Day 3 - Bus-ing About
We got on the bus in the morning and drove to a small town in Switzerland called Lauterbrunnen. That actually sums up the entire day.
Day 4 - Waterfall Explosion
This day was very nice. I woke up in the morning and my first visit was to the near-by waterfall. At first I thought it looked like a nice easy walk, but then it became really steep and by the end of it, I was completely stuffed. Any way I made it, except I couldn't go to the top, but I could sort of be behind the waterfall yet I couldn't reach it. Really sucked. Even more I couldn't get to the base because it was on private property.
I then went on to start walking around and got down eventually to another waterfall where I had to pay 11 Swiss Francs and then I was able to see 8 waterfall, but even more they were inside a cave. It was actually pretty awesome, and by the time I made it to the top waterfall, I was inside and it was so loud, I couldn't hear myself talk.
That was most of the day. I spent some time in a cafe, bought a book and went down to a small river part. Eventually made it back to camp and sat around with others, while they drank and stuff and just hung out.
Day 5 - Another Bus Adventure
This bus day was a drive to the French town of Nice. It was horrible. I would try to read my book and we would drive through a tunnel. I was close to screaming out of frustration. However that night we had dinner and I sat with Wendy, Emily and Bel and had a proper conversation and stuff. It was nice. We then went onto a place called Wayne's Bar and it was great. Except we were in the "pit" with a Contiki tour group, they were utterly smashed and the live music was incredibly loud. But still great night.
Day 6 - Lazy France
This day was kind of awesome. I walked down to the beach, climbed a tower to get a fantastic view and then down to the beach to sit around for hours reading and being served food and drink.
That night we drove to Monaco and went to a Monte Carlo casino. I played with 40 Euro. I started with poker against the dealer in which he didn't fully explain and I lost 30 Euro. Then I went and learnt how to play craps. My God it is so much fun. I broke even. Then earned some more, then lost it. Then I was the roller and wow, I made so much money. Except it was for everyone else on the table. However I still feel great in that they were all cheering for me and had fun.
Day 7 - Buus!
We drove to Florence. Went past the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Really, seeing a picture of it is enough for me. Then made it to Florence where not much happened.
Now I am bored of writing about this trip, so you have to wait. Again. Because I'm kool like that.
Yeah.
Topdeck Tour Highlights
Well well well, the Topdeck tour of 2011 was just pure amazing. I have one of the greatest times of my life and I am going to recommend to every person I meet that they find the time to do any trip overseas, because you will meet the greatest people in the world, make friendships that will last till the end of time and just see the world. While it does look that same to home at times, it doesn't matter because the environment itself is just so different and new. And yes you will feel like a fool in all these places when you can't understand a thing anyone is saying, but who cares.
Oh and second thing I will point out is to take a friend. It doesn't necessarily have to be a super close friend, but take a friend so that the fist day is not so daunting. But make sure the friend is outgoing. You have to be outgoing on these trips or, like me, you take like a week to make friends with people who you aren't sharing a room with.
But enough about the tours it self, I will now try my best to do a summary of my tour. There will be things that I have forgotten, or I don't think worth mentioning. There will also be things that I do mention, and you will want to hit me out of boredom from reading the dribble that I create. Either way this is how I choose to represent my trip.
Day 1 - The Grand Start:
That night's sleep was crap but I get up and go into the lobby and stand awkwardly among all the people and bags downstairs. Then a small woman comes up to me and introduces herself to me as Bec, my new tour leader. Soon after we move to the bus and drive to Dover. Skip to Dover, get on the boat and get to Calais.
So far so good, haven't really spoken to anyone, read the paper on the boat and was now waiting for the bus to arrive. During the wait a bird craps on my shoulder. Nice welcome. The bus eventually arrives, I get on, and like all kool kids go to sit at the back, and yes there is a seat. We drive to Paris. During the trip I meet Sudong, Philip and Angela, mostly thanks to the work of Bec who made like a forced introduction. I am eternally grateful to her for that. We get to Paris, check in and go for a night driving tour. Then back home and to bed.
Day 2 - Parisian Adventure:
I walked around by myself a lot. I know it sounds lonely and stuff like that, but it is what I do, I just explore in my own time and visit what I want. I remember seeing Notre Dame, The Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, Champs de Lycee, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The Luxembourg Gardens is my favourite place from the entire trip. They provide chairs, the garden is beautiful and I fell in love with it. That night was picnic dinner with the group. That was incredibly confronting because I really didn't know anyone and had to sit with other people. Thankfully God created Bel, Emily, Wendy and Kelsey who I sat with and chatted with. That night the group went to either a river cruise or a cabaret show. I just walked off and saw the Opera House and Madeline building. Then went back and went to sleep.
Time for a cliffhanger. It turns out writing this much takes a lot of energy, and I have had a really long day. So I am going to leave it at that for now and do some more later.
Oh and second thing I will point out is to take a friend. It doesn't necessarily have to be a super close friend, but take a friend so that the fist day is not so daunting. But make sure the friend is outgoing. You have to be outgoing on these trips or, like me, you take like a week to make friends with people who you aren't sharing a room with.
But enough about the tours it self, I will now try my best to do a summary of my tour. There will be things that I have forgotten, or I don't think worth mentioning. There will also be things that I do mention, and you will want to hit me out of boredom from reading the dribble that I create. Either way this is how I choose to represent my trip.
