Bumbag Motel

Lot’s of activity this early March Saturday, baked my first sourdough bread with the centuries old starter that Kate got me – bread baking process may be a bit too much for me though. Enjoyed a most delicious feast a la Liv Rope for lunch and catching up with E Powell and Terry. Then back south to old mate Project Organge for b’day drinks with Camilla (2nd from the right). Here they are in the downstairs room of the bar for some serious foosball.

Kate and Nick introduced us to the fine feasts to behold at the maltby street markets. started off with some sensational donuts from st johns below, and then into the ‘little bird’  gin cocktails – before midday even. quite a bit of meaty fare, but excellent felafel wraps and coffee.

donuts at st johns are succulently sensational.

One of the key lures to maltby was the kernel beers – delicious brews straight from the source!

A workmate recommended the site getintolondontheatre, which has been brilliant for getting cheap theatre tickets. went to ‘one man two guvnors’ in January (highly recommend – very funny!) and then this evening above, went to Spamalot (didn’t translate so well on stage). Tickets were only £10 which meant that we were right up high (think would pay more for better seats in future). Nevertheless is was a very good opportunity to check out some shows, the theatres and the surrdounding establishments, the above being the very old ‘Ship and Shovel’ where Wakefield, Morri and Cam enjoyed the ales.

The backyard at Camilla’s parents’ home, great levels of greenery and glorious homeliness!

Cam enjoying some canapes by the fire at Camilla’s parents’ place before we head out for lunch.

Good pub fare at ‘the compasses’, which claims to date back to 1640!! Open fires, low ceilings and random steps – great times in Tunbridge Wells!

Cam and I were stoked to be able to go with Camilla and Rafa to Tunbridge Wells for the weekend, to stay with her parents and exlpore some countryside. Above we have Rafa, Cam and Camilla’s dad Andrew on our ‘ramble’ through the countryside – it was like Jane Austen meets Sylvannian Families, glorious!

camilla’s mum joti took this photo of Cam, Camilla, Emma, Rafa and Andrew enjoying the rambling. wellingtons were essential!

These ‘Oast houses’ are a familiar feature in Kent. They used to dry the hops in there, but now most are converted into homes.

woodland wonders.

the finale of the ramble was in Goudhurst where everything was exceptionally old and very cute, even this graveyard.

In the Tunbridge Wells town on the way to the ‘Pan tiles’ – don’t know who that lady is. accidental photo bomb.

The somewhat awkward self-timer with emma dominating the front, then around the table is camlla, rafa, andrew, joti, cam and camilla’s brother simon. we had a lovely dinn dinns with honeyed pumpkin and spinach chickpeas and freshly baked bread – delightful times!

The lack of leaves on trees makes for a stark contrast with the rising sun, as seen from the 37 bus to work.

It was a harsh return to reality in London winter with an over 30 degree temperature change! Pretty fun marching around in the snow on this Sunday though, with the freshly fallen flakes blanketing wandsworth and clapham common in calmness. had a coffee in a nice italian cafe/restaurant too, located by the ‘Nighingale’ pub.

Wonderful final day in NZ: morning of rain and rest and afternoon of sun, sounds and splashes! The O’connells above enjoying lunch at the Timaru sound shell for the 102nd talent show.

The siblings strolling down to Caroline bay.

C bay itself though, to be honest, didn’t swim there – walked up the hill to the brand new aquatic centre instead, which also had an outdoor pool! Final NZ day bliss, before the 36 hour flight and transit return to middle of winter London!!

2nd to last day in nz involved driving from arrowtown to waimate, where it was scorching hot! Was also where we said see you later to mum and dad above – pretty sad saying bye, but happy will be back in March next year!!

Thankfully there is a pool at the o’connell’s place in Timaru – perfect finale!