Pasties and Prisons - Adventures in Cornwall.

Back to reality today - The washing is almost up to date and we are about to eat the first 'proper' meal in a week (not that the kids are happy about that!!)

So - Cornwall. I do love the place. There is some amazing scenery, lots of history and places to see and the seafood is fabulous. BUT it's bloody heaving at this time of year. Now, we did work out that as long as you arrive at a place before lunch time then you were pretty much tourist free. After 1pm then forget it! It made things a little stressful, especially for someone who doesn't really like crowds. But then I guessed that's what we were in for.
The holiday park was just how I expected it to be. They had mascots. I could go with Freddy the Fox but Kenny the Badger???? Really?? Luckily the park was simply a base and so we didn't get too involved with the bingo, quiz nights and rather dubious 'entertainment'! To give credit where credit is due however, 'Stripey Sammy' sang his little heart out and was super enthusiastic in the face of 9 million kids dosed up on sweets and cola.

We had some amazing visits. My personal favourite was Bodmin Jail. I had been here some years before, when it was still Bodmin Gaol. Not sure why it's been rebranded. Maybe Gaol was too difficult to pronounce? They have done some sterling work in doing the place up. They had taxidermy....

Part rabbit, part deer. All friendly!

And some awesome mannikins. Check them out!

Possibly a horse?? Melted?

Face, wig, monkey... you decide what's the strangest aspect of this!

Derek Acorah apparently 'did time' at Bodmin.

I say Abraham Lincoln, my brother says Alan Rickman.

We ate our own body weight in fudge, pasties and chips. I also ate an entire lobster myself (with chips). The lady at Padstow kindly split it for me so I didn't have to raid the car tool box and use a hammer and pliers like last time (it SO doesn't go with the image!).

I am Lompster Bob and I have a splitting headache!

We saw some very photogenic harbours. Inspired by my talented friend Louise Mamet, I did try to take some pictures but sadly I still have lots to learn! I took my Polaroid camera too and got some very '70's looking pictures with that. They will have to wait until I fight my way into the cupboard to access the scanner though!

Boscastle

 

Boscastle again

Port Isaac - the water was so blue!

Back to work tomorrow - starting with a trip to Bury St Edmunds to check out an Anglo-Saxon village. I am very excited about this as it could be the satrt of a new project at work.... watch this space!

Dreaming Spires and Steamy Sundays.

I have been making up for not getting out much of late. I actually managed to grab a couple of days holiday from work. I spent one of these being all 'touristy' in Oxford, exploring and photographing whilst avoiding the heaving crowds of real tourists!

I also visited the Oxford Botanic Gardens - somewhere I'm ashamed to say I've never visited before. It was beautiful, gorgeous plants, shady spots and some rather disturbing art. Mabel Odessey, artist, has dotted various black and white photographs around the gardens. They feature antique marionnettes of Alice and other Looking Glass characters in spooky poses - all a bit surreal!

 

 

I also saw the obligatory punts and bikes (took pictures) a dribbling tramp(didn't take pictures) and a very chap inspired shop display (I asked to take pictures which rather surprised the shop assistant!)

This week saw the arrival of my first Birchbox. This is a monthly lucky dip of beauty samples and information. It comes in a lovely box, packaged wonderfully and it feels a bit like getting an unbirthday present. Even better, on reading the enclosed magazine I decided to Google a singer that I had not heard of before. Please check out Alela Diane - simply stunning voice! Try 'White as Diamonds'... awesome! I have ordered some of her back albums and am looking forward to getting the new release 'About Farewell' at the end of the month.

Today DH and I visited a local Steam Fair. I must admit to a secret liking of steam engines. The smell and noise. Weird, I know.... Still, there were also some very special mannikins on display and I do like a badly put together plasticated person. Especially if they are also wearing a bad wig.

 

 

We enjoyed the displays (who knew there was so much you could say about kites) and I enjoyed some ice cream. However, imagine my horror when I spotted that someone else was wearing the same outfit as me!!!! I thought my floaty Next shirt and legging ensemble was fresh, stylish and quirky. Clearly someone else did too... what a faux pas! Still, I was better accessorised than her and my bag matched my shoes. I even wore some Eiffel Tower earrings in recognition of the Tour de France final day. So I think I won that little fashion-off. :-) Next time I shall have to pick my outfit with more thought!!