After having an overcast day today for that 'special' day the drive down here from Edinburgh was fairly ineventful except for the usual taking wrong turns or being in the wrong lane at the roundabout!!
You can be on a 4 lane road and when you come to a roundabout you then have 4 lanes going ahead and woe etide being in the wrong lane as very few indicate anything so it is useless to try and change lanes if you happen to be in the wrong lane. By 4 lane road I meant 2 in each direction not all going the one way. Just clarifying!!
Temp when we left Edinburgh at 10am was 10 deg. At 2pm after crossing the border it had moved to 9deg. Yes that breeze was chilly and cut through you.
My sister Julie had arranged a 'surprise' for me here at the hotel, chocolate birthday cake, and the reception staff even sang happy birthday. Thanks little sis.
We called into Berwick on Tweed for lunch and took some photos there of an old stone railway bridge still standing firm high above the river.
Also called into Alnick to check out the castle, was the one 'Blackadder' rode in front of in the tv series however, lots of people and little parking meant that we kept on driving and then we found Warkworth Castle instead so took some photos of that, and used there FREE toilet.
You might laugh but in Edinburgh it cost 20p every time you wanted to use their facilities until we found out the ones in Jenners store were free
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Bits and pieces from Edinburgh
The new town of Edinburgh was started in 1766 as the old town perched oe stony bas e below the castle was becoming so overcrowded and very unsanitary as there was no sewage system (due to the rock)
As the new town was built (for the richer residents) the loch that separated the old from the new was drained and the current Princes Gardens were established.
The iconic Sir Walter Scott sandstone monument on Princes St is the tallest monument to an individual in the world.
King George IV was the original 'Georgie Porgie' of the nursery rhyme fame.
Queen Victoria used chloroform that had been invented by a Scot, and she was pleased with it's use and decreed that women would be allowed to enjoy the benefits it bestowed. Prior to this women were supposed to bear all and not partake of any pain reducing assistance. Thanks Your Majesty!!
Sir Arthue Conan Doyle (educated in Edinburgh) practiced medicine all his life and tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes as he did not like the character he had created. However public opinion forced him to keep his character alive as he wrote more stories. Doyle also had afalling out with Houdini as Doyle really did believe in magic and fairies etc and when meeting Houdini he praised him as being 'truly magic' and Houdini told him that was not so and Doyle would not have it.
As the new town was built (for the richer residents) the loch that separated the old from the new was drained and the current Princes Gardens were established.
The iconic Sir Walter Scott sandstone monument on Princes St is the tallest monument to an individual in the world.
King George IV was the original 'Georgie Porgie' of the nursery rhyme fame.
Queen Victoria used chloroform that had been invented by a Scot, and she was pleased with it's use and decreed that women would be allowed to enjoy the benefits it bestowed. Prior to this women were supposed to bear all and not partake of any pain reducing assistance. Thanks Your Majesty!!
Sir Arthue Conan Doyle (educated in Edinburgh) practiced medicine all his life and tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes as he did not like the character he had created. However public opinion forced him to keep his character alive as he wrote more stories. Doyle also had afalling out with Houdini as Doyle really did believe in magic and fairies etc and when meeting Houdini he praised him as being 'truly magic' and Houdini told him that was not so and Doyle would not have it.
Edinburgh
Decided the only way to see Edinburgh and save ourselves some stress was to do it by bus.
We could catch the bus to the city out front of our hotel and it was only about 10mins to Princes St in the heart of the new city.
From here there were 5 tour buses that had different routes and for one inclusive cost we could use them all for 48hrs so with that and a ticket to the castle we have filled our 2 days completely.
The history just takes our breath away and to visit the castle where the first part was built in 1100 and is still standing is amazing.
Edinburgh loosly translated means 'fort on the hill' and so appropriate. The castle surrounded by its wall stands high above the old city and would have been very daunting to any intending raiders.
I lined up (Lawrie sat and waited) while I went to see the 'crown jewels' and the Destiny Stone deep in the castle tower.
Scotland's kings could not be recognised unless they had been annointed or crowned sitting on the Destiny Stone. The circlet of the crown is said to date from the 14th century and Robert the Bruce and it was later that arches were added and the crown decorated with pearls. The sword, scabbard and belt were a gift from the Pope and were first used in the crowning of James IV (son of Mary Queen of Scots I think). There has been so many names thrown at us over the last few days that even my notes are getting confused.
We spent a couple of hours up there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite the biting wind. So much to see and absorb it really is great. You just have to do it.
Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace, Royal Mile, and the list goes on. One great thing in Scotland is that all public museums and galleries are free to enter so you could have a very cost effective stay if that was your interest.
We have totally enjoyed ourselves to date and sadly leave Scotland tomorrow to head back into England and the last 2 weeks of our UK touring.
