Monday, March 10, 2008
ninth week in London
Hi again. Wasn't able to update on Sat so here I am on Mon 10th March. Saturday ( 1st March ) saw us head off to Twickenham to see Harlequins v Gloucester ( Heineken Cup teams ) The Quins were in 6th spot on the table playing the Top side and a good crowd turned up ( A full house of 12600 people )
The Quins had won their last 2 matches so everyone was sure they could topple the leaders which they did in style. It was a really close and exciting game won 30 - 28 to the Quins. What an atmosphere. After the match we headed to the Kings Bar under the Stand for a few beers to listen to The Overtures ( A Band )who played some neat 60's - 70's music. We then headed back to Greenwich to be home around midnight. A trip like this takes between 1 - 2 hours travel each way which is pretty normal over here.
Sunday the 2nd March saw us up early and take a different means of travel into Central London ( The River cruise from Greenwich to Tower Bridge ) to start our day. It was our plan to walk both sides of the Thames crossing all the bridges and sightseeing along the way. This was what we did and it gave us plenty of exercise on a nice sunny day.
We saw the Tower of London then in succession we crossed these bridges (The Tower Bridge, The London Bridge, The Millenium walkway Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Golden Jubilee Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and finally Lamberth Bridge ) seeing all the sights including The Monument ( Under rennovation ) St Pauls Cathedral (where we stayed for an actual Sunday service ) The Tate modern, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. We gave our weary legs a small breather by going for a spin on the London Eye seeing all of London beneath us. A great view.
We probably walked upwards of 10 -12 km or more in a very enjoyable day taking lots of photos. Our walk included both sides of the Thames including the Southwark walkway, Bankside, Victoria Embankment, The Queens walkway, the Lamberth Reach and Victoria Tower Gardens.
It was now time to meet up with Don and Alison Sowman in Knightsbridge. After arriving via the tube, they were there to pick us up just outside Harrods ( that famous shopping complex ) They are from Okato and have been here 7 yrs, Don working as a Porter in an Accommodation complex and Alison works in IT. We had a good ol chatter with some hot cross buns and a cuppa tea for more than 3 hours. It was good to touch base with some Kiwi folk again and to hear of their travels and what they'd been up to as well as gain some valuable touring advice. We arrived back home just before midnight.
Monday 3 March - Friday 7 March has been a regular ol teaching week with some footie coaching on Tues at Blackheath RFC and a trip to see The Jersey Boys on Thurs ( A musical at the Prince Edward theatre at Tottenham Court about the life and music of Frankie Valli and the 4 seasons )
I wrote an exam for my MQP students which they will sit this week ( March 12 ) as well as preparing some task sheets and exam questions for my Foundation Accounting class who also have exams ( march 18 ) I have reports to write as well and we are planning our travel for the upcoming Easter hol's so its been a reasonably quiet week.
We were up early on Sat ( 8 March ) where we headed to the TNT expo show on travel at Holborn to pick up some valuable travel brochures / ideas. TNT is the NZ Australian South African travel magazine which is published free and provides excellent ideas and information for travellers like us. We had 2 heavy bags to lug around so we zapped home on the trains to dump it off before heading to the Greenwich Railway station to pick up the South Eastern train ( an overlander ) to Rochester where I had arranged to meet up with Steve Owen and his wife Louise.
The plan was to catch up with them both ( Steve taught at NPBHS in 07 ) and to watch the footie on TV. We were unable to get there in time to see Wales beat Ireland because of the TNT expo ( The trip took over an hour and we left Greenwich at 2 pm ) but we did see England lose their 2nd match of the campaign to the Scots at a nice wee pub ( The Coopers Inn )
After the match it was back to Steve's place to freshen up before heading out to a Quiz evening to raise funds for Kings school. ( Their son Sam attends this school ) and it was an enjoyable evening attempting to answer the difficult selection of questions in a group with other couples.
It was then back to their home where we chatted away consuming more alcohol and some whiskey shots before finally calling it quits at around 3 am. We had been invited to stay upon our arrival in Rochester for the weekend which was great.
