Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Monday, September 5, 2011
Photo of the Week: England
From: London - The Changing of the Guard
Hey, not all jobs are created equal - Happy Labor Day!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
British Museum
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| Rosetta Stone |
The British Museum is great. The main atrium was large and open with lots of natural light. There were also benches where you could rest while you planned your attack on the museum.
Off the main room is the Rosetta Stone, other then being a big rock with 3 languages (Dolmotic, Greek, Hyroglypyics) on it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Well, it is a BIG rock with tiny print on it, I think that was what surprised me most. In the Egyptian temples hyroglyphics are so large, but on the Rosetta Stone it was tiny. I did visit the rest of the Egyptian exhibit, which had some really impressive pieces. The collection wasn't even close to as large as The Met in New York City. But, the pieces were better, if you don't factor in that the Met has a temple. Hmmm, Temple vs Rosetta Stone - I think Rosetta Stone wins for it lasting influence.
Next I went to the Greek exhibits, which were impressive in the calabre of the art - heck when you steal from the Parthenon you will get some good art. But like most ancient greek art, it wasn't in great condition - missing arms, legs, heads, etc. Don't get me wrong, what they had was well cared for, it just hadn't lasted the test of time before being rescued for the elements. After this I decided to head back to my hotel. After flying in that morning, and visiting St. Paul's I was a bit exhausted. But for the price of FREE - the British Museum is more then a bargain! I did hear that the British govenrment is considering charging to visit the British Museum, so if you're to London soon that should definately be high on your list.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Giraffe, The Restaurant
About a year before I went to London my friend mentioned that there were "giraffes everywhere" in London - he was referring to the restaurant chain, Giraffe. I was instantly intrigued and quickly fell in love with Giddy the Giraffe. I managed to visit 3 different Giraffe's when I was in London: Southbank Center, Russell Square (which is not called Russell Square but is near there), and Heathrow.
It's a cute little cafe type of restaurant with a long menu of English food - I didn't have any great meals there, the menu had a lot of foods that just didn't appeal to me. The food itself was good, but not great. I also didn't get to see Giddy. But the locations were great - Southbank center is a short walk from the London Eye and in a nice shopping/eating mecca where you could tell it was more of a local place then a tourist place. The one near Russell Square was in a pedestrian mall with other restaurants and shops - another great location that doesn't scream tourist.
But the true highlight was when I was at Heathrow and decided to get a smoothie - it was delicious! I drink a lot of smoothies and this one was really really good. I'm sorry I hadn't gotten one on my previous trips as I probably would have had a better opinion of the restaurant.Overall, I wouldn't suggest anyone run there, I would check out the menu and if you see something that intersts you, then go. If nothing interests you on the menu, go to a pub and get fish and chips. But if you love giraffes, like me, then go, if nothing else the theme is fun.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Churchill's War Room
While in London I visited the Churchill War Rooms - a museum dedicated to the underground bunker that Churchill and the British government used during WWII. This museum was recommended to me by family friends and I have to say it was a good fit.
Before and after going here I heard wonderful things about the museum and it was wall set up. I will caution thought that I was by far the youngest person going through the museum, I think everyone else had lived through WWII.
The set up of the museum gave an idea of what it would have been like to be down in the bunker for long periods of time (I work in an office without windows so I undertood that part of it already). there was an authentic feel to the museum with the use of actually and period pieces. The only thing I didn't like was that some of the maniquines made the museum feel a little cheesy.
I would recommend this musuem to others visiting London, particularly if you are interested in history. I'm not sure I would put it on a 1 day itinerary, but probably a 2 or 3 day + itinerary. There was another part to the museum, about Churchill himself. I opted to skip that part as I was getting hungry and he wasn't my primary interest in visiting.
Before and after going here I heard wonderful things about the museum and it was wall set up. I will caution thought that I was by far the youngest person going through the museum, I think everyone else had lived through WWII. 
The set up of the museum gave an idea of what it would have been like to be down in the bunker for long periods of time (I work in an office without windows so I undertood that part of it already). there was an authentic feel to the museum with the use of actually and period pieces. The only thing I didn't like was that some of the maniquines made the museum feel a little cheesy. 
