Tapas+Pastela Natas+Port = Good Times

So, how many of you thought I would actually get more than one blog done last week? Not many I suppose. My own damn fault.

Heather had a great birthday and we really enjoyed the Lake District, but those are tales for a different week. For this week=Madrid and Portugal. I've been told there will be a guest blogger tomorrow too. How exciting! Also, welcome to new subscriber-SOB! My readership just increased by 8%. Well, rather my subscriptions just increased by 8%. My readership rate has probably been plummeting faster than Ruth Ellen Brosseau's approval rating (I actually feel badly for her. I'm sure she had no idea this was going to happen and now is the target of maliciousness, but it still makes a good joke).

I have a bunch of pics, so this might be a little light on words and heavy on images.

So, the four of us set off to Madrid from Manny and arrived around 11:00 pm. It was a little bit of an adventure to get into our hotel, as they closed at 10:00 and we didn't make any arrangements for a late check in, but after some deft Spanish with the parking lot attendant across the street (yup, you read that right) we managed to finagle our way inside. Our hotel was in a kind of residential/mixed use neighborhood and it was now around midnight on a Sunday and we just went down the street to a restaurant/bar for some tapas and wine. This is one of the things I love about Spain and Europe in general. Sunday. 12:00. Of course. It was super good too. Ahhh Spain. Dang.

We were only in Madrid for a short time, so we just walked around exploring the city. I really liked it. We didn't have the chance to see a whole lot of the city, but it had a very cosmopolitan feel. It also really reminded me of Vienna, in the way that the city was once the center of a major empire and now it is past its time. Not that it isn't still glorious and full of grandeur, but that it is not 'the' epicenter. I think that it gives the residents more of a laid back feel.

We walked around and wandered up to the Parque del Retrio. It used to be the palace grounds before it was donated and turned into a park. We rented a boat and went for a nice paddle. I almost bonked a carp on the head with my paddle, but they were too fast.

Four Euros=fun boat ride

After the boat ride and stumbling into a great tapas bar for lunch, we went to the gallery Reina Sofia as I really wanted to see Guernica by Picasso (Is it The Guernica?--No, I think it's just Guernica).

First, my first Dali!

and a different Picasso.

Really though, the star was Guernica. I can say for myself that I've personally never had so much emotion and interaction with a painting. I'm not even sure I will be able to describe how it made me feel.....here is the wiki link.

First off, it's really large and I felt very dominated by the physical size of the painting. It is really, really violent and horrifying. The faces on the animals are ghastly and painful--I think much more physically painful than the humans portrayed, who are mostly dead or in psychological pain and grief.

I think this is the most powerful section.

I could have spent a long time in the museum, but the rest of Madrid called!

El hombre araña grosso? No muy bien.

Outdoor cafe? Yes, please.



I totally want to go back to Madrid and hope to do so soon........

We ended up getting up very early and taking the train to the airport. I love trains to the airport, especially easy and cheap ones.

We arrived in Porto for a day, then took a train up to Pinhao in the Douro River valley, then back to Porto for a day. I'm going to go a little out of sequence here and do all of the Porto photos together, then Pinhao. Also, Pinhao has an accent that I don't know how to type, so please just use your imagination.

I really love Porto. It was definitely one of the highlights when we were in Portugal last year. We kind of joked about going back there last year, but never actually thought we would be able to do it less than a year later!

The weather was kind of crap there, but we all got a bit sunburned in Madrid the day before, so some cloud cover was well received. Plus we are all from Vancouver.

We set off from our Hotel Ibis (the best chain hotel in all of Europe--I highly recommend them. Cheap, clean, comfortable, and usually centrally located!) off to the port wine houses on the other side of the river.

Our first stop was Kopke, who have fantastic port. Hard to get back home in Canada, but if you see some scoop it up because it is delicious. They have a really nice tasting room and give you tasty chocolates!

