Gunky Wharf :-)))

Portsmouth holds many happy memories for us so there was no way we could come so far south on holiday and not pay a visit.

We first came here in 1994 (two years before Alan was born) on our way to France.  We were getting the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe.  David's uncle Bill and aunt Effie had retired and returned from living in Oman, to a lovely house on the outskirts of Portsmouth, so we stayed overnight with them. That set the tone for a few trips to France.

Later on, while they were still alive and after their deaths, we holidayed in a lovely little holiday cottage in Emsworth (that's were we were when I posted my first blip in 2011 :-))  

Of course a large part of those holidays were visits to Gunwharf Quays (Andrew my nephew got mixed up one year and called it Gunky Wharf and the name stuck :-)). Ele,  Kenny, Andrew and Jennifer came with us a few times and we all have fond memories of the area.  

And of course Ele and I spent many happy times having lunch under the Spinnaker Tower (David, Alan and I have been at the top of the tower.  See extra :-) followed by some retail therapy, but even though my arthritis was much less bothersome then, I was still in pain so walking was time restricted and I never did make it round all that shops I would have liked too.  Well today I made up for that!  :-)

We arrived in Portsmouth at midday but parking proved difficult as with the roof box on the car, it's too tall to fit in the multi-storey car parks.  Most the the streets around about are residential / permit parking only or controlled zones.  After a short drive around I finally spotted two empty blue badge spaces with no time restriction!  Result!  

Of course we got out of the car and had no idea where we were in relation to the Mall but google maps got us sorted and after a short walk we were there!  Shopping heaven!  But first lunch!

For old times sake we went to Zizzi's for lunch and had the best pizza I've had in ages.

Afterwards we went for a wander round some of the areas we hadn't seen before, then we hit the shops :-)

I had two things I wanted to buy.  A little summer handbag and a larger, neutral coloured handbag that would match most outfits.  Found a little floral delight in Osprey and the larger, neutral coloured bag in Kate Spade.  Woo hoo!  I usually never find what I'm looking for so great result!  And they were both at sale prices :-))

Stocked up on my favourite candles from Rituals and some makeup from Boots.  Popped into a gazillion other shops just because I could :-))  

Coffee and a scone then a quick drive along to Emsworth for old times sake.  Had hoped to park on the street the holiday cottage is on and wander along the path beside the sea into the centre of Emsworth but there was a sailing thing on and the road was full of cars so we just drove past the house then drove round the town before heading back.

Spanish chicken for dinner and have arranged to see Mae on Thursday.  We will visit Salisbury Cathedral in the morning, pick her up afterwards and take her for lunch, visit the skate park named after her son (who sadly committed suicide in 2019 age 28.  He was integral to the building of the skatepark) then drop her off and head back here to get packed for going home on Friday.  

It will be hard to leave this lovely place.

Yesterday’s scary exciting adventure!