Another early start, 6am onto a plane with the knowledge that this would be the last flight in a while (thank goodness). 3 hours seems like nothing when you have done so many flights in such a short space of time.
I arrived into Sydney Airport and tried to use my phone which was still barred...typical Optus. Found Zoe and then headed upstairs with perfect timing for Jo to pick us up from Departures. Had some coffee and a chat before starting to unpack. I have the overwhelming urge to clean...I am a little mental but have already started on the fridge and am just about to get stuck into the bathroom.
So that is the holiday of a lifetime over. So much goes unsaid and I wish I were better at writing down how I feel about all of this. Let's just say I am a better talker in person for those that know me may testify.
The end..for now ;)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Auckland Day 44
Arrived at Craig and Lucy's place and woke them up at the crack of dawn...6am. Got to meet little Luka who is absolute darling, lots of hugs and kisses. Plenty of laughs then I had to have a little nap, just an hour to get me through to lunch time.
The Kotze's and Bevo's turned up as well as another friend Tash for a wonderful lunch. It was great seeing everyone after so long and enjoying a meal together. Lots of chatter, kids running around and a bit of champas to boot. I think the cake may have done me in in the end...after everyone had left I was determined to stay up until at least 10pm...which became 9, and I lost the fight at 8 and went to bed. It was a wonderful day and I was really glad to have been able to see everyone in one hit.
The Kotze's and Bevo's turned up as well as another friend Tash for a wonderful lunch. It was great seeing everyone after so long and enjoying a meal together. Lots of chatter, kids running around and a bit of champas to boot. I think the cake may have done me in in the end...after everyone had left I was determined to stay up until at least 10pm...which became 9, and I lost the fight at 8 and went to bed. It was a wonderful day and I was really glad to have been able to see everyone in one hit.
Fort Worth to Auckland Days 42 - 43
In the air, enough said? Watched Iron Man on the plane, limited options after so many flights. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Flight was pretty good. Wow, I am a literary marvel!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fort Worth Day 41
Well I guess this is it for the US of A. I head out this afternoon, finally the skies have cleared and it is a lovely day outside. I should be sitting by the pool but am still contemplating this option..yes, I think it should be done. So I will head off for a quick sojourn before my departure on a two day adventure to NZ (I lose a day due to time zones) sniff sniff...
Ange came home so we went out to lunch at a gourmet market. Lovely sandwiches, pizza's. Pretty much anything that you want you can get at this supermarket, wonderful stuff. Went to Target to get some pain killers as I feel horrid then came home for a swim and we are now heading to the airport.
Ange came home so we went out to lunch at a gourmet market. Lovely sandwiches, pizza's. Pretty much anything that you want you can get at this supermarket, wonderful stuff. Went to Target to get some pain killers as I feel horrid then came home for a swim and we are now heading to the airport.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fort Worth Day 40
Woke up at 7.50 to the sound of electric buzz cutters...nice. Why could they not have waited until the afternoon? Today we are going to head into Dallas, not sure where yet but I have no doubt it will be great if the rain holds out.
So we did the walk through the mall looking at dresses and the like before stopping for some lunch. I feel like I have walked myself into the ground on this trip and am starting to need a break. Trying on clothes is by far my least favourite thing to do. I found the perfect dresses in NY but did not buy anything...I must have a mental block when it comes to shopping these days. Perhaps a good thing I think.
After a quick reprieve in the afternoon Angela and I headed out to dinner at Reata Rooftop (means rope in Spanish I am told) had tamales, salad, mojito's and chocolate pud for desert. Lovely meal and great atmosphere. We headed out for a walk around the block and there was a band playing. Grabbed a beer and watched people with cowboy hats and girls all dressed up walk past. Angela and I laughed as she asked me "digyallit" aka did you all eat? This came about as I was taking off the country singers as they always whine about a dead cat/dog or the girl leaving them etc...very funny stuff indeed.
Home now and will have to pack in the morning for one of the final flights...home soon.
So we did the walk through the mall looking at dresses and the like before stopping for some lunch. I feel like I have walked myself into the ground on this trip and am starting to need a break. Trying on clothes is by far my least favourite thing to do. I found the perfect dresses in NY but did not buy anything...I must have a mental block when it comes to shopping these days. Perhaps a good thing I think.
After a quick reprieve in the afternoon Angela and I headed out to dinner at Reata Rooftop (means rope in Spanish I am told) had tamales, salad, mojito's and chocolate pud for desert. Lovely meal and great atmosphere. We headed out for a walk around the block and there was a band playing. Grabbed a beer and watched people with cowboy hats and girls all dressed up walk past. Angela and I laughed as she asked me "digyallit" aka did you all eat? This came about as I was taking off the country singers as they always whine about a dead cat/dog or the girl leaving them etc...very funny stuff indeed.
Home now and will have to pack in the morning for one of the final flights...home soon.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
New York - Dallas/Fort Worth Day 39 - 40
Woke up at 8am...yuk, very tired. Jumped in a cab to Macy's to look for a dress. Found the perfect one....1 size too small, darn chest grrrrrrrr. Contined to walk to midtown and then got another cab to the b&b and then walked downtown still looking for a dress, came up trumps but it was $410....it didn't happen.
The sad news is that I have left NY with no shoes. I think my priorties have shifted somewhat but I do feel sad that I didn't get one pair as my shoes at home have seen their last in a big way. Life could be a lot worse. One thing I am realising from this trip is how extremely fortunate and blessed I am compared to most. God is amazing in what he has given me.
I am now at La Guardia and heading to Dallas where I am sure Angela is getting more excited by the minute...will write more later.
Arrived in Dallas to rain, looks like it will rain the whole time I am here. Tops. Angela is taking half day's off work though so that is really good as we will get more time to spend together. Went for dinner at a Mexican place with one of Angela's friends Carol who is quite lovely. Came home, chilled out and then headed to bed.
