Gareth and I travelled to Wembley Stadium today to see 'Take That'. Neither of us had been there since it's been rebuilt and we were very impressed. We got there in time to see first support act 'Gary Go' who we both wished would take note of his surname and do just that. Soon it was time for 'Lady Gaga' who was brilliant,


especially playing "Poker Face" on a piano before the usual version.
Soon it was time for the main concert to begin.




 Everything you may have heard about the 'Take That' show being spectacular is true. I'm not sure how my throat will be tomorrow
















 because I sang at the top of my voice throughout!

04.07.09

I travelled up to the O2 again tonight, this time to see 'Kings Of Leon' play at the Arena. Originally the gig had been sold out but some last minute seats were put on sale so I grabbed one quick. I was sat to the side of the stage at an angle that meant the band were further forward on the stage than me. A unique viewpoint!


 The gig was filmed for a live dvd (the reason the extra seats came up, as I think they were originally kept back as possible camera positions) so the crowd were even wilder than usual as the cameras swooped over their heads.


 I've always liked the band but have never seen them play live before. They were absolutely brilliant and I'm really looking forward to the release of the dvd.

30.06.09

We travelled to Swindon tonight to go for a meal with our good friends Rob & Andy and their friend Rob.


 They took us to a restaurant called "Cosmo" which is one of those 'eat as much as you like for a set price' places. The food quality can sometimes be suspect in these establishments but not here.


The food was brilliant with choices ranging from Indian, Chinese, Thai and even Mongolian. We had a great evening so a big thank you to Rob and Andy for taking us there.

27.06.09

Gareth and and met up after work at the O2 Arena tonight. We were seeing 'Michael Palin' at the smaller 'Indigo2' venue where he was appearing to raise money for the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture. The show was entitled "20 Years of Travelling, 40 Years of Jokes".


The programme was split into two halves. First he talked about all his travelling with photographs projected onto a large screen to illustrate his adventures. For the second half he spoke mainly about Monty Python with some hilarious stories along the way. A fun evening!

26.06.09

Back up to London today to see Jude Law play in 'Hamlet'.


He was absolutely mesmerizing. An absolute pleasure to watch him act.

21.06.09

A quick breakfast at the hotel and then the trek back to Waterloo station to get the train home. When we got in I caught up on my e-mail and one from my brother John announced yet another new addition to the family.

 He and Sue have got themselves a West Highland Terrier puppy which has yet to get a name. Beautiful!

20.06.09

We checked out of our hotel and got to the railway station in plenty of time for our train to the airport. And it even left on time too. We were soon on our flight back to the UK so my camera was poised at the window as we flew over Nice in the South of France,


The Alps,


and Paris


When we landed we got to have another try at the Iris Recognition System at passport control and were through in seconds. Soon we were on the train to London and once we'd checked into the Travelodge we set off for the O2 Arena to meet up with my best mate Scott


 and his friends Jeff and Paul to see 'Pet Shop Boys'.
We had great fun catching up. Soon the lights went down and the concert began. An unusual opening as everyone on stage appeared to have ikea lampshades on their heads!






The band have worked with Stuart Price (most famous for producing "Confessions..." for Madonna) on the arrangements for the songs on this tour and it really showed.






It was amazing to hear samples from one song being used in another, though for Scott and I it was also a bit distracting as we tried to work out where each of the samples were from!


They were brilliant from start to finish. A great night in great company.

19.06.09

My boss Chris had recommended somewhere that he loved when he last came to Rome so today we set off for the town of Tivoli which is about 20km outside the city to visit the Villa D'Este. Having experienced Italian trains when we visited Ventimiglia a few years ago we knew what to expect, or rather what not to expect... any form of organisation or adherence to a timetable!
Much to our surprise the train we decided to take was on the right platform and left at the right time too. I got to keep cool in the heat as I looked out of the window


 and although the journey involved lots of stops at tiny stations we soon arrived in Tivoli.
The walk to the Villa D'Este took about 25 minutes in temperatures of 30° plus but once inside the Villa the rooms were cool with stunning views across the Italian countryside.


