Andrew's diary

Wednesday, 14 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

Our last day. We had breakfast, Andrew went around taking lots of pictures of different places in the hotel as I packed everything up. We had a final walk around and then had an early lunch of toasted sandwiches (we were too early for the buffet bar but I felt it was important to have something as we didn't know what it would be like at the airport). The coach arrived to take us to the airport, we got to see lots of the other hotels as we picked different people up. Most of the hotels look very similar, although some are closer together and have shared activities/attractions. The airport's departure lounge was one very big room with a few shops around the edge. Two planes were expected in at the same time so it was fairly full. Our plane arrived at the time it was due to take off, but they turned it around very quickly and we were only running a little late. The trip home was via Holguin, so it took an hour longer. By this point I was hungry but we had to wait for both lots of pasengers to be onboard and settled before dinner was served. After dinner the lights were turned down, so people could get some sleep, we were all given fleece blankets but Andrew and I found it almost imposible to sleep :(

The flight took 11 hours and Cuba is 5 hours behind the UK so we landed in the early hours of Thursday morning, totally worn out sue to a lack of sleep. I think the drive back to Basingstoke was the hardest drive that Andrew has ever done, he was so tired and I wasn't an auful lot of help as I had had wine on the plane.

Cuba is a great place to visit as you can get so much from it, I am glad we went went we did as given another 10 years I'm not sure that it will be the same place as I think it will be too touristy. I couldn't have picked a more perfect place for our honeymoon :)

Tuesday, 13 April 2004

We got up early and went down to breakfast and then waited for our coach to take us to the airport. We got an internal flight from Cayo Coco to Ha[bv]ana. It seemed strange waiting around for the aeroplane and a little bit like a waist of time, I just wanted to get there and see things. In the small departure lounge there were also people waiting to fly to the other side of Cuba to go on the swimming with dolphins day trip. It was fairly easy to tell which people were going on which trip! The plane was small and very old looking. The flight took 50 minutes and we flew mostly over the sea, it really is a beautiful colour. The landing was quite bumpy and we taxied around the airport for a long time, there were lots of other planes all sitting there but not a lot happening. We also saw lost of old planes that looked like they were in desperate need of repair, in fact they might well have been there for spares.

We had a shock when we got off the plane - it was raining! I knew that I had packed the waterproof coats for a reason; the only problem was they were miles away back on Cayo Guillermo. We got onto the coach and our guide started to tell as all about everything Cuban and from Habana, he seems like a very clever man, it is obvious he is doing this job because that is where the money is. We drove from the airport to the centre of Habana, there aren't that many cars on the road and it isn't like the movies, yes they are all old cars, lots of Skodas and the like, but they are not always as well cared for and shiny as they are on the telly.

Our guide gave us lots of information whilst we were traveling around the city. Cuban food is all rationed and it is hard to get anything more than this, normal Cuban's can't actually afford any luxuries, but if you are lucky enough to be payed in US dollars (which anyone who works with tourists is) then your money is worth a lot more and can buy you some extras - although not everything is available due to US sanctions. For a month, per person they are allowed (or given, I was unclear about this) 5Kg of rice, 5Kg beans, a ration of beef, seafood, pork and chicken. I believe then they were allowed as much fruit and veg as they could afford or grow. Another interesting fact is that there are no native Cubans left. There were 5,000 when the Spanish invaded but they were worked hard and were all dead within a short amount of time. So all Cubans are either decended from the Spanish or African slaves.

First we saw lots of references to the revolution, some of this was explained to us by our guide. He had a very interesting view of America, I assumed that he would either hate all things American due to the sanctions they impose, or want to be on the next raft over there to look for a better life. In fact he was more of the view that yes the Americans have more material things than the Cubans, but it isn't necessarily as good as it's made out to be. He was definitely Cuban and wanted the best for Cuba. We stopped at revolution square and saw the government building (built in the 60s) and a large hotel with the face of Che Guevara on it. There were also lots of other government buildings the department or this and the department of that. It is all very spaced out, not at all like the centre of London. Unfortunately due to the rain we didn't get chance to get out for long and have a good look around.

