popped over to
help me in the kitchen yet!
7) Be
my own boss
I’m still searching for that ‘ah ha’
moment that will make me rich!!
8) Buy
a new car with the registration of the year I was born
It is still a few months away before
the 69 plate is out. Sadly by bank balance isn’t matching this wish yet, but
you never know!
9)
Get at least 1000 subscribers on my YouTube Channel
I’m at 149 at the moment so a few
more to go!
10) Take a
hot air balloon over my home town
Still need to do!
11) Have a
weekend away with my parents
Sadly this hasn’t happened yet, but
I hope to make it come true!
12) Fly
first class
@Emirates – can you help me with
this one when I fly with you to China in August? Pretty please!!
13) Complete
a successful ‘Dry January’
Woo hoo! I absolutely smashed this.
14) Walk
5,000,000 steps in 2019
As I am still half way through the year,
I have time to complete this!
15) Learn to
crochet
I think this is for a winters
evening don’t you!!
16) Visit
Stonehenge
I made this happen in March this
year and loved it!
Oh it is looking pretty sad at the
moment so I think this may need to happen soon!
24) Reduce
my daily commute to work
I’m still having fun with the
trains!! At least the morning commute
has changed thanks to 4 extra carriages, which means I mostly get a seat now!
25) Teach
Lola to walk off a lead
Yer right! Hmm, not sure this is not going to happen!
26) Teach
Fido to not bark at the door
We have been trying very hard! I’ve now applied to the programme ‘Dogs
Behaving Very Badly’ for help! Fingers crossed!
27) Teach
Fido not to bark at noises
As above! Eek!
28) Have 5
minutes of fame on T.V. – preferably on This Morning
I’m still waiting for them to snap
me up lol!! I did get to meet Ruth and
Eamon at the @thismorning Live at the NEC in Birmingham. Eamon even had his hand on my knee!! Lol!
They were such a lovely couple!
29)Go to see
a musical at least once in 2019
Still to do, but we are in London
very soon so who knows!
30) Go to a
music festival or concert at least once in 2019
No happened yet, but the summer
isn’t over yet!
31) Write a blog at least
once a week
I’m smashing this with 2 – 3 some
weeks!
32) Improve
my photography skills
I’ve not had chance much to take
many photos but when I have, I’ve really tried to be creative.
33) Clean out the garage
Don’t tell my hubby but, nah, not
yet! I will though promise!
34) Help raise awareness of
homelessness
I’m still promoting this.
35) Help out someone at least
once a month
Ooh now I really have to think about
this one. I think I have, but I could do
more!
36) Have a professional make
over
Still need to sort this one out!
37) Have a
‘hot’ Christmas
This may not happen this year, but
one day!
38) Remember
friends and family’s birthdays
I’m doing
better. I could be a bit quicker poster
but it is an improvement.
39) Be
surprised
Not
yet!!
40) Have
dinner out once a month
We have done
this and it has been really nice to have someone cook for me. It hasn’t had to be posh, but good food.
41) Take an
hour out a week for ‘me time’
I’m trying but some weeks are just
so busy.
42) Get 8
hours of sleep a night as much as possible
I’m totally failing this one. Only 6-7 hours a night at the moment.
43) Drink
more water and less diet coke
Right now I
am drinking a litre of squash! I’m
trying!
44) Have a
girls night out at least once every 3 months
I’ve just
about done this, but I really need a few more!
45) Have a
date night with hubby at least once every 3 months
I think we
have done this – yes, definitely. It is
good to spend quality time together.
46) Take a
canal trip
Well I did
say a trip not a holiday so does the 30 minute trip with work count?
47) Go to
see Wasps at least 3 times during the year
We have been
once but will go more later in the year – promise.
48) Learn
the rules to Rugby
Oops! I really must talk to hubby!
49) Take up
a new hobby
I just need
to find the time!!
50) Keep in
touch more with family and friends who live away
Facebook is great, but I really need
to put some weekends away to see friends.
We have managed a couple of weekends this year, but we should do more!
So, there have been some things
ticked off, I really need to start doing a few more! I will keep you posted!!
Yesterday saw the opening of the worlds biggest Primark store in the world.
I’m not a great shopper but as I was working near there, I decided to pop in on my way home to have a look!
As I walked up to what used to be the old Pavilion shopping centre I was blown away. As I walked through the doors, I just couldn’t believe the transformation. It was HUGE!
I have never seen a place like it. This wasn’t just a shop, it was a whole day out! Sadly I only had about 40 minutes, so I quickly made my way around as much as I could!
