www.siandavies.net

Travels with my IPad

2012-02-07T22:21:00.000Z

Just trying this out form my iPad hopefully it will work and I can blog from Turin!

Happy New Year Everyone

2012-01-02T15:42:00.000Z

Hi and a very Happy New Year to you all!

My Christmas letter for 2011 is now posted!

2011-12-17T11:10:00.000Z

Hi Everyone - My Christmas letter for 2011 is now posted click on the page link above!
I'm running late this year and still need to do some shopping oh and write my Christmas cards and put the tree up!
Sian x

Botswana Photos

2011-08-21T21:40:00.000+01:00

Oh well I've tried had to reduce the photos down from 2500 but I've stuck at 500 - they are good! Click on any of the photos on the right hand side to see the big version

Botswana Slideshow

2011-08-14T21:26:00.001+01:00

Well I'm home after the most amazing holiday! I've posted a slide show on the right. Click on the photos to see a big version

Botswana

2011-07-31T14:45:00.000+01:00

Arrived in maun yesterday after a long flight from London via Johannesburg.
stayed in Sedia lodge very comfortable and excellent red wine!
Up early and left at eight to drive it our house boat in the Okavango delta.
The roads are good but the cows are suicidal they wait til a car approaches then
cross eek!
The houseboat is fantastic excellent food and amazing views. ive seen my first elephant
Lots of crocs and kingfishers. We're mored now for the night just the water lapping
and the splash of crocs sliding into the water.

Botswana

2011-07-31T12:23:00.002+01:00

On a houseboat in the Okavango Delta

post from my kindle

2011-07-21T20:49:00.000+01:00

oh wow this experimental stuff is great kindle rocks!!

Skiing 2011

2011-04-13T16:18:00.000+01:00

I've been skiing in Morzine - the weather was wonderful but far too hot for the snow! Lots of sunbathing and excellent food only minus is a torn calf muscle! Photos on the right click on the slide show to see them.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-18T19:40:00.001Z

Hi Everyone
Merry Christmas to you all! I've added my 2010 Christmas Letter to my Blog Click on the tab above to read it.
Have a great festive time and keep in touch!
Sian x

Celebrating My 50th in the Maldives

2010-11-29T21:07:00.002Z

I swam with Manta Rays twice! A wonderful week in the sunshine on a small boat with an amazing crew, good company and excellent snorkeling a brilliant way to celebrate a birthday. Click on the photos to the right to open them in my Picasa Web Gallery.

Brazil what a fantastic holiday

2010-10-01T21:50:00.001+01:00

I loved Brazil - it has an amazing energy that is still buzzing through me! Rio surprised me - we were able to walk to Copa Cabana from our hotel and although you needed to be street wise I felt much safer than I had expected both alone and with the group. My biggest surprise was going to a football match - I don't like football but the electric atmosphere in the Maracana Stadium is an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world! I travelled with Explore worldwide - our tour leader Marie Lou was excellent - her energy and enthusiasm for Brazil quickly captivated the whole group.

The Iguassu Falls has to be seen to be believed - don't miss the trip to Argentina you must see the falls from both sides and the boat trip into the Devils Throat is well worth doing - take a (disposable) waterproof camera to get those close up shots!

The Pantanal was overflowing with amazing wildlife- my favourite are the Jabiru Storks who were nesting when we were there in August - the lodge is very comfortable and there is time to swim and relax in hammocks in between excellent meals and wild life adventures. Manaus in the centre of the Amazon with its Opera House was fun don't miss the juice bar or wandering round it's colourful streets. The Amazon lodge was far more luxurious than I imagined, with good food and the best caipirinas! Finally Salvador – what an amazing, bustling, music filled place! Click on my Brazil photos (slide show to the right) for a taste of this wonderful adventure!

Opera House Manaus

2010-08-09T17:36:00.002+01:00

Amazon

2010-08-09T17:22:00.002+01:00

I'm about to leave Manaus to stay in an Amazon jungle lodge for 2 days now. Manaus is a bustling, vibrant and busy port. The opera house was amazing like stepping back in time - there was a rehearsal going on which added to the experience!

Photos Added!

2010-08-04T06:27:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone I've added my Brazil photos to picasa click on the small slide show picture to the right at the top of my blog to see the pictures.

Iguacu Falls

2010-08-03T03:28:00.002+01:00

Emma and Jan get Married!

2010-07-02T18:13:00.003+01:00

Trike has arrived!

2010-05-27T19:03:00.002+01:00

Sian is very excited! The trike has arrived - it's a bit scary to ride but amazing fun! It's thirty years since I last rode a motor bike but the gear changing is coming back!

Sian's new Trike

2010-04-24T21:18:00.001+01:00

Oh I'm really excited I've bought a Trike!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oman 2010

2010-04-18T21:22:00.001+01:00

My photos are now live - click on any photo in the slide show to see full size photos.

