Take in the View

Saturday 17 September 2016

Robbie's, Florida Keys...The other side of the camera

I must have visited Robbie's at Islamorada every day for 6 months, not in a physical presence but as a virtual tourist via their on line web cam. There was something hypnotic about that simple wooden jetty and the scores of people it seemed to attract every time I looked. Perhaps it was the fact that everyone always looked happy, smiling and relaxed, a welcome relief from the constant negativity the internet brings of people complaining and news stories containing more sadness. I had first come across Robbie's whilst researching for our trip along the Florida keys, every guidebook mentioned it, TripAdvisor raved about it…..a must see attraction on the road to Key West. Checking their website and subsequently the web cam opened up a window to a bright sunny place, an escape from the dull grey dreariness outside my own windows , somewhere I was determined to visit when in the area.

http://www.robbies.com/videos.htm

Having been in Miami for a few days it was time for us to venture down to Key West and subsequently call in at Robbie's. Passing through Key Largo it wasn’t long till we came to it, just at the far end of one of the long bridges that make the trip down the keys so picturesque. Turning onto a small dirt road to a tree covered car park, We had arrived.

Although keen to get to the shore side to experience my web cam vision in person, we strolled round the numerous wooden huts which lead to the entrance. Stalls containing a variety of craft based businesses, jewellery, t-shirts and the “quotation” mini surf boards, a familiar sight round touristy Florida…..it’s always five o’clock somewhere apparently.

We finally came across the official entrance, a large wooden, weathered battered hut with all sorts of odd contraptions decorating the exterior together with it's hand painted signs. Inside the walls house a monument to the fallen…not some tribute to sailors lost at sea but a collection of all sorts of items that have dropped into the water from careless visitors who have failed to secure their possessions when tending to the sea life that attract so many guests. . A wall full of Sunglasses aplenty, bundles of keys, hats and cameras from across the years.

A small fee allowed access to the shore front jetty and for those daring enough another couple of dollars purchased a small bucket of fish to feed the awaiting Tarpons with the insatiable appetites. Walking out on the jetty I had finally arrived, a place familiar to me but from a whole new angle but with the same cast….the happy tourists, the collection of small moored boats and the enormous number of Pelicans.

The atmosphere was infectious as shrieks of laughter bellowed out from groups of people, heads bowed downwards overhanging the jetty peering in to water. The bravest lay down ,.. bait laden hands hanging perilously close to the surface, ready to test their reflexes when the Tarpons jump to get their rewards. Looking into the shallow clear water swarms of them jostled for position, some of them enormous at least 5 feet long, it’s no wonder they grow so large with the constant supply of food being given out each day. Groups of Pelicans looked on jealously, desperate for their share of the action, the boldest amongst them edging nervously ever closer to the buckets left unattended, hoping to sneak a bite whilst the owners are distracted by the antics going on in the water.

Before we left we sat peacefully at the bar on the waters edge, watching a family gracefully glide off on their paddle boards, small boats moor off with their excited occupants setting up fishing rods ready to see what catch they can bring in. A cold beer in hand sitting back I looked at the camera in the distance that brings me my view of Robbie's when I am back home and thought as much as I love that view this “4D experience” with the additional sun and breeze is by far the better option…..

Saturday 16 July 2016

Where the whole street's a stage....Ocean Drive, Miami

We could hear Ocean Drive before we saw it, a dull thud repeatabley beating out the bass line of a song. As we turned the corner the melody burst out accompanied by bright lights like a theatre curtain had been lifted and we had walked out onto a stage. The whole area was a buzz , full of hustle and bustle with throngs of people accumulated around every bar. It was hard to tell where the bars began and the pavements ended, as the establishments commandeered the footpath to become part of their restaurants. What was left was a narrow passage way for pedestrians to meander by whilst being tempted and persuaded to come on in by the meeters and greeters.

This was part of the show, one couldn’t help but look at the diners sitting an inch each side of you as you walked through, tables piled high with enormous plates of food and the eye catching bowls full of concoctions of bright coloured alcoholic beverages, bowls so large they looked like they should house aquariums rather than just a drink.

It really was a surreal experience, like being inside a “Grand Theft Auto” game with music blaring from bars, mixed in with the speakers of flash sports cars passing by with people hanging out of any open space… windows, sun roofs, open tops. Pavements amass of characters who look straight from the game, Bikini clad babes strutting past with high heels and hand bags despite the late hour, dudes with jeans hanging off their hips surprisingly not weighed down with the enormous gold chains they have round their necks. The road looking like a fashion parade of the most beautiful vehicles, the Ferrari followed by the Lamborghini and Porsche with a large number of Mustangs thrown in. A real melting pot of the bold, the beautiful and the privileged.

