14-07-2011
Spent the day at Jeevan's Grand uncle. Having never met this side of the family I was a little apprehensive, quite needlessly as I had an amazing day. The grand aunt is one of the loveliest and liveliest 80 year olds I have met. Some of their grandchildren were there too, one was setting up their new 3D TV.
Saw pictures of Jeevan's great-grandparents and grandparents weddings. The grand aunt drove us around and we visited her children's houses, they both live close by.
I had a lovely day and am looking forward to being at their 50th wedding anniversary celebrations in December.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, July 14, 2011
England- London- Day 3
13-07-2011
A visit to the Westminster Abbey started the day. So much history contained within these walls. Coronations, weddings and funerals of people that have had major contributions in making the world as we know it today. The funeral monuments fill a large section not only for people of royal heritage but also Thomas Hardy, D.H. Lawrence, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton among the many others. An array of pictures of the recent Royal Wedding are on display, nice for me as I had not watched it on TV. There are two coronation chairs present as well, both have graffiti on them thanks to 18th century school boys ( things don't change overtime, do they? ).
Rushed across St. James park to see the change of guard at the Buckingham Palace , amazed at the throngs that awaited us. Got to see glimpses and then moved along.
The National Gallery was next,could have spent a day there but instead did the highlights tour. There are so many masterpieces here and amazingly the entrance is free.
Took the train to Windsor Castle. Joined the last tour of the day, the lady was not as funny as the others we have encountered recently but her love for the Queen shone through. Admired the St. George's chapel, learning about the Order of the Garter. Visited the Doll Collection, some are quite life like , followed by an exhibition celebrating Prince Philip's ninety years ( some of the family pictures have a very personal touch). Last was the Royal Apartments, now only if I could actually see the Queen's actual bed. There is quite an impressive art collection including a Rembrandt's self portrait , they are everywhere. Took pictures with the poor guard standing outside, it surely must be a form of punishment for them, constant stream of tourists flocking their sides.
For the evening we went separate ways to utilize our time well. We each met up with our own school friends. I spent the night with one of my best friends from school , it was so nice to chat half the night away.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
A visit to the Westminster Abbey started the day. So much history contained within these walls. Coronations, weddings and funerals of people that have had major contributions in making the world as we know it today. The funeral monuments fill a large section not only for people of royal heritage but also Thomas Hardy, D.H. Lawrence, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton among the many others. An array of pictures of the recent Royal Wedding are on display, nice for me as I had not watched it on TV. There are two coronation chairs present as well, both have graffiti on them thanks to 18th century school boys ( things don't change overtime, do they? ).
Rushed across St. James park to see the change of guard at the Buckingham Palace , amazed at the throngs that awaited us. Got to see glimpses and then moved along.
The National Gallery was next,could have spent a day there but instead did the highlights tour. There are so many masterpieces here and amazingly the entrance is free.
Took the train to Windsor Castle. Joined the last tour of the day, the lady was not as funny as the others we have encountered recently but her love for the Queen shone through. Admired the St. George's chapel, learning about the Order of the Garter. Visited the Doll Collection, some are quite life like , followed by an exhibition celebrating Prince Philip's ninety years ( some of the family pictures have a very personal touch). Last was the Royal Apartments, now only if I could actually see the Queen's actual bed. There is quite an impressive art collection including a Rembrandt's self portrait , they are everywhere. Took pictures with the poor guard standing outside, it surely must be a form of punishment for them, constant stream of tourists flocking their sides.
For the evening we went separate ways to utilize our time well. We each met up with our own school friends. I spent the night with one of my best friends from school , it was so nice to chat half the night away.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England- London - Day 2
12-07-2011
So much to see here .
