`Thursday 10 July - Thursday 17 July It was a buzy week as I worked all week long at Mile End hospital. Kevin was able to relax and check emails / read / do some swimming / get our foreign currency and to get things organised for our trips.
We organised some cartons and packed some stuff to send home and packed some stuff to leave at Bellerbys which we will pick up later. We said our farewells to the college and the reception area of our accommodation and looked forward to when we would begin this phase. We also saw Mama Mia the movie which we both enjoyed.
Friday 18 July We were up early at 2.00am to catch the bus at 3.00 am to get to Victoria train station to catch the Gatwick Express by 4. 30 am. Checked in OK and flew to Naples , Italy. We arrived at 10.30 am Italian time and met our Tour Director - Lauri. Her English was pretty good and we could understand her.
We headed off to our Hotel in Minori, a 2 hour drive - to the Hotel Villa Romana. It was our first sight of Italy and it was hot. The road took us along the motorway before our drive around the Amalfi coastline to our hotel. Our first view of the coastline was mind blowing, with clear blue sea and mountainous cliffs. Kevin was up out of his seat clicking away at the views along the way.
We settled in at the Hotel and got changed into cooler clothes as it was 30+ degrees! Kevin could not wait to get changed into his togs and went for a quick dip in the pool before we walked over to Maiori ( a 10 minute walk) and had a wander around. Then it was back to our village Minori, and a stroll along the waterfront and then off for a swim back at the hotel.
Down to dinner at 7.30pm and chatting and meeting our other touring people, (13 in this hotel ). We also had a tour Meeting with our lovely Tour Director. Bed at 10 pm as tired out.
Saturday 19 July We slept in till 7.00am just lovely! A free day to spend how we want . After breakfast kevin was into the pool again before we caught the local bus to the town of Amalfi, arriving at 10.00am.
The whole Amalfi coastline is a magnet for the rich and famous ( and us too ) and has been so for 50+years. The road winds past Lemon trees, Olive trees, vineyards and tiny villages clinging to the jagged cliffs that plunge straight into the Mediterrnean sea - Breathtakingly beautiful !
We walked the narrow lanes and saw roses and bougainvillea climb round windows and on balconies and red geraniums in pots. All looking lovely. We saw their Piazzas ( town squares) and romantic churches and loved the "Dolce Vita" architecture.
We headed back to Minori our base and grabbed our swim gear and headed to the beach.We spent a couple of hours there swimming and sunbathing - having to pinch ourselves to remind us that we were actually in Italy!
The beach had a light grey sand and pebbles down to the sea. The sea water is transparent and appears to sparkle. It goes very deep quite sharply. It is also very salty but very clear. We headed back to the Hotel and had a dip in the pool as it was so hot.
Kevin must have swum a few lengths of this small pool by now. We had dinner at 8 pm then went walking out on the promenade as is common for the Italians. We spent some time with a lovely couple on the trip ( Eric and Muriel ) having a couple beers and a good old chat. It was just lovely as the evening was starting to cool off.
Sunday 20 July Up early again at 6.00 am and after breakfast we were away at 8 am to go to Amalfi to catch the ferry over to Capri Island for the day. This involved another magical drive around the coastline into Amalfi town and a boat crossing to Capri. We arrived at 10.00 am. This legendary island is surrounded by exquisitely pretty coves and by translucent green seas.
We had a quick look around the seafront area before walking up the steps to this magical city of Capri high above the sea. We had a quick look over this area before catching the local bus up to Anacapri, going up some very winding cliff roads.
We took the chair lift to Monte Solaro for a breathtaking view of the entire bay of Naples. What an amazing view and we took a few photos before heading back down. The whole area is very beautiful but it is expensive.
We caught the ferry home at 4 pm and arrived back to Minori again by around 6.30 pm and a change / swim in pool before dinner. A relaxing evening and a chance to watch some TV.
Monday 21 July Up at 6.00 am as today we were off to Sorrento via the Amalfitan coast, a beautiful medieval town. We spent 3 hrs browsing through the elegant shops, the Piazza St Antonino and Piazza Tasso and naturally the Marina Piccola ( The beachside area ) The water once again was sparkling clear and transperant and an amazing deep blue colour.
We visited a shop where cameos were made and had a taste of Lemon Liquer ( a popular liquer here in Italy, sold everywhere ) and also saw how inlaid furniture is crafted so it was a fascinating day.
Tuesday 22 July Kevin got a card from the fellow travellers at brekky for his birthday today. Wasnt this just nice.
