October 13, 2021 
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While on holiday last year in Hunstanton, Norfolk I kept hearing a fat american V8 driving around the town, and one day it was parked up so I could snap it with my camera!ย ๐ฒ ย
My friends dad always had american cars ย and vans and I’ve enjoyed them for most of my life, so I was excited when I could finally put a picture to that beautiful sound.ย ๐ย
Camera Usedย ~ย iPhone 4s
February 21, 2021 0 Comments
ย ย Hi friends and welcome to Day 49 of this monumental, inconceivable and definly memorable blind sightseers tour….!ย
ย Good morning friendsโฆWow weโre in Antigua! ๐ฒ ย โ๏ธ ย
Well the trip is still going ahead (i knew they wouldnโt cancel this one) but letโs remind ourselves what the โBlind Sightseersโ (and you) are doing today?! ๐จ ย
Antigua Zip Line Canopy Adventure:ย
Hear the distant sound of running water, exotic chirps and the whistling of birds flying over the canopy. This is an adventure playground with a difference. It all takes place 50 to 300 feet off the ground in Antiguaโs rainforest canopy, including a series of 12 zip-lines – some stretching lengths of over 300 feet, a leap of faith, 3 aerial walkways and a suspension bridge. Not forgetting the hidden tree house where the world seems to stand still.
This thrilling journey includes 26 elements and 9 typical challenge course features, with water stations along the way. This really is an adventure in the sun! Donโt worry, youโre in safe hands, all the rangers here are trained to world challenge course standards and before you set off in your harness youโll have a full safety briefing, to learn all about the equipment.
On the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
Yay weโre back in Antigua! If you remember the last time (our first time here) we did horse riding across the beach. We love that all of the assistance people on the dock wear bright yellow t-shirts too. After following our assistance person to the taxi place we got in a nice minibus that took us to the deadly zip lines. ๐จ
The safety harness…
Our small group went inside and had a short safety briefing and as they know iโm registered blind i got my own assistant. They let me hold the harness and the huge carabiners. I started to feel a little better after holding the super heavy duty harness. The assistant strapped it on really tight and i was ready. I checked that Sarah was still next to me and had everything sorted too. Sarah often gets neglected as the people see that iโm the blind one and then leave Sarah to carry on without helpโฆBut Sarah is also registered blind but not quite as severely as me (totally different eye problems).ย
The ranger dudeโฆ๐ ย
Walking out and onto the start of the wooden bridge with thousands of steps leading up and through the rain forest and above the canopy Sarah and i was greeted by the amazing ranger guide (forgot his name unfortunately). He was simply fantastic and guided me up every step by calling out when a step was coming etc. He said โIโll clip onto the cable behind you and fly down with youโ i said โThanks as i wonโt be able to see the end and when i need to brake, iโll just fly straight into the tree at the end like a cartoon characterโ. ๐คฃ ย
Here goesโฆ๐จ ย
He used really clear instructions and before long i was lifting my feet up and landing on the platform at the other end. โWow that was coolโ i said whilst laughing and trying to find the rail to lean against. I wonder where Sarah isโฆSarah was last and all on her own to figure out how to do it all, she of course managed it somehow! ๐ The ranger asked if we were both ok and if we enjoyed the little zip line to start with.
TH LITTLE ONE???
I said โLittle one? Yeah it was amazing, so is there longer and higher ones?โ โOh yes the longest one is called the screamer and iโll let you know when we get there as it takes a video of you tooโ.ย
I remember wishing i had a camera up here as it was beautiful, and i still canโt believe we only had 2 photos and 1 video of the dayโฆBut thatโs better than nothing. ๐คฃ ย
We had much more fun on the longer zip lines, climbing higher and higher steps with the guide passing us cups of water at each water station, wow i needed that.ย
And thenโฆThe Screamer!!!ย ๐ฒ ย
We finally arrived at โThe ScreamerโโฆIt’s the highest, fastest and longest zip-line in this place. It stretches 328 feet across a ravine and is 350 feet above the rain forest floor.
I stepped slowly to the edge of the platform, my heart was trying to pound its way out of my chestโฆEven though iโm on beta blockers and my heart rate cannot go over 120bpm no matter how hard i try. I reached above my head and clipped my carabiner onto the cable and took a deep breath as I sat my whole weight into my harness. โAre you ready to make some noise?โ the ranger dude behind me said โOh yeahโ and we stepped of the incredibly high platform…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8AOqkE3j4w
YAY…Weโve done it!! Sarah flew down too and even did a couple of spins (nobody likes a show off, lol) we both laughed lots and with just a couple of zip lines left we could safely say โThe Blind Sightseersโ have conquered another challenge! ๐ช๐ผ ย ๐ ย
ย The cafe, bar and gift shopโฆ๐ ย
Finishing the last zip line and then walking across rope bridges we ended up in the gift shop. I thanked the ranger profusely as he left to guide another group. ๐ ย
โWow it would be fantastic if we could buy something from here to remind us of this monumental day. Sarah found a beautiful Antigua bauble for our Christmas tree and she bought a really cool t-shirt (Sarah modelling it below) that says โFor a good attitude, change your latitudeโ.
