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Big Retirement OE
  • Trish Bulling
  • Neil Bulling
  • Trish Bulling
  • Neil Bulling

Big Retirement OE

Exploring Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece & Cyprus Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 22, 2025
    Big Retirement OE
    Tucked up for the winter24True Bulling style, first in the departure loungeThis is one of the entrances to the Amoy Hotel4

    Cromwell to Singapore

    May 22–24, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our big retirement OE is underway. It has taken a lot of planning and discussion but we are now ready to enjoy what Singapore, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Istanbul and Greek Islands have to offer over the next 3 and a half months.
    We are going to miss our family & friends but we are lucky to have David & Diane to travel around Ireland and France with.
    Pisa Moorings looked stunning when we left, when we get back it will be spring 😁
    Overnight in Novatel Hotel Christchurch where we had our first experience with robotic room and drinks service.
    Went from 2 degrees to 34 degrees, got to Singapore at 11pm NZ time, 7pm Singapore time, got settled then walked around our area which happened to be the Central Business district with a lot of bars that were packed on a Friday night. So vibrant and fun. Our hotel is an original Chinese hotel in this area, quirky but in a great location. Note the entrance to the hotel, we didn’t twig on we had to actually lift our cases over the board to get into the hotel, a nice young couple told us what to do.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Walkway from Metro to Gardens by the Bay
    1Delicious! Coffee chocolate caramel decadent bite to eatTop of the Supertree at Gardens on the Bay1Flower DomeFlower Dome1Forest DomeForest Dome - apparently posing here was the thing to do 😆Metro train - much cooler and faster than out on the streetsFamous Hawker Food MarketMarina Bay SandsOn Clark QuayLight show

    Singapore

    May 24, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    We had a day exploring Singapore. We were brave & used the Metro which was a good decision considering it got to 34 degrees with 80% humidity. Started at Gardens by the Bay, incredible. Visited: Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Observatory, the children’s area which was every child’s dream.
    Had lunch at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, every variety of Asian dish you can imagine, 90 stalls to choose from, not easy. Wandered through Chinatown, back to hotel for rest then out on a tour to Clark Quay, on the water for a different perspective then two light shows, Gardens by the Bay & on the water in front of Marina Bay Sands. We learnt the history of Singapore and how it is governed today, very strict ordered society. Finished with seafood spaghetti at restaurant beside our hotel.
    18,000 steps & 3 showers later our day was done.
    This is our second visit to Singapore and you could never be disappointed.
    Off to Paris on a 14 hour flight 😬😁    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Changi Airport Jewel waterfall
    Changi Airport WaterfallWaterfall 2 floors downWaterfall underneath from the food courtLove our exit rowsSpot Bully having a beerCan't visit Changi airport with a photo at the Bacha coffee shopOur cosy lift in Our hotel 🤣

    Singapore to Paris

    May 25–26, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We left Singapore at 1:30pm arrived in Paris at 9:15 after a 13 hour flight. Neil is a nervous flyer so the Doctor gave him some Lorazepam to settle him, I can never sleep on planes so after 3 hours I took 1/2 a tablet and it worked a treat, best sleep ever on a plane 😁🙌 It was a bumpy flight so Neil, unfortunately, wasn’t as relaxed as me.
    If you ever fly from Changi Airport you must visit the Jewel. The waterfall, 700 shops 🙀 & so much more.
    We had exit row seats, perfect for stretching out on long flights.
    Smooth transition from Charles de Gaul airport to hotel thanks to private transfer. Went out for snack but Neil spotted a gorgeous wee bar so why not, after all we are in Paris 🇫🇷🥖🍻
    Our lift is a tad cosy, you should have seen us in their with our luggage 😆    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Arc de TriompheArc de Triomphe1The best French onion soupWaiter at our 'local'. He was the best!French breakfast - YumOur versatile suitcasesJust a few people waiting in our train. Ours was the last one of 26 double storey carriagesSo many gorgeous villages on the journey4

    Paris - Strasbourg

    May 26–28, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We thought we would head to Notre Dame as the last time we were in Paris in 1991 we didn’t get to see it. We headed into the underground to find the RER Blue line from Gare du Nord 😬😳 to say we were a bit overwhelmed would have been an understatement. It is massive, so many levels, but we managed to get on the right train going in the right direction, got out right at Notre Dame. Decided to have a coffee first which was a huge mistake as by the time we got there there were thousands of people (no exaggeration) even those who had bought tickets online had a long line. We decided to wait until we come back to Paris with David & Diane and be prepared & early!!
    We decided to get on the Hop on Hop off bus which was fantastic, saw all the major attractions. They were all over run with people (I know, we are those people).
    Paris is beautiful, stunning architecture, gorgeous cafe’s. We found the staff helpful & delightful, contrary to some reports you hear.
    We went back to the same cafe/bar for dinner, tasted some local wine & people watched. Definitely a lot of immigrants in the area we were in, close to Gare du Nord, makes for a diverse population.
    Checked out where we were catching the train to Strasbourg tomorrow, was easy once we realised there were two massive train stations side by side 🤦🏻
    We bought luggage for this trip that converts into back packs, was very handy getting to train station this morning over cobble stones. Journey to Strasbourg was eventful with the train grinding to a halt, having two false starts then after an hour away again at 200km an hour. Great way to travel through the French countryside.
    Jet lag hit hard, we fell asleep at 5pm watching Roland Garros tennis (where I was meant to be, another story) slept to 5am, now rearing to go in Strasbourg.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Pretty canal with lily pads
    Communal gardensEntry to the old town through a walkway under the bridgePetite FranceGorgeous setting for a restaurantI should really have looked up what Caffe Noisette meant. Obviously 'mini' coffee 😂Cathedral StrasbourgWould love to look out that top window!1Interesting cafe stools.1

