Monday, July 2, 2012
The end...
Alas our tale comes to a close! The voyage has seen its sunny day and it's cold days but the sea winds have carried us to unchartered waters (the main places in Europe) and has opened our eyes to a world beyond our own! Our journey has been a safe one and alas our hearts ache for home (well are slightly excited to be home for home is a good place to be). Until next time keep your compass on and always look to the horizon for you never know what a new day will bring!
Don't touch the artifacts!!!
You know it's gonna be a good day when the British Museum has free admission! I think my heart skipped a beat however first is to watch the lovely British guards change their station in front of Buckingham Palace.
I feel like we have stepped into another typical London day, with it's one and off cold drizzle.
Ok so the changing of the guards was a huge bust today for as much as we can figure the rain scared away all the exciting stuff like the band and the marching (seriously when does it not rain London!) so we did the next best thing. We spent the day in the Britih Museum! Oh be still my beating hear! Part of me thinks that it's sad that the museum would steal so many beautiful artifacts from intriguing places around the world. It would be nice to travel there and lay sight upon their wonders. However it is nice that anyone can see the riches the world holds as not everyone will travel to those places within their lifetime in order to see it for themselves. It's a war I have within myself. Anyway I can talk artifacts and the ideas that go thorough my head all day (which can be dangerous in its own right) so I'll proceed.
After hours (and hours) in the British Museum we went back to parliament square to see Westminister Abbey and the parliament building (that has the bell known as Big Ben inside the great tower that everyone thinks is Big Ben) for one last time and on to the most important part of our trip... FISH AND CHIPS!!!! I mean how can you come to London without it?!?! That's right you can't (unless you don't like fish in which that case to each their own).
Overall I'd give the London experience top points (in spite of the cold rainy wind) and sadly our adventure only foresees an airport in the future.
I feel like we have stepped into another typical London day, with it's one and off cold drizzle.
Ok so the changing of the guards was a huge bust today for as much as we can figure the rain scared away all the exciting stuff like the band and the marching (seriously when does it not rain London!) so we did the next best thing. We spent the day in the Britih Museum! Oh be still my beating hear! Part of me thinks that it's sad that the museum would steal so many beautiful artifacts from intriguing places around the world. It would be nice to travel there and lay sight upon their wonders. However it is nice that anyone can see the riches the world holds as not everyone will travel to those places within their lifetime in order to see it for themselves. It's a war I have within myself. Anyway I can talk artifacts and the ideas that go thorough my head all day (which can be dangerous in its own right) so I'll proceed.
After hours (and hours) in the British Museum we went back to parliament square to see Westminister Abbey and the parliament building (that has the bell known as Big Ben inside the great tower that everyone thinks is Big Ben) for one last time and on to the most important part of our trip... FISH AND CHIPS!!!! I mean how can you come to London without it?!?! That's right you can't (unless you don't like fish in which that case to each their own).
Overall I'd give the London experience top points (in spite of the cold rainy wind) and sadly our adventure only foresees an airport in the future.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The wheels of the Double Decker bus to round!
When you think London, you of course think Royal Family, 2012 Olympics, Big Ben, Beatles, Red telephone booths, but there may be nothing more noticeable than that of the Red Double Decker bus!
We of course had to take a ride on one of the lovely buses. We decided the best double decker would be one that would tour us around and the cities and let us hop on and off. So this morning we boarded the bus determined to ride the whole route first. 1 small glich, 2 buses, and about 2 hours later our task was complete seeing the best of London by bus. However, we continued on the path to drop us at some sites we wanted to see. Starting with walking across London Bridge and then on to London Tower. (We did have to sidetrack a little because right before our stop I saw letters of my future... I had to go back and get my picture with the PwC London office sign... Future home office? Jk Ha)
When we made it across the bridge and through the tower, we grabbed some chips (or fries) and continued on to board the bus again. This time to hop off for the free river cruise stop. Once again putting us on a boat ;) this time on the River Thames!
Once off the boat cruise, we boarded the bus at London Tower with full intention to going to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. However, our funny and great tour guide convinced us that we should ride longer. So instead we decided to ride to Buckingham Palace listening to better entertainment your along the way. A few stops before the Palace most of the passengers got off and so as the tour guide said "Then there were only two." We got our own personal like tour by the best tour guide. He entertained us and made us laugh.