 It is famed for its gardens and numerous fountains which were quite beautiful and kept the air cool near them,


















a welcome relief on such a hot day. We walked all around the gardens and soon my feet were feeling the effects so I just dipped them in one of the ornamental ponds... bliss!
We decided that we would aim to get to the 4.30pm train back to Rome so got to the station for 4.05pm, giving us plenty of time. The train was waiting on the platform and as it was air conditioned we decided to get aboard and wait. And wait. And wait some more. One and a half hours later the train started to move and we cheered as we finally left Tivoli. Our joy was short lived as no sooner were we on our way we arrived at the next tiny station at Marcellina and as we waited there the air conditioning was turned off! Arghhhh!
Once back in Rome we freshened up and then went to find an internet café so we could check in online for our flight tomorrow. We eventually got online after having to rush back to the hotel to get a passport as proof of ID and to say the connection was slow would be a huge understatement. Next we went back to the same Chinese restaurant we visited last night as the food was so good. As it's our last night here we walked back to the Coliseum to get one last look




and as we walked back to the hotel we finally found an ice cream shop where the prices were reasonable and the portions were huge. Result!

18.06.09

We made it to breakfast today! The dining area is situated on the top floor of the hotel and has nice views over the rooftops of Rome.


We decided that our first stop today would be The Vatican and as we walked into St. Peters Square we realised we'd accidentally timed it perfectly as the Pope was blessing the crowd.


Once we felt suitably blessed we started to walk to the Vatican museum but kept getting accosted by young American "tour guides" who claimed that if we paid them they could jump us to the front of the long queue. When we politely declined an offer from a young American girl she shouted after us "well queue in this heat for an hour and a half then!". When we got to the museum we looked for the long queue all these "guides" were going to help us avoid... except there wasn't one. We walked straight in!
First we saw the Cortile della Pigna (the courtyard of the pine cone)




and then through the various corridors filled with art

and tapestries before we eventually arrived in the Sistine Chapel. The signs requesting "Silence" and "No Flash Photography" were being completely ignored by the hundreds of people packed in there but it was still an incredible sight.






Afterwards we continued through the museum


And eventually exited via the famous staircase.


 After a brief comfort stop


we walked back into the town and found a small restaurant where we had some great Italian food. Our route then took us to The Forum




 by which time our feet were in agony! The walk back to the hotel almost became a hobble but we got there and soon I had my feet back in that bidet!
After a little nap we were back out to get something to eat. We'd passed a cheap Chinese restaurant near the hotel a few times so we decided to try it and weren't disappointed. Afterwards we walked to the station to buy our tickets for tomorrows trip out of the city and as there was a McDonalds there we ordered our 'dessert' there too!

17.06.09

We slept a little late today and missed breakfast at the hotel so we made up for it by treating ourselves to a McFlurry from McDonalds at the station. Hardly the most Italian start to the day but we did have the delicious Cornetto flavour!
We took the Metro to Spagna and were quickly climbing the Spanish Steps




 to enjoy the view from the top.




Back down again and as we walked through the city we passed a bank with an interesting sign on the door.


 I'm not sure what an "appropriate crack" is?!
Next we went to the Trevi Fountain.





We could have happily just got into the water and watched as a seagull did just that!


 Then to the Pantheon


 where the sun was shining brightly through its open roof.




 Next we decided to cross the river Tiber


and climb to the top of the Castel Sant'Angelo from where we had amazing views across Rome,








 including the Stadio Olimpico where I will go later tonight.


 It also gave great views of the Vatican and St Peters Square


 where we walked next.








Despite it being late afternoon it was now well over 30° and we had to give in to the heat and head back to the hotel so I could get ready for the reason I came to Rome, to see Depeche Mode. Having done a bit of research before I left the UK I came to the conclusion that the Stadium is not well served by public transport. I'd planned to get the Metro and then walk maybe 30 minutes to get there, but on weekdays the Metro closes early at 9pm so would be no use getting back. I eventually found a bus that goes from the station to near the Stadium so that's the way I chose to go. It wasn't a big bus so it was soon full to capacity of Depeche Mode fans and disgruntled old locals and I was very relieved to eventually get off.
From the bus the stadium was across the river but I would not have known I was walking across a bridge as the pavements were lined with stalls selling bootleg t-shirts. Hundreds of different designs, in every colour imagineable. I've never seen bootlegs sold on this scale anywhere in Europe before and as I usually prefer their designs to the official shirts I was spoilt for choice, but decided to wait until after the gig before I made my difficult decision. I carried on walking and was soon outside the stadium


