My last day has arrived and I sit and ponder the trip home. What an amazing time I have had seeing new sites and enjoying great company.
Met up with a dozen people for dinner last night and kicked on to wee hours (about 4.00 am).
Said my goodbyes to all and now await Fi coming home early for the trip to airport.
Not much more to say and will only post once more on arrival home.
Has been fab and anyone who has followed, thanks for the thoughts.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Wandering around town
Glorious day with no cloud saw me out and about. Having tubed past Baker Street numerous times it was time to see the area. Got off and walked down to the classic of 221b Baker Street where the Sherlock Holmes museum is.
It was still early so went another few yards to Regents Park. Lovely gardens of which there are plenty in London. The day was warm so there were plenty paddling in the water.
Regents Park
Kept walking then on to Paddington, and was able to catch Fi for lunch. After that I wound my way back via tube to Greenwich for a quick arvo snooze! Tough this holiday gig.
Met up with girls at Davey's wine bar for dinner and drinks as it was the last night we could just be us 3.
Sauntered home late in evening and then toddled off to bed. Last full day of my holidays and meeting a crew out for dinner tonight. A bit gloomy today but I am hopeful it will clear up.
221b Baker St
It was still early so went another few yards to Regents Park. Lovely gardens of which there are plenty in London. The day was warm so there were plenty paddling in the water.
Kept walking then on to Paddington, and was able to catch Fi for lunch. After that I wound my way back via tube to Greenwich for a quick arvo snooze! Tough this holiday gig.
Met up with girls at Davey's wine bar for dinner and drinks as it was the last night we could just be us 3.
Sauntered home late in evening and then toddled off to bed. Last full day of my holidays and meeting a crew out for dinner tonight. A bit gloomy today but I am hopeful it will clear up.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Montmarte and then back to London
The Eurostar back to London was not until 5.00 pm so we had our morning coffee and croissants and took the metro up the hill. It still left us with a nice walk and the day was glorious.
The view across city was great and the place was heaving. So much so we did not stay too long, just enough to take some snaps and then wandered back down.
View over Paris
Took the metro back to St Michel where we stopped for a coffee and thought we could go visit the Museum De Cluny. Nice plan but it is closed on Tuesdays! Dooooh.
Outside the Museum De Cluny
So after that we walked the streets taking in the feel of the place until it was time to return to our hotel, pick up bags and head to the station.
Back to London, then tube back to Greenwich had us in by 7.30. Felt a bit shattered so sat back in evening and chatted to Leann after she got home.
2 more sleeps for me only so will have to ensure I see more.
Montmarte
The view across city was great and the place was heaving. So much so we did not stay too long, just enough to take some snaps and then wandered back down.
Took the metro back to St Michel where we stopped for a coffee and thought we could go visit the Museum De Cluny. Nice plan but it is closed on Tuesdays! Dooooh.
So after that we walked the streets taking in the feel of the place until it was time to return to our hotel, pick up bags and head to the station.
Back to London, then tube back to Greenwich had us in by 7.30. Felt a bit shattered so sat back in evening and chatted to Leann after she got home.
2 more sleeps for me only so will have to ensure I see more.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
An eyeful of Eiffel
Another full day was in store and after breakfast wandered down to the Seinne to jump on the on/off boat. Great way to see the city and after going past Notre Dame and other sites the tower soon came closer.
Fi on the river
We disembarked at the tower and joined the throngs admiring it. They are currently doing a lot of work at the base modernizing the facilities as apparently the number of visitors in last 10 years exceeded all that visited in previous century.
Another tick off from my trip and then we headed up to shops at Hauseman where I managed to find a few things. The afternoon had flown by and we headed back towards our area and had drink and a chat.
We cleaned up a bit and headed out for the evening. Found a great cafe up the hill and just outside Sorbonne.
Another great day came to a close and now today I leave this wonderful part of the world. Au revoir until another time.
