Showing the cats who is top dog

Dad and ‘future mom’ will be getting married in August this year. I’m looking forward to us all moving in together after the wedding, the us including ‘future mom’s 2 half-Burmese cats, Khyber and Targa

I’m hoping that life will be like this after the move


However, just in case and at the risk of mixing my animal metaphors, I thought I’d better show Khyber who’s going to be top dog in the house  Continue reading

Travel review: USA west coast v east coast

As travellers with a serious case of wanderlust, dad and I used to wonder why so many Americans didn’t have a passport. However, when we started to travel around this vast country, we started to understand that it is a country of so many vistas, so many climates and so many contrasts

There are so many different places to explore within the USA that there’s no need for Americans to leave their own borders. As dad and I traveled more in the USA, we’ve come to appreciate the nuances and character if the different areas of the country

The east coast is closer to the UK and most Brits would probably be introduced to the USA with a visit to East Coast destinations like New York or in our case, Orlando. Yup, dad and I are definitely big kids!

   Continue reading

Travel review: JetBlue

After a lovely time in New York, dad, ‘future mom’ and I flew to the west coast

Our favourite airline overall is Singapore Airlines for their modern planes and top class service. However, JetBlue is a close second favourite

 JetBlue is regarded as a budget airline, which makes it even more incredible. Dad and I are used to the European model of budget airlines, where they charge you for literally everything extra. In return for cheap flights, you’re expected to put up with minimum standards in return

Continue reading

Film review: Room

As film studios get ever more risk averse and churn out sequels or clones of successive movies to try and guarantee revenue, it has become increasingly difficult to find unique films

Dad and ‘future mom’ had seen trailers for Room at the cinema and it promised something different. So, when Brie Larson was nominated for leading actress in this movie, they put it on their must watch list

 It’s hard to pigeon-hole this movie and it’s really a tale of 2 parts. I can’t really review this movie without giving away spoilers, so if you really don’t want to know, please stop reading after this paragraph. Just now that it’s a fantastic movie with drama, tension, a study of human emotion and terrific performances from the cast. It does drag a bit in the middle part but gives a satisfactory conclusion Continue reading

Travel review: One World Observatory

After a brief break, I’m resuming my review of dad’s, ‘future mum’s’ and my trip to the USA last summer

In my and dad’s lifetime, the attacks on New York on 9/11 were one of the ‘where were you you’ moments. The collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre and surrounding buildings left a huge gaping scar in the middle of lower Manhattan

There have been many arguments as to how to redevelop this site and the resulting delays have left a hole in the heart of the city though interestingly, many images on things like postcards have continued to carry the Twin Towers on them since the attack

Finally, things are moving and the first tall building to emerge has been the Freedom Tower, built to an exacting 1776 feet to reflect the USA’s year of independence

Continue reading

Guest travel review: Queen’s Terminal at Heathrow Airport

Hi there. It’s Patchy Bear and Ski Bear again. One last post about our ski holiday to Les Gets in France

Heathrow Airport is rebuilding some of its older terminals. The newest of these is currently terminal 2, known as the Queen’s Terminal. It hosts mainly European airlines. We flew out with Swiss airlines, which had the most comprehensive self check in process – you even have to tag your own check in baggage

  
  
Security was efficient and we were soon airside. Lots of seating and high end shops. Certainly the most interesting and varied restaurant choice of any of the Heathrow terminals Continue reading

Guest travel review: final thoughts on skiing

It’s Patchy Bear and Ski Bear here. We hope you’ve enjoyed our guest reviews from Les Gets in France. Just a few final thoughts about skiing

 Skiing is a unique holiday though it’s not to everyone’s taste. However, dad and we love it for its combination of great views, clean mountain air, exercise and seeing new countries

The snow conditions can vary and while skiing in the middle of winter gives the best probability of good snow, it’s no guarantee. For example, this year has seen the best snow at the end of season. The best skiing conditions are straight after a dump of fresh snow. To that end, if you have a fresh dump of snow, get out and ski in it as you never know when the next fresh snow day will come. This especially applies if you love skiing fresh powder off-piste

Similarly, with the sun, you never know when you will next be able to sit outdoors just in your t shirt, surrounded by snow but basking in the sun. So, take advantage when the conditions are sunny Continue reading