A web site dedicated to Tom Harrington's family containing news, gossip and tales of the unexpected. Fun for all.
If everone adds a few lines of news and information - others will look at this site and it will spiral into a web log of the Harringtons!
It is so easy to add comments even I can do it.
Tom
|
|
What time is it there?
Tom's Training Routine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click for Bigger version
[AD]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Here are a few more pictures - I may add some new ones of Nora when I get round to it. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Thursday, October 07, 2004
erin_cully.JPG
posted by Michael on 10/07/2004 01:57:00 PM
Friday, October 01, 2004
Sean at school
posted by Michael on 10/01/2004 02:33:00 PM
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Some movies of Sean from BBC (Bath Broadcasting Corporation), these are big files so be patient when downloading
Sean interview 1
Sean interview 2
Sean interview 3
Sean interview 4
posted by Michael on 9/29/2004 11:26:00 AM
Monday, September 27, 2004
Franks Birthday Party
posted by Michael on 9/27/2004 07:28:00 PM
Saturday, September 25, 2004
posted by Michael on 9/25/2004 10:10:00 PM
posted by Michael on 9/25/2004 10:06:00 PM
Friday, September 10, 2004
Sunnyside
Victoria
Please can I have your permission to publish this album on the net? You can then send a copy to your sisters and Glynn and Sue. Just click the link above
I have not asked Brian as he is a kill joy
Welcome to the world of the internet
love
Michael
posted by Michael on 9/10/2004 02:21:00 PM
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Have a look at some interviews with Conor from BBC (Bath Broadcasting Corporation)
Conor interview 1
Conor interview 2
Conor interview 3
posted by Michael on 9/04/2004 03:40:00 PM
local information for local people weather
posted by Michael on 9/04/2004 08:24:00 AM
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Siobhan - has Kildea got her music CD yet?
What is her favourite song?
we are sponsors of this Play
posted by Michael on 9/02/2004 11:31:00 PM
Friday, August 27, 2004
famous Harringtons
The boys Music
Siobhan, Jack, Philip,
You should all have or soon have your CD consisting of a compilation of the music I know the boys already like or will like. This was for them to listen to on holiday in France.
I have tested the CD on all four of them as we drove to and from Lightwater Valley.
Playing this stops all arguing and has them singing along and shouting. They loved the CD and have been playing it on the journey to and around France as I write. You have to guess which songs they shouted AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN and which they sang along to. The topic that generated the most discussion was what did the little brother have on his hand?
Have fun
Michael
posted by Michael on 8/27/2004 01:32:00 PM
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
This is Philip and his adventures of being a teacher in the UK
The book of the week is by an English teacher just like Phil so have a listen and see what it was like for him in Bradford
Listen here
You will have to be quick as it will be gone from the web site next week!
posted by Michael on 8/24/2004 09:51:00 PM
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
These are some pictures of a nice mountain biking day out last Saturday for all to see especially Brian as well as he had to cancel at the last minute due to having 4 kids, 2 dogs, one horse and Victoria.
All pictures taken by Dean on his mobile Phone! Very Impressive
Look here
posted by Michael on 8/17/2004 04:17:00 PM
Happy Birthday Philip
I have sent the box of your papers to you on Monday by DHL which contains your card and your birtday present from me and Jules was to tidy up and cut the Ivy on the back wall and on the front of the house.
I hope you appreciate it!
I will ring you soon if possible. Let me know when you get your two boxes of papers and stuff.
ring me some weekend so we can set up your web camera - first register here and let me know your user name http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com/
you have to download a program and you will be able to send instant messages to all of us who are online anywhere in the world - (my name is michaelxharrington)
love
Michael
posted by Michael on 8/17/2004 03:14:00 PM
Hello every one
This is Joe I’m at Michaels and I’m having a great time on holiday. So far I’ve been to light water valley, been on a tennis trip and seen 5 new films at the cinemas. I’m going on holiday to France in2 day’s and I can’t wait were bringing Megan and Elin with us.
I’ve already got my uniform for Hecky grammar school; it’s about twice my size and I can hardly walk in them.
