The First Mistaken Gig

Tuesday December 12th, 2006 was the first ever Gig for "The Mistaken". For those of you who don't know that is the name of the band that Megan has been in for the last 2 months. The played at a live music club in Bristol called the Louisiana where they were the opening band for a band from Bath called "A Neat Science" and a Bristol Band called "Ramcat Surfer". They played 6 of their songs which all sounded amazing. It was a great show and I can't wait to see them play again. They are working on getting some songs up on their website so check back in the new year to hear them. You won't be disappointed.

Bath Scavenger Hunt

Last week I went over to the city of Bath for a scavenger hunt/pub crawl after work. It was organized but the ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) and it was a free entry. Bath was really lit up with the christmas lights and christmas shopping stands. The abbey choir was outside singing christmas carols, so the only thing missing was the snow. We made our way to get a quick Kebbab before getting the scavenger hunt underway.

There were 20 questions to answer and all the answers were spread out around the town. The questions where relatively easy and at the end we all met in a pub where the final question was name all the bond movies and their dates. We easily managed to guess all the movie names and got just over half the dates. The night was a lot of fun and it seemed to be more about the drinking than that actual scavenger hunt. Half way into the event we stopped off at a pub where Charles Dickens used to drink. My guess is that the foosball table wasn't there during his time but certainly made good use of it while we were there. After tallying up the scores we came a close 3rd overall. I didn't take my camera with me but luckily Brad did and gave me a copy of his pictures to post on the blog.

Christmas Huts outside the Abbey

The Front of the Abbey

Side view of the Abbey

The FM Team
From left - Dave, Helen, Me, Mari, Nick, and Brad

A New Car

Ok well it’s not exactly new but we have decided not to fix the Peugeot 306 yet and bought another car instead. We are now the proud owners of a 1992 BMW 318i. It’s a 1.8 manual and is a lot faster than the last cars. It runs really smooth and handles roundabouts a high speeds. It is also a lot bigger than the Peugeot and it feels like I am driving a bus in comparison. We have already taken it for a spin down to Wales last weekend to have a great Welsh Lunch prepared by Kay and Shelia (Megan's family). It was a quick visit but we are probably going to stop in again next Thursday as we are going down to Cardiff to do some Christmas shopping. If anybody wants something place your orders now.

The car was really cheap and has one year MOT and 3 months tax which is a big bonus and another one of the major selling points of the car. Even if it only lasts us 6 months we will get our moneys worth. Let’s hope it goes for longer though as there are still people in Canada who have not yet come to visit us and may be in need of a ride upon their arrival. Yes that’s a hint to all of you to come and visit.

An update and The Mistaken

Well to be honest not a whole lot has been happening the last few weeks. I did go out for some field hockey to give it try with work. Our company was challenged by another engineering firm so we managed to round up just enough people to play. It was really tiring and as none of us had ever played more than one game we lost 7-1. The first half was awful but the 2nd half was only 2-1 so it wasn't that bad really.

The rules are a bit different to those of ice hockey. For one using your feet at all is a penalty. Even if it as accident. The other main difference (the one I had trouble with) was that you can only use one side of the stick. No backhands or stick handling with that side. Its a hard habit to break. The photos that were taken of the game are really blurry but here are 2 of the least blurry ones.




In other news the car failed its MOT (sort of like an emissions test) and that cost more than we expected to fit a new suspension in the car. Anyways, after that it passed the MOT only to have the head gasket go on us which resulted in a tow home the week after. So at the moment we are not using the car until it gets fixed.

But by far the best news over the last few weeks is that Megan is now in a band. They are called The Mistaken and play alternative style music. After only a few weeks of practicing, they had a gig all set for last Thursday. Unfortunately something happened at the club and the show was canceled. They were invited to play on Friday night but some of the band members couldn't make it. So she is still awaiting her first gig but hopefully it should be soon.