We were up around 9 am to a cooked breakfast before Louise and Sam headed off to the Rochester Church while June and I, along with Steve explored the historic sights of Rochester including The Castle in the centre of the village and the quaint streets of Rochester.
Once the Church service was over we met up with Louise and Sam inside this amazing old cathedral with lots of history dating way back to 1060 and before. We were lucky enough to meet the Headmaster of Kings school ( An ex Aussie ) have a guided tour of the Cathedral and to have a cuppa tea / chat with the Bishop.
Sam and Louise then headed off home while Steve, June and I checked out a couple of pubs incl one that had a jazz band even having a couple beers before meeting all up again for afternoon tea in a small tea room in the village. It was now time to head back to Greenwich. Steve and louise had offered to drive us back home which allowed us to see the countryside and motorway leading into London.
Rochester is in the county of Medway and the Borough of Kent and it is a very attractive place with historical significance and a nice village atmosphere with quaint shops and impressive architecture.
It was an enjoyable time with Steve and Louise Owen and it was good to catch up with a former teaching colleague and his family. Sunday evening was spent just relaxing in our room and reading.
Thats it for now. Until next time cheers from Kevin and June.
The Quins had won their last 2 matches so everyone was sure they could topple the leaders which they did in style. It was a really close and exciting game won 30 - 28 to the Quins. What an atmosphere. After the match we headed to the Kings Bar under the Stand for a few beers to listen to The Overtures ( A Band )who played some neat 60's - 70's music. We then headed back to Greenwich to be home around midnight. A trip like this takes between 1 - 2 hours travel each way which is pretty normal over here.
Sunday the 2nd March saw us up early and take a different means of travel into Central London ( The River cruise from Greenwich to Tower Bridge ) to start our day. It was our plan to walk both sides of the Thames crossing all the bridges and sightseeing along the way. This was what we did and it gave us plenty of exercise on a nice sunny day.
We saw the Tower of London then in succession we crossed these bridges (The Tower Bridge, The London Bridge, The Millenium walkway Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Golden Jubilee Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and finally Lamberth Bridge ) seeing all the sights including The Monument ( Under rennovation ) St Pauls Cathedral (where we stayed for an actual Sunday service ) The Tate modern, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. We gave our weary legs a small breather by going for a spin on the London Eye seeing all of London beneath us. A great view.
We probably walked upwards of 10 -12 km or more in a very enjoyable day taking lots of photos. Our walk included both sides of the Thames including the Southwark walkway, Bankside, Victoria Embankment, The Queens walkway, the Lamberth Reach and Victoria Tower Gardens.
It was now time to meet up with Don and Alison Sowman in Knightsbridge. After arriving via the tube, they were there to pick us up just outside Harrods ( that famous shopping complex ) They are from Okato and have been here 7 yrs, Don working as a Porter in an Accommodation complex and Alison works in IT. We had a good ol chatter with some hot cross buns and a cuppa tea for more than 3 hours. It was good to touch base with some Kiwi folk again and to hear of their travels and what they'd been up to as well as gain some valuable touring advice. We arrived back home just before midnight.
Monday 3 March - Friday 7 March has been a regular ol teaching week with some footie coaching on Tues at Blackheath RFC and a trip to see The Jersey Boys on Thurs ( A musical at the Prince Edward theatre at Tottenham Court about the life and music of Frankie Valli and the 4 seasons )
I wrote an exam for my MQP students which they will sit this week ( March 12 ) as well as preparing some task sheets and exam questions for my Foundation Accounting class who also have exams ( march 18 ) I have reports to write as well and we are planning our travel for the upcoming Easter hol's so its been a reasonably quiet week.
We were up early on Sat ( 8 March ) where we headed to the TNT expo show on travel at Holborn to pick up some valuable travel brochures / ideas. TNT is the NZ Australian South African travel magazine which is published free and provides excellent ideas and information for travellers like us. We had 2 heavy bags to lug around so we zapped home on the trains to dump it off before heading to the Greenwich Railway station to pick up the South Eastern train ( an overlander ) to Rochester where I had arranged to meet up with Steve Owen and his wife Louise.