    Strasbourg

    May 28, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    Today was all about Petite France and Strasbourg Cathedral or at least it was meant to be. We did travel on foot quite a bit further than intended due to a navigational error. We have decided between us that the person responsible will remain anonymous but let’s just say it is 1 all so far. From that error though we saw a part of Strasbourg that other visitors do not see, the canal’s and rivers are so picturesque with paths alongside all of them, squirrels, and lots of public garden allotments. The parks do not get mowed as we know it, they prefer to keep these areas as natural as possible which is lovely really.
    Once we were at Petite France it was worth every step. This old area of Strasbourg is surrounded by a river so was easier to defend back in the day. The photos speak for themselves as to the picturesque buildings. We waited in line to enter the Strasbourg Cathedral and anyone who knows Neil well, knows that he does not do waiting in line, but I assured him it would be worth it. Unfortunately it wasn’t really, 90% of the Cathedral was roped off inside so access was limited but the stained glass was beautiful, the astronomical clock fascinating and bells resounding.
    This Alsace wine region is famous for their Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant d'Alsace, a popular sparkling wine. I have a Pinot Blanc to try out tonight, will let know my rating 😆 Neil is trying out a different beer in most towns, no one will be surprised that this is one part of travelling that he really enjoys!
    I loved visiting Strasbourg and would highly recommend it.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    11Amerino GelatoThe gelato was shaped into a flower1Dijon Mustard in every flavour1Museum of Fine Arts, this intricate golden intricate was hinged to fold awayIt pays to look up in the museumsMuseum of Fine ArtsCathedral Saint-BenignePlace de la LiberationDijon has its own Arc de Triomphe23One of our entrances to our apartment

    Dijon - Capital of Burgundy

    May 29–31, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    We have loved Dijon. The accommodation I booked is right outside the Notre Dame Cathedral in a perfect position to access all the old town of Dijon has to offer. They have an owl trail, little gold plagues in the street with the lucky charm of Dijon, golden owls, directing you to the historical sites.
    My photos do not do it justice as it is hard to photograph the beautiful buildings in narrow streets. There are hundreds of cafe’s (not exaggerating) in this area and they are packed with people but it was still enjoyable wandering the beautiful streets.
    We visited two cathedrals, Fine Arts Museum of Dijon, Dijon Mustard emporium, Dijon food market, Neil went to Irish Pub, we loved just wandering taking in the sights of which there were many. People watching is one of our favourite pastimes.
    Have a look at the video I have attached showing you how we got to our accommodation, lets just say it involves 3 different lock keypads! I have attached a photo of the instructions we received 😁    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Dijon market, right in the middle of the old town.
    Gorgeous olivesBought some of those strawberries YUMSalami galore1Loopy would be a menace at this stallThere were many varieties of TerrineStuffed Escargots (snails)Stuffed tomatoesMeat Pies!Neil says I have make these Rye sourdough loaves when I get homeNot a fan 😬TapenadeHelp!!We bought one each of these for dinner2

    Dijon Market

    May 30, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    This post is solely dedicated to the food market in Dijon. WOW We were blown away with the quality and variety of the food. We learnt quickly to get to the back of the line when approaching a stall. I did wait in line for quite a long time at one stall to buy some terrine only to be told that it is was only cash which I only picked up on because I held up my Wise card, man had much shaking of head and pointing to a sign which I presume said cash only and me holding my arms in a sorry gesture.
    The chickens, which still had their heads on, were interesting as was the wide variety of Tapenade on sale. Loved the whole experience. Neil was intent on finding a pie, which he did but they are bit different to ours, dare I say it, superior.
    I need our wine expert friend Richard Bradford here to tell me what on earth the wines are, Google Translate only gets you so far!
    Now off to find a cash machine 😆    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Train stations are incredible but terrifying
    Arriving in St Pancras station in London1Just a few stairs at our hotel in Kings Cross. I carried my case up, we are getting fit quickly.Giada, our Italian waitressMeant to get photo before we started! The braised ox cheek on artichoke puree was delicious!Fideuà - Paella with prawnsPan Con Tomatoe