As Heather and I learned the hard way last year, Taylor's port house is waaayyyy up a hill, so we took a cab up to the top and worked our way down.

Taylor's

Offley's

The next day we were off to Pinhao, then we returned to Porto for some more sightseeing and walking around. The weather had not improved much, nor did the state of my umbrella.

The Portuguese are very passionate about the ol' football. I guess when you have a good club you may as well flaunt it. When I get home, a Vancouver Canadians flag will start flying from our porch.

J + J + Porto=Wicked

Wacky Chickens= Wicked

Even the Portuguese were interested in the Royal Wedding

And finally, things you are not supposed to flush down the toilet in the Porto Airport. No Shirts...Who knew?

Blast-er from the Past-er

From Porto last year. Some kid jumped off the bridge to impress some girls. I did it right after him, only two rungs higher to impress Heather and shame the 13 year old.

Portugal Cats!

Quick! Those Portuguese drive fast! Move it, Speedy Kelly!

OK-So I never even got to Pinhao. I guess I have something to do tomorrow. Ha! Also, the guest blog is coming.

I'm off to London this weekend to play in a softball tournament. How exciting! We're going to Das Racist on Friday and then I'm getting up really early to drive to London and play in the tournament. Looking very forward to it.

Until tomorrow--CC

Happy Birthday Heather Latimer!

Yay! Off to the Lake District to celebrate. More blogs next week--Pinky swear.

CC

From The Thralls of Joy to the Pits of Despair

Life just really kicks you in the arse sometimes. How can I go from the highest of emotional highs, watching that royal dude and that lady get married, to the lowest of lows, having only 7% of my province turn out to vote and my country giving a mandate to an egomaniacal jackass? Arrrrgggghhhhh! ARRRRGGHHH! I'm having more than blogstrations! What a day to start writing these blogs again. Last night I was really happy to get back at them and had a whole weeks of adventure planned for you, my dear readers. Now? ARRRGGHHHH!

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I have been practicing my own form of yoga in the past two months to raise my concentration level and overall flexibility (I call it joga), and this had led me to power through my immense displeasure and mental anguish and get caught back up on the ol' Canadian Mancunian. So enough on voter apathy and dictator sweater vests and on to the fun stuff....

My plans for the week's blogs are vast, possibly unattainable---but when has this blog ever shortchanged you? Oh-- I need to write about the past month?  Hmm right. Well, I shall strive to reach my goal, just like the US strived to get Osama. (It will only take me a week though).

We just finished a long and fantastic visit with Jen and Jaryn. It was action packed and full of adventure---far too much for only one posting. So this week will have a few different blogs with all of the goings ons and happenings that we got up to, including a guest blog!

So we begin......

J and J arrived safely after a long flight and we mostly just took Monday to relax and for them to catch up on sleep. I am still amazed how quickly they got over the jet lag.

Tuesday was a walk around Manny to see some of the unadulterated beauty the city holds. We did find some really gorgeous bricks. Joking aside, it was a really nice day out and we walked all over and found this nice spot on one of the canals.

That night we had an OK dinner at the Northern Quarter restaurant. I was kind of expecting quite a bit more than we received. I had a groupon (if you are not signed up--do it! It's wicked. Thanks Heidi!) and that was the only thing that saved it from being close to a major rip off. One day I think we'll find a restaurant that will blow our minds here. It just might cost us $500.....Anyway, I wouldn't recommend it unless you go just for appys, as they were good.

The next day we hung out again exploring a bit more of the city, had some really good naps (I've gotten good at napping--almost better than making Excel spreadsheets) and then went up to the curry mile. I think I've explained the curry mile to most of you, but it is literally almost a mile of only curry houses, each with their own special dish of spicy heaven.

After filling our bellies with a whole lotta spice, what better to do than hit up a concert. Probably my number one or  two band that I most wanted to see live, Architecture in Helsinki, was playing and we scored tickets.

Here is their new single: Contact High (or contact time, if you prefer, Jen).

