The husband wants to go shopping in the Big Smoke. Normally I would groan and try to wriggle out of accompanying him. Today, after our recent trip to a very quiet Palermo, I feel that I should go and assess how things are going in London in the wake of coronavirus. The train to PaddingtonContinue reading “A shopping trip to post-lockdown London”
Tag Archives: drink
Palermo part 2 – In the swing of things
We awake on day two in Palermo full of renewed purpose. It’s a strange privilege to explore a European city that is largely bereft of tourists, like going back to the 1970s when we went away with our parents, and we need to make the most of it. A continental breakfast overlooking the rooftops ofContinue reading “Palermo part 2 – In the swing of things”
Palermo part 1 – Positivity pays off
We don’t get off to a great start in Sicily’s capital, Palermo. Our taxi driver can’t get his card machine to work so he hauls the husband off to find an ATM. Our hotel, the Porta Felice, is down a tatty backstreet and the welcome from the front desk is underwhelming. It’s as hot asContinue reading “Palermo part 1 – Positivity pays off”
A bonus break in Mondello
Mondello is a happy accident. We were booked for three nights in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, but reductions to the BA schedule meant that our Thursday flight was cancelled. You can still fly out on Tuesday or Friday, I was told. Ha! One night fewer or two nights more…what do you think I decided,Continue reading “A bonus break in Mondello”
Vienna then and now
Oh Vienna! If you’re of a certain age you will immediately hear the soulful voice of Midge Ure. You’ll probably hum it all day – I have been since I started writing this, luckily I’m an Ultravox fan. Many moons ago, I spent a year working in this city as part of my languages degree.Continue reading “Vienna then and now”
The most anticipated trip of the year – to the pub!
I know I am pushing it, writing a travel blog based around going to my local, but after lockdown it seems as exciting as a journey to the moon. Lots of people I know are not keen on heading out during this first weekend of legal indoor socialising, and I get that. But for us,Continue reading “The most anticipated trip of the year – to the pub!”
Heading towards a fishy treat in Barnes
Where to walk this weekend…? Well, sometimes the choice is made for you. If you’ve read my blog before you will know how food orientated I am. Last week, chef Rick Stein announced that he was opening his restaurants for takeaway. While I’m not prepared to drive to Cornwall for Rick’s fish and chips, hisContinue reading “Heading towards a fishy treat in Barnes”
Easter in Prague (obviously not in 2020!)
It’s the Easter long weekend and we usually go away, but this year we won’t be going anywhere more exotic than The Back Yard. So I’m thinking wistfully of last Easter’s trip to Prague. I first visited Prague back in 1991 when I was living in Vienna. The Velvet Revolution which overthrew Communist rule hadContinue reading “Easter in Prague (obviously not in 2020!)”
Steph's Travels 