Florida Girl in London

Thunderstorms

2012-01-19T02:43:00.000Z

People ask all the time if I miss Florida. The obvious answer is yes, of course. I miss family, friends, sunshine, beaches... the list is long. However, every now and then I am reminded of something that I didn't realise I even missed.
As I was about to step out the door this morning, the house was suddenly filled with an electric blue glow and there was a rumble in the distance, a thunderstorm! I stood motionless waiting for another bolt of lightning or clap of thunder but that was it. Just one lousy bolt and little rumble and all I had left was torrential wind and spitting rain.
London thunderstorms have nothing on Tampa thunderstorm! Storms terrified me as a child. At the first distant grumble of thunder our golden retriever would make a b line to the bath tub. The curtain would come crashing down and any unexpecting bather would have a surprise guest. However, as an adult I find them strangely soothing. Something about the quiet and calmness between rumblings and the safety of a home in the midst of a storm. Even better (and also missed) are the rainless storms, lightning spidering across a midnight blue sky in the heat and humidity of an August evening... yes, I do miss Florida. The scent of rain in the air, the steam rising from sun drenched blacktop and the feel of rain dampened skin as you dash umbrella less through a storm from car to destination. Lightning and thunder filled nights followed by warm, sunny mornings. Yes, I do miss Florida.
The last three years I thought I hated rain but now I realise I just hate cold, windy, 'I have to wait for the bus in this' rain. For the record, I don't miss the 'can't see the end of your car hood when your driving' rain or the 'I only have 1 day at the beach' rain. It's not all puppy dogs and cotton candy in Florida but it is easy to forget about the things that we couldn't wait to leave behind.

Bitching, Moaning and Dancing

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001Z

The danger of writing in the morning is that all my posts could easily become a saga about what has become a daily epic journey across London. There would be moments of pure delight and hearty laughter but mostly you'd be asking "Why do they live in London, again?" So for your benefit (and for my sanity) I am going to keep the morning journey saga to a minimum.

I woke this morning with my mom's voice ringing in my ears. For years I listened to her say, "its a school night, you aren't going to..." I hated the lecture that followed my persistence requests to go to where ever I had to be on that particular Wednesday at 11 pm. I don't remember the exact words but it was something like... If you could stay out late and still get up tomorrow without bitching and moaning then I would let you go. My argument would continue, But mom I can get up and I won't bitch and moan. I can close my own eyes now and picture my mother's eyes rolling like no teenager could ever even hope to duplicate. My mom knew the truth and there was no way she was going to deal with her spoiled rotten 16 year old daughter at 6 am without bitching and moaning.

So why was I left lying in bed thinking about this at 6 o'clock this morning? I went out last night. Defiant and confident that I would have no trouble getting up and making it in for my normal 8:30 start sans bitching or moaning. Not the first time I've set out to prove my mother wrong only to realise the lady was far smarter than her 16 year old daughter gave her credit for all those years ago. Somewhere Deb is looking down on me wiggling about with pointer fingers extended towards the sky doing a ridiculous victory dance and chanting "I was right!"

And in case you were wondering... It is 8:55 am and I am currently stuck on the jubilee line with 6 stops to go. The driver just informed us that there is a defective train ahead and we won't be moving for awhile. I am bitching, moaning and late. 0 for 3 on this Thursday morning. Dance away mom...

Things we learn the hard way..

2011-12-05T20:05:00.001Z

1. To always lock your windows.
2. To take your umbrella even if Carol says it will be dry with sunny spells. Carol is crap at predicting weather.
3. That a 12 mile trip in London will likely take an hour or longer by car.
4. TFL's definition if good service does not always match your own.
5. The Metro does not use the non transferable newsprint ink.
6. No one will tell you about the newsprint ink smeared across your face. You will discover it yourself when you go to the loo around 11:45 am!
7. Wearing skirts in November in London is tricky business. London winds always know just how to blow even the snuggest of skirts straight up for every builders delight.
And 8. You will never be wearing the right knickers for the right occasion.

Just another manic Monday...

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000Z

Definitely wishing it were Sunday!
Alas, it is off to work I go but got a nice little surprise when I ran into the hubby on the train. He left a good 15 minutes before me but is bus died and he had to walk. Bumping into each other on public transport is becoming a habit of ours. A sure sign we officially live here and are settled is when we run into other people we know while out and about on the city. Always nice to look up and see a smiling face on a crowded train full of grumpy Guses! Even if it only for one stop.
Changing the subject (as you already know how I feel about London trains!)... We joined Zipcar! Had our first jaunt about town this weekend in a VW something or another. The concept is simple , cars are parked in designated dots all over the city. You can reserve one online for as long or as short as you want paying a small fee by the hour including 40 miles and gas per rental. Our first rental taught us a fee lessons. 1. Never underestimate how long it takes to go 15 miles in London. 2. Returning the car late is a costly miscalculation. and 3. Always leave the house with adequately charged mobile phones.
Sunday's journey took us to IKEA for home purchases and then to a Christmas tree farm in Kent. We were able to walk through the fields and puck our tree! The man cut it down as we watched... the experience had a Griswold feel to it which added to the excitement. We gave the tree several good shakes to ensure any little critters had vacated prior to setting it up inside. Nothing ruins the holidays like a squirrel in the Christmas tree! A few finishing touches and the house will be ready for the 25th if December!
In that note, I am one stop away from getting this Monday officially underway. Thanks for keeping me company on my morning journey! X

Renewed effort

2011-12-01T20:32:00.000Z

So we all accept that I am rubbish at updating this blog. The main barrier is life... seriously real life is always getting in the way of the things I love. Writing, traveling, napping... I realised while in Hong Kong that I could get used to the easy, lady that lunches lifestyle. Alas, that lifestyle can only be mine at fleeting moments. Moments that I will take and cherish whenever I can get them, thanks to my fabulous husband and occasional Sugar Daddy! But at the same time I am going to make a point to carve time out of real life for writing.
Currently, I am standing on the 6:45 am train into work, single finger pecking on my phone and not holding on... writing is a dangerous habit! Me being on the train with strangers before 7 am is even more dangerous. I think politeness and basic manners have lost there place in this word. Watching big burly men push ladies to the side as they head to open seats is common place. I get that we all have long days ahead and varying degrees of reasons for wanting to sit but to push another human to the side is just plain gross. Gross might not be the right word but I am in need of my morning coffee so gross it will be. After 7 am I am more likely to scoff, passively comment under my breath, shake my head and issue a dirty look at the culprit. Before 7 am, my mouth is making sounds before I have a chance to stop it."What is wrong with you?" "Seriously?" "Get up and let that poor lady you trampled sit down." "Yes, I am talking to you." All words accompanied with said scoffing, looks and head shaking... but nothing passive here. Just to put the icing on the cake, I thank him for ultimately getting up and tell him when he gets off (at the very next stop!) to have a good day. Chuckles erupt on the normally silent train and the ladies all share a knowing smile... a drop of water in the ocean but at least that one lady got a seat this morning.
Tomorrow commute will be an after 7 am'er.
On a side note, I have seen a man without pants (the American or British variety) two days running... and not the same man either. Here's hoping this won't be a hat trick!

Day Five: Part 1

2011-11-17T05:06:00.000Z

I define heaven as aNy place where I am treated like a queen. Silk robe laid out, slippers on stand by, bath waiting, room lit with candles and a specially chosen scent to match my mood wafting through the air. And of course my own personal (for 90 minutes at least) massuere to kneed away all my worries. By that definition, I have just spent the better part of my morning in heaven. Now I am sitting in the lounge sipping (free) bubbly and nibbling (free) treats. The only stress in my mind is knowing that as soon as I post this blog CK will get a copy via email while he is slaving away at work. Sorry dear... And thanks for bringing me to Hong Kong. X

Day Four: Hong Kongs Only Attraction

2011-11-16T12:55:00.000Z

Shopping, of course.
I set out with a plan... Hit up the designer sample sales, then the Sosa Mall, maybe a few temples and then back to TST for an up and coming HK Designers mall. I have just sat down for the first time after 10 hours of shopping... No lunch, no water breaks and no temples... Just shopping except for the 60 minute semi lost excursion into lands unknown. I've been elbowed, kicked, stepped on and possibly poked in the ribs by little Asian ladies all day. They take their shopping serious. At one point I had a few things in my hands trying to decide on sizes when a woman took both items from my hands and walked away with them. I could have fought or said something but since I was slowly losing my will to live, I just let her walk away.I left the store and head out to ride the double decker trolley... because there is no other way to wipe away your shopping tears than on a trolley.
On I hopped and away it went (clang clang went the trolley), 15 minutes later I was suddenly aware that I had gone the wrong direction. So, off I hopped and then started the journey to the right place... 30 minutes, 2 buses and a subway ride later I was saddling up to mall number 3.
A good idea in theory as it was half way between the last destination, the next destination and the hotel. However, I quickly discovered that Ocean Galleria (or something to that effect) does not cater to my budget. I am pretty sure that only 1% of the worlds population could shop here. The mall itself was teeming with people but the shops (Valentino, Prada, etc) were empty except for security and the shop assistance. So needless to say I was on to the fianl destination rather quickly.
A lovely back alley, 5 story office building that has been gutted and filled with stalls. I had my heart set on designers manning their areas with needle and thread in hand but was disappointed to find most stuff was imported from Korea. The stall keepers were all painfully cool and did everything in their power to make shoppers feel uncomfortable in the stalls.
Not a total wash as I did make away with some bootie. Shoes, cardagian, vest top, jacket and scarf! However, there will be no photos to commemorate the adventure as photography is banned in the malls! Seriously, one snap of a poorly worded t-shirt sent security running from their secret hideaway threatening to take my memory card until I convinced them the blurry image had been deleted. Security told me in broken English that photos of public spaces were a threat to national security. I suppose if you want to inflict maximum damage in HK blowing up a mall would do the trick! Now this blog post will never make it past China censors! Just to be clear I in no way condone blowing things up malls or otherwise.
Tomorrow's plan... Traditional Chinese massage at 10:30 preceded by a ritual bathing to prepare me for ultimate benefit and followed by lounging at the rooftop pool. Closing out the afternoon with high tea at the Peninsula Hotel and then dinner with the hubby. A day of shopping followed by a day of pampering... Folks, you are witnessing the birth of a monster!

Day 3: An Attempt to Escape the Smog

2011-11-15T15:36:00.001Z

Over (or under if you take the express bus) the mountain and through the semi jungle lies Stanley... More markets, a dip in the bay and unfortunately more smog, too. Most of the photos just look hazy. Hazy: noun, what the locals call the smog in Hong Kong.

Another bus, another country, another adventure

2011-11-15T15:29:00.000Z

I am sat on the top of a double Decker bus to Stanley on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. Can't help but recall our adventures via bus in Laos and Cambodia. There are differences today; the bus was built in this century, it is not held together with duck tape and there is no thumping of bad techno music to be heard. And, of course, this is a solo bus journey.
I've been fighting the urge to visit the same markets as yesterday. Staying within walking distance of the hotel is appealing. But the thought of missing an adventure is mire than enough to pull me along through the subway, onto the bus and ultimately wapping 15 km over (possibly under as I've heard rumor of a tunnel) the hills to southern Hong Kong Island.
Typing on a tiny phone on a bumpy bus is less than ideal... so I will end with this... I am a lucky lucky girl and am trying my best to make the most of every possible opportunity.

Day 2: Birds, Fish and Gnomes (Oh My!)

2011-11-14T15:19:00.000Z

Hong Kong Day 1: In Pictures

2011-11-14T02:25:00.000Z

Hong Kong

2011-11-13T15:25:00.000Z

Thinking back to our trip to Bangkok, I remember thinking this is the land where West and East collide in spectacular fashion. Well, Hong Kong is the land the West consumed and the East is eager to reclaim! I have never seen so many high rise buildings in one place. Nor have I seen so many malls and shops. Around every corner is a Prada, Gucci, Dunhill, Longchamp, Tiffany, D&G, Coach, Valentino... You get the picture... And in-between are every other possible shop you could imagine including door to door malls and gallerias. And I suspect, from what I could see, they are full of people. As I type, it is Sunday night at 10:58 pm and as I look out my 40th story window I can see hundreds of people in the streets, the shops are all open and the neon lights are aglow! Speaking of 40th story, we aren't close to being the tallest building...by a long shot! The main thing reminding me that we are in Asia is the fact that I tower of most of the women and the majority of the men!

I have not fully formed my thoughts on this crazy little island. But I can say with certainty that I am looking forward to getting to know it. Today we wondered around Hong Kong Island, riding the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak, took in the views of the Harbor and the skyline over a late lunch, then road the bus down to Central Pier to take the Star Ferry back to Kowloon and finally enjoyed drinks and dinner while watching the nightly laser light show along the skyline.

The bed is calling me now but I will try to upload photos tomorrow. I until then...

The Witchiest Witch There Ever Was...

2011-10-31T15:33:00.000Z

My fondest memories of Halloween involve my mother applying rubber warts to my nose, green paint to my cheeks, gray color to my hair and long black plastic nails to my fingers as I would sit practising my best witch's cackle. For years, I choose to be a witch and my mother obliged. I wonder if she ever secretly hoped for me to be a princess or Mini Mouse or anything slightly less dark. There were other costumes, I am sure but none seem to stick so solidly in my memory. I recall a being a Gypsy; dressed in my mother's long white skirt rolled up countless times at the waist and a Hawaiian print shirt tied in a knot with plastic bangles on my wrists and several inches of my mother’s make-up plastered onto my face. I asked my mom what a Gypsy was and she gave me the reply that would become standard. “They are the people who left you on our doorstep as a baby.” Looking back, I think the Gypsy costume was one of my mom’s last minute wonders, seeing as how my brother was a ghost fashioned out of a white sheet! But it didn’t matter; last minute or ages of planning my mother had a knack for making it happen on the big day. I don’t recall shopping for costumes or discussing options or the lead up to the big day. What I remember is my mom’s warm breathe on my face as she painstakingly applied mascara to my tiny lashes as I giggled uncontrollably. I can see her now stepping back to take me all in before applying a last minute touch of green or black paint. I also remember her consoling hugs as I cried about the loss of every last one of those black plastic nails. And then there are the photography sessions with the Kodak Disc that have produced a photographic essay of my transformation, year after year into one of the most believable witch’s to ever walk the trick or treat circuit since Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692.

From the Sky Train in BKK

2011-08-22T22:38:00.002+01:00

Bangkok....again!

2011-08-22T22:33:00.000+01:00

Found this in my drafts folder... Thought I would share!

It is hard to believe we are back in Bangkok and wrapping up our 3 weeks of travel. Seems like yesterday we were wondering through Chinatown in search of our first guesthouse with wide eyes and open mouths trying to take it all in. Now it has been 3 countries, 7 towns, a few villages, 10 hotels/guesthouses and a lifetime of experiences. Our last few days in Phnom Phen were relaxed. We have been moving at a pace that is impossible to maintain for 3 weeks straight and there are only so many temples and makets one can visit...that is clearly CK talking as I could go to markets and temples all day everyday and never get tired! We woke up early yesterday morning and enjoyed ourbreakfast by the pool before heading to the central market. I had told CK the day before that if we found a cricket vender I was going to eat one. As we shopped around, looking at all the same things we have seen at every market we have visited, we happened upon a a lady with 7 baskets of fried delicacies. She had massive cockroaches as well as itty bitty ones, crickets, scorpions the size of my palm, frogs fried whole, and huge grasshoppers. There we stood staring down at the baskets. Surprisingly, they did not look as gross as I had expected (a sure sign that we need to get back to the western world) but not so surprisingly I could notbring myself to eat one. I stood staring and repeating my mantra from the waterfall leap a few weeks ago... I will never stand in this spot again... but nothing. I guess there are just some experiences I am willing to miss!
We finished up at the market and headed out to meet our tuk tuk driver, Mr. Chum. He was one we picked up outside the hotel and not our trusty Rina who Lindsay recommended and who drove us all around PP for 3 days and even hired a boat for us to do a sunset crusie on the Tonle Sap River. Mr. Chum spoke English but I am not sure he understood what the words leaving his mouth meant. We agreed to head to a cafe on the way to the hotel so we could grab an iced coffee... material for another post iced coffee with sweet milk is YUMMY... on the way we turned down a street that was at a dead stand still. Motos, cars, tuk tuks everywhere with children of various sizes running in between. It only took a few moments to realise we were at a school. Most schools here run 2 sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, in order to fit all the children into lessons. Mr. Chum slowly weaved his way through the traffic as we thought "this is a funny road to take to the cafe." It was within a few minutes of hectic congestion and toes being run over (not ours) that we realised that Mr. Chum had taken a detour to pick his daughter up from school! What can you do in these situations but laugh. We have been subjected to many transportation detours during our travels and in comparison this one was not so bad.