It was super fantastic. They are playing on June 5th in Vancouver if anyone is interested in going. I highly recommend it. If I was on facebook I would give it a thumbs up (Heather just taught me about the thumbs ups).

Loved it. The new album is great too. It definitely would have won a Grammy in 1986. Maybe 88?

Thursday night was the big planned pub crawl! I made a map so we could find our way around. It was a pretty good map and it certainly did the job as we did not get lost and made our way home safely. I wanted to take a picture of every place. The pics got progressively worse as the night went on (whaddya expect?), but they are fun.

Before we hit the pubs though, I took J and J to the Museum of Science and Industry, which I was excited for since H and I went there last month.

Jaryn found the inspiration for his beard originated in Manchester with Joules.

We did quite well on the crawl and made it to most of our favorite Manny pubs and some new ones too.

We started off at Cask. Very good beer (the winner of the night). A little dirty and small. You could bring your own food in! We went to the chippy across the street and loaded up. 7/10 (the beer was really, really good)

Next we went waaayyyy up the Hilton to Cloud 23. It's not a pub per-se, but we wanted to get the view experience and who doesn't love a good cocktail too? It was really neat being up that high, but the prices of the drinks raised too. Worth it? Yes, but no more than once. Place: 5/10. View: 10/10.

Next was my favorite in Manny. The Briton's Protection. What I always imagined a hearty English pub to be. Nice. 10/10.

We joined up with Catriona for the next little bit and my second favorite pub, The Pevril of the Peak. Nice picture of Robbie Coltrane on the wall (I seriously loved Nuns on the Run), but crappy, slow jukebox. Some good beer, but also some really awful stuff. 8/10.



We then headed to Mr. Thomas' Chophouse. I like the fact it is a little more formal and 'Mr' is used in the name. It was ok, great tile floor, but little in the way of ambiance. 5/10. I have eaten here though and it has the best Yorkshire pudding I have ever had. If I include the pudding from a previous visit, that bumps it up to 6/10. Otherwise, skip it.

We ended up going down. Way down to the next place. It's called Corbiers and we went down about three flights of stairs to get there. It was kind of wine-cellar-like. Pretty cool. We had awful beer though. Jen had a wine and it was good. Tasty nuts. Good Service. 6/10.

After a little snack of chicken tikka kebabs from Hunter's BBQ, we headed off to TROF. It has three levels, including the top that is only two couches with no music, really just like a living room. Horrible selection of beer on tap--and it tasted poor to boot. Best music of the night though. If you go, get a rum and coke. 4/10.

Next was a real winner. We were headed to a different pub when we walked past the Keko Moku and saw the bartenders dancing up a storm. Their dancing pulled us in like moths to a flame. Turns out they actually used a flame to make our drinks too. Ever had a Zombie? I recommend getting one. I had never seen a blowtorch used for that purpose before. They  were a little pricey, but hey, fire costs money. Drinks: 8/10 Service: 11/10.

Finally the night ended at a Place Called Common. Good place to end. Good music. Low key. Not bad beer. Close to home. 6.5/10.

A super fun night!

Blast-er from the Past-er

A two-parter of conquering the fear in Salmon Inlet at Kunchin Point.

Manny Cats!

So I joined this softball team in Manny and we practice on a cricket field. I've been to two practices and didn't bring my camera and I have seen about 15 different cats. I call it cat field. Then I brought my camera yesterday to practice....no cats. I blame Stephen Harper.

Anyway, this guy was set for pets until a car with one of those super high pitched mufflers drove buy and scared him off. I will call him, Petrified Pete.

Alright my friends--try to shake off your malaise (I know it will be hard), raise your middle finger, and don't let the Devil in the sweater get you down.

A big shout out and high fives to my Brother on his birthday and Chantal and Rob on their wedding. Wish we could have been there for both.

Stay tuned for more posts this week on the rest of our trip.

