This week Cee has chosen City structures for the fun photo challenge. Mine are churches, cathedrals and temples from around the world.
Ely Cathedral, Ely, England
Silver Pagoda, Buddhist Temple, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, USA
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi, VietnamPorto Cathedral, Porto, PortugalKotor Cathedral, Kotor, MontenegroRuins of St. Paul, Macau,China
All of these structures are hundreds of years old and I often look and wonder at the sheer size of these buildings. How did builders manage without all the modern equipment we now have and just think about the fact that most of these structures are still standing.
Thanks Cee for another great challenge and the chance for me to showcase some photos from my archives.
After checking out of the Tanjung Rhu at lunchtime we took a 30 minute ride to our next destination, Pelangi Beach Resort. We first stayed here 30 years ago so it would be interesting to see how it had changed. When we arrived we found the main lobby was under renovation and everyone was checking in at The Grand Ballroom. As we were early for our check in someone came to take our booking details and soon disappeared. It was like Grand Central Station there and it was hard to identify our check in lady, they were all wearing long grey robes with head coverings and masks. We were told to come back in 2 hours, so we set off to explore and have lunch. It did seem like there was some organisation to the chaos though.
We were given a map and saw how enormous the resort was. We followed the track down to the sea front to have lunch there. There were buggies driving past us every five minutes or so if you didn’t fancy walking.
I did have a few plans of things to see and do but after walking around and seeing the pools and the beach, they were put on the back burner.
There were two pools, one was more set up for children and the other had a swim up pool bar. Surprisingly neither were ever that busy. There were always plenty of sun loungers to be had by the pool and the beach.
Breakfast was served both in the air conditioned Grand Ballroom or outside on a small patio. Both had full buffet service with two egg stations. We tended to linger a fair while over breakfast as it was so relaxing.
Then it was off to find a sun lounger on the beach. It was such a treat to be able to pick and choose where we would like to sit, as there were so many empty spots. We did swim in the sea a few times until we saw a jelly fish sign and did not want to end up at a doctors or in hospital again! So after that we just enjoyed the view and swam in the pool.
The accommodation is comprised of two storey “Kampung” style architecture complete with a deck or balcony. They either have a garden, pool or sea view. We had a garden view with a two minute walk to the pool. There was a small sitting area and enormous bathroom and kingsize bed.
Our was the ground floor
Just opposite our block was a children’s farm and when we walked to breakfast in the morning we could hear turkeys gobbling, geese honking and ducks quacking. There was even a goat. All the grounds were beautifully manicured with blossoming flowers, trimmed hedges and large palm trees giving off plenty of shade. Lizards and squirrels were running around everywhere you looked.
Such a friendly chap, the goat was quite friendly too
The two ornamental lakes in the middle of the resort.
In the evenings we walked into the main drag of Pentai Cenang. Here there were many restaurants, bars and shops. Duty free is very good here also. Our first night we found an Italian/Mexican/Indian combined, a great idea after Covid to save on expenses. Life seemed to be well on the way back to normal and the places on either side of the road were buzzing with life.
One night we ventured further down into Pentai Cenang to a place called The Cliff. An overhanging bar where you could look down on the beach and enjoy a fabulous sunset.
Cenang Beach
As Malaysia have daylight saving there was still so much activity on the beach at 7.30 pm.
We could enjoy sunset cocktails at the beachside bar at Pelangi Beach Resort also.
We had such a fabulous four days at Pelangi Beach Resort, relaxing and unwinding. Hopefully we won’t be waiting 30 years to return again.
One of the activities I wanted to do was a Mangrove Swamp tour, and on our last day at Tanjung Rhu we thought we would give it a go. At the end of the beach there was a small market with tour guide stalls so we walked over and bought tickets. The sky was becoming darker by the minute and I was thinking that this might not be a good idea, but too late our driver was there to make the quick drive to the start of the swamp.
The Mangrove Swamps are set in the Kilim Geoforest Park, which is now a UNESCO geopark.
A typical boat for the tour
We were met at the jetty by our man Maddy and there was just the two of us plus him on the boat. Good job as the tiny roof was just big enough for two and he was rather on the large size! We had brought umbrellas but when we opened them up we realised they were child’s umbrellas! Five minutes down the river my shorts were soaked, at least it wasn’t cold rain. All of a sudden the boat started put put puttering and I was like “oh ooh” and our man said no problem and lifted the lid of the engine up and started pumping away at the fuel line. I really did not fancy sitting on the banks waiting for help.
