Archive for the ‘United Kingdom’ Category

Catch Up

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Looks like I have to play catch-up on this blog-oh-mine.

It’s January 2, and Happy New Years Everyone! I hope everyone had an amazing night! I spent mine at London’s Trafalgar Square, watching the fireworks go off over the London Eye. A very memorable and amazing evening. At midnight it even started snowing as if on cue. How perfect is that!

Let’s see what else has been going on. From Edinburgh I spent some time in Glasgow. I took a day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands. I saw “Nessie”, she was nice. She even gave me a ride across the Loch. I was in a tiny group, just 5 of us and a guide. So it was a really enjoyable experience seeing Scotland.

From Glasgow, took a train to Manchester. I met some gents on the train and proceeded to enjoy a few cocktails on the train down. Ended up going to a pub with them, then to the Warehouse Project (a warehouse party) until roughly 6am. Had breakie then finally made it to my hostel around 10am-ish. Proceeded to sleep my induced state off for the next few hours, so I could wake up and have a quite evening at a pub with some other hostelers. Good time in Manchester, never really saw the city during the day, but I remember what it looked like at night!

From Manchester went to Auntie Gail’s for Christmas! Had an amazing time with David and Gail (again!) in Lincoln. Went down with them to Auntie Karen’s for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Got to see the whole English family for the holidays. Wonderful time. Spent a few more nights in Lincoln. I got a private tour of the English countryside, including Brigg! If you’re ever in northern Lincolnshire, Brigg is a must stop. Even walked across the 5th largest single span suspension bridge in world, the Humber Bridge. This is significant because Gail is deathly afraid of heights, much less heights over water. Fun times indeed. Was sad to leave, almost convinced to become their au pair. Alas, I took a train to London on the 3oth. But my holidays were made because of them.

London is amazing as always. Spent a great night at a pub with a few Brazilians I met in the hostel. New Years eve was spent partying around London with four German girls. What? There’s nothing dumb about me! Fireworks were quite spectacular, one of the best displays I’ve ever seen. Actually made a day out of the 1st, somehow. Saw some part of London I hadn’t seen before (which is very easy to do). Had a great day with the girls, I need to work on my German before I get to Germany! Now, I’m off to another joyous day in London! Oh wait… I have to figure out where I’m going after London. It’s a debate in my head right now. France (Lyon or Bordeaux) or Germany (Munich or Berlin) Looks like it’s Berlin! “Ich bin ein Berliner!”… Such difficult decisions I’m faced with… When did I say I was coming back to the real world again?

Posted in Europe, United Kingdom | 1 Comment »

Long Time

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Well, let’s see who’s been pretty bad about posting new things on this site… Oh right the only person who does post new things.

I’ll be better I promise. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks with so many cities/countries in such little time. I did have company the whole way so, so that did make things quite the good time the whole time.

So I left Portugal on the 24th for London. I had booked my accommodations about a week or so before I left, but needed to call for directions once I landed in London. Of course the whole thing went to pot and I ended up not having place to stay! Luckily this wasn’t my first trip to London, so I found a hostel (same one as months ago) and lucked out with a bed, but only for the one night. At least this allowed me internet to find a new place to stay for the following couple of nights. A friend I met in Venice, Jenn, whom I met in Venice (back in October), came back to Europe for a few weeks and we met up in London. Did all the typical touristy things while there, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater which I hadn’t been able to see yet. There wasn’t a performance going on so that was a little disappointing, but it gives me something to do when I go back next! The city was as beautiful as ever, it’s definitely winter though and the layers of clothing have started to increase. It was pretty clear the whole time, so doing things like the London Eye at night were just spectacular.