On route to Oman

2010-04-03T07:36:00.001+01:00

Enjoying a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea in T4 Heathrow - bought books and a new waterproof camera so had to find a table next to a plug socket to charge the battery! Boarding at 8:20.

The Angel of The North

2010-02-10T13:48:00.001Z

Kondo San meets the biggest angel in the world!

Trencin Castle at night

2010-02-01T17:47:00.003Z

It's very pretty the castle is lit up and there is a skating rink in the square - it's also freezing -5deg!

Trencin Slovakia

2010-02-01T16:32:00.001Z

Hi folks - I'm working in Trencin in Slovakia - it's very snowy - the hotel is in the centre of town so I'm off out for an explore! It's very pretty.

Blow Football

2009-12-25T12:24:00.001Z

The old games are the best!

2009-12-25T12:23:00.001Z

All this technology and blow football is the game of choice!!!!

Christmas Fun

2009-12-20T00:15:00.001Z

Dancing the night away in the pitcher and piano!

My boiler is finally fixed!!!!!

2009-12-18T20:09:00.001Z

Queen Hyacinth

2009-12-14T04:19:00.001Z

Found an app to Blog!

2009-12-14T04:12:00.001Z

Had a lovey weekend Panto and party!

Last weekend in Japan

2009-11-13T09:03:00.002Z

Off to Toyota City in a bit to stay in the Toyota castle. going on a tour of Toyota Sakae Brewery tomorrow (with tasting) and then on to Nagoya. No doubt I'll be doing some more shopping!

Birthday in Japan

2009-11-11T15:11:00.001Z

Just had a lovely evening in Japan! Went to the Murasaki and then to Gin's bar for the Magician - amazing night!

Kev's bar again

2009-11-09T14:42:00.000Z

Just had an excellent early birthday evening in Kev's bar - Kev remembered it was my birthday on Wednesday and had engraved a special glass and got me a pressie - amazing when you consider the last time I celebrated my birthday in his bar was 10 years ago!

Back at Oasis (Base camp for Toyota)

2009-11-08T09:15:00.002Z

I've had a lovely weekend in Nagoya - lots of shopping and walking! Back at the room now, put the washing on and am going to head off on my bike in a bit to Meglia to buy some milk and get some food for dinner. Work tomorrow!

Outback in Nagoya

2009-11-07T23:10:00.002Z

Went Australian last night -Outback in Nagoya - it was fun the food was good but enormous portion sizes! I had chicken and half rack of ribs wow. I decided to opt out of the bar where all the waitresses dress up as cow girls - met Tony Walker and his wife from Toyota Brussels on the walk back it's a small world! More shopping today - going to loft and then probably more Tokyu Hands!

Breakfast in Nagoya

2009-11-06T22:53:00.001Z

Saturday morning - now the big dilemma is it Starbucks or Mcdonalds for breakfast............more chance of getting a cup of tea in Starbucks so I'll try there!

Out with the boys in Nagoya

2009-11-06T15:39:00.002Z

I'm out with the boys in Nagoya - been to more "English" bars tonight than I've been to before in Japan! The Elephant's Nest - it even serves Pedigree- how weird is that!
Curry was much better than CoCo's then to the Hub - at least G&T's are cheaper than beer and come in Jumbo size! Back at the hotel now which is great - big bed, tv, internet and capsule bathroom! Shopping tomorrow!

CoCo's Curry

2009-11-04T11:53:00.000Z

Mmm CoCo's curry is the same as I remembered- yellow runny curry sauce of varying strength but no taste poured over fried chicken and a pile of sticky rice........my memory had faded over the past 15 years I had forgotten quite how bad it was - oh well the salad was ok! Don't need to go back for at least another 15 years now! Got red wine and Maltesers for pudding!

Sussed the Jet Lag

2009-11-04T08:41:00.002Z

Hi everyone I've finally cracked the jet lag and managed to sleep in Japan time! Had another productive day at work - it was much warmer with the heaters and my extra clothes!
Off for a curry with the boys tonight. Just hoovered my room - novel for me!!!! I like this minimalist life style!

Off to the Red Lantern

2009-11-03T09:26:00.002Z

Had a busy day today lots of catching up stuff and cleared my work email to zero!!!!!!!!
Off to the red lantern for dinner tonight - hopefully I'll sort the jet lag tonight and sleep!

Monday in Japan

2009-11-02T08:47:00.002Z

Just finished my first day at work - we've even got parts for the new car that arrived this afternoon! Off shopping for essentials like a plate and a mug now then out with the boys for a pizza!

