About AnnaGoAnna

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Classic FM Concert

Posted on 29/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

As someone who tries to ‘do it all’ the following will come as no surprise!

My friend, Andrew, is celebrating his 40th birthday this year. As part of his celebrations he was keen to take a few of us to a Classic FM Concert at the Albert Hall. Typically it was this evening… only an hour and a half after my plane from Dubrovnik landed in Gatwick!

Logistically it is possible. Gatwick to the Albert Hall in 90 minutes. As we all know that’s only if the trains are working to timetable, the taxis are plentiful at Victoria and, of course, my plane is on time.

The plane landed early… but there was only one member of BA ground crew available so we stood (me at the front of the line) with the door open, waiting to get off. Frustratingly this was over 15 minutes. I could see my escape but wasn’t able to make it! Rushed through passport control, no baggage to collect and headed to the trains. Spotted the first train that said Victoria and jumped on just before it moved off. A few minutes in to the journey the ticket officer told me that I’d not got the right ticket and I was fined £39! Not happy at all. Arrived into Victoria and the taxi queue had relocated and was empty (aha that’ll be the tube strike today). Walked out and found a taxi. Arrived at the Albert Hall at 7.30pm exactly…. but the concert started at 7.30pm! Not bad though.. just missed the first piece.

ClassicFM host two concerts a year at the Albert Hall. The tickets sell out quickly and the program is made up of a mixture of known pieces and favourite numbers. The audience is mixed too. Definite highlight for me was to hear Hayley Westenra live.

What a treat for us all to enjoy this concert with Andrew on his birthday.

Time for a sneaky beer afterward too in the Queens Head. It wasn’t long before we realised that the bar was also filling up with musical instruments – ha, it appears to be where the musicians head after performing too!

No tubes home… a selection of buses later and I’m home and falling into my bed. What a fabulous evening.

Dubrovnik

Posted on 29/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

A very early Saturday morning start so grateful Kelly suggested staying at the Gatwick Sofitel the night before a new adventure.

Kelly in high spirits playing ‘splat the dots’ at the departure gate!

My friend Kelly and I are both flying business class for £50 courtesy of a British Airways companion voucher. So as you can imagine it’d be rude not to start our trip by tucking into a little bottle of champagne for the flight. OK so it was an early start but we added some orange juice so it’s a Bucks Fizz, sort of breakfast drink, right?

Our early start at this end did however mean that we arrived nice and early into Dubrovnik ready to check into the hotel, leave our bags and head out to explore everything that Dubrovnik offered.

What we hadn’t realised was that this weekend Dubrovnik was under siege… from 35,000 Catholic Youth!

Our quick arrival was therefore not as easy as we’d hoped as no taxis were allowed anywhere near the City and we had to do a rounded diversion to our hotel. Not too much of a drama and we were grateful that we’d not booked something in town or otherwise we would have been schlepping our bags for miles on foot to check in.

Our hotel was the Rixos Dubrovnik. Yes, of course, we managed to get a good deal for our twin room with balcony overlooking the ocean… The hotel is huge and I’m not sure we’d have loved it as much if we were there during the summer season! But perfect for this weekend. A wonderful extensive buffet breakfast and Wifi included. Approximately 15 minute walk to the City Walls but not for the fainthearted as it is up and down some hills (but no steps!).

The clouds are looming when we check in and shortly after we’ve done so, the rains start. A hot chocolate on the balcony bar upstairs whilst we regroup and decide what to do. Chatting to a fellow traveller who’d been there for a week, she tells us that nothing is open in the CIty today because of the ‘Youth’… oh joy!

But we’re here to explore so decide to talk a walk down to the City to get our bearings and work out a plan of action and where everything is for tomorrow…. surely something must be open?

What we hadn’t quite thought through was that as we decided to venture down the main hill to Pile (the City Walls) and a walk that should take us 15 minutes in total, 32,500 Youth are walking up the hill toward us. You’d think they’d spot me in my fluorescent rain jacket but clearly not – I know this particularly by the amount of umbrella spokes in my face and bumps from teams of people coming toward me.

Hey ho, it’s all an adventure. The walk however takes well over an hour and even when we finally make it to the City Gates at Pile we’re told by the police that noone can enter until the ‘youth’ have all left.

Fortunately at that point we notice a restaurant (Posat) is open and that it has the perfect view of the City Gates so we’ll be able to assess the situation but with a hot drink and a local cake.

Whilst we had arrived from the UK travelling light and a little unprepared for the weather, we’d known the forecast had been rain. How come the Croatian Catholic Youth hadn’t realised it’d be a rainy day? We noted that they were all dressed in the uniform Converse canvas shoes which were no sopping wet and no waterproof jackets (or one or two). Really?

So our ‘entry’ into Dubrovnik City was delayed by several hours. With hindsight it was probably a good thing as on entering the City Walls, we spotted a wallhanging announcing Dubrovnik FestiWine. Oooh! Approximately 20 steps further on and through the CIty Walls, we were drawn to signs on our right, again indicating the FestiWine. I think it took us all of about 5 minutes from entering the City Walls to trying our first wine (having registered, obtained our tasting glass AND walked the whole 20 steps!)

OK so who out there knew that Croatia had such delicious wine? Seriously some of it is extraordinarily good. Our ticket officially enabled us to try 12 wines but as it was the last day and none of the winemakers were keen on taking our ‘tokens’ we sampled quite a few more! Starting with the sparkles, whites, rose, desserts and then the reds. Kelly was chief notator and her ‘tasting notes’ were smiley (or not) faces and little quotes from yours truly. I think the best one was “QUOTE… DIRTY” Matzo Zivkusic “The red looks as young as the man serving it”; Vina Milacic 2009 “Dirty edge on a light wine”; Norris Violic dessert wine “Love but no commitment”; Volarevic Vinogradi “Pink BBQ wine”; Karajancic Vinarija “White wine with an empty finish”. Hehe I can see a career in wine reviewing!