FILM REVIEW:
BOURNE SUPREMECY: 9/10
SPIDERMAN 2:6/10
SHREK 2:9/10
KING ARTUR: 10/10
I ROBOT: 10/10
hAPPY bIRTHDAY uNCLE pHILIP
Happy birthday Kildea I’m really looking forward to seeing you on the webcam and speaking about web cams Phil when are you going to put yours up, you better have it ready by the time I get back from holiday.
lot's of love
Joe xxxxx
P.S: GEORGE BUSH IS GOING DOWN.
posted by Michael on 8/17/2004 03:04:00 PM
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Siobhan
what do you want siobhan@healdshall.co.uk, shiv@healdshall.co.uk ,s@healdshall.co.uk ??
Will you use it?
posted by Michael on 8/04/2004 10:59:00 PM
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
You can now read your email on the internet - anywhere in the world!!
Remember this address - I will add it on blogger so you can see it there but you also have to know your password
Mum and Dad can now read their emails when on golfing holidays or staying with Shiv
Jack and Annmarie can read their eamails at work
http://webmail.healdshall.co.uk/horde/
enter your user name - here are some reminders-
user: tom
password: L
username: Jack
password: w
(the above get the emails for annmarie also)
let me know if you have any problems
M
posted by Michael on 8/03/2004 07:59:00 PM
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Shiv, Mum and Dad
this is a much better web site to see where you are going
it looks great!
powhatan plantation
M
posted by Michael on 7/28/2004 11:35:00 PM
Monday, July 12, 2004
You have got to read this
Dr Dolittle aka Carin in the news
posted by Michael on 7/12/2004 08:27:00 AM
Road to Everest
Michaels trip to Tibet and Nepal stopping at Everest on the way
I have been back a few days now and am relaxing at Phil’s in Beijing for a few weeks. Here is a small sample of the pictures from amongst the 300+ I have of my adventure (those I mange to catch will receive the benefit of the FULL slide show)
I had a fantastic time and managed to struggle up all the mountain passes and complete each days journey without resorting to the support land cruisers. I was the only one who managed without any drugs at all! The only altitude sickness I felt was difficulty in sleeping for a few nights when up high. I was lucky – the rest got headaches and one had to be sent home.
The month long trip was an adventure of a life time which I would recommend to all. There is pain and hardship but you decide how far to push it - but this is all part of the experience. The discomfort of riding up a mountain pass for 4 hours is easily surpassed by a tremendous high you get flying down a beautiful eye catching valleys on the other side.
I now feel fitter and healthier than I have for many years.
All the best to you
Enjoy
Michael
posted by Michael on 7/12/2004 12:56:00 AM
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Hi All
I am safely in Katmandu now having a great time is this crazy but very enjoyable city. We arrived in the North of Nepal on the 2nd of July and have been relaxing in a pleasant mountain retreat luxury campsite called borderlands - lovely!
"Borderlands
-------------
Borderlands is a mere three hours north of Kathmandu, just south of the Tibetan border. Built on beautifully sculpted, sprawling terraces alongside the powerful Bhote Kosi River, sits this enchanting hideaway. Whether you choose to relax, integrate yourself into the natural surroundings, or gear up for high adventure, the centre will sooth your soul. From here we offer canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and exclusive trekking routes not found in any guidebook. Thatched safari-style tents, clean mountain air and tantalizing meals complement the peaceful atmosphere of this riverside resort.
"
and then on to Katmandu 2 days ago to sightsee and recover
I have had a fantastic time managed to cycle every pass and wind swept valley not getting into the Van of shame once – the only one in the group to do this! This is due to all the biking practice I managed to get (thanks Shiv and Jack)
I went to the airport this morning to catch out flight only to see it get cancelled as the weather over Tibet was too bad! I am fine with this as it gives me another day here. There is no telling what will happen tomorrow! But here in Nepal you just have to be calm, relaxed , flexible and cool – just like me
Off now for Pizza lunch and then to the monkey temple to tease the monkeys!
