AutoStrada. Strange name for a cafe, inconspicuous and not something you’d take notice of driving past. Hidden away in Cheltenham, near Southland, at first glance is just another small-time cafe. It’s surroundings don’t help to make it any more noticeable with run down shops and inactivity being the norm. (What drew me was the green bold banner with its strange name.) However, once you step through the doors, you find a simple and relaxing atmosphere (the way that cafes should be, really).

Ordered a Long Macchiato and Latte. Priced at $2.90 each, both were excellent and displayed the character of the coffee.

Long Macchiato: had, in my opinion, a bit too much milk doing more than staining the coffee. However, the coffee itself was full-bodied and slightly bitter. Yet, as you come accustomed to the coffee the bitterness comes out even more.

Cafe Latte: was pretty close to perfect. Presentation was proportionally perfect. The froth had a silky texture, the work of a good barista. The coffee itself was a further reflection, maintaining the body of the coffee, yet still smooth but overly milky.

As pictured above, there is a courtyard located out the back (it was a rainy day otherwise I’d be there) which would be perfect for functions. Food-wise, while I didn’t sample any, are averagely priced with snacks (slices etc) ~$3, focaccias ~$9 and mains ~$15. For being in Cheltenham, this place is a gem.

Originally, I was running an international (Japanese) version of Windows and Safari struggled with the bi-lingual setting I had placed it in. From the "discussions" on the Apple board, it seems the same issue is still recurring in the latest update. Personally, now running on an English version of Windows, it gave me some odd errors when closing down which I still haven’t been able to resolve and no solutions from Apple either.

Apple claims that Safari loads websites almost 2x faster than Internet Explorer (in my view isn’t a difficult feat) and 1.7x faster than Mozilla Firefox. While this claim may be founded (from observation), it certainly doesn’t do much when everything else isn’t working in line.

Overall, until Apple gets their act together and delivers a fully working product, it’ll be unlikely that I’ll be moving from Firefox. On a more positive note, Safari is an extremely easy-to-look-at, easy-to-use browser. It’s not overly complicated, everything you need is on hand. It has the streaked metallic Apple look found, also, in its iTunes and Quicktime line-up.

In due time, we’ll see if Apple makes a concerted effort to break into the Windows browser network. Macs have already been invaded by Microsoft (just won’t stop will they) and Mozilla has its footing in the door also. I’ll be waiting to see where they go with it.

Apple Safari website

Vikings had occupied London and had called upon Lord Uhtred to join them and while at the same time, Lord Uhtred is oath bound to King Alfred. The story progresses to tell of his struggle between the two powers and how he, alone, will shape the future of England.

Cornwell’s ability to tell the story is simple, easy-to-read and attractive. Writing from a first-person perspective of Lord Uhtred, Cornwell brings us into the world of 9th century England without overbearing the historical context, but brings it alive as through he was Lord Uhtred himself recounting the days past. The story is action-packed with raging battles and schemes as Lord Uhtred walks the path before him.

For any person who enjoys a well-told story; a mix of romance, politics, war and personality it is a well recommended book.