The US Open and Annoying Bag Regulations

We went to Flushing Meadows today to see the first day of the US Open and we had tickets (courtesy of Duncan) for the Arthur Ashe stadium (see above) where we got to see the returning Clistjers, Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Unfortunately all of the games were a little one sided but the whole event was wonderful aside from one annoying official. He refused to let my tiny rucksack in (despite the fact women were going in with larger bags and designer rucksacks from Louis Vitton) and gave no real reason why! Anyway it was a better day for us than Duncan who in trying to finish many tasks on his last day in NY actually arrived just as the stadium was clearing afte the last match, never mind....

The Yankees and The Beast..

Today we managed to get to see the famous New York Yankees play at Yankee Stadium after a slight technical hitch when trying to print out the tickets for Claire and I but Duncan found a solution. We enjoyed a great day out, spent too much money in the shop, saw the Yankees win 8-3 and then lost our bearings on the way home but eventually made it. That wasn't the end of the day as Duncan had really wanted to do one last ride on The BEAST. This powerful boat took us out (though Duncan made it with seconds to spare at the Pier) to the Statue of Liberty on a beautiful evening and we got a little wet but it was so worth it. The evening was rounded off with a superb meal at Rue 57.

Visiting MoMA with the World and his Wife

Heavy rain meant that the day was likely to be spent indoors and we decided to visit the world famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and though I could see it had a wonderful collection of incredible art - it was just too damned busy and lost most of its appeal. I would love to go back though. Here's a piece of art truly connecting with me...

A Wonderful View on Arrival in New York

We didn't know what to expect on arriving in Manhattan and we especially didn't realise what a wonderful view Claire's brother, Duncan, had from his 27th floor apartment. When we saw this were truly astounded!

Back in the UK at the weekend..

Had an enjoyable weekend back in the UK with a few beers before the Portsmouth game and a bit of a stroll of a game. They don't look the same Pompey side of a couple of years back. Stayed with Wendy for a lovely evening meal with Jon, Anna and Josh before a relaxing Sunday lunch at Martin & Barbara's.

Then there was the tension on the plane of awaiting to find out if England had won the Ashes. It was 320-5 as we boarded and 348 all out when we landed - perfect!!

Good Ride and Good Result

Back from a decent ride across to France and up towards Mulhouse, it's good to get the road bike back on the routes around Dreiland! Even better to see a decent performance (if lucky with both goals) at Celtic Park.

First Leeks

We picked our first leeks from the garden yesterday and had fish with leek sauce. They just taste so much better from your own garden...

Kaiseraugst Fischessen

Had a great day at the local fishing club for the Kaiseraugst Fischessen with Jim and Beth. We had fish in the evening as well and then watched a wonderful 6-1 away win at Everton!

Best Curry House in Basel?

Since arriving here in Switzerland over 2 years ago we've tried a variety of restaurants but there has been one that has been difficult to find a decent example of; the good old English classic - The Indian! Now there are a few in the town and around but none really seemed to hit the spot. The Bombay Palace is accessible but suffers from not great food or service whilst Jays serves good quality food with good service but lacks variety and quantity (but is worth a visit). Neither came close to any decent restaurant in the UK. Until last night when we found (thanks to our friends Clare and Lee) the Royal Palace restaurant. Arriving after a few beers from watching the football made it even more authentic but it did tick all the right boxes and the service and food quality were both excellent as was the menu. Of course, this being Basel it was way more expensive then in the UK but a decent find.

Never Believe Weather Forecasts!

The picture according to this weather forecast site is of cloudy skies and sunny intervals with some rain later in the day! It is currently absolutely chucking it down and shows no sign of abating but we have had 4 days of warm sunshine so can't complain and the ironing will get done now.

Off to Luzerne with Dad

I took Dad to Luzerne today and we had glorious weather for the train journey there and the boat trip on the lake. Dad is very impressed with the range of beautiful scenery in Switzerland and can understand why we love it out here. Back in Basel I decided we would go to one of our favourite Basel restaurants, Kuchlin, where my he enjoyed the Swiss Red Wine (from Ticino, of course) but wasn't so keen on the Flammenkuchen!