So I will update blog when I get back to Beijing
Love
Michael
posted by Michael on 7/06/2004 06:12:00 AM
Hi All
I am safely in Katmandu now having a great time is this crazy but very enjoyable city. We arrived in the North of Nepal on the 2nd of July and have been relaxing in a pleasant mountain retreat luxury campsite called borderlands - lovely!
"Borderlands
-------------
Borderlands is a mere three hours north of Kathmandu, just south of the Tibetan border. Built on beautifully sculpted, sprawling terraces alongside the powerful Bhote Kosi River, sits this enchanting hideaway. Whether you choose to relax, integrate yourself into the natural surroundings, or gear up for high adventure, the centre will sooth your soul. From here we offer canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and exclusive trekking routes not found in any guidebook. Thatched safari-style tents, clean mountain air and tantalizing meals complement the peaceful atmosphere of this riverside resort.
"
and then on to Katmandu 2 days ago to sightsee and recover
I have had a fantastic time managed to cycle every pass and wind swept valley not getting into the Van of shame once – the only one in the group to do this! This is due to all the biking practice I managed to get (thanks Shiv and Jack)
I went to the airport this morning to catch out flight only to see it get cancelled as the weather over Tibet was too bad! I am fine with this as it gives me another day here. There is no telling what will happen tomorrow! But here in Nepal you just have to be calm, relaxed , flexible and cool – just like me
Off now for Pizza lunch and then to the monkey temple to tease the monkeys!
So I will update blog when I get back to Beijing
Love
Michael
posted by Michael on 7/06/2004 06:12:00 AM
Thursday, June 03, 2004
More pictures of Virginia
posted by Michael on 6/03/2004 02:43:00 AM
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Siobhan
He made you do it - did he ?????????
the face never lies!
posted by Anonymous on 6/01/2004 08:25:00 PM
Landed safely. Thanks shiv and tom for a fantastic time. Michael
posted by Michael on 6/01/2004 05:44:00 AM
Monday, May 31, 2004
I have had a fantastic time in Roundhill - many thanks to Tom, Siobhan, Mum and Dad , Jack and Annmarie and Rizwana for making this all possible.
It’s like living on a heath farm - with country roads to bike and jog, hot sunny weather to tempt you outside and rivers and hills to explore, wildlife galore to investigate, top quality local gyms and outdoor swimming pools to splash around in.
Excellent hosts who wine and dine you and Kildea to entertain you
well worth a visit!
This is a link to the _blank">Town of Round Hill
the local festival on Friday had a pie eating contest!
followed by box car derby car racing - the boys would love it
posted by Michael on 5/31/2004 12:31:00 PM
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Michael, as you're having such a great time, why don't you extend your trip - at least until your curls grow back!
Otherwise, love the pix
lots of love to y'all
Rizwana x
posted by Anonymous on 5/25/2004 05:01:00 PM
Mum and Michael pictures
There have not been many bloggers in the last few weeks so this will make up for it – have a look at these pictures
I know there are a lots but you should have a look at all as there are a few surprises!
Love
Michael
PS
For those of you who have the time
This is the album from out vist to the US last year
posted by Michael on 5/25/2004 02:40:00 PM
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Michael, Tom and Siobhan in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!
this is what we sing togeather around the camp fire at night.
Download the song on MP3
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
On a mountain in Virginia, stands a lonesome pine.
Just below is the cabin home of a little girl of mine.
Her name is June and very, very soon, she'll belong to me.
For I know she's waiting there for me, 'Neath that lone pine tree.
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia,
On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine.
In the pale moonshine, our hearts entwine,
Where she carved her name and I carved mine,
Oh June, like the mountains I'm blue.
Like the pine, I am lonesome for you.
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia,
On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine
posted by Michael on 5/20/2004 01:55:00 AM
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Happy Birthday Siobhan
will be with you soon now to give you your birthday present -ME
There is not much between us now
lots of love you
Michael
posted by Michael on 5/12/2004 07:41:00 AM
Monday, May 10, 2004
Siobhan
departure from the US after learing some new torture techniques will be 17.50 but we will have to be there 2 hours before¬
posted by Michael on 5/10/2004 06:45:00 PM
Thanks Shivy babes - I will look after Kildea and educate her.
