We decided to have a short break in the English Midlands. Our first stop was the Town of Burton on Trent.
For Mandy’s birthday, we transformed our Grangetown home in Cardiff into party HQ, rounding up family and friends – including Lee and his sister Lisa, Mike and his lovely wife Linda – for tasty bites, a few too many glasses being refilled, and a marathon of old family stories that got taller with every retelling
We took a trip into the centre of Cardiff to visit the Winter Wonderland
Then on Christmas day 2001 and The Flav's came around for Dinner.
Rob and his Mother, Val, flew into Stockholm and caught the train up to Gavle where they were met by Mandy. They had a great time showing Val around Mandy's home town.
We decided to spend a day exploring some of the beautiful countryside around Bonan, which promised the perfect backdrop for a picnic. The morning sky was clear, and the fresh spring air made it feel like the ideal day to be out in nature. We packed up a picnic, threw in a few of our favourite snacks, and set off on the open road, both of us eager to see what the day would bring.
Driving to Bonan was a treat in itself, with lush green landscapes stretching out on either side of us and the occasional lake glimmering in the sunlight. When we arrived, we found a peaceful spot surrounded by trees, with a view overlooking fields that seemed to go on forever. The quiet was blissful – just the sound of birds chirping and a light breeze rustling through the leaves. We laid out our blanket and took our time with lunch, savoring every bite and soaking in the surroundings. Val reall enjoyed visiting the countryside of Sweden, we felt like we had this beautiful corner of the world all to ourselves.
In March 2000, I made my way from Cardiff to Sweden to meet up with Mandy for a weekend adventure. After a smooth flight, I touched down at Arlanda Airport, where Mandy was waiting for me. We hadn’t seen each other in a few weeks, so I felt a rush of excitement as I spotted her through the crowd. We exchanged warm hugs and a few laughs about my journey, then headed off to catch the train that would take us to Gävle, a town we’d both been curious to explore.
The train from Arlanda was a comfortable escape from the biting cold outside. Through the window, the Swedish landscape rolled by – snow-covered fields, dark forests, and quaint houses that looked like they’d been plucked straight out of a winter postcard. The sky was a soft, pale gray, and everything had a stillness about it, the kind you only really feel in winter. Mandy and I spent most of the ride chatting and catching up, the scenery flowing past like a gentle backdrop to our reunion.
After a couple of hours, we arrived in Gävle, greeted by the crisp winter air and the charm of a small Swedish town. We were excited to explore, and the whole journey had an atmosphere of adventure and anticipation. Meeting up at Arlanda, catching the train, and watching the snow-covered landscapes set the tone for what would be a beautiful weekend getaway in Sweden.
Mandy and I found ourselves in Gävle, Sweden, during a lively time of year when the Gävle Festival was in full swing. The town was buzzing with energy, and it felt like everyone had come out to enjoy the sunshine, music, and celebration. We’d timed our visit well without realizing it, and the festival atmosphere was infectious, drawing us into the heart of it all.
The streets were lined with colorful stalls, each one more enticing than the last. Vendors sold everything from Swedish handicrafts to delicious street food. The smell of grilling sausages, freshly baked pastries, and spices filled the air, making our mouths water as we wandered from one stall to the next. Mandy was especially taken with the handmade jewelry and trinkets, while I was on the lookout for local treats.
Everywhere we looked, there were beer tents scattered throughout the festival grounds. We couldn’t resist stopping in one to sample a few local brews, and we found ourselves surrounded by friendly locals who were more than happy to chat and share a drink. The beer was cold and refreshing, perfect for the warm summer day, and as we raised our glasses to toast, we felt like honorary Swedes, swept up in the festive spirit.
Throughout the day, live music poured from various stages, with bands playing traditional Swedish tunes as well as more modern hits.
The Gavle festival was taking place and there were lots of stalls and beer tents dotted around the place.
It was here that we had the pleasure of seeing the iconic 1960s pop group, The Swinging Blue Jeans, perform. The excitement was infectious as the crowd gathered, chatting animatedly while the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
When the band took the stage, a wave of nostalgia swept over us. The familiar tunes of “Hippy Hippy Shake” filled the air, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the moment. We found ourselves swaying along with the music, the infectious rhythm prompting everyone to join in. Mandy grabbed my hand, and we danced along with the crowd, laughing and singing. The warmth of the evening and the joy of the music created an unforgettable atmosphere.
In June Mandy flew into Stanstead airport from Sweden and we stopped at The Fox and Hounds pub in Newbury for a spot of lunch.
We then booked a trip to the Greek Island of Crete. We flew from Cardiff airport and our base was the Marie Kelley apartments in the coastal town of Gouves.
Gouves, Crete, had the charm of a small, peaceful village nestled along the northern coast of the island. Its relaxed atmosphere invited you to slow down and soak in the simple pleasures of Greek life. The beach area, though modest, offered soft sands and the warm, gentle waters of the Mediterranean, perfect for an afternoon swim or a quiet walk.
Tavernas dotted the shore, with locals serving up fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes, while the surrounding landscape was a mix of olive groves and rugged hills. It was a place where time seemed to stretch, offering a laid-back escape from the rush of modern life.
On a very hot day, we took a trip out to the town of Agious Nikolas, we stolled around the harbour but it really too hot to walk far.
We jumped on a pleasure boat visited the island of Spinalona which once housed a leper colony.
The island, with its haunting history as a former leper colony, has an eerie but fascinating atmosphere. Walking through its stone alleyways, we could feel the weight of its past, with the crumbling houses and Venetian fortifications offering a window into a time long gone. The island is framed by stunning views of the azure waters of the Mirabello Bay, which contrast with its somber history.
Opposite the island lies the charming port town of Plaka. With its quaint tavernas lining the waterfront, we enjoyed the peaceful vibe, watching the fishing boats bobbing gently in the crystal-clear waters. From the port, Spinalonga seemed serene, a world unto itself, waiting to be explored. The experience was a beautiful balance between history and the tranquility of the Cretan sea.