We could catch the bus to the city out front of our hotel and it was only about 10mins to Princes St in the heart of the new city.
From here there were 5 tour buses that had different routes and for one inclusive cost we could use them all for 48hrs so with that and a ticket to the castle we have filled our 2 days completely.
The history just takes our breath away and to visit the castle where the first part was built in 1100 and is still standing is amazing.
Edinburgh loosly translated means 'fort on the hill' and so appropriate. The castle surrounded by its wall stands high above the old city and would have been very daunting to any intending raiders.
I lined up (Lawrie sat and waited) while I went to see the 'crown jewels' and the Destiny Stone deep in the castle tower.
Scotland's kings could not be recognised unless they had been annointed or crowned sitting on the Destiny Stone. The circlet of the crown is said to date from the 14th century and Robert the Bruce and it was later that arches were added and the crown decorated with pearls. The sword, scabbard and belt were a gift from the Pope and were first used in the crowning of James IV (son of Mary Queen of Scots I think). There has been so many names thrown at us over the last few days that even my notes are getting confused.
We spent a couple of hours up there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite the biting wind. So much to see and absorb it really is great. You just have to do it.
Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace, Royal Mile, and the list goes on. One great thing in Scotland is that all public museums and galleries are free to enter so you could have a very cost effective stay if that was your interest.
We have totally enjoyed ourselves to date and sadly leave Scotland tomorrow to head back into England and the last 2 weeks of our UK touring.
Cairngorm Mountains
Our first fine sunny morning. What a difference to wake up and have the sun shining in the window so our planned trip to the mountains will be a correct decision for today.
We had been in awe of the scenery previously but this was something different.
We first found our way out to Aviemore which is the nearest village to the access to the mountains. Certainly seemed a popular place with lots of sight seeing planned. We even had a couple from near Ballaratt in Victoria in the information centre with us.
10 miles from Aviemore is the base station for the Funicular Railway and chair lifts to the ski fields on the mountains. The train takes you to within 150yds of the peak of the 6th highest mountain in Scotland where there is a gift shop, cafe and viewing area.
All I can say is wow, wow and then some more wow.
There had been fresh snowfalls just a few days previously so the mountains were covered with white. Down in the carpark at the base station you could still make snowballs as someone did and then had the hide to throw it at me!!!! What a big grin on his face I saw after it. Needless to say I also had to have a go.
The railway works by having two carriages that are connected by wire ropes around a pully system so that they counter lever each other as one goes up and one comes down.
The base station is at 645 m above sealevel and the railway takes you to nearly 1100m above sea level in around 7 mins. The majority of the line is single track with a double set in the middle where the two carriages pass on each trip.
We had been in awe of the scenery previously but this was something different.
We first found our way out to Aviemore which is the nearest village to the access to the mountains. Certainly seemed a popular place with lots of sight seeing planned. We even had a couple from near Ballaratt in Victoria in the information centre with us.
10 miles from Aviemore is the base station for the Funicular Railway and chair lifts to the ski fields on the mountains. The train takes you to within 150yds of the peak of the 6th highest mountain in Scotland where there is a gift shop, cafe and viewing area.
All I can say is wow, wow and then some more wow.
There had been fresh snowfalls just a few days previously so the mountains were covered with white. Down in the carpark at the base station you could still make snowballs as someone did and then had the hide to throw it at me!!!! What a big grin on his face I saw after it. Needless to say I also had to have a go.
The railway works by having two carriages that are connected by wire ropes around a pully system so that they counter lever each other as one goes up and one comes down.
The base station is at 645 m above sealevel and the railway takes you to nearly 1100m above sea level in around 7 mins. The majority of the line is single track with a double set in the middle where the two carriages pass on each trip.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Isle of Skye
Driving up the west coast zigging and zagging our way to Fort William for an overnight stop gave us some magic scenery, more snow last night and sunshine late in the afternoon gave some impressive postcard views.
Fort William is on the canal system that links the lo hs and enables boats to travel from the sea at Inverness through the lochs via locks to Fort William and then out to the open water.
The weather seems to improve later in the afternoon each day as we have driven in bright sunshine for the last few days. The sun glasses have had to come out so that has been a change.
Leaving Fort William we headed further north, really into highland country now, and headed west to Kyle of Lochlash. There is a bridge there across to Skye and the scenery up through the Great Glen heading west was just wow by ten. The mountains are just so rugged and the lakes are so numerous that you twist and turn and there is another postcard view around the next corner and we just continued to ooooh and aaah at each turn. The little villages are mostly white washed buildings that gleam in the sunshine and the sparkle of the waves on the lochs, well what can I say but wow.
We have arrived in Inverness the northern most city in Scotland and tomorrow we explore.
