Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year - Bowling - packing
The Green Dragon Bus http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm had a christmas lunch, at Cafi Becca, Efailwen.
On Friday 19th, I went to Coleshill, for the christmas dinner (James Bond, theme) and to say a (very) few words at a presentation of the “SHINE” awards, that the staff have won, (from my nomination).
Went down, to the travel agents on Monday, to pick up our tickets, for the trip to the Gambia.. Also fetched our Farm fresh turkey, from a farm in Bleanwaun.
Christmas day, was spent at Elaines.
Jason had a Nintendo Wii, which dominated the day, getting us all to play, the bowling seemed pretty good.
I had a new ACER 5535 laptop, but took it back, as the CD tray was not opening.
May think of trying again, later in the month.
Sunday 28th – Dawn, Jason and I went to the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild;jsessionid=y46bdmjfi1?siteID=1929&categoryID=1 Cardiff Bay, to meet up with friends, and go (REAL) bowling.
Before this we all had a meal at Oriental Garden http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=28&catName=Oriental%20Garden (all you can eat, Buffet)(no turkey sandwiches!!).
Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR
(think of ME, in the airport !!)
On Friday 19th, I went to Coleshill, for the christmas dinner (James Bond, theme) and to say a (very) few words at a presentation of the “SHINE” awards, that the staff have won, (from my nomination).
Went down, to the travel agents on Monday, to pick up our tickets, for the trip to the Gambia.. Also fetched our Farm fresh turkey, from a farm in Bleanwaun.
Christmas day, was spent at Elaines.
Jason had a Nintendo Wii, which dominated the day, getting us all to play, the bowling seemed pretty good.
I had a new ACER 5535 laptop, but took it back, as the CD tray was not opening.
May think of trying again, later in the month.
Sunday 28th – Dawn, Jason and I went to the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild;jsessionid=y46bdmjfi1?siteID=1929&categoryID=1 Cardiff Bay, to meet up with friends, and go (REAL) bowling.
Before this we all had a meal at Oriental Garden http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=28&catName=Oriental%20Garden (all you can eat, Buffet)(no turkey sandwiches!!).
Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR
(think of ME, in the airport !!)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
all go and RAC
Satuday (13-12-08)
We travelled to Cardiff Bay, to meet a few friends.
We all met in the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=8&callingCatID=10
Lunch was in the Chinese restaurant, right next to where we all met.
A wonderful meal – all you could eat- buffet (at a good , cheap, price)
Then we CHATTED split up around town the kids enjoyed the DrWho Exhibition http://www.doctorwhoexhibition.com/
(so did I)
After we went for a stroll around the Bay, to see all the delights, and then back to the Bowling Alley`s.
All the lanes where booked up, until late, that night.
So we went into the amusement arcade, and will return to BOWL , very soon.
Photo on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Tuesday I was to go to Swansea to attend a WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html
On the way, to catch the train, A squeaking, noise, started to come from the front wheel, of the car ??. I listened, but it seemed very intermittent ?? After a few miles, it had become loud and constant, so loud, people on the streets, of StClears, where looking at the car.
I pulled in to, ring the RAC, (A FREE service for Motabilty customers) from Elaine`s (sister in law) house, the RAC http://www.rac.co.uk/web/ where out, within an hour or so. The technician drove the car, to identify the noise, He removed the wheel, and saw the problem, straight away.
A small chipping jammed in between the brake disc and brake calliper. Never had he seen such a small stone make such a MASSIVE noise !!!! and for the stone to get to such an “out of the way” place was unbelievable .
By then I had missed the train, so returned home, an was able to log in and CHAT to my “on line” Ataxian friends.
In between all this, trying to write up travel reviews, for a lot of websites, one of which is tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/Alan-ROYGBIV
as well as alot of research work for travel or Digital Story related.
We travelled to Cardiff Bay, to meet a few friends.
We all met in the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=8&callingCatID=10
Lunch was in the Chinese restaurant, right next to where we all met.
A wonderful meal – all you could eat- buffet (at a good , cheap, price)
Then we CHATTED split up around town the kids enjoyed the DrWho Exhibition http://www.doctorwhoexhibition.com/
(so did I)
After we went for a stroll around the Bay, to see all the delights, and then back to the Bowling Alley`s.
All the lanes where booked up, until late, that night.
So we went into the amusement arcade, and will return to BOWL , very soon.
Photo on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Tuesday I was to go to Swansea to attend a WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html
On the way, to catch the train, A squeaking, noise, started to come from the front wheel, of the car ??. I listened, but it seemed very intermittent ?? After a few miles, it had become loud and constant, so loud, people on the streets, of StClears, where looking at the car.
I pulled in to, ring the RAC, (A FREE service for Motabilty customers) from Elaine`s (sister in law) house, the RAC http://www.rac.co.uk/web/ where out, within an hour or so. The technician drove the car, to identify the noise, He removed the wheel, and saw the problem, straight away.
