Hotel runaways...

Long story, saving it for later, but we just ran away from our bed and breakfast, at 11.30 at night!!!

Now checked in at the Best Western, and I am once more, waiting my turn for the shower!!!!!!!!

The currency thing...

That last post probably made no sense at all!! 4 currencies in our purses...a few Australian dollars, a few Stirling, Euro, and Thai Baht. I think its very cool! This really is a trip beyond my wildest imaginations!!!

1 day, 3 countries, 4 currencies

Wow was yesterday (Thursday) a long day. Up at 5, at Victoria for the 7am bus to Dover, via Cantebury. Snagged the front seat, so had a lovely view the whole way. It's a really nice bit of countryside too! Arrived in Dover, waited in lounge for check in time. Got our first taste of what was to come - all the PA announcements were in French and English, the French obviously being not understood at all! Lol. The sky was lovely and blue for our trip, sun shining. And, must say, it was nice to see the cliffs, but they truly weren't anything spectacular! Could see them the whole way to Calais, which was nice - someone else was saying it isn't often you can see both countries... I'm not sure how true that is. Eventually made our way to Calais train station, bought tickets to Bruges via Lille. The train itself was really flash!! Eventually arrived in Bruges at 6.30. They delay at the ferry terminal was quite long... Mum was totally shattered though, so we went to the markets, bought some gorgeous jewellery, had dinner - set menu, full of Flemish traditional dishes... So we've had them now and can return to eating kebabs!! They look really nice here too!! Oh and some chocolates, sorry, pralines!!! Had a decent nights sleep, and moved on slowly this morning to the train station for trip to Ypres/Ieper for battlefields tour and Menin Gate experience tonight (silence and buglers play the last post every single night at 8pm). Should be good to do the tour with some rain - should provide a real trench warfare experience. It does all look like All Quiet On The Western Front actually, with slight modernisation, of course!!! Despite not understanding a word anyone is saying, we are ok, cos they realise our blank looks mean we need English. I feel a bit bad though, it shouldn't be up to other people to talk to me, even though I realise they are in the tourism industry etc. I have my little phrasebook and am prepared to use it, but haven't needed to yet! Oh, we sat in first class yesterday, didn't realise we were in it til the guard checked our tickets! Haha

Ok, well almost at the station we change trains at, so will hit send now!

Final Day in London...

... And it was Tony Blair's final day as Prime Minister. Were down that end of town and saw him depart Downing Street. Quite cool. Not a lot of protestors though, I felt. Quite apathetic they all must be. A few supporters there too. Went into Westminster Abbey - I was and I think mum was as well, quite disappointed with it. Ummm, what else did we do? We cooked our own dinner - had quite a feast actually! Booked our tickwts to Belgium for tomorrow. Oh, checked out the National Portrait Gallery. Saw lots of corners that I'm sure Mr Bean could sit in.

Didn't get to see Jeremy Bentham, but that's ok. I'll be back, much much sooner rarther than later. It took its time to grow on me, but it has. Won't be moving here though. But there is so much to see on holidays, and sooooo much to do.

Definitely enjoyed our time here, but also really looking forward to the next part of our trip. I just packed my bag up, and pulled my phrasebook out. Now the fun begins. England wasn't ever part of my real wish list for a holiday, so anything we have done,I consider a total bonus.

Being here for Tony Blair's last day was very cool!

Poor Weather and Pimms

Oh yeah, forgot to say, had our first drink in a London pub yesterday. Mum had a semi lesson in lagers and ales. And I tried Pimms. It was sooooo nice. Shall be buying that when I return home!

And the weather - it WASN'T poor yesterday. It was cold but not everywhere, just where the wind was howling. Andnot a drop of rain. There was even a bit of sunshine. Fingers crossed today is as lovely.

A different type of QUEEN

WOW, We Will Rock You absolutely rocked. The storyline was a touch pointless but who cares! The show was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere was beyond belief... And only a Tuesday night!!! It was brilliant. I am so glad I didn't see it when it was in Perth. It wouldn't have been half as good.

Last day in London today. Going to see Jeremy Bentham! Yeehah!

A few good palaces...

Kensington and Buckingham... The usual ones really. Kensington Gardens stunning. Absolutely beautiful. Not in a manicured way, but in a relaxed way. Had lunch at Kensington. Service not that flash! Obviouslythe pleb tourists don't deserve quality service. Garlic bread very different - whole cloves of garlic shoved in it! Lol! The Albert Memorial not as ugly as the guide books said! The Princess Di Memorial Fountain a bit simple - I think the Queen was a bit on the tight side when paying for that!! Buckingham Palace just a big building behind some gates. Nicer view from the War Memorial in Canberra too! Not had any rain yet today. Touch wood! Ok, mum has finished her postcards so off to Westminster Abbey now.