We were next off to Pompeii for a 2 hour discovery walk back into Roman times. It was absolutely amazing ! We had an excellent guide who had alot of experience so that was neat.
After lunch we headed off to Mt Vesuvius - the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The bus took us 1,100 meters up the mountain and we walked the rest for a view of the crater. It was foggy and the view of Naples was not that wonderful but we did get some good photos before the clouds began to hover above which we knew this meant rain was coming along. A great walk though which was good exercise.
Just before we got to the bus we got caught in a sudden hail storm. The ice balls were the size of marbles and hurt as they hit you, we got drenched through as did some of the others. We got home by 5.30 pm to a welcome shower.
We had tea with everyone, but for dessert they turned the lights out and brought out a huge cake for Kevin with a candle on it and everyone sang happy birthday to him, then we all had a piece each. It was a surprize to me as well as Kevin.
We walked over to Maiori this evening to listen to an outdoor Jazz Concert which was fun. Home by 11.45 pm.
Wednesday 23 July Again up early and off to Ravello - a very pretty town on the coast for our visit to the villa Rufolo. It was built in the 12 century with fantastic views over the bay of Salerno. We spent 3 hours here.
Next we headed to Paestum, were a local guide led a tour of this impressive Greco - Roman site. Amazing Temples, said to be the best preserved Greek Temples in the world. Our guide was a professor at Naples university so we gained a good insight into archeology. Returned home again and had a dip in our pool to cool off. Dinner again at around 7.30 pm for a chat with our fellow travellers.
We again walked over to Maiori ( this time we all made the trip together ) to see another Jazz Concert (Cuban jazz ) It was good value. Home by 11.30 pm.
Thursday 24 July We slept in till 8 am as we had a free morning. We spent it relaxing and swimming in our pool. At 1.30 pm we caught a private launch for a mini cruise along the coast. We called in to the enchanting bay of Cona dei Marini to see the Emerald Grotto - a green cavern with stalagmites and stalactites. A bit of a rip off at 5 Euros pp though.
Next we stopped at the picturesque village of Positano and visited the cathedral and wandered the narrow streets. We had a swim at the beach which was lovely. We spent 2 hrs looking about and then went back via launch again. Arrived back at 7 pm. Had our final dinner altogether tonight.
Friday 25 July Up early as per usual, our last brekky in Minori then transferred to our bus for the 2 hr trip to Naples Airport for our flight back to London. The flight was delayed an hour. We arrived in Gatwick at 4 pm and said goodbyes and gave a few hugs to our fellow travellers. We had a good time together.
We managed to catch the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station pretty much straight away. Then on the underground via the Distict Line to Upton Park tube station. Next we got the No 58 bus to Central Park Road and walked the rest of the way to our accomodation. Kevin had booked this for the next 2 days prior to our next phase ( Scandinavia ) We were pretty tired out, but thoroughly enjoyed our Italian Amalfi Coastline adventure.
Today we went into Walkabout ( An Australian pub on the Embankment alongside the River Thames in Central London ) to watch on TV the All Blacks beaten by the Aussies. What an atmosphere. It was packed with a good mixture of Kiwis and Aussies. Since then we have been updating our blog and checking our emails before an early night.
Tomorrow we head off to Denmark, Norway and Sweden for 12 days and then we have a 9 day rail tour of Switzerland to look forward to. Until next time Aravichi cheers from June and Kevin
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
First Week in July.
Thursday 3 July. I arrived home from my night duty at 9.00am.It seemed a funny time to be heading to bed. I managed to sleep till 11.30am. Both of us had no work today so just caught up on some chores and tiding up things. Kevin did some swimming and was at school with emails / reading
Friday 4 July. I got called to work. But before I went Kevin and I went for a walk around Greenwich and we had lunch together. Kevin some more exercise and relaxed around the Greenwich area taking a few photos / sourcing out any teaching opportunities on web sites as well.
Saturday 5 July. We slept in till 8.00am, then up and watched the All Blacks play South Africa on the TV down in the Bellerbys cafe. Very physical
We went down to Greenwich to see the markets and post some letters. I had to do an afternoon duty so left Kevin was on his own mucking around. Weather not too good so he watched the tennis womans final in a local pub. Great match
Sunday 6 July. Kevin went off for a swim before heading off to Blackheath to watch Blackheath play a team known as the wooden spooners to celebrate 15o years of existence ( Blackheath is the oldest Rugby club in the world ) which was played on the Heath ( a large tract of grasssed area where all kinds of sporting reenactments were being held. ) There was Golf, rugby and hockey and players wore similar gear to what would have ben worn at this time so it was quite an atmosphere. Unfortunately it was a wet and cold day and not that too exciting being out there in the elements in a T shirt.