    London

    May 31–Jun 1, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Up at 5:30 because today we were travelling from Dijon to London. This involved a train to Gare de Lyon from Dijon, navigate from there to Gare du Nord on the RER D line then find Hall 2 at Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar to London. Might sound easy but involved a multitude of escalators between levels following many signs then finally asking “how do we get to Hall 2” To be honest I was quite proud of us only having to ask once. Believe it or not the temperature in London was 26 when we arrived.
    We sat opposite a French pharmacist in the train from Dijon to Paris and we had an interesting conversation covering many different subjects, including the effect of social media, climate change, nuclear energy (which France relies on) wind farms and the fact he might give up pharmacy and be a watch maker! Thoroughly enjoyable hour and a half.
    Got settled into our hotel which also involved a lot of stairs, then off to find a bar and something to eat. We had the most delightful waitress, Giada, from Italy who said she had fallen in love with a chap from New Zealand but he left her so she was going to pretend we were her NZ in laws 🥰 The restaurant was called Camino and specialised in Spanish Tapas and wine. Giada recommended a red for Neil, it was delicious, we might have to go back today and get the name for future reference!
    We also got chatting to an English family, this is what travelling is all about, people. The buildings, history & culture are wonderful to explore but it is interacting with people that brings the most joy.
    Adam Lambert is apparently in London today! I will be trying to spot him from the top of the Hop On Hop Off Bus 😂    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    St Pancras Train Station - most beautiful train station I have seen
    Inside St Pancras Train Station2Neil is practising posing for his sculpture 😆The inimitable London double decker busIconsSt Paul's CathedralTower BridgeThe ShardTower of LondonThese dragons delineate the boundaries of the City of LondonElizabeth Tower - Big Ben is actually the bell3City of WestminsterCity of WestminsterBelgravia - the most expensive place to buy real estate in LondonJust a cute cafeThe Churchill ArmsKings Cross Station at 4:30pmEnjoying my 12 pound wine! Should have checked the price first!!!!What most of the countryside looked like between London & EdinburghHow you know you are in a Scottish HotelComing onto one of the bridges in London - the people!!Sikh Indian protest in Trafalgar Square

    London Day 2 - Stirling

    Jun 1–3, 2025 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    1.6.25 - Neil and I have been to London before and have ticked off most of the main attractions so today we took the Green & Blue Line BigBus Tour. It covered everything with great commentary, definitely learned interesting facts about the history of London and the different areas. I did take a look inside St Paul’s Cathedral, a service was taking place, the acoustics of the choir singing was spine tingling. No video or photos allowed unfortunately.
    The crowds are mind blowing. We did get stuck in a Sikh Indian protest, first in Hyde Park then they transferred to Trafalgar Square which created a traffic jam. Lots of horn blowing later we made it through.
    Neil and I made a decision early on that this holiday we would mostly keep out of the cities if we could, just explore the countryside, today reaffirmed that.
    2.6.25 - Today we trained from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh then quick transfer to a train to Sterling where we will pick up our rental car tomorrow.
    I only chose Sterling because Arnold Clark Car Rental has a depot here never realising what a beautiful town it is. I discovered that Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. Definitely worth a visit tomorrow.
    The landscape on our trip up was mostly flat with grain growing the predominant agricultural use of the land, very few sheep & cattle. There were, however, a lot of windmills and solar farms plus a coal fired power station.
    Halfway through the trip an English couple sat beside us on the train and gave us great advice of where to visit in the Lakes District and the coast of Scotland below Edinburgh. Once again lovely people who were so helpful.
    My girls have been telling me for ages that I should be doing some weight training to maintain my strength as I get older, well, it wasn’t until coming on holiday that I have definitely started weight training. Our hotel was only 9 mins from the train station but Google Maps didn’t say it was all uphill then multiple sets of steps 😂 Love the thought of getting fit while holidaying.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Stirling Hotel was originally a school, now it is a hotel, spa & wedding venue
    Stirling HotelWe pulled our cases up hereLovely cobble streetsCan't be in Scotland and not have scones jam & creamMy mate Andy's display in the Dunblane museumBishop Leighton, he is holding the book that is in the painting.The creamy books are the one that were cleaned with skim milkDunblane CathedralDunblane CathedralIntricate woodworkSome houses open straight onto the footpathGlenturret DistilleryThis whiskey was very tastyHamish's farm has two windmills which produces electricity for their farm1View from Hamish's house windowTypical landscape around hereThe Bein Inn

