Getting excited now.........

Only a few days to go before we set off on our first bit of travel since retiring - we are heading for Beijing, where we will be staying for up to a week - checking out all ( or as many as we can ) of the sights, then we head south towards Shanghai, then further south finishing off in Hong Kong in about 5 weeks time.

The itinerary is not set so as we are going by public transport we can pick 'n' choose as we go.

Check out this blog ... as I intend to update it as we go - subject to internet availability.

Proms in the Park - Bournemouth 4th August 2007.

The weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky - amazing after all the rain we've been having.

Merrick Park was the setting for my first ever Proms in the park, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra played a range of stirring pieces, some I sort of recognised - others I didn't, but all were really good.

Suri, David and myself met up with Brod and Geoff and Bruce around 6pm as the gates opened and everybody dashed to get the best place, fortunately Brod knew about this and was one of the first in - claiming a great pitch in front of the stage.

Once settled we tucked into the picnics that we had brought and it went down very well with a few bottles of red.

Then the music started - fantastic - the conductor was a bit crazy - doing his arm waving bit and telling a few stories to introduce each piece.

At the break we tidied up 'cos it was getting dark and soon we would not be able to see a thing.

The second half brought lots of fireworks which were amazingly well synchronised.

A great night was had by all, even if it did turn a bit chilly when the sun went down. I would recommend such an event to anybody.

Hope you like the pics.