 itself but now I had to navigate my way to the correct entry point. Typically it was the furthest from where I was, so after lots of queuing I was eventually inside. As it was still very warm I decided to buy a bottle of water which was a further 15 minute queue so by the time I got to my seat it was just before 9pm, 90 minutes after I originally boarded the bus!
The concert ticket said the concert would begin at 9.30pm but almost as soon as I sat down in my seat high up in the stands


the concert began,


typical Italian organisation! From my viewpoint I could see various entry points overflowing with people rushing to get in, looking like ants swarming from a nest on a hot day. This is my first show on the "Tour Of The Universe" and as such I was trying hard to take it all in.






I'd read that Rome audiences can sometimes be less enthusiastic than other cities but tonight they did their city proud.






To hear the amount of people singing along to "Enjoy The Silence" was incredible and I had to smile when they sang along to "Stripped" as the accent meant the crowd were singing "Streeped"!





When the bands faces were shown on the huge screens either side of the stage it was clear that they were really enjoying themselves, smiling widely at the audience reaction. I was thrilled to hear "Fly On The Windscreen" back in the set, along with "Strangelove" and "Master and Servant". Also I think it was the first time that Martin had sung "Little Soul".
All too soon it was over and the trek into the unknown began. It took about 25 minutes to get out of the stadium itself and the t-shirt sellers had moved themselves in to the area just outside so I had a good look around before buying my favourite at a reasonable price (ass opposed to the official t-shirts which were on sale for €30!).
Then it was back over the bridge to wait for a bus back into the city centre. And wait I did. And wait. Eventually I heard two guys speaking English and they confirmed that they had no idea when or even if a bus would come so we decided to start the long walk into town in the hope that we would be able to get a taxi at some point. We did see some buses on our walk and even ran to a few bus stops but the buses were so full of other abandoned fans that they didn't stop. Eventually after nearly an hours walk an empty taxi appeared and I was soon back at the station. By now it was 1.30am, over two and a half hours since the concert ended! The Stadio Olimpico has to be THE worst venue to get to and from I have ever visited, so it was a good job that Depeche Mode were worth it!

16.06.09

We got to have a little lay in at the hotel before setting off for Gatwick airport for our flight to Rome. This time I made the decision to fly with British Airways and it makes such as difference. To be able to book specific seats in advance is a luxury I've missed on Easyjet and Ryanair! The flight left on time and was really comfortable, with the bonus of food and drinks. And of course I got to indulge in one of my favourite pastimes, taking pictures from the air.




We landed earlier than scheduled but the Italians soon put that out of our minds as they couldn't get the jetway to attach to the plane properly. Eventually they put some old fashioned stairs to the rear door of the plane so at least passengers could start getting off.
We were soon on a train into Rome, the express train that goes directly into the city. This being Italy, the term 'express' isn't really adhered to, but at least an apology was announced over the p.a. system as we arrived 18 minutes late.
I'd booked the hotel through lastminute.com as one of their "secret 4 star offers". They don't reveal the name of the hotel until you've paid your money and you hope to be pleasantly surprised. As soon as the name was confirmed I'd checked internet review sites and read nothing but bad reviews for a hotel I'd just paid £500 to stay in. So you can imagine my worry as we walked into the "Champagne Palace". Worry that soon evaporated. Polite staff, a clean hotel and a very nice room too. I would agree that claiming to be 4 star was stretching it a bit but at least I could relax and vow to add my own positive reviews to those websites when I get home.
A quick freshen up and we set off to see The Coliseum as the sun began to set. It is one of only three such buildings left of its type, another being the one in Nimes where I saw Depeche Mode play in 2006. On first impression it is nowhere near as impressive as its French relative but we did enjoy walking around it






before getting some pasta at a restaurant nearby. When it was dark we walked around it again


 before heading back to the hotel, although we did stop for some ice cream on our way! I finished the day off in a way I have done for many years when visiting Mediterranean hotels. There is nothing better than filling the bidet with water and then sitting on the toilet seat and putting your feet in it. Bliss! I know you are desperately trying to erase that image from your mind so I wont make it worse by adding that this time I was stark naked too. Ooops!

15.06.09

I decided to get a haircut today and decided to try out a new Turkish Barbershop that has opened in Basingstoke.
What an experience. Not only did they cut my hair, they passed a flame over parts of my face to literally singe away fine hair and at the end I even got a bit of a massage too. All for £8! I'll definitely be going back and may even get a shave next time!

