FA Cup, Manchester United vs Portsmouth 27.01.07

We managed to get tickets for the FA Cup, Manchester United vs Portsmouth at Old Trafford, in Manchester.

So we grabbed a hire car for the weekend, booked accommodation for Saturday night and headed off Saturday morning for Manchester.

On the way we visited Tatton Park for lunch, and we quickly walked around the buildings, but did not have time to see the large park areas, or the gardens (although I managed to forget my National Heritage card anyway!)

Upon arrival in Altringham, we checked into our hotel room, got ready for the game then headed off to the Tram Station to catch the tram to the Old Trafford station.

Upon arrival at the Station, we headed towards the ground, passing food stalls and numerous numbers of merchandise stalls set up on the side of the road. As I left my Manchester United shirt back in Adelaide, I bought a scarf for the game and to keep me warmer.

Merchandise Stalls

We had plenty of time up our sleeve before the game started, so we decided on a Pint at the Trafford Pub before the game. Easier said than done though, there was a line up to get into the Pub, and inside it was packed. Full of supporters singing, and drinking prior to the game, it was a great atmosphere, albeit cramped.

Inside the Pub


Photos on the Pub Walls


At Old Trafford


Note the sign on the left of the Trafford Pub - 'NO AWAY FANS'

Just to show the despise of any opposition side, a sign is clearly posted on the walls at the Pub entrance warning off any away fans!

The Trafford Pub

After our drink we walked to the Ground, picked up a programme for the game and made our way into the stadium. Our seats were undercover as are all seats in Old Trafford, and the views were very good. We had front row seats in the upper level so no one could block our view of the game.

Game action


A missed chance on goal!


After the win


Final Score

It was a great game, and took 70 minutes before a goal was finally scored, but we saw Manchester United score the first two goals, then Portsmouth scored a late consolation goal.

Bristol Cathedral

We ventured into Central Bristol on Saturday for a walk to see the city during the colder months. We headed through Queens Square and towards the Bristol Cathedral. The site has had a Church of some description on it for over 1000 years, and the current Abbey was founded in 1140, and has since been extended, towers added, etc, since that time.

View from the rear steps


Sunset Views


View from the adjacent Council Building


Local teenagers just hanging out

For more info on the Cathedral and its history visit:
http://www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk/

The clouds and sunset provided an orange tint to the Cathedral, and really made it stand out as the evening drew in.

The local teenagers of Bristol seem to gather in this area also, and on weekends, you can find them skateboarding, etc at this location.


On our way back home via the Corn St markets, we saw one of the three wheeled cars made famous by Mr Bean!

Next Weekend - Manchester...

Swiss Christmas - Part III

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Alps at the Adelboden Resort.

We had an early start to get to the Mountain by around 10am, and enjoyed the snow that was there, but only around 60cm of snow was on hand. Not to worry, we can now say we had atop day skiing and snowboarding in the Swiss Alps. We went with Simon and Marco. The rest of the family stayed home.

We finished the day with Coffee and Schnapps, prior to heading down the mountain, back to Jegenstorf.

Preparing for the day

View from the Carpark

Heading up the gondola

About to head down the Mountain

Cruising down the Alps


Views from the ride down


Coffee and Schnapps (interesting flavour)


End of the day, starting to get dark...

Emmental Cheese Factory and Luzerne
The next day we went for a drive to various places in Switzerland. First off was the Emmental Cheese Factory. We saw how cheese was made the traditional way, but the main portion of the tour was of the modern factory. We enjoyed various samples of locally made cheeses, and we bought some more cheese to eat later that day.

On the Road to Emmental...

Emmental Cheese Factory

Cheese, cheese and more cheese!


Traditional style cheese making store (not in use anymore - display only)

Luzerne

Next we headed for Luzerne, to take in the sites, the major one being the oldest bridge in Switzerland. It was previously seriously damaged by a fire, caused by a boat that was moored to the bridge years ago. Since then it has been restored to its former glory. With many interesting inset paintings within the roof, and it can be enjoyed for free as you cross the lake.

Views across the lake (was quite cold and foggy unfortunately)




Roasted Chestnut Stall


Wooden bridge

Back on the Road


Views of the Lakes



Lake Views

Meiringen
Back on the Road, we headed to Meiringen to catch up with friends of Sarah's - Marianne and Bernie. They welcomed us into their home for a fondu dinner, and we trekked up the adjacent mountain for some night views of the city.
Later that evening we ventured into the town centre to view the annual street parade, which included many locals dressed in various costumes and being armed with large bells (some up to 15kg). The history behind the parade is that the ringing of the bells is to warn of evil spirits, for a cleansing new year.

View from the Mountain of Meringian at night


Night march


Quick pint at the Pub

It managed to get down to minus 5 degrees on this night, and warm coffee and the occasional beer inside various restaurants and bars helped reduce the long cold periods standing watching the locals march with the bells!

Typical dress for the marching

Scenic Flight over the Alps
We met Marcus on Christmas Eve at Marco and Sarah's, and on Saturday, he gave us a call to see if we would like to go on a scenic flight over the Swiss Alps. Sarah and I said yes, and we had a short drive to the airfield where we met Marcus and headed off for our flight. Following are just some of the hundreds of photos we took while enjoying the clear views, almost close enough to touch the alps at some points!

Thanks so much Marcus for a great flight and an experience I will never forget.

Marcus, our pilot for the afternoon


Swiss Alp Views


Adelboden - skiing village we were at earlier this week


Swiss Alp Views - Glacier in the centre


Swiss Alp Views

The flight included heading over the two major lakes either side of Interlaken, headed over the Alps, views of Glaciers, Ski Resorts, then returning to Balp Airport (near Bern).

The next day we headed out for a walk to the next village, then caught a train back to Jegenstorf. We walked around Jegenstorf again, and checked out the major Castle in the village.

New Years Eve evening was spent relaxing at home with a few beers and cards.

Walk through the forest then back to Jegenstorf

David trying his Boomerang


Walk in the forest


Forest views




Jegenstorf Castle




Traditional Farmhouse


Anna-Lea and the family cat


Bomb shelter door downstairs

Bern
Bern is Switzerland's capital, and I think it is the prettiest City in Switzerland. The old part of the City is still in its original form, and we saw amongst our walk through the city the Bear Pit, both Bern Bears were out to see the locals today. In addition we walked through the old markets and arcades. We went into the Munster Cathedral, to see some impressive stainglass windows and great architecture. We then went through the centre of town, to the Council Building and the Clock Tower.
As we made our way out of town, we finished our sight seeing of Switzerland with views of the 1st Church in Bern, the Nidegg Church.

The Bern Bears playing it up


Views of the Old City in Bern




Arcade/Markets


Stainglassed windows in the Cathedral


Bern Bear statue in the centre of town


Main boulevarde in Bern, Clock Tower in background


Blind Justice!


The Nidegg Church