I did not know what to expect in Paris other than the Eiffel tower being pretty amazing. It did not disappoint. It is a site to see. The only downside is the wait time to go up in it. That and the 300 guys selling miniature Eiffel Towers saying "one euro, one euro" for two hours while you wait in line. There are also a lot of "gypsies" that ask you if you speak English and hand you a card asking for money. It really is heart breaking, there was so much begging across the city. By the end of the stay, you end up saying no before they even ask. That was the toughest part of being in Paris. But the city itself was magnificent. We took a river cruise after we went to the Eiffel Tower and that is where we really started to see the city. After the cruise we went to the Arc De Triumph. The Arc was impressive and HUGE inside. The first night Jeff and I went to the top right as it was getting dark to see the cityscape and the Eiffel Tower lit up. It was a great night, beautiful!
The following day we took a tour on a "hop on, hop off" bus. My favorite site on the tour was the Notre Dame Cathedral. Unlike other cathedrals I have visited, Notre Dame is not ornate with gold and bright colors. It is majestic with its stone work and pure mass. It is unbelievable, the interior and exterior. And unlike St. Paul's, you can take pictures. The Louve was also cool to see but we only were able to enter the lobby and not the galleries b/c they closed at 5:30 and we got there at 5:45. The gift shop was cool though! And the Louve has a shopping mall in it too, who knew? After the Louve, we saw more of the Champ Del Elysees near the Arc. I also saw the Moulin Rouge where the Cancan was invented and "women of less virtue" go to work, so said our guide. We walked up to the "Basilica" where monks used to live in the 1600s. All in all superb! The plan was to go back to the hotel for awhile and then have dinner at Hard Rock. We opted to skip dinner on account of being worn out. We almost ordered a pizza, but that too took too much effort. We did eat 1 french meal while we were there. I thought it was good but Jeff disagreed and so McDs became helped us out a few times. We left for London early the next morning. So long Paris!
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Oxford
I decided to take a day and visit Oxford because I had read so much about it. I remember several years ago reading a historical fiction novel called "The Inklings." I don't remember much of the plot, big surprise I often re-read books b/c I forget I have already read them. What I do remember from the book was that the "Eagle and Child" was the pub that a literary group met at to discuss what they were working on, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien among them. They called themselves the "Inklings." I have always loved these two authors because their stories were some of the first ones that introduced me to the world of literature. Since college, reading has been a huge part of my life, thanks to a push from my mom too. I have always thought it would be great to write a book of fiction. To have a story and be inspired to put it to the page is a very romantic idea to me. I doubt I will ever actually do so, but if I was an actor, I would play a writer :). Anyway, I say all of this because Oxford is FULL of character that inspires. I think it would be tough not to let your imagination run wild being there, it oozes from the walls. How's that for literature! You have to keep your eyes open in Oxford because there is so much to see. It's like The Shire, Narnia, and Hogwarts all in one. The history and the great men and women that have studied at an Oxford University was fascinating to learn as well. I am fairly certain most of the day my jaw was to the floor and I said the phrase "you've got to be kidding" alot.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Getting Lost In London...
So it has been several weeks since I posted anything because I haven't really done anything extraordinary. But, I have had some amazing ordinary experiences. on Sunday, I went to Hillsong and it was amazing and I needed to just worship. it was incredible. After church, I went to lunch with some people from the church and ad a great time too! I was running a few minutes late to a Harry Potter walk that started at 2 but luckily, the tour had not yet left the station. I do realize that this lets the cat out of the bag that I am a big Harry Potter fan and I lose cool points but let's be honest, I hate math so whose counting!! I do have to say that I ruled at the HP trivia asked by the guide but there were some tweens that nailed some off the wall questions between the books and movies that left me in the dust. Always more to strive for muggles, don't fret!!
Monday and Tuesday were devoted to softball games with Jeff and friends. Wednesday I went to the show Avenue Q with a few friends from softball. That show was hilarious but SO inappropriate! Definitely not kid friendly although I did see a few kids, yikes! Today was amazing....(the following will be ridiculously cheesy but all true)
this morning I finished a good book, got ready and headed for the tube with no inkling as to where I was headed. I stopped and got coffee at a little cafe across the river and it was actually great (haven't had much coffee here b/c it is SO strong). At the tube, I grabbed 2 nectarines from my favorite fruit stand (80 pence). I had grabbed another book to stop on my way out of the flat and so I took a seat on the tube and started to read "Water for Elephants" (3 pounds, second hand bookshop) Still had no idea where I was headed. Decided to switch trains at Earls Court and go to High Street Kensington.
Ahhh High Street Kinsington. First of all, the weather was perfect today. Blue skies and in the sixties. after leaving the station there I started to window shop a a little. My favorite store was "Kew". It was a store of linen sundresses, tops and shirts but also had cute tops and bags. Even the sale items were out of my price range but it was one of those stores that if you could pick what you would like to dress like if you had funds and were petite and lived in a climate where linen made sense and not the humidity capitol of the world. Ahhhh linen and flannel...have I told you about my dream of wearing linen and flannel? I mean dream as in something to aspire to not like a dream I had last night. Needless to say, I love linen and flannel! But, I hate to iron, go figure. Anyways, so after Kew, I just started walking. The great thing about London, to me, is that everywhere you go and anywhere you look there is always something worth seeing. The architecture is beautiful , the trees are mature, and the people fascinating. Once you are off of high street, the city noise is gone and every house/neighborhood unique. Still lost, I kept walking and ended up in Notting Hill and found Portabello Road Market. more window shopping to do but now I have the song Portabello Rd in my head. I didn't treck to find the travel book shop b/c I found it last time and I knew I would buy a book I don't need. I had lunch at Nandos, yeah mash potatoes and crunchy ice!! From Notting Hill I went to Kensington Gardens and did the Princess Diana memorial walk. I love that there are so many parks in London. So many great spots for picnics and walks and dogs everywhere, it's awesome! I feel like I am living in my imagination here, it's silly but it is so beutiful here. it's the kind of place you would go to get inspired to write a novel or something. I certainly felt inspired today. Too bad I am not channeling my inspiration into anything at the time, ha!