Started with St. Paul's cathedral. Cannot help but notice the second largest dome in the world, it does dominate the skyline of the area. The inside is very pretty, a lot of gold in the frescos, intricate work in the quire area, even a Henry Moore's sculpture is present in the altar area. Climbed the stairs , first to the whispering gallery ( could not hear each other's whispers) and then to the outside of the dome ( golden gallery). Great views of the city spread out all around. The crypts underneath hold the tombs of really interesting people ( Nelson, Duke of Wellington and even Florence Nightingale).
Next was the London Bridge experience. It is supposed to be a scary event, it wasn't. The story of the bridge is presented in an interesting manner and the only two children part of the group left after the second room as they were scared. We went through the tombs next. The hanging heads were creepy but I didn't like the bit where we had to squeeze our way out through two foam like structures in the dark ( didn't know when we would get out, could not see a thing and there was no space).
Stopped for a bit at the Tower Bridge exhibition, learnt the story behind the bridge and also saw the older mechanical aspect of the bridge in action. Followed it by the Churchill's War experience.
Spent the afternoon at the Tower of London. First was a guided tour by a beefeater, laughed a lot for that hour. There has been so much blood shed here, a lot of it royal. Saw the Royal jewels, the gigantic diamonds that are part of the collection are breath taking. Sat for a while in the chapel and thought of all the lost lives within these grounds.
Cruised along the Thames river in the evening. There was a running commentary along the way, again had us in splits. Love how they make fun of everything and anything.
Sadly could not get tickets for Wicked or Lion King, instead strolled the streets of London. Passed the shops at convent garden, sat at the magnificent Trafalgar square ( I liked the ship in the bottle),took pictures at Big Ben and London Eye, had a peek at 10 Downing street, admired the Buckingham Palace at night and then finally called it a day .
After ages we are going to sleep with aching legs.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So much to see here .
Started with St. Paul's cathedral. Cannot help but notice the second largest dome in the world, it does dominate the skyline of the area. The inside is very pretty, a lot of gold in the frescos, intricate work in the quire area, even a Henry Moore's sculpture is present in the altar area. Climbed the stairs , first to the whispering gallery ( could not hear each other's whispers) and then to the outside of the dome ( golden gallery). Great views of the city spread out all around. The crypts underneath hold the tombs of really interesting people ( Nelson, Duke of Wellington and even Florence Nightingale).
Next was the London Bridge experience. It is supposed to be a scary event, it wasn't. The story of the bridge is presented in an interesting manner and the only two children part of the group left after the second room as they were scared. We went through the tombs next. The hanging heads were creepy but I didn't like the bit where we had to squeeze our way out through two foam like structures in the dark ( didn't know when we would get out, could not see a thing and there was no space).
Stopped for a bit at the Tower Bridge exhibition, learnt the story behind the bridge and also saw the older mechanical aspect of the bridge in action. Followed it by the Churchill's War experience.
Spent the afternoon at the Tower of London. First was a guided tour by a beefeater, laughed a lot for that hour. There has been so much blood shed here, a lot of it royal. Saw the Royal jewels, the gigantic diamonds that are part of the collection are breath taking. Sat for a while in the chapel and thought of all the lost lives within these grounds.
Cruised along the Thames river in the evening. There was a running commentary along the way, again had us in splits. Love how they make fun of everything and anything.
Sadly could not get tickets for Wicked or Lion King, instead strolled the streets of London. Passed the shops at convent garden, sat at the magnificent Trafalgar square ( I liked the ship in the bottle),took pictures at Big Ben and London Eye, had a peek at 10 Downing street, admired the Buckingham Palace at night and then finally called it a day .
After ages we are going to sleep with aching legs.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England - London- Day 1
11-07-2011
A new experience for us, not something I would like repeated . Got on our train to London and had to return to Leeds after half an hour as the line had been closed as a person had been hit by a train.
Eventually we did reach London. I still get excited about visiting new places. We are in London, yay.
Roamed around , saw the Monument ( built in memory of the great fire) and walked along the London Bridge then the Queen's walk to the Tower Bridge.