Returning to the dockโฆ๐ณย
We had a quiet ride back as we both were reflecting on managing zip lining as blindies and the relief that i didnโt die today. ๐ The minibus pulled in and we started walking back towards the ship for our iced coffee refresh when…
Sarah said โMy hatโ โWhat do you men?โ i said โIโve lost my hat?!โ โWhat your really cool one that youโve had for yearsโ โYes that one, i think iโve left it at the zip lining place or on the minibus. I lost my sunglasses yesterday and now my hat todayโ. We walked back to the taxi rank and asked the man who then phoned one of his drivers. About half an hour later another minibus arrived with the second group from our tour and the driver had Sarahโs hat! Sarah must have left it in the cafe after all of the excitement! Phew! ๐ ย ย
Back on the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
“Aww now thatโs a ย nice cold coffeeโ i said whilst sitting back in the lovely big arm chair in the coffee place โI canโt believe weโve done it, a blind man (and woman) have done zip lining!โ โI knew we would do it and i still get to keep one of my fave hatsโ. ๐ ย
Weโve booked a photo session tomorrow like the one we had last year when we were at โOlympiaโ, itโs a colour shoot this time instead of black and white. And of course as itโs another lovely new island we have another shore excursion booked too.ย
Did you enjoy your time in Antigua? Have you ever done zip lining before?ย
Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย
๐ย Join us:
February 12, 2021 2 Comments
โ๏ธ #40 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Corfu, Greece”๐ฌ๐ท(2017)
ย ย Hiย friends and welcome to Day 40 of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers tour….!ย ย
Good morning friends!ย (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน) ๐ ย
Wow what a day yesterday, itโs time for a little relaxing todayโฆ.
Glyfada Beach is a Blue Flag strip of sand on Corfuโs west coast. Youโll have three hours to enjoy it during this trip. The soft, golden sand unravels into a crystal-clear lagoon. While behind it, dramatic, tree-peppered cliffs tower over a smattering of shops and restaurants. You can be as relaxed or active as you like โ top up your tan as you lie on a sunlounger*, or get stuck in with watersports*. Thereโs windsurfing, waterskiing and pedal boats up for grabs.
How does that sound for a relaxing day at the beach! โ๏ธ ย
On the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
After another lovely breakfast we got off the ship and met up with the excursion team who kindly showed us to our coach. This excursion is a really short one ย and is only 3 hours long, but we thought that Sarah could swim and play in the sea whilst i had a lay down on a sun bed and go to sleep . ๐ด ย ย
The coach dropped us off miles away from the beach and we had no idea which way to go. Sarah quickly guided (dragged) me as we needed to follow the other people from the coach. The other people soon split and went in multiple directions and we were soon left on our own. After a few wrong turns (about 15 minutes) we were walking along a path parallel to the beach. โThis looks more like itโ Sarah said as we were walking down the side of a white hotel looking place. โWait a minute, they said there would be lots of shops and cafes etc and there are none hereโ. We continued walking towards what appeared to be an empty beach and Sarah said โNo, not this way either, weโve already been off the coach for about 30 minutesโ.ย
We started heading back to the parallel path and back down the side of the hotel when…
We heard โThereโs Sarah and Steveโ and a few seconds later Brian and Ann (friends we met on the captains night evening) were stood in front of us. โNo wayโ i said โFancy meeting you here?! How areyou doing?โ They were not impressed and said โWe were on the bus before yours and weโve walked around the whole place and nothing is open! Weโve paid good money to be on this trip and there is nothing here worth while, weโve wasted our moneyโ. Sarah said โWeโve also been walking around for ages and your rightโฆThere is not much here. Shall we walk down here and see whatโs on the beach?โ.ย
Shortly after reaching the beach Ann said โThereโs a cafe type bar over there, let me treat you both to a drink and we can chat for a while and then see what else we can doโ, โWow thank you so muchโ. โ ๐ ย
The Cafeโฆย โ ย
It was a lovely little cafe/bar facing the sea (i think thatโs what the photo shows above?) and when the waiter had put our drinks down on the table, Brian said โWe enjoyed the meals you left when that huge man stole you from our table, lolโ Ann said โOoohhh yeah tell us what happened. Did you get arrested?โ ๐คฃ ย
We had a great time unfolding the events of that evening and told them it was also our 10th wedding anniversary. they both said โWeโve been married 42 years this year, we married in 1975 as teenagersโ. โWowโ i said โCongratulationsโฆI was born in 1975 and itโs amazing to be married for that longโ. ๐ ย Brian and Ann were from Yorkshire so when Sarah said she grew up in Yorkshire and her family were still there, the conversation kept flowing and we connected really well! Time also flew by as we were chatting, laughing and having a fantastic time after the day had started badly, and we were already half way through our excursion time.