Monday and Tuesday were devoted to softball games with Jeff and friends. Wednesday I went to the show Avenue Q with a few friends from softball. That show was hilarious but SO inappropriate! Definitely not kid friendly although I did see a few kids, yikes! Today was amazing....(the following will be ridiculously cheesy but all true)
this morning I finished a good book, got ready and headed for the tube with no inkling as to where I was headed. I stopped and got coffee at a little cafe across the river and it was actually great (haven't had much coffee here b/c it is SO strong). At the tube, I grabbed 2 nectarines from my favorite fruit stand (80 pence). I had grabbed another book to stop on my way out of the flat and so I took a seat on the tube and started to read "Water for Elephants" (3 pounds, second hand bookshop) Still had no idea where I was headed. Decided to switch trains at Earls Court and go to High Street Kensington.
Ahhh High Street Kinsington. First of all, the weather was perfect today. Blue skies and in the sixties. after leaving the station there I started to window shop a a little. My favorite store was "Kew". It was a store of linen sundresses, tops and shirts but also had cute tops and bags. Even the sale items were out of my price range but it was one of those stores that if you could pick what you would like to dress like if you had funds and were petite and lived in a climate where linen made sense and not the humidity capitol of the world. Ahhhh linen and flannel...have I told you about my dream of wearing linen and flannel? I mean dream as in something to aspire to not like a dream I had last night. Needless to say, I love linen and flannel! But, I hate to iron, go figure. Anyways, so after Kew, I just started walking. The great thing about London, to me, is that everywhere you go and anywhere you look there is always something worth seeing. The architecture is beautiful , the trees are mature, and the people fascinating. Once you are off of high street, the city noise is gone and every house/neighborhood unique. Still lost, I kept walking and ended up in Notting Hill and found Portabello Road Market. more window shopping to do but now I have the song Portabello Rd in my head. I didn't treck to find the travel book shop b/c I found it last time and I knew I would buy a book I don't need. I had lunch at Nandos, yeah mash potatoes and crunchy ice!! From Notting Hill I went to Kensington Gardens and did the Princess Diana memorial walk. I love that there are so many parks in London. So many great spots for picnics and walks and dogs everywhere, it's awesome! I feel like I am living in my imagination here, it's silly but it is so beutiful here. it's the kind of place you would go to get inspired to write a novel or something. I certainly felt inspired today. Too bad I am not channeling my inspiration into anything at the time, ha!
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Greenwich
I took a ferry boat to Greenwich today. It was a beautiful day on the Thames and I love the lively commentary that the ship's crew offers voluntarily while you cruise. each time you get differing stories but they are always entertaining. greenwich is very nice and there are many things to see there. the Royal Naval Academy, University of Greenwich, The Painted Chapel, Maritime Museum, Planetarium etc. It was a full day, lots of historical reading. Give me a movie with said actor acting out said history with Hollywood flare anyway! Just kidding...not reallly. I had a picnic lunch on the lawns of the Maritime Museum overlooking the Queens House. It was really something. There was a graduation there today so I could not go into the Painted Chapel but there was plenty of other things to occupy the afternoon. I started with the Maritime museum and tried really hard to learn something. Not that I am already very knowledgable in this subject, but I just am not that interested. But, I stuck it out for the off chance that around the next bend would be something amazing. Nope, just more reading...
After the Museum, I made the hike up the hill to the Meridian Line and Planetarium. I had never been to a Planetarium before so I decided to see a quick film called Violent Universe narrated by Patrick Stewart from Star Trek. Perfection!!! after the show, there was an astronomy museum that was very interactive and interesting. I learned a lot about the Big Bang Theory...rubbish! but still enjoyed looking at the star charts and planet factoids. On to the Maritime side of the hill now where there is once again much to see. The Atomic Clock, the Meridian Line, and original time pieces from old ships that helped to navigate. Once again, lots of reading :). I walked back down the hill into Greenwich Park.
I headed back towards the ferry boat for the return voyage home. I learned that wharf stands for "warehouse at river front.". I also got to see the Tower Bridge's drawbridge open! After making it back to Putney, grabbed a quick bite in the pub "Whistle and Flute" and headed home.
After the Museum, I made the hike up the hill to the Meridian Line and Planetarium. I had never been to a Planetarium before so I decided to see a quick film called Violent Universe narrated by Patrick Stewart from Star Trek. Perfection!!! after the show, there was an astronomy museum that was very interactive and interesting. I learned a lot about the Big Bang Theory...rubbish! but still enjoyed looking at the star charts and planet factoids. On to the Maritime side of the hill now where there is once again much to see. The Atomic Clock, the Meridian Line, and original time pieces from old ships that helped to navigate. Once again, lots of reading :). I walked back down the hill into Greenwich Park.
