Day 20 - Ely 28 Sept 2013

After a hearty breakfast we head out for our day in Ely.

Being Saturday there is a market in the town square, lots of food producers have brought in there produce and wares. Lots of wonderful things but not really suitcase friendly.

Next it is off to the cathedral and I have set my sites set on the tower climb, I buy my ticket and at 11:30 the tour starts, the only thing between me and the top is 283 steps. The tour starts off easy climbing the first 2 levels in small staircases, the last 2/3 off the distance are straight up a spiral staircase, the climb is worth it as the view from the top is excellent. Now only 283 steps down.

After all that work it is time for a relaxing break so off to the water front and the pub for a pint of cider and some food, ah the sun is out, the boats are bobing in the river, and the river front is full of people, great way to spend the afternoon.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 19- London > Ely 27 Sept 2013

Up early and off to the tube station, today we start our driving holiday and we are off to pickup the car up from Marble Arch. It is 8:30 and the central line is very busy, trains arrive every minute, all packed with commuters, not a place for tourists with suit cases, after about 15 minutes we can finally jump in a carriage, the peak is finally lighter and we head off.

We pickup the car and we are on our way, I decide to upgrade from a Hyundai I20 to a VW Golf TDI, my first diesel car, the boot is a little bigger and seems to handle well. Will be interesting to see how the economy goes.

We head through the suburbs and out onto the motorway, soon we are making our way too Cambridge for lunch, the weather is holding up for us as we stroll around the town, eating our pasties and enjoying the day.

Back in the car it is not long before we are back on the motorway and heading for Ely, it is only a short trip and soon the cathedral is looming on the horizon.

We check into the hotel and have a quick look around, the cathedral is closed today but tomorrow it is open for business as usual.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 18- London 26 Sept 2013

Blue sky, sun and a cool breeze greets us as we step out into the morning, can this be London? We head to the underground to catch the train to Trafalgar Square, the national gallery is our first stop, we arrive before the doors open so we get to wander around without any crowds. I wanted to see Renoirs parasols, but I cannot find it, I decide to ask one of the security officers and he tells me the most wonderful story. It turns out the owner of the painting had a will leaving the painting to the Dublin national gallery, and he was killed in the sinking of the titanic, when the y went through his papers they found a second will, this one leaving all his paintings to the national gallery of London. The two gallery decided that instead of a long court battle they would share the collection which unfortunately for me meant my Renoir was sent to Dublin at the start of this year where it will stay for the next 6 years.

Wandering down Whitehall we take a look at Downing Street before heading off to Westminster Abby, we wander around looking at the magnificent carvings before heading over to Parliament House and Big Ben, we are right on the stroke of 12 so Big Ben is in full voice.

Next it is across the bridge heading for the eye, the themes is at low tide but still running pretty fast. After som lunch it is off to the eye.

19 pounds gets us a ticket for a ride, they queue is short and it is not long before we have boarded the gondola and are heading skywards. With the weather holding and the sun out we get a good view over the city, all the way down to St. Paul's and on to the business district.

All in all a great last day in London, tomorrow we get the car and hit the road.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 17 - Paris > London 25 Sept 2013

Alas all good things come to an end and our time in Paris is over. We pack the bags and catch a taxi to Garde de Norde, the morning traffic is heavy and the going is a bit slow, I have a theory that all French drivers think that all other French drivers have obtained there drivers licences from a cereal packet, hence the obsessive use of the horn, hand gestures and cursing. Thus making the journey to catch the train most entertaining.

The train departs on time and we cruise out into the countryside at 275 klm/h, we get a coffee and a piece of cake and sit back and enjoy the ride. The weather is getting foggier the closer to the channel we get.

Calais arrives and we plunge into the darkness of the tunnel, for 20 minutes we are suspended in the sense of not moving, only the streaking by of the green tunnel lights remind us of our movement. Back into daylight and we are shortly arriving into St Pancreas station.

Departing the train we head to the underground to catch a train back to our original hotel, the train is fairly empty making for an easy transit.

Back in London for another day before picking up the hire car.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 16 - Paris 24 Sept 2013

Another sunny day greets us as we head for the RER to catch the train to Versailles, we have metro tickets to get us there but we need to buy a ticket back to Paris to get back, this is slightly cheaper than a day ticket costing 6.70 euro.

The Vick train arrives and we are off, heading through the Paris suburbs on our way to Versailles, we arrive and walk down to the chateau, even though it is early, 9.30 am there is a line snaking around the courtyard,

It takes quite awhile to get in but finally we are in and enjoying the lavishly appointed rooms.