We watched the final of the Men's Wimbledon that afternoon / evening on Bellerbys TV. Gosh what an amazing game. Rafa Nadal ( Spain ) defeated Roger Federer in what was an excellent and totally absorbing final. Kevin was spellbound and totally absorbed in the match. A great match, the best Wimbledon final ever !
Monday 7 July. Both of us off to work. Kevin in his final week now.
Tuesday 8 July. Kevin went off to work, but I was not called today. I did some chores ; the good old laundry and some banking down town. It was a grey cloudy old day- not very summer like!
Wednesday 9 July. No work for either of us . A nice time to relax and recharge my batteries.
Kevin went off to the Russian Embassy to get our visa's for our trip there in October. It is a one day process where you wait outside in a queue ( So common over here ) until called in batches, and processed.
Kevin had to wait over an hour and half just to get in, then found he had filled the forms out in pen ( not allowed ) so had to go across the road to an Internet cafe to do on line before they would accept it and also to get cash ( a further walk to find an ATM machine ) cause they did not accept debit cards or cheque. ( Protocol yet again )
It was finally processed and Kevin has to return on Thurs to pick up the passports. We intend travelling to Russia in early Oct with On the Go Tours.
In the afternoon Kevin had an interview at Pangbourne College ( Reading ) for a Business studies role, an hour or more from Paddington station . The interview went well so he said, but because we are only available for some of the term dates, it is not an ideal position to be in, when looking for work.
By the time he returned home it was after 8 pm so we just relaxed and chatted about the days events. I have a full day of work tomorrow at a new Hospital so that will be interesting. Cheers for now. Until next time
Friday 4 July. I got called to work. But before I went Kevin and I went for a walk around Greenwich and we had lunch together. Kevin some more exercise and relaxed around the Greenwich area taking a few photos / sourcing out any teaching opportunities on web sites as well.
Saturday 5 July. We slept in till 8.00am, then up and watched the All Blacks play South Africa on the TV down in the Bellerbys cafe. Very physical
We went down to Greenwich to see the markets and post some letters. I had to do an afternoon duty so left Kevin was on his own mucking around. Weather not too good so he watched the tennis womans final in a local pub. Great match
Sunday 6 July. Kevin went off for a swim before heading off to Blackheath to watch Blackheath play a team known as the wooden spooners to celebrate 15o years of existence ( Blackheath is the oldest Rugby club in the world ) which was played on the Heath ( a large tract of grasssed area where all kinds of sporting reenactments were being held. ) There was Golf, rugby and hockey and players wore similar gear to what would have ben worn at this time so it was quite an atmosphere. Unfortunately it was a wet and cold day and not that too exciting being out there in the elements in a T shirt.
We watched the final of the Men's Wimbledon that afternoon / evening on Bellerbys TV. Gosh what an amazing game. Rafa Nadal ( Spain ) defeated Roger Federer in what was an excellent and totally absorbing final. Kevin was spellbound and totally absorbed in the match. A great match, the best Wimbledon final ever !
Monday 7 July. Both of us off to work. Kevin in his final week now.
Tuesday 8 July. Kevin went off to work, but I was not called today. I did some chores ; the good old laundry and some banking down town. It was a grey cloudy old day- not very summer like!
Wednesday 9 July. No work for either of us . A nice time to relax and recharge my batteries.
Kevin went off to the Russian Embassy to get our visa's for our trip there in October. It is a one day process where you wait outside in a queue ( So common over here ) until called in batches, and processed.
Kevin had to wait over an hour and half just to get in, then found he had filled the forms out in pen ( not allowed ) so had to go across the road to an Internet cafe to do on line before they would accept it and also to get cash ( a further walk to find an ATM machine ) cause they did not accept debit cards or cheque. ( Protocol yet again )
It was finally processed and Kevin has to return on Thurs to pick up the passports. We intend travelling to Russia in early Oct with On the Go Tours.
In the afternoon Kevin had an interview at Pangbourne College ( Reading ) for a Business studies role, an hour or more from Paddington station . The interview went well so he said, but because we are only available for some of the term dates, it is not an ideal position to be in, when looking for work.
By the time he returned home it was after 8 pm so we just relaxed and chatted about the days events. I have a full day of work tomorrow at a new Hospital so that will be interesting. Cheers for now. Until next time
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Last week of June.
