Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day Seven
Otherwise known as our Paris Romp!... Another test in stamina!
Another 4:00 am wake up alarm!... a 5:30 am taxi ride (even the tube isn't going that early!) to catch the 6:55 am Eurostar (high speed train) for the two and a half hour journey to (including crossing under the water of the English Channel via the Chunnel!) to Paris, France!
To be honest, we were more than a little bit nervous about venturing to a country where we didn't know the language alone. But, with Antoine's assurance and countless hours of help and instructions (both verbal and written) we took courage and with maps and directions in hand, we set out on another adventure.. and what a marvelous grand adventure it was!
What an amazing city! All of the vast "icon sights" that all us know through media or literature, are something to behold. It is only by being able to experience them in person, up close and personal, can you truly appreciate their splendor an amazing history!
This whole trip has been a gentle reminder that, though wonderful as it is, what a young country (relatively speaking) the United States is.
Though we walked pretty much non-stop from the time we arrived at 10:30 am until we had to return to the train station at 6:45 pm and as in the other places that we have visited this week, were able to see many of the most visited sights, we were by no stretch of the imagination able to do more than touch the tip of the iceberg give them the exploration and attention that they merit. But even with that said, and the cost being unbelievealbly high, it is an experience I will truly treasure for as long as I live!
Contrary to what I had heard prior to traveling to visit Paris, I found the people to be extremely kind and helpful!
Another 4:00 am wake up alarm!... a 5:30 am taxi ride (even the tube isn't going that early!) to catch the 6:55 am Eurostar (high speed train) for the two and a half hour journey to (including crossing under the water of the English Channel via the Chunnel!) to Paris, France!
To be honest, we were more than a little bit nervous about venturing to a country where we didn't know the language alone. But, with Antoine's assurance and countless hours of help and instructions (both verbal and written) we took courage and with maps and directions in hand, we set out on another adventure.. and what a marvelous grand adventure it was!
What an amazing city! All of the vast "icon sights" that all us know through media or literature, are something to behold. It is only by being able to experience them in person, up close and personal, can you truly appreciate their splendor an amazing history!
This whole trip has been a gentle reminder that, though wonderful as it is, what a young country (relatively speaking) the United States is.
Though we walked pretty much non-stop from the time we arrived at 10:30 am until we had to return to the train station at 6:45 pm and as in the other places that we have visited this week, were able to see many of the most visited sights, we were by no stretch of the imagination able to do more than touch the tip of the iceberg give them the exploration and attention that they merit. But even with that said, and the cost being unbelievealbly high, it is an experience I will truly treasure for as long as I live!
Contrary to what I had heard prior to traveling to visit Paris, I found the people to be extremely kind and helpful!
Day Six
I title this one a long, crazy, expensive, but wonderful day in Ireland!
To start with, I love Ireland and one day will NEVER be enough time for even a piece of Ireland!
We woke up to the blaring of our alarms at 4:00 am! On the tube at 5:30, next the Stansted Express train to arrive at the Stansted Airport to board the 8:00 flight to Shannon Ireland! (Thanks Mia for holding my hand and for so patient in babysitting me through the complicated arrange to make sure that we were where we needed to be when we needed to be there... we couldn't dine it without her!)
Next to the car rental desk and then ready or not... right side of the road or wrong side of the road... we buckle the seat belts of our mini Nissan Micra and equipped with GPS (THANK HEAVENS or we still might be there... on some little road, someway!) we hit the road!
What a fun time we had! Carl did a great job driving on the other side of the road (with only two little errors, not counting the our expensive 40 euro, equals about $65, parking ticket that we got in Ennis). We were able to see a lot of amazing countryside, unbelievable views of the Atlantic Ocean, quaint villages, fascinating castles, abbeys, friaries and ruins, including the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, St Mary's Abbey, The Burren, Quinn, Doolin & Ennis! The day just went too fast and there was so much to see and do!
So at 8:30 pm as we sat on the plane flying back to London that we were more than a bit discouraged and disappointed that we had missed so much that we had dreamed of do, including visiting more villages just to be able to stroll around exploring the shops, spending time relaxing in the pubs and visiting with the locals. Everyone that we meant were so congenial and helpful and we would have loved to experience more of the culture. But, with all that said and done, some was definitely better that nothing!!
So, the finish the adventure after the plane, the train and the tube back we we back home at about 11:30 pm!
PS... Carl insists that I not leave out the part about my near miss pedestrian vs London Cab encounter. Needless to say, when in London don't forget to look LEFT! Boy, that was a close one!!! It took a little while for the heart rate to return to normal!
To start with, I love Ireland and one day will NEVER be enough time for even a piece of Ireland!
We woke up to the blaring of our alarms at 4:00 am! On the tube at 5:30, next the Stansted Express train to arrive at the Stansted Airport to board the 8:00 flight to Shannon Ireland! (Thanks Mia for holding my hand and for so patient in babysitting me through the complicated arrange to make sure that we were where we needed to be when we needed to be there... we couldn't dine it without her!)