Woke up this morning and started to go through my bags for washing etc and decided I should back up some more photos. Well, I have been crying for about half an hour. I am dumb and I hate the transport authority in America. I backed up my whole hard drive to an external one and someone in customs or American Airlines has stolen it from my bag. I should have carried it on board but was so tired I forgot. Words can't describe how angry I am right now. It is every photo I have ever taken before this trip gone because I have removed them from my computer as well, I know some are backed up to disc at home, but a hell of a lot aren't.
Angela and I headed out to have a look at a museum and the Botanic Gardens which was lovely. Had a look at some shops and then headed to dinner with some of her friends which is always nice, then off to a massage around 9pm...very nice indeed.
The sad news is that I have left NY with no shoes. I think my priorties have shifted somewhat but I do feel sad that I didn't get one pair as my shoes at home have seen their last in a big way. Life could be a lot worse. One thing I am realising from this trip is how extremely fortunate and blessed I am compared to most. God is amazing in what he has given me.
I am now at La Guardia and heading to Dallas where I am sure Angela is getting more excited by the minute...will write more later.
Arrived in Dallas to rain, looks like it will rain the whole time I am here. Tops. Angela is taking half day's off work though so that is really good as we will get more time to spend together. Went for dinner at a Mexican place with one of Angela's friends Carol who is quite lovely. Came home, chilled out and then headed to bed.
Woke up this morning and started to go through my bags for washing etc and decided I should back up some more photos. Well, I have been crying for about half an hour. I am dumb and I hate the transport authority in America. I backed up my whole hard drive to an external one and someone in customs or American Airlines has stolen it from my bag. I should have carried it on board but was so tired I forgot. Words can't describe how angry I am right now. It is every photo I have ever taken before this trip gone because I have removed them from my computer as well, I know some are backed up to disc at home, but a hell of a lot aren't.
Angela and I headed out to have a look at a museum and the Botanic Gardens which was lovely. Had a look at some shops and then headed to dinner with some of her friends which is always nice, then off to a massage around 9pm...very nice indeed.
New York Day 38
Woke up around 6am and headed to Top of the Rock, had to wait a while to get in but the views are amazing. There is so much to see in NYC that I don't really feel like I have accomplished a lot in my short time. Robin and Dianne picked me up on 5th avenue and we headed to Long Beach in Long Island. Met up with a couple of their friends and walked along the boardwalk. You have to pay $10 to go on the beach. Apparently they do this to keep the riff raff out. Crazy times indeed. After a beer at the flat we headed back to Robin's house where I met her Mum, cousin and another friend. Robin collects Pez dispensers and has hundreds of them. I asked her why she did this and she said that when she started it reminded her of happy days as a child, fun.
Had to get back to the city in time to get back to Top of the Rock for sunset. After arriving in Penn station and lovely guy gave me his daily Metro card which was really cool as I could not find my change and was looking like a photographic equipment mule as per usual. So when I arrived at west 4th st I handed to the next person I saw at the machine, she was chuffed and it made me smile. Got changed quickly and jumped in a cab to go back up. I can't explain the frustration of one guy standing in front of me for 1 1/2 hours while sunset....patience is a virtue that I am still learning. When it was dark and he and his wife were finally leaving he turned and said, "now you can take your exposition". Quite rude as I had said nothing the whole time, I told him that I only need 1 photo, which turned out to be pretty average as I had lost my mojo by this stage.
I went back down and moved towards Times Square. While standing on a corner a fellow compatriate (photographer) asked me how the shots were going, I told him the story and he offered to buy me a beer. I have to say I am surprised by how friendly people are, of course I accepted. We talked photos, techniques, swapped cards, laughed that we knew some of the same people on flickr and talked to Olga the bartender. Arthur left me there and I kept going, got some shots along the way and then headed back downtown.
Went back to the restaurant that the B&B owner owns to say goodbye to the guys there. Mike made me a cocktail and once closed some of the kitchen and floor staff took me next door as I had not eaten since breakfast. Chips and chicken wings go down well when your hungry. Another beer, some more photos, 3.30am and I headed to bed.....long day....
Had to get back to the city in time to get back to Top of the Rock for sunset. After arriving in Penn station and lovely guy gave me his daily Metro card which was really cool as I could not find my change and was looking like a photographic equipment mule as per usual. So when I arrived at west 4th st I handed to the next person I saw at the machine, she was chuffed and it made me smile. Got changed quickly and jumped in a cab to go back up. I can't explain the frustration of one guy standing in front of me for 1 1/2 hours while sunset....patience is a virtue that I am still learning. When it was dark and he and his wife were finally leaving he turned and said, "now you can take your exposition". Quite rude as I had said nothing the whole time, I told him that I only need 1 photo, which turned out to be pretty average as I had lost my mojo by this stage.
I went back down and moved towards Times Square. While standing on a corner a fellow compatriate (photographer) asked me how the shots were going, I told him the story and he offered to buy me a beer. I have to say I am surprised by how friendly people are, of course I accepted. We talked photos, techniques, swapped cards, laughed that we knew some of the same people on flickr and talked to Olga the bartender. Arthur left me there and I kept going, got some shots along the way and then headed back downtown.
Went back to the restaurant that the B&B owner owns to say goodbye to the guys there. Mike made me a cocktail and once closed some of the kitchen and floor staff took me next door as I had not eaten since breakfast. Chips and chicken wings go down well when your hungry. Another beer, some more photos, 3.30am and I headed to bed.....long day....
Sunday, August 17, 2008
New York Day 37
Hit the ground running at around 7.30am, and praise the Lord the sky was BLUE. Walked up 6th avenue and followed the clues until I reached the Empire State Building. I did not go up, instead I kept moving towards the Rockerfeller Centre and bought my tickets for tomorrow. Sunrise and Sunset, I will be having a cocktail in the bar post photos. The streets were quite empty and the light was great in some spots.