    Stirling - Dunblane

    Jun 3–5, 2025 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    In Stirling we stayed at the Stirling Highland Hotel, we got there by walking uphill on cobble streets for 15 minutes, I am getting fitter by the day.
    We are in Stirling to pick up our rental car but also because it is close to Perth where our Scottish son Hamish Mitchell lives. For those of you from Wyndham you might remember Hamish staying with us for several summers when he came to learn how to shear. Neil and him used to get up to quite a bit of mischief. He went on to become the captain of the Great Britain shearing team and has competed in Golden Shears etc. He is now a Dog Trial Judge who is asked to travel over the world to judge dog trials. Hamish & his daughter Johanna, who stayed with us last summer, came into Sterling and had dinner with us. JJ, Hamish’s wife is Norwegian and is getting back today from scattering her Dad’s ashes with daughter Christine and son Norman, looking forward to seeing them. Hamish & JJ manage and work on a 1100 acres sheep and beef farm near Perth.
    We picked up our car after finding the correct Arnold Clark Rental car company, there were 3! All on the same street so it just meant walking a bit further, we needed the exercise anyway. Got going but the radio played over the SatNav instructions and couldn’t turn it off so back to the company where they sorted it but there was no off button on the radio 🙀 so have to keep turning it down.
    Off down the road we went, got on the highway, spotted some little villages and decided to get off the motorway, ended up in Dunblane. Went into the museum and watched a video on the history of Dunblane. I knew I had heard the name before and of course there was a massacre in 1996 when Thomas Hamilton killed 16 pupils and one teacher, injured 15 others before killing himself. It remains the deadliest mass shooting in British History.
    It also the birth place of Andy Murray, there is a display dedicated to him in the museum. Andy and his extended family still live in Dunblane, Andy and his wife Kim own Cromlix Hotel, an exquisite Victorian mansion and estate set in acres of secluded Stirlingshire countryside near Dunblane.
    Across the road from the museum is The Leighton Library, Scotland’s Oldest Purpose-Built Independent Library built 1687. It was founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, he donated 1200 books in different languages to the library. I had a very enthusiastic volunteer explain it all to me in detail 😆 It was actually fascinating. How the cheaper books in this collection had become black with age and they used skim milk to remove the grime and reveal the leather cover and title.
    Then a quick trip to the Dunblane cathedral before setting off toward Perth. Got waylaid by the Glenturret Distillery, thank goodness I can’t drive the rental car or we might still be there.
    Went out for dinner with Hamish at the local, The Bein Inn, Hamish had a meeting as they are holding Scottish Dog Trial Championship at this farm and he is chairman of the organising committee.
    A wonderful day of history, interesting people and catching up with loved ones.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Pitlochry
    PitlochryNeil was thrilled - steak pie1Christine, Norman & JJ (Jorunn)Hamish & JJA true scottish home, 3 stories high with a deer headLambs at the marketThese were cuteHe was very friendly, probably wanted savedStudying the stockHamish & JJ's house at Stirling1On the way up to the William Wallace memorial246 steps to get to the top on steep winding staircaseWilliam Wallace swordEach level of the tower had a different displayThe top - it was freezing!!3Views were stunning though - out over StirlingStirling Castle

    Perth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed

    Jun 4–6, 2025 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    The weather in Scotland has been 4 seasons in one day, every day. Sunshine, cold wind, torrential rain, we have had it all. Temperature has ranged from 5 to 14 degrees, from what the locals have said, this is normal but they are thankful after 6 weeks of unseasonably dry weather.
    Neil went with Hamish around the farm that he and JJ manage which we will detail in another post.
    Hamish took us for a drive to Pitlochry, a picturesque town at the start to the Scottish Highlands. The landscape does not change much through the districts, green fields with hedges or stone fences along the roads and lots of stands of trees.
    JJ, Christine and Norman arrived home from Norway after lunch, the last time we saw Christine and Norman they were about 6 & 4 years, now Norman is nearly as tall as Neil at 14 years.
    Where ever we have been so far there is a lot of native trees and hedges and they are not allowed to remove them without permission. They also cannot trim the hedges until the birds have stopped nesting and the flowers have finished so they don’t upset the bees pollination. The forestry blocks also have to have a belt of approx 30m planted in native trees alongside the roads. NZ could learn a few things from this policy I think. Hamish lives up twisting lanes out in the country which would be gravel in NZ but all roads are tar sealed here.
    Thursday 5 June we headed off down to Hamish & JJ’s farm that they own beside Stirling, Jim & Fiona, Hamish’s parents live on the farm and help look after it. We had an interesting visit to the Stirling lamb market. All lambs are sold through the market which is held each week. It is all computerised through a tag on the lamb, they are all weighed and that comes up on a screen as they come into the pen. Farmers pick out their best lambs to bring each week. The organisation was impressive.
    We said goodbye to Hamish & JJ and headed to the William Wallace memorial. Anyone who has watched the movie Braveheart will know what William Wallace achieved in driving out the English from Scotland only to meet a grizzly end when captured. Wonderful views of Stirling Castle & Stirling Bridge where they trapped the English
    Then we headed off to Berwick-Upon-Tweed in torrential rain at times. Made for interesting driving on the motorway when visibility was limited. We have mastered the GPS, not sure how we got around in 1991 with no cell phones or google maps.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    1Stone walls are the main type of fencing
    Picture perfectMoody day2Lone stag in the wild2It was freezing - no wetsuits 😲 but hats & gloves 😆Struck market day in Keswick but it was pouring with rain1He found a steak & kidney pie, happy boy until he tasted it, not a Wrinkly Ram pieNo words for how pretty the landscape was1Windermere was like a mini Queenstown, unfortunately tipping down stillWindermere1Bus Stop

