Natalie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas holidays.
While we haven't left London we really enjoyed spending time with each other and relaxing.
Christmas Day was a quiet affair at home, with Natalie cooking a fantastic pork roast, with lots of veges. We both received good presents, and must have been more nice than naughty this year for even Santa dropped a couple of gifts around for us.
Boxing Day saw a visit from Natalie's sister, Kate. It was good to see her again and have family around. Kate joined us for a trip to visit Derek and Margaret - the brother and sister-in-law of Natalie's grandmother. Ian, their son, was also visiting so it was a very good family occasion. We were very well looked after and had an excellent post-Christmas feast. We will be putting up photos from the visit in the near future.
While Kate went back to Cambridge yesterday (Tuesday), Natalie and I did some sightseeing. We took a trip out to Canary Wharf, the new financial district of London, and discovered a relatively new shopping centre. After some bargain shopping we travelled to Greenwich and visited the Naval College with a wonderfully painted dining hall, which was to be part of a palace that King Charles II started building but never completed.
Between now and my trip home, Natalie and I hope to do some more sightseeing.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Christmas Wishes
Thank you to all our family and friends who have kept in touch with us since we moved to London. Your emails, phonecalls and comments on the blog have been very welcome and have made our move easier.
Happy Christmas to everyone and may you and your family have a safe and cheerful 2005!
Best wishes,
Peter and Natalie
Happy Christmas to everyone and may you and your family have a safe and cheerful 2005!
Best wishes,
Peter and Natalie
Sunday, December 19, 2004
More Munich
We took more than 100 photos while in Munich. But do not fear we will not show them all. However, below are five of my favourites from our weekend in Munich.
I hope we can get back there during the summer and enjoy what it has to offer when the weather isn't quite so chilly.
Despite the weather forecast being for fine and sunny conditions and about seven degrees celcius, it never got much above freezing. As you can see from some of the photos, it was pretty foggy for much of the time.
I hope we can get back there during the summer and enjoy what it has to offer when the weather isn't quite so chilly.
Despite the weather forecast being for fine and sunny conditions and about seven degrees celcius, it never got much above freezing. As you can see from some of the photos, it was pretty foggy for much of the time.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Christmas trees and all those things...
We decided this year that a real-life Christmas tree was necessary. So on Monday, I (Natalie) headed off to a local nursery for a tree. I found one that quite took my fancy. It was supposed to be 5ft, but on arrival back home we discovered that it was 6ft. No complaints though!
In the evening we fluffed the tree up and started decorating. Our new lights went up first, followed by our new German decorations. Then we used the more traditional baubles and tinsel to dress the tree up. We found our fabulous star in Munich, and it is now sitting proudly atop our tree.
In the photos that follow you can see close-ups of some of the decorations that we like best (from Munich), and in the background the baubles. The final photo shows the tree as it stands (except for the star- but that's in another photo).
We are both now getting very excited about a cold Christmas. The presents are starting to accumulate under the tree, and we have a couple of stockings up on the wall as well. It will be a fun time. We have yet to work out exactly what will be on the menu for Christmas day, but I am planning to do lots of baking before the day. We've also bought a few Christmas carol CDs recently (we forgot to bring them over!).
We hope you enjoy looking at our tree as much as we do!
In the evening we fluffed the tree up and started decorating. Our new lights went up first, followed by our new German decorations. Then we used the more traditional baubles and tinsel to dress the tree up. We found our fabulous star in Munich, and it is now sitting proudly atop our tree.
In the photos that follow you can see close-ups of some of the decorations that we like best (from Munich), and in the background the baubles. The final photo shows the tree as it stands (except for the star- but that's in another photo).
We are both now getting very excited about a cold Christmas. The presents are starting to accumulate under the tree, and we have a couple of stockings up on the wall as well. It will be a fun time. We have yet to work out exactly what will be on the menu for Christmas day, but I am planning to do lots of baking before the day. We've also bought a few Christmas carol CDs recently (we forgot to bring them over!).
We hope you enjoy looking at our tree as much as we do!
Christmas Markets in Germany
On Friday night, 10th December, we headed off for our weekend in Munich, Germany. On Saturday morning, we rose early to a scrumptious German breakfast in our hotel. We then made for the Christmas markets in the Marienplatz (market place). The markets were all that we expected, and more. For me (Natalie), it was a time of re-living the experience of the German Christmas markets, and for Peter, it was the first time visiting continental Europe, and the first visit to a non-English-speaking country. While grateful for my German skills, Peter did manage to order some food in German - by himself! He picked up a few words here and there during our visit.
