Saturday, September 12, 2009
Europe 2009
Please check my face book for updates as computer time is limited. Having a great time so far, Rome and Paris have been great, heading to Amsterdam today. Will make updates here once I am back home. See you all soon.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Bognor Pics 2
Bognor Beach - The English Channel
Good old game of Cricket
Portsmouth
English countryside
Arundel Castle
Pat and Ian's house
Bognor Regis - Last Stop
Well this post will finish up the list of places visited during the trek around Europe. The last place that we visited was Bognor Regis. Bognor is famous for a couple of things, the birdman festival, retirement homes, and the rumored last words of George V of "Bugger Bognor". We chose Bognor, as it happens to be the home to lifelong friends Pat and Ian Dixon, and a visit with was something I wanted to make sure to do on the trip. I was also interested in getting to see Bognor as I had spent a couple of months there back in 1993 before I went to Africa.
Pat and Ian were nice enough to put us up at their house. While there we were able to meet two little foster girls Chloe and Bella. Two little sisters who were loads of fun and really sweet. I also got to see Pat and Ian's daughter Becky, who I hadn't seen in 14 years.
Most of the time we had in Bognor was spent relaxing, walking around the town or sitting down at the beach. We also went on a couple of day trips, we went with Ian to Portsmouth one day, and another with Pat, Ian and the girls on another day to Arundel Castle. Portsmouth is famous for it history as a port and ship-building city, and Arundel as it is a Castle that is still occupied and privately owned.
The time we spent in Bognor was a nice wind-down from the long trip, and a great opportunity for me to see Pat and Ian, spend a little time with them, and visit some of the places I remembered from my last trip. Ian drove us to the airport (thanks again Ian), and we had a nice flight home without any noisy Newfies or other irritants. After 11 weeks it was back to the real world.... unfortunately.
Pat and Ian were nice enough to put us up at their house. While there we were able to meet two little foster girls Chloe and Bella. Two little sisters who were loads of fun and really sweet. I also got to see Pat and Ian's daughter Becky, who I hadn't seen in 14 years.
Most of the time we had in Bognor was spent relaxing, walking around the town or sitting down at the beach. We also went on a couple of day trips, we went with Ian to Portsmouth one day, and another with Pat, Ian and the girls on another day to Arundel Castle. Portsmouth is famous for it history as a port and ship-building city, and Arundel as it is a Castle that is still occupied and privately owned.
The time we spent in Bognor was a nice wind-down from the long trip, and a great opportunity for me to see Pat and Ian, spend a little time with them, and visit some of the places I remembered from my last trip. Ian drove us to the airport (thanks again Ian), and we had a nice flight home without any noisy Newfies or other irritants. After 11 weeks it was back to the real world.... unfortunately.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Isle of Skye Pics Pt.2
View of the bay by our hostel
Falls by Kilt Rock
Dipping my face in the "Waters of Eternal Youth and Beauty"
The Old Man of Stoor (about 150 feet tall)
Melanie on the way up to the Old Man of Stoor
View from the Fairy castle of the Fairy Glen. A really peculiar spot that is believed to be home to fairies. We were warned not to remove anything from the glen as it was bad luck, our tour guide told stories of people who had ignored the waring and 6 months or a year later sent back a rock they had taken from there, due to a string of bad luck. A group of small hills that pops out of nowhere, and had a really magical feel to it, along with a really great legend of a bagpiper enchanted by fairies.
Scotland, Isle of Skye Pt.2
The bulk of our time in Scotland as I said in the last post was spent on the 3-day bus tour of Scotland that went up to the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is in the north-west corner of Scotland, and luckily the route one takes to get up there goes by a couple of cool sights.
On the way to the Isle, we got to stop at Loch Ness, which was a definite necessity when visiting Scotland. We had a look and a cup of tea on the shore, but I unfortunately didn't see Nessie. It is a nice loch, miles long and fairly narrow. We also stopped at Perthshire, a park the used to belong to some lord or aristocrat, and had a nice walk along a stream that had some nice stonework going over it and some waterfalls. Am interesting fact about it is the fact that the forest is artificial. The guy that used to own the place loaded seeds into a cannon and shot them over his property. So there is trees there that you wouldn't see elsewhere.
Our guide on the tour, Tim, was a funny guy and was full of stories and tales about the history and mythology of Scotland. I really learnt some interesting things that you would never know or hear about outside of Scotland. I was surprised to hear that many older Scots believe you can't trust Campbell's, due to nasty business in clan days. Tim also named me "King Doug", and I was sitting in the centre seat of the back row, and I was one of the few people that would banter back and forth with him. He was quite proud that I had tried haggis.
In the Isle of Skye, we went to a bunch of really cool sites. We dipped our heads in the "Waters of Eternal Youth and Beauty", visited the Old Man of Stoor, and saw old style Scottish houses. We also visited Kilt Rock (a really tall cliff that has pleats like that of a kilt), saw hairy coos, and went to a local tent party where they actually played a Canadian jig.