Petrol is around £1.40 per litre up here so only about 8 pennies more than down in Glasgow so not too bad.
Lawrie is happy with the way the car is going, he just wishes it had a little more oooomph when he wants to overtake but otherwise it is ok. We have done nearly 1000 miles since coming over from Ireland so still plenty to go.
Fort William is on the canal system that links the lo hs and enables boats to travel from the sea at Inverness through the lochs via locks to Fort William and then out to the open water.
The weather seems to improve later in the afternoon each day as we have driven in bright sunshine for the last few days. The sun glasses have had to come out so that has been a change.
Leaving Fort William we headed further north, really into highland country now, and headed west to Kyle of Lochlash. There is a bridge there across to Skye and the scenery up through the Great Glen heading west was just wow by ten. The mountains are just so rugged and the lakes are so numerous that you twist and turn and there is another postcard view around the next corner and we just continued to ooooh and aaah at each turn. The little villages are mostly white washed buildings that gleam in the sunshine and the sparkle of the waves on the lochs, well what can I say but wow.
We have arrived in Inverness the northern most city in Scotland and tomorrow we explore.
Petrol is around £1.40 per litre up here so only about 8 pennies more than down in Glasgow so not too bad.
Lawrie is happy with the way the car is going, he just wishes it had a little more oooomph when he wants to overtake but otherwise it is ok. We have done nearly 1000 miles since coming over from Ireland so still plenty to go.
Loch Lomand and the Trossachs
The day couldn't have been better with clear skies and sunshine. Our friends took us for a drive up to Loch Lomand and through the Trossachs National Park. Tall fir trees are everywhere and the luchness of the vegetation just gave so many shades of green.
Overnight the temperature had dropped quite low and there had been a dusting of snow on the mountain tops making them look as though they were dusted with icing sugar. So pretty. We visited the conservation village of Luss where all the buildings are from the 1700's. Quaint little buildings and narrow lanes as streets entice with cafes etc .
We were also on the lookout for deer as we drove back through the park later in the day and sure enough we saw 3 that had come down for the new shoots but of course not too close to those humans.
We are certainly seeing some beautiful scenery and keeping warm despite the wind. The cameras are getting a strong workout but you have to see it firsthand as words cannot describe it properly.
Overnight the temperature had dropped quite low and there had been a dusting of snow on the mountain tops making them look as though they were dusted with icing sugar. So pretty. We visited the conservation village of Luss where all the buildings are from the 1700's. Quaint little buildings and narrow lanes as streets entice with cafes etc .
We were also on the lookout for deer as we drove back through the park later in the day and sure enough we saw 3 that had come down for the new shoots but of course not too close to those humans.
We are certainly seeing some beautiful scenery and keeping warm despite the wind. The cameras are getting a strong workout but you have to see it firsthand as words cannot describe it properly.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
GLASGOW
The drive up into Scotland from Whitehaven took us first to the edge of Carlisle and then acrosthe border to Greta where the English lads and lasses used to run to in order to marry without parents consent. History says it was to the blacksmiths workshop where the marriage was performed.The building has been transformed into a gift shop cafe etc and is a popular tourist attraction.
After leaving Gretna we headed further west and made our way north following the coast of Scotland. There had been mist all the way and it looked as if it wanted to rain but it was just grey. The coastline was quite rugged and the small villages we passed through were usually tucked down between or behind hills to provide protection from the winds that would come from the Atlantic. I would imagine that fine clear days would be few and far between.
The hills were green and there were white sheep everywhere, a spinners delight.
We finally drove out of the mist and into sunshine that made the car quite warm. However it was not to last and as we journeyed further and came right beside the coast near Garvin I could only think of the line 'the mist rolling in from the sea' from Mull of Kintyre by the Beatles. You really could see it happening. There were ferries that crossed from here over to Belfast in Northern Ireland and was evidently a major crossing for trucks as we saw lines of semi's coming and waiting to load.
Our road along the coast was quite good compared to some we have travelled since leaving home. Drivers still speeding but seems to be the norm here.
One big difference vor the touring driver here is that unlike home you don't drive into a new village or town and find the local Lions, Apex or Rotary park and the usual block of toilets. They are almost non existant over here. If you do see a sign for a WC they are probably locked even though the sign on the door says 'open 10am to 8pm'.
It seems here you have to visit the local pub or cafe and hope they don't mind. We are calling into more McDonalds than usual but out in the remote areas they are few and far between. This would be our biggest headache so far I guess but no big problem really. We just have to adjust to their ways.
We have been making good use of being able to download maps to my tablet to help us find our way to our hotels. McDonalds do not have wifi over here it is some KFC's and another coffee chain but out of the main towns it is non existant so as we travel further north in the next few days we will find it a bit more remote. After all we will be heading for the 'Highlands'.
