How time fly's; our last full day in London. This was a special day indeed, as Sarah, Tracy her flat mate, Judy and Lloyd, spent the day and evening soaking up London culture. We went to CamdenTown, an area of markets and shops on the streets. Very busy, very different, a million people in a small area. Another culture shock for Lloyd. Lots of youth, in various states of style and dress and decoration. You name it we probably saw it....and Judy did manage to purchase another purse there, a funky one. We were joined for a while by Nathan, Sarahs Alberta friend.
We then made our way by transit to Victoria station and walked to the River Thames area by the London Eye. We walked along the river area, experiencing the sights and sounds, and were joined by several of Sarahs Canadian teaching friends for dinner. Nathan and his parents, who were visiting him from Alberta joined as well. We had a great dinner. After dinner it was more strolling along the Thames and eventually holding up at an outdoor bar where we all socialized, overlooking the London skyline and Thames. Had to keep pinching ourselves to be sure it was true.
After a day and night of touring and socializing we headed off to the trains, tubes and buses for our rides back to the flat. A marvelous day, and a great ending to a wonderful trip.
Our return to PEI was without incident, airplane left on time, arriving in Halifax 30 minutes ahead of schedule. After picking up our car in Halifax, Judy and Lloyd got their Tim coffees, drove to PEI and were greated in Stratford by Judy, Mark, Melissa, Robbie, Mia and Griffin.
Great trip, great to be home. We are truly blessed!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Paris, wonderful Paris
The Paris leg of the trip was wonderful. Our train across England, under the channel and on to Paris was a 2 and 3/4 hour trip, very comfortable and very fast. We found our accommodation with little trouble and headed out for our first evening in Paris. We visited the Eifle Tower, went up to the 2nd level, about half way to the top of 990 feet, and breathed in the spectatular view of Paris at night.
We purchased 2 day open tour bus passes for 29 Euros, and used this transportation system to see and hear about the historic attractions Paris has to offer. Four tours, stopping at 50 attractions. We visited the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, didn't see the huntchback though, a second trip to the Eifel Tower, and of course a trip down the Moulin Rouge, and several other places and things of interest. Paris is a well laid out city, lots of trees and open spaces, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants. People were more laid back then the Londoners. Hard to know when they work as all the outdoor cafes are crowded from morning til nite.
Looking out our hotel room, to the small street below, it was interesting to see trucks unloading the days produce and suppplies; sides of meat sling over the butchers shoulder, uncovered, carried into the butcher shop, and loaves of bread, uncovered, being carred to the small groceterias and bestros. We wondered about sanitation. Such a modern city in some ways, and so backward in others!
On our last night in Paris we ate at a Hard Rock Cafe, outside enjoying the food, drinks, sights and sounds of Paris. Great atmosphere.
Our return trip to London was without incident, another enjoyable train ride on the Eurostar.
We purchased 2 day open tour bus passes for 29 Euros, and used this transportation system to see and hear about the historic attractions Paris has to offer. Four tours, stopping at 50 attractions. We visited the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, didn't see the huntchback though, a second trip to the Eifel Tower, and of course a trip down the Moulin Rouge, and several other places and things of interest. Paris is a well laid out city, lots of trees and open spaces, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants. People were more laid back then the Londoners. Hard to know when they work as all the outdoor cafes are crowded from morning til nite.
Looking out our hotel room, to the small street below, it was interesting to see trucks unloading the days produce and suppplies; sides of meat sling over the butchers shoulder, uncovered, carried into the butcher shop, and loaves of bread, uncovered, being carred to the small groceterias and bestros. We wondered about sanitation. Such a modern city in some ways, and so backward in others!
On our last night in Paris we ate at a Hard Rock Cafe, outside enjoying the food, drinks, sights and sounds of Paris. Great atmosphere.