We moved from stall to stall, choosing some decorations for our tree, and stopping off for the odd Gluehwein (mulled wine) that is so famous at these markets. Lunch was a traditional Wurst mit Semmel (sausage in a bread roll), with mustard.
It was much cooler in Munich than London, around 1 degree. We stopped every now and then to pop in to a warm department store or bookshop, warming our cold Australian feet. Admittedly, the Gluehwein also helped to keep us warm :) We also visited the Nativity Christmas market in Munich, marvelling at the many intricate figurines.
The highlight of Saturday night was a visit to a beer hall for dinner. Peter sampled several of the local beers, and we both enjoyed some traditional Bavarian food. It was delish!
On Sunday, we explored a bit more of Munich outside the markets. We even enjoyed a period of snow, which was exciting (a reward for how cold it was!). We walked along the Isar river, and travelled around the city on the Strassenbahn (tram). We climbed up St Peter's tower, 15 stories high. This gave us an excellent view of the city and the markets dotted around the city centre.
We were sad to leave Munich behind on Sunday night, but promised ourselves to head back soon - probably in March, around the time of the Cebit trade fair in Hannover.
We moved from stall to stall, choosing some decorations for our tree, and stopping off for the odd Gluehwein (mulled wine) that is so famous at these markets. Lunch was a traditional Wurst mit Semmel (sausage in a bread roll), with mustard.
It was much cooler in Munich than London, around 1 degree. We stopped every now and then to pop in to a warm department store or bookshop, warming our cold Australian feet. Admittedly, the Gluehwein also helped to keep us warm :) We also visited the Nativity Christmas market in Munich, marvelling at the many intricate figurines.
The highlight of Saturday night was a visit to a beer hall for dinner. Peter sampled several of the local beers, and we both enjoyed some traditional Bavarian food. It was delish!
On Sunday, we explored a bit more of Munich outside the markets. We even enjoyed a period of snow, which was exciting (a reward for how cold it was!). We walked along the Isar river, and travelled around the city on the Strassenbahn (tram). We climbed up St Peter's tower, 15 stories high. This gave us an excellent view of the city and the markets dotted around the city centre.
We were sad to leave Munich behind on Sunday night, but promised ourselves to head back soon - probably in March, around the time of the Cebit trade fair in Hannover.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
The Producers
Last Wednesday Natalie and I went to Drury Lane for 'the Producers'. What a show!
Knowing the songs well from my copy of the original cast recording and having seen the show in Melbourne, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the show. But almost immediately I knew we were not going to be disappointed.
Nathan Lane, in the role he created, as Max Bialystock was funny, sleazy, outrageous and the audience loved every minute of his performance. Where Reg Livermore, in the Australian production, showed some restraint in his actions, Lane refused to hold back in his portrayal of a man who performs sexual favours for little old ladies in order to bankroll his musical productions.
Lee Evans, who incidently appeared with Nathan Lane in the move 'Mouse Trap', was manic as Leo Bloom. His physical comedy stole many moments. Evans' whole body contorts in harmony with the emotions of Leo and he looks the part of a mousey accountant - far more so than Tom Burlinson.
I know there was some concern when Nathan Lane joined the cast as Lee Evans is a very funny comedian and people weren't sure how they would work together. But the antics of the two performers kept everyone laughing.
The support cast were great and each member had their little moments to shine.
The audience got more of the 'in' jokes when it came to allusions to other musicals, but it was obvious that for many people around us they did not know what to expect from this show. They just knew it was a good show.
I have already said to Natalie that we should go back and see the show, in six or so months time when some of the leads have changed, because it was simply so much fun.
The only problem was stopping myself singing "Haben sie gehoert das deutsche band" all around Munich!
Knowing the songs well from my copy of the original cast recording and having seen the show in Melbourne, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the show. But almost immediately I knew we were not going to be disappointed.
Nathan Lane, in the role he created, as Max Bialystock was funny, sleazy, outrageous and the audience loved every minute of his performance. Where Reg Livermore, in the Australian production, showed some restraint in his actions, Lane refused to hold back in his portrayal of a man who performs sexual favours for little old ladies in order to bankroll his musical productions.
Lee Evans, who incidently appeared with Nathan Lane in the move 'Mouse Trap', was manic as Leo Bloom. His physical comedy stole many moments. Evans' whole body contorts in harmony with the emotions of Leo and he looks the part of a mousey accountant - far more so than Tom Burlinson.