The fight details are
departure
Weds 12 May flight 701 with British Midland BD701 departing 12.45 arrive 15.35
Return
Mum
Weds 19th May BD702 arrive manchester 05.55
Me
Monday 31st May BD702 arrive manchester 05.55
you can see our arrivals on this link
http://www.manairport.co.uk/app/ArrivalsDepartures
If anyone puts a link on here use the link option on the page - a small globe - just hover over it and you will see the help text appear saying "insert link" just past your link in and every one can see it by just clicking instead of copying and pasting - remember what Dad says - Keep It Simple!
posted by Michael on 5/10/2004 12:03:00 PM
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
We are back in the uk . Shiv sounds good to go to W with u. Pros calling me mikey! Stuck in jam on m62 now
posted by Michael on 5/04/2004 05:29:00 PM
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Update- sat in the sun outside fanny odeas after 3 hours cycle ride to bettys and marias visiting. M&D are at lahinch golfing. Guinness is delicious!
posted by Michael on 4/28/2004 04:03:00 PM
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
We are on the boat now just set of for dublin. Mum has eaten her HH made picnic and we r reading the papers and arguing. More news about the guinness to come.
posted by Michael on 4/27/2004 09:19:00 AM
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Thanks Tom -
And thanks for all your advice and support on my eBay business! I think you should be aware that any profits I make are going towards your birthday present - when is it by the way?
Which necklace are you after? Why do you not bid for it as this will then be a realistic market led honest bid! And give me some good feedback! Send me the link of the one - you can purchase as many as you like and get free delivery to the US.
Have a look at all on sale - you have lots of ladies in your life who you can give such a gift to - so leave Siobhan out of if as I am trying to convince the rest of the family how much she would like pearls for her birthday!
The BBC interview has wound you up but maybe the interviewer was playing devils advocate - this happens on Radio 4 here every morning - who ever is being interviewed the presenter always takes the opposite point of view sometimes taking the extreme case - it could be just the interviewers job to give the Israeli bloke a hard time!
Shiv
We are planning a party at HH on Monday 30th August - but we realise all the family cannot make it but its only a party - Brian is in Ireland also. Its all at short notice please do not feel left out. We are off after to China for a holiday to see Phil, Carin and Rizwana's brother.
I am looking forward to my vist to see all of you
lots of love
Michael
posted by Michael on 4/22/2004 09:19:00 PM
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Phil and Carin
I have been unable to ring you - out on Tuesday , cycling in the pennines with Jack today and am off to a funeral tomorrow but as Siobhan has done the deed - Rizwana and I are officially engaged now! we will be having a party at the end of August and then coming to see you and Carin immediately ! - if that is OK with you and you new job etc...
Rizwana has not been able to catch up with all her siblings yet to break the news and they do not have blogger yet
Any chance you can tell Abid for us the next time you see him!
I will ring you soon
Michael
posted by Michael on 4/21/2004 07:48:00 PM
Friday, April 09, 2004
Tom
You didn't write a letter but they nearly banned dihydrogen monoxide (= H20 = water) in California - I knew what it was and so did Jo but not it seems the trainee legislater in LA!
I want soya milk to go with my fruit contaminated breakfast of Champions cereal which I will bringing over in an attempt to to keep myself away from the dangerous diners!
Here are some pics to look at
Skiing in France
that's all for now as I have to go on a gruelling run!
Michael
posted by Michael on 4/09/2004 10:35:00 AM
Monday, March 29, 2004
http://www.dhmo.org
Tom
Thanks for all the arrangements you are making for our stay! But please can you get rid of all the dihydrogen monoxide!
Look what is happening in your country! I see California was about to ban this but at the last minute changed their mine as some people complained. There was far too much dihydrogen monoxide in Purceville when I was there - can you write a letter to the local housing association to get it outlawed?
Also can you get soya milk in Virginia?
Michael
posted by Michael on 3/29/2004 10:31:00 PM
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Siobhan and Tom
Guess who is coming to dinner?