Our return trip to London was without incident, another enjoyable train ride on the Eurostar.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
touring South England
Monday was the first visit to the English country side as Lloyd, Judy and Sarah bussed to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath. Our tour guide provided great commentary along the way and gave an interesting hsitory of the attractions. Stonehenge stands in the middle of a field in a rural area of Southern England. Great engineering accomplishment; an 800 year project over 3000 years ago. Some many unanswered questions!
From Stonehenge, we travelled to Salisbury where we had lunch in a pub, where else! and visited a cathedral. This is a wonderful edifas constructed in only 36 years in the 1200's. This is a great archicturtural structure, very elogant and in our opinions, as impressive as the Abbey, although fewer tombs. This building houses one of the authentic reproductions of the Magna Carta. There are only 6 of these in the world, and they were scribed by hand by Monks, using a quill pen. The one we saw was over 900 year old.
Bath is a very interesting city of 80,000 persons. It is known for the healing power of its bubling, hot springs. It has a world known hospital there for healing arthritis. In Roman days, the Romans constructed very elaborate bath houses and saunas, and the rich lived very pampered lives, however when they left the Victorians let the filtering systems fall into disrepair, and parts of the ancient city were buried in silt. It was in the 1800's when some excavation uncovered the ruins of the baths. The place is kinda magestic, very beautiful and a very expensive place to own property and live. A wonderful place to visit though, and a must see.
We are using this day to relax and do some local siteseeing and shopping in the area of the flat. Sarah was off to school this morning, to check out her classroom and prepare for Monday. Tomorrow, (Wednesday) we three are off to Paris, via the Eurotrain, under the English Channel. Should be an enchanting time in Paris. We'll report on the Paris experience at the weeks end.
From Stonehenge, we travelled to Salisbury where we had lunch in a pub, where else! and visited a cathedral. This is a wonderful edifas constructed in only 36 years in the 1200's. This is a great archicturtural structure, very elogant and in our opinions, as impressive as the Abbey, although fewer tombs. This building houses one of the authentic reproductions of the Magna Carta. There are only 6 of these in the world, and they were scribed by hand by Monks, using a quill pen. The one we saw was over 900 year old.
Bath is a very interesting city of 80,000 persons. It is known for the healing power of its bubling, hot springs. It has a world known hospital there for healing arthritis. In Roman days, the Romans constructed very elaborate bath houses and saunas, and the rich lived very pampered lives, however when they left the Victorians let the filtering systems fall into disrepair, and parts of the ancient city were buried in silt. It was in the 1800's when some excavation uncovered the ruins of the baths. The place is kinda magestic, very beautiful and a very expensive place to own property and live. A wonderful place to visit though, and a must see.
We are using this day to relax and do some local siteseeing and shopping in the area of the flat. Sarah was off to school this morning, to check out her classroom and prepare for Monday. Tomorrow, (Wednesday) we three are off to Paris, via the Eurotrain, under the English Channel. Should be an enchanting time in Paris. We'll report on the Paris experience at the weeks end.
our Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, with no easter eggs to find, Lloyd and Judy joined with Sarah and 10 others to provide food to homeless persons, at the base of Waterloo bridge. Sarah does this once a month with the group from a local church, who have been doing this for several years. The program is called "The Kings Table". Lloyd ladled stew, while Judy and Sarah made and poured tea and coffee. We did this for over one hour before we reached the end of the que. Several came back for seconds, thirds, fourth and even fifth helpings. These persons are for the most part living on the street, without employment. They were grateful and polite, and were happy to engage in conversation. Apparently some of the same individuals have been coming each Sunday for food for years. In addition to the food we gave out chocolate bars, bananas, oranges and easter eggs. Whatever was left over, loaves of bread, litres of milk etc. were given to those who asked.
After 2.5 hours, we gathered up the tables and supplies, the organizers headed out and we three took the tube to Holy Trinity Brompton (Sarahs church) for the 5:00 pm Easter service. Very contemporary service with lots of young persons. Judy and Lloyd would be some of the older ones in the congregation of 250-300 persons. After church, we headed over to the Bunch of Grapes, a London pub, for dinner. Sounds hypotricial dosen't it....from church to a pub, however it's quite the common thing here.
