Trip to Shardlow

Sat. June 2nd 2007

Set off about midday for Shardlow as not allowed to pitch until 2.30. On the journey we noticed that there were a lot of fields with poppys amongst the crops and along the verges, more than we have seen for many years.Arrived about 1.45 and found the office closed. Waited until it was open then got allocated pitch and given key for shower/toilet block and swipe card for barrier for a £20 deposit. The site is in a lovely position, right on a large marina with plenty of opportunities for walks and bike rides, round gravel pits and canal tow paths. There is a pub in the same complex and a park home site.

A nice site; toilet/shower block not wonderful and 50p per shower.
£13 a night. It was spoiled a bit on this occasion by the other visitors who let their children run riot, when we told the manager they said we were not the only ones to complain so felt it was not just us being miserable old gits! We would ask for pitch 7F another time, away from trees and road

It was a nice sunny day and Brenda & Doug came at about 5 oclock, we had a walk around site and marina then went to pub for a meal, sat and chatted outside until they went home.




Sun. June 3rd

After a cooked breakfast we set off on our bikes, it was warm and sunny but a bit muggy. We cycled along the canal tow path, there were lots of permanent boats moored up, some had got gardens on the bank, also lots on the move, the locks were very busy.
We carried on until we came to a dead end where a bridge used to be, this was at the point where the Derwent and the Trent joined the canal system; two other couples came up on bikes as well thinking they could have gone further. We walked across a field for a while and sat and had a drink then went back and carried on the tow path the other way. We cycled for quite a while and sat and had a picnic watching the passing boats before returning to the van. While we were out we saw a pair of swans with 4 cygnets and watched a tern diving down to the water. We had a lazy afternoon then did a BBQ.

Mon June 4th

After breakfast we walked off the site and round some gravel pits, saw the tern again, duck, grebe and oyster catcher amongst others. Brenda & Doug came for us and took us to Ikea, had a good mooch round got a couple of things and had lunch there. Went back to their place and had tea in the garden, they then took us to see some other friends who had bought their old bungalow before taking us back to the van.

Tue June 5th

After breakfast packed up then walked around gravel pits again, nothing much to see today. Set off for home about 12.45, stopped for lunch at "The Bell" Ivetsey bank.

Trip to Evesham May 2007

Thurs 10th May






We set of at about 10.30 and arrived at Evesham Vale Caravan Site about 12.00. It was quite cool and very windy. Rich put the awning up with great difficulty had to hold tight to stop it taking off.


We went to Evesham as Marg & Bri have a static van there, they found us this site a couple of miles from theirs. The site was in an old orchard and pitches were marked out with fruit trees. The shower & toilets were acceptable but not wonderful, £11.50 per night. As we were just finishing setting up they arrived. Rich & Bri finished taming the awning whilst Marg & V had a cup of tea. We chatted for a while then they went back to prepare evening meal. We went to their van and had a meal and watched a bit of television before going back to bed.

Fri 11th May

Marg & Bri came for us and we went to Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property.

"Snowshill Manor is a manor house containing the extraordinary collection of Charles Wade Paget. The collection includes armour, clocks, toys and bicycles. The garden is also a delight to stroll through."











This was quite an odd place to visit, dark and gloomy and the collection was extensive and weird, many huge imposing Japanese cabinets, suits of Samurai armour, model houses, the whole atmosphere was oppressive. The gardens were nice and laid out in different "rooms" we managed to get round without getting caught in the rain. We had a hot drink in the restaurant then had a picnic in the car park. Back to our van where we had a BBQ. Played cards for a while then M & B went home.




Sat 12th May



Whilst eating breakfast we watched a Green Woodpecker for quite a while, he was hammering away at the ground, presumably after his breakfast.
Went to M & B's and they drove us to Evesham Wildlife/Shopping Centre where we bought a couple of plants. Back to M & B's for lunch then M & V went to Pershore while men watched Grande Prix. Pershore a nice town with some nice small shops and a good market. Again rain managed to hold off but quite cool. Back to get changed and off to The Bell Inn for a meal. Most enjoyable meal.




