12th October 2017 On the 26th of August, we invited Paul and Louise, Jim and Brigitte, and Sean for a BBQ and to watch the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. I unveiled the quarter-pounder beef burgers I had made earlier in the day, and satisfyingly, they seemed to go down rather well. Unfortunately, our girls… Continue Reading

25th August 2017 During the build-up to Sarah and Lee’s wedding, the main concern was what the weather would do. The long-term forecast predicted that the week of the ceremony would be very damp, but it suggested that Wednesday might be the best day. And so it turned out to be. Monday and Tuesday saw… Continue Reading

13th August 2017 While Jamie was enjoying the sun and warmth of Tenerife with his friend Bill, back in the UK, we were treated to a typical British summer. A few promising days were scattered amid a miserable sequence of showers, cool temperatures, and wind. At least the garden and allotments appreciated the regular dousing,… Continue Reading

15th July 2017 We’ve had a very dry June, with only one day of worthwhile rain to give the garden and allotments a much-needed soak. Rainwater, rather than that from the tap,  always seems to give the vegetables a boost. There have been a few very hot days, and on those occasions, Charlotte brought the… Continue Reading

7th June 2017 After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we finished packing our bags and decided to take a wander outside the hotel before check-out at 10 am. In hindsight, this may have been a mistake, as Cusco is brimming with markets selling all kinds of goods, mainly catering to tourists in the centre of the… Continue Reading

6th June 2017 Our hotel is located on Avenida El Sol, a long, wide, and bustling road lined with a mix of local and tourist shops. It stretches to the heart of the city, ending at the historic Plaza de Armas. With no fixed plans for the day, we perused the city map over breakfast… Continue Reading

5th June 2017 The Incas have not disappeared; they are still very much alive, particularly in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Their presence is most notable in the town of Ollantaytambo, which was the focus of today’s tour. After breakfast, our group gathered in the foyer and set off for the day’s adventure at 8:00 am. Our… Continue Reading

4th June 2017 Today began with yet another early start, but we knew it would be well worth the effort. We were on our way to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We were at breakfast before 5 a.m., and our coach to the train station departed promptly at 5:40 a.m.… Continue Reading

3rd June 2017 The alarm was set for 4:45 am, but like the rest of our group, we were awake by 3 am. Sleeping at altitude is not easy, breathing feels laboured, and the air is so dry that you find yourself needing regular drinks. We’ve partially acclimatised, as the headaches and random feelings of… Continue Reading

2nd June 2017 The altitude of 4,000 metres has undoubtedly taken its toll on both us and our fellow travellers. At its mildest, the symptoms include a constant dull or throbbing headache, a lack of appetite, and occasional nausea. Any physical activity results in breathlessness and overwhelming fatigue. While we’ve managed to alleviate our headaches… Continue Reading