Saturday 28 June. We were up early at 4 am to get packed and off to catch the eurostar to Brussels, Belgium for a weekend getaway break. We arrived in Brussels at 10am and we straight away decided to get a local train to Bruges for the day. Our euro ticket entitled us to one local train trip out and back to any destination in Belgium - so we chose Bruges near the coast.
Bruges is a perfect example of a medieval city It was the main commercial and financial center in the middle ages. But Antwerp competed and soon Bruges declined, until the 19th century when it was restored for tourists and now it is a heritage site. It is easy to walk about and there is a large square called "The Grand - Place" which has a definate grandeur about it consisting of buildings of different styles spread out over 6 centuries.
In Brussels and Bruges they speak Flemish but in other areas, the Belgiums speak French and a tiny area speak German.
The canals, bridges and quays are an intergral part of the Romantic Scenes that make up the Bruges landscape. The boat ride of 1/2hr provides a chance to see the city from the water with its houses listing over the water which was picturesque.
Lace is very important here. The lace center is in Bruges. Former houses of God were given to the needy people and in exchange they were required to work, making lace.
Chocolate is also important in Belgium. Chocolate shops dot the cities and are handcrafted and very beautiful looking. We sampled a couple of them!
We bumped into a bunch of Aussies here and had an icecream with them. We had a chat and naturally rugby was mentioned.
We headed back to Brussels at 6. 30 pm to find our hotel - Hotel Hilton Brussels.
Sunday 29 June. We slept in till 7.30 am and up and breakfasted. Wow!! What a selection of foods was avalible. We had a good tuck in to hopefully last us for a while.
We wandered about Brussels exploring the city. We visited the "Grand Place" - town square with fabulous Town Hall, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, with a Belfry and Spire.
Whilst wandering here we met a lovely couple Chris and Joell Dunlap from San Francisco. It was great to have a chat and hear about their travels.
We decided to catch the underground metro at Gare Centrale station and go out to Heysel. We visited Bruparck - Brussels newest leisure center and the Mini Europe attraction. "Do Europe in just a few hours". There is 350 miniatures to see and the history of the European Union and its place in the world.
We also visited the Atomium - an iron and crystal atom structure magnified 165 billion times. It opened in 1958 as a Universal Exhibition. You go up a ultra - fast lift for a wonderful view of Brussels.
We caught the metro back to De Brouckere and wandered back to our Hotel to pick up our bag. We had a couple of cups of tea and a rest before we again got the metro to Gare du Midi station to catch our eurotrain back to London. We had a great weekend and found the Belgium people friendly and helpful ( when they could understand English )
Monday 3o June. Last day of June and the year is flying by. Kevin was working at Bellerbys and I got called in to a Termination of Pregnancy Clinic. I worked along side a doctor assisting with examinations, doing their obs, assisting while she scanned them etc.. It was very interesting and different.( reminded me of my doctor/nurse surgery days in Gisborne and Nelson).
I had a very eventful day getting to this job. I was doing the laundry when I got the text for work. ( laundry takes a while to complete here) But I got it dried and put away. I walked off to the train station with not much time to spare.
A road bridge was opening up to allow a couple of boats to pass through. It took a while - so I tried to wait patiently. Then once it closed up I headed off again. I got to the station and found the swipe terminal was out of order and had to go up the escalator again and swipe it at the top one.
Then I found I had insufficient money on my card. I raced around to the shop and got £10 put on it and going back down the escalators again to find the train was not arriving for 14minutes - Blow!!
I got on the train and you won't believe this, it only went one stop! We all had to change to another train, again another wait of 5 minutes this time. Back on the train and off at Canary Wharf to change to the Stratford train. On my way again hoping not to be too late. I got off at Bow Church and then caught the District line to Stepney Green.
Out of that train and a quick 10 minute walk to the hospital. Asked where Sylvia Pankhurst Ward was and zoomed round the corridor to find the stairs were 'Not in use' due to new flooring being put down - so had to use the lift and it was slow as !
It eventually arrived and up I went to the 3rd floor and found heaps of young women waiting outside so I squeezed my way through and walked in only 4 minutes late ! Whew ! I'd made it ! I guess life in London has its pluses and minuses, when it comes to getting about the place. Its just something you have to accept over here.
Tuesday 1 July. We both worked today. Was the hottest day so far 28 degrees. Kevin continues with his swimming exercise after work and yes it was a rather hot day.
Wednesday 2 July. Kevin off to register with a couple of other teaching agencies as he had no work today. I had my first night duty. They work from 8.45 pm - 7.45 am so quite long shifts. It was very good and not a problem. It was funny arriving home at 9.00 am thinking of going to bed !