Wimbledon and the West End

Yesterday was THE BEST day! Headed off in the morning with the intention of doing the tourist trail, but the sun was shining so we thought it was worth risking Wimbledon. Oh, while I think of it, cherries at the fruit stalls here are dirt cheap. £2 for a pound. So $5 for 2.2kg. So, Wimbledon. It was sprinkling by the time we got there. So well organised at the other end - buses and taxis, all at a fixed fee, to take you to the club. Joined the queue, number 3387 and 3388. This was half 10 in the morning. Not bad at all. 6000 ground passes issued a day. Through security and we were in. Really quick. Started raining heavier. I had my strawberries and cream - they weren't the nicest of strawberries, I must say. Play start time was put back by an hour, then another. Eventually they started. After 2 games, 15 30 40 game, 15 30 40 game, they went off again. After waiting ages, we decided the practice courts would offer more action. We were right. Mauresmo, Nadal were both warming up, and a heap walking past on way to and from both play and practice courts, including Safin. Left Wimbledon about 5, quite content with a full dose of the Britishness of it all. It was sooo different to the Australian Open.

Back to hotel, dinner, shower, headed outto the theatre. Chicago! It was brilliant. I have not even seen the movie, so had no idea what to expect. The theatre experience was also amazing - icecream sales in the theatre at intermission, and drinks allowed to be taken in! Amazing really!!

A weekend in London

Arrived early Saturday morning after a long and uncomfortable bus ride, which gave both mum and I huge, swollen, puffy feet and ankles. Sooo painful. Had two very very ratso clowns behind us sort of, planning their morning out in Birmingham over the phone - first rang mum to tell her where they were going and that they'd be ok, then rang gary to order their cocaine. My god, it was sooo funny. I awoke as we went through oxford, at 5am. The sun was coming up, the sky was misty from the rain, and the place was beautiful. It was like a dreamland. Once we got to London, we easily navigated the streets and tube stations to find our way to hotel. Were far too early to check in, but we were able to sit in lounge. My feet were so sore that I jut crashed. Once we could get into our room (dorm room here) we showered then attempted walking on our feet. Walked to Oxford St, where I searched for some new comfy thongs. The ones I brought were like rocks. Found some, walked home in them, and the toe thing gave me blisters, so knew it was time I found some havis. Just wandered around a while longer, getting our bearings, then back to hotel, cooked dinner, planned our Sunday then bed.

Sunday we headed to the Spitalfields Markets, and Petticoat Lane. Didn't buy much but found some havis! Then made our way to Hyde Park (Speakers Corner) and started a hop on hop off bus ride. Stayed on most of the way, getting a feel for the place and listening to commentary. Hopped off in Knightsbridge, went to Harrods, bought tacky gifts, then made our way back to hotel to go out. Walked to Soho for dinner. Yummy meal too. For once!! Then walked to Trafalgar Square, through to Picadilly and back up. Cannot believe how busy it is on a sunday night! Unreal! Back to hotel about half 11, bed and sleep!

Now it is 8.40 Monday morning and I'm just booking tickets to We Will Rock You tonight. Off to see the tourist sites in more detail today, and crossing fingers that the rain clears for Wimbledon. Hoping to go tomorrow.

I'm not sure what I think of London yet. It doesn't grab me. I don't feel the urge to pack up and move here. I know already I'd like to come again for a holiday and see and do more. But it doesn't grab me in the 'oh my god it is so awesome I desperately want to move here' way.

Anyway, my turn for a shower.

Oh, I forgot to say...

I really really really like Liverpool! It's very cool!!!

Continued... (Liverpool)

Ok, i'm back. Waiting at bus stop for overnight bus to london, so time to type!

Anyway, bus to Birmingham from Bath... What an absolute dump that place is. I was in shock, to say the least. I had expected bad but it was far far worse than bad. I was so glad the bus was just stopping so we could get on another. Arrived in Liverpool just after 4pm. 3nitial feeling - looks like a great town.

After spending the afternoon on Thursday just walking around and getting our bearings, we bought some stuff for dinner at the supermarket, then had a relatively early night. We were in a hostel, so first time ever in one for mum. I don't think it was as bad as she expected, but I can't be sure.

Friday we got up and had a nice breakfast, then walked to Albert Dock. Booked tickets on the yellow duckmarine, waited for that. That was incredibly cool - saw both the key sites of the city and the river without having to move!!! After the duckmarine, we went into the Beatles Museum. That was interesting. Then the maritime museum, then accepted that the rain wasn't going to ease up, so got a taxi back to hostel to grab raincoats! Walked up to the Anglican Cathedral - the biggest in the UK, not exceptionlly pretty or whatnot, but very large. Contrasted that with the next church - the Catholic cathedral. It isn't particularly church looking from the outside but beautiful from the inside. We were there in time for evening mass so attended and I took communion. It was nice and Father Anthony O'Brien was easy to understand!!

Walked around the city a bit more, then drinks and dinner at the little old pub near Albert Dock. They had bitters, so we gave the bar staff lessons in lemon lime and bitters.

Now, sitting at train station waiting for bus! This will be interesting!!!!

Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, the Beatles!

Well, we headed off from Bath this morning, on the bus to Bristol. Would you believe that we were there EARLY and ended up on the wrong bus!!! (Just an earlier one so no big deal!) Just very very funny!! Me, early!?!?!??!?!?!?!

While at Bristol a guy had a fit and smashed his head on the floor. Everybody was so slow to help. Unbelievable.

