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Austin A125 Sheerline (1949-54) Engine 3995 S6 OHV Production 9000
Registration Number CMS 888
AUSTIN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759800132...
Available as a Sports Saloon or Limousine and Austins answer to the Bentley Mk.VI. Razor edge body styling, traditional grille and huge P100 head lights.
Mechanically with independant front suspension, hydraulic brakes, four on the column gear change.
Interiors have lots of wood and leather.
Shot at Cars in the Park, Beacon park, Lichfield 03:07:2011 Ref 72-013
Please do not forget to visit the Flag Counter on my Profile page to record a visit from your country.
Thanks .
Angler : Mr.FUKUI
ROD : PA90 jawbreaker
REEL : EXCELER 3000H / DAIWA
LINE : PE#1.5 + NYLON 30lb
Target : Japanese Seabass
コメント:台風後の激流の加古川でも抜群の安心感でした！
Part of the Question of the Moment bulletin board set, “If You Could Only Choose One, Which Would You Rather Use: Texting or Facebook?”
Angler : Mr.FUKUI
ROD : PA90 jawbreaker
REEL : EXCELER 3000H / DAIWA
LINE : PE#1.5 + NYLON 30lb
Target : Japanese Seabass
コメント:台風後の激流の加古川でも抜群の安心感でした！
FIELD TESTER:Mr.KINUGAWA
ROD: PLAISIR ANSWER PA75RG -power arm-
REEL: 304/Mitchell
LINE: PE#1.5+leader30lb
LURE: CD/rapala
Bridlington, a blustery afternoon, we had been photographing in the relative ‘calm’ of the harbour, when we suddenly heard a couple of very loud bangs. Fireworks? During daylight? On a normal weekday?
Anyway, we rushed to our car where Pica, our Border Collie was, knowing how nervous this would make him. We’d parked on the promenade, and that’s where we saw the commotion, people running and appearing from everywhere.
The whole scenario deployed in front of our eyes, the men, pulling on their yellow oilskins whilst on the move, the tractor that would pull the boat into the sea already waiting, the sky filled with screeching seagulls. It was eerie.
You feel a chill in your bones, you see the turbulunt sea, you hope and pray that all will go well and they will return safely.
We never found out what happened...
About The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, an interesting and FUN read!
The RNLI is a charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The volunteer crews give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues in difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboats have saved more than 137,000 lives.
The direct cost of launching a lifeboat is relatively small since the crew receives a few pounds expenses for a call out and the only other cost is the fuel. What keeps the costs up are the stores, station and boat maintenance and the other costs involved. There are exercises, training sessions and the relief fleet of 130 boats nation-wide these all add bit by bit to those costs. Anyone who has owned a boat will tell you that sometimes the cheapest part of the operation is the buying of the boat, after that there is always something which needs paying for. A lifeboat can seem to do nothing for weeks and then there is a flurry of activity and it earns every penny of its costs. The coxswain is in charge of the facility and is responsible for directing the safe navigation of the boat, the activities of the crew, and the performance of the missions. Skills of a qualified coxswain include navigation, piloting, boat handling, communication, search planning, and emergency procedures The men and women volunteer crews can be anyone (the butcher, the baker) and encounters with them have been known to suggest that they are very rude people. There is little which is more disconcerting than talking to someone who, in mid conversation, suddenly runs away from you.Don't worry they've probably just had a 'shout' by the maroon (a type of rocket) which would go off with an almighty bang and everyone knew what that meant: they are needed for the lifeboat; there are people in danger at sea!
