Tripping Around London Day 2

Hi everyone, yesterday was another fun filled packed day of events.

I started the day at the wonderful and impressive Shakespeare's Theatre - the history of the theatre was very interesting and the actual construction and materials used on the latest (third) Globe Theatre is very interesting and the acoustics in the open air theatre is also very impressive. I hope to be able to visit it again and see a performance.

I then ventured onto the Southwark Cathedral - it was very bad timing though, a truck load of school kids were there for concerts and such, so I had a quick wander around and then snuck out the door.

The Tate Modern Art Gallery was next on the cards, and it was okay - just another art gallery really, but it is good to see a range of famous and not so famous artists being displayed.

The London Eye was my next attraction. Although the line was quite long, it did not take long at all to actually make it onto the eye and to take in the wonderful views from high above. it is amazing how much you actually see from the top. Of course many photos were taken, and I have been doing to good old 'self photo' with some scenery in the background, just so my photos aren't just scenery.

I moved on to the Florence Nightingale Museum, which is unfortunately in it's last week of opening, I am not sure if they are relocating or closing it down. It was very interesting and full of great stories of how she changed the world of nursing and the improvements (or implementation) of hygiene practices.

I walked across the bridge next to Westminster Abbey, and took in the awesome views that the Abbey gives. I had an audio tour of the Abbey, which highlighted some of the main statues within its walls, and also highlighted some of the people who have been honoured in its walls. There is a statue of Shakespeare, and underneath it is a plaque for the Bronte Sisters. Every hour the Abbey stops for a prayer, and the hussle and bussle of all the tourists stops and everyone bows there heads, I was happy to have experienced that too.

Harrods, Harrods, Harrods - boy is that one awesome shopping centre. I was most disappointed thought that the external walls are being renovated, so there is just these pictures up covering the walls and a big awning surround the building - I didn't get to see the real thing. I wandered around every level, and dreamed of being able to afford half of the items there - very exclusive lines of clothing, tableware, silverware & crystals just to name a few. I was totally enthralled by the Pet Kingdom - it was awesome!!!! Clothing, collars, beds, bags, toys and bakery - all just for your dog or cat !!! It was great - I could see Tubby in a few of the tough collars they had.

I was totally exhausted by the end of the day, and couldn't wait to get back to the hotel to remove my shoes and give my feet a rub, and to relax my shoulders for a bit and give them a rub too. I am going to be totally stuffed by the end of August, but I would have had the time of my life.

My time is running out on the internet, so I best go. I am off to Kensington Palace today and to do a few minor things before I set off to Paris in the morning.

I shall bid adieu - and will hopefully update you again soon.

Leeds Castle, Dover, Canterbury & Greenwich

It's me again. I am going to take advantage of internet access while I can, so I thought I'd give you all an update again today.

Today was the day of my tour: Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury, and Greenwich. Leeds Castle was beautiful, and the surrounding gardens were so tranquil. They had a maze there, so of course I had to give it ago .. and I was able to find my way to the middle and then down out through the 'grotto' - this was a dark walkway under the maze with statues carved in the walls. The gardens around the Castle and through the grounds were amazing and so colourful. There is lavender and roses everywhere to be seen. I met some really friendly people on the tours, some Aussies were on the tour, as can be expected.

Next we ventured to Dover to visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover. It was a fine day so the white cliffs were iridescent, making them easy to spot as we were approaching the town. High on the hill on top of the cliffs is the Castle Dover of which we were able to catch a quick glimpse of from the beach and then as the bus drove us past it. We had a quick stroll on the beach there too, there is no sand - just little pebbles, and then we were off again.

Next was Canterbury. It is such a beautiful place. It has cobblestone roads that go between the rows of 'old england' style shops, it was very peaceful strolling along admiring all that it had to offer. We also visited the Canterbury Cathedral and the gardens around it. The Cathedral holds many tombs within it and one very interesting piece of history - the oldest piece of leadlight remaining in England. It is in one of the windows as you enter the Cathedral - a picture of Adam digging in a garden. From Canterbury we headed back towards London and stopped at Greenwich to catch a ferry along the Thames and on to Embarkment where we all hopped off. The tour guide was amazing, she holds so much information in her head and was able to share so much of the history of the places we visited, and also of the places we passed on the bus ride between locations. I was able to obtain a many wonderful photos, but unfortunately I cannot share any as yet, as I this computer doesn't allow access to it.