Later,

CC

Preparations for Life

My apologies to everyone for being so tardy the past week or so on updates. I have received your angry emails and comments and will strive to meet all further deadlines as to not disappoint my readership.

Here are some excerpts of emails that I have received:

"Colin, you are lazy and I hate you"
-Mom

"Colin-you suck. Canada needs updates"
-Stephen Harper

"Colin, did you borrow my book on public speaking? I need it back right away."
-Iggy

"Colin, can you pick up some courgettes for tonight?"
-Heather

Mmmmmm courgettes. And aubergines. And coriander.

I started getting prepared for big things in life this week. The big day is arriving soon- Wills and Kate are getting hitched and I won't be here to celebrate. I don't think that Spain will party as hard as the Midlands, so Heather and I are going to make our own party, and for us to party we need to be supplied. For cheap:

What can you get at Wilkinson's for 4.50 that equals mad party?

Jealous? Who wants to come to my wedding party. I think it will be on May 2nd. It also includes steak from the meat auction. The fee is you have to put money in my royal bank. Minimum donation: 4 pence.

On the other end of the happiness spectrum of life plans, we are getting ready for the apocalypse too. With Libya being bombed, Northern Ireland's troubles starting again, and Japan facing tragedies, we need to make sure we are safe and have a plan. In order to sleep calmly at night, we sought out a shelter in Manny and we found it. Here is the entrance to the 1953 completed NATO owned nuclear bomb shelter in Manchester.

Looks safe. Hmmm?
Actually, it was just part of an underground Manny tour that Heather and I went on with Felicia. It was really fun. We walked around the city center and got a little lesson on the construction of some of the canals, and how they were used as shelters during the blitz in WW2. We went down quite far underground.

Then down farther......

Then down farther....

....and ended up in the bomb shelter circa 1941.

Because Manny had no underground rail system, they had to think outside the box and quickly drained an underground (just covered up) canal. So as the bombs were dropping, they 'cleaned' up this canal and started shoving people in there at night--in the dark of course. It was muddy and cold and would have been so freaky with bombs dropping overhead.

Need a hand?

 I wonder how many rats live here?

Myself, I always thought of the blitz as the London blitz and never really thought about the rest of the country being affected by the Luftwaffe.
The tour guide was quite good, but I tend not to believe most of what guides say as it is usually quite sensationalized, but he did say 1000's of people died in the Manchester area during the blitz.

A room with a view please.

This is what is left of the postings of the rules. Here is a link to some from London's tube.

Click here to see the sleeping arrangements. That's close quarters.

So, I didn't get the chance to finish the pics from last week's walk around Salford and Castlefield. As promised:

Blast-er from the Past-er

One of these beauties was with me for a whole year. I can only dream of being together again.

Manny Cats!

I don't know what this cat's name is, but it is my favorite in all of Manny. If you want to pet it, just head down to Castelfield, find the Gladys Emily, and pet away (I've been back).



In honor of Nofx, his name is Fat Mike.

In other news, I joined a softball team and it is really fun. We practiced the last two weeks. It's kind of funny, but the practice is much harder than I ever have done in Canada. We run laps! It's softball for gosh sakes! It is held on the grounds of a cricket club. The funny bit is we run and practice for two hours each time, then proceed right to the pub in the cricket club for a pint or two. Quite convenient. I'm very happy to have joined up. Games start on Saturday.

Also, Jen and Jaryn arrived safe and sound on Monday, and we have already been having a stellar time. I'm sure there will be a lot of stories for next week.

OK peoples--keep it real.

CC

Spring?

Not much to say this week. It's been a bit of bummer week. Using my seer-like powers, I foretold this week was going to be a bit boring. Heather is really busy at work for the next two weeks and then we are off for a super vacation with J + J, so she has to work double hard and gets lots done. Me? I've just been going to the library and thinking of ways to spend my spring.

Any suggestions?