I continued on until I reached Times Square where a lovely traffic officer asked me how many photos I had taken this trip, I replied, then he asked how many of me..mmm, so he took my photograph, not too bad. We chatted about swimming, he wondered why we have so many good swimmers, I likened it to the fact that we are so close to the coast and we love sport. Not sure if this is the answer, but it was interesting conversation. Moving forward in my quest to Central Park, darn that place is huge, I now know as I may have walked my feet bare. Did the vast majority in a leisurely manner, stopping for a shot or two along the way, found strawberry fields...imagine.
Kept walking and did the mall before heading back into the city and thought I should step into a store, Tiffany's. Oh my, I am sure that if you wanted to spend some hard cash this place would relieve you of it nicely. In typical style I only liked the expensive stuff, and so walked out empty handed and smiling. Starting to feel a bit hungry I walked into a restaurant and had a Rueben sandwich, basically this thing is just meat, mustard and cabbage. Now when I say meat I am sure there is enough for a whole family in this sandwich. I could not finish it. Feeling slightly ill, I jumped in a cab (getting rather lazy after all that walking) and I sit here typing quickly before I head out for round two of the Brooklyn Bridge.....bring it on.
Walked over the Brooklyn Bridge sans rain, wonderful. I was overly keen and arrived a couple of hours before sunset so I took a few more shots and then headed to a bar for a beer. Got talking with a guy that had lived in Australia for a while which was nice. Watched some of the Olympics on the TV, the guys left and then I got talking with two lovely ladies called Robin and Dianne, both from Long Island. So we sat and chatted as the night drew nearer and they got so excited about the travels etc that they decided to do Top of the Rock with me in the morning (Rockerfeller Centre) and then we are headed out to Long Island for the morning to take some photos. Can't wait. Just got home, charging the darn battery that died :( but I still got some night photos that I think should be wonderful.
My feet feel like they have had the skin taken off the bottom they are so sore from walking today!!
I continued on until I reached Times Square where a lovely traffic officer asked me how many photos I had taken this trip, I replied, then he asked how many of me..mmm, so he took my photograph, not too bad. We chatted about swimming, he wondered why we have so many good swimmers, I likened it to the fact that we are so close to the coast and we love sport. Not sure if this is the answer, but it was interesting conversation. Moving forward in my quest to Central Park, darn that place is huge, I now know as I may have walked my feet bare. Did the vast majority in a leisurely manner, stopping for a shot or two along the way, found strawberry fields...imagine.
Kept walking and did the mall before heading back into the city and thought I should step into a store, Tiffany's. Oh my, I am sure that if you wanted to spend some hard cash this place would relieve you of it nicely. In typical style I only liked the expensive stuff, and so walked out empty handed and smiling. Starting to feel a bit hungry I walked into a restaurant and had a Rueben sandwich, basically this thing is just meat, mustard and cabbage. Now when I say meat I am sure there is enough for a whole family in this sandwich. I could not finish it. Feeling slightly ill, I jumped in a cab (getting rather lazy after all that walking) and I sit here typing quickly before I head out for round two of the Brooklyn Bridge.....bring it on.
Walked over the Brooklyn Bridge sans rain, wonderful. I was overly keen and arrived a couple of hours before sunset so I took a few more shots and then headed to a bar for a beer. Got talking with a guy that had lived in Australia for a while which was nice. Watched some of the Olympics on the TV, the guys left and then I got talking with two lovely ladies called Robin and Dianne, both from Long Island. So we sat and chatted as the night drew nearer and they got so excited about the travels etc that they decided to do Top of the Rock with me in the morning (Rockerfeller Centre) and then we are headed out to Long Island for the morning to take some photos. Can't wait. Just got home, charging the darn battery that died :( but I still got some night photos that I think should be wonderful.
My feet feel like they have had the skin taken off the bottom they are so sore from walking today!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
New York Day 36
Stopping via the pub to start the backup was not a good idea obviously. Woke up this morning and figured out how to do it. Unfortunately it took all day...I did not head out until around 5pm and you guessed it, starting raining as soon as I left the building. The joy. I thought to myself, "how bad can it be"...walked to Brooklyn Bridge and was half way across when I found out. Decided to give up and head back towards town. At this stage I was carrying tripod, camera bag, umbrella and lots of water in my jeans :) Walked back to Chinatown and had some food since I had not eaten since breakfast. By this stage it was dark and I decided to try and get some shots on the way back to the village. Hopefully some of them worked out, was still with umbrella etc and, only slightly difficult.
Some people in this city amaze me, as with most places. Favourites of the day, a guy telling me I was dreaming as I walked past with camera gear. What's up with that? Another who waited until just as I was passing to relieve his wind in a big way...nice, how to win friends and influence people. Another yelling at me as I was taking a photo in the village, not in a bad way but still weird. haha, crazy times. I think I will head out for a little longer. I pray to God that it does not rain tomorrow, I need to get a fair bit in and my shots are limited when it rains :( either that or I am just not imaginative enough...could be both.
Some people in this city amaze me, as with most places. Favourites of the day, a guy telling me I was dreaming as I walked past with camera gear. What's up with that? Another who waited until just as I was passing to relieve his wind in a big way...nice, how to win friends and influence people. Another yelling at me as I was taking a photo in the village, not in a bad way but still weird. haha, crazy times. I think I will head out for a little longer. I pray to God that it does not rain tomorrow, I need to get a fair bit in and my shots are limited when it rains :( either that or I am just not imaginative enough...could be both.
Friday, August 15, 2008
New York Day 35
I am tired. I got on the little blue bus again, went downtown and jumped off at the financial district. Walked around Wall St etc then jumped on the Staten Island Ferry to go past the Statue of Liberty. Came back and decided to walk some more...without a map, yep good move. So I walked from the ferry to Brooklyn Bridge, past the Supreme Court and then on into Chinatown where I had some lunch.