It was quite difficult to take photos as we were going fairly fast by now and the rain didn’t help either. Our man Maddy liked to sit on one side so the boat was fairly unbalanced! But I managed to take quite a few.
We headed along the river, through narrow tree lined channels, under tunnels and outside the other side again. The limestone cliffs towering above us covered in dripping ferns were a sight to behold. There were monkeys clambering over rocks along the muddy riverbanks who came down from rocks and trees to greet us, hoping for a crust or two.
The Mangrove Swamps in Langkawi mangroves provide an important sanctuary for a wide array of life. They are habitats for many wildlife species, including fish, crustaceans, eagles, monkeys and otters. The mangroves serve as a buffer zone, a transition from the sea to the land, and act as a coastal barrier. If another tsunami were ever to strike these mangroves would serve to protect the coastal villages.
Leg like tree roots“Do you have a snack for me?”Mother and Baby
We had to take it slow through this tunnel and it was nice to get out of the rain for a bit!
Looking back through the rain
We met these very jolly fisherman in their colourful long boat as we passed through a very narrow channel between huge limestone rocks. At one point I thought we might scrape their boat!
Our first stop was a floating fish farm where we could disembark and feed the fish. We said no to the fish feeding and just had a wander around. Quite tricky getting on and off the boat with man Maddy balancing at the front helping us off!
The luxury yachts above were in quite a dilapidated state and have been left unattended for two years during the Malaysian lockdown. Most have been abandoned now. We saw many of these dotted up and down the river.
Sting Rays
Back onto the boat again and our next stop was Kelam Cave, a limestone cave housing bats. I didn’t realise that bats also play a very important part in the world, they are also pollinators like bees. They are becoming endangered in South East Asia due to fruit farmers shooting them down as they think they are damaging the fruit trees. Bats are highly sought after for their medicinal properties.
There was a very small charge to enter the caves and they provided you with a torch. I must say we found it fascinating but very creepy. We had to crouch in many places to get under the stalactites and extremely low ceilings!
The next stop was to feed the eagles, I think my favourite part of the whole trip. It was only after reading about the birds here that feeding is not encouraged, but all the tours still do this. I could not get one good photo but took many videos.
They really did put on a fabulous show. It was wonderful to hear the eagles crying above and watching them swooping and diving for the food.
Local fisherman out at sea
In the background of this photo you can see Thailand. Our Man Maddy said we could go back via the open sea or along the waterways of the river. There was no way I would take the chance of the open sea in the sputtering boat we were in! So the waterways it was.
Gorilla Mountain
This limestone hill really does look like a gorilla.
I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Mangrove Swamps as much as we did. If you ever visit Langkawi be sure to look out for this tour.
Finally we were on our way to Langkawi! Penang to Langkawi is only a 40 minutes flight and we flew on Firefly Airlines.
A propellor plane, hopefully it won’t be a rough flight
Goodbye PenangHello LangkawiRebak Island Marina
A driver from the hotel was waiting for us at Langkawi Airport and the Tanjung Rhu Resort was a 30 minute drive away. The resort is situated on the Northern part of the island and is quite isolated from the rest of the island. Surrounded by lush greenery with a large beach fronting the property.
We arrived around 2pm shortly before check in. The lovely lady who checked us in said would be mind an upgrade to a beach view and larger room. How polite, of course how could I refuse.
There was a separate living room plus a small balcony overlooking the beach, how wonderful is the view?
On exploring the resort we realised that only half is open to visitors, the other half is sadly beyond repair and closed up. We found out that the hotel is now owned by the bank. There seemed to be no overseeing of the staff. We did experience long waits for food or not turning up at all, and everyone blaming the next in line!
The deserted beach and beautiful pools did a lot to make up for these oversights. Being so far from everywhere else in Langkawi there was nowhere else to eat but at the resort.
Even though we were told the hotel was full we couldn’t see any evidence!
Adults only pool
Sunset Pool for families
It seemed like we had a private pool anytime we were there. The perfect antidote for recuperating, nothing but rest and relaxation.
Chef’s Table
This was the five star restaurant that we visited for two nights of our stay. The food was excellent as was the service.
There was also a pizza restaurant that put on a BBQ buffet one night that we ate in also.
This resort is good for day visits to get away from the busyness of the rest of the island, although it was wonderful for our three night stay.
It’s definitely a five star location and our room was five star, but with the restaurants that were open and only serving a limited menu definitely not a five star rating. The staff while extremely friendly seem to be working under different rules. Some were busy and others just standing around chatting. The website needs to be updated as one of the restaurants is closed to guests that are not on a package, the spa is also sadly derelict and the sunset pool bar is no longer open.