The plan was to catch up with them both ( Steve taught at NPBHS in 07 ) and to watch the footie on TV. We were unable to get there in time to see Wales beat Ireland because of the TNT expo ( The trip took over an hour and we left Greenwich at 2 pm ) but we did see England lose their 2nd match of the campaign to the Scots at a nice wee pub ( The Coopers Inn )
After the match it was back to Steve's place to freshen up before heading out to a Quiz evening to raise funds for Kings school. ( Their son Sam attends this school ) and it was an enjoyable evening attempting to answer the difficult selection of questions in a group with other couples.
It was then back to their home where we chatted away consuming more alcohol and some whiskey shots before finally calling it quits at around 3 am. We had been invited to stay upon our arrival in Rochester for the weekend which was great.
We were up around 9 am to a cooked breakfast before Louise and Sam headed off to the Rochester Church while June and I, along with Steve explored the historic sights of Rochester including The Castle in the centre of the village and the quaint streets of Rochester.
Once the Church service was over we met up with Louise and Sam inside this amazing old cathedral with lots of history dating way back to 1060 and before. We were lucky enough to meet the Headmaster of Kings school ( An ex Aussie ) have a guided tour of the Cathedral and to have a cuppa tea / chat with the Bishop.
Sam and Louise then headed off home while Steve, June and I checked out a couple of pubs incl one that had a jazz band even having a couple beers before meeting all up again for afternoon tea in a small tea room in the village. It was now time to head back to Greenwich. Steve and louise had offered to drive us back home which allowed us to see the countryside and motorway leading into London.
Rochester is in the county of Medway and the Borough of Kent and it is a very attractive place with historical significance and a nice village atmosphere with quaint shops and impressive architecture.
It was an enjoyable time with Steve and Louise Owen and it was good to catch up with a former teaching colleague and his family. Sunday evening was spent just relaxing in our room and reading.
Thats it for now. Until next time cheers from Kevin and June.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Continuation of the 8th week
Well folks. A small hiccup with the blog saw me unable to continue but we will try again. Sunday ( 24th Feb ) saw us up early and away to Kensington Palace and Gardens to see the Palace rooms and Diana's collection of clothes and memorial photos. We also saw the Albert Memorial ( an amazing statue ) and the Royal Albert Hall before cruising through Hyde Park yet again.
Speakers Corner was next where we saw some fanatical radicals voicing their views on all kinds of stuff but mostly with a religious bias. It was then on through Marble Arch and the famous Oxford Street for some retail therapy. A couple of purchases were made from Primark and some window shopping before it suddenly became cold and drizzly so we headed off home content with our travels for the day to a nice warm cuppa.
Mon - Friday ( 25 - 29 feb ) A regular teaching week but the highlights were our evening excursions to some musicals in Londons West End. Monday saw us see Mama Mia at the Prince of Wales theatre ( Leicester Sq ) which was a buzz with plenty of Abba music to keep me a foot tapping. Tuesday I did a coaching stint at Blackheath RFC with the Development squad.
We awoke to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wed morning which is quite an event since these dont usually happen here. We went to the musical Chicago this evening at the Cambridge theatre ( Covent Gardens ) which was also an excellent show.
Thursday saw us attend the Buddy Holly show at the Duchess theatre ( Covent Gardens ) which was awesome with some magical music which saw me up and wiggling me ol body and foot tapping especially during the final 2-3 songs. I was not alone in this cause the whole theatre was up and jumping about too.
Friday saw us having a few beers for a couple hours or more with some teachers at a neat pub in Greenwich on the banks of the River Thames called the Trafalgar Hotel. A nice setting to end the working week. We then went to a movie ( No Country for Old men ) to round out the week.
We are soon to head off for our weekend adventures after having brunch here at the college so will sign off for now. Cheers until next week. Kevin and June.
