Monday 19 - Thursday 22 May. We both spent working. On Thursday we went to the movies here in Greenwich to see Indiana Jones and the crystal skull. A good adventure movie.
Friday 23 May. We both worked, but Kevin picked up our hire car at lunchtime from Lewisham and parked it close to Bellerbys College. At 6 pm we headed off ( Via trains ) to Shakespeares Globe Theatre to see the "Footsbarn Show" (exerpts from Shakespeares plays) It was a lot of fun and very entertaining. We headed home for a good sleep. This time we were not groundlings as kevin had booked us a seat.
Saturday 24 May. We awoke early at 4 am showered, breakfasted and packed our bags and headed off on our Wales Trip. We were away just after 5 am. Our early rising was to avoid the traffic on the roads as it was a Bank Holiday weekend and to be in Swansea by daylight to tour the Gower.
We had an uneventful drive out of England and crossed the Second Severn Crossing into Wales at round 8 am. So we had made very good time, we by passed Newport and Cardiff and headed straight for Swansea in the South East of Wales.
South East Wales is home to 60 % of the country's population. You hear the Welsh language spoken daily on Swansea's Streets. We decided to explore the Gower. A 15 mile long peninsular with sweeping bays, cliffs, caves, blowholes, marshes and cockle beds. It has medieval castles, boutiques and restaurants. The Mumbles is a delightful area with lots of seaside entertainment.
Going around the headland is Bracelets bay and Langland bay. Langland bay is a sandy surfing beach and very popular. Another narrow golden bay is Caswell Bay, and its beautiful too, they all belong to the Wales National Trust. The Gower had some nice beaches and we saw a couple of Surf clubs as well. Kevin had a chat with a couple of lifeguards getting their surf gear ready for a competition the next day ( Ausiie surf skis and boards )
At the Western end of the Gower, the village of Rhosili lies. It is a fabulous place for walkers and beachgoers alike. Rhosili Bay is taken up by 6 kms wide of sandy beach and protected by high cliffs. The isolated string of rocks at the end of the peninsular are called Worms Head.
We back tracked and then emerged down at Broughton Bay via extremely narrow winding roads with lovely green leafed trees and hedges bordering the road edges.
We moved around passing little villages on our way eventually arriving at Llanelli. Kevin had to check out their rugby football club of course. We carried on round the coast to Kidwelly where we discovered Kidwelly Castle high above the Gwendraeth river. Next we came across Carmarthen and St Clears, Pendine, Amroth, Wiseman's Bridge, Saundersfoot and Tenby.
Tenby is a picturesque seaside town and has not been spoilt by tourism. We could not locate a B&B here so drove on to Penally, where we found a delightful guest house and had a fabulous rest. Tenby is a really attractive seaside resort area which we both would have liked to have stayed longer. We spent an hour I suppose looking around and seeing if any accommodation was available but all was booked out being the long weekend.
Sunday 25 May. We had a traditional Welsh breakfast and headed over to Pembroke and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We saw the Pembroke Castle in the midst of the city. We crossed a toll bridge to Neyland and up through to Newgale and St Davids - two beautiful waterfront spots.
We carried on up the western coastline to Fishguard and Newport, again both attractive towns. We passed through Cardigan, Aberaeron, Aberarth and Aberystwyth - the Cambrian Coast.
Aberyswyth is an essential stop. Its a very attractive seaside resort. At its northern end we took a trip on the 1896 Cliff Railway up to the summit of Constitution Hill for a fabulous view of the town and a photo or two. We also stumbled across a whole bunch of minis ( car show ) on display which was interesting and saw a raft race on the water between univ students. This city apparently was home to Prince Charles during his Univ years so we were told.
To the south we saw the remains of a 13th century Castle and this city has all the flags of European countries flying along the seaside promenade incl NZ 's flag and the red dragon flag of Wales. Immediately inland ( about 20 miles ) from Aberystwyth is the Devils Bridge, a tiny settlement. The main attraction is the Bridge - where 3 bridges are built on top of one another. The Top one is the most modern 1901, below it is the stone bridge 1753 and at the bottom the original bridge from the 11th century. We viewed this world famous site before moving on.