With love to you and thank you for ALL your faves and comments, M, (* _ *)
For more of my other work or if you want to PURCHASE (ONLY PLACE TO BUY!), visit here: www.indigo2photography.co.uk
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
FIELD TESTER:Mr.KINUGAWA
ROD: PLAISIR ANSWER PA75RG -power arm-
REEL: 304/Mitchell
LINE: PE#1.5+leader30lb
LURE: CD/rapala
Had to attend a meeting in Daventry today, on the way home I decided to visit a random church, I chose this one purely because I spotted it from across the fields. It has a strange collection of bits and bobs (worth a Google), the chancel was just boarded up! you could still get there, just via another door. There was an amazing oak effigy in there of Sir Thomas le Latymer. Met a lovely lady in there who was on flower duty. Amongst other things she told me a few Braybrooke facts, one was that the wooden effigy is a place of pilgrimage!! Then she told me how they used to do total submersion baptisms in the River Jordan (just outside the church) Then she went on to mention the tale that featured Braybrooke Castle (also just over the road) and a ghost called Isabelle!! I had a quick Google and found this:
In England during the fifteenth century (those were troubled times), there was a civil war in progress (The war of the Roses). After which, Edward IV needed and was grateful for any support which he could muster from the Barons. Such a person was John, Lord Seagrave and he stood tall in the King's favour. When Lord Seagrave passed through a town or a village he was cheered by the Yorkist followers and spurned by the Lancastrians.Burton and Barton were Yorkist places, this was because no one dare cross the powerful Lord Seagrave. The two villages Gave him a huge welcome on his return from the wars tributes of huge feasts and arches of white roses (the symbol of the Yorkists)to honour his triumph.
One man who did not take part in the war was Lord Latimer of Braybrook, for he stayed at his home which was the castle at Braybrook peacefully with his two children Isabel and Robert, his wife having died many years previously. Upon return from Cambridge for the vacation, Robert brought back a friend, Hugh Neville, and soon Hugh and Isabel were in love.
The Manor House at Burton was owned by Lord Latimer,and, whilst he was staying there with friends, Lord Seagraves entourage passed through Burton from London. With the Manor House facing the road along which the entourage was to pass, the lovers, Hugh and Isabel Stood under the white rose decorated porch, the beautiful Isabel stood amidst the decoration with an expectant look on her face.
The cheering grew ever louder as Lord Seagrave passed by the Manor House. Looking toward the group on the porch,he raised his hat.Isabel blushed because she know that John Seagrave was staring at her.The image of Isabel on the porch in all her beauty did not leave John Seagrave's mind that day and he could not forget her, this made him morose because he knew only too well that there would be a great deal of difficulty in arranging a union between himself and the beautiful Isabel.
Throwing caution to the wind, the following day he sent forth Sir Henry Clopton with a message for Lord Latimer. The message was an invitation to Lord Latimer to dine at Barton Castle. Should he accept, he would pehaps discuss the subject of a marriage between himself and Isabel. Lord Latimer gave his answer in no uncertain terms...He
would never accept the hospitality of Seagrave!
Lord Seagrave was seathing with anger upon hearing the response to his invitation and he was determined to gain his revenge upon Lord Latimer for such an insult. Lord Latimer himself became fearful of Isabel's kidnap as rumours spread of Lord Seagrave's great anger, and as a precaution, he returned to the castle at Braybrook and made sure that Isabel was accompanied every inch of the way.
Barton Seagrave had a huge, strong fortress surrounded by a deep moat and the surrounding countryside was wild and woody, a far cry from the Barton Seagrave of today. Due to his standing as a favorite of the King, The owner of the castle was in effect a law unto himself. A few weeks passed with no movement nor provocation on the part of Lord Seagrave and thus Latimer relaxed enough to perhaps brush aside all the speculation, perhaps he was being too cautious, perhaps he should afterall return to Burton Manor...upon consideration, he did.
Upon Latimer and Isabel's return, they settled back into Burton Manor, unfortunately, upon retiring to bed that first night, he heard screams coming from Isabel's bedroom...rushing to Isabel's quarters Hugh Neville found only an open window revealing the devastating scene of Isabel herself being kidnapped by a man on horseback.
Neville abandoned any caution he had and mounted his horse and persued them into the night. There was a storm that night and the rain was fierce and accompanied by the loud clapping of thunder...on and on he rode never quite catching them, he would only catch glimpses of them in the distance, until both Isabel and the unknown horseman dissapeared over the drawbridge and into the fortress at Barton Seagrave. Neville continued undaunted perhaps onward until he was brought from his horse by an arrow which was fired from one of the turrets striking him in the arm. He was rescued and brought back to Burton by the sad Lord Latimer and his son Robert.