I headed back towards the ferry boat for the return voyage home. I learned that wharf stands for "warehouse at river front.". I also got to see the Tower Bridge's drawbridge open! After making it back to Putney, grabbed a quick bite in the pub "Whistle and Flute" and headed home.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Helsinki
Helsinki
I decided not to do a tour in Helsinki and to explore on my own. Helsinki was magnificent! There was a free shuttle from the ship that drops you near the city center and from there most of the sights are within walking distance. I really did not know quite where I was going but, I just followed the locals and ended up at market square. There was a street market going on and I spent a few hours walking through the aisles of fresh fruits and vegetables and hand made goods. It was a good opportunity to talk to some locals. A popular item were reindeer furs and goods made of antlers. From the market, I visited a few churches and ended up taking a river cruise of the surrounding islands. I had a fresh apple pastry at the market on my way back to the ship and it was the best pastry I have ever had!! I have a feeling I missed quite a bit of the sites in Helsinki but, had a great time just taking it easy and enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
Sent from my iPad
I decided not to do a tour in Helsinki and to explore on my own. Helsinki was magnificent! There was a free shuttle from the ship that drops you near the city center and from there most of the sights are within walking distance. I really did not know quite where I was going but, I just followed the locals and ended up at market square. There was a street market going on and I spent a few hours walking through the aisles of fresh fruits and vegetables and hand made goods. It was a good opportunity to talk to some locals. A popular item were reindeer furs and goods made of antlers. From the market, I visited a few churches and ended up taking a river cruise of the surrounding islands. I had a fresh apple pastry at the market on my way back to the ship and it was the best pastry I have ever had!! I have a feeling I missed quite a bit of the sites in Helsinki but, had a great time just taking it easy and enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
Sent from my iPad
St. Petersburg
We are closing out on our second day in st. Petersburg, Russia. They are experiencing their hottest climate in history according to our guide. For me, it pretty much feels like fl. St. Petersburg was the Capitol of Russia until 1918 when it was moved to Moscow. It has also formally held the name Leningrad under Lenin's rule but now continues under the name St. Petersburg after Peter the Great or Peter the 1st. My first day here was on a tour called "introduction to St. Petersburg." It was basically a bus tour with a few photo stops but it gave me the opportunity to see a lot. There was a lot of traffic being a Monday and several weddings too. I guess they don't wait for weekends here! St. Petersburg is not a pretty city. In many areas it appears rundown and there are not the vibrant colors I have seen in the other capitols. However, the palaces are a sight to see and there are several in the city.
Today I toured Catherine's Palace. It is located in Pushkin, on the outskirts of the city. Catharine's Palace was built by Catherine's daughter, Elizabeth, in honor of her mother. It was basically built as a tourist attraction to help the city. Elizabeth was actually responsible for the many Palaces' restructuring throughout the city after WWII. She spent almost all of the country's money at the time (She left 3 rubles in the bank at the end of her reign) but over the years, it has saved the city because it has attracted tourists.
In order to go into St. Petersburg, you have to have a Russian visa or be on a tour. Our guide today was Alexandra and she dreams of visiting an English speaking country. Once again I was reminded of how blessed I am and how blessed we are as a country. After 2 days in Russia, I was ready for Helsinki!
Sent from my iPad
We are closing out on our second day in st. Petersburg, Russia. They are experiencing their hottest climate in history according to our guide. For me, it pretty much feels like fl. St. Petersburg was the Capitol of Russia until 1918 when it was moved to Moscow. It has also formally held the name Leningrad under Lenin's rule but now continues under the name St. Petersburg after Peter the Great or Peter the 1st. My first day here was on a tour called "introduction to St. Petersburg." It was basically a bus tour with a few photo stops but it gave me the opportunity to see a lot. There was a lot of traffic being a Monday and several weddings too. I guess they don't wait for weekends here! St. Petersburg is not a pretty city. In many areas it appears rundown and there are not the vibrant colors I have seen in the other capitols. However, the palaces are a sight to see and there are several in the city.
Today I toured Catherine's Palace. It is located in Pushkin, on the outskirts of the city. Catharine's Palace was built by Catherine's daughter, Elizabeth, in honor of her mother. It was basically built as a tourist attraction to help the city. Elizabeth was actually responsible for the many Palaces' restructuring throughout the city after WWII. She spent almost all of the country's money at the time (She left 3 rubles in the bank at the end of her reign) but over the years, it has saved the city because it has attracted tourists.
In order to go into St. Petersburg, you have to have a Russian visa or be on a tour. Our guide today was Alexandra and she dreams of visiting an English speaking country. Once again I was reminded of how blessed I am and how blessed we are as a country. After 2 days in Russia, I was ready for Helsinki!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Berlin
Berlin
We docked at Warnemunde Germany and it was a 3 hour train ride into Berlin. I had met a couple from Ohio at dinner and they said they were going to Berlin on their own and I would be welcome to join them, so I did. It was a very hot day, or in German "hysa" and no AC anywhere. The train ride was hot but it was not unbearable and the scenery was great. Between Warnemunde and Berlin is farmland. I did get a few good pictures of sunflower fields! once we reached Berlin, we were given a "survival kit" which was a sheet of paper that had a phrase in German saying we were from Disney Cruise and the phone number for the American Embassy. I was feeling great!!
We decided to get a ticket for a "hop on, hop off" bus. This is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. We had about 4 1/2 hours in Berlin b/f we had to be back to the train. Berlin was by far the most fascinating port as of yet. The history is overwhelming. Our first stop was the Berliner Dome. This is a church that charges to get in and you have to pay to use the loo. Isn't it ironic, don't you think...Anyhoo, you can go all the way up to the dome of the church to get a panoramic view of the city that used to be divided into 2. There is construction everywhere b/c of the wall and the city is working tirelessly to rebuild where it once stood. there are only a few small places where the wall remains as a reminder of it's turbulent history. After the dome, we stopped at the Brandenburg Gate. The Gate represents the changing of the City the not. From Napoleon, to the Prussians, to the Nazis, all have stood at the Gate to announce their control of Berlin. As I was taking pictures of the Gate, a tourist ask me to take a picture of him and his friend and so I said sure. I counted 1,2,3 and they held up their hands like they were nazis. I wanted to delete the picture but I guess it's there right.