We finally made it to Buckingham Palace and enjoyed seeing the royal place. Then we walked through the Green Park to get on the bus again (fourth time if you are keeping count) to go to Harrod's!!! You can't send 2 girls to London and not expect us to hit up some great shopping even if it is just window browsing. Too bad it was closing right as we got there.
We traveled back to the hostel and enjoyed Harry Potter movie before bed. Tomorrow is the end of this amazing trip but until then enjoy some photos.
We of course had to take a ride on one of the lovely buses. We decided the best double decker would be one that would tour us around and the cities and let us hop on and off. So this morning we boarded the bus determined to ride the whole route first. 1 small glich, 2 buses, and about 2 hours later our task was complete seeing the best of London by bus. However, we continued on the path to drop us at some sites we wanted to see. Starting with walking across London Bridge and then on to London Tower. (We did have to sidetrack a little because right before our stop I saw letters of my future... I had to go back and get my picture with the PwC London office sign... Future home office? Jk Ha)
When we made it across the bridge and through the tower, we grabbed some chips (or fries) and continued on to board the bus again. This time to hop off for the free river cruise stop. Once again putting us on a boat ;) this time on the River Thames!
Once off the boat cruise, we boarded the bus at London Tower with full intention to going to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. However, our funny and great tour guide convinced us that we should ride longer. So instead we decided to ride to Buckingham Palace listening to better entertainment your along the way. A few stops before the Palace most of the passengers got off and so as the tour guide said "Then there were only two." We got our own personal like tour by the best tour guide. He entertained us and made us laugh.
We finally made it to Buckingham Palace and enjoyed seeing the royal place. Then we walked through the Green Park to get on the bus again (fourth time if you are keeping count) to go to Harrod's!!! You can't send 2 girls to London and not expect us to hit up some great shopping even if it is just window browsing. Too bad it was closing right as we got there.
We traveled back to the hostel and enjoyed Harry Potter movie before bed. Tomorrow is the end of this amazing trip but until then enjoy some photos.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Walking Tour of Edinburg? Aye!!!
Edinburg has had to of been one of the most dreary cities in the back and forth of rain yet we did not let that stop us from embarking on a 2 hour walking tour!
Our lovely guide, Izzy, was just so funny and amazing. Plus she had a lot of great stories. Up to now we had opted out of walking tours and things like that but we were obviously missing out cause it was so great. We visited the Royal Mile, Edinburg Castle, saw the school thought to be inspiration for Hogwarts, went through tight ally ways, Princes Garden, and even spent some time with the dead and "witches" in the graveyard. All the way enjoying Izzy's great stories of the struggles of Scotland and Edinburg.
After an amazing tour, we had to finish our last minute shopping! Of course that included some cute Scottish bag pipe playing duckies to add to our collection. :) Can't wait to get my duckies to their new home in my new apartment bathroom. Ha
We returned to our hostel for a break and decided to try the restaurant at the hostel with some nachos. And while they were good they didn't hit the spot. So we of course went on the search for ice cream! What can we say we like our gelato!
London is soon on the horizon but Edinburg and Scotland have been amazing.
Our lovely guide, Izzy, was just so funny and amazing. Plus she had a lot of great stories. Up to now we had opted out of walking tours and things like that but we were obviously missing out cause it was so great. We visited the Royal Mile, Edinburg Castle, saw the school thought to be inspiration for Hogwarts, went through tight ally ways, Princes Garden, and even spent some time with the dead and "witches" in the graveyard. All the way enjoying Izzy's great stories of the struggles of Scotland and Edinburg.
After an amazing tour, we had to finish our last minute shopping! Of course that included some cute Scottish bag pipe playing duckies to add to our collection. :) Can't wait to get my duckies to their new home in my new apartment bathroom. Ha
We returned to our hostel for a break and decided to try the restaurant at the hostel with some nachos. And while they were good they didn't hit the spot. So we of course went on the search for ice cream! What can we say we like our gelato!
London is soon on the horizon but Edinburg and Scotland have been amazing.
Train through the Eye
Alas I have finished my book series :( therefore it is how I have found myself sitting within a incredibly fast moving train pondering my thoughts.
Alas our train is headed to the fair city of London, our finial destination and I must confess, a highly anticipated one. I am unsure of the appeal however a part of me believes that it lies within how it's history is richly embedded within our own. You can never outrun the past, even though it maybe forgotten the essence of it grips you by the shoulders and whispers in your ear.