A small chipping jammed in between the brake disc and brake calliper. Never had he seen such a small stone make such a MASSIVE noise !!!! and for the stone to get to such an “out of the way” place was unbelievable .
By then I had missed the train, so returned home, an was able to log in and CHAT to my “on line” Ataxian friends.
In between all this, trying to write up travel reviews, for a lot of websites, one of which is tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/Alan-ROYGBIV
as well as alot of research work for travel or Digital Story related.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna
A few days after, returning home, we were to return to Bristol airport, to catch a flight to Vienna Austria, to attend http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/e-inclusion/2008/index_en.htm with BBC Capture Wales http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/galleries/pages/capturewales.shtml .
Photos, of the trip http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/
The flight was via Charles De Gall, Paris , http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/fr-fr/Passagers/, with Air France.
The plane was small 70 seater, but only18 on board !!. The inflight service was wonderful, Free meal, drinks, newspapers.
Plenty of leg room, the aisle on the plane was very wide.
CDH Paris airport, is MASSIVE (and I mean MASSIVE) good job we had wheelchair assistance, to find the right gate !!.
The flight in to Vienna, with Air France, was just as good.
We were met at Vienna airport http://www.viennaairport.com/jart/prj3/via/website.jart?rel=en&reserve-mode=active by the organisers of the event, who had ordered us a taxi to the Hilton Danube, Hotel.http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/VIEHAHI-Hilton-Vienna-Danube/index.do
The Hotel was FANTASTIC.
Huge rooms with twin queen beds, two armchairs, desk, wardrobe, dressing table with TV and tea/coffee making facilities plus 2 phones. In the bathroom was, all the usual plus hairdryer, all the toiletries you could ask for.
After breakfast, next day, we walked along the river Danube, which was rather “choppy” but still had ducks and swans, along the edge) over the main road (by bridge) to the Prater, http://www.wien.info/prater/index-e.html theme park – ferris wheel. 8 Euro`s for a marvellous trip. With panoramas of the whole city.
When back on “Terra Firma” we walked over to the Messe Wien Congress Centre http://www.messe.at/en/index.html . A big modern building.
The event was so emotional, seeing my new Digital Story “Stepping Stone” for the first time,
plus meeting Hanne and Signa (from Norway).
Our “stand” was within the European Commission area, as you enter the conference hall.
The whole exhibition was international, and meeting people from all over the world was exciting.
That night we were invited to a cocktail party, at Belvedere Palace http://www.belvedere.at/jart/prj3/belvedere/main.jart?rel=en where mulled wine and roast chestnuts were served as we entered the Palace.
Where food and drinks were served, while we looked at the sculptures and artwork.
Within the grounds, was a Austrian Christmas market, set up for us, to look around.
Next day we met Signa,at the hotel, where she was staying, Courtyard Marriot Messe Wien, and went to the underground, railway station, caught the train, at Krieau, to Karlsplatz.
(the underground is so Clean, puts the UK, to shame)
We went to the market (which hadent opened) so we went in to the huge church “Karlskirche” http://www.karlskirche.at/index.html (they have a step climber, to assist us Wheelies, at the enterence).
Inside the paint work is awesome !! we went in the lift to the viewing platform, then Signa and I “braved” the stairs up to the top, of the tower, another awesome sight, of the city, and a very good view, of the long way DOWN.
After, looking around the market, we headed back, via the subway, to return, to where we started.
The rest of the day was spent at the Congress centre, with another invite, to a Gala Dinner at City Hall, Vienna. http://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/
This event was overwhelming, a huge building, spectacular architecture, over 1200 people from different places of the world (many from TV companies (or connected with the Digital world, such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard plus more).
We had dinner, were entertained with dancers, watched an award ceremony, and watched a fashion show.
Then we mingled or “Networked” with many people, before we made our way to the hotel, transport supplied.
Another morning at the congress centre, meeting the people, from the night before, in a different situation. Before saying our good byes, we all had lunch, while swapping addresses and email addresses.
Then came a very emotional time of our departure.
A taxi was waiting to take us to Vienna airport.
We were booked on a flight to Bristol, via Brussels. http://www.brusselsairport.be/en/
Again, the service was excellent, with a smallish plane, which we were surprised, when the flight attendant said “see you in half an hour”, as we were exiting, the plane, at Brussels .
After going through Passport control (which takes a while), we went back and boarded the SAME plane!!!!!.
This time the in flight meal was a salad, (the first leg, of the flight was Ham pasta) and we got given a few small snacks, for the drive home.
Now, at home, renaming photos and uploading, them. (Causing very strong emotional memories) http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/
Planning my next trip, to Gambia, next month.
And investigating travel options, to enable us to visit our new friends in Norway.