Dozens of tour groups make some rooms hard to navigate but after 3 hours we have seen the lot, highlights being the hall of victories and of course the hall of mirrors.

Since my last visit they have changed the rules and now the museum pass doesn't allow entry to the gardens, a separate pass costing 7.50 is required to get you through the gate. Considering our tiring legs we decide the views of the gardens from the windows of the chateau will do.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 15 - Paris 23 Sept 2013

Monday, only 2 days left in Paris and being Monday the Chateau of Versailles is closed so that makes it tomorrows outing. So today we are first off to see Monets Lillie's.

We catch the RER around to the D'Orsey and the walk over the river to the Musee L'Orangerie which houses Monets Water Lillie's, there is a small line up but it doesn't take long to get inside. We sit a while and enjoy the paintings before going down to see the other pictures in the gallery, there is a good collection of Renoir paintings.

Next it is back on the metro and off to the Basilica Sacre Cour. I asked our hotel desk clerk which was the best station to go to for the basilica, I though she was sending us to the station I used on one of my previous visit, alas I can only deduce that the desk clerk has not been to the basilica because the station was at the back of the Basilica which means one thing, lots of steps, 3 main staircases of about 100 steps each.

After hauling ourselves up to the top we entered into the main shopping and art center, lots of artists painting portraits of tourists, street performers and restaurants. We head around to the Basilica and wander inside, the inside is nicely decorated, some great roof paintings.

After exiting back out onto the steps we admire the views over Paris in the sunshine before wandering down to the food and tourist shops, a sandwich is enjoyed while watching the carousel. Some mandatory gift shopping is done before heading for the station that I imaged we would have started at.

For future reference Anvers is the metro stop for the Basilica.

Posted with Blogsy

Day 14 - Paris 22 Sept 2013

Cloudy skies great us today as we step out into the street on our way to the tomb of Napoleon, we make our way across the champ de mars where they have set up for a disabled games. The streets are full of health conscious Parisian running about as we make our way to invalides.

The monument has few visitors apart from one guided tour, and it is nice to wander about looking at the crypts in relative piece.

Next we are off to the Pont Alexander 3 bridge, this has to be my favourite bridge, we walk over and back before dropping down to walk along the river side.

We grab some lunch and eat it in the courtyard of the Musee D'Orsey, there are long lines and large crowds inside, seems like everyone has the same idea for a Sunday afternoon. They have changed the display since my last visit but all my favourite pieces are now all on show, after wearing ourselves out we head back to the hotel to watch the highlights from the Grand Prix.

It is also worth noting that being Sunday all of the supermarkets and most shops do not open.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 13 - Paris 21 Sept 2013

Another sunny day in Paris and today we are off to Saint Chappell we catch the RER to the Norte dame station and head over the river to the hall of justice and the chapel. We arrive at a good time as the line is not very long and within a few,minutes we are at the main door of the chapel. The lower chapel is ver ornately decorated with painted walls and roof, there is a stone spiral staircase that takes you to the upper chapel, the moment you step off the last step you are blown away buy the overwhelming amount of stain glass windows it really takes the use of stain glass to a new level and gives the room an amazing sense of colour and light.

Next we are off to Notre Dame Cathedral, and they are celebrating 850 years, there are large crowds viewing the facade from the erected seating, we make our way inside and journey around the cathedral, after saint Chappell the inside is plain and dark, but the space is still amazing. We head out and around to the back garden to enjoy a late lunch in the sun.

After lunch we head down the river, shopping in all the box sellers.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 12 - Paris 20 Sept 2013

First full day in Paris and the sun is out, promises to be a warm day making a nice change from the mist and rain.

After a yummy breakfast our first stop is the Eiffel Tower, the tower is undergoing a refit of the first level and a large section of the ground under the tower has been blocked off, no climbing the tower today as we have lift passes for later in the week. We head of to the Trocadero to get a view of the whole tower, the crowds are light making for an easy viewing.

Next we walk to the Arch de Triumph again the crowds are light and it is easy walking through the tunnel to the centre of the roundabout. After taking some snaps of the arch we head off down the Champs Élysées bound for the Place de Concorde where we will have a sit down and some lunch. We find some chairs on the bank over looking the Place de Concorde and settle down for a sandwich and some people watching.