Sun 13th May.

Up early and away. Home by 10.30.

Wiltshire, Dorset & Cornwall Spring 2007

Friday March 23rd

We set off at 10.30 and arrived at Honeysuckle Homestead site at 3.15. The site was at Dinton, near Wilton, Wiltshire. We had a very friendly welcome from the owner and as we were the only people there had our choice of pitches. It was cold and windy while we set up, so after getting tea we had an early night. Nice site, close to a railway line but otherwise rural plenty of rabits some black some usual wild rabits, site owner said they had been there as long as they had so must be keeping to their own kind for breeding. We saw phesants and partridge as well. No shower or toilet blockbut at £7 good value.

Sat March 24th

We awoke to another cold, grey, windy day. We drove to Fordingbridge to meet Wendy & Sid, Wyn's parents-in-law for an excellent meal at the Tudor Rose pub, for which they insisted on paying. We drove to Wilton and called at the factory shopping mall. After a big meal at lunch we had a snack tea.

Sun March 25th

We had a cooked breakfast then went in to Tesco at Salisbury for a bit of shopping. We drove on to Old Sarum which was very interesting.

"The great earthwork of Old Sarum stands near Salisbury on the edge of Wiltshire’s chalk plains. Its mighty ramparts were raised in about 500 BC by Iron Age peoples, and later occupied by the Romans, the Saxons and, most importantly, the Normans. William the Conqueror paid off his army here in 1070, and in 1086 summoned all the great landowners of England here to swear an oath of loyalty. A Norman castle was built on the inner mound and joined soon afterwards by a royal palace. By the middle of the 12th century a new town occupied much of the great earthwork, complete with a noble new Norman cathedral, the mother church of a huge diocese.But Norman Sarum was not destined to thrive. Soldiers and priests quarelled, and life on the almost waterless hilltop became intolerable. The solution was a move downhill to the new settlement now known as Salisbury, where a new cathedral was founded in 1220. Thereafter Old Sarum went into steep decline. Its cathedral was demolished and its castle was eventually abandoned."

It was quite sunny but cold wind We went on to Stonehenge and Woodhenge but only stopped for quick photo as the wind was so cold. BBQ’d steak for evening meal .

Mon March 26th

Drove to Southampton to see Jean. She had a friend from Australia staying with her, we had a cup of tea, a nice cake and a natter with them.

We then drove down to Browndown to have a look at the house we lived in when Dad was in the Marines during the 40s. The camp is now a training camp and there were cadets on the gate but they let me go in to have a look. I was surprised at how emotional I felt and how many memories it brought back, considering I was only 6 when we left there, it looked very familiar to me. The weather picked up and it was sunny but still with a cool breeze, back to van for tea.

Tue March 7th

Went to Christchurch to see Dot, who I worked with in the 60s. She took us a walk around the town and through the park by the river, dozens of swans on the water. She gave us a nice lunch then we walked round the Priory, it was a lovely day, warm and sunny. When we got back we got changed and went to

a nearby pub, The Ship Inn, for a meal. It was a nice meal but very expensive.

Wed March 28th

After early mist the day turned warm and sunny.

We went for a walk round Wilton but it was half day closing so nowhere much open, found an ironmongers where we got a few things we needed and had a look at the Italianate Church.

Thurs Mar 29th

A heavy shower about 6am but it cleared up and was cooler with sunny spells. We packed up and drove to Moreton Camping & Caravan Club site near Portland. We arrived about 12 pm and set up. We were on a hard standing and had to keep everything on the hard standing, it was almost impossible to get the wind breaks in but there was room for the car. Other people on grass sites seemed to be able to spread out a lot more. It was not a bad site though, facilities good and a small wooded dog walk. After lunch we drove to Portland Bill. This was very interesting, a lot more built up then we thought it would be. We drove to a viewing point and looked over Chesil Beach.