Yesterday we went into Glasgow by train (about 40mins from here) and then enjoyed a ride on the city sights tour bus. The day was fine and sunny (till the last 5 mins) so I was able totake lots of photos from our seats at the top in the open air. Just a shame I cannot get them up to the blog but so be it. The tour lasted for nearly 2hrs and we really enjoyed it. After lunch we then did a free guided tour of the City Hall and wow!! The building is 125yrs old and was built in just 5 yrs but the attention to detail is fantastic. The architect was a local but very influenced by the Italian style of the day so there is lots of marble and mosaic tiles used. The domed ceiling is Wedgewood and is magic. The ceilings on all 4 floors are mosaic tiles and the design on the ceilings, either square or round are reflected in the tiled patternson the floor. The civic side of the building is very grand with marble used throughout whilst the 'working' side of the building has plaster panels that look like marble.
Queen Victoria opened the 'Council' as it is called and the chair she sat in is still used by the Lord High Provost to this day. This is like our Lord Mayor of the city. We were invited to sit on the chair so I took the opportunity to do so.
We had dinner last night with my friend Marion and her husband George and we sat in a hotel bay window looking across the Clyde river as the sun disappeared behind clouds (about 9.30pm) and watched sailing boats race as we enjoyed our meal. What a delightful end to the day.
After leaving Gretna we headed further west and made our way north following the coast of Scotland. There had been mist all the way and it looked as if it wanted to rain but it was just grey. The coastline was quite rugged and the small villages we passed through were usually tucked down between or behind hills to provide protection from the winds that would come from the Atlantic. I would imagine that fine clear days would be few and far between.
The hills were green and there were white sheep everywhere, a spinners delight.
We finally drove out of the mist and into sunshine that made the car quite warm. However it was not to last and as we journeyed further and came right beside the coast near Garvin I could only think of the line 'the mist rolling in from the sea' from Mull of Kintyre by the Beatles. You really could see it happening. There were ferries that crossed from here over to Belfast in Northern Ireland and was evidently a major crossing for trucks as we saw lines of semi's coming and waiting to load.
Our road along the coast was quite good compared to some we have travelled since leaving home. Drivers still speeding but seems to be the norm here.
One big difference vor the touring driver here is that unlike home you don't drive into a new village or town and find the local Lions, Apex or Rotary park and the usual block of toilets. They are almost non existant over here. If you do see a sign for a WC they are probably locked even though the sign on the door says 'open 10am to 8pm'.
It seems here you have to visit the local pub or cafe and hope they don't mind. We are calling into more McDonalds than usual but out in the remote areas they are few and far between. This would be our biggest headache so far I guess but no big problem really. We just have to adjust to their ways.
We have been making good use of being able to download maps to my tablet to help us find our way to our hotels. McDonalds do not have wifi over here it is some KFC's and another coffee chain but out of the main towns it is non existant so as we travel further north in the next few days we will find it a bit more remote. After all we will be heading for the 'Highlands'.
Yesterday we went into Glasgow by train (about 40mins from here) and then enjoyed a ride on the city sights tour bus. The day was fine and sunny (till the last 5 mins) so I was able totake lots of photos from our seats at the top in the open air. Just a shame I cannot get them up to the blog but so be it. The tour lasted for nearly 2hrs and we really enjoyed it. After lunch we then did a free guided tour of the City Hall and wow!! The building is 125yrs old and was built in just 5 yrs but the attention to detail is fantastic. The architect was a local but very influenced by the Italian style of the day so there is lots of marble and mosaic tiles used. The domed ceiling is Wedgewood and is magic. The ceilings on all 4 floors are mosaic tiles and the design on the ceilings, either square or round are reflected in the tiled patternson the floor. The civic side of the building is very grand with marble used throughout whilst the 'working' side of the building has plaster panels that look like marble.
Queen Victoria opened the 'Council' as it is called and the chair she sat in is still used by the Lord High Provost to this day. This is like our Lord Mayor of the city. We were invited to sit on the chair so I took the opportunity to do so.
We had dinner last night with my friend Marion and her husband George and we sat in a hotel bay window looking across the Clyde river as the sun disappeared behind clouds (about 9.30pm) and watched sailing boats race as we enjoyed our meal. What a delightful end to the day.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Lakes continued
well as I was trying to say and the blog gods has a hissy fit, put together two directions of traffic, narrow roads, joggers, runners, walkers and what do you think it would be like? Yes that is as bad as it got.
Anyway we did enjoy our day out and now back at the hotel in time to get ready for a roast dinner (with dessert for you know who) .
Tomorrow we head further north into Scotland for three days near Glasgow and the chance to meet up with my friend Marion I met in 2006 and stayed with in 2007 on my first visit to Scotland.
