At the Cabin - Monday

We left the rather disappointing Clifton Hotel in Bristol, where we had stayed overnight. Its a city hotel, so I shouldn't have been surprised at the very small room, or probably the buy everything attitude, but I was. There was plenty of noise, but it stopped quite early, after that you could hear the sound of the dead bodies being dragged across the floor (the staff tidying up!). In the morning more strange noises – perhaps caused by the lift, as we were somewhere behind the lift shaft. The under building garage, 2 minutes walk from the hotel, was very strange, with a code for the door and motion sensors for lights and for leaving from inside. The roller shutter door did not inspire confidence as it slowly, oh so slowly raised its self above head height.

So off we went to find the Clifton suspension bridge, having decides that over £7 for toast and tea was too much. The bridge was only a little over a mile away. It is an impressive site, built in the 19^th century, it almost wasn't finished due to lack of funds. Brunell is remembered for this probably above anything else but is wasn't finished until after his death.

We found a motorway service station to breakfast at. A place of order and efficiency, or so I expected- sadly not so. All we wanted was cereal and milk, toast and jam. Nothing was where I, or the staff expected it to be. I had to ask three different people for Jam!! While eating I read of Jensen's famous victory. Buying a Monday morning Times used to be a tradition with me in the Damon hill days.

I set the sat-nav to avoid motorways, I needed things to do on the drive to stay awake after the poor night in the Clifton. "We could end up anywhere!", "We could end up anywhere!" – Jo was not happy, but we used to just drive before we had a sat-nav and time isn't pressing. Later I found out that she'd spent a lot of time splitting the journey into two short drives to take care of my shoulder.

We followed the A390 and were astounded at the accident rate – hundreds of accidents in the last five years. Why have they not done some road improvements?

Then a stop at Sainsbury's for shopping and petrol. The toilet had very strange blueish light (ultra violet?), I have never seen this before and can only conclude that is is to make people leave quickly. It certainly had that effect on me.

On into Lynmouth - the hills have warnings here, and escape lanes so that there is somewhere to go if your brakes are on fire. Some of the views on the road are amazing. We stopped a couple of times.

Going up is as much fun as coming down. Going round one corner we came across a deer crossing the road – it is a very rare sight, they are usually scared of traffic (sacred of anything actually).

Arriving at Lee Abbey we had some difficulty finding the Cabin.

It is small and very warm, entering by the kitchen there is a short hallway to the bedrooms and lounge, which is in an extension and does not get so hot. In the lounge there is the constant sound of running water from the brook right outside. It is very quiet, just the occasional car or walker.

Back up at the abbey (the big house) the session is starting and Adrian Snell is playing a couple of tracks from the Passion. Later Psalm 27 was used as a chant. It is going to be an interesting week - “Seven words (from the cross) for the 21st century”. Being rude I have to say that most of the people there didn't look like they would be seeing as much as half the century, or even a quarter. Probably me included!

Hot chocolate is provided before prayer, there is a small bookstall next to the serving hatch. There is a book called "The Blokes Bible" which caught my eye almost immediately – I have lost track of the Men's outreach stuff recently, but it seems there is still something that God is trying to say there.

Ipswich 1 Cardiff 2

As a part of the '25 things' project - to do 25 things we had never done before during our 25 anniversary year - friends had agreed to take us to see an Ipswich match. After some discussion we settled on Saturday 13 December.
To be sure we arrived in plenty of time our friends - John and Chris - said they will pick us up at 12:30. So Lunch followed breakfast sooner than ever before as we began to prepare for the journey. Saturday is cold day - about 3 degrees Celsius, with a wind chill factor taking off another 7 degrees from the perceived temperature. There is a small chance of snow in the later afternoon.
At 12:30 I am still on the phone to Karen, and rush to complete putting on the jumpers, coat and walking boots. In the hurry to leave I forgot to pick up my camera, so the pictures are from Jo's. We set off in the rain for the hour's drive up the A12. An hour on a good day, but on a day like today who can tell. A little over an hour later we arrive without incident, or unusual delay on the outskirts of Ipswich. It is still raining heavily, and we are dropped near the ground so that we can get to the ground without getting soaked. There is plenty of time to spare, but we are by no means first. It is very busy already. We visit the shop, and I purchase a woolly hat, as a souvenir, and a way to keep my ears from falling off.
We also buy a match program on our way into the ground. The up to one of the bars for a coffee, to get us warmed up ready for what lies ahead.
Portman Road is a modern ground, the stadium we are in is built in a modern style, with concrete floors and steel railings to hold on to. The seats are comfortable enough for 2 45 minute sit downs.
We are in row R just to the right of one of the goals - its a good seat, but Jo can't easily see over the railing in front of her. Five minutes before three and the cheerleaders must be soaked and wondering whether they should go and live in the Arctic. The players arrived shortly afterwards. The game began on time. Ipswich immediately taking the upper hand and producing most of the play. The first goal arrived on 8 minutes (the official match report says 9, but the clock in the ground said 8) from a scrappy piece of defending.
Ipswich 0 Cardiff 1