Anyways on a real note... When we finally arrived in London (5 hours after we left - there was an hour delay due to flooding) we found our hostel with ease.
Now before this trip I was dead certain that Texas can never make up it's mind about the weather however the UK is TEN TIMES worse! First of all there was that ice cold rain in Dublin and then again in Edinburgh, now London. When we are our way to our hostel the sun was out and it was incredible warm so we took off our jackets when we decided to tour the city. Big mistake! Soon a bone-chilling rain ran ferociously through us. Oh well you live and learn. So we went to London Bridge! First: London Bridge is lame and I think if it fell down no one would really care. (K that's a lie many would care) The Tower Bridge however (you can see it from the London bridge) is amazing and is the famous one you see of London. Upon our stop we saw a sign indicating the way to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (however I am older than it but it's built using the same design and tools as the original and includes a thatched roof!) In our wandering to find this theatre we came across a market that had grill stations. Our first London meal :)
Anyways we took off wandering found the Globe which I would love to have seen a play in! They have a standing yard that is only £5 right in front of the stage (maybe next time though). Anyways we wandered our way to the London Eye (commissioned by British Airways in 2000) which is technically not a fairs-wheel as it is only supported on one side. But what a sight! Absolutely wonderful! From the tip top you can see out 20 miles out! I would definitely go again! The trip will only get better!
Alas our train is headed to the fair city of London, our finial destination and I must confess, a highly anticipated one. I am unsure of the appeal however a part of me believes that it lies within how it's history is richly embedded within our own. You can never outrun the past, even though it maybe forgotten the essence of it grips you by the shoulders and whispers in your ear.
Anyways on a real note... When we finally arrived in London (5 hours after we left - there was an hour delay due to flooding) we found our hostel with ease.
Now before this trip I was dead certain that Texas can never make up it's mind about the weather however the UK is TEN TIMES worse! First of all there was that ice cold rain in Dublin and then again in Edinburgh, now London. When we are our way to our hostel the sun was out and it was incredible warm so we took off our jackets when we decided to tour the city. Big mistake! Soon a bone-chilling rain ran ferociously through us. Oh well you live and learn. So we went to London Bridge! First: London Bridge is lame and I think if it fell down no one would really care. (K that's a lie many would care) The Tower Bridge however (you can see it from the London bridge) is amazing and is the famous one you see of London. Upon our stop we saw a sign indicating the way to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (however I am older than it but it's built using the same design and tools as the original and includes a thatched roof!) In our wandering to find this theatre we came across a market that had grill stations. Our first London meal :)
Anyways we took off wandering found the Globe which I would love to have seen a play in! They have a standing yard that is only £5 right in front of the stage (maybe next time though). Anyways we wandered our way to the London Eye (commissioned by British Airways in 2000) which is technically not a fairs-wheel as it is only supported on one side. But what a sight! Absolutely wonderful! From the tip top you can see out 20 miles out! I would definitely go again! The trip will only get better!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monty Python, Braveheart, and Nessie! Really what can go wrong?
Many people have asked me what has been my favorite so far and I had no idea what to tell them. Well today, today has been my favorite however I haven't begun to tell you the tale.
First of all when we were getting ready for bed last night we (Jimma noticed first) that our beds were already made which is odd since we just spread out our sheets and didn't actually make our beds. Problem is that every bed had bedding on it and we could see where our clean sheets were shoved on top of lockers. We talked to the front desk who assured us that the room was not over booked and helped us strip and remake our beds ( however I could just imagine someone coming in, drunk, and curling into bed with us... Well the boys came in at four and it was kinda funny as their conversation went like this:
Guy 1: dude someone is in my bed
Guy 2: what?
Guy 1: dude is someone in your bed
Guy 2: dude someone is in my bed
Guy 1: dude that's bull **** are there any beds
The conversation went on for a while longer with some not nice words exchanged however they went down to the front desk to discuss the problem instead of waking people up.
Anyways after a few more hours we rose to begin our tour of Loch Ness! As we waiting in the mist for our bus, well nothing exciting happened we just waited in the mist or our bus. Our guide, Don short for Donald, or you can call him Donnie or The Don (as he prefers) was a delight! He began our northward journey through Edinburgh, past the ramparts of Stirling Castle through the Trossachs, crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and into the famous Glencoe! All the while telling us stories of William Wallace (who is credited to the name Braveheart through the movie however he wasn't the true Braveheart as we will later learn), and King James VII, Rob Roy, and many clans that battled each other and the English.