Finally met friends from school for dinner, nearly ten years have passed since our last meeting. The best bit I liked was how there wasn't a moment of awkward silence. Really enjoyed myself, wish we could do it more often.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
A new experience for us, not something I would like repeated . Got on our train to London and had to return to Leeds after half an hour as the line had been closed as a person had been hit by a train.
Eventually we did reach London. I still get excited about visiting new places. We are in London, yay.
Roamed around , saw the Monument ( built in memory of the great fire) and walked along the London Bridge then the Queen's walk to the Tower Bridge.
Finally met friends from school for dinner, nearly ten years have passed since our last meeting. The best bit I liked was how there wasn't a moment of awkward silence. Really enjoyed myself, wish we could do it more often.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England - Howard Castle/ York
10-07-2011
Visited the Howard castle in the morning. First castle that we have visited which has not been owned by a royal family. Private property with a Howard still residing, it is massive. It goes on and on , beyond the eye can see. Not all of it is open to the public but even the bits that are were too extensive for us to cover. The main building had been affected by the fire 50 years ago ( there is a blurb about the fire and how the school girls residing there during the war helped extinguish the fire and were served a hot lunch after that, it would be hot wouldn't it !) . Brideshead revisted was filmed here and helped with the renovations.
There was opera in the garden with the wild boar statue,not really our type of thing. Nearby was the impressive Atlas fountain, sadly under renovation so the water was not flowing. Lovely walks along the grounds, exhibitions, ponds, a temple, various gardens and so much more.
For the remaining part of the day we visited York. I have been here before and love the cobblestone narrow roads lined with hanging pots of flowers, the walls surrounding the town on which we walked, the shops filled with goodies and obviously Betty's cafe tea shop. Somewhere along the way I forgot the size of the Yorkminister, to me it seemed like I was seeing it for the first time ( I am sure it will be the same next time as well).
Quite a relaxed day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Visited the Howard castle in the morning. First castle that we have visited which has not been owned by a royal family. Private property with a Howard still residing, it is massive. It goes on and on , beyond the eye can see. Not all of it is open to the public but even the bits that are were too extensive for us to cover. The main building had been affected by the fire 50 years ago ( there is a blurb about the fire and how the school girls residing there during the war helped extinguish the fire and were served a hot lunch after that, it would be hot wouldn't it !) . Brideshead revisted was filmed here and helped with the renovations.
There was opera in the garden with the wild boar statue,not really our type of thing. Nearby was the impressive Atlas fountain, sadly under renovation so the water was not flowing. Lovely walks along the grounds, exhibitions, ponds, a temple, various gardens and so much more.
For the remaining part of the day we visited York. I have been here before and love the cobblestone narrow roads lined with hanging pots of flowers, the walls surrounding the town on which we walked, the shops filled with goodies and obviously Betty's cafe tea shop. Somewhere along the way I forgot the size of the Yorkminister, to me it seemed like I was seeing it for the first time ( I am sure it will be the same next time as well).
Quite a relaxed day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England - Yorkshire Dales/ Lake District
9-07-2011
Long day with gorgeous views all around. First the Yorkshire Dales with sloping hills, green meadows with grazing sheep and cattle. Then the Lake district with lakes and mountains all around.
Stopped at Bolton Abbey, did a walk around the area. Could not use the stepping stones as the river was full, along the way saw two tree trunks covered with embedded pennies. Had a poodle with us, one of my uncle's dogs, he had more energy than everybody else combined.
Next stop was the Stump Cross caves. Jeevan and I had no clue that we were going to be visiting caves but we really enjoyed them. We were given helmets as we climbed down and I thought it was a precautionary measure in case a stone fell till I heard the sound that was made from Jeevan knocking his head on the ceiling. The helmets were very much needed. The stalactites and stalagmites are beautiful, a few are named and some have lighting behind them giving them a beautiful glow.