The only person at that time with whom it should be said had any power over Seagrave
was that of the King, and Latimer spared no time in petitioning the King for the restoration of his precious daughter Isabel, but Seagrave was able to influence the King in such a way as to steer the King into not complying with Latimer's wishes. Latimer, failing this even resorted to trying to persuade neighbours into helping him in his plight,
but no one dared cross the powerful Lord Seagrave, this left poor Isabel at the mercy of
her captor.
During her captivity, Isabel was only fed bread and water and her health soon began to falter, luckily for her, the warder in charge of her was endowed with a little compassion and gave her a little extra food and somehow was able to allow her to communicate with her family, for he could not bear to see her in such a sorry state. After time, the warder realised that there was little or no hope for Isabel for he knew that there would be no chance for release for her and she could not survive living in such an awful place...his compassion for her grew such that he decided to help her escape the clutches of Lord Seagrave.
Choosing the right time, he waited for one particular night when Lord Seagrave had gone to the village of Pychley, the warder took hold of poor Isabel and carried her to the
drawbridge of the fortress and into the arms of Hugh Neville and her brother Robert.
after a joyful reunion they quickly whisked Isabelle onto the back of Robert's horse and
they rode with great haste toward the direction of Braybrook Castle hoping to use the
track leading through Kettering which crossed the river Ise. Upon approaching the ford at a place which now houses the A6 road which allows traffic to pass between Kettering
and Burton Latimer the waters being swollen after many days of torrential rain they
forged onward and urged their horses through the river.
Coming upon them rapidly was the dreaded figure of Lord Seagrave, they tried in vain to not be recognised, but to no avail...and Lord Seagrave met them half way across the ford. Lord Seagrave let loose his sword and with a fearsome blow slashed at Robert and killed him instantly. Hugh would not lose Isabel again...he would fight...the two men prepared to fight each other.
Isabel was so weak due to her captivity and was terrified...and in her panicked state fell from her horse into the swollen waters and was drowned before her beloved Hugh could save her. In desperation, Hugh began slashing at Lord Seagrave's horse and managed to dismount him, but Seagrave struck at Hugh and for a long time they fought in the mist and the darkness in the middle of the river. Hugh was still in a weakened state as his arm had not healed from the arrow which struck him from Seagrave's stronghold, Seagrave struck and slashed Neville's leg which sent him down into the waters where Seagrave ran him through with his sword...leaving his body to the mercy of the unforgiving waters which now enveloped and engulfed his lifeless form.
Enraged, Seagrave sped back to the castle, found the warden who had helped Isabel escape and had him hung, his body displayed upon the battlements and three other conspirers were buried within the walls of the castle, but Seagrave feared that Latimer might inform the King of his misdoings and have him punished, but alas, poor Lord Latimer, upon hearing of the events which had transpired died of a broken heart...
So The Legend Goes...
For three nights John Seagrave could not sleep, when at last he did, he was awoken to the sound of clashing helmets, the ghostly apparitions of Hugh and Robert stood pointing accusing fingers at him...then upon their vanishing, a hand was said to clasp a burning sword was thrust through the wall of his chamber, the light from this burning sword shed flickering light upon his ceiling illuminating the spectral head of the warder...The severed head let out a terrifying scream and dropped to the floor...
The sword Vanished and all was silence...
Still shaking, Seagrave then saw the ghostly figure of the beautiful Isabel who uttered the words " Oh Seagrave be warned, I shall appear before you at the ford, where I fell and drowned, If thou cross at night beware that death is approaching. When thou art dead I shall return to the ford every fortieth year, for the space of three hundred years. I shall come till thy castle is destroyed and grass covers thy halls. I come as a warning to repent thee of thy evil ways..." So saying, the apparition of Isabel dissapeared.
For some time, the rememberence of that grizzly night kept John Seagrave in check, but on one fated night upon returning from a caroose at Rockingham he approached Kettering. Upon crossing the river he remembered Isabel's curse. Surely enough, Isabel appeared, her shadowed ghostly figure spoke to Seagrave, uttering the words "Seagrave take heed" So shocked was John Seagrave from this point that he gave one half of his property to his son and the other to the church, then from that point he went into reclusion within a monastery.
Grass now grows where once stood the halls of Seagrave Castle and the three hundred year curse passed in 1771...
...Isabel walks the ford no more...
