Hastings
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm by David FarrarA bit of a late start Friday as I was trying to get UK maps onto the TomTom. I tried just installing the maps a friend e-mailed to me (100 MB) but that didn’t work as needed a product code. Tried buying a product code over the phone for them and did not work so then purchased online the maps and downloaded them. However spent best part of an hour trying to find the product code for them, so I could activate then. Finally phoned TomTom support and they told me the newer maps don’t need a code if you download them directly and all I have to do is turn the device on and it will work!!
Was worth the wait though as the GPS is just marvelous. The speed camera locations are great also, even though less need in the UK. In a major difference to NZ, their cameras are not at all hidden but well signposted at their specific locations.
On Friday morning we had a look around Hastings. I do have to say I somewhat prefer it to the Tukituki version 
Took a cable car up the hill to the old Hastings Castle. This was built by William the Conqueror in 1066. It has a wonderful view of the English Channel, being a few hundred feet up.
Then back in Hastings had lunch at this pub buit in the 16th century. It was wonderfully cosy.
I ordered a pot of mussels. Now we do not realise how spoilt we are in NZ with huge juicy mussels everywhere. Look at how tiny the mussel is – less than 1/4 the tip of the fork.
After lunch we headed North to Battle – where the Battle of Hastings was fought which changed English history.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Perhaps even the history of the world….
Vote:June 22nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Battle of Senlac Hill actually.
Vote:June 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
good point brain, i think it was the stirrup that won it for the Bastard, plus the stupidity of the english army falling for the old ‘look they are running away’ trick…twice, mind…
Vote:June 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
If you are hanging out for NZ mussels or indeed NZ Lamb, you can dine on them at Suze in Mayfair – an NZ run cafe/restaurant. Other good NZ inspired food/ coffee can be had at Provadores in Marylebone High Street, and a good flat white at Sacred in Carnaby Street, or “Flat White” a couple of blocks over in Soho. Monmouth coffee also do a good flat white at the Borough Market near London Bridge.
Vote:June 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
>tried just installing the maps a friend e-mailed to me (100 MB) but that didn’t work etc etc etc
Why not just buy a road atlas? They’re only about 6 quid.
Vote:June 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Flat White in Soho is deservedly a great place for the good stuff. The Kiwi Kitchen has now two restaurants open, but I’m thinking that eating Kiwi food while on holiday is a cop out, even if it’s superior to whats on offer here
Those mussels look like cockles!
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
A road atlas is way inferior to GPS. You need someone to be checking it constantly. If you miss a turnoff GPS just calculates a new route. GPS tells you where the nearest petrol station is etc.
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 am
The size of NZ mussels is actually a problem for our seafood industry. Dopey European consumers fear they are genetically modified and are afraid to buy them. So some of our mussel growers are actually trying to (naturally) adjust the gene pool to make them smaller. Another case of mad greenery over common sense.
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
That castle was not built in 1066 David. The 1066 structure was a Mott & Bailey. The stone once wasn’t laid until 1070.
The fist stone Normans castles wen’t started untill 1068. Clearly you need better qulified guide. I just happen to be free so just send the tickets to the usual address.
Brian do you think given the convention of letting the winners name the battle it should be known as Sanguelac rather than Senlac those fun loving Normans and their clever “Blood lake” punings!
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Who are the classy group outside the pub?
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
“Friends” of a visiting rugby team Sean.
Vote:June 23rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Think I would rather be in our Hastings during an earthquake.
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