The Palace of Hampton Court is only 2 miles from our home and as always the things that are closet to us are the ones we visit the least. With Krystyna here, we decided to take a trip to this wonderful place. The building of the palace began in 1515 for Cardinal Wolsey, and as he eventually fell out of favour with King Henry VIII was transferred to the King ownership in 1529. It has subsequently been owned by many Kings and Queens.
We spent the day viewing the many halls and rooms and off course the gardens and Royal tennis courts, not to mention the Chapel Royal.
You can spend a whole day here and we almost did. A great history lesson for Alex.
We had the most fantastic time, although we should have allocated more time at this wonderful palace. Full of history and amazing live actors and actresses telling the story of the palace. Live fires with meat roast, unfortunately we weren’t allowed to share in the delicacies.
Alex and Krystyna at Hampton Court EntranceAlex looking very pensive and listening to his audio guide about the PalaceKatherine of Aragon putting her case for queen toward the court Anne Boleyn – “The Most Happy” – making her entranceThe two QueensAlex in the Courtyard listening to the audio tourMarzipan chess piece makingAlex couldn’t resist joining in with a lollyReal open fires and the actors cooking actual beef. Our only regret is that we couldn’t taste it.Horse tours through the grounds of Hampton CourtLive tennis matches at the Royal tennis courts
Alex joining in the fun, on an electric car provided by the palaceHow can you possibly make a child carry your bags whist enjoying your new car
So the day has come for the visit of our long lost cousin Krystyna, who very kindly caught the train up from Devon to visit with us. Alex and I set off to Paddington to meet her.
Her train was due to arrive at 1117 and as usual we were at the station earlier and Alex headed straight to McDonalds for a light breakfast snack. Off course we had to meet Paddington Bear.
After meeting Krystyna we headed for the Bakerloo line to get to Waterloo and drop her bags off, but for whatever reason the Bakerloo line was closed and so we caught a London cab and made our way through extensive traffic to Waterloo. I remembered times, when Krystyna Mum, my Aunty, used to take me on cab rides and allowed me to hail cabs, that’s probably why I love them so. We eventually arrived at Waterloo and promptly dropped off Krystyna’s luggage and then made our way to South Kensington.
Alex and I made up a story that I had a client lunch that afternoon and when I would be finished would be free for the remainder of the day, to entertain our guest. However as we walked up Exhibition Road we sprang our surprise and walked into Ognisko, a Polish restaurant where we had pre booked a table on the terrace. Ognisko, which has been here since 1940, was originally ” THE POLISH HEARTH CLUB” , inaugurated by HRH The Duke of Kent, and his family continue to support it to this date. It’s a splendid, embassy styled building.
Krystyna, Alex and I, at the terrace in Ognisko restaurant
A view from one of the balconies of Ognisko, with Imperial College and The Science Museum in the background
After a splendid lunch we walked up Exhibition Road and the turned east along Cromwell road and into the amazing Brompton Oratory. Krystyna, had visited here a year ago with my dear Mother, and now we were here again, but this time with Alex.
It was here that I was Christened, 59 years ago, being held in the arms of my Godmother, Krysia, my aunt and Krystyna’s mother. Who would have thought we would all be reunited and in this most beautiful of places.
Me with my GodMoather, Krysia, in 1960My Father, Mother and I, on the steps of Brompton Oratory 1960Krysia, my Godmother, holding me and my Godfather to the rightLighting candles of remembrance for Krysia, Mother and Godmother
Krystyna explaining how a statue that has been polished by passers by touching.Lighting candles for Grandad and Grandma Wasilkowski
After a very emotional visit and walk through Brompton Oratory, it was time to move on and a we exited the Oratory. We immediately hailed a cab and in the sprit Krysia’s memory headed for Hamleys Toy store. This was the place that I had been taken to by my Godmother and in keeping with tradition I had to take Alex there and also Krysia’s daughter Krystyna.
