Southbound...

Last week we took our annual trip south, towards Portsmouth, to visit my Mum.
We arrived at lunchtime, on the Wednesday, after a catch-up and some food, before heading off to the local beach. With hubby's knee still not functioning properly we weren't able to explore too much, so it was about getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine as much as possible.

It was so refreshing to take in the sea breeze,  when I don't normally see much daylight, and to be able to doze or read or crochet to start to relax and unwind.

Of course I had to take my hook and yarn with me, no pressure just when I fancied a little go...
Unfortunately the clouds decided to roll in...

The following day we paid a visit to some 'open' gardens (someone's own personal garden they open to the public in aid of charity), we chose a Hanging Hostas garden.

I have to say I've never seen such a jam packed garden! Hidden in the depths of the greenery is a waterfall, 

and tucked away at the back is an Islamic relaxation spot.

I didn't think it was possible to squeeze so much into a small patch!

We stopped for a much needed coffee before making our to Frensham ponds.

This is a beautiful and unexpected area. It is a green common, with woodland and large ponds, and then a man made sandy beach!

 As it was a gloriously hot, sunny day of course this little retreat was a hive of activity! We tucked ourselves away in a bit of shade to have our picnic, and chilled out watching the sights around us. We took a stroll on the beach.

 Very surreal being on a beach in the middle of nowhere, and swans wandering in between the sunbathers and paddlers. Of course we treated ourselves to a nice cream at the day, just to cool us down of course!

A massive thunder and lightening storm happened in the night. We sat up watching it as hubby loves a good storm. I have to say I've not seen such a continuous succession of lightening, the sky stayed permanently lit. Unfortunately I didn't think to try to capture any of the beauty.

The following day we took a short trip to Whitely shopping centre,  and after lunch we made our way to Emsworth mill pond.

After a stroll all around we found a bench to sit back and take in the warmth of the sun and the views around.

The next days weather forecast was for bad weather so we strolled in to Fareham town centre for a look about the shops, stopped back for lunch, then on to Dunelm mill ( I was searching for a 12" round insert for my #cal cushion) and then on to a big garden centre. Of course the predictions were completely wrong and it turned outto be a glorious day! So once we returned back I sat in the garden for a bit of relaxed hooky time...

For our last full day, we had another trip to the beach, this time in Gosport. We settled into the pebbles, and soaked up some rays. I didn't get round to much crochet as it was so hot and bright.
It was pretty busy, and lots of activity on the beach, and plenty of brave soles in the sea...

We had our picnic, and some drinks from the cafe. We watched the swimmers, and boat races and there was a rescue display too. I so love being by the sea, whatever the weather, I find it so soothing.

On our last day, we took a trip to Porchester.

We walked around the castle perimeter,

had tea at the church cafe (the church where I was christened).

So for my mood square for the week, i've chosen hot sunny colours.

As I was on holiday, I thought I would get a few extra squares to pad out the mood blanket a bit more

I also used this opportunity to try out some new techniques too

Firstly, I tried the V stitch, as this is doing the rounds in the crochet community

And secondly, I newly heard of something called Entrelec crochet. Just the blue section of this square is using this technique, but after giving it a go I definitely fancy giving the multiple squares together a go.

The yarn I took on holiday with me, I found at my local charity store,

and I believe could be drops yarn, I do really love the interchanging colours. It makes such pretty squares, and not one is identical...

Cyprus memories & back to the Ali Pali...

This time last week, we were sat in sun loungers by the pool lapping up the last of the rays before making our way back home. We had spent the week in Paphos, Cyprus. We had a mix of relaxation and sightseeing, as on previous hols we've made the mistake of overdoing it and coming back more exhausted!!

After a long and not so smooth journey we arrived at our hotel around midnight, but had welcome drinks, some much needed snacks and a lovely room to settle in to.

The next morning it was up early for breakfast as we had a welcome meeting to get to.

We spent the day exploring the hotel and the local area. 

We walked along the seafront till we reached the harbour.

Dinner in the evening was always a buffet choice, but with a different theme each night, so it was never dull, or repetitive and there was something for everyone.

In the evening there was different entertainment by the outside bar. Tonight was traditional Cypriot dancers. And we continued our love with Ouzo!

Tuesday we spent a lazy day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the warmth of the sun, sipping ice cold drinks. This was partly due to hubby having a hangover, but we did need some us time to recharge our batteries. I joined in with aqua aerobics, and we only stopped our dozing and reading to eat.

Wednesday we went back to the harbour, but this time visited the large archaeological site. In the houses of Dionysos and Theseus were outstanding mosaics. We wandered around the ruins, pillars, the lighthouse and the ampitheatre.

We came out as we were desperate for refreshments, so we stocked up with water and had an ice cream. Meanwhile out popped this chappy from nowhere!

We found another section of the site and saw the quaint orthodox church.

We strolled around the town centre and I found some great funky trousers which are light and comfy, just what I needed. We made it back to the hotel in time, as the heavens opened and a heavy rain storm started!

Thursday we'd book in with the 'Love Cyprus' tour. This enabled us to see further afield and learn some history about the country and see some smaller villages.

We started with a drive by Aphrodites  Rock.

We visited the Archaeological site of Kourion, where there were mosaics, traditional baths and a large ampitheatre.

We went on to Kolossi castle.

We stopped for a coffee break in a little village,

before going on to Omodos, to a beautiful monastry.

We tried some bread made from chick peas at a traditional bakers and wandered the little lanes.

After stopping for lunch, we went to Erimi wine museum, where we had a taster of some white, red and sweet dessert wines.

This was a long day, but a very worthwhile and interesting trip.

Friday, we took the bus to the Municipal market. This was a large tourist market but we did manage to pick up some gifts.

We stopped for coffee, I took the safe nescafe options, whilst hubby went for the Cypriate coffee, which was very thick and dark.

In the afternoon we attempted another sun bathing session but the strong wind made it a little chilly!

Saturday we took the bus to 'The Tomb of the Kings'. This was a vast area with plenty of tombs to go down and explore.

We continued on the bus route till we got to Coral Bay. This was a beautiful beach area. We settled on sun-loungers on the sand and relaxed under the heat of the sun listening to the waves lapping.

We sat in a cafe at the end of the afternoon and watched the sun go down.

As the light faded, we got back on the bus to town, where we shopped around for our favourite liqueurs and spirits to bring home.

Sunday, our last day, after breakfast we got through the horrid task of packing, checked out, stored our luggage and had a long luxurious day in the sun,

before dinner and the overnight travel. Getting back to the uk we were greeted by thick fog and chilly winds!!

For the first time in many years I managed to make it to Ali Pali. It used to be an annual trip not to be missed for me, but with either work or being away on holiday I seemed to keep miss timing it!

It was good to be back, but I forgot how crowded, hot and manic it can get!

It didn't take me long to start purchasing!! I found gold ribbon that I was after on just the second stall, and somehow I managed to purchase another handbag!!!
I fought my way through the women, who were fighting their way through the yarn piles, material and other bargains.

I felt totally worn out by the time i'd made it round the great hall!!
But then there was the smaller room, with peoples makes, plus students and institutes work.

Of course I had to pick up some yarn, but I did control myself! It was a brilliant day but so exhausting!