I would recommend this musuem to others visiting London, particularly if you are interested in history. I'm not sure I would put it on a 1 day itinerary, but probably a 2 or 3 day + itinerary. There was another part to the museum, about Churchill himself. I opted to skip that part as I was getting hungry and he wasn't my primary interest in visiting.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
London's Churches
So do you like St. Paul's or Westminster Abey better, and why?
During my stay in London I visited both. I will say that they both were similarly priced to visit and both included audio tours. They were both quite beauiful and have long great histories.
One thing that was frustrating was that you could not take photos in either. I'm sure this is to maintain the integrity of the art and to sell coffee table books. I have several coffee table books from many of the different places I have visited, but I rarely, if ever, look through them. I didn't buy a book on either place; subsequently, my memory has faded and I can't always remember some of the details of what I saw in which.
St. Pauls at first, is more striking. Westminster Abbey is more of a sleeper - as I went through it, it grew on me more and more. It may not have been as large or as grand, but it had a lot more little nooks that enhanced it and made it special. Poet's Corner, the Great Cloister, Lady Chapel.
One thing though that did set St. Paul's apart was the views of the city. If you're willing to climb a couple hundred steps you can visit the whispering gallery and get great views inside the cathedral, continue climbing and you can see the city. I was not in shape when I visited and the stairs were a challenge, to say the least. I didn't climb up the 3rd set of stairs for the highest view of the city, but the view at the top of the second flight was great and worth the workout.
One thing that was frustrating was that you could not take photos in either. I'm sure this is to maintain the integrity of the art and to sell coffee table books. I have several coffee table books from many of the different places I have visited, but I rarely, if ever, look through them. I didn't buy a book on either place; subsequently, my memory has faded and I can't always remember some of the details of what I saw in which.
St. Pauls at first, is more striking. Westminster Abbey is more of a sleeper - as I went through it, it grew on me more and more. It may not have been as large or as grand, but it had a lot more little nooks that enhanced it and made it special. Poet's Corner, the Great Cloister, Lady Chapel. One thing though that did set St. Paul's apart was the views of the city. If you're willing to climb a couple hundred steps you can visit the whispering gallery and get great views inside the cathedral, continue climbing and you can see the city. I was not in shape when I visited and the stairs were a challenge, to say the least. I didn't climb up the 3rd set of stairs for the highest view of the city, but the view at the top of the second flight was great and worth the workout.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thoughts on London
For my first two days of my trip I was on London, and I really like London. It's a nice clean, pretty city with a good vibe. I think the preparation for the 2012 Olympics helped making it a tourist friendly city too.
The Tube is a lot nicer then the NYC Subway - it was clean, good announcements, good signs and I didn't feel dirty and icky when I got off.
There were a lot of conservatively dressed Muslims. I had heard this before, but it was even more evident then I imagined. It was more noticable then when I was in Cairo (in the touristy areas). I thought NYC was diverse, London was blowing NYC away. But aside from the Muslims there were different languages being spoken all over the place, more then I've noticed in NYC.
There was a lot of good signage. When you came out of the tube stations or were walking around the city there were signs showing how to get to the different tourist attractions, very handy.
It's expensive. Not as expensive as the last time I was there, but when every attraction is 10-15 pounds sightseeing is expensive. Food isn't much better and clothes were even worse.
The food isn't very good. While I did have some good food, I found the menues didn't have appealing food listed on them. My best meal was Italian food.
Heathrow is a BIG airport. Terminal 5 is massive and has lots of shopping. I think it was a mile walk from the plane to border control. And I had to take a bus to my plane coming home.
There was a good mix of tourists and locals walking around.
There were a lot of cops without guns.
There were EMT's on motorcycles, how do they transport people?
They have annoying people trying to get you to donate to their charity, but can be easily confused by statements meant to be confusing - it makes them go away.
The Tube is a lot nicer then the NYC Subway - it was clean, good announcements, good signs and I didn't feel dirty and icky when I got off.