    Lakes District

    Jun 6–8, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    I have dedicated one post to our visit to the Lakes District. It was outstanding, unfortunately rained most of the day, at times torrential. So many trampers & bikers that take advantage of the outstanding landscape. We intended to do some short walks but not possible.
    Each corner you go around provides another gorgeous sight. Lake Windermere was the busiest with so many boats on the lake and moored up, you could do every type of water sport there. It is very much a mini Queenstown packed with tourists like us.
    We went down through the middle of Lakes District National Park then round the coast back to Maryport. We were originally going to stay in Keswick or Windermere to be right in the middle of the Lakes District but we took one look at the accommodation prices and decided to stay out of the main tourist area.
    Our exchange rate is 2.2 so everything is expensive for us here but that is what happens when you travel. With our rental car we can buy some groceries and use the accommodation kitchen to cook ourselves something. If you eat out all the time the money can run away, hasn’t stopped us getting our flat white’s & scones, jam & cream though 😆    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Berwick-upon-Tweed old railway bridge. Bonus seagull
    1Gretna Green Blacksmith shop where all the weddings took place6Moffat tartan1Moffat Liqueurs4Should have got dressed up for the occasionOne of the local Maryport pubsPubs within 200m of each otherRescue greyhounds1Sunny warm spot to people watchThere was a large Roman Fort in Maryport in the paddock beside this museumThe promenade seawallMaryport Beach at low tideThere were some very brave people out on the beachLone Kiwi heading for a beer at the local - The Thomas Henry2Off on our walk 🥶These boats have seen better daysThere are windmills everywhere in Great Britain, even out at seaHardy souls trying to catch a fish

    Maryport

    Jun 6–9, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We stayed in Maryport so we could visit the Lakes District. Maryport is a wharf town, a working town, no tourists here - except us.
    On the way to Maryport we visited Gretna Green, quickly reaffirmed our vows under the arch 😆. Couples used to come over the border from England into Scotland to get married in the Gretna Green Blacksmith shop, in England they could not get married until they were 21.
    My maiden name was Moffat and I found a lot of Moffat clan memorabilia in the Gretna Green shop plus a booklet outlining the history of the Moffat Clan.
    In Maryport we enjoyed walking the Promenade, Roman Museum, we both had colds so enjoyed a rest day on the 8th June. In one of the photos you will see a man with a lot of greyhounds, they are all rescue dogs, when I told him that NZ is banning Greyhound racing he was very happy.
    In the vicinity where we were staying there were 6 pubs within about 200 metres, obviously from the heyday of the wharf being in action. Neil decided to visit one over the road to meet some of the locals but he soon found they weren’t really that interested in talking to a Kiwi guy who was a rugby fan, they were watching the English football team play and they weren’t going so well, much to their disgust. Neil was back in the apartment to have a beer with me in a very short time.
    Some of the boats have seen better days but we got the feeling this is a town on the up.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Yorkshire Dales
    Just another gorgeous townSubstantial farm buildings on every property to house animals over the winterKirkby LonsdaleKirkby Lonsdale2I mentioned a massage, Neil said with my luck I would end up beside a Labrador 😆2When in Yorkshire1Not what you expect to see on the Dales!!Looks like a giant golf ball.Yet another farm yard, quite often the house is attached to the barnThis elderly lady was taking her life in her hands in the streets of York3Hello David & Diane 😁

    Maryport to York

    Jun 9–10, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Left Maryport bright and early to head to York. We kept to the minor roads and away from the motorways. Once again the countryside was green, rolling with many stone fences and picturesque villages. The farmyards are impressive with large sheds which house their stock in the winter. Went through the Yorkshire Dales, which are like rolling hills back home, visited a delightful historical market town called Kirkby Lonsdale, managed to get ourselves into a tight corner in narrow streets while exploring! Photos do not do villages like this justice.
    Spied some strange looking white spheres in the distance (check photos) google came to the rescue. It was a Military base that was established in 1954 but is still extremely secretive. Up close they look like giant golf balls. Not what you expect out on the Yorkshire Dales.
    We met up with David and Diane in York who have just started their travels, had a great catch up over dinner.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Walmgate Barbican where we had our morning tea
    York MinsterYork MinsterWhere Guy Fawkes was bornGuy Fawkes InnFrom the York WallYork WallWalmgate Barbican1Walmgate Barbican1The boys had to watch their heads

    York

    Jun 9–11, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We thoroughly enjoyed York. We stayed in an apartment that once belonged to Joseph Rowntree, famous chocolatier and creator of the Rowntree’s Frut Pastilles. Parking is a nightmare here so we ended moving the car a few times to save some pounds.
    First up we all went on the Hop on Hop Off Bus around York for an hour then Diane and I visited York Minster while David and Neil had a coffee but we took so long they moved on to the Guy Fawkes Inn incorporating the Guy Fawkes Cottage where he was born. They couldn’t hide anything from us because the Wise payment for their beer came up on Diane’s phone, we knew exactly where to find them 😆
    York Minster was outstanding, the museum underneath the Minster detailed the many iterations of the Minster as well as the rise and fall of the Romans, Vikings and Anglo Saxons.
    Diane did so well with her sciatica walking a couple of sections of the York wall before heading home but David Neil & I walked the full wall. We had a break & a scone at the Walmgate Bar. City walls are rare in the UK, but barbicans are even rarer - this is the last surviving one, I have a picture of it below. It dates from the 12th century.
    I tried for a bit of retail therapy but no luck today. Went to the Golden Fleece for a drink, the most haunted pub in York then to an old theatre restaurant for dinner. All in all a great day.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Humber Bridge - not my photo!
    Missed the toll gate - oops1Not a great photo at 100km of the poppy fieldVery healthy potatoes - many many kms of potatoes, must be for feeding LondonSkegness Beach - still a cool breezeThe restaurant had a glass barrier so cool breezes must be the normBest feed we have had, a poke bowl from a Sushi Bar in Kings LynWe were in the 'Pink' room in the Old Rectory 😆Example of brick housesHunstanton Beach - it was very busyA woven fence - there were quite a few2Chalk houses - where I got told offChalk house2The Royal Hotel in Clacton had a balcony leading off our room, it just took some courage to get downClacton PierI took my jandals off for a walk but the beach was stoney with sharp shells 😢All along the waterfront there were lovely gardensThe Royal Hotel, we were on 2nd floor and they had a lift - Yay