Disappointing. The game restarted, and I listened to some of the crowd blaming a particular player. Again Ipswich played well up front and applied some pressure. At 20ish minutes another goal, another defensive error.
Ipswich 0 Cardiff 2

Before half time finally there is a goal in the net below us. No messing about, a good goal, well executed.
Ipswich 1 Cardiff 2

There and been three interruptions to play for injuries and I had counted 6 minutes using the ground clock, but only 4 were added to the half. A much needed break, and a conversation with our friends about the joke defence.

You would expect (I would expect) a home team loosing at half time to come out stronger, more determined. The effort of the first half seemed to sap their strength. They were consistently beaten to the ball. The number of bad tackles increased, leading to a sending off for two bookable offences. By now the crowd were more concerned about the manager and his immediate future. They were worried he might stay. They did try to lift the team a couple of times, but even the suppoerts got dis-heartened in the end. One man said to me "We're poor aren't we" - I had to agree.

Here's the first part of the BBCs match report. "Championship play-off chasers Cardiff won at Portman Road for the first time in 62 years as the Bluebirds beat ten-man Ipswich 2-1.

Jay Bothroyd gave Cardiff an early lead as he tapped in Paul Parry's cut back.

Chopra had an effort cleared off the line before Gabor Gyepes opened his Cardiff account from Parry's free-kick.

Jonathan Stead headed in Jon Walters' cross to give Ipswich hope but Ben Thatcher was dismissed for two yellow cards after fouls on Wayne Routledge."

From Cardiff City:

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton said

"We started brightly and Darren Ambrose had a couple of good opportunities and Cardiff put their bodies on the line to deny us. "They weathered the early storm and came back at us. In all honesty they didn't have to work hard for their goals. "We got punished for two costly errors and you just can't give anybody chances like that. "We forced our way back in the game with Ben Thatcher showing a real desire to get the ball back and we showed quality for the goal. "At half time it was a case of Wednesday night when we beat Bristol City but instead we petered out and didn't show the same intensity and that was extremely disappointing. "The sending off made it even more difficult although we gave it a go. "We went 4-3-2 to try and be positive and try to exploit Danny Haynes pace but they saw the game out." Magilton had little sympathy for defender Thatcher who was sent off on his return with David Wright out with a chest infection. He said: "With the first booking he got a bit of ball but the second was a silly booking."

It pretty much sums up how awful the play was. The problems are many, but mainly: too many back passes - and poor ones at that. At least three very dangerous ones. Too few players up to their peak, they looked tired and uncommitted. The good things: Three excellent second half saves, or it would have been 5 against us.

A word on refereeing: Strange. Following a booking, a throw in - explained later that the offending tackle occurred when the ball was off the pitch (against us). A ball that clearly left the pitch and returned was ignored. A shirt pulling incident in which our stiker was clearly impeded was also ignored. At other times the game seemed to be stopped far too often.

The journey home in the rain listening to the local radio was depressing. Almost all (only one exception) demanding that the manager be sacked. 12th in the Championship is low for Ipswich. Lets hope things will improve.

The overall experience though was good, and I enjoyed the day, if not the result.

Christmas at the Casino

The office Christmas party was held at the Kursaal, or at least the casino behind the Kursaal. The office was closed early, so I caught a very early bus home. Instead of the students going in, they were all on the bus coming home. Later that evening the bus that had been hired to get us all there arrived, just as the School's Christmas event was starting. Chaos ensued as the sixteen seater bus tried to turn around at the top of the close.

