Going home today. Got the tube to Lancaster Gate and did the short walk to Paddington Station for the Heathrow Express. As we had some time to wait for the train I took some photos of the many tributes to Paddington Bear and started feeling sad about going. Got to the airport pretty early and spent my last few pence on duty free Harrods Peanut Brittle. Boarded the plane almost on time but then sat there for 3 hours because there were so many planes leaving and the weather was bad. We taxied around a bit, using up fuel and then had to refuel and then they discovered a problem with one of the engine valves so that had to be fixed. The pilot assured us that Qantas take safety very seriously and assured us all was well. We made up some time in the air and arrived in Singapore 2 and a bit hours late. We all had to get off the plane for half an hour and then we had to check in again to get back on the same plane. We went outside at the airport so Chris could have a cigarette and it was the most luxurious smoking area i'd ever seen with cactus garden with over 300 cactus. It was stinking hot there after cold London.
The rest of the flight was uneventful and we arrived in Sydney at ten past nine at night, about 2 hours later than scheduled. We were home at 10 and in bed by 11 and then the full force of jet lag set in but that's another story . . .
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day 18 23/4/08 Holland Park
Today is our last full day in London. Very sad to leave and also not relishing the very long flight home but determined to make the most of our last day.
Got the tube to Tower Hill and changed for the light rail. Got to see the Tower of London, across the road from the station. The tube has been very reliable for us but today we had major delays with the light rail and it took us two hours to get to our destination, Greenwich.
It was quite a misty day today which gave Greenwich park an eery kind of a look but seemed to make the grass look all the more green. We went into the maritime museum where i improved my knowledge of Horatio Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.
From there we walked up the hill to the Royal Observatory. There were great views of Docklands in the background contrasting with the architecture of Greenwich. Got a picture of chris on the prime meridian line. Then the sun came out.
Next we visited the Queen's House, which was relatively small. It had a lovely spiral staircase, black and white tiled ballroom and a good collection of art, including some paintings of Tahiti.
We decided to go home a different way, more tube, less light rail. We changed at Canary Warf and got to have a bit of a walk around there, mainly because we had trouble finding the tube station. From there we went on to Westminster tube, a very interesting industrial looking station, where we changed once more for Notting Hill and walked from there. Bought a pair of stockings from the chemist in Holland Park and 100 metres of dental floss for one pound from tescos! You see, bargains can be had in london.
Got the tube to Tower Hill and changed for the light rail. Got to see the Tower of London, across the road from the station. The tube has been very reliable for us but today we had major delays with the light rail and it took us two hours to get to our destination, Greenwich.
It was quite a misty day today which gave Greenwich park an eery kind of a look but seemed to make the grass look all the more green. We went into the maritime museum where i improved my knowledge of Horatio Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.
From there we walked up the hill to the Royal Observatory. There were great views of Docklands in the background contrasting with the architecture of Greenwich. Got a picture of chris on the prime meridian line. Then the sun came out.
Next we visited the Queen's House, which was relatively small. It had a lovely spiral staircase, black and white tiled ballroom and a good collection of art, including some paintings of Tahiti.
We decided to go home a different way, more tube, less light rail. We changed at Canary Warf and got to have a bit of a walk around there, mainly because we had trouble finding the tube station. From there we went on to Westminster tube, a very interesting industrial looking station, where we changed once more for Notting Hill and walked from there. Bought a pair of stockings from the chemist in Holland Park and 100 metres of dental floss for one pound from tescos! You see, bargains can be had in london.
Day 17 22/4/08 Holland Park
The weather was lovely today, warm and sunny. It reached 17 degrees which goes to show how well i've adjusted to british weather if i think that's warm.
I tried to phone my sister who was due back from Miami today and who lives in Epsom Downs however she wasn't answering.
This morning we set out for Kew Gardens on the train. The village of Kew is very pretty and the gardens are huge and beautiful. My favourites were the woodland garden and the pine forest. Again there were bluebells and daffodils everywhere. We managed to cover most of the park and my feet were aching again. Got the tube back to Holland Park.
We had dinner at the local, The Castle. An Italian woman, British woman and myself couldn't figure out how to use the taps in the toilets. We thought they were some of those fancy new space age type with sensors or something but eventually worked out that the levers were just broken off. Chris bought some yummy strawberry beer.
Back at the hotel I watched the traffic going around the holland park roundabout from out window for the second last time.
I tried to phone my sister who was due back from Miami today and who lives in Epsom Downs however she wasn't answering.
This morning we set out for Kew Gardens on the train. The village of Kew is very pretty and the gardens are huge and beautiful. My favourites were the woodland garden and the pine forest. Again there were bluebells and daffodils everywhere. We managed to cover most of the park and my feet were aching again. Got the tube back to Holland Park.
