Category: Golf, Travel,Nature

It is a thirteen hour flight from London to Singapore, and the weary Pharts arrive at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Robertson Quay, around 7am. They are able to check in, have a shower and wander down the road for breakfast. The Common Man is recommended, and is very good, although expensive. We walk along the Singapore River, down to Clarke Quay and back. Lots of cafes and restaurants, and lots of people exercising!

Chinatown is a short distance on the Singapore MRT system, very cheap and efficient. We check it out, but it’s mainly cheap food and tacky souvenirs. We wander through the Maxwell Food Hawker court, which is very busy. Today is a public holiday in Singapore .. Vesak Day .. a Buddhist festival day.

The Pharts are struggling with the Singapore heat and humidity, plus tiredness from the long flight. Sue has a bit of a snooze, while Blair has a swim in the hotel pool. Dinner is down the road from the hotel at Boomerang, and casual bar restaurant with an Aussie theme. An early night!

After a decent nights sleep, it is back to The Common Man for breakfast. Today we are going to the Gardens in the Bay, with indoor exhibits and a large, man made, artificial forest. The MRT is an excellent public transport system. Cheap and efficient. Cars are very expensive in Singapore, with not a lot of them.

We have lunch at a nearby Dumpling cafe, and make our way back to the hotel. The Singapore river has an otter population, and we see a couple swimming along. We go for a swim ourselves in the hotel pool, then get ready to meet up with an old school friend of Blair’s. Tiso has lived in Singapore for 20 years, is a Doctor and works for the World Bank. He suggests we meet at Fair Price Finest, a supermarket with a bar and food hall. An interesting and apparently successful concept. Great seeing Tiso again .. top man!

Another decent nights sleep, Common Man breakfast and the duo are set for their final day in Singapore. They are to head to Sentosa Island, not because it is recommended, but for something to do.

We MRT to Mount Faber, and catch the cable car across to Sentosa Island. There is also a cable car on the island, and we take that to the end, Fort Siloso. This is worth the visit, and we walk along the beach front, and get some lunch. The whole place is fairly quiet, and all feels a bit tired and rundown. A lot of the attractions are closed.

After a comfortable night in the Hampton Hotel, Bristol airport, the Pharts collected their rental car and drove to their accommodation. It is on a former farm, near to Chard (Sue’s old hometown), with buildings the owners had turned in to accommodation. The weather has turned very warm, but the Pharts are acclimatised after Malta.

It is a domestic day for the Pharts, with a drive to Chard and Sue’s brother Jim and his wife Nicky, and their washing machine. England is being gripped by a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 30. At least the washing dried quickly! In the afternoon, we make the short drive to nearby Ilminster to visit Pauline, Sue’s other brother Sean’s former wife.

A disturbed nights sleep due to the heat, the forecast for the day is again temperatures in the early 30s. The plan for the morning is to meet up with Sue’s cousins Jenny and Dips, at Jenny’s lovely home in Hemyock, about 30 minutes drive.

Jenny and Matt have about 30 acres, and a substantial garden. Jenny’s daughter Rachel and her daughter were there also, so a good family catchup.

In the afternoon, we drive into the nearby Blackdown Hills, and do a forest walk around the ruins of Castle Neroche. We manage to stay in the shade of the tree canopy. Watching the TV news, it is announced Britain has experienced its hottest May day .. ever!

Dinner for the evening is the Five Dials in Horton. A classic village pub, that has better than average pub food.

Another scorcher, with a family day at Jim and Nicki’s to look forward to. In the morning prior, we visit Hornsbury Mill, where Sue grew up. It is now mainly a wedding venue, but does do food and coffee. Sophie, John, Imogen and Ophelia, plus Amy, Matt, Aria and Cieron are all in attendance. Great to see them all, and thanks to Nicki, who put on a great spread.

We then packed up the car, and drove up to Cheltenham to see and stay with Mike and Fiona Woods. They are old friends of Sue’s from her Bath University days. We dine Al Fresco at their home as it’s a warm balmy evening.

The next morning, Blair and Mike were off for a round of golf at Mike’s club, Cotswold Hills, and Sue and Fiona were to meet up with two other old uni friends. A lengthy walk for the girls, followed by a pub lunch. A nice catch up for the “junction girls.”

Out final dinner in Somerset is down the road, at the George, Donyatt. Good pub grub.

