So I decided to post the pictures in albums of the different cities, makes it a bit easier for everyone to look at 1 or 2, then come back to them later. You may have to copy and paste the link, but once you have used the link, just click on "My Gallery" and you can easily see the other albums. Sorry, there are no captions or descriptions under the pictures, but you'll get the gist of it!
(Egar, Hungary) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100201
(Budapest, Hungary) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100208
(Vienna, Austria) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100222
(Munich, Germany) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100240
(Paris, France) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100251
(Edinburgh, Scotland) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100265
(Glasgow, Scotland) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100273
(Dublin, Ireland) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100288
(Manchester, England) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100295
(Pembroke, Wales) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100305
(Cardiff, Wales) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100309
(London, England) http://gallery.me.com/tcreger#100311
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Day 25, Friday August 14th. London, England (Harpenden)
I only heard the family leaving this morning at 5 am. Rhys sounded so excited as he watched for the taxi from the upstairs window, "it's here daddy, to take us to see Hannah", so cute!
I slept in much longer then I had expected today, but I think it was needed. I then ponder if it is worth going into "the City" today at all. It cost $19 round trip each day I go on the train (luckily, Diana has given me her underground pass, so that's free to me), but I'm cheap and it's already cost me $60.... hmm. I hung out at the house for quiet some time, just re-organizing my stuff and thinking about what to do. When I decided to just walk around Harpenden for a little while. It's a pretty nice neighborhood. A lot of cute shops and tons of Land Rovers and BMW's around, I guess this is the place to be. I walked passed a Reality office and in the window was pictures of homes in the area, they are all around 1 million pounds, that a lot more in dollars! LOL. But as like other towns in the UK, some of the places close for a few hours in the afternoon and I had just missed the fish and chips place for lunch shift, damn. So I found a bar that had the fish n chips as the lunch special for the day, sweet! Pretty good too. As I went to walk around some more and make a final decision on going into London, my feet were acting up again. I have to carry the big bag again tomorrow and I'd really like to not have issues with walking, so a day of rest was probably in order. There really wasn't much that I missed on my list. Some people told me I really needed to see the National Museum and other told me see the Tate Museum and probably Harrods, oh well, next time I guess. I was also told that on the 2nd trip, it's suggested to check out some of the neighborhoods that are famous, Notting Hill, Chelsea and places like that. So that's a good idea for then as well. The weather today was quiet chilly and gray as well, so not real motivational, lol.
I ended up sleeping for a couple of hours when I got back to the house and then forced myself to get up. I did boring stuff like printed my e-ticket for the plane tomorrow and typed this blog and so forth. I will probably finish with about the same thing tonight, other then getting completely packed and I head out at about 8 am. I'm sure this will be the last post, for hearing about going home on a plane isn't all that exciting. I really can't believe it's over, but I feel like I've been gone for months. It'll be nice to be home! This is one vacation I will never say, "it was too short".
Thanks for reading and following along, I hope you enjoyed my fun and mishaps!! I'll be sure to get a photo album up very soon, with my over 1500 pictures (I'm sure I can cut that down by a couple hundred), and I'll post a link on here.
Cheers
I slept in much longer then I had expected today, but I think it was needed. I then ponder if it is worth going into "the City" today at all. It cost $19 round trip each day I go on the train (luckily, Diana has given me her underground pass, so that's free to me), but I'm cheap and it's already cost me $60.... hmm. I hung out at the house for quiet some time, just re-organizing my stuff and thinking about what to do. When I decided to just walk around Harpenden for a little while. It's a pretty nice neighborhood. A lot of cute shops and tons of Land Rovers and BMW's around, I guess this is the place to be. I walked passed a Reality office and in the window was pictures of homes in the area, they are all around 1 million pounds, that a lot more in dollars! LOL. But as like other towns in the UK, some of the places close for a few hours in the afternoon and I had just missed the fish and chips place for lunch shift, damn. So I found a bar that had the fish n chips as the lunch special for the day, sweet! Pretty good too. As I went to walk around some more and make a final decision on going into London, my feet were acting up again. I have to carry the big bag again tomorrow and I'd really like to not have issues with walking, so a day of rest was probably in order. There really wasn't much that I missed on my list. Some people told me I really needed to see the National Museum and other told me see the Tate Museum and probably Harrods, oh well, next time I guess. I was also told that on the 2nd trip, it's suggested to check out some of the neighborhoods that are famous, Notting Hill, Chelsea and places like that. So that's a good idea for then as well. The weather today was quiet chilly and gray as well, so not real motivational, lol.