May 12 2004
Mum and Me are coming to help you celebrate your birthday! Mum will be staying for a week but I will stay until 31st May! So you and Tom will have to get plenty of nights out on the Town (Round hill) as you will have an experienced baby sitter (with plenty of references available) at short notice.
We will need 24 hour access to the internet, so get a number I can ring when Tom is at work, a working mountain bike, the weights and bench out of storage, plenty of CD's, 6 cans of beer (root) - the good quality stuff this time, fresh vegetables,soya milk and some good books to read. I am planning to go cycling on a Mountain bike around Tibet for a month on June 14th ending up at the Everest base camp so I will be using Round Hill as a training camp in the isolated Mountains of Virgina to get away from all the distractions of the UK and concentrate on getting in super shape , in much the same way as Ali trained or Rocky did in Russia! I have to get fit so I can keep up with the others who are cycling 40-50 miles a day.
let me know if this is OK - by email or text message !
I am on my way down london now for the weekend and back at work for one or two days next week.
soon see you sooner than think
lots of love
Michael
posted by Michael on 3/27/2004 02:26:00 PM
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Culi and his teachers
Hi there again bloggers, I am back safely ensconced in Phil’s house after returning on Wednesday from my travels to the East. I had a great time but I am glad to be back to the reassuring Harrington comforts of home. I have been out sight seeing in Beijing, meeting up with Phil for tea after work, out with Rizwana’s brother Abid for a night where he took me to a nice restaurant and some small traditional cafes which reminded me of Ireland with the open fires! On Friday I spend the day at the Zoo with Carin videoing her at work and then Culi and Erin joined us for a walk around the zoo in the afternoon. Great fun. Friday night Abid came over to visit and has promised to return Monday afternoon to cook us all a traditional curry! Who needs Bradford?
Today I spent with Phil and the kids taking them to a fun fair in town where they had a fantastic on loads of rides followed by a Chinese meal at a nice westerner friendly place . Carin is at work in the hospital today so she can just watch the video I took today to see what an exciting time we had.
Tomorrow Phil, I and 10 others are doing a long trek along the Great Wall to prepare some of the group for the Beijing Great Wall Marathon and the others for their mountain bike trip through Tibet to Everest base camp. So off to bed now to get a decent nights rest.
Back home Tuesday
M
posted by Michael on 3/13/2004 03:30:00 PM
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Happy Birthday Rizwana
Monday 8th March
Have a great birthday Rizwana
I am sorry I cannot be there to help you celebrate but I will make up for it when I return!
I have had a great day cycling around the village I am at, over rivers and into the back of beyond. The scenery is breathtaking when you get out in to the hill – not hills in the normal sense but 100’of 1000’s of limestone hillocks plunging directly out of the floor each side of the river flowing down this valley – 100’s of meters high and covered in greenery trees and bushes and bare face rock escarpment. I climbed to the top of one today on the middle of the bike ride to get a view from the top where other climbers where abseiling down – with the misty cloudy mist covering the hill as they disappeared in to the skyline like hundreds of finger reaching to the sky – it was Lord of the Rings ish..
We had food in a cafe in a little farmers village a few miles away and I took a picture of a Dog Restaurant – with a nice picture of a big dog out side! Not the one we ate at I hasten to add! I will show this to the boys on my return.
I am off on a tour of the country side tomorrow and then probably catching a 24 hour train back to Beijing for Tuesday night.
Have a great birthday
Lots of Love
Michael
posted by Michael on 3/07/2004 10:45:00 AM
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Dad
Why do you want a digital camera? It will take a few steps to use it but I know you can master it. Why do you not borrow mine for a while and see how it goes ? If you get some use out of it and then we can buy a flash little number for you?