Ann said โHeyโฆWeโve been chatting for ages donโt let us stop you having your time at the beach. Go and have some time to yourselves. You can leave your bags with us so you donโt need to carry themโ. Brian added โIโll get my iPad mini connected to the internet and show you some Facebook photos when you get backโ. Sarah replied โIโm also on Facebook so we can add each other as friends too and stay in touchโโฆAnd we have! ๐ย
The beachโฆโ๏ธ ย
I love this photo of Sarah (above) i can spend ages just soaking it in. Sarah works in London and commutes for 3 hours (round trip) into the dull grey and back into the lush greens of home. Her eyes get burned out with all of the close built up areas of London, and they work hard focusing on all of the close up objects and this results in lots of eye strainโฆBut when she is on the ship or on the beach she says โMy eyes totally relax as they love not focusing on close up objects but they rest whilst looking into the distance”. ๐ ย
Knowing all of this, i donโt need to tell you that Sarah really enjoys herself when in the sea…ย
Oh yes I forgot to let you guys knowโฆIโm actually here! Iโm burning hot again but my tactical sun hat is working well! ๐ฐ ย
Back at the cafeโฆโ ย
We returned to the cafe after rinsing off the sand under a tap attached to the wall. Ooohhh that was a lovely cold tap, lol! ย Brian said (whilst looking sad) โThe cafe doesnโt have Wifi so i canโt connect my iPad to the internetโ as Sarah said โOh thatโs a shame i was looking forwards to seeing some of your photos, and also searching for my profile and adding you as a friendโ. I thought for a momentโฆโWait a minute! I think i can do a โPersonal Hot Spotโ on my iPhone if i have a cellular connectionโฆIโll just checkโ.ย
I sat down a pulled my iPhone out of my pocket, plugged in my earphones and listened to my Voiceover screenreader. โHey Brian, it says i have 3G so youโll be able to connect and use my connectionโ โWhat? I donโt understand what youโve just said?โ After Sarah talked him through connecting via hot spot โWow thanks, iโm not sure what youโve just done but thanksโ and he opened up Facebook! ๐ ย
Ann turned to me and said โHow did you just manage to use your phone?โ I turned down the speaking rate to normal and unplugged my earphones, i said โCan you hear it reading out the name of the apps on my home screen, it even puts a box (Voiceover Cursorโ around the app itโs reading out so you can follow along if you have low vision too. โWowโ Ann said โthatโs amazing how it does thatโ. I said โAnd if i tap 4 times with 3 fingers it puts on a screen curtain โItโs gone offโ Ann said โNo, it appears that way but it has just made the screen black so i can have privacy too while iโm using my phoneโ. “Can you read messages too?โ Sarah said whilst laughing โOh no donโt get him started, we only have about an hour left and he’ll go on for agesโ. We all started laughing. ๐คฃ ย
Time was simply flying by, and after more lovely conversations on an omnifarious amount of topicsโฆIt was time for us all to head back to the coach.
Back at the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
Walking off our coach(Brian & Ann had a different ticket) ย and towards the port shop. Sarah said โMaybe this shop will have some souvenirs as all of the beach shops were closed?!โ โI hope soโ i said whilst following Sarah into the incredible air conditioned shop! โHello againโ Brian and Ann said โWeโre looking for souvenirs as the beach shops were all closedโ I said โYeah thatโs why weโre in here too, lolโ.
The handโฆ
Brian, Ann and Sarah had already exited the shop, i was following a few steps behind as i let a man through as he seemed in a rush. I heard Sarah say โCome on Steveโ and then a huge fit of laughter burst out of AnnโฆThen BrianโฆAnd finally Sarah! They were still doubled over in giggles as i got there. โWow what happenedโ i said as iโd just carefully navigated the step upon leaving the shop. Ann said whilst giggling โSarah just grabbed that other mans hand and pulled him out of the shop thinking it was youโ Sarah still with an embarrassed laugh said โCome on you, youโve caused enough trouble , lol!โ Now we all burst out laughing! ๐คฃ
Back on the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
Before heading back to our cabin Ann said โItโs my 70th Birthday todayโ โWhat?? You kept that quietโ Sarah and i said together whilst both in shock. Brian said โWe booked this cruise for Annโs 70th Birthday treat! Would you like to eat with us later to celebrate at the usual place? We meet you at 7pm outsideโ. Sarah said โYes of course that will be lovelyโฆAnd Happy Birthday Ann!โ ๐ ย
Sarah instantly crafted a plan…The plan was to wait until the ship leaves the port so that the shops can open. Then we can find a birthday present for Ann before we meet them at 7pm outside the restaurantโฆShe executed her plan perfectly and the present was lovely, Ann loved it! ๐ ย
Annโs Birthday meal…
โง Brian & Annย โงย
We met up with Brian and Ann and sat down at a table for 6. There were another couple sitting down too (sorry forgot their names) but they were also from Yorkshire. Sarah & i thought they must be Brian and Annโs friends but Ann said theyโd just met them before we came in and we asked them to join us. ๐ ย
Brian whispered โDonโt say anything but iโve arranged a special birthday cake for Ann and she doesnโt know.โ โAww fantasticโ i said. And after our starters and main mealsโฆIt was time!
