On 19 February 1998, we arrived at Heathrow airport, a couple of Australians looking to see if we could make it in the UK. While we had no idea what we were doing at the start, 24 years later, we’re still here. It’s been a lovely adventure, being able to see a lot of the UK as well as Europe. Getting to know Paris extremely well and falling in love with Florence. And, of course, Spain.
Two of the big things I love about Spain are tapas and rioja. And tonight, celebrating our 24 years, we had both.
Normally, when I book Pulpo Negro, it’s a bit on the spur of the moment and, because it’s so popular, we wind up eating early. However, a few weeks ago, realising that the 19th fell on a Saturday, I decided to book well in advance. This meant we were booked for a much better 7:30pm.
The restaurant was delightfully lively, with music, dashing service staff, constant calls of ‘SERVICE!’ and many happy diners. The food, obviously, was delicious, with new dishes, added since our last visit in December, as well as some old favourites.
Not that it was the only place we ate out at today.
We were very naughty and decided to have brunch at the Holly Bush. This was mainly because I haven’t been for ages. Of course, Mirinda walks in and the staff know her order but have to ask me.
They have a new rule at the Holly Bush. There is a laptop ban during lunchtime in the week. This is because a lot of people will sit at a table, working away, ordering nothing or perhaps a single coffee, while other people can’t stay for lunch because of a lack of free tables. The pub is a business and while they’re happy to have people sitting and working, they shouldn’t have to turn paying customers away.
We thought this was an excellent new rule. Not that it affected us given it was a Saturday morning and we’d booked our usual table. Actually, to be entirely honest, I just booked and they gave us our usual table by accident.
From my seat, the blazing fire was an excellent antidote to the rain, pouring down outside.
The weather managed to clear up as we approached the afternoon, allowing Mirinda to take the girls for a tramp across Thursley, something they all enjoyed.
Something the girls didn’t enjoy was being left at home while we drove to Alresford for dinner. Mind you, we almost came a-cropper.
There was roadwork closing off the road from the roundabout to Alresford, forcing us to head straight through and come at the town from the south. It turned out fine but it could have been very annoying if the entire place had been cut off from the outside world.
Here’s to 24 years of adventure, discovery and (mostly) happiness. Here’s to the next 24. And the 24 after that…