Speakers Corner was next where we saw some fanatical radicals voicing their views on all kinds of stuff but mostly with a religious bias. It was then on through Marble Arch and the famous Oxford Street for some retail therapy. A couple of purchases were made from Primark and some window shopping before it suddenly became cold and drizzly so we headed off home content with our travels for the day to a nice warm cuppa.
Mon - Friday ( 25 - 29 feb ) A regular teaching week but the highlights were our evening excursions to some musicals in Londons West End. Monday saw us see Mama Mia at the Prince of Wales theatre ( Leicester Sq ) which was a buzz with plenty of Abba music to keep me a foot tapping. Tuesday I did a coaching stint at Blackheath RFC with the Development squad.
We awoke to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wed morning which is quite an event since these dont usually happen here. We went to the musical Chicago this evening at the Cambridge theatre ( Covent Gardens ) which was also an excellent show.
Thursday saw us attend the Buddy Holly show at the Duchess theatre ( Covent Gardens ) which was awesome with some magical music which saw me up and wiggling me ol body and foot tapping especially during the final 2-3 songs. I was not alone in this cause the whole theatre was up and jumping about too.
Friday saw us having a few beers for a couple hours or more with some teachers at a neat pub in Greenwich on the banks of the River Thames called the Trafalgar Hotel. A nice setting to end the working week. We then went to a movie ( No Country for Old men ) to round out the week.
We are soon to head off for our weekend adventures after having brunch here at the college so will sign off for now. Cheers until next week. Kevin and June.
eighth week in London
Hi there again. ( Sat 1st Mar ) Jeez its been 2 months since I arrived and the time has flown. June is sitting beside me right now having gained access to use the computers here and college facilities just as if she were a staff member. She has her own photo ID and can use the library / cafetaria ( at £ 2 per meal as I can ) and can move about freely within the campus and not attract attention from Security.
Last Saturday ( 23 Feb ) we headed off to see Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory /Planatarium with a photo or two at the Meridian line ( where East meets West and standard time begins worldwide ) then we cruised out to Blackheath ( Rectory Field ) to watch Blackheath play Waterloo and we stayed for some drinkies afterwards and met up with some locals and coaches for a neat time watching the 6 Nations games on TV ( The Poms v France and Ireland v Scotland )
Last Saturday ( 23 Feb ) we headed off to see Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory /Planatarium with a photo or two at the Meridian line ( where East meets West and standard time begins worldwide ) then we cruised out to Blackheath ( Rectory Field ) to watch Blackheath play Waterloo and we stayed for some drinkies afterwards and met up with some locals and coaches for a neat time watching the 6 Nations games on TV ( The Poms v France and Ireland v Scotland )
Saturday, February 23, 2008
seventh week in London
Hi again. Its Sat 23 Feb ( an early start today at 8 am ) and time to update our blog. Yet again it is a cloudy and grey overcast day as I write. June has now been here almost 2 weeks and is enjoying the place.
Last Saturday after finishing the blog we headed off to Inner London at around midday after stocking up our Oyster cards and getting some money. Stopped off at the London Bridge exit on the underground and cruised by the Borough markets before walking along the banks of the Thames ( Bankside ) and checking out the Golden Hinde ( Francis Drakes ship )
The exhibition was closed but we saw his ship and cruised further to the Shakespeare Globe ( reconstructed shakespeare theatre of old times ) which was a truly fascinating and absorbing experience seeing the exhibition of Shakesepeare's era, the clothes for his plays and how the Globe was reconstructed before booking a tour at 1.30 pm of the Globe theatre, which meant we had to flag the rugby trip I had planned. Once the tour was completed we cruised along the Thames taking a few photos before heading back to Greenwich.
Last Saturday after finishing the blog we headed off to Inner London at around midday after stocking up our Oyster cards and getting some money. Stopped off at the London Bridge exit on the underground and cruised by the Borough markets before walking along the banks of the Thames ( Bankside ) and checking out the Golden Hinde ( Francis Drakes ship )
The exhibition was closed but we saw his ship and cruised further to the Shakespeare Globe ( reconstructed shakespeare theatre of old times ) which was a truly fascinating and absorbing experience seeing the exhibition of Shakesepeare's era, the clothes for his plays and how the Globe was reconstructed before booking a tour at 1.30 pm of the Globe theatre, which meant we had to flag the rugby trip I had planned. Once the tour was completed we cruised along the Thames taking a few photos before heading back to Greenwich.