I ended up sleeping for a couple of hours when I got back to the house and then forced myself to get up. I did boring stuff like printed my e-ticket for the plane tomorrow and typed this blog and so forth. I will probably finish with about the same thing tonight, other then getting completely packed and I head out at about 8 am. I'm sure this will be the last post, for hearing about going home on a plane isn't all that exciting. I really can't believe it's over, but I feel like I've been gone for months. It'll be nice to be home! This is one vacation I will never say, "it was too short".
Thanks for reading and following along, I hope you enjoyed my fun and mishaps!! I'll be sure to get a photo album up very soon, with my over 1500 pictures (I'm sure I can cut that down by a couple hundred), and I'll post a link on here.
Cheers
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day 21, Monday, August, 10th. Pembroke, Wales
I awoke to a grey, rainy day, boo! I was to expect it, since that is typical Welsh weather, but I couldn't help feeling just a little bit disappointed. So I packed up and grabbed a "Coastal Cruiser" bus and went to Angle, Wales. It is a little village/town on the coast of Wales and had access to the Coastal Path. This path goes for something like 100+ miles, it is part of the Pembrokeshire National Park, but I wasn't going to do much more then a couple. I had to carry both my bags along the path, so it wasn't going to last a long time. It was beautiful, but cloudy and I'm sure, AGAIN, my pictures didn't capture "My Wales". But I was happy I got to do that much walking, the rain had stopped, just in time for me to walk! When I got back on the bus, there were 2 employees of the bus system and after talking with them for a little while, they kinda gave me a tour. As we stopped in other little towns, the driver would stop long enough for me to get off the bus and snap a couple of pictures, it was awesome! I hope they come out too.
When I got back to Pembroke, I decided to just to jump on a train and head into Cardiff, to hit Hard Rock Cafe #6 of the trip, took about 3 hours . It was located a block from the train station and the bus station was across the street.I weighed my options of taking the train the rest of the way to London about 88 pounds, or to get a bus. At the time of checking at the station, it was 61 pounds. But after talking with someone at HRC, found out I could go online and get it MUCH cheaper. So I pondered my options and hit the McD's for the internet. Hard Rock Cafe was really cool at this one and super cheap for some reason. So I had a steak! This should make up for the lack of food yesterday, haha. People were really nice and friendly too. Something that is not found at all HRC's.
Online, I found a bus ticket for 12 pounds, wow, much better then 88 for the train, so I guess I'm taking a bus. I also had decided by this time of day, about 9 pm, that I was going to stay in Cardiff for the night. I liked Cardiff, even though I was told it sucked, there was something about it that was cool. The Castle was just down the street too. I ended up staying at a Travel Lodge and it was a nice clean double bed room! Sweet, until the parties started, ugg, what is it with people having to party in the street. Oh well, that's my story about Wales. Still very disappointed about loosing 2 days to traveling, but what can I do. I did find out, once I got to Pembroke, that there is a ferry that goes direct from Ireland to there.... WHAT!?!? I told you the people at information in Dublin were horrible. I would have had time during the day on Saturday to make my way South, then take the ferry over. But, I would have had to figure out a time to get to Manchester, and I met so many cool people, that maybe that was the way it was supposed to be.