I know there was some concern when Nathan Lane joined the cast as Lee Evans is a very funny comedian and people weren't sure how they would work together. But the antics of the two performers kept everyone laughing.
The support cast were great and each member had their little moments to shine.
The audience got more of the 'in' jokes when it came to allusions to other musicals, but it was obvious that for many people around us they did not know what to expect from this show. They just knew it was a good show.
I have already said to Natalie that we should go back and see the show, in six or so months time when some of the leads have changed, because it was simply so much fun.
The only problem was stopping myself singing "Haben sie gehoert das deutsche band" all around Munich!
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Christmas Crush
Last Saturday (4th December) Peter and I went out to get an overcoat for him (he has been surviving 3 degree mornings with nothing but a suit jacket and a scarf!) and to find a suit for me - I have a couple of interviews coming up.
We thought we'd try to avoid the crowds, and headed off to one of the larger shopping centres out of the centre of London in Surrey Quays. Unfortunately, however, the coats which were there a month ago had all disappeared. So we had to brave the crowds at Oxford St. What an experience. One I would not recommend. the street corners proved particularly bottle-necky. At one stage, right near the Oxford Circus tube station, I was literally getting squashed by the crowd, and very scared - there was no room to move! Luckily we went down into the tube and came out the other side, which wasn't so crowded. I don't think I will brave those crowds again, at least not without Peter.
But we did get to enjoy the pretty Christmas lights that line Regent St. We tried to get a few pictures, but given the conditions (crowded, dark at 4pm) it was tricky. The first photo was taken outside Hamley's (toy store: the yellow lights); the other lights in the background line the rest of Regent St. The second photo shows the lights in the background, and the big red London buses passing by.
We thought we'd try to avoid the crowds, and headed off to one of the larger shopping centres out of the centre of London in Surrey Quays. Unfortunately, however, the coats which were there a month ago had all disappeared. So we had to brave the crowds at Oxford St. What an experience. One I would not recommend. the street corners proved particularly bottle-necky. At one stage, right near the Oxford Circus tube station, I was literally getting squashed by the crowd, and very scared - there was no room to move! Luckily we went down into the tube and came out the other side, which wasn't so crowded. I don't think I will brave those crowds again, at least not without Peter.
But we did get to enjoy the pretty Christmas lights that line Regent St. We tried to get a few pictures, but given the conditions (crowded, dark at 4pm) it was tricky. The first photo was taken outside Hamley's (toy store: the yellow lights); the other lights in the background line the rest of Regent St. The second photo shows the lights in the background, and the big red London buses passing by.
Natalie's New Pet
It's my birthday! Peter ordered my present online (if you know what Oxford St is like around Christmas time, you will know why) and I got to open it this morning. And guess what?! I got a new pet - a hamster. Now, some of you may be thinking - I thought you couldn't have pets where you guys are living. But it's not true!
I do have to confess something about my hamster, though. He is not truly real. He is an electronic pet. He makes about 30 different sounds and has his own carrot. I can teach him to walk around without crashing into walls, I can make him sleep, eat (his carrot), and many other things. It has been great fun playing with him today!
I do have to confess something about my hamster, though. He is not truly real. He is an electronic pet. He makes about 30 different sounds and has his own carrot. I can teach him to walk around without crashing into walls, I can make him sleep, eat (his carrot), and many other things. It has been great fun playing with him today!
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
On the run
On Sunday night I ran in my first competitive race in over a year. It was the Nike RunLondon 10km race. It was a night run around the south eastern suburbs of London. We also ran across the Tower bridge and back.
I had done little training for the race as I had a sore hamstring from the flag football the other week. So I was happy with the time of 47 min, 38 secs. I did a 5 km split of 23 mins 19 secs. Out of the 30,000 runner I was placed 4,077th.
It felt good to be running and the cool night conditions of London (approx 7 degrees celcius) were very pleasant to run in once I warmed up a bit.
That is the good news.
The bad news is the organisation. It was pretty poor. If London seriously wants to host the Olympics in 2012, they have to be able to do a much better job. The start of the race was delayed 15 mins because with 10 minutes to go before the official start time they still hadn't secured some of the roads we were to run on.
Runners were also sent in all directions to get to the start and they were still putting barriers into place at the start area 30 minutes prior to the start.
At the finish we stopped at the finish line as they funneled the runner into a narrow hairpin 10 metres after the finish line.