There were a lot of conservatively dressed Muslims. I had heard this before, but it was even more evident then I imagined. It was more noticable then when I was in Cairo (in the touristy areas). I thought NYC was diverse, London was blowing NYC away. But aside from the Muslims there were different languages being spoken all over the place, more then I've noticed in NYC.
There was a lot of good signage. When you came out of the tube stations or were walking around the city there were signs showing how to get to the different tourist attractions, very handy. It's expensive. Not as expensive as the last time I was there, but when every attraction is 10-15 pounds sightseeing is expensive. Food isn't much better and clothes were even worse.
The food isn't very good. While I did have some good food, I found the menues didn't have appealing food listed on them. My best meal was Italian food.
Heathrow is a BIG airport. Terminal 5 is massive and has lots of shopping. I think it was a mile walk from the plane to border control. And I had to take a bus to my plane coming home.
There was a good mix of tourists and locals walking around.
There were a lot of cops without guns.
There were EMT's on motorcycles, how do they transport people?
They have annoying people trying to get you to donate to their charity, but can be easily confused by statements meant to be confusing - it makes them go away.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Back from England and Scotland
I came back Monday night from my Contiki tour of England and Scotland. The trip was a lot of fun. I wouldn't say that England and Scotland were my favorite places, but they were both very wonderful in different ways. My tour group was good, and my Tour Manager and Driver was great too.
I did get an opportunity to fly Business Class on British Airways out to London, which was great since I got some good sleep in! I'll write about that later. I saw everything on my list in London. I saw Stonehenge, Bath, a Pencil Musuem, Hairy Cows in the Highlands and lots of sheep. The trip was an obvious success!
The downside to the trip was that when I was in Edinburgh after my tour I was so lonely and sad without my tourmates. It was much easier to be alone before tour in London. So even though I think Edinburgh is a great city, it will always be the city I was sad in :(
You'll hear much much more about all of this, once I start to wrap my brain around it all, and go through the 1900 pictures I took.
I did get an opportunity to fly Business Class on British Airways out to London, which was great since I got some good sleep in! I'll write about that later. I saw everything on my list in London. I saw Stonehenge, Bath, a Pencil Musuem, Hairy Cows in the Highlands and lots of sheep. The trip was an obvious success!
The downside to the trip was that when I was in Edinburgh after my tour I was so lonely and sad without my tourmates. It was much easier to be alone before tour in London. So even though I think Edinburgh is a great city, it will always be the city I was sad in :(
You'll hear much much more about all of this, once I start to wrap my brain around it all, and go through the 1900 pictures I took.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Reflecting on London
A week or so ago I was discussing my upcoming trip with my boss. He lived in London about 30 years ago, maybe more and told me a bit about his time there. First, he almost never saw Buckingham Palace. It wasn't until he was about to leave and mentioned it to a colleague who proceeded to turn the car around and take him to see Buckingham Palace. Also, you couldn't find a good burger there, it wasn't until the Hard Rock Cafe opened up that you could find a good burger in the city. I found that pretty funny since it's now considered a tourist spot. But at the time that was the first and only Hard Rock Cafe and the only place with a good burger.
His reflections of London remind me of my short time there. It's a city where I saw my own personal growth as a traveler. My first day there I was terrified of getting lost, almost didn't hop off the hop on and off bus I went on. At the end of a 2 week tour I was back in London and feeling much bolder. I decided to go to the London Eye, bought myself a tube pass, mapped my route and did it, even put in a stop in Trafalgar Square to stop at a market. In Trafalgar Square I had this realization of how far I had come and how much more confident I was. I started to hyperventilate and it felt great!
His reflections of London remind me of my short time there. It's a city where I saw my own personal growth as a traveler. My first day there I was terrified of getting lost, almost didn't hop off the hop on and off bus I went on. At the end of a 2 week tour I was back in London and feeling much bolder. I decided to go to the London Eye, bought myself a tube pass, mapped my route and did it, even put in a stop in Trafalgar Square to stop at a market. In Trafalgar Square I had this realization of how far I had come and how much more confident I was. I started to hyperventilate and it felt great!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Trip Preparation, what to do in London and beyond
I've spent quite a bit of time over the past few weeks preparing for my trip to England and Scotland. Since It's a Contiki trip I have spent most of my time preparing for London. Though I should probably be spending a bit more time preparing for my 2 days in Edinburgh at the end of the trip. So what have I done?