You can store loads of pictures on your PC – but first you were to get a new PC – save up 600 quid – Phil has packed on the beer for lent so you could learn a lesson from him
search digitial cameras on google and see what is out there
M
posted by Michael on 3/06/2004 08:43:00 AM
I am fine - had a great trip to see some of the most beatiful river trip in China- so much so on of the view of the limestone hills we saw has been printed on the back of the 20 Yuan note - have a look phil - we looked at then note and then the view- exactly the same. We saw a few Cormorant fishermen m- U know where the birds are trained to fish and bring them back to the fisher man, I have been amazed when watching documentaries about this but to actually see them for real. The cormorants are trained as pets from young., They a have rings around their necks to prevent them from swallowing the big fish instead returning them to the fisher man for a reward of a smaller easier to swallow fish. See here
I am traveling with a English Chap and his Chinese girlfriend who I met on the train from Kunimning to Guilin as it is easer to book hotel rooms, trips, etc when there are 3 of us. And as she is Chinese she does the bartering. They are both a good laugh.
We will go bike riding tomorrow to see a bit more of the countryside around here. It’s a lovely place but is nothing like the proper china as there are lots of English speakers in the stalls, cafes etc and the main drag or western street as it is know is very contental in appearance with table and people out side.
I am going to spend a few days here and then go to back to Beijing to help Carin and see Abid (Rizwana’s brother). I am not going to the main attraction which I want to see = Xian which has lots of things to see plus the Terracotta Soldiers as I will save this for when Rizwana can come out here. And bring her here (Yang Shuo) on the way as it is something she would love.
OK folks back to the grindstone for the rest of you - its early evening now and I am of for a walk around town before a traditional Chinese vegetarian meal.
posted by Michael on 3/06/2004 08:38:00 AM
Friday, March 05, 2004
Phil
I am not sure - Monday or Tuesday next week. Does it matter? If there is a good reason to get back then let me know. I am in now Yang Shuo which small place south of Guilin - and it is so unlike China. More like a tourist resorts in a southern European country. Full of hotel, shopping and food stalls and lots of Chinese. I have just arrived here tonight with uk bloke and his Chinese girlfriend and am going to travel with them for a few days.
I am off on boat trip tomorrow down the local river through limestone mountains scenery - more updates tomorrow if I survive the boat ride as the boat are rumored to be vastly over loaded to make as much money as possible from poor unsuspecting tourist!
Bye for now
M
ps
?@?@Yangshuo:with a history of 1400 years,is 65 Kms southeast of Guilin city.A
?@Chinese poem says"The scenery of guilin is the most brilliant in the world;while the
?@scenery of yangshuo is matchless in Guilin" American President Bill Cliton was
?@marveled at the fantasy of the landscape when he visited Yangshuo in July 1998.In
?@recent years.the number of dometic and foreign tourists to Yangshuo has reached
?@1,400,000.Sincerely,we welcome you to Yangshuo a fairyland on the earth!
?@?@?@The West Street :The unique"Foreigners' Street"is where tourists from home
?@and abord gather.There're over 300 cafes,restaurants,hotels art crafts and tourist
?@stores,foreign language clubs,internet centers and Kufu schools.It's an ideal place to
?@eat,live,travel,do shopping,enterain and study.Also it has a good environment for
?@communication and is regarded as a paradise for tourists.
posted by Michael on 3/05/2004 04:00:00 PM
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Its another sunny day here in Lijiang. I am just waiting for my but at 10 so I have stopped to play on the internet next door to my hotel. I have just had breakfast of fluffy bread and some spicy chili mixture on top of it. Very nice and to follow a big bowel of water porridge to set me up for the day of traveling ahead. I am of to Dali at 10 am after I have drank my hot chocolate here in the internet café. I have just had a massive breakfast in a Chinese café for about 12 pence and am now in a foreigner café having a hot chocolate which will cost 3 times as much! It pays to do things the Chinese way! If I was not a vegetarian it would be not problem at all – Jack and Tom could plod them selves down anywhere and point and eat! If it taste nice is all they need to know. But once I find some one that can speak English in café etc. I ply them with all the questions I have been storing up. But Yesterday I was stuck on the mountain side not knowing how to get to the horse riding stables so I rang Phils on the mobile he gave me and asked his Iyee to tell the taxi driver where I wanted to go! Easy when you make use of the technology. But Victoria will not be amused as she did not have such as easy get out and had to learn the language!