The time spent in the Isle of Skye was awesome, we stayed in a small fishing village, in a house that had a really nice coal burning fire and incredible view of the bay. Even though we never got to spend much time in Edinburgh the bus trip was worth the sacrifice. I have so great stories from it and it was a definite highlight of the trip. If you are ever in Scotland, check out MacBackpackers, good prices and takes some of the work out of a trip.
On the way to the Isle, we got to stop at Loch Ness, which was a definite necessity when visiting Scotland. We had a look and a cup of tea on the shore, but I unfortunately didn't see Nessie. It is a nice loch, miles long and fairly narrow. We also stopped at Perthshire, a park the used to belong to some lord or aristocrat, and had a nice walk along a stream that had some nice stonework going over it and some waterfalls. Am interesting fact about it is the fact that the forest is artificial. The guy that used to own the place loaded seeds into a cannon and shot them over his property. So there is trees there that you wouldn't see elsewhere.
Our guide on the tour, Tim, was a funny guy and was full of stories and tales about the history and mythology of Scotland. I really learnt some interesting things that you would never know or hear about outside of Scotland. I was surprised to hear that many older Scots believe you can't trust Campbell's, due to nasty business in clan days. Tim also named me "King Doug", and I was sitting in the centre seat of the back row, and I was one of the few people that would banter back and forth with him. He was quite proud that I had tried haggis.
In the Isle of Skye, we went to a bunch of really cool sites. We dipped our heads in the "Waters of Eternal Youth and Beauty", visited the Old Man of Stoor, and saw old style Scottish houses. We also visited Kilt Rock (a really tall cliff that has pleats like that of a kilt), saw hairy coos, and went to a local tent party where they actually played a Canadian jig.
The time spent in the Isle of Skye was awesome, we stayed in a small fishing village, in a house that had a really nice coal burning fire and incredible view of the bay. Even though we never got to spend much time in Edinburgh the bus trip was worth the sacrifice. I have so great stories from it and it was a definite highlight of the trip. If you are ever in Scotland, check out MacBackpackers, good prices and takes some of the work out of a trip.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Edinburgh Pictures
A few pics from Edinburgh, sorry if some of them aren't of the best quality my monitor is really poor and I can't tell if a problem is with the picture or my display.
The first view we saw after leaving the bus station in Edinburgh
Another awesome view
The view from our dormroom window
Riders preparing to enter the Tattoo
Edinburgh Castle lit up for the Tattoo
The first view we saw after leaving the bus station in Edinburgh
Another awesome view
The view from our dormroom window
Riders preparing to enter the Tattoo
Edinburgh Castle lit up for the Tattoo
The Isle of Skye, Scotland
First of all let me say, I am very sorry for not updating this in such a long time. I got back home relaxed for a little bit, and then was without the Internet for a couple of weeks. I have been looking for work lately as well, which has taken up much of my time. Either way there is no good excuse for not updating. My apologies.
Edinburgh
Scotland, what a great country. After the game in Manchester we took the bus up to Edinburgh. The bus ride there, unlike most bus rides, was actually enjoyable. We got to see lots of countryside and drove through a few cities along the way. When we arrived in Edinburgh, we were blown away. The city of Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful, possibly the nicest city I have been to. The old style houses, the breath taking castle situated right in the middle of the city, and overall feel of the city was great.
We stayed in an old stone building called "Castle Rock Hostel", that sat below Edinburgh castle which we could see out our dorm room window. As an added plus the night we stayed there was the first night of the Edinburgh International Tattoo. The tattoo was sold out, but we saw some of the Calvary getting prepared and could hear the pipes being played, the atmosphere was great.
The amount of time we got to spend in Edinburgh was really short, as we had booked a 3-day bus tour up to the Isle of Skye in northern Scotland that started the next day. I really regret not getting to see more of the city and see some of its attractions, but we did a fair bit of walking and went up and down the Royal Mile so we got to see some of the city. I even had a serving of Haggis for supper, which despite peoples ideas of what it might taste like, was actually pretty good. I have the policy of trying everything once.
Edinburgh
Scotland, what a great country. After the game in Manchester we took the bus up to Edinburgh. The bus ride there, unlike most bus rides, was actually enjoyable. We got to see lots of countryside and drove through a few cities along the way. When we arrived in Edinburgh, we were blown away. The city of Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful, possibly the nicest city I have been to. The old style houses, the breath taking castle situated right in the middle of the city, and overall feel of the city was great.
We stayed in an old stone building called "Castle Rock Hostel", that sat below Edinburgh castle which we could see out our dorm room window. As an added plus the night we stayed there was the first night of the Edinburgh International Tattoo. The tattoo was sold out, but we saw some of the Calvary getting prepared and could hear the pipes being played, the atmosphere was great.