We disembarked at the tower and joined the throngs admiring it. They are currently doing a lot of work at the base modernizing the facilities as apparently the number of visitors in last 10 years exceeded all that visited in previous century.
Tower De Eiffel
Another tick off from my trip and then we headed up to shops at Hauseman where I managed to find a few things. The afternoon had flown by and we headed back towards our area and had drink and a chat.
We cleaned up a bit and headed out for the evening. Found a great cafe up the hill and just outside Sorbonne.
Sorbonne at night
Another great day came to a close and now today I leave this wonderful part of the world. Au revoir until another time.
Monday, 19 August 2013
A full day in the city
It had been a late start, so Fi and I made our way down Rue St Michel where we found one of the many cafes for brunch. With enough to start we walked across the river to Notre Dame and than wound our way down the Seinne past the Louvre to the Champs Elysees.
We walked all the way up then to Arc De Triomph with a couple of shop and coffee stops. The walk is fantastic with sights at every moment, through the gardens at Louvre to the Champs itself.
It was time to change our mode of transport so we hopped on Metro from the top down to Bastille. Found a great cafe to watch the people and enjoy a French rose.
From there we walked back across the river and worked our way back to Latin quarter and found a cafe for dinner. Fed we moved to a small bar for a couple of well earned cocktails!!
Soon it was after 11.00 and we ambled back to the hotel and collapsed. Up again today to head in another direction.
Notre Dame
We walked all the way up then to Arc De Triomph with a couple of shop and coffee stops. The walk is fantastic with sights at every moment, through the gardens at Louvre to the Champs itself.
Arc De Triomph
It was time to change our mode of transport so we hopped on Metro from the top down to Bastille. Found a great cafe to watch the people and enjoy a French rose.
Soon it was after 11.00 and we ambled back to the hotel and collapsed. Up again today to head in another direction.
Sunday, 18 August 2013
A French affair
To fill you in on the Paris event, I will take a step back to fill in the gaps from yesterday.
Arrived at Paris Nord station after the 2 hours from London. Beautiful day and we walked down towards the Seine, through the streets of Paris taking in the place.
Saw glimpses of many of the sites including Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomph, and Notre Dame. Will explore more today.
River Seinne
Took us 2 hours and as was hot and we really looked forward to checking in. The hotel is directly across from the Sorbonne on the border of the Latin quarter.
After a quick shower we stepped out to take in a some food and wine.
Fi at Chez Clement
After a few hours we had dinner and went out to a club for the evening- Looking forward to the day.
Arrived at Paris Nord station after the 2 hours from London. Beautiful day and we walked down towards the Seine, through the streets of Paris taking in the place.
Saw glimpses of many of the sites including Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomph, and Notre Dame. Will explore more today.
Took us 2 hours and as was hot and we really looked forward to checking in. The hotel is directly across from the Sorbonne on the border of the Latin quarter.
After a quick shower we stepped out to take in a some food and wine.
After a few hours we had dinner and went out to a club for the evening- Looking forward to the day.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Paris!
Quick post as we have just arrived in Paris. Caught the Eurostar this morning and have just walked down from station to hotel.
Walked down and have seen Louvre, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame.
Now time for a feed and a drink. Will catch up tomorrow. Au revoir.......
Louvre
Walked down and have seen Louvre, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame.
Now time for a feed and a drink. Will catch up tomorrow. Au revoir.......
Friday, 16 August 2013
Stockcross and Downton Abbey
As stated I headed of to Stockcross where Bob picked me up after lunch. A short drive to his place where Allison awaited. We chatted awhile then I went next door with Bob to book into my room at the Lord Lyon Hotel.
Bob at the snug
To be sociable we had a couple of pints and then met back up with Allison for a spot of exploring. I had no idea that they were in close proximity to Highclere Castle, so the 5 minutes it took to get there was past in a jif.
What can I say, it is a magnificent Victorian mansion set in beautiful grounds. Did not go in but just to prove a point took the photo!