Now to continue, looking for that “multi ended” candle
Photos, of the trip http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/
The flight was via Charles De Gall, Paris , http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/fr-fr/Passagers/, with Air France.
The plane was small 70 seater, but only18 on board !!. The inflight service was wonderful, Free meal, drinks, newspapers.
Plenty of leg room, the aisle on the plane was very wide.
CDH Paris airport, is MASSIVE (and I mean MASSIVE) good job we had wheelchair assistance, to find the right gate !!.
The flight in to Vienna, with Air France, was just as good.
We were met at Vienna airport http://www.viennaairport.com/jart/prj3/via/website.jart?rel=en&reserve-mode=active by the organisers of the event, who had ordered us a taxi to the Hilton Danube, Hotel.http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/VIEHAHI-Hilton-Vienna-Danube/index.do
The Hotel was FANTASTIC.
Huge rooms with twin queen beds, two armchairs, desk, wardrobe, dressing table with TV and tea/coffee making facilities plus 2 phones. In the bathroom was, all the usual plus hairdryer, all the toiletries you could ask for.
After breakfast, next day, we walked along the river Danube, which was rather “choppy” but still had ducks and swans, along the edge) over the main road (by bridge) to the Prater, http://www.wien.info/prater/index-e.html theme park – ferris wheel. 8 Euro`s for a marvellous trip. With panoramas of the whole city.
When back on “Terra Firma” we walked over to the Messe Wien Congress Centre http://www.messe.at/en/index.html . A big modern building.
The event was so emotional, seeing my new Digital Story “Stepping Stone” for the first time,
plus meeting Hanne and Signa (from Norway).
Our “stand” was within the European Commission area, as you enter the conference hall.
The whole exhibition was international, and meeting people from all over the world was exciting.
That night we were invited to a cocktail party, at Belvedere Palace http://www.belvedere.at/jart/prj3/belvedere/main.jart?rel=en where mulled wine and roast chestnuts were served as we entered the Palace.
Where food and drinks were served, while we looked at the sculptures and artwork.
Within the grounds, was a Austrian Christmas market, set up for us, to look around.
Next day we met Signa,at the hotel, where she was staying, Courtyard Marriot Messe Wien, and went to the underground, railway station, caught the train, at Krieau, to Karlsplatz.
(the underground is so Clean, puts the UK, to shame)
We went to the market (which hadent opened) so we went in to the huge church “Karlskirche” http://www.karlskirche.at/index.html (they have a step climber, to assist us Wheelies, at the enterence).
Inside the paint work is awesome !! we went in the lift to the viewing platform, then Signa and I “braved” the stairs up to the top, of the tower, another awesome sight, of the city, and a very good view, of the long way DOWN.
After, looking around the market, we headed back, via the subway, to return, to where we started.
The rest of the day was spent at the Congress centre, with another invite, to a Gala Dinner at City Hall, Vienna. http://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/
This event was overwhelming, a huge building, spectacular architecture, over 1200 people from different places of the world (many from TV companies (or connected with the Digital world, such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard plus more).
We had dinner, were entertained with dancers, watched an award ceremony, and watched a fashion show.
Then we mingled or “Networked” with many people, before we made our way to the hotel, transport supplied.
Another morning at the congress centre, meeting the people, from the night before, in a different situation. Before saying our good byes, we all had lunch, while swapping addresses and email addresses.
Then came a very emotional time of our departure.
A taxi was waiting to take us to Vienna airport.
We were booked on a flight to Bristol, via Brussels. http://www.brusselsairport.be/en/
Again, the service was excellent, with a smallish plane, which we were surprised, when the flight attendant said “see you in half an hour”, as we were exiting, the plane, at Brussels .
After going through Passport control (which takes a while), we went back and boarded the SAME plane!!!!!.
This time the in flight meal was a salad, (the first leg, of the flight was Ham pasta) and we got given a few small snacks, for the drive home.
Now, at home, renaming photos and uploading, them. (Causing very strong emotional memories) http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/
Planning my next trip, to Gambia, next month.
And investigating travel options, to enable us to visit our new friends in Norway.
Now to continue, looking for that “multi ended” candle
Monday, December 08, 2008
Fuerventura -Holiday - Multi ended candle Wanted
Sorry, for the delay.
Multi ended candle, to look for!!!!!!!.
Travelled, to Bristol airport on 19th November, to catch an early flight to
Fuerteventura
The travel agent, had NOT book assistance, for me (even after we had double checked with them !!)
So it was down to us to make the arrangements.
An Assistance desk is situated in the departure hall, and sorted everything out.
Flight took off on time.
Landing in Fuerteventura was good, the air was HOT !!!
Coach transfer was about three quarters of an hour ( the coach rep was absolutely useless, the highlight was her pointing out a derelict hotel, in which squatters had used as a home !!! the return journey was just as interesting plus I asked her if my wheelchair was on the bus, she hasn’t answered me YET !!!!)