We've had another exciting and interesting week, so cheers for now.
Bruges is a perfect example of a medieval city It was the main commercial and financial center in the middle ages. But Antwerp competed and soon Bruges declined, until the 19th century when it was restored for tourists and now it is a heritage site. It is easy to walk about and there is a large square called "The Grand - Place" which has a definate grandeur about it consisting of buildings of different styles spread out over 6 centuries.
In Brussels and Bruges they speak Flemish but in other areas, the Belgiums speak French and a tiny area speak German.
The canals, bridges and quays are an intergral part of the Romantic Scenes that make up the Bruges landscape. The boat ride of 1/2hr provides a chance to see the city from the water with its houses listing over the water which was picturesque.
Lace is very important here. The lace center is in Bruges. Former houses of God were given to the needy people and in exchange they were required to work, making lace.
Chocolate is also important in Belgium. Chocolate shops dot the cities and are handcrafted and very beautiful looking. We sampled a couple of them!
We bumped into a bunch of Aussies here and had an icecream with them. We had a chat and naturally rugby was mentioned.
We headed back to Brussels at 6. 30 pm to find our hotel - Hotel Hilton Brussels.
Sunday 29 June. We slept in till 7.30 am and up and breakfasted. Wow!! What a selection of foods was avalible. We had a good tuck in to hopefully last us for a while.
We wandered about Brussels exploring the city. We visited the "Grand Place" - town square with fabulous Town Hall, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, with a Belfry and Spire.
Whilst wandering here we met a lovely couple Chris and Joell Dunlap from San Francisco. It was great to have a chat and hear about their travels.
We decided to catch the underground metro at Gare Centrale station and go out to Heysel. We visited Bruparck - Brussels newest leisure center and the Mini Europe attraction. "Do Europe in just a few hours". There is 350 miniatures to see and the history of the European Union and its place in the world.
We also visited the Atomium - an iron and crystal atom structure magnified 165 billion times. It opened in 1958 as a Universal Exhibition. You go up a ultra - fast lift for a wonderful view of Brussels.
We caught the metro back to De Brouckere and wandered back to our Hotel to pick up our bag. We had a couple of cups of tea and a rest before we again got the metro to Gare du Midi station to catch our eurotrain back to London. We had a great weekend and found the Belgium people friendly and helpful ( when they could understand English )
Monday 3o June. Last day of June and the year is flying by. Kevin was working at Bellerbys and I got called in to a Termination of Pregnancy Clinic. I worked along side a doctor assisting with examinations, doing their obs, assisting while she scanned them etc.. It was very interesting and different.( reminded me of my doctor/nurse surgery days in Gisborne and Nelson).
I had a very eventful day getting to this job. I was doing the laundry when I got the text for work. ( laundry takes a while to complete here) But I got it dried and put away. I walked off to the train station with not much time to spare.
A road bridge was opening up to allow a couple of boats to pass through. It took a while - so I tried to wait patiently. Then once it closed up I headed off again. I got to the station and found the swipe terminal was out of order and had to go up the escalator again and swipe it at the top one.
Then I found I had insufficient money on my card. I raced around to the shop and got £10 put on it and going back down the escalators again to find the train was not arriving for 14minutes - Blow!!
I got on the train and you won't believe this, it only went one stop! We all had to change to another train, again another wait of 5 minutes this time. Back on the train and off at Canary Wharf to change to the Stratford train. On my way again hoping not to be too late. I got off at Bow Church and then caught the District line to Stepney Green.
Out of that train and a quick 10 minute walk to the hospital. Asked where Sylvia Pankhurst Ward was and zoomed round the corridor to find the stairs were 'Not in use' due to new flooring being put down - so had to use the lift and it was slow as !
It eventually arrived and up I went to the 3rd floor and found heaps of young women waiting outside so I squeezed my way through and walked in only 4 minutes late ! Whew ! I'd made it ! I guess life in London has its pluses and minuses, when it comes to getting about the place. Its just something you have to accept over here.
Tuesday 1 July. We both worked today. Was the hottest day so far 28 degrees. Kevin continues with his swimming exercise after work and yes it was a rather hot day.
Wednesday 2 July. Kevin off to register with a couple of other teaching agencies as he had no work today. I had my first night duty. They work from 8.45 pm - 7.45 am so quite long shifts. It was very good and not a problem. It was funny arriving home at 9.00 am thinking of going to bed !
We've had another exciting and interesting week, so cheers for now.
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