It is open to public during summer, but time did not allow more.
We then went for a drive around the area before returning back as Allison's sister Ann and John were expected. We met them and I went back to pub for a scrub before we picked up Fi following her train trip down after work.
Lord Lyon
The 6 of us then dined at the Lord Lyon before walking up the street to The Rising Sun where a folk musician was playing as part of the 2 weeks of the Stockcross festival.
Staggered back to our room and this morning Fi headed off at 7.00 to get back to London for work. Tomorrow off to Paris!!
To be sociable we had a couple of pints and then met back up with Allison for a spot of exploring. I had no idea that they were in close proximity to Highclere Castle, so the 5 minutes it took to get there was past in a jif.
What can I say, it is a magnificent Victorian mansion set in beautiful grounds. Did not go in but just to prove a point took the photo!
It is open to public during summer, but time did not allow more.
We then went for a drive around the area before returning back as Allison's sister Ann and John were expected. We met them and I went back to pub for a scrub before we picked up Fi following her train trip down after work.
The 6 of us then dined at the Lord Lyon before walking up the street to The Rising Sun where a folk musician was playing as part of the 2 weeks of the Stockcross festival.
Staggered back to our room and this morning Fi headed off at 7.00 to get back to London for work. Tomorrow off to Paris!!
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Last night in Mews
I had a slow day tidying up and in the arvo made my way to Paddington to see Alli and crew. Alli and family had been away for a week in France and going away to country on weekend, so was last chance to see them as my time winds down.
Weather decided to drop some rain, so we managed to get the tarp up and cocooned ourselves to continue the fun.
Over the course of the evening a number came and went and it was great sharing holiday adventures as many of them have had breaks as well.
Eventually the rain had stopped and after a while people started to disperse. That was our call and Fi, Leann, and I caught a minicab back to Greenwich.
Stockcross beckons today and a folk musical night! Will see what that is like.
Weather decided to drop some rain, so we managed to get the tarp up and cocooned ourselves to continue the fun.
Crew
Over the course of the evening a number came and went and it was great sharing holiday adventures as many of them have had breaks as well.
Eventually the rain had stopped and after a while people started to disperse. That was our call and Fi, Leann, and I caught a minicab back to Greenwich.
Stockcross beckons today and a folk musical night! Will see what that is like.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Back to London
After the night in the castle, we awoke to a sumptuous breakfast in the dining room before we had to head off.
Next door the church which harks back to 1000 AD originally and would be a cathedral in most cities, was also a marvel.
From there we returned via the little town of Thornbury to Bristol to catch the train back to London.
Thornbury
The 1 and 1/2 hours passed quickly with the history embedded in my head.
Back at Greenwich, Fi decided to do a major dinner and whilst I watched, she did an amazing pork belly, home made focaccia and fresh vegetables.
Great dinner and we relaxed into the evening. Quiet day planned and off to Stockcross tomorrow to see Bob, Allison, Ann and John.
Next door the church which harks back to 1000 AD originally and would be a cathedral in most cities, was also a marvel.
The 1 and 1/2 hours passed quickly with the history embedded in my head.
Back at Greenwich, Fi decided to do a major dinner and whilst I watched, she did an amazing pork belly, home made focaccia and fresh vegetables.
Great dinner and we relaxed into the evening. Quiet day planned and off to Stockcross tomorrow to see Bob, Allison, Ann and John.
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Best surprise stay in a castle!
Off in morning with still no idea where I was going. Took train from Paddington and all I knew we were heading west with the line finishing at Cardiff. I was off train at Bristol and bundled into a cab.
A short drive brought us to the grounds of Thornbury Castle Hotel! The penny dropped!
Thornbury Castle entrance
Well I was impressed. It is the only Tudor castle hotel that you can stay in, and was started in 1509. Henry viii stayed here with Ann Boleyn.
We had a coffee whilst I took it all in and then we went for walk around the gardens.