Then back on the road past all the rubbish looking fake stuff they were selling and ended up back on Broadway, this was not my intention as I had ended up almost where I started. Back on the bus to head uptown. The sky was looking pretty gloomy, and then it chucked it down like buckets when I was heading past central park.
I am really glad that I bought the new camera back as it has it's own raincoat. The tour driver on this bus was rubbish and I could not hear a thing he was saying. Mind you it was also coming down like crazy. Once we had done the lap and were coming up the other side of the park I saw an apple in the distance...a sanctuary of sorts. So I went into the store and bought a back up USB drive.
Got it home via the subway and a pub and can't really figure out how to do a couple of things so I still have not backed up my computer and am out of space!! GRRRR, will have to take them both to an electronics store and ask someone to help me...
Then back on the road past all the rubbish looking fake stuff they were selling and ended up back on Broadway, this was not my intention as I had ended up almost where I started. Back on the bus to head uptown. The sky was looking pretty gloomy, and then it chucked it down like buckets when I was heading past central park.
I am really glad that I bought the new camera back as it has it's own raincoat. The tour driver on this bus was rubbish and I could not hear a thing he was saying. Mind you it was also coming down like crazy. Once we had done the lap and were coming up the other side of the park I saw an apple in the distance...a sanctuary of sorts. So I went into the store and bought a back up USB drive.
Got it home via the subway and a pub and can't really figure out how to do a couple of things so I still have not backed up my computer and am out of space!! GRRRR, will have to take them both to an electronics store and ask someone to help me...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
London - New York Day 34
I have been wondering why I started putting the days into my blog? It annoys be but I feel compelled to continue, typical Wozniak style.
Woke up at 5am got ready and headed back to Heathrow, oh the joy of an airport, again. Said my sad farewells to Chris and then headed through to the plane. This flight was pretty easy compared to most and I think I even slept a bit which is a change from the last couple. Arrived in New York, had my privacy removed when I was finger printed and scanned...mmm, it is an odd feeling. Having said that though I am told that if you pass through the centre of London your photo will be taken approx 200 times. Orwellian society much? (He went to Eton too!)
Wonders never cease to amaze me, God is great. I was walking out of the subway looking like the typical pack horse when a woman comes running after me saying that I had dropped money. $50 dollars to be precise, I was taken aback and glad. Then a worker next to me said "Welcome to New York! That never happens!"
After settling into my awesome digs with the help of Humphrey who is looking after the B&B I went out to have a look around the street and then had a beer before getting on the usual tour bus. Little did I know that you cannot just get on and pay, so I walked approx two miles which I was not prepared for prior to purchasing a ticket and jumping on. Got my barings, came home and had a shower before heading back to "One if by Land, Two if by Sea" for dinner. Sat at the bar, had a cocktail, three courses and then headed to bed around 11.30pm. The food was unreal and the chef came out to have a chat as he is from WA. Altogether it was a lovely day.
Woke up at 5am got ready and headed back to Heathrow, oh the joy of an airport, again. Said my sad farewells to Chris and then headed through to the plane. This flight was pretty easy compared to most and I think I even slept a bit which is a change from the last couple. Arrived in New York, had my privacy removed when I was finger printed and scanned...mmm, it is an odd feeling. Having said that though I am told that if you pass through the centre of London your photo will be taken approx 200 times. Orwellian society much? (He went to Eton too!)
Wonders never cease to amaze me, God is great. I was walking out of the subway looking like the typical pack horse when a woman comes running after me saying that I had dropped money. $50 dollars to be precise, I was taken aback and glad. Then a worker next to me said "Welcome to New York! That never happens!"
After settling into my awesome digs with the help of Humphrey who is looking after the B&B I went out to have a look around the street and then had a beer before getting on the usual tour bus. Little did I know that you cannot just get on and pay, so I walked approx two miles which I was not prepared for prior to purchasing a ticket and jumping on. Got my barings, came home and had a shower before heading back to "One if by Land, Two if by Sea" for dinner. Sat at the bar, had a cocktail, three courses and then headed to bed around 11.30pm. The food was unreal and the chef came out to have a chat as he is from WA. Altogether it was a lovely day.
Windsor - London Day 33
What a day, woke up to rain bucketing down and Chris wondering what we would do for the last day. Then the showers cleared, the sun shone and we jumped on the train to Windsor as intended. Of course the little red hop on hop off bus beckoned and we obliged. It was one of the best commentries I had heard in a while although I missed a fair bit because of the wind and general noise. After taking some photos at the long walk we got back on and the clouds loomed again...it was grave indeed. The rains came, people got umbrellas out, battled the wind etc while Chris and I killed ourselves laughing. Why would you bother in a summer shower, on top of a bus to try and battle the rain?
Once we had done the full lap when went on a boat cruise down the river Thames, saw Windsor race course which looks quite amazing. Then we headed back to town for lunch at a little pub nearby before taking a walk through the town of Eton, went in the College as the boys are on school holidays. This school is quite amazing, went through the museum and watched a video. I was surprised to see how much interest they have in the arts these days, not totally scholastic in a traditional sense which is nice.
Headed back to London after a little walk around the streets and got ready for dinner. Chris had booked a really special place for our last night hanging out called Le Pont De La Tour, right next to Tower Bridge. I think I can say without reservation that this is the best meal I have ever had. Cocktail followed by crab salad, white wine, whole fresh lobster with sauce (I know you are jealous Mum), finished off with passionfruit and coconut sorbet. We took some photos of the bridge and then headed home....it was after 12, had to get up at 5...interesting.