After 2.5 hours, we gathered up the tables and supplies, the organizers headed out and we three took the tube to Holy Trinity Brompton (Sarahs church) for the 5:00 pm Easter service. Very contemporary service with lots of young persons. Judy and Lloyd would be some of the older ones in the congregation of 250-300 persons. After church, we headed over to the Bunch of Grapes, a London pub, for dinner. Sounds hypotricial dosen't it....from church to a pub, however it's quite the common thing here.
London;out & about!
Friday & Saturday were spent in Central London, visiting places and attractions weaving throughout crowded streets and squares, under 20 degree sunshine. Faboulous days.
On Friday, our visits included Picadelli Circus; Trafalgar Square (Canadain Embassy is directly across the street); Covent Garden, with buskers, markets and more people; The Maple Leaf, the Canadian pub; Hemleys, a large multi story toy store. We ate a a place called Gourmet Burger, a New Zealand restaurant specializing in burgers. We also stood at the foot of Big Ben. We visited the grounds where the Queens (or at least of some royalty) horses are stabled. We also strolled in a large park, where we met an older english couple who regularly feed the squirrels in the park. The gentlemen was anxious to talk with us and provided some very interesting history about the area, the park, the animals and birds. He has been one of several we met who indicated, during conversation, their dislike for the current parliament of Tony Blair. We then took what seemed like a 10 mile walk along the River Thames and ended this day with a tour of "The Clinc", an early prison in London.
Our Saturday visits were to Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London. The Abbey is a wonderful building, so full of history. It was interesting to learn that it apparently does not receive any public funding, but is sustained from admission fees and donations. The structure is quite well maintained however it must be an enormous cost to keep it in repair. Our tour of Tower of London was very interesting and informative. We spent an hour with one of the 32 Beefeaters who actually live at the tower who conducted a tour with commentary. The Tower grounds are closed every night at midnight and no one can enter or exit. For this purpose, a doctor and a chaplain live within the Tower grounds, in the case of illness or death of one of the residents. A few soldires are housed here in addition to the Beefeaters. The Tower is used for some training purposes, and is the home of the crown jewels, which we saw. Military and those using the Tower must use a password to access the grounds and areas. This password is changed every day and the same word has never been used ever, in the history of the Tower. At the Tower we heard of the horific executitions and torchure of royalty, religous leaders and the occasional real criminal. The British were a very gory lot indeed! This day ended with us waiting for a delayed train which was eventually cancelled, and then scurrying off to a bus stop or two, and then an unexpected walk to the flat.
On Friday, our visits included Picadelli Circus; Trafalgar Square (Canadain Embassy is directly across the street); Covent Garden, with buskers, markets and more people; The Maple Leaf, the Canadian pub; Hemleys, a large multi story toy store. We ate a a place called Gourmet Burger, a New Zealand restaurant specializing in burgers. We also stood at the foot of Big Ben. We visited the grounds where the Queens (or at least of some royalty) horses are stabled. We also strolled in a large park, where we met an older english couple who regularly feed the squirrels in the park. The gentlemen was anxious to talk with us and provided some very interesting history about the area, the park, the animals and birds. He has been one of several we met who indicated, during conversation, their dislike for the current parliament of Tony Blair. We then took what seemed like a 10 mile walk along the River Thames and ended this day with a tour of "The Clinc", an early prison in London.