We carried on North to Machynlleth - just on the edge of Snowdonia. It is a very sparsley populated region. We carried on to Newtown in Central Wales, but decided not to stay here continuing on to Llandrindod Wells, a small town where we found a lovely B&B for ourselves.
Monday 26 May. We had a great breakfast and then continued on our adventure of Wales. We headed South, going down through Central Wales to Llandovery and crossing over the Black Mountains. It was very windy as we drove across this area which is very remote moorland with bleak peaks. I can see walkers would love the challenging and exhilarating walks there. We visited Neath, Merthys Tydfil , Abergavenny and Monmouth. All historical market towns. Monmouth is where Charles Stewart Rolls lived. ( Co -founder of Rolls Royce) There is a staue of him in the town.
We carried on down the Wye Valley and stopped at Tintern Abbey. It was founded in 1131 for the Cistercian Monks. The Abbey is a beautiful example of Gothic Architecture. William Wordsworth was attracted to this area too. A few photos later we headed onward.
We drove on down to Chepstow, a pleasant historic market town with another impressive Castle built in the 11th century. We drove through Newport just to see this city and since the weather was now grey and drizzly we decided to go home to Greenwich instead of staying another night in Wales.
We found that we had covered over 940 miles with our hire car ( Peuoget 307 ) in the space of 3 days and had seen alot of Southern and Central Wales and we arrived back in Greenwich around 8 -9 pm on Monday evening. It is our plan to see some of the Northern areas of Wales later in the year. Kevin took the car back on Tues morning and then it was back into the classroom by 1.30 pm.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 27 28 & 29 May. All working days for us. Kevin's classes are all in study mode as their exams loom next week ( A levels ) with Foundation and MQP the following week.
Kevin went off to the England v USA soccer game on Wednesday night as I was working. It was held at the Wembly Stadium and 72,000 people were present, so the atmosphere was amazing. David Beckham was playing for England in his 101st match. England won naturally 2-0. This stadium has only recently been built at a cost of some £ 800 m but it is an amazing environment to view football.
I'll say cheers for now. June signing off.
Kevin here now. The football match was a buzz. The game finisherd at 10 pm but it was almost 12 pm before I was back in our room. A large patriotic crowd ( plenty of mexican waves and singing ) and some good football as well with long travel times there n back but well worth it. Plenty of security and police on horseback noticed in the walk back to Wembly Park station and onto the trains.
The Wales trip was good. This Sat ( 31 May ) we are off to see the Guiness Cup Rugby Final ( Leicester v Wasps ) at Twickenham which should be a cracker. I have also bought us a ticket to the Royal Ascot horse races coming up on 21 June ( Royal family will be in attendance ) and I am hoping I can also get some tickets for the 1 day international cricket ( NZ v Eng ) at Lords in June. The other matches are out of London.
Thats all for now. Until next time. cheers
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Second Week in May
Howdee again. Another week has gone bye. We have both been working. I have been working in a hospital in Stepney Green - One ward was Stroke Rehabilitation and the other is Wound Care. I have enjoyed nursing again. The shifts can be long some days 7.30 am - 9 pm with a couple of breaks in between, other wise 7.30 pm - 3 pm.
On Sunday 11th May we went on an Andersons Coach Tour to the Isle of Wight. We left at 7.30am and went round picking up other passengers from other stops, eventually leaving London at 9.oo am heading toward Southhampton.
Then we caught the ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is a tiny diamond shaped island 5 miles off the coast of South England. It has lots of different landscapes and scenery ie; Chalky Downs, High Cliffs, Sandy Beaches,Woodlands, Meadows,Vineyards and Rivers. Its often called "England in Miniature" The weather was fabulous. The Isle of Wight is rich in history also from Dinosaur remains, Roman villas, historic castles and thatched cottages.
Our first stop was Godshill, ( not to be confused with Gled ..hill ) a small village with a lovely church, quaint cottages and delightful tearooms and lovely views. We wandered around here exploring the village.