After London, flew to Madrid. Yes I was just in Spain, but I didn’t get a chance to see Madrid while I was there. Really have to love the crazy cheap airlines in Europe, makes these random trips completely too easy. Madrid was surprisingly good. From all the people I’ve met on this trip there was little to say about the city, but I found it nice. Quite cosmopolitan, and yet very Spanish. Had lots of tapas that’s for sure.  Found out the trip coincided with a promotion which included a free tapas with purchase of a Spanish beer. Although the beer was rubbish, you sort of forget that fact after the first few and you focus on the fact that you’re getting free amazing food. Well, almost all of it was amazing. There was one… not quite sure what the idiot person was thinking when they decided slabs of pork fat made an acceptable dish. The rest! Pretty awesome. Went to see Spain’s Royal Palace (Palacio Real), which was quite pretty. Yet they completely did not allow any photography! What is that all about? So if you happen to see a few photos in the gallery that might look like a palace setting, don’t worry those were NOT from that palace at all. Of course I would never illegally take photos of something, so rest assured those are completely fine photos.

From Madrid, it was onto Paris! J’aime Paris! It was quite a wonderful time to go. There was a bit of rain but it didn’t last long, and when it was over the city was breathtaking. The air was so clear and everything looked gorgeous. Went to the tip top of the Eiffel this time, which I hadn’t been able to do before. So wonderful. Did it at night and the city looked magical. It’s definitely a night time endeavor during the winter, and a daytime event for summer (not much pretty foliage during the month of December, so night is better). Again, had some amazing food while there. A little bistro name Chez Michel, was amazing. Went to the Louvre again, luckily on the perfect day because there was a strike at all the museums in Paris the following day. Even Versailles was closed, so made do with seeing lots of outdoor sites. Notre Dame was open though, and it’s quite an amazing building with some amazing stained glass. Spent 4 nights in Paris, and 4 full days. Left at early-30 to get to the airport to make the quick flight to Dublin.

Dublin is great. Still there now actually. Getting off the plane I knew I would like this place. Christmas decorations everywhere. Everyone is so nice as well. People just going out of their way to help with anything. Went to the Dublin Castle one afternoon, and then made the honorary trip to the Guinness Factory. You’ve got to love a city where the highest point a person can go in the city is a bar on top of a factory of beer. Wish I could go to that bar more too, cause the black heaven is freshest at the source.

Going to spend a few nights here to relax and see the city life. Trying to plan my next stop and I have no idea yet where that might be. So! That’s an update and a half for y’all. Enjoy pictures as well!

Posted in Europe, France, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom | 1 Comment »

City Hopping

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Another week has gone by since my last post. It’s getting harder to get time to do these, or maybe I’m just getting lazy. Maybe a mixture of both. Either way, looks like I’m in London again! How did that happen? Well I do love it, so I might as go places I want to.

Only here for a few days (sorry fam, next time around. which at this rate looks like next month again!). Let’s see, what’s been happening. After Spain, I went off to Africa for a few days, specifically Tangier. What an interesting place that was. Definitely a completely different world than I’ve ever been to. I didn’t regret going, just wish I would have had more time to visit other cities than Tangier. I’ve only heard good things about Morocco, but those things seem to focus on the rest of Morocco. It also didn’t help that I became quite sick after just arriving. Pretty solid cold hit me and I’m just now starting to feel better.

From Tangier I flew to Madrid but only to pass through. I couldn’t imagine trying to get to Portugal the “normal” way (i.e. 9 hour buses followed by 3+ hour train). So luckily with the crazy cheap flights in Europe, I didn’t really go out of my way. So from Madrid, got on the train to Lisbon, Portugal. That’s a wonderful city to visit! The place I stayed was exceptional, and everything was just right to enjoy my time and at the same time get to feeling better. It did get a little cooler while there, so I think I’ve reached the downward slop of degrees here on out. From Lisbon took a train to Porto, Portugal to catch my flight to London. From what I saw out the window of the train, I wish I had gotten to Portugal sooner. Everything looked so nice there, buildings were gorgeous, country-side was breathtaking. Just wonderful.