Day 1 - The Grand Start:
That night's sleep was crap but I get up and go into the lobby and stand awkwardly among all the people and bags downstairs. Then a small woman comes up to me and introduces herself to me as Bec, my new tour leader. Soon after we move to the bus and drive to Dover. Skip to Dover, get on the boat and get to Calais.
So far so good, haven't really spoken to anyone, read the paper on the boat and was now waiting for the bus to arrive. During the wait a bird craps on my shoulder. Nice welcome. The bus eventually arrives, I get on, and like all kool kids go to sit at the back, and yes there is a seat. We drive to Paris. During the trip I meet Sudong, Philip and Angela, mostly thanks to the work of Bec who made like a forced introduction. I am eternally grateful to her for that. We get to Paris, check in and go for a night driving tour. Then back home and to bed.
Day 2 - Parisian Adventure:
I walked around by myself a lot. I know it sounds lonely and stuff like that, but it is what I do, I just explore in my own time and visit what I want. I remember seeing Notre Dame, The Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, Champs de Lycee, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The Luxembourg Gardens is my favourite place from the entire trip. They provide chairs, the garden is beautiful and I fell in love with it. That night was picnic dinner with the group. That was incredibly confronting because I really didn't know anyone and had to sit with other people. Thankfully God created Bel, Emily, Wendy and Kelsey who I sat with and chatted with. That night the group went to either a river cruise or a cabaret show. I just walked off and saw the Opera House and Madeline building. Then went back and went to sleep.
Time for a cliffhanger. It turns out writing this much takes a lot of energy, and I have had a really long day. So I am going to leave it at that for now and do some more later.
It's all over now
My trip has finished. I am back at the Clink 78 and my trip has finished. Now I know that I have barely written about my trip, but it became a chore, and chores are not fun. hence I stopped writing on the blog. However when I am James and Julie's place I will take the time to write out the highlights of each of the places I visited. But still. It's over. I actually don't want it to end. Saying goodbye sucks.
Oh Geez!
Well I haven't been here in a while, not since Switzerland, so I think some dot points are in order:
- Took the bus to Nice, it was boring
- (Day in Nice) Went to the beach
- Forgot money and had to walk back to hotel
- Walked to beach
- Walked up stairs to get awesome view
- Chilled on beach
- Chilled on the beach for a few hours and was served drinks and food (It was beautiful)
- Went back to hotel to get ready to go to Monaco and Monte Carlo
- Learnt how to play craps (My God it is SO much fun!)
- Lost 40 Euro, but was worth it
- (Bus Day to Florence) Was so boring
- We stopped at Pisa
- Saw the leaning tower, not as impressive as I thought it would be
- Arrived in Florence and had dinner and stuff like that
- (Day in Florence) Had a walking tour
- It would have been a great one if I could have heard the lady, but alas it was still good
- Chilled
- Walked around
- Found a Garden Museum thing which was beautiful
- Would go back there again
- Chilled in internet cafe
- Found dinner place
- Jersey Shore walked past
- Went home
- (Bus to Rome)
- Boring as all hell
- Arrived in Rome in the afternoon
- Went on walking tour which was good, learnt a bit and also already knew a bit
- I was impressed that I knew anything at all
- Came home
- (Today)
- Not in Rome because I am going to come back myself and stay closer to the city
- Just relaxing, doing washing and being happy
- And yeah!
Switzerland
So today, I got up and didn't really wake up for a good hour. I was a wee bit tired. Then I eventually got up to have some breakfast and begin my stroll. I went to one waterfall, then walked for about 2 hours, and eventually got back to the Trumbennal (or something like that) falls. They were falls inside the mountain. It was incredibly loud, and I could barely hear myself talk; and I have good hearing.
Then I did some more walking, chilled in a cafe, traded The Lost Symbol for The Talented Mr Ripley. I then moved onto exploring some more eventually made my way to a river. It was gorgeous and I could spend all day there just chilling in a seat with a good book, sort of how I felt about the Luxembourg Gardens.
Then it was sitting around the river at the camping site with a bunch of people from the Topdeck group. Overall it is a good day. Tomorrow is another bus day.
Yay for me.
Then I did some more walking, chilled in a cafe, traded The Lost Symbol for The Talented Mr Ripley. I then moved onto exploring some more eventually made my way to a river. It was gorgeous and I could spend all day there just chilling in a seat with a good book, sort of how I felt about the Luxembourg Gardens.
Then it was sitting around the river at the camping site with a bunch of people from the Topdeck group. Overall it is a good day. Tomorrow is another bus day.
Yay for me.
Lack of internet!
So I haven't had much luck with the internet lately. Which is a bit of a massive pain, because it means I haven't posted about what has been going on the last few days, so I'm not going to write paragraphs, instead I am going to do it in dot point form and just say the interesting stuff:
- Had terrible sleep in hostel
- Woke up and joined the group on the bus
- Went to the Ferry
- Rode 90 mins to France
- Waited for bus
- Bird crapped on shoulder within one hour of being in France
- Drove into Paris
- Got to Paris and saw it was a little dirty, but not as bas as expected
- Had dinner
- Had tour around Paris at night time
- It was alright, but photos were shotty
- Went home and slept
- (Day 2) Got up
- Had Breakfast
- Grabbed bag and started walking
- Caught Metro to Gare Du L'Est
- Walked to Notre Dame
- Walked to Pantheon
- Walked to Luxembourg Gardens (So beautiful and relaxing)
- Chilled there and read my book (The Lost Symbol)
- Caught Metro to Musee d'Orsey
- Walked to Lourve
- Walked to Champs d'Lysee
- Walked to Arc de Triomph
- Walked to Eiffel Tower
- Chilled there and read more of book
- Found Topdeck group for dinner
- Caught Metro to Opera House
- Walked to Madeline Church
- Caught Metro home
- Slept
- (Day 3) Got up and had breakfast
- Put bags in bus
- Drove to Switzerland with stops at various servo stations
- On the way introduced self
- Arrived in switzerland
- Had "Welcome Shot"
- It wasn't nice
- Had dinner
- Slept
- (Day 4) (Today) Had breakky
- Got internet
- Typed on blog.