During our afternoon we spoke at length to some of the winemakers. Croatia really is a relatively new commercial market but some of the vines are gloriously old. I think my favourite wines were from the winemaker Korta Katarina and Ivo Cibilic, demonstrated such passion about the wine made, the story behind it and indeed the taste of both the white, Posip and red wine, Plavic Mali, were wonderful.

During our FestiWine experience we also met two chaps on holiday from the UK. David and Gino. They’d been to the FestiWine the day before and had therefore returned to try some more as well as enjoy and buy bottles of their favourites. Great to chat to them and try some more wines but also find out what they’d already discovered in Dubrovnik. I ended up chatting with Darrell from Decanter Magazine.. pleased to hear that my favourite wine was also one that’s been commended more than once by Decanter and him.

Some hours later and as the FestiWine drew to a close, we headed back out into the Old Town. Needless to say we might well have been a little piddled so food was most definitely in order. One piece of cake and a BA breakfast (with bubbles) clearly wasn’t enough! On the recommendation of David and Gino we located Gills restaurant (which was open) and headed upstairs to a free table. Honestly our meal was delicious (or that’s how we both remember it) but perhaps not enjoyed to the best of it’s promise due to the wine imbibed! I had some delicious tuna tartare and Kelly the sea bass.

By the time we’d finished our meal, we figured we probably ought to have another sample of Croatian wine. As both the boys and others had recommended a cheeky little wine bar on the next street, we headed to D’Vino. This turned out to a top recommendation indeed. On entering D’Vino you feel as if you’ve been there before, many times. It’s home. But actually it’s better than home as it comes with experts in wine and, what seems to be, an endless supply and range of deliciousness.

We took our seats at the bar and the barman, Patrick, quickly established the type of red wine that we liked and set about finding us a Croatian wine that we would love. We said that we felt we’d like to try two wines for the end of the evening… one wine and then a finisher. He so got it right for both us of and with all four wines. Whilst he thought about which wines he told us a little about each winery, winemaker, how many bottles, grapes, oaking etc etc. I love knowing a little more about what I’m drinking but the bar is also perfect little hideaway if you just want to drink a glass or two of wine in a quiet nook and peace. The owner of the bar is Sasha Lusic who’s family emigrated to Queensland in Australia to avoid the war. Sasha returned to Croatia to open this wine bar in his homeland only a few years ago. How wonderful to be able to return to his homeland and heritage and run such a successful business. I’m quite sure his parents must be so very proud and apparently have suggested moving back to Croatia to be near him. Again how enlightened to then be able to return and follow the new path that his son has created.

Just as it started to rain again we left the bar, walked down the alleyway back to the main pathway in the Old Town. The limestone pathway is now glistening and shining in the moonlight and rain – utterly magical. Poor Sasha, who left the bar with us to walk part of the way home to his moped had to experience our rendition of singing in the rain along the beautiful pathway… of course it was in tune and quite a spectacle (in a good way)! At the very least it bought such a smile and giggles to all three of us.

Sunday

Today should have been the day that I chose to wear shorts but instead I’d worn less yesterday on the basis that there was less to dry out from the rain… I think now I’m writing this up a week later that perhaps this could be why I’ve a streaming cold and cough.

There were several things on our ‘to-do’ list of Dubvrovnik and two definitely required a clear vista and sunshine. Cable Car and City Wall Walk. Fortunately today it appeared (despite the gloomy weather forecast) that we would be in luck. After breakfast we headed into town with our ‘walking shoes’ firmly on.

There’s no doubt at all that the cable car does give you some of the best views over Dubrvonik Old Town and the islands beyond. It certainly gives you a totally different perspective and also helps to realise that Dubrovnik truly is a small and beautifully formed City.

However we learnt later that there’s a fortress at the top of the cable car but as it’s a different business entity it’s not advertised within the cable car nor is the price of entry included. What a shame we didn’t know we could visit it. The cost of the cable car is an extravagance by Croatian standards on its own at Ku100 return with the cost having risen by Ku30 since last year. If I were doing it again, I’d get a one-way ticket to the top, see the Fortress, have a snack and drink in the cafe at the top and walk back down (there are zigzag pathways the whole way down).

When we returned to the City Walls, we headed for the old marina in search of some fresh calamari to share for lunch together with some water – sustenance for our next tourist adventure, Walking the City Walls.

The City Walls wrap around the Old town and were some of the perfect vantage points to keep the City safe in times of war. They form a fairly narrow pathway (hence it’s only one way traffic walking around it) and there are many many steps. I clearly didn’t count them but in one guidebook I read that there are over 3,500 steps! Once again, an absolute must whilst you’re in Dubrovnik but with a word of warning – take water and good walking shoes! You can do it in sections by coming down from the Walls for a break and returning to complete it but this has to be done on the same day. We were fortunate enough to be in Spring sunshine and it was hot up there… if you’re visiting in Summer, be prepared for heat and sun (hat and sunscreen?)

Once down we walked back on ourselves at the street level to find a little ‘secret’ bar that was cut into the rocks just outside the City Walls. What a perfect way to see the sunlight change.

After a brief siesta back at our hotel we headed back down the hill to the Old Town for dinner. Once again we were working on the recommendations from people we’d met at FestiWine and headed to Proto for dinner. Proto was personally recommended but also appears in many reviews and guidebooks as 1st or 2nd in the list of places to eat in Dubrovnik. We both had a soup to begin with, Crab soup and Fishermans soup – these were both utterly delicious, full of flavour and absolute hits for us both. However our main meals we were good but both of us felt were lacking something to be ranked so highly – perhaps we chose badly or know that they couldn’t match up to the starters.

Back to D’Vino for our ‘finishers’ before heading home. Patrick and Sasha spoilt us rotten with two more delicious wines – v happy bunnies!