Throw in the gorgeous pastel coloured “Art Deco” buildings, an abundance of character and history, all lit up at night giving a glow along the entire route, the floodlights on the action taking place on it’s frontages….. this was one glorious setting.

Ocean Drive has played its part in movies and TV shows over the years….the staircase that led to the infamous chainsaw scene in Scarface, the bars in Robin Williams “ The Birdcage” through to shows such as Dexter, Ballers and Miami Vice.

It seemed quite fitting that the street really seemed like a stage setting with the visitors the audience, the bars were the theatre stalls with the clientele sitting there eating and drinking whilst watching the show unfold, the characters, the noise, the colour being all part of this fabulous Miami experience.

Saturday 17 January 2015

A New York experience...The Feast of San Gennaro

Our itinerary had come up trumps, not only had our scheduled day to visit the "Little Italy” area of Manhattan coincided with “The Feast of San Gennaro”, we were bang on cue to witness the street procession later that evening. To be honest I probably would not have had a clue what the event was if not for an episode of “The Sopranos” in which involved a story line based around the fictional “Feast of Elzear“, obviously taking inspiration from the one we were in attendance at.

The celebration in honour of the Patron Saint of Naples has been held annually in New York since 1926.
Centered round the main thoroughfare of Mulberry Street, the whole area is decked out in an abundance of Red, White and Green livery putting it’s Italian origins on display and welcoming all to join in their celebrations.

The streets were a hive of activity, full of stalls selling an array of Italian delicacies such as Zeppole, the extremely moreish Cannoli and of course the famous Italian Gelato. The traditional “Red Sauce” restaurants, so popular with New York tourists, also had the chance to expand their seating capacity by utilising the traffic free streets and all seemed to be enjoying a roaring trade.

Entertainment was aplenty with Old time Italian Crooners and Musicians serenading all, whilst the fun fair rides and arcade side stalls kept kids of all ages amused.

We finally came across the Saint, housed in a shrine in the courtyard of the Most Precious Blood Church in the heart of Little Italy. The colourful Icon on show, allowing all to pay homage and in turn allow their donation to be pinned to the statue.

As the evening wore on crowds began to gather round the entrance to the church where the celebration Mass was taking place. Finally the band started up and the haunting brass accompaniment bellowed out as the iconic symbol descended the steps, the saint being held up high by a group of privileged carriers. The booming bass drum setting the pace as the slow, methodical march began it's journey through the streets of Little Italy. The Ultra busy Canal street traffic grinding to a halt as the ever growing throng of people tailed behind the icon, somehow filtering down to enter the ultra narrow Mulberry Street like water in a funnel.

Guide books state that Little Italy is a dwindling environment as the area around it is gradually being swallowed up be the ever expanding China Town. However the day we were there illustrated a pouring out of Italian patriotism and feelings towards the inhabitants mother country whilst maintaining a strong pride in their New York home. For that reason that I'm sure it won't be going away completely anytime soon.

"The 89th Feast of San Gennaro runs from September 10th to 20th 2015"

Monday 2 June 2014

World Cup Experience....Much more than just the game

With the excitement building as the 2014 World Cup edges closer, my memories of my own World Cup adventure come flooding back. It was four years ago when the opportunity to join in the celebration in South Africa came my way. A chance to attend a football match which gave so much more, a carnival of cultures, friendship and camaraderie.

As per this years tournament, back in 2010 the press was full of negative stories that South Africa wasn't ready, with stadiums unfinished and that the areas high crime rate would affect travelling fans. The end result was a classic tournament enjoyed by thousands of travelling fans won over by the South Africans enthusiasm for being the host to the world for the month.

Our base for our stay was Johannesburg, the centre being a thriving modern metropolis, no sign of the poverty ridden shacks further out on the outskirts. It was here in Nelson Mandela square that we encountered fans gathering from all corners of the globe. Under the giant statue of the South African icon, football became a family as flags of all nations could be found draped over the shoulders of the throngs. It was the place to be on an evening as it became a nightly ritual for fans to attend and attempt to out sing their counterparts from other countries. Like a rap battle one group sang whilst their opponents patiently waited for their chance to sing back. The songs endings were greeted a mixture of playful heckles and loud cheers and applause.

The Argentinian’s with their Latin flair quickly followed by a group of Wrestling masked Mexicans , looking like a super hero choir group. The trumpet wielding Uruguayans, the drum bashing Spaniards, the samba beated Brazilians.....music from all round the world, a party for all....

As for the football itself, the match we attended was so much more than the run of the mill game normally
attended on a Saturday afternoon. This was an occasion, a carnival type celebration with the game itself being a bit of a side attraction. The match we attended was USA v Algeria held in Pretoria, just east of Johannesburg.

The sun shone shone down on the stadium, full to capacity with an anticipation and excitement so strong you could feel it in the atmosphere. The loud, excitable US fans decked out in Stars and Stripes whilst the colourful and boisterous Algerian fans, many decked out in national costumes, joined together to make a outstanding occasion. With little segregation fans sat side by side with no sign of aggravation despite their blinded loyalties towards their own countries, a smile between themselves spreading a message that their words wouldn't convey.

The much maligned Vuvuzela was very much in evidence and whilst on the televised games it was an annoying droning pain, in the stadium it seemed to add to the atmosphere and certainly played it's part in making the occasion special.

The match itself was not the greatest, a tense tight affair which was finally settled late on by a US goal. The differing emotions were evident, wild celebrations from the Americans whilst the Algerian fans wore the look of despair.

4 years on the memories are still crystal clear and i'm sure anyone who has the chance to experience the Brazill world cup will return with that same thrill, one that will stay with them forever.

Monday 3 February 2014

Greenwich... gives you a Mean old Time

It had been a new experience for us, although regular visitors to London we had never travelled on the Docklands Light Railway before. The clean, modern carriages ran mostly overground taking us through numerous housing complexes, like a theme park tour ride based on inner city living. There is even a free downloadable audio guide to enhance your trip. Passing through the extravagance of the Canary Wharf development, it was evident that the area it is still rapidly growing judging by the numerous building projects taking place. Our destination point was Greenwich on the south side of the River Thames, a World Heritage site due to its role as the centre of the World Time Zone system.

Our first port of call was appropriately the rivers edge and the awe inspiring “Cutty Sark”. The Tea clipper dating back to the 1870's is now fully restored back its original magnificence and open to visitors to explore. Although a fee payable attraction, the ship is well worth a visit and is a magnificent sight with its vast rigging's reaching high into the sky. Within the museum itself you can take a walk under the cooper covered hull before going on board to view all the decks within..

Staying with the Nautical theme, it was just a short walk to the National Maritime Museum, another of London’s fantastic free offerings (Donations gratefully accepted). Celebrating the British nations role in all things seafaring the museum relays information on naval involvement in subjects such as international trading, slavery, expedition through to warfare. The highlight of the museum is the current exhibition of "Nelson, Navy, Nation" highlighting the conditions that sailors endured during life on board a warship. Amongst the many fine Nelson related exhibits you simply cannot miss seeing the splendour of the iconic hero’s uniform in which he died wearing, complete with bullet hole on the shoulder.

The museum is incredibly child friendly with plenty of hands on exhibits, complete with a gigantic floor map of the world for them to go on their own expedition using an inter active hand held tablet device.Another attraction includes The "Ship Simulator" which allows your child to be the captain at the bridge taking charge of various situations such as the sinking of an enemy ship. Take a look at the colourful wall mounted display of ship figureheads like a collection of latter day cartoon characters.

High on a hill in the middle of the Greenwich Royal park is the Royal Observatory, its protruding Onion dome housing a giant 28 inch telescope, a prominent landmark since its introduction in 1893.

The trek up the long winding pathway towards it is certainly strenuous but you are rewarded with wonderful views once at the top. An image of two different times, from the stately historic buildings below to the futuristic high rise complexes of Canary Wharf in the distance, with the majestic River Thames separating them.

Situated at the hill top is Flamsteed House the original Observatory building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675, now housing a museum with exhibits regarding Greenwich's historical connection with time. Within it's grounds is the "Meridian courtyard" giving visitors the chance to take the obligatory photo astride the meridian line, a footstep in both the east and western hemisphere. It's a shame that an entrance fee is required to enter this area although a far less glamorous continuation of the line can be found just outside its perimeter wall for those who wish to partake in the experience for free.
The Observatory also houses an Astronomy Centre together with the London Planetarium, making this literally a "Star" attraction,

Journeying back down the hill brought us to the elegant "Queens House" dating back to the 17th Century. Formally the home of Charles I queen, Henrietta Maria, it now houses an art exhibition with a mixture of periodic portraits, scenes and more obscure contemporary pieces.

With time running short it meant we had to leave the Old Royal Naval College till another day. A good enough reason to return however, the anticipation of visiting the beautiful twin domed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren on the grounds that were the birthplace of both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. If this wasn't enough it was also the place where Nelsons body lay in state following his death, quite a pedigree for a historical site to have.

Back in the town, Greenwich Market offers visitors the chance to sample a range of foods from all parts of the world with stalls offering home cooked delicacies from the likes of the Middle East, Africa and Asia through to good old fashioned London Bangers. There was certainly plenty of choice for all palates particularly for those willing to try something new. The market also showcases an array of independent traders, selling all sorts of art works, crafts and clothing, an opportunity to get that unusual item not seen in everyday shopping outlets. Although not as large as either Camden or Brick Lane, the market still has a positive vibe to it and draws you in with the uniqueness of the offerings on sale.