Tudor gardens
Magnificent and was possibly a reason that Lord Buckingham lost his head in 1521 so that the crown could take it for themself.
We idled around taking it all in and had a short rest before walking up town for dinner. Perfection followed us and we went to Piazza Italian restaurant which was simply the best. Food was fabulous, presentation divine and service happy.
Strolled back to castle and had an evening drink in lounge before retiring.
It did feel unreal
Well that was such a good day, I look forward to this one. We will make our way back to London some time.
A short drive brought us to the grounds of Thornbury Castle Hotel! The penny dropped!
Well I was impressed. It is the only Tudor castle hotel that you can stay in, and was started in 1509. Henry viii stayed here with Ann Boleyn.
Lady Eleanor room
We had a coffee whilst I took it all in and then we went for walk around the gardens.
Magnificent and was possibly a reason that Lord Buckingham lost his head in 1521 so that the crown could take it for themself.
We idled around taking it all in and had a short rest before walking up town for dinner. Perfection followed us and we went to Piazza Italian restaurant which was simply the best. Food was fabulous, presentation divine and service happy.
Strolled back to castle and had an evening drink in lounge before retiring.
Well that was such a good day, I look forward to this one. We will make our way back to London some time.
Monday, 12 August 2013
Soho in the daytime
A slow start saw us meet Ian and Bev in Oxford street around 1.00. They had already done Madame Troussards, and then we split with the girls off shopping.
Ian and I went for a wander down to Soho where we saw a few pubs and a lot of closed doors, as it was early.
After a wander we sat in Pub Soho to watch the world go by and chat. Obviously the place changes character at night as I was reminded when I went to the gents!
A tad disconcerting!
Around 4.00 we met back up with the girls at the Spread Eagle (just love the names of pubs here) and after a couple said farewells as our paths will not cross again until home.
Fi and I then made our way back to Greenwich where we met up with Leann for a Sunday dinner.
Up today with a mystery trip in store!
Ian and I went for a wander down to Soho where we saw a few pubs and a lot of closed doors, as it was early.
3 Greyhounds
After a wander we sat in Pub Soho to watch the world go by and chat. Obviously the place changes character at night as I was reminded when I went to the gents!
Around 4.00 we met back up with the girls at the Spread Eagle (just love the names of pubs here) and after a couple said farewells as our paths will not cross again until home.
Fi and I then made our way back to Greenwich where we met up with Leann for a Sunday dinner.
Up today with a mystery trip in store!
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Camden Markets and dinner
A reasonable day saw Fi and I off to Camden. The market there is huge and the whole area hums. If you enjoy people watching this a treat. Body art, piercings, wild hair dos, and weird clothing is on the fare.
We shopped for some t-shirts for me and presents. One shop Cyberdog is a rave supply shop and the morning sped away. We stopped for lunch at Camden Lock pub, where we could observe the throngs and have a refreshing ale.
Camden Lock
We ambled back home to get ready to meet the Reads and their friends for dinner at 'La Pont De La Tour' next to London Tower Bridge.
There were 7 of us and could not get into restaurant so had to make do with bar and grill. Not as good, however, we had a grand time.
Ian, Sue, Bev, Fi, Chloe, and Greg
Sue and Greg's daughter Chloe has been living in London for a year and it was good to hear her stories.
Arranged to meet on Sunday for the girls to go shopping and the boys will look into history and ales!
Camden
We shopped for some t-shirts for me and presents. One shop Cyberdog is a rave supply shop and the morning sped away. We stopped for lunch at Camden Lock pub, where we could observe the throngs and have a refreshing ale.
We ambled back home to get ready to meet the Reads and their friends for dinner at 'La Pont De La Tour' next to London Tower Bridge.
There were 7 of us and could not get into restaurant so had to make do with bar and grill. Not as good, however, we had a grand time.
Sue and Greg's daughter Chloe has been living in London for a year and it was good to hear her stories.