Yet again there were delays and a change of route was needed and onto special Buses before we arrived back at our unit and a cuppa tea. We decided to go to a movie in Greenwich ( The Bucket List ) at 8 pm to round out our day.
Sunday was our changing of the Guards day. The day dawned a sunny one ( yeah ) and it sure bought people out n about so off we went to see some Royal stuff. It was an early start arriving at St James park at 9.30 am and then at 10 am we checked out the horse guards at Whitehall and snapped a few photos before we walked up to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards at 11.30 am outside her majestry's residence. These events are normally on alternative days but both were on today so that was good.
We next checked out Hyde Park ( a large Royal park ) which meant more walking and seeing some statues along the way and stopping off for a coffee at the Lido ( a small cafe in the park ) where we happened upon Richard Read and his partner. ( Richard is from New Plymouth. He's been here 15 yrs and is the son of Norm Read the famous walker )
We had a good ol chat for an hour or so before continuing on to see Dianna's memorial fountain ( where water flows both sides in an architectual design ) before deciding that we would cruise back and see if we could book into a tour of London which we'd seen cruising around earlier. We got on the underground to save our weary legs and went to Green park and booked a tour at 4 pm. By now it was starting to get cold ( and I mean cold ) but we still sat on the upper deck for this 2 and a half hour tour of London by Bus.
Sunday was our changing of the Guards day. The day dawned a sunny one ( yeah ) and it sure bought people out n about so off we went to see some Royal stuff. It was an early start arriving at St James park at 9.30 am and then at 10 am we checked out the horse guards at Whitehall and snapped a few photos before we walked up to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards at 11.30 am outside her majestry's residence. These events are normally on alternative days but both were on today so that was good.
We next checked out Hyde Park ( a large Royal park ) which meant more walking and seeing some statues along the way and stopping off for a coffee at the Lido ( a small cafe in the park ) where we happened upon Richard Read and his partner. ( Richard is from New Plymouth. He's been here 15 yrs and is the son of Norm Read the famous walker )
We had a good ol chat for an hour or so before continuing on to see Dianna's memorial fountain ( where water flows both sides in an architectual design ) before deciding that we would cruise back and see if we could book into a tour of London which we'd seen cruising around earlier. We got on the underground to save our weary legs and went to Green park and booked a tour at 4 pm. By now it was starting to get cold ( and I mean cold ) but we still sat on the upper deck for this 2 and a half hour tour of London by Bus.
A great tour seeing all the main parts of London and we will do this again I reckon. Our hands and face were quite cold as we departed for home having decided that we'd seen enough for one day and a cuppa tea was what was needed to warm us up and some tucker along the way at Victoria Station. It was Sunday evening so it was time to relax.
Monday - Friday ( 18 Feb - 22 Feb ) has been a regular teaching week for me which we decided was to be a chill out week for us. My classess are going well and my students are, I believe learning. I am pleased with their progress. They seem happy enough and I am getting good rapport and seeing some smiling faces which is great.
Monday - Friday ( 18 Feb - 22 Feb ) has been a regular teaching week for me which we decided was to be a chill out week for us. My classess are going well and my students are, I believe learning. I am pleased with their progress. They seem happy enough and I am getting good rapport and seeing some smiling faces which is great.
I wanted June to see some of the outlying suburbs for orientation purposes ( Bus routes ) since Greenwich is not really a shopping area so after school one day we had a look at Charlton and their shopping centres as well as Lewisham but were not tempted to purchase. June has been out to see a nursing home in Blackheath and filled out an appl form. I did some rugby coaching at Blackheath on Tues evening. June has had a good look around Greenwich, has seen my classroom where I work, had lunch in our cafetaria and we also visited the 02 Millenium Dome in North Greenwich and saw the movie National Treasure. Last night ( Friday ) we saw another movie in Greenwich ( There will be Blood ) Today we will be out n about around London.