So yeah that is what I have been getting up to. Now about photos, I am not going to take many, cause really, they don't look that great, and the ones that do, you can buy on post cards and stuff. But I will get photos with Clive when ever I can.
So yeah, later.
It is darkest before the dawn
I am all alone now. Mum, Dad and Daisy have gone off to their hotel and tomorrow night they fly out back home. And here I am, at the Clink 78, in their internet courtroom, on my borrowed comptuer, typing this out.
Well this morning we all woke up and packed all the gear together, most of it was left unpack, and we got back from Colin and Jill's rather late last night. So after packing all up we made out way to the ferry to find out, even though we had a flexi ticket, it was booked for 8am and we had missed out boat. At that point I was rather scared cause he said there was no stand-bys, meaning we might not get on the ferry. Luckily he was able to get us on the 12:30 boat.
20 minutes later and we were on the mainland and begun the 2 and a half hour journey into London. Though mind you, by the time it had ended it was more like 3 hours if not more. So much traffic in London. Honestly, we in Perth think that driving is bad, I have already seen two major accidents and I have only been here two weeks.
Well anyway we eventually made it and I checked in and then we all went for a drink. It was meant to actually be afternoon tea, but Dad's back was stuffed, and the only close and open place was a bar, that only served drinks by a very grumbly bar lady.
Then it was time to say goodbye. It was emotional. Enough said.
I was then going to hop on a computer, but it was too busy, so I just went for what I thought was going to be a small walk, which turned into an hour walk. Pretty boring, but I got some exercise. Now I am back in the computer area typing this out and "talking" to all my friends and other people reading this. I think my family will now start to read this, so better stop spreading rumours about them. Mum and Dad, if you actually are reading this, that is a joke. Hope you get it.
I think I should get off now. The facebook page said that the people from our tour would meet up in the bar at 8, so that is an hour away, but I can just chill in my room and sort out my stuff, maybe charge my phone so that I can get up in time for my tour tomorrow.
Now that the family has gone back, I am starting to miss everyone. It sucks, but soon I will have new friends (hopefully) and I will be set. Bye. Tell me that you miss me. Makes me feel better. But not here. On Facebook. Now. Go.
Please?
Well this morning we all woke up and packed all the gear together, most of it was left unpack, and we got back from Colin and Jill's rather late last night. So after packing all up we made out way to the ferry to find out, even though we had a flexi ticket, it was booked for 8am and we had missed out boat. At that point I was rather scared cause he said there was no stand-bys, meaning we might not get on the ferry. Luckily he was able to get us on the 12:30 boat.
20 minutes later and we were on the mainland and begun the 2 and a half hour journey into London. Though mind you, by the time it had ended it was more like 3 hours if not more. So much traffic in London. Honestly, we in Perth think that driving is bad, I have already seen two major accidents and I have only been here two weeks.
Well anyway we eventually made it and I checked in and then we all went for a drink. It was meant to actually be afternoon tea, but Dad's back was stuffed, and the only close and open place was a bar, that only served drinks by a very grumbly bar lady.
Then it was time to say goodbye. It was emotional. Enough said.
I was then going to hop on a computer, but it was too busy, so I just went for what I thought was going to be a small walk, which turned into an hour walk. Pretty boring, but I got some exercise. Now I am back in the computer area typing this out and "talking" to all my friends and other people reading this. I think my family will now start to read this, so better stop spreading rumours about them. Mum and Dad, if you actually are reading this, that is a joke. Hope you get it.
I think I should get off now. The facebook page said that the people from our tour would meet up in the bar at 8, so that is an hour away, but I can just chill in my room and sort out my stuff, maybe charge my phone so that I can get up in time for my tour tomorrow.
Now that the family has gone back, I am starting to miss everyone. It sucks, but soon I will have new friends (hopefully) and I will be set. Bye. Tell me that you miss me. Makes me feel better. But not here. On Facebook. Now. Go.
Please?
Royal Mail: The Enemy
Well my dear friend Betty, is being stalked by Australia Post. And you know, since coming over to the UK, I have really begun to understand her pain. I am being stalked by Royal Mail, the UK equivilant of Australia Post.
Every day I have been here, I have either seen them making a door to door delivery just by foot, or by bicycle, or I have seen a van or truck. It wasn't that much of a big deal at first, but it is becoming rather serious.
Today I got the biggest scare of all. I had seen my usual three Royal Mail representatives, but then I saw a fourth, and a fifth. I thought that they were beginning to close in on me and strike me down. So I decided to go for a walk, you know, blend in and all. Well as I am walking along, I am seeing Royal Mail more and more and more. It turns out, I was walking into enemy territory.
I was walking past the Mount Pleasant Royal Mail Service centre. There was over a hundred vechiles in the parking lot and I believe I have seen over 150 Royal Mail representatives today. Thankfully I leave on my tour tomorrow morning and will be safe from all the Royal Mail.