The American Embassy is right next to the Gate and around the corner is the holocaust memorial. I wish we would have had time to visit it but we continued on the tour. The next impressive site was the Kaisar Wilhelm Cathedral. It was destroyed in the Second World War and instead of repairing it, it stays exactly as it was and serves as a remainder. Next to it is the new church. After the church we went to "Checkpoint Charlie". Checkpoint Charlie was operated by the US while the Berlin Wall was in existence. At the checkpoint is a guardhouse and the American flag. After Checkpoint Charlie, it was nearly time to head back to, the train so we headed back to the Hilton to meet with our group. At the Hilton, there was some short of beauty pageant going on b/c about 20 girls in bikinis walked across the street for pictures. I got some photos for my brothers and then Miss Netherlands walk across the street to. All she wants is world peace! We boarded the bus to head to the train station and our host informed up that our trains engine was broken and they were working it our as quickly as possible. we were dropped off at a public park to wait until we could head back Tom, the ship. there were about 400 of us total. About 1 1/2 hrs later, the train was fixed and we were on our way, once agin no AC :), very hot day, sweaty tourists...I stood with at the window to get air on the way back. We got back to the ship at about 9:30 and so we were all beat. Luckily today we are at sea so I rested and watched movies all day!! Basically, my perfect day!
Sent from my iPad
We docked at Warnemunde Germany and it was a 3 hour train ride into Berlin. I had met a couple from Ohio at dinner and they said they were going to Berlin on their own and I would be welcome to join them, so I did. It was a very hot day, or in German "hysa" and no AC anywhere. The train ride was hot but it was not unbearable and the scenery was great. Between Warnemunde and Berlin is farmland. I did get a few good pictures of sunflower fields! once we reached Berlin, we were given a "survival kit" which was a sheet of paper that had a phrase in German saying we were from Disney Cruise and the phone number for the American Embassy. I was feeling great!!
We decided to get a ticket for a "hop on, hop off" bus. This is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. We had about 4 1/2 hours in Berlin b/f we had to be back to the train. Berlin was by far the most fascinating port as of yet. The history is overwhelming. Our first stop was the Berliner Dome. This is a church that charges to get in and you have to pay to use the loo. Isn't it ironic, don't you think...Anyhoo, you can go all the way up to the dome of the church to get a panoramic view of the city that used to be divided into 2. There is construction everywhere b/c of the wall and the city is working tirelessly to rebuild where it once stood. there are only a few small places where the wall remains as a reminder of it's turbulent history. After the dome, we stopped at the Brandenburg Gate. The Gate represents the changing of the City the not. From Napoleon, to the Prussians, to the Nazis, all have stood at the Gate to announce their control of Berlin. As I was taking pictures of the Gate, a tourist ask me to take a picture of him and his friend and so I said sure. I counted 1,2,3 and they held up their hands like they were nazis. I wanted to delete the picture but I guess it's there right.
The American Embassy is right next to the Gate and around the corner is the holocaust memorial. I wish we would have had time to visit it but we continued on the tour. The next impressive site was the Kaisar Wilhelm Cathedral. It was destroyed in the Second World War and instead of repairing it, it stays exactly as it was and serves as a remainder. Next to it is the new church. After the church we went to "Checkpoint Charlie". Checkpoint Charlie was operated by the US while the Berlin Wall was in existence. At the checkpoint is a guardhouse and the American flag. After Checkpoint Charlie, it was nearly time to head back to, the train so we headed back to the Hilton to meet with our group. At the Hilton, there was some short of beauty pageant going on b/c about 20 girls in bikinis walked across the street for pictures. I got some photos for my brothers and then Miss Netherlands walk across the street to. All she wants is world peace! We boarded the bus to head to the train station and our host informed up that our trains engine was broken and they were working it our as quickly as possible. we were dropped off at a public park to wait until we could head back Tom, the ship. there were about 400 of us total. About 1 1/2 hrs later, the train was fixed and we were on our way, once agin no AC :), very hot day, sweaty tourists...I stood with at the window to get air on the way back. We got back to the ship at about 9:30 and so we were all beat. Luckily today we are at sea so I rested and watched movies all day!! Basically, my perfect day!
Sent from my iPad
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
I loved Copenhagen!! It is such a charming city. I took canal tour to start my day. Copenhagen is very much a sea fairing folk. Similar to Oslo, along the river, the city is beginning to take on a more modern look I.e. The opera house, theatre, and library. But, once you get into the city, there is a charm of old. Sail boats line the canal. The house are all connected and painted in prime colors. They are very narrow b/c they are taxed on the width of the home, not the height. Even today, 50% of their earnings go to taxes and upkeep of the Royal Palaces. They are 3 palaces in the city and the one that the Royal family lives in is 4 identical, adjacent buildings. One is a Royal museum of the family history, one is for visiting politicians, one for the queen and the other for her son and his family. the Royal family is allowed to marry commoners so the Queen's son will be king, not her husband. Back to the canal tour...Hans Christian Anderson was from Copenhagen and we went by his former home. Hans wrote many children's fairytales including "The Little Mermaid". Normally there is a statue of the Little Mermaid that sits in the canal but it is on loan to Shanghai for the World Showcase and will be back in December.
Following the canal tour, we began our walking tour of the city. Metta was our Danish guide and was wonderful. She had bright red hair. Copenhagen is expanding their subway system so they was a lot of construction in the city. Metta took us inside a Lutheran Church and said that 80% of the Danes are Lutheran or Protestant and that they mainly attend church on major holidays, as is the custom. Metta took us for a coffee and danish break at the "Fellows Palace" for a few minutes and then we continued on our tour. Many of the houses have inner courtyards and we were able to trespass to take a peak in one. Back in the day this is where the occupant would have kept their horse. there was a jazz festival going on in the city so their was a great atmosphere as we walked. Metta's tour ended at the Royal Palace and once again we had the option to stay in the city or head back to the ship. I stayed and ended up hanging out with a family from Michigan for the day and we explored together. We walked ALL OVER Copenhagen!!!!! We went to Tivoli Gardens where Walt Disney got many of his ideas for the Magic Kingdom. We did not have time to go in so we walked along the pedestrian street which is the major shopping district in the city. By the time we made it back to the ship, we were exhausted! But it was a great day. If I had Hans's gift of storytelling I would spin a tale about it!!