This page from a website developed by: gary catlin
FIELD TESTER:Mr.KINUGAWA
ROD: PLAISIR ANSWER PA75RG -power arm-
REEL: 304/Mitchell
LINE: PE#1.5+leader30lb
LURE: CD/rapala
Once Sir Joseph of Baeth learnt of Lenfald's separation, he feared that Djorn and Roger were in danger on their way to Garheim. This fear was realized when he received a note stating that the traveling duo had in fact been captured at the Lenfald-Loreos border and were being held for ransom at the old Garhim embassy; roughly ten miles north along the western coast. At this same time Joseph had received an order to go fishing in Lenfald in order to spy on the province. Figuring this was a perfect time to do so, he proceeded to hire a crew, pack his wares and fishing rods, and load up the Rogue Spur for the rescue of Roger and Djorn.....
Several weeks had passed since their departure from Dalmunatha. It took time for Joseph to sail far enough south in order to steer clear of the Magic Isles and plot a very careful course through the Sea of Despair to reach the safer coasts of the Western side of Roawia. Upon arrival to the cliffs that held the old Garhim embassy, its banners changed to the colors of Lenfald, Joseph told his crew to prepare to be boarded with weapons at the ready- if they had previously kicked the Garhims out of the embassy, who knows what they would do to them as Loreesis.
Surprisingly enough however, Sir Joseph and his crew were met with open arms as they docked to the old embassy with dock hands helping to immediately unload the sea-wary contents of their journey. Djorn and Roger were waiting along the lookout just above the docks holding on to two beautiful women each with giant grins on their faces. Standing next to them was a Lenfel knight with a light grey beard and swept back hair, wearing black lapels, noting him as a higher lord. He yelled out, "What ho Sir Joseph! How thee fare on this fine day?! Did thy winds give you quick course to mighty Lenfald?!"
Not sure if this was a ruse or sincere question Joseph knew to keep his tongue witty and his sword close for this encounter. He called back to the lord,
"Greetings noble Lenfel! The winds were sure in helping us get 'ere at the best pace it could!" He began to walk up the stairs to talk to the noble more clearly, "I dont think we have had the pleasure of acquaintance, I am Sir Joseph of Baeth, merchant and knight of Loreos. I was requested to come rescue my two colleagues here, who seem to have both made themselves rather comfortable. I feel I have brought more than enough gold and treasure to negotiate with for their immediate release. Exactly who do I have the pleasure of doing business with my lord?"
At this, the "captured" duo had begun laughing while the noble wrapped an arm around the confused Joseph and gave out a hearty laugh too. Gathering himself, the high lord finally spoke to Joseph, "Nay Sir Joseph! Yer friends aren't our prisoners! Why they have been great fun in our little castle! That note was written just to scare ye to get yer booty out here sooner! Twas a big misunderstanding that has happened since the separation of Lenfald from the nations of Roawia. Thou first think we kicked out the Garhims from their embassy, tis a false accusation- all the occupants left when Garheim was in most dire trouble with the Queen's soldiers. We took up residence because we didnt want them damn filthy Dragon soldiers to find and take root in this abandoned outpost.."
He turned and gestured to Roger and Djorn, "And the capturing of these two twas a complete accident, I had not yet returned from the council meeting so when word of our separation began to incorrectly spread- the local militias deemed it best to start building a wall and patrolling the Lorseesi-Lenfel border which is where your companions were taken. Our most sincere apologies for this mistake, we do not request any form of ransom and if you'd like you can set up a booth in the courtyard and sell thy wares! Stay awhile and let thy crew rest from your long journey! Im sure many 'ere would love to buy some gems and trinkets! AH I almost forgot the pleasantries, I am Lord Jon of House Dragmar.'
Surprised at this revelation and indeed tired from his journey here, Joseph was still suspicious of this Lord Jon and those Lenfels around him. He decided it would be best to accept the invitation and let the crew rest for a few days so he could dig a bit deeper into the mystery that Lenfald had become... He accepted the high lord's apology and invitation to set up shop and rest for a couple days. He finished by giving a sly grin and asking a single question, "So Lord Jon, I have heard that Lenfald's western shores are home to some of the best fishing the realm has ever seen! I just so happen to have my fishing rods with me, would you be up for a spot of fishing tomorrow?"
