A well deserved rest

Its good to escape old blighty sometimes, particularly when the days are short and the constant drizzle has somehow worked its way into your soul. Where else than the Canaries to feel the sun on your back and hope that Spring has started by the time you get home?

It has been a hectic year and God knows, we all needed a rest...

Anyone who has taken small children on holiday will know that it doesnt always feel like a holiday. Morwenna was unhappy in new environment, and we were always on the look out for new and inventive ways she could kill, maim or drown herself whilst we soaked up some rays. Thats where the grandparents step in. Mum, dad and Uncle Jossepi were all on hand to distract Morwenna when she was at her most fractious.

There was enough time for surfing some of the powerful point breaks of Feurteventura and some snorkelling in the lagoons of Isla del Lobos. Underwater photos will be posted soon.

The Spanish lessons we have been taking since living in Harleston were great fun to practise on holiday. These family holidays are also a good time to catch up with family that live on the other side of the country. We also bumped into fellow lifeguard turned paramedic Nigel and Holly whilst walking along the beachfront. We spent a couple of nights on the town in

their company watching local gigs with very large gin and tonics whilst Morwenna was keeping the grandparents (and everyone else) entertained at the kids disco. She thought it very funny to stand on stage clapping at the audience and stop the acts getting on with the show.

The island itself has an amazingly arid and mountain covered interior. Sand blown across from the nearby sahara desert is the reminder that Africa is only 60 miles away.

In the years before the island was infested with tourists, Fuerteventura was described as "a desert in a sea of civilisation." Having now been part of the U.K bucket and spade brigade (minus the England t-shirts and stella fuelled sunburn) you cant help but wonder if that old quote still rings true. Nevertheless, we can all imagine return visits to what is really a fascinating little island.

Home sweet home

The newbies of Norfolk are setting down roots! we have just bought this beautiful 450 year old town house in Harleston and moved in 2 days before Christmas. Nothing like a deadline to get things happening! Left everything in boxes and went back to Wales for a few days with the family. Will have to put a blog up for xmas just to show you all the look on Morwennas face when it came to unwrapping presents.

There are lots of interesting features in the house, with previous renovation covering a number of period from regency to farm house original. Added to this confused character is the fact that it has only recently returned to residential use, having been the the local G.P surgery for the last 20 years.

The previous owner has done a fine job of undoing much of the damage done over the last decade and the wheelchair wide hallways and semi open-plan ground floor that you can see are all that is left of its use as a surgery.

Now that the paintings are up, the rugs are down and the woodburner's in, we can settle into our new home and see what comes our way...