We had dinner at the local, The Castle. An Italian woman, British woman and myself couldn't figure out how to use the taps in the toilets. We thought they were some of those fancy new space age type with sensors or something but eventually worked out that the levers were just broken off. Chris bought some yummy strawberry beer.
Back at the hotel I watched the traffic going around the holland park roundabout from out window for the second last time.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Day 16 21/4/08 Holland Park
Walked to the Portobello Road Market. Chris bought a Bavarian sausage (yes, always buying food) and I had a look at the lovely Electric Cinema. We had a lot of walking ahead of us so I didn't want to do the full length of the market. We saw George Orwell's house on Portobello Road.
We walked back to Notting Hill Gate and down Kensington Church Street again. We had been looking out for a laundrette and had spotted one here the other day. They are few and far between in central London with the exception of Paddington. We finally got some washing done and while the machine was going we went to the roof gardens at 99 Kensington High Street. This is the site of the last of the Biba stores, known as Big Biba, and it certainly was big. It now houses a Gap, Marks and Spencer and BHS. To find the roof gardens you go down the side street, Derry Street and enter from there. There's a concierge who has to check that there's no corporate functions on and if not you are free to go up to level 6. The gardens are now owned by Virgin and have been restored to their former glory, as Barbara Hulanicki of Biba had done in 1970 when she bought the building and discovered a family of flamingos living up there. Their predecessors had been there since the 1920s when the gardens were first opened. The gardens are largely unknown to Londoners and the flamingos and ducks are still there.
We collected our washing and caught the tube from Kensington High Street to Sloane Square. In case you're wondering, the washing was in a back pack carried by Chris.
At Sloane Square, Chelsea, we popped into Peter Jones, yet another department store and then headed for the King's Road. It's mainly high street chain stores now and a few high end boutiques. We walked as far as Oakley Street, another of Pattie Boyd's former haunts. I recognised the houses (they are all the same white terraces with black iron fences) from some modelling shots of Pattie posing in front of her house. If you continue down Oakley Street to the Thames it joins with Albert Bridge. We didn't cross the bridge to Battersea Park as Chris was feeling a bit unwell so we just had a look at Cheyne walk, former home of many writers and poets including George Elliot and Mick and Keef (of the Rolling Stones) before heading back to Sloan Square tube.
Went back to the hotel and saw a mouse running down our corridor (and this the Hilton!) Chris had a rest at the hotel and then I suggested we actually check out this Holland Park that the suburb gets its name from. So glad we did. It's delightful. Wilderness in central London. We saw squirrels so we've seen lots of wildlife in one day!
We went out for dinner at the Bombay Bicycle club.
Got back to our room and of course the mouse is in it. We tried to shoo it away but it was too fast and we were too tired to do anything about it although I had a very fitful sleep worrying about it crawling over me.
We walked back to Notting Hill Gate and down Kensington Church Street again. We had been looking out for a laundrette and had spotted one here the other day. They are few and far between in central London with the exception of Paddington. We finally got some washing done and while the machine was going we went to the roof gardens at 99 Kensington High Street. This is the site of the last of the Biba stores, known as Big Biba, and it certainly was big. It now houses a Gap, Marks and Spencer and BHS. To find the roof gardens you go down the side street, Derry Street and enter from there. There's a concierge who has to check that there's no corporate functions on and if not you are free to go up to level 6. The gardens are now owned by Virgin and have been restored to their former glory, as Barbara Hulanicki of Biba had done in 1970 when she bought the building and discovered a family of flamingos living up there. Their predecessors had been there since the 1920s when the gardens were first opened. The gardens are largely unknown to Londoners and the flamingos and ducks are still there.
We collected our washing and caught the tube from Kensington High Street to Sloane Square. In case you're wondering, the washing was in a back pack carried by Chris.
At Sloane Square, Chelsea, we popped into Peter Jones, yet another department store and then headed for the King's Road. It's mainly high street chain stores now and a few high end boutiques. We walked as far as Oakley Street, another of Pattie Boyd's former haunts. I recognised the houses (they are all the same white terraces with black iron fences) from some modelling shots of Pattie posing in front of her house. If you continue down Oakley Street to the Thames it joins with Albert Bridge. We didn't cross the bridge to Battersea Park as Chris was feeling a bit unwell so we just had a look at Cheyne walk, former home of many writers and poets including George Elliot and Mick and Keef (of the Rolling Stones) before heading back to Sloan Square tube.