The band sounds amazing and they are planning on recording a few songs soon and putting it up their myspace account. Check out their myspace account here

Quarter Century

Well I hit the quarter century mark on Saturday but I can't say it feels any difference. I did however have an amazing weekend to write about. Megan said she had a surprise planned and said that we needed to be up in Chelmsford, Essex (30min from my grandmother’s house) on the Friday. So late on Thursday night we drove up to stay in Hatfield Heath for the night. I awoke the next morning to fully cooked English breakfast in bed and then got ready to go. This was when I found out that we were not really going to Chelmsford but instead we had to make our way to Stansted airport. Hmmmmm...... I see where this is going.

Well Megan still wouldn't tell me where exactly we were going but she did give me the flight number once we were outside the airport. I quickly scanned the check in TV screens hoping to find out where we were going. I soon as I saw Gothenburg next to our flight number I was instantly excited. Sweden has been high on my list of places to visit for a long time. I must admit it was an outstanding present and I count myself so luckily to have a girlfriend that throws these kind of surprises.

After getting through the giant line-up for security we found our way to the gate and made the 2 hour flight to Gothenburg City airport. The airport was really strange as it was probably just a little bit bigger than Burlington's in Canada (yes Burlington does have a airport used for Cessna’s). The passport control was in a small hanger with plywood dividers. All they did was look at our passports and send us through. No questions at all. As we had no luggage under the plane we followed the exit signs down a maze of plywood dividers. At the end of this maze was a steel door with a sign saying "forbidden entry" and "do not enter". Ok......now what. Well another guy came through with us and tried to open the door but it appeared to be locked. We went back to the baggage area for a second before watching another couple go into the plywood maze. This time they didn't come back. So we went through and opened the door (which wasn't locked). On the other side of this forbidden door was...yes you guessed it......the airport exit, where we jumped onto a bus that took us into the centre of Gothenburg.

Our hotel was right downtown running next to the Canal so we checked in and then went in search of a bite to eat. As Gothenburg has 26 McDonalds we choose one and tried a Smokey bacon burger. We walked around by the river until about 9pm when we found a bar and drank a few Swedish beers. We walked down one of the many parks and a small cafe so Megs could try some chocolate and coconut cake thing and then made our way back to the hotel walking the long way back through some of the side streets.




The following morning we set out to explore the north end of the city. Our first few stops where a few statues. The one that sticks out in my mind was a statue of the cities founder pointing to the spot where he said "we shall build the city here".



There were quite a few churches on route. One of the ones we stopped at was completely deserted and was really peaceful. Megan lit a Candle (and donated 2 Kronors and then 3 more) and placed it on the globe holder. From here we went up to the University and then over to one of the main streets where we just "stumbled" across a Hard Rock Cafe. A coincidence? I think not. We had a great meal for lunch and Megan then bought me the shot glass to add to my collection. Feeling really full from the meal we walked up to the City's Art Museum but didn't go in due to the line up and the price. We kept heading north until we reached the residential area of the city before turning around and heading back. In the middle of the city is a Amusement park called Liseburg Park. It is said to have the biggest rollercoaster in Scandinavia so we went to check it out. Unfortunately it was closed over the weekend so we had to skip past it and move onto the sports arenas. As we came upon the first one there were people outside singing and chanting. My first thought was football hooligans. Upon a closer inspection I found out that I was wrong. It was Hockey Hooligans!!! It was strange to be in a Hockey mad country again after being away from Canada for nearly 11 months now. Of course we rushed to the ticket office and stood in line to get some tickets. When we were about 10 people back in line a guy came out and announced that they had just sold out for the game. This was quite upsetting to both of us but we have decided that we will just have to come back to Sweden to see a game later and pre book tickets ahead of time.

Just down the road is the football stadium with its curved ends. There was no game on so we went back to the hotel for a quick rest before the evening. We stopped off at a Spa where Megan tried to get me a Swedish Massage but that was completely booked up and we didn't see any other spas around the rest of the weekend. Oh well something else to add to the list for next time.
That night we went for a walk again north of the canals to see that part of the city by night. We stopped at the hard rock again to get a giant sundae to share followed by a beer as the rain poured down. The rest of the night was just spent walking around and taking a few night photos.