Once we had done the full lap when went on a boat cruise down the river Thames, saw Windsor race course which looks quite amazing. Then we headed back to town for lunch at a little pub nearby before taking a walk through the town of Eton, went in the College as the boys are on school holidays. This school is quite amazing, went through the museum and watched a video. I was surprised to see how much interest they have in the arts these days, not totally scholastic in a traditional sense which is nice.
Headed back to London after a little walk around the streets and got ready for dinner. Chris had booked a really special place for our last night hanging out called Le Pont De La Tour, right next to Tower Bridge. I think I can say without reservation that this is the best meal I have ever had. Cocktail followed by crab salad, white wine, whole fresh lobster with sauce (I know you are jealous Mum), finished off with passionfruit and coconut sorbet. We took some photos of the bridge and then headed home....it was after 12, had to get up at 5...interesting.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
London Day 32
The "big day" in terms of how much I walked. Chris and I had breakfast at Roma's then headed into Covent Garden where we came across a video being filmed for a new teeny bopper looking show, cruised around in and out of shops before heading through Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and then down to Trafalgar. We stopped and watched people going by, they have a massive screen erected for the Olympics to be watched outdoors. Since we were right next to the National Portrait Gallery it did not make sense not to go in and have a look, some great photos, paintings and the video of David Beckham sleeping...bit boring on that one. Wandered out and headed down to a little pub called the Shirlock Holmes to meet Steve for lunch. It was wonderful to catch up after quite a while and see that all was well. Chris and Steve left me here.
I decided to walk towards Regent St, did half the length of it, in and out of shops, down alley ways, through Soho, Chancery Lane etc. Ended up near Shaftsbury Avenue but on the dodgy side from coming through Piccadilly and got screamed at by a Madame in a "live nudes place". I CAN SEE YOU WITH YOUR CAMERA, obviously...I was wearing a bright blue top, pink scarf, have blonde hair and was right opposite the place but taking a photo down the lane way. Once I mentioned this she calmed down a bit...so I continued back towards sanity, Covent Garden, West End and along the Strand where I happened across Australia House, completely forgot it was there I thought it was in Holborn for some daft reason. This is really stupid because I used to pass the place on the bus constantly. Kept going and walked back to Bank after a few more shots along the way.
Met Chris out the front of 1 Poultry, got in a lift and had to be saved by management since we were going nowhere...completely stuck. Finally arrived at the rooftop bar where Zarina and Jake met us for some cocktails. As it was drawing a bit later, Chris, Zarina and I met Rich in Wardour St for some Chinese. I had some crab in the shell, unreal, very nice. After parting ways again Chris and I went down to Piccadilly and I got some night shots, then off to Westminster to get some more of the river at night, London Eye etc. Then home to bed!
I decided to walk towards Regent St, did half the length of it, in and out of shops, down alley ways, through Soho, Chancery Lane etc. Ended up near Shaftsbury Avenue but on the dodgy side from coming through Piccadilly and got screamed at by a Madame in a "live nudes place". I CAN SEE YOU WITH YOUR CAMERA, obviously...I was wearing a bright blue top, pink scarf, have blonde hair and was right opposite the place but taking a photo down the lane way. Once I mentioned this she calmed down a bit...so I continued back towards sanity, Covent Garden, West End and along the Strand where I happened across Australia House, completely forgot it was there I thought it was in Holborn for some daft reason. This is really stupid because I used to pass the place on the bus constantly. Kept going and walked back to Bank after a few more shots along the way.
Met Chris out the front of 1 Poultry, got in a lift and had to be saved by management since we were going nowhere...completely stuck. Finally arrived at the rooftop bar where Zarina and Jake met us for some cocktails. As it was drawing a bit later, Chris, Zarina and I met Rich in Wardour St for some Chinese. I had some crab in the shell, unreal, very nice. After parting ways again Chris and I went down to Piccadilly and I got some night shots, then off to Westminster to get some more of the river at night, London Eye etc. Then home to bed!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
London Day 30 - 31
After a quiet morning Chris and I headed for breakfast down the road (it was massive) beautiful mushrooms though, this would have been around 12....then we went down to Oxford St, it was raining, people everywhere and really we were just unlucky with people pushing in front of us. I think I did not exist for a while there..anyhoo, picked up a present for Zarina and Rich. Came home and had a nap before going to the house warming in Wapping.
I got stuck into making salads with the help of Zarina and Chris. Dinner went off without a hitch (except the rain of course so we could not use the bbq) Then we all danced the night away in the middle of the lounge room. Got home around 2am, tried to sleep in without success.
Headed to Harvey Nichols 5th Floor Restaurant for lunch with Liz, an old school friend. I caught the bus and remembered so many places along the way as I used to spend the majority of my time in the city on weekends. I think I did a lot more while I was here than I gave myself credit for. So Liz and I had a lovely catch up with some great food followed by a cocktail.
I headed back to Maida Vale to Chris's house and in typical London style it chucked it down as soon as I got off the bus. Really helpful that I was wearing open toe stilleto's...so the forecast for the next couple of days is rain as well, I think I have had one day of sunshine. Never mind though.
Had dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant called Red Pepper and then headed home around midnight for some sleep and to get ready to do it all again another day.
I got stuck into making salads with the help of Zarina and Chris. Dinner went off without a hitch (except the rain of course so we could not use the bbq) Then we all danced the night away in the middle of the lounge room. Got home around 2am, tried to sleep in without success.
Headed to Harvey Nichols 5th Floor Restaurant for lunch with Liz, an old school friend. I caught the bus and remembered so many places along the way as I used to spend the majority of my time in the city on weekends. I think I did a lot more while I was here than I gave myself credit for. So Liz and I had a lovely catch up with some great food followed by a cocktail.
I headed back to Maida Vale to Chris's house and in typical London style it chucked it down as soon as I got off the bus. Really helpful that I was wearing open toe stilleto's...so the forecast for the next couple of days is rain as well, I think I have had one day of sunshine. Never mind though.
