Monday, March 16, 2009

Day trip to see the Potters

June

On a lovely sunny Sunday, last weekend I went to have lunch with Les and June Potter. My great grand mother was June's grand mother.  June is dad's cousin as her mum was his aunt (my great aunt).  That would make June and Les's children Gary, Angela and Linda my 3rd cousins and Elle-May  my fourth.  Angela's daughter Tara has just had a little girl Rose who would be 5th.  

Gary and Tracy


Sunday Lunch - Ellie, June, Les, Angela and Tracy

Denis, Gary and Tracy

We had a great roast with all the trimmings.  If any of the Potters (or extended family) visit Australia they would be made very welcome, probably with a family BBQ.


After lunch Gary gave me a lift to Colchester and I had a look at the Castle, learning about the Romans conquering the local britons and setting up Colchester as their capital in Britain.  This didn't last long as the locals about 20 years later staged an uprising led by their Leader, Boudicca - there were no Roman survivors.  Not sure if there are any blood connections going this far back ??

Colchester Castle

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Fab time in Berlin

Berlin turned out to be a real surprise, it was interesting and welcoming. We ate, drank, had fun and saw the sites, what could be better.  


This is one of the most amazing buildings I have seen, it stood directly opposite the Reichstag, the german parliament and the contrast of buildings was quite something.



But the Reichstag building is not as old as it looks, originally built in 1884 it was ruined by Red Army air raids in 1945. In 1961 it was rebuilt then in the dome designed by british architect Norman Foster was added in 1999. We didn't get into see the dome because the line was too long, but maybe on another visit.  

Continuing on the history trip, after hiring some bikes, we found the remains of the Berlin wall. Peddled around Berlin really is the best way to see the town.  Apart from freezing hands it was a great afternoon. However probably not the best thing to do before a night of NYE dancing.


Later tonight we would be back to celebrate the beginning of 2009.



Great snack after a hard day's bike riding.