Southside Johnny , The Asbury Jukes and Joe D'urso

 We made our way over to The Patti Pavilion in Swansea to see The New Jersey bar band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

We also managed to See Joe D'Urso in concert, we met him backstage after the show and was really friendly, not mention, a superbly talented guy.

 

Castle Coch 2003

 We took a drive up to Castle Coch which is just a few miles outside Cardiff. This is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built above the village of Tongwynlais

During our visit we across a Wedding ceremony taking place.

A Holiday in Tunisia.

 In Late August we decided to go on holiday to the North African Country of Tunisia. We flew from Bristol airport to Monastir. Sadly, the airline lost Rob's case on the way over.

So our first task was to got to the local souk to get Rob some new clothes.

The Hotel was decorated in an ornate style, with a fountain in the center of the lobby with flower petals floating in the pond of the water fall.

Our first base was the town of Hammermet, we took a walk into the Medina and were greeted with quite a loud explosion, a gas canister had exploded, the lively streets were suddenly disrupted by a deafening explosion. A gas canister had erupted, sending thick plumes of black smoke spiraling into the midday sky. Locals and tourists alike scattered in panic, their usual chatter replaced with urgent shouts. 

On our second day we rented a local taxi to  drive just beyond the coastal charm of Hammamet, lies an unexpected adventure waiting to be discovered: the "Saw Mountains." Known for their jagged, saw-like ridges, these mountains are a local treasure, and taking a taxi ride there is as much an experience as the destination itself.

We hopped into a local taxi, the driver nodding with a knowing smile when we mentioned the "Saw Mountains." As the city streets gave way to winding roads, we found ourselves immersed in a different world. The landscape changed dramatically—rolling green hills peppered with olive groves gave way to the rugged peaks that earned these mountains their distinctive name.

While we in the  "The Saw" mountains visited a traditional Spa that was an experience of pure relaxation, deeply rooted in the area's cultural practices. As soon as we arrived, we were led into separate sections, each offering its own distinct rituals.

For the men, the highlight was being washed on a warm stone slab, a practice that dates back centuries. The sensation of the heated stone beneath you, combined with the expert touch of the attendants, created an almost meditative experience as the layers of stress seemed to melt away with each scrub and rinse.

Meanwhile, the women's section was filled with its own magical moments. Mandy, along with the other women, had her hands painted with intricate designs, a delicate process symbolizing beauty and tradition. The gentle strokes of the henna brush felt calming, and the designs, unique to each woman, told a story of artistry passed down through generations.

Our second base was the small port of El Kantoui, about an hours drive from Hammermet. We took a memorable drive from Hammamet to the picturesque Port of El Kantaoui, Tunisia. The route took us along the coastal roads, where the Mediterranean shimmered in the distance, and small, vibrant towns punctuated the landscape. 

The air was warm, with the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms drifting through the open car windows. As we neared the port, the pristine white buildings and marina, dotted with luxury yachts, came into view. It was a striking contrast to the more rustic charm of Hammamet, offering a blend of traditional Tunisian beauty and modern elegance.

We went down to the beach and hopped onto a memorable catamaran trip from the Port of El Kantaoui, a bustling marina near Hammamet in Tunisia. The air was warm with a soft Mediterranean breeze as we set off, surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

 The catamaran gently skimmed the waves, offering a panoramic view of the coastline. We relaxed on deck, enjoying the sun and the rhythmic sound of the sea. As we sailed further out, dolphins appeared, playfully leaping alongside the boat, adding a magical touch to the serene experience. The return to port was accompanied by a stunning sunset, casting golden hues across the sky—a perfect end to a perfect day at sea.

The following day Rob tried his hand at Para sailing from the beach.

Tunisia was certainly a different type of holiday from what we had experienced before, but we found the local people to be friendly and helpful.

A Walk Around Wenvoe

 A walk around the Village of Wenvoe, South Wales. 2003. The village was surrounded by some lovely country side but the Capital City of Cardiff was only a few miles away.

Summer in Wenvoe 2003

Home Life in Wenvoe 2003.....

London and Bruce Springsteen.

We drove up to London for a Long weekend, our base was the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel.

While we were in the Capital, we took the chance to see Bruce Springsteen and the E street band in concert at Crystal Palace. This was part of his "The Rising" tour.