Monday
If you were in Dubrovnik for longer than a few days, I’d suggest hiring a car and driving away from the City. Montenegro was spoken about by others who were there for longer as was Lokrum island.

For us, on foot, we chose to walk toward Lapad and in search of the Cave Bar. A lovely walk and into an area that perhaps during the Summer would be my idea of hell. Lapad is clearly set up as a holiday resort. Big hotels with pools, little stretches of beach, karaoke bars and a strip full of restaurants and bars serving ‘English food’. Sadly there were also many many feral cats that were running around eating scraps and waiting at the feet of people eating. This was out of season. Not my idea of fun at all but each to their own. At the end of the ‘strip’ our walk took us to the beach and a oceanside pathway. Back to being stunning again. The sun was shining, the water glimmering and small islands in view. It wasn’t long until we stumbled across some steps down to some outside tables and a cave entrance.

It’s (not surprisingly) closed during the winter months as it’d be a touch damp as the waves would lash into the cave entrance and no doubt full to the brim with tourists in the summer. For us, it was utter perfection – Spring sunshine and open!

On our agenda for this afternoon we had a few museums to visit and a thirst to find out more about Dubrovnik’s history. We headed for the bus stop in Lapad to take us back to the Old City. (Amusing moment was watching 3 policemen direct traffic around a roundabout!). The bus seemed particularly expensive for a short trip and for the two of us it would, in fact, have worked out cheaper to take a taxi but hey, you live and learn.

I’d been looking forward to visiting the Natural History Museum. I’d seen something about a Mollusc exhibition that looked interesting and colourful. We entered the Museum (it was free) and wandered round. Disappointingly it appeared more like a school science project with few exhibits and little information to learn or be absorbed by. Many of the ‘exhibits’ were badly put together sea creatures and more like a school class project. It was only by the time we’d climbed to the very top floor, did we see the mollusc exhibit. Set out in a fun way with the shells hanging from the ceiling it was visually stimulating but sadly lacked content and explanation.

Time for lunch and we were in search of a good seafood risotto. Where best to go but to the Old Marina? Certainly filling and with seafood however not the black risotto we’d been expecting but did the job before we headed back into the Old City for more exploration. Our wanderings took us up and down small alleyways and pathways. There’s certainly so much more to the Old City than the tourist route. Disappointed though that an exhibit we’d hoped to see ‘War Photos’ wasn’t open until the 1st May (only a few days time). We’d both really hoped that this would give us the insight into what happened in Dubrovnik through the photos and now having seen the city from the cable car, the city walls and on foot we would be able to understand more fully what happened in the very recent history.

In the evening we returned to Posat, the restaurant we’d sought refuge in on our first day. A definite foodie must. Loved this place, it’s ambiance, food, wines and, of course, views over Pile and the City Gates.

After dinner we thought we’d go for a nightcap somewhere different. There’d been a jazz bar, Troubadour, that we’d spied on our wanderings. It looked wonderful. Great atmosphere created even more spectacularly by the notes of the jazz reverberating around the City Walls. However on checking our Kuna currency situation we realised that we could be in trouble if they didn’t take cards (we’d budgeted just enough for our taxi to the airport tomorrow with a few Kuna for a light lunch). So where else are two ladies to go but home… errr d’Vinos! Back to our bar stools and Sasha and Mark working. Tonight we tried yet more wines and were once again not disappointed.

Tuesday
Our final day and we still had a few places left on our ‘to-do’ list. One being the Franciscan Monastery and Old Pharmacy.

I loved the stonework here in the monastery most. I was also fascinated by the old pharmaceutical equipment. Looking back you may believe these to be fairly barbarian but actually I think them to be quite advanced. Many of them not far from the items now used but perhaps slightly cleaner! There’s still a pharmacy on the site and I was pleased to see that not only stocking ‘today’s items’ they also had some tinctures and creams made on site.

One other bonus for us in the Monastery building was a room with some photographs and history. of Dubrovnik. Just these few photographs gave us much more of an insight into what happened to this City and indeed at how recent this dreadful war was. How shocking it is to see photographs of people who have lost their lives protecting their homes – not soldiers who’ve signed up to ‘war’ – but young men who would have been sharing their birthdays with me.

I think until we saw these pictures I certainly hadn’t been aware of how much of the city had been devastated and in the last 20 years rebuilt. No wonder the roof tiles in the City were so red and clean… it wasn’t a renovation project it was necessary after the devastation. Pieces of the City Walls now obvious to us as repaired and replaced by limestone and marble. And, mortar holes and gunshot wounds in the side of buildings. I just wish we’d been able to learn more about this from City itself… particularly as many of the people we’ve met would have lived through this dreadful time.

Our final meal in Dubrovnik had to be at the Dalmatino Konoba and had to be black risotto. This restaurant is hidden down an alleyway and described as being ‘authentic’ but also as having a ‘limited menu’. For us, this is the perfect description and makes it a ‘must visit’ restaurant. We weren’t disappointed and shared an utterly delicious black risotto dish of epic taste. Yes the surroundings of the restaurant are authentic but that’s what we’d like as our last meal here. Perfect.

Just time for our last walk up the hill and back to the hotel before heading to the airport and home.

General observations:

Not many signs.
Not much history obvious to the eye with information or signing available to all.
So when was the war, what happened etc. Are they trying to hide it away?
Longer than a couple of days city break – hire a car and see more of Croatia.
Take a planned guided history tour OR a multitude of reading before hand to understand the history of the City.
Visit D’Vino
Head out on a wine/winery tour and if you can, visit Korta Katarina

Every Day in May

Posted on 22/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

As one challenge ends another begins.

“Challenge yourself with something you know you could never do.
and what you’ll find is that you can overcome anything.”

“You must never limit your challenges… instead you must challenge your limits!!”

Last year you may remember that I took part in this challenge. Partly, of course, to add a few ££ to the funds raised for Royal Marsden. The total amount raised through this challenge last year was over £24,000 – well done all!

