I chose not to join them this evening as I needed to rest up since my “A-game” will be required tomorrow as I make my annual sojourn to the…
Wish me luck. Cheers!!07 August 2008
Wednesday 6 August 2008
So today Amy took our visitors and joined the throngs of tourists at the Tower of London, where they made all sorts of new friends. After the obligatory photo opportunity in front of the Tower Bridge, they also did a bit of shopping at Harrod’s.
I chose not to join them this evening as I needed to rest up since my “A-game” will be required tomorrow as I make my annual sojourn to the…
Wish me luck. Cheers!!
I chose not to join them this evening as I needed to rest up since my “A-game” will be required tomorrow as I make my annual sojourn to the… Wish me luck. Cheers!!
Tuesday 5 August 2008
It’s typically London this week – cool and rainy. Yesterday’s forecast indicated rain all day, so we decided to have a slow day. There are a few local shops that I’ve been wanting to visit, but they are only open weekdays during business hours and difficult for me to manage.
One is a local cheese shop. I’ve never actually been into a cheese shop before, so I’m not sure what I was expecting. The shop was completely refrigerated (a bit like the posh wine shops), with shelves of cheese blocks and wheels. As we are not cheese experts, we just enjoyed browsing. The other shop is a little Italian storefront around the corner. Very small, but very cool. This was our favourite and we picked up a few things for dinner at home.
One is a local cheese shop. I’ve never actually been into a cheese shop before, so I’m not sure what I was expecting. The shop was completely refrigerated (a bit like the posh wine shops), with shelves of cheese blocks and wheels. As we are not cheese experts, we just enjoyed browsing. The other shop is a little Italian storefront around the corner. Very small, but very cool. This was our favourite and we picked up a few things for dinner at home.
Yesterday we took the Big Red Bus tour of London. We spent most of the day touring on the top deck, however, we did have to hop off a few times due to rain. When the afternoon traffic slowed us down, we decided to stop at South Bank and take a nice walk along the Thames. We saw the London Eye up close and enjoyed a few of the street performers along the way. Ray met us for a beverage at a pub near the Shakespeare Globe and we happened upon one more to add to his list on the way to the tube.
03 August 2008
Sunday 3 August 2008
One of the items on P&K’s “Things We Want to See While in London” was a castle.
So… today we hopped on an outbound train to visit one of the best, Warwick Castle.
Built in the 12th century overlooking the River Avon in Warwickshire, it’s one of the finest remaining medieval stone castles in England.
We toured the State Rooms, including its Main Hall, complete with its obligatory displays of armour and weaponry.
We snaked our way down into the depths of its original dungeon.
...and then capped off our visit with climbing up the 530 "steep" steps, gaining access to the fortresses ramparts and towers.
So… today we hopped on an outbound train to visit one of the best, Warwick Castle.
Built in the 12th century overlooking the River Avon in Warwickshire, it’s one of the finest remaining medieval stone castles in England.
We toured the State Rooms, including its Main Hall, complete with its obligatory displays of armour and weaponry.
We snaked our way down into the depths of its original dungeon.
...and then capped off our visit with climbing up the 530 "steep" steps, gaining access to the fortresses ramparts and towers.
You might notice there are only three of us on this part of the journey. Amy graciously volunteered her services to stay at the bottom to photograph our efforts for historical purposes.
We ended the day at a local coaches inn and enjoyed an EXCELLENT Sunday roast and a few adult beverages, making it back JUST in time for our train ride home.
Some of us even caught a nap on the ride home.
Ray was in classic form as our tour guide today - and it was a great day. We only got caught by the rain a litle and it was good to see the rolling hills and greenery on the train ride. Once, between naps (yes - I was the one caught snoring) on the train, we saw deer in the fields along with the sheep. It's good to visit with the girls and we'll have a full week of things to report.
p.s. No regrets on staying behind to capture photos (steep steps and heights are NOT my favorites!).
Saturday 2 August 2008
Well… today officially starts the tourist season at Hotel V as our friends Paula and Kristin start what will be a series of visitors over the next 3 weeks. They actually arrived yesterday, but we gave them a day to recover before showing them what has become our “home”.
After walking through Trafalgar and Leicester Squares, I met up with the girls in Chinatown for a light lunch/supper.
That is… if you consider Spring Rolls, Fried Tiger Prawns, Sesame Toast, Ribs, Crispy Seaweed, Spicy Noodles, Aromatic Crispy Duck (a new favourite of both visitors), Chicken Satay, Sweet & Sour Pork, Spicy Beef, Shrimp Fried Rice and Chilli Prawns “light”.
After walking through Trafalgar and Leicester Squares, I met up with the girls in Chinatown for a light lunch/supper.That is… if you consider Spring Rolls, Fried Tiger Prawns, Sesame Toast, Ribs, Crispy Seaweed, Spicy Noodles, Aromatic Crispy Duck (a new favourite of both visitors), Chicken Satay, Sweet & Sour Pork, Spicy Beef, Shrimp Fried Rice and Chilli Prawns “light”.