We then we drove on to the prison which is on the site of an old citadel. There is also a “High Angle Battery” which was used for defence, firing missiles onto any invading ships

"The Isle of Portland has dramatic scenery, spectacular views and a remarkable history that is reflected in the landscape and man's influence upon it. Portland has been occupied since prehistoric times, with remain of Mesolithic settlement still evident. The Romans left over 300 stone coffins, and the Tudors built Portland Castle in 1540, an outstanding example of one of the sea defences commissioned by Henry VIII, and now managed by English Heritage and open to the public. Medieval inhabitants left their mark with the strip fields system or linchets. More recent fortifications such as the High Angle Battery provide an insight into the protection of the Island in the 19th Century. "

We stopped and had a short walk on Chesil Beach then back for tea. It was sunny but again a cool breeze.

Fri Mar 30th

After breakfast we went to Monkey World at Wool, near Wareham, as featured on Animal Planet. We were sad to hear that Jim Cronin, the founder with his wife Alison, had recently died. We did see Jeremy, one of the keepers who features in the TV show. It was a wonderful place, the animals all seem well looked after with all their needs supplied. It is a huge site but is laid out so that you can get very good views of the animals. There is also a wild life walk with lots of feeders and a great variety of birds. It was cold and breezy but the sun was quite warm at times.

Sat 31st Mar

After a cooked breakfast we packed up and set off for Cornwall. We left at 9.30am and arrived at 1.30pm, the sun was trying to come through the mist all the way. The site was Tregarton Park near Mevagissey and we had booked in for 10 nights as it was only £4.95 a night. A very nice site with good facilities, quite big and we were a long way from them and even further from the dog field. It was quite when we got there but as it was Easter during our stay it got very busy, but it was well run and we would recommend it. We were glad we had the Smart car though as it is a bit off the beaten track along narrow country roads, without the car it would have been difficult to get around much. I was also lazy and used the car to get to showers and dog walk! We were very worried about Jilly because she had not been eating for a few days and we had been tempting her with all the treats we could think of, I ended up ringing the vet and was recommended to stop some of her medication and she did pick up toward the end of our stay here and start to eat a bit. This is the reason we took her in the car as she was not up to walking to the field and back up the hill. After we had set up we went to Asda in St Austell for supplies.

Sun Apr 1st

As it was cloudy and a cool wind we went to Cornish Market World at St. Austell, this is a huge indoor market, lots of £1 stalls. We drove to Carlyon bay but unable to get to beach as a lot of work going on, it was not at all picturesque.

We then went on to Charlestown and had a drink and some chips sitting outside a harbour side pub. The sun came out and it was quite warm.

Charlestown Harbour

Mon Apr 2nd

We went to The Eden Project, it was wonderful, very well worth the visit.

Outside the gardens were planted with what must have been thousands of tulips in banks of colour, also hyacinths from which the smell was glorious.

The Biomes were wonderful. It was busy but not too crowded, to make it uncomfortable.

It was warm and sunny away from the breeze. We went back to the site and sat outside for a while.

Tue Apr 3rd

Drove around the lanes and ended up at Mevagissy. We found it much changed from when we’d been there last, a lot more commercialised and also a lot of ongoing work expanding the walk round the harbour. Had a fish and chip lunch looking over the harbour. Drove back through lanes looking in at Carnmogas where we used to go 20 years ago for holidays. Back to site and sat in sun for a while.

Wed Apr 4th

Took Jilly to the nearest beach at Caerhays.

Lovely cove and beach, warm & sunny out of wind. Jilly managed a paddle. Rich collected mussels off the rocks for his tea. Back and sat in sun before tea.

Thurs Apr 5th

Visited Lanhydrock house, a National Trust property.

"Magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate
Stunning seventeenth-century gatehouse and long gallery
The ultimate 19th-century 'Upstairs/Downstairs' experience
Fabulous collection of spring-flowering magnolias and bluebell woods."

This was very interesting, not too grand and formal but more homely, wonderful gardens full of magnolias and rhododendrons. Warm & sunny again.

Fri Apr 6th

Went to another local beach at Gorran Haven, another lovly cove and harbour, more breakers here and we watched some lads trying to surf, warm & sunny again. When back at van sat outside and chatted to couple sited next to us who were down for the weeked.

Sat Apr 7th

Found the Lost Gardens of Heligan a couple of miles down road from site, glad we did as they were wonderful, bigger then expected with lots of rhododendrons, camellias & magnolias. A wildlife area with hides with one way glass where you could see birds really close.












Had a picnic lunch, sunny & warm again.



Sun Apr 8th

Easter Sunday. Went to Market World again and Asda and drove back through local lanes, sat in sun in afternoon.

Mon Apr 9th

Drove down to St Mawes and sat looking over towards Falmouth for a while. Drove round looking at lots of small villages and coves ended up in Portloe where we had a pub meal as it was our wedding anniversary.

Tue Apr 10th

Moved down to Dove Meadows site at Marazion, a really nice site, quite small and facilities basic but friendly and very close to beach, no extra charges for awning, dog or car., it is also close to an RSPB nature reserve. After we set up we had lunch then drove to Gulval

and Madron which is where our Curnow ancestors come from, had a mooch round graveyards but nothing different to see.

Gulval Church

Warm & sunny again. In the evening we took Jilly a walk as she was getting quite a bit better and eating more. We walked along the reed beds on the nature reserve, there were lots of trout jumping in the stream and we saw heron, swans & ducks with duckling amongst others.

Wed Apr 11th

Went to St Michael’s Mount, there was a ferry to take us across.

It was a steep climb up to the house in hot sun but it was well worth it. The house was interesting and views wonderful it felt more like the Continent than England the sea was so blue. We could see over to the peninsular to Penzance with Gulval church standing out clearly. We had lunch sitting outside the café and wanted to walk back over the causeway butit was not open for another couple of hours so took ferry back. In the evening we walked along the reed beds again.

Thurs Apr 12th

Drove to The Lizard where we were lucky enough to see a pair of choughs that are nesting there, carefully guarded by local volunteers.





"The Chough is included in the county's coat of arms alongside the miner and the fisherman, reflecting the bird's importance in Cornish culture. It also appears regularly in Cornish legend and it is said that King Arthur was transformed into a chough when he died, the red feet and beak representing his violent, bloody end."


One of the volunteers had an oiled Manx Shearwater that he was taking to be cleaned up. We went on to Kynance Cove which is beautiful, again looking more Mediterranean than English with the turquoise water, silver sand and hot sun.Quite a climb down and back up again but worth it. Went on to Gunwalloe where we had a picnic then on for a walk around Porthleven.


Fri April 13th

Packed up and set off for home. It was a very long journey, over 8 hours, due mostly to road works on the A30.


All the time we were in Cornwall Spring was advancing trees starting to show green with gorse and blackthorn flowering, the lanes were full of wild flowers, wild garlic, primroses (more than I’ve seen in years), alexanders (didn’t know it, had to look it up), gorse, violets and blue bells predominantly.

Holiday in Spain Feb 2007

The area we went to was Los Alcazares on the Mar Menor.
Mar Menor (Little Sea) is a unique area located on the east coast of Spain, within the region of Murcia, just above the city of Cartagena. Few regions have the good fortune to have both a saltwater lake and a Mediterranean shore. The region of Murcia has both and the salt water lake with an area of 170sq.km is known as Mar Menor, the largest salt water lake in Europe. Mar Menor is part of the Costa Calida.