Our next stop was the old capitol building a copy of the one in Washington but 3m taller! It had the third largest in the world, indoor bronze statue in it. The whole building was very well looked after on the inside and out, lots of fancy bits and bobs. It is not used for everyday use any more due to the fact that Castro doesn't like it! (I would imagine that it is too posh and ornate looking). Whilst walking around we got whisked off, by ourselves, by a tour guide and shown some very posh rooms, one was Castro's, I believe (her English was not that great), she expected a tip, so Andrew tipped her. From the Capitol building there was a good view of old Habana - it looks very run down. We also saw a "Camel", free public transport; it is a lorry cab pulling a bus-like thing that fits up to 200 people on it.

We were taken to lunch in a restaurant and given a small choice of food, none vegetarian, the guide spoke to them and they did me a rather nice omelette. After lunch we were taken to a hill fort, the main church (which has two towers, one on each side of the centre, both different sizes, one built to the Spanish blueprints, the other built by the Cubans.) We were taken through the streets of old Habana and then given some time to explore ourselves.

On the way back to the airport we were taken to a tourist street market so that we could buy things - I was good and only spent a little money! The internal departure lounge at the airport was outside and full of wicker furniture, we people watched for a while and then got on the plane for the journey back to Cayo Coco. We heard tales on the way back of people ditching the tour and sorting themselves out, apparently there are two types of restaurant/shop, those that take Cuban money and those that take US dollars, if you go into one that takes Cuban money (which I don't think tourists are allowed) then there is no way you can pay. It was a very long and tiring day - but very informative, maybe one day we will go back when it isn't pouring down with rain and get a better feel for the place.

Monday, 12 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

The plan was to get up early, have breakfast and the cycle to the end of the island. The plan failed as we got up over and hour later and then went for breakfast. After yesterday's struggle for a prime beach spot, I went down straight after breakfast (9:00), still no on-the-beach shade free, there was hardly anyone around just towels everywhere. So in the end we sat where we sat yesterday. I laid the towels out then went to collect Andrew. We sat and read, well I slept more then I read, mmmmm warm and the sound of the sea. We lunched at the bar grill again - well we know it has chips and mayo now! Andrew had a burger today. I wonder if I am eating Cuba out of mayo!?! I had an ice cream disaster all over the table - well it melts so quickly - that is my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Back to the room, and more reading on the balcony.

We decided to have a go at the bike ride, so when it had cooled down a little we went to see about borrowing some bikes. Andrew had his eye on the motor powered ones... but that's not really the point is it? We borrowed a couple of bikes and headed towards the end of the island. It didn't take Andrew long to start complaining: apparently swimming shorts are not the best thing to be cycling in. We kept going with me stopping every now and then for Andrew to catch up! It was very hot and hard going but I didn't want to give up. However in the end we had to and turned back. When we finally got back to the hotel we sat by the pool and took a dip to cool off. :)

We used the tripod to take some photos of the both of us when we were ready to go out for tea. It was harder than it looked - Andrew kept moaning at me for blinking or staring at the camera... the photos are a bit scary. We went to the other al a carte restaurant for tea, it is the grill bar by day. You have to book these restaurants and are only allowed to each one once a week - they make a nice change so are well worth it. After looking at the menu I was a little concerned that everything seemed to have meat in it, we asked the waiter who said they would bring me some vegetarian food. I wondered what this might be! It turned out to be egg plant again, it was nice, but not as well cooked as last night. Whilst eating the Cuban group came around again and sang to us. They seemed to find us every night, it was always the same girl, who sings, and a couple of different men to accompany her on instruments. As tonight was officially Cuban night in the evening's entertainment they were dressed up. It is an interesting question, when you are eating do you stop to listen to them, as they are standing at your table, or do you carry on eating? I liked to stop and listen to them. We took a picture of them this evening - she is very smiley.

