Day 8 - Farewell Mighty London. Miss You Already

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Oh, actually ChapOtto have left London.

What an amazing week. Sitting here on the train to Brighton, plugged into Fleetwood Mac and reflecting on the week. Pleased we had those rest days though. Like anywhere you visit in the world you never quite get to see everything in one hit. We saw enough this time around. Good excuse to come back, right?!

It was a shame we couldn't spend more time with people we know in London, you tend to find snot monsters are not that social. Looking forward to the next visit to London, might even try to stay awake for a West End show next time.

It was surprising to see how many people smoke in London [cue reformed smoker speech] but the constant trail of smoke as you walk along and weaving through that gastly smell was just awful. 

What was equally surprising is the fascination people have with their mobile phones and the skill required to walk and text/Facebook/tweet without walking into someone/something. So you can imagine the agility required to dodge the smoking-texters was slick. No wonder we haven't had a drop to drink since being here... One's fullest attention is required to navigate the sidewalk!

We are looking forward to Brighton, it will be a bit colder but also less hectic. The thought of unpacking and repacking in 3 days for the next leg to Rome makes me feel ill. It was hard enough this morning but the suitcase are packed within an inch of their lives :)) . Hopefully there won't be many occasions too shop or pick up the obligatory souvenirs (May have to stick to increasing the fridge magnet collection). We have already picked up enough magnets to halt all communications on the next aircraft we travel.  So if you feel a magnetic polar shift... Don't worry it is probably us.

Holy hell batman train has arrived already... Time to "alight"

D

Day 7 - Just chillin'

It is change over day back home, meaning Daggies babysitters are on the move. A big thank you to Simmone for putting yourself out with staying at our place and putting up with the fur-babies antics. Thank you so much for patiently looking after him.

Nan and Pa have taken the reins... Well, the leash and I'm sure won't tolerate any canine c..p.Llooking forward to that report card! Two words come to mind TOUGH LOVE.

Today we have taken it easy, trotted up to Clapham Junction for a look-see and to get our train tickets to Brighton. Advertised as having freshly made sandwiches delivered to your seat got me over the line.

We had a good old fashioned English lunch which went down a treat. Back at the hotel now for a sit down and cuppa tea before having one last go at the local Westfield, then packing time. That should be a challenge in its own right. Nearly time to buy another bag.

Day 6 - Change Of Plans

Today was declared another "rest day". None of the cavorting around London as has been done earlier in the week.

Ryan aka THE SNOTMONSTER has been needing to rest to get in top of this "commoner cold". No need for doctor, just rest, lots of water and upping the vitamins.

The epic travel to get here has taken a bit of a toll on us both, we have seen what we wanted to here anyway.

We were planning to leave London for Maidstone tomorrow (day 7) for a music event with some disco favourites but have extended London for another night then will go directly to Brighton tomorrow.

We have an Audi A4 booked to drive around Brighton and the district and to get us to Gatwick on Wednesday. 

At the end of the day we are away for nearly 4 weeks, so 2 slow days are not going to hurt anyone.

So let's talk about the weather... Sunny everyday. Foggy early in the days but that gets burnt off mid morning, temperatures around 20 everyday, jeans and t-shirt weather.

Wicked!... Hmmm

Ummm yeah. Well this will meet some disagreement... I thought it was a pile of c**p. Ryan thought it was marginally better.

I did however manage to have a short little nap during the first act and a slightly longer one in the second act. Complete waste of 120 quid.

At the end the cast announced that this was a special performance, being the 7th anniversary of the show being in London... The other 1000 or so thespians seemed to enjoy it more.

Day 5 - Rest Day...time for some lazy time.

From the time of stepping into Brisbane Airport to seeing most of the London sights it has been go, go, go. Feeling slightly under the weather so it was time to pull the lazy day card. Mission accomplished, which also meant a little walk to the nearby laundrette to do the washing and to wash all of the new threads.

