Alan Ayres

Theatre, TV & film, digital media, B2B marketing. BAFTA Member, ex-BBC Television, occasional traveller, foodie

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

We have lost Alan Yentob, visionary film-maker on cultural icons, popular controller of BBC TWO, later BBC ONE, where he commissioned (he won’t mind me saying) Eldorado. Approachable, erudite, witty, creative, he will be greatly missed. (He even proposed me as a BAFTA member)

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

The snow-capped Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau peaks tower over the dinky cog railway that rumbles up from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte. Gorgeous hikes up here, hotel and restaurant, but it all closes for the winter on 20 Oct. My lovely sister and friend Marion brought the sun

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Headed to #Switzerland and beautiful #Lucerne before heading into the Alps

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Up up and away into the #BlackForest to visit #Titisee, nestled by a lake. Dramatically different to the Rhine’s riverside towns, it’s not unlike the Highlands of Scotland - except there are vineyards!

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Taking our 135m ship through a lock near Alsace is a bit of a tight fit on the #Rhine.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Saddened to hear that #MaggieSmith has died. Working with her and 10-yr-old #DanielRadcliffe on BBC’s #DavidCopperfield back in 1999 was as memorable as it was joyful. Her wit, talent and warm embrace of the entire company is an enduring memory. A true legend has left us.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

At least he’s honest about what he wants…seen in Strasbourg today. Donations welcome😳 #booze #alcohol

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Crossing into France to #Strasbourg, a melting pot of history and culture, flip-flopping between German and French control during two world wars. No wonder they’re confused. Good vibe, too many pâtisseries🙄

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Delicious choice of food with sparkling service from our diverse crew on #Riviera’s Oscar Wilde. Tuna Tataki starter, roasted duck breast with a sweet potato gratin & carrott purée, finish with Rochebaron, Blue Stilton & Tiltsiter cheeses and port. Bliss.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Our ship is 135m but squeezes into a lock on the approach to #Strasbourg. The freight traffic on the #Rhine is remarkable, plus 250 trains in each direction on the banks.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Still cruising down the #Rhine, Speyer is a gorgeous small town of 50,000 people. A cultural hub for festivals, with a gigantic UNESCO cathedral and vibrant centre. What’s not to like! #rivercruise

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Leisurely, luxurious and blissful, with interesting places to visit, great food, entertaining company: perfect #Rhine river cruise. #Rudesheim was bijou and welcoming, flaming brandy coffee (named after the town) was a treat. Dancing to Abba after dinner unexpected😳

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Stunning #RhineGorge views from our #Riviera cruise ship: precipitous vineyards, beautiful waterside towns, towering castles and forests as we glide past #Loreleystadt and #Bacharach towards #Rüdesheim

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

#Koblenz was rocked by invading hordes from Romans to Russians (awkward silence) and devastated by the Allies during the war: we bombed it. Sitting on the confluence of the #Moselle & #Rhine rivers, it’s grand, not especially beautiful, but with a fascinating history.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Dinner on #RivieraCruise at #Cologne unhurried and delicious. This ship has only 167 guests, no crowds! Sea bass, chicken, risotto or pork fillet among the choices. Open seating so you’re not limited to one table

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Joined our cruise ship, Oscar Wilde, in beautiful #Cologne…very friendly crew, lovely cabins. The #Rhine adventure begins tomorrow with a cruise to #Koblenz.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Just two hours on excellent #Eurostar service London to Brussels. Blissfully quiet, fast and smooth…helped by delicious Prêt à Manger salmon and avocado salad. Good offerings from the on-train buffet too, not expensive!

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Check-in at St Pancras for #Eurostar to Brussels is a snaking queue to go through TWO passport controls - UK exit and EU arrival - into a packed departure lounge! A triumph of bureaucracy. Thanks Boris.

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Great day at #OldBuckenhamAirshow in Norfolk. Spectacular flying displays of vintage aircraft plus some modern surprises, like a Pitts aerobatic biplane with two jets bolted on the side, ascending vertically like a lift. The awesome RAF Typhoon blew our socks off with raw power

[Alan Ayres @meedya]

Up to 2hr queue for day ticket wristbands at @LatitudeFest yesterday…what went wrong? Friends missed acts.