I really enjoy golf. You can play it with a group and it's great or just head out on your own and still have a grand time. It's not over-the -top physical, but still gets you outside. A golf course would also be the greenest place in Manny, as it is almost devoid of parks and trees. The only thing I really hate about it is the cost (and the elitism). I wanted to go golfing by Liverpool on the course that Tiger Woods won the 2006 British Open on, but it was too much. Surprisingly not blow-the-budget too much, but I thought the money could be spent on more appropriate things--like food.

I found this cheap course out in Chorlton, which is the hood we first lived in when we got here. I'm not too sure why it is significantly cheaper than all of the other courses in town---it's still like 89 years old and in great shape. Anyway, I called the night before to make a tee time. I was told I could just get on anytime after 12 and it would be no problem and they rented clubs. I rode the bus out there for an hour and bit, walked into the pro shop, and got a tee time no problem! The issue was not the course, rather they didn't rent any clubs! Jerks. On top of that, they asked why I didn't use my phone to google rentals, so I ended having my mobile phone insulted too. Jerks.

So, I'm quitting golf in Manny. At least for this week.

There was one benefit from this little adventure though...Manny Cats!

Why do they always run away from me? I called out "Peettter. Peetttter. Peeeettttteeer!" Nothing.

I'm quitting cats. At least for this week.

I was going to get this job at a new MEC-style camping/fishing store that opened up across the street from us. I kept checking the website for when they were going to start taking applications, as they had listed all of the other stores across the UK and had vacancies at almost all of them. Turns out, they don't use their own website for the initial hire and it's all full. Crapola. I did only want the job to get the discount on the fishing and camping gear and would have quit in two weeks, but still--Crapola.

I'm not going to get a job now. At least for this week.

As we spend more time here, we are meeting some of the goals we set out at the start of the year. I have come along way in my soup making (mmmm mint, spinach, and pea soup!) and we now have a local pub. We've only been there three times, but I think that it qualifies as our local because we haven't been to any other place more than twice. N'est pas? It's called The Castle and I like it. We did go early in the week and sat beside the stinkiest man I have ever smelt. I don't want to sound too mean (a little is ok right?), but this guy was s-t-a-n-k-y.

I'm not going to the Castle anymore. At least for this week.

Heather and I took a walk into Salford on Sunday and it was spring, spring, spring out. Salford is right beside Manny, separated by the lovely River Irwell.

Salford is a little rougher around the edges than Manny, but that just adds to it's urban charm---and we didn't get beat up which was really nice. We had a nice stroll through the town. Both of us are getting really quite good at looking in the right direction when we cross the street. Every once and a while I forget, but I've only been almost shmucked three times.

We went looking for the Salford Lads Club, but couldn't find it. I guess that's why people carry maps (or not the cheapest mobile phone you can buy). I would like to explore it more and get some chips and a sandwich.

We ended up walking quite a bit, taking the long-way-round to get back to Manny. We walked past Castlefield and the potato wharf and into my new favorite place in Manchester-- the dock beside the Gladys Emily. You'll see soon enough.

Castlefield is pretty cool. It's the place we thought we wanted to live back when we were here for a few days last May. It's got a lot of canals and railway trusses and bridges, but that's about it. There never seems to be any people around. Maybe they are just scared of being robbed and thrown into the canals. However, we did notice there are safety ladders everywhere.

______________________________________________________________________________

Update: So I've been working on this blog on and off for two days, and ran out of Internet again. Now I'm at home and can't burn all my data for the rest of the pictures. Bottom line--there is a freakin' cat that lives on that boat and he was very nice. I almost put him in our bag and took him home, but we had veggies in the bag already and it was full.

I'll post more photos from the walk next week.

Oh yeah! I just joined a softball team too. It's popular here--they have 9 teams! Sweet. I was actually getting antsy wanting to play. So that's my answer to springtime malaise--softball, it just won't be as much fun without my old team.

Until next time....CC