Phew.
Every day I have been here, I have either seen them making a door to door delivery just by foot, or by bicycle, or I have seen a van or truck. It wasn't that much of a big deal at first, but it is becoming rather serious.
Today I got the biggest scare of all. I had seen my usual three Royal Mail representatives, but then I saw a fourth, and a fifth. I thought that they were beginning to close in on me and strike me down. So I decided to go for a walk, you know, blend in and all. Well as I am walking along, I am seeing Royal Mail more and more and more. It turns out, I was walking into enemy territory.
I was walking past the Mount Pleasant Royal Mail Service centre. There was over a hundred vechiles in the parking lot and I believe I have seen over 150 Royal Mail representatives today. Thankfully I leave on my tour tomorrow morning and will be safe from all the Royal Mail.
Phew.
Today I got up nice and casually, had some breakfast, and just all together chilled. Then we eventually left the house and grabbed my note from the doctor's for my French trip, then to Newtown, the Needles (which we didn't actually see) and then to Great Uncle Colin and Great Aunt Jill's house.
Not posting too much tonight, because I'm a little stuffed.
Not posting too much tonight, because I'm a little stuffed.
Carpeted Bathrooms
Now normally I would be posting about what I have done today. However before I make the usual post I need to have a little rant. It isn't anything major or anything, but it is just really weird.
Carpeted bathrooms.
Bathrooms where instead of a wooden floor, or a tiled floor, it is carpet. They couldn't have just put a rug in there or something, but no, it is completely carpeted. That is what it is like here on the Isle of Wight and the same in Blackpool.
Weird.
Carpeted bathrooms.
Bathrooms where instead of a wooden floor, or a tiled floor, it is carpet. They couldn't have just put a rug in there or something, but no, it is completely carpeted. That is what it is like here on the Isle of Wight and the same in Blackpool.
Weird.
Liberty
Well, it has once again been two days since I have been able to post about my "adventures" so far. Well for my first day on the Isle of Wight I got to have a sleep, I mean it was such a big sleep in. It was to 9am. Well Mum and Dad went into the car and drove to Osbourne House, which is where Queen Victoria would go for a holiday, and Daisy and I stayed behind to just relax and get our own breakfast. Well for Daisy that meant a cheese sandwich and chips, and for me a poorly made full breakfast. Well that was alright I guess, but we went back and just hung out at the lodge/hotel until Mum and Dad got back. Dad then did family history stuff and the three of us watched telly and stuff.
Dad eventually came back and we got in the car to go to Blackgang Chine. It is like the Isle of Wight Disneyland. But the Isle being rather small, Blackgang Chine was to scale. Now that sounds harsh, it was actually alright. It was something for Daisy, because she hasn't really been having the time of her life going from castle to castle and she loved it.
After the Chine, we drove down the road to my Great-Aunt Angie's house for dinner with my cousins Andrew, Sarah and four others who I can't actually remember, and their kids. It was a great night of food and laughter. Just what the doctor ordered. That was the end of that day.
This morning, instead of getting up relaxing-ly, we packed up all our gear because Mum and Dad weren't happy with the lodge/hotel for various reasons and we were going to leave early, and stay at this place called Liberty. It is a cafe/bistro type place, but they have two self contained apartments upstairs which is where we are currently staying. And you know what, I am alright with that. It is a great comfy place. But that is where I am now, during the day, we went to see my Great-Grandma Dolly, who is currently staying with Great-Aunt Carol. My family is still alive and kicking and there is a heap of us. Well Dad was happy as Larry chatting away with Carol and Dolly all about the family history, and Daisy and I spent our time with Andrew who is a really great guy and quite easy to get along with.
So all in all it hasn't been that bad of a past two days. It isn't long till Mum, Dad and Daisy fly off back home, and then I begin my solo adventure. Bit scary when for me, it is Wednesday night, and we leave Friday afternoon. At the same time I'm missing people back home. You probably don't know who you are, but one or two might.
Night.
Dad eventually came back and we got in the car to go to Blackgang Chine. It is like the Isle of Wight Disneyland. But the Isle being rather small, Blackgang Chine was to scale. Now that sounds harsh, it was actually alright. It was something for Daisy, because she hasn't really been having the time of her life going from castle to castle and she loved it.
After the Chine, we drove down the road to my Great-Aunt Angie's house for dinner with my cousins Andrew, Sarah and four others who I can't actually remember, and their kids. It was a great night of food and laughter. Just what the doctor ordered. That was the end of that day.
This morning, instead of getting up relaxing-ly, we packed up all our gear because Mum and Dad weren't happy with the lodge/hotel for various reasons and we were going to leave early, and stay at this place called Liberty. It is a cafe/bistro type place, but they have two self contained apartments upstairs which is where we are currently staying. And you know what, I am alright with that. It is a great comfy place. But that is where I am now, during the day, we went to see my Great-Grandma Dolly, who is currently staying with Great-Aunt Carol. My family is still alive and kicking and there is a heap of us. Well Dad was happy as Larry chatting away with Carol and Dolly all about the family history, and Daisy and I spent our time with Andrew who is a really great guy and quite easy to get along with.
So all in all it hasn't been that bad of a past two days. It isn't long till Mum, Dad and Daisy fly off back home, and then I begin my solo adventure. Bit scary when for me, it is Wednesday night, and we leave Friday afternoon. At the same time I'm missing people back home. You probably don't know who you are, but one or two might.
Night.