    Kings Lynn - Clacton on Sea

    Jun 11–13, 2025 in England ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Things we noticed on our travels from York in Lincolnshire to Kings Lynn in Norfolk and onto Clacton-on Sea in Essex.
    The land was mostly flat especially from Skegness to Kings Lynn.
    It was all cropping, we did not see any sheep or cattle. The crops grown here are: Potatoes, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Kale, Corn, Beans, Oil Seed Rape, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions poppies & greenhouses with micro greens. A lot of land had no fences at all. We lost count of the number of tractors we saw on the road that were involved in harvesting the crops.
    Driving through the towns we realised how easy we have it in NZ getting around our towns & cities, quite often you have to stop and pull over to let cars past you going the other way, we will never complain about no parking in Cromwell ever again. We have found the drivers here so courteous and safe.
    We sailed over the Humber Bridge then realised we should have gone down the lane that paid the tolls, oh well I will have to try and do it online.
    We stopped at Skegness Beach for lunch, beautiful long expanse of sand then you looked out at sea and saw a long line of windmills in the ocean.
    At last a lovely warm sunny day 24 degrees
    Kings Lynn, where we stayed, was only 10 minutes from Sandringham Estate, one of the King’s residences. It has extensive gardens inside a wall then a large park where there are walk and cycle ways for people to use. Russell Bulling, you can tell Rob Davidson that Maple Glen outshines the grounds in every way except the pottager garden. The house itself is magnificent, as the public is only allowed in a few rooms downstairs I gave that a miss plus it cost $60pp! My photos for Sandringham Estate will be in a separate post.

    We carried on around the coast where I was told off by a local after getting out of the car to take photos of some houses. All around our trip I have been fascinated by the different materials that are used in the different counties to build houses. As it is hard to get good photos whizzing past on the road I got Neil to stop where there were 3 delightful homes. Nek minute we had someone at our car window asking why I was taking photos of his house. After explaining why I was taking them, he was lovely, (he thought we were Real Estate agents 😂) The houses here are built of chalk, next county sandstone, neither of them stand up well to the elements but it is obviously freely available. In the County before it was all red brick and up North, stone.
    There were beach towns all around here, so pretty and busy! After dallying along for a while we realised we had better get going or we would never make it to Clacton-upon-Sea at a decent hour. We were in the Royal Hotel, right on the beach with the Clacton Pier amusement park right in front of us, with windmills out in the ocean, as there has been at every beach resort we have stopped at. 25 degrees with no wind, I went for a walk on the beach, a perfect way to end the day.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Our first glimpse of Sandringham House
    We found this to be an unusual addition to the gardenDriveway to the front doorRoyal cars1914 DaimlerBully and a carThe orange stones are the attempt at a Japanese garden 🙀1My favourite photo

    Sandringham Estate - King’s Residence

    June 12, 2025 in England ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    “Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Including an organic farm, sawmill, residential and commercial properties, local parishes and communities nestled in the heart of The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can explore Sandringham Royal Parkland by foot, by bike or with your furry friend. The 600 acre Royal Parkland has two way-marked trails winding through woodlands & parkland with further unmarked paths for you to explore.”

    As you can tell the previous blurb was taken from the Sandringham Estate website, it was truly a beautiful area to explore. We paid $40 each to go inside the walled gardens which are 60 acres. We were first through the gates so no problem getting photos before the hoards arrived. We were surprised at the lack of bird life, mostly pigeons, even the ponds only had Canadian Geese that left their mark everywhere, much to Bully’s disgust, his trigger finger was itching. He was going to offer his services to King Charles.
    The old stables housed the vintage cars that the royals used, there were ponds with massive trout, an attempt at a Japanese garden that probably cost a fortune but fell well short of the mark, they have planted a lot of new trees around the grounds. The Pottager gardens were lovely as was the maze.
    Standing on the driveway that Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles drive on to get into Sandringham House did give you a feeling of the history of the place.
    I am not sure if it is King Charles’s wish that the grounds are kept in as natural a state as possible, because he is an organic farmer with a love for nature, but we found them rather unkempt, except for the formal gardens in front of the house which were beautiful.
    A wonderful visit to an historical site.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Concentration plus and our best friend, google maps.
    It was a tad busy on the motorwayTaken out of the car when driving, will get some decent shots over the next couple of daysMagnificentThe compulsory selfie with the stonesArrow on the ground points in the direction of the midsummer sun which aligns with the middle archThe 2km walk behind everyoneNeolithic villageHow they transported the stonesPotterne - obviously a few people have gone straight aheadDriving to our Potterne accommodation, we were just around the corner - gorgeous