Stopped for lunch at a small village. Across the pub was a sweet shop, bought a lot of sweets and fudge for the rest of the drive, yummy.
Another walk in the evening to the Aira Force waterfall. At a point of time we were on a bridge just above the waterfall and then a little later on another bridge below it. Picked some cherries along the way, my first ever wild cherries.
Stopped at Keswick and Windermere but more than the lakes it was the drive around them that was gorgeous.
So so tired by the time we got back but trudged along to a Thai place for dinner. We were so underdressed but after a few minutes were laughing so much as we shared stories about the family that we really enjoyed ourselves.
Lovely day, looking forward to sleeping in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Long day with gorgeous views all around. First the Yorkshire Dales with sloping hills, green meadows with grazing sheep and cattle. Then the Lake district with lakes and mountains all around.
Stopped at Bolton Abbey, did a walk around the area. Could not use the stepping stones as the river was full, along the way saw two tree trunks covered with embedded pennies. Had a poodle with us, one of my uncle's dogs, he had more energy than everybody else combined.
Next stop was the Stump Cross caves. Jeevan and I had no clue that we were going to be visiting caves but we really enjoyed them. We were given helmets as we climbed down and I thought it was a precautionary measure in case a stone fell till I heard the sound that was made from Jeevan knocking his head on the ceiling. The helmets were very much needed. The stalactites and stalagmites are beautiful, a few are named and some have lighting behind them giving them a beautiful glow.
Stopped for lunch at a small village. Across the pub was a sweet shop, bought a lot of sweets and fudge for the rest of the drive, yummy.
Another walk in the evening to the Aira Force waterfall. At a point of time we were on a bridge just above the waterfall and then a little later on another bridge below it. Picked some cherries along the way, my first ever wild cherries.
Stopped at Keswick and Windermere but more than the lakes it was the drive around them that was gorgeous.
So so tired by the time we got back but trudged along to a Thai place for dinner. We were so underdressed but after a few minutes were laughing so much as we shared stories about the family that we really enjoyed ourselves.
Lovely day, looking forward to sleeping in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England - Leeds
8-07-2011
Had planned to visit York today but cancelled and relaxed at home instead. Started our job applications for 2012, time flies.
Went to LittleTokyo for dinner, I am in love with Plum wine, could have guzzled a few bottles. The food and the ambience was great too, hope we get time to revisit.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Had planned to visit York today but cancelled and relaxed at home instead. Started our job applications for 2012, time flies.
Went to LittleTokyo for dinner, I am in love with Plum wine, could have guzzled a few bottles. The food and the ambience was great too, hope we get time to revisit.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Scotland - Edinburgh- Day 2
7-07-2011
The Royal Mile, from the castle to the palace, was an interesting walk, so much history in that one road. Learnt about William Brodie ( the inspiration for Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and even had breakfast at his old workplace. Visited beautiful St. Giles cathedral, rubbed the toe of Hume's statue for knowledge, spat ( really tiny amount ) at the heart of Midlothian for good luck , visited the various Lands, passed house and the modern parliament, overall enjoyed ourselves. Could not visit the palace as the Queen was in residence or walk to Arthur's seat due to the wet weather.
Then went around in the hop on hop off tour bus, first listened to the regular stories including the impressive story of the loyal dog. The next round we heard the horrible histories, I sat next to my grandmother and made her listen to it as well, I laughed so much just watching her face. I think I am going to be disowned shortly.
Climbed the tower at the Walter Scott memorial with my mother. Good to see her doing the 250-300 steps, actually was quite claustrophobic at times with the narrow stairs and the sloping in walls. Good views from the top especially of tiny Jeevan and Nannie below.
Rest of the day was spent at the National Gallery, had a good collection of Albrecht Durer's work. The more I see the more I want to learn.