Went back to the hotel and saw a mouse running down our corridor (and this the Hilton!) Chris had a rest at the hotel and then I suggested we actually check out this Holland Park that the suburb gets its name from. So glad we did. It's delightful. Wilderness in central London. We saw squirrels so we've seen lots of wildlife in one day!
We went out for dinner at the Bombay Bicycle club.
Got back to our room and of course the mouse is in it. We tried to shoo it away but it was too fast and we were too tired to do anything about it although I had a very fitful sleep worrying about it crawling over me.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Day 15 20/4 Holland Park
We're a bit further from a tube station here but still only a 10 minute walk to Holland Park station. Today we walked an extra stop though to Nottinghill Gate as we planned to catch the train to Chelsea however had a change of plans when we got there due to track work. Instead walked down Kensington Church Street to Kensington Road. Turned left and followed the southern side of Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park, then right down Queen's Gate till we got to Cromwell Road and all the museums. Went to the Natural History Museum first. Managed to see the whole collection there. Had lunch then visited the Victoria and Albert where I concentrated on the Fashion collection while Chris had a rest. They had a Biba suit, Ossie Clark dress, Mary Quant suit. Next stop was the Science Museum where Chris got to see lots of old computers but it was interesting for me too.
From there we continued the few blocks to Harrods, first stopping off at Ovington Mews where Pattie Boyd once lived. We bought chocolate and tea at Harrods. From Knightsbridge we caught the tube back to the hotel.
From there we continued the few blocks to Harrods, first stopping off at Ovington Mews where Pattie Boyd once lived. We bought chocolate and tea at Harrods. From Knightsbridge we caught the tube back to the hotel.
Day 14 19/4/08 Liverpool - Holland Park
Went to Mathew Street, very near the hotel, otherwise known as Beatles Street. It's more of a back lane really. This is the site of the original and the rebuilt Cavern Club. There's also a wall of fame with the names of all the performers that have played at the Cavern, watched over by a statue of John Lennon. Took some photos and then walked to Pier Head to catch a "ferry 'cross the Mersey". Pretty cold and windy on the river so we stayed inside. The ferry was called the Royal Daffodil and had seen active service in WWI. It has been running ever since but chose today to break down. We made it to the first stop, Birkenhead but at the second stop we seemed to be waiting a long time. We finally got moving which was good as i was getting nervous about checking out on time and getting on the Magical Mystery Tour. The Pier was in sight so we got up to get ready to get off but then we seemed to be moving away again. One of the crew, no doubt sensing our concern, came over and said one of the engines was broken and they were finding it very hard to manouvre back in to port. He said it was the first time this had ever happened. He was cracking jokes in that Liverpool way about me assuming command and taking us all to safety in the lifeboat. Well after what seemed like ages we finally got off only to find we were locked in on the Pier while a ship full of international passengers disembarked and cleared customs. Once finally out we walked back very quickly to the hotel with 15 minutes to pack and check out. The hotel held our luggage again and we headed back to Albert Dock for the Magical Mystery Tour. First stop was George's house on Admiral Grove. We also saw Mendips (John's house), one of Paul's houses (where we met the current occupant and his dog Molly) and two of Ringo's houses in the Dingle which looks just as poor as when Ringo lived there. Saw Strawberry Fields and Penny lane amongst other things. We finished off at the Cavern Club where a young guy was doing a Beatles set. Had a quick look around the Beatles shop and then got our bags and walked back to the station.
Arrived London 6.30 and were installed in our hotel within 45 minutes. Tescos dinner and pear cider (the fastest growing national drink)in our hotel room.
Arrived London 6.30 and were installed in our hotel within 45 minutes. Tescos dinner and pear cider (the fastest growing national drink)in our hotel room.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Day 13 18/4/08 Whitehall-Liverpool
Liverpool!!
Checked out early and then waited ages at Euston station because we were so early. The train went through Rugby and Stafford arriving at Lime Street Station 11.45. Phoned the hotel and they were happy to hold our bags till check in time. While waiting to check in we grabbed yet another sarnie and then walked to Albert Dock. It was pretty windy and cold. We went in to the Beatles Story museum. Even Chris found it interesting i think. Got a bit teary in the "imagine" room. Next we went to the information centre to book on to the Magical Mystery Tour. There was only one place left today, but a couple left tomorrow so we booked in for then.
Checked into the hotel which is gorgeous - 63 Castle Street - it's an old bank and our room, while being one of the cheaper rooms was huge and beautiful. Massive bathroom, king size bed, leather recliner chair, ipod docking station etc and Chris got his free internet which he hasn't had since Paddington.
In the afternoon we headed out to the Philharmonic Hotel one of the most beautiful Victorian pubs i've ever seen. This is the pub that John Lennon regretted not being able to drink at after becomming famous. We walked back a different way and past the modern Liverpool Cathedral which is interesting, many say ugly. We went to another pub near the hotel called The Goose. It was packed full of lads and ladettes out for a big night.