We were up bright and early on Sunday morning trying to get a much in as we could. We did a bit of souvenir shopping and before heading out to the airport at 11am. We picked up a cheap set of Sweden playing cards to pass the time at the airport until our flight. We arrived back at Stansted where my mum picked us up and we all went out for a meal at the Thatcher’s pub in Hatfield Heath. After the meal we had to say goodbye and make the long trek back down the M11, M25, and M4 in the pouring rain. It was nice to get home though. All in all it was an amazing trip and one that took me by surprise. Thank you so much Megan it was a definitely a birthday I won't forget.

Below are a few more photos we took. I had a tough time picking them out so I put another 100 photos up on my msn space for everyone to look at if they want. Enjoy.

Try and pronounce that!!!

7-Elevens still exist

The Stereotypes are true.....I am refering to the trees either side of the path...

Time for some payback

Well my parents are over in England and they must have decided to it was time for a little payback as they came to stay for the weekend. The first thing my dad did was go into the bathroom and take the towels off the rack and stuff them back to make it look as messy as possible. I guess I can't complain though. He did have to put up with it for more than a weekend. Actually it was more like 23 years but hey whose counting. Its funny how that you really seem to clean things up when you are paying for your own place.

Anyways they arrived on Thursday night where Megan cooked a great Lasagne which went over very well. Then we went for walk along the Severn River to see the bridges that cross into Wales. Friday Megan and I had to work so my parents walked the path again enjoying the view. That night we drove down to Devon to see my grandmother in a small town called Harberton Ford. It was pretty late when we got there so all just went to bed.

The next morning we went to a place called Cockington which is a great little village of not far from Torquay. All the houses and stores are thatched roof cottages and there are countless gardens and ponds to walk around. We had lunch in one of the cafes in the middle of a garden. Not far away was a man playing oldie songs on the piano in the white Gazebo.

We made our way over to Paignton Pier after this but could not find a place to park. It was just packed. So instead we went to the beach not far away called Goodrington. We watched a few people in the water doing the kite surfing and I decided that this was something I have to try now. It looks like so much fun. There is also a small arcade there where we played the penny games. After about £2 we finally one a token from the games. The prize was a small frog keychain worth maybe 25p but that isn't really the point is it?

We left early the next morning to get back to Bristol as Megan had a photo shoot she had to get to. It went really well and the photos turned out amazing but somehow I don't think I will be posting some of them on the blog. That night we went out for dinner in Wales in a little pub next to Tintern Abby. The food and beer was great and it was nice to spend some time with my parents.


On the way back we stopped in at Chepstow Castle but it was really dark so we couldn't see much of the castle from the outside. We did see quite a few bats around. We drove back to England after that and made our way home. The next morning I was back at work and my parents made there way up to London where my dad flew out the following day back to Canada. I will be up that way this weekend so I will get to spend a little more time with my mum before she fly’s back to Canada on Wednesday.

So now things are back to normal and we don't have any more visitors planning to come over at the moment. I only have .5 days left of time off from work so it will just be a few day trips for the next 2 months. I am sure my bank account will like the sound of that. I will however try and keep things interesting though for the sake of you faithful readers. Cheers.

The Remaing Days of the trip

Day 8 Saturday September 30, 2006

The last few days were not as eventful and most of the things we did have been covered already on the blog so I will try and be brief. We took the train from Harlow to Liverpool Street and did the usual quick tour of London. We started at Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace and made our way over to Big Ben, Westminster, and the London Eye. Instead of the usual walk along south bank we took the one way river cruise on the Thames down to Tower Bridge. The boat was great and offered a great view of London from a different perspective. We walked over to St. Paul’s Cathedral and had a quick bite to eat in the Crypt Cafe before walking to a tube stop a mile or so away as St. Paul’s tube stop was closed for renovations. We wondered down to Marble arch and along Oxford Street to do some shopping. We jumped on the tube and a few stops later we were at Piccadilly Circus. We walked through Leicester Square, where we had dinner at a place called Garfunkel’s (Mike you might remember that place).

A typical London Bus

Infront of Westminster

It was getting dark by this time and we wanted to take a few night shots of Tower bridge so we made our way back to Tower hill. Half and hour later we made our way back to Liverpool street just in time to catch the fast train back to Harlow. We made the short drive back to Hatfield Heath passing David Beckham’s house and went straight to the pub for a few drinks.