There is so much more to see and do here but the two days have been fun filled.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Royal Mile, from the castle to the palace, was an interesting walk, so much history in that one road. Learnt about William Brodie ( the inspiration for Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and even had breakfast at his old workplace. Visited beautiful St. Giles cathedral, rubbed the toe of Hume's statue for knowledge, spat ( really tiny amount ) at the heart of Midlothian for good luck , visited the various Lands, passed house and the modern parliament, overall enjoyed ourselves. Could not visit the palace as the Queen was in residence or walk to Arthur's seat due to the wet weather.
Then went around in the hop on hop off tour bus, first listened to the regular stories including the impressive story of the loyal dog. The next round we heard the horrible histories, I sat next to my grandmother and made her listen to it as well, I laughed so much just watching her face. I think I am going to be disowned shortly.
Climbed the tower at the Walter Scott memorial with my mother. Good to see her doing the 250-300 steps, actually was quite claustrophobic at times with the narrow stairs and the sloping in walls. Good views from the top especially of tiny Jeevan and Nannie below.
Rest of the day was spent at the National Gallery, had a good collection of Albrecht Durer's work. The more I see the more I want to learn.
There is so much more to see and do here but the two days have been fun filled.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Scotland- Edinburgh- Day 1
6-07-2011
After a few months of traveling by ourselves it is a different experience having others along. By now we have perfected our method of getting to a new place and getting to the hotel, our movements are smooth and synchronized. Well, it did not work that way in Edinburgh, differing opinions led to chaos, luckily could laugh about it and we did get there eventually.
Staying at a lovely place ( thanks to my uncle) , our best so far. Short walk to the castle, a guided tour around by a young man with a good sense of humor got us to a great start. There is so much to see there including the coronation stone and royal jewels. The prisoners' rooms in the underground vault with graffiti filled walls was quite interesting. The memorial for the war victims is done very well. The Queen was in town so the Royal guards were in place and quite willing for pictures. Liked the story behind the one o'clock cannon, it is fired daily at that time, was used for ships to set their watches, it is not at 12 o' clock to save on the cannon balls, well we are in Scotland.
In the meantime my grandmother ( been to the castle before ) went to visit an elderly friend of hers, now in a nursing home. She refused to take a taxi and found her way there and back on the bus, quite proud of herself, had us worried but nothing we could do once her mind was set.
The rain decided our dinner venue because as it started we dashed into the nearest restaurant . Caught up with Tanya and Hamish for post dinner drinks, it was lovely meeting them, hopefully we do more of that next year. Tanya looked wonderful with her baby bump and she looked so happy as she stroked her belly, made me feel good inside.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
After a few months of traveling by ourselves it is a different experience having others along. By now we have perfected our method of getting to a new place and getting to the hotel, our movements are smooth and synchronized. Well, it did not work that way in Edinburgh, differing opinions led to chaos, luckily could laugh about it and we did get there eventually.
Staying at a lovely place ( thanks to my uncle) , our best so far. Short walk to the castle, a guided tour around by a young man with a good sense of humor got us to a great start. There is so much to see there including the coronation stone and royal jewels. The prisoners' rooms in the underground vault with graffiti filled walls was quite interesting. The memorial for the war victims is done very well. The Queen was in town so the Royal guards were in place and quite willing for pictures. Liked the story behind the one o'clock cannon, it is fired daily at that time, was used for ships to set their watches, it is not at 12 o' clock to save on the cannon balls, well we are in Scotland.
In the meantime my grandmother ( been to the castle before ) went to visit an elderly friend of hers, now in a nursing home. She refused to take a taxi and found her way there and back on the bus, quite proud of herself, had us worried but nothing we could do once her mind was set.
The rain decided our dinner venue because as it started we dashed into the nearest restaurant . Caught up with Tanya and Hamish for post dinner drinks, it was lovely meeting them, hopefully we do more of that next year. Tanya looked wonderful with her baby bump and she looked so happy as she stroked her belly, made me feel good inside.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England - Leeds
5-07-2011
Spent the day shopping and visiting the hairdressers for my mother.