Our next stop was Shanklin, another village with a seaside this time. We went down a steep winding cliff walk to Sanddown Bay. A delightful beach, much like Ngamotu beach ( Flat expansive beach ) with deck chairs and white european people trying for a suntan. We managed to get our feet wet for a change as we walked along the shoreline. We met an Aussie couple - Lousie and Nathan and chatted to them. John Keats the famous Poet once made his home here.
Next we carried on to Ventnor, an attractive seaside resort and health spa town. We went on round the coast passing Freshwater and Yarmouth, then back to Cowes to catch the ferry over the Solent strait, to head on back to London. We thoroughly enjoyed our days excursion.
The Isle of Wight ( Cowes ) is famous for the first Americas cup and yacht regattas are held here frequently. It is also known for Osborne House ( A countryside retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert ) preserved in all rooms as it was in 1901 upon the death of Queen Victoria.
Monday - Friday ( 12 -16 May ) was a normal working week for us both. Kevin had a couple of swim sessions. Kevin had a few beers with some teachers on Friday.
Saturday 17 May. We got up early and headed off to Lords to see the 1st Cricket test between N.Z. and England. They played 8 overs then stopped and it got greyer and greyer and then began to drizzle. At 4 pm we headed home as it was becoming obvious that no cricket would be played. We can get a refund on our ticket as they played less than 10 overs. Lords was a fantastic ground with over 25,000 people there. On Sunday the day was lovely, but we didn't have tickets for Sunday.
Sunday 18 May. We decided to visit Eltham Palace which is a very beautiful palace and surrounding gardens and grounds. We spent about 1 & 1/2hrs here looking around. ( Eltham is relatively close to Greenwich, a 2o min bus ride )
We headed back to Greenwich and got the train to Ealing. Kevin wanted to try the "Kiwi Kitchen" for a typical kiwi menu. Its run by a Naki boy Matt Jans. We had a lovely meal with kumara chips, hamburger incl beetroot etc.. Also some hokey pokey icecream and pavlova. Its been awhile since we have had any real Kiwi food but it was quite a mission getting there away across the other side of London ( 1 and half hours travel ) made worse by misreading directions and going to Uxbridge first.
After this we hopped on a bus and headed for Wembly Stadium. We had tickets to the Harlem GlobeTrotters ( World Tour ) basketball show time event which was being held at the Wembly Arena. We enjoyed the show and the atmosphere.
Afterwards we caught a train home to Greenwich, arriving home at 10 pm after an excellent day out and about in London.
On Sunday 11th May we went on an Andersons Coach Tour to the Isle of Wight. We left at 7.30am and went round picking up other passengers from other stops, eventually leaving London at 9.oo am heading toward Southhampton.
Then we caught the ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is a tiny diamond shaped island 5 miles off the coast of South England. It has lots of different landscapes and scenery ie; Chalky Downs, High Cliffs, Sandy Beaches,Woodlands, Meadows,Vineyards and Rivers. Its often called "England in Miniature" The weather was fabulous. The Isle of Wight is rich in history also from Dinosaur remains, Roman villas, historic castles and thatched cottages.
Our first stop was Godshill, ( not to be confused with Gled ..hill ) a small village with a lovely church, quaint cottages and delightful tearooms and lovely views. We wandered around here exploring the village.
Our next stop was Shanklin, another village with a seaside this time. We went down a steep winding cliff walk to Sanddown Bay. A delightful beach, much like Ngamotu beach ( Flat expansive beach ) with deck chairs and white european people trying for a suntan. We managed to get our feet wet for a change as we walked along the shoreline. We met an Aussie couple - Lousie and Nathan and chatted to them. John Keats the famous Poet once made his home here.
Next we carried on to Ventnor, an attractive seaside resort and health spa town. We went on round the coast passing Freshwater and Yarmouth, then back to Cowes to catch the ferry over the Solent strait, to head on back to London. We thoroughly enjoyed our days excursion.
The Isle of Wight ( Cowes ) is famous for the first Americas cup and yacht regattas are held here frequently. It is also known for Osborne House ( A countryside retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert ) preserved in all rooms as it was in 1901 upon the death of Queen Victoria.