Kampot from CK's Prospective

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

A recent email from CK about our weekend in Kampot...
>

> A month or two before we left for our trip, our friend Vim from high school (who Michelle met in Atlanta) put us in touch with her friend who lives in Phnom Penh. Lindsey is originally from Buffalo but moved to PP a few months ago for an adventure and also to teach. After a few email exchanges, Lindsey convinced us that taking a weekend trip down south to Kampot would be a great relaxing break from our hectic travels...looking back now I think it was my favorite part of our trip yet.
>
> Lindsey met us at our hotel in PP on Friday night and we all split the cost of a taxi to Kampot. I can't begin to describe how luxurious the ride was when compared to all of recent buses, tuk tuks, etc! The journey took about 2.5 hours consisting of the constant swerving to avoid cows, water buffalo, chickens, children and pigs which has strangely become normal. Street addresses don't really seem to exist in this part of the world, so as we approached Kampot we called the guesthouse and had the taxi driver speak directly to the staff. Directions consisted of turning right at a temple entrance with two lions, following a dirt path to a mosque, driving through the mosque (seriously we almost hit it!), around a few villages (at which point our taxi driver was laughing out loud at how ridiculous the journey was) until finally being met on the road by a dog, which led us the way for another 5 mins down a few more dirt paths to the guesthouse.
>
> We arrived at the Ganesha "eco-resort" just after 9pm, just in time to meet with the eccentric German owner and receive our flashlights that would be our primary lighting for the weekend. Lindsey booked us a large Yurt to share, which is essentially a large tent - no bathroom, a/c, or any real walls in sight! The unexpected surprise is that unlike what was listed on their website, we did have electricity - well, enough to power a few lanterns and a single fan (which I made sure got a good workout). We fell asleep under our mosquito nets to the sounds of geckos calling just above our heads.
>
> After breakfast the next morning, we noticed a sign saying that the hotel could arrange motorbike rentals for 5 USD a day...I also realized that I finally had an ally in Lindsey, who had also never ridden one but always wanted to. A quick chat with the owner and the next thing we knew three motorbikes were delivered to our yurt. This was followed by me bringing up the fact that none of us had ever even been on one before. No problem, the woman who ran the guesthouse kindly pointed out to me the accelerator, gears, brakes and (most importantly) the horn. After a few shaky initial goings, we were off tearing up the dirt paths.
>
> We decided to ride up the the Secret Lake, which not so secretly was the most identifiable landmark on our unnecessarily large tourist map. However as we were riding on the main road through the town of Kampot, I suddenly realized I had no control over my bike - the back end was swerving all over the place. Realizing something was very wrong, I pulled over to the side of the road to find my back tire completely flat! Now I've had flat tires when driving cars before and it usually takes a minute or so to realize somethings not right, this is certainly not the case on a machine with only 2 wheels! However after a call back to the guesthouse and Lindsey somehow communicating with a few nice locals to get on the phone to tell them where we were, a new bike appeared and we were once again off to the lake.
>
> The Secret Lake was actually built by the Khmer Rouge some time ago, I'm guessing to help with irrigation for the fields but not entirely sure. We drove around the lake before spotting a couple of thatched roof huts next to the water with hammocks. We stopped, grabbed a couple of "cocas" and laid in the hammocks for the next hour or two just enjoying the scenery. The lake was surrounded by durian plantations, mountains and fields. We thought about taking a dip in the lake (which was recommended) but I was put off by the fact that we'd be swimming alongside cows! We met a few fellow travellers by the lake and were told of a couple nice places around town to go swimming so we jumped back on our bikes and headed to a swimming pool near the town.
>
> It was so nice to be able to drive ourselves around for a change and not be dependent on tuk tuk drivers or taxis. The best part by far was the children in the villages that we drove past. As soon as they'd see us they'd scream "HELLO" as loud as they possibly could and wave their hands. This is the extent of their English for the most part, but it was so cute and their smiles were amazing. This was the Cambodia we were looking for! We stopped all along the roads and talked with the locals and children - all were very friendly and happy to say hello, give us directions or simply give a smile. I think that single ride through town made the trip for both Jen and I, absolutely amazing!
>
> We spent the rest of the day lounging by a pool before returning to our yurt to watch the sunset while swinging from hammocks again. Probably one of the best days of my life, and we decided to repeat it again the next day before heading back to PP by taxi.
>
> Can't wait to share the pictures from this part of our trip - I only hope they capture how amazing this place is. I don't know if we'll ever make it back to this part of the world again, but if we do Kampot will be on top of my list of places to visit. Only next time I want to spend at least a week (if not month) just there, riding a motorbike around town and taking it all in.
>
> Sent from my iPod

Where Old and New Collide

2011-05-10T07:50:00.000+01:00

It is not unusual to see chickens running about on a side street or a person pushing a wooden hand cart while just around the corner is a shop selling the latest tvs or motos. Saffron clad monks sit in internet cafes or zip thru the streets on the back of a moto. This is the place where old east and new west collide in spectacular fashion. It is almost impossible to capture this phenomenon in photographs for in the very moment you see it it is gone. The chickens duck into open air buildings, the motos zoom past or giant beer trucks obstruct your view of the old man selling mangos and bananas from his wooden cart. I've said it once but it is still true; sensory overload is my current state. It would take years to absorb every sight. However, the smells seem to arrive all at once! As breathtaking and amazing these last few weeks have been I have come to realize that the amount of environmental destruction is equally breath taking. Deforestation, litter, pollution, chemical run off into the rivers; you name it and it is here. In one snap shot you have mountains, streams, and piles of ripe rubbish. People have no descreation in dumping their trash. They pile it next to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and they do not seem to mind the pungent smell as it bakes in the sun. They sit eating their meals and their kids run about the mess in barefeet. It is amazing and terrible all in the same moment. Despite this I am still in love with Cambodia and Laos. Countries where worlds collide and ancient culture clings to the people like red dust to the cheeks of the children playing along the roads. I know why people come to visit and never leave.

Real life...

2011-05-08T10:46:00.000+01:00

Will be next to impossible to go back to in less than a week. In Kampot we have found a little slice of paradise. Kind people, beautiful surroundings and scores of 'hello' children. Yesterday we rented scooters (against my better judgement) and set off to explore Kampot. First to the not so secret lake and then through the city (I use that term loosely) and finally we found a guest house along the river with amazing views and a refreshing pool. Reluctantly we left the pool to return to our yurt... and a brilliant sunset over the mountains from a hammock swinging gently. How do we go back to real life after this? Back to tube rides and traffic... here traffic is a line of motos carrying brightly dressed girls to weddings or a tuk tuk loaded well past capacity with 5 families as well as their market haul. Real life afforded us this amazing experience but now all I want to do is turn my back on responsibilities, on bills, on work, on real life... I just want to stay here a moment longer. I just want to hear the sweet, vibrant voices yelling hello and waiving maniacly as I zip past on my moto. I want this to be real life please.

Life is so good...

2011-05-06T04:40:00.000+01:00

We have decided to take the day off from sightseeing and crowds to enjoy the pool at the Blue Lime in Phnom Phen. So far we've had breakfast by the pool, coffee in a cabana, gone for a refreshing dip and listened to the monks chanting at the temple behind the hotel. This is a tough life...
We will be meeting up with Lindsey (friend of Vim's who lives in PP) tonight to head further south to Kampot. I think it will be a 2 or 3 hour ride but we are sharing a taxi so no bus! Woo hoo! However, all we have to do at this moment is wait until it is socially acceptable to order a cocktail... make mine a double!

Road to No Where

2011-05-05T15:58:00.000+01:00

Everytime we get on another bus or into the back of a tuk tuk for a journey over 20 minutes I find myself humming the Talking Heads song, Road to No Where. No matter what is blaring on the bus speakers or what I have thoughtfully selected to play on my iPod, Road to No Where is what I hear. Although today's 6 hour journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Phen might have been better as the Road Through No Where!

I am starting to enjoy the bus rides. It is the little glimpses of life through the bus windows that take the sting out of spending most of the day on the bus. Watching as children play together in their front yards or in the middle of the street, seeing dogs running across the fields and cows grazing in the midst of thatched roof huts and road side vendors. As the sun set on todays drive I was disappointed to think that I would no longer be able to catch these glimpses. However, to my delight most of the huts were flickering an iridescent blue putting the evening routines of Cambodia families on display. It only took a few minutes to realise that my road side attractions were being lit up by televisions. How funny that they still cook there meals over open fires, bath on a concrete pump slab in the yard, farm for sustenance and yet they all have televisions. These are the glimpses that make it difficult for me to stop staring as we breeze by at 15 to 20 miles per hour on the bumpy, partially paved road. I know they see me staring and I know staring is rude but I can't stop so I smile and even wave... maybe that makes it better?

I have realised over the last few days that there are so many things that I want to write about from the last 2 weeks. However, despite my best efforts it is difficult to find the time and even more difficult to single finger peck away at the keyboard of my phone. I have started jotting down notes to help me remember everything when we are back home. The notes look a little something like this: thousands of naked babies, satellite dishes on wooden huts, pigs on a scooter, monks in the rain, Angor Wat kids and candy, school yards, little legs on giant bikes, crickets for dinner, bald Buddhist nuns... I think you get the point. Since touching down in Bangkok my brain has been on overdrive, trying to absorb as much as humanly possible and at the same time trying to put all of it into words that capture the details as precisely as possible. I don't want to forget a single moment on this road to no where via everywhere.

Dr Jones and Lara Croft take on Angkor Wat (with a guide of course)

2011-05-04T01:45:00.001+01:00

Our tuk tuk driver, Mr Sith, insists that watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a must... so we wake at 4:30 and meet him and our guide, Mr Khem. It is early but already hot and humid. Mr Khem is a Seim Reap native and only lived away to finish his studies in archaeology... we tell him we will call him Dr Jones and he laughs shyly but smiles proudly. He is a good guide and steers us away from the crowds as best as possible. We watch the sunrise and it is beautiful, peaceful, and we see why this temple is so special to Cambodians. After the throngs of tourists interested only on ticking the sunrise box leave, we head inside. 2 solid hours of purposeful wandering through the galleries exploring the inticate hand carved reliefs and learning the history of the temple that is dedicated to Hinduism and we barely scratch the surface. Our final mission is to climb the very steep stairs to the inner temple, the views are breathtaking!
We leave Ankgor Wat and eat breakfast... it is only 9 am! The rest if the day is spent in and out of temples. There are about 400 temples in various states of repair in the complex. Many are only traces of foundation or less. Again we only barely scratch the surface.
My favourite is probably the Ta Prohm or Tomb Raider temple. Not because of the movie but because you can see the power of mother nature. 400 year old trees have slowly but surely undone most of man's work for the 12th century. The tree roots look like magnificent works of art and the bark is silver in the sunlight. I could spend an entire day here and not see it all. We can only hope some of our pictures do it justice!
Today we are heading to Banteay Srei or The Citadel of Women. No guide, just the intrepid travellers and our dependable tuk tuk driver, Mr Sith!
Pictures: Angkor Wat at sunrise, CK and Mr Khem, and The Bayon faces.

Holiday in Cambodia

2011-05-02T15:42:00.001+01:00

A quick hop on our prop plane and we are now in Cambodia! Our first impression: holy wats it is hot! Seriously hot and humid like you wouldn't believe. We had an image in our head about poverty, beggars and constant rip offs. However, I can honestly say that has not been our experience so far. We checked into our guesthouse, dropped our bags and fought the urge to go back to bed. We started off in Phsar Chas or Old Market shopping for souvenirs. A few high prices but easy to bargain down to reasonable amounts. However, I think I.have heard "hey lady" more in that 2 hours than I have heard me entire life! Hey lady you want scarf? Hey lady you like I make deal for you. Hey lady you want tuk tuk? Hey lady, hey lady, hey... enough to make me want to scream! We headed to Pub Street for lunch and to check out a potential cooking class before meeting our tuk tuk driver, Taul, to take us back to the hotel. The midday heat is absolutely draining so we caught a 30 minute power nap before meeting Mr Sith to take us up tothe Angkor Wat complex to watch the sunset from Bakeng Hill. Beautiful but the description of this event being like Disneyland is spot on. The crowds were massive and lessened.the experience a bit... and did I mention it was hot?!? Drenched in sweat I set about the crowd stalking a few monks for the 'perfect' picture. And all it took was a nice little smile and asking nicely to get the shoot I have been craving since seeing the first saffron clad holy man in LP!
Dinner was homemade Pat Thai and Paneng chicken at our guesthouse. Tomorrow we meet our Wat guide and driver at 5 am to catch sunrise and beat the heat and crowds! Until tomorrow.

Sunset at Bakeng Hill

2011-05-02T15:16:00.001+01:00

Me and CK enjoying the sunset despite the heat!

The beginning of the sunset. Look at all the tourists!!!

Sunset at Bakeng Hill in Angkor Wat Temple Complex

In Air Entertainment

2011-05-02T04:01:00.000+01:00

Near disaster averted...

2011-05-02T03:58:00.000+01:00

Woke up yesterday morning in or French colonial hotel to rain. It was so peaceful laying in bed listening to the rain fall and hearing the creaking of the old wooden floors. Breakfast was delicious including CK's yogurt, banana and honey smoothie. We decided to check out of the old hotel and into the new first thing and then hired a few beater bikes to cruise around town. Unfortunately, the Hello Kitty bike I had at first needed repairs... I've always wanted a Hello Kitty bike! After a few hours seeing the sites (wats, stupas, old buildings and monks in saffron robes) we thought we'd spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Settha Palace Hotel pool. Why not we thought, we've got all day tomorrow to rent a motorbike and see the rest of the lazy little capital. Here is where the disaster started to develop.
The pool was perfect... blue, relaxing, and with a banana daquiri life was good! We finished the evening with an amazing three course French meal at Le Central. More storms after dinner knocked out our internet but we were happy to fall into bed feeling full from dinner and warm from the day full of sun. CK fell asleep the visions of our upcoming scooter day in his mind. Which is likely what saved us...
He had been mailing guesthouses in Siem Reap to arrange accommodation starting on the 2nd. However, we had somehow lost track of time and thought we had an extra day in Vientiane! So CK woke up this morning at 4:30 excited about renting the scooter only to realise our mistake. We dashed around the room, half dressed with toothbrushes hanging out of our mouths stuffing clothes into our bags! I had to wake the overnight staff to check out and we jumped in the back of the slowest tuk tuk yet. We made it to the airport with about an hour to spare. Feeling relieved we headed into the terminal only to have our path blocked by a security guard with no English language saying " no, you go other" and pointing at nothing. Sudden heart dropping fear set in again as we knew the next flight wouldn't be until the 4th... one more day in Vientiane would be ok but not two... as we reasoned unsuccessfully with the guard we saw a rather gloomy building to the right of the international terminal and realised the guard was saying domestic. We headed over and were able to check in with time to spare! The intrepid travellers averted disaster and are currently en route to country number 3, city number 5 and guest house number 6!
Sad to leave Laos and hopeful I can return again to explore more of this enchanting country.

Best bathroom sign... EVER!

2011-04-30T13:22:00.000+01:00

Looks like we are in the big city!