We stayed with some friends, Doug & Brenda, in their house which is very nice, in the Spanish style with marble floors and staircases. It is on three floors with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms so we had plenty of room. We were lucky enough to be taken around quite a lot to see local areas.

Fountain outside the house

Sea Front at Los Alcazares

Sun Feb 25th

We arrived at East Midland airport in plenty of time and had to wait for check in to open. Flight took off on time, 1730, we were warned of turbulence but it was a very smooth flight and we arrived half an hour early, 2045. Doug & Brenda were at Murcia Airport to meet us and took us to their house.

Mon 26th

After a late breakfast we walked to the sea front and had a drink at “Encarnacion"

Encarnacion courtyard

a very old café/restaurant. It was very hot and we had not taken any summer clothes so went to Retail Park to try and get some sandals. We also went to Camping Mar Menor which is a camp site on the Mar Menor, looked like a nice place to spend some winter months in the future. Bren got us a meal and we had a good natter before bed.

Tue 27th

A late start again, and hot and sunny. Walked to local market which is in the streets around D&B’s house. The market was very colourful and full of Peruvian and Moroccan looking people. I managed to get a couple of cheap pairs of sandals 3 each and some light trousers for the same price. I also managed to buy some nice net panels, for the window at home, for a reasonable price, the sort of material we don’t seem to get at home. Went back for lunch and then V read & R Suduko’d in the sun for a while. In afternoon went to look around Polaris World garden centre.

Wed 28th

Late start again went to Torrevieja which is on the Mediterranean Sea, stopped at “Nautila” a café/restaurant which was full of Brits. It was another hot day. We went on to Pilar de la Horadada for a super Chinese meal for 4.95 each, this included Sangria to start, half a bottle of wine 3 courses and schnapps to finish. Drove on to Santiago de la Ribera and walked along the front. Back for supper and bed.

Thurs March 1st

Got up late again and after a morning not doing much but walk down to the sea we went over to La Manga and the camp site there.

Camping La Manga

D & B’s friend ran a line dancing class there. Joined in and enjoyed it, very strange to be dancing in hot sun with palm trees and the sea in the background. Evening meal and bed.

Fri Mar 2nd


Drove to Roche where D & B are keeping an eye on a friend’s house. We drove through La Union where there were squalid, very dilapidated apartment blocks being occupied by what appeared to be illegal immigrants. Nice old house being done up by D & B’s friends in a small village but huge apartment blocks being erected all around them. Picked oranges off their trees, it was very hot again. Went on to another shopping complex where we walked round a couple of Do it yourself stores and then went to a Chinese Wok Buffet restaurant, again it was a very good meal. In the evening we had a walk around the local area looking around the “grockle” shops.

Sat Mar 3rd

B & D got up at 0600 to go to a car boot sale. Another beautiful sunny day. We walked along the sea front and watched a dredger dredging sand out of the Mar Menor and putting it back on the beach. Apparently it is washed in each winter and has to be dredged out again each spring. Stopped for a drink then bought a rucksack to take extra stuff we’d bought home. We then went back to the house. V & B walked to local supermarket for supplies. Meal and bed.

Sun Mar 4th

We went to Almoradi where Doug’s brother has just taken possession of an apartment. We walked round the town and there were cycle races going on around the town. The town square was very impressive with ancient Lemon trees all shaped in huge circles to provide shade. When the races ended everyone collected for prize giving which was announced by very loud fireworks going off. We called for a drink and sticky bun then went back to Geoff’s apartment and had some lunch with them. Back for evening meal, chat and bed.

Mon Mar 5th

After breakfast went to San Pedro del Pinatar and walked along a causeway at Lo Pagan. This is a long spit of land bordering salt flats that stretches out to almost meet the end of the strip at La Manga We called at a local bar at Dos Mars for a drink then went back to the Chinese restaurant at Pilar de la Horadada and met Geoff and Jackie for a meal. They came back to the house to get changed as they were on the way to the airport. Brenda’s friend Barbara arrived to stay for a few days.

