Tapas, Kites and Churches!

Hola and Ola!

Gosh it has been a long time since I have sat down to tell our tales...hmmm I will try to be succinct!

Well we have been off doing crazy driving and adventures since we left Ireland in the rain on June 21st! We were a little worried after a wet start - we missed our first ferry and then I managed to flood an entire cabin level on the next boat!! Good thing we had our togs out as from then on the weather only got hotter, clouds in the sky have been a miracle. I will pop the highlights of each place below.

France: 1st stop Mont St Michel, an absolute must do in Northern France, beautiful cathedral and monastery on a rocky island. Hours of night photos for Neal! Then lots of driving to Bordeaux - beautiful and sophicticated city with fab world food and drink festival ( even Aussie Fosters!). Popped into St Emilion near Bordeaux city and got happily lost in the narrow medieval lanes.

Andorra: CRAZY!!!!! Shop after shop in the mountains!!! Wicked drive there though the Pyrenees.

Spain:

Valencia. WOW!!! What an amazing week. We spent a great week with Dad and Moira (and every NZer living in London!) for the Americas Cup, well we are still gutted but it was a hell of a time! Sunshine, drinking and cheering from early till late! We met so many new friends, as well as ones we hadn't seen since school! Valencia itself was also a cool walled city with fab buildings and cafes, not to mention the best Tapas EVER! It was so much fun to spend the week with the parentals, and we were sad to say Adios as they headed back to France and us down south.

East Coast - Andalucia. We gapped it down from mental Valencia to the calm oasis of Altea, a beach town on the coast with steep winding streets to discover. Thank goodness we didnt stay long at the next beach Bendidorm - you couldnt even find a spot amongst the UK tourists and high rises! We sampled a golf course in Alicante and then headed down to Capo de Gato and Almeria in Sth Spain. The cape was wild and windy, with vertical drops and pristine beaches if you could only keep your towel down!

As a contrast we headed inland to Granada - one of my favourites so far. The Alhambra Palace - old Moorish fortress with amazing arabic architecture and mosaics - was awe inspiring. The old historical city was chocka with old souk/market streets, cathedrals and views well worth the climbs. From there we went to Cordoba, and hit 45 degrees! We happily escaped to the cool of the Mesquita, the original mosque now with a cathedral inside. It ahs to be one of the most impressive buidings I have ever seen with red and white arches as far as you could see! Then to Seville for golden cathedrals and Palaces, again so much to see and discover! Luckily we had a pool!

For a change of scenery it was down to Tarifa - a windy surf and kite surf town. More like home! We did a day trip to Gibraltar - a piece of England monkeys and on the bottom bit ot Spain.

Portugal:

We spent close to 2 weeks hanging out and becoming locals in the Algarve! The best of the week was learning to kite surf with some absolutely wicked instructors, Sofia, Ricardo and Maverick (Juan). We spent 5 days flying kites -and ourselves.....we can now get up an ride ....next step will be jumping....we are totally HOOKED!! To the Sofia and Ricardo - thank you for the most amazing time, and for taking us to eat baby pig!!! (www.southadventures.pt). Loads of other beaches and towns to discover, so nice to hang in the water!

Phew nearly ther... UP the coast to Milfontes then Lisbon - yummmy custard tarts, fado in Barrio Alto, Monastery in Belem. The only thing was we got a bit hassled in Lisbon, keep clear of dark streets! As a change Sintra was full of Palaces and Gardens righ tour of a fairytale, LOVED it! And lastly to Porto to cruise the old town and taste the gorgeous port at Taylors!

Now we are back in Spain, and heaing across the North then down to Madrid, Barcelona then warp speeding to Italy to meet Neals parentals....sorry guys in advance for the lack of air conditioning!!!!!!!!!!!!

Must finish, you probably only read the first bit!!!! Hope all is well.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Liessse and Neal

June!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Team!

Gosh how time has flown since the last update - and no we have not been blown off the windy cliffs or found ourselves lost forever in the Amsterdam canals!! Much more mundane things like working, packing, learning to play golf (bloomin game) and getting stuck into the gym!

Since April we had a ball in Amsterdam with John and Kaetlyn. It is a great city, excellent food, bars, beautiful canals and how can one forget the red light district!! Neal and Johns eyes nearly popped out of their heads!! It was cool to catch up with J+K and sad as we will not see them until we are back in NZ.