BUT it was also to challenge myself. I’ve been suffering hugely with fatigue, headaches, visual migraines and this has all added in no small part to bouts of depression and frustration. My thought was that by signing up to this challenge I would HAVE to get out every day not matter what the weather and walk, cycle, run, row, skip, jump, swim etc 5km every single day in May. 5km isn’t far and is so achievable…. but added to the list above I’d also hurt my knee in that fall in Australia and had an ongoing pain issue with my ankles which was excruciating on some days.

I did it though. Some days were so much harder than others. As always the sense of personal achievement is so much more than swollen ankles, fatigue and headaches.

This year the challenge is the same. Sign up for 5km or 10km every day during the month of May. The charity chosen this year is Interact – a stroke charity that do amazing hands-on work with stoke sufferers. They send professional actors to read to people who have had a stroke; helping the brain to re-wire and piece together memories and make sense of life again. For many stroke victims, young and old, their freedom is curtailed by the results of their stroke meaning they may not be able to enjoy the May sunshine, parks, flowers and colour.

So please join me in signing up for this challenge. An ‘entry-fee’ of £15 will enter you into the challenge and add to the money raised for Interact. You can, of course, raise additional sponsorship for your challenge however if you choose simply to do the challenge, donate your entry fee and maybe recruit some friends and family to do it with you, the donation pot will be swelled that way.

Find out more about ‘Every Day in May‘ – we can all achieve it
Twitter: @everydayinmay & @InterActReading
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5k10keverydayinmay & https://www.facebook.com/pages/InterAct-Reading-Service

End of my Old Skool Challenge for Penny Brohn

Posted on 20/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

Today was the end of my sponsored weightloss challenge. Read more about the challenge here.

Drumroll please. Total lost at the end of the challenge: 11.7kg which in ‘old money’ is 25.8lbs or 1.8st. I’m pleased with what I’ve lost but tinged with a little disappointment that I didn’t manage to lose more.

I’m surprised that my ‘eat less and do more’ strategy together with the introduction of juicing into my diet strategy and a week of juicing retreat that I’ve not lost more.

However I am super excited that my weightloss graph has continued to go down, albeit in small increments.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me during this period. I know that Penny Brohn Cancer Care will appreciate every penny you donate and put it to great use supporting people diagnosed with cancer through their wonderful services.

Miranda, Chickle, MrFraig – pledged 50p/kg = £5.85 each
= Total £17.55
FB, Jen, Dad, Chris, Roli, Pageboy, Kelly, Nancy, Leigh – pledge £1/kg = £11.70 each
= Total £105.30
Issy, Dunc & Polly – pledged £2/kg = £23.40 each
= Total £70.20
Rich – if only I’d done lbs!
JohnS and Viv – £20 each paid up and donated to PBCC

Total pledged/donated – £233.05

Could each of you please donate your pledged amount directly to Penny Brohn Cancer Care? Either online at https://support.pennybrohn.org/singledonation or send a cheque payable to Penny Brohn Cancer Care, Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, Bristol, BS20 0HH

The amount of £233.05 raised will:

pay for a one day retreat at the Centre;
very nearly the whole cost of someone attending a Living Well Residential course;
11 meals for people attending a course;
8 hours of guided meditation and relaxation at the Centre;
nearly 5 people to attend a Taste of Bristol Approach course;
9 people to attend a cookery/nutrition demonstration/session;
…and a whole heap more.

Seriously. Thank you. I know first hand the benefit of the services offered at Penny Brohn.

For those of you that said they’d sponsor me later…now’s your time! Please make a donation direct to Penny Brohn using the info above. 😉

Me… I’m going to continue with the diet strategy but in doing this I have learnt so much about ‘healthy’ eating and more particularly juicing. I’ll keep you posted x

Abbey Road again! – 19 April 2014

Posted on 19/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

AnnaGoAnna at Abbey Rd

I know many people would give their right arm (and probably a leg too) to be able to record at Abbey Road. So it’s an absolute honour to find our Rock Choir back in Abbey Road Studios for a second year.

Although that honour must surely go to our Rock Choir leader, James (Jim) Hawkins. Jim’s work on Soundcloud.

Jim has worked tirelessly to make the arrangements, coordinate arrangements, calculate costs, chase payments, engage producers, engineers, photographers and, of course, book Abbey Road Studios etc. In addition he’s worked one-2-one with the soloists to perfect each of their performances, run extra choir rehearsals and drilled us in ‘torture’ sessions so that our timing, pitch, intonation and musical accents were perfect. Thank you Jim for being ever patient and so generous of your energy, expertise, spirit and time.

As with last year’s recording session we concentrated on one main song. This year our Choir chose ‘Proud’. The soloist for Wimbledon Choir was Natalie who I think you’ll agree, pun intended, has done us ‘Proud’.

Juicing Retreat – Juicy Oasis, Portugal

Posted on 14/04/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

I believe in juicing.

Wow I never thought I’d actually say that out loud! All those of you who’ve been following me on twitter, Facebook or reading a few posts here will know that I’ve been ‘giving it a go’. However I NEVER expected that I’d be making the above statement after only a few months. If my Mother was alive, she’d probably refer to me as a ‘juicing crank’, say I’m turning into my Granny or juicing as a ‘fad’. If Tish and Kerry were still alive, we’d be crazily swapping recipes and learning about the benefits of each ingredient.

So armed with the experience of my recent 7 day juicing programme (and how I felt during and after the 7 days), I wanted to take it further. I wanted to understand more about how I can maintain the level of health gained, understand more about the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, pectin, etc etc that can be obtained via just juicing. Is it sustainable for longer periods. Indeed is it advisable for longer periods. Although I know with the lifestyle I lead that practically it isn’t possible but how can I incorporate it best into my lifestyle? As I’m about to enter the world of full-time employment again I also want to know that I can continue to do it and feel fabulous whilst working a full week.