On that note , Happy Birthday little sis for the 20th and you can open the packet now!!
Anyway we did enjoy our day out and now back at the hotel in time to get ready for a roast dinner (with dessert for you know who) .
Tomorrow we head further north into Scotland for three days near Glasgow and the chance to meet up with my friend Marion I met in 2006 and stayed with in 2007 on my first visit to Scotland.
On that note , Happy Birthday little sis for the 20th and you can open the packet now!!
The Western Lakes District
Rain, rain and moe rain. Well this is England and as I have said it is 'summer'
Yesterday we d to
explore Whitehaven but with constant rain we drove back ho
me and decided to sit it out. Later in the afternoon the rain stopped and so we set off to Workington just above Whitehaven. Both were old harbour towns and so of course more one way streets and very narrow. At least we found some parking (not too expensive) and spent the next 2 hrs walking the old town that has been rejuvenated with a large people only area and lots of shops.
We enjoyed ourselves and for once didn't have rain to worry about.
Today has been fine and once the heavy mist cleared we have actually seen the sun and blue sky.
We were a le to visit Frizington and find the house where my grandfather was born and lived before coming to Aust with his parents and brothers when he was 2yrs old.After that we headed out to drive around Lake Windemere in the heart of the lakes district.
What a magic drive we had. The road passed through many small villages and it is obvious that this is a popular spot for visitors. There were people everywhere and there was even a marathon being run along the way. So put together two directions of traffic, narrow roads and running,jogg
Yesterday we d to
explore Whitehaven but with constant rain we drove back ho
me and decided to sit it out. Later in the afternoon the rain stopped and so we set off to Workington just above Whitehaven. Both were old harbour towns and so of course more one way streets and very narrow. At least we found some parking (not too expensive) and spent the next 2 hrs walking the old town that has been rejuvenated with a large people only area and lots of shops.
We enjoyed ourselves and for once didn't have rain to worry about.
Today has been fine and once the heavy mist cleared we have actually seen the sun and blue sky.
We were a le to visit Frizington and find the house where my grandfather was born and lived before coming to Aust with his parents and brothers when he was 2yrs old.After that we headed out to drive around Lake Windemere in the heart of the lakes district.
What a magic drive we had. The road passed through many small villages and it is obvious that this is a popular spot for visitors. There were people everywhere and there was even a marathon being run along the way. So put together two directions of traffic, narrow roads and running,jogg
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Leaving Ireland
After the great visit with all that crystal the next morning we were up early and off to see a little more of this historic Viking town.
Opposite the hotel is Reginalds Tower, named after the Viking leader of 914AD who raided the area and set up his fort. Waterford has a very interesting history in the area of defence and the Vikings were rather smart people. The original fort was built of wood and then slowly replaced with stone. There were quite a few towers around the city but this one on the waterfront (which was owned privately and lived in by the same family for over 200yrs) is now open to the public and has a vast display of artefacts from the local area. Some restoration has been necessary and it is great to know that this incredible building is now protected and will be cared for into the future.
We left Waterford and headed back to Dublin. We travelled just under 1500 kms during the week in the Nissan had cost us a total of 80Euros as the diesel here is cheaper than petrol but still 1.35E per litre. The fuel economy was quite good we thought and the vehicle had been comfortable ......for me but........Lawrie found the seat wasn't wide enough for his hips and he would feel uncomfortable after a while.
Our return to Dublin meant that our Irish adventure was over but now we had the ferry ride across the Irish Sea to enjoy before setting off around the UK.
Fortunately for us the day was fine and the wind gentle so the crossing was fairly smooth. The trip from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales took about 3 1/2 hrs and after showing our passports we then headed out to our new car (another Nissan) this one a Juke (about the size of a rav4). We have seen some different vehicles on this trip and it is interesting to take note of the various models.
Our first stop was Chester , another very old town that had Roman ruins to be seen, if you could find somewhere to park that is. We went for a drive after dinner as the traffic was lighter and it is daylight till about 9.30pm and drove around the streets and tried to get some photos.
Today we have driven up to Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast in the Lakes district. My dad's father was born near here in 1884 and we are hoping to go exploring tomorrow. We really had our driest day today with the windscreen wipers only just needing to be used driving up the coast.
There were lots of rolling hills with green grass and white sheep everywhere once we were north of Liverpool and Manchester. Driving up the M6 made the trip a little easier and we didn't make too many wrong turns. We have 3 nights here so time for some laundry and some looking around. We have good internet signal here so I can hopefully write some more about this great adventure we are enjoying.
