A Belated Merry Christmas!

Yes, we're in Yorkshire again for Big Fat Gypsy Christmas II, so a couple of days later than intended here are some of our highlights.

Selfie on board the ferry from St Malo to Portsmouth. Sacha was mega-excited and running around. Luckily it was pretty quiet, and even he has to stop for grub.

Earlier on the dock-side at St Malo Papy looks a little frightened of the chauffeur

Walking down past Shipley Glen tramway to meet Kate for a coffee, with Nadine, Alfie, Sacha & Tine whilst Matt & Cynthia went Christmas shopping.

The Christmas table is all set to go. Not sure we'll all fit round next time!

Nadine's yummy Black Forest gâteau

The decking came in useful for the youngsters to let off steam

As usual the boxes are the best presents!

Alfie made some wonderful Christmas biscuits (with just a little help from Mamie)

At Stephen & Sally's the boys give us a concert...

...and Sacha introduced Alfie to his giant Winnie the Pooh.

These two innocent boys have just finished rough-housing on the bunk-beds!

But it's not just youngsters who can play out: a fun night with Matt's mates in Bingley

Season's greetings to all my faithful readers, and keep reading in 2017!

Agra: the Red Fort

We might not have visited the Red Fort in Delhi but we were really impressed with the one near Agra, the red stone beautifully set off against a perfect blue sky. I'll leave you to imagine the temperature on this cold first day of winter as I type this!

Pupils in uniform, very keen to practise their English 

Don't forget to look up!

Can you make out why everyone is looking towards the horizon?

Agra: the Taj Mahal

But firstly a couple of shots from the train:

Yes, water buffalo

Onto Agra and a quick turnaround at the hotel before our driver took us to the Taj Mahal. We certainly weren't disappointed. Just reviewing these photos brings it all back!

Big queues but we were whisked to the front

The entrance 'gate'

...with the happy tribe

Our first glimpse, and yes, it took our breath away

Someone disguised as a pirate... 

...whilst others played the young lovers.

We weren't the only ones in awe

One of the buildings alongside

A couple of views from the side

Fancy footwear for the visit inside (no photos allowed)

Workers on repair duty

Bright green parakeets in the trees

And finally, Shan & Big Dave on Lady Diana's bench (& yes, I had to Google it too).