We did some last minute packing (for 'last minute' read 'done none and have a panic!') in readiness for our trip to Rome and we were soon on a train to London. As we've stayed at the Travelodge at Covent Garden before we didn't bother printing a map like we usually do and as a result we ended up wandering around the area when we had little enough time as it was! Eventually we found it with the help of the GPS on our phones and then we lost even more time as their non-attentive staff ignored us for as long a possible! A quick luggage drop in our room before we ran to the Waterloo Millennium Pier to catch the boat to the O2 Arena (as the tube there is closed fork work at weekends at the moment). A leisurely trip down the Thames and we were soon docked and inside the Arena. First stop was to get something to eat, so we queued to get into Pizza Express. It was so hot in there they could have brought uncooked pizza to the table and it would have cooked itself!


We then took our seats in time to see support act 'Ciara' show how little talent one needs to get on in show business. After a brief break the lights went down and we watched in awe as various acts from the 'Big Apple Circus' performed. Amazing stuff.
The stage was positioned in the centre of the Arena with two smaller stages linked to it either side.


When the lights went down a huge circular video screen lowered onto the centre stage and the face of Perez Hilton appeared


 dressed in an Elizabethan style, as he introduced the star of tonight's show, Britney Spears.






I'd bought tickets as a Christmas surprise for Gareth last year and as he does love his Britney. It was a pleasure to see him lip syncing through every song, exactly like Britney herself. The press have already pointed out that she only actually sings one song live and I would even question that. My mind went back to the early 1980's when Depeche Mode were criticized for having a backing tape on stage with them, from where the drum and percussion sounds originated. At least the instrumentation and vocals were live! How things have changed! Despite that Britney did put on an amazing show, or should I say amazing dance routines whilst miming to her songs.




 The show was slightly delayed tonight and I did wonder whether she just needed some extra time to recharge her iPod to use for her backing music!

14.06.09

I travelled to London tonight to see 'Mika' play the only UK show of his acoustic tour. It was at the historic Sadlers Wells Theatre which was a first visit for me and I was very impressed. It was also my first time seeing 'Mika' and even before he took to the stage I was amazed by the sheer adulation being shown by some of his fans. And I'm not talking about teenagers here, but grown men and women looking so excited. A rare sight these days.
Soon the lights went down and the impressive silver stage set was revealed,


 along with a 12 piece string section to support the regular band and 'Mika' himself. His energy was infectious and I really enjoyed both the show and his fans reaction to it.




A really great gig.

12.06.09

My colleague and friend Kim came to visit us tonight, partly so she could show Gareth how to make choux pastry. We had a really fun evening and the pastry was delicious.


When I could get near the kitchen myself, I cooked a thai curry too so we were all well fed by the evenings end!

08.06.09

I got Brian safely to Gatwick and made sure he got to the departure lounge, then as I was walking back through the airport I saw John, Bethan and Rhiannon as they checked in, so was able to say farewell to them too.
I'd noticed on the drive to the airport that the M25 motorway was really congested on waht would be my route back so I decided to go across country instead. With the help of the sat nav I got to drive through some really beautiful villages in Sussex, real picture box places. It made the drive home a real pleasure.

Tonight I travelled back up to London to see 'Daniel Merriweather' play an album launch gig at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. Once I'd finally found the venue I got a good idea of how the gig would be... the queue for people on the guest list to get in was much longer than the queue for ticketholders.
Main support was a DJ set from Mark Ronson which I found a little uninspiring to be honest.


 I was more interested in watching his sister Sam walk in and out of the ballroom followed by a troupe of hangers on. It was like watching a group of people dancing a conga, but without the fun and the smiles!
Soon it was time for Daniel to take to the stage but as the room was more guest list record company types than actual fans he got a cheer to start and then they all went back to talking loudly about themselves.
Despite this he played an amazing gig and I really loved it,


especially when he played "Stop Me" and my favourite single so far in 2009, "Red". Excellent!

03.06.09

We headed home from Cardiff today accompanied by my brother Brian, as I'm taking him to the airport tomorrow. As it was such a beautiful day we decided to detour off the motorway and went to visit Bath.
We had a great time taking in the sights including the Royal Crescent,


Circus


and Pultney Bridge.