When I got back to Pembroke, I decided to just to jump on a train and head into Cardiff, to hit Hard Rock Cafe #6 of the trip, took about 3 hours . It was located a block from the train station and the bus station was across the street.I weighed my options of taking the train the rest of the way to London about 88 pounds, or to get a bus. At the time of checking at the station, it was 61 pounds. But after talking with someone at HRC, found out I could go online and get it MUCH cheaper. So I pondered my options and hit the McD's for the internet. Hard Rock Cafe was really cool at this one and super cheap for some reason. So I had a steak! This should make up for the lack of food yesterday, haha. People were really nice and friendly too. Something that is not found at all HRC's.
Online, I found a bus ticket for 12 pounds, wow, much better then 88 for the train, so I guess I'm taking a bus. I also had decided by this time of day, about 9 pm, that I was going to stay in Cardiff for the night. I liked Cardiff, even though I was told it sucked, there was something about it that was cool. The Castle was just down the street too. I ended up staying at a Travel Lodge and it was a nice clean double bed room! Sweet, until the parties started, ugg, what is it with people having to party in the street. Oh well, that's my story about Wales. Still very disappointed about loosing 2 days to traveling, but what can I do. I did find out, once I got to Pembroke, that there is a ferry that goes direct from Ireland to there.... WHAT!?!? I told you the people at information in Dublin were horrible. I would have had time during the day on Saturday to make my way South, then take the ferry over. But, I would have had to figure out a time to get to Manchester, and I met so many cool people, that maybe that was the way it was supposed to be.
Day 24, Thursday, August 13th. London, England
My attempt to wake up early and spend some time with Rhys this morning didn't quiet work out. Kate really could care less that I'm visiting, but Rhys is having a good time with me. Kate was so very happy that "my Vanessa" (the nanny) was back from being on sick leave. I did get to see them for a little bit while they ate breakfast and then they are off to Portugal tomorrow for a 10-day Holiday with family.
I also attempted to leave the house early enough to see the "Changing of the Guard" this morning, but not at Buckingham Palace, there is another one that is less popular (crowded) that does a horseback parade down Pall Mall at 11 am. However, I got to experience the train delays and cancellations here. I didn't get to Pall Mall until 11:40 and I left a little after 10, ugg. Oh well, what can ya do? So I walk a little ways and decided to head toward Westminster Abby. I had to pass the House of Spencer on the way (family home for Diana Spencer, princess of Wales) and some other ones like that. While walking, I was passing Buckingham Palace and couldn't believe the crowd, what was going on? So I walked closer and found a place, right on the railing of the round about that is front of the palace. Something was a stir in front and I didn't think it was changing of the guards there, it was almost 12. So I asked someone, "do you know what's going on?", her answer was yes and wouldn't say anymore, probably didn't speak much English, fine, so I watched. And all of a sudden the gates opened and I saw the guard, they came out and went the opposite direction from where I was, of course. Then the marching band came out, followed by the less traditional guard, and they marched right in front of me!! It was pretty cool, I don't know how I got so lucky!
Once that excitement was over, I continued to head towards Westminster Abby. Without any distractions this time I found it, and then realized, I had actually seen it the day before but didn't know it. I was magnificent and I went inside (no photography) and it was 15 pounds to take the tour, no thanks, I don't need to see this cathedral that bad, even if it is the place where kings and queens are coronated and where Diana's funeral was. I did get some pictures of the outside thought. It's not as big as Notre Dame, but it is impressive.
The city was crawling with people today, it was a beautiful clear (ish) day. Next stop, Salvador Dali museum (or maybe lunch). I did eat lunch, then headed into the museum. Funny, all the big museums in London are free, all the ones I want to see have a fee. So I walked around for about an hour and a half, then my feet were KILLING me, but it was worth it, he is an amazing artist. So I thought it's be a good idea to get a package deal of the London Eye and a river boat. 20 minutes in line, just to get a ticket!! lol By now it was 4 and I had to take the boat ride 1st, at 4:45 then get on the eye. I found some grass to sit on and kick back in the sun.