The Isle
Well I am finally at a pit stop sort of a place. I am right now sitting in a little space on the staircase of the hotel I am staying in, on the Isle of Wight. Like, there is the staircase, but there has been a little space hollowed out and they have put in it a couch, tiny table and a little light on it. It is pretty awesome because I can actually connect to the internet here. Such internet troubles I have been having.
Well anyway this morning I got up and went down for breakfast, got to have Coco Pops. Coco Pops in England taste rather different to Coco Pops in Australia, but I don't really know what it is that is different. Anyway we then drove down the road a little bit to the town of Cheddar where Dad and I went into the Caves at the gorge. There were some pretty spectacular sights inside the cave, and was much nicer than outside the cave if I am entirely honest, it was a constant drizzle for some hours.
Then we checked out this other cave which just had some coloured lights in it. Rather boring if I do say so myself. After the two caves Dad and I climbed up 274 stairs to see a big view of the entire area. By the time we had gotten back down, Dad's legs were wobbly and my legs were wibbly. You can tell how fit we are, can't you.
Cheddar being finished we continued on the road to our eventual destination of Limington. Yet being us, we can't just go to where we are wanting to go, we must stop of a number of times. Though today we didn't do too badly. We were off to Glastonbury where they once claimed that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried. However after years of that claim it was proven false, yet the area at the Abbey is filled with some little stalls showing how life used to be centuries ago. It was like a mini Warwick castle and it was really good. We saw clay making, tile making, weaving and sculpting. The town itself is also filled with all sorts of witchcraft stores and fantasy stores. All that sort of stuff that makes me want to go back for a visit later.
After realising what the time was, we hopped back into the car and drove to Limington where we drove onto the ferry for the half a mile ride to the Isle of Wight. We landed drove to Ryde where we are staying and then just went out for dinner. Though while looking for dinner we saw drunken people in an argument. I had a little chuckle. As always.
We are here for a few days which means that we can relax a bit. We will be catching up with family and the sort, and hopefully we can get to the pirate shop.
I'm keen.
Well anyway this morning I got up and went down for breakfast, got to have Coco Pops. Coco Pops in England taste rather different to Coco Pops in Australia, but I don't really know what it is that is different. Anyway we then drove down the road a little bit to the town of Cheddar where Dad and I went into the Caves at the gorge. There were some pretty spectacular sights inside the cave, and was much nicer than outside the cave if I am entirely honest, it was a constant drizzle for some hours.
Then we checked out this other cave which just had some coloured lights in it. Rather boring if I do say so myself. After the two caves Dad and I climbed up 274 stairs to see a big view of the entire area. By the time we had gotten back down, Dad's legs were wobbly and my legs were wibbly. You can tell how fit we are, can't you.
Cheddar being finished we continued on the road to our eventual destination of Limington. Yet being us, we can't just go to where we are wanting to go, we must stop of a number of times. Though today we didn't do too badly. We were off to Glastonbury where they once claimed that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried. However after years of that claim it was proven false, yet the area at the Abbey is filled with some little stalls showing how life used to be centuries ago. It was like a mini Warwick castle and it was really good. We saw clay making, tile making, weaving and sculpting. The town itself is also filled with all sorts of witchcraft stores and fantasy stores. All that sort of stuff that makes me want to go back for a visit later.
After realising what the time was, we hopped back into the car and drove to Limington where we drove onto the ferry for the half a mile ride to the Isle of Wight. We landed drove to Ryde where we are staying and then just went out for dinner. Though while looking for dinner we saw drunken people in an argument. I had a little chuckle. As always.
We are here for a few days which means that we can relax a bit. We will be catching up with family and the sort, and hopefully we can get to the pirate shop.
I'm keen.
Cheltenham
Today got up bright and early, to find out that Dad had set the alarm far too early. So that was a nice surprise for me. But anyway we got up eventually and had some breakfast. Then we made our way onto to Warwick. When we were there we found this big castle. At first I thought it was going to be one of the usual castles that we have been seeing the entire time, but this was completely different. This was filled with people all dressed up in period pieces and heaps of things were going on. It was a heap of fun. We saw a big jousting tournament and a show. It was completely cheesy, but still a lot of fun.
We stayed there for quite a while and after we realised the time, we hit the road again. We were on the way to a town called Dymock, but it is pronounced the same as my last name. This is the town where the King's Champion came from, but they eventually moved to a place called Scrivelsby. We think that our family was the King's Champion. But we still have a few gaps to fill in before we can say that we are that family. Dymock was a short stop because I wanted to go to Cheltenham. This is only because back in Melbourne I lived in the suburb of Cheltenham, so just for irony sake I needed a picture of Cheltenham in England.
Cheltenham was an even shorter stop than Dymock and we started for Cheddar/Shipham. After quite a few wrong turns due to road work and the TomTom not knowing the road work, we eventually got to the Inn where I am currently typing all of this out. It is a nice quiet place where we have just had a rather big dinner. Tomorrow we are going to check out the gorge at Cheddar and possibly the shop where everyone can get their fill of free Cheddar samples.
So till then.
We stayed there for quite a while and after we realised the time, we hit the road again. We were on the way to a town called Dymock, but it is pronounced the same as my last name. This is the town where the King's Champion came from, but they eventually moved to a place called Scrivelsby. We think that our family was the King's Champion. But we still have a few gaps to fill in before we can say that we are that family. Dymock was a short stop because I wanted to go to Cheltenham. This is only because back in Melbourne I lived in the suburb of Cheltenham, so just for irony sake I needed a picture of Cheltenham in England.