Stay Tuned for Berlin!!!
Sent from my iPad
I loved Copenhagen!! It is such a charming city. I took canal tour to start my day. Copenhagen is very much a sea fairing folk. Similar to Oslo, along the river, the city is beginning to take on a more modern look I.e. The opera house, theatre, and library. But, once you get into the city, there is a charm of old. Sail boats line the canal. The house are all connected and painted in prime colors. They are very narrow b/c they are taxed on the width of the home, not the height. Even today, 50% of their earnings go to taxes and upkeep of the Royal Palaces. They are 3 palaces in the city and the one that the Royal family lives in is 4 identical, adjacent buildings. One is a Royal museum of the family history, one is for visiting politicians, one for the queen and the other for her son and his family. the Royal family is allowed to marry commoners so the Queen's son will be king, not her husband. Back to the canal tour...Hans Christian Anderson was from Copenhagen and we went by his former home. Hans wrote many children's fairytales including "The Little Mermaid". Normally there is a statue of the Little Mermaid that sits in the canal but it is on loan to Shanghai for the World Showcase and will be back in December.
Following the canal tour, we began our walking tour of the city. Metta was our Danish guide and was wonderful. She had bright red hair. Copenhagen is expanding their subway system so they was a lot of construction in the city. Metta took us inside a Lutheran Church and said that 80% of the Danes are Lutheran or Protestant and that they mainly attend church on major holidays, as is the custom. Metta took us for a coffee and danish break at the "Fellows Palace" for a few minutes and then we continued on our tour. Many of the houses have inner courtyards and we were able to trespass to take a peak in one. Back in the day this is where the occupant would have kept their horse. there was a jazz festival going on in the city so their was a great atmosphere as we walked. Metta's tour ended at the Royal Palace and once again we had the option to stay in the city or head back to the ship. I stayed and ended up hanging out with a family from Michigan for the day and we explored together. We walked ALL OVER Copenhagen!!!!! We went to Tivoli Gardens where Walt Disney got many of his ideas for the Magic Kingdom. We did not have time to go in so we walked along the pedestrian street which is the major shopping district in the city. By the time we made it back to the ship, we were exhausted! But it was a great day. If I had Hans's gift of storytelling I would spin a tale about it!!
Stay Tuned for Berlin!!!
Sent from my iPad
Oslo
Oslo
Hi everyone! Sorry I have been unable to write lately but I am on a Disney Cruise to the Baltic, visiting European capitols!! It was kind of short notice but basically, my brother Jeff, is da bomb!!! We started with Oslo...
Oslo was very overcast as I headed to breakfast. The fjord where we were docked is right next ti the Akershus Fortress and in the distance you can see the Olympic ski jump. It was our first port and so I did not know what to expect on the tour but was very excited to be in Norway!! Our guide began to tell us of the history of the city. The City of Oslo is fairly new, within the last hundred years. The king decided to move the Capitol to the fjord because inland, the town had been burned down more than 20 times and so he felt they could be better protected by water. He also made wooden structures outlawed and brick became the new norm. The city is beginning to have a very modern look and construction is going on everywhere you look. The new opera house is a site to see and is right on the river with a ramp actually to the water for boats. Oslo is surround by small islands and is heavily wooded with forests. It is beautiful. In the winter the entire waterway freezes and they have to have the ice "cut through" by a freighter so the canal is still accessible. Driving through the city, you could really be anywhere. well, except for the Royal Palace at the city center! We started at a museum called the Con Tiki. My guide book highly recommended this museum but I really didn't enjoy it very much. The Con Tiki was the name of a ship made out of papyrus (basically straw). This guy Than (Norwegian) wanted to prove that you could make a ship out of paper. I think his goal was to prove the Polynesians might have been able to discover America or something. It was hard to focus for me b/c all I could think was why would you build a ship out of paper??? It was 1947, there was no need!! He lasted 54 days on his first attempt and then had to be rescued. On his second attempt it took 101 days. 6 guys were on board and they were all from different countries proving they could co-exist or something...fascinating yada yada yada. Where is the Viking ship!!!! After the Con Tiki we went to the maritime museum. I really should pay closer attention when I sign up for tours. all I saw was Viking ship and in the words of my dad said "sign me up" Lesson learned! The maritime was ok but I was at this point worrying about missing the true Oslo heritage. Then we went to the Viking museum...I don't know if the Viking museum was really that impressive or that I had just been to the Con Tiki bit it was AWESOME!! It made me want to set off with me mates to pillage and plunder, whatever that means?!? The ships were impressive and the detail in the carvings along the ship were beautiful. Those barbarians had class! After the Viking museum we had the option to go back to the ship or stay in town. I opted to go exploring through the streets of Oslo on my own and then head back to the ship. I started to head toward the Royal Palace and happened apron their changing of the guard. Lucky! They were really fluffy hats that look like a horse tail. and they look so young! Or I am getting old, either way, it was cool!
Norway is the most expensive city in Europe, so I'm told. They have Kroner as their currency. I did exchange some money for Kroner but did not want to buy a troll which were everywhere. I really don't know why but I tank it has something to do with parents telling their kids to be good or they will turn into trolls?? I missed the Ice Bar but did get to see the opera house up close and the theatre as well. on my way back to the ship, I toured the fortress grounds. It was beautiful. I got a little lost, big surprise, and ended up getting to see some police women in training on horses. Lucky again! Once I was back on the ship, I headed up on deck to take some more pictures. As we left, I saw more of the fishing village side of Oslo as apposed to the city. I have never been to Alaska but I imagine it looks somewhat like that.
Sent from my iPad
Hi everyone! Sorry I have been unable to write lately but I am on a Disney Cruise to the Baltic, visiting European capitols!! It was kind of short notice but basically, my brother Jeff, is da bomb!!! We started with Oslo...