Monday - Friday ( 12 -16 May ) was a normal working week for us both. Kevin had a couple of swim sessions. Kevin had a few beers with some teachers on Friday.
Saturday 17 May. We got up early and headed off to Lords to see the 1st Cricket test between N.Z. and England. They played 8 overs then stopped and it got greyer and greyer and then began to drizzle. At 4 pm we headed home as it was becoming obvious that no cricket would be played. We can get a refund on our ticket as they played less than 10 overs. Lords was a fantastic ground with over 25,000 people there. On Sunday the day was lovely, but we didn't have tickets for Sunday.
Sunday 18 May. We decided to visit Eltham Palace which is a very beautiful palace and surrounding gardens and grounds. We spent about 1 & 1/2hrs here looking around. ( Eltham is relatively close to Greenwich, a 2o min bus ride )
We headed back to Greenwich and got the train to Ealing. Kevin wanted to try the "Kiwi Kitchen" for a typical kiwi menu. Its run by a Naki boy Matt Jans. We had a lovely meal with kumara chips, hamburger incl beetroot etc.. Also some hokey pokey icecream and pavlova. Its been awhile since we have had any real Kiwi food but it was quite a mission getting there away across the other side of London ( 1 and half hours travel ) made worse by misreading directions and going to Uxbridge first.
After this we hopped on a bus and headed for Wembly Stadium. We had tickets to the Harlem GlobeTrotters ( World Tour ) basketball show time event which was being held at the Wembly Arena. We enjoyed the show and the atmosphere.
Afterwards we caught a train home to Greenwich, arriving home at 10 pm after an excellent day out and about in London.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
First Week In May.
Thursday 1st May. Hi its me here again to let you know our happenings. Kevin had his routine teaching day. I did some banking and got some Euro's for our trip to Paris. Voting for London's Mayor and city council is on today. ( No vote for us though )
Friday 2nd May. Kev teaching all day. We left on our trip via Eurolines coach to Paris at 10pm. We went over the English Channel via train ( Eurotunnel) It was amazing as the bus drove into a train carriage and that took us through to Calais. Arrived in Paris at 7.oo am. We got the Metro into the center of town to the Opera House. Its the largest theatre for Opera in the World. It can accommodate 2000 people and on stage 450 performers also. It is a building from the Napoleon era, designed in 1862 and is a beautiful decorative building.
We then decided to call in to our Hotel and drop our bag off. It was a very hot day. There was a Metro station near our Hotel at Corvisart, so with map in hand these two sprightly oldies set off to explore Paris.
We stopped at Birk-hakeim which is the station for the Eiffel Tower. When the Eiffel Tower was constructed more than 100 yrs ago it was regarded as a hideous eye sore, now its the most universally beloved symbol of Paris. The extraordinary dimensions just remind us what a genius Gustave Eiffel was to design it and erect it for the World Fair in 1889.
Whilst we were having an ice cream underneath the Tower my phone rang and guess what. It was our son Paul so we had a good ol chat which was awesome. It was an amazing experience to see the Eiffel Tower at last.
We next headed on to the Hop on Hop off Bus for the city tour. Its always a good idea to get your bearings in a new city. Seeing sights such as Musee da Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee D'orsay, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the Trocadero. All wonderful sights.
Next we went on the Hop on Hop off Batobus- a river boat shuttle service. It was really beautiful cruising down the Seine. The Seine has 37 bridges crossing it and they reflect the architecture of Paris. The Oldest is called "Pont Neuf" (means New Bridge) dates 1604. The newest bridge was opened in 1977 and is the "Pont Charles-de-Gaulle" shaped like a Aircraft wing. But the most photogenic bridge is "Pont Alexandre" with its candelabra style lamps.
Due to the very hot day lots of people were out walking, picnicing, lazing by the river. Paris has a staggering 7,000 acres of Parks and Gardens. Such as Jardine des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and Bois de Vincennes.
Kevin and I then headed back to our Hotel for a well earnt rest.
Sunday 4th May. Up and off early after a delightful French Brekky. Around our corner there was a fabulous Market beginning with wonderful produce; Meats, Poultry, Fish, Bakery Fruits and Vegies....a bit different than the Car Boot Market by The Mill!