I looked around at different programmes and read many articles and information. However I knew that I realistically needed to immerse myself in it, with the experts on hand, to fully understand it.

I then found Juicy Oasis in Portugal. A Yoga, Fitness and Juicing Retreat.

Fortunately there was a place sharing a room with a stranger in the Retreat in less than a month. Before I headed to the Retreat I wanted to make sure that I was prepared – mentally and physically. I read lots, continued to juice twice a day with one small healthy meal for dinner or lunch. Last week I also joined in with the Big Juice Spring Clean – a 5 day programme of juicing as a community – via Facebook and twitter, all participants can keep in touch and also watch daily videos from Jason Vale (The Juicemaster) about the daily juices.

My flight left early on Saturday morning. As I packed my bag with lots of sportswear, a couple of pairs of trainers, swimsuits and a tennis racquet, I contemplated slipping into the case an emergency supply of nuts (ooh how my tastebuds have changed since juicing – previously it would definitely have been chocolate). However I decided that the only person I’d be cheating would be myself and carefully put the packet of nuts back in the cupboard.

The cost of the Retreat isn’t small however is good value for money. The Juicy Oasis itself is wonderful 5* luxury. The property has been recently refurbished to a truly high standard. The furnishings carefully selected and feel luxurious. The price also includes (as well as the juices and supplements) a programme of activity that keeps you busy both in mind and body throughout the day. I reduced the cost slightly by being able to use my BA frequent flyer points for my flights to and from Portugal.

I was met at the airport and ushered into a minibus with another ‘Juice Retreatee’ for the 1.5hr transfer. The journey flew by as we chatted but not without noticing that the vista changed from City to country to beautiful wilderness. As we cross a bridge, our driver pointed out the Retreat nestling the other side of the river. Wonderful.

Milly, the lovely Retreat Manager, met us at the door, checked us in and after dropping our bags into our respective rooms, took us on a quick tour of the Retreat. Wow Wow Wow! I just knew instantly that I was going to love it here. AND the sun was shining.

It didn’t take us long to settle in, meet 2 others who were there for a 28 day programme (including my roommate, Sati), enjoy our first juice and then head off to the gym to work off the ‘flight legs’.

Throughout the week you are able to join in with any or all of the activities. For some it was an escape from a busy life with a detox. Others joined with every activity. Most however dipped in and out.

Below is a little video of the ‘daily activity boards’ to give you an idea of our itinerary.

As you can see the activities were varied and filled our days. You could choose what you joined in with or indeed opted out from. I tried everything. With the exception of the final day I did the early morning walk. Leaving the Retreat and seeing some of the beautiful vista outside was a morning jewel for us all.

I couldn’t get the hang of rebounding…. any of you who’ve done any aerobic-type classes with me, will know that my balance and coordination can leave other exercisers bashed and bruised. What I will say, is thank heavens for the post on the exercise platform that I was able to hang on to as I bounced off the rebounder!

We were extremely fortunate that Jason Vale (AKA The Juicemaster) was also at the Retreat for most of the week. Ordinarily people pay to be at the resort with Jason and hear first hand why he’s got the name the ‘Juicemaster’, listen to his story and see first hand the energy and enthusiasm he has for creating a healthier society. Truly blessed to have some of his time. Oooh and play some tennis with him – boy is he competitive!

The films each evening were yet more education into healthy eating and juicing. Obviously there has to be an element of objectively watching them as they’re filmed by advocates of juicing and perhaps not as two-sided as they could be. I certainly learnt an enormous amount from them though and indeed if every you needed the motivation and encouragement to truly join the Juicing Revolution, I’d recommend watching all the films.. in that order!

Another truly wonderful thing about Juicy Oasis Retreat is the Eden Spa! In the ground floor of the Retreat is a special place. The main spa room smells and feels relaxing. Just entering the space sort of puts a spell over you. There’s a small warm pool to lounge in. Beds to lounge on. And the most wonderful Cacoons.

I so wish I could afford to have one of these in my garden. Within minutes of lying down in a Cacoon with the gentle rocking motion created by your breathing, I was asleep. Amazing naps which were so refreshing and deep.

Also in the spa were treatment rooms offering a plethora of pampering, sports and detox treatments. During my week I took advantage of the spa for both pampering and detox purposes. I’ve never had a colonic, despite a number of friends trying to persuade me previously. Before I left for Portugal I read up about the health benefits of a colonic. I read comments and reviews about any pain/discomfort etc. I attended the colonic talk on my first day and this confirmed that I would ‘try’ out this treatment whilst I was there. I won’t lie, the first one was a little uncomfortable – although I realise that I was a little more tense than I needed to be! I won’t go into more details but suffice it to say that I ended up having three colonics during my week. The first two with coffee (hey I had to have some coffee during my week’s Retreat!) and the last with wheatgrass. It’s difficult to explain how I felt after a colonic except to say lighter and more energised. Perhaps too much information for many of you and I’ll leave my comment there but suffice it to say that I do recommend them and will have more (when I find a good practitioner).

I also had a reflexology treatment booked with an English lady call Aoife. Wonderful treatment. Absolutely blissful, relaxing and clearly this lady has magical hands. During this treatment I mentioned problems with my knee since my fall in Australia and that I’d noticed that Aoife offered Myofascial massages but that I understood her appointments to be fully booked this week. Kindly she offered to work for another hour on Thursday so that I could have treatment on my knee. Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle. Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy for skeletal muscle immobility and pain massage.

It didn’t go unnoticed to me that Phyllodes is a soft tissue sarcoma that is within the connective tissue of the body either.