    Potterne

    Jun 13–15, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We left Clacton-on-Sea knowing we had a long days driving ahead of us to get down to Potterne in Wiltshire so we decided to go on the motorways.
    Neil did really well navigating the fast moving traffic. You are allowed to do 70 miles per hour which is equivalent to 110km. Only a couple of hiccups when one lane was closed due to road works and it took us in the opposite direction to what we wanted but Google Maps to the rescue, she turned us round on a roundabout and back we went.
    On the M25 loop road around London the traffic was so thick there were flashing lights overhead telling us to go 40 or 50 miles an hour at times. Came to a complete stop a few times, so much for being quicker on the motorways. 5 1/2 hours driving and we were in Potterne, a delightful village, our first with some thatched roofs.
    Visited Stonehenge this morning, I bought the ticket to get up close and personal but Neil decided that wasn’t for him so he was behind a fence quite a bit back further. We parked our car and went to the building where you purchase tickets, cafe, exhibition and were told that to get to see Stonehenge you had to walk 2km or take the shuttle bus. As I had a ticket I could have gone on the bus but I chose to walk with Neil.
    4000 people visit Stonehenge each day 😲 we were there early so got a really good look but when we were coming back down to the carpark the crowd had grown exponentially.
    Stonehenge was built as a burial site . The middle arch is perfectly in line with the midsummer sun. Stonehenge is older than the pyramids of Giza.
    One of my lifetime bucket list items ticked off, it was fascinating awe inspiring.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Muntjac Deer
    Muntjac DeerRoe DeerRoe Deer

    Bully’s Animal Welfare Report

    June 14, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We have been driving the UK roads for nearly 2 weeks and have noticed numerous animals on the side of the road, I thought I would investigate what they are.
    Road Kill update: 22deer, these are Muntjac (originally from china) and Roe deer, no bigger than a young calf. Between 40,000 and 70,000 deer are killed or injured on UK roads every year these collisions cause significant damage to vehicles and many human injuries and deaths. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 people are killed and 700 injured every year due to deer related accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in direct collisions so must be extremely careful if travelling at night. Most accidents happen on the motorways with drivers swerving to miss the deer instead of a direct hit and maintaining control of the vehicle.
    Plus: 2 Hawks, 2 Badgers, 2 Hares and 1 Fox.
    Fallow deer are increasing at an alarming rate throughout the UK, Red Deer (native of UK) have stable numbers and are protected with special hunting conditions. Sika deer (introduced from Asia) and Chineses water deer, small numbers throughout the UK.
    I have a concern about the lack of bird life. Walking through the forest and bush I have noticed a lack of bird song and sightings. There are huge numbers of pigeons, Canadian Geese & crows. Even on the King’s ponds there were mainly Canadian Geese and 2 pairs of Mallards.
    There is a huge push here to leave the wild flowers and hedges to encourage bees and birds. The whole area we have been in over the last few days, is all cropping, which means constant spraying, According to the web the spraying has contributed to this problem a lot.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    Would love to go inside, don't think Neil would fit!
    Caen Hill LocksCaen Hill LocksCastle CombeCastle CombeCastle CombeCastle CombeCastle Combe11Bully would have a few issues in this village1I just scrape in3Tolly's Cafe - one of the best brunch's we have had1Delicious and a very welcome coffee after much hunting for a cafeWe have seen so many mole diggings all ove the country, obviously a big problemDogs are welcomed at Westonbirt and there were many of themWestonbirt Tree top walkOne of the many beautiful trees

    Fairford- Cotswolds

    Jun 15–18, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We drove from Potterne to Fairford in the Cotswolds today. An adventurous day, mainly because we were looking for a cafe to have a coffee, they were few and far between and we visited quite a few very cute villages, on narrow lanes, with no luck until we stumbled upon Tolly’s Cafe on the A46 - best brunch ever, saved us getting hangry!
    We also discovered the following highlights on our trip.
    Caen Hill Locks - Caen Hill is one of the longest continuous flight of locks in the country. With a total of 29 locks with a rise of 237 feet over two miles with a 1-in-44 gradient. The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the Devizes flight at Caen Hill are not only a scheduled ancient monument they are an Olympic-sized challenge every boater must do.
    Westonbirt Arboretum - A magical tree garden, home to 2,500 different types of tree and shrubs from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collection.
    Castle Combe - often called the prettiest village in England.
    We are staying at The Bull Hotel in Fairford, a classic old pub.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    The Bull Hotel in Fairford - our room is up the top where those tiny windows are
    3The Hobbit Room, there is also a step up into the roomHad to have a roast with Yorkshire pudding even though we are not in Yorkshire anymoreOur bathroomWalk in wardrobeSnug in The Bull Hotel2I would love to know where those stairs go, probably servants quartersDecorated beautifullyTHE BULLCountry RambleThe water was so clearHedging - they were gradually fill this in to create a fence3Quenington2Embroidered knee cushions1