We headed off to Notre-Dame De Paris - the impressive sculpture covered cathedral. One of the Worlds most beautiful examples of early Gothic Architecture. The facade is absolutely remarkable. Kev and I walked around the island it sits on ( Citie).
Our next destination was the Musee du Louvre. The 1st Sunday in May is Free to the people of Paris. So how lucky was that for two budget watching Kiwis! The origin of the Louvre dates back to the 13th century when Philippee Auguste had a fortress built. We saw the sculpture - Venus De Milo ( a famous Greek Statue) and of course the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci which is a very elegant painting with her famous slight smile. We spent approx 3 hrs wandering around here quite gobbsmacked.
We then wandered down the Jardin des Tuileries and saw lots of people out and about doing the same in the lovely Paris sunshine.
Kev and I dropped back to the Hotel for a shower and change and went straight back out to enjoy Paris by night. We had dinner at a cafe at the Trocadero and viewed Paris by night. The Eiffel Tower was sparkling with heaps of Bling Bling. We then headed home via the Metro after our action packed day in Paris.
Monday 5 May. Today our goal was to go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower. Which we did ! We had decided due to the large lines on Sat and Sun to delay this until today when most would be back at work. We walked to the 2nd level and then got the lift to the top. The Eiffel Tower is without doubt Paris's symbol. Beneath the Eiffel Tower is the green area Champs-de-Mars, once a military field, but now a beautiful garden.
Kevin and I next headed to the Champs-Elysees to see the "Arch of Triumph". The Champs-Elysees is a wide road with very wide footpaths with luxurious shops, theatres, restaurants and offices. Up at the top is the Place-de-Gaulle and radiating out are 13 large streets. In the middle is the Imposing Arch of Triumph. We walked up to the very top for a superb view. Napoleon ordered it to be built as a Memorial to the Great Army. ( it was completed in 1836) Kevin and I window shopped here on the Champs-Elysees and ended up having a cup of tea at MacDonalds. Big spenders eh. We then caught the Metro back to see the Trocadero again and to take some more photos.
We then caught the Metro back to the Hotel to fetch our bag. We still had time to spare so visited Place d' Italie for an hour or so. A nice little suburb of Paris. Then it was time to head to Porte de Bagnolet - the Euroline Coach depot to go back to London. ( We left at 10.30 pm) This time we crossed over to England via the ferry, arriving at Victoria Station at 7.00am.
We were both blown away with our trip to Paris for it is such a beautiful city which we both loved.
Tuesday 6th May. Kevin and I arrived back in Greenwich at 8.00am and went straight to bed. I set the alarm for 11.00 am as Kevin had school starting at 1.30 pm.
We both went to bed early tonight as we were still tired.
Wednesday 7th May. Kevin teaching as usual. My C.R.B. police check arrived, so I went in and got my I.D. to work.
Thursday 8th May. I got up early as my first nursing shift commences today at 7.30 am in a Medical Rehabilitation Ward in a small community Hospital in Stepney Green. It was quite good and buzy so the duty whizzed by.
In the evening we went to see the musical "The Sound of Music" at the London Palladium at Oxford Circus. It was an excellent show with wonderful singing, costumes, and scenery. We enjoyed it thoroughly.
Friday 9th May. A routine day. After Kevins work we have just relaxed and decided to do some emails and to update our blog. I have another am duty at the Hospital tomorrow. Therefore I will sign off for now. Cheers June.
Friday 2nd May. Kev teaching all day. We left on our trip via Eurolines coach to Paris at 10pm. We went over the English Channel via train ( Eurotunnel) It was amazing as the bus drove into a train carriage and that took us through to Calais. Arrived in Paris at 7.oo am. We got the Metro into the center of town to the Opera House. Its the largest theatre for Opera in the World. It can accommodate 2000 people and on stage 450 performers also. It is a building from the Napoleon era, designed in 1862 and is a beautiful decorative building.
We then decided to call in to our Hotel and drop our bag off. It was a very hot day. There was a Metro station near our Hotel at Corvisart, so with map in hand these two sprightly oldies set off to explore Paris.