Checked out early and then waited ages at Euston station because we were so early. The train went through Rugby and Stafford arriving at Lime Street Station 11.45. Phoned the hotel and they were happy to hold our bags till check in time. While waiting to check in we grabbed yet another sarnie and then walked to Albert Dock. It was pretty windy and cold. We went in to the Beatles Story museum. Even Chris found it interesting i think. Got a bit teary in the "imagine" room. Next we went to the information centre to book on to the Magical Mystery Tour. There was only one place left today, but a couple left tomorrow so we booked in for then.
Checked into the hotel which is gorgeous - 63 Castle Street - it's an old bank and our room, while being one of the cheaper rooms was huge and beautiful. Massive bathroom, king size bed, leather recliner chair, ipod docking station etc and Chris got his free internet which he hasn't had since Paddington.
In the afternoon we headed out to the Philharmonic Hotel one of the most beautiful Victorian pubs i've ever seen. This is the pub that John Lennon regretted not being able to drink at after becomming famous. We walked back a different way and past the modern Liverpool Cathedral which is interesting, many say ugly. We went to another pub near the hotel called The Goose. It was packed full of lads and ladettes out for a big night.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Day 12 17.4.08 Whitehall
Following another huge breakfast (Chris couldn't finish seconds today) we set off for Saville Rowe via Regent street. No. 3 was Beatles Apple headquarters. It looks pretty uninhabited now. The door was boarded up and the flowers in the window box were dying.
Walked back to Trafalgar Square and went into the National Portrait Gallery saw William Shakespeare but not Jane Austen. After lunch we crossed over Hungerford Bridge to the south side. We followed the river to the Tate Modern where we saw some Picassos and Pollocks. We got lost looking for the rebuilt Globe which seems impossible as it's alongside the river but the streets went weird behind the Tate Modern. Got there eventually and got to the see Southwark Cathedral. Got a few photos and followed the narrow lanes, past the Clink museum on to London Bridge. We crossed the bridge for views of Tower Bridge.
Enough walking for one day, we caught the tube back from Monument.
Walked back to Trafalgar Square and went into the National Portrait Gallery saw William Shakespeare but not Jane Austen. After lunch we crossed over Hungerford Bridge to the south side. We followed the river to the Tate Modern where we saw some Picassos and Pollocks. We got lost looking for the rebuilt Globe which seems impossible as it's alongside the river but the streets went weird behind the Tate Modern. Got there eventually and got to the see Southwark Cathedral. Got a few photos and followed the narrow lanes, past the Clink museum on to London Bridge. We crossed the bridge for views of Tower Bridge.
Enough walking for one day, we caught the tube back from Monument.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 11 16/11/08 Whitehall
Had a full English breakfast as it was included. Chris had two embarrassingly large helpings.
This morning we walked to Waterloo Bridge and then Covent Garden. Just walked through because it was too early for anything to be open. From there we continued to Piccadilly Circus where I bought a tacky yet cool union jack umbrella. Next we returned to Trafalgar Square and went in to the National Gallery. We covered the entire gallery in 2 hours which must be some kind of record.
In the afternoon we went to the Tate Britain. It was only after we left that I realised i hadn't seen David Hockney's "Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy" which was on my to do list. I don't know where it would have been as i thought we saw everything. It's a portrait of Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell and their cat. I checked google to make sure i had the right gallery which i did. We walked back via Westminster Cathedral. We went inside and I told Chris to make a donation as he's catholic (well, used to be)and they seem to be crying out for money. I learnt that it costs 50 pounds a day to train a priest!
In the evening we went to a pub around the corner and i can't remember its name. We passed by Downing Street on the way.
I tried to see a Waterloo Sunset but it was too cloudy to see what Ray Davies was on about. I'm sure in the right light it's spectacular!
This morning we walked to Waterloo Bridge and then Covent Garden. Just walked through because it was too early for anything to be open. From there we continued to Piccadilly Circus where I bought a tacky yet cool union jack umbrella. Next we returned to Trafalgar Square and went in to the National Gallery. We covered the entire gallery in 2 hours which must be some kind of record.
In the afternoon we went to the Tate Britain. It was only after we left that I realised i hadn't seen David Hockney's "Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy" which was on my to do list. I don't know where it would have been as i thought we saw everything. It's a portrait of Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell and their cat. I checked google to make sure i had the right gallery which i did. We walked back via Westminster Cathedral. We went inside and I told Chris to make a donation as he's catholic (well, used to be)and they seem to be crying out for money. I learnt that it costs 50 pounds a day to train a priest!