Sunday in japan

2009-11-01T10:16:00.002Z

Been out on my bike today, cycled to Home Expo and bought some tomato clips for uncle Evan. Carried on to Toyota city and pottered round the shops - the up hill on the way back wasn't as bad as I anticipated despite having no gears on the bike! Shopped in Meglia on the way home, bought food for dinner, eggs and bacon for breakfast and some very nice Wolf Blass red wine! I still need to go out and by a glass - drinking wine out fo a plastic mug at the moment! The weather was beautifully sunny this morning but I got soaked on the way home on the 5 minute ride from the shop!
Going down to play pool with the boys in a bit then try and get some sleep before work tomorrow.

In Japan

2009-10-31T15:58:00.002Z

Arrived safely in Toyota city - long journey but ok. Been out for food and a few beers at Kev's bar then a few g & T's at Gin''s bar! Off to try and get some sleep now. Going exploring on my bike tomorrow - this is a new place that I'm staying in and need to get my bearings!

Updating from iphone

2009-10-18T17:00:00.001+01:00

I think i've sussed this now

New toy! Trying to work out how to post

2009-10-18T14:01:00.001+01:00

The Adventure Bike Ride

2009-10-10T13:09:00.003+01:00

We went for a bike ride along the Deddington Circular route. Phoebe and Anisha went down the rocky, steep hill.

Deddington

2009-10-10T10:16:00.001+01:00

Sian is going on a bike ride with Phoebe now! We've got to mend Phoebe's puncture first!
NOW PLEASE!

2009-10-09T13:10:00.000+01:00

In Deddington with mum and dad!

First Home Grown Courgette is Harvested!

2009-08-01T19:44:00.001+01:00

Yippe my first home grown courgette is in the stir fry yummy!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday

2009-06-23T23:00:00.001+01:00

Enjoyed my bike ride with Adele - what an amazing warm sunny evening - we did 9.6 miles! Been gardening, watering and drinking red wine in the garden.

Second long weekend

2009-06-21T12:55:00.003+01:00

I've been gardening again this weekend , built another raised bed - got to stop now wheely bin and all the bags are full!
Off to the Ashe Hall Summer Fayre this afternoon.

Day off!

2009-06-05T14:26:00.002+01:00

Well I finally got home at 11:15pm last night! Today is my workshare day part of the 10% pay cut we all took - it's lovely to be home in the garden - I'm lying in my hammock in between planting bedding plants!

Supplier Visits are wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-03T22:57:00.002+01:00

I've finally arrived at the Hotel somewhere in the depths of Austria! Just winding down now after a crazy 8 hour journey!!!!!!
It's almost midnight and we start at 8 in the morning and that's 1/2 and hour away!!!!
The Hotel is on an Industrial Estate - It's weird the room is bright yellow and the bathroom bright red!

The view of the river from the terrace in Piestany

2009-06-02T21:19:00.001+01:00

Long journey today - but good steak at the hotel and view of the river.

Cool Dude

2009-05-27T14:23:00.003+01:00

Feeding the Chickens

2009-05-27T14:22:00.000+01:00

We went to Goes to feed the chickens this morning.

I've been chief baby sitter!

2009-05-26T20:40:00.001+01:00

I feel honoured to be the first person to put JC to bed other than Em or Jan - managed to change nappy and everything!

Thunder Storm

2009-05-26T04:27:00.002+01:00

Sian has just woken up it's 5am and the thunder storm is still going here! It's very loud and amazing to listen to especially snuggled under a duvet!

Fun on the beach

2009-05-25T10:15:00.000+01:00

Jan and Junior went to watch kite surfing while Emma and I sat in the sun!

First raised bed level and ready to be filled with soil and compost!

2009-05-04T19:38:00.000+01:00

My first raised bed is ready to be filled. I've set it level and sieved out all the soil to get rid of the bricks and bits of glass! I'm off to buy compost to mix in with the soil tomorrow and then I'll be ready for planting! This is exciting - I've got pumpkin and squash coming up in my grow house and I've still got some seed potatoes to plant.

The raised beds have arrived!

2009-05-02T16:58:00.002+01:00

I'm at mum and dad's for the bank holiday - my raised beds have arrived! I could get into this gardening bit!!!! Dad's got spare tomato plants and asparagus crowns so I have lots to do when I get home.

The Garden fixers have prepared the ground for the raised beds!

2009-04-26T17:43:00.001+01:00

Jan has done a wonderful job preparing the garden for it's new raised beds!

Home from Nepal

2009-04-20T00:27:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone I'm home from Nepal it was a brilliant but exhausting holiday! I'll sort out some photos very soon!

Pokhara Nepal

2009-04-11T13:04:00.002+01:00

Just Arrived in Pokara been white water rafting this morming then a long but exciting journe to Pokara. This is the first internet access since Delhi I will try and upload a photo in a bit!

