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Thursday, December 27, 2012

27th December 2012

So today our Spanish and Catalan visitors went to Oslo for the day.
I stayed in Hamar and caught up with two beautiful friends and had a lovely pita bread in Aller Tiders.
I walked home to drink in some of the light and it was icy on the bridge. It's minus 15 in Hamar now, and dropping.
Finally our visitors have some weather worth bragging about.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Saint Steven 2012

Today went by in a flash.
The weather has been mild and no snow.
We were lucky enough to meet lovely friends at Pepe's Pizza before we went to an impromtu lunch with Farmor.
Later we all went to see The Hobbit.
This evening we've been relaxing in front of the TV, being entertained by the latest Alice in Wonderland.
Tomorrow I will see my friend S for lunch and everyone else will go for a day trip to Oslo. Perfect.

Christmas Day 2012

Merry Christmas everyone!
We had another lovely day yesterday.
Everyone tried the 'spark' in perfect weather conditions; lots of snow and about minus 5.
We met with family for lunch and toasted with champagne.
Later we dined in abundance with friends.
It was a full day of friends and family and perfect generosity and Christmas spirits.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve 2012

So here we are! Our first full day in Norway!
Everything is prepared and we'll have our dinner in front of us and the opening of the presents.
We woke early and went for a walk into town. We looked through some of the shops.
On the way home we stopped into the church and were lucky enough to catch a concert!
All perfect!
A special thank you to the Vikingship Motel in Hamar for an excellent room!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Arrived in Norway to Snow and Silence

We arrived safe and sound and jumper on the train to Hamar. We were talking merrily away until the train conductor came by. It seems we'd hopped on to the silent carriage! What a quick way to introduced into Norwegianness.
Super happy to be here. Bring on the gløgg.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Merry Shopping!

The final count down to Christmas shopping and the people are shoving one another in joyous Christmas spirit.
Joy to the world!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sant Pere de Rodes

Beautifully situated over the port de la Selva!

Morning Jog in Castello d'Empuries

It wasn't too cold. Fresh. We could see the Pyreenes covered in snow. We were passed by a couple of groups of cyclists.
Now breakfast time. We'll be exploring the cape today.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Sunset at Roses

And we're off to France for dinner. :D

Off to Castello d'Empuries

Last year, for Christmas, Albert bought us a 'rural house' experience. Finally we are going! Gorgeous weather. Have a great weekend!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Good Bye Coffee, Hello Tea!

Well, i have finally taken the step to stop drinking coffee. After many years of umming and ahhing and occasionally taking a break I am giving it up.
When I drink coffee, I feel my heart race and I sometimes it upsets my stomach. However, i have always loved the 'moment' of drinking coffee. And I love the taste.
Finally I feel grown up enough to make a decision that is about the reality of my physical health, and not about the story created in my mind.
So. Here I am in Catalonia drinking tea. It was a tea bag. Pyramid in shape. Brown sugar. And a large pot of frothy milk.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Tolls to Catalonia

One of the complains of Catalans is the tolled roads inside of Catalonia and the absence of them in other parts of Spain.
Here we are greeted by road tolls on our way towards Barcelona.

The Australian Embassy in Madrid

The whole purpose of this trip was to come to the Australian Embassy and pick up a certificate that will help me with my papers in Spain.
The appointment went smoothly and we are now off to walk the streets of Madrid for an hour before driving home.

Monday, November 5, 2012

The Gardens of Aranjuez Royal Palace

We've stopped by for a walk in the gardens on our way to Madrid.
Great weather, wonderful autumn colours and a quick and easy falafel lunch.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Don Quixote's Giants!

Belmonte Castle

Spectacular! We're in Don Quixote country. We've seen our first windmills, but this castle takes the cake.