Went for a movie, Bridesmaids. The movie was funny but not the most appropriate one for my grandmother. Later she said - in her days they mainly had musicals and such a movie would not have been made and even if it had been made it would not have passed the censor board.
At 2300 the plan has been made to leave early morning for Edinburgh so no chatting the whole night, sleep is necessary.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Spent the day shopping and visiting the hairdressers for my mother.
Went for a movie, Bridesmaids. The movie was funny but not the most appropriate one for my grandmother. Later she said - in her days they mainly had musicals and such a movie would not have been made and even if it had been made it would not have passed the censor board.
At 2300 the plan has been made to leave early morning for Edinburgh so no chatting the whole night, sleep is necessary.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
England- Leeds
4-07-2011
Spent the whole night talking to my mother, could not believe when I looked at the time and it was 6 in the morning. Wow. Love my family, hopefully Jeevan feels the same.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Spent the whole night talking to my mother, could not believe when I looked at the time and it was 6 in the morning. Wow. Love my family, hopefully Jeevan feels the same.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ireland - Dublin- Day 2
3-07-2011
Glorious day for Howth. Sunny , clear sky and sparkling water had everyone out and about. Had a variety of things to eat from the Sunday market and watched dogs playing catch with seaweed in the water.
Went back in the afternoon to the city. Walked around Merrion square with it's Oscar Wilde memorial and the National play day celebrations. Had a peek at the National Gallery, small but filled with masterpieces, as we made our way to the Temple Bar area. Bought some books, really shouldn't be doing that, at the books market. Listened to some music in the area and enjoyed the sun.
At night went to the Merry Ploughboys pub where we had a great night filled with Irish singing and dancing accompanied by good food. They had the crowd singing along and clapping. They were voted the best music pub this year and though it was a touristy thing to do the show and dinner, we enjoyed it. Sat next to a lovely Pakistani origin-Canadian-living in New York- moving to Dublin soon - couple.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Glorious day for Howth. Sunny , clear sky and sparkling water had everyone out and about. Had a variety of things to eat from the Sunday market and watched dogs playing catch with seaweed in the water.
Went back in the afternoon to the city. Walked around Merrion square with it's Oscar Wilde memorial and the National play day celebrations. Had a peek at the National Gallery, small but filled with masterpieces, as we made our way to the Temple Bar area. Bought some books, really shouldn't be doing that, at the books market. Listened to some music in the area and enjoyed the sun.
At night went to the Merry Ploughboys pub where we had a great night filled with Irish singing and dancing accompanied by good food. They had the crowd singing along and clapping. They were voted the best music pub this year and though it was a touristy thing to do the show and dinner, we enjoyed it. Sat next to a lovely Pakistani origin-Canadian-living in New York- moving to Dublin soon - couple.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ireland- Dublin- Day 1
2-07-2011
All my favorite girly books are written by Irish authors so looking forward to spotting places and things I have read about.
Lazy but lovely start in the morning. First stop at Trinity College ( Jeevan went to a school with the same name). We went on a tour of the grounds with a graduant, final exams passed but awaiting graduation. She did a pretty good job but began the tour under a statue of a person she had no clue about , may have been better to start elsewhere.
Obviously saw the Book of Kells and the long room ( does look like a place from the Harry Potter movies). The book of Kells is exquisite , the calligraphy must surely be the inspiration of the fairy tale books I read as a child.
300 years of medicine at the college was being celebrated , quite an interesting ( at least for us) exhibition was on display.
Then the Guinness brewery, spent more time in there than I had anticipated. It is really well done with a lot of interesting tit bits of information. I enjoyed the area where we could watch all the ads ever done for Guinness. Also learnt to draw up a pint, event got certificates for it, yes we are the happy tourists. Last bit was the Gravity bar at the top with glass all ground and a panoramic view of the city. Nice way to spend the evening.