Once the Chelmsford pick-up had occurred the disco lights and music started, and the champagne was distributed. We arrived slightly late on Southend Seafront, and investigated the entrance. Although I was born in the area, I had never been inside the Kursaal. The entrance to the Ten-pin bowling if under the famous dome, so I have finally seen it from the inside. The entrance to the casino is around the back. Outside is all very boring, but inside (where it counts) is very plush.

We dropped off our coats and made our way up to the casino, on the second floor. Introductions all round, as most of us had never met the others wives. Unfortunately two of our number couldn't come due to illness, and we are hoping they are both better soon. Then it was off to the restaurant to eat. The food was well presented and nicely server. The tables are far enough apart that serving doesn't require reaching across the tables. The restaurant was almost empty when we arrived, as was the gaming floor. By the time we had finished it had filled up, and was very busy. The MD made a little speech - I suppose he thought he had to.

Then to the games. Some of our number knew what they were doing. I did not, and spent a little time watching the roulette. I decided I did not really understand what was happening. Some people were obviously using a pattern and doing reasonably well. One man was gambling with £100 chips on three table, but seemed to only be betting on black or red. He seemed to do quite well too. I was not the only one watching, others too found it fascinating but did not get as far as taking part. Jo did not take any part, but remained in conversation with some of the other wives. The casino had put up the minimum prices because it was in the Christmas season. £5 for one game of black jack seems expensive. Two games would last less than 10 minutes, and for £10 you could see a film, which may last for two hours. Having said that, of course, this was a much better experience than my last visit to a cinema.

At mid-night the bus was waiting for us. It took a while to find everyone and make our way back home. We were first off the bus and said good bye to the others. It was an enjoyable night, probably something I won't do again, but a good experience to have. The problem for me is that I get no buzz from gambling at all. I'm always too aware that the house is making a profit, which means I MUST be making a loss - in the long run.

In terms of the 25 things, visiting a casino would not have been on the list, but you have to take the opportunities that present themselves.

Christ Church Weekend Away at High Leigh

Once again I was driving the minibus. It seats 15, but was used for some people, and some equipment. We picked it up on Thursday night as before. High Leigh is near Hoddeston, and is a Christian conference centre. It's about an hour from home.

Many things about the weekend evoked memories of last time:

• As you walk through the main part of the house, up to the kitchens there is a faint smell of the diesel engine, presumably the one used to heat the house.

• Sitting looking out to the formal garden (that once was) and the ha ha beyond to keep the cattle out (or the people in), is a lovely sight, and very relaxing.
  

This time Jo came too, so it was very different. Other differences were that all the building work from last time is now completed, there is no longer scaffolding, or any restricted access.
The accommodation is all very comfortable with proper en-suite hotel style rooms. They also have Internet access almost everywhere, though I did not have a laptop.

I did not remember to tell them that I have a restricted diet, so the 'traditional English' food was a bit of a problem. I am not allowed such delicacies as bacon, sausages, eggs, & spotted dick, so I had to choose carefully from the very limited selection.

Friday
The first session introduced the theme for the weekend - Rev 7:17 (Jesus the centre). Our speaker for the weekend was Roger Matthews. He is a very good straight forward speaker. I particularly liked the way he incorporated things that were going on around him into his talks.

Saturday
There were a further two sessions on Saturday Morning, then some free time after lunch. In the free time about 9 of us went to visit the mill which had been restored a few years ago. Saturday teas time brought workshops to prepare things for worship, or sleep for me. I was exhausted.
In the evening there is the entertainment, where various members of the church take part in entertaining the rest of us. This varies from poetry readings through dances, singing and even reaches to stand up comedy. It is always very enjoyable. Jo and I took part for the first time ever. We sung 'Young Ones' and were delayed by a technical glitch, which took the focus and pressure off us. I'm told they couldn't hear me - they don't know how lucky they are! Some of the church folk are genuinely talented, most are just enthusiastic amateurs, but every body gets good applause - its a real family atmosphere. High Leigh now have a bar, and there was just time for a drink before bed.

Sunday
After a late night on Saturday, there is another teaching session on Sunday morning, then after lunch a communion service.