Our Saturday visits were to Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London. The Abbey is a wonderful building, so full of history. It was interesting to learn that it apparently does not receive any public funding, but is sustained from admission fees and donations. The structure is quite well maintained however it must be an enormous cost to keep it in repair. Our tour of Tower of London was very interesting and informative. We spent an hour with one of the 32 Beefeaters who actually live at the tower who conducted a tour with commentary. The Tower grounds are closed every night at midnight and no one can enter or exit. For this purpose, a doctor and a chaplain live within the Tower grounds, in the case of illness or death of one of the residents. A few soldires are housed here in addition to the Beefeaters. The Tower is used for some training purposes, and is the home of the crown jewels, which we saw. Military and those using the Tower must use a password to access the grounds and areas. This password is changed every day and the same word has never been used ever, in the history of the Tower. At the Tower we heard of the horific executitions and torchure of royalty, religous leaders and the occasional real criminal. The British were a very gory lot indeed! This day ended with us waiting for a delayed train which was eventually cancelled, and then scurrying off to a bus stop or two, and then an unexpected walk to the flat.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Lost.........and found!
How can one ever describe a vacation in Venice? We left London for a 2 hour £55 cab ride to our Ryanair flight to Trevsio Italy. Flew right over the Swiss alps, on a beautiful clear day. From Treviso, we bussed to Piazza Roma then took a water taxi to Per Rialto, then Sarah navigated Lloyd and Judy by foot through several of the winding streets and paths to our Hotel, San Lio. We chilled out that evening, Lloyd experiencing a little culture shock.
Lloyd's description 'a marvelous place to get lost from the world'. Judy's description 'a magical place to visit'. Sarah's description 'Italian's love their open bars'.
While in Venice we visited/toured/walked all over St. Mark's Square and surrounding area, then took a water taxi to Murano, Burano and Torcello islands and saw glass blowing, lace making and the ruins of the oldest known church in Italy.
Other notes of interest include Sarah giving Judy a lesson in dealing for purses on the African market, more interesting was seeing Judy putting those lessons to real use. Also as all tourists do in St. Marks square we fearlessly fed the pigeons. Our diet during our stay there consisted of pizza, pasta and more pizza.
Lloyd wonders how many mystery novels include Venice as an escape route or a way to hide from the law. By the end of our journey in Venice we were so confident in our navigation skills we walked all the way from Per Rialto to our bus stop in Piazza Roma, a one hour hike through streets, paths, bridges, canals, waterways, squares and trails.
Upon our arrival back at Stansted airport we were greeted by our private cab driver who took us on a 2 hour, hair raising 80 mph ride back to Sarah's flat.
Lloyd's dinner back in England was traditional English banggers and mash which he really enjoyed.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
After a great breakfast of pancakes, streaky bacon, croissons, orange juice and coffee, Lloyd, Judy and Sarah headed out to the Museum of Natural History.
Great museum in a grand old building made of stone decorated internally with unbelievable carvings, etc. After visiting the museum we had a picnic on the lawn and then were off for a stroll. Guess what, we ended up at Harrod's once again. At 5:00 we went to Sarahs church,
Holy Trinity Brompton, a Church of England church, famous for the ALPHA program, used around the world. We also saw the Boujis a club frequented regularly by Prince Harry and William. Didn't see them though! We returned to the flat at 8:00pm to a great roast pork dinner, carrots, gravy, brocolli and cheese complements of Tracy, Sarahs flat mate. We are being pampered here!
We are packing our bags tonight as we fly to Italy on Monday morning for 4 days in Venice. We look forward to reporting on our endeavours in Italy on Thursday.
Great museum in a grand old building made of stone decorated internally with unbelievable carvings, etc. After visiting the museum we had a picnic on the lawn and then were off for a stroll. Guess what, we ended up at Harrod's once again. At 5:00 we went to Sarahs church,
Holy Trinity Brompton, a Church of England church, famous for the ALPHA program, used around the world. We also saw the Boujis a club frequented regularly by Prince Harry and William. Didn't see them though! We returned to the flat at 8:00pm to a great roast pork dinner, carrots, gravy, brocolli and cheese complements of Tracy, Sarahs flat mate. We are being pampered here!
We are packing our bags tonight as we fly to Italy on Monday morning for 4 days in Venice. We look forward to reporting on our endeavours in Italy on Thursday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)