Arranged to meet on Sunday for the girls to go shopping and the boys will look into history and ales!
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Meet the Reads at Westminster
Ian and Bev contacted me to advise of their safe arrival in London. They had been out in morning and obtained phones for their travels. Again these were cheap and for 70 quid got 2 , 1 of which was a cheap smartphone allowing them access to maps etc.
Arranged to have a quick meet at their hotel in Westminster. Great spot only 300 metres from Westminster Abbey.
After a quick beer with Ian and Bev, they were off to dinner and I headed back to Greenwich and Davey's wine bar to catch up with Fi after work.
After an enjoyable catch up it was off home and now the new day awaits. Will meet with the Reads for dinner tonight and on Monday I have a mystery tour? Apparently a treat is in store, but I am not privy to its make up!
Big Ben again
Arranged to have a quick meet at their hotel in Westminster. Great spot only 300 metres from Westminster Abbey.
The Abbey
After a quick beer with Ian and Bev, they were off to dinner and I headed back to Greenwich and Davey's wine bar to catch up with Fi after work.
After an enjoyable catch up it was off home and now the new day awaits. Will meet with the Reads for dinner tonight and on Monday I have a mystery tour? Apparently a treat is in store, but I am not privy to its make up!
Friday, 9 August 2013
Arundel Castle
After a slow week it was time to get out and about properly. Up early to catch the train to Arundel in Sussex. With a couple of changes it still only took an hour and a bit.
Last year when I went down to Portsmouth, I had spotted this fairytale castle from the train and had made a note to visit. It sits atop a hill and commands majestic views over the county to the north and to the south over the water.
View from train station
This is in keeping with its history, as it was started in 1070 after the Norman conquest! It is the family home of the Duke of Norfolk and has been in their family since that time.
A short walk from station to the town and up the hill first to see the cathedral was worthwhile.
The cathedral and pub.
The pub next door dated to 1525 and was a good spot to have a bite before I went to castle. You start at the bottom off Mill Road and wind up through the grounds to castle proper.
Now that is a castle
The place reeks of history and figures prominently in the history books. Inside (no photography) the rooms and paintings are magnificent. Massive portraits of all the 18 Dukes, 2 done by Van Dyke!
Coupled with the artifacts and of course swords and armour, is great to wander about.
One of the entrances
The actual living areas are resplendent, and although Victoria had said the room she stayed in was quaintly small, it was larger than many flats!
After gawking at how they live, I had a walk around gardens which are also amazing. There will be Shakespeare in the gardens later this month.
After a few good hours, I made my way back to train station and home. A great day trip and highly recommended.
Last year when I went down to Portsmouth, I had spotted this fairytale castle from the train and had made a note to visit. It sits atop a hill and commands majestic views over the county to the north and to the south over the water.
This is in keeping with its history, as it was started in 1070 after the Norman conquest! It is the family home of the Duke of Norfolk and has been in their family since that time.
A short walk from station to the town and up the hill first to see the cathedral was worthwhile.
The pub next door dated to 1525 and was a good spot to have a bite before I went to castle. You start at the bottom off Mill Road and wind up through the grounds to castle proper.
The place reeks of history and figures prominently in the history books. Inside (no photography) the rooms and paintings are magnificent. Massive portraits of all the 18 Dukes, 2 done by Van Dyke!
Coupled with the artifacts and of course swords and armour, is great to wander about.
The actual living areas are resplendent, and although Victoria had said the room she stayed in was quaintly small, it was larger than many flats!
Imposing from outside
After gawking at how they live, I had a walk around gardens which are also amazing. There will be Shakespeare in the gardens later this month.
After a few good hours, I made my way back to train station and home. A great day trip and highly recommended.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Dining around town
A few chores in morning then off to the Victoria for lunch. This was apparently the watering hole for one Winston Churchill, and has an upstairs reading room.
It is a traditional pub with good fare and friendly staff. Only one drink there and then off for afternoon exploring a few sites.