30 July 2008
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Those that know me realize that I might obsess just a little bit.
One of my quirks concerning this blog is the cool little map located on the right hand margin, which shows the locale of visitors to this blog. Insomuch as I will view the blog from the airport lounge (Thanks to Amy's frequent flyer status) if we are flying from a city I know hasn't shown up.
It IS a tad misleading, in that, it shows the location of the user’s ISP and not their true "location".
Example: If I look at our blog from the office, which I NEVER do (much), the result is a hit from a Houston server even if I’m in London, because that is where our provider originates.
Another anomaly is that the blog is also available to Google/Yahoo searches which results in us being more popular in South America than I thought we would.
A few observations on my part.
I’m REALLY disappointed in the showing from the African nations, as well as, the “Stans” (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the like), so if you have any friends or relatives in the area. Send them our way.
Also… I’m not quite sure why the largest “dot” (signifying the most visits) is located in the center of the U.S. My initial guess would have been Houston or London.
Maybe it’s NORAD checking out my whereabouts and pub activities.
One of my quirks concerning this blog is the cool little map located on the right hand margin, which shows the locale of visitors to this blog. Insomuch as I will view the blog from the airport lounge (Thanks to Amy's frequent flyer status) if we are flying from a city I know hasn't shown up.
It IS a tad misleading, in that, it shows the location of the user’s ISP and not their true "location".
Example: If I look at our blog from the office, which I NEVER do (much), the result is a hit from a Houston server even if I’m in London, because that is where our provider originates.
Another anomaly is that the blog is also available to Google/Yahoo searches which results in us being more popular in South America than I thought we would.
A few observations on my part.
I’m REALLY disappointed in the showing from the African nations, as well as, the “Stans” (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the like), so if you have any friends or relatives in the area. Send them our way.
Also… I’m not quite sure why the largest “dot” (signifying the most visits) is located in the center of the U.S. My initial guess would have been Houston or London.
Maybe it’s NORAD checking out my whereabouts and pub activities.
28 July 2008
Sunday 27 July 2008
So… I had this great spur of the moment idea. My friend Marty is back working in Paris for a bit, and since the final stage of the Tour de France ends in Paris, I thought it would be a cool opportunity to experience such a world class event.
After grabbing the late Eurostar to Paris Saturday night, I met up with Marty at one of his usual haunts. The night’s festivities started by sitting in an Irish pub in the Latin Quarter of Paris drinking a Belgian ale and listening to a German chap singing American ballads.
Kinda weird when I write it down, isn’t it?
Oh... but it gets better.
On our way to a cocktail bar called Bob Cool, we were invited to join Marty’s friend for a quick bourbon in his flat (in a 500 year old building no less). Unbeknownst to me, his friend is fellow Texan Ealy Mays, a world renowned artist whose paintings have hung in the New York Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and the Louvre. Not only did he share drink with us, he was also kind enough to give me a small piece of his work.
So yeah… I hung out with an artist in Paris. How bohemian of me, no?Don’t be worried. We were able to awaken in plenty of time to grab a spot off of the Jardin des Tuileries on Rue de Rivoli (although I did have to cling to a fence) to watch the winner, Spaniard Carlos Sastre, and the rest of the remaining riders take their celebratory loops before the finishing at the Arc de Triomphe.
24 July 2008
Wednesday 24 July 2008
Call me irresponsible...
Tonight we crammed ourselves into the tube like sardines as we travelled out to the O2 Arena in Greenwich to experience the Michael Buble concert. It was quite the entertaining show even IF he included his version of YMCA, complete with hand signs.
He performed most of the songs we wanted to hear accompanied by his 13 piece orchestra and even gets bonus points for doing an Elvis impersonation.
Amy has also decided that next time we see a show here, we’ll hire a car home as it seems she didn’t enjoy revisiting the sardine experience on the tube ride home.
Tonight we crammed ourselves into the tube like sardines as we travelled out to the O2 Arena in Greenwich to experience the Michael Buble concert. It was quite the entertaining show even IF he included his version of YMCA, complete with hand signs.
He performed most of the songs we wanted to hear accompanied by his 13 piece orchestra and even gets bonus points for doing an Elvis impersonation.
Amy has also decided that next time we see a show here, we’ll hire a car home as it seems she didn’t enjoy revisiting the sardine experience on the tube ride home.
20 July 2008
Saturday 19 July, 2008
This was expected to be the busiest travel weekend of the year as school summer holidays are officially underway. The tourists have arrived and the streets of London are bustling.