A small group of waiters led by a guitar player and all singing โHappy Birthdayโ they arrived behind Ann. She started laughing as they played (and we all sang a long) the birthday song, and when we’d all finished another waiter placed the cake in front of Ann. She was beaming and happily surprised and thanked Brian profusely! โค๏ธ
After a while Brian and Ann said โWe canโt have the rest of the cake as it will make us ill, and the others donโt want itโฆWould you like to take the rest back to your cabin?โ Sarah said โWooahhh itโs pretty much all creamโฆSteve youโll love itโ i said โWell what can i say? If it will help you out then iโll take this burden from you!โ ๐๐ย
Back at the cabin…
We returned once more to our cabin and were met with yet another folded towel creature. ๐ย
What a fantastic day! We thought this day would be one of the worst, as we only book a beach break when there are no other excursions available. But today was great and spending it with Brian and Ann was lovelyโฆOh they are also our Facebook friends now too. ๐ ย ย
Our Routeโฆ..๐ณ ย
On Tuesday evening Thomson Spirit sails to the port of Kotor, Montenegro. Where weโre expected to arrive on Wednesday morning having travelled 185 nautical miles at an average speed of 14 knots
Hope youโve enjoyed the adventure todayโฆLet me know your favourite part?! ๐ค Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย
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May 27, 2020 3 Comments
ย Good morning friendsโฆWow weโre in Antigua! ๐ โ๏ธ ย
Well the trip is still going ahead (i knew they wouldnโt cancel this one) but letโs remind ourselves what weโre doing today?! ย
Antigua Zip Line Canopy Adventure:
Hear the distant sound of running water, exotic chirps and the whistling of birds flying over the canopy. This is an adventure playground with a difference. It all takes place 50 to 300 feet off the ground in Antiguaโs rainforest canopy, including a series of 12 zip-lines – some stretching lengths of over 300 feet, a leap of faith, 3 aerial walkways and a suspension bridge. Not forgetting the hidden tree house where the world seems to stand still.
This thrilling journey includes 26 elements and 9 typical challenge course features, with water stations along the way. This really is an adventure in the sun! Donโt worry, youโre in safe hands, all the rangers here are trained to world challenge course standards and before you set off in your harness youโll have a full safety briefing, to learn all about the equipment.
On the dock…
Yay weโre back in Antigua! If you remember the last time (our first time here) we did horse riding across the beach (click here for the post). We love that all of the assistance people on the dock wear bright yellow t-shirts too. After following our assistance person to the taxi place we got in a nice minibus that took us to the deadly zip lines. ๐จ
The safety harness…
Our small group went inside and had a short safety briefing and as they know iโm registered blind i got my own assistant. They let me hold the harness and the huge carabiners. I started to feel a little better after holding the super heavy duty harness. The assistant strapped it on really tight and i was ready. I checked that Sarah was still next to me and had everything sorted too. Sarah often gets neglected as the people see that iโm the blind one and then leave Sarah to carry on without helpโฆBut Sarah is also registered blind but not quite as severely as me (totally different eye problems).ย
The ranger dude…
Walking out and onto the start of the wooden bridge with thousands of steps leading up and through the rain forest and above the canopy Sarah and i was greeted by the amazing ranger guide (forgot his name unfortunately). He was simply fantastic and guided me up every step by calling out when a step was coming etc. He said โIโll clip onto the cable behind you and fly down with youโ i said โThanks as i wonโt be able to see the end and when i need to brake, iโll just fly straight into the tree at the end like a cartoon characterโ.
Here goes…
He used really clear instructions and before long i was lifting my feet up and landing on the platform at the other end. โWow that was coolโ i said whilst laughing and trying to find the rail to lean against. I wonder where Sarah isโฆSarah was last and all on her own to figure out how to do it all, she of course managed it somehow! ๐ The ranger asked if we were both ok and if we enjoyed the little zip line to start with.
I said โLittle one? Yeah it was amazing, so is there longer and higher ones?โ โOh yes the longest one is called the screamer and iโll let you know when we get there as it takes a video of you tooโ.ย
I remember wishing i had a camera up here as it was beautiful, and i still canโt believe we only had 2 photos and 1 video of the dayโฆBut thatโs better than nothing. ๐คฃ ย
We had much more fun on the longer zip lines, climbing higher and higher steps with the guide passing us cups of water at each water station, wow i needed that.ย
And then…
We finally arrived at โThe ScreamerโโฆIt’s the highest, fastest and longest zip-line in this place. It stretches 328 feet across a ravine and is 350 feet above the rain forest floor.
I stepped slowly to the edge of the platform, my heart was trying to pound its way out of my chestโฆEven though iโm on beta blockers and my heart rate cannot go over 120bpm no matter how hard i try. I reached above my head and clipped my carabiner onto the cable and took a deep breath as I sat my whole weight into my harness. โAre you ready to make some noise?โ the ranger dude behind me said โOh yeahโ and we stepped of the incredibly high platform…
Yay!! Weโve done it!! Sarah flew down too and even did a couple of spins (nobody likes a show off, lol) we both laughed lots and with just a couple of zip lines left we could safely say โThe Blind Sightseersโ have conquered another challenge! ๐ช๐ผ ย ๐ ย
ย The cafe, bar and gift shop…
Finishing the last zip line and then walking across rope bridges we ended up in the gift shop. I thanked the ranger profusely as he left to guide another group.ย
โWow it would be fantastic if we could buy something from here to remind us of this monumental day. Sarah found a beautiful Antigua bauble for our Christmas tree and she bought a really cool t-shirt (Sarah modelling it below) that says โFor a good attitude, change your latitudeโ.