After a slight hiccup of not getting a table at a restaurant we had been highly recommended, we went for our first stand up comedy. A little skeptical as we were unsure if we would get the jokes or the accent but the room filled up with regulars who assured us that we would have a good time. Laughed so much, will surely be making this a regular event.
Loving Dublin.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
All my favorite girly books are written by Irish authors so looking forward to spotting places and things I have read about.
Lazy but lovely start in the morning. First stop at Trinity College ( Jeevan went to a school with the same name). We went on a tour of the grounds with a graduant, final exams passed but awaiting graduation. She did a pretty good job but began the tour under a statue of a person she had no clue about , may have been better to start elsewhere.
Obviously saw the Book of Kells and the long room ( does look like a place from the Harry Potter movies). The book of Kells is exquisite , the calligraphy must surely be the inspiration of the fairy tale books I read as a child.
300 years of medicine at the college was being celebrated , quite an interesting ( at least for us) exhibition was on display.
Then the Guinness brewery, spent more time in there than I had anticipated. It is really well done with a lot of interesting tit bits of information. I enjoyed the area where we could watch all the ads ever done for Guinness. Also learnt to draw up a pint, event got certificates for it, yes we are the happy tourists. Last bit was the Gravity bar at the top with glass all ground and a panoramic view of the city. Nice way to spend the evening.
After a slight hiccup of not getting a table at a restaurant we had been highly recommended, we went for our first stand up comedy. A little skeptical as we were unsure if we would get the jokes or the accent but the room filled up with regulars who assured us that we would have a good time. Laughed so much, will surely be making this a regular event.
Loving Dublin.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ireland - Waterford/ Dublin
1-07-2011
A day of doing nothing, literally.
I think we got conned into eating at an Indian restaurant by an Irish couple who I think were the owners. The food was good so it didn't matter too much.
Dublin, one of the last places where it will be just the two of us. We have had an amazing time in Europe. Nearly 3 months of being 24 hours with the same person, wondered how it would go, glad to say it was wonderful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
A day of doing nothing, literally.
I think we got conned into eating at an Indian restaurant by an Irish couple who I think were the owners. The food was good so it didn't matter too much.
Dublin, one of the last places where it will be just the two of us. We have had an amazing time in Europe. Nearly 3 months of being 24 hours with the same person, wondered how it would go, glad to say it was wonderful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ireland- Killarney/ Waterford
30-06-2011
A day where by 9 in the morning we had been for a long long walk and back.
Started early to walk in the Killarney National Park. First to the Muckross house and then the Torc waterfall. One of the nicest walks we have been on, just us on the trail, a lake on one side, trees lining the paths, a clear sky above and mountains in the distance. Great start to the day.
Then to the Waterford Tall Ships festival. The town was bustling, traffic was diverted and the streets were full of people, some on stilts. The river was filled with ships of all sizes, the sails were not up otherwise it would have been a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Stalls of food and drinks, 3 platforms with live music and a carnival at one end with rides and games. Went on a Columbian ship, quite a young crew though very welcoming. The night ended with a great display of fireworks.
Been a full on day but lovely.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
A day where by 9 in the morning we had been for a long long walk and back.
Started early to walk in the Killarney National Park. First to the Muckross house and then the Torc waterfall. One of the nicest walks we have been on, just us on the trail, a lake on one side, trees lining the paths, a clear sky above and mountains in the distance. Great start to the day.
Then to the Waterford Tall Ships festival. The town was bustling, traffic was diverted and the streets were full of people, some on stilts. The river was filled with ships of all sizes, the sails were not up otherwise it would have been a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Stalls of food and drinks, 3 platforms with live music and a carnival at one end with rides and games. Went on a Columbian ship, quite a young crew though very welcoming. The night ended with a great display of fireworks.
Been a full on day but lovely.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ireland - Killarney -Day 2
29-06-2011
The Ring of Kerry tour filled most of the day.