The resort in Corralejo – Hotel Suite Atlantis, is very nice, big, numerous pools, many restaurants.
Whole area, is paved and mostly slopes, instead of steps. (except for a small lip into reception) NOTE the tiles around the restaurant are very slippery when wet .
Plus there are STEPS down to the restaurant ( which the travel agent did not know about) but there is a stair lift, operated with a key, you get from reception, and you keep for the duration of your stay.
The hotel had computers, too keep in touch, with the world !!!
Jason (nephew,14) made a lot of friends, joined in all the activities of the “kids Club”, won some awards. Which he got given to him, as part of the entertainment programme.
We took a trip over to Lanzarote, to see the Volcanoes. Went by ferry, www.aquaticket.com (volcano express) sea was “choppy”, over to Playa Blanca, got on tour bus, along the highway, up to Timanfaya National Park with the volcanoes.
Had a few days, lazing around the pool, took a taxi into town, saw lots of shops, restaurants, went on the town “Noddy Train” (which has a wheelchair ramp, on the rear carriage) a sight seeing small train, that goes around town.
A short walk (or wheel) is Centro Comercial Shopping Center, a shopping center we went to a few times. It is open during the day and part of the evening, when there is a band playing , in the middle, under the clock tower, which you can climb, to the top, for views of the town.
All the pavements have some sort of “dropped Kerbs” but beware of rough surfaces and upside down drain covers !!!!.
On the last day, it was raining,, but that didn’t matter, as we were travelling to the airport, for the return home.
My holiday photos can be seen at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610626827453/
Multi ended candle, to look for!!!!!!!.
Travelled, to Bristol airport on 19th November, to catch an early flight to
Fuerteventura
The travel agent, had NOT book assistance, for me (even after we had double checked with them !!)
So it was down to us to make the arrangements.
An Assistance desk is situated in the departure hall, and sorted everything out.
Flight took off on time.
Landing in Fuerteventura was good, the air was HOT !!!
Coach transfer was about three quarters of an hour ( the coach rep was absolutely useless, the highlight was her pointing out a derelict hotel, in which squatters had used as a home !!! the return journey was just as interesting plus I asked her if my wheelchair was on the bus, she hasn’t answered me YET !!!!)
The resort in Corralejo – Hotel Suite Atlantis, is very nice, big, numerous pools, many restaurants.
Whole area, is paved and mostly slopes, instead of steps. (except for a small lip into reception) NOTE the tiles around the restaurant are very slippery when wet .
Plus there are STEPS down to the restaurant ( which the travel agent did not know about) but there is a stair lift, operated with a key, you get from reception, and you keep for the duration of your stay.
The hotel had computers, too keep in touch, with the world !!!
Jason (nephew,14) made a lot of friends, joined in all the activities of the “kids Club”, won some awards. Which he got given to him, as part of the entertainment programme.
We took a trip over to Lanzarote, to see the Volcanoes. Went by ferry, www.aquaticket.com (volcano express) sea was “choppy”, over to Playa Blanca, got on tour bus, along the highway, up to Timanfaya National Park with the volcanoes.
Had a few days, lazing around the pool, took a taxi into town, saw lots of shops, restaurants, went on the town “Noddy Train” (which has a wheelchair ramp, on the rear carriage) a sight seeing small train, that goes around town.
A short walk (or wheel) is Centro Comercial Shopping Center, a shopping center we went to a few times. It is open during the day and part of the evening, when there is a band playing , in the middle, under the clock tower, which you can climb, to the top, for views of the town.
All the pavements have some sort of “dropped Kerbs” but beware of rough surfaces and upside down drain covers !!!!.
On the last day, it was raining,, but that didn’t matter, as we were travelling to the airport, for the return home.
My holiday photos can be seen at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610626827453/
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Interruption ?? Exstending the exstended family
There has been, a short interuption, to the BLOG process
Due to planning and taking a holiday in FUERTEVENTURA
(Details and photos will be uploade soon)
Plus IMMEDIATLEY following that I as to travel to Vienna, Austria. To attend the European Ministerial e-Inclusion Conference http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/e-inclusion/2008/index_en.htm
(this will also have details and photos uploaded)
With Thanks to Capture Wales for the invitation and increasing the exstended family
while on my youtube site I have a few new videos, of the events http://uk.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv
Due to planning and taking a holiday in FUERTEVENTURA
(Details and photos will be uploade soon)
Plus IMMEDIATLEY following that I as to travel to Vienna, Austria. To attend the European Ministerial e-Inclusion Conference http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/e-inclusion/2008/index_en.htm
(this will also have details and photos uploaded)
With Thanks to Capture Wales for the invitation and increasing the exstended family
while on my youtube site I have a few new videos, of the events http://uk.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv
