WeStace

It’s a bit of a strange UK tradition, to celebrate an attempted terrorist activity with fireworks every year, but that’s what they do. Called Guy Fawkes Night when we were down in London, more commonly known as Bonfire Night or even just 5th November up here, it was our third, so we thought it was about time we participated. Even if it was just to feel naughty, seeing as fireworks are illegal back in Oz. Magda and Andy hosted us, as they have a backyard, and Andy provided the know-how! The Catherine Wheel was definitely our combined favourite. Apologies in advance for the terrible photos, our camera is broken so we can’t see what we’re taking, or change any settings, plus it was raining and there was a fair bit of smoke around!

I saw this cute little guy at Borough Markets when I was down in London and just had to take his picture. So sweet!

Ola! Wes and I had an amazing seven days of 25 degree perfect weather, consistent surf and yummy food in Portugal to celebrate his birthday. We stayed in a surf villa just outside the small village of Ericeira on the coast north of Lisbon, we were at the beach every day, and ate cake and great coffee every day!

Wes was loving the location, with ten first class surf breaks within 15 minutes drive along the coast. Mainly rights, points and reef breaks, a couple of beachies and a Crazy Left next to the barrels of Coxos. Ribeira was his favourite spot, specifically the right hand point break called Pontina, as the waves break in three sections at Ribeira. It took me a while to get used to the reef underfoot, but I had a few surfs at the beaches. I even learnt how to duck dive and do a longboard rollover manoeuvre to get past the waves. It was a big accomplishment for me, as going under the water is not my favourite.

The day after Wes’ birthday I took him for a horseriding lesson, as he’d never been on a horse before. I thought it was a good gift, partly because I’ve always wanted to take him horseriding, and partly to pay him back for the fly fishing lesson he got me for my 30th. Nothing like trying to do something new to make you feel your age! Eshalentay!

Wes celebrated his coming of age into the grand old age of 30 last week. He celebrated in the style to which he is accustomed - by surfing all day! 

We stayed at Pocean surf villa in Ericeira, Portugal for a week. The other couple you can see at breakfast is Julie and Andrew, from Dublin. More photos of lovely Ericeira will be posted soon.

I’ve just spent the past 5 days in a training room/hotel room learning about Investment Management for the IMC (certificate required for my job). Talk about a brain strain. The 10 years since uni have certainly diminished its capacity to absorb new information in this way.

It’s interesting to be back in London. I certainly haven’t missed the city, the dirty air and crowded footpaths, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Aberdeen (and Wes!). There have been highlights though - I’ve caught up with a few colleagues and friends, and the huge choice in cuisines at each mealtime is definitely an advantage to being in the big smoke.

There are more good things for me in London before I go home - KJ’s birthday celebrations tomorrow and sleepover at Team Barbeque Chicken HQ in Putney.