Buin

Saw a fella taking a horse for a walk at the weekend.

On a hazy Saturday in April, and at a bit of a loose end, we decided to go out for lunch. The place, Los Alemanas, a kind of German cafe, was selected by the Mrs. What she didn't tell me was that the route, south towards Rancagua, was about as scenic as a drive through one of those Chinese cities they show you on the news that are polluting half of Asia.

Anyway, after The Diminutive One had polished off steak, chips, onions and two fried eggs, followed by raspberry merengue and an espresso (in the time it took me to cut my sandwich in half), we stopped by the side of the motorway to have a look at all this.

Answers on a postcard for what you think liquidambar is. Maria wouldn't let me buy a small tree for the balcony (impractical) although later suggested we get a dog. Now that's logic.

Nailed It

Hanging around a beauty salon wasn't my idea of an afternoon out, although the results pleased The Diminutive One. For the rest of the trip I had to fight for attention with the nails, as she would rather have looked at them than me, which is easy to understand at times.

I did fear that she would come out with monstrous multi coloured tallons, although the end result was tasteful. The girl that did it didn't say a single word throughout the procedure. Maybe they don't teach that "So, going on holiday this year?" chit chat that you get in the UK when having your hair cut.

I had no idea that one needed perfect nails to go to the beach.

Look, perfect nails on the beach.

Beached in Sydney

Look at that double chinned Brit. Me, not her.

Cleanest beaches I've ever seen.

They are real serious about sun protection in Australia. As I get burnt by the light in the fridge, I took their warnings seriously. The factor 50 and the hat just weren't up to it, so out came the cardy. Next time I'll take my knitting.

Of course, the Diminutive one doesn't burn.

Wedding Guests