One of the things I wanted to do whilst in Penang was to look at all the street art that Penang is famous for. Although I had downloaded a map of all the places, my sim card was not activated properly! So we went back to the 7-11 where we had bought them and the very kind assistant sorted this out for me. I do exasperate Anthony with my constant stopping and starting and looking at my phone as to where to go! He tends to just walk randomly.
The streets were busy today as it Sunday and it seemed like everyone had the same idea.
We did find lots of murals and metal artwork along the way. The weather was cloudy and a nice breeze blowing, not at all what we expected.
Trombone Player by Gabriel Pitcher. An English born artist who has painted murals around the World.
Above are various street scenes from our walk
Humorous 3D artwork found on street walls depicting the life of long ago.
The Football Legend PeleEarly means of transportationRacial Harmony MuralOld World Bread Seller
It was almost impossible to walk on any sidewalk or the covered archways that lined the road. Walking on the road was the easier option, but with cars driving very close by you had better watch out for your hands and feet!
If I hadn’t glanced sideways I would have missed these cute kittens peeking out from these windows.
Two Owls painted on a pillar Moi underneath a cat piloting a butterfly
Enough street art for one day, I have a few more and I know I’ve missed many. It was getting on for lunchtime and time to go shopping!
We took a “Grab Cab” to Gurney Plaza where there is a huge shopping mall. Grab is the equivalent of Uber in Malaysia and seems to be the only taxi service in Penang. Once you have the App it’s pretty straightforward and the good thing about it is that you can use cash to pay and no need for credit card details.
Lunch was just a quick snack in a European Beer cafe, pretty lousy to be honest! Then off to the shops to look for walking shoes for me as mine had now given me a blister and shorts and a backpack for Anthony to climb Penang Hill. Well we were successful in everything and mine were called “the most comfortable shoes in the world” and I have to say this is 100% true, I felt like I was walking on pillows.
Back to the hotel for a quick swim and rest before heading out for dinner.
Dinner at Kebaya Restaurant
I had seen a place nearby called Kebaya Fusion Restaurant. The chefs were Swiss trained so we were expecting some gastronomic extravaganza. The restaurant is in a heritage listed building called Seven Terraces and owned by Christopher Ong. The building has been lovingly restored with the most beautiful decorations and furniture. The tiles on the floors were imported from Vietnam. I didn’t realise it was also a hotel until I asked if I could look around.
The entrance to Seven TerracesInside the dining room Enjoying a pre-dinner glass of wine
The waiter explained it was a set two or three course menu and it would be good to choose different dishes so we could share. Everything was mouth wateringly delicious.
CRISPY JO0 HOO CHAR ROLL and OTAK-OTAKKERABU WING BEANS, HONG BAK LAMB and ACHARGULAI CHICKENPANDAN CREME BRULEE
Inside the hotel
The photos below show what an opium lord’s house would look like back in the day. Complete with opium pipes and snuff boxes.
After dinner Anthony suggested a nightcap in the bar, as we sat down I recognised the owner Christopher in the corner with a lady friend. When we left I went up to him and complimented him on his beautiful hotel. We stood and had a chat with him for a while about the renovations he had made.
Off to bed for a good night’s sleep after a very busy day.
The day finally arrived for our trip to Melbourne to visit Laurence and Maddy. It was a bright and clear day in Perth and there was so much excitement as we packed up two cars to drive to the airport. We parked in the long term carpark and then caught the shuttle bus to the terminal. When we arrived at the airport, Lachie was already saying “are we in Melbourne yet”, a phrase that was heard very often over the next few hours.
On the bus to the terminal
As we prepared to print our luggage tags a Qantas assistant came up and did everything for us, so helpful, then walking through immigration we were once again assisted through the hand baggage check. Of course poor Anthony gets stopped every single time because of his titanium shoulder and always gets frisked and patted from top to bottom.
The plane was almost full and we were all sitting in a row. Masks needed to be worn which was a great game for Rose as she tried repeatedly to take mine off. Although it was nice to be travelling to Melbourne again the masks are a pain to wear! You were only allowed to eat at designated times, when the food was served and masks were to be placed back again when the time was over.
We were staying at The Hamptons in St. Kilda in a two bed, two bath apartment. We had decided not to rent a car as it is hard to park in Melbourne for any length of time.
On our first day Elena and I took the kids to Prahran Market where there was live music for kids. It’s a wonderful market with lots of cafes and food stalls selling all kinds of fruit, veg and baked goods.