Wee-en-chan (Vientiane)

2011-04-30T13:16:00.000+01:00

Add caption

So far we are enjoying the capital city. I am back to single finger typing on my phone so forgive any mistakes! We got in around 2 pm... once again the intrepid travellers were out hunting down a guest house in the hottest part of the day! Not so lucky this time as option 1 was only available tonight and not the next 2. At first, we thought we would forge on but after sitting down to plan our next move CK decided (yes, I was chirping in his ear!) 1 night was enough for the moment! I think the stream of sweat flowing from his forehead was pretty convincing, too!
We settled into our 'one night only room' long enough to cool off and for the afternoon storm to blow in and then we sat in the lobby listening to the rain and looking for another room via my phone and the well worn guidebook. Success came relatively easy and we are now booked at a hotel up the street over looking a wat.
With the Cipro antibiotic and strange brown pills now in full force I was ready for food... all I have eaten in the last 2 days are a few Pringles, some Pho (bad bad idea!), a croissant, some oreos and french fries! A chocolate croissant and iced coffee at a little boulangarie did the trick. However, CK is fighting off traveller's tummy with a steady diet of curry and beer! It has only been moderately effective... the boy has a tummy of steel! We had a stroll along the Mekong and are now enjoying the cool evening at Full Moon cafe... curry pitas, Beerlao and free wi-fi, what more could the intrepid travellers want?

Fwd: On the road.. CK's account of our morning

2011-04-30T12:41:00.000+01:00

So it's only 10am here and you might be thinking what could have happened in the few hours we've been awake that deserves an email? Well our morning started very normal, after breakfast we checked out of our guest house and waited in the lobby for our mini-van to arrive. We decided to spend an extra 10000 kip each (a little over a dollar) to upgrade to a minivan rather than take another VIP bus with no a/c. Our hotel was kind enough to arrange for us for a small fee and have them pick us up from the hotel, which saves money on not needing a tuk-tuk to the bus station.
The minivan arrived and our hotel front desk guide said "here's your bus, and lucky you...you get first pick of seats". To put his comment into context, all buses and vans cram as many people as humanly possible into their vehicles. A van built for 8 can easily fit 20 in their world...they even have short bar stools in the trunk and put them in the aisles when extra seating is needed. So we were ecstatic to have a brand new, beautiful Toyota minivan pull up with free pick of seats. We jumped in and our bags were loaded in the back....ecstatic with our extra dollar of spend. New car smell, plastic still on the sun shades and a/c vents everywhere.
We then pulled away from the hotel and the woman took our ticket and gave us another ticket in return. We drove about 3 blocks to another guesthouse, presumably to pick up more travelers. We pulled up and the woman got out, looked at us and yelled "you get out and get on bus" pointing to another bus parked at the guesthouse. This thing was a 1970s style van that looked like it was being held together by duct tape. It was already crammed with backpackers and luggage was piled high on the roof. I said "hold on, I don't understand" and she explained in broken English that this was only the shuttle to the van that would take us to Vientiane. This was followed by a shrieking "get out" and the driver getting out of the van and taking our bags out of the back. I was shocked - I looked at Jen and she said "let's just get out". I looked at the other bus again and said to the woman "we paid for this minivan and we're not getting out". This didn't sit well with her - there was a stand off that lasted a few uncomfortable seconds and followed by lots of words in a completely foreign language but which I fully understood the meaning. She got back in the van and our bags were put back on. We then started driving back towards our guesthouse without a word from driver of the shrieking woman - I assumed they were just going to drop us off where we started.
We stopped at some random travel office and the woman jumped out - we then continued...passed our guesthouse...down a dirt road. I started to worry where he was taking us, and then we arrived at a guesthouse with backpackers standing outside. We then proceeded to pick up lots more passengers, including the shrieking woman again, who acted like they hadn't just tried to rip us off and had the nerve to ask us again for our ticket! We kindly reminded her of the incident and she ignored us and walked away.
I'm sure there plan was to pocket our money and buy us a dirt cheap ticket on the other bus. Pretty sad scam.
The good news is that we're now on the road in the nice air conditioned bus with the best seats on the bus, and a little wiser from the experience.
Sent from my iPod

A Royal Wedding in Laos

2011-04-30T02:59:00.000+01:00

While looking for a place to eat dinner we happened upon a pizza place showing the royal wedding. How strange to be sitting at a pizza joint with the karst mountains and Nam Song River behind us and the royal wedding on the TV in front of us. This week has been an experience to say the least. We have felt rushed to jam as much as possible into every minute so are constantly reminding ourselves to slow down and let it all sink in. We have met several travellers who arranged home stays in Laos or Vietnam and I am now wishing we had done this as well. I can't quiet come to grips with how day to day life must be like for a typical Laotian. Riding through villages and watching from the back of a tuk tuk or the top of a bus only gives a quick glimpse.

More on this later... We are waiting on our bus and trying to book a guest house in Vientiane and only have one computer!

Reclining Buddha

2011-04-29T11:58:00.000+01:00

Reclining Buddha at Tham Poukham

The Long and Winding Road

2011-04-29T11:55:00.000+01:00

I have never (until now) been on a bus of any kind for 8 hours. We left our guest house in LP at 7:15am sharp and realised on arriving at the bus station that one ticket said 8 am and the other 8:30 departure! A voice came on the intercom and spoke for about 10 minutes in Laos and then in English said "Eight o'clock to Vang Vien get on bus now." And away we went! CK and I secured the two front seats in hopes of preventing any unfortunate bouts with motion sickness... which also afforded us amazing as well as gut wrenching views! The mountains, jungles and villages along the way, including little children waving as we passed, left us wishing we could slow down a bit and enjoy it. However, the bus didn't stop in any of the scenic spots just at a few road side stands and a market that was muddy, hot and full of flies. Once in Vang Vieng we hopped in a tuk tuk with a few other travellers (including a couple who had been on the trek to the waterfall with us) and found a guest house.

Just a few minutes ride through the small town was enough to make us realise we were not in Luang Prabang anymore. We passed more westerners and backpackers than we did locals. All the restaurants serve 'happy' pizza, shakes, etc and are full of twenty-something stoners watching endless loop episodes of Friends. I couldn't help but think why would you travel halfway around the world to sit in a shack, get high and watch Friends... I think I am officially getting old! The town itself is rather dirty and lacks the atmosphere that LB offered around every unsuspecting corner. Gone are the little old ladies sweeping the streets in front of their homes with grass brooms, gone are the monks pattering down the street at dawn in their bare feet, gone is the silence as the sun sets... replaced by prostitutes soliciting their next marks, hippies with dreadlocks and Japanese tourists singing very (very!) bad karaoke very (very!) loudly!

So with all that being said this is still a beautiful place. The mountains are amazing and riddled with caves. The Nam Song flows gently through the middle of VV and is full of life. We watched this morning as a lady with her coolie hat and fishing gear waded through the water for her days catch. The clouds were low and the sun just barely skimmed out. It was one of the most breathe taking sites. We also took a tuk tuk about 7km out of town to a little village and climbed up a rock wall (maybe I am exaggerating but it was steep) to explore a massive cave with a reclining Buddha. This posture means that Buddha is about to enter Nirvana. The cave had a second opening that allowed sunlight to pour through and directly onto the Buddha. While we were inside a storm passed through and chased off most of the other tourists so when we came down to the blue lagoon outside the cave area it was empty. CK wasted no time jumping in for a quick, refreshing dip. Just as we made it back to the guest house another storm came through... a perfect opportunity for a nap!

On a side note to all this... the moment we dreaded has arrived. I am not feeling well. Likely just a case of traveller's tummy but not very pleasent to say the least. I survived the 8 hour bus ride but spent most of last night in the room and then made a trip to the local hospital this morning. In any other place I would just let nature take it's course but considering most loos here are turkish style I went to the doctor... Actually, I just walked up to a window and talked to a guy in a white coat. There were some rather entertaining hand gestures and after about 3 minutes I was hand a few different meds. The most important being Ciproflox an antibiotic that should kill what ever bug has taken up residence in my tum tum! Here's to a happy bus ride tomorrow as we head further south to the capital Vientiene!

We've been blessed by a Buddhist nun...

2011-04-28T00:54:00.001+01:00

It is 6:30 am and we are checking out of Villa Lotus in Luang Prabang and heading on our first Laos bus journey! 8 hours on a bus should be amazing!!

Yesterday was a rather relaxing day. We rented a couple of bikes and round around town. We found a 'local' swimming pool and went for a quick dip. It was a bit rainy and very overcast but the water was refreshing. The pool was pretty funny especially when compared to the photographs on the leaflet. It was down a muddy road full of giant potholes and local homes. I can't imagine what they were all thinking watch CK and I bounce down the road on our rented bikes with me in a ridiculous floppy hat... did I mentioned we found a market selling nothing but knock offs and I got a big brimmed hat...

Post dip we jumped back on the bikes and headed to a temple that the host at our guest house recommended. He said we could see the entire city from the temple and for some reason that did not register to us that the temple was atop a gigantic hill! So up the massive hill we rode to the temple. And yes it was well worth the effort. It was a massive complex of wooden homes for the monks and a huge temple topped in gold. After we had walked around inside a little old Buddhist nun offered us a blessing. She spoke no English but chatted away as she rubbed out right wrist with a saffron colored bracelet that she tied around our wrist. Once she had blessed both Chris and I she smiled widely and rubbed her two fingers together in the universal gesture for 'ow you give me money!' I guess not even a blessing is free these days! The host at out guest house explained that the blessing is meant to get rid of the bad, unwanted spirits and to tie the good spirits to us. Here's hoping this is a knot that doesn't come undone for a long time!

In all, LP has been an amazing little town. So relaxed and calm with incredibly nice people. I can't imagine it during peak season when the tourists and backpackers must out number the locals. Luckily the town has avoided massive bus loads of tourists descending on it all at once but I can't help but wonder what it was like 5 or 10 years ago.

I have so much more to write but alas... my chariot (aka tuk tuk to the bus) awaits! Until next time...

Florida Girl takes on Laos Waterfall

2011-04-27T03:41:00.000+01:00

Apparently, all I needed to do for a good nights sleep was to trek 6 or 7 miles through the jungle and then jump off a waterfall!

The trek was through a few villages about 20 km out of Luang Prabang. It felt very weird to be walking through peoples yards and looking into their homes. However, the guide explained that the Laos people don't mind. Firstly, the tour company we used gives a portion of the money to the village and secondly, this is the only way these people get to see the world... through the faces and languages of the people who visit. When we first arrived there was a group of teenage aged youth sitting outside listening to Mary J Blige! I guess the saying "Same Same" applies here as well! The houses were mainly grass and bamboo with the occasional cinder block building... and by building I mean something the size of a medium shed big enough for a riding lawn mower, a few bikes and other bits. The traditional houses sat up on stilts about 4 to 6 feet off the ground. Apparently, these people used to live in the low lands and as they moved higher into the hills they continued to build the same way despite the absence of flooding. According to our guide, they are not Buddhist because they have too many mouths to feed (5 to 15 children per family) and because they need their sons to work the fields so don't want to send them away to be monks! They believe in 3 spirits: the House or Guardian Spirit, the Field Spirit and the Mountain spirit. They make offerings to the spirit and use a shaman if things get too tricky!

Once through the villages we headed into the hills and jungle. I have been surprised the entire week here at the butterflies. They are everywhere and not just a single variety... I have seen about 15 or 20 different ones! Throughout the walk little white ones would be fluttering ahead in the path... very magical! It was not a difficult trek but it was hot and rather humid... There was also about an hour of walking through the farmland with no shade which was probably the worst bit. We stopped around noon in a clearing for a traditional Laos lunch... I am unsure what I was eating but had little choice but to dig in! The guide said it was pork, vegetables and an omelet as well as a tomato and cilantro salad all eaten with your fingers and balls of sticky rice. Thank the Guardian Spirit for hand sanitizer!!!

Post lunch we explored a cave with hidden Buddhas (and bats!) and then carried on for another hour or so through the jungle to the waterfall!!! We arrived to the top and were able to wade out to the very middle to look down and take pictures... relax everyone, there was a railing and we were safe ;-) the water was cool and refreshing on our tired feet. However, the leach in my shoes after the refreshing water was not so nice!

Once down at the bottom we were able to take in the full magnitude of the falls. It has 5 cascades and ends in limestone pools that are pale blue. Further down we were able to swim... and here is the part you have all been waiting for... I jumped from a smaller water fall into the pool below! It was about 15 feet and my knees were knocking like you wouldn't believe. Chris didn't have his swim suit (or shorts for that matter) so I was left to my own. I stood at the top and thought 'I will never stand here in this spot with this opportunity again' and before the last word left my mind I jumped! It was great! I think that thought will be the mantra for the rest of the trip and I plan to live every moment!!!

This morning is a bit rainy so we are going to head to an English language centre for a drop conversation and then off for a traditional Laos massage. And if the sun comes out we will go to the pool this afternoon. I think we earned our R and R yesterday! Tomorrow will be decided later!

I almost forgot that we enjoyed an amazing Laos meal last night... We ate green soup (I think it was most Mekong seaweed.. seriously it really was!), stuffed lemongrass, water buffalo, Laos sausage, Mekong fish in banana leaf and of course sticky rice. Yummy!!!

A Novice Monk Receiving Alms

2011-04-26T15:11:00.000+01:00

Wats, River and Mountains... Oh My!!

2011-04-25T16:34:00.000+01:00

The Mekong River

Florida Girl and Boy and the Mekong River

CK on top of Mt Phousi

View of Northern part of Luang Prabang and mountains from Mt Phousi

Where to start... Luang Prabang is everything I hoped it would be and more. I am still struggling with the right words to capture the unique feel of this unfamiliar world. Being further away from home than ever before with nothing to compare every new sight, smell , sound... I keep going on about the senses because I don't know how else to put it!
We found a great guest house near the northern tip of town just a few blocks from Wat Xieng Thong. Once again we set out to explore in the hottest part of the day! However, within a few minutes we were watching as Laotian people washed a special Buddha with water, flowers and perfume. The host at our guest house explained that the ritual which ends tonight is part of the new year celebration... sort of like washing away the past year to make way for the next. It was so touching to watch as people, young and old, said their prayers. I wonder what it must feel like to the people who live here to have us watching them go about their normal lives? We are doing our best to be apart of it all without being in the way!

After we left the Wat we headed down to the Mekong and more importantly to a little bit of shade! Once again... no complaints just observations about the weather... it is hot and humid like I have only felt a few times before and when it is not raining we want it to but once it starts we just want it to stop! Our shady spot by the river offered a chance to take the two first pictures. We eventually wondered to the main street just in time to see the local school letting out for the day... Just to put this in context: Everyone in LP rides a scooter. They ride with and without helmets, with and without shoes, occasionally they even ride with an umbrella for shade or protection from rain. However, you haven't lived until you have seen an entire family of five on a single scooter. With mom driving and little ones (smaller than Trey!) perched in the front and the rest of the gang hanging on in the rear with school bags, dinner, laundry and the rest nestled in between the passengers! It is a sight to behold and makes me admire the ability of these people to teach their children how to be still from such a young age!

We found a nice little cafe across from the school to continue our silent observations over a bowl of beef pho... a delicious soup with rice noddles, beef, fresh vegetables, cilantro and broth. After eating we headed to the top of Mt Phousi and snapped the last two pictures. The views were amazing but a bit hazy as they are currently burning the forests to make room for more farm land... I won't get started on this but I will say we are staying at the most ecologically friendly guesthouse in LP. While taking in the views and enjoying the temple, the wind started to blow and before we could make to the bottom of the 300+ steps it was pouring down rain! We made a dash for the guesthouse only to make it about half way before dodging the worst of the down pour in a cafe... I guess it isn't a really trip until you get rained on!

The guesthouse is closing up the lobby so I can't write much more but will try again tomorrow... We are heading on a trek through the jungle that ends in a waterfall! Until next time...

de plane de plane...

2011-04-25T06:55:00.000+01:00

On a prop plane to Luang Prabang!

2011-04-25T06:53:00.000+01:00

Haven't been on plane this small since I went to Montgomery to meet up with CK! And that plane wasn't painted with palm trees and fish! On the agenda for LP are the Pak Ou caves where Buddha statues are taken when they are broken as it is against the religion to destroy them. There is also a waterfall about 45 minutes out of town. And CK will be hunting down any opportunity to take a boat on the Mekong... I think he was a little old fisherman in a former life!
However, the first order of business is to find a guest house! How odd it feels to be flying into a foreign country with no language understanding and no where to lay our heads!! Like nothing we've ever done.
Have a list ready of what to do when we come back through Bangkok. Mainly involves markets and photography. I am finding it tough to describe the scenery. Everything is so different yet also the same... I guess that explains the Thai saying "same same" but different. I have been hesitant to get my camera out for fear of offending people. So I will be trying some covert photography methods... report to follow ;-)
Will try to find a WiFi spot once we land and post this... until next time!