We stopped at Birk-hakeim which is the station for the Eiffel Tower. When the Eiffel Tower was constructed more than 100 yrs ago it was regarded as a hideous eye sore, now its the most universally beloved symbol of Paris. The extraordinary dimensions just remind us what a genius Gustave Eiffel was to design it and erect it for the World Fair in 1889.
Whilst we were having an ice cream underneath the Tower my phone rang and guess what. It was our son Paul so we had a good ol chat which was awesome. It was an amazing experience to see the Eiffel Tower at last.
We next headed on to the Hop on Hop off Bus for the city tour. Its always a good idea to get your bearings in a new city. Seeing sights such as Musee da Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee D'orsay, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the Trocadero. All wonderful sights.
Next we went on the Hop on Hop off Batobus- a river boat shuttle service. It was really beautiful cruising down the Seine. The Seine has 37 bridges crossing it and they reflect the architecture of Paris. The Oldest is called "Pont Neuf" (means New Bridge) dates 1604. The newest bridge was opened in 1977 and is the "Pont Charles-de-Gaulle" shaped like a Aircraft wing. But the most photogenic bridge is "Pont Alexandre" with its candelabra style lamps.
Due to the very hot day lots of people were out walking, picnicing, lazing by the river. Paris has a staggering 7,000 acres of Parks and Gardens. Such as Jardine des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and Bois de Vincennes.
Kevin and I then headed back to our Hotel for a well earnt rest.
Sunday 4th May. Up and off early after a delightful French Brekky. Around our corner there was a fabulous Market beginning with wonderful produce; Meats, Poultry, Fish, Bakery Fruits and Vegies....a bit different than the Car Boot Market by The Mill!
We headed off to Notre-Dame De Paris - the impressive sculpture covered cathedral. One of the Worlds most beautiful examples of early Gothic Architecture. The facade is absolutely remarkable. Kev and I walked around the island it sits on ( Citie).
Our next destination was the Musee du Louvre. The 1st Sunday in May is Free to the people of Paris. So how lucky was that for two budget watching Kiwis! The origin of the Louvre dates back to the 13th century when Philippee Auguste had a fortress built. We saw the sculpture - Venus De Milo ( a famous Greek Statue) and of course the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci which is a very elegant painting with her famous slight smile. We spent approx 3 hrs wandering around here quite gobbsmacked.
We then wandered down the Jardin des Tuileries and saw lots of people out and about doing the same in the lovely Paris sunshine.
Kev and I dropped back to the Hotel for a shower and change and went straight back out to enjoy Paris by night. We had dinner at a cafe at the Trocadero and viewed Paris by night. The Eiffel Tower was sparkling with heaps of Bling Bling. We then headed home via the Metro after our action packed day in Paris.
Monday 5 May. Today our goal was to go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower. Which we did ! We had decided due to the large lines on Sat and Sun to delay this until today when most would be back at work. We walked to the 2nd level and then got the lift to the top. The Eiffel Tower is without doubt Paris's symbol. Beneath the Eiffel Tower is the green area Champs-de-Mars, once a military field, but now a beautiful garden.
Kevin and I next headed to the Champs-Elysees to see the "Arch of Triumph". The Champs-Elysees is a wide road with very wide footpaths with luxurious shops, theatres, restaurants and offices. Up at the top is the Place-de-Gaulle and radiating out are 13 large streets. In the middle is the Imposing Arch of Triumph. We walked up to the very top for a superb view. Napoleon ordered it to be built as a Memorial to the Great Army. ( it was completed in 1836) Kevin and I window shopped here on the Champs-Elysees and ended up having a cup of tea at MacDonalds. Big spenders eh. We then caught the Metro back to see the Trocadero again and to take some more photos.
We then caught the Metro back to the Hotel to fetch our bag. We still had time to spare so visited Place d' Italie for an hour or so. A nice little suburb of Paris. Then it was time to head to Porte de Bagnolet - the Euroline Coach depot to go back to London. ( We left at 10.30 pm) This time we crossed over to England via the ferry, arriving at Victoria Station at 7.00am.
