On The Razzle In Hyde Park

Not quite! One of my colleagues invited me out for dinner at a local bar/restaurant. As the weather was perfect we decided to eat outside on the 2nd story patio.

The Hyde Park fountain was illuminated with a large number of people hanging out in the square. Unfortunately my photograph doesn't do the scene justice. I had a wonderful time.

Girls Soccer

Last Saturday I was invited to see a girls soccer (football) match.

My colleague's daughter was in goal for the first half (keen goalkeeper), but in the second half played as a forward and scored within 5 minutes! Very exciting to see.

Birthday Celebration at Trio's

This evening we celebrated a birthday at Trio's restaurant.

Afterwards a snowie was in order before heading home.

Going to the Pics in the US of A

This was the first time that all the family had gone to the cinema in America.

Although we asked for small lemonade the cups seemed to be more like UK's extra large, and the popcorn was massive! "Only in America"

Toy Story 3 was very funny.

Belle of Cincinnati

Friday the 13th was spent sailing up and down the river Ohio on a paddle steamer.

We had a great time. Not only were we amazed by the size of the boat, but we had entertainment ranging from a banjo player to playing Bingo!

I didn't realise that over 1000 paddle steamers were built along the Cincinnati banks of the river Ohio.

Wright Patterson Air Force Base

Today we travelled North towards Dayton on I-75. The weather was extreme (97 degrees and very humid).

It's incredible how many exhibits there are in the museum. Again, a very interesting visit.

A Historic Castle in the USA!

Yes, I know what you're thinking I'm having a laugh. But no, it's true.

Chateau Laroche is located in Loveland, Cincinnati and was built single handedly by Harry Andrews.

Harry served as a medic in World War I, contracted spinal meningitis, and was declared dead. By the time that he was declared undead (six months later) his fiancé had married another man. Harry seemed not to have minded, he stayed in Europe, visiting castles. Having more than 50 marriage proposal later in life, he turned all of them down!

Apparently Harry attributed his long life to not drinking, not smoking and not being married!!

Local Italian

A late lunch was had at Buca di Beppo.

The shrimps were enjoyed by all. Again, too much food so we had to ask for it to be boxed!

Cincinnati Museum

Today we spent a few hours in the Children's museum of Cincinnati.

We had been at the Museum complex in May, but only entered the Natural History museum.

Anyone for a Chicken Tikka?

We were all craving for an Indian meal so went to the local restaurant in Oakley.

A fantastic meal was had by all. The children really enjoyed the Chicken Tikka and Lamb curry.

Another Trip to the Zoo

When the family were over in June we went to the zoo but didn't manage to do it all. Therefore, we returned!

We saw the Kamodo dragon and felt very sorry for the three polar bears (they're not equipped for 94 degrees).

The family pass allows for free rides, so we went on the animal carousel a few times! Also had United Dairy Farmers' ice-cream (completely didn't realise that their Mr Whippies were four times the size of the English ones).

Daily Swim When in Cincinnati

We've been making the most of the weather (sunny / in the 90s) and the apartment's facilities by having a swim in the morning.

Generally we are the only ones there, which allows for a lot of messing around!

A Romantic Dinner for Two

To celebrate 15 years of married bliss, we went to Primavista to enjoy Italian cuisine.

It was very special to spend quality time on our own and overlook the view of downtown Cincinnati.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati

Today we spent time understanding the slave trade within America and more importantly how many people put there lives at risk to save lives.

During the 1800s, estimates suggest that more than 100,000 enslaved people sought freedom through the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad is the symbolic term given to the routes enslaved Black Americans took to gain their freedom as they traveled, often as far as Canada and Mexico.

Free Blacks, Whites, Native Americans and other slaves acted as conductors by aiding fugitive slaves to their freedom. This 19th century freedom movement challenged the way Americans viewed slavery and freedom.

Sunset in Chicago

This was taken from our hotel room on our last night in Chicago.

We have lots of wonderful memories of our city-break.

Navy Pier

Wednesday's weather was pretty awful, but it didn't stop us enjoying Navy Pier.

The Children's museum was very good and we also managed to fit in 18 holes of crazy golf!

A Couple of Memorable Images

Before we arrived at Chicago I was told of the recently created eyeball. Apparently it appeared on the BBC Newsround children's television programme.

Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

Tuesday was spent as an educational day.

The U-boat 505 was an excellent exhibit. We went on a tour which allowed us to go inside and see how 59 Germans spent 90 day missions underwater with no bathroom facility and 2 small toilets!!

I must admit the Amercians are excellent at bringing museums alive. Great day had by all.

American Portions

I asked for onion rings for starters and received a meal for a family of 5! Look at the size of the rings (huge)...

The children made their own pizzas which was very cool to watch.

Chicago - What a City

Monday we drove from Cincinnati to Chicago.

It took about 5 hours and with the 1 hour change in time zone we had time to walk some of the city and go on an architectural boat tour.


What a wonderful place. Absolutely stunning.

I Had to Do It... Double Burger at Zipps

My father in law said that the Zipp's burgers were the best he's ever had.

That's saying something as he's 75!

Views from Kentucky

First trip out with the family during their Summer holiday in the US of A was Newport on the Levee.

We walked the Purple People's Bridge, enjoyed watching the entertainment on the Levee and bought many books in Barnes & Noble!