The long walk back

Tue 6th

Doug’s birthday. Went round the local market again then V & R walked to sea front, quite a bit cooler and cloudy for the first time. Went to local Chinese restaurant but Doug was a bit under the weather so did not come with us. We finished our packing, a big squeeze to get everything in! We seemed to have collected quite a few extra things. Doug &Brenda took us to the airport for the flight at 2140. Took of in good time and it was a reasonable flight and landed at East Midlands, collected the car and drove home, arriving about 0130.

Trip To Slimbridge

TRIP TO SLIMBRIDGE FEB 2007

This was our first trip out in our new van. The van is a replacement for the one we bought last year, we had such a bad damp problem with it and Brownhills were taking so long to get it sorted (3 months or more) that after a lot of wrangling they provided us with a replacement. It is the same model, Autotrail Scout, but 18months newer.
We were planning to go the previous week but 4” of snow stopped us.

Fri. Feb 16th

We started off at 10.30 in heavy rain, in rained continuously until we got to Gloucester where it eased off. It took almost an hour to get through Gloucester and we arrived at the Tudor Caravan Park about 1.15. After setting up the van we took a walk along the Gloucester-Sharpness canal which ran behind the site. It was not raining but everywhere was very muddy. We had a meal in the Tudor Arms pub before an early night.

Sat 17th

After breakfast, cooked by Rich as usual, we cycled down the lane to the Wildfowl Trust Centre. It was very interesting and we saw numerous varieties of ducks and geese. There were a lot in the centre that had their wings clipped and were permanent residents there were also lots of Flamingo looking very colourful.
There were also hides where we spent a lot of time watching the over wintering wildfowl, we also saw huge flocks of Lapwing circling in a most dramatic manner.
The weather was damp, misty and cold all day but the rain managed to keep off.

Sun 18th

After breakfast we packed up and set off for home. The weather improved and we had some sunshine.

Trip to Germany Jan 2007

Trip to Germany Jan 2007

My 65th birthday came and with it retirement. Having decided to do as much travelling as possible whilst we are still fit enough we arranged to visit Wyn & Karen our son & daughter-in-law. Wyn is in the army and is stationed in Germany.

Mon 22nd

Up at 0215 to drive to Wilmslow and the airport car park. Got the shuttle to the Manchester airport and booked in. Flight scheduled for 0800 but took off 0820. Arrived in Paderborn 1030 local time. Wyn was at airport to meet us and took us to his house. We were very tired and as Wyn had to go into work for an exam took the opportunity to have a nap. When Karen & Wyn came home from work we had a Chinese takeaway and an early night.

Tue 23rd

Got up quite late and after breakfast took a train into the town centre of Gutersloh. We enquired about trains to Berlin for Thursday and were told that if we booked two days in advance we could get concessions making the price 256 euros not 488, decided to go on Friday and booked tickets.
Had a walk round the town which has some nice old buildings





















R & W went in “Alex” for a beer while V had a look round C & A. Went to “Media Mart” and bought an electric tin opener.
Karen fetched chicken for tea. We played a silly game on TV (50” Plasma Screen!!)


Wed 24th

Got up late weather bright and sunny, took the dogs for a walk round local woods.
In the evening went to “Greco’s”, a local Greek restaurant, for a meal.


Thurs25th

Karen off work today. Went to look around KraftMarkt/Hobby Shop which was a huge garden centre type place. Went on to Bielefeld. Had a wander round town and called at “Knigge”, a lovely old fashioned café ,for wonderful cakes, pastries and hot chocolate.




