We were both blown away with our trip to Paris for it is such a beautiful city which we both loved.
Tuesday 6th May. Kevin and I arrived back in Greenwich at 8.00am and went straight to bed. I set the alarm for 11.00 am as Kevin had school starting at 1.30 pm.
We both went to bed early tonight as we were still tired.
Wednesday 7th May. Kevin teaching as usual. My C.R.B. police check arrived, so I went in and got my I.D. to work.
Thursday 8th May. I got up early as my first nursing shift commences today at 7.30 am in a Medical Rehabilitation Ward in a small community Hospital in Stepney Green. It was quite good and buzy so the duty whizzed by.
In the evening we went to see the musical "The Sound of Music" at the London Palladium at Oxford Circus. It was an excellent show with wonderful singing, costumes, and scenery. We enjoyed it thoroughly.
Friday 9th May. A routine day. After Kevins work we have just relaxed and decided to do some emails and to update our blog. I have another am duty at the Hospital tomorrow. Therefore I will sign off for now. Cheers June.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Last Week Of April
Saturday 26 April. hi there. Here I am again. Today was a fabulous day sunshine and blue skies. The temperature reaching 21 degrees according to the radio. Kevin and I went for a stroll along the pathway next to the Thames and it was nice and relaxing. Lots of people were out and about having picnics,walking or having drinks at outdoor cafes.
We headed home by 5 pm to get organised to go to the Anzac Ball which was in the Baron Court area of London at the Queens Club. ( a really flash tennis club). We enjoyed ourselves dancing, listening to a couple of speeches, drinking, nibbling on some canapes as waiters served them to you and chatting.
We met a nice couple Dominic and Emily from Adelaide who were friendly and we chatted to them. There was mostly Aussies present at the event. We watched a game called "2 up". ( a gambling Aussie game played on Anzac Day) and headed home after 11.30 pm and got to our door at 1.45 am with tired feet !
Sunday 27 April. We had a sleep in and then headed off to Windsor for the day. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It was first established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The Queen still spends most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle. The State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection in magnificent display cabinets. The Private Apartments were created by George 1v and are among the most richly decorated interiors in the castle.
We thoroughly enjoyed looking around here, next we headed into Windsor Village for tea and scones in a little tea room. ( The Crooked House of Windsor ) We walked over the Thames to see Eton Village and the famous Eton College. Had our photo taken beside it and chatted to a man on duty there. We then had a small look around the college area and then it was back across the bridge before catching our train back to Paddington station and on to Greenwich arriving home at 8.30pm. Another excellent day out exploring England.
Monday 28 April Regular day. Kevin off to College and me, well I just pottered around. We just lazed around in the evening.
Tuesday 29 April. Because Kevin has no classes on Tues am we headed off to the Arches Leisure Centre ( Greenwich ) to do some lengths in the swimming pool. Kev did 1000 metres and I managed 500 metres but at least its a start to a keep fit campaign. Had to head back home by 1.30pm in time for Kev to go to his class.
In the evening we went off to The Royal Opera House to see the London Ballet Company perform "The Sleeping Beauty". It was an excellent performance, the dancing, the costumes and the scenery were fabulous. Kevin managed to get great tickets on the balcony level. When Princess Aurora danced the Wedding Variation I got emotional as this was a variation that Sarah used to dance when she competed at the competitions. It was just so beautiful to watch and I had to pinch myself to remember that I was here in London. What an amazing auditorium with several balconys ( 5 different levels ) We both enjoyed the performance and it was a great night to remember.
Wednesday 30 April. We were awoken at 7.00 am by a fire alarm ringing constantly. I looked out the window and saw everyone piling out of the complex, so woke Kevin up and headed on down into the street with everyone else. It was a Fire drill and all residents here in various states of undress and sleepy eyed beauty gathered after checking all were in attendance.
In the evening just to get a cultural balance we went to an excellent show at the Dominion Theatre called "We Will Rock You". There was lots of foot tapping, hand clapping and singing occuring during the show. Kevin had been before but it was now my turn to see this great show. It was music of Queen and others. They really made excellent use of the stage and it was a most enjoyable performance.