In the evening we went to a pub around the corner and i can't remember its name. We passed by Downing Street on the way.
I tried to see a Waterloo Sunset but it was too cloudy to see what Ray Davies was on about. I'm sure in the right light it's spectacular!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 10 15/4 Edinburgh - Whitehall
Walked to the New Town and found some of the 44 Scotland Street landmarks, including Scotland Street and the Cumberland bar.
Went to the Museum of Edinburgh and the People's Story museum which was great. The story of Greyfriar's Bobby is so sweet and moving, it brought a tear to my eye.
Bought a pair of kilt socks for 2 pounds. They're lovely and warm and I had run out of clean socks. Our laundry situation is going to become dire if we don't do some washing soon.
Left Waverley Station at 11.30. Tried to get a photo of Alexander Palace from the train but it was too fast. Chris took some photos of Newcastle, our home town's namesake.
Got on the wrong tube at Kings Cross - Northern line via Old street instead of via Tottenham Court Road. Changed at Monument and went back and still got to our hotel before 5. The Royal Horseguards is very posh which always embarrasses me. We were offered a London Eye view room for an extra 25 pounds but declined. Once installed in our room we headed straight out as this is photo-opportunity central.
Saw London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey. Walked on to Buckingham Palace and Victoria monument then followed the Mall to Trafalgar Square. Had sushi at Embankment station before getting back to the room in time for Eastenders. I'm becoming addicted again like i was at school. trying to figure out what Phil Hunter from the Bill is doing on Eastenders. No doubt he is about to be killed off on the Bill in Australia.
Went to the Museum of Edinburgh and the People's Story museum which was great. The story of Greyfriar's Bobby is so sweet and moving, it brought a tear to my eye.
Bought a pair of kilt socks for 2 pounds. They're lovely and warm and I had run out of clean socks. Our laundry situation is going to become dire if we don't do some washing soon.
Left Waverley Station at 11.30. Tried to get a photo of Alexander Palace from the train but it was too fast. Chris took some photos of Newcastle, our home town's namesake.
Got on the wrong tube at Kings Cross - Northern line via Old street instead of via Tottenham Court Road. Changed at Monument and went back and still got to our hotel before 5. The Royal Horseguards is very posh which always embarrasses me. We were offered a London Eye view room for an extra 25 pounds but declined. Once installed in our room we headed straight out as this is photo-opportunity central.
Saw London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey. Walked on to Buckingham Palace and Victoria monument then followed the Mall to Trafalgar Square. Had sushi at Embankment station before getting back to the room in time for Eastenders. I'm becoming addicted again like i was at school. trying to figure out what Phil Hunter from the Bill is doing on Eastenders. No doubt he is about to be killed off on the Bill in Australia.
Day 9 14/4 Edinburgh
My dad's birthday today. Tried to phone but couldn't get through.
Walked in the other direction down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and then up Calton Hill for big views of Edinburgh. Walked back via Princes Street. Had a look at Jenners, meant to be the world's oldest department store.
Chris had a huge yorkshire pudding with sausage, peas and mash for lunch.
Had a look at the City Art Gallery for contemporary art and then the National galleries. Later in the afternoon we had a look at the writer's museum and the museum of scotland. There's lots of other museums to see but i fear we will run out of time to see them all.
Chinese buffet for dinner. I hate all you can eat because i never get my money's worth!
Walked in the other direction down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and then up Calton Hill for big views of Edinburgh. Walked back via Princes Street. Had a look at Jenners, meant to be the world's oldest department store.
Chris had a huge yorkshire pudding with sausage, peas and mash for lunch.
Had a look at the City Art Gallery for contemporary art and then the National galleries. Later in the afternoon we had a look at the writer's museum and the museum of scotland. There's lots of other museums to see but i fear we will run out of time to see them all.
Chinese buffet for dinner. I hate all you can eat because i never get my money's worth!
Day 8 13/4 Edinburgh
Caught the 9 o'clock train from Kings Cross to Edinburgh. We had reserved seats but found ourselves sitting opposite a Scottish man with a cold who hadn't reserved but obviously didn't mind staring at us for the 5 hour journey. Chris and I found somewhere else to sit. We passed through York, Durham, Newcastle.
Our hotel very close to Waverley station. Huge room, massive bathroom but not as sumptuous as our little paddington home. Walked along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Incredibly long queues of people but we didn't join them, just got some pix outside.
Had dinner at "The Filling Station". Lovely Irish waiter. Chris asked for a good Scottish beer and was told he was in the wrong place for that. I had a yummy calzone.