Bye for a while now as I am off traveling overland for few days
pic of dali - next for me
posted by Michael on 3/03/2004 01:25:00 AM
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Hello Siobhan and Rizwana – is anyone else out there? - I am not only writing about my adventures up the viewing figures and put some classy stuff on here
Shiv –sorry about the number- I must have been too stressed out thinking about what to do next – cycle into the mountain behind the village or go horse trecking 1? I could not reach decision so I have done both. Cycled yesterday and went horse trecking today
Rizwana –I would love to come home soon but Philp’s second Iyee has had to take a week off and he has been telling me how much he is struggling with only the one maid so I have agreed to help them out when I get back to Beijing. And I have to go and see your brother Abid. In fact he want to come over to Phils and cook us all a good Paksitani curry!
I know you will all be wondering how I am getting on – but the main thing it to let you know is I am now staying in a nice courtyard guest house in a room with TV and wait for it - en suite facilities! Its great here in the off peak season – as soon as one B&B finds out what you are paying they offer to under cut it! On my first day I popped into a few guest houses and must have agreed to stay at 4 of them the following day as they each made me a better offer. I am paying 3 quid a night now for a decent if still cold in the middle of the night room. But I am happy there and the staff speak good English!.
Just a quick update on what I have been upto: I cycled all over the hillside yesterday, visiting villages and seeing some temples and other made for tourist sights – but best of all was getting out to see some of the old village life – amazing architecture and agricultural way of life.
Old people working in the paddy fields, farm animals dotted all over the place with only a few seeming to be tied up. I rode through all this with a good number of “HELLO” calls to me. They are all friendly and I answer them back to their amusement I rode up hill on the hired mountain bike –up and up stopping for a drink every now and then trying to re create what it was like for Phil on his Tibet cycle trip. I had snow covered mountains to one side and hills to the other as I wound slowly up the valley.
There is another cycle trip to Everest and Tibet this June if anyone is interested? 22 days of this though would kill me! I cycled on and up and set myself a limit of stopping at 4 as I had to get back before it got dark but this did not worry me as the Chinese ride bikes in the dark without lights! I stopped at 3.50am as I was half riding and half pushing the bike . After 6 hours riding up it was then Wheeeeeee all the way down , I free wheeled most of the way back in 2 hours.-
After a hot bath and some food I still felt exhausted to went to bed! But I have now a red face and red hands – sun burnt in the South of China!
Today I have been upto the mountains by bus and then horse trecked for a few hours up through an ancient forest. It was fantastic but I was linked to me guide my a rope in case I went off the path. Once he saw I knew how to handle a horse it took me on a few gallops when we got to the less dangerous precipice pathways. exhilarating stuff that you all would have enjoyed.
I am heading East tomorrow – Dali and then Guilin on some long train and bus journeys
Jack/Mum/Dad please -make sure the boys, Brian, Victoria and , Annmarie know this here for them too as I cant send them post cards
The food here is good – all very spicy
Once you get the hang of what is meat and what is not. I ate in a local market street outside café for locals only this afternoon., It was nice and warm . Here is the cheapest and lowliest eating establishment but you could see how and what they had as they cooked it on a make shift stove in front of you. It was all very spicy., I had dofu and toffu of various types, fried and covered in Chili powder and some potatoes also covered with some spicy paste - hot stuff but yummy!
This was very nice and cost a fraction of what I would have paid for in some tourist restaurant in the old town, And a new and strange eating experience. A young kid of about 4 came over to us on our table with a bowel – I assumed he was begging for money but no it was for food! I Odered I stick of Toffu for him and he went off to share it – he did not seem very happy though. Then again maybe they don’t show emotion as we would expect. I saw a traditional Naxi conert lasts night – fantastic music from an orchestra of moslty old men of a type of music that has died out everywhere else in China except here.
The music was fine but a glummer set of people I have never seem before – they all had sad looks on their faces whilst paying and waiting. I wonder why! But I will never discover why.
. The more I am here the easier it becomes as you learn tricks and pick up what they hell is going on.