Alex pointing out some sights to Krystyna on the way to Hamleys
And finally at Hamleys, much to Alex’s delight
So the day drew to a close, and with much accomplished and hearts and souls filled with memories of past and present, it was time to head home.
Waiting for the tube and back to WaterlooOn the train back to Esher and with liquid refreshment on the way
As I mentioned before, being at my new home of Quay Side, means that one has to take tides into account more than usual. High water in Southampton is 1110, so we not only have to plan our journey back to go with the tidal flow, but also make sure we have enough water to get into our berth. So we either leave early or late afternoon. We opted for an early start and slipped lines at around 0845.
Successful mackerel fishing, this ones lucky day as it was returned to the sea. Not that you can tell from its expression
Initially, there was nearly enough wind, but we sailed anyway and it did pick up. Although the last hour or so we went under engine as we were being headed.
Fishing along the way resulted in two small mackerel, which were both released.
Queen Mary 2, at the entrance to the River Itchen
We arrived at our berth at 1230 and after a tidy up and a wash down, headed for Banana Wharf for lunch. Alex hasn’t been here for a while and neither has Ed, but we were remembered by the manager Craig, and warmly greeted. Ed, very kindly picked up the tab and after lunch we all headed in our own directions for land based homes.
The view from our table at Banana Wharf, Southampton
Great weekend , many thanks to Uncle Ed for sharing his time and company with us.
Today a visit to London and as Alex had his choice of seeing Spiderman the week before, it was now my turn. So we booked tickets to the BFI, on the SouthBank, to see Apollo 11. It is almost 50 years to the date since man first walked on the moon. I remember, very clearly, how I insisted on watching the moon landing, much to my mothers objections. The landing took place on the 20th of July at 21:17 BST and that was already past my bedtime and Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon at 04:56 BST. My stubbornness, passion and insistence paid off. I stayed and watched the whole time, promising my mother the world, or the moon, to be able to do so.
So 50 years hence, I sat in the cinema with my son Alex, and watched original and unseen footage all over again. Amazing memories flooding back and a great sense of pride, that mankind achieved this feat.
Little did Alex know that this was a rouse to lure him into London and take him up to the Shard, which was one of his birthday wishes.
As we arrived at the Shard Alex was ready to go home and looking for the train station to take us home. As we looked up at the Shard, I asked him if he would be brave enough to climb it and he was up for it. It was then, that I sprung the surprise, he was so excited. We walked in and into the first lift that took us to the first stage and then into a second lift that took us to the 68th floor. We then walked the final four floors, to the highest viewing point allowed to the general public.
Almost sunset
We were going to stay until sunset, but Alex was tired, after a whole day in London. So we set back to Waterloo by taxi, only to be welcomed by train cancellations.
Taxi back to Waterloo
We managed to get the first available train out to Hinckley Wood and then an Uber to Esher. We later found out that a school boy had been knocked over and killed by a tracing at Chertsey/Woking. Just shows how fragile life is and one must ensure to make the most of it.
Returning from Sardinia to the greenness, coolness and wetness of England is surprisingly refreshing. Today Alex and I went to my Mum’s to cut the grass and pick up three pieces of cutlery, which have our coat of arms on it, “Korczak” The chap at the auction house saved a few pieces for me after researching its origins. In hindsight i should have kept more, but the set was incomplete.
After that, Alex and I headed for Sowa and then Kamila joined us at Northfields and we drove around Ealing, Hanwell and Acton, as Kami wants to buy a house in that area.
Then back to Esher, for dinner at “The Wheatsheaf” A lovely time with Kami and Alex.
After much tooing and froing on Friday night, it was finally decided between Ed, Alex and myself to make a trip to Portsmouth. Checking tides and tidal flows, we needed to be in Southampton for an early start. High water on Saturday morning is 1010, and being on my new berth, in Quayside which dries, means we are very much gouverned by the tides. Plus side is it’s cheap.
