Bulgaria 2013 - Day 3 - Lidl, Gin o'clock & Bulgarian Bulges

Well, as suggested in yesterday's entry, we ventured forth this morning to obtain supplies from the nearest supermarket, Lidl. All the usual fare that this group has to offer plus a lot more. The vegetable section was fantastic as was fresh fish. Mrs CT decided that I am to cook fresh trout on the BBQ this evening accompanied by a dill and butter sauce with a Greek Salad and Potato wedges. Doesn't want much?

Many other things were purchased including a chicken for traditional Sunday roast but most importnatly tonic water, wine and beer. No guessing what is about to happen from the next picture or even what time it is - yup Gin o'clock.

A nicely full fridge that will keep us going over the weekend. (Note the already prepared salad in the bowl by Mrs CT).

So after homemade ham salad rolls for lunch the clouds put in a brief appearance so we thought the pool bar would be a good distraction. A couple of large Cosmopolitans and beers were shared with Beeney junior and Miss Kelly. Once I managed to tear Mrs CT away from ogling the Bulgarian workers, enjoying a dip in their tight speedos, with even tighter buns and what I can only describe as frontal protuberances, we had a dip in our own pool.

You may just glimpse the top of our chariot for the next 2 weeks - the mighty Aygo. I will explain more about this tiny little dinky toy in another blog.

Only one thing of importance tomorrow - sport and lots of it - watching it with a couple of small accumulators (accas) already placed. Laters xx

Menorca 2012 Day 6 - Gin, Tonic & Tomatoes

One thing we have learnt in our short time on the island is that the Menorcans are rather fond of a good G&T. So much so they have developed it into an art form.

To begin with I must explain that the Brits brought gin making to the island in the 18th century and it has since become the national spirit. At our hotel cocktail bar, The Blue Cafe, it is not sufficient to just ask for a G&T, you must specify which one of 8 gins AND which one of 4 tonics. I kid you not! A bit like trying to order " a coffee" in Starbucks and failing.

As you can see, what we would think are up market gins, Bombay and Tanqueray, are well down the pecking order. (BTW prices are for a treble as you will see from the next pictures). All sorts of different accompaniments are thrown in, from the humble lime all the way to cherry tomatoes.

This first one is your standard Bombay & Schweppes (the pint glass is there for scaling purposes only).

Even some of the 18 year old girls from around our way who can "chug" for England, would take a while to finish one of those. You know who you are Miss JB and Miss LR.

This next one is the house speciality, Gin Mare, Tonic 1724, lime juice, sugar, mint, basil and yes, cherry tomatoes. Weird yet delicious!

We are off for a tour of the gin distillery on Saturday (after the shopping expedition of Mahon, naturally). The next person who asks for a G&T at our house is in for a treat, pleasant or not!