Cheltenham was an even shorter stop than Dymock and we started for Cheddar/Shipham. After quite a few wrong turns due to road work and the TomTom not knowing the road work, we eventually got to the Inn where I am currently typing all of this out. It is a nice quiet place where we have just had a rather big dinner. Tomorrow we are going to check out the gorge at Cheddar and possibly the shop where everyone can get their fill of free Cheddar samples.
So till then.
Past couple of days
So I finally am able to log onto Blogger and post about what I have been getting up to. Lets hope that I can remember it all hey.
Well when I had last written it was my first night in Edinburgh. After that post we all went out to dinner but it took forever to actually find a place in which Daisy would not complain and eat the food. We eventually settled for this Scottish Italian place. It was really nice. The next day we headed up to Rosslyn Chapel from the Da Vinci Code and looked around. I listened to the lady who was giving the speech and one person who had been through, thought that it was not the Holy Grail hidden there, but Elvis Presley. After the chapel we found a castle about an hour away and had lunch in a small gallery place. Then it was to another castle. Scotland is either full of them, or it is all that we see. Eventually we got back to Edinburgh and then Dad and I caught up with a friend of his, Jordan, and he took us to dinner at a place called Dog's Breakfast, or something like that. Afterwards Dad and Jordan went to Edinburgh Castle but I stayed behind just to relax and sleep.
The next morning we had a long drive ahead of us as we went to Loch Lomond, or at least we tried to. There was a pit stop along the way but I can't remember what it actually was that we saw. Bit of a shame but it was probably just another lake. Slowly we were making it up to the Loch. By the time we got there, I have to say it was actually worth it. It was quite a sight, there are island in the Loch itself and they are huge in Scotland. We had lunch at The Clansman which is just the local pub for a place which is in the middle of nowhere pretty much, but has great food. Except I ordered a Steak and Ale pie and there was no pastry around it. In England, at least what I have seen so far is that you don't get pastry all around the pie, only a puffed up pastry thingy on top of the meat. Then we started the drive to Blackpool which was over four hours and I felt every minute. When we got there it was extremely windy and cold. It also looks rather depressing. It is all dark and grey and the water looks awful, wouldn't want to go swimming in it. The room was tiny, it had two beds for Daisy and I, a sink, a television and that was about it. It was also up three flights of stair and I carried some heavy bags. I also think it is a small world by that the guy who ran the BnB accommodation place from Shenton Park. That night we found diner in a recently opened BnB that had an open restaurant. It was alright though parents thought it was a bit shotty. After Daisy and I walked back to the BnB and Mum and Dad went to the pier where there is the carousel and other carnival type rides.
This morning we got up extremely early because there was going to be a protest on in the street where the BnB was against foreigners. Seeing as we are what they were protesting about, and we needed to get out the street, we were out by 8. That is when we starting driving for somewhere to have breakfast and found Strafford. Found a nice little place where the place-mats said "Families welcome, children and grannies adored!" That was a little cute. After we found a music store and parents bought me two piano sheet books. Now I have another thing to look forward to when I get home. Then we found the Iron Ore Bridge which is a world heritage site and the Museum of the Gorge. Personally it was a bit boring but all the mining in the area is really important in the furthering of humanity. Then it was onto Coventry where I am now typing this out in a Mercure Hotel where I can stretch out, relax and live in luxury. This has got to be the best accommodation that I have had the entire time I have been here so far, and probably will be the best cause this is a four star hotel and I am not staying in a hotel again.
So that is what I have been getting up to. I do hope that I have people reading this cause while I can't often remember too much of my trip, I still try type out what I can remember. I am missing Perth, though I think it is more so that people that I miss rather than the city itself, and I haven't even been away a month.
Well when I had last written it was my first night in Edinburgh. After that post we all went out to dinner but it took forever to actually find a place in which Daisy would not complain and eat the food. We eventually settled for this Scottish Italian place. It was really nice. The next day we headed up to Rosslyn Chapel from the Da Vinci Code and looked around. I listened to the lady who was giving the speech and one person who had been through, thought that it was not the Holy Grail hidden there, but Elvis Presley. After the chapel we found a castle about an hour away and had lunch in a small gallery place. Then it was to another castle. Scotland is either full of them, or it is all that we see. Eventually we got back to Edinburgh and then Dad and I caught up with a friend of his, Jordan, and he took us to dinner at a place called Dog's Breakfast, or something like that. Afterwards Dad and Jordan went to Edinburgh Castle but I stayed behind just to relax and sleep.
The next morning we had a long drive ahead of us as we went to Loch Lomond, or at least we tried to. There was a pit stop along the way but I can't remember what it actually was that we saw. Bit of a shame but it was probably just another lake. Slowly we were making it up to the Loch. By the time we got there, I have to say it was actually worth it. It was quite a sight, there are island in the Loch itself and they are huge in Scotland. We had lunch at The Clansman which is just the local pub for a place which is in the middle of nowhere pretty much, but has great food. Except I ordered a Steak and Ale pie and there was no pastry around it. In England, at least what I have seen so far is that you don't get pastry all around the pie, only a puffed up pastry thingy on top of the meat. Then we started the drive to Blackpool which was over four hours and I felt every minute. When we got there it was extremely windy and cold. It also looks rather depressing. It is all dark and grey and the water looks awful, wouldn't want to go swimming in it. The room was tiny, it had two beds for Daisy and I, a sink, a television and that was about it. It was also up three flights of stair and I carried some heavy bags. I also think it is a small world by that the guy who ran the BnB accommodation place from Shenton Park. That night we found diner in a recently opened BnB that had an open restaurant. It was alright though parents thought it was a bit shotty. After Daisy and I walked back to the BnB and Mum and Dad went to the pier where there is the carousel and other carnival type rides.