13th of July 2019
Alex and I set off at 0800 and on our way down stopped for Alex’s customary Mcdonalds breakfast, double sausage and egg Mcmuffin, without the egg. Also, on route I managed to get us booked into Gunwharf Quays marina, Portsmouth side. Slightly more expensive than Hazlar, but by the time you add ferry crossings from Gosport, works out a lot cheaper.
What’s happened to the ensign ?Alex at the helm, navigating into Portsmouth
Although the forecast from Predict Wind, suggested no or minimal winds, we had more than enough to sail all the way to Portsmouth. Putting a preventer on, made our journey safe and confortable and enabled us to goose wing most the way. The entrance into Portsmouth is always spectaclur, especially on a fantastically sunny day. Alex guided Yaga skillfully to Balast Buoy, where we asked QHM for permission to cross to Gunwharf Quays.
We called the marina and were eventually placed in a tight spot on C pontoon. Being blown off, I guided Yaga’s bow towrads the pontoon, turning at the last minute to bring midships and stern into the pontoon, allowing Ed to gently step of and tie her up. No stress, no pressure and we were safely in and moored up by 1430. 3 hours door to door.
Ed, getting ready to step off at Gunwharf Quays
Spot Yaga
Within minutes we were sitting in one of the hundred of resturants of Portsmouth. We choose Bella Italian as Alex wanted a Spag Bols and Ed and I settled for a delicious Pizza. After lunch we headed back to Yaga. Ed settled for a siesta, whislt Alex and I went by bike and Foot scooter to the sea front and funfair.
Alex at the funfair
We opted for a open ticket, which allowed s as many rides as we wanted from 1800 to 2100. After two hours of fun at the fair, we headed back to Yaga and walked through old Portsmouth and planned to go for dinner to “The Bridge Pub” for fish and chips. Luckly, I called them to confirm they were still opened, and unfortunately they were just closing for food. So we headed for option two, The Wellington, which Alex and I had passed earlier. They were serving Thai curries, which we all enjoyed. The food was great and only surpassed by the freindly staff and service.
The day was completed, by a plesant walk back along the seafront and through Old Portsmouth, with moon and stars and harbour lights glittering and relecting in the sea
All good things come to an end and it is with sad heart that the day has come to leave Sardinia and return to the U.K. The only good thing is that we are returning to 25 degrees from a baking 38 degrees.
Massimo, Marta and Arba took Alex and me to the airport for our flight back to Gatwick.
We had such a great holiday and cant thank our friends enough for an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. One that will stay within us forever.
Arrivaderci Sardinia – A farewell at Cagliari airport.
We managed to reach our furthest point of our Sailing Odyssey and now its time to say farewell to BoniFacio and Corsica and set a course back to Cagliari, with hopefully some stops on the way.
We slipped lines at 1400, a little later than we planned, but that’s what this holiday has been all about. Compromise, no planned locations and if there are they are can be changed, and anything is possible. On this basis, we all voted for a last stop in the Maddalena’s, and stopped in a small anchorage that Ed and I pulled into a few weeks ago, to stow our tender, before entry into Maddalena. This time we were stopping overnight, and as usual participate in our usual beach landing and swim. We had a cracking sail here, all the way into the bay, Cala d’Alga, on the Isola Spargi.
Arya at anchor at Cala d’AlgaSunset at Cala d’Alga
The Cala was almost empty when we anchored and certainly became empty, by the time we landed on the beach. Yet another experience of a beach all to ourselves. Privacy in Paradise is wonderful. We walked on our newly found territory and then donned flippers and snorkels and explored the undersea world of this paradise. Many fish and sea urchins, and I explored some underwater rocks and small crevices for octopus, but sadly found none. Still, it was interesting exploring.
Underwater at Cala d’AlgaDesert island Love
So, yet another night at anchor. Not a movement on the yachts and slept like babies. Next morning, another quick swim, before heading south and for Cagliari.