On Route to Kathmandu

2009-04-05T06:39:00.002+01:00

Sitting in Delhi airport after the first half of the journey - take off at 12.55 for Nepal so 2 hours to wait. Delhi is much better than I remember no smog!!!

2009-03-28T10:45:00.001Z

Packing for the next adventure this weekend! I'm off to Nepal next week.... my visa and passport arrived back this morning so off I go again!

Home

2009-03-09T06:31:00.001Z

Hi I'm home - I've slept, had breakfast (bacon sandwich yummy!) and am now off to work!

Leaving Koh Hai

2009-03-06T05:07:00.002Z

Sunrise on the beach - well worth getting up for!

Sitting on the beach under the stars

2009-03-05T15:03:00.002Z

Wow sitting in a deckchair on the beach watching the stars and listening to the waves lapping on the shore.

Last day on the beach tomorrow

2009-03-05T12:17:00.002Z

Had a fantastic day today snorkeling- managed to get a bit sunburnt but the aftersun is working (and gin!!
Leave at 12:00 tomorrow to catch the overnight train to Bankok.

Koh Hai

2009-03-03T14:09:00.000Z

Sitting in the bar drinking G&T

Sitting on an idyillic beach in koh Hai

2009-03-03T08:18:00.005Z

Updating my blog on the beach the view is amazing!

When I run away I'm coming to stay here!

2009-03-02T10:26:00.001Z

Lanta Old Town

Koh Lanta

2009-03-01T09:19:00.002Z

Arrived by ferry in Koh Lanta this afternoon after a spectacular journey across the Andaman sea - Hotel is lovely on the beach, only the pool between me and the sea bliss. Off for a massage now.

2009-02-26T12:03:00.000Z

No internet on the next island - I will just have to twitter!

Fantastic pool at the hotel

2009-02-26T11:31:00.001Z

The pool is amazing!

A sandy beach for the afternoon!

2009-02-26T11:25:00.001Z

Sun, boats, white sand and shade to sleep in!

Speed boat journey out to the Islands

2009-02-25T16:35:00.001Z

Wow - it was fast and bumpy!

Raya Yai

2009-02-25T11:30:00.002Z

Wow staying on Raya Yai - arrived about 2 hours ago - fantastic room , short walk to the beach.
Just been snorkling, now chilling out with a glass of wine and internet access! It's idyllic - 45 minute speed boat trip to get here - off on boat trip tomorrow.
Sian x

Reds Demonstrate in Bangkok

2009-02-24T16:34:00.002Z

Demonstrators gathered outside and inside our hotel this morning - they were very excitable and anxious to have their photos taken!
We moved hotel as a precaution but it all appeared to be very good natured and peaceful.
Spent the evening shopping in Patpong market - an interesting place!
Sian x

In Bangkok

2009-02-24T10:35:00.002Z

Hi Everyone
I'm in Bangkok now - we've just had to move hotel due to the anti government protest - it all seemed pretty friendly this morning but with 2000 troops on standby it's possibly sensible we've moved. We're now near Pak Pong off to explore tonight!
Sian x

2009-02-21T16:24:00.001Z

Hi I'm in Deddington with Mum and Dad - off to Thailand tomorrow early flight via Baharain

I've packed

2009-02-20T22:26:00.001Z

Almost ready to go to Thailand!

Thailand here I come!

2009-02-20T19:17:00.000Z

I'm off to Thailand for 2 weeks tomorrow - follow my journey I'll be updating my blog as I go!

Sian

2009-02-20T18:44:00.001Z

Off to Thailand tomorrow! Not packed yet!

Maldives

2009-02-06T20:52:00.001Z

I'm off to the Maldives to live on a boat for a week!

2009-02-01T19:34:00.003Z

Scraggly cat (who is 18 ish) is better today - he was really out of sorts yeaterday didn't even get up for diner! He's been much cheekier today and is sitting on the table at the moment waiting for me to shoo him off!

2009-02-01T12:22:00.000Z

Having a relaxing Sunday!

2009-01-29T22:58:00.001Z

Whopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I've finished my tax return!

2009-01-26T22:42:00.000Z

Just been bowling - prize for the lowest score!!!! Tee Hee

2009-01-26T07:08:00.001Z

Off to work now, going bowling tonight then looking forward to seeing Lucy

2009-01-25T23:05:00.000Z

Just trying out all the features

2009-01-25T22:58:00.001Z

Dad on his 80th Birthday

2009-01-25T20:37:00.002Z

Hi Everyone I've just emailed out to all the cousins I have email contacts for - I'm looking to hearing from you.
Sian

2009-01-25T14:12:00.000Z

There's a link on my web page now! www.siandavies.co.uk

2009-01-25T13:29:00.000Z

Look out for my blog on my web page

2009-01-25T12:47:00.000Z

Hi everyone this is my new blog - I'm having a real techy morning! I've just set up my profile on twitter too!