The scenery is absolutely beautiful!! The weather for the UK has been rainy for the past few weeks therefore mist has been rising off the mountains covering the top but the sight is mystical and soothing to me. There are streams that flow down the mountains, in between the lush green countryside. Rocks (boulders actually) glitter the ground as they have fallen from the top of the mountain. Sheep and cows sleep and snack in the rolling mountains and grassy valleys. Then came the Highlands, which are just as beautiful and more magnificent!
Now the bus ride was making us a bit car sick as the roads became even more bumpy and twisted and the air stuffy (although Don has tried very hard to keep it cooler and the vents on high. Now I would never want to drive on these narrow curvy roads and here is why: we were parked off the side of the road so that other large vehicles can pass safely. Since we stopped I opened my eyes (since the passing scenery wouldn't make me feel more queasy) just in time to see a massive truck hit the side of the bus, at the exact spot I was siting at. Luckily he grazed the side of the bus and not hit full force (that would have been worse) however there is a good size hole directly below my seat as well as a few on down the back of the bus (as you'll see in the pictures attached). After a few moments though we were back on the road. Kinda makes your heart flutter though. All in all no serious harm done (the bus may disagree).
Finally only a few more minutes remained until we settled at Loch Ness! We had to rush to get to out boat that would take us around the black lake in hopes of catching a glips of the infamous Nessie! One it was freezing and the wind seemed intent upon stealing my hair or using it as a weapon against those siting beside me. Unfortunately Nessie remained hidden from our sight (honestly I wouldn't have come out for some of the people on our boat either). After some light shopping (as in ten minutes) we rushed back to the bus for the second leg of our adventure!
Our next set has gone without incident as we resumed our history lesson (as well as a lesson on Scottish whiskey, which is the best ever and about the Angel's Share). As we leveled back out of the Highland, I finally stopped feeling as car sick as before. The scenery is still breath taking!
We talked about the Stone of Destiny and how the English tried to steal it. We learned about how the guards defended it and failed. The English took the stone easily, many kings and queens were crowned sitting on top of it. Well the Scotts had actually hid the real stone and basically gave them a stone that sat on top of the sewage system. Much to the pleasure of the Scotts! Our guide is hilarious with his accents and stories. Now the "Stone of Destiny was stolen again and broken however they broke it on accident and put back together with a hollow tube that contained a document as Scotland as an Independent nation and given back. Lately the stone was returned to Edinburgh however many Scotts don't care about it. There were many stories he shared as well as several places in Edinburgh we must go visit, and visit we shall... Tomorrow :)
First of all when we were getting ready for bed last night we (Jimma noticed first) that our beds were already made which is odd since we just spread out our sheets and didn't actually make our beds. Problem is that every bed had bedding on it and we could see where our clean sheets were shoved on top of lockers. We talked to the front desk who assured us that the room was not over booked and helped us strip and remake our beds ( however I could just imagine someone coming in, drunk, and curling into bed with us... Well the boys came in at four and it was kinda funny as their conversation went like this:
Guy 1: dude someone is in my bed
Guy 2: what?
Guy 1: dude is someone in your bed
Guy 2: dude someone is in my bed
Guy 1: dude that's bull **** are there any beds
The conversation went on for a while longer with some not nice words exchanged however they went down to the front desk to discuss the problem instead of waking people up.
Anyways after a few more hours we rose to begin our tour of Loch Ness! As we waiting in the mist for our bus, well nothing exciting happened we just waited in the mist or our bus. Our guide, Don short for Donald, or you can call him Donnie or The Don (as he prefers) was a delight! He began our northward journey through Edinburgh, past the ramparts of Stirling Castle through the Trossachs, crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and into the famous Glencoe! All the while telling us stories of William Wallace (who is credited to the name Braveheart through the movie however he wasn't the true Braveheart as we will later learn), and King James VII, Rob Roy, and many clans that battled each other and the English.