The Emerald Buddha is not...

2011-04-24T14:41:00.000+01:00

I am typing this entire entry on my phone with one finger so please forgive spelling errors. I am also sitting outside listening to the sounds of Thai people. From what we have seen in 2 short days this is a city that lives on the sidewalks. Cooking, eating, washing up and socializing even sleeping...on the front steps. It makes for an interesting combination of smells and sounds. There are stray dogs and cats everywhere as well. CK is constantly reminding me that we cannot bring them home... mean ol'Chris ;-) Needless to say between the people, the animals and us there is not much room for walking.
Last night we found our way to Khaosan Road... it was a people watching smorgasboard! This is the go to spot for backpackers and since we are backpackers we had to go... right? Found a bar with a Thai guy playing the guitar and singing. He played songs from the 90's and knew most of the words. Californication lyrics were particularly entertaining. We tipped generously and encouraged him to play more but he ended his set and was replaced by a guy in a Sex Pistols shirt. God Save the Queen... played a kazoo and we have video! We eventually made our way to Upstairs Bar... yep, it was upstairs! Listened to more top 40s and enjoyed the local beverages... a good night in deed which end with a pad thai chicken pitta and a rather wild tuktuk ride back to the guest house. We had to ring the bell to get in and realised it was about 2am! Felt like we were back in high school about to get busted for missing curfew!
After sleeping in and enjoying the AC and hot shower, we went down to the Grand Palace. Wow! Not sure what I expected but this blew those expectations out of the water. I think we could have wondered for hours. However, being there in the hottest part of the day was not the best option! Please note that is not a complaint, just an observation. And here is another... it is hot as h e double l! I love it!! The Emerald Buddha sits atop a massive shrine of gold. As you eyes travel up to the top there is a itty bitty Buddha smiling down... okay he is about 2 or 3 feet tall. Originally found in 1434 covered in plaster until a monk noticed the green beneath a chip. Thinking it was emerald he dubbed it the Emerald Buddha but it is in fact carved from a single block of jade!
So much more to say but I am going blind staring at this phone and my typing finger has a cramp! Will look for an internet cafe. Until then...

Pictures are not always worth a thousand words...

2011-04-21T11:31:00.000+01:00

This time of year in London is amazing. Each morning when I open the windows to see blue sky and bright sunshine I am giddy with excitement. My path to the office takes me through St John's Wood Church Gardens, a place that I often photograph. However, I am nearly always disappointed with the photos... something is always missing but I can never figure out what 'it' is that is missing. I've tried various compositions, angles, view points and nothing seems to fill the void. As I walked lazily along the flower petaled path yesterday trying to delay my arrival to work it dawned on me... Photos fail to capture the sounds of traffic in the background, of birds signing morning sounds, of children squealing on the playground. They don't capture the cool breeze or the warmth of the sun as you step out from the oaky shaded pathway. And they don't capture the scent of the slightly past their prime tulips that are spreading their pollen or the freshly mown lawn. Pictures can capture the color and the look but they can't capture the feel, the smell or the sounds of this peaceful oasis in the midst of morning rush hour. Days like yesterday it takes all the will power in world for me to not kick off my shoes and ignore the signs warning to 'stay off the grass' as all I want to do is feel the cool blades of grass between my toes and spend the day soaking up all that a photo can never capture.

Conflict of Heart and Mind

2011-04-14T16:31:00.000+01:00

Since before Christmas we have been plotting the Florida Girl take over of South East Asia. Months of preparation have gone into the trip and we all know what I am like when it is time to plan. I initially told Chris, "let's just go for a few weeks and let the tide take us where it will. No need to plan or stress... just pack a bag and set off." He doubted my ability to give up control... he was right. It started with a few Internet searches and then I insisted on a few trips to various book stores around London. Now I have a calender, it has destinations, I have notes... pages and pages of notes, and I even bought an old school folding map of Laos and Cambodia. I have asked everyone and their friends about where to go and what to do... I plan like a germ-a-phobe washes their hands, without regard for our relaxed 'go with the flow' holiday. Alas, I am who I am and I am a planner. In 8 days, we are off to Bangkok and then to Laos and finally to Cambodia. That gives me 7 days to create daily itineraries, plan out every meal and ensure no stone goes unturned... just kidding, I am not THAT bad ;-)

A Quintessential English Weekend at the Shore

2011-04-07T22:50:00.001+01:00

A few months ago a friend posted pictures of a weekend in Winchelsea near Rye. A quick look at the pictures and I was on the phone getting details about where it was and how I could go there! Chris's birthday seemed liked a perfect excuse to rent a car and hit the road for a quintessential English weekend at the shore... coats, gloves and all! Lucky for us the sun decided to make it's long awaited spring debut! Not so lucky for us the heat in the house wasn't working. C'est la vie!

The front gate to Pebbles Beach House

Pebbles... our home if only for a few days!

Gnewa likes it... caught him out in the yard picking flowers to refresh his basket!

The beach... no sandy white beaches here. The water makes a hypnotising sound as it washes against the pebbles. I could have stretched out on the beach in the sun and listened to it for hours without getting any sand in my pants!

The house sits beside a nature preserve. We set off on Saturday morning for a short walk... a few hours and 7ish miles later we had walked along the beach, through the nature preserves, through the middle of some random campsites, hung out in a field with a horse, walked through a field of sheep, stormed a castle, bird watched, drank a pint in a harbour with the locals and explored the shale ridge. A productive morning to say the least!

The best part of the weekend was being disconnected from technology. We had no Internet, spotty cell phone reception and a tv out of 1978 that wasn't worth the effort that turn on. We listened to music, read, talked and just enjoyed being together... something that we don't do nearly as often as we would like!

We finished off the weekend with a drive to Dungeness... a uniquely odd but breathtaking beach in Kent. The beach is dotted with old rail cars once used to carry the shale but once the railway was abandoned they were turned into fishing huts. There is an eclectic mix of architecture and people but the most striking site is the massive nuclear power station and it's pervasive hum. And did I mention the miniature railway?

I was limited to only 50 or so pictures as I grabbed an old memory card but I think I managed a few good shots of the weekend. Have a look here.

Happy Birthday Florida Boy!

2011-03-27T22:56:00.000+01:00

A Very Happy Birthday to Christopher!

On Wednesday last week he officially 'caught' up with me. We are now both 29... again ;-)

I hope to update later this week with pictures from Nick and Kirk's surprise visit to London as well as our long weekend at Pebbles Beach House in Winchelsea.

Gnomeo, Gnomeo, wherefore art thou Gnomeo

2011-03-15T11:34:00.000Z

Step aside Juliet... this Gnome is all mine!

The times... they are a changin'

2011-02-25T13:19:00.000Z

We have emerged from the most miserable time of year... the months when the sun is not up when you leave for work but has already set by the time you walk out of the office at 5:00pm. It is hard to drag yourself through the days and after 9 weeks of this you start to think that the sun has forever given up on London. The only light at the end of the tunnel is the train and it is coming straight for you. You long for the days of walking through the park at 8:30 pm with your sunglasses on and then question if those memories are real or just your vitamin D deprived brain playing cruel tricks on you...

And then you catch a glimpse of a tinsy flower bud popping its head out of the sun deprived earth. There is nothing like it... okay well maybe there are better moments in the world but to a Florida Girl living in London, trying to survive the dark, this is a pretty amazing feeling ;-)

I saw the first buds several weeks ago and then made a point to walk through a park at least once a day. But like a watched pot never boils... a watched buttercup never blooms. I stared to worry that the cold winter, lack of sun, excessive rain, snow... you get the point... had done the poor little wild flowers in this year. I put them to the back of my brain and got on with the day to day.

And then today happened. First, I noticed a neighbors window box was full of daffodils. Bright yellow, standing tall, waving at me in the breeze. I started to get a little excited and stood staring at them until I realised said neighbor was looking at me through the window. I wanted to skip away but figured she was still watching and I was carrying my laptop and gym bag which making skipping a bit cumbersome. So I casually made a bee line to St John's Wood Church Gardens and what I found was a glorious site...

Buttercups, Crocus, Snowdrops, and Daffodils... oh my!

Now... we are not out of the woods yet. There is still a lot of rainy, cold days and limited sunshine to get through but I think I have decided the light I see at the end of the tunnel isn't the train after all!

A few of my favorites from a quick trip home

2011-02-18T22:33:00.000Z

After spending a short week in the states I thought I would come home with a hundred or more pictures. Turns out my camera does have an auto pilot and I wasn't as on my game as I had anticipated. The result... not very many pictures at all. However, here are a few of my favorites.

Trying to figure out if Trey can roll his tongue. Uncle Chris lacks the appropriate gene and they say it is genetic. However, Trey is still a bit too young to understand the concept of rolling your tongue. Instead nephew and uncle spent about 5 minutes sticking out their tongues at each other and making other funny faces.

I never set out to dress like my 86 year old Papa. However, Cricks can really rock the plaid so I am okay with this...

Watching D-D-D-Dora. I tried for almost 15 minutes to get a picture but Trey was more interested in helping the baby red fish find his way back to the ocean. This included doing the crab dance, reading maps and shouting out various Spanish words. Aqui! Ariba!

No explanation necessary...

This pic is a bit over exposed and full of shadows but too cute not to love. It was great getting to spend 2 days with Michelle, Matt and Trey. It was a quick visit and only left us wanting more. Thanks to the Farmers for their hospitality and for taxiing us all around Atlanta!

PS: I would have added the pic of my dad and Chris to this post if I hadn't already added it... just thinking about how excited they were with that 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon makes me laugh!

The proof is in the PBR

2011-02-18T22:00:00.000Z

They say that girls grow up to marry a man that remind them of their father's. I have had a few moments in my life where this has proved to be the case. The following are just 2 of several examples...

Case in point 1: In the midst of a typical category 3 verging on 4 Florida hurricane just weeks before out wedding Chris could be found standing in the parking lot of our apartment complex pretending to be a weather reporter. The only thing he was missing was a camcorder. My dad on the other hand was standing in his yard in the midst of a very similar storm... with the camcorder.

Case in point 2: While everyone else in middle Tennessee were checking their milk and bread supply to hunker down for a few inches of snow and possible ice; Chris and my father made a trip to the local corner store and returned with Pabst Blue Ribbon...

And couldn't possibly have been more pleased with their purchase.

Love these guys :-)

Quality Time with the Russo's

2011-02-18T21:48:00.001Z

Preparing for the photo with 3 children...

1st attempt... not too shabby but where is Trey looking?

#2 Violet is clearly bored and just wants to chase 'new friend' aka Trey. Natalie seems to have forgotten that we were taking pictures. Notice the 4 adults have not moved...

Woo Hoo!!! Everyone looking at the camera... and Violet is still bored and Trey still has a death grip on his new Bulgie bus ;-)

Lovely catching up with the Russo's while we were in Atlanta. Can't believe they moved to Atl after we moved to London! We must improve our timing ;-)

Home Sweet Home

2011-02-18T21:30:00.000Z

Beautiful sunset...

But more importantly, this Dodge Ram is rockin' the American flag bald eagle combo.

And there is a potential I could be related to the driver...

Leaving on a jet plane...

2011-02-05T08:52:00.000Z

But I know exactly when I will be home again. We are sitting on the plane waiting for lift off. We will be in Tennessee for a week and are dreading the cold weather! London is warming up this week and we are leaving... typical! Can't wait to see the family but sure wish I could see them on the beach :-)
Time to turn off all electronic devices... Until next time!

Look out Ginger and Fred... The Kipphuts are taking over this show!

2011-01-23T22:59:00.001Z

Last night we headed to Wapping for a little vino and some dancing. To the relief of all involved in the evening there were no cameras. To answer your first question, Wapping is in east London. And to our surprise still in zone 2... However, I have not confirmed this on an official map so not sure I believe it! And now the second question, how on earth did I get CK out dancing??? This was easier than one might suspect. A friend, Tim, invited us and CK accepted without realizing what he was getting himself in to... That ought to teach him to read his email a bit more carefully!

Our friends, Tim and Laura, started the night off with a delicious roast and the first of a few bottles of wine. We had a great view of the dance venue from their dining room. The Wapping Project is an old hydro electric plant that has been converted into a restaurant, events hall, and exhibition space. Very little has been changed but it is a beautiful space with exposed bricks, huge windows and vaulting ceilings. A perfect place to take a spin around the dance floor!

There were 2 professional instructors. A sweet youngish girl who was patient, kind and did her best to stiffle her giggles as we trotted all over each others feet. And a rather gruff guy
who looked like perhaps his family was being held hostage until he taught us a few dance moves. His technique was simple... If they don't get it just move on and teach an even more complicated move... Including one that involves the guy sliding the girl along the floor, between his legs and then popping her back up to her feet. If you are having trouble picturing this just imagaine me flat on my back with Chris standing over me laughing uncontrollably.

All things considered and excluding the grande finale move, we rocked it! Chris even danced his way down the street to breakfast this morning just to prove he could still do it. And that is how a star is born!

Running Man

2011-01-22T14:58:00.001Z

In September, we jetted off to Berlin for Chris to run his second marathon. It had been almost 2 years since he ran the London marathon and his legs were itching to get moving again!

Let me set the scene for the big race day. There was light rain with spots of heavy rain and moments of drizzling followed by a period of even more rain. To put is mildly... it was raining!

However, Chris did not let the weather dampen his spirits. He rocked the course and at every meet up point was smiling like only he can! It warmed my heart to see him enjoying himself so much. I ran into a problem with the camera... mainly that I was excited every time I saw him that I forgot to take pictures! So you will have to just enjoy the few I snapped with my phone about 45 minutes after he finished and we were able to track each other down.

For Aunt Sue

2011-01-22T14:45:00.000Z

I have been horrible on updating the blog and have reminders from many family members on a regular basis. I offer this as a formal apology and yet another promise to do better... Part of the problem is our computer. It is not old but runs like a 1975 Ford Gremlin. It occasionally lapses into long periods of churning and grinding. I half expect it to start spewing smoke at any moment. Windows Vista is a joke beyond comparison. Bill Gates should be taken out behind the wood shed and summarily shot for allowing it to be released. Then Windows should offer compensation for the countless hours of my life that I will never get back waiting for the system to load only to find out it has reverted to the saved version from 6 months ago due some fatal start up error. The only thing I like about it is that it is green.

Having read this post aloud to Chris he says I have successfully achieved a British attitude!

On a positive note I have a solution. Mr and Mrs Clause (aka Mike and Laurie) got us a iPad for Christmas. As soon as we get the time to load some photos I will be using the much quicker and more reliable iPad for all future blogging. And then I will have no excuse... and if you believe that I have a bridge to sell :-)

Aunt Sue: Our NYE was rather boring. Went to see a movie, had a quiet dinner and watched the fireworks from the sofa on TV. Probably not the fun and excitement you were hoping for but we promise to make it up to you. Heading out tonight to a dance event where we will be learning the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. Now that is fun and excitement! XO

Ain't no Sunshine...

2011-01-22T14:30:00.000Z

The sun has left London and I seriously fear it may never return. In the last 7 (maybe more) weeks I have seen the sun a grand total of 2 times. I have started to take a vitamin D supplement to fend off rickets! I truly believe that SAD (or Seasonal Affective Disorder) is the cause of most British grumpiness. Complaints about the cold, grey, cloudy, rainy days are abundant... However, when the sun is out complaints about it being too bright and unseasonable sunny flow like water so maybe the British just like to complain! I fight with my co-workers to keep the blinds open on the sunny days and am starting to wonder if they are vampires. I am planning on sneaking in some holy water, silver crosses and garlic gloves to run some experiments... full report of findings to follow.

While I wait for spring and the sun to return, you can find me at the local tanning salon. Is it weird to slap on SPF 50 before fake baking?

Proper English lessons return...

2011-01-22T14:17:00.000Z

Over 2 years in London and I am still learning new differences in the same language! Brits continue to correct me when I say the wrong thing or even better, they act like they have no clue what I am talking about! A few examples...

Pavement: The sidewalk.

Wally: A foolish or silly person. Similar to an idiot.

Jumper: A sweater. I have used this one before but I am constantly harassed for not using jumper. Try as I might I just think it sounds stupid to say jumper.

Have a go: When you are angry or upset with someone you 'have a go' at them or tell them off.

Pissed: Drunk. This can get you in trouble. If you want to say you are angry you must include off.

