Christopher's Online Journal

The last time was to see The Last of the Shadow Puppets, who were excellent, as was the accommodation out by the zoo. This time it was November and we stayed on the seafront, which was another good choice, as was Burlington's for a classical evening meal for Andrew's birthday. But best of all was the sunlight over the sea and the sands, to say nothing of the coffee and cake in the tea rooms, and in the Pavilion on the Royal Prince's Parade, where the great and the good had their words painted on the walls. This was a short break, highlighted by the sad goings-on at YCC which dominated the radio both going and coming home. The poetry is from the LOTSP time, here goes: Tears One girl For no apparent reason Is crying inconsolably Her teacher tries to calm her But with little success So she then turns To another child Who she says is always good-humoured And asks could she cheer up the sad girl Who does in fact steady herself But fails to allow a smile Which ough

For whatever reason the satellite navigation decided to take us on a countryside scenic route through Norfolk to Besthorpe, which meant we went via North Pickenham and Ashill, and charming places though they were we did feel a little disorientated, especially when the final instruction appeared to be taking us to a service station. Nevertheless we made it. The next day we looked at a map before continuing our journey, this time the route to SCVA seemed straight forwards and we duly arrived in time for cakes and coffee, also to wander around this wonderful art space which never fails to have an air of  serenity and calm. Our next stop was The Assembly House, a rather plush hotel which the sat-nav just did not want to find, though this was more likely due to half of Norwich being dug up, with more road closed signs than you could throw a stick at. But w e were in time for complimentary cream tea thanks to the neat 'talk-you-in' reception service. They  don't do dinner but gav