They had a story on sky news tonight that Mark Speight, a children's show presenter was found dead at Paddington station this morning which is spooky since we started our journey there. i have googled him and found out his fiancee died of an overdose in January and he was in a fragile state so sounds pretty sad.
Our hotel very close to Waverley station. Huge room, massive bathroom but not as sumptuous as our little paddington home. Walked along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Incredibly long queues of people but we didn't join them, just got some pix outside.
Had dinner at "The Filling Station". Lovely Irish waiter. Chris asked for a good Scottish beer and was told he was in the wrong place for that. I had a yummy calzone.
They had a story on sky news tonight that Mark Speight, a children's show presenter was found dead at Paddington station this morning which is spooky since we started our journey there. i have googled him and found out his fiancee died of an overdose in January and he was in a fragile state so sounds pretty sad.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day 7 12/4 Paddington
Caught the tube to Hampstead and covered a fraction of the Heath. Went up to Parliament Hill for some views of the city. There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been written about this "park".
Walked back to the High St and had an Earl Grey and chocolate croissant at Carluccio's Cafe with all the well-heeled locals.
From there we went to St Paul's Cathedral. We didn't go in. Walking up hundreds of stairs was not an option at this point. The exterior was spectacular enough. Also caught a glimpse of Mary-le-bow in the distance and fleet street.
Later that day we went back to Bayswater, only 5 minutes from the hotel. Had a look at Whiteley's shopping centre and then on to Westbourne Park Road and Celia Birtwell's shop. Sadly it wasn't open Saturday but got some photos with my Celia umbrella (it was pouring by now) in front of the shop. Next door is Rosa's, a restaurant popular with the Notting Hill set and such people as Kate Moss and Stella McCartney (who has dined there with her dad). I was surprised by the plastic table cloths.
walkd back to the hotel which smells like jonquils when you walk in. it's something they use to mop the floors with. i've got to get some of that stuff. Tonight is our last night in Paddington.
Walked back to the High St and had an Earl Grey and chocolate croissant at Carluccio's Cafe with all the well-heeled locals.
From there we went to St Paul's Cathedral. We didn't go in. Walking up hundreds of stairs was not an option at this point. The exterior was spectacular enough. Also caught a glimpse of Mary-le-bow in the distance and fleet street.
Later that day we went back to Bayswater, only 5 minutes from the hotel. Had a look at Whiteley's shopping centre and then on to Westbourne Park Road and Celia Birtwell's shop. Sadly it wasn't open Saturday but got some photos with my Celia umbrella (it was pouring by now) in front of the shop. Next door is Rosa's, a restaurant popular with the Notting Hill set and such people as Kate Moss and Stella McCartney (who has dined there with her dad). I was surprised by the plastic table cloths.
walkd back to the hotel which smells like jonquils when you walk in. it's something they use to mop the floors with. i've got to get some of that stuff. Tonight is our last night in Paddington.
Day 6 11/4 Paddington
Woke up absolutely aching at about 4 am (jetlag getting gradually better). Eventually my joints unstiffened and by the time I got up was back to normal. Got our Oyster cards and got the tube from Lancaster Gate to Oxford Circus. A bit colder today but not too bad. Went back to Topshop and bought a coat for Scotland (Navy blue trench coat). Next went to Liberty then Carnaby St and looked in on the Palladium. Returned to Oxford Street and walked on to the British Museum. Saw Ancient Epypt, Assiria ans some of the European collections.
Had lunch at Subway Tottenham Court Road. When we came out it was hailing. Caught the tube home and the sun was out again.
In the afternoon caught the tube to St John's wood and Abbey Road. It must have been a quiet time because there weren't the crowds I had read about which was good because we got lots of photos of the crossing and wrote my message on the fence. It was quite a moving experience after seeing all that footage of the boys walking up and down those front steps.
Went to the Pride of Paddington that night where Chris had a pint and I had a frangelico. Chris had to point to the bottle for the bar guy as he had no idea what it was. Had dinner on Craven Road and managed to stay up till 9pm!!
Had lunch at Subway Tottenham Court Road. When we came out it was hailing. Caught the tube home and the sun was out again.
In the afternoon caught the tube to St John's wood and Abbey Road. It must have been a quiet time because there weren't the crowds I had read about which was good because we got lots of photos of the crossing and wrote my message on the fence. It was quite a moving experience after seeing all that footage of the boys walking up and down those front steps.
Went to the Pride of Paddington that night where Chris had a pint and I had a frangelico. Chris had to point to the bottle for the bar guy as he had no idea what it was. Had dinner on Craven Road and managed to stay up till 9pm!!
Day 5 10/4 Paddington
Picked up our Edinburgh tickets from the quick ticket machine easy peasy. Walked through lovely Bayswater to Maplin where Chris bought stuff to try and fix the video camera which we haven't been able to get working.