Natalie was also entered to run in the event but late last week came down with a cold and was still not 100 per cent on Sunday so we agreed it would be foolish for her to make herself worse by running. She however rugged up and did a great job of cheering me on at the finish.
I had done little training for the race as I had a sore hamstring from the flag football the other week. So I was happy with the time of 47 min, 38 secs. I did a 5 km split of 23 mins 19 secs. Out of the 30,000 runner I was placed 4,077th.
It felt good to be running and the cool night conditions of London (approx 7 degrees celcius) were very pleasant to run in once I warmed up a bit.
That is the good news.
The bad news is the organisation. It was pretty poor. If London seriously wants to host the Olympics in 2012, they have to be able to do a much better job. The start of the race was delayed 15 mins because with 10 minutes to go before the official start time they still hadn't secured some of the roads we were to run on.
Runners were also sent in all directions to get to the start and they were still putting barriers into place at the start area 30 minutes prior to the start.
At the finish we stopped at the finish line as they funneled the runner into a narrow hairpin 10 metres after the finish line.
Natalie was also entered to run in the event but late last week came down with a cold and was still not 100 per cent on Sunday so we agreed it would be foolish for her to make herself worse by running. She however rugged up and did a great job of cheering me on at the finish.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Saturday, November 20, 2004
A Classical Spectacular
Tonight Natalie and I went to the Royal Albert Hall, sat in a box and watched a concert billed as a 'Classical Spectacular'.
If you have ever seen the Last Night of the Proms on TV, well you are some way there to understanding what this was like. It was pretty much the same thing but with extra lighting effects and lasers.
The opening piece was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man", which apart from one of the trumpeters strangling an early note or two was a great start. Next was the William Tell Overture, by Rossini.
The third piece was Handel's "Zadok the Priest". This was played by most of the orchestra and the London Philharmonic Choir and Royal Choral Society. The piece incidently, was played when Mary Donaldson walked down the aisle earlier this year in Denmark.
Sousa's "The Liberty Bell March" was next, followed by Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major". The violins missed their entry early for this, which was disappointing.
Gounod's "Soldiers' Chorus from Faust" was next and then a famouse aria, "O soave fanciulla" from La Boheme was sung by Soprano, Joanna Burton and Tenor Geraint Dodd.
Ravel's "Bolero" was next and was a splendid effort, except for the harpist who wished to race the snare drum which was keeping the tempo of the piece.
The finale of the first half was Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1". With great patriotic verve, Union Jacks (which came FREE with the programmes) were waved through the hall. It is obvious that the British long for the days when the sun never set of their Empire. Alas, that was a lifetime ago and they need to move on. Of course no red-blooded Brit can only sing "Land of Hopeless Glory" just once and so we were treated to an encore.
The second half started with the "Tirsh Trash Polka", performed by the Band of the Welsh Guards only. The conductor for the night, Anthony Inglis, was obviously still on tea break.
The conductor returned and the orchestra played Wagner's "Prelude to Act III" from Lohengrin. Then the second aria of the night, Verdi's "Sempre Libera" from La traviata, was performed, again by the sop and tenor.
Techaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Waltz" was accompanied by dancers who ran throughout the stalls. Once they disappeared it was time for Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, a very powerful choral and orchestral work.
Then we were treated to Greig's "Morning" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from Peer Gynt. This was one of the highlights of the evening for me. You really couldn't fault the performance of these pieces.
Strauss's "Thunder and Lighting Polka" got the crowd warmed up for the patriotic "Jerusalem", by Parry. Then it was onto "Rule! Britannia" and the Union Jacks were once again flying.
Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot was next. Memories of three waiters performing this at our wedding reception came flooding back and I had to smile. An encore of this was deservedly called for, the tenor doing a splendid job.
Now, for the Finale. Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" (not to be confused with the 1815 with twin overhead cams). This was fantastic! the lighting was terrific, the real muskets being fired, simulated cannon fire, and fireworks added a dimension to this piece that I have never experienced. What a way to finish... or so you would think.
No, we had to have an encore of the "Trish Trash Polka", followed by "Land of Hope and Glory" (Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" again), before the red, blue and white balloons were dropped from far above and everyone could go home.
What a night! While the first half was a little disappointing in places for not being up to scratch, the second half well and truly made up for it. Natalie and I both came away from the night with many great memories.
If you have ever seen the Last Night of the Proms on TV, well you are some way there to understanding what this was like. It was pretty much the same thing but with extra lighting effects and lasers.