The weather will dictate what we do but it should be another weekend with new adventures and experiences. Will probably see Blackheath play footie this afternoon and more of London on Sunday. The photos. Well I am still unable to report as yet that June can have access to the computers for downloading some of our photos to this blog but I am still working on that issue.
Thats it for now. Cheers until next time. cya Kevin and June.
The weather will dictate what we do but it should be another weekend with new adventures and experiences. Will probably see Blackheath play footie this afternoon and more of London on Sunday. The photos. Well I am still unable to report as yet that June can have access to the computers for downloading some of our photos to this blog but I am still working on that issue.
Thats it for now. Cheers until next time. cya Kevin and June.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sixth week in London
Hi again. Another busy week and it marked the arrival of June. Yeah she is now a resident Londoner though at this stage unable to access the College computers so there will be a small delay before I can swing this deal for her as well. She has gone back to the room while I put this together.
Sunday 10th Feb saw June arrive at midday and after a coffee at the airport we headed back to Greenwich. I have to say that it took over 2 hours for me to get to Heathrow due to train services being suspended at various routes along the way. We were able to get the Heathrow express to Paddington on our return journey at no charge due to these delays which saved some time.
I check via cell ph now each time a trip is planned espec on weekends to check on what routes to take. An Oyster card was purchased at Heathrow for June and then the homeward journey began. We stopped off at a quaint wee pub in Greenwich and watched the 2nd half of rugby match ( Eng v Italy ) before a quick walk through Greenwich Market and then on to our 188 bus for the final leg to Bellerbys College and our Unit. Its a nice walk from the train station if you're in no hurry so we usually have a choice. A Bus or a pleasant walk.
A good nights sleep was required and we just talked away and re configured the Unit to cater for another inhabitant.
Monday it was back to work for me and a regular teaching day with a trip to our bank in Greenwich at luncthtime to bank some money and more orientation for June. After work we freshened up then it was onto Piccadilly Circus getting to the Comedy Store at opening time ( 6.30 pm ) for a bite to eat followed by a great show. There were 13 stand up comedians and some great laughs. We had a quick look around Piccadilly Circus before back on the trains and home around midnight.
Tuesday was work again up till 12.30 am then it was a 5 day midterm break ( incl weekend ) which saw us travel to Lille ( Northern France ) for 2 nights. June had changed some money into euro so we were ready to see France.
Took the Eurostar from St Pancras at 2.50 pm ( Tues ) arriving in Lille at 4.30 pm local time. We quickly got ourself oriented and found our Hotel ( Hotel de la Treille ) in the Old section of Lille ( Tourist zone of course ) then we were out for a walk and eventually a nice Dinner at an Italian reataurant ( Orange Expression ) dining on Pasta and Pizza. We just walked around the coblestone streets and marvelled at the beauty of this place. Our hotel had never had any NZ ers stay there before. We were their first.
Wednesday ( after breakfast of Croissants, yoghurt, cornflakes, fruit and a good ol cup of tea ) saw us see the sights of Lille ( Old and new areas ) and capture as much as we could on film which will appear at some stage I imagine on this blog ( Just watch this space folks ) Some real old buildings ( 1500 - 1800 century stuff) We took a bus tour of an hour and then did our own exploring. Some real old classical buildings, superb architecture and a relaxed and easy going lifestyle. Lille is near Belgium.
It was an enjoyable day and after freshening up we just had to visit the Aux Moules ( a well known specialist restaurant serving Mussles and chips since 1930) Lille is known for this so it was only natural to be a part of this traditional meal delight. Plenty of other Diners were doing the same. We had a good feed straight from a pot of mussels and a side dish of chips which was neat. The mussels are smaller than NZ but it was still a nice meal ( with some onions and veges within the bowl as well )
We explored some more around the city and even had a Fosters beer in ' The Australian Pub ' before retiring on weary legs for the evening. Expensive though. A pint of beer cost me 6 euro.