In the evening we went to a Chinese Buffet Restaurant which was super

Fri 26th

Up at 6am to get train into Gutersloh, bitterly cold morning. Train to Minden then changed again onto Berlin train. Had booked seats in smoking (for K & W) a bit unfortunate as it was half of a carriage where everyone from all over the train came to smoke (will know better next time!) Scenery not very interesting, miles of flat farmland with a few towns, as we got nearer Berlin we saw at least two run down, almost deserted, vast railway marshalling yards, also quite a few deserted towns, we assumed it was the old border between East and West Germany. Not much wildlife to see, a few cows, very few birds but V did see two separate groups of deer.Arrived in Berlin 1120, at their grand new railway station built in time for the World Cup 2006.





















Wyn prepares to face the weather



We went to the information desk and bought a ticket that allowed us to travel on all buses and trains until 0300 next day. 14euros 80c for the 4 of us. Got a train out to the Zoo Bahnhof and walked to The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is one of Berlin's most famous landmarks. The damaged tower is a symbol of Berlin's resolve to rebuild the city after the war and a constant reminder of the destruction of war.













W e then went on to the Elephant entrance of the Zoo & decided not to go in as the animals would probably all be inside out of the weather

















We walked on down to the Tiergarten which was a royal hunting estate turned into a park. We then walked down a long avenue towards the Siegessäule a Victory column built to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Prusso-Danish war of 1864. The 8.3m (25ft) gilded figure at the top was added after further Prussian victories in wars against Austria and France. It was moved in 1938 from in front of the Reichstag by the Nazi government to its current location at the Grosser Stern.


There was a bitterly cold wind driving at us and it was starting to snow so we stopped at a little café on the edge of the Tiergarten for a hot drink. We walked on to the Bellevue Railway Station. We got a train to Friedrichstrasse Station which took us through the main station and out the other side. We then walked to the Reichstag














The Reichstag was built at the end of the 19th century as the parliament (Bundestag) building; it was damaged by fire in 1933 and further damaged when the allies entered Berlin after the war. After unification the Bundestag was moved back to Berlin from Bonn and the current dome constructed.























We walked on to the Brandenburg Gate but by now it was snowing quite hard and it was driving so we didn’t linger.


We walked on to the Holocaust memorial








Holocaust Memorial

Eisenman’s design is quite unique and has drawn both praise and criticism. Occupying about 205,000 square feet (19,000 square meters) of space near the Brandenburg Gate and just a short distance from where the ruins of Hitler’s bunker is buried, the Berlin Holocaust Memorial is made up of 2,711 gray stone slabs that bear no markings, such as names or dates.

The slabs undulate in a wave-like pattern. Each is a five-sided monolith, individually unique in shape and size. Some are only ankle high while others tower over visitors. Eisenman hoped to create a feeling of groundlessness and instability; a sense of disorientation. Most will agree that he succeeded.
Visitors may walk through the memorial in any direction as there is no set pattern to the stones. The architect has said that he hopes it will merely become a natural part of the city, blending in with its background; used for shortcuts on the way home from work or a place of peace and quiet on a chaotic day.






We carried on walking to Friedrichstrasse looking for Checkpoint Charlie. The weather got so bad that when someone thrust a leaflet in our hands advertising an Italian restaurant we made for it. We sat and had a reasonable meal for 9.50 euros watching the snow get thicker all the time. When we finished our meal we decided to get back to the Friedrichstrasse station and back to the main station. R & W had a drink while V & K looked at a couple of shops then caught the train back. Changed at Minden but once at Gutersloh had to get a taxi, got home about 1040.








Sat 27th

Did not do a lot, went out to “Media Mart” and supermarket, also booked table at “Gasthof Gropper a local pub.

Went for meal in evening to “Gasthof Gropper" , which was very nice, there was a function going on which appeared to be an ambulance service get together with a lot of hilarity and a fake casualty on a stretcher.


Sun 28th

Stayed in all day as raining. Karen did Sunday roast and we had an early night.

Mon 29th

Up at 0400 to get to airport. Wyn took us and we booked in. The flight took off early and we landed at 0710, reclaimed car and set off home. When we got to Shrewsbury we went for a snack at Morrison’s, got a few groceries and home.