After the tour, I decided to go for a stroll through the city thanks to the London A-Z, and ended up walking all the way back to hotel. I found a statue of Florence Nightingale (Mum - you will love that photo), and some other interesting buildings, The Big Ben and many others. I made my way back through Hyde Park and visited the Rose Garden and also the Memorial Fountain for Princess Diana.

One thing really cracked me up today, I have come across a few 'whinging poms' as they say, but the old fellow today was hilarious - we were walking through Canterbury on our way to an eatery for lunch and this old fellow goes "If you bump my f'ing leg, I will beat you" in this low dreary tone!!! And what was funniest - it was aimed at a little girl walking towards him!!!

Oh well, I might call it a day. I have been out and about for over 12 hours now and it is now 8:30pm, sun still shining, but I am hungry and ready for a shower.

I hope to be able to share some photos with you soon.

Love Haylee

Hi Everyone - I am now in London!!! The flight was very tiring and I can't wait to get to my hotel room and just sleep. The flights from Brisbane to Singapore was pretty good, I didn't sleep though - I think I was too anxious/excited/nervous. There was a little kid that was making a bit of noise too, so that didn't help. We were able to get off the plane at Singapore for about an hour, so it was a good chance to stretch the legs. Then we were off to Abu Dhabi. I was really quite shocked at this airport - it was really disorganised and quite dirty. The toilets were filthy and quite busy. I was tired and couldn't even be bothered with Duty Free!!! The sign came up for our flight onto London, so myself and a lot of others stood in a long queue to be told that they were only taking the people for another flight. There was nobody assiting people anywhere. We were eventually able to do through the gates to the boarding room and that was even more disorganised as they were still only taking people for the other flight - so there were people for London having to try to move to the side and let other people sqeeze through to the other flight. Anyway, that was an eye opener - I was thinking "I hope I don't come across this often". I was finally able to get a little sleep on the flight to London - I was finally in a deep sleep and then I got woken up for food - oh well, a girls got to eat :)

I had a long wait at the Heathrow Airport to get through the huge customs queues, but finally I made it with no more problems. I quickly caught a cab to my hotel. The cabbie was really friendly and we had a good chat - made me feel welcome, and gave me a few pointers. I haven't been able to check into my room yet, but I was able to drop off my bag and backpack.

My hotel is near Hyde Park, so I have had a bit of a stroll through the park. Local artists have paintings displayed (and for sale of course) along the fence of Hyde Park today, so I have had a look at them - some of them are so beautiful and creative.

I am off to get some food for the week now from the shops that are also in walking distance of my hotel, but the shops have only just opened so I have had some to fill - which was lucky, as I was able to find this place that has internet service. I haven't taken many photos yet (just a few of Hyde Park) and I haven't got all my cords, so I will send through some photos next time I get in touch.

If some of this doesn't make any sense - I am not surprised, I am sleep deprived (I know - it rhymed!).

I am off to do the tour of Leeds Castle etc tomorrow, so I best be off and get my self organised and get some sleep.

I am missing people already - as sad as that may be. I am out of my comfort zone and feeling a little nervous at times. I just need to keep thinking how great it is to be here, and to just admire the surroundings.

Bye for now - Haylee

Countdown

Sunday June 15 - 6 sleeps to go & my last Birthday in Oz for 2 x years!!!



Well, my countdown has well and truly begun and it will be not long until I fly out of the country for two years.



Yesterday, Mum & Dad held an afternoon tea so family and friends could wish me a happy 27th birthday and to "bid adeau" and wish me well. It was great to catch up with my family and friends and share the first few details of my next big adventure.

Here is what I have planned for the first few months:

• Fly out on Saturday to London
• Spend 5 nights in London
• Fly to Paris to start my first tour - France & Spain for 29 days
• Fly to Rome to start my second tour - Amalfi Coast of Italy for 7 days
• Train back to Rome to start my third tour - The Essence of Italy for 21days
• I have extended by time in Rome at the end of my tour to stay an extra 3 nights, so I can see as much of Rome and surrounding areas as I can
• Fly back London and then make my way to Cambridge to stay with my cousin Richard
  

I am getting really excited and can't wait until Saturday. I am not sure when I will be able to update my blog next, I will try and find time when I am in Rome to update you all on what I have seen and done. I will post photos here for you too as soon as I can.

'til next time - take care :)