Walked to Hyde Park around the Serpentine.
Had a quick rest and prepared for another huge walk, this time to Regents Park and London Zoo. Had a picnic in the park. The weather had been sunny and still but it decided to get windy as we were eating so we ate up and kept walking. Yet another very beautiful park. Huge queues at the zoo. lined up for ages. Once in we saw the aquarium, reptiles, monkeys, tigers, birds, butterflies etc. Two women had a heated argument in the giraffe enclosure. By now I was almost crippled from walking but we couldn't find our way out so walked some more till we finally found an exit on the Primrose Hill side. Walking home was out of the question so it was time to catch our first tube. First we had to crawl back to Baker Street station where we paid our 4 pounds for the 2 stop journey! Will get an Oyster card tomorrow.
Chris stuffed up the room safe this morning which we reported straight away. When we got back it still wasn't fixed. The guy finally came to reset it at 6.30 and then I could finally collapse.
Walked to Hyde Park around the Serpentine.
Had a quick rest and prepared for another huge walk, this time to Regents Park and London Zoo. Had a picnic in the park. The weather had been sunny and still but it decided to get windy as we were eating so we ate up and kept walking. Yet another very beautiful park. Huge queues at the zoo. lined up for ages. Once in we saw the aquarium, reptiles, monkeys, tigers, birds, butterflies etc. Two women had a heated argument in the giraffe enclosure. By now I was almost crippled from walking but we couldn't find our way out so walked some more till we finally found an exit on the Primrose Hill side. Walking home was out of the question so it was time to catch our first tube. First we had to crawl back to Baker Street station where we paid our 4 pounds for the 2 stop journey! Will get an Oyster card tomorrow.
Chris stuffed up the room safe this morning which we reported straight away. When we got back it still wasn't fixed. The guy finally came to reset it at 6.30 and then I could finally collapse.
Day 4 Wednesday 9/4 Paddington
Woke up with a start with no idea what time it was. Misread my watch as 10.10am when in fact it was 2.10am. Didn't get back to sleep after that but stayed in bed till 7 anyway. Chris was completely unaffected by jet lag.
Headed for Kensington Gardens, only a few minutes walk from hotel. Quite nippy, my face was aching. Saw Kensington Palace, The Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall across the road. Daffodils everywhere. Just beautiful.
After a fortifying cuppa in our room we commenced the walk to Oxford Circus via Bayswater Road with views of Hyde Park and Marble Arch on our right. Oh the excitement of reaching my beloved Topshop! It was heaving with people and much huger than I imagined. Did a quick walk through scoping out a winter coat but everything was spring stuff. The vintage section was great. Didn't buy anything yet, plenty of time for that later.
Had a quick look inside the very impressive Selfridges before heading back to Paddington where we had Italian for lunch for $50 for the both of us. We won't be doing that every day! After a rest we were walking again, this time to Marylebone. Went to Baker Street where we found the former site of the Apple Boutique and the London Beatles shop. Then to 57 Wimpole Street where Paul McCartney lived with the Asher family. It's weird seeing all these places of legend in person, they all look so normal. Wandered down Marylebone High Street and back down Marylebone Road. Saw Marylebone Town Hall where many a rock star has tied the knot and pushed past the crowds outside Madame Taussauds.
Back at the hotel found myself nodding off at 6pm (2am our time)
Headed for Kensington Gardens, only a few minutes walk from hotel. Quite nippy, my face was aching. Saw Kensington Palace, The Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall across the road. Daffodils everywhere. Just beautiful.
After a fortifying cuppa in our room we commenced the walk to Oxford Circus via Bayswater Road with views of Hyde Park and Marble Arch on our right. Oh the excitement of reaching my beloved Topshop! It was heaving with people and much huger than I imagined. Did a quick walk through scoping out a winter coat but everything was spring stuff. The vintage section was great. Didn't buy anything yet, plenty of time for that later.
Had a quick look inside the very impressive Selfridges before heading back to Paddington where we had Italian for lunch for $50 for the both of us. We won't be doing that every day! After a rest we were walking again, this time to Marylebone. Went to Baker Street where we found the former site of the Apple Boutique and the London Beatles shop. Then to 57 Wimpole Street where Paul McCartney lived with the Asher family. It's weird seeing all these places of legend in person, they all look so normal. Wandered down Marylebone High Street and back down Marylebone Road. Saw Marylebone Town Hall where many a rock star has tied the knot and pushed past the crowds outside Madame Taussauds.
