Oliver Phillips blog from Watford Observer
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Oliver Phillips »
A somewhat home-made Gettysburg Address with a difference
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 28th July 2011
WHEN we were heading down to Virginia, USA, ostensibly to meet up with my wife Ellie’s old nursing colleague who she had not met in 40 years, we decided to take in a few sights on the way, such as Washington and Shenandoah.
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The USA does not have much history but they know how to present and preserve it
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 21st July 2011
THE Americans used to get annoyed at the way in which the Native American Indians talked of times long ago “before the time you call history”. The US white history is very short, but it is a subject over which they are immensely proud.
Oliver Phillips »
Where on earth has this carping voice of self-doubt come from?
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 14th July 2011
I HAVE been very fortunate. I have already referred to the 70th birthday party we had in France. That had snowballed into a far bigger production than originally schemed but it proved very enjoyable and memorable nevertheless.
Oliver Phillips »
San Sebastian - a city worth visiting a second time
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 7th July 2011
SAN SEBASTIAN (Irun in Basque) is quite a stunning city. I had been told it was special and it was that special I was not disappointed. It is said the city boasts the finest city beaches in Europe and while we have not traversed all the coastlines of the continent, I can imagine it is likely to be so.
Oliver Phillips »
Three days in La Rioja was like a visit to fantasy-land for me
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 30th June 2011
AMONG the outstanding presents I received on reaching my 70th birthday was a treat from our youngest, Spanish-based daughter. She paid for three nights in a fine hotel in La Rioja, Spain.
Oliver Phillips »
Recession? Some retailers do not appear to realise they need to compete for the pound in your pocket
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 23rd June 2011
WHILE back in England, I decided to implement the results of some detailed research and pop into one of the multiples in Watford. I accepted the visit would cost me around £1,000 but the particular store was full of offers and deals, so I felt confident I would obtain value for money.
Oliver Phillips »
Motorway caution is not encouraged by slap-dash signage
Posted on 1:30pm Thursday 16th June 2011
IT had been a long drive up through France in our motor-home and we had been buffeted by strong winds as we reached the Pas de Calais. Those winds had also disrupted the ferry services and so our 5.20 sailing did not leave until almost eight that evening.
Oliver Phillips »
Hard to spot similarities with Watford in US twin town
Posted on 11:09am Tuesday 7th June 2011
THERE are times, such as when driving over the expansive bridge and taking in the sweep of Mainz, when you wonder quite how people came up with the concept of twinning certain towns with each other.
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