The old Lenfel replied, "Well of course we have the world's best fishing! I will take you up on that offer Sir Joseph! Tomorrow at mid morning we shall fish!"
.......
It was summertime in Roawia and like the other nations, Lenfald's denizens were enjoying this time of peace. This gave the old embassy a very festive feel. Merchants were selling their wares, people were milling about and talking, children were laughing; jesters juggled and told jokes, the men were having fun practicing their archery and sword skills. Roger had met a cute baker so while he managed Joseph's booth, he allowed her to sell bread to hungry customers. Djorn was off of his shift so he resumed courting the fair ladies he had previously been seen with.
The Garhims had set up a rather good system of agriculture here so many were tending and harvesting the varieties of produce and food that was growing around the castle though the guard presence was quite large for such a small outpost...Joseph noticed this.
Just a few meters down from the dock that held the Rogue Spur was a wooden outlook that jutted out over the cliffs, a perfect spot for fishing. It was here that Lord Jon and Sir Joseph had cast out their lines and began to wait for something to bite.
"Ahhh... a lovely day ain't it Lord Jon?" Asked Joseph. Slipping the objective of spying to Roger and Djorn late in the night, he knew that the information the three could collect would be valuable to his Areani allies. Joseph had also given the Lord some of his strongest Loreesi ale at breakfast to loosen him up before their little fishing excursion.
"Yes, tis a great day after all Sir Joseph! Nothing quite like men of stature relishing in the simple enjoyments of the commoners."
Looking away, Joseph rolled his eyes and nodded. "Aye milord, tis always a surreal experience. Tell thee, what dost thou think of Lenfald's separation from the Roawia?"
"Not much to be honest with ya lad. Everyone be a little tenser with being afraid of how the other nations will react, but we will all get along in the end Im sure. I will tell ya what Joseph, I dont give much trust to them Loreesi or Garhim diplomats and politicians. Tis the tried and true men of Roawia, those who work its land and seas that I trust the most. Men like you lad... I will tell you this though my new friend, something you'd like to hear but cannot tell anyone..."
He leaned in close to Joseph, so close Joseph could smell the Loreesi ale on the high lord's breath.
"I heard something remarkable has happened that gives reason for the sudden movements of Lenfald's ships-- the reason why there wasn't a vessel stationed here upon your arrival. There are trusted rumors that us Lenfel's have discovered something." He pointed out to the sea, "Something out there...-"
His sentence was cut off by Joseph being startled by the sudden jerking of his fishing line. "AHA! I believe I caught me a fish!" He yelled as he pulled up a medium sized fish.
Broke from his drunken trance, Lord Jon exclaimed, "Oi! That is a fine lookin fish me boy! Let us cook it up and get more of that fancy ale of yours!"
__________________________
First off, sorry for the rather long story! But it is needed for the continuation of Sir Joseph of Baeth's story which will probably be shorter in upcoming installments.
(Also, apologies for the kind of crappy pics- my actual camera isnt working and my light box didnt fit this size MOC so a lot of photoshop was used in the first pic so sorry about that.)
Secondly, Wow! This was a big entry to both the Loreos Local Challenge LCXXII and the second Journeyman task of the Merchants guild!
This was originally apart of a display last year for a local Lego event here in the Northern Colorado area but I never got around to posting it as life got in the way and I wasn't sure how to incorporate this into my character's story at the time. The base had been sitting around while the original castle was taken down to build something for my next Merchants Guild task.
It was really my first attempt at building an actual castle for once and since it was intended for a display- I wanted an open area for easy viewing while keeping the castle modular so that is why it doesnt really have a keep or anything. But after my quick redux I think it turned out quite well!
If you've made it this far thanks so much for viewing! It's good to be actively building again and there is still quite a bit in store! :)
How do you make someone fall in love with you?
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Washington DC, April 14, 2018. Around two hundred activists associated with Answer Coalition, Code Pink, Veterans For Peace, Socialist Alternative and other peace groups gathered in front of the White House to protest the latest wave of intensified bombing in Syria by the U.S.A., Great Britain and France. In a brief address to the nation last night President Donald J. Trump suggested that the bombing of Syria could be an open ended affair of uncertain duration. The neocolonialist coalition bombing last night near Damascus and other cities was supposedly a retaliation for the evil Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most recent use of chemical weapons. An International inspection team arrived in Damascus just yesterday and have not yet determined the source of the chemical attack. This morning, President Trump foolishly declared "mission accomplished". Heard that one before?