Patiently watching the trams go by
On the tram
We couldn’t believe how helpful people were assisting with the pram and giving us the correct directions to the market.
I had to stop and take photos of the great murals always found in Melbourne.
After the market it was home again for nap time before our visit to DiscoverLego at Chadstone. This is something Lachie had been looking forward to for a long time. It’s a great experience if you are a lego enthusiast, young or old. The work that goes into creating these exhibits is astounding.
As we were technically still on Perth time we went out for dinner to The Grosvenor Hotel within walking distance from our apartment. That’s the best thing about Melbourne you don’t have to go far to find a pub, restaurant, cafe or bar!
A lovely end to our first day, hopefully tomorrow goes as smoothly!
The day didn’t bode well for exploring South Devon as Storm Eunice raged outside our bedroom window. We had arrived the afternoon before to our Bed and Breakfast in Hope Cove for two nights. Barely able to open the car door I tried to walk to the seafront to take a photo of the enormous waves pounding the sea shore and was nearly swept off my feet. The next two days didn’t seem like they were going to be much fun at all.
Hope and Anchor Bed and Breakfast
From the dining room window
Hope Cove
Hope Cove is a small sheltered bay in the South of Devon. It seems to have retained its relaxed lifestyle and is ideal for families with its sheltered sandy beaches. Although with the storm raging not quite so calm that day!
Anyway not to be deterred we set out to Salcombe with friends who were also staying with us. Salcombe is known for its outstanding beauty and is a popular holiday resort in the summer. By the time we reached there the rain had stopped and there were glimpses of sun and blue sky. It was fairly easy to find parking, so off we set to explore.
South Sands Beach, SalcombeBoat Shed
“Take Notice, Whoever is found cleaning fish, or creating any other nuisance at this watering place will be prosecuted according to the law”Ice Cream anyone?
Alleys and Sidewalks in Salcombe
Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants line the narrow streets of Salcombe, making it very difficult to chose a place for lunch! Dear Husband inspecting the menu, sadly not to his liking.
Colourful houses of SalcombeLifeboat MuseumIn search of lunchCourt HouseSalcombe Harbour
Lobster Pots
The four of us reunited after many years
We all voted Salcombe a great success and so happy that Storm Eunice seemed to have passed. After a very delicious lunch we headed off to Kingsbridge for more exploring.
Arriving back at Hope Cove around 5pm for a quick rest before dinner that night and to catch a glorious sunset.
Sunset at Hope Cove
One thing to note about this part of England is the narrow and windy roads. Usually only one car width wide and you never know who might be coming around the corner! There are small alcoves built into the hedge lined roads for you to reverse or pull into. The locals must get very frustrated with slow drivers as they are constantly “tail-gating” to make you go faster. Quite nerve wracking for the driver. We did have a few encounters and it’s especially hard at night as it is pitch black. In the summer months the traffic must be horrendous.
I hope you enjoyed our trip to South Devon and I will be posting more about our return journey back to Essex.
The last time I visited Canvey Island was around 40 years ago, and then that was only at night to a nightclub or disco as it was called then, The Goldmine! It was a regular haunt for many years, such fun nights were had.
I have recently downloaded an app called Go Jauntly, which gives you different walks in whatever location you are in.
The walk I am taking you along in this post is along the Esplanade on Canvey Island to take a look at the murals on the sea wall. The Esplanade is lined with benches and each one is dedicated to a loved one with an engraved plaque. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and maybe you will have a favourite.
The three murals below depict the changes on Canvey Island over the decades. The sun was out therefore so was my shadow!
The murals are all about the things in life for whom the mural was painted for.
A beautiful carefree life shown in the above mural.
My favourite
All of these murals are so intricately drawn and beautifully painted, and have stood the test of time. Unlike many murals I have seen there is no graffiti anywhere to be seen.
My favourite is the ship with the elegant dancers in the foreground, did you have one?
It was a lovely sunny day and I also took the opportunity to snap some photos of the views from the Esplanade. They are interesting more than picturesque! Mud flats and rocks as far as the eye can see with an oil tanker in the far distance.
Multi coloured rowing boats
Click to enlarge above photos
Canvey Island
It is separated from the mainland of south Essex by a network of creeks. Lying only just above sea level, it is prone to flooding at exceptional tides and has been inhabited since the Roman conquest of Britain. A flood in 1953 from the North Sea devastated the island, killing 58 islanders and leading to the temporary evacuation of the 13,000 residents. It is now protected by modern sea defences comprising 2 miles (3.2 km) of concrete sea walls. Between 1911 and 1951 it was a popular seaside resort.