A last catch up with rellies, as we visit Sue’s nephew Dave and his family near Chard, and a final goodbye to Jim and Nicki. We hit the road for London, and a night with Blair’s old school friend Shaun, and his wife Michelle. They host us, plus old pharmacy friend Niven, his wife Marianne, and other friends Bob and Anna. It is a warm, humid evening in London, and we dine outside. Shaun and Michelle are superb hosts!

A late night is followed by brunch, and a long walk through Regents Park and Little Venice, in what is another very warm day in London.

Very soon, it is time to battle the London streets, return our rental car to Hertz Heathrow, stay the night in the Hilton Heathrow in preparation for our flight to Singapore the next morning.

It is an early start from Bristol Airport, and the morning is cold and miserable. Perfect weather to leave behind.

After an uneventful three hour flight, Malta greets us with warmth and sunshine. Our hotel room at the AX Palace isn’t ready, so we wander down to the nearby promenade, and have a wander around. It all looks agreeable, with plenty of food and drink options. The buildings are all made of solid stone, and the coastline is largely rocky.

After a drink at the Hotels rooftop pool and bar, we wandered done to a restaurant on the Promenade, called Compass, for dinner. We were all happy with our choices, and the local beer is good too.

After a solid nights sleep, we found a great little cafe down from the Hotel,called the Giorgio, for breakfast. Today we are doing a Hop on Hop off bus tour, included with the holiday package.

We catch the bus from near our hotel in Sliema, and decide on the north route option.Firstly, it passes through Valletta, and we will hop off firstly at historic Mdena, Golden Bay for lunch and check out the beach, then back to Sliema. It is a great way to see a lot of Malta, which is quite a small island.

Our dinner for the evening is at a nearby Spanish restaurant called La Vida. Essentially tapas and small plates. Great food and service.

Breakfast once again at The Little Cafe, and the group decide to take their complimentary harbour cruise. Another beautiful fine day, and from our positions at the front of the boat, we enjoyed taking in the sights.

From the Harbour cruise, we took the short ferry ride across the water to Valletta, the capital of Malta. It covers quite a small area, but is very busy with tourists. We wander around, have some lunch, and take a boat taxi back to Sliema, and our hotel.

Another bright, sunny day, another breakfast at the Little Cafe, and we are set for the days adventures. Today we are going to the south end of the island, by Uber, to St Peter’s Pool, and the fishing village Marsaxlokk. St Peter’s pool is an idyllic swimming spot, set amongst the rocky coastline. Andrew and Neethd jump the few metres into the clear blue water, and enjoy the swimming.

The walk to the fishing village is about 20 minutes, and mainly downhill. We wander around the markets, and have lunch at a waterfront cafe. Nice and relaxing, before getting an Uber back to Sliema.

Dinner is at a popular Maltese restaurant called Ta’Kris, where bookings are essential. The food was basic but hearty, with meat dishes, including local favourite, rabbit, and pasta and seafood selections. Overall, very good, although the service was a bit slow.

The next day, the Pharts are to explore the nearby island to the north of Malta called Gozo. This is accessible by high speed ferry, taking just over an hour to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The youngsters have decided to stay on Malta and do their own thing.

From Mgarr Harbour, we pack on a local bus and head for Victoria, the main town on the island. The main attraction is the Citadel, the centre of activity since possibly Neolithic times, and fortified during the Bronze Age, around 1500BC.

From Victoria town, we catch an Uber to take us to Xlendi Bay, a picturesque little seaside village. An excellent swimming spot, it is also popular with scuba divers and fishermen. The Pharts find a waterfront cafe for a peaceful luncheon.

Dinner for the evening is at a Sliema waterfront restaurant called Trattoria del Mare, which is a good choice. The food and drink in Malta has been to a very good standard, and not too expensive.

And so to the final day of our Maltese adventures. Our flight back to Bristol isn’t until 10:20pm, so we have the whole day to fill.The Little Cafe was very busy, so we wandered down to Masons on the promenade, for a leisurely breakfast. The group decided we should explore St Julian’s, north along the waterfront from Sliema. It is more of a younger person hangout, with clubs, bars etc. A more modern feel also, but we were very happy with our Sliema location and accommodation. We found a waterfront cafe for lunch, and whilst the youngsters decided to settle on the waterfront for swimming and sunbathing, the Pharts went back to the hotel. They had a relaxing couple of hours around the pool.