The river cruise was cool, because they tell you what all the buildings are along the river and tell you what the significance of the bridges are and stuff. I really enjoy them. I even got a picture of the replica Globe Theatre, that was cool. You can still see productions in there, but it's an open air theatre and no umbrellas are allowed, you'd have to wish on a clear night/day for that show. Then the London Eye was awesome too. I was built in 1999 and opened in 2000 and was only supposed to be in operation for 5 years, it's been so successful, that it will continue to give rides until 2025. It takes 30 minutes to go in a full rotation and it never stops, you have to get on while it's still moving, kinda crazy. Since it was such a clear day, it was perfect for this ride in the sky, I'm glad I didn't do it yesterday.
My feet were feeling pretty good by this point, which I thought was kind of weird, but I had wrapped the bad one in electrical tape that I brought along with me, just in case, and it did a nice job. So I thought that I'd head back to Harpenden, since I did have a few tubes/trains to catch. Trains were still on a delay, wow!
I got back to the house, just in time to say goodbye to Rhys, one more time. Kate was already in bed. And I then just relaxed and left Diana and Julian to finish some work they had to do before they fly out. I got some internet stuff done as well. Then we all had a nice dinner and then said goodbye. I'll be here until Saturday, but they leave at 5 am, so I won't see them again before they take off. It was really good to see them and I hope I get a chance to come back again someday!
I also attempted to leave the house early enough to see the "Changing of the Guard" this morning, but not at Buckingham Palace, there is another one that is less popular (crowded) that does a horseback parade down Pall Mall at 11 am. However, I got to experience the train delays and cancellations here. I didn't get to Pall Mall until 11:40 and I left a little after 10, ugg. Oh well, what can ya do? So I walk a little ways and decided to head toward Westminster Abby. I had to pass the House of Spencer on the way (family home for Diana Spencer, princess of Wales) and some other ones like that. While walking, I was passing Buckingham Palace and couldn't believe the crowd, what was going on? So I walked closer and found a place, right on the railing of the round about that is front of the palace. Something was a stir in front and I didn't think it was changing of the guards there, it was almost 12. So I asked someone, "do you know what's going on?", her answer was yes and wouldn't say anymore, probably didn't speak much English, fine, so I watched. And all of a sudden the gates opened and I saw the guard, they came out and went the opposite direction from where I was, of course. Then the marching band came out, followed by the less traditional guard, and they marched right in front of me!! It was pretty cool, I don't know how I got so lucky!
Once that excitement was over, I continued to head towards Westminster Abby. Without any distractions this time I found it, and then realized, I had actually seen it the day before but didn't know it. I was magnificent and I went inside (no photography) and it was 15 pounds to take the tour, no thanks, I don't need to see this cathedral that bad, even if it is the place where kings and queens are coronated and where Diana's funeral was. I did get some pictures of the outside thought. It's not as big as Notre Dame, but it is impressive.
The city was crawling with people today, it was a beautiful clear (ish) day. Next stop, Salvador Dali museum (or maybe lunch). I did eat lunch, then headed into the museum. Funny, all the big museums in London are free, all the ones I want to see have a fee. So I walked around for about an hour and a half, then my feet were KILLING me, but it was worth it, he is an amazing artist. So I thought it's be a good idea to get a package deal of the London Eye and a river boat. 20 minutes in line, just to get a ticket!! lol By now it was 4 and I had to take the boat ride 1st, at 4:45 then get on the eye. I found some grass to sit on and kick back in the sun.
The river cruise was cool, because they tell you what all the buildings are along the river and tell you what the significance of the bridges are and stuff. I really enjoy them. I even got a picture of the replica Globe Theatre, that was cool. You can still see productions in there, but it's an open air theatre and no umbrellas are allowed, you'd have to wish on a clear night/day for that show. Then the London Eye was awesome too. I was built in 1999 and opened in 2000 and was only supposed to be in operation for 5 years, it's been so successful, that it will continue to give rides until 2025. It takes 30 minutes to go in a full rotation and it never stops, you have to get on while it's still moving, kinda crazy. Since it was such a clear day, it was perfect for this ride in the sky, I'm glad I didn't do it yesterday.