Postscript. Reporters Robert Fisk from The Independent of Great Britain and Pearson Sharp of One America News
were unable to confirm that the alleged chemical attack had indeed occurred when they visited the site and the surrounding neighborhood in Douma, Syria.
Sgt. Antoinio Minnifield, assigned to Europe Regional Medical Command,
takes part in an interview during the media lane portion of U.S. Army Europe's Best Warrior Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 19. The competition is a weeklong event that tests Soldiers’ physical stamina, leadership and technical knowledge and skill. Winners in the Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer categories of the USAREUR competition will go on to compete at the Department of the Army level. (U. S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach)
Yahoo Answers with a question asking about mustard and ketchup packets expiring.
Uploaded with the Flock Browser
Among the many intriguing little curious things about Denmark, we learn that we danes have over many centuries developed skills, ways and means, to nurture and improve one of our rare cultural habits called ”At hygge sig”.- (To "hygge" oneself)
This concept ”hygge” does not exist other places in the know universe, which will prove and explain any attempt to translate it futile.
Hygge is very important to danes. It sort of defines a dane and often a dane abroad can recognize a fellow countryman alone on the specfic way they ”hygger” them self.
Children coming home from visiting friends on an ordinary day in Denmark would typically be asked immediately after entering the door if -> ..the visit was ”hyggeligt”? - Answering "Yes" would be greated with a smile, where as answering ”No” would raise immediate suspicion.
The same thing would happen even after a VERY suspicious husband has been sitting up all night, waiting for his wife to come home from the yearly christmas party at work. Even though only one question would be on his mind and even though he would be DYING to ask it, danish tradition roots so deep that even in this stressed situation, our relationship with the hygge is so fundamental that he would as the first thing ask her if ->”..the party was ”hyggeligt”?
Obviously you look at this picture thinking how on earth this picture can illustrate what hygge is ”and..” you think to yourself ”perhaps it is something to do with.. with.. nice!?” - Now you are beginning to think like a dane ;o) But nice.. is just nice. Hygge SEEM nice at first, but then it creep up on you and suddenly you realize calling hygge for ”nice”, is like.. calling T-girls for ”Tomboys”. No, it takes years of intensive study and close immersion into danish society to understand but the upper layers of the deep sea one will find Hygge to be, when first one has broken through the soft surface of what would at first admitted, appear to be ”just” nice. But in depth to understand the many layers of the hygge, to absorb and fully grasp the introspective dimensions of the concept, one will have to study the hygge so closely among danes and throughout such long periods of time, that when one finally wake up one morning truly understanding the hygge. One would find one self... to have become.. A dane.
You need an answering service for your growing business. There are so many great reasons to hire an answering service. Log on www.answeringservicecare.net/
＜TACKLE＞
FIELD TESTER: Mr.KINUGAWA
ROD: PLAISIR ANSWER PA-B80 SOPMOD / zenaq
REEL: SALTIGA BJ 200SHL / daiwa
LINE: Avani Casting PE SMP#5号 / VARIVAS
SHOCK LEADER: VEP Shock leader50lb / VARIVAS
LINKING PARTS: Cross Lock SNAP70lb / YARIE
LURE: BARAM300 / MADNESS
HOOK: 7554#1/0 / VMC
We stayed at the City of Arts and Sciences from late afternoon till night time. There was a beautiful blue cast through twilight and then, about 8.00pm the lights came on. I forgot the tripod so it was a case of having a steady hand. A bit of noise in there but I'm glad I hung around - we had a few glasses of wine as well needless to say.