After lunch we head through the gardens to the Lovre, the Mona Lisa is a must see and the crowds as usual are heavy, we next head to the Napoleon 3 apartments, which are an amazing site.

The day ends with a metro ride back to the hotel all in all a pretty full day.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 11 - Paris 19 Sept 2013

The sun is poking through the clouds as we checkout and head for the train, 2 first class seats await on the 11:48 TGV to Paris. We make it to the station with plenty of time to spare and soon are seated on board and heading out into the French countryside.

The train first heads into the mountains outside Strasbourg, cuttings, tunnels and canals, the trees are starting to change color another month and the mountains will be very colourful.

From the mountains we head across the fields, corn and sunflowers fill the fields along with lots of cows. Scattered amongst the fields are small towns. Very picturesque.

Paris arrives in just over 2 hours and we leave the train at garde est. we pick up some Paris passes and head for the taxi rank, surprisingly for me there is no que. 20 euros later after surviving the Paris traffic we arrive at our hotel. Luckily for us the room I have booked is not ready so we are upgraded to a room on the 10th floor with a view of the tower.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 10 - Strasbourg 18 Sept 2013

Today is a trip to Colmar to checkout the medieval town, a 1/2 hour train trip tracking the route of the rine river sees us at Colmar.

I expected a quite little town but Colmar has found tourism and the town centre is full of restaurants and gift shops. But this aside the buildings area truly remarkable and have a true medieval charm.

Yet again it is a day of sunshine and showers with the rain easing a opportune moments for snapping a pic.

The afternoon train takes us back to Strasbourg just in time before the rain settles in for the night.

Tomorrow it is off to Paris, Strasbourg has been an enjoyable stay and well worth the visit.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 9 - Strasbourg 17 Sept 2013

Another day of light rain as we venture out to check out the city. The main areas to checkout today are petite France and the cathedral.

Heading along the river we head to petite France, it is only a short stroll from the hotel, the buildings along the canal are all decked out with flower boxes and make for a pretty site. Covered tourist boats ply the canals taking what seems as a never ending supply of tourists for rides.

Making our way around the river we find the cathedral, it is not the usual French design as it has one spire and is quite well decorated inside, it is also made from red stone which is very striking.

As the rain settles in for the afternoon, we check out the large shopping centre across from the hotel before retiring for the day.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 8 - Brugge 16 Sept 2013

5:30 am and an early start, the rain is starting to ease, the 7:37 train to Basel is the only direct train that will take us to Strassbourg. We board the train on time and settle back for the 5 hour ride, through the sleepy suburbs of Brussels, out into the forests of the Arden, stopping in Luxembourg before arriving in Strassbourg.

The border police are active on both the train out of Brussels and the crossing into France, looking for illegal immigrants, the trip is a relaxing one with patches of rain as we head over the hill tops.

Arriving in Strassbourg I make the reservations for the tgv train to Paris, 18 euros for 2 tickets, the walk to the hotel is a short one and we drop off the bags and head out for a quick explore before the rain sets in.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 7 - Brugge 15 Sept 2013

Today was going to be a trip to Amsterdam but the direct train no longer runs and the trip now takes 4 hours one way, the only way to get there faster is by the fast train costing 36 euros one way.

Luckily there has been a festival going on all week with marching bands and music and there is a rock band playing in the market square so with the sun shining and a beer in hand we settle down for the afternoon.

Today is our last day in Brussels and it has been a good stay, tomorrow we head for France.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 6 - Brugge 14 Sept 2013

Another damp day as we hit the trains again this time bound for Ypres, our first surprise of the day is the train is unable to get us all the way as track work is being done, so it is train to Menen, bus to Komen and train to Ypres.

After an interesting bus ride and the short train trip we arrive in Ypres and start the walk into town, when we arrive we find that there is a festival on and all the stores have stalls outside, finally on the third trip I get to see the cathedral, it is hidden behind the guild hall and they are both the same colour so it is understandable.

We walk around the walls and check out the Menen gate, after a look around the square we head back to the station just in time to have the train pulling into the station to take us back to Brussels.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 5 - Brugge 13 Sept 2013

The day starts off with blue sky's and very promising, today we are off to explore Brugge but before we can go I need to get our train pass validated. We head to the station to get the necessary stamp on the pass then off to catch a train to Brugge, by the time we get to Gent the rain has started and the day is looking less attractive.

Brugge is covered in light rain when we arrive but with the umbrella out it Is not to bad as we stroll along the canals on our way into town. Lots of people are walking around, and taking canal rides, despite the weather.