The amount of time we got to spend in Edinburgh was really short, as we had booked a 3-day bus tour up to the Isle of Skye in northern Scotland that started the next day. I really regret not getting to see more of the city and see some of its attractions, but we did a fair bit of walking and went up and down the Royal Mile so we got to see some of the city. I even had a serving of Haggis for supper, which despite peoples ideas of what it might taste like, was actually pretty good. I have the policy of trying everything once.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Manchester United vs Inter Milan pics
Old Trafford
Me and the Guys
Inside the stadium
Warming up
Wayne Rooney
Ryan Giggs and Christiano Ronaldo
Heading toward ManUtd's net
The crowd
A free kick
The crowd leaving the stadium
Glory! Glory! Man United!
After London I got to fulfill my dream of going to a Manchester United football game. We arrived in Manchester with lots of time checked in to our hostel, met up with another guy going to the game and we all headed over to Old Trafford (the stadium). We got to the stadium around 4:30 in the afternoon for the 8:00 kick-off against Inter Milan. We wanted to arrive early as I had to pick up the tickets from the box office, go to the megastore, and look at and soak in as much of the stadium as possible. Even at that early of time there were plenty of people around.
The line for tickets wasn't very long, so we had lots of time. The store was packed, but there was absolutely everything you could think of to buy with Manchester United logo's put on it. There was wallpaper, car floor mats, mouse pads, bobble heads, and even underwear. I chose to buy a match-day scarf as it was something unique to the match I attended. It had both team names on it and their titles as respective league champions (England and Italy).
It was great walking into the stadium and seeing all of the banners, stands, and playing field, that I had seen so many times on TV. The stadium was nearly empty when we first went in, but it slowly filled up and reached by the time the game started there was nearly 74,000 people in attendance. The energy of the crowd during the game was awesome. Whenever Manchester got the ball everybody cheered or would start singing one of the teams anthems. Whenever Inter Milan got the ball there would be jeers from the crowd. It was an experience to remember, and something I will definitely make a point of doing again.
Unfortunately, Manchester lost the game. Manchester scored first (Rooney), than Inter Milan came back and got up 3-1. Manchester forced an own goal, but it was not enough. The game was still a good time though as it was very evenly matched and Manchester was pressing hard in the second-half to tie it, but were unsuccessful.
The crowd leaving the stadium after the game was incredible, there were so many people pouring out on to the streets. We caught a bus back to the city centre, and even on the bus ride home, people were chanting Manchester anthems. The game was definitely a highlight of the trip, and something I don't think could be experienced anywhere else.
"Glory, Glory, Man United! Glory, Glory, Man United! Glory, Glory, Man United! And the reds go marching on, on, on!"
The line for tickets wasn't very long, so we had lots of time. The store was packed, but there was absolutely everything you could think of to buy with Manchester United logo's put on it. There was wallpaper, car floor mats, mouse pads, bobble heads, and even underwear. I chose to buy a match-day scarf as it was something unique to the match I attended. It had both team names on it and their titles as respective league champions (England and Italy).
It was great walking into the stadium and seeing all of the banners, stands, and playing field, that I had seen so many times on TV. The stadium was nearly empty when we first went in, but it slowly filled up and reached by the time the game started there was nearly 74,000 people in attendance. The energy of the crowd during the game was awesome. Whenever Manchester got the ball everybody cheered or would start singing one of the teams anthems. Whenever Inter Milan got the ball there would be jeers from the crowd. It was an experience to remember, and something I will definitely make a point of doing again.
Unfortunately, Manchester lost the game. Manchester scored first (Rooney), than Inter Milan came back and got up 3-1. Manchester forced an own goal, but it was not enough. The game was still a good time though as it was very evenly matched and Manchester was pressing hard in the second-half to tie it, but were unsuccessful.
The crowd leaving the stadium after the game was incredible, there were so many people pouring out on to the streets. We caught a bus back to the city centre, and even on the bus ride home, people were chanting Manchester anthems. The game was definitely a highlight of the trip, and something I don't think could be experienced anywhere else.
"Glory, Glory, Man United! Glory, Glory, Man United! Glory, Glory, Man United! And the reds go marching on, on, on!"
Amsterdam Pics
The Infamous Red-Light District
Nice night shot
Bicycles - they were piled everywhere
Canal
Canal
Statues of characters from Rembrant's painting "The Nightwatch"
Nice canal picture
A windmill used to power a brewery
Our hosts Daniella and Martijn
Sorry I took so long to post these Martijn.
London Pictures
Melanie with some of the Royals at Madame Tussaud's
Melanie with a giant teddy bear dressed like a Beefeater
Read Photo
The London Eye
Lord Nelson's column in Trafalger Square
Buckingham Palace
Traitors Gate - nobody left if they came in through here
The Tower of London
Tower Bridge
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