. Night night
love
From the man with his pulse on the Ways of the East
posted by Michael on 3/02/2004 01:54:00 PM
Monday, March 01, 2004
Hi Ya Siobhan!!!!
I tried to call U 2 (having spent ages working out the time differences - am used to Michael's time) but not successful as Michael left me a marathon of numbers!!!
I would really like to catch up with you and eagerly await photos of Kildea (I miss eve's dropping your regular updates with Michael).
My mobile no: +447968 442 619, if you're able to tex me when your free to talk, we can arrange to use the landline or I can call you or you can email rizwana@ic24.net.
incidentally, what is your current email address? I think I have about 5 under your name now!
Lots of Love and hugs, Rizwana xXx
PS. Michael, isn't it nearly time for you to come home now!
posted by Anonymous on 3/01/2004 04:33:00 PM
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Ok it?s only me again ? in the back of beyond. I am in Lijiang and it is truly amazing. A 12th centuary city enclosed in a modern 20th centuary city. I have found a caf? which has internet access so I stopped to rest my legs and have a coffee and a type. I have been walking and walking since 10 am ? till now 7 pm ? with a few stops for a Chinese tea and a restful appreciation of the views
.
I do not have all your email addresses on me as I am traveling light so you bloggers will have to pass the news on verbally to anyone who is interested.
I am having a great time doing some real traveling and looking at new and wonderful sights. Living by the seat of my panes and learning from my mistakes. I should have taken the offer of a family run guest house last night at the bus station instead of trecking and getting lost looking ofr the number one traditional Naxi recommendation guest house in Phils lonely planet. When I eventually got there it was not as expected. V clean but a sparse room, cold, and the most fun of all communal showers and squatter toilets ? once I had accepted it then I had no problem ? it sounds bad but after after a world record short dump and a wonderful hot shower I felt great! And had no problem with this traditional Chinese way of doing things
I arrived last night (Saturday) from Kunming after a 10 hour bus ride which the first 4 where like being on a bucking bronco ? they bus was a reasonable modern affair but the road out of Kunming to the north was being rebuilt from an B road to a motorway of sorts. But for some reason the Chinese logic of doing road construction they have not completed a section then moved on ? they stripped the road surface of the whole length and are working on bits of it all along the route. This remnants of a road is fought over by vehicles going both ways and the uneven surface through me around in my seat and up in the air numerous times. We eventually got out of the district governed by the mad road planners on to a fine new modern duel carriage way. I was able to enjoy the views of the hills and valleys a lot more now interspersed with a bit of reading and nodding off. The views as we went through the mountains were spectacular but I also liked watching the everyday life of the locals as we passed. Farmers in the fields working on the rice paddy fields, workers in small workshops spilling on to the pavement, mad car drivers, hoards of bicyclists, a small number of animals - all loners stood tied up or penned in - all interesting to see in the Chinese countryside and small medieval villages we passed though
Then we came on something like las vegas out of the desert - the modern part of Lijing all lit up ? quite amazing to see this after miles of Chinese wilderness
When I got to the old city I was really impressed even though I was tired after walking for ages. I have spent today exploring the maze like roads no wider than a pavement and have had a fantastic time just looking in wonder and admiration.
I am of on a mountain bike for the day tomorrow
Off now for some food in a veggie restaurant I found earlier
Love to all
posted by Michael on 2/29/2004 11:25:00 AM
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Ye all
I did not force anything from anyone - I did not have to - it's just my natural charm - people just like helping me out - especially the ladies!
I am off west tomorrow on a plane to Kunming then an 8 hour bus ride up into the hills to much recommended beautiful part of China bordering Tibet and a town called Lijiang
I will spend a few days exploring here and then back to Beijing overland by train, bus or donkey - what ever I can find . So I will be out of contact for a while but I maybe able to text on my mobile - do not call me as I will keep my mobile off to conserve the battery.
that's all for now
I will be gone for a 9 or 10 days do do not worry if you do not see any updates on blogger - I will hassle the locals and insist on internet access in my b&b but this may not work
Michael
posted by Michael on 2/26/2004 01:19:00 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
|