Returning to the dock…
We had a quiet ride back as we both were reflecting on managing zip lining as blindies and the relief that i didnโt die today. ๐ The minibus pulled in and we started walking back towards the ship for our iced coffee refresh when…
Sarah said โMy hatโ โWhat do you men?โ i said โIโve lost my hat?!โ โWhat your really cool one that youโve had for yearsโ โYes that one, i think iโve left it at the zip lining place or on the minibus. I lost my sunglasses yesterday and now my hat todayโ. We walked back to the taxi rank and asked the man who then phoned one of his drivers. About half an hour later another minibus arrived with the second group from our tour and the driver had Sarahโs hat! Sarah must have left it in the cafe after all of the excitement! Phew! ๐ ย
Back on the ship…
“Aww now thatโs a ย nice cold coffeeโ i said whilst sitting back in the lovely big arm chair in the coffee place โI canโt believe weโve done it, a blind man (and woman) have done zip lining!โ โI knew we would do it and i still get to keep one of my fave hatsโ. ๐ ย
Weโve booked a photo session tomorrow like the one we had last year when we were at โOlympiaโ, itโs a colour shoot this time instead of black and white. And of course as itโs another lovely new island we have another shore excursion booked too.ย
Did you enjoy your time in Antigua? Have you ever done zip lining before?
To be continued…ย ย
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โ๏ธย Start From #1ย ๐ Or join the adventure at:
May 18, 2020 0 Comments
Good morning friends!ย (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน) ๐ ย
Wow what a day yesterday, itโs time for a little relaxing todayโฆ.
Glyfada Beach is a Blue Flag strip of sand on Corfuโs west coast. Youโll have three hours to enjoy it during this trip. The soft, golden sand unravels into a crystal-clear lagoon. While behind it, dramatic, tree-peppered cliffs tower over a smattering of shops and restaurants. You can be as relaxed or active as you like โ top up your tan as you lie on a sunlounger*, or get stuck in with watersports*. Thereโs windsurfing, waterskiing and pedal boats up for grabs.
How does that sound for a relaxing day at the beach! โ๏ธ ย
On the dock…
After another lovely breakfast we got off the ship and met up with the excursion team who kindly showed us to our coach. This excursion is a really short one ย and is only 3 hours long, but we thought that Sarah could swim and play in the sea whilst i had a lay down on a sun bed and go to sleep . ๐ด ย ย
The coach dropped us off miles away from the beach and we had no idea which way to go. Sarah quickly guided (dragged) me as we needed to follow the other people from the coach. The other people soon split and went in multiple directions and we were soon left on our own. After a few wrong turns (about 15 minutes) we were walking along a path parallel to the beach. โThis looks more like itโ Sarah said as we were walking down the side of a white hotel looking place. โWait a minute, they said there would be lots of shops and cafes etc and there are none hereโ. We continued walking towards what appeared to be an empty beach and Sarah said โNo, not this way either, weโve already been off the coach for about 30 minutesโ.ย
We started heading back to the parallel path and back down the side of the hotel when…
We heard โThereโs Sarah and Steveโ and a few seconds later Brian and Ann (friends we met on the captains night evening) were stood in front of us. โNo wayโ i said โFancy meeting you here?! How areyou doing?โ They were not impressed and said โWe were on the bus before yours and weโve walked around the whole place and nothing is open! Weโve paid good money to be on this trip and there is nothing here worth while, weโve wasted our moneyโ. Sarah said โWeโve also been walking around for ages and your rightโฆThere is not much here. Shall we walk down here and see whatโs on the beach?โ.ย
Shortly after reaching the beach Ann said โThereโs a cafe type bar over there, let me treat you both to a drink and we can chat for a while and then see what else we can doโ, โWow thank you so muchโ. โ ๐ ย
The Cafe…ย
It was a lovely little cafe/bar facing the sea (i think thatโs what the photo shows above?) and when the waiter had put our drinks down on the table, Brian said โWe enjoyed the meals you left when that huge man stole you from our table, lolโ Ann said โOoohhh yeah tell us what happened. Did you get arrested?โ ๐คฃ ย
We had a great time unfolding the events of that evening and told them it was also our 10th wedding anniversary. they both said โWeโve been married 42 years this year, we married in 1975 as teenagersโ. โWowโ i said โCongratulationsโฆI was born in 1975 and itโs amazing to be married for that longโ. ๐ ย Brian and Ann were from Yorkshire so when Sarah said she grew up in Yorkshire and her family were still there, the conversation kept flowing and we connected really well! Time also flew by as we were chatting, laughing and having a fantastic time after the day had started badly, and we were already half way through our excursion time.