Back at the hotel found myself nodding off at 6pm (2am our time)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Day 3 Tokyo-London 8/4/08
packed and checked out of hotel. staff called cab for us but due to rain they were hard to come by. started to get a bit nervous at 9.20 as the train was leaving for the airport at 10. cab finally came 9.40. staff were very apologetic and helpful. found ourselves in a cab with a non english speaking driver who didn't understand "tokyo station', 'tokyo train station', 'train' etc so we wasted some more time while he went back into the hotel to ask the staff. he dropped us off across the road from the station and as we'd only seen it once at night we didn't know where to go. finally worked it out and ran across the road in pouring rain. found the ticket office (9.50 at this stage) and joined the queue. things were looking pretty dire but to our relief when we were finally served we found out there was an additional train at 10.30. from there on smooth sailing although i think we were the very last people to check in for the flight. our seats were right at the back in the middle. i made chris sit next to the elderly japanese woman. sat on the plane 50 minutes before it finally took off. this leg was with British Airways so i was started to feel like i was in england already. Got to Heathrow not too late. was expecting chaos at terminal 5 but it was deserted and everything went really quick. Got to hear my first whinging pom of the trip when the first heathrow express was cancelled, then the second (an explosion in a tunnel?) anyway, half an hour later we were on our way and sat in first class for 10 minutes before we realised our mistake and walked shame-facedly to the next carriage where we belonged. Got to paddo station and was a quick walk to the hotel. room beautiful and tiny. too tired to eat out so got another sandwhich (a definite theme of the holiday) from another mini mart. well and truely ready for bed at 9.30.
Day 2 Tokyo (Ginza) 7/4/08
Ginza v. pretty. lots of willow trees and spring flowers. lots of people ride bikes and leave them on the side of the road, many not chained up. people were literally running to work. cold but not too cold. walked around the streets getting slightly lost. got a sandwich from am/pm mini mart for 2500 yen (about 2.50 so wondering why everyone says tokyo so expensive). Walked to the "produce market". Saw kabuki theatre on the way (building not an actual show). didn't see any of the much talked about fish at the market, have to be there at dawn for that i guess. just saw lots of weird fruit and veg. when we got out it was pouring and only had my umbrella. we were going to stop at the "detached palace garden" but too rainy. saw lots of cherry blossom on the streets anyway. went into a huge and deserted shopping centre called shiodome to shelter.
lunch was a challenge. too scared to enter any restaurants as we couldn't read the menus. finally went to a place in a foodcourt because the waitress beckoned us in. she recommended tempura because all westerners like that. it was good. the waiter said i was a 'genius' chop stick user which i thought was a bit excessive. spent most of the afternoon in the hotel then walked to the Sony building to play with gadgets and since i had withdrawn way too much money at the ATM in my haste, i felt it was time to visit Tiffany and get those ear rings i'd had my eye on.
for dinner we had a traditional japanese Indian curry at Old Deli. Then we headed for the Ginza crossing to see the pretty lights and stopped off to have some spectacular crepes. they were playing Paul Kelly in the restaurant.
lunch was a challenge. too scared to enter any restaurants as we couldn't read the menus. finally went to a place in a foodcourt because the waitress beckoned us in. she recommended tempura because all westerners like that. it was good. the waiter said i was a 'genius' chop stick user which i thought was a bit excessive. spent most of the afternoon in the hotel then walked to the Sony building to play with gadgets and since i had withdrawn way too much money at the ATM in my haste, i felt it was time to visit Tiffany and get those ear rings i'd had my eye on.
for dinner we had a traditional japanese Indian curry at Old Deli. Then we headed for the Ginza crossing to see the pretty lights and stopped off to have some spectacular crepes. they were playing Paul Kelly in the restaurant.
Day 1 Sydney - Tokyo
Queue at Sydney airport hugely long, took an hour to check in but at least that meant we didn't have to wait for ever to board. Plane took off late of course. Flight was fine. Got stir crazy at 7 hour mark but got over it. Arrived Tokyo (narita) airport not too much later than scheduled. Worked out how to buy a train ticket eventually and how to find the platform. Realised our tickets had a number indicating which carriage to get on - the numbers were marked on the platform. The train took an hour to get to Tokyo. pretty tired by now. Thought we'd spend the rest of our lives at tokyo station not being able to find an exit. found a map which had "taxi" on it and headed for that. once out we were straight in a taxi and 5 minutes to the hotel. luckily driver spoke english and payment was easy as they have set fares (710 yen). lovely parisian style hotel and friendly staff. in bed by10.45 (1.45 sydney time).
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I'm in London still (i wish . . .)
I kept a journal whilst in Tokyo/London/Edinburgh/Liverpool. I have decided to use this blog to transcribe some of the highlights . . . I just hope I find the time to post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
