Urban Sun Bathing

I'll interrupt the Mallorca pictures to share this.

It was sunny in London yesterday.

But I still don't think this is necessary. And now you know the street that my office is located on. Oh yeah, it's posh.

Interesting Lodging

The hotel we stayed at had a very eclectic design sense.

There were lots of statues throughout the grounds. Sort of a greek gods and goddesses theme.

There were also fountains and water features every few yards.

There were also birds and cages everywhere. The hotel had quite the collection of exotic birds, parrots and parakeets. They were neat to look at but I wasn't quite happy with their morning squawking for breakfast!

Among the statues, birds and fountains was also mini-golf. Guess you needed something to entertain you on the ground too....

This pen held both water features and exotic birds. They looked a bit like funky chickens actually (sorry, they aren't pictured).

Also among the crazy decorations were the lounge areas. Tucked away in a corner you could rest on the sofas next to the statue of Buddha or....

...hang out (literally) in the hammocks.

I'm not sure how restful it would really be since if you look closely at the previous picture, you can see these two characters in the background. The scale probably isn't good but they were both bigger than the length of my arm.

A cunning photo of most of the elements. Greek goddess, birds and mini golf. Score!

The grounds also had some interesting flora and fauna.

I only took a picture of this because of where it came from. Who knew they imported plants to Mallorca from Mexico and California??

Lastly, I thought it appropriate that the hotel had several Birds of Paradise plants. I think that may have been the theme. ?????

Island No. 3- Mallorca

For the third island in my travels, I went to Mallorca, just off the coast of Spain. For the Americans, it is a bit like visiting Couzemel in Mexico.

Our delayed airplane. Notice how it is rainy and gray?

Ta -da!!! We arrive to sunshine (thank goodness). England was in the middle of week 3 of rain so I was happy to escape when I did. This is the view from the hotel balcony.

The bicycles also enjoyed the view from the hotel balcony.

Of course I took my bike on holiday. How could you not with this sunshine and these lovely roads?

I even managed a self portrait while riding. I may look slightly like an idiot but the photo worked out so I'm pleased. (Notice how I am riding in front. Uh huh.)

Lovely view from halfway up the climb. It was a good route, only about 45 minutes of climbing in total over the 3.5 hour ride. Not bad.

At the top, the gas/petrol station is converted into a cyclists oasis. I'm not sure I know of another gas station that dishes out so much beer and gatorade.

On the way down, I had to get used to riding on the right side of the road again.

Some 'fun' hairpin turns. I think after this trip it might be time to replace the brake pads on the bike.

My skin is almost as white as my bicycle. Result though- no sunburn after a week in warm weather. Whahoo!

I like this old fashioned photo sign. Apparently this was made before the advent of the Kodak Instamatic.

One of the side streets by our lunch stop. I wonder if the water comes rushing down here when it rains?

We came upon this church set in an old square. I thought it was interesting how they built the church and the tower separately....

...and only gave you one way to get there!

Lots more photos from Mallorca, including the crazy hotel, the lovely beach and promenade as well as the Ironman 70.3 race to come. I didn't race this time, I was just a spectator. It might be the way forward :o)

Four years......

Another June, another two milestones. I just passed my four year mark in the UK. Gasp!

And I had a birthday. And a birthday party. It could be a record number of empty bottles. It doesn't seem like a lot but the recycling guys have got to be impressed with my 20 empty wine/champagne bottles. No?

Watch Your Weight

 Came across this sign while riding...

I'm pretty sure John passes the weight test....only because his bicycle is so light. ;o)

Nicky Got Married

Another triathlon club member gets married (yes, those are the only friends I have in England. But they are good friends!) and her lovely wedding was held in a great church (which I didn't get any pictures of) and a great reception.

The reception was actually held at Pinewood studios. Home to James Bond, Aliens and numerous other blockbuster films. Unfortunately, security was in force and our plans to steal a golf cart and tour the studio grounds was scuppered. Instead, we spent the evening in the reception venue, this lovely manor house.

 The grounds and the drive. Amazing that it was located just beyond the trees to Sound Stage 12, which was used for Aliens and in Batman.

 We enjoyed the terrace and a few glasses of bubbly while we waited for the bride and groom to arrive. Don't mind Louise. She really is trying to smile but that's what happens when you crash your bike and they put two plates in your jaw. She is now the bionic woman.

Nicky and Robin went from the church to the reception in style!

 The driver is definitely dressed the part.

Have to make sure the essentials are in the carriage. Umbrellas for our lovely British weather...

 and bubbles to relax!!

 They do a victory lap on the way to the front of the veranda.

Of course, they are putting on a show for all their guests. ;o)

 Awwwww....

Lastly, keeping the horses still with a Jedi mind trick.... I know, I know... I probably should have taken more pictures of the bride and groom and less of the horses. Congrats to Nicky and Robin - it was a lovely wedding.

Generational Clash?

This is what happens when you buy the car before getting into cycling.

I'm not sure this car comes with a factory standard bike rack.

Jubilee Fever

I just realized that I've been remiss at describing the preparation for the Queen's jubilee. It is just as much fever as last year's Royal Wedding but turned up a notch. It's 4th of July on crack... for Brits.

I stole these photos from a lovely colleague so credit to Loyola for having a good idea for British window dressing and shopping. I'll post a few of my pictures soon as I actually have some, including a good one of Eton High Street all decked out in bunting.

I love this window. Or do I love the puppies in the window?? Hmmm.....

I thought there were two sons and a daughter. Is it Charles or Andrew who gets left off the royal family?

Even the corgis get a mention.

I want this flag!!!!!!

 If you don't have the queen's face on your paper plates, than you are not having a proper picnic.

What an amazing woman! It almost makes me wish I was British. Almost. :o)