Ann said โHeyโฆWeโve been chatting for ages donโt let us stop you having your time at the beach. Go and have some time to yourselves. You can leave your bags with us so you donโt need to carry themโ. Brian added โIโll get my iPad mini connected to the internet and show you some Facebook photos when you get backโ. Sarah replied โIโm also on Facebook so we can add each other as friends too and stay in touch”.ย
The beachโฆโ๏ธ ย
I love this photo of Sarah (above) i can spend ages just soaking it in. Sarah works in London and commutes for 3 hours (round trip) into the dull grey and back into the lush greens of home. Her eyes get burned out with all of the close built up areas of London, and they work hard focusing on all of the close up objects and this results in lots of eye strainโฆBut when she is on the ship or on the beach she says โMy eyes totally relax as they love not focusing on close up objects but they rest whilst looking into the distance”. ๐ ย
Knowing all of this, i donโt need to tell you that Sarah really enjoys herself when in the sea…ย
Oh yes I forgot to let you guys knowโฆIโm actually here! Iโm burning hot again but my tactical sun hat is working well! ๐ฐ ย
Back at the cafe…
We returned to the cafe after rinsing off the sand under a tap attached to the wall. Ooohhh that was a lovely cold tap, lol! ย Brian said (whilst looking sad) โThe cafe doesnโt have Wifi so i canโt connect my iPad to the internetโ as Sarah said โOh thatโs a shame i was looking forwards to seeing some of your photos, and also searching for my profile and adding you as a friendโ. I thought for a momentโฆโWait a minute! I think i can do a โPersonal Hot Spotโ on my iPhone if i have a cellular connectionโฆIโll just checkโ.ย
I sat down a pulled my iPhone out of my pocket, plugged in my earphones and listened to my Voiceover screenreader. โHey Brian, it says i have 3G so youโll be able to connect and use my connectionโ โWhat? I donโt understand what youโve just said?โ After Sarah talked him through connecting via hot spot โWow thanks, iโm not sure what youโve just done but thanksโ and he opened up Facebook! ๐ ย
Ann turned to me and said โHow did you just manage to use your phone?โ I turned down the speaking rate to normal and unplugged my earphones, i said โCan you hear it reading out the name of the apps on my home screen, it even puts a box (Voiceover Cursorโ around the app itโs reading out so you can follow along if you have low vision too. โWowโ Ann said โthatโs amazing how it does thatโ. I said โAnd if i tap 4 times with 3 fingers it puts on a screen curtain โItโs gone offโ Ann said โNo, it appears that way but it has just made the screen black so i can have privacy too while iโm using my phoneโ. “Can you read messages too?โ Sarah said whilst laughing โOh no donโt get him started, we only have about an hour left and he’ll go on for agesโ. We all started laughing. ๐คฃ ย
Time was simply flying by, and after more lovely conversations on an omnifarious amount of topicsโฆIt was time for us all to head back to the coach.
Back at the dock…
Walking off our coach(Brian & Ann had a different ticket) ย and towards the port shop. Sarah said โMaybe this shop will have some souvenirs as all of the beach shops were closed?!โ โI hope soโ i said whilst following Sarah into the incredible air conditioned shop! โHello againโ Brian and Ann said โWeโre looking for souvenirs as the beach shops were all closedโ I said โYeah thatโs why weโre in here too, lolโ.
The handโฆ
Brian, Ann and Sarah had already exited the shop, i was following a few steps behind as i let a man through as he seemed in a rush. I heard Sarah say โCome on Steveโ and then a huge fit of laughter burst out of AnnโฆThen BrianโฆAnd finally Sarah! They were still doubled over in giggles as i got there. โWow what happenedโ i said as iโd just carefully navigated the step upon leaving the shop. Ann said whilst giggling โSarah just grabbed that other mans hand and pulled him out of the shop thinking it was youโ Sarah still with an embarrassed laugh said โCome on you, youโve caused enough trouble , lol!โ Now we all burst out laughing! ๐คฃ
Back on the ship…
Before heading back to our cabin Ann said โItโs my 70th Birthday todayโ โWhat?? You kept that quietโ Sarah and i said together whilst both in shock. Brian said โWe booked this cruise for Annโs 70th Birthday treat! Would you like to eat with us later to celebrate at the usual place? We meet you at 7pm outsideโ. Sarah said โYes of course that will be lovelyโฆAnd Happy Birthday Ann!โ ๐ ย
Sarah instantly crafted a plan…The plan was to wait until the ship leaves the port so that the shops can open. Then we can find a birthday present for Ann before we meet them at 7pm outside the restaurantโฆShe executed her plan perfectly and the present was lovely, Ann loved it! ๐ ย
Annโs Birthday meal…
โง Brian & Annย โงย
We met up with Brian and Ann and sat down at a table for 6. There were another couple sitting down too (sorry forgot their names) but they were also from Yorkshire. Sarah & i thought they must be Brian and Annโs friends but Ann said theyโd just met them before we came in and we asked them to join us. ๐ ย
Brian whispered โDonโt say anything but iโve arranged a special birthday cake for Ann and she doesnโt know.โ โAww fantasticโ i said. And after our starters and main mealsโฆIt was time!
A small group of waiters led by a guitar player and all singing โHappy Birthdayโ they arrived behind Ann. She started laughing as they played (and we all sang a long) the birthday song, and when we’d all finished another waiter placed the cake in front of Ann. She was beaming and happily surprised and thanked Brian profusely! โค๏ธ
After a while Brian and Ann said โWe canโt have the rest of the cake as it will make us ill, and the others donโt want itโฆWould you like to take the rest back to your cabin?โ Sarah said โWooahhh itโs pretty much all creamโฆSteve youโll love itโ i said โWell what can i say? If it will help you out then iโll take this burden from you!โ ๐๐ย
Back at the cabin…
We returned once more to our cabin and were met with yet another folded towel creature. ๐ย
What a fantastic day! We thought this day would be one of the worst, as we only book a beach break when there are no other excursions available. But today was great and spending it with Brian and Ann was lovelyโฆOh they are also our Facebook friends now too. ๐ ย ย
Thank you all for joining us in Corfu. I hope you had a lovely time? ButโฆWeโre not finished yet,
To be continued…ย
Our Routeโฆ..
On Tuesday evening Thomson Spirit sails to the port of Kotor, Montenegro. Where weโre expected to arrive on Wednesday morning having travelled 185 nautical miles at an average speed of 14 knots
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
โ๏ธย Start From #1ย ๐ Or join the adventure at:
April 16, 2020 20 Comments
This was recorded by my lovely wife Sarah whilst on holiday in Pembrokeshire with Sarahโs family on 18th Jan 2020. It was before the lockdown happenedโฆBut it looks like we were trapped inside and i was finding a way to entertain Sarahโs dad and brother Marshall, lol!