Clyde helped..

Ryan hasn't been too well, the only time this year that the snot-monster has got him is in a London. Must have been some commoner germs fro the palace! So he was sent home back to bed. While I watched the clothes go around in circles. 

Tonight it is time for the thespian side to come out. Off to Wicked.

The Rest Of Day 4... Around the wheel we go...and SHOPPING

After Ma'ams House we trotted off over the river and jumped on The London Eye. It was a magnificent view across London...and a nice rest from the walking.

After dinner it was time to hit the shops on Oxford St...  Wow!

Day 4 - Ma'ams House

Ok so I will admit I am a fan of the Royal Family, the pomp and ceremony and in particular Her Majesty, I get the republican stuff, it all comes down to personal persuasion. That said, visiting Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews and the Gallery was a special experience.  Here is us at 'the front door'...

And at the back door after putting the milk bottles out....

The shear history involved and setting foot inside "Head Office" to also view a special exhibition and collection of HM's coronation memorabilia was very unique. Again no pictures were allowed inside, but memories last forever.

We didn't stay too long in the gallery...

Eyeing off Queen Victoria... She seemed a tough old nut..

We can see why some of the folk looked a bit annoyed... You would too wearing this...

And as for MC Hammer inventing THOSE pants.... Sorry mate it has been done a long time before you...

The Royal Mews were interesting.... Hearing about the purpose of each carriage and when they are used, and why they are used.

An interesting point regarding the royal cars... They are specially built so that Her Majesty can be standing upright before "alighting".

And this guy, with the giant cigarette lighter, needs to put his pants on properly before having his next statue made! His gym membership looks like it is paying off! Yup it is a boy lion too.

We enjoyed a lovely cuppa following the tour.... Needed it as there was a LOT of walking!

Day 3 - Dinner Surprise

We went to a burger joint.... A kiwi burger joint. Not much else to say :)

Day 3... Sightseeing Part 1...Bit delayed posting as we've been busy!

We decided to hit the town... It's a big town to hit! Being the quintessential tourist, we boarded the topless double decker and let someone else do the driving. Clyde came along for the ride.

He was rather impressed with the size of that Ferris wheel thing called the London Eye. Not too fussed about those types of rides myself... Unless glued to the seat by g forces.. Which this is not. Convinced by the better half that such a ride is well worth it, that was schedule for day 4.

He was also fascinated to see that Big Ben is not actually that big. Truth be told, the name comes from the 13 tonne bell which sits within what is now called Elizabeth Tower. Here is Clyde photo-bombing...( for the oldies...that doesn't involve a backpack with wires, but getting in the way when's picture is taken).

Earlier in the day we saw the Marble Arch... Clyde can be seen in the  picture...look closely. Interesting to learn that this arch was moved a few miles from its original site when a previous royal (think it may have been good old Queen Vicky) decided to do some extensions to Buckhingham Palace.

After a full day being out and about we called it a day after visiting London Tower, and the viewing of the Crown Jewels. Absolutely breathtaking especially when you see footage of the occasions when these have been used. We couldn't take photos inside the vault. The photo below is the general area where they used to lop naughty people's heads off! ... Ryan's Siamese triplets attached at the shoulder are also doing well ;)

An Unforgettable Experience - An Evening With Fleetwood Mac.

We have spent a few evenings with Fleetwood Mac however none like this. Firstly being at the O2. This building, a tent on steroids, goes for what seems miles. Within this tent are restaurants, a few smaller arenas and then the main space. Lucky the fog stayed outside...

Anyway the distraction of the architecture was great until FM came to the stage. The roar of 20000 folks sent goosebumps everywhere. Unfortunately at times our jet lag wanted to say hi but soon enough we were back on our feet having a wiggle to some well established hits. Just seeing these artists individually and collectively become immersed in their craft, be it percussion, guitar or the vocals was beyond words. The experience of being taken on that journey with them was out of this world. Mick Fleetwood's drum solo which lasted over 10 minutes got the heart thumping, Big Love by Lindsay was just intense with an ovation to follow.