The scenery is absolutely beautiful!! The weather for the UK has been rainy for the past few weeks therefore mist has been rising off the mountains covering the top but the sight is mystical and soothing to me. There are streams that flow down the mountains, in between the lush green countryside. Rocks (boulders actually) glitter the ground as they have fallen from the top of the mountain. Sheep and cows sleep and snack in the rolling mountains and grassy valleys. Then came the Highlands, which are just as beautiful and more magnificent!
Now the bus ride was making us a bit car sick as the roads became even more bumpy and twisted and the air stuffy (although Don has tried very hard to keep it cooler and the vents on high. Now I would never want to drive on these narrow curvy roads and here is why: we were parked off the side of the road so that other large vehicles can pass safely. Since we stopped I opened my eyes (since the passing scenery wouldn't make me feel more queasy) just in time to see a massive truck hit the side of the bus, at the exact spot I was siting at. Luckily he grazed the side of the bus and not hit full force (that would have been worse) however there is a good size hole directly below my seat as well as a few on down the back of the bus (as you'll see in the pictures attached). After a few moments though we were back on the road. Kinda makes your heart flutter though. All in all no serious harm done (the bus may disagree).
Finally only a few more minutes remained until we settled at Loch Ness! We had to rush to get to out boat that would take us around the black lake in hopes of catching a glips of the infamous Nessie! One it was freezing and the wind seemed intent upon stealing my hair or using it as a weapon against those siting beside me. Unfortunately Nessie remained hidden from our sight (honestly I wouldn't have come out for some of the people on our boat either). After some light shopping (as in ten minutes) we rushed back to the bus for the second leg of our adventure!
Our next set has gone without incident as we resumed our history lesson (as well as a lesson on Scottish whiskey, which is the best ever and about the Angel's Share). As we leveled back out of the Highland, I finally stopped feeling as car sick as before. The scenery is still breath taking!
We talked about the Stone of Destiny and how the English tried to steal it. We learned about how the guards defended it and failed. The English took the stone easily, many kings and queens were crowned sitting on top of it. Well the Scotts had actually hid the real stone and basically gave them a stone that sat on top of the sewage system. Much to the pleasure of the Scotts! Our guide is hilarious with his accents and stories. Now the "Stone of Destiny was stolen again and broken however they broke it on accident and put back together with a hollow tube that contained a document as Scotland as an Independent nation and given back. Lately the stone was returned to Edinburgh however many Scotts don't care about it. There were many stories he shared as well as several places in Edinburgh we must go visit, and visit we shall... Tomorrow :)
I'm on a BOAT!
Ok more like I am on a ferry but still a girl takes what she can get! Today we left the beloved Ireland for the cold and beauty of Scotland!
The best way to do this was to get on a Ferry to take us across the Seas. Our Ferry was nothing we could imagined, it was more like a cruise ship lounge area. We enjoyed the soft seas with our books and iPods in hand. Such a wonderful trip. Once we docked in Cairnryan, Scotland, a bus took us to the nearest train station where we took a train to Edinburg.
Beautiful beautiful fairy tale Edinburg. Where the buildings look like story books and the cathedral castle like structures make my heart fall in love. Such a picturesque town! Even with the cold and rain it was still absolutely beautiful! Good thing we are staying 3 nights here!
We spent our night walking down the Royal High Mile street going in an out of store after store and just enjoying the city around us. Saving touristy things for another day. When the rained poured a little harder, we ducked into a fun cafe and enjoyed a breakfasty dinner of croissants and waffles.
There is so much more to explore but tomorrow a day trip to the Highlands is calling our names. Edinburgh we will be back shortly.
The best way to do this was to get on a Ferry to take us across the Seas. Our Ferry was nothing we could imagined, it was more like a cruise ship lounge area. We enjoyed the soft seas with our books and iPods in hand. Such a wonderful trip. Once we docked in Cairnryan, Scotland, a bus took us to the nearest train station where we took a train to Edinburg.
Beautiful beautiful fairy tale Edinburg. Where the buildings look like story books and the cathedral castle like structures make my heart fall in love. Such a picturesque town! Even with the cold and rain it was still absolutely beautiful! Good thing we are staying 3 nights here!
We spent our night walking down the Royal High Mile street going in an out of store after store and just enjoying the city around us. Saving touristy things for another day. When the rained poured a little harder, we ducked into a fun cafe and enjoyed a breakfasty dinner of croissants and waffles.
There is so much more to explore but tomorrow a day trip to the Highlands is calling our names. Edinburgh we will be back shortly.
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