Speaking of which we are both getting very sad about leaving, we have really settled into Cork and made some good friends - and who can forget the ease in which you can travel from here - "Oh I'm just popping over to London for the weekend!". In fact I can hardly wait to get stuck into the travel. Would love to work in Canada one day - only for the skiing of course!

What else - we spent a FANTASTIC weekend in Adare, Limerick for the Irish Golf Open - Neal was working there with Rolex. Beautiful course and manor, mingling with the pros and drinking FAR to much in the hospitality tent!

This weekend is a long weekend so we are off to Clonmel for a friends 21st - and then maybe up to Northern Ireland or find some adventures like horse riding or mountain biking! I am on call tonight for paediatrics so will be good to have a weekend to enjoy!

Hope all is well and the snow starts falling for those below the equator!

Slan

Doctor?!

I just thought these were quite cool piccies from a day out to Kinsale last week with our friend Haldane "Mr Paparazzi!!)

Oh yeah - dont forget to have a look at all our photos, the link is on your right!

Manchester United!!!!!

Glory, Glory Man United!!

We are just back from a few days in Manchester and Liverpool. Neal had last minute tickets to the semi finals of the Champions League football - to watch Manchester United play AC Milan!

Chancing my luck I also got the days off , and scored a ticket in the boxes!!

WOW!! It was just so awesome!! Old Trafford was full of about 73,000 crazy singing fans - the air was just buzzing! I totally lost my voice from screaming and jumping up and down!! Neal was stoked to be there, and I am now a true convert to live soccer and Man Utd. Especially when they score last minute goals!

The next day we did a tour of Old Trafford - the museum, the players change room (got to sit where Cantona and Ronaldo sit - cool) and Neal got to sit in Sir Alex's chair in the digout!

Manchester is a great city! Heaps of cool restaurants, bars and insane shopping! Has been done up recently. We made a b-line for China town for our fix of yum-cha!! We found ourselves in a very dangerous gang suburb in search for a pharmacy - oops and thank goodness for a taxi driver who would wait for us!!

Not long to go - less than 8 weeks - so much to do! It seem s funny as the closer you get to leaving - the more good friends you make!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Long Lost Easter Bunny!

Kia Ora Team!

Hows the craic?

Well has been a long time since I have written a little ditty for the blog site! Must be too much work!!

It has been action stations since St Paddys day. Easter weekend Neal surprised me with a weekend away in Kenmare, Co. Kerry (major brownie points!) - it is along the route of the ring of kerry - beautiful traditional wee town with awesome pubs and restaurants. As the piccies will show we pottered about in the glistening coves and Neal played a round of golf at Waterville. The golf course was insane ( I was the caddy due to recent tummy stitches damn it!), real links course with tall grasses and gorse! It has two holes ranked some of the most beautiful/best in the world - pretty cool. Not to mention lots of choccie from the Easter Bunny!

Yip am still pottering along with this golf malarchy - and I dont even want to be a surgeon !!(sorry boys!!) It is a great way to see the country, and last night I played my best round ever - and also my first round with other people - including one of the golf pros!!

Work is keeping us pretty busy, the on calls suck big time - this is my first weekend off in weeks! Bring on the 50hour weeks at home! We have even managed to convince a few friends to come down to NZ and work - should be fun! Speaking of fun Neal is in seventh heaven at the moment after scoring a ticket to watch Manchester Utd play Milan at Old Trafford in the semis of the Champions league!! Like a big kid in a candy store!!

Its getting a lot warmer and more summery here - yet despite that I have only been on two runs towards a half marathon I am doing in 2 weeks with friends - oh dear!!!

Ah well time to go, hope everyone is well and happy!

XXXXXXXXXX The on call guru and The worlds most excited Man Utd. fan!!!!

Paddys Day!!!! Great Craic!

Hi Team!!

Well what a week - we are just back from Maroc -- our tans fading fast in the Cork weather (it actually rained, snowed and was sunny all in one day on Monday!). Last weekend we missioned back up to Dublin for St Paddy's Day! Wow - was awesome. We precariously balanced ourselves on City Hall to watch the parade - it was awesome!! Over 650,000 people there, everyone wearing green - so many leprachauns and "kiss me i'm irish"!!! Temple Bar was rocking - and I think some people are still recovering!!!

Madness in Morocco!!!

Hi Team!