As I write this I'm watching Braveheart, for some historical perspective on the trip. I might have to do a bit of research on the real William Wallace, at least check out what wikipedia says, you know how Hollywood can be.
I've mapped out London. I figured out how to make custom maps in Google Maps - I have maps with specific icons for the different place I want to go to.
Giraffe (restaurant), hoping to meet Giddy
Churchill's War Room
Westminster Abby
St. Paul's Cathedral
British Museum
There area few other things I would like to do, but they'll be secondary. I would rather make a light schedule and not feel like I'm rushing around and maybe get a chance to get a feel for the city. The secondary things are: Harrods, a nighttime walking tour (Jack the Ripper?), and a cruise of the Thames.
As I write this I'm watching Braveheart, for some historical perspective on the trip. I might have to do a bit of research on the real William Wallace, at least check out what wikipedia says, you know how Hollywood can be.
I've mapped out London. I figured out how to make custom maps in Google Maps - I have maps with specific icons for the different place I want to go to.
Giraffe (restaurant), hoping to meet Giddy
Churchill's War Room
Westminster Abby
St. Paul's Cathedral
British Museum
There area few other things I would like to do, but they'll be secondary. I would rather make a light schedule and not feel like I'm rushing around and maybe get a chance to get a feel for the city. The secondary things are: Harrods, a nighttime walking tour (Jack the Ripper?), and a cruise of the Thames.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Prepping for your trip
Ok, I guess this is more about ME prepping for my trip to England and Scotland with Contiki in September. I don't think I've mentioned this trip, but in June I finally booked this 12 day trip that starts in London and ends in Glasgow. I plan to spend an extra day in London before the trip and am still pondering my post tour plans.
I'm listening to one of Rick Steves' Audio tours of the British Museum - one of my must visits during my trip. The reason I want to go is to see the Rosetta Stone. I have to admit, other then the Rosetta Stone being there I didn't have a clue what else might be in this museum - but now I do. I think I will need to budget a little more time then I originally thought. Apparently there is lots of stuff in the Egypt section of the museum and since I love Egypt I'll have a lot of looking to do.
I was quite surprised by how much I picked up from an audio tour of a place I'm not actually at. Rick gives great descriptions and tells interesting stories of the history of Egypt. AND, he's amusing. I wouldn't go so far as to say funny, but definitely has a couple corny and amusing spots in it. I think this audio tour will be great when I'm actually at the museum, and will be great to listen to when I get home to remind me of my trip through the museum.
In the past I haven't spent a ton of time preparing for a trip - other then getting hotels, airfares and making a rough itinerary. I thought it was time to get a better idea of the things that I actually plan to see while there. This will give me an idea of the significance of the places, an idea of how long I need to spend there and what areas of it I want to concentrate. I have no doubt that I could spend days at the British Museum, but I'll have to make choices about what I want to see on this trip so that I can see some of the other things London has to offer.
I'm listening to one of Rick Steves' Audio tours of the British Museum - one of my must visits during my trip. The reason I want to go is to see the Rosetta Stone. I have to admit, other then the Rosetta Stone being there I didn't have a clue what else might be in this museum - but now I do. I think I will need to budget a little more time then I originally thought. Apparently there is lots of stuff in the Egypt section of the museum and since I love Egypt I'll have a lot of looking to do.
I was quite surprised by how much I picked up from an audio tour of a place I'm not actually at. Rick gives great descriptions and tells interesting stories of the history of Egypt. AND, he's amusing. I wouldn't go so far as to say funny, but definitely has a couple corny and amusing spots in it. I think this audio tour will be great when I'm actually at the museum, and will be great to listen to when I get home to remind me of my trip through the museum.