I certainly didn’t get to see it all! It’s too vast! What I did see as soon as I walked through the doors was a nail and hair bar! Very trendy!
There is also a barbers on the ground floor for the men!
A place to get personalised t-shirts, a Disney cafe, place to chill and charge phones and so many clothes, accessories etc!
What I liked was it felt spacious. You were not bumping into people!
There are so many checkouts so you don’t have to worry about queues!
In my short time I did manage to pick out 16 items which you can see on my YouTube channel here:
The store is over 5 floors. It’s been designed very well, with great views down the floors from the escalators.
There are water fountains around which after hours of shopping in there, you will be very grateful for that!
As I said, I only had a very short time, but I’m so impressed, I’m planning a second trip soon. Hubby wants to come and see the menswear section, but I may have to leave him in the cafe while I explore the ladies section. I feel it may take me many hours!
So if you are local, why not pop along and see what you think !
That line had been going around in my head all weekend! My hubby and I were in Gloucester for one of our date weekends. It was driving me mad, so I decided to look it up on Google! And there it was! A nursery rhyme from my childhood:
Doctor Foster went to Gloucester, In a shower of rain, He stepped in a puddle, Right up to his middle, And never went there again.
Thankfully for us, the weather was dry. It was quite cold, but the sun was out. In fact, I would go as far to say, a perfect spring weekend.
It got me thinking though, how the nursery rhyme came about. I have a fascination with these things, as well as phrases and words. I decided to research the nursery rhyme a bit more!
There are many stories about how it came about, but my favourite is about King Edward I. He apparently was travelling to Gloucester on his horse, when he fell off into a puddle, and refused to go back there again!
I have to say to most, Gloucester wouldn’t be many peoples first choice of a destination for a date weekend. It certainly wasn’t mine, but when my hubby suggested it, I thought, why not!
I couldn’t remember ever going to Gloucester in the past, so it would be a new experience. Also, the whole purpose of a date weekend is to spend time with hubby relaxing, seeing new things.
We had heard that the Quays and Cathedral were both worth a visit, we love photography and exploring, so we set a date in the diary.
I went to my trusty website – Booking.Com, to see what hotels were available. Initially, we wanted to stay near the Quays, so we could go out in the evening for a nice meal and drinks. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything that was either still available, in our budget or nice.
I did see a beautiful old hotel called the New Inn which was in the centre, unfortunately, it didn’t have parking on site. Check out my Youtube video of our trip to see this hotel. It really is stunning. Another hotel kept popping up though! Hatton Court Hotel. It was a beautiful old manor house, about 10 minutes drive from Gloucester, with panoramic views of Malvern Hills and Gloucester. It looked perfect.
The rooms all looked lovely, but as this was our first break in 6 months, I decided to upgrade to the Junior suite to get a spa bath! My Youtube video doesn’t do the place justice!
With the dogs being looked after, on Saturday morning, we drove the 50 miles to Gloucester. We decided to head first to the Quays. Old warehouses were now converted to places to eat, drink and shop. Many of the top names had outlet stores there. Hubby and I are not shoppers so only did a very quick walk through the shopping area, but if shopping is your thing, I think you would really enjoy it.
The warehouses had been restored beautifully. Photography is our thing, and we were able to get some lovely pictures of not only the warehouses, but the docks too. It certainly was worth the visit. Some warehouses are still in need of a bit of love, but you can still see their beautiful and feel the history behind them.
It is so nice to think that this area has been preserved in such a way that its history can still live on with modern life.
If you have watched the recent Alice in Wonderland, Through The Looking Glass, with Johnny Depp, you may even recognise it!
We next headed to the Cathedral. As we walked up to it, it took my breath away. It was absolutely beautiful. We expected to have to pay to go inside, but was pleasantly surprised that the only charge was £3 to take photos.
The man in the shop selling the photo tickets was so lovely. Very warm and welcoming.
The Cathedral inside was magnificent. There was so much to see. There were rooms everywhere, plus a viewing balcony over the whole of the cathedral.
The Cathedral is the resting place of King Edward II but the king that never was! The son of William the Conqueror!
When you look at my Youtube video of the day, you may even recognise some of it from Harry Potter! I have to say, as I walked down the corridors, I was waiting for Harry to pop out of his invisible cape!
Mary Queen of Scotts, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who were also filmed there!
The stained glass windows are amazing. It is worth taking time to look at them in detail. They all tell some amazing stories. Some of my favourites are captured on my YouTube video for you.