This morning we got up extremely early because there was going to be a protest on in the street where the BnB was against foreigners. Seeing as we are what they were protesting about, and we needed to get out the street, we were out by 8. That is when we starting driving for somewhere to have breakfast and found Strafford. Found a nice little place where the place-mats said "Families welcome, children and grannies adored!" That was a little cute. After we found a music store and parents bought me two piano sheet books. Now I have another thing to look forward to when I get home. Then we found the Iron Ore Bridge which is a world heritage site and the Museum of the Gorge. Personally it was a bit boring but all the mining in the area is really important in the furthering of humanity. Then it was onto Coventry where I am now typing this out in a Mercure Hotel where I can stretch out, relax and live in luxury. This has got to be the best accommodation that I have had the entire time I have been here so far, and probably will be the best cause this is a four star hotel and I am not staying in a hotel again.
So that is what I have been getting up to. I do hope that I have people reading this cause while I can't often remember too much of my trip, I still try type out what I can remember. I am missing Perth, though I think it is more so that people that I miss rather than the city itself, and I haven't even been away a month.
5 Generations
Well I didn't get to make a post about yesterday, so I am going to have to combine two days into one post. Madness.
Well yesterday we left my dad's uncle's and made our way onto the Lakes District. However it was a long trip, in total it was over 6 hours I think. We didn't really see that much on the way, but we did go to meet my Great Great Aunt. She is currently 95 years old and is turning 96 in the next couple of weeks. And to add more to my family my Great Grandma is also alive. But back to the Aunt, Dorothy, I think the most amazing thing about her is that after all these years she is as sharp as a tack. She could remember so much and it was kind of inspiring. I hope I have that much of my brain at that age. I also hope to make it to that age.
Then we eventually made it to the Lakes District. And my God, the words of the romantic poets do not do justice to what I saw. I have a couple of pictures that I will upload in a couple of hours to Facebook. It was just brilliant. You should be jealous Lit kids.
That night we had dinner at the local pub and stayed at this amazing BnB. In the morning for breakfast I had ordered pancakes with blueberries and the pancakes had blueberries cooked INTO the pancakes. It was delicious.
After breakfast we moved around the Lakes and we visited a waterfall. Well I followed the river thing up and there was just more waterfalls. It was never ending. I walked a good 2 kilometers and they were still going. After the waterfalls we went to the house of Beatrice Potter. All the stuff in the house was owned by her, they had kept it all. It turns out that her house is also where they filmed the television series about her stories. I thought that was pretty kool.
After that we decided we should really start getting onto the Edinburgh, but on the way we passed through Keswick. There was supposed to be this great car museum with famous cars like the Flinstones car, a Bond car and Mr Bean's car. However we got there and discovered that it had all been relocated to Florida. Massive shame. After lunch we finally got on the road to Edinburgh. And that is where I am typing this now. We are at the BnB which is above a hair salon. Weird, but I guess its what the Scot's do.
Don't know what we are going to do tonight, its currently 7:34 and when you look outside, you would swear its 3 in the afternoon on a cloudy day. It is really tripping my out this whole light thing. I will get my head around it eventually, but by that stage I will be back in Australia most likely.
That was a joke, so laugh.
Well yesterday we left my dad's uncle's and made our way onto the Lakes District. However it was a long trip, in total it was over 6 hours I think. We didn't really see that much on the way, but we did go to meet my Great Great Aunt. She is currently 95 years old and is turning 96 in the next couple of weeks. And to add more to my family my Great Grandma is also alive. But back to the Aunt, Dorothy, I think the most amazing thing about her is that after all these years she is as sharp as a tack. She could remember so much and it was kind of inspiring. I hope I have that much of my brain at that age. I also hope to make it to that age.
Then we eventually made it to the Lakes District. And my God, the words of the romantic poets do not do justice to what I saw. I have a couple of pictures that I will upload in a couple of hours to Facebook. It was just brilliant. You should be jealous Lit kids.
That night we had dinner at the local pub and stayed at this amazing BnB. In the morning for breakfast I had ordered pancakes with blueberries and the pancakes had blueberries cooked INTO the pancakes. It was delicious.
After breakfast we moved around the Lakes and we visited a waterfall. Well I followed the river thing up and there was just more waterfalls. It was never ending. I walked a good 2 kilometers and they were still going. After the waterfalls we went to the house of Beatrice Potter. All the stuff in the house was owned by her, they had kept it all. It turns out that her house is also where they filmed the television series about her stories. I thought that was pretty kool.
After that we decided we should really start getting onto the Edinburgh, but on the way we passed through Keswick. There was supposed to be this great car museum with famous cars like the Flinstones car, a Bond car and Mr Bean's car. However we got there and discovered that it had all been relocated to Florida. Massive shame. After lunch we finally got on the road to Edinburgh. And that is where I am typing this now. We are at the BnB which is above a hair salon. Weird, but I guess its what the Scot's do.
Don't know what we are going to do tonight, its currently 7:34 and when you look outside, you would swear its 3 in the afternoon on a cloudy day. It is really tripping my out this whole light thing. I will get my head around it eventually, but by that stage I will be back in Australia most likely.