I also had no idea Sarah was recording thisโฆBut i hope it can shine into your homes and bring a little smile. ๐
March 31, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 150:6 (ESV)ย
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!ย Praise the Lord!
ย 
Psalm 118:24ย (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Description…
This is a photo taken on our day trip to Chessington world of adventures a few years ago. .
Hope thisย little dude puts another smile on your face,?
Also hope you are staying safe, well and faithful during this challenging time?!ย ๐ย
April 18, 2018 3 Comments
Hi all. Itโs been quiet over here for a couple of weeksโฆ.As Sarah & i (the blindies) have been on holiday! ๐ We tried a cruise and stay this time and had a fantastic action & adventure trip as usual, lol. We have just arrived home and iโve lots of photos to sort out which iโll post on here as soon as i get the days sorted out etc.ย
I must be the slowest holiday blogger of all timeโฆ.As i still have the last 2 cruises to post yet, lol But a huge thank you for all of your patience with me. I’ll post this holiday first and then work backwards for the other two!ย
Here a a few photo so far to give a little tasteโฆ..
Me walking along the Barbados beach
Sarah running along the Barbados beach
Me and my lovely Wife Sarah
Join us on our other adventures HERE
May 3, 2017 4 Comments
Day 1: Wowโฆ..What a fantastic surprise 3 day visit by my Brother Paul! ๐
The Intricate Planโฆ..
I really had no idea that Ben(Brother in Christ) and Sarah(my lovely Wife) had planned this visit by my Brother Paul since November!!ย
“Paul had bariatric surgery(Sleeve gastrectomy) a year ago after spending 4 weeks in hospital and has progressed so much, he spent most of the past 5 years housebound and is starting to rebuild his life. iโm really proud of him. He has lost around 24 stone(150kg) since the start of this gruelling fight. And for his first trip out of Derby, he wanted to come and see Epsom. Iโm so pleased he did as i can only imagine how much of a big deal this is for him!”
The Almost Upsetโฆ..
Ben had organised to meet me at my fave restaurant โSicilyโ at 2pm, and as i got into town early i decided to take a detour and get more steps towards my Fitbit daily step goal. Little did i know my Brother was standing outside the train station waiting for Ben to pick him up to surprise me at Sicily. ๐ย
Paul said โI was standing outside the station just looking around, and suddenly he saw me walking up the other side of the roadโ โNo way, whatโs he doing here?โฆ.Heโs not going to cross over as he is on his way to Sicilyโ Then just as he said it i was crossing the road towards him. He knows i canโt see enough to recognise anyone even if they are stood next to me. But he panicked and hid behind the nearest object and took a photo as he thought iโd figured out his plan, lol. ๐ย
โฌ Me on the phone to Sarah, crossing the road while Paul takes a stealth photo! โฌย
The Surprise Meetโฆ..
As i arrived at Sicily i received the usual warm welcome from Grace and was seated at the table. I was thinking through some Bible verses as i expected a deep theological discussion on doctrines etcโฆ..But as Ben arrived he was with his Wife Rosie and son Raffy. I was just getting up to move to a larger table when a FaceTime call came in from my brother Paul!
I usually switch to the back camera(as i canโt see the screen anyway) and try and show Paul around my current location and as i was in Sicily i thought heโd like to have a look. I first pointed it at Raffy and he was giggling into the camera. Then i wanted him to meet Grace and as i was about to point my phone at herโฆ..โey up broโ I heard in my right ear, i turned and there was my brother Paul standing right next to me!! ๐ย
After what seemed like minutes, my mind was just racing โHow did he get here? Derby is over 150 miles away! I thought trains were too much for him right now? Did Ben pick him up? ย How is this possible?โ i finally gave up and gave him a huge hug, i was stunned! Mission Accomplished Bro! ๐
We had a great time catching up on his adventure over a fantastic meal. ๐
Day 2: Epsom, Boyce Avenue & Celebration BBQ @ โBensโ Burgers”โฆ..
Epsomโฆ..
We first met Paul in town as we wanted to show him around Epsom, we knew this wouldnโt take long as itโs only a small town, lol. Paul bought a souvenir in the shape of a Raiders cap and we had a great time exploring Epsom.
Boyce Avenueโฆ..
Boyce Avenue are Paulโs favourite band. Their music has helped him through a lot of dark times. So when he said heโd love to see them in concert and mentioned they were playing at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2017, i just had to book tickets for Paul, Me & Sarah! ๐ย
Since i knew he like them, and he loves singingโฆ..iโd learnt a few songs on guitar so that if i was ever in the same room as Paul with my guitar, it would be fantastic to play together. And since weโd finished in town and was back homeโฆ..That time was now. lol And after this very special moment which iโll always remember, it was time for Ben to pick us up
Celebration BBQโฆ..