Opposite the hotel is Reginalds Tower, named after the Viking leader of 914AD who raided the area and set up his fort. Waterford has a very interesting history in the area of defence and the Vikings were rather smart people. The original fort was built of wood and then slowly replaced with stone. There were quite a few towers around the city but this one on the waterfront (which was owned privately and lived in by the same family for over 200yrs) is now open to the public and has a vast display of artefacts from the local area. Some restoration has been necessary and it is great to know that this incredible building is now protected and will be cared for into the future.
We left Waterford and headed back to Dublin. We travelled just under 1500 kms during the week in the Nissan had cost us a total of 80Euros as the diesel here is cheaper than petrol but still 1.35E per litre. The fuel economy was quite good we thought and the vehicle had been comfortable ......for me but........Lawrie found the seat wasn't wide enough for his hips and he would feel uncomfortable after a while.
Our return to Dublin meant that our Irish adventure was over but now we had the ferry ride across the Irish Sea to enjoy before setting off around the UK.
Fortunately for us the day was fine and the wind gentle so the crossing was fairly smooth. The trip from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales took about 3 1/2 hrs and after showing our passports we then headed out to our new car (another Nissan) this one a Juke (about the size of a rav4). We have seen some different vehicles on this trip and it is interesting to take note of the various models.
Our first stop was Chester , another very old town that had Roman ruins to be seen, if you could find somewhere to park that is. We went for a drive after dinner as the traffic was lighter and it is daylight till about 9.30pm and drove around the streets and tried to get some photos.
Today we have driven up to Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast in the Lakes district. My dad's father was born near here in 1884 and we are hoping to go exploring tomorrow. We really had our driest day today with the windscreen wipers only just needing to be used driving up the coast.
There were lots of rolling hills with green grass and white sheep everywhere once we were north of Liverpool and Manchester. Driving up the M6 made the trip a little easier and we didn't make too many wrong turns. We have 3 nights here so time for some laundry and some looking around. We have good internet signal here so I can hopefully write some more about this great adventure we are enjoying.
Vikings and other things OLD
Leaving Cork after another drizzly and cold day we headed out to Waterford a viking town with incredible history. As we only had one night here after arriving mid afternoon we were off to the Waterford Crystal showroom and factory. WOW and then another WOW is all I can say. Unfortunately I can't load photos up till I return home so all will just have to wait to have a look. The showroom alone is mind blowing let alone doing a factory tour as we did. A Chandeleir hanging above a dining table set for 6 and the table just covered in crystal goblets, platters and vases. Then to top it off the ceiling is mirrored so that all those sparkles bounce back up.
Then there is the dressing table with a 5 foot high mirror with about a 6 inch border of varying sized crystals all around it. Now that was a picture on its own. Then there were the various trophies on display and during the factory tour we were photographed with the trophy for the up coming Ashes tour in England and the American couple sharing the tour held the baseball trophy.
We saw the process from the molten glass being blown right, then shaped and the bottom smoothed, edges bevelled, marking for the design, the pattern cutting and then all the engraving and final polishing etc. In the factory there was another mirror like we had seen in the showroom and there was a worker cleaning between each of the crystals with what looked like a long cottonbud. Seems he had finished the mirror the day before but someone had forgotten to cover it that night
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Cork
Another old city with narrow streets and one way traffic but also some newer areas where it looks as if areas have been cleared to open up the space. Still cold and windy with showers chasing us all the time but so be it.
We decided to leave the car where it was parked behind the hotel and just walked to explore. From the hotel we could see ships loading cargo as the docks came right up to the inner city. Garden baskets full of flowering pansies are everywhere and bright spots of colour to the drab day. Pansies always look like a 'happy' flower so maybe that is why they are so popular.
We decided to leave the car where it was parked behind the hotel and just walked to explore. From the hotel we could see ships loading cargo as the docks came right up to the inner city. Garden baskets full of flowering pansies are everywhere and bright spots of colour to the drab day. Pansies always look like a 'happy' flower so maybe that is why they are so popular.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
GALWAY
Well more one way streets than you could poke a stick at and a real challenge to get to
where you want to be however, finally we did. The inside of the hotel was most welcome
and after a cuppa we were a little more calm. Our first impressions were that this is a real young persons city and bars and restaurants were everywhere.
The showers and stiff breezes are continuing and so the beanies and jumpers are getting a good workout. After dinner we went for a walk and being Friday night there were people everywhere.
Next day we headed out along the coastline heading north from the city. Rough coastline, rocky headlands and rain showers were constant. We were amazed at the number of
stone fences we saw during the day. It seems that in order to farm or graze animals the fields had to be cleared of the rocks that littered the ground.This grey rock was everywhere. It must have been quite daunting for those early farmers and I can imagine all the family would have been involved in the task.