My feet were feeling pretty good by this point, which I thought was kind of weird, but I had wrapped the bad one in electrical tape that I brought along with me, just in case, and it did a nice job. So I thought that I'd head back to Harpenden, since I did have a few tubes/trains to catch. Trains were still on a delay, wow!
I got back to the house, just in time to say goodbye to Rhys, one more time. Kate was already in bed. And I then just relaxed and left Diana and Julian to finish some work they had to do before they fly out. I got some internet stuff done as well. Then we all had a nice dinner and then said goodbye. I'll be here until Saturday, but they leave at 5 am, so I won't see them again before they take off. It was really good to see them and I hope I get a chance to come back again someday!
Day 23, Wednesday August 12th. London, England
Time to head into the city!!! I got to spend a little bit of time with Rhys and Kate while I ate some cereal and I also chatted with Diana's husband Julian (he was out with work late last night). I then made a game plan, discussed it with Julian, called Buckingham Palace to get tickets for the tour and headed out. It takes about 35 mins on the train to get into London and I then had to figure out the tube lines. I of course ended up on a different tube then I originally wanted, so instead of going to the Old Baily 1st, I went to the Tower of London, it's the furthest away, so a good start. I also walked across the tower bridge and then along the south banks of Thames. I then walked back across a bridge, The London Bridge and jumped on the tube to Westminster, where I got to see Big Ben and the Parliament building. It was so exciting. I had a 2:15 time scheduled to see Buckingham Palace and I didn't want to miss it, I still had to pick up my tickets, so I walked along St. James park and headed straight for the ticket center, just in time to get in line at 2:05!! The Palace was fantastic, but I hear there are other Palaces that a little better. Oh well. So by the time I left the palace, I decided that since Hard Rock was so close, it was time to hit it. This is the VERY 1ST HRC, so it was really cool to me. The cafe and the store are in 2 different buildings, which seemed odd, but the store was HUGE in this one. Of course the novelty of this being the 1st draws alot of attention. The other cool thing to me was "the Vault", this was an area that they keep some really expensive guitars and other things from people like Lennon and Hendrix and it really was a vault for the Royal Family at one time, sweet. It was a small room, but really big for a vault and I had a couple of pictures of me taken on a couch, holding a guitar used by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and of course, I'm holding it wrong, hail the dork!
Once out of the Vault, I stepped outside to a rain storm, open umbrella, snap! LOL it had gotten a little bent in Wales, I guess and it wasn't going to make it through another storm. It worked well enough, I kinda used my hand to hold it up. Funny stuff though. It didn't last long and I headed over to Hyde Park while it rained anyways. The Diana, Princess of Wales memorial fountain is in Hyde Park and I wanted to see it really bad, it actually was quite a disappointment. The Queen, I'm sure, was in charge of putting as far away from the Palace as she could in that park, yikes it was far. It's a sad little memorial, that didn't really move me AT ALL, this, 2 weeks before the 12th year anniversary. So I slowly walked back to the tube to go see the Old Baily. I pretty much bounced around to all sorts of different spots in the city. I really did have a plan, but that went to hell, quickly. Along with the Old Baily, I got to see St. Paul's Cathedral as well. I didn't go inside either, because it was nearing 8 pm, but I enjoyed seeing them from the street. I then jumped on a tube and a train back to Harpenden to have dinner with Diana and Julian.