We decided to go for a city break rather than sun in Tenerife again this September. Other than a few days in the North East we haven’t been away since last March and wanted a change and hopefully some sun. The problem is getting flights from the north of England to the places we want to go to. We chose Valencia as we could fly from East Midlands – which was still a pain to get to as it involved the most notorious stretch of the M1 at five in the morning. In the end we had a fairly good journey, the new Ryanair business class pre-booked scheme worked quite well and bang on time as usual. It was dull when we landed with storms forecast all week, the sky was bright grey – the kiss of death to the photography I had in mind. I was full of cold and wishing I was at work. It did rain but it was overnight on our first night and didn't affect us. There has been a drought for eleven months apparently and it rained on our first day there! The forecast storms didn't materialise in Valencia but they got it elsewhere.
You May notice discrepancies in the spelling of some Spanish words or names, this is because Valencian is used on signs, in some guide books and maps. There are two languages in common use with distinct differences. There may also be genuine mistakes - it has been known!
Over the course of a Monday to Sunday week we covered 75 miles on foot and saw most of the best of Valencia – The City of Bell Towers. The Old City covers a pretty large area in a very confusing layout. There was a lot of referring to maps – even compass readings! – a first in a city for us. The problem with photography in Valencia is that most of the famous and attractive building are closely built around, some have poor quality housing built on to them. Most photographs have to be taken from an extreme angle looking up. There are no high points as it is pan flat, there are a small number of buildings where you can pay to go up on to the roof for a better view and we went up them – more than once!
The modern buildings of The City of Arts and Sciences – ( Ciutat de Las Arts I de les Ciencies ) are what the city has more recently become famous for, with tourists arriving by the coachload all day until late at night. They must be photographed millions of times a month. We went during the day and stayed till dark one evening, I gave it my best shot but a first time visit is always a compromise between ambition and realism, time dictates that we have to move on to the next destination. I travelled with a full size tripod – another first – I forgot to take it with me to TCoAaS! so It was time to wind up the ISO, again! Needless to say I never used the tripod.
On a day when rain was forecast but it stayed fine, albeit a bit dull, we went to the Bioparc north west of the city, a zoo by another name. There are many claims made for this place, were you can appear to walk alongside some very large animals, including, elephants, lions, giraffe, rhino, gorillas and many types of monkey to name a few. It is laid out in different geographical regions and there is very little between you and the animals, in some cases there is nothing, you enter the enclosure through a double door arrangement and the monkeys are around you. It gets rave reviews and we stayed for most of the day. The animals it has to be said gave the appearance of extreme boredom and frustration and I felt quite sorry for them.
The course of The River Turia was altered after a major flood in the 50’s. The new river runs west of the city flanked by a motorway. The old river, which is massive, deep and very wide between ancient walls, I can’t imagine how it flooded, has been turned into a park that is five miles long. There is an athletics track, football pitches, cycle paths, restaurants, numerous kids parks, ponds, fountains, loads of bridges, historic and modern. At the western end closest to the sea sits The City of Arts and Sciences – in the river bed. Where it meets the sea there is Valencia’s urban Formula One racetrack finishing in the massive marina built for The Americas Cup. The race track is in use as roadways complete with fully removable street furniture, kerbs, bollards, lights, islands and crossings, everything is just sat on the surface ready to be moved.
We found the beach almost by accident, we were desperate for food after putting in a lot of miles and the afternoon was ticking by. What a beach, 100’s of metres wide and stretching as far as the eye could see with a massive promenade. The hard thing was choosing, out of the dozens of restaurants, all next door to each other, all serving traditional Paella – rabbit and chicken – as well as seafood, we don’t eat seafood and it constituted 90% of the menu in most places. Every restaurant does a fixed price dish of the day, with a few choices, three courses and a drink. Some times this was our only meal besides making the most of the continental breakfast at the hotel. We had a fair few bar stops with the local wine being cheap and pleasant it would have been a shame not to, there would have been a one woman riot – or strike!