Thursday 1 May. Nothing too exciting today. Kevin off to work and me off to the Village to get some Euros and did a whole load of laundry. Its hard to realize it is May now and kev has been here 4 months with me 3 months already. We have certainly been keeping busy and there is much more yet to come.
Kevin and I are off to "Paris" tomorrow night for the Bank Holiday weekend so should be another exciting adventure to look forward to. We are travelling by overnight Bus ( leaving at 10 pm arriving 8 am ) so we can get a few more hours in this city returning Monday evening in a similar overnighter Bus. This means we will have 3 full days in this famed city to report on next time. Thats all for now. Until next time.
We headed home by 5 pm to get organised to go to the Anzac Ball which was in the Baron Court area of London at the Queens Club. ( a really flash tennis club). We enjoyed ourselves dancing, listening to a couple of speeches, drinking, nibbling on some canapes as waiters served them to you and chatting.
We met a nice couple Dominic and Emily from Adelaide who were friendly and we chatted to them. There was mostly Aussies present at the event. We watched a game called "2 up". ( a gambling Aussie game played on Anzac Day) and headed home after 11.30 pm and got to our door at 1.45 am with tired feet !
Sunday 27 April. We had a sleep in and then headed off to Windsor for the day. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It was first established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The Queen still spends most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle. The State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection in magnificent display cabinets. The Private Apartments were created by George 1v and are among the most richly decorated interiors in the castle.
We thoroughly enjoyed looking around here, next we headed into Windsor Village for tea and scones in a little tea room. ( The Crooked House of Windsor ) We walked over the Thames to see Eton Village and the famous Eton College. Had our photo taken beside it and chatted to a man on duty there. We then had a small look around the college area and then it was back across the bridge before catching our train back to Paddington station and on to Greenwich arriving home at 8.30pm. Another excellent day out exploring England.
Monday 28 April Regular day. Kevin off to College and me, well I just pottered around. We just lazed around in the evening.
Tuesday 29 April. Because Kevin has no classes on Tues am we headed off to the Arches Leisure Centre ( Greenwich ) to do some lengths in the swimming pool. Kev did 1000 metres and I managed 500 metres but at least its a start to a keep fit campaign. Had to head back home by 1.30pm in time for Kev to go to his class.
In the evening we went off to The Royal Opera House to see the London Ballet Company perform "The Sleeping Beauty". It was an excellent performance, the dancing, the costumes and the scenery were fabulous. Kevin managed to get great tickets on the balcony level. When Princess Aurora danced the Wedding Variation I got emotional as this was a variation that Sarah used to dance when she competed at the competitions. It was just so beautiful to watch and I had to pinch myself to remember that I was here in London. What an amazing auditorium with several balconys ( 5 different levels ) We both enjoyed the performance and it was a great night to remember.
Wednesday 30 April. We were awoken at 7.00 am by a fire alarm ringing constantly. I looked out the window and saw everyone piling out of the complex, so woke Kevin up and headed on down into the street with everyone else. It was a Fire drill and all residents here in various states of undress and sleepy eyed beauty gathered after checking all were in attendance.
In the evening just to get a cultural balance we went to an excellent show at the Dominion Theatre called "We Will Rock You". There was lots of foot tapping, hand clapping and singing occuring during the show. Kevin had been before but it was now my turn to see this great show. It was music of Queen and others. They really made excellent use of the stage and it was a most enjoyable performance.
Thursday 1 May. Nothing too exciting today. Kevin off to work and me off to the Village to get some Euros and did a whole load of laundry. Its hard to realize it is May now and kev has been here 4 months with me 3 months already. We have certainly been keeping busy and there is much more yet to come.
Kevin and I are off to "Paris" tomorrow night for the Bank Holiday weekend so should be another exciting adventure to look forward to. We are travelling by overnight Bus ( leaving at 10 pm arriving 8 am ) so we can get a few more hours in this city returning Monday evening in a similar overnighter Bus. This means we will have 3 full days in this famed city to report on next time. Thats all for now. Until next time.
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