We drove through small quaint villages and green hills with very white sheep. The young lambs are snowy white and look so fluffy and cuddly. They are a longhorn sheep and very hardy in this north western area of Ireland where they can forage for grasses amongst the rocky hills whilst surviving the gale force winds and bitter cold coming in from the Atlantic. The temperature gauge on the vehicle we are driving showed 11 degrees for most of the day. Our hire car is a Nissan Qashqai and is quite comfortable to drive in. At least the heater is working well which is keeping us comfortable.
We called into the Connemara National Park on the return journey and the little cafe was a warm haven after a walk through the trees. We again met up with some ladies from Melbourne who are all avid bush walkers so seems the Australians are certainly assisting the Irish economy. The mountains and lakes in the centre of Ireland made our return journey quite pleasant. We also saw piles of peat that have been cut and stacked to dry in paddocks for use as fuel in the coming winter I think.
where you want to be however, finally we did. The inside of the hotel was most welcome
and after a cuppa we were a little more calm. Our first impressions were that this is a real young persons city and bars and restaurants were everywhere.
The showers and stiff breezes are continuing and so the beanies and jumpers are getting a good workout. After dinner we went for a walk and being Friday night there were people everywhere.
Next day we headed out along the coastline heading north from the city. Rough coastline, rocky headlands and rain showers were constant. We were amazed at the number of
stone fences we saw during the day. It seems that in order to farm or graze animals the fields had to be cleared of the rocks that littered the ground.This grey rock was everywhere. It must have been quite daunting for those early farmers and I can imagine all the family would have been involved in the task.
We drove through small quaint villages and green hills with very white sheep. The young lambs are snowy white and look so fluffy and cuddly. They are a longhorn sheep and very hardy in this north western area of Ireland where they can forage for grasses amongst the rocky hills whilst surviving the gale force winds and bitter cold coming in from the Atlantic. The temperature gauge on the vehicle we are driving showed 11 degrees for most of the day. Our hire car is a Nissan Qashqai and is quite comfortable to drive in. At least the heater is working well which is keeping us comfortable.
We called into the Connemara National Park on the return journey and the little cafe was a warm haven after a walk through the trees. We again met up with some ladies from Melbourne who are all avid bush walkers so seems the Australians are certainly assisting the Irish economy. The mountains and lakes in the centre of Ireland made our return journey quite pleasant. We also saw piles of peat that have been cut and stacked to dry in paddocks for use as fuel in the coming winter I think.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Dublin
What a great place to visit. After a decent nights sleep we woke early and ended up rising before 6am and went for a walk around the streets. We met up with a street cleaner and had a chat with him for a while. The cherry trees are in blossom and with the wind the flowers are littering the street. His job is going along and sweeping them up each day. He takes quite a bit of pride in his work and told of how the council privatised the rubbish collection. The new contractor started to supply rubbish bags free to the residents but after this 'complimentary' period they then started to charge so people have been dumping their rubbish without using bags as a result.
Back in time for our cooked breakfast we then headed out for our bus tour. We did the complete circuit and then had time for a cuppa before doing the city walking tour.
The guide really brought the history of the fight for independence to life for us as we stood at various sites around the city where reformists stood firm in 1916. As Britain was at that time involved in WW1 the protestors that were captured were charged with treason and over a few weeks time 14 of them were executed by firing squad.
However the republic was finally formed and the signatures were needed of the British Viceroy and the representative for the Irish. He was said to have been 7 mins late in arriving for this meeting and the welcoming public servant commented on this tardiness. The Irishman replied "we have waited 700 years for this day, surely you can wait 7 minute".
The old city of Dublin has very narrow streets whilst the newer city across the river Liffy has broard wide streets. We enjoyed our walks around the old section and took photos of many old buildings like the Cathedral built in the 11th century. Just amazing and standing so firm and strong. If only those walls could talk!
We have been rugged up whilst walking around and just as well as I remembered the beanies as the wind is really quite cold.
Back in time for our cooked breakfast we then headed out for our bus tour. We did the complete circuit and then had time for a cuppa before doing the city walking tour.
The guide really brought the history of the fight for independence to life for us as we stood at various sites around the city where reformists stood firm in 1916. As Britain was at that time involved in WW1 the protestors that were captured were charged with treason and over a few weeks time 14 of them were executed by firing squad.
However the republic was finally formed and the signatures were needed of the British Viceroy and the representative for the Irish. He was said to have been 7 mins late in arriving for this meeting and the welcoming public servant commented on this tardiness. The Irishman replied "we have waited 700 years for this day, surely you can wait 7 minute".
The old city of Dublin has very narrow streets whilst the newer city across the river Liffy has broard wide streets. We enjoyed our walks around the old section and took photos of many old buildings like the Cathedral built in the 11th century. Just amazing and standing so firm and strong. If only those walls could talk!