Bumpy start to the day with our tour being overbooked but they managed to get us on another one, a bit of a ride to catch them as they had left. From then on it was pretty smooth sailing, maybe too smooth as for a portion of it Jeevan and I both dozed off. Pretty scenery and an entertaining driver kept us engaged for the rest of the time. We paid to visit a Bog village, had us laughing as we could not believe we actually paid for it, two sleeping Irish wolfhounds, two horses and a few houses. We also paid to watch sheepdogs at work, having already seen this in Australia, it was still interesting, the farmer had a good sense of humor and the dogs were great.
The last bit was through the Killarney National park, gorgeous views throughout. The Gap of Dunloe, the lakes, the rivers and the greenery are very inviting.
As the tour finished , we went back to the National park for a bit of a stroll. Walked to the Ross castle, through the woods suddenly a clearing appears with a castle and the lake. Passed some deer along the way and a few horse drawn carriages. Felt at peace and happy.
Dinner was a healthy pizza for me i.e. a pizza where the middle is replaced with a salad, I am not sure if I will be having it again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Ring of Kerry tour filled most of the day.
Bumpy start to the day with our tour being overbooked but they managed to get us on another one, a bit of a ride to catch them as they had left. From then on it was pretty smooth sailing, maybe too smooth as for a portion of it Jeevan and I both dozed off. Pretty scenery and an entertaining driver kept us engaged for the rest of the time. We paid to visit a Bog village, had us laughing as we could not believe we actually paid for it, two sleeping Irish wolfhounds, two horses and a few houses. We also paid to watch sheepdogs at work, having already seen this in Australia, it was still interesting, the farmer had a good sense of humor and the dogs were great.
The last bit was through the Killarney National park, gorgeous views throughout. The Gap of Dunloe, the lakes, the rivers and the greenery are very inviting.
As the tour finished , we went back to the National park for a bit of a stroll. Walked to the Ross castle, through the woods suddenly a clearing appears with a castle and the lake. Passed some deer along the way and a few horse drawn carriages. Felt at peace and happy.
Dinner was a healthy pizza for me i.e. a pizza where the middle is replaced with a salad, I am not sure if I will be having it again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ireland - Killarney - Day 1
28-06-2011
Today was more of a travel day than anything else.
We noticed a rather large loud man at our hotel leaving at the same time as we were , again at the train station and the airport, eventually he was sitting with us on the flight. He turned out to be one of the friendliest and funniest men we have met, kept us entertained.
New things at the airport toilets, one had a uniair ( I think that is what it is called) a toilet for ladies to hover and pee , the other had a hair straightener that was coin operated, very cool. The other thing, not new but I like, is the Dyson hand drier.
Arrived in Killarney by late afternoon. Seems odd to hear English all around, the accent makes me smile. Nice, small town with very friendly people. The B&B is lovely, our room has a jacuzzi, cannot wait to use it.
Had a lovely dinner, ate too much along with our first Guinness in Ireland. The streets are lined with pubs with live music, all sounding wonderful.
Been a long day, hope the sun continues to shine tomorrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Today was more of a travel day than anything else.
We noticed a rather large loud man at our hotel leaving at the same time as we were , again at the train station and the airport, eventually he was sitting with us on the flight. He turned out to be one of the friendliest and funniest men we have met, kept us entertained.
New things at the airport toilets, one had a uniair ( I think that is what it is called) a toilet for ladies to hover and pee , the other had a hair straightener that was coin operated, very cool. The other thing, not new but I like, is the Dyson hand drier.
Arrived in Killarney by late afternoon. Seems odd to hear English all around, the accent makes me smile. Nice, small town with very friendly people. The B&B is lovely, our room has a jacuzzi, cannot wait to use it.
Had a lovely dinner, ate too much along with our first Guinness in Ireland. The streets are lined with pubs with live music, all sounding wonderful.
Been a long day, hope the sun continues to shine tomorrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)