Pearly Kings and Queens

Very happy this morning. The Spring issue of THIS ENGLAND is now out and has one of my articles - about London's Pearly Kings and Queens.

As a Londoner these wonderful people who do so much for charity always fascinated me. Their history goes back about 1,000 years.  Yes, really, but not as Pearlies. It was Henry Croft, in the 19th century who 'created' them.

I loved researching and writing this article and, as they say, read all about it!

Who Shot Jim Longworth?

The bigger mystery than who shot Jim at the end of Series 3 of The Glades is why did A&E pull Series 4?

So there we are seeing Jim writhing on the floor while his bride, Callie, is waiting for him at the altar (so to speak).


So who do you think shot him?

I think either Callie's ex-husband or his brother (who, when he was shot, expected Callie - a nurse - to treat him and not report it to the police).

Any other ideas?

(I understand that both Matt Passmore and Kiele Sanchez (who played Jim and Callie) are now working on other TV programmes.) 

Sardinia and the non-Panoramic Tour

Cagliari in the early morning sun

An island that has long been on my bucket list is Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean. I once knew someone from there and he was always singing its praises.


Unfortunately the 'panoramic' tour I went on was something of a let down. I expected to see far more of the countryside than simply driving from the port in Cagliari to a vineyard. At first the scenery looked promising with meadows and woods in shades of green from jade through to bottle green, but then we stopped at the winery. Why is it that when 'wine tasting' is included in a tour I forget about the obligatory lecture where we all stand around being bored? Bearing in mind that none of us were young, some had walkers and some of us were using walking sticks, you would have thought the lecture would be cut short, wouldn't you? Or at least some seats provided. Eventually we came to the wine tasting - very nice and made nicer by the company at the table. Oh yes, then it was time to go to the shop where I got a bargain - a half bottle of rose for E2. No good buying a bottle as I only drink one glass a day - occasionally. (Oh dear, when I opened it on Christmas Day I discovered that it was not the same as the one at the wine tasting, despite having the same label. Or perhaps I just got unlucky and purchased a bad batch. Vinegar down the drain).

Panoramic Cagliari

We then settled down in the coach for our panoramic drive. Of Cagliari. To the top of one hill for the views of the City and its surroundings, then up another hill for more views. We all took photos of the flamingos on the lake below but they really just look like pale pink blobs. The salt lakes had been pointed out to us with the comment that only one is operational but the guide omitted to point out the salt hills. The other lake is now more of a bird sanctuary which is where we saw the flamingos.

I'm not sure about the sights which we passed in the City but I do know we went to see the Basilica di Bonaria (Good Air) which is now the Marine Museum, and the City Hall.

For our free time we were deposited halfway up the steep Largo Carlo street. Remember the walkers and walking sticks? Two of us refused to get off the coach but the rest braved it (I think some just hung around near where the coach was parked). The guide did say that we could go down the hill to catch the shuttle bus back to the ship but she didn't know where we could catch it. Helpful.

The Salt Pans

I doubt if I will return to Sardinia which is a pity as I am sure that it is a very pretty island but it needs to be toured when one is young and healthy.

Valencia, the Ever Evolving City

City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia, the third largest city in Spain has many layers going back into pre-history. Probably its most well-known historical figure is Rodrigo Diago de Vivar, better known as El Cid. During Hollywood's era of epic historical movies he was one of the characters immortalised in film. Played by Charlton Heston with Sophia Loren as his leading lady.

Bridge of the part (Opera House to left)

Twentieth century history includes, of course, the Spanish Civil War when much of the City was destroyed. For about twenty years after the war ended rebuilding took place. Then the River Turia flooded somewhat disastrously in 1957. More changes to the city.

The river was diverted away to the south and the dry river bed has been converted into a 4 1/2 mile long series of parks. A wonderful and popular green space in the centre of Valencia.

In the late twentieth century the City Fathers did away with the defunct industrial area, had the land de-contaminated and the fantastic City of Arts and Sciences constructed. All very modern with the use of glass and white mosaic tiles. They include the Science Museum (of course), an IMAX, Europe's largest aquarium and the Opera House.

From here we drove to the old City, leaving the coach at one of the old Gates to the city, from where we strolled to the Plaza de la Virgen to be set free and explore. Where to start first? The 13th century Cathedral, the Gothic bell tower (for super views over the city after climbing 270 steps!), stroll around the market, sit down for a coffee and watch the world go by? Me? I strolled through the square, turned right up a narrow street with small shops, then did my favourite trick of turning left, turning left, turning left - back to where I had started. As usual I found something absolutely delightful. A 'circus' (as in Piccadilly) surrounded by handicrafts shops which made me wish I had a list of items that I need. In front of one of the shops was a table where half-a-dozen ladies were working on various projects. To one side there was even an iron and padded surface where they could press seams.

I just wish I had had the time and energy to discover more interesting corners and admire the historical buildings such as La Loncha de la Seda. This was the silk exchange which was built in the 15th/16th centuries and is fabulous Gothic architecture with equally fabulous interiors.

Sports enthusiasts will remember the America's Cup of 2007 and, of course, the European Grand Prix which was held here for the first time in 2008. Now, alas, the City cannot afford to host the Grand Prix but you can see the road markings on the streets around the port so maybe they are hoping to host it again in the future.

Maybe one day I will return to this exciting city when on another PandO cruise!