Oslo was very overcast as I headed to breakfast. The fjord where we were docked is right next ti the Akershus Fortress and in the distance you can see the Olympic ski jump. It was our first port and so I did not know what to expect on the tour but was very excited to be in Norway!! Our guide began to tell us of the history of the city. The City of Oslo is fairly new, within the last hundred years. The king decided to move the Capitol to the fjord because inland, the town had been burned down more than 20 times and so he felt they could be better protected by water. He also made wooden structures outlawed and brick became the new norm. The city is beginning to have a very modern look and construction is going on everywhere you look. The new opera house is a site to see and is right on the river with a ramp actually to the water for boats. Oslo is surround by small islands and is heavily wooded with forests. It is beautiful. In the winter the entire waterway freezes and they have to have the ice "cut through" by a freighter so the canal is still accessible. Driving through the city, you could really be anywhere. well, except for the Royal Palace at the city center! We started at a museum called the Con Tiki. My guide book highly recommended this museum but I really didn't enjoy it very much. The Con Tiki was the name of a ship made out of papyrus (basically straw). This guy Than (Norwegian) wanted to prove that you could make a ship out of paper. I think his goal was to prove the Polynesians might have been able to discover America or something. It was hard to focus for me b/c all I could think was why would you build a ship out of paper??? It was 1947, there was no need!! He lasted 54 days on his first attempt and then had to be rescued. On his second attempt it took 101 days. 6 guys were on board and they were all from different countries proving they could co-exist or something...fascinating yada yada yada. Where is the Viking ship!!!! After the Con Tiki we went to the maritime museum. I really should pay closer attention when I sign up for tours. all I saw was Viking ship and in the words of my dad said "sign me up" Lesson learned! The maritime was ok but I was at this point worrying about missing the true Oslo heritage. Then we went to the Viking museum...I don't know if the Viking museum was really that impressive or that I had just been to the Con Tiki bit it was AWESOME!! It made me want to set off with me mates to pillage and plunder, whatever that means?!? The ships were impressive and the detail in the carvings along the ship were beautiful. Those barbarians had class! After the Viking museum we had the option to go back to the ship or stay in town. I opted to go exploring through the streets of Oslo on my own and then head back to the ship. I started to head toward the Royal Palace and happened apron their changing of the guard. Lucky! They were really fluffy hats that look like a horse tail. and they look so young! Or I am getting old, either way, it was cool!
Norway is the most expensive city in Europe, so I'm told. They have Kroner as their currency. I did exchange some money for Kroner but did not want to buy a troll which were everywhere. I really don't know why but I tank it has something to do with parents telling their kids to be good or they will turn into trolls?? I missed the Ice Bar but did get to see the opera house up close and the theatre as well. on my way back to the ship, I toured the fortress grounds. It was beautiful. I got a little lost, big surprise, and ended up getting to see some police women in training on horses. Lucky again! Once I was back on the ship, I headed up on deck to take some more pictures. As we left, I saw more of the fishing village side of Oslo as apposed to the city. I have never been to Alaska but I imagine it looks somewhat like that.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, 5 July 2010
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Barda, Mark and Sean were all in town and staying with us so it was a fun weekend. We decided to head to Leister Square for dinner on Saturday night. Leister Square is where they often have movie premiers and where you get discounted tickets to the shows. There are a ton of restaurants and the atmosphere is great. It was a nice night out so we took the tube to Picadilly sq and walked into Leister. It was jammed packed with people and several of them were in all kind of costumes. It got crazier as we got into Leister. Turns out it was gay day, what are the odds! Despite the craziness, we didn't have to wait long to be seated and ended up eating at a great Mexican rest. The food was delicious and Marka and Barda's friend Tammy (who works for Disney in London) met up with us too. After dinner Mark and I wanted to see Eclipse and for some reason the rest didn't? I still am baffled but anyhow, the gang left Leister sq and Mark and I headed to the Cinema!! We had to visit an ATM before the show b/c the tube would be closed and we would have to take a taxi home. When we finally found an ATM amidst the crowds, there was a que about 15 people long. remember where we are and what day it is. It was a very entertaining wait time. But then it was time for the show!!!!!! At the cinema here, you pick where you want to sit (front, middle, or top) and ten are assigned a seat. So despite the fact that there were only 40 or so people in the giant theatre, we were all sitting together in the middle. This book in the Twilight series was my favorite so I was really looking forward to seeing it. it doesn't officially come out here until the 9th but this was a preview showing. Edward, Bella and the gang did not disappoint and was worth every bit of my overpriced cinema ticket!! Mark and I hussled to find a cab and the party was still going strong outside. It took us about 10 minutes or so to flag a cab and the driver was very nice. He said he had just dropped off a high price prostitute who is a nurse during the day and said quite a lot of nurses lead a double life. Who knew?? When we got home, everyone was in bed so Mark and I went to the guest room and talked movies for a while. It was a great night!!
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Kings of Leon
Jeff had tickets for Kings of Leon in Hyde Park but was unable to go b/c of work so I went in his place. I was supposed to meet the group at Hyde Park Corner Tube stop at the Hilton. Turns out Hyde Park Corner has about a half dozen exits and I chose the wrong one :). When eventually I saw the Hilton beyond 2 roundabouts and 12 lanes of traffic I didn't exactly knowhow to cross quickly. So...I hired one of those bike taxis!! Best 5 pounds I've spent all week, he risked his life to get me to the Hilton! I met up with Kim, Roddy, Laura and some of Kim's friends. Vicki met up with us a little later. It was a great group and an awesome concert. I am really going to miss Jeff's friends when I go home. They have quickly become my friends too. I don't know how many people were at the concert but it was at least several thousand. The boys from Tennessee did not disappoint! I tried to resist but I had to pull out my air guitar and even threw in a few hitch kicks in my excitement. It was a great night!