Greenwich is a great place to visit with plenty to see and do, you should expect to spend a full day there if you want to see most of the things it offers. Not only is it very picturesque with its white regal buildings, there seems a relaxed, feel good factor abound. It’s as if it has played it’s prominent part in British history and it can now live a more reflective, calmer lifestyle leaving the future to the “young upstart” developments across the river.

Monday 2 December 2013

Menzies Hotel -The Prince Regent, Chigwell

It had been a typically rewarding day for us in the Capital City. As always there had been so much for the tourist to do but tiredness was creeping in. We had a 20 minute Central Line tube journey to Woodford Station before a short taxi ride brought us to our home for the evening at The Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell, out in the affluent London Suburbs.

Pulling into the large car park afforded us our first view of the hotel, which looked particularly appealing with the Georgian building lit up by the outside floodlights. The brightly lit interior also looked warm and inviting through the large windows on this cold, dark winters night.

After a warm welcome at reception, we were given details of our rooms location .We were staying in an "Executive Double Room" which was based in a converted old chapel at the rear of the deceptively large site. Along the route to our room it was evident that the hotel was excellently maintained with all corridors clean, tidy and with fresh decor throughout.

The room itself was also in superb condition,as advertised it was evident that a recent refurbishment had taken place as it was spotless and clean. It was fashionable and was tastefully decorated with muted modern colours.

The large room had a double bed, an armchair, desk and chair plus plenty of
storage space to house clothes and suitcases out of the way.
The usual amenities were included too, a large wall mounted flat screen television, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer.

The added benefit of the hotel offering totally free Wi-Fi was also a great perk with a good signal being found throughout the buildings.

The en-suite bathroom again had seen a recent renovation, having a modern but contemporary design including both a walk in shower and also a bath. The warm, steaming power shower did wonders in removing the fatigue of pacing the London streets all day.

After a well needed relax in our room, we attended the Brassiere Restaurant as per our evening reservation. Once again we were greeted warmly by all the staff members we came in contact with and felt like a welcomed guest. The restaurant was artistically furnished with a very modern, contemporary style of fixtures and fittings. The wine list had an extensive selection available. The a la carte menu also had a large choice of meals to choose from covering all tastes. All the courses we chose were superbly presented and in turn tasted gorgeous. For her main meal my wife had the Supreme of Chicken wrapped in Parma Ham set on Dauphinoise Potatoes with a white wine sauce, her comments "it was the nicest meal I have had in years" summed up just how much she had rated it. .

Having finished our meal we went

to the lounge area to relax, there were two rooms to choose from, a TV room and a stylish general lounge by the bar. There was a range of modern furniture to choose from, from comfy sofas to armchairs through to high seating tables. We manged to get a sofa right in front of the "Real Flame" fireplace, snuggling up in the warmth whilst looking through the window observing the wind blowing the trees in the dark outside. A wonderful, comforting and relaxing experience.

Although the Hotel was extremely quiet and peaceful on our night there, it did seem it could be at times a more livelier place with six function rooms on site. Hosting events such as musical entertainment, wedding functions and conferences...it seemed like the Prince Regent catered for all, both individuals and groups whether it be for business or pleasure..

After having a good nights sleep in our extremely comfortable bed we went down for breakfast which was served in the Restaurant area. We chose a table by a window that afforded lovely views of the hotels extensive rear gardens. Although the weather was not really suitable for a walk round that day, we could imagine that in the summer months it would be a welcoming outdoor place to sit back and relax on the outside terrace. The breakfast on offer was an "all you can eat buffet", with a wide range of quality food and drinks available. It left us suitably nourished for our return trip to see more of the sights and sounds of London City.

Our visit was over but we were leaving with a good impression of the hotel, which we had found clean, modern, well cared for and fully deserving of it's four star rating. Our room was excellently furnished and the standard and presentation of food was exceptional giving us a quality dining experience. In turn we had received the most welcoming attentive service from all the members of staff throughout our stay.

The Prince Regent Hotel is an ideal base to escape the commotion the city can bring to a more relaxed, peaceful place allowing that restful night that any tourist to London knows is very welcome after being on ones feet all day…… .

More information can be found at the link below

http://www.menzieshotels.co.uk/hotels/london-home-counties/london-chigwell-prince-regent/

Note- This stay was provided by the Menzies Hotel Group, however all thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The Menzies London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel, Manor Road, Chigwell, London, IG8 8AE
Part of the Menzies Hotel Group

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