The shits: to be upset. So this is more of an Australian slang but I hear it all the time and giggle uncontrollably. Used in a sentence, "you know what gives me the shits? British people making fun of me for saying cell phone."

Mobile: Cell phone. The one and only acceptable term for this device. Pronounced with a hard i as in exile.

Shed load: Replace the ed with it and you should get the idea. It means a lot. This is Chris guilty giggle term. He hears it used in formal presentations on a regular basis.

A Snowy Day in Londontown...

2010-12-18T20:04:00.000Z

The Kipphuts should be buckling their seat belts and settling in for the hop across the pond... However, London weather had another plan. About 2 hours of snow left us with mass chaos at the airports, train stations and roads. Runways are closed and the Kipphuts' flight has been cancelled... the good news is that they are rebooked to arrive on Tuesday. Finger crossed :-)

We dealt with our disappointment with a frolic in the snow... which ended in a snowball fight!

I guess it is not all bad!!

Happy Birthday Party Day to ME!!!

2010-12-14T21:04:00.000Z

After getting a taste of karaoke at the Marshski wedding in August I am officially hooked. So when CK and I saw a sign for karaoke at our local pub it started the wheels turning... I asked CK to plan a birthday party for me before all our friends disperse across the world for the holidays. Thus Jen's 28th (yep I am officially going in reverse now) Birthday Party Day Celebration was born!

The gang at the Grand Union in Islington post dinner (which included a very loud birthday serenade and table dancing). The gang had a very lovely addition of Michelle from Atlanta who happened to be in town for work.

Getting the party started in our private karaoke room at Lucky Voice with a little Amy Winehouse. Good thing for you this blog doesn't have sound!

Charles and Bethany sporting the lovely hates provided in our prop box!

Steven and Chris wearing their own wigs... just kidding, those were in the prop box as well.

These are the only pics we have at the minute but I will try to beg others off the rest of the singers... err I mean friends ;-)

And now I have seen it all...

2010-12-14T20:44:00.000Z

A man, sitting on a toilet, reading a paper on Westminster Bridge next to Parliament...

Fancy Dress Fun in the S-J-Dub

2010-12-14T20:37:00.000Z

After a year of threatening to do a pub crawl from our place in St John's Wood to the Marshki's in Kilburn... we finally got it together in October. And since it was October, the only way to do it was in costume. And if you're going to put on a costume, it should be an 80's themed get up... And if it is 80's themed and Chris is involved... well... then it is obviously going to be...

He Man and his once long lost sister She Ra... the sister bit was strange... CK in a blonde wig was stranger!

The Marshki's did it up with Beetlejuice and Lydia.

The whole gang at our favorite local, The Ordinance.

Alex and Oli drove down from Stoke for the festivities. Oli made a brilliant Axel Rose!

Tim rocking the Canadian tuxedo with Laura proving metallic animal print leggings are hot!

Anthony won a prize for best costume at the last pub we visited... and believe it or not CK won for best dancer! If only I had taken video of his Gray Skull shuffle!

I am afraid this is where the pictures end... following this last photo there was a bus journey with zombies and a cowgirl, a walk through Camden that included several random stranger photos, the aforementioned dancing contest, a long wait at a bus stop in the cold, an attempt to secure a taxi and finally a walk through Primrose Hill to get home! It is a good thing the camera was safely tucked away and forgotten about! No need to worry; everyone made it home safe and sound!

Where to start...

2010-12-12T23:03:00.000Z

After months of promising myself that I would update the blog... as well as months of request that I get it together and start posting... I am back! I have given up on the idea that I will update the last 6 months of happenings in order. Let's face it... it simply would never happen. I will do my best to catch up with posts about Poland, Berlin, The Kipphuts' visit in September, our Halloween pub crawl (including CK's best dancer prize), our first footie match, Birthday Party Day celebration, many Sunday roasts and a few other visitors! It has been an amazing year but it isn't over yet... still to come a long weekend in Bath and the Kipphuts for Christmas.

Santa Run 2010

2010-12-12T22:52:00.000Z

Nothing like a jog around the park with 2000 peeps dressed like Father Christmas!

Post warm up... getting ready for the start.

Chris and I ready to get our run on.

Ho ho ho!

Chris contemplating the meaning of Christmas...

Florida Girl returns...

2010-12-12T21:01:00.000Z

After a very long winter and a rather dull London summer, we headed to Rosemary Beach for Labor Day. My dad and Lori drove over from Jacksonville for a night before heading north to Tennessee. Michelle, Matt and trey came down from Atlanta for the end of the week. We had a week of sunshine and amazing heat... which I am dearly missing at this moment! Chris and I were on the beach every single day and if I look closely enough I can still see faint tan lines over 4 months later!

Me, Chris, Laurie, Mike, Michelle, Trey and Matt

Our first day on the beach... HEAVEN!

Lori, me and my dad.

Christopher and his toes...

Chris, me and Trey... after a week in the sun.

Trey sporting his Polska t-shirt.

I'm at the beach... Woo Hoo!!!

The trick is to jump a little but bend your knees a lot!

House of Lords

2010-12-12T20:42:00.001Z

Chris and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary this year. We decided that our gift to one another would be attending a charity event at the House of Lords. The evening included entry into Westminster Palace via the Sovereign's Gate, cocktails and canapes on the Thames River, and a tour of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Chris and I on the Thames River terrace.

View of Westminster just after sunset.

Wow... What a month!

2010-07-04T09:54:00.000+01:00

It has been ages since my last post. I've been busy trying to keep up with life! We've had visitors galore and I have about a billion photos to sift through and eventually post. Summer is officially in full swing and my shoulders are tanned. It is this time of year when I fall in love with London all over again and remember why we suffer through the winter. After months of drizzling rain, snow, iced over sidewalks, rubber boots, wool coats, gloves, scarves, multiple layers of socks, runny noses, and sunsets at 4 pm; I am relishing in the 90 degree temps and enjoying my sundresses, flip flops and days that last until 10:30 pm! In short, life is good!!!

I hope to get some pictures up today. I am also renewing my promise to do better with the posts!

XX

Random Moments

2010-05-13T21:50:00.000+01:00

Reading on the train is one of lifes little pleasures. My commute is only 30 minutes from door to door and I spend about 20 of it on the train. So I dedicate my mornings and afternoons to my book club book. This month it is Jitterbug Perfume. I've read it about 4 times but it never ceases to make me laugh and I still find amazingly constructed sentences that paint immaculate images like only Tom Robbins can do.

On those occasions when I have forgotten my book... usually on the side of the bath tub following my evening soak and read... I take time to look around and see what everyone else is reading. It isn't unusual to see one of the Twilight books or one of Stig Larsson's trilogy. I also see what appear to be a lot of student's ready text books... don't know if I could study on a rush hour train but to each their own.

While Nirk were visiting we were on the Piccadilly line when I spotted the lady below. She was really into her book so you can imagine my surprise when I read the title...

Technology of breadmaking!!!

I love living in a city where you can see just about anything at any given moment!

Happy Belated Birthday Steven!!!

2010-05-01T12:09:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, my good friend Steven McIntyre celebrated his 28th Birthday... AGAIN! We spent a rainy Saturday afternoon at the Tate Modern followed by a rather nice and dry walk along South Bank to Soho for a delicious dinner at Cafe Emm. The best part of the day was enjoy a drink and some nibbles in the bar at the Tate overlooking St Paul's Cathedral! A simply fantastic day with lovely friends!

The view from our spot at the bar! Not too shabby!!

A rather dark picture of the boys...

Steve and Ray outside the Tate.

Chris and I a bit further along Southbank.

From the Golden Jubilee Bridge.

Canterbury Cathedral

2010-05-01T11:49:00.001+01:00

Canterbury Cathedral dates back to 597AD. It is the original Anglican Church in the United Kingdom and the first incarnation of the church was built for the Pagan King Ethelbert's wife, Queen Bertha, to worship! In short, it is incredibly old!

The inside is pretty impressive. Although I think we are starting to develop a bit of boredom with cathedrals in general. Seems like if you have seen one you have seen them all. And we have seen some of the greats: Notre Dame in Paris, Koln Dom in Germany, St Vitus in Prague just to name a few. The exception to this might just be the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The church has a ton of history. Some may have heard of Thomas Becket. He was Arch Bishop of Canterbury and was killed in the church by 'order' of King Henry II. Following his death, his tomb became a point of mass pilgrimage as it was believed that miracles occurred there. However, in the 1530's King Henry VIII destroyed the shrine when he overtook the church and declared himself the head of the Church of England. I overheard the guide say that they King's men carted away almost 30 wagons of jewels that pilgrims had left!

When Matt and Michelle came to visit, Michelle kept saying that everything reminded her of Harry Potter. I bet the Cloisters would have made her say it again!

Except for the graves in the middle, I could see Harry kicking off for a quick fly about on his broom stick! I wonder if thinking about Harry Potter at such a holy and religious site is sacrilege?

Following our tour of the Cathedral we walked around the streets of Canterbury and ended our day on a punting boat tour... Until next time! XXX

A 3 hour tour....

2010-05-01T11:05:00.001+01:00

Nick and Kirk (aka Nirk) arrived in London just in time to enjoy an extended visit. Thanks to an Icelandic volcano, of all things, their one week holiday turned into a 2 week get away!

We went on a walking tour just a few hours after their plane touched down...Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Southwark, South Bank, Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. We finished off the evening with a walk along Regent's Canal to Camden and dinner at Camden Brasserie. Not too shabby for day 1!

On day 3, we hired a car and drove to Canterbury. Had big plans to continue on to Dover but decided to enjoy Canterbury and leave Dover to the next visit. Canterbury Cathedral was very impressive. I will post more on it later.

We head due north to the coast and for a quick and very cold glimpse of the English Channel before heading back to London Town. Our drive home took us past the 2012 Olympic site.

One day 8 (thanks Eyjafjallajokull) we took a blanket down to Regents Park and enjoyed spring time in London. This is by far the best time of year in London... although my allergies might disagree. Nirk got a chance to experience a bit of day to day life in London.

And what is more day to day than a Sunday Roast and a pint at the Volunteer?

Chris and I are so glad that the boys finally made it over to visit. Hopefully, they will make a habit of it now that they realize how easy it is to get to London! Take note other non-visitors!!! Come to London!

Teach a man to fish...

2010-04-05T12:33:00.000+01:00

And you will have a freezer full of trout and no clue how to filet or cook them!

For Chris's 30th birthday we got him fly fishing lessons. He had the option to meet the instructor just outside London for a day trip or we could plan a weekend a bit further out and make a mini holiday out of it. It took a year but the weekend before his 31st birthday we headed to the quaint village of Longstock for some fishin' and eatin' and of course some R&R!

I brought the picnic basket in hopes of a nice lunch by the lake. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate so we lunched at the pub instead!

A country house just down the road from our inn. I looked at a few listings for local property and was amazed that a house like this is more affordable than a 2 bedroom flat in central London! It is times like this that I ponder the benefits of commuting... a fast train to London from here takes about an hour...

I am really, really, really looking forward to late spring and summer. This drizzly, grey weather is really taking a toll on me. Consider this picture a starting point... now close your eyes and picture green leaves, blue sky and little white fluffy clouds!

Let the fishing begin!

Can you spot the professional?

While Chris has practising, I wondered around and took picture...

And I put my feet up for a bit... fishing is hard work!

Any chance there is a fish on the end of that line?

This looks promising...

Two at once... now that is skill!

Once the fish were gutted and beheaded (poor little guys) I headed back to the pub/inn and asked the chef if he would cook us trout for dinner. A few hours later Chris returned with a massive smile, rosy cheeks, and stinking of fish... after a shower and change of clothes, we enjoyed the freshest fish ever! The other 3 trout are now in our freezer awaiting the grilling season... and visitors!

Almost like home...

2010-03-13T11:09:00.000Z

After a particularly long week that included me getting ANOTHER cold I decided that Chris should take me out for dinner. I called him around 10:30 in the morning to share my decision. The conversation went like this...

Me: Hello, You need to make reservations.
Him: I do? Why?
Me: Because I took the time to look cute today... really cute. And it's Friday.
Him: Okay

I love my hubby!
After a crab cake with mango salsa, a 12 oz USDA sirloin with crispy onions, garlic green beans and cottage chips and a chocolate fondant cake with vanilla ice cream at The Palm, I REALLY love my hubby!
Nothing like an American style steak dinner with a bottle of Sonoma Pinot Noir to take care of my nagging homesickness!!!

I Heart Northern Ireland

2010-03-07T12:10:00.000Z

After the better part of an afternoon in Belfast we headed for Portrush along the A2/Antrim Coast Road. Not sure what we were expecting but were amazed at how beautiful the drive was...despite the rain, snow and hail we encounter along the way!

It was freezing! And windy! But gorgeous!!

The water was crystal clear and when the sun was out it was blue like I have never seen! Parts of the drive reminded me of Highway 1 in California. Every 2 or 3 miles I was begging for Chris to pull over for a photo opportunity... eventually, he just stayed in the car while I froze! But the pictures were worth it ;-)

All these pictures were taken on the same sporadic day. So far we've had some dark clouds and a little rain... still to come heavy rain, snow and hail!

Seems like all our trips within the UK include graveyards and sheep. Now where are those sheep???

Happy Sheep!

And here comes the snow...

This is the view of Portrush Harbor from our B&B. Please note the snow on the roofs.

We got in to Portrush around 5 and met my friend Steven for a quick drink. Within 20 minutes of heading into the pub there was a full on hail storm! Hail the size of marbles was pouring out of the sky for about 2 hours!!! And when we woke up the next morning there was about 2 or 3 inches of snow!

Steven and Ray... on the snow covered beach!

Look at the smile on my face.

A Florida Girl standing on a snow covered beach in coat, gloves, and scarf.

Steven and I.

We travelled to Northern Ireland to see Steven off to Australia. But then he decided to stay in London. I think the whole thing was just a ploy to get us to his hometown ;-)

While the snow made driving and walking a bit treacherous... it sure does make for pretty pictures!

Where is my coat?

Silly Florida Girl, just because the sun is shining does not mean that it is warm!!!

Dunluce Castle. Picture Perfect!

The Giant's Causeway. Built by the Irish Giant, Finn McCool, to get to Scotland to fight the Scottish Giant. The Scot was so much larger than Finn that he was horrified and ran away. His wife dressed him as a baby and when the Scot Giant saw him he thought that it was Finn's baby and that the father must be gigantic so he ran away destroying the causeway as he fled! Or it was caused by the cooling of volcanic lava... whatever.

Whatever or whoever built the causeway, it was impressive. Steven was a brilliant tour guide... he told his own version of local folklore which I found entertaining... even more entertaining was when he heard the more accurate versions at the visitors centre!

The morning after the "Going Away" party, Chris and I headed back to Belfast. Our plan was to tour Bushmill's Distillery and then take the less scenic but faster route back to Belfast. However, Bushmill's had other plans for us so we just retraced the original route but detoured through a forest road. It was a lovely ride but true to my nature I was asleep for about an hour!

Before my nap, we stopped to check out the beach. Try as we might we couldn't find the pot o'gold at the end of this rainbow!! Maybe on our next trip!

An Afternoon in Belfast

2010-03-03T20:57:00.000Z

About 2 weeks ago Chris and I headed over to Northern Ireland for a long weekend. We spent the early afternoon in Belfast before driving along the coast to a little town called Portrush. Several people recommended a black taxi tour of Belfast that would take us through the history of the "troubles" as well as tour the hotspots. The sky was only slightly ominous...

Apparently back in the 70's when things first started to kick off, people started painting murals as a way of marking their neighborhoods. This practice continues. Our tour guide insisted the murals are now peaceful and positive but the neighborhoods are about 100% segregated and the murals are specific to the neighborhood...

I don't think a man with a rifle in a ski mask is how I would depict a positive and peaceful message! To each their own!!!

The picture to the right is the peace wall. It is one of 6 or 7 walls that divide a Catholic neighborhood from a Protestant one. This one is just about covered in grafiti. Most visitors sign their name on the wall to show their support of the peace process. However, am not so sold on the idea that they have peace. Things are clearly better than they were in the past but the country still has a long way to go to be at peace. The Monday or Tuesday after we got back there was a car bomb outside a courthouse in Newry. The bomb was apparently in response to a decision to return policing responsibility to the capital of Belfest from London...