Cuenca in Autumn

We slept in Cuenca last night. This morning we woke to heavy rain and wind.
Jett and I opted to sit in the car with our books while Albert braved the great out doors. Jett's reading 'A Game of Thrones' and I am reading the tragic history of Don Quixote, in English.
Cuenca, if you take a look at google images, is famous for hanging houses. They built them hanging off cliff faces. Rather crazy looking. The old town is situated on a jutting piece of rock and makes for spectacular views on clear days.
One more sleep and we're in Madrid and visit Marina and Adela.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Albarracin! What a Surprise!

The website of Albarracin brags that it is the prettiest town in Spain. We thought 'how quaint' and with a smirk drove to the isolated medieval town.
Well. Its gorgeous. Without doubt. And well worth a longer visit. We've been turning our heads this way and that checking every corner.
The trees are in Autumn glory and a river winds around one side of the town. The architecture is bizarre with leaning buildings, wooden lean tos and old fashioned doors. Really lovely!
And! When we ate, the people were friendly, helpful and the prices great!

Teruel!

We slep here tonight. Famous for Moor influenced architecture as displayed in the tower above and the story of the Lovers of Teruel.
Light rain this morning. 13 degrees. Afternoon looks lovely. Prices much cheaper than in Catalonia.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Cantavieja!

We're on our way to Teruel for the night. There is hardly any houses in sight. The land is sparse and wild. Nothing much of anything around and yet, its beautiful!
Cantavieja is perched on a rock slab. Again, hardly any bars or visitor friendly shops. A gorgeous square dedicated to the Christian King and that's it. Quite spectacular in its way. Forces us to remember days gone by. 

Mirambel

Pretty little town! But not a coffee shop in sight!

Morella!

What Weather!

We're sitting out on the terrace overlooking the mediterranean eating warm croissants and delicious coffee! Can life be any better in Autumn!?

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Our First Night in Peñiscola

What a pretty place! We were blessed with great weather. We have a room with a sea view. Gorgeous.
All well and now Jett to do his homework before setting off for dinner.

Wiki Info Peñiscola

First Stop in Ampolla

We stopped to eat our sandwiches by the sea. Really gorgeous day! Sunny, people on the terraces, a little windy. Lovely!

Slow Drive to Madrid!

We're on our way. All well. Gorgeous weather. Clear skies. Good luck to us!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Morning Run in Andorra

We were both so strong and brave this morning by running up the hills in Andorra to earn our breakfast. Here is Albert momentarily stopped to catch his breath!
It was a gorgeous morning and we had wonderful views as the sun came up over the hills.

Friday, October 12, 2012

On our way to Andorra!

We hit 7 k of traffic jams! Lucky we have spotify and good humour!
Happy birthday to meeee

Sunday, October 7, 2012

My New Catalan Book

Ok! When I know all the words in this, I will continue my book study. More than 1200 words!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

5 k Run

So, from the 0 to the Viena in Montmelo, it's 5 k exactly!
Vichy time!

Monday, September 24, 2012

10 k Run Plan 5 Weeks


Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 – week 39
5 k run and strength
7 k run
9 times  400, 5 k pace)
6.5 k run and strength
Rest
Rest
5 k race
2 – week 40
5 k run and strength
8 k run
45 min tempo run
5 k run and strength
Rest
60 min cross
9.6 run
3 – week 41
5 k run and strength
9 k run
10 times 400,  5 K pace
6.5 run and strength
Rest
60 min cross
11.2 run
4 – week 42
5 k run and strength
9.5 k run
50 min tempo run
6.5 run and strength
Rest
60 min cross
13 k run
5 – week 43
5 k run and strength
5 k run
5 times 400,  5 k pace
1.5 – 5 k run
Rest
Rest
10 k Race


I start today!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Perfect Sunday Morning

We're alive! That's the first best thing.
And I have two sleeping boys, a cup of tea, a great book and my favourite beach in front of me. I can hear the waves.
Sigh.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Jett Teaching His Gran Some Aikido Tricks

We had a lovely day today.
I went for my 5 k jog, we planned the week, we ate at our parent's house and picked almonds.
Perfect laate summer weather. I even jumped in for a quick swim.