Sunday, 11 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

We had organised for breakfast in bed for this morning, this is what being on honeymoon is all about. We had omelettes, toast, lots of fruit and cakes. Of course we didn't actually eat it in bed, but at least we didn't have to go down to the buffet bar to get it.

Washed and dressed and down to the beach. The only problem was that as a certain Flegg (not me) had arranged for a late breakfast we didn't get down to the beach until nearly 10:30. This meant that there weren't many shady places left on the beach, so we moved up into the dunes and found some shade and a couple of sun loungers. We settled down and read our books. It was actually quite breezy so it felt nice and cool. We had lunch in the grill bar, pork chop and chips for Andrew; chips, salad and mayo for me (this was very exciting as it was the first mayonnaise of the holiday.) Followed by ice-cream - I had to share mine with Andrew, I'm not sure why he couldn't have gone at got his own, after all it is an all inclusive hotel and it was there to help yourself to! The grill bar was full of little black birds with pretty fan tails. They seem to like chips as they were all over the tables pinching them as people were leaving. I'm sure one of them had its little eyes on mine - there was no way I was leaving any!

Now off to lounge by the pool, there was less of a breeze here so it was quite hot. More reading and sleeping, later we had a nice long play in the water - nice and cool although it was a little too chloriney. Then back to the room for showers and telly watching before tea.

We ate later tonight as we were dinning in the al a carte restaurant. So we had time to check out the hotel computer suite (2 old PCs), we paid for an access card, sent some email and left some posts for people. Then we checked out the shop. Then we went to Carlos' bar for pre-dinner drinks. Andrew had a Cubanito which had tomato juice, Lee and Perrin's, Tabasco, salt and of course rum in it - I don't think he liked it (giggle). I had a Daquiri - I do like them! Then we both had a rum and coke - result = nearly drunk before tea (not technically my fault: they put so much rum in everything! A single in Cuba is about a triple in the UK.)

Tea was lovely, a little room with candles on the tables and three waiters. Andrew had salad, chicken stuffed with ham, paté all on a tomato sauce with home cooked chip/crisp things. Followed by crême caramel. I had salad with a bit of chilli, not to be confused with pepper! Stuffed egg-plant - yummy, and then a profiterole - just one big long one. We had red wine - the waiter kept topping mine up without asking, well it would be rude not to drink it. Result = drunk Mel.

Bed time ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Saturday, 10 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

Up early and down to breakfast. Today we did the Colourful Cuba tour, we were very much looking forward to this one; getting out and seeing the real Cuba. A small couch arrived to pick us up, we got seats near the front, and then we set off on the long trip to pick up other people.

Our guide was very chatty; telling us everything about Cuba, including a geography lesson. The causeway linking Cayo Coco to the mainland is 27km long, 17km of which is in open water. It took 18 months to build. Whilst we were on the causeway we saw a large flock of flamingos in the distance - it looked like a pink smudge on the horizon. The first hotel on Cayo Guillermo (the smaller island that we were staying on) was opened in 1993 before any were opened on Cayo Coco. See you can tell I was listening!

Our first stop was at a Dutch village, so named because of the style of the houses.The village was named after Celia Senchez, who was the private secretary to Castro for the first 20 years. We were here to see the locals - all cattle farmers. To be honest I felt like we were intruding, so we didn't walk around the village, but instead down to the village sign. This is when I really wished we had brought pens and pencils and stuff to give out to the children, as it was a Saturday they weren't at school. I had read on the Canadian forums that it is the done thing to take things over, but greed gave out and I put an extra couple of sets of clothes into the suitcase instead. In fact writing this now I feel very guilty, if I ever go again I would defiantly take things to give out to the children - they have so little.