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
The last several days...
I went to the Globe Theatre and saw King Henry IV. I was part of the "groundlings" meaning I stood at the stage. It was amazing even though the performance was 2 1/2 hours long. The atmosphere at the Globe made the performance. The actors were perfect and the play itself was hilarious. I really did not expect to enjoy it so much. After the show, I went to Tate Modern. Now that was also an experience. it was hard to consider a lot of what was there as Art, much of it was disturbing. Walking along the Thames, there is so much to see; the London Eye, The Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Parliment and Big Ben, even a bootleg Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Jeff had a few people from the Orlando DCL office that were staying with us for the weekend and so we took them to dinner at a Thia restaurant. Mark and Barda were a lot of fun and I gave them a few pointers about London sightseeing. I walked them to the tube station the next day and started packing for Canterbury!
I was looking forward to Canterbury. We rode up to Canterbury with Roddy and Laura, good friends of Jeff's from softball. Laura is from Tennessee and is hilarious and Roddy is Scottish and also fun to be around. It took about 2 hours to get to Canterbury, mainly because of traffic. The tournament was at Kent University so we each had our own dorm room. They were tiny but nice. There was a big get together Friday night where I got to meet a lot of Jeff's friends. The tournament started the next morning and I was playing for the Stealthy Seawolves. (I added the stealthy) I played on different fields than Jeff so it was about a 10 minute wa in between the 2 sets of fields. (the 10 minutes will be important later in the story) It was a lot of fun getting to know everyone on the team. I had met Caroline the weekend before when she asked me to play with her team so I had not met the others yet. We played really well and it was a beautiful day. I was running to first after my first hit and I pulled the muscle in my left quad. No problem, I just run it off and stretch a little more. As the day progressed, it got worse. 5 games later, I was walking like I was 92. This is where the 10 minute walk comes into play. I went to see the physio specialist and, of course, her tent was setup right by Jeff's field. He came right over and took a picture to email to Jamie and mom and dad. I had pulled the muscle and she told me to not stretch or sit for prolonged periods and to rest it as much as possible. Luckily we were done for the day. Needless to say, I was unable to play the next day.
I have many more stories that I can fill you in on including musical chairs, getting lost in the woods, and a phone booth but for time sake, I will move on. Sunday, I was the Seawolves scorekeeper. I was also given Caroline's megaphone so I like to think I was the team's encouraged too. I like to give them, phrases like "unleash hell!" After the tournament ended we went to the pavilion to watch England's final world cup match and then headed back to London. Thus endeth the Canterbury Tales.
I was looking forward to Canterbury. We rode up to Canterbury with Roddy and Laura, good friends of Jeff's from softball. Laura is from Tennessee and is hilarious and Roddy is Scottish and also fun to be around. It took about 2 hours to get to Canterbury, mainly because of traffic. The tournament was at Kent University so we each had our own dorm room. They were tiny but nice. There was a big get together Friday night where I got to meet a lot of Jeff's friends. The tournament started the next morning and I was playing for the Stealthy Seawolves. (I added the stealthy) I played on different fields than Jeff so it was about a 10 minute wa in between the 2 sets of fields. (the 10 minutes will be important later in the story) It was a lot of fun getting to know everyone on the team. I had met Caroline the weekend before when she asked me to play with her team so I had not met the others yet. We played really well and it was a beautiful day. I was running to first after my first hit and I pulled the muscle in my left quad. No problem, I just run it off and stretch a little more. As the day progressed, it got worse. 5 games later, I was walking like I was 92. This is where the 10 minute walk comes into play. I went to see the physio specialist and, of course, her tent was setup right by Jeff's field. He came right over and took a picture to email to Jamie and mom and dad. I had pulled the muscle and she told me to not stretch or sit for prolonged periods and to rest it as much as possible. Luckily we were done for the day. Needless to say, I was unable to play the next day.
I have many more stories that I can fill you in on including musical chairs, getting lost in the woods, and a phone booth but for time sake, I will move on. Sunday, I was the Seawolves scorekeeper. I was also given Caroline's megaphone so I like to think I was the team's encouraged too. I like to give them, phrases like "unleash hell!" After the tournament ended we went to the pavilion to watch England's final world cup match and then headed back to London. Thus endeth the Canterbury Tales.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Abbey Road
Yesterday Jeff and I were invited to watch the England World Cup game at Abbey Road Studios! Karin works there and is on Jeff's softball team. I had no idea my brother was so connected to the music industry! When we arrived, Karin signed us in and took us to her office real quick so I can drop off my purse. As we went up the stairs to her office there were signed Beatle albums lining the walls! She started to take us on a tour. As we walk the halls, or as they call them corridors, the movie posters of the films that have been scored there are hanging everywhere. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc...The futbol match (learned quickly not to call it soccer) was in Studio 1 on a massive movie screen. Studio 1 is the "orchestra studio" for the films and is huge. The sound room has the biggest mixer I have ever seen, at least 8 feet long. Karin then took us into Studio 2, a much older studio. Studio 2 is where the Beatles recorded all of their albums! It was at this point I whispered to Jeff, get out your camera! Mine of course was in my purse in Karin's office or our trip to Abbey Road would have been much more documented :). Jeff was very composed throughout the tour and I was holding it together quite impressively, I think ;)!! After the tour we headed back to Studio 1 for the game. England played great this game and beat Slovenia 1 nil (which means zero). Needless to say the studio got very loud after the goal, they even blew those horn things. It was an awesome atmosphere. On our way out we took pictures in the front of the studios and Jeff took 1 of me crossing the Abbey Road crosswalk like the Beatles!! We had such a great time, it will be tough for my other England futbol matches to compare!!
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Jacket and beans...
