Saturday, April 30, 2011

Royal Nation

It would be hard to explain the Royal family to Spock, who'd no doubt respond with something about how "that's not logical, captain".

And he'd be right, it isn't. But then humans aren't, valuing drama, ceremony and story telling in our leaders, all of which the royals richly provide. And that being the case there is some reason to split the colour and theatre of figure heads away from power which should, at least in theory, permit the government the space to do the job of governing.

There is of course another side: the degree in which national identity is closely entwined with that of the royals. The BBC presenter noted how every monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 had been crowned in Westminster Abbey, which would represent nearly a thousand years of unbroken national tradition.

But what nation? I would not be surprised if there were phone calls to the Beeb about how there were separate Welsh and Scottish ruling families, and that this near millennium of coronation applies solely to the English.

For while Royals do a good job at connecting to all of the home nations there is an undoubted bias towards one in particular. The wedding service was performed by the head of the Church of England, in the capital of England, in English, as part of an English line of royals, wrapped up by that rousing chorus of William Blake's, a homage to England's green and pleasant land.

Bah! you're probably thinking: they're Germans or Greeks, not English!

I'm not sure how important that is, given we are all mongrel mixtures, but if it were think of this. Diana and Kate, the last two brides to marry those directly in line to the throne, both came from solid English families and so William and Kate's children will be at least three quarters English.

And if I had to bet I'd say that when their time comes to pick up the royal standard, maybe for that millennium in 2066, their list of titles will include King or Queen of England.

Friday, April 29, 2011

My Visit to Calabash Cove - St. Lucia


Calabash Cove is a new boutique hotel in St. Lucia. I had the opportunity to visit this little gem on my recent babymoon vacation on the island.

This is the view from the lobby, looking over the restaurant... every table has a view of the turquoise sea:


This shot is looking up at the main lobby & restaurant from the pool deck. The bottom floor rooms, cloaked in greenery, are the hotel's "swim-out" category:


Beneath the main pool deck, but still within easy walking distance of the pool bar, is another level for relaxation and sun bathing:


As we strolled the property, the bright florals of the gardens had our full attention....

 

Stunning! 


This is a shot of the small hotel & beach from the pier:


Isn't this painting lovely? More on this next week - stay tuned! 


We finished our tour with a delicious meal at the hotel's signature restaurant. The menu changes frequently to keep the options fresh:


The watermelon & feta salad drizzled with turmeric oil & balsamic vinegar was to die for:


Lastly, we ended up back at the pool bar where my husband enjoyed a libation and I a lime spritzer to cool us off before we jumped back in the hot car...


Ready to start planning your trip to St. Lucia? We can arrange the full vacation package for you, or you may search for cheap flights on your own and ask us to simply assist with booking your hotel only. If you do search for your own airfare, keep in mind that American Air has some of the best rates to the island.

To see more photos of my visit to Calabash Cove, jump over here!

Cheerio,

Caption Competition

What a week it's been for news! An American finds his birth certificate and a British couple got married (plus other stuff in other countries). At JP HQ the tension was almost noticeable.

One found oneself conflicted. The head said stuff and nonsense switch off the TV and go for a bike ride. The heart said ok, how about heading up the Kings Road and then see what one can find?

Alas one found that half of London if not the World was there too with the Mall reputably full, and one feared that by the time one got there one would find the famous balcony empty. But by leaping over the railings of Green Park, some neat elbow work and a last minute sprint one was able to say one was there for the kiss.

But now one has a conundrum as the head and heart have very different views on what would be a suitable caption for the photo above. So this is an opportunity for one's readers to come to one's assistance by suggesting suitable words.

One would be most grateful, and hopefully even amused!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Picture puzzle

Haven't had a picture puzzle for a bit so here's one for you.

Ah, punting! Arguably the best way to enjoy an idle glide up or down a gently flowing English river, glass of Pimms to hand.

But where is this? It's a tricky one this, not the usual suspects, but there's three bits to the puzzle:

1) Where is this most definitely not?
2) Where might you think this is?
3) Where is it actually?

No. 3 is a real tough one so Google and guess work allowed.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Thunderbirds are go!

Ok, maybe not one of the Thunderbirds, but still pretty cool.

Its the RNLB RIB on the Thames rushing to rescue someone - probably one of the Devizes to Westminster paddlers as this pic was taken on Sunday and it had to weave its way between kayakers. Fortunately I've heard no story of tragedy on the Thames so I'm guessing all systems were A-OK by the time they arrived.

And on the space theme, its the last ever Space Shuttle launch on Friday - big event!.... hmmm... Friday... big event.... that rings a bell.....

Isn't there some sort of event happening in London on Friday?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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