Next to the car rental desk and then ready or not... right side of the road or wrong side of the road... we buckle the seat belts of our mini Nissan Micra and equipped with GPS (THANK HEAVENS or we still might be there... on some little road, someway!) we hit the road!
What a fun time we had! Carl did a great job driving on the other side of the road (with only two little errors, not counting the our expensive 40 euro, equals about $65, parking ticket that we got in Ennis). We were able to see a lot of amazing countryside, unbelievable views of the Atlantic Ocean, quaint villages, fascinating castles, abbeys, friaries and ruins, including the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, St Mary's Abbey, The Burren, Quinn, Doolin & Ennis! The day just went too fast and there was so much to see and do!
So at 8:30 pm as we sat on the plane flying back to London that we were more than a bit discouraged and disappointed that we had missed so much that we had dreamed of do, including visiting more villages just to be able to stroll around exploring the shops, spending time relaxing in the pubs and visiting with the locals. Everyone that we meant were so congenial and helpful and we would have loved to experience more of the culture. But, with all that said and done, some was definitely better that nothing!!
So, the finish the adventure after the plane, the train and the tube back we we back home at about 11:30 pm!
PS... Carl insists that I not leave out the part about my near miss pedestrian vs London Cab encounter. Needless to say, when in London don't forget to look LEFT! Boy, that was a close one!!! It took a little while for the heart rate to return to normal!
Day Five
Today Carl & I braved the subway on our own! And, what a grand adventure it was!!
We left the house about 10:00, made our way South Kensington Station, bought a couple of all day passes and off we went!
First stop... Nottingham Hill with a stroll down the lane to see some of the mansions and embassies, Hyde Park for a a look at Kensington Palace & Gardens including the Orangery, unfortunately, we we not able to go inside as they were closed and more mansions and embassies (Israel was the only one with armed military outside and signs prohibiting photos, however, I sneaked one later on at the bottom of the street). We ate great brunch at the Goat Tavern Pub on High Kensington Road.
Next on the agenda,... The London Harley Store on King's Road. We made it to King's Road with no problems, but turn right when we should have turned left, walked for about 5 blocks, happened on a postal lady, delivering the mail and decided to make sure we were at least heading in the right direction and imagine that... we weren't!!! Who would have thought that the same street would change right in the middle to NEW King's Road? So, we turned around and in short order we we at Warr Harley Davidson, which we discovered is Europe's oldest Harley dealership opened in 1924!
Since we had all of London available within in subway range for the day, we decided we would like to spend a bit more time at Westminster. So, we boarded the tube and away we went only to discover that it too was closed for the day, but we received a bonus!... the reason it was closed was because the Queen, Albert, Prince Phillip and Camilla were inside for Commonwealth Day! We only had to wait about 10 minutes to get to see and photograph them all! What a treat!!
By then it was starting to get late so we hopped on the bus at Trafalga Square, then hopped off the bus a few blocks later rushed back to Trafalga to retrieve Carl's backpack that we accidently left at pub then hopped back on the bus and made our way to Piccadilly to see the original Hardrock Cafe!
By then it was dark and cold, so two buses and two subway rides later we made it home with only great memories, fun pictures and tired feet to report.
We left the house about 10:00, made our way South Kensington Station, bought a couple of all day passes and off we went!
First stop... Nottingham Hill with a stroll down the lane to see some of the mansions and embassies, Hyde Park for a a look at Kensington Palace & Gardens including the Orangery, unfortunately, we we not able to go inside as they were closed and more mansions and embassies (Israel was the only one with armed military outside and signs prohibiting photos, however, I sneaked one later on at the bottom of the street). We ate great brunch at the Goat Tavern Pub on High Kensington Road.
Next on the agenda,... The London Harley Store on King's Road. We made it to King's Road with no problems, but turn right when we should have turned left, walked for about 5 blocks, happened on a postal lady, delivering the mail and decided to make sure we were at least heading in the right direction and imagine that... we weren't!!! Who would have thought that the same street would change right in the middle to NEW King's Road? So, we turned around and in short order we we at Warr Harley Davidson, which we discovered is Europe's oldest Harley dealership opened in 1924!
Since we had all of London available within in subway range for the day, we decided we would like to spend a bit more time at Westminster. So, we boarded the tube and away we went only to discover that it too was closed for the day, but we received a bonus!... the reason it was closed was because the Queen, Albert, Prince Phillip and Camilla were inside for Commonwealth Day! We only had to wait about 10 minutes to get to see and photograph them all! What a treat!!
By then it was starting to get late so we hopped on the bus at Trafalga Square, then hopped off the bus a few blocks later rushed back to Trafalga to retrieve Carl's backpack that we accidently left at pub then hopped back on the bus and made our way to Piccadilly to see the original Hardrock Cafe!
By then it was dark and cold, so two buses and two subway rides later we made it home with only great memories, fun pictures and tired feet to report.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Day four-London
Today, being Sunday, was a kind of lay back day. Carl & I went to the Hyde Park Ward Fast & Testimony Meeting beginning at 9:00 am, which was conveniently located just around the corner from Antoine & Mia's home. The people we very diverse and the congregation included at least 10 missionaries! The testimonies touching and the spirit was abundantly present.