Next we stopped at a crocodile farm. They were all a safe distance away - quite big - but sitting very still so good to take pictures of. But then I held a baby crocodile. It was all slimy and squidgy - it had its mouth tied shut so it couldn't hurt me. Crocodiles live up to 80 years, they stay in this farm for the first 15 years then get released into the wild. They eat twice a week due to a slow metabolism.

Next we went to a sugar mill. We went past lots of sugar cane fields all at different stages of growth. At the mill we were treated to a video of steam trains that used to pull the sugar cane around. It was something to do with a festival held every year - the film looked like Popa had taken it. Then we watched a live re-enactment of what the black slaves would have had to do to process the sugar cane. The Spanish bloke had a big whip - very Indiana Jones (I think Andrew liked the look of it!) Then we were given about 5 minutes to take pictures. The mill is no longer in use, the government shut down all the mills that were no longer economical.

We went on a steam train for a ride through the countryside and to lunch. Sugar cane was passed around while we were on the train for people to try - chew but don't swallow - yuk! But Andrew and his sweet tooth seemed to like it. Then a piece of grapefruit to refresh! We saw some traditional style houses made from palm trees and lots of sugar cane. By this point it was very hot. We got off the train at a farm (just for tourists I think), where we saw a man cutting down sugar cane in the traditional way, with a machete. We also saw a cow being milked and lots of banana trees.

As we arrived at the eating place, we were given a drink of sugar cane drink - yuk! It was far to sugary. Lunch was in a shady part of the trees with lots of different birds around, it was a lovely location and was very peaceful. The trees were very tall and there were lots of interesting picnic tables which were hand made. In the middle there was a serving place with a spirits bar build into the trees. Our food was apparently traditional Cuban food; pork, rice with black beans in (which made it all a brown colour) and salad. I had an omelette. There was lots of freshly cut fruit for afters. All topped off with an ice cold cola (defiantly not Coke) It seemed as though it was missing something without any rum in it!

Next onto Moron, the second largest city in this province; 60,000 inhabitants, a lot of whom work in the large hotels on the Cayos. We had a horse and cart ride around the city centre with a guide who pointed everything out. It's hard to put into words what it was like, you really need to see the pictures. We had 30 minutes free time in the centre. We went into the museum $1 each. Andrew had a go at translating the Spanish - I was impressed, although I guess he could have been making it all up! The museum had a tower, so we climbed up and had a good view over the city, it wasn't a tall tower but from the top you could see most of the city (there didn't seem to be a lot of it). We then went onto a bar for Cuban music and a cocktail - not bad.

Next came a visit to a lake and a fast boat ride through the mangroves. We zoomed across the lake and through a natural channel. There were lots of termite nests to be seen. The driver stopped and climbed up and brought a handful of termites down for us to see. The boat was travelling so fast that it was quite refreshing, although I could still feel my skin burning: it's hard to find time to top up the cream on these organised trips. (By this point in the holiday I had a seriously burnt and thus pussy nose - I have learnt my lesson!)

Back onto the coach and home. It takes over an hour to get back to the hotel - this is the trip that all the workers have to do each day there and back, they also aren't lucky enough to have a modern air conditioned coach. When we got back to the hotel we tried out the toasted sandwich chef who lives in the main bar - not bad. We watched some telly, had a rest and freshened up before tea. Pretty much the usual, although with mash potato tonight. An early night after a very full day.

Friday, 09 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

Andrew woke up with a bad head (I pottered for a bit then went down to breakfast alone, worried that we were about to waste $70 each by not going on the trip. I tried to ask a few people if they would like the tickets, but I only seemed to get people that were already going on a trip or didn't speak any English!