We are just back from a mental week in Morocco - and what an AWESOME country!! I have to say I have never experienced anything quite like it! It is still very much a vibrant third world country .... where else will you see donkeys instead of cars, camels, horse + carriages as a main mode of transport and mud shanty towns lining the roads. It was unreal and I can hardly wait to go back and explore some more!

We flew into Agadir - the package tourist Miami of Morocco - not real Morocco at all!! But was a good cheap base. In saying that we had our first experience of the souk (market) - and what an experience that was "Hello my friend, come in for a free look..." , and whats more the 5 year olds that attach to your legs to show you around and ask for money speak every language under the sun! We also experienced a crazy moroccan being chased by police through our restaurant- tables, chairs and waiters flying!

Then it was time to hire a car and head up the West coast to Essaouira -the windy city. The drive was cool, the surf and kite spots were unreal - loads of dubbie vans packed full of Poms and Aussies checking out the rolling breaks. It was crazy - men just sit on the side of the road everywhere, even in the middle of nowhere - it is truly a mans world - I think the women do all the hard work - while the men laze about in the sun, chat and drink fantastic coffee. We spent a night in Essaouira (where they shot Othello incidently) - watched the kite surfers, haggled in the souk, got lost in junkie territory and strolled the fishing port.

Then it was off inland to Marrakech - the drive was cool - every person waved and smiled - smiles lighting up their whole face! Very friendly people.. Marrakech was WICKED. We satyed in a beautiful little riad called Riad Boussa. It was run by Brigitte and Bruno (neat French couple) the decor is amazing, I want a house just like that - all riads are open air with roof terraces, beautiful rugs and lets not forget the Moroccan doors!! We cannot thank gorgeous Samirah from the riad for her amazing cooking, advice and giggles in french!! We were sad to leave, and I will take you up on the offer to come back and learn to cook in your kitchen!

Gosh where to start with Marrakech. Never before have I seen and heard such a melange of colours, noise, people and smells. We were staying right in the maze of the medina, near the entrance to the winding souks. We had a ball in the Souks - all those babouces (shoes), spices piled perfectly, donkeys and scooters trying to kill you at every turn - and lets not forget the scarfs, rugs, jewellery and just about anything you could ever want!! The shop keepers are MORE than happy to find it for you!!! We only once had a problem with being hassled by a young kid near the leather tanneries - other than that none of the bothers I read about. Although I must say I wore long linen pants and shirts every day - not sure how the offensive tourists in boob tubes and micro shorts did!!

We also took in Jemma el fna square - monkeys and snake charmers by day, fabulous open air food stalls by night!! I was transfixed by them , though I gave the whole sheeps heads a miss! We watched soccer in an all mens cafe - good one ! Hit the Palace, and drank beer in Kosybar watching the sunset over the cities prominent Kotubia. Thhe medersa next the mosque was also beautiful - mosaics and peaceful detail.

We were sad to leave Marrakech - then we set off on a mission drive over the High Atlas mountains (30 degrees at the bottom, snow on top!) and home. Loads of cool mud villages tucked in the mountains, and I will try not to remember the precarious windy roads only big enough for us and the passing donkey!

We spent the last day chilling on the beach and learning to surf up the coast from Agadir. Our coach was this cool 9x Moroccan surf champ dude - we both stood up, got nailed on the rocks and had a ball!!! Whats better than paddling about and seeing camels on the beach.

And then it was time to say au revoir and head back to Cork - tans fading instantly! We are full of Tajines, couscous and all the sights and sounds. What a fantastic trip, can't wait for the next adventure!!!!

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Castle Wedding

Hi Team!

We are just back from a fantastic and some may say luxurious weekend at Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare. Our friends Izzat and Colette got married in a beautiful little church nearby and the rest of the event was held at Dromoland. The wedding was unreal, very traditional and romantic, over 170 people, 10 piece band and even fireworks by the lake! Colette looked just beautiful, and Izzat was smiling nervously beforehand! We (I) just wished we knew how to waltz!

Dromoland Castle was awesome, I think it dates back to the 1500s, with enormous grounds, lakes and a golf course that Neal tried his hand rather well at. Well he is actually lucky to have made it to the 18th - as they had to dodge the pheasant shooters on the way! Only 2000 euro to go hunting for the day! yikes!!

We stayed in a cool room in a tower - with a gnarly spiral staircase! All good in heels after a few wines! A real treat I must say! And my final words....."Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair..."