That was a joke, so laugh.
Oh Lordy!
I didn't make a post about my day yesterday. The shame! The shame! Well we got up and we were running a bit late to pick up the rental car. Eventually we made it down to Slade Green and got the car after about 20 mins where the lady behind the desk didn't really knew how a computer worked.
But we were soon on the road and on our way to meet my dad's second cousin Richard and his wife Jen who live just out of Norwich (pronounced Norridge, confusing much?) and we spent the rest of the day with them. We chatted and then Mum, Dad, Richard and Jen went for a walk down to the river while I stayed behind with Daisy. Then that night they cooked us dinner and we stayed at there house.
Now it is today, and we are going to a place called Penrith. Also I know I haven't put up any pictures yet, but I do have some, not from country England but from London. It's not many though. And I also have one or two pictures of me with my cork hat. So Diaan, Mel and Betty, those pictures should be up soon.
But till then.
But we were soon on the road and on our way to meet my dad's second cousin Richard and his wife Jen who live just out of Norwich (pronounced Norridge, confusing much?) and we spent the rest of the day with them. We chatted and then Mum, Dad, Richard and Jen went for a walk down to the river while I stayed behind with Daisy. Then that night they cooked us dinner and we stayed at there house.
Now it is today, and we are going to a place called Penrith. Also I know I haven't put up any pictures yet, but I do have some, not from country England but from London. It's not many though. And I also have one or two pictures of me with my cork hat. So Diaan, Mel and Betty, those pictures should be up soon.
But till then.
Day 2
So I woke up really slowly and we all moved in a bit of a relaxed fashion. So relaxed in fact that we didn't have breakfast until 10:30am. Bit awkward if I do say so myself. Then we saw the outside of Westminster Abby, went to Kensington Palace were 7 princesses have lived in the past. Then we went and saw Shrek the Musical!
Well it was fantastic staging of the musical, the songs were great but I have to say, that some of the acting, not so great. Mum and I are actually terrible and we were making our comments about the acting from the first moment we got out. Then we caught up with cousins James and Phil and James' wife Julie. We had dinner at an Aussie Burger joint. Just because we don't have enough Australian food as it is. Now I am back at the place in which we are staying and it is almost 11pm. Pretty big day for Daisy especially seeing as she was up at 7:30.
Tomorrow we rent a car and start our journey around England. I don't know whether I will have internet access. I hope I do because well, I like the internet to be honest.
Here's hoping.
Well it was fantastic staging of the musical, the songs were great but I have to say, that some of the acting, not so great. Mum and I are actually terrible and we were making our comments about the acting from the first moment we got out. Then we caught up with cousins James and Phil and James' wife Julie. We had dinner at an Aussie Burger joint. Just because we don't have enough Australian food as it is. Now I am back at the place in which we are staying and it is almost 11pm. Pretty big day for Daisy especially seeing as she was up at 7:30.
Tomorrow we rent a car and start our journey around England. I don't know whether I will have internet access. I hope I do because well, I like the internet to be honest.
Here's hoping.
LONDON BABY!! Part 2
So it turns out that I didn't actually need to nap, and therefore I did not nap. Bit of a letdown, I know and I apologise for getting you all worked up about me going for a nap. I promise not to do it again. So eventually we left the BnB place that we are staying at and went into London and visited the HMS Belfast. I have some pictures which I will upload to facebook later. The ship was a big thing for the Royal Navy in England and they have made it look great. There were a lot of fake people in the ship filling in all the roles that used to be done on the ship. I took a lot of pictures of the fake pictures.
Then we started to go to the London Tower Bridge, but Daisy was so tired that we did not go up, and well, it was also shut. That sort of thing does tend to get in the way of things. We then began what turned out to be a long walk to find a pub to have some dinner. The pub was O'Neal's. The food was below average. Once to try and never again.
Then we finally came back here to where I will now call home for another 2 nights, including this one. While I am typing this, I am watching Lara Croft: Tomb Raider with Mum and Dad. I think that I will go to bed soon however.
It's a plan stan!
Then we started to go to the London Tower Bridge, but Daisy was so tired that we did not go up, and well, it was also shut. That sort of thing does tend to get in the way of things. We then began what turned out to be a long walk to find a pub to have some dinner. The pub was O'Neal's. The food was below average. Once to try and never again.
Then we finally came back here to where I will now call home for another 2 nights, including this one. While I am typing this, I am watching Lara Croft: Tomb Raider with Mum and Dad. I think that I will go to bed soon however.
It's a plan stan!
LONDON BABY!!
Well I am now here in London. I made it through the flight to Singapore and that was actually alright. Then the plane was delayed to leave for London which was annoying cause instead of waiting 3 hours, we had to wait for 6 hours. Oh yes, I was a happy chappy. The London flight was alright I guess, but it could have been better.
This is probably my last post for today, cause I need a little bit of sleep. Then we are going out to explore. This post isnt really interesting, but so far that is the same as the trip. But I have been on a boat down the Thames and seen some of the sights. Pretty kool.
I miss Perth. Scary, but true. But I know that I am going to have a heap of fun here. Just got to stop thinking and stuff.
This is probably my last post for today, cause I need a little bit of sleep. Then we are going out to explore. This post isnt really interesting, but so far that is the same as the trip. But I have been on a boat down the Thames and seen some of the sights. Pretty kool.
I miss Perth. Scary, but true. But I know that I am going to have a heap of fun here. Just got to stop thinking and stuff.
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