We catch the train back and head out for a walk around Brussels, with the rain returning it is time for a few quiet beers at a nice pub. Returning to the hotel we notice the spire of the town hall is being coloured in a multi coloured light show, a fantastic site.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 4 - Brussels 12 Sept 2013

Another overcast day as we walk to the station to catch the euro rail to Brussels, the trip is smooth and enjoyable with the train hitting 300 Klm / hour just before entering the tunnel, but for the most part the train sticks to 275 Klm.

The French countryside glides by with farmers gathering hay for the coming winter, it isn't long before we are crossing into Belgium and on to Brussels.

Arriving at 2:30 pm we have heaps of time to do some basic shopping before retiring for the day, with 4 days here it will be nice not to be dragging my bag around.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 3.5 - London 12 Sept 2013

12:30 am and I am bolted out of bed by a sound no traveller want to hear. No it isn't a drunk Irishman trying to get into your room and refusing to believe he has the wrong room, that's another story, no it is the fire alarm....

I stick my head out into the hall to see people hurrying towards the stairs, we are on the second floor so not far down, I grab my room key, wallet and phone and join the people hurrying out.

Down 2 flights of stairs and out into the misty cool wet embrace of the London morning. People are all gathering on the corner trying to see if there is any smoke, after about 5 minutes we make our way back around towards the front checkin area, after about another 5 minutes a staff member arrives and casually informs us it is a false alarm, you can all go back to your rooms.

Not impressed.....

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 3 - London 11 Sept 2013

Another day and the day is overcast and cool, but no rain is forecast until late afternoon. We head out for Hyde park and we find ourselves in the middle of the international triathlon, we head to the Albert memorial and then back to Hyde park corner, a long but enjoyable walk.

Next we head down constitution hill and stop in to see the raf memorial, it may have taken 80 years but the memorial is very fitting and well over due. 12:00 finds us arriving for the end of the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace, as usual the crowds are packed in.

Next we walked through James park, the squirrels are busy collecting nuts and scampering about as we head to white hall, after all the walking a rest is required so we find a nice pub to have a hot meal and a pint.

After a nice meal it is off to the tube station at Trafalgar Square and a quick journey back to the hotel.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 2 - London 10 Sept 2013

A cloudy day greets us as we head for the tube, it is made quickly apparent that 8:30 am is not the time to try and get on the central line as train after train of sardine packed workers travel by, but by 9:08 the trains are much lighter and we easily catch a train to St Paul's.

After a quick look around the cathedral it is a short stroll over the millennium bridge to the globe theatre, the sun is starting to shine but the wind is still cool. We make our way down the river and over London bridge to monument station. A short ride finds us at tower hill and the Tower of London and tower bridge, a walk across the bridge and back is a lovely way to spend the morning. Back on the train again we head back to bank station and our hotel to gather our bags and check out.

Kings cross station is our next destination and a short stroll finds us at our next hotel, the day is changing back to showers so an indoor activity is required for the afternoon. Back on the train and bound for Knightsbridge and Harrods department store, a shopping experience to be sure, but make sure your credit card is paid up....

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 1 - holiday 2013 begins

5:15 am and I am up and on the way to the airport, 9:00 am flight to Sydney then a 2:25pm flight to London via Hong Kong. Flights to Sydney is smooth the virgin rep checking in our bags gives us a transfer to get to the Sydney international but virgin has there own bus that goes from gate 46, unfortunately you can't get your checked bags thought the security scanner to get to gate 46 without giving up all of your banned items. Had to use the transfer on the T bus which ended up okay.

Flight to Hong Kong started badly the seats that I had allocated on the website didn't get saved so we were placed in middle seats which in the end was not so bad but not the window seat that I wanted, checking for the return flights had the same problem and meant that the seats I wanted we're gone, disappointing.

Touchdown London 4:50 am, dark and drizzly, train to city went well arriving at hotel at 8:30 am, hotel lets us checkin which was great, nice hot shower beaconed but the drain was plugged resulting in an almost drenched room, hotel placed us in another room.

After freshening up it was off to get my mifi setup with a 3G data card, the drizzle is relentless and the umbrella is only partly effective but after catching the tube to Oxford street I finally find the virgin store and buy my 3gig card for 15 pounds, it works without any configuration and seems to be working well. Definitely beats the high hotel Internet access fees.

Looking forward to a good nights sleep and a better sunnier day tomorrow.

Posted with Blogsy