OMG Aoife really does have magic hands. For an hour she gently manipulated the skin, gently massaged and touched my legs. I can’t explain more about what she did except to say that whatever it was it felt fabulous. After the treatment I rushed upstairs to join everyone for soup i.e. ‘warm juice’. I suddenly stopped at the top of the stairs stock still as the reality dawned… no pain in my knee! For over a year I’d been unable to walk up steps and stairs without shooting pains. It’s gone. Totally. For the rest of the week I cautiously walked up and down stairs waiting for the pain to return.. so far it’s still missing! Wow – what a joy. Incredible. More information about UK practitioners here.

Finally I also indulged in a deep tissue massage. I hate touchy feely massages. If you’re going to massage, then get right in there1 Oh Boy she knew how to do that. Fantastically and skilfully manipulated and pummelled.

Juicy Oasis – Walk to Dornes – 10 April 2014

Group Photo at Juicy Oasis – FABULOUS NEW FRIENDS

As a solo traveller to the Juicy Oasis Retreat I was unsure who my fellow Retreatees would be. Shortly after arrival I realised that we’d have a ball all week. A grand mixture of people from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Dubai, Spain and, of course, England. I’d not, however expected there to be four of us from within a square mile of my house!

We made up a mixed bunch of lovelies. Ranging in age, both men and women and, of course, levels of fitness and health. But what we definitely were also was supportive of one another. We had a jolly good giggle too! The daily schedule of activities meant that there were many times when we you busy doing something and seemed to only catch up with some others at juice times! Or me and my roommate at bedtime.

Oh and to answer the question that seems to be most asked about my Retreat. Did we just have juices? YES! As you can see from the programme they were spaced throughout the day. Varied in deliciousness. Full and balanced with nutrients and vitamins. As we were on the ‘Winter’ programme at the Retreat, our evening Juice was warm… i.e. Soup! On our departure day we were allowed to order food for lunch or takeaway for our journey…. every taste of my salad was an explosion in my mouth. Amazing how much I craved good healthy salad food.

So what did I ‘gain’ from doing the Juicy Oasis Retreat?

I strongly suspect that you’ll be seeking the answer to ‘how much did she loose’ question… I would too. However what I actually gained (and lost) was so very much more than that. Weight-loss is a by-product of the experience… a welcome one.. but not one that is anywhere near the top of my list.

My headaches are gone. At least I’ve not had one single headache/migrane since part way into my first 7 day juicing experience. There’s a part of me that is constantly checking that they’re still not there. Certainly there’s a part of me that’s celebrating that I wake up when my body wants to wake not when the ‘nighttime’ headache gets too bad to bear. Finally I’m able to think more clearly without the drumming in my skull. I don’t need to lie down in a darkened quiet room. I can read without feeling as if I’m looking through a windowpane in the rain. I’m also no longer popping prescription and non-prescription medication to find some relief from the continual headaches. Gosh if I’d known I could shift them with juicing months/years ago, I’d have done it in a heartbeat… Hmmm maybe I should tell the neurologist, Dr, MRI team etc how I shifted the headaches?

I no longer have shooting pains in my knee when walking up steps – thank you to the myofascial massage skills of Aoife.

My skin is glowing with health (and noticed by quite a few people).

My eyes are brighter and the whites truly white!

My teeth are whiter.

My energy levels are soooo much better than they were before. I now wake up earlier and have a list of active jobs to achieve each day that no longer seem ‘impossible’ to do.

My digestion has improved.

I feel lighter and less ‘clogged’.

I’m feeling ready to take on new activities. Looking for a bike. Joined a tennis league to accompany the tennis coaching sessions.

I work out how I can fit in a walk to the shops/friends/activities into my day rather than leaving it until the last minute and jumping into the car.

Oh and yes I did lose weight. 😉 2kg (4lb) lost – however given the exercise that I was doing on the programme and in the afternoons playing tennis, I wonder if some weight was gained in muscle! I did however take four measurements before I left (waist, bust, belly and thigh) – total lost was 28cm!

Would I recommend it? Would I go again? Hell yeah!

PS I think Jim Carrey’s clip on YouTube explains a lot. There’s a time to laugh, a time to cry, a time to live and a time to juice!

Mothering Sunday

Posted on 30/03/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

For quite some months I’ve thought I should pop in to visit Mum but have driven on by. I’ve felt guilty that I’ve not given her a bit of a spruce up and polish.

When my friend announced on Saturday night, that instead of his usual train route, he would need to get a train to Mum’s village and be collected by his golf partner, I could see no reason for my not visiting Mum (and offering him a lift down to his golf match).

AND it was Mothering Sunday, so perhaps even more fitting.

I hastily packed a bag with a trowel, secateurs, kitchen roll, cleaning wipes, a dustbin bag and baby oil – hehe Mum would find it highly amusing that this collection of items was what was required to give her a scrub up!

When I arrived I realised just how long it’s been since I visited. Her memorial stone almost hidden under newly grown turf.

I did feel guilty but then again it’s not where Mum is now. She’s dead. Her memory lives on but her physical body is gone. I don’t need to visit a stone to remember her. However lovely it is to be there and tending her stone.

Happy Mothering Sunday Mum x

Singing

Posted on 29/03/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

Our wonderful Rock Choir leader, Jim, is today running his first All-Singers Saturday Workshop.

Tickets have been on sale for a while although selling out speedily and are open to anyone to attend. As we arrived for registration this morning I was pleased to see that there was a healthy amount of Rock Choir people AND a good proportion of non-Rock Choir people. A range of ages and a plus for those of us in the Bass section, lots of men.

As you know from my previous posts I love singing. I’m quite sure I’m not good at it (don’t tell anyone) but I love being totally absorbed in music at rehearsals, learning how to harmonise, singing as a choir, performing locally as well as Wembley, O2 and Albert Hall… and of course recording at Abbey Road! I’ve said it before, the escape from reality for 1.5hrs every week whilst every cell concentrates on the music, interpretation, words, harmonies and sound is so energising.

