A trip to Tenerife 2004

 We decided to begin the year with a visit to the Canarian Island of Tenerife. 

Our base for our visit was the town of Los Christianos. This area is definatly a big tourist area for all kind of Europeans searching for sunshine in the Winter month, as well as the usual Summer crowd.

The beach area in Los Cristianos, Gran Canaria, offers a beautiful, laid-back escape perfect for beach lovers. The golden sands stretch along a gently curving bay, with calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. It’s a lively yet relaxed spot, framed by palm trees and dotted with sunbeds and parasols. The promenade, lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, invites leisurely strolls, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Fishermen’s boats bob peacefully in the small harbor nearby, adding to the town's authentic charm, while the distant silhouette of neighboring islands provides a striking backdrop at sunset.

 While we were in the town we bought Mandy's Wedding ring.

We took a tour to the Famous Mt Teide.

 The coastal breeze faded, giving way to the arid beauty of Tenerife's volcanic terrain. Winding roads snaked upwards, revealing dramatic vistas at every turn—deep ravines, rugged cliffs, and ancient lava flows.

The higher we climbed, the more surreal the landscape became. Sparse vegetation and jagged rock formations made it feel like stepping onto another planet. 

 At the base we took the cable car up to the summit where we noticed a considerable drop in temperature, but the views were truly spectacular....when the clouds cleared

Finally, we reached the heart of the Teide National Park, where Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, loomed above us. Its imposing silhouette, with traces of snow on the summit, contrasted against the brilliant blue sky. The stillness and grandeur were mesmerizing.

From the plateau, we took in panoramic views stretching across the island, with the ocean sparkling in the distance. It was a reminder of nature's power and beauty—a trip that combined the charm of Tenerife's coast with the awe-inspiring majesty of its volcanic heart.

To Celebrate Mandy's birthday we drove over to an ajoining town of Costa Adeje where we enjoyed a splendid meal.

Our trip from Los Cristianos on a catamaran was an experience that combined the rugged beauty of the Canary Islands with the unpredictability of the weather. The day was overcast, with clouds hanging low in the sky, casting a muted, silver-grey hue over the Atlantic. As we set sail, the typically bright Canarian sun was hidden behind thick clouds, giving the sea a more dramatic, almost brooding feel.

The catamaran sliced effortlessly through the waters, its large sails catching what little wind there was, creating a gentle rhythm as we cruised along. The distant silhouette of Mount Teide loomed in the background, its peak often obscured by the shifting clouds, adding to the moody ambiance. The crew provided warm hospitality, offering drinks and snacks as we passed by rugged coastlines and hidden coves

Despite the lack of sunshine, the trip was unforgettable, and the ever-changing skies reminded us of nature’s power and unpredictability. It was a peaceful escape, and as we sailed back to the harbour, the clouds began to clear just slightly, revealing a hint of the sun setting in the distance—an unexpected but beautiful finale to a wonderful day at sea.

             

              

We finished off our Holiday with a couple of Cocktails.

Christmas in Wenvoe and an Engagement.

It was Christmas time in Wenvoe and as a nurse, Mandy had to work an early morning shift while Rob prepared the Christmas dinner. When Mandy  returned home they exchanged gifts, Rob had one final gift hidden behind the tree, it was an engagement ring and he popped down on one knee to propose.....Mandy said Yes !

Late in the day, Pat and her son, Lee, came over for Christmas dinner and to share our Big News.

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.