Teaching
I can never be sure how important the teaching is on a weekend away. I think that the weekend must have the family occasion feel to it, and must provide the opportunity for people to focus on God, listen to His promptings, and to learn directly from Him. Nevertheless without a teaching program - why would you go, and how would you create the right feel. We get to hear another voice - someone who we are not used to, someone who's personal agenda doesn't involve our church and its direction. So from that point of view it is very helpful.

There were points in the teaching where I took particular note and learnt things.

"What will be the sign for you that Jesus is at the centre?" we were asked, and the supplementary questions to help us were:

• Where do you ache?
• What do you long for?

Unless you already have that ONE thing, those are quite difficult questions to answer. I'm really still not sure. I'm not even sure that it helps me to get to the answer - there is SO MUCH.

We talked about the things that control us:
Who are the people you HAVE to do things for when they ask?
Work
Money (or the fear of not having enough of it)
Possessions
What keeps you in one place?
Who has told you (possibly when you were very young) that you can't do something?
What are you ashamed of? (perhaps the strongest one)

There's plenty there to make me think and pray.

We were reminded that nothing we can do (or have done) can take us away from Gods love, and from John 10:10 that Jesus does not condemn us.

We were given the Jesus Prayer "Lord Jesus, son of the living God, have mercy on me a sinner", and the acclamation "Jesus is Lord" to reflect on and pray. I have to say that for me trying this walking through the grounds was not a success.

Session two started with a description of the plastic drums, and the statement that we don't have to understand how everything works - or how God does things.

[The band had an electronic drum set - it looks real, but the drums and cymbals are plastic. It make no physical sound, but generated an accurate drum sound when played.]

The session ended saying that Jesus leads the way, our job is to follow. We do not take Jesus somewhere, we go there in response to His leading.

We are then asked to take Jesus round our home town. I wonder how many lead him round - I certainly tried to. Maybe that experience is for another blog.

Sunday was about vocation and calling. After having written for spotlight this month about my first year as a reader I was left asking "What next?", and "What about the plans that haven't happened?" I don't have answers to these question yet either.

"We should be followers of the moving God who causes commotion by going to the periphery to make it a centre of light" - Kazuki Koyama (I hope). It seems to be the quote for the weekend.

Gibraltar 25-28 September 2008

Travel Outward
At 8:45 on the morning of the 25th, the coach arrived in good time to create the maximum possible havoc with the school run. We sat in the rather too small seats of the Gatwick Flyer, on our way to Lakeside Shopping centre, a round about route across southern Essex, the countryside was beautiful on a sunny Autumn morning, it was not matched by the driver demeanour, but that was not directed at us. We picked up a few others, and changed to the airport shuttle at Lakeside. Without a care in the world, we arrived at Gatwick, eagerly anticipating our two-hour wait for the flight. The woman at the EasyJet check-in was friendly and cheerful, as we discussed the weather and the general lack of sunshine that we were belatedly escaping. The trip from the South Terminal to the North Terminal by automated train was uneventful, and not very crowded. The flight boarded and departed pretty much on-time. We managed to get seats in front of the wings - it's more comfortable there. It also landed pretty much on time, and we cleared customs and retrieved our bags. Now to find a taxi. One indeterminate sign and one question at the information desk, and quite a long wait. We let the guy in front take the cab, and waited for the next. Then to the 'Rock Hotel'. Gibraltar is like England with a bit of a 60 & 70s feel, except that they drive on the right. We checked in and were directed to our room. The bags were already there. Probably the smoothest journey we have ever had anywhere.

At 'The Rock'
The hotel is old, but has been updated well. There is the traditional fan in the room, but also air conditioning. We sat on our veranda listening to the traffic below for a good few minutes, and took a few pictures of the view. Then we went downstairs to the bar. The Rock ... "an oasis in a busy world". If you want to hurry, don't bother, might be another way of putting it, but we didn't want to hurry. The bar service was sluggish, even so, and the language difficult to understand. They speak English, or something spanishly close to it, and with heavy accents too. The food however was very good, even though the portions were a little small.
We watched the other guests - two wedding parties as it turned out, and relaxed.