My fingers are about the only thing that is not currently sore! I spent the weekend playing in a softball tournament with Jeff. He is rediiculously good and it has been 9 years or so since I was an average softball player. This tournament was here in London on a field normally used for Cricket. Canterberry is next weekend and it is the best tourney of the year with the most drinking too! The gang asked me what I like and I said the Pina Colada! There are a few that have made it their mission to have me try a few other beverages...Don't knock the Colada!! I'm pretty sure I butchered the spelling there.
I was rusty to say the least but eventually I got my legs under me. Trust me, I feel them now! So about the jacket and beans. For lunch yesterday I wanted a baked potato and so I ordered it. I was with Vicki and she got a potato too. So the server asked me what 2 sides I wanted on my potato (also known as a jacket potato). I asked for cheese and sour cream. No sour cream only cheese, tuna, or baked beans! Vicki ordered tuna and cheese on hers and recommended beans and cheese on mine!! What! So...I tried it and guess what...It was weird! so of course she had to tell everyone the story when we get back to the game and everyone was like, jacket and beans is brilliant!
All in all it was a good weekend but I was happy when we got knocked out. I cannot remember the last time I was this sore. Great people, though and definitely worth it. They pretty much play every weekend in the summer. I don't know if I can keep up!
Wimbledon starts this week so I think I am going to go Tuesday or Wednesday! I will keep you posted.
I was rusty to say the least but eventually I got my legs under me. Trust me, I feel them now! So about the jacket and beans. For lunch yesterday I wanted a baked potato and so I ordered it. I was with Vicki and she got a potato too. So the server asked me what 2 sides I wanted on my potato (also known as a jacket potato). I asked for cheese and sour cream. No sour cream only cheese, tuna, or baked beans! Vicki ordered tuna and cheese on hers and recommended beans and cheese on mine!! What! So...I tried it and guess what...It was weird! so of course she had to tell everyone the story when we get back to the game and everyone was like, jacket and beans is brilliant!
All in all it was a good weekend but I was happy when we got knocked out. I cannot remember the last time I was this sore. Great people, though and definitely worth it. They pretty much play every weekend in the summer. I don't know if I can keep up!
Wimbledon starts this week so I think I am going to go Tuesday or Wednesday! I will keep you posted.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Ello everybody! I am writing this on an iPad so it Is really touchy and takes getting used to. This is about my 5th attempt but I think I am getting the hang of it. Soooooo...London!!
I am getting my bearings and have a pretty good feel of how to get around. My first afternoon, Jeff took the day off and we went to the mall. He got me a pre-paid cell phone so if I get lost, I can call him. He has no confidence in my navigational skills, he always was smart! Yesterday I went to the National Gallery. I was able to see paintings by Da Vinci, Monat, and Van Gogh among loads of others. After a while, they all start to look the same and I had a major headache at the end, imagery overload. across from the NG, is St. Martin's Church. Underneath St. Martin's is the Crypt, a wonderful lunch spot. There I met a lady from NC, Janie. She is about my mom's age and is studying abroad for the summer. We ended up spending the afternoon comparing our sight seeing plans and went to the Naltional Portrait Gallery together.
Jeff had a softball game that night so I headed back to his flat. I met Steve and Vicki, Jeff's softball friends, and they drove us to the game. I love these two! First of all they are super easy to be around, have amazing accents, and love to give Jeff a hard time. Steve is from Nottingham and Vicki is from the Cotswolds. Vicki says that Nottingham is known more for its stabbings than skills with the bow and arrows but Steve says it is lovely. I am inclined to believe Steve b/c I love Robin Hood but am not planning a trip there without Russell Crowe and a knife!
Today it is a little chilly and rainy so I am spending the day reading Harry Potter and catching up on email while watching the US in the World Cup. I went to the grocery store this morning and you have to bring your own bags for your groceries. Luckily I had the bag Dee gave to me and had to buy 1 bag extra. You have to remember that whatever you buy, you have to get it back to the flat. Didn't really enjoy carrying 2 six packs of Diet Coke and all of my groceries too! Everything is an experience here. Even walking in the neighborhoods is
surreal. All of the flats made of brick and are connected and have a very small lawn with flowers. Basically Notting Hill without Hugh Grant...yet.
I am getting my bearings and have a pretty good feel of how to get around. My first afternoon, Jeff took the day off and we went to the mall. He got me a pre-paid cell phone so if I get lost, I can call him. He has no confidence in my navigational skills, he always was smart! Yesterday I went to the National Gallery. I was able to see paintings by Da Vinci, Monat, and Van Gogh among loads of others. After a while, they all start to look the same and I had a major headache at the end, imagery overload. across from the NG, is St. Martin's Church. Underneath St. Martin's is the Crypt, a wonderful lunch spot. There I met a lady from NC, Janie. She is about my mom's age and is studying abroad for the summer. We ended up spending the afternoon comparing our sight seeing plans and went to the Naltional Portrait Gallery together.
Jeff had a softball game that night so I headed back to his flat. I met Steve and Vicki, Jeff's softball friends, and they drove us to the game. I love these two! First of all they are super easy to be around, have amazing accents, and love to give Jeff a hard time. Steve is from Nottingham and Vicki is from the Cotswolds. Vicki says that Nottingham is known more for its stabbings than skills with the bow and arrows but Steve says it is lovely. I am inclined to believe Steve b/c I love Robin Hood but am not planning a trip there without Russell Crowe and a knife!
Today it is a little chilly and rainy so I am spending the day reading Harry Potter and catching up on email while watching the US in the World Cup. I went to the grocery store this morning and you have to bring your own bags for your groceries. Luckily I had the bag Dee gave to me and had to buy 1 bag extra. You have to remember that whatever you buy, you have to get it back to the flat. Didn't really enjoy carrying 2 six packs of Diet Coke and all of my groceries too! Everything is an experience here. Even walking in the neighborhoods is
surreal. All of the flats made of brick and are connected and have a very small lawn with flowers. Basically Notting Hill without Hugh Grant...yet.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)