The opening piece was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man", which apart from one of the trumpeters strangling an early note or two was a great start. Next was the William Tell Overture, by Rossini.
The third piece was Handel's "Zadok the Priest". This was played by most of the orchestra and the London Philharmonic Choir and Royal Choral Society. The piece incidently, was played when Mary Donaldson walked down the aisle earlier this year in Denmark.
Sousa's "The Liberty Bell March" was next, followed by Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major". The violins missed their entry early for this, which was disappointing.
Gounod's "Soldiers' Chorus from Faust" was next and then a famouse aria, "O soave fanciulla" from La Boheme was sung by Soprano, Joanna Burton and Tenor Geraint Dodd.
Ravel's "Bolero" was next and was a splendid effort, except for the harpist who wished to race the snare drum which was keeping the tempo of the piece.
The finale of the first half was Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1". With great patriotic verve, Union Jacks (which came FREE with the programmes) were waved through the hall. It is obvious that the British long for the days when the sun never set of their Empire. Alas, that was a lifetime ago and they need to move on. Of course no red-blooded Brit can only sing "Land of Hopeless Glory" just once and so we were treated to an encore.
The second half started with the "Tirsh Trash Polka", performed by the Band of the Welsh Guards only. The conductor for the night, Anthony Inglis, was obviously still on tea break.
The conductor returned and the orchestra played Wagner's "Prelude to Act III" from Lohengrin. Then the second aria of the night, Verdi's "Sempre Libera" from La traviata, was performed, again by the sop and tenor.
Techaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Waltz" was accompanied by dancers who ran throughout the stalls. Once they disappeared it was time for Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, a very powerful choral and orchestral work.
Then we were treated to Greig's "Morning" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from Peer Gynt. This was one of the highlights of the evening for me. You really couldn't fault the performance of these pieces.
Strauss's "Thunder and Lighting Polka" got the crowd warmed up for the patriotic "Jerusalem", by Parry. Then it was onto "Rule! Britannia" and the Union Jacks were once again flying.
Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot was next. Memories of three waiters performing this at our wedding reception came flooding back and I had to smile. An encore of this was deservedly called for, the tenor doing a splendid job.
Now, for the Finale. Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" (not to be confused with the 1815 with twin overhead cams). This was fantastic! the lighting was terrific, the real muskets being fired, simulated cannon fire, and fireworks added a dimension to this piece that I have never experienced. What a way to finish... or so you would think.
No, we had to have an encore of the "Trish Trash Polka", followed by "Land of Hope and Glory" (Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" again), before the red, blue and white balloons were dropped from far above and everyone could go home.
What a night! While the first half was a little disappointing in places for not being up to scratch, the second half well and truly made up for it. Natalie and I both came away from the night with many great memories.
Friday, November 19, 2004
WIll it snow?
That has been the question, weatherwise, for the last few days. This weekend continues to look like seeing at least a small dusting of snow in London.
I have been checking Metcheck daily to see their latest prognostications. They can tell, almost by the hour, when snow (or rain for that matter) is likely to fall. To see when London is likely to receive snow, they have a special page. And the all important question of the likelihood of a white Christmas is also answered.
At the moment we look like we are in for some heavy rain overnight which might make it fun going tomorrow morning on public transport. I have yet to travel following extreme weather here.
I have been checking Metcheck daily to see their latest prognostications. They can tell, almost by the hour, when snow (or rain for that matter) is likely to fall. To see when London is likely to receive snow, they have a special page. And the all important question of the likelihood of a white Christmas is also answered.
At the moment we look like we are in for some heavy rain overnight which might make it fun going tomorrow morning on public transport. I have yet to travel following extreme weather here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
The Lord Mayor's Parade
Last Saturday (13th November), we braved the cold (6 degrees) to go and watch the Lord Mayor's annual parade in London. The main streets of London were cordoned off for the event, as the Lord Mayor travelled through London on his horse drawn carriage, stopping off at St Paul's for his annual blessing. We were greeted by a large crowd huddled along the barriers, but managed to see quite a bit. The parade was quite long, and there were some very extravagant displays, such as the hands, but the highlight of the event was the passing by of the Lord Mayor. He was preceded by several bands, all dressed up, on horses nonetheless, and by dignitaries in horse drawn carriages. His carriage, led by 4 Clydesdales, was the most elaborate, and he even waved to us! (or was that the person next to us?). It was a fun morning, and afterward we headed to Monmouth coffee in Covent Garden for some serious warming up.
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