I got back from breakfast and pestered Andrew a bit until he decided that he was just well enough to go out. The only problem was that we only had 10 minutes to get ready, and be outside reception when he decided this. He got ready very quickly while I packed the bag. We just managed it, but Andrew still didn't look well. I guess he must love me very much to get up and go out :)

A coach came to pick us up from outside reception and then, because we were the first picked up, we spent nearly an hour picking up other people. We finally got to the Catamaran and boarded. It was fairly big, we shared it with about 20 other people and 5 crew. It moved slowly out of the harbour (two jetties and a shed!) picking up a large bird on the way. The captain encouraged the bird to walk along the sail ropes by banging a tape at him, apparently it thought it was a fish! The rest of the guests onboard settled themselves down in the sun to sun bath while Andrew and I found some shade and settled into our books. We stopped for about an hour to snorkel. The challenge was to find some flippers that actually fitted and then try to do up the life jacket. There was no way I was going in the water without one and although Andrew braved it for a while he soon worked out that it was much less effort to wear one - that way you don't have to tread water. The water was quite shallow (about two or three Melanie-depths) and we were a long way out to sea - I certainly couldn't see any land. The sea was very salty and I couldn't quite get the hang of snorkelling - floating face down in the water and breathing was the easy bit, however keeping the goggles from steaming up was much harder. There were a lot of fish to see, but the came very close and were touching me: I didn't like that at all.

We sailed on and the stopped for lunch in the very shallow water near an island. Not a desert island though, more like a rock in the middle of the sea! Lunch was rice, chicken, veg and some yukky looking seafood with eyes. After eating I walked (paddled) to the island, I didn't go ashore though as it was too rocky with no shoes on. I played in the water for a while (no one around - it was lovely) until I saw a huge grey fish. It didn't help that the boat was playing the Mission Impossible music which for some reason made me think of Jaws - I got back to the boat very quickly!

We stopped for another snorkel, Andrew and I stayed onboard the boat. We then stopped at a beach in the middle of the sea; Andrew paddled ashore but I stayed and watched him.

I'm not sure this was really the trip for us - we are not sun loving or beer drinking enough.

Tea was pasta for me and more meat and rice for Andrew. I mean he would complain if I gave him this much rice at home! MEN! For dessert we had fruit and Andrew was brave enough to get his flamed! I was sitting and watching and the flames seemed to go very close to the chef and Andrew! We didn't brave the entertainment this evening.

Thursday, 08 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

Breakfast in the Buffet bar - Andrew had bits and pieces to make up a cooked breakfast and I had scrambled egg and bread with a few potato things. :)

We had a meeting with the rep at 9:00am. He seems strange - we think an Essex boy. He gave us his presentation on Cuba telling us lots of things that we could do. It seems strange to say that he is young (makes me feel old) but I kinda felt like marking his presentation out of 10 and giving him feedback! He told us about the trips that we could go on and their prices. We had to fill in a form saying what we would like to do - he will then sort it out and see when they are available for us to do.

We went to the beach for the rest of the morning-swimming, paddling and reading.

Lunch at the beach bar. Veggie pizza for me and burger and chips for Andrew. We then went to Carlos' bar and experiences the joy of Daquiris - lovely, like a rum slush puppy! Followed by an afternoon snooze, to be honest I think there was a little too much rum in the drink for a lunchtime drink! But hey it's our honeymoon!

Back to the beach and a stroll down to the water sports area. We went on a pedalo, which is hard work in the sun! The water was very shallow so it was hard work to get to a reasonable depth. For some reason (I blame Andrew) the pedalo kept turning me into the waves so I got a wet bum - I was actually more worried about the camera which was in the bag (although lucky I had put it in a carrier bag as well.) Being the sport loving, energetic people that we are (yeah as if!) this didn't last very long. We went and found ourselves another spot on the beach and continued the reading, paddling and swimming from that morning. The beach really was lovely; the sand area was not very wide at all but had thatched umbrellas - although we never managed to get one of these the whole holiday, you had to be there very early in the morning or even put your towel out the night before I think! There were however plenty of sun loungers and if you pulled a couple of these up into the dunes you could find shade under the palm trees. The water was so shallow, with sandbanks; you could paddle out for a long way until you were up to your middle and then find a sandbank and only be up to your calfs again.