A City Tour of Vigo

The best part of this tour was the last bit so read on to find out why!

Vigo Harbour

Tour guides come in many versions, mostly pretty good but I suspect that the young lady we were landed with was wearing 'L' Plates. Her English was heavily accented and a bit lacking in the colloquial department. By the end of the tour we all felt that if we heard the phrase 'As I told you' one more time we would scream. Yes, the guide had a lot to tell us and, yes, she also had to interrupt herself to point out statues and buildings but didn't seem to know how to return to her narration without those fateful words.

I don't know about anyone else on the coach but I felt that the start of the tour was so depressing it took time to begin to see the charms of Vigo. A 2kl. long tunnel (not good for claustrophobics) to reach La Guia Hill for the panoramic views of the bay, the countryside and the mussel farms - obscured by loads of vegetation - then a drive back to the city through a derelict area is not good for Public Relations.

The City of Vigo is very hilly - which is why I had opted for the tour. We drove along many streets, the names of which were a blur as we passed the street signs, so I am not sure of the location of many of the statues and memorials we passed. For example, there is a Worker's Monument, The Merman, Fishermen and, in Plaza de Espana (hard to miss this one), a fabulous statue of several wild horses - in black. According to the guide these horses represent the wild white horses that roamed El Castro Hill and each July there is the fiesta of white horses celebrating the cutting of the manes of these beautiful animals. (I've searched the internet but haven't found any references to this Fiesta).

In Montero Rios Avenue is a statue of Jules Verne because the second chapter of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is based on a Spanish treasure ship which was sunk in the Bay by the British.

If you don't like bagpipes check very carefully when planning to visit Vigo. As the pipes are a popular local instrument, every July there is a bagpipe festival when pipers from around the world gather to share their music.

Castrelos House

The penultimate 'treat' was a stroll through the 17th century Castrelos Park. I am sure that they are beautiful in spring and summer but in October they were a tad dreary.

A small Folly in the garden

Now we come to my favourite part of the tour.... The final stop on the tour was at the 5* Hotel Playa los Escudos for tapas. Most people had tea or coffee but I opted for a very nice white wine (not the usual plonk dished out on these occasions). And, I confess, ate a lot of the tapas which I adore. I certainly didn't need lunch when we returned to the ship!

Even from my whistle-stop tour of the city it was easy to see that Vigo is a beautiful place to stroll around. And, shopaholics, there are plenty of shops! It is no good blaming P&O for a not very good tour - the local tour operator is the one at fault. Something which I had to point out to several of my fellow passengers.

Merry Christmas and Kindle Presents.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy (and peaceful) New Year!

Just for Christmas, here are a couple of gifts for owners of a Kindle (or Kindle APP) - especially if they come in the form of presents!

DEATH OF A COPYCAT - you can have for FREE until next Monday.

HOMICIDE IN HAMPSHIRE - an introduction to Cleo Marjoribanks is currently available at 99c (about 66p).

To take a look at the books simply click on the links.

Obviously I do hope you will like them and buy some more of my books throughout the coming year. Many thanks to every one of my fans for supporting me.

The Lilac Island of Terciera

I understand that Terciera, the third largest of the islands of the Azores acquired its nickname due to the pastel coloured sunsets. Unfortunately we weren't there long enough to find out.

Although the capital is Angra do Heroismo as it wasn't possible to enlarge the harbour, the east coast town of Praia da Vitoria is the major port. Here you can have a lazy few hours on the beach, head for the shopping centre or go sightseeing.

The first stop on the tour of the island was up a mountain from where we saw the most spectacular views. Looking down at the farms I was reminded of English farms of long ago. Small fertile fields and meadows but divided by stone walls rather than hedgerows. As dairy produce is a big earner there are herds and herds of cattle, mostly Holsteins with some Jerseys which provide a richer cream.

The drive took us along virtually deserted roads, across a bumpy cobbled road (a nod to historic preservation) and across to the capital Agra do Heroismo. So named by King Pedro IV in 1834 in recognition of its patriotism against various threats (from pirates?) and resistance to the Portuguese King Miguel during the Civil War (1820 to 1831).

This was the only place where we saw a lot of traffic. There was a walking tour available but as it is a hilly town, much as I would have liked to join it, common sense prevailed. Instead I sauntered on my own - to the port, back to the town square (for a sit down) then to amble around some very pretty gardens. Of course, if you cannot walk far or just feel lazy you can always sit in the square to watch the world go by and maybe have an ice cream.

In the centre of the island we also drove to the top of another mountain via San Sebastian Fort. A word of warning to the nervous - the entrance/exit to the fort is about 6 inches wider than the coach. Definitely a time to shut one's eyes then cheer the driver once he has successfully negotiated his vehicle through that aperture. As well as fantastic views, there is also a tall Memorial to walk around.

Although Portugal was neutral during World War II, due to the important strategic location of the Azores, the United States was allowed to construct a small airfield on this island. This is now the airport of Lajes.

Visiting the island of Terceira was a last minute decision due to some unfortunately rough seas. The designated island had been Horta but as landing there is by liberty boats, it was deemed too dangerous so P&O did a quick bit of re-organisation, along with the island's tourist board and we had an excellent half day out. Those of us who went ashore weren't disappointed and I think congratulations are in order to the people of Terceira for organising the last minute tour of their homeland.