We have been rugged up whilst walking around and just as well as I remembered the beanies as the wind is really quite cold.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Dublin
Arrived Wed morning 7.30am local time, that would be 5.30pm Brisbane time.
Sleeping on planes is not totally successful however after leaving Abu Dharbi we didn't even try to watch anything just settle down and close the eyes. Not sure that we actuallyslept but rest would be a better description.
Arriving at our hotel about 9.30 was certainly too early to check in so were able to leave ourbags and set off for a walk. Our hotel, Cassidys, is just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city so finding somewhere for a cuppa was not hard. Even had a lady from WA join us and we chatted for quite a while. She is here on her own, has attended a wedding and driven around for a couple of weeks by herself and gave us a few tips, like thr locals are not fond of using blinkers so something to be aware of.
The temp was a little chilly and there was quite a strong breeze blowing so after visiting the tourist bureau we decided to head back and just sit and wait for our room out of the cold.
Yeh the luck was with us and the room was ready so now we are all showered after about 43hrs since we left home and someone is even having a snooze, at 2.30pm.
Lots of cafes etc just down the road so lots of choice this evening for dinner.
Having the exit row seats all the way really helped make the trip more comfortable for Lawrie so with only one more flight in the whole trip there is nothing to worry about.
Tomorrow we are booked for the 'hop on hop off bus around the city and doing it online gave an additional discount to us 'seniors'!
Not sure how loading photos from the tablet is going to go but at least I can write about our fun.
Sleeping on planes is not totally successful however after leaving Abu Dharbi we didn't even try to watch anything just settle down and close the eyes. Not sure that we actuallyslept but rest would be a better description.
Arriving at our hotel about 9.30 was certainly too early to check in so were able to leave ourbags and set off for a walk. Our hotel, Cassidys, is just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city so finding somewhere for a cuppa was not hard. Even had a lady from WA join us and we chatted for quite a while. She is here on her own, has attended a wedding and driven around for a couple of weeks by herself and gave us a few tips, like thr locals are not fond of using blinkers so something to be aware of.
The temp was a little chilly and there was quite a strong breeze blowing so after visiting the tourist bureau we decided to head back and just sit and wait for our room out of the cold.
Yeh the luck was with us and the room was ready so now we are all showered after about 43hrs since we left home and someone is even having a snooze, at 2.30pm.
Lots of cafes etc just down the road so lots of choice this evening for dinner.
Having the exit row seats all the way really helped make the trip more comfortable for Lawrie so with only one more flight in the whole trip there is nothing to worry about.
Tomorrow we are booked for the 'hop on hop off bus around the city and doing it online gave an additional discount to us 'seniors'!
Not sure how loading photos from the tablet is going to go but at least I can write about our fun.
2 legs down and just 1 to go
Ethihad are great to fly with and with our exit row seats we were happy travellers.
We are only here in Abu Dharbi for a short time but saw the sigs for wi fi so decided to try it out. So far so good.
We arrived just on midnight local time and there were lights everywhere.
We were told it was 28deg c outside temp but the aircon in the terminal is very low!!!!
We have about another 8 hrs to Dublin so the idea to have 3 steps instead of 2 has worked well.
Food was pleasant and plenty of it so 'you know who' was happy!
We are only here in Abu Dharbi for a short time but saw the sigs for wi fi so decided to try it out. So far so good.
We arrived just on midnight local time and there were lights everywhere.
We were told it was 28deg c outside temp but the aircon in the terminal is very low!!!!
We have about another 8 hrs to Dublin so the idea to have 3 steps instead of 2 has worked well.
Food was pleasant and plenty of it so 'you know who' was happy!
Monday, May 6, 2013
and it even all fits!!!!
almost ready to go. Now I just have to work how to do this from my tablet!!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
About to start the trip of a lifetime
well there is only 2 more sleeps to go before we set off on our overseas adventure.
all is in place and we have to give a big thankyou to Candice at Flightcentre for all her hard work helping us to put our 'wish list' together.
Ireland, UK, New York, Montreal, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Toronto and then across Canada, North West Passage Cruise, train down the west coast to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, Denver, Monument Valley, (not in that order), San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Park, San Diego SeaWorld, Santa Monica, then cruise home via Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and return to Sydney 2 September.
Hope you will join us as we share our experience with you via our blog.
all is in place and we have to give a big thankyou to Candice at Flightcentre for all her hard work helping us to put our 'wish list' together.
Ireland, UK, New York, Montreal, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Toronto and then across Canada, North West Passage Cruise, train down the west coast to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, Denver, Monument Valley, (not in that order), San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Park, San Diego SeaWorld, Santa Monica, then cruise home via Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and return to Sydney 2 September.
Hope you will join us as we share our experience with you via our blog.
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