The wall on the left is covered in murals in support of "troubles" in other parts of the world. Irish refer to the fighting as the "troubles."

Downtown Belfast was pretty small and fairly rundown but we did visit a pretty awesome pub. The original plan was to have a pint but since we had a couple hours worth of driving ahead of us so we just took a look around the loos and then headed on our way! The capital was impressive and looked very similar to St Paul's Cathedral in London...they even have their own mini-Eye!

Next post... pics from the drive and Portrush!!!

Until then...

Hello Neighbor...

2010-02-25T21:14:00.001Z

Last Thursday on my way to work at a very respectable 10:15 am, I ran into one of our neighbors... Sir Paul McCartney!!!

I was cool, calm, collected as I flashed a smile and said good morning. He smiled back and returned my morning greeting.
Now for a quick look into what was happening in my head as he approached: "Huh? That guy looks kind of familiar. Who is he? Is that... No, it couldn't possibly be... HOLY CRAP! It is... that is Paul McCartney. Oh my god a BEATLE!!! Calm down, calm down. What are you going to say... Hi? No that is stupid; he probably hears "hi" all the time. Oh no, he's getting closer. Think woman think!!! Okay he is only a few feet away, smile... less teeth, say something... say something... Good Morning (out loud) Sir Paul McCartney (to myself).
As I walked away I very literally did a silly little dance and said out loud/to myself "I just spoke to a BEATLE!!!" I then proceeded to call Chris and leave a ridiculous message which he in turn played to all his co-workers.
I now walk the exact same way to work every day in hopes that I might see him again. I have a mental list of things I will say to him the next time. But I am pretty sure I will just ask him the following question: Aren't you the lead singer of Wings?

When the Farmers Came to Londontown

2010-02-17T22:39:00.001Z

A few weeks ago Michelle and Matt came for an extended weekend trip to London. They arrived on Friday and Michelle headed home on Tuesday. Matt stayed in town until the following Saturday but had to work... boo work! However, in the few days we had together we walked to Camden via Primrose Hill, spent way too much time at Cyberdog (a futuristic space clothing store... the store's description, not mine!), had a delicious dinner at Cinnamon Club followed by a walk past Westminster Abbey, Parliament, County Hall, and the Eye, spent a night in the country, waved to the queen, stared at some royal guards, ate in a cave, went shopping on Marylebone High Street and enjoyed tea at the Wolseley! Not too shabby for 4 days!

Matt and Michelle in Camden.

Cold Farmers in front of Big Ben.

Michelle and Matt in front of the old mill in Lower Slaughter.

Yes, it was as cold as it looks.

Michelle and Chris at the Puesdown Inn.

Nothing better than a comfy sofa, a warm fire and great company to put smiles on our faces!

Michelle and Matt at Gordon's Wine Bar.

I will try to post some more pictures from the weekend soon.

Until then...

~Hugs and Kisses~

Clickity Clack Clickity Clack

2010-02-17T22:23:00.001Z

About once or twice a week I can hear the sound of horses on the street. To be honest, I am usually wrapped up in my warm covers sound asleep when they arrive. Lucky for all 6 of you about 2 weeks ago I was up early enough to snap a few quick pictures out of the window!

Oh... and in case you were wondering, these are royal horses ;-)

Oh no.. not the hat!

2010-02-17T21:49:00.002Z

Today was a sad day.

After hoping for the best last night it became official around noon today.

I lost my hat.

My favorite hat.

Yep, the one I am wearing in ALL the pictures you've seen over the last year.

I went back to my last client from Tuesday but it wasn't there. I looked in, on, under, next to, around and behind my desk at work, not there either. I asked the receptionist, the porter, a security guard and the cleaning guy, just in case. I even retraced my steps from the last moment that I was sure I had it... alas, there was no hat to be found. I did find a men's left hand glove and considered going on a search for it's owner just in case he is a devastated as I am.

I guess I am destined to lose things. Umbrellas, my Free People scarf from Chicago, my mind... and now my hat.

Where's the Boy?

2010-02-03T20:39:00.002Z

While I sit all alone in our flat... Florida Boy is off in Brussels! Sure he claims it is all work and no play but guess where he called me from... yep... a bar! And not just any bar but one of our favorite haunts across from the Manneken Pis. Can't say that I blame him but I must admit I am more than just a little jealous. Knowing Chris, he won't come home empty handed so I will get to enjoy a Belgian brew eventually ;-) I may in fact be one of the few girls in the world who would be beyond happy to get a bag of beer for Valentine's Day! On a none beer note, Chris told me that his meetings will be across from the Atomium... a Brussels landmark that has escaped us on every trip. I am still unsure exactly where it is but know several routes that do not lead to it. I also know that the atom looking building on the tourist map is actually Prison de Saint-Gilles... and not the Atomium. However, there is no need to worry as we only saw the prison from the outside ;-)

Jacksonville

2010-01-17T20:29:00.004Z

Chris and I spent almost 2 weeks in Florida over the holidays. It was a little chilly in Jacksonville but after weeks of London weather, sunny and 65 isn't so bad! We spent as much time outside as possible. We even rolled down windows and opened the sunroof while in the car. It felt great to be in the sunshine and fresh air, especially at my Dad's in Jacksonville. As you can tell from the pictures, there are only a few neighbors but tons of oak trees and Spanish moss.

My brother and his family drove down from Colorado... yes, they drove! It was great spending time with them and the rest of the Cricks. As soon as I figure out how to get the pictures off our new camera without the adapter I will add other pictures from Jacksonville.

Chris, me, Jason, Maria and Steven

My brother and his family... Can you tell Jason doesn't like to have his picture taken?

Maria and Steven

Steven minus his 2 front teeth!

Steven is a bit of a cheeky monkey as well as a con artist. He managed to con Chris into buying him a $20 toy that was broken before we went to bed that same night! Chris quickly became Steven's favorite and the two of them could be seen playing in the yard, on the porch, in the living room, in the kitchen... well, you get the point. Steven specially packed a rubber snake to put in Grandma Lori's bed to scare her. The snake was strategically placed in no fewer than 4 places in one day eliciting screams... some legitimate and some for Steven's sake! He also made sure to bring reindeer food with special sparkles to ensure Santa could find him!

On our last night in Jacksonville I tucked Steven in to bed and he took my hand, softly in his own. He looked up at me and said "Aunt Jen, why do you and Uncle Chris have to leave tomorrow?" My eyes filled up with tears and then I realized he was just avoiding going to sleep... kids can be so clever!

The 1st Proper English Lesson of 2010

2010-01-05T22:20:00.002Z

Touch wood: Common saying meaning the same as "Knock on wood."
Torch: Flashlight
Full stop: By definition it means period but in familiar language it is used as follows: "I have to stop eating fried food if I am ever going to lose wait. Full stop."
Effing and Blinding: Used to describe how a person is cursing or swearing. "When the snow brought London to a halt everyone was effing and blinding about the lack of preparation."
Bicky: A biscuit,as in a cookie.
Kit: Clothing or uniform.

Never Say Never...

2010-01-04T17:41:00.003Z

I can still hear them in my head... the countless individuals who told us "it never snows in London." One sweet grounds keeper at a local park told us how when he was a kid outer London would get a few feet every winter but 'nothing' like that has happened in years and years. And then the sound of the pilot in October 2008 saying it was snowing in London as we sat on the Atlanta tarmac. Of course, there was also the Great Blizzard of 2009 that brought London to a full stop. As the snow flakes started to fall a little over 3 weeks ago, the day before our scheduled departure to sunny Florida, all those silly voices filled my head and had me near tears... London doesn't do snow well and I was having visions of cancelled flights. Luckily, it all worked out and we had a great holiday (minus my horrible cold and the 3 hour delay on the return flight).

Which brings us to today and the weather forecast for the next few days... snow.

And cold.

Seriously....

2009-12-16T11:13:00.000Z

It is snowing.

Oktoberfest 2009

2009-12-13T11:25:00.005Z

Back in September Chris and I achieved a life long dream... we joined 5,999,998 other nuts in Munchen for Oktoberfest! This was one of the first trips we booked upon landing in London back in October of 2008. We rarely plan anything a year in advance but this... well, this was special and required considerable planning. I think about 10 or 12 people were in on the tent hunt, trying to locate a tent with a table for 20+ that didn't require our first born as a deposit. Thanks to our good friend Tim and his American Express Platinum Concierge for getting the job done in the 11th hour! We landed on Saturday morning, made a b-line to the nearest German consignment shop to purchase some traditional Bavarian threads, and spent about 2 hours enjoying the calm before the storm.

Saturday night we headed to the Oktoberfest grounds and made our way into the first tent we found with open doors, Hofbräu Festhalle! I experienced a few moments of sensory overload. Pictures could never do it justice. There were thousands of people, thousands of litres of beer, an oompa loompa band, Bavarian damen carrying 8, 9, 10 litres at a time and... everyone was in dirndls and lederhosen!!! I instantly knew this was going to be a good weekend!

The Hofbräu Festhalle was a bit insane. We arrived just after 9 pm to find thousands of people who had been drinking all day and we were just getting started. We had decided to save our traditional wear for Sunday, thinking it would be a novelty. Little did we know that lederhosen and dirndls are common place in Munich during the fest. We were the novelties in street clothes! After a litre or 2 of beer, we fought over a pretzel. It was a good thing when the lights were turned up and the band played Ein Prosit Gemütlichkeit for millionth and final time. We headed for the door and back to the hotel to prepare for the next day which would be starting sharply at noon!

11:30 am, Sunday, September 27th, post coffee but prior to beer!

The rest of our 25 will be join us inside the Hippodrom Tent.

Prepared for the day in our Bavarian working class threads and our first litres of beer. Das Leben ist schön!

There are probably only about 3 or 4 people in this tent without litres! Somewhere down there smack in the middle is a 18/19 year old German guy wearing a University of Florida hat! I said "Go Gators" to him and he looked at me like I had a second head! Maybe "Go Gators" means something different in German?!?

It was next to impossible to get out entire group into one photo, especially post second round! It looks like about 18 in this picture so we are only missing about 5... not to shabby!

From Hippodrom to Armbrustschützen-Tent (aka Paulaner). We were unsure if we would be able to get 20+ people into another tent but Tommy and I sweet talked the group into the Paulaner tent. Tommy did most of the talking, seeing as how he speaks German, and I smiled and looked innocent. As it turns out, there was no need to sweet talk because they had just opened the doors for free seats. It took a while to find a bench for the lot of us and along the way Chris and I made friends with some very drunk Germans. These guys were so excited to meet Americans and wanted us to take pictures with them. For every picture they would yell "Usain Bolt" and assume the pose. Most of this pictures were blurring because I was laughing hysterically and couldn't hold the camera still! But the picture of Chris above tells the story well enough!

This is the end of the pictures but not of the adventure. It was around this time I decided to put the camera away to prevent it from being broken, lost or stolen. Shortly after the camera was tucked away, Chris made his way back to the hotel. He hadn't bought in to my plan; a litre of beer, a litre of water, a litre of beer, a litre of water... you get the picture. In the end, a good time was had by all and everyone made it to their respective homes safe and sound. The plan worked brilliantly and I was sans hangover on Monday morning!!! Come back soon for Gnew Gnoah Gnomes adventures in Deutschland!

Until then... XOXO

Grr... Silly Bus

2009-12-09T20:46:00.003Z

The number 16 bus stole my umbrella.

Which brings the total number of umbrellas claimed by the city since our arrival to 6. Chris left one at Bodeans on our 4th day in London, then two were sacrificed to the Tri-fecta Gods on the same day in November 2008, Chris lost another (on a tube, in a pub, on a bus... no one really knows for sure) and we managed to leave the massive Atlanta EY "borrowed" umbrella in the back of a taxi the day we moved into our first flat. The saddest part of the last one is that we never even got to use it! We carried it around the city several times but never actually opened it on this side of the pond!

6 umbrellas in 13 months. Not bad at all.

On a side note: Can I add an umbrella with lo-jack to my Christmas list???

Revisiting the Anniversary

2009-12-01T23:10:00.005Z

Back in October on my 5 year anniversary post I promised a picture of Chris and I from the wedding... Here it is almost 2 months later and I have not followed through with my promise. Problem is that I can't find the silly pics! I know they are on a CD somewhere but whether that somewhere is London or my dad's spare room in Jacksonville is beyond me. But I did find these pictures that Laurie took a few years ago of the famous rock...

Maybe for our 6th anniversary I will track down the wedding pictures!

Christmas Time in the Big City!!!

2009-11-30T19:16:00.002Z

It is no secret that I loathe Christmas music. I think it was the year I worked at Gap Kids for the holidays to make some extra money that put me over the edge. The same 30 songs in the exact same order played over and over again for almost 2 months straight is enough to send anyone to the nut house. However, pair that up with people coming into the store, singing along and commenting about how great the music is... well, that made me the pseudo scrooge that I am today! I say pseudo because I love all other things Christmas. I just wish we could leave the music out of the holiday!!!

Since we are heading home for the holidays this year Chris tried to convince me that we should skip the tree. Ha! Like he ever had a chance of winning that argument! I have been daydreaming about all my ornaments and fun holiday stuff since the 1st note of crappy Christmas music hit my ears! I almost refused to go on our weekend get-away to Isle of Wight because I wanted to get the tree on Friday. So today after work I got the bus to the Flower Station and picked out a tree London style. Basically that means that I picked a tree that I never saw unwrapped because when I asked the guy to unwrap a few he laughed! It was a rather grumpy laugh so I decided not to push my luck, paid for the tree and hailed a black cab! Yes, I brought my tree home in a black cab!!! I must say it was a bit easier than carrying it the 6 blocks home like we did last Christmas.

Luckily, when I got the tree home and opened it I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent tree. All that is left is to toss the lights and decorations on it and wait for the presents to show up!!!

Isle of Wight

2009-11-29T20:09:00.008Z

A few weeks ago we started talking about getting out of London for the long weekend. I told Chris that I pictured us hold up in a cabin along the shore with a fire burning, warm blankets and nothing to do but relax. I must have looked at a hundred rentals on the web and found nothing that was close enough, far enough, cheap enough, cozy enough... or just plain enough! When Wednesday rolled around and we still had no confirmed plans I started making a mental list of things to do over the long weekend... laundry, cleaning, Christmas shopping, more laundry... I was prepared to give up the idea of nothing but R&R. But Chris came through in the eleventh hour... literally... we emailed an Inn on the Isle of Wight on Wednesday night, they responded midday Thursday, Chris booked the room and 2 train tickets for noon on Friday! By 1 pm on Friday we were munching turkey sandwiches as we chugged through the English countryside and the rain!

The other hope I had for the weekend was a nice long walk along the coast and a chance to break-in my Hunter Wellies...

Check!As soon as we got checked in and dropped our bags in the room we were off to check out the area. Here is Chris admiring our future summer home. And yes, this modern monstrosity sticks out like a sore thumb... I preferred the more traditional English cottages.

Now this is the kind of place where I could cuddle up in front of the fire with a good book, a glass of wine and a fat cat at my feet... when will Chris be making partner???

The beach is not the white fluffy sand that I grew up with in Florida. But I have to admit that I enjoyed the natural pebbles and sea shells that were scattered along the shore. I just needed a bucket to help collect all my treasures!

The end of November is the off season for the Isle of Wight. And for good reason... it was freezing! I asked Chris if he wanted to pack his hat, gloves, scarf, etc and he said no. I tossed his hat in my bag"just in case" and by day 2 he was wearing my scarf! Next time I just pack for him ;-)

We only had a few hours to explore before the sunset. We walked along the shore and then made our way inland before heading back towards the hotel. I loved these puddles and was really wishing I had a tripod to prevent the pictures from being so blurry.

We headed back to the hotel where we enjoyed a few pints in the pub along with a game of darts. Neither Chris nor I have any clue how to play darts; other than the basic concept of throwing the pointy end of the dart in the general direction of the bulls eye. So we made up our own rules and laughed our way through the afternoon as Chris threw for Yahtzee! After darts we enjoyed dinner and then headed to the room for a pleasant surprise...

The BEST turn down service EVER, hands down!