Midday we all went to brunch at a fun local neighborhood pub. Sunday is roast day (kind of like home, huh?) and the food was again delicious!
Later, we took a cab to Oxford Street and meandered around the Mayfair area to see the American Embassy and some of the high class hotels like the Hilton, the Park Lane and the Dorchester. This is still, as in centuries past, some of the top real estate own by royalty. After seeing where the rich and famous hang out we took a stroll through Hyde Park (Well, not all of it! Though it was sunny, it was still very cold and the park is very big and we were too cold and tired to continue... sigh!). So, we went down the street to the little bread market to pick up some bread and returned early to call it a day!
Midday we all went to brunch at a fun local neighborhood pub. Sunday is roast day (kind of like home, huh?) and the food was again delicious!
Later, we took a cab to Oxford Street and meandered around the Mayfair area to see the American Embassy and some of the high class hotels like the Hilton, the Park Lane and the Dorchester. This is still, as in centuries past, some of the top real estate own by royalty. After seeing where the rich and famous hang out we took a stroll through Hyde Park (Well, not all of it! Though it was sunny, it was still very cold and the park is very big and we were too cold and tired to continue... sigh!). So, we went down the street to the little bread market to pick up some bread and returned early to call it a day!
Day three-Cotswold
Mia & Antoine planned a day that was so wonderful it is impossible do it justice in the telling! We all piled in the car at about 10:00 am and headed northwest to the Cotswold area! What a treat! It was just like stepping back in time to the 1800's. The cottages, the stone walls and the quaint villages with the old churches and graveyards were just fascinating (to say the least).
Our first stop was a rustic, pleasant pub called The Swan with excellent authentic English fare and an atmosphere to match. It was delightful to just sit by the fire eating, laughing and relaxing.
We then journeyed on, stopping at other villages along the way such as; Broadwell, Northleach, Buford, Burton-on-the-Water (yes, that really is it name) and finishing the day enjoying our first genuine, English "afternoon tea" at the Cotswold House in Chipping Campden before returning to London.
It truly was a day right out of the storybooks!!
Our first stop was a rustic, pleasant pub called The Swan with excellent authentic English fare and an atmosphere to match. It was delightful to just sit by the fire eating, laughing and relaxing.
We then journeyed on, stopping at other villages along the way such as; Broadwell, Northleach, Buford, Burton-on-the-Water (yes, that really is it name) and finishing the day enjoying our first genuine, English "afternoon tea" at the Cotswold House in Chipping Campden before returning to London.
It truly was a day right out of the storybooks!!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 2 - London
Today was a very long day, sunny, but cold and still lots of fun!
We started out about 9:00 am! Walked through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace (kind of got to see the changing of the guard). Next we walked around the corner to see the Royal Mews but they don't open until March 20th so we stopped at the Bag of Nails Pub for some hot chocolate and Fish & Chips. They were delicious!!
We decided then to get a lay of the sights by taking a "Hop On, Hop Off" bus tour. It was very nice, highlighting most of the popular stops, was very informative and included a boat cruise on the Thames!
Unfortunately, we missed the last bus and figured it wouldn't. Be that big of deal to just walk back and it wouldn't have been bad if we hadn't got lost and wandered aimlessly around the city. London is definitely one of these places that makes true the saying "You can't get there from here." None of the streets are straight and just because they go in the same direction as another doesn't mean they will ever connect! It took us 4 hours to walk from Big Ben back to the house whi h should ha e taken half that time. And we were to stubborn and chep to take a cab or the subway. But, just when we were about to give up a nice young man helped us find our way! We made it back just as Antoine & Mia were ready to call in the Calvary. There is still tons to tell, but it is after midnight with another fun day planned for tomorrow.
PS.. I will add some pictures later but I can't seem to figure put how tonight! ;o)
We started out about 9:00 am! Walked through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace (kind of got to see the changing of the guard). Next we walked around the corner to see the Royal Mews but they don't open until March 20th so we stopped at the Bag of Nails Pub for some hot chocolate and Fish & Chips. They were delicious!!
We decided then to get a lay of the sights by taking a "Hop On, Hop Off" bus tour. It was very nice, highlighting most of the popular stops, was very informative and included a boat cruise on the Thames!
Unfortunately, we missed the last bus and figured it wouldn't. Be that big of deal to just walk back and it wouldn't have been bad if we hadn't got lost and wandered aimlessly around the city. London is definitely one of these places that makes true the saying "You can't get there from here." None of the streets are straight and just because they go in the same direction as another doesn't mean they will ever connect! It took us 4 hours to walk from Big Ben back to the house whi h should ha e taken half that time. And we were to stubborn and chep to take a cab or the subway. But, just when we were about to give up a nice young man helped us find our way! We made it back just as Antoine & Mia were ready to call in the Calvary. There is still tons to tell, but it is after midnight with another fun day planned for tomorrow.
PS.. I will add some pictures later but I can't seem to figure put how tonight! ;o)
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