Tea was in the buffet bar. I was noticing that although there was a lot of choice, it tends to be very much the same each meal time. Although considering the political situation and the lack of trade options the Cubans do a very good job with what they do have. I am very sure that this is not normal Cuban food, I'm sure they have no where near this amount and choice (we found out later in the week exactly what it was like).

We watched some of the evening's entertainment and became part of it ourselves. Mental note, never sit near the front. It was "The Best Couple Competition". This involved three couples competing in three rounds. The first was to peal a banana sexily.The man hand to hold a banana while the woman pealed and ate it. Round two - whilst standing behind Andrew, I had to move two balls (one up each trouser leg) up his leg, cross them over and back down the other leg. Considering that Andrew was the only male in the competition with long trousers on I didn't think I did too badly! The third round was to pop three balloons in three different "position". Andrew was feeling competitive by this point and charged into me from a great distance each time - it actually hurt a little! We were the fastest for the third round, although we didn't win the whole thing. The older Canadian couple did.

Wednesday, 07 April 2004

This entry was written by Mel.

Up at 5:30 BST for flight number: TCX128K from Gatwick South at 9:45

We were at check in by 6:40, after dropping the car off at the car park and taking a short ride to the airport in their courtesy bus. We had breakfast at the airport (landside), Andrew dosed up on coffee and a cake, while I braved McDonalds and had an Egg McMuffin - not actually that bad! There were lots of shops so we had a wander. It was really busy through passport control so that took a while. When through, we looked at even more shops that side, I think they were trying to get me to spend money - tough I'm saving it for my holiday!

The plane had little TV screens in the back of each chair and you could choose the film or TV show that you wanted to watch, there was also recorded radio or you could track the journey. With 10 hours on the plane, we felt it important to plan our viewing carefully in order not to get bored. Calendar Girls was ok and the Friends repeats were amusing. The only problem was that you had to wait for all of the channels to finish before they restarted them all, meaning that there was time with nothing to watch - I guess that's why we brought books with us.

Lunch on the plane was better then I had expected. I had bean masala, Moroccan salad, cheese and biscuits, a chocolate desert, red wine and tea. Andrew had oriental chicken and then as above.

The plane arrived on time, 14:35 Cuban time - 5 hours behind the UK. The airport was tiny; it just serves the two islands. We were the only plane in and had to walk across the tarmac into the building. They check the passports and visas very carefully; there were these little walk through booths that you had to go into, one at a time - very scary. The passport checker looked very carefully at me and checked his list - I was in there for what seemed like ages. There were scary looking men with guns everywhere.

First impressions of Cuba - hot and dry. The coach to the hotel took 40 minutes and Andrew was sold a beer for $2. Cheep beer but he said well worth it! The roads (or should I say road) on the island were interesting - very bumpy but the coach driver seemed to know were they all were and drove down the middle of the road to avoid them. We saw no other vehicles for the whole journey. Part of the road was the old airport runway.

The hotel is a collection of little buildings with a very grand looking entrance to reception - which had no doors. We were asked to hand in our forms (given to us on the coach) and were then given our arm bands, made of plastic and put on so tight that you can't get them off. All of the rooms were in little 1 or 2 storey buildings with no more than about 4 rooms in each block. Ours was a two story building, we were on the top floor which meant we had a lovely high ceiling. The room is lovely, nice and light and spacious, with air-con and a little fridge complete with big bottle of water.

After settling in we went for a walk along the beach - lovely :)

Tea was in the large buffet bar. There was lots of choice, mostly meat but one or two things for me. No chips though :( I had some bits of pizza and some roast potatoes, followed by little bits of cake - all creamy and tasty. Andrew had a mixture of chicken and beef with rice - I think there was too much choice for him after such a long day!