Had dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant called Red Pepper and then headed home around midnight for some sleep and to get ready to do it all again another day.
Bath - London Day 29
In around 800 BC, a Celtic king called Bladud was kicked out of his realm for leprosy. Because he had nowhere else to go, he went off to a place that the locals thought was divine -- hot springs coming up out of the soil He mimicked the swine he had and began to roll around in this mud and, lo and behold, his leprosy disappeared and a town began to build up around the springs as others came to be healed.
The Celts continued to worship at the spring as well, building a shrine to the goddess Sulis. When the Romans arrived, they took over the temple. They associated Sulis with Minerva, but not wanting to offend any gods, they continued to worship to both of these fine women. They named the town Aquae Sulis, and built baths alongside the temple. When the Romans eventually left, the town continued to exist, but in a much lesser form.
That is until the Georgians began to arrive to "take the waters". Bath was THE place to be outside of London for quite a while. It wasn't until the beginning of the 19th Century that its popularity waned when George IV, who had become Prince Regent in light of the fact that his dad was mad, decided that salt water was better than the springs and moved the court to Brighton.
The town was didn't help matters much during the 19th Century. For her very first public appearance, Princess Victoria (seven years before she became queen) came to town to open a new public garden. One of the reporters covering the event wrote that he thought she looked dowdy, a bit harsh in view of the fact that she was only eleven years old. She swore she would never return -- and she didn't.
Since then, Bath has been a sleepy Somerset town. It is now the home of a fairly well known university, but other than that, thrives on tourism. I had been briefly a few years ago with Mom and Lynn, but had never spent any real time here. Nat and I decided that we would go and see what was on offer.
Stepping off the train, we were thrilled to discover that the bus tour had a stop right there. We jumped on and took the 45 minute circuit of the town. I do love these tours. They always provide the right amount of trivia to make what one is looking at come alive. The best bit today? Back in the Georgian days, if one wanted to come to the spa, one needed three things. The first was a letter from the doctor declaring one to be ill. The second was a letter from a priest testifying to one's good character. The third? One needed to provide three guineas. This was in case the cure didn't take. The city did not want to be responsible for the cost of the burial. Fabulous! Bureaucracy existed in the 18th Century as well.
Once the tour was over, we decided to walk to the far end of town and make our way back to the station. Since both of us are keen photographers we started the day in a camera shop, both of us walking out with new camera bags. As a result, we spent the rest of the day looking like pack mules, but needs must.
We walked all over the town, seeing everything a lot of what was on offer. Bath is the only World Heritage Site in Britain, so there really is a lot to see. Of course, the most impressive bit is the baths. They are humbling in how beautiful and well built they are. The audio guide is now done by Bill Bryson, obviously a fan of the place. He told lots of great stories and gave loads of interesting facts. Between the audio guide, my backpack, my new camera bag and my tripod on my shoulder, I must have looked quite a site wandering around the place!
Just before we went into the baths, Chris and I sat in the square by the Abbey for a breather. As we were sitting there, the church bells began to ring. Beautiful sounding, church bells are awesome, I only wish they had them at St Thoms.
I must admit now that Chris wrote everything above on her blog and I copied it...she is much better at writing than I am :)
I tried to download my photos this morning and could not for the life of me figure out why it would not happen. It seems that I have used up all the space on my laptop, I know you are all so shocked...but seriously I was! started to back up to DVD but I think I may have to purchase an external hard drive...the trials and tibulations of a happy snapper.
The Celts continued to worship at the spring as well, building a shrine to the goddess Sulis. When the Romans arrived, they took over the temple. They associated Sulis with Minerva, but not wanting to offend any gods, they continued to worship to both of these fine women. They named the town Aquae Sulis, and built baths alongside the temple. When the Romans eventually left, the town continued to exist, but in a much lesser form.
That is until the Georgians began to arrive to "take the waters". Bath was THE place to be outside of London for quite a while. It wasn't until the beginning of the 19th Century that its popularity waned when George IV, who had become Prince Regent in light of the fact that his dad was mad, decided that salt water was better than the springs and moved the court to Brighton.
The town was didn't help matters much during the 19th Century. For her very first public appearance, Princess Victoria (seven years before she became queen) came to town to open a new public garden. One of the reporters covering the event wrote that he thought she looked dowdy, a bit harsh in view of the fact that she was only eleven years old. She swore she would never return -- and she didn't.
Since then, Bath has been a sleepy Somerset town. It is now the home of a fairly well known university, but other than that, thrives on tourism. I had been briefly a few years ago with Mom and Lynn, but had never spent any real time here. Nat and I decided that we would go and see what was on offer.
Stepping off the train, we were thrilled to discover that the bus tour had a stop right there. We jumped on and took the 45 minute circuit of the town. I do love these tours. They always provide the right amount of trivia to make what one is looking at come alive. The best bit today? Back in the Georgian days, if one wanted to come to the spa, one needed three things. The first was a letter from the doctor declaring one to be ill. The second was a letter from a priest testifying to one's good character. The third? One needed to provide three guineas. This was in case the cure didn't take. The city did not want to be responsible for the cost of the burial. Fabulous! Bureaucracy existed in the 18th Century as well.
Once the tour was over, we decided to walk to the far end of town and make our way back to the station. Since both of us are keen photographers we started the day in a camera shop, both of us walking out with new camera bags. As a result, we spent the rest of the day looking like pack mules, but needs must.
We walked all over the town, seeing everything a lot of what was on offer. Bath is the only World Heritage Site in Britain, so there really is a lot to see. Of course, the most impressive bit is the baths. They are humbling in how beautiful and well built they are. The audio guide is now done by Bill Bryson, obviously a fan of the place. He told lots of great stories and gave loads of interesting facts. Between the audio guide, my backpack, my new camera bag and my tripod on my shoulder, I must have looked quite a site wandering around the place!