The city itself is a city of 2 halves. There are a lot of modern/60’s buildings around, but every once in a while you will find a little gem! There are still some beautiful old pubs and buildings worth a visit.
I am glad now we went. It was certainly a memorable visit. If you are ever visiting the Cotswolds or Cheltenham, I would certainly say stop off there for a day visit.
The hotel for the evening – Hatton Court was beautiful. The views were to die for. Our room looked right out across the Malvern Hills. As I said above, I had upgraded us to the Junior Suite. At first I was a little disappointed as I was expecting a sofa and coffee table in the room. That was purely because of my own expectation, but when I got over that, the room was lovely.
If I had one criticism (except the sofa!!), it was that the bed needed to move to the opposite side of the room, so you could lie in bed looking out at the views across the Malvern Hills. That said, you still had nice views over a field.
The bed was sooooooooo comfortable and big. I don’t think I have ever slept in such a comfortable bed!
The Spa bath was definitely worth the upgrade. After a day of walking around, to relax with a glass of bubbly in the bath was divine!
We booked dinner in the restaurant. I have to say, that was outstanding too ! Service was second to none as was the food.
In the morning we went down to breakfast. There was a lovely array of cereals, pastries, fresh fruit and juices, plus a comprehensive hot menu to order.
The waitress was busy, so we told her not to worry when she apologised for a short wait in taking our order! Hubby and I were chilled after a fabulous day and evening, so were not in a rush.
After 45 minutes though we were a bit concerned. I asked the manager! Our slip had fallen off in the kitchen and been missed. They were so apologetic. I think we had 3 separate apologies in total. I don’t mind if things go wrong when you get this kind of service.
This hotel is certainly on my top 10 of UK hotels to visit. If you want to try it yourself, visit http://www.booking.com/s/42/mariaw59 to get £15 off your next booking.
So our date weekend to Gloucester was a huge success. Sometimes, the less obvious of places have the biggest surprises!
Yesterday was the annual Black Friday, but what is Black Friday? It comes from America, and is the informal name for the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. It is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November.
Black Friday, since 1952, is said to be the beginning of American’s Christmas shopping season. As has happened over here, they too have experienced horror stories of people fighting each other for those bargains. People have been known to queue up all night, in the hope to get that great deal.
So is Black Friday really what we all hope it will be?
I have to say, I don’t buy into all the hype! At lot of stores have great deals all year round now. There probably is the odd deal going, but I honestly don’t believe that we will all go shopping on that one day of the year, and make great savings!
Firstly, how many of you yesterday went shopping just because it was Black Friday? I would probably say, quite a few. I work in the centre of Birmingham. You could really see the increase of people on the streets, as I fought to make my way to the station last night.
Secondly, how many people bought things they didn’t plan to buy? Again, probably quite a few! This group of people are the ones who will think they have had a fabulous deal, but in actual fact they haven’t!
The reason I say this, is that they have actually spent money they were not planning on spending, on something they probably didn’t need. For example, say you are one of those people who has gone shopping just because they think they could get a bargain. They go into a shop and see this massive sign saying that a TV was £500 yesterday, but today its £300. You have to buy it. I mean, that is a bargain and in their head, they are saving £200. Stop and think about that again!
In actual fact, they have just spent £300 they were not planning to spend, so in fact they haven’t saved money, the exact opposite.
The same goes for smaller items. Just because something has been reduced, doesn’t make it a bargain.
Next time you go shopping, and you spot those big signs, telling you of a bargain, stop and think. Ask yourself, do you want it? Do you need it? If it wasn’t on offer, would you even have looked at it? If the answer is no, then step away!
Supermarkets have been doing this for many years. Have you noticed when you walk in the door, there in front of you are ‘todays offers’! How many times have you bought biscuits because they were on offer, or buy 1 get 1 free?
Would you have bought them if they were not on offer? If not, you didn’t get a great deal did you? What has happened, is that you have spent more money than you planned to.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some great bargains out there. If you are genuinely looking to buy something, and it has been discounted, go for it. I know I did get a bargain myself yesterday. Not because I was caught in the hype. It was something I have been wanting to buy for a few weeks. I had a discount voucher which was running out yesterday, so I just looked on the off chance that it might be reduced. Bonus it was, so I bought it.
I can honestly say, I did get a bargain, as I would have bought it anyway.
Black Friday now seems to last for a good week, so you have plenty of temptations to test you. How will you do? We all love a bargain, just as long as it really was one!
Enjoy your shopping but just remember not to get carried away!
Slimminginspirations4u 