By now, my foot was to the point of needing to be iced, hmmm, I think I see a Dr's appointment in my near future. I did have an MRI performed on this same foot a couple of months ago, all due to an old "wedding shoe" incident. So I shouldn't be surprised by the pain. After ice, I soaked in a bath and hit the sack! AHHH
Once out of the Vault, I stepped outside to a rain storm, open umbrella, snap! LOL it had gotten a little bent in Wales, I guess and it wasn't going to make it through another storm. It worked well enough, I kinda used my hand to hold it up. Funny stuff though. It didn't last long and I headed over to Hyde Park while it rained anyways. The Diana, Princess of Wales memorial fountain is in Hyde Park and I wanted to see it really bad, it actually was quite a disappointment. The Queen, I'm sure, was in charge of putting as far away from the Palace as she could in that park, yikes it was far. It's a sad little memorial, that didn't really move me AT ALL, this, 2 weeks before the 12th year anniversary. So I slowly walked back to the tube to go see the Old Baily. I pretty much bounced around to all sorts of different spots in the city. I really did have a plan, but that went to hell, quickly. Along with the Old Baily, I got to see St. Paul's Cathedral as well. I didn't go inside either, because it was nearing 8 pm, but I enjoyed seeing them from the street. I then jumped on a tube and a train back to Harpenden to have dinner with Diana and Julian.
By now, my foot was to the point of needing to be iced, hmmm, I think I see a Dr's appointment in my near future. I did have an MRI performed on this same foot a couple of months ago, all due to an old "wedding shoe" incident. So I shouldn't be surprised by the pain. After ice, I soaked in a bath and hit the sack! AHHH
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Day 22, Tuesday, August 11th. Cardiff, Wales/ London, England
I headed out early to officially get a ticket to London. I went to McD's and bought it online, 12 pounds! Whoo hoo, that's like $20!!! But it was on a bus, oh well, it'll do. `It was to leave at 9:30 am, so I had a little bit of time to walk to the Cardiff Castle and get some pictures and then back to the bus station, all very close together. At 12:30, I'm in LONDON!!!! Wooo hoo again!
I found my way to another McD's to contact Diana, whom I'm staying with, to find out what "Tube" to take to her house. It was actually 1 tube and a LONG train ride to her place, it's not exactly in London, but it was great. I found the house, because the Diana's son Rhys was staring out his bedroom window, watching for me. He is just too cute. Since the train was so long, I decided that I wasn't going to get into the city today. Diana had stayed home today, because her nanny had Swine Flu and her husband, Julian, had a couple of meetings. So while Diana needed to do some work from home, I offered Rhys to go outside and play. He thought that it would be great to play football (soccer) and I explained that I'd never played before and I needed to be taught. He loved that idea, he also explained that his favorite team was Liverpool and that I was in the right place to learn football! lol (He's 4 1/2, btw). I took some pictures of Rhys playing and that's when Kate (the 2 year old) woke up from her nap. Of course then I had to get pictures of both of them. Rhys then taught me how to play Rugby, until there was a scraped knee and after a brief rest, we then played cricket. It was so much fun and to listen to their little British accents is the cutest thing ever!
So today was my rest day. I settled into my room and sat with the kids while they had there dinner. Then just did computer stuff during their baths. Once the kids went to bed, Diana and I had a lovely dinner and talked for a couple of hours, until it was really late for both of us.
I found my way to another McD's to contact Diana, whom I'm staying with, to find out what "Tube" to take to her house. It was actually 1 tube and a LONG train ride to her place, it's not exactly in London, but it was great. I found the house, because the Diana's son Rhys was staring out his bedroom window, watching for me. He is just too cute. Since the train was so long, I decided that I wasn't going to get into the city today. Diana had stayed home today, because her nanny had Swine Flu and her husband, Julian, had a couple of meetings. So while Diana needed to do some work from home, I offered Rhys to go outside and play. He thought that it would be great to play football (soccer) and I explained that I'd never played before and I needed to be taught. He loved that idea, he also explained that his favorite team was Liverpool and that I was in the right place to learn football! lol (He's 4 1/2, btw). I took some pictures of Rhys playing and that's when Kate (the 2 year old) woke up from her nap. Of course then I had to get pictures of both of them. Rhys then taught me how to play Rugby, until there was a scraped knee and after a brief rest, we then played cricket. It was so much fun and to listen to their little British accents is the cutest thing ever!
So today was my rest day. I settled into my room and sat with the kids while they had there dinner. Then just did computer stuff during their baths. Once the kids went to bed, Diana and I had a lovely dinner and talked for a couple of hours, until it was really late for both of us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