10 Things I love about Ireland

1. Midleton farmers market and the city English market - YUMMY
2. St Finbarres Catherdral lit up at night
3. Kinsale - gorgeous harbour, boats and cafes
4. The Cork Irish Accent - "when I'm after understanding if you know like"
5. Cute little villages and pubs on every corner
6. Blarney Castle gardens - a true romantic at heart
7. Wild windy cliffs of Dingle and Galway
8. Irish oldies trying to marry you off to a good irish lad
9. Plethora of golf courses to vent and increase my frustration!
10. O'Connells Chocolate shop - hot choccies to die for!

10 things you cannot help but laugh/cry at..

1. The Cork Irish Accent - as above, when you think you can follow - you have no idea!
2. High maintenance girls - make up, french manicure and heels central - thank goodness for MAC!!
3. Rain, rain,rain
4. Wide open beautiful spaces - and no-one does outdoor exercise!! (Except my crazy surfer buddy Clodagh)
5. The banking and tax system - dont get me started!!
6. Knackers - think tracksuits, trainers, shaved heads, live outside centras!
7. Bloomin learner drivers - soooo many L plates!
8. Guiness - still havent tried it - naughty!
9. Rain, rain, rain
10. Mass exodus of pale Irish people to the canary islands

New Toys!

Neal has a new toy - and nowhere in the house is safe from the lens of the camera! Here are a few first piccies.

Dad and Moira are here at the moment - had great fun at the Midleton farmers markets, so many yummy cheeses, veggies and traditional Irish soda breads - think it may become my local saturday morning hangout!

Live to Ride

Hi guys!

Excitement here in Cork today - it is SNOWING!!!! Well.... snow showers that melt on the ground.... but it is still snowing!

So to celebrate this I am launching my new ski video - Live to Ride - a bit of fun to keep us occupied until the next ski trip! You can see it on our photo site - click on our photos.

2007 is off to a start -Neal has a new camera so look out for lots of arty shots and I am making murmurings about a marathon in June!

Hope all is well - and a question to all kiwis - when the moon is in a crescent shape is it on the left or the right side of the moon shadow??? We cant work it out!

Ham and Turkeys

Hello Team! Happy New Year to All!!

We have just arrived back in Cork to start the adventures of 2007. Christmas was spent in London with John and Kaetlyn and my parentals flew over for a surprise visit which was awesome. The holiday started with a traditional trip to midnight mass - but in Westminster Abbey - it was a beautiful (Neal will say LONG) mass and the choir was fantastic. Christmas day dawned rather cloudy - but we were not worried tucked up inside with turkey, ham and the equivalent of a swiss chocolate factory. Dad and Moira brought some good kiwi wine and bubbles...missed the barbie though!

I think I have become rather obsessed with Christmas ham...yes rather strange. Maybe it was after carefully selecting my green ham, and then having to carry it over to London from Cork - glad there is no real customs!! I then had to ask butchers and anyone possible how on earth you cook a green - ie raw ham - the answer is....boil it for about 20min per lb!!! Yum Yum Yum!

We spent the rest of the week pottering about London and counting how many Aussies we saw on the train. I must say that London is a pretty cool city - bustling and happening. We perused the shops, fought the masses in the Harrods sale (silly, silly idea), played with the squirrels in Hyde Park, looked for the Queen in Buckingham Palace with Dad and Moira and watched people fall over ice skating under the Tower of London!

Another highlight was dinner with Mark and Sarah and their two gorgeous monkeys (kiddies!) Mia and Zac, and Emma and her fiance Mark ( Mark 1 and 2!). The kids were heaps of fun, full of beans and smiles!

And on the New Years and Neal's Birthday - always a party. We cruised down to Barnstaple, Devon in our Eco - half battery- car to stay with Mark's sister Robyn, who I also know from med school. We saw Stonehenge through the sleeting rain enroute and marvelled at the cute thatched roof villages. Devon was cool - awesome wild beaches and mammoth rolling surf - I walmost wanted to get out there despite the arctic temperatures. Spent NY eve out for dinner and then onto drinks at Robyn's. It was great also to catch up with Chris Hewison and his girlfriend Alison - a buddy for Tauranga - look forward to seeing you back in the NZ Hewison!

Now back to work. Planning out trips already - with skiing and America's Cup in the not to far off future. I cannot believe how quickly the last year has gone - and all the things we have done this year - just crazy! And as for NY resolutions - well.........