Today’s workshop we are steering clear of Rock Choir’s ‘MagicFM’ playlist and learning some new songs. The first two from The Beatles – If I Fell and Because. The second pair from The Eagles – Peaceful Easy Feeling and Hotel California. A pleasant change and challenge to do something completely new to us.

I also loved having the music score. In Rock Choir we learn the voice parts by ear with only the lyrics to refer to. Reading music isn’t something that everyone can do and Jim took time to explain the differences between the notations on the score, what they meant and what they were called. I would like to think that this little insight into musical scores will give confidence to some of the singers to learn enough to read music.

It’s funny to think that when we used to jam mostly The Beatles songs with Howard Jones after school in Wycombe that I don’t recall either of The Beatles pieces.

The morning flew by with us learning all our parts for The Beatles songs. The arrangements have been slightly modified so that there were 3 parts – well done Jim for creating a new sound.

Exhausted already, we broke for lunch. Whilst we were out a five piece band arrived and set up their kit.

We were greeted after lunch with the sound of the band playing and warming up. Lovely to listen to. Then back to rehearsals. We returned to the two songs we’d learnt in the morning for some final tweaking. Then the Eagles pieces learnt.

Mid-afternoon the band returned. What a treat to perform with a live band. We sang our way through our new repertoire, perfecting and redoing certain aspects with the band.

Considering we were there for only one day, learning 4 songs is quite an achievement. I wouldn’t say we were up to concert standard but we could, mostly, hold our own! Jim had also arranged for a recording to be made of each song. I’m hoping the sound engineer captured enough for a (very gifted) editor to piece together and produce some recordings that sound great. As soon as they’re available I shall add them into this post.

Our final joy of the day was an hour or so of an open sing-a-long with the band. Attendees were invited to sing solos with the band and perform to us. What incredible voices we have in the room.

I am truly hoping that Jim puts on more workshops. Clearly by the lack of a spare seat today they will sell out quickly so do follow Jim’s progress on his website, twitter @JamesHawkinsMus or on Facebook.

Pilobolus – Shadowland at Sadlers Wells

Posted on 27/03/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

In May last year I organised tickets to see shows at Sadlers Wells. One pair of tickets was to see the Pilobolus – Shadowland. Shadowland was the first show of its kind to combine shadow theatre with dance, and has since inspired many similar productions around the world. Including a production that entered Britains Got Talent…. a show I’ve failed to see!

So when people were telling me in June about this incredible audition on Britains Got Talent where the shadows of dancers tell a story, I was feeling smug. I’d already got tickets. When they then went on to win Britains Got Talent I was over the moon. Here’s the final on YouTube.

I was delighted that Abi, one of my best friend’s daughter, was allowed to come out and play on a school night. I just love her company and love being able to treat her once in a while. I picked Abi up after school, a quick change at home and then drove into town. We managed to find a parking space behind the theatre in Holborn easily and put a few pounds in the meter. Thank heavens I had a few pounds in the car as I realised I’d left my purse at home! Not great but thank heavens we were joining some friends for a pre-show dinner. Fortunately my friend was able to pick up our supper bill and I can pay him back tomorrow.

We went to 32 Great Queen Street for dinner. What an incredible menu with quite a few adventurous foods. Not the fastest of service but the food was worth waiting for.

A quick walk over to the Peacock Theatre for the show. Wow, what a show!

90 minutes of incredible, active, clever, creative, spellbinding dance. Abi and I sat, mouths open, watching the story unfold. Using screens and careful lighting, the dancers were able to tell a story in front of the screen and then behind screens in shadows. The precision of the shadow-work was inspiring. How some of the shapes were created, recreated, changed and moved behind the screen was seamless.

I can’t recommend the show enough. As I drove Abi home after the show, we were chatted incessantly about the pieces of the show that we’d loved. This then triggered ‘oooh what about the bit when….’ moments. Truly amazing.

Metro’s review
Guardian’s review

Sarcoma UK Voices – The Big Conversation

Posted on 22/03/2014 by AnnaGoAnna

Sarcoma UK are today holding their first Voices event. ‘Changing the landscape for sarcoma’ AKA The Big Conversation.

An early start for me to travel from London to Birmingham for a 9am start. Eeek that’s a time of day I try to avoid and I can report that the only others I spotted as I ventured to the tube line was 1 dog walker, 1 jogger and the binmen!

If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from today. I’ll do my best below to summarise for you.

9-10am – Registration. I was very pleased to see some familiar faces and be able to catch up with them, find out how they are, what’s happening in their lives and receive/give a few hugs too! I so value the camaraderie between patients, carers and patient/carer advocates. The positive actions of each person attending and sadly often news of those who have passed away.

10-13:00 – The Current Landscape for Sarcoma

Welcome – Lindsey Bennister and Roger Wilson

I have attached links to the presentations given however have also added a few of the notes/highlights that I wrote down during the day.

Key challenges in sarcoma – Presentation 1 – Professor Rob Grimer, Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham; Sarcoma UK trustee

As reported in the Mail newspaper – 1 in 4 cancers are missed or misdiagnosed in the UK. However the headline they omitted was – 90% of sarcomas are missed or misdiagnosed in the UK.

1% of radiotherapy patients may get a radio-induced osteosarcoma in later life.

85% of people with 4 of the following ‘signs’ will be a sarcoma:
– lump larger than 5cm
– increasing in size
– deed to the deep fascia
– pain
– any recurrence of a previously excised lump.

Only 15% of sarcoma patients make it onto the 2 week wait rule.

Average time that people live with symptoms BEFORE visiting a doctor for sarcoma is 1.5 years.

Shocking results that younger people don’t tell their parents/teachers/friends about lumps until they have to! Speak out about lumps – the earliest they are diagnosed they can be excised and treated.

Rob also spoke about a campaign that was carried out with GPs and golf balls. The premise was to alert GPs that any lump bigger than a golf ball (42mm) should have a diagnosis at a specialist sarcoma centre. Help spread the word!