In the past I haven't spent a ton of time preparing for a trip - other then getting hotels, airfares and making a rough itinerary. I thought it was time to get a better idea of the things that I actually plan to see while there. This will give me an idea of the significance of the places, an idea of how long I need to spend there and what areas of it I want to concentrate. I have no doubt that I could spend days at the British Museum, but I'll have to make choices about what I want to see on this trip so that I can see some of the other things London has to offer.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
European Discovery Day 14 & 15
Day 14 (May 21): Paris and back to London
This morning your scheduled tour ends at your accommodation. Then back to London for my last night in Europe.
6:15 came way to quick this morning. At 7:45 we left Maya, Kenny, Vicky, Kreena and Alberto at the hotel as they were not returning to London. I didn't get to say goodbye to Alberto or Vicky. Bye guys! Then we dropped off Michael, Ryan, Mikki, Kamala, Mark, Simon and Anne at the airport since they were leaving later this morning from Paris. It was sad leaving all these people behind, I don't know if or when I'll see them again. After the airport we started back to London, it was a quiet ride. Our first stop would be the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge where the Canadians and Germans fought in WWI. It was a nicely set up memorial, you could walk through the trenches, it gave you an idea of how aweful it must have been to fight like that. Then we were back on the bus for another hour and a half to Calais and the ferry to Dover. We had lunch on the ferry and then another 2 hour drive to London, we got to the hotel at 3:30.
We didn't say too many goodbyes as we were all meeting at the Goose at 7:30. Nicola came back to my room with me since she was staying at a friend's in another part of London. I actually had a double room this time, my roommate was leaving on the European Magic the next morning. After checking in we headed to the Contiki Basement to check email, we ran into Lisa, Kristen, and Yolandi who were having issues with the Royal National since their travel agent had booked their hotel for the wrong night, they eventually found a place to stay. Then Nicola did a little last minute shopping and went for dinner.
At 7:30 we met up at the goose, where it all started, with Mike, Monica, Laurie, Garry, Yolandi, Lisa, Kristen, Catilin, Jenny, Cindy, Christine, Mike, Mel, Dane, Jen, Reuben, Hansie, Chris, Sophie, Jess, Narelle, Brian and Ali. We all got to meet Hans's girlfriend, Ronnie. Throughout the night people slowly left, and we said our goodbyes, it was sad. Finally Chris, Nicola and I decided to leave, leaving just Hans, Reuben, Ali, Jen and Dane behind. Chris and I got Nicola into a taxi and said our goodbye. Chris and I discussed maybe taking the underground to the airport together the next day.
Day 15 (May 22): London and flying back home
Today I have a little time in the morning to explore London before I head back home.
This morning my roommates 6am wake up call woke me up and I never really got back to sleep. I laid in bed for a while and finally got up, took a shower and headed out to the Contiki Basement to check in for my flight home. I ran into Jenny and Caitlin who were off to the London Eye. They inspired me, I abandoned my plan to take the underground to Heathrow with Chris after checkout, but I did call Chris and invite him to go on the Eye with me, but he declined. So off I went to the London Eye for a ride, with a quick stop in Trafalgar Square to buy a last minute gift. Being back in Trafalgar Square brought back memories of how I had been afraid when I got here two weeks ago. I'm so not intimidated by this city now! I started to hyperventalate just thinking of how much I had progressed as a traveler, and how scared I had been that first day.
I took my 11:00 flight on the London Eye, the view was great, but the ride was so long. Ok, the ride was only 30 minutes but it was so lonely doing it by myself, after 13 days with 47 people, being by myself sucked! After my ride I headed back to the Imperial Hotel to pick up my luggage and then left for the airport at 1:00. I took the wrong branch of the Piccadilly Line of the Underground, fortunately I realized before it was too late. I had lunch at the airport and tried to spend my last few pounds before heading home. It was tough saying goodbye to London as the plane took off, knowing it was the real end of my trip. I tried to watch Ray on the flight home, but found it too slow in the beginning and my ability to concentrate hampered by the lack of sleep over the past two weeks. In the end I watched the Incredibles which cheered me up a bit. The best news of the day was that my flight got in early, hey, if I'm not with my tour, I might as well be home!
This morning your scheduled tour ends at your accommodation. Then back to London for my last night in Europe.