We returned to our room to find the radio playing relaxing tunes, the bed turned down with hot water bottles warming each side of the bed, slippers laid out next to the bed and the lights in the bathtub glowing blue!!! I don't think I could have asked for anything more... except maybe a chocolate on my pillow ;-)

This picture does not do the bathtub justice but it will have to do! The tub was big enough for 3 or 4 people. It had blue lights inside the tube and the faucet is that little silver circle in the picture on the ceiling next to the rain style shower head! Yes, the water falls from the ceiling into the tub! Oh and did I mention that there is a TV embedded in the tiles? Calgon take me away...

As we tucked in for the night (after hour long bathes each,) the rain started to fall and lulled us off to sleep. Needless to say, we both slept like babies and woke up to sunshine!!!!

And a few clouds... but look at those blue skies in between the clouds!

So I realize that it looks overcast in the picture but when it is November in England beggars can't be choosers! We take any hint of sunshine and blue sky that we can get! Here is our hotel, the Seaview Inn... doesn't look like the sort of place that would have TVs in the bathtubs!

We looked online, spoke to different people at the hotel and even chatted with a guest at breakfast about things to do. However, in the end we decided to go out for a wonder and enjoy getting lost. We figured the island is not that big and we had plenty of money to catch a cab back to the Inn if we got too far away so why not! Plus, Chris had been out for a run in the early morning and had scouted a potential path.

We started off along the water since the tide was heading out and we had plenty of room to walk.

It seems like every house we passed had a cute name on the gate or over the door. This was one of my favorites...

Eventually, the beach became impossible to walk on so we headed inland along a muddy path. We were flanked by green fields and woods. The air was crisp and my wellies kept my feet bone dry! I had a ball splashing through the puddles and trying not to avoid the mud!

I can definitely understand why Londoners have country or coast homes. It was so peaceful and relaxing to be out walking without doubledecker buses brushing past at 60 mph or having to dodge tourists. One thing is for certain, if we ever lived in a place like this we would have to get a doggy! We must have seen about 20 Border Collies in our 2 days and they were all having the time of their lives running, barking, and herding any and everything in sight!

We walked along the edge of the Priory Hotel and gates like this one marked the entrances on either end. Unfortunately, we had to continue our walk along the main road. I tried in vain to snap pictures while dodging cars... wasn't I just saying something about not missing this???

We walked through St Helen's and then headed back to the coast and enjoyed the houseboats in Bembridge...

Leave it to me to make friends with a pirate along the way. I told him on of my pirate jokes... he didn't seem to be very amused. He must have had barnacles in his ears ;-) It was at about this point in our walk that I realized just how heavy rubber boots are, especially when you have walked about 4 miles... We found a cute little pub and were ready to tuck in to a pint when Chris decided to see what else was around. The Lobster and Crab Inn was recommended and right on the shore... it looked deceivingly close on Chris's Blackberry map so we were off again.

In the end, it was worth the extra mile we walked. We sat outside and drank a pint, enjoying the sea views and then headed inside for crab cakes by the fire.

For the record, the camera is level... it is the fence that is going downhill!

England's coasts are known for their chalk cliffs and Isle of Wight is no different. Most of the southern and eastern coast on the island are nothing but cliffs. We only caught the edge of it but is was lovely to say the least. We considered a walk along this beach but decided that it was time to head back to the hotel for a quick nap before our massages!

We made it back just in time, too. As we kicked off our shoes in the room it started to pour! This was the theme of our weekend. When we were outside if was cold, windy and damp but not raining but as soon as we headed inside it would come down in sheets! After a quick nap, we headed to the Inn's spa room. Chris enjoyed a 60 minute massage while I was pampered with a 60 minute facial and 30 minutes neck, shoulder and back massage. So this was not on my original weekend wish list but I consider it a compromise since our room did not have a fire place!

After a nice long dinner, a bottle of vino and some sticky toffee pudding, we were ready for our nice warm bed and the sound of rain on the roof top. We slept-in until after 9:30 this morning before heading down for a Full English fry-up and fresh squeezed juice! It is hard to believe that we actually left this little bit of heaven to return to London! What were we thinking???

Until next time... XOXO

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T17:35:00.003Z

4 Americans, 2 Brits, an Irishman and a Bengali... No, it isn't a joke! We had some friends over for a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. The food was delicious (if I do say so myself) and the company was even better. I learned another valuable lesson... convection ovens cook much faster than regular ovens... However, since I was basting the bird every 30 minutes I was able to pick up on the fast cooking and in the end it was cooked to perfection. I love this Tom Colicchio recipe and don't think I will ever like another turkey as much. Even Chris said he thought this was my best turkey yet! Add the sweet potatoes with praline topping, green bean casserole, roasted garlic and sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, and top it all off with bourbon spiked pumpkin pie... We had a feast fit for the Queen!

After all the work we put into the feast we decided to get away for the weekend. Chris found a last minute deal on the Isle of Wight, booked the train tickets and away we went... after all the dishes were done! More to come on the Isle of Wight but not now... we have massages in 10 minutes ;-)

Until then...

XOXO

Budapest at a glance...

2009-11-07T08:28:00.006Z

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 3 months since our trip to Budapest! It is even harder to believe that I am just now posting the pictures!! I am going with the old cliche; Better late than never.

Budapest is a city that has experienced every possible up as well as every possible down. It was once a capital for the Austro-Hungarian empire and that is when Parliament was commissioned. Designed by an architect who studied in London, it closely resembles the English Parliament building in London. However, I must admit that given Hungary's current position in Europe and the world, this building looks incredibly out of place. We toured the interior and were amazed by the marble floors, walls, columns... it was everywhere and then we learned it was all fake! The hundreds of stained glass windows on the other hand are 100% real and 100% originals! During the German 'occupation' the windows were removed and stored under the building in sand and miraculously survived the war.

I use the work 'occupation' lightly because in the beginning Hungary was a German Ally. They tried to skirt the line they said in hopes of protecting their Jewish population but in reality... they were just as angry about their loses in World War I as the Germans were so they hopped on the Nazi bandwagon in an effort to regain their once prominent status in Europe. Before it was all over, Hitler ordered the country occupied and the Soviets 'liberated' the country in 1945 following a months-long siege in Budapest that left the city in rubble. One in ten Hungarians died in the war and those that survived experienced 44 years of Communism. In the end, the Hungarian experience from golden era to communism has left the people somewhat pitiable. They feel like everything 'happened' to them.

It has taken the city longer than most to rebuild and repair the opulence of their streets, buildings, etc following the fall of the USSR. However, a few days in the city and it is easy to see that the efforts are heating up...

There is scaffolding on just about every street which is not an unusual sight in Europe... but it is chunky wood scaffolding! The last time I saw wood scaffolding was when my grandfather had Mennonite carpenters working on his home in Tennessee!

Budapest was constantly trying to out-do Vienna in it's golden age. For Hungary's 1,000th birthday in 1896, the country commissioned buildings, parks and monuments by the hundreds including the Parliament building. However, I think the main thing they copied from Vienna was the cafe culture. Many of these cafes, like the one above, are being returned to their former glory. Most of the cafes are enormous and with the exception of a few utterly empty! The picture above was taken at about 1 pm along Andrasst Ut, one of the busiest streets in Budapest!

Another area undergoing renovation all over the city are the hotels. Budapest's fastest growing money maker is tourism so it makes since that the hotels are being spruced up. We stayed at the Art'otel along the Danube on the Buda side of the city. Our guide book listed the hotel as a $$$ splurge especially in peak season (when we were there, of course) but our room with it's amazing view of the river and Parliament was only a little over $100 a night!

The reception area and most of the rooms are in a modern, recently built building that is connected by a courtyard to a renovated row of townhouses. It was an interesting mixture of old and new that somehow worked. We ate our breakfast on the courtyard with the above balcony as our view.

Our room had views to the north of Parliament and to the south of Chain Bridge. Directly behind us was Castle Hill and an area known locally Buda Hills. Budapest was once two distinct cities, hilly Buda to the west of the Danube and flat Pest to the east. We tackled Buda in less than half a day and were disappointed to learn the the guide books were right to say that Castle Hill is much better from afar. The castle itself is a fake made to look real from a distance with faux painting. And while the Fisherman's Bastion was beautiful, it is more impressive to look up at it from the Pest side of the Danube. Amazingly enough, they charge you a few dollars to climb the stairs and walk about 25 yards along the top of the bastion. We watched tourist after tourist pay the fee and then exit within minutes a bit dejected only to find a free viewing area at the exit! Sometimes it literally pays to do your research before hand!

For a rather small city, Budapest has half a dozen bridges over the Danube. Above is the Liberty Bridge which leads right to the Gellert Hotel and Baths. Taking the waters is a Hungarian tradition that should not be missed! In our five days in Budapest we visited three thermal baths, once of which was also a water park, complete with wave pool and slides! There is nothing like soaking in hot, thermal pools after hiking all over the city.

We ended our time in Budapest at Keleti Station. Nothing makes me feel further from the US than a European train station. Though most are damp, dusty and covered with centuries of grime, it is impossible to not see what they must have been like in the hay day of train travel. They were built with attention to detail and make most modern day airports look like bus shelters! Too bad for us, our night train to Prague would quickly erase the romantic feelings of nostalgia for a bygone era and if the train ride itself didn't do the trick, the communist era train station on the other end would get the job done!

Next stop... Praha!
Until then, XOXO

Playing Catch Up

2009-10-18T11:21:00.002+01:00

I realize the posts are few and far between these days! Things have been incredibly hectic with travel, work, move, etc. As a matter of fact, it is Sunday and I am at work!! So here is a quick catch up and yet another promise that I will be posting about our trips to Eastern Europe and Munchen soon!!!

We have officially moved! Woo Hoo!! The new place has been a voyage of discovery with new things going wrong everyday. We are living without a sofa or dining room table but we do have satellite TV including ESPN America so Chris is happy ;-) Yesterday we went furniture shopping and got a sofa and table and have our fingers crossed that they will be delivered before or during the Kipphuts' visit... if not, please accept this as a formal apology for having to sit on the floor.

About 2 weeks before the move, we went to Munchen with 25 of our not so closest friends (truth be told I don't think I actually knew 25 people until the trip!) to celebrate Oktoberfest. Chris and I had been planning this trip since first visiting Germany a few years ago. Oktoberfest in Munchen is like Mecca for beer lovers... and as you all must surely realize by now, we are beer lovers! Take a moment now to imagine what the weekend was like... just think litres of beer, pretzels the size of my head, lederhosen, dirndls and of course Gnew Gnoah Gnome!!! Combine all of these things with a tent full of about 5000 litre drinking Germans! Good times!!!

And about 2 weeks prior to Munchen we spent a week in Budapest and Prague, as you may have guessed from the homeless disco tech post. I have a ton of pictures that capture the fun of eating pork knuckle, soaking in thermal baths, and enjoying the last days of Eastern European summer... Now if we could only get Internet access in our new place to upload pics!!!

Thanks for your patience!!!
Until next time,
XOXO

5 Amazing Years .. and Counting!

2009-10-09T23:51:00.003+01:00

5 years ago today, I walked down the aisle, clinging to my father's arm and willing myself not to cry and destroy my make-up. By the end of that amazing night the following events had occurred: My mom cried as I twirled in my dress, I shared a laugh with my dad as we shared a Miller Lite, Chris held my hand in his as he said our vows, I struggled to get the wedding band on my plump ring finger, I shared a toast with 6 amazing friends and 1 amazing husband, Amber yelled 'Git'er Done' as we were introduced, Chris dipped me at the exact perfect moment as we finished our first dance as Mr and Mrs, Katherine Smith-Moreno handed me a perfectly poured Captain and Coke when I needed it most, Laurie hi-fived me to celebrate everything coming together, Kirk gave the longest and greatest best man toast EVER in the history of weddings including a shout out to his new favorite Aunt Sue, I enjoyed a slice of the BEST wedding cake ever made, I had an impromptu dance with my father to Skynards "Gimme 2 Steps', I watched Chris's eyes smile with delight when he realized I was wearing the garter belt he had given me years ago as a joke after a business trip to Amarillo, we then laughed hysterically as Kirk and Vanessa put on an R rated show with said garter, I shared countless stolen looks, soft kisses and loving smiles with my new husband, I spun around in circles with Vanessa like we had done so many times before and I drove away, beside Chris as bubbles floated around us.

I remember thinking that night that it may never get any better than so many of those small but amazing moments. And then the next 5 years happened! Now as I walk past the Italian Fountains in Kensington Gardens or ride the bus past Buckingham Palace or spend the day planning our next adventure, I find myself thinking the same thing again... it might never get any better than this!! Or maybe, if the coming years follow the last five it will only get better.

Happy Anniversary Florida Boy!
ILU ;-)

PS: My wedding picture discs have been packed and this picture is the only one I have on the computer... I will post later with one of me and the hubby!!!

2 Pints of Guinness to Celebrate!

2009-09-24T20:44:00.003+01:00

Florida Boy is moving up in London... and subsequently the world ;-)

Chris just got word today that he is being promoted to Senior Manager in October! There was some nervousness about the outcome of this years promotion since Uncle Ernie London only had a few months to see what Uncle Ernie Southeast Area and I have come to expect... udder perfection. (Laurie, that was for you ;-)

Chris thinks this post is a little too much but... when it comes to my amazing husband, nothing could ever be enough!!!

To celebrate we are enjoying a few pints of Guinness...

On a side note, Happy Anniversary to Guinness! Today they are celebrating the 250 year anniversary of signing the lease on the St Jame's Gate Brewery in Dublin... not to be too picky but the celebration is about 2 months early! Guess we will just have to toast with more Guinness in 2 months time!

Florida Girl finds the Florida Crowd

2009-09-20T10:28:00.004+01:00

Nothing like watching the Gators with a crowd of Florida fans!!! Last night we headed to our normal football spot from last season, Bodeans BBQ, to meet up with the London Gator Club. Figured there would be 15, maybe 20 all together... in the end I think we took over the entire 3 floor restaurant! The reservation for 25 was not even close to enough so the group spread out... I feel a bit sorry for the other dinners who came in for a good ole fashion Saturday BBQ... instead they got to experience a taste of the Swamp! No AC and lots of people lead to high temps and high humidity, the yelling, cheering and trash talking rounded the experience out nicely. Good Times!

BOLO

2009-09-19T11:59:00.003+01:00

On my walk home from work a few days ago I came across an interesting scenario. About 2 blocks from the flat, I found a pair of men's trousers on the sidewalk. It looked like someone had just walked right out of them. I ponder for a moment how a man could loose his trousers and just keep walking which is when I came upon a jumper (aka sweater)! Now I was baffled... trousers and a jumper within 10 yards of one another... could this be a coincidence? Now I felt like I was on the hunt... so when I came across a pair of men's underpants, I nearly jumped with delight!!! A few yards later, there was a men's button down dress shirt... and then it hit me.

There is a naked man roaming about my neighborhood!

West London be on the look out for (BOLO): a naked man!

Blogging from my travel journal...

2009-09-13T15:31:00.001+01:00

I love my travel journal. I take it pretty much everywhere we go but I rarely write in it. I always have the best intentions but hours of walking, sight seeing, pubbing, and the like always get in the way of my literary goals! On our recent trip to Eastern Europe I vowed to do better... I thought my 5 loyal readers would enjoy a peek into the private, travel blubberings of Florida Girl!

23rd August 2009 Day One
Not as early a start as we are used to... we slept til 4:45 am! Ha! Should be in Hungary in about 3 hours. I read the guide book over 3 weeks ago and remember only minor details... for instance, a Hungarian invented the Rubik Cube. Should be a fun trip, full of surprises!!!

24th August 2009 Day Two
We found a Belgian Pub in Budapest. Go figure.

Budapest is a city on the cusp of of dilapidation... it must have been brilliant before wars tore it apart and Communism left it in disrepair. Grand buildings with boarded up windows are the norm but occasionally you see one of these giants in the throws of renovation. Kind of makes you wonder...

The "underground" is laughable when compared to London. Barely below the road... walk down less than 20 steps and you are at the tracks! Funny little musical tunes play to signify a stop or when the doors are closing!

26th August 2009 Day Four
On the night train to Prague... It is an adventure that we will look back on with find memories (Note: Maybe in 20 years!!!)

Learning about Hungary's experience during WWII and then under USSR occupation has been interesting. I have not made my mind up on how to feel. Hungary allied with Germany during WW2 in a effort to regain land last following WWI... All in all, Hungary suffered worse with Communism that with the Nazis! Walking around the city, I can not imagine what it must have been like during those years...