We experienced Mojitos. A rum (ron) drink with a mint leaf.

"So What's a Mojito?

Definition: The mojito is the national drink of Cuba. It is as enjoyable as a summer vacation on the beach. It is made by combining mint (called "hierba buena" or "good herb" in Cuba) with syrup, lime juice, rum and club soda. The word "mojo" means "assemble" or "mixture"e; and that is exactly what this cocktail is: a very enjoyable and harmonious mixture of aromatic and tasteful ingredients.

Recipe - Basic Mojito:

Ingredients:

• 3 fresh Mint sprigs
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 3 tblsp Lemon juice (or lime), fresh
• 1 1/2 oz Light rum
• Club soda, Chilled

Mixing instructions:

In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lemon juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off with the club soda (or seltzer). Add a lemon slice and the remaining mint. Serves one."

We had to have an early night, 8:30 (although it was 1:30 in the UK!) So we missed the evening's show.

Sunday, 04 April 2004

Breakfast was fun with all the family and friends taking over the room. After getting sorted we left for Mum & Dad's for the "open house". It didn't take long to realise that we were much too tired to go home, so decided to stay on in Southam and open our presents there.

Saturday, 03 April 2004

The Big Day.

Mum and Dad took the cake to Courtyard, whilst David and I went to get some flowers from Southam to present to both mothers at the reception. They said it'd take 45 minutes, so we walked through the drizzle around Southam. We ended up at the library for the last few minutes, using their free Internet access - David even forgot why we were there!

Fortunately, the drizzle cleared whilst we drove to the hotel to leave the flowers there, didn't hang around too long as I didn't want to inadvertently bump into Mel before the ceremony!

Mid-morning: people starting to arrive to get ready. Not really nervous, just eager to get started. Waiting around seems to go forever.

Champagne. Photos. Church. Photos. Explain ushering, though Malcolm says he'< going to escort Carol to her seat due to an "incident". Sit down. Church filling up, vicar concerned about whereabouts of Angela, who's doing our first reading. Finally shows up with a few minutes to spare.

Mel looking beautiful. Helen gave beautiful reading, including some personal messages.

Rain spitting during the photos, but Chris did a great job organising everyone. Even if some of Mel's family couldn't be arsed to stay around. Temporary misplacement of our camera, but get to the Courtyard for more photos.

Meal was good, but neither Allen, David nor I had much appetite - though no reason to worry as all the speeches went well. Glen won a sweapstake that Steven John ran: total time 24 minutes!

Dinner munged into the evening guests arrived, but not too bad. Messages at reception saying that Julia & Will and Tom " Colin can't make it. Still saw lots of old friends, though. DJ was really good - even got Dave and Phil dancing. More or less ;-)

All in all a fantastic day!

Friday, 02 April 2004

A lovely day - hopefully it'll be the same tomorrow. Various things to get ready: car got valeted, suits got picked up, Helen arrived and then, later, the rehearsal.

The vicar noticed that Carol didn't look too happy, we'll put it down to tiredness, the long car journey and the thought of "losing" her daughter. Hopefully, everyone'll be smiley and happy tomorrow.

Everyone together for a nice meal at Ask in Leamington, before Allen, Carol & Mel went back to the Courtyard.

Thursday, 01 April 2004

Didn't do a great deal of work due to a migraine and not wanting to start anything before having two weeks off.

Colleagues presented a card & gift token which was nice, and then followed that up with lunch at the Clubhouse with Dave and Linda.

Also updated the last three months of diary - fairly sporadically, there's certainly some key events missing like arguments between various parties about details of wedding planning, money, people invited and so on. However, if anyone messes up Mel's day (which I think I'm supposed to enjoy as well ;-)) they'll be in big trouble.

"Don't get me angry - you won't like it when I'm angry."

After work drove up to Stockton then, after dinner, watched Sleepless in Seattle and blew up balloons :-)