On route we caught a glimpse of two dolphins, a treat for Alex, although they only stayed with us for 2 minutes and were soon gone. But better than nothing.
Alex dolphin spottingHome made pizza under sailAnd yet another sunset, you can never get board of sunsets at sea. Humbling
The first part of our journey was under sail, but soon the wind died and we had to engine all through the night. We popped our heads into Marina Di Gairo, a lovely anchorage that I saw some weeks back. Very, very pretty and sheltered with a lovely beach, but because it was only 0700 and Massimo was still sleeping, we headed further south for Foxi Manna. This is where we anchored on the way up and swam many kilometres to and from the yacht. This time we went the 280 mtrs by tender and had breakfast at the beach cafe.
After breakfast we headed south and were beating into wind. We tried some tacking in 22 kt winds, but soon opted for an inland coastal route, under engine and back to Cagliari.
As we entered the harbour, in darkness, the yacht ahead of us suddenly stopped, and as we were passing, those on board were calling for help, as their engine had just failed. We pondered what to do and eventually, I suggested, we throw them a line and tow them in. It wasn’t easy, especially at night, but I managed to take them onto the end of a pontoon walkway, where we let loose and they drifted onto the pontoon. My good deed for the year ?
And so we moored up, and quickly made our way to Club Sportif and a delicous pizza for all, apart from Alex, who wanted a steak. Bless.
Alex and I went back to Arya for a very restful and peaceful night, while Massimo and Marta and Arba, went home. It was very strange waking up the next day and not seeing turquoise waters all around and going for our early morning dip. Still, there will be other times.
Well no sooner than you think your holiday is over and the sailing is done, then out pops a surprise.
After a lunch time meal at our favourite restaurant “Aquila” we return to Arya for a siesta. No sooner had we put our heads down there was a knock on the hatch. Massimo and Marta had turned up and offered to take us to anchor at Sella del Diavolo, an anchorage a mere 3nms from Sant Elmo marina.
We anchored in 3.3 mtrs and immediately went for a swim to cool down in the 38 degrees of heat. The water was as warm as bath water, but refreshing none the less. We stayed for hours, enjoying the Cala, and simply snorkelling and splashing around. Even Arba, with here new found sea legs joined in the fun.
Snorkelling yet againWater polo
Alex didn’t want to leaveArba, joining in the fun
The Cala was cooler, and as we left and headed back to Sant Elmo, we could immediately feel the hot wind, which like a hair drier, almost immediately dried our swimming consumes and clothes.
Back in the marina, we ordered take away pizzas, and reminisced about our adventures.
In our 9 days at sea we covered over 400 nm, anchored in 14 Calas, visited only 2 marinas, saw dolphins, Moray eels, empty secluded bays, paradise beaches, two night sails, stars and planets,visited two Countries, but above all had the most wonderful of times with our great friends Marta, Massimo and off course Arba.
Thank you to them and for the most wonderful of hoilidays, which will stay in Alex’s and my heart and mind forever. THANK YOU
This is my third time here and this place never ceases to amaze me. This time we all spent a leisurely later afternoon, going to the marina office, paying our dues €116, OW!!!, filing water tanks and cleaning Arya. After which I managed to slip of with Alex for a ice cream and beer, a beer for me that is ?
A small beer, pour moi
In the evening, we set of into the Citadel. It’s always wonderful, walking through these delightful narrow street, full of shops and restaurants all accompanied by incredible views of either the sea and spectacular cliffs on on side or spectacular sights of the yachts and marina below, on the other side.
The marina on one sideSpectacular views the other side
The marina at night
We were recommended a pizza restaurant “U Castile”, by the marina staff, which we headed for after our sight seeing. It proved a great recommendation, with all of us delighting in the good quality, fresh pizzas, produced on the premises.
Preparing our pizza, under Alex’s supervision
After dinner, we headed back down into the bustling port and marina and joined in with the merriments of the late evening and early morning.
Alex also managed to talk his way into a delightful sweet shop by the quayside.