On our final day, a Sunday, we were out of bed and down for breakfast at 7.45 as usual, the place was deserted barring a waiter. We walked out of the door at 8.30 – in to the middle of a mass road race with many thousands of runners, one of a series that take place in Valencia – apparently! We struggled to find out the distance, possibly 10km. The finish was just around the corner so off we went with the camera gear, taking photos of random runners and groups. There was a TV crew filming it and some local celebrity (I think) commentating. Next we came across some sort of wandering religious and musical event. Some sort of ritual was played out over the course of Sunday morning in various locations, it involved catholic priests and religious buildings and another film crew. The Catholic tourists and locals were filling the (many) churches for Sunday mass. Amongst all of this we had seen men walking around in Arab style dress – the ones in black looked like the ones from ISIS currently beheading people – all carrying guns. A bit disconcerting. We assumed that there had been some sort of battle enactment. We were wrong, it hadn’t happened yet. A while later, about 11.30 we could hear banging, fireworks? No it was our friends with the guns. We were caught up in total mayhem, around 60 men randomly firing muskets with some sort of blank rounds, the noise, smoke and flames from the muzzles were incredible. We were about to climb the Torres de Serranos which is where, unbeknown to us, the grand, and deafening, finale was going to be. We could feel the blast in our faces on top of the tower. Yet again there was a film camera in attendance. I couldn’t get close ups but I got a good overview and shot my first video with the 5D, my first in 5 years of owning a DLSR with the capability. I usually use my phone ( I used my phone as well). Later in the day there was a bullfight taking place, the ring was almost next to our hotel, in the end we had other things to do and gave it a miss, it was certainly a busy Sunday in the city centre, whether it’s the norm or not I don’t know.
There is a tram system in Valencia but it goes from the port area into the newer part of the city on the north side, it wouldn’t be feasible to serve the historic old city really. A quick internet search told me that there are 55,000 university students in the city, a pretty big number. I think a lot of the campus is on the north side and served by the tram although there is a massive fleet of buses as well. There is a massive, very impressive market building , with 100’s of stalls that would make a photo project on its own, beautiful on the inside and out but very difficult to get decent photos of the exterior other than detail shots owing to the closeness of other buildings and the sheer size of it. Across town, another market has been beautifully renovated and is full of bars and restaurants and a bit of a destination in its own right.
A downside was the all too typical shafting by the taxi drivers who use every trick in the book to side step the official tariffs and rob you. The taxi from the airport had a “broken” meter and on the way home we were driven 22 km instead of the nine that is the actual distance. Some of them seem to view tourists as cash cows to be robbed at all costs. I emailed the Marriot hotel as they ordered the taxi, needless to say no answer from Marriot – they’ve had their money. We didn’t get the rip off treatment in the bars etc. that we experienced in Rome, prices are very fair on most things, certainly considering the city location.
All in all we had a good trip and can highly recommend Valencia.
Signs have been officially declared a "fetish".
The special at the Cafe Alhondiga in Buenavista del Norte's main street, was Papas Locas. Usually, it says "Papas Locas con tres salsas" (Crazy potatoes with three sauces; generally, red, white and green), but maybe this has now reached tipping point and the sauces are accepted as a matter of course.
The traditional, Canarian Papas Arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) are always served with red and / or green mojo sauces (and here in the Canary Islands, according to one comment here, if you add alioli to papas fritas that's known as Papas Locas), so I wonder how much influence our cuisine might have had on the creation of the snack?
Read Rudy's entry and The Secret History of French Fries and you'll see how the potato started from the Andes, crossed the Atlantic to Europe (not forgetting that your humble spud was introduced into Europe via the Canary Islands: Shipping records from 1567 make these islands the first known home to potatoes outside of Central and South America - and the "original" Andean potato is still grown here in Tenerife), lost it's skin, crossed back over the Atlantic, gained a few sauces and went full circle back down to Latin America ... Only to start the journey all over again because the Papas Locas dish has crossed the Atlantic once more, to end up at our fiestas and bars along with all the now customary, imported Salsa music, Reggae, Reggaeton ... And, I still think it's bloody good marketing to put three (almost negligible cost) sauces on a 50 cent portion of chips and sell them for 2.25 euros, or with a soft drink (bottled) for 2.80 euros (£1.90 / US$3.80).
They didn't have any avocado ice cream in La Alhondiga, but they did have Dulce de Leche ice cream and, very nice it was too. :)
The most detailed English language website on the island
フィールドスタッフ：菅原氏
ロッド：プレジールアンサーPA99ディスタンスクラッカー
ライン：UNITIKA ショアゲームPE１.2
リーダー：UNITIKAシルバースレッド ショックリーダー30lb
リール：Daiwa セルテート 3000
ルアー：タックルハウスTKLM120
ターゲット：ヒラスズキ