I cannot get enough of the river walks and with good weather took advantage again.
Met up with Fi and Nick around 7.00 at London Bridge, where we shared a couple of pints before having a great meal at the 'Dean Swift'.
A short walk back to station for a late train saw us home around 11.00 pm.
Just a few chats with Nick and then off to bed. He leaves tomorrow, so I said my farewells.
Will see what day brings today.
I cannot get enough of the river walks and with good weather took advantage again.
Met up with Fi and Nick around 7.00 at London Bridge, where we shared a couple of pints before having a great meal at the 'Dean Swift'.
A short walk back to station for a late train saw us home around 11.00 pm.
Just a few chats with Nick and then off to bed. He leaves tomorrow, so I said my farewells.
Will see what day brings today.
Just hanging around
After the weekends events Sunday and Monday melded into rest days for me. There was talk of a BBQ on Sunday, but the girls
and I were shattered, so it was just for us 3.
Girls had work on Monday, so I rested and only had a little poke around.
Cleopatra's Needle
A couple more quietish days are in order, although dinner at London Bridge is on tonight.
My mate Ian and his wife Bev arrive Thursday so things will speed up then.
One for the chippies!
Plans for weekend have been made, but I am in dark! Will advise!
Girls had work on Monday, so I rested and only had a little poke around.
A couple more quietish days are in order, although dinner at London Bridge is on tonight.
My mate Ian and his wife Bev arrive Thursday so things will speed up then.
Plans for weekend have been made, but I am in dark! Will advise!
Monday, 5 August 2013
Shape up or ship out Summer party
The Shipshape party was on and held at a great pub, The Black Lion near Hammersmith. The actual employees were there for 2.00 pm, and interlopers invited after 4.00 pm.
Nice area backing onto Thames, and by the time I arrived was in full swing.
Met a lot of new people and after a few lubricants everybody was in high spirits.
Early on!
A good feed was provided and as the sun dropped, so did inhibitions, and by the time rounds of shooters arrived, it was a bit messy.
We were called for last drinks before we realized and packed off in cab for the trip home arriving back at Greenwich around 1.00 am. My travel companions (Fi and Leann) were asleep by this time, so I toddled them off to bed before I succumbed as well.
Sunday is here and a restful vegetation day is in store!!
Nice area backing onto Thames, and by the time I arrived was in full swing.
Cute church on way
Met a lot of new people and after a few lubricants everybody was in high spirits.
A good feed was provided and as the sun dropped, so did inhibitions, and by the time rounds of shooters arrived, it was a bit messy.
We were called for last drinks before we realized and packed off in cab for the trip home arriving back at Greenwich around 1.00 am. My travel companions (Fi and Leann) were asleep by this time, so I toddled them off to bed before I succumbed as well.
Sunday is here and a restful vegetation day is in store!!
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Another Mews affair
Friday arrived and after a bit of housekeeping, ie I had to wait around for the grocery delivery, I was off to the butcher to get mixings for another batch of sausage rolls.
Dutifully cooked it was time to make my way to Paddington and Alli's place for an evening soiree. The girls and a lot of their friends all work for Shipshape, a multi faceted business with construction, payroll etc. This is based in the mews where Alli lives, so as they knocked off joined us.
Dutifully cooked it was time to make my way to Paddington and Alli's place for an evening soiree. The girls and a lot of their friends all work for Shipshape, a multi faceted business with construction, payroll etc. This is based in the mews where Alli lives, so as they knocked off joined us.
Some of crew
There is to be a summer party for Shipshape today, so Nick who lives in Sweden had arrived, and together we partied until midnight in the Mews.
Sara, Mark (aka Plastic), and Nick
Nick came back to Greenwich with us and around 3.00 am we collapsed.
Up this morning/lunchtime, and getting ready to go to Hammersmith for the summer party starting around 2.00 pm....guess I will just get back on the horse!
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