The sarcoma patient experience (findings from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey) – Presentation 2 – Reg Race, Quality Health

Reg talked about the changes that have been influenced by the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey and some of the information that was highlighted by the results. For the most part the attached presentation slides are self-explanatory but the main highlights were:

Patients with a named cancer nurse specialist have a better prognosis. We need to ensure that within the NHS CNSs are available to all.

Did you know you were entitled to free prescriptions when undergoing treatment for cancer? Most don’t but the difference in cost to a patient can be crucial to them keeping up with the drug treatment.

Not enough information about sarcoma available AND given to patients. How can we improve this?

Sarcoma patients fare badly in referral and diagnosis times. More awareness needs to be made to the public but also referral routes for the professionals.

There is still a large (unresourced) quantity of emotional and psychological aspects to a sarcoma diagnosis.

Education for the younger population to be ‘body aware’, open to speak with adults about concerns and to report lumps and bumps when they first are noticed.

Some improvements have been made and we, collectively, need to continue to get changes made.

NHS sarcoma services: how are sarcoma services set up in the new NHS? – Presentation 3 – Professor Jeremy Whelan, Professor of Cancer Medicine & Consultant Medical Oncologist at The London Sarcoma Service, University College Hospital; Chair of the Sarcoma Clinical Reference Group

This presentation (see attached) shows in detail the structure (as it stands today) for the NHS within the new ‘world’. This may well change. However it’s clear from the slides that it’s complex, there are a great deal of aspects to consider and there are voices much louder than the sarcoma and rare cancer ones. We need to ensure that we are not forgotten. That our pathway is as robust as that of other more common illnesses.

Maximising the voice of sarcoma patients and carers in changing the current landscape – Presentation 4 – Derek Stewart OBE, Chair of Throat Cancer Foundation; Associate Director for Involvement in National Institute for Health Research, Clinical Research Network UK

Derek, as always, gave a truly engaging presentation. Derek spoke about the importance and value of the patient/carer voice. The various places that you can be involved and the level of involvement that you may wish to offer. There is much more available than there ever was and don’t be put off and assume it will become a full time job! Some committees and boards only meet twice a year. Others more often. Some roles can be done by email or online feedback and others require you to attend offices. Some simply by speaking about sarcoma or offering to drop in leaflets to local medical facilities.

The important message however is that no matter how you are involved, your voice is crucial to ensuring improvement and changes for the sarcoma landscape.

14-16:15 – Changing the Landscape for Sarcoma

There were four workshops arranged for the afternoon and we were each asked prior to attending the day to choose two to attend.

Supporting others/protecting yourself – practice techniques – Jo Ham

I had chosen this session as I have, within the past 4 years, supported others, spoken at events and participated in conferences without thinking about the impact it has on me. Of course I’m happy to give of myself whenever asked however often ‘retelling’ my story or delving into my experience can take me back to a place I never wanted to return. Supporting others I’d like to be better at, listening without offering answers or advice is something that I know I can improve upon. Lastly, loss. Losing friends to cancer, whether they be people I’ve known for years or know because of my diagnosis, is incredibly tough. Learning how to manage those emotions but not to switch off and stop feeling is also something I’m aware of needing.

Jo Ham, the facilitator for this session started by turning the workshop heading on it’s head. She explained that we should protect ourselves BEFORE helping others. A little like the oxygen masks on a plane – fix your own before helping anyone else!

Jo explained some techniques to protect yourself relating to anxiety, relaxation and breathing. Noticing anxiety appearing and how to take control of it. The A-W-A-R-E technique: Accept the anxiety; Watch the anxiety; Act with the anxiety; Repeat the above steps; Expect the best.

She explained about Dr Siegal’s hand model of the brain and how to use it effectively. Here’s a great clip

Breathing into the diaphragm and counting… in for 7 and out for 11. The 7/11 technique.

Below is a picture with a couple of the exercise notes. You should be able to click on the picture to enlarge and read.

We then did a short exercise about ‘reflective listening’ to help us support others.

A very useful workshop but indeed way too short in time to really be effective. Many of the exercises and principles were similar to ones I’ve learnt at Penny Brohn Cancer Caring Centre in Bristol. I was pleased when another workshop attendee suggested that people should get in touch with Penny Brohn and attend a Living Well course. Within my feedback and a conversation with Lindsey Bennister, I also suggested a collaborative event with Penny Brohn to host a Living Well course.

The power of your personal story: how to tell your story to raise awareness and bring about change – Graham Bound

Graham’s introduction to this workshop was to tell us about his experience with sharing his story, raising awareness for Sarcoma UK and the profile of Sarcoma generally. His background is as a writer (http://www.penguin-news.com/index.php/component/flexicontent/23-features/25-a-stange-sense-of-bereavement-by-graham-bound) and therefore has experience of dealing with written publications and telling your story. Graham explained his ‘journey’ and how valued a patient/carer experience is in so many ways. He spoke about how to write or be interviewed for a piece, the pros and cons, pitfalls and tips and tricks.

The main point was to ensure that we not only mention cancer but our types of rare cancer, Sarcoma and the charity Sarcoma UK in as many appropriate places as possible.

Graham’s account was very insightful, from the point of someone who has used the written word to speak about his experience and raise awareness. I wonder though if this workshop should be co-hosted by a media professional who can provide small vignettes and tips and tricks to work with the media – TV, radio and written word.

Final Plenary – Lindsey Bennister and Roger Wilson

I don’t think I was alone in wondering where the day had gone. Seriously it had flown by in what seems like minutes. The closing plenary reflected the same.

A wonderful day, too short in time, lots covered and lots to take forward to making it an annual event. Clearly it was a valued day by so many people. People at differing stages of their experiences and journeys and I hope one where all attendees came away with ‘action points’, clarification and new friends. I also hope the ‘professionals’ present also learnt from their day with patients/carers.

AnnaGoAnna Wallace

Glass, craft and me

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