The summer roles on.
On a mild overcast Summer's day (quite typical), we boarded a bus at Earl's Court and headed out to Windsor for a spot of Polo. The Cartier International Polo actually. Pack your picnic hamper, your booze and head out for a day of eating, drinking and an introduction to polo. There was a preliminary game and then the main event, England vs NZ. NZ came close at the end but England ended up coming away with the win.
We were really there for the divot plugging.
The next weekend we headed to Berlin. We met up with Bella's school friend, Michelle, and proceeded to wander around. After dumping our bags at the hostel, the first priority was food. Jadwurst. A massive sausage, a small piece of bread and a lot of mustard. At 1.70 euro it was awesome. Michelle had the currywurst, where they cut the sausage on a plate, cover it in mustard powder and then kill it in ketchup.
We walked and walked and walked. We also learnt and learnt. Lots on the murder of Jews, the rise of the Nazi party, the gestapo, the extent of the power throughout Europe and also the GDR and Berlin Wall story. A violent and turbulent modern history, that is a world away from the modern, clean, architectural city of Berlin. Not that Berlin doesn't have its share of modern day problems, it's just confronting wandering around a city that 20 years ago had a massive wall diving it in two.
We had some awesome weather in Berlin. Pretzels and beer at a beach bar they create on the edge of the river. More photos in the album below.
Oxford (for a second time) was next on the list. But this time with a clear mission. I wanted to go punting. And so we did.
For 2 hours, gliding around the canals surrounding the various campuses. We also made it out to the Thames before we literally were out of our depth (the pole didn't touch the bottom). A relaxing and peaceful escape from London, where I am noticing the constant noise pollution more and more. A great dinner in a local greek restaurant and a few pints in the pub. Oxford is a great escape from London.
Our four legged house guest. Floyd.
This is the fourth cat we have fostered from Battersea Cats and Dogs home since we have been here. We had him for just over 3 weeks. Young and curious is how I would describe him. Explored every nook and cranny of our apartment. He had a strange curiosity of water. Often in the bathroom drinking from a dripping tap or from water in the bottom of the bath tub.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