6:15 came way to quick this morning. At 7:45 we left Maya, Kenny, Vicky, Kreena and Alberto at the hotel as they were not returning to London. I didn't get to say goodbye to Alberto or Vicky. Bye guys! Then we dropped off Michael, Ryan, Mikki, Kamala, Mark, Simon and Anne at the airport since they were leaving later this morning from Paris. It was sad leaving all these people behind, I don't know if or when I'll see them again. After the airport we started back to London, it was a quiet ride. Our first stop would be the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge where the Canadians and Germans fought in WWI. It was a nicely set up memorial, you could walk through the trenches, it gave you an idea of how aweful it must have been to fight like that. Then we were back on the bus for another hour and a half to Calais and the ferry to Dover. We had lunch on the ferry and then another 2 hour drive to London, we got to the hotel at 3:30.
We didn't say too many goodbyes as we were all meeting at the Goose at 7:30. Nicola came back to my room with me since she was staying at a friend's in another part of London. I actually had a double room this time, my roommate was leaving on the European Magic the next morning. After checking in we headed to the Contiki Basement to check email, we ran into Lisa, Kristen, and Yolandi who were having issues with the Royal National since their travel agent had booked their hotel for the wrong night, they eventually found a place to stay. Then Nicola did a little last minute shopping and went for dinner.
At 7:30 we met up at the goose, where it all started, with Mike, Monica, Laurie, Garry, Yolandi, Lisa, Kristen, Catilin, Jenny, Cindy, Christine, Mike, Mel, Dane, Jen, Reuben, Hansie, Chris, Sophie, Jess, Narelle, Brian and Ali. We all got to meet Hans's girlfriend, Ronnie. Throughout the night people slowly left, and we said our goodbyes, it was sad. Finally Chris, Nicola and I decided to leave, leaving just Hans, Reuben, Ali, Jen and Dane behind. Chris and I got Nicola into a taxi and said our goodbye. Chris and I discussed maybe taking the underground to the airport together the next day.
Day 15 (May 22): London and flying back home
Today I have a little time in the morning to explore London before I head back home.
This morning my roommates 6am wake up call woke me up and I never really got back to sleep. I laid in bed for a while and finally got up, took a shower and headed out to the Contiki Basement to check in for my flight home. I ran into Jenny and Caitlin who were off to the London Eye. They inspired me, I abandoned my plan to take the underground to Heathrow with Chris after checkout, but I did call Chris and invite him to go on the Eye with me, but he declined. So off I went to the London Eye for a ride, with a quick stop in Trafalgar Square to buy a last minute gift. Being back in Trafalgar Square brought back memories of how I had been afraid when I got here two weeks ago. I'm so not intimidated by this city now! I started to hyperventalate just thinking of how much I had progressed as a traveler, and how scared I had been that first day.
I took my 11:00 flight on the London Eye, the view was great, but the ride was so long. Ok, the ride was only 30 minutes but it was so lonely doing it by myself, after 13 days with 47 people, being by myself sucked! After my ride I headed back to the Imperial Hotel to pick up my luggage and then left for the airport at 1:00. I took the wrong branch of the Piccadilly Line of the Underground, fortunately I realized before it was too late. I had lunch at the airport and tried to spend my last few pounds before heading home. It was tough saying goodbye to London as the plane took off, knowing it was the real end of my trip. I tried to watch Ray on the flight home, but found it too slow in the beginning and my ability to concentrate hampered by the lack of sleep over the past two weeks. In the end I watched the Incredibles which cheered me up a bit. The best news of the day was that my flight got in early, hey, if I'm not with my tour, I might as well be home!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
European Discovery Day 3
Day 3 (May10): London to Amsterdam
A warm welcome from your Contiki crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and our ferry crossing to France. We continue through Belgium to Holland and its capital, Amsterdam for the evening.