I made it to London last night (24 Nov). Yes, I had a place lined up to stay, yes I got screwed and it feel through. Luckily I was just here! So I had options. Wound up back at the place I was last time, and everything is working out. I just spent the morning going around Wimbledon area Actually just saw a movie. Went and saw Harry Potter, of course, since I didn’t have friends that knew the books/movie in DC (looking at you Whitney). Don’t tell, but I actually had to sneak in to see it (yes I bought a ticket just not to HP). It was the “olds’ showing of the film, so no one allowed under 55 years of dignity. Luckily my dignity seems to have been lost somewhere.

Things might get tricky soon to post often, after London I’m back in Spain but to Madrid which I really did skip. Then to Paris, then to Dublin. Did I mention the hopping part? Oh yes, I did. First actually. Don’t laugh or judge, I don’t think it would be me doing it if it wasn’t done this way.

I’m sitting in Starbucks now. Yes, Starbucks because they have internet and this post would not be happening otherwise. And I always know I can get my 4 shots of espresso + hint of milk, and rarely get the awkward glance at the shear quantity of caffeine. Off to another part of London now, not sure where so looks like I need to get the map out. Ta Ta for now!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I’m quite sad I’m missing a proper Turkey this year. I’ll find somewhere here to celebrate (it’ll be easier than finding July 4 celebrations that’s for sure!)

Posted in Africa, Europe, Spain, United Kingdom | 2 Comments »

London then Paris, now Nice

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Well, since it has been awhile there’s a lot to catch everyone up on.

Before London I had been visiting the family in Lincoln. Had the decade ritual of going out with my cousin and getting completely smashed. At least this time I was a little more seasoned in my drinking capabilities.

Last I left off I had just gotten to London. Let me tell you I miss it. It actually feels like I’ve lived there for years. I’m walking down these streets that I’ve been down just a few times before, yet it feels like I’ve done it a thousand times. I really enjoyed myself. I didn’t take as many pictures of the city as normal, but I don’t mind. Had some great nights. Stayed in the South Kensington area, just on the south side of Hyde Park. Quite a posh location if I don’t say. Met up with a fellow traveler that I’d met in Venice one night. Went out to a few pubs here and there and had just an overall great time. I don’t know, seems like it was awhile ago. So much has happened since then. Saw the rest of the family (almost), while I was staying in London. Next time I’ll plan a longer trip for sure.

After London, went to Paris!  Stayed there 5 days. My feet are done after Paris let me tell you. Walked the entire city almost. I was really excited to go back there and see things again. Musée d’Orsay was actually the place I wanted to see the most again. It did not disappoint. Don’t worry I took half a million photos of Paris, but give me some time to get them up. That’s a much longer endeavor. Spent a good 7 hours in Musée du Louvre (or officially the Grand Louvre). Saw maybe 1/2 of the place. I had to stop. My feet were not designed for such standing/walking. Plus later that evening was going on night bike tour of the city, had to get ready for that. That was a great time. Fat Tire Bike Tours, owned by a guy from Austin, TX so I had to pay tribute. Awesome time, totally recommend. After the tour they put you on a river boat and you get an hour on the Seine seeing everything. Oh and free wine. Can you see why I enjoyed this? Last night there I had a great time watching the Eiffel light up enjoying a bottle of wine and a baguette. Perfect ending.

Now I’m in Nice! Why Nice? Because I heard it was nice. Got to make sure no one forgets how amazing my jokes are! Just got here last night. A beautiful train ride in, some picturesque views. Had a conversation with a lady on the train for about 30 minutes where I think maybe 10 words were in English. I think I did ok actually carrying the conversation and replying to what she was asking. I was quite impressed with myself. I’m off to see the city now. There’s some beautiful places I’m to see! Tomorrow I’m scuba diving and being a beach bum. I’ve barely been here, but I’m already thinking about extending my stay…

à bientôt

Posted in Europe, France, United Kingdom | 1 Comment »

England

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Hello from England! Pictures of Amsterdam and Venice are up!

Just got to London, been visiting the family over the weekend. I’ll report back on London in a few days!

Posted in Europe, United Kingdom | No Comments »