As much as it is residential here there are large oil tanks on the island and it is noted for the relationship with the petrochemical industry. Source – Wikipedia
As is our habit on these outings we always end up at a pub, and today was no exception! My dear husband stopped a lady walking her dog and asked her for a recommendation. She suggested The Lobster Smack.
Such a wonderfully old pub to end our walk with lunch, a pint and a cold white wine.
It is said that there has been a pub on this site since the 1580’s and was believed to have been a model for Dickens’ Sluice Farm in Great Expectations. I found a very interesting history of this pub in this link – The Lobster Smack.
Cheerio from the Essex Wanderers
I hope you enjoyed this walk along the Esplanade with me. I’ve been very cheeky and linked it to a few challenges below.
Travelling back from our night away in Shrewsbury to visit friends we decided to break the journey with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. I think most people know this is the birthplace of Shakespeare and who didn’t study at least one of his plays at school! Mine was MacBeth and to this day I still don’t understand it, and it put me off Shakespeare for life. However Stratford is well worth a visit as it is steeped in history and culture. It’s amazing that people still live in the 16th century terrace houses.
We stayed in a very nice hotel called Villares which was just a ten minute walk into the town itself. So after a “free” continental breakfast we checked out and left the car there and ventured into town.
The town is extremely picturesque and I was forever stopping to take photos, so it wasn’t exactly an energetic walk.
TranquilityWalking along the Avon RiverTrying to work out how to get back to his flockBuilt 1485A bank in a bank!Bridges over the Avon River The Man Himself – 1564 – 1616FalstaffLady MacbethHamletPrince Hal
A Fun Quiz – Who Said What
What do you remember from school?
Weep not, sweet queen; for trickling tears are vain.
2. Come you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here
3. Before, I loved thee as a brother, John, But now, I do respect thee as my soul
4. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell.
Answers at the end
After finishing our walk we decided it was too early for lunch here and drove to another lovely place called Bourton-on-the-Water. This is a village in rural Cotswolds, south central England.
As pretty as this village is, it is mostly made up of tearooms and gift shops and the pub wasn’t serving food. We had a wonderful walk exploring around as we went.
Gallery of Bourton-on-the-Water
Contemplating lunch
By this time hunger pains were setting in and we were getting a bit desperate. We didn’t want to end up at a service station as the last resort! So back to the car it was while I made enquiries of the trusty google maps. I plugged a place in and off we went. I did mention though that we may see some sign on the roadside advertising a place off the beaten track.
Well what do you know around ten minutes later we came upon such a sign for “The Feathered Nest” and turned off. The road took us down a very narrow windy lane and around a few corners until there was no more road! This place really was on the edge of beyond. Straight ahead of us there was a 2 star Michelin restaurant. Lunch was not going to be cheap!
The Feathered NestGourmet BurgerRoast Pheasant Inside the restaurant One for the Road! Saddle up
Sculpture in the garden
Overlooking the CotswoldsFox sculptures
Finally after a scrumptious lunch we were on the road again back to Essex. This restaurant was such a great find and really made our mini break away.
Continuing with my trips to towns and villages in Essex, we drove out to see the viaduct at Wakes Colne. I had seen the massive brick structure on other websites and google and decided to take a look myself.
It is the largest brick structure in the country and was completed in 1849. The River Colne runs under it and trains are still crossing over it today. The line links Marks Tey in Essex to Sudbury in Suffolk.
The view is amazing as you drive around the bend into Wakes Colne and the structure seems so out of place.
Seven million bricks were used in the construction of the viaduct. It consists of 32 30-foot semi-circular spans, with tapered piers; it is 1,060 feet long and rises to a maximum height of 75 feet. Source: Wikipedia
Looking through the semi circular piersOne of the piersArchway ViewsOutside the arch, always there seemed another arch. And beyond the remotest echo, a silence – E.M. ForsterRiver Colne
There seemed no position to take a photo from above, unless I used a drone, which I don’t have!
One of the WWll Pillboxes that are underneath the viaduct
A short walk from the Viaduct is the East Anglia Railway Museum. We enquired about going to look around but decided not to as we only had around an hour of daylight left and it costs £8 per head. There is a great deal to see inside with many old trains and platforms still intact and it would be a great way to spend a morning or afternoon and worth entrance fee.
🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
Before we arrived at Wakes Colne we stopped for a bite at a very quaint tea room which was also licenced!
🍺 Heading in for a pint 🍺
This place is well worth the drive out if you are interested in historical structures other than castles. It’s very picturesque and you pass through some lovely little villages along the way.
