Vroooooom

Bank holiday today, and my mad boyfriend wanted to go into work! So I had to think fast and come up with a plan for the day that would convince him to take it off. Before I knew what I was saying I blurted out "transport museum" and we were on our way.

Those who know me know that I *love* cars, and have more than a passing interest in buses, trains, planes etc, but I'm always utterly disappointed by the transport museum. Apart from a 1994 Ford Mondeo the place doesn't seem to have changed at all since I was about 5 years old. And it seems to be in a permanent state of refurbishment, with half of it shut, so I don't think I've ever had to pay the entrance fee (I do have a feeling there is some new stuff, but it's in the bit that's never open). They do have some lovely vehicles, like this Merc 230 SL, and lots of interesting information about local history. With the collection they have it could be really great, but they just don't show it off to its full potential. Maybe it's because I always go in winter, maybe they gear it up a bit better for the tourists in the summer time... they could certainly do with some signs, or maps, or any kind of information at all about what's open and what isn't, which doors you're allowed to walk through and which you aren't etc.

Anyway, my boyfriend, in contrast, loved it. He's been nagging me to go since we started going out over 3 years ago, but I always resisted. I got lots of pictures of him beaming from ear to ear while standing on various different types of trains. So I think I've been a bit harsh - the 10th time you visit, you probably won't enjoy it, but the first time you might :)



Water update

We have water! It was pretty grim for a while there though, the situation just seemed to be getting worse every day, so on New Years Eve we decided to drive to the other side of the country for a shower at my parents house. Long way to go to get clean but it was worth it! We stayed there until the 2nd, while NI Water sorted the situation here. It's still not totally back to normal, our water has been off overnight and the pressure is still low (and occasionally explosive with air bubbles in the pipes!), but it's getting there. In the meantime our toilet has broken and won't stop refilling, leading to a torrent of water gushing from the overflow, handily situated right above the entrance to our building. So we're currently turning the water supply to the toilet on and off using a screwdriver every time we need to flush. If it's not one thing it's the other! :)