Cologne

I had my first European trip away since being back in London. It was actually a work trip to Cologne, Germany. We arrived on the Thurs morning and then the bulk of the people left on Friday evening. Rob arrived on the Friday morning to join me for the weekend, so we had a few extra days there.

Cologne itself was fairly uneventful. It just so happened to be hosting the biggest event of it's annual calendar the weekend we were there! It is basically a massive firework show up and down the Rhine River. This is accompanied by, in true German style, copious amounts of beer and sausages - all sold at the hundreds of street vendors on the riverbanks.

It also happened to be one of the hottest weekends on record while we were there as well!! OK, slight exaggeration, but after getting used to the awful 'summer' weather we are getting in London at the moment, we both sweltered as we meandered around the old town.

Luckily, there are also numerous bars and restaurants - all with outdoor seating - where we could quench our thirst every now and again!

The old town is exactly what you would expect from a European city - albeit a very small one! Cologne was almost completely destroyed in the War. Amazingly, about the only thing that survived is the massive cathedral that Cologne is famous for. Apparently, the allies spared the cathedral as it provided a good navigational aide to their pilots!

Unfortunately, it is difficult to get the whole cathedral into photos due to it's massive size and the build up of buildings around it. However, here are a few shots from the weekend.

One of the Old Town squares

The Cathedral - well, part of it!

The Cathedral from across the Rhine

These ones are for you Dad - the tourist trains!!

Garden Party at the Palace!

Moving in the circles that we do, it came as no surprise to receive an invitation from Her Majesty to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace!

So we pitched up in all our finery and enjoyed iced coffee, cakes and of course cucumber sandwiches! We watched the Queen arrive with Prince Philip and then Prince Charles and Camilla arrived, followed by Prince Edward and Sophie. They took about an hour to walk down from the steps of the Palace to the Royal Tent (firmly cordoned off from us commoners!).

The gardens of the Palace were lovely and it was nice to see a side of the Palace that you don't normally get to. Unfortunately we were unable to take our cameras in with us, but I did manage to get a friend to take a few shots of us beforehand - thanks Pip!

Dre's 1st Birthday!

It was Dre's 1st birthday on Saturday and Taryn & Brendan couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise! We were all able to be outside in the sunshine - a rare occurrence in London these days!

Dre was probably a bit bewildered with all the people, but I think he enjoyed the attention and had a great day!

Yum... sand goes really well with cupcakes

I'm so clever! I can walk!

But I love flying more!

My first birthday cake

Where'd it all go??

I love my sandpit too - I hate to leave it, so I try to bring as much of it with me as possible!

I have no idea why I am here, but there are lots of strange smells, people and toys!!

This party is too much for me!

Brendan, Taryn & Dre. Congratualtions on making it through the first year! May all the rest be filled with as much happiness, love and laughter and I hope Dre's future sees all his hopes and dreams come true. Xx

Flat in Ealing

Just a couple of pictures to show off the flat in Ealing!

My room. It is very big! Rob had the choice of rooms and chose the smaller one as mine gets quite a lot of noise from the busy road outside.

The flat came furnished and this couch was in the lounge, but we are 'couch sitting' one of Mel's sofa beds, however luckily the old one fits in my room!

Lounge - gets loads of sunshine! (when the sun is out that is!)

Dining area in the lounge and bookcase!