It was more of the same ( exploring this neat city ) on Thurs making sure we saw the Art museum ( 2nd largest in all of France ) with some great art and sculptures and all the attractions one should visit incl a small lunchtime treat at La Patisseire de Meert ( a famous landmark where President De Gaulle used to eat these crepes ) so we did the same. We were tempted to purchase clothing but the prices were too high and there are cheaper alternatives here in England so resisted that and did some window shopping before our returnward journey at 9 .30 pm.
We had just enjoyed a marvellous 2 night stay in this quaint city of 220000 citizens where 30% are students at the University and where its population is youthful. By the time we got back to London and onto Greenwich it was past midnight so some sleep was required.
Friday was a day I had planned for June to see the sights of Greenwich which we did. It was a real overcast and cold / windy day but most of our sighseeing was indoors so it worked out well. We had a good look at the Royal Navy College and saw the Painted Room and Chapel. The amazing buildings were once the home for Navy training ( Now used by Univ of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music ) as well as seeing the Queens House and the National Maritime Museusm ( amazing place ) with so much history and things to see of a maritime theme.
We were all day on our feet and totally absorbed by all this stuff that we didnt have enough time to visit Greenwich park and the Observatory which will await another day because we needed to get back to our unit in time to freshen up /get into our best gear and get to Westminster Pier for our London Showboat evening river cruise along the Thames. This was a 4 course meal and seeing the sights of London at night as well as an hour of a cabaret singer /contemporary music incl Abba with some dancing which was a real buzz. ( 7 pm - 10.30 pm ) Good value.
A great evening and just picture this for a moment. An Abba song ( foot tapping stuff ) with me and June on the dance floor as we cruise under The Tower Bridge on our return journey up the Thames. Magical stuff. An American couple said to us they liked our dancing so that made our evening. A quick walk over Westminster bridge and a glance up at Big Ben and Parliament House at night before back on the Jubilee line and home to Greenwich yet again around midnight.
Today we are planning to see some sights at Tower Bridge before heading off to see Harlequins v Worcester at the stoop which is beside Twickenham. ( I need some rugger occassionally y'see ) before some evening sightseeing at various places with Sunday being a day of more sights ( Changing of Guard I hope ) and other which is all planned to take most of the day / evening. I have planned these trips for this first week for June and all is going well.
We have taken some photos so hopefully some of these will eventually appear on this blog. Thats about it for now. I must away and get out n about We have sights and things to do. cya for now.
Sunday 10th Feb saw June arrive at midday and after a coffee at the airport we headed back to Greenwich. I have to say that it took over 2 hours for me to get to Heathrow due to train services being suspended at various routes along the way. We were able to get the Heathrow express to Paddington on our return journey at no charge due to these delays which saved some time.
I check via cell ph now each time a trip is planned espec on weekends to check on what routes to take. An Oyster card was purchased at Heathrow for June and then the homeward journey began. We stopped off at a quaint wee pub in Greenwich and watched the 2nd half of rugby match ( Eng v Italy ) before a quick walk through Greenwich Market and then on to our 188 bus for the final leg to Bellerbys College and our Unit. Its a nice walk from the train station if you're in no hurry so we usually have a choice. A Bus or a pleasant walk.
A good nights sleep was required and we just talked away and re configured the Unit to cater for another inhabitant.
Monday it was back to work for me and a regular teaching day with a trip to our bank in Greenwich at luncthtime to bank some money and more orientation for June. After work we freshened up then it was onto Piccadilly Circus getting to the Comedy Store at opening time ( 6.30 pm ) for a bite to eat followed by a great show. There were 13 stand up comedians and some great laughs. We had a quick look around Piccadilly Circus before back on the trains and home around midnight.
Tuesday was work again up till 12.30 am then it was a 5 day midterm break ( incl weekend ) which saw us travel to Lille ( Northern France ) for 2 nights. June had changed some money into euro so we were ready to see France.
