Well, we're finally back. It's been almost six weeks since we started our vacation. It was a fabulous trip, visiting beautiful locations in the UK, France and Spain while spending time with many wonderful folk along the way. While it was a terrific spring break, I must say we're happy to be back and settling into our regular routine - and for me to getting reacquainted my hobby desk.
It would be churlish of me not to share a few photos of our adventures so here are some selected snaps of our time abroad.
First up is our stay in the UK, enjoying the generous hospitality of Sidney Roundwood and venturing to Newark to see the National Civil War Centre and taking in the Partizan wargames show.
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| Sidney Roundwood (of the famed 'Roundwood's World') as a Roundhead at the National Civil War Centre, Newark |
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| Perry twins and Alessio Cavatore playing Bolt Action at Partizan |
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| The curtain wall of Herford Castle - Elizabeth I stayed at the castle during her youth. |
Next was a few days in Paris to catch up with friends and take in a few exhibitions.
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| 1936 Popular Front photographic exhibit at the Hotel de Ville, Paris |
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| Rene Magritte's interpretation of Napoleon's death mask, at Les Invalides, Paris. |
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| Memorial to Marshal Ney near to where he was executed at the Luxembourg Gardens, Paris. |
Then we set up camp near Avignon in the south of France for a few weeks, enjoying the weather, the food, drink and beautiful attractions of the region.
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| Entrance to the Papal Palace at Avignon, France. |
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| Roman triumphal arch at Orange, France. |
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| Roman gladatorial arena at Nimes, France. Amazing. |
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| Me with original examples of 16th C 'handbuchse' siege muskets at the Musee de L'Emperi, Salon de Provence. |
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| Captured Austrian colours at Musee de L'Emperi, Salone de Provence |
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| Marshal Davout's dress uniform, bicorne and baton at the Musee de L'Emperi. (Yeah, whoa... I think I may have pee'd a little when I saw this.) |
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| Jaimie, Sarah, Alice, Phil (aka 'Phillion' of 'Diary of a Gaming Magpie) and myself enjoying lunch in Villeneuve-les-Avignon |
After Avignon we headed off to Malaga for a week to bask in the Andalusian sun and see the sights.
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| Alcazaba, the 11th century Moorish citadel in Malaga, Spain |
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| 'Paseo de Canadienses' honouring the humanitarian efforts of Dr. Norman Bethune who aided the civilians of Malaga during their horrific pursuit from the city, February 1937. |
Our final week was spent in Madrid. Here we enjoyed the local tapas, churros con chocolate and cerveza. I also met up with Benito (Anibal Invicus) and Alf (Barrage Miniatures) who were fabulous hosts. I even managed to take in a game with the guys at Club Dragon which was very impressive.
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| Alberto, Julio, Juanjo and Benito playing 'Sharp Practice' at Club Dragon, Madrid. |
The above photos only scratch the surface of the mischief we got into, but it gives you a hint of the fun we had. Tomorrow I'll be back to work, well-rested and ready for a another stretch in the trenches, which I guess is what vacations are all about. It also means that I'll be getting back to my hobby desk, so I hope to be able to mark some progress on my various projects in the coming weeks. See you soon!
Looks, like a fantastic time. Hope there is a matching set of photos that Sarah likes.
ReplyDeleteActually Sarah is a bit of a history geek so she was pretty much on-board with all of the above silliness.
DeleteI'm glad that you and Lady Sarah had a great trip - it was lovely to catch up with you both at Partizan :)
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else thinking that perhaps we should change Sidney's surname to "Roundhead"? ;)
Blast, you beat me to the Roundhead gag!
DeleteThanks Tamsin, it was a wonderful time and it was brilliant being able to link-up with you again.
DeleteBrilliant to see you've had a real good time over here in the Old World you've deserved it! Meanwhile I am halfway through "House of Chains" and thus a new obsession, all your fault!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sander! Oh, you're undertaken the Erikson journey - well done, you won't regret it. Epic stuff.
DeleteOh yes, it's a really enticing read all through! You know I truly think this is a series of books that's so grand and intricate of scope that it cannot be transferred to the television screen like GoT without the loss of a lot of essential parts. Anyway thanks for helping me gain a new obsession...
DeleteThere are no words to describe me levels of jealousy at this point mate. Looks like an absolute cracker of a trip. Glad you both enjoyed yourselves...
ReplyDeleteThanks Millsy, it was a fantastic time to be sure. Now we need to organize something for Australia and New Zealand...
DeleteTerrific looking holiday and 6 weeks!
ReplyDeleteThanks John. Yeah, it was a bit long but we still loved it.
DeleteLooks like you had a superb vacation Curt!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks Christopher. It was a great break to be sure.
DeleteLooks like it was an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt was an excellent time away, thanks Tim!
DeleteLooks a cracking break Curt.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I see you and Mrs. D had a great time in France as well. Did you avoid the nasty wet weather?
DeleteSounds like you had an amazing European tour Curt! Seems like you managed to squeeze in quite a bit of hobby activity along the way as well :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it was great geek-vacation. Thank goodness that I have a very indulgent partner!
DeleteClansman, we had a wonderful time seeing you in Paris, despite the nimble-fingered French Fagan who nicked my wallet! Glad the journey was fun. Those siege muskets are remarkable!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was excellent being able to meet-up with you and Gina in Paris. Too bad about the Artful Dodger in the metro but take heart that you unwillingly contributed to the French economy. ;/ Most of all congratulations on your engagement! We look forward to seeing you both later this year.
DeleteTrue, "large amounts don't grow on trees..." best, D.
ReplyDelete...but perhaps on good-natured Canadians... ;P
DeleteThis looks as a wonderful holidays trip. Really impressive! Sadly, we were unable to meet ourselves; I think youd didn´t receive my mail (this is fixed in my "out" box...).
ReplyDeletethanks Juan. It was too bad we couldn't meet-up but we'll make sure to connect the next time we're in Spain.
Deletethanks Juan. It was too bad we couldn't meet-up but we'll make sure to connect the next time we're in Spain.
DeleteNow that is holidaying sir!
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog. I hope you enjoyed your time in Europe and here in the UK! Getting to play a game of Bolt Action with the Perry Brothers AND Alessio Cavatore... I must say even I'm quite jealous.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, keep it up!
Welcome back dude! Glad you guys had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteI'm green with envy Curt! This certainly was a vacation full of highlights.
ReplyDeleteOne time when you come over the big puddle I will/shall make strenuous efforts to meet you.
ReplyDeleteLooks a cracking hol and well worth undertaking.
Glad you're back, well and have your hounds company once again. Looks like your trip finished up wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteSounds like another splendid trip to good ol' Europe. But most important great to hear that you went back home safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words everyone - I hope to be back to normal programming soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip - and might I say how much I admire your sartorial style?
ReplyDeleteThanks Dux, we pack very light when we travel so I think I wore variations of the same outfit for weeks on end. Thanks goodness for onsite laundry!
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