Then the truly beautiful Stevie belted out Stand Back like never before. Her vocals were as polished as when this track was originally recorded. Her grace throughout the evening was beautiful. Good to also see that Stevie and Lindsay do actually get along...now, considering many hits were penned at times of extreme hatred, betrayal and sadness among the group.

(A bit blurry but you get the idea).

"Don't Stop" was one of my fave's hitting a chord as this is one song that personally helped me through a very dark time. In saying that many of their tunes take me to a happy place,  also with fond memories of being a kid in Wellington. Oh the 70's!

I believe that most of the world's best music has already been made, FM is testament to that.

Wow that blog entry went on a bit... I guess this will be one of the highlights of #DBC40. Thank you to my sweetheart for organising this. You are incredible. 

Not sure what today's adventure will be... It may involve a double decker bus, topless. Not us, the bus :)

Dunk x

Day 2 - Good'ish Sleep and Time To Explore...

Well, from what we have seen things are equally priced compared to home. We have spotted some sales in the Westfield...lucky considering the crap exchange rate. So a little, I REPEAT a little bit of shopping will be on the cards. Would you believe that corduroy is back on-trend. It has been about 33 years since I sported cord pants.

Off to Kensington and Knightsbridge today. Oyster card in hand (British version of a Go card). Looking forward to a cup of tea in, or near, Harrods.

Not too much planned as we have a date tonight with Stevie, Mick, Lindsay and John. Very much excited about FLEETWOOD MAC tonight at the O2!

Time to get out and about.

D.

Day 1 (stiiiiiiiiill... Over 24 hours without a shower......) We Have Arrived...

What a way to start a vacation... But some careful planning and knowledge of options meant we were not offloaded and that we stayed ahead of the game.

On our travels we did spot the place where naughty Australians are sent...

Heathrow was just mind blowing... Metal everywhere.... Annnnd then the queue for the lovely interaction / interrogation (kidding...just lots of questions as usual) by Her Majesty's Customs.

We made it to the hotel in Shepherds Bush, via the tube and London taxi... 

The shower was the best ever...

Had a nap and a quick walk around....

We have worked out that the definition of jet lag is - When your body says I WANT WEETBIX, but you are trying to eat STEAK. Didn't finish the steak... 

Day 1 (yep still due to time zones...) STRANDED

So here we are in Singapore. 

Before leaving BNE our onward flight with Lufthansa was empty, great when you are on standby. not great when there is a typhoon in the area. The LH A380 via Frankfurt to London was oversold upon our arrival at Changi. Quick risk assessment... Wifi connection found, iPad put to use on the work portal, flights cancelled and new bookings made all 90 minutes before pushback. Back to the original plan to give Etihad a go via Abu Dhabi. 

We managed to get the last two seats on board, no fancy bed up the front but stuck in the middle. Hard to complain with the price paid... Lucky for a no show, so we had 3 seats to spread out.

A few time zones and 7 hours later.. Hello AUH....11pm and 29 degrees.

Next flight full... Except for 3 seats at the pointy end. Business class booking made, downgraded to the ass end do the bus and a 0235 departure. Yep she was a full ship. More time zones, more miniature food but we got to London 8 hours before we had originally planned! All part of the adventure, just waiting for MANY refunds from various airlines for unused tickets.. 

Day 1 - DBC40 Trip, It is time to go...

The trip has finally begun. Bags are packed, Clyde in tow and it is up to the Staff Travel Gods.

Due to a typhoon hammering HKG the plans have changed several times. Time to leave Australia...next step, we don't actually know!

So we have ended up flying with the opposition, their service was great...the VERY talkative passenger next to us wouldn't shut up, even noise cancelling headphones didn't work on her. All part of the fun.