Ben not only prepared the food, cooked the foodโฆ..He even picked us up and drove us to his home! Thank you so much Ben! ๐
Ben went all out for this celebration and cooked Steak, Chicken burger, Lamb Kofte & a lovely salad. Wow Thanks again Ben! ๐
โฌ Paul & Vini โฌ ย
โฌ Vini & Raffy playing football with ice-creams. โฌ ย
โฌ Luzia showing her skills and having lots of fun with Raffy! โฌย
ย 
ย โฌ Bens Wife Rosie with son Raffy โฌ ย
After filling up on all the amazing food, football and chasing Raffy we all headed inside for a rest! ๐คฃย
โฌ From Left: Vini, Me, Raffy & Paul โฌ ย
From Left: Luzia, Rosie & Sarah โฌ ย
Football on Epsom Downsโฆ..
Now it was time for Ben to try out his new 7 seater, he had never filled all 7 seats before so here goes!!!!ย
Yay! We are all in! ๐คฃ ย
โฌ From Left: Ben, Rosie, Vini, Sarah, Raffy(hidden), Me, Luzia & Paul โฌ ย
As it was an open field, i had lots of room and could move around with a little more confidence knowing i wouldnโt hit anything, lol.
โฌ Raffy, Me, Paul & Ben โฌ ย ย
โฌ Raffy showing Vini some skills โฌ ย ย
โฌ Me, Raffy & Paul โฌ ย ย
โฌ Me & Raffy โฌย
ย โฌ Raffy with a crunching challenge! โฌย
Paul was loving the view right across London and could see Wembley Stadium all lit up too! We had a great evening and we were all tired from running around!ย
Day 3: The Cricketersโฆ..
For a nice farewell, we treated Paul to aย beautiful roast dinner at the fantastic Cricketers Inn. What a lovely view for a nice warm roast dinner, and of course it has to have a homemade Yorkshire Pudding! ๐ย
โฌ The Cricketers(one of my older photos) it wasnโt snowing, lol. โฌ ย
ย 
โฌ Me & Paul outside Epsom Train Station โฌย
Wowโฆ..It was a fantastic few days and iโm so proud of how well Paul is doing. I still canโt believe iโd see him down here so soon! His surprise was overwhelming at timesโฆ.. And since he arrived home safelyโฆ..heโs told me that heโs planned to visit agin in August! Yay! ๐ย
I hope you enjoyed Pauls visit too? And iโm pleased you got to meet my fantastic Brother!ย
August 29, 2014 4 Comments
ย i C Food
Itโs been 14 years since iโve been able to see what iโm eating!! Sarah will often tell me where things are on my plate when eating out, or at other peoples houses. There are also some foods that i stay away from if iโm with a group of people, sat facing a crowded restaurant as they are just too messy, e.g Spaghetti, Full english breakfast (the eggs are just invisible on a white plate!) & salads can be hard to chase around too. So i often order things i can pick up like Pizza, burgers etc.
i chose โFoodโ for the theme this week, and iโd love to sit at your digital table and see a glimpse of your favourite food, favourite places, food thatโs really hard to eat or has amazing detail, and of course the messy stuff! ๐
Remember to link back here so i can see what you serve up!
โง Sarahs love heart biscuits! โงย
โง Fave Place: Fillet steak with love heart potatoes at Sicily Restaurant โงย
More i C Photo Challenges:
August 14, 2014 11 Comments
โThe only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.โ
Helen Keller
This quote really hits home for me in so many ways. I spent 24 years of being fully sighted just feeling lost, empty, angry and wasting my selfish life, being pulled one way and the other, not caring who i hurt.
Then in 2004 after losing most of my sight, Jesus became the light of my world. “I was blind but now I seeโ. see my About Steve page…
Now with Jesus as my destination on my “Spiritual Sat Nav” I have Vision, purpose, worth, and directions to follow. ๐
How is your vision?
May 29, 2014 21 Comments
After all of your lovely comments and encouragements (more than i could reply too) i thought i would keep you up to date with a second post.ย
My photography received a warm response and they have asked if i would like to be apart of another exhibition in Estonia 2015 (Yay!!) Also they would like me to do a video interview (maybe next month) trying to explain how i go about taking my photos etc.. This will be really interesting for me too as i really donโt speak much, i much prefer to listen, and i also donโt really know how i manage to get most of my shots! Lol! ๐
More Exhibition Dates:
The exhibition ART SENSES 2013, dedicated to blind and visually impaired people, starts in Ancona 4th April 2014, and then Tuscany, region in Italy, on October 26th in Massa Marittima, and it ended in Grosseto on December 3rd, with a conference on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
For the final exhibition in Florence, Italy in December, iโll be sending them 6 mounted & framed images and weโll be actually going to visit the exhibition and meet the people etc at the museum. As you can imagine iโm really excited! ๐
Anyway iโll keep you up to date with anything else that may be of interest to you regarding my photography. Thanks again for all of your encouragements. Iโm so blessed to have such fantastic group of friends on here! ๐
See also: Youโll Never Believe Thisโฆ..
March 3, 2014 14 Comments
My Thoughts ๐ญย
I thought i would use “Castle Rising Castleโ for this weeks Weekly Photo Challenge: Abandoned.
Description
While on holiday at the lighthouse Me, Sarah & Brother Ben took a day trip to Castle Rising castle.ย Iย gave Ben my big Nikon as Sarah &ย Iย were doing an audio described tour provided by the ticket office for ยฃ1. It was a fun tour as the audio description was dramatised!ย Iย still got to get my compact camera out and shoot the shots above! ๐
See more of my Weekly Photo Challenges
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