    Fairford - Cotswolds Day 2

    June 16, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    The Bull Hotel Fairford - We are in the Hobbit room on the 2nd level where the floor has at least a 10 degree gradient 😂 We thought we might have to turn around in our bed so the blood didn’t run to our heads but we had one of the best sleeps of our trip. When you put a coffee cup on the side table you have to hold it in case it slips off.
    The trickiest set of stairs we have had to negotiate, definitely could be Faulty Towers but we love it, they have made an outstanding job of renovating it to keep all the old world charm but make it comfortable.
    Yesterday we went on a country ramble. We have noticed the croissants, date scones and lack of exercise are catching up with us so went for a 9.5km country ramble. The farmers here allow you to wander a path through their farms. We walked to a village called Quenington and back. So peaceful, we are happy to report there was birdsong, butterflies and bees in this area, plus pheasants.
    The red telephone booths are now being repurposed as libraries, we have seen a few. What a great idea.
    The local St Mary’s Church had embroidered cushions for parishioners to kneel on, all with their own unique design.
    Today we are visiting as many Cotswold villages as we can before moving on tomorrow.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    3
    Burford, our first village, you an see how popular it was!1Can you the spot the dog 😁Bourton-on-the-Water1Model Village of Bourton-on-the-WaterThis is how you get sugar in quite a few cafes1A well deserved red wine with dinner for the driver

    Cotswold Villages

    June 17, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Neil and I visited the following Cotswold Villages: Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Stow-on-the Wold, and Circencester.
    It is hard to describe how pretty they are, every corner brings a fresh delight, but as I have said before, it is hard to capture on camera.
    The model village at Bourton-on-the-Water showed great craftsmanship, Bibury was over run with tourists, Stow-on-the Wold was a treat because we got there early.
    Ended up in Circencester which is more of a town than a village but had an exquisite Italian lunch before heading back to The Bull Hotel in Fairford for a well deserved drink.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    1
    2Where GPS took us to get out of Ludlow, VERY narrow lane, all the beeps were sounding in the car!This pigeon was just inside the gate into the castle in a cubby hole, welcoming everyoneThe secret passageway to get the Prince out if neededThe round structure was the chapel1We climbed quite a few windy narrow steps to get this viewPart of the kitchensMost of the English countryside looks like this2One car width lane, except it is two way!

    Fairford to Stafford

    June 18, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today was travel day from Fairford to Stafford.
    Last night we were told that we needed to shift our car out of the hotel carpark as there was a Market in the car park the next morning and we wouldn’t be able to get our car . Sure enough when we were packing up the stalls were going up. We were most impressed with two people in wheelchairs, who each only had the use of one arm, setting up their stalls using their feet for assistance as well.
    We travelled through Shropshire & Hereford today, once again a mainly cropping area but this time there were also apples, cherries, kiwiberries, strawberries, blueberries & plums.
    We travelled to Stafford to drop our car off before getting the train at 6:04 in the morning to Holyhead, catch the ferry to Dublin, taxi to Dublin airport to the Sixt Car Rental depot and wait for Diane & David to fly in from Glasgow before heading to Carlow in the car. Will be a big day which I am sure will be finished off with a couple of refreshments.
    On the way today we stopped at Ludlow, we were surprised by yet another change in the architecture of the buildings. We also visited the castle. It is ruins now but was totally worth the visit, it must have been very impressive in its day.    Read more

  • Big Retirement OE
    2First class, what a treat
    The local honey was divine2Neil really really enjoyed this1The holiday bach's that went on for miles along the waterfront in North WalesPretty WalesHolyhead walkway into townHolyhead Castle - Neil spotted it when filling in time at the Ferry terminal3Caught a bus from Ferry terminal to Ferry, we were crammed inIrish FerryIrish Ferry - unlike our ferries, this one was new and comfortable18pm for dinner, Chinese was only one still open but it was Yum1Ewings Bar, where we are staying. Padraig Harrington signed shirt in the background.

    Ireland - Carlow

    June 19, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Neil & I were up at 5 to catch our train at 6:04, only 6 min walk to train station from our accommodation in Stafford. Broad daylight at 5 in the morning which made it easy.
    We were looking for carriage K but they went from J to L, thank goodness there was a station employee standing right beside us, she said quick get on and walk through the train because it is right down the end of the train??? I stepped up and got slammed by the door, twice, before I managed to get in, as soon as Neil alighted it took off. After pulling our cases through 5 carriages with very few people, thank goodness, we arrived in …… First Class 😲 That was a lovely surprise these tickets were cheap! Free breakfast, coffee, anything we wanted really and we were the only ones in the carriage.
    Wonderful scenery through North Wales and around the coast to Holyhead. The beaches in North Wales are extremely popular. There were holiday camps extending for kms. Mostly holiday bach’s, all identical. Speeding along in a train it is hard to capture the scenery but we are heading back to this area of Wales after our Ireland stint so want to take a closer look at Conwy Morfa Beach, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and others.
    Caught the Irish Ferry, taxi to Dublin Airport Terminal 1 where we were meeting Diane & David, flyng in from Glasgow. Unfortunately their plane was delayed two hours but when they arrived we picked up rental car, getting our luggage in was a test!! After much juggling & D&D ending up with a very cosy back seat, Neil took the wheel with me navigating and down the motorway we went. The hour and half drive went smoothly arriving in Carlow about 7:30. Great to catch up with D&D and hear about their week in Scotland. A nice meal, a couple of drinks and bed, it was a long but interesting, entertaining day.    Read more

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