I had set my alarm for 5:45, but hadn't slept much since I was so excited. All of us from the Imperial Hotel met the bus at the bus stop by the hotel and Reuben took us over to the Royal National to start the tour. Around 7:30 we headed out, on this first leg of the journey I sat with Laurie from Canada. She seemed like a really nice girl, and she was. The English countryside was quite lovely, with lush green grass and yellow flowers. Hans gave us an introductory speech. I actually don't remember too much about it, except that we shouldn't use the bathroom unless it was an emergency. I don't think anyone ever did. Hans had us talk to the people behind us, Christine and Cindy who both seemed pretty cool. We took a 10:30 ferry from Dover to Calais. On the ferry we had a chance to check out the White Cliffs of Dover and have breakfast. I also finally met Kamala, who I had met online before the trip, and her friends.
When we were finally in France we had a 3 hour drive until our first rest stop, I sat with Noriko. Noriko was from Japan, but was living in Canada studying English. At our first rest stop we had an opportunity to have McDonalds, pay for ketchup, and pay to use the bathroom. We finally arrived at the hotel at 6:30, where I met my roommate, Nicola from New Zealand.
At 7:00 I had dinner with Laurie, Garry, Chris, Bryan and Alana. I wished I had eaten a little more at McDonalds since the dinner wasn't that great. Luckily the dinners got a getter from here. But they did have good ice cream for dessert. After that we headed out to Amsterdam for our Canal Cruise, featuring free beer and wine. I sat with and had a good chat with Christine, Cindy, Caitlin, and Jenny, sorry to say we didn't hear much about Amsterdam as we were usually talking when the guide was. The best part of the boat though was the bathroom, the toilet was raised as high as a bar stool. After the Canal Cruise Hans took those who were interested on "Hansie's Dodgy Walking Tour of the Red Light District." The window shopping in Amsterdam is not like at home! At the end of the walking tour some went off to the smoke shops, and about 15 of us went to the optional Dutch Cultural Show. It's a bit of Contiki tradition to not talk to much about the Dutch Cultural Show, you'll have to learn about that somewhere else.
A warm welcome from your Contiki crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and our ferry crossing to France. We continue through Belgium to Holland and its capital, Amsterdam for the evening.
I had set my alarm for 5:45, but hadn't slept much since I was so excited. All of us from the Imperial Hotel met the bus at the bus stop by the hotel and Reuben took us over to the Royal National to start the tour. Around 7:30 we headed out, on this first leg of the journey I sat with Laurie from Canada. She seemed like a really nice girl, and she was. The English countryside was quite lovely, with lush green grass and yellow flowers. Hans gave us an introductory speech. I actually don't remember too much about it, except that we shouldn't use the bathroom unless it was an emergency. I don't think anyone ever did. Hans had us talk to the people behind us, Christine and Cindy who both seemed pretty cool. We took a 10:30 ferry from Dover to Calais. On the ferry we had a chance to check out the White Cliffs of Dover and have breakfast. I also finally met Kamala, who I had met online before the trip, and her friends.
When we were finally in France we had a 3 hour drive until our first rest stop, I sat with Noriko. Noriko was from Japan, but was living in Canada studying English. At our first rest stop we had an opportunity to have McDonalds, pay for ketchup, and pay to use the bathroom. We finally arrived at the hotel at 6:30, where I met my roommate, Nicola from New Zealand.
At 7:00 I had dinner with Laurie, Garry, Chris, Bryan and Alana. I wished I had eaten a little more at McDonalds since the dinner wasn't that great. Luckily the dinners got a getter from here. But they did have good ice cream for dessert. After that we headed out to Amsterdam for our Canal Cruise, featuring free beer and wine. I sat with and had a good chat with Christine, Cindy, Caitlin, and Jenny, sorry to say we didn't hear much about Amsterdam as we were usually talking when the guide was. The best part of the boat though was the bathroom, the toilet was raised as high as a bar stool. After the Canal Cruise Hans took those who were interested on "Hansie's Dodgy Walking Tour of the Red Light District." The window shopping in Amsterdam is not like at home! At the end of the walking tour some went off to the smoke shops, and about 15 of us went to the optional Dutch Cultural Show. It's a bit of Contiki tradition to not talk to much about the Dutch Cultural Show, you'll have to learn about that somewhere else.
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