Took the Eurostar from St Pancras at 2.50 pm ( Tues ) arriving in Lille at 4.30 pm local time. We quickly got ourself oriented and found our Hotel ( Hotel de la Treille ) in the Old section of Lille ( Tourist zone of course ) then we were out for a walk and eventually a nice Dinner at an Italian reataurant ( Orange Expression ) dining on Pasta and Pizza. We just walked around the coblestone streets and marvelled at the beauty of this place. Our hotel had never had any NZ ers stay there before. We were their first.
Wednesday ( after breakfast of Croissants, yoghurt, cornflakes, fruit and a good ol cup of tea ) saw us see the sights of Lille ( Old and new areas ) and capture as much as we could on film which will appear at some stage I imagine on this blog ( Just watch this space folks ) Some real old buildings ( 1500 - 1800 century stuff) We took a bus tour of an hour and then did our own exploring. Some real old classical buildings, superb architecture and a relaxed and easy going lifestyle. Lille is near Belgium.
It was an enjoyable day and after freshening up we just had to visit the Aux Moules ( a well known specialist restaurant serving Mussles and chips since 1930) Lille is known for this so it was only natural to be a part of this traditional meal delight. Plenty of other Diners were doing the same. We had a good feed straight from a pot of mussels and a side dish of chips which was neat. The mussels are smaller than NZ but it was still a nice meal ( with some onions and veges within the bowl as well )
We explored some more around the city and even had a Fosters beer in ' The Australian Pub ' before retiring on weary legs for the evening. Expensive though. A pint of beer cost me 6 euro.
It was more of the same ( exploring this neat city ) on Thurs making sure we saw the Art museum ( 2nd largest in all of France ) with some great art and sculptures and all the attractions one should visit incl a small lunchtime treat at La Patisseire de Meert ( a famous landmark where President De Gaulle used to eat these crepes ) so we did the same. We were tempted to purchase clothing but the prices were too high and there are cheaper alternatives here in England so resisted that and did some window shopping before our returnward journey at 9 .30 pm.
We had just enjoyed a marvellous 2 night stay in this quaint city of 220000 citizens where 30% are students at the University and where its population is youthful. By the time we got back to London and onto Greenwich it was past midnight so some sleep was required.
Friday was a day I had planned for June to see the sights of Greenwich which we did. It was a real overcast and cold / windy day but most of our sighseeing was indoors so it worked out well. We had a good look at the Royal Navy College and saw the Painted Room and Chapel. The amazing buildings were once the home for Navy training ( Now used by Univ of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music ) as well as seeing the Queens House and the National Maritime Museusm ( amazing place ) with so much history and things to see of a maritime theme.
We were all day on our feet and totally absorbed by all this stuff that we didnt have enough time to visit Greenwich park and the Observatory which will await another day because we needed to get back to our unit in time to freshen up /get into our best gear and get to Westminster Pier for our London Showboat evening river cruise along the Thames. This was a 4 course meal and seeing the sights of London at night as well as an hour of a cabaret singer /contemporary music incl Abba with some dancing which was a real buzz. ( 7 pm - 10.30 pm ) Good value.
A great evening and just picture this for a moment. An Abba song ( foot tapping stuff ) with me and June on the dance floor as we cruise under The Tower Bridge on our return journey up the Thames. Magical stuff. An American couple said to us they liked our dancing so that made our evening. A quick walk over Westminster bridge and a glance up at Big Ben and Parliament House at night before back on the Jubilee line and home to Greenwich yet again around midnight.
Today we are planning to see some sights at Tower Bridge before heading off to see Harlequins v Worcester at the stoop which is beside Twickenham. ( I need some rugger occassionally y'see ) before some evening sightseeing at various places with Sunday being a day of more sights ( Changing of Guard I hope ) and other which is all planned to take most of the day / evening. I have planned these trips for this first week for June and all is going well.
We have taken some photos so hopefully some of these will eventually appear on this blog. Thats about it for now. I must away and get out n about We have sights and things to do. cya for now.
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