Barbary Apes
More accurately, Barbary Macaques. They are tail-less monkeys, not apes. The legend has it that Gibraltar will remain English until the Apes leave. We decided to go have a look. You can book a taxi that will take you to the 8 greatest tourist attractions on Gibraltar in 2.75 hours. Much too fast - you may get the unique insight of the driver, but you will miss so mush more. We bought a ticket for the cable car and went to the top. There are some pictures of the 'apes' and the spectacular view from the top in the web album. The apes are not to be fed, and there are some excellent stories of people loosing ice creams, and getting bitten defending their property. The government feeds the apes, so the tourists don't have to. There are for or five family groups, depending on who you talk to. The one we saw were more interesting in getting their best side pictured than anything else. They were such posers! We wandered around the top station taking pictures and sitting in the restaurant, then decided to walk down to St Michael's cave.
After a slight diversion up to the ridge to an old battery (open by request, 24 hours notice required), and looked in at the decaying guns. Then back down. The cave is an amazing place, and too vast for my puny flash, so I have some black pictures. It's so large they hold concerts inside it. Entrance to the cave is £8 per person per day. This includes the other main attractions, which you can't possibly visit without being on the taxi tour. (Tourist rip off - just like England in the 60 & 70s and ...). We had lunch at the café next to the cave. Simple food and not badly priced.
After lunch, we wandered the 2.4km down the side of the rock to the Siege Tunnels. The tunnel was carved through the chalk hill at the time of the siege of Gibraltar, one or two cannon still in place. There is also an excellent view of the airport runway from here. It starts in the Mediterranean, and ends in the bay of Gibraltar, no wonder the pilots brake sharply on landing!
Next stop the siege exhibition (where the taxis don't stop), which is out in the open air, but quite helpful in setting the scene.
After that, on to the Moorish castle, and up to the top of its tower. Not very much information available on either of these things, no doubt relying on the tour guides. Then into the town, through the centre, and back to the hotel. Just time to wash the feet, and wander down to the bar, to sit on the veranda have a pint or two (only John Smiths) and a nice meal.

Thunder Storm
Awake for much of the night with an incredible thunderstorm, almost right overhead. Such a shame it was foggy and we couldn't see the lightening. In the morning, there was only emergency power in the hotel. Breakfast in the almost dark. Hot food was still provided, and the shower had still worked, so not all bad.

Dolphins
The other 'thing to do' is visit the dolphins (not swim with them). On Saturday, we set off into town and followed the map to a building site. We walked backward and forward, and backward and forward. Finally asked a waiter in a café who said they are now over the other side of town, and have been for 4 or 5 years!!! Not too much walking today, as we are quite stiff from all the down hill stuff yesterday, so it was on the bus. We booked our place on the boat. £20. Then you don't go to look at dolphins every day. Now for some lunch, and somewhere to hide from the rain. After lunch, we browsed the shops in the new marina, then boarded the boat. We went out along the Spanish coast, then turned and went back past Gibraltar. The Mediterranean evaporates and does not get enough water from the rivers to keep the water level up, so the Atlantic is constantly pouring in. The sea level in the med is 13 feet lower than in the Atlantic. So the boat owner says. We passed Gibraltar and travelled further east. Turning again, getting further south as we did so, and there were their fins. The dolphins come to see the boat. They swim alongside, just ahead, and around the boat. They swim up-side-down, to watch the people on the boat. They jump out of the water and try to splash you. If you remember 'flipper'- these are better, and apparently more intelligent. They are so clearly enjoying themselves, and are most definitely showing off. They get in the boat's wake and surf. Although we were only in their presence for a few minutes, I had a sense of something special, much more so than looking an ape in the eye.
After that, some tea, and a bus (No. 3) to the other end of the Rock to Europa Point. The only lighthouse that Trinity House have outside the British Isles. (Closed to the public) It's a desolate place, just the lighthouse, the mosque, and the bus stop. Then back to the hotel for another meal in the bar on the veranda.

Homeward bound
Something must be wrong! Another uneventful journey that ran pretty much to time.

A great few days, both relaxing and tiring at the same time.

Minor Annoyances
Having to ask for Tea and Coffee at breakfast two mornings, after having already ordered it, and being told by one of the staff "I don't do Tea"
The cobweb in the corner of the Hotel room
The tourist 'rip-off'
The 4-year-old map provided only on request
The general lack of sign posts and directions
... and that's as bad as it got!

Speculation
Gibraltar is going to become another Monaco! There is loads of development, and it's all aimed at the yatch owner, and those who can afford houses by the waterfront.