Not really London related but still a cool shot of the moon.

Day 9 Sunday October 1, 2006

After a bit of a sleep in we decided to make our way over to Stonehenge. As we got to the M25 we found that the top of the highway was closed. There were cars everywhere and the exit put us on to the M25 heading in the wrong direction as it was too late to turn around before this. Instead of going to the next exit we decided to just stay on the road and go around in a circle the other way which was a bit longer but at least it was a highway instead of taking the small roads. We sat in traffic off and on as you always do on the M25 and finally made it to Stonehenge after a few hours. Not much to say really as I seem to be at Stonehenge at least once a month. We were just there so Matt could have a look. Well after that we made the drive back to Severn Beach and it was a great feeling to get home. Instead of going to a pub we put on a movie and drank the largest bottles of Stella I have ever seen.

Day 10 Monday October 2, 2006

We spent most of Monday relaxing and Matt spent it packing and getting things together. I did take him over to Wales though so he could Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey. Both have previously been covered on the blog recently. We also did a bit of shopping down at cribs causeway (the mall Megan works at) and then went back to our place to make 5 CDs for Matt of all the photos taken on the trip. About a 1000 photos in total. To finish the night off we had a few more drinks and a few games of fifa 2005 on the xbox.



Day 11 Tuesday October 3, 2006

Well not much more to say about the trip really. Megan had to work so I took her to work while Matt packed up and got ready. Then about mid day we set off to Cardiff airport where I said goodbye to Matt. It was a great trip and I hope Matt enjoyed it just as much. Maybe he will even read this and post a comment about it. We saw a lot of England on the trip and hopefully the next trip will be just as fun. We have a few more ideas of local trips but the main ones around here would be a trip around Wales and a trip around Ireland. Better get back to work though so I can afford to take the time off for them. Cheers.

Robin Hood and Nottingham

Day 7 Friday September 29, 2006

After leaving the hotel it was only about an hours drive to the visitor centre at Sherwood Forest. Now I am assuming you all know what makes Sherwood Forest so famous. Even though it is famous for Robin Hood there is no proof whatsoever that this is based on a real person or a true event. Anyways this doesn't stop the whole area cashing in off the old tale. All the pubs, stores, and parks have some sort of reference to the story. I saw at least 2 pubs with the name Little John. When we got to the visitors centre is was pouring with rain. We had a quick bite to eat and then walked around the indoor part of the exhibition checking out the story of the forest and seeing a lot of stories about Robin Hood. We all picked up a little something from the gift shop (I got the original story of Robin Hood for 99p) and made our way in the rain to the Major Oak. This tree is massive and looks like it might lost a few of the bigger branches. It is now held up by a few structural supports though to stop this. The walk was more fun I think than seeing the Major Oak as we were the only ones on the path. We walked back to the car getting soaked and made our way over the town of Nottingham.



We took the tram at the park and ride into the city centre and our first stop was the Tourist information where I found out where the Hardrock Cafe was. After getting the shot glass and Matt picking up a Nottingham Zippo we made our way to the south end of city to find the caves entrance. We walked around in circles trying to find the entrance. We followed the map, we followed the signs, and we walked around small ally ways not finding the entrance. Then we thought we would check inside the mall that was around the area. As we went down the escalator the entrance the caves was on our left. What a strange place to have the entrance to the tourist attraction. Anyway we found it in the end and the caves where really amazing. It is a city beneath the city and they are hundreds of years old. Poor people in Nottingham even found themselves paying rent to live in a section of the caves and finding jobs down there. We had a guided tour which showed us about life and jobs in the caves and then went on to a section we showed how many English people fled to the caves during the WWII bomb attacks on the city.





Upon leaving this we walked over to the Robin Hood Statue and the castle. It was getting rather late in the day by this point so we walked around a bit more of the city checking out the Robin Hood store and a few old pubs before we got the tram back to the car and drove/sat in a lot of traffic on the M1 towards London. We arrived at my grandmothers in time to head on down the infamous White Horse (where we take all the visitors) for a much deserved pint or 3.