Just before we went into the baths, Chris and I sat in the square by the Abbey for a breather. As we were sitting there, the church bells began to ring. Beautiful sounding, church bells are awesome, I only wish they had them at St Thoms.
I must admit now that Chris wrote everything above on her blog and I copied it...she is much better at writing than I am :)
I tried to download my photos this morning and could not for the life of me figure out why it would not happen. It seems that I have used up all the space on my laptop, I know you are all so shocked...but seriously I was! started to back up to DVD but I think I may have to purchase an external hard drive...the trials and tibulations of a happy snapper.
Friday, August 8, 2008
London Day 28
Chris and I started out by heading down to Roma's coffee shop at the end of her street for coffee and toast. I purchased my Oyster card for the tube and headed out to Monument. We walked the old route towards work and went through Leadenhall Market, I asked a boot shiner if I could take his photo and was rebuffed...fair enough. Looked through some shops and then kept walking to have a look at the Lloyd's, the London Underwriting Centre which is one of the buildings I used to work in. Also took some shots of Fenchurch Street Station. Everything started to come back to me, things we had done, lunches, pubs, walks etc.
We moved on from here after a light shower (typical rain) towards Bank and the Royal Exchange, OK, I know it sounds crazy but I always thought that the big building with pillars that sits between two roads was the bank of England...wrong, it is the Exchange, Chris and I laughed as we had both gotten it wrong for all these years. We kept walking to St Paul's where we stopped for some yum cha, how I love dumplings, little parcels of joy. Took more photos of St Paul's and surrounds, looked at some more shops and then kept walking towards the west end. Found Dr Johnson's House, he published the first dictionary, I had never walked this way before so it was great to see something new, typical London. Moved on to the Royal Inns of Court and then crossed over and as I looked down a side street saw a sign for Speight's (NZ beer, really good). I got really excited and made Chris stop at a pub called the Southerner and bought Chris and I a beer.
After our refreshment we moved on and walked though the Inner Temple and Middle Temple, some lovely gardens surrounded by buildings which I can only assume have a lot of law related business. We headed towards the Thames and starting walking back to Tower Bridge (the pretty one). Called a couple of old work colleagues and ended up at what used to be our regular Wednesday night pub the Emperor for a few drinks. Giovanni was excited to see us and laid on the hospitality thick and fast. Zarina, Rich and Jeremy turned up and after a relax Chris, Jeremy and I headed out for some Indian just near her house before going home.
I did a solid 14 hour day, 230 photos (Chris laughed because I thought she was taking as many photos as me...she only took 126) Yeah, it became a bit of a laugh. The best part of walking around with Chris is that she does not mind stopping every five minutes for a photo.
We moved on from here after a light shower (typical rain) towards Bank and the Royal Exchange, OK, I know it sounds crazy but I always thought that the big building with pillars that sits between two roads was the bank of England...wrong, it is the Exchange, Chris and I laughed as we had both gotten it wrong for all these years. We kept walking to St Paul's where we stopped for some yum cha, how I love dumplings, little parcels of joy. Took more photos of St Paul's and surrounds, looked at some more shops and then kept walking towards the west end. Found Dr Johnson's House, he published the first dictionary, I had never walked this way before so it was great to see something new, typical London. Moved on to the Royal Inns of Court and then crossed over and as I looked down a side street saw a sign for Speight's (NZ beer, really good). I got really excited and made Chris stop at a pub called the Southerner and bought Chris and I a beer.
After our refreshment we moved on and walked though the Inner Temple and Middle Temple, some lovely gardens surrounded by buildings which I can only assume have a lot of law related business. We headed towards the Thames and starting walking back to Tower Bridge (the pretty one). Called a couple of old work colleagues and ended up at what used to be our regular Wednesday night pub the Emperor for a few drinks. Giovanni was excited to see us and laid on the hospitality thick and fast. Zarina, Rich and Jeremy turned up and after a relax Chris, Jeremy and I headed out for some Indian just near her house before going home.
I did a solid 14 hour day, 230 photos (Chris laughed because I thought she was taking as many photos as me...she only took 126) Yeah, it became a bit of a laugh. The best part of walking around with Chris is that she does not mind stopping every five minutes for a photo.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Poros Day 27
Starting packing this morning :( I am headed out on the 3pm ferry and will be in London around 930pm
I have loved my time on the island and yacht. I am going to head off for another Freddochino (iced coffee) and Watermelon juice before I depart. A lazy day it will be indeed.
Checked my flight online and had a major freak out....Flight centre had the wrong flight number with the right flight times. Called the Athens office an hour before getting on my ferry to sort it out, luckily there were seats available on the flight, panick was all that ensued for the next couple of hours. Got a cab from the port, driver was a little too friendly and got a slap on the hand but he got me there in time so that was all that mattered. I was upgraded to club as it was British Airways fault by the sounds of it and arrived safe and sound to a jubilent Ms Bohner in London. Went for a beer followed by Thai and then headed back to the flat for a glass of champas before going to bed and crashing from tiredness.
All things considered it was not as bad as I had thought, but it was a hectic day indeed.
I have loved my time on the island and yacht. I am going to head off for another Freddochino (iced coffee) and Watermelon juice before I depart. A lazy day it will be indeed.
Checked my flight online and had a major freak out....Flight centre had the wrong flight number with the right flight times. Called the Athens office an hour before getting on my ferry to sort it out, luckily there were seats available on the flight, panick was all that ensued for the next couple of hours. Got a cab from the port, driver was a little too friendly and got a slap on the hand but he got me there in time so that was all that mattered. I was upgraded to club as it was British Airways fault by the sounds of it and arrived safe and sound to a jubilent Ms Bohner in London. Went for a beer followed by Thai and then headed back to the flat for a glass of champas before going to bed and crashing from tiredness.
All things considered it was not as bad as I had thought, but it was a hectic day indeed.