Notes about the Night Train
No dining car.... seriously?!? Can buy small items from guy in our car but we spent all out money at the station!
No A/C! It is hot but with the window down it is loud. Note to self: Should have brought ear plugs!
Window open = Stinky farm smells every 10 to 15 minutes!
Sleeper car does not mean that you will actually sleep!
Why does the train keep stopping?
Who's idea was this stupid night train thing??? Why did I agree to this???

Note from Florida Boy
I think the best part of any trip is the moment you realize it is over... when you have a chance to first remember. I really enjoyed this one. This is what we moved to London to do. And I am happy!
Culturally, not as different as I expected, though knowing the people there experienced a very different past. amazing how quickly a country can move forward. Though my favorite part was that thermal baths, probably the oldest part of the city, they just seemed like such a natural part of the city.
I will never forget the night train to Prague. What seemed like an uneventful trip turned in to much more: After the 4th stop in about 2 hours, I realized our plans of sleeping and saving money on hotels were out the open train window!

Have you ever...

2009-09-02T21:57:00.001+01:00

laughed so hard you peed your pants?
No?
I guess there is a first time for everything...

Florida Girl presents

Homeless Prague Discotheque 2009

Notice that we aren't the only ones snapping pics as the show gets under way.

Is she alone???

I think she has a partner....

Yep... there he is, peeking over her shoulder.

He is warming up...

But his woman keeps stealing the limelight.

She is about to break it down...

What is this? A new move...

I think her man may be embarrassed.

He is kind of acting like he doesn't know her.

Maybe he is just considering a Kebab for dinner?

And he is back with his signature wide leg stance.

She is still strutting and he is... well... he is standing...

Ut oh... I put my camera down and looked away for just a moment... and this is what I found when I looked back. Notice the Kebab shop workers, we could hear them laughing from across the street. There are also 4 police officers out of view that are doubling over with laughter...

At this point, the tears started to well up in our eyes... the anticipation of what might happen next was almost too much to bear!

Yes, she did wrap her legs around his neck while lying flat on her back. And yes, he did lift her into his arms. And no, neither so much as stumbled!

I realize that the pictures can not possibly do this event justice... I strongly encourage everyone to print these pictures out and fashion a crude flip book. This will be the best way to recreate the moment. I recommend playing Billie Jean for the first few moves, then move on to Walk like an Egyptian, and close it out with Time of my Life... I think the moves sync nicely with the songs.

Oh... and we will be buying a video camera just in case this EVER happens again!

This is why we are here...

2009-08-22T11:29:00.004+01:00

As we near our one year anniversary in London, I am fighting bouts of homesickness. Sometimes I feel like we are missing everything... Trey growing up, the Kipphuts new beach house, my dad's 60th birthday as well as others, weddings... the list goes on and on. However, as I pack and prepare for my first trip to Eastern Europe I am reminded of why we hopped the pond! I never thought as I was growing up that I would have the opportunities I have had and our time in London is about making the most out of every minute! It doesn't make me miss 'home' any less but it does make it a little better to know that one day, when we do move back, we will have a lifetime of adventures under our belts!

Now... if I could only find the motivation to pack!!!

Until next time!
~XOXO

The quiet before the storm...

2009-08-16T20:39:00.001+01:00

Looks like things are about to get crazy.

With storms brewing in the Atlantic and coastal towns preparing for another hurricane season in the good ol' U S of A, we are preparing for a season of our own. Next Sunday we take off for Hungry, then to the Czech Republic, returning to London on the 30th and then preparing for a visit from an Atlanta friend. Sandhya arrives on the 4th or 5th September and we will likely hit up the English countryside for a weekend with Sandhya returning to ATL on the 9th. Her trip is followed by a bit of a breather... which will be devoted to training. After all, we are off to Oktoberfest in 2 short weeks and must be in top beer drinking condition. Back in London on 28th September with a possible visit from Mike within a few days. And to wrap up the fun filled season, the Kipphuts arrive on the 20th of October for a week that includes NFL in London!!!

I am worn out just writing it all down... But I wouldn't change a thing!!! Looks like we have some availability at the beginning of October if anyone wants to squeeze in a quick trip and help us move to the new place!

Heaven on a bun...

2009-08-09T21:05:00.004+01:00

Otherwise known as Lucky Seven.

Several months ago Chris and I read/heard about a place in Notting Hill that was supposed to have great burgers. A few months later we figured out the name of the place, Lucky Seven, and a few months after that I found it while working. It took me about a week to convince Chris it was 'close' and we could walk there for dinner. We went for the 1st time the day after Michael Jackson died... random I know... and enjoyed bacon cheese burgers with french fries, milk shakes and the MJ catalog rockin' in the background. It was Y U M M Y!!! We ate so much that it was painful to walk home and we both had to undo the top button on our jeans... but we vowed to return and do it again.

Yesterday, we met our friend Tim at the Great British Beer Festival for some good ol' fashion beer drinking... err tasting ;-) After what felt like 30 minutes but turned out to be about 4 hours at the festival, nothing sounded better than a big fat American style bacon cheese burger with beer battered onion rings and a cookies-n- cream extra thick milk shake.

Life is good.

Mandatory Paris

2009-08-01T08:08:00.005+01:00

My memories of Paris circa October 2004 are pretty clear... unlike the weather. On our honeymoon it was dreary, overcast, rainy and cold. We didn't let the weather slow us down then but I must say... sunshine and mid 80 degree temperatures are a much better way to experience Paris! In the few hours we had to explore we made a decent dent in the City of Love.

Our first stop, a stroll along the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. I get sensory overload standing in the Place! To the west is the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. To the east, Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre. To the north is the American Embassy, Le Madeleine, and Hôtel de Crillon. And to the south is the River Seine and the Pont de la Concorde. In the piazza itself, is the fountain designed by Hittrof as well as 8 statues he designed representing various French cities and the Obelisk. And as if all of that is not enough, the entire Place is encircled by several busy roads with cars, trucks and motorcycles zooming past! And of course, the gazillion tourists playing frogger trying to cross the roads while taking pictures in all directions add to the excitement! The Place de la Concorde is a can't miss when visiting Paris but the next must is a moment of relaxation...

If you are going to relax... this is the place to do it. The parks department in Paris know how to pick the perfect chairs for relaxing... and unlike London, you don't have some guy pestering you every 15 minutes for 3 pounds just to use them! And even better yet, they are not covered in pigeon droppings or surrounded by hordes of angry swans begging for food! We could have stayed all day lounging in the sunshine but Paris was calling and Chris had spotted something he wanted to check out!

This picture gives and whole new meaning to the phrase 'a kid in a candy shop.' Some how we got away without buying a single piece of candy... but Chris cried for an hour ;-) Just kidding... the boy does love his candy!!

There was a carnival/gambling fair along the Jardin des Tuileries that provided great people watching opportunities. It was pretty big but had the same 5 rides/games that were repeated over and over again. We quickly moved through and decided to head to The Opera House...

I have decided that this would be the dream place for a wedding... maybe one day Chris and I will renew the vows... or maybe I will just keep dreaming! Pictures can not possibly do Opéra de Paris justice, at least not my pictures! It is a breath taking place and every corner you turn offers a new chandelier'd, plush velvety, awe inspiring view...

We opted against a guided tour and just spent a hour or so wondering around. There were times when I just closed my eyes and pictured myself at some late 1800's lavish gala... tripping over my skirt and falling down one of the slick marble staircases! Let's face it; 1875 or 2009, I am a klutz no matter the year!

An hour in the dimly lit opera house sans AC made us realize one thing... our 4 am wake up call was quickly catching up with us and we needed a nap! The trip back to the hotel was rather uneventful, if you don't count the hour we spent walking in circles trying to find the metro station that turned out to be immediately next door to the Opera House! Stupid map ;-) After the nap, we headed to the super trendy and chic Pershing Hall for a somewhat yummy but incredibly over priced dinner. Chris' steak arrived well done and for the first time EVER he sent it back to be re-cooked... his momma would have been proud! The restaurant/hotel is housed in the former American Legion, albeit with a pseudo posh make over. The courtyard has a retractable roof with a 5 or 6 story wall covered in live plants... a great idea except for the fact that throughout dinner we were dodging falling plant debris! Something tells me we both enjoyed a little extra serving of veggies! Dinner was followed by a nightcap at the hotel before we called it a night... to be followed by another early morning!

Most of day 2 was occupied by Le Tour. However, we managed to get up, packed and out of the hotel by just after 8. After a quick breakfast and an uninspired walk, we found ourselves on the banks of the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower. The last time we were here it was pouring rain... this time the weather was much more cooperative!

I had hoped to make it to Sacré-Cœur on this trip but with all of the excitement at the hotel following Le Tour we had to rush to the train with no time to spare for any more sight seeing... a shame really. I guess that just means we will have to come back to Paris again. Oh darn ;-)

Until next time!

XOXO

Gnew Gnoah Gnome goes to Paris.

2009-07-30T20:41:00.005+01:00

Gnew Gnoah Gnome stowed away in our luggage for a free trip to Paris over the weekend. Amazing how he always seems to sneak in at the last minute. Gnome's sure are sneak little garden creatures!!

Gnew Gnoah was mesmerized by the Eiffel Tower. We thought we'd never be able to pry him away from the side of the Seine!

However, the promise of a cafe au lait and pain au chocolat did the trick. Now that is one happy, flower toting gnome!

Gnew Gnoah was less than thrilled with our photography tricks! All he wanted was to relax and take in the Parisian atmosphere in peace...

Chris shared in that hope... They both got their wish as we relaxed in the Tuileries Garden around one of the round fountains/ponds.

With only 35 hours in the City of Love, we had to cut our sight seeing short... we had a bike race to watch ;-)

Vive le Tour!!!

2009-07-27T20:17:00.012+01:00

A weekend in Paris? Why not. Does 35 hours count as a weekend? Sure. Is Chris allowed to book anymore flights or trains for 6 am on a Saturday morning? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Unlike Barcelona, we were better prepared for the early morning departure so it wasn't so bad... However, we did get up at 4 am and that is never a good thing in our house. Couple the early hour with my no caffeine thing and it was close to miserable... or at least it would have been if we weren't going to Paris!!!

We arrived to our hotel around 11 on Saturday morning and headed to the Champs-Élysées for a bite to eat and to scope out our spot for the next day. After all, our whole reason for the trip to Paris was to catch the final stage of Le Tour de France! And to squeeze in whatever else we could in our short 35 hours but more on that later ;-)

Our early morning wake up started to take it's toll around 4 in the afternoon so we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap and a shower prior to heading out for dinner. We were staying at Le Meridien Etoile on the last of Chris's Starwood points. Chris picked the hotel based on it's close proximity to the the Champs-Élysées and because they had rooms available... so imagine our surprise when we awoke from our nap to find team cars, caravans and equipment trucks lining the street in front of the hotel!

I snapped this shot from our room just before we headed out the door for diner. Chris and I laughed about the possibility of running into riders in the bar or lobby. After dinner we came back to the hotel and had a drink in the lobby... just in case. We saw a few people in team shirts but no one that we recognized so we called it a night.

Sunday was another early morning as we wanted to explore the city some before staking out our place on the course to wait for the riders. Exiting the hotel we found the street was a buzz with activity. The team trucks were open and guys were working on bikes and preparing for the day. Chris and I headed down to the Astana Team truck (Lance Armstrong's team) and what did we find...

Lance's bikes laid out for the world to see!!! I took a billion pics but they are fairly uninteresting looking back now. The picture above is the bike designed by Damien Hurst. Apparently, the artist used real butterfly wings achieve the design... not exactly kosher in my book but it was a pretty impressive thing to see up close. It was even more impressive when we saw Lance zoom past us on the exact bike we had stood in front of hours earlier!! The black and yellow bike behind the Hirst's was designed by Shepard Fairey. Both of the bikes, along with a few others, will be auctioned off to raised money for Stages, a part of Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation. **Correction: Looks like I made a boo boo about the black and yellow bike. At closer inspection, it is not the same bike designed by Fairey. Still trying to figure out who it was designed by??? Sorry**

After snapping a bazillion pictures and wondering if Lance would pop around to check on his bikes, we decided it was time to stop being groupies and continue with our day. As we passed by the front of the Astana truck we saw a cooler of Champagne being iced down for the traditional toast at the beginning of the stage!

Now Chris and I were starting to get excited... how cool that we were watching the preparations to help celebrate the winner of the 2009 Tour de France! A race that is in my opinion the greatest test of human ability... 23 days and 2,200 miles with only 2 days off!! The guys that complete this and other races like it amaze me and seeing it unfold before my hotel made me feel a part of it!

We headed down to the Eiffel Tower for some mandatory sight seeing and enjoyed a walk along the Seine before making our way to the Champs-Élysées. And yes, I will post more about Paris later for those who are less enthusiastic about Le Tour ;-) We made it to the course just after 11 to find most of the good spots already taken! The riders weren't expected for another 4 to 5 hours! We thought we would have a pick of spots but instead we were on the hunt for the best possible spot left! With a little luck and a lot of effort we eventually found a good spot on the about half way between the Arc de Triomphe and La Place de la Concorde and started the wait.

Within an hour we had eaten our sandwich, drank our water, checked out the shopping opportunities (you know how Chris is when it comes to shopping... can't keep him out of the stores,) people watched and declared ourselves tired of waiting! The crowds were steadily growing and we were constantly fending off people trying to steal our spot. Granted we had staked out enough room for 6 people in hopes of having a little bit of space between ourselves and the chain smoking Europeans. There are aspects of the European culture that I adore but I will never get used to the smoking. Yuck! Soon enough we were joined by none other than a few Tennesseans! Leave it to me to make friends with Tennesseans when I am in Paris! Ken, Ann and Judy made excellent, non-smoking neighbors who very generously shared their picnic with us and even bought a few cold beers for Chris!

We settled in with our new found friends to wait for a few more hours before the first group of riders flew past us at about 55kph!

The lead group of sprinters were about 30 seconds ahead of the peleton...

The first pass of the peleton! If you look closely (click on the pic to enlarge it) you will see the green, white and yellow Jerseys as well as Lance Armstrong on the butterfly bike! However, for the sake of full disclosure, I admit that they were going so quick that I had to look at the view finder after the passed to see who was in the pack!

This is the only time we saw Contador and Lance anywhere near each other.

As much as the riders amaze me... they still don't compare to the camera guys! Could you imagine bouncing along the cobblestones on the back of a motorcycle with you face in the view finder for mile after mile with no break!

After 6 passes the race ended out of our view and about an hour later than anticipated. We made our way back to the hotel via the back streets to avoid the massive crowds only to find a madhouse at the hotel. Apparently, Le Meridien Etoile was the final destination for every rider on the tour! The lobby was mobbed with photographers, news cameras, autograph seekers and riders. Some of the riders were actually arriving to the hotel on their bikes! They would ride up to the door and dismount, handing their bikes over to the team equipment guys and then stroll into the lobby and check in to their rooms!

We went inside to pick up our bags only to get caught up in the storm... the next thing I know I am standing next to Mark Cavendish with my hand on his squishy pants while Chris is taking a picture!

That look on Cavendish's face is likely due to my hand on his bum...
It was an accident, I swear ;-)

We took pictures of guys coming in with no idea who they were and waited in hopes of Lance turning up. After about 30 minutes, we called it quits and headed out the door only to see the Team Astana bus turn the corner. I left Chris on the curb with the bags and landed myself a spot in front of the bus door!

A team of police officers formed a barrier from the bus to the hotel lobby. As various team members exited the bus with little recognition, the officer who appeared to be in charge asked the driver if Lance was on the bus. The driver respond no and the the officer turned to walk away, dismissing the barricade and shaking his head. The driver quickly called him back and said Contador was on the bus. The gave him a confused look and the driver said "maillot jaune." The officer quickly apologized and called the other police officers back just as Contador exited from the bus...
The 2009 Tour de France winner, Alberto Contandor!

So no Lance Armstrong... but I was inches away from the current champion.
Not a bad days work!

After the hoopla at the hotel, we made a b line to the train station for our 9:30 train which turned out to be a 9:13 train that we almost missed! A few short hours later we were back in London... back to reality...

Until next time!
XOXO