Our final dinner was at Masons, a good spot near the water, before an Uber to the airport, and back to Bristol. We arrived about 1am, so the nearby airport hotel for the Pharts, and their Bristol flat for the youngsters.

We all enjoyed our break in Malta. Top location, accommodation and weather, with plenty to see and do.

The trio have enjoyed their Sidmouth visit, but it is time to pack up the car, and move on. Bristol is the destination, and Toni will leave us, and catch the train to Derby. The Pharts son Andrew and his partner Neethd are living in Bristol, and we meet Andrew for a coffee.

The Pharts settle in to their hotel, the Futures Inn, near Cabot Circus, and head off for an explore. The four of us dine that evening at “Root”, a mainly vegetarian restaurant near Wapping wharf. Being a Friday night, the city is very busy, with lots of people out enjoying themselves.

After a pleasant breakfast at a nearby Pret a Manger, the Pharts drive over to Andrew and Neethd’s flat in Brislington. After meeting their flatmates, Andrew has a walk organised for us, followed by a pub lunch. The walk was on the south eastern edge of Bristol, at Hanham Lock. A nice walk in the countryside, followed by a pint and some food. We drop Andrew and Neethd back to their home, then back to the hotel for us. The FA Cup final is on in the afternoon .. Manchester City v Chelsea.

For our evening dinner, we pop across the road to the Cabot Circus food court, and Wagamamma, a casual Asian restaurant chain. Decent food at a decent price.

For our final day in Bristol, we do an organised two hour walking tour, from “ Blackbeard to Banksy”. The latter is an anonymous street artist, originally from the Bristol area. A number of his early works were removed, until the Council realised he had become popular! An interesting tour, with our guide Owen very knowledgeable and personable.

We then drop not needed bags at Andrew and Neethd’s flat, and check in to the Hampton Hilton Bristol airport hotel, ready for our early flight to Malta tomorrow.

We have enjoyed our stay in Weymouth, but it is time to move on. We continue west along the south coast, with our final destination being Sidmouth, in Devon. However, on the way we stop in Lyme Regis, walk along the beach and Cobb, and have some lunch.

We continue on to Sidmouth, find our centrally located Airbnb, and settle in. We are in a 3 bedroomed flat in the middle of town. A great spot!

Our evening dinner was at Roma, an Italian restaurant across the street. Blair was happy with his Gnocchi, but Sue and Toni disappointed with their Risotto and Lasgane respectively.

Today the weather is quite cool, with passing showers, and even some hail. They doesn’t deter the intrepid travellers, and after a bit of shopping, they motor to Beer. The walk from Beer to Branscombe is a beauty, hugging the coastline, with spectacular views. We have lunch at Branscombe, and call into a Donkey Sanctuary on the way back to Sidmouth.

Tonight we are dining with Sue’s brother Jim, and his wife Nicki. They live in Chard, and we will meet at the Hare and Hounds, near Honiton. Tomorrow, Bristol.

After a hearty breakfast in the Maldron Hotel, we jumped in the car, and headed west along the south coast. Our destination for the next two nights is an Airbnb in Weymouth. About 20 minutes before Weymouth, on the Dorset coastline, is Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door. A reasonable walk along the South Coast path from one to the other, but well worth it.

After a disturbed jet lagged night sleep, the next morning the troops jump into the car and drove to nearby Swanage. We meet up with old friends Tim and Sharon, and walk from the outskirts of Swanage, along a ridge line to Corfe Castle. A picturesque 10 km walk, in very pleasant conditions. Lunch is at a cafe in Corfe, before returning to Swanage, a walk around the town, then motoring back to Weymouth. It was great to see Tim and Sharon, and catching up on all their news.

The Pharts are on the move again, destination England. After a one night stopover in an Airport Transit Hotel in Singapore, they continue on to London. An overnight stay in the Heathrow Hilton, rental car collected, they drive to Brighton, on England’s south coast.

Blair’s sister Toni is also in the UK, and will join the Pharts for the next five days, as they head west on the south coast.

Although still jet lagged, the travelling couple have an explore around Brighton. Their accommodation, the Maldron Hotel is centrally located, close to the waterfront.

The Brighton waterfront is very popular, despite the cool weather. The beach is stony, the Pier is like stepping back in time, and their laneways labyrinth is interesting to explore.

DAY ONE:

The Old Pharts have decided once again to embark on a cycle tour with Tuatara Tours.