Hydra - Poros Day 26
Woke up and sorted out tickets on a flying dolphin (ferry) to Hydra, another island approximately 40mins away. Arrived and had a coffee with Bryan and Hattie before heading out to take snaps. I am back on a roll, took almost 400 photos today. Of course some are rubbish but I really felt like I was back in the swing of things. It was great people watching and just walking around. This Island is where all the rich Americans and general well to do people rock up. Unfortunately it has no water, this has to be ferried in every day. It also does not allow cars so mules do most of the work, I felt really sorry for the poor things.
Headed back around 4.30 and kept walking around Poros to get some last photos, light was lovely although I was sweating it walking up the hill to the clock tower. When I had been walking for a couple of hours and felt so sick I thought I could not go on a lovely Taverna owner held out a fork with watermelon on it as I was passing by, how could I say no? So I sat down, had some melon, a beer and chewed the fat. Again, just wonderful watching the world go by. I also managed to get some great portraits today. I love that I am feeling more comfortable in asking people, they are generally chuffed to think that you want to take a photo of them. When I was taking a photo of a guy in town he asked where I was from and then said "to Sydney with love from Poros" haha, it was good.
We are off to dinner at a place where the guy loves to scream at everyone, a real hoot. Have gotten quite used to him as the food is wonderful.
Headed back around 4.30 and kept walking around Poros to get some last photos, light was lovely although I was sweating it walking up the hill to the clock tower. When I had been walking for a couple of hours and felt so sick I thought I could not go on a lovely Taverna owner held out a fork with watermelon on it as I was passing by, how could I say no? So I sat down, had some melon, a beer and chewed the fat. Again, just wonderful watching the world go by. I also managed to get some great portraits today. I love that I am feeling more comfortable in asking people, they are generally chuffed to think that you want to take a photo of them. When I was taking a photo of a guy in town he asked where I was from and then said "to Sydney with love from Poros" haha, it was good.
We are off to dinner at a place where the guy loves to scream at everyone, a real hoot. Have gotten quite used to him as the food is wonderful.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Poros Days 24 - 25
Sat on the yacht for two nights, swam, ate muscles and generally relaxed. Three yachts went out together, Hattie's cousin, wife and child as well as another man. We all anchored together in a small bay with crystal clear water and beautiful views back to the habour and the mainland. Neck and shoulder got much better during this time. Not much to report about the first day on the boat as mostly it was swimming, watching other boats and eating.
This morning we came back into port headed to the physio who gave me another massage prior to my hiring a moped...so much fun. Strapped the camera to me and headed off. Went to the remains of the Poseidon Temple, I think it was more like a really small village on top of the island, wonderful views from here. Also went down a really dodgy rock track, my "ladies moped" probably was not meant for this...got a couple of funny looks from local guys as they went past on much superior forms of transport, meh, I like to keep it real ;)
I have just arrived back in town for some respite before we head out to dinner...oh the food...fetta, kalamata, tomato and cucumber like they should be...divine..
This morning we came back into port headed to the physio who gave me another massage prior to my hiring a moped...so much fun. Strapped the camera to me and headed off. Went to the remains of the Poseidon Temple, I think it was more like a really small village on top of the island, wonderful views from here. Also went down a really dodgy rock track, my "ladies moped" probably was not meant for this...got a couple of funny looks from local guys as they went past on much superior forms of transport, meh, I like to keep it real ;)
I have just arrived back in town for some respite before we head out to dinner...oh the food...fetta, kalamata, tomato and cucumber like they should be...divine..
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Poros Day 23
My neck is still killing me, not as bad but the pain is unreal. Sat on the yacht today, ate, slept, got ouzo massaged into my neck, lounged some more and then went for a coffee. About to head back to the yacht to go out to a bay for the evening. Hoping my neck and shoulder are better soon.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Poros Days 21 - 22
Well actually most of the day was taken up by travel, was delayed at Pireaus for 2 hours after running to the ferry with bags in tow. Have also managed to pull a muscle in my neck quite badly due to sitting next to a wriggling boy on the plane. Arrived to a very big hug from Bryan and Hattie, quickly settled into my room before heading off to dinner..... oh the greek salad. By this stage though I had only slept 2 hours in the past 35 so I went down hill pretty fast and headed to bed.
Got up and my neck and shoulder were still kiling like I had been hit by a sledge hammer so it was off to the physio after breakfast only to be told that I had to wait until the evening. No matter, A beer and some amazing muscles for lunch and then off to the beach for the rest of the day. Also had a look at the house that Bryan and Hattie are building, was shown my room (the shell that is ;) and the view is quite spectacular, the house looks like it will be wonderful when it is completed (I had a look at the plans) Headed back to the physio who gave me a brilliant massage and told me to come back in a couple of days after some exercises. I am amazed that this will only cost 20 euro. Went and had a look at the yacht which we are cruising out on tomorrow before having dinner. Just got home I think it is around 1am...yep exhausted now. Off to sleep
Poros is lovely, right next to the mainland, I can see it from my balcony. I have always loved Greece and being back here is a real treat.
Got up and my neck and shoulder were still kiling like I had been hit by a sledge hammer so it was off to the physio after breakfast only to be told that I had to wait until the evening. No matter, A beer and some amazing muscles for lunch and then off to the beach for the rest of the day. Also had a look at the house that Bryan and Hattie are building, was shown my room (the shell that is ;) and the view is quite spectacular, the house looks like it will be wonderful when it is completed (I had a look at the plans) Headed back to the physio who gave me a brilliant massage and told me to come back in a couple of days after some exercises. I am amazed that this will only cost 20 euro. Went and had a look at the yacht which we are cruising out on tomorrow before having dinner. Just got home I think it is around 1am...yep exhausted now. Off to sleep
Poros is lovely, right next to the mainland, I can see it from my balcony. I have always loved Greece and being back here is a real treat.
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