We had such a great time, grabbing a few beers, some pizza and just enjoying the sunshine and the historic city. A brilliant day.

02.06.09

Today is the day we say goodbye to my Dad.


We'd decided on a humanist service at the Crematorium. Pam and my brothers had given the lady leading the service a lot of information about my Dad, mostly the things that made him such a rogue! She was excellent as she recalled various stories from his life, inferring to some of the more notorious exploits. It must have looked odd to see some of us laughing most of the way through the service but I feel that is the best way to remember such a unique man. Talking to various relatives, family friends and my Dad's neighbours after the service clearly showed that everyone had a story about him!
I'll really miss him but I feel so lucky that every time I think of my Dad I smile. 

01.06.09

We travelled to Cardiff today to prepare for my fathers funeral tomorrow. It was the first time I got to meet my new great nephew James.






Not that I'm biased, but he is gorgeous!

31.05.09

I travelled to Camden in London tonight to see the 'Manic Street Preachers' play at the Roundhouse.


The show was in two parts. The first was the band playing the whole of their new album "Journal For Plague Lovers" from start to finish, including Nicky taking vocals on "William's Last Words".
The second half was the 'Hits' set where they opened with "Motorcycle Emptiness" and played hit after hit and they even managed to fit in one of my favourite album tracks "All Surface No Feeling".
They were superb tonight and the crowd clearly loved them too!

28.05.09

The latest addition to the family arrived today.


James Christian Leigh Shepherd was born at 5.46 pm weighing 6 lb 8 oz. A brother for Daniel. Congratulations to my niece Jo and her partner Christian!

26.05.09

Another relaxing breakfast where Gareth got to bond a bit more with his new best mate Daniel!


Next we all set off for a walk around Roath Park. Gareth and Bethan got the honour of taking Daniel out onto the lake on a pedalo!






We next drove to a pub where I spent many evenings in my youth, The Six Bells Inn in Peterstone for some lunch.


The food was good despite the look on some of these faces! And Gareth and Daniel bonded even more!

 

25.05.09

We had a really relaxing breakfast at Jo's and then set off for the shops to get some food and drink for the barbeque that my sister Glenys was hosting. The supermarket just happens to be next to a huge sports shop and due to circumstances beyond my control I found myself in there. And of course they sell trainers. And what should I avoid at all costs? Shops that sell trainers, as there is an unwritten rule that says I have to buy any that I like. At least this time Gareth joined me in this pursuit and we left with large carrier bags!
We had a great time with the family at the barbeque too!













 

24.05.09

I drove to Gatwick airport this morning to collect my brothers John and Brian and my niece Bethan who were arriving from Canada. Originally they had hoped to visit my Dad but recent events have overtaken that. It was actually really relaxing going to an airport and not having to carry luggage, check in etc so I just sat, drank a coffee and waited for them to come through.
The motorways were very busy by the time we set off but eventually we got to Basingstoke where we had chance to relax and catch up whilst we waited for Gareth to return from work. Once he was back we set off for Cardiff. At one point it was only me who was awake in the car as all four passengers slept, so my driving can't be that bad!
We stopped off to visit my Dad's partner Pam before going to see my sister Glenys, who's house my brothers and niece were staying at. Then Gareth and I went to my niece Jo's house where we were staying, by which time we were both knackered!

23.05.09

Frederick John Davies
"Jack"
1925 - 2009

My father passed away today.
I got the long dreaded call this morning saying I needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible, so Gareth and I just got in the car and drove. When we got there my sister Julie had already arrived with her partner Joe along with my Dad's partner Pam who had been brought to the hospital by some neighbours who were also at his bedside. It seems he'd had some form of heart attack early this morning and hadn't regained consciousness. His breathing was very strained so Julie and I just sat either side of the bed holding his hands so he knew we were there.
As the nurses needed to check the oxygen mask that was helping him breathe everybody decided to go and get drinks etc, but I stayed behind, not wanting to leave him. When the nurses went I had some time alone with Dad which gave me the opportunity to tell him just how much I loved him and I placed a kiss on his forehead.
As the nurses returned I noticed that Dad's breathing had suddenly become less strained and he just looked like he was sleeping. As I held his hand and smiled at how at peace he looked his breathing just stopped. 

21.05.09