The nice man in the newsagency fixed mum's suitcase and told her she had a lovely accent! She was thrilled!!

From there, we were on the bus to Birmingham...

oops, be back soon! out of credit!

Bloody Long Flight, Bath and Warm Beer!!!

I knew it was 24 hours, but had no idea how long 24 hours could feel!!
Lucky the spirits were free! I tried a few I've not had before, and
know that cognac is horrible - asked the flight attendant for a shot
over ice, got a whole 200mls! Ewwww. But anyway, the sleep came quite
easily, on both legs, so arrived here feeling quite refreshed. Were
very impressed with the service on plane... A good start! Heathrow
shocked us though. Immigration too quick and painless. Customs non
existant. Very weird... Or is it normal????? Anyone?? I'd like to
think it isn't . Train to Bath via London. Quite quick. Checked
straight into bed and breakfast, got changed and headed into town for
a kebab our Chiro recommended. It was a good kebab too!! Bath Spa
unbelievable - sooo old - sooo amazing. The town is gorgeous... If yuu
are in the tourist half, that is!! The non-tourist half is very
conveniently separated from the business district. Good thing it is I
must say- it is so noisy and stressful in that half!! The Abbey is
absolutely stunning. I'd hate to be the bride that walks down that
aisle in shoes she hasn't worn in. I think sneakers would be the best
option actually!!! Found a pub for a drink... What a disaster!! No
lemon lime and bitters, no lemon squash, offered lime squash. It was
lime cordial in WATER though, silly barmaid. And worse still... Mum's
beer was warm. No chance me learning to drink it if it is warm!!!!!
Also had dinner at the place. 2 meals for £9.99 special night.
Definitely not a meal eithe of us would like to repeat. Should've had
kebabs again!!!!Back to b n b and mum now asleep, and me nearly there
also. It has been a long few days. What can I say though.... Its
lovely, cute, beautiful.... All that stuff......!! But it's also hard
work... We are strughling with the accents - everyone mumbles.... And
the money?!?!?! Good grief.. Get rid of 1 & 2 pence coins already!!!
It is so weird having similar coins but all not right!!!! Anyway, off
to liverpool tomorrow. Shall see what the day brings!!! Must sleep
now!!!

Bloody Long Flight, Bath and Warm Beer!!!

I knew it was 24 hours, but had no idea how long 24 hours could feel!!
Lucky the spirits were free! I tried a few I've not had before, and
know that cognac is horrible - asked the flight attendant for a shot
over ice, got a whole 200mls! Ewwww. But anyway, the sleep came quite
easily, on both legs, so arrived here feeling quite refreshed. Were
very impressed with the service on plane... A good start! Heathrow
shocked us though. Immigration too quick and painless. Customs non
existant. Very weird... Or is it normal????? Anyone?? I'd like to
think it isn't . Train to Bath via London. Quite quick. Checked
straight into bed and breakfast, got changed and headed into town for
a kebab our Chiro recommended. It was a good kebab too!! Bath Spa
unbelievable - sooo old - sooo amazing. The town is gorgeous... If yuu
are in the tourist half, that is!! The non-tourist half is very
conveniently separated from the business district. Good thing it is I
must say- it is so noisy and stressful in that half!! The Abbey is
absolutely stunning. I'd hate to be the bride that walks down that
aisle in shoes she hasn't worn in. I think sneakers would be the best
option actually!!! Found a pub for a drink... What a disaster!! No
lemon lime and bitters, no lemon squash, offered lime squash. It was
lime cordial in WATER though, silly barmaid. And worse still... Mum's
beer was warm. No chance me learning to drink it if it is warm!!!!!
Also had dinner at the place. 2 meals for £9.99 special night.
Definitely not a meal eithe of us would like to repeat. Should've had
kebabs again!!!!Back to b n b and mum now asleep, and me nearly there
also. It has been a long few days. What can I say though.... Its
lovely, cute, beautiful.... All that stuff......!! But it's also hard
work... We are strughling with the accents - everyone mumbles.... And
the money?!?!?! Good grief.. Get rid of 1 & 2 pence coins already!!!
It is so weird having similar coins but all not right!!!! Anyway, off
to liverpool tomorrow. Shall see what the day brings!!! Must sleep
now!!!

The itinerary... sort of...

Perth to London, via Bangkok

From London –

 

Immediately to Bath

Then Liverpool

Then London (Wimbledon and Jeremy Bentham are the biggest highlights for Alycia at the moment)

Perhaps a day trip to Oxford, time permitting

 

Then ferry from Dover to Calais

Up to Belgium (not exactly worked out YET! But there will be a day and night in Ypres, including a battlefield tour of the Western Front, during which Debbi is sure she will be blown up by an unexploded device)

 

Then to Frankfurt for the two week tour:

Germany

Poland

Slovak Republic

Hungary

Austria

Czech Republic

Germany

 

Then from the end of the tour –

 

Italy (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre perhaps)

France (Cote de Azure, Princess Grace exhibition in Monaco, Versailles, Paris, perhaps Normandy, perhaps somewhere in Champagne, of course!)

 

Then home!!!!

10 days to go!!

Woohoo!!