Previously they have done the Alps to Ocean, and the Otago Rail Trail. This tour is “the best of the West”, taking in a number of and sections of cycle trails, down the West Coast of the South Island.

Before the tour starts, and as pickup is in Christchurch, the couple spend a couple of days, staying at the Quest, Manchester Street. Shopping, walks and catching up with friends over dinner, are all on the agenda.

We are collected from our hotel Monday morning, collect the other members of the group, and head north west via the Lewis Pass. Our tour leader is Daryl, who we had on the Alps to Ocean. Top man!

We stop for lunch in Reefton, then visit a long abandoned mining settlement called Waiuta. We then cycle downhill from there about 10ks, back to our transport, then on to Westport. Accommodation is in a local motel, with dinner at a restaurant in nearby Carter’s Beach.

DAY TWO

Today we tackle the Kawatiri Trail, a 45k cycle from Westport to Charleston. There are stunning coastal landscapes, wetlands, native forests plus a seal colony viewing near Tauranga Bay. A most enjoyable ride. Once over, we travelled through to our accommodation near Hokitika, with a stop at Punakaiki pancake rocks.

Our accommodation is the tranquil Stations Inn, just outside Hokitika. They have a bar and restaurant on site. Very nice!

DAY THREE

Day three is a section of the West Coast Wilderness trail. We are to commence just beyond Kaniere Village, and finish 60ks later at Kumara.

Another fine day, and morning tea is at the picturesque Lake Kaniere. Unfortunately, some of the group took a wrong turn, so the morning tea break is an extended one!

With the group reunited, we soldiered on, climbing up to Cowboys Paradise, and on to our conclusion at Kūmara. Plenty of time for a well deserved beer, before jumping in the van, and on to our accommodation at the Copthorne, Greymouth. Dinner was at local restaurant, Sevenpenny. Very nice.

DAY FOUR

With the weather looking unsettled, it’s back on the van, and motoring south towards Ross. Just before Ross, we head inland a short distance to Tōtara Road. This mornings ride is a “there and back”, following the Mikonui River.

Unfortunately it decides to rain, so decked out in our wet weather gear we head off. It is quite a rough road, steep in parts and quite “bone shaking”. After cycling for 45 minutes, we head back to the van, for a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.

We then motor south, with our lunch stop at Okarito, a small historic coastal settlement thirty minutes located thirty minutes above Franz Josef. It features a stunning lagoon, the countries largest unmodified wetland.

Our second ride for the day, is from the Fox Glacier car park, up to the glacier viewing area, and back. A nice ride with good views of the glacier.

Then on to our motel accommodation, and dinner at Cook Saddle. Good food and drink in a very busy establishment.

DAY FIVE

After a night of solid rain, the morning looked okay, so we jumped on our bikes from our Fox Glacier Motel. Our destination is Gillespies Beach, about 22 kms away. We stop at a Glacier viewing area, then pull on our wet weather gear to negate some heavy showers. The ride is an one up, but then an easy descent into the beach area.

Gillespies Beach is a rugged, scenic black sand beach, known for its historic gold mining ruins. We then loaded the van and motored to Lake Matheson. A walk around the lake, then lunch back at Franz.

Our final ride of the trip is the trail to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout car park. It was then a short walk to the lookout area. The glacier has very much retreated over the years!

On to our accommodation, and our final group dinner, at Blue Ice. Good food and company.

DAY SIX

Today is a travel day, motoring from Franz Josef to Christchurch. There is a morning tea stop at Hokitika Beach, and lunch just outside of Arthur’s Pass, at Klondike Corner.

It has been an excellent trip. Tuatara Tours are a well oiled machine. Our fellow tour members were all good value, with everyone getting on well and enjoying each others company.

Also still known as Saigon, this is a city of 10 million plus people, with a western feel, and the obligatory frantic traffic. The Pharts are pretty tired from two weeks of “On the Go”, and are happy to spend a relaxing evening in their hotel.

The next morning, with time to kill before our flights home, we hit the streets. We visit a large local market that sells pretty much everything, and Sue makes a trouser purchase.

A quick bite to eat, and it’s off to the airport, and the flights home. The airport has yet to embrace technology ie. no kiosks, e passport gates etc. meaning, very slow! Singapore airport is at the opposite end of the scale.

And then we are back home. A great trip, and we would thoroughly recommend “On the Go Tours” as a reliable touring option.