While Ray’s trip to Houston is winding down, I spent Saturday at the Portobello Market. My friend Delma was in London on business and we spent the day walking through the antique markets and street booths. It was quite crowded, but a great experience. I found a few antique clock vendors that I’m sure Ray will be visiting some day soon.
I’m still grounded for another month or so and won’t be flying, so our adventures will be local for a while. We are expecting guests in August and hoping that the lovely mild summer continues! Ray surprised his mom at her 70th birthday party last weekend and spent the week running errands and “unofficially” house hunting. It’s a little soon – but we do plan to be back in Texas by the end of the year!
While Ray’s trip to Houston is winding down, I spent Saturday at the Portobello Market. My friend Delma was in London on business and we spent the day walking through the antique markets and street booths. It was quite crowded, but a great experience. I found a few antique clock vendors that I’m sure Ray will be visiting some day soon.
I’m still grounded for another month or so and won’t be flying, so our adventures will be local for a while. We are expecting guests in August and hoping that the lovely mild summer continues! Ray surprised his mom at her 70th birthday party last weekend and spent the week running errands and “unofficially” house hunting. It’s a little soon – but we do plan to be back in Texas by the end of the year!
08 July 2008
Tuesday 8 July 2008
You know...
You THINK you've seen a lot of the world until you put it down on paper, and then realize just how little you really have.
visited 18 countries (8%)
Happy 70th Birthday mom!!!
You THINK you've seen a lot of the world until you put it down on paper, and then realize just how little you really have.
visited 18 countries (8%)
Happy 70th Birthday mom!!!
03 July 2008
Thursday 3 July, 2008
On the eve of America’s Independence Day I find it fitting to expound on a couple new realizations. In the last week it has been brought to my attention that I do not know ALL of the pronunciation/spelling difference between our “two” languages.
Jewelry = Jewellery
Hemophilia = Haemophilia
Not sure how we plan on celebrating the 4th tomorrow. Maybe some Sweedish meatballs trimmed with English peas. Perhaps with a nice French onion soup as a starter topped off with a tasty Belgian ale.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!
Jewelry = Jewellery
Hemophilia = Haemophilia
Not sure how we plan on celebrating the 4th tomorrow. Maybe some Sweedish meatballs trimmed with English peas. Perhaps with a nice French onion soup as a starter topped off with a tasty Belgian ale.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!
29 June 2008
Saturday 28 June 2008
Today we had tickets to the outdoor festival concert in Hyde Park, Hard Rock Calling.
Since Amy is officially on the injured reserve list, I had to attend on my own, but did get to see John Mayer, Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton, three performers, that until yesterday had never seen live.
Since Amy is officially on the injured reserve list, I had to attend on my own, but did get to see John Mayer, Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton, three performers, that until yesterday had never seen live.
Mayer and Clapton didn't disappoint with their bluesy offerings. Sheryl Crow... not so much.
27 June 2008
Saturday through Sunday 14-22 June 2008
Santorini
Known for its brilliant sunset views and blue domed churches, this collapsed volcanic caldera didn’t disappoint. Every turn was as if you were looking at a postcard. And let me answer this straight away. NO… Amy did NOT ride a donkey.
We visited traditional Santorini villages, got a panoramic view of the island from the monastery of Prophet Elias, sunned at the black sand beaches of Kamari, tasted wine at a local winery, and meandered our way through the labyrinth of narrow streets in search of the perfect beer.
We experienced the town of Oia, which some say has the best sunsets in the world, but it was its cliff-side townscape that struck us as the most beautiful.
Before visiting Oia, I had the opportunity to explore two small villages, Pyrgos and Megalochori where I was in my element armed with my camera and lots of free time.
Known for its brilliant sunset views and blue domed churches, this collapsed volcanic caldera didn’t disappoint. Every turn was as if you were looking at a postcard. And let me answer this straight away. NO… Amy did NOT ride a donkey.
We visited traditional Santorini villages, got a panoramic view of the island from the monastery of Prophet Elias, sunned at the black sand beaches of Kamari, tasted wine at a local winery, and meandered our way through the labyrinth of narrow streets in search of the perfect beer.
We experienced the town of Oia, which some say has the best sunsets in the world, but it was its cliff-side townscape that struck us as the most beautiful.
Before visiting Oia, I had the opportunity to explore two small villages, Pyrgos and Megalochori where I was in my element armed with my camera and lots of free time.
25 June 2008
Saturday through Sunday 14-22 June 2008
Mykonos:
In Greek means: This Doesn’t Suck.
Three of our days were spent on the aquamarine shores of the Aegean Sea at the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Beaches, sunsets and rum drinks were the order of the day. Although… there IS a rumour that one of us may have partook in just one too many of those rum drinks.
Two of Mykonos’ most recognizable landmarks are its windmills, that date back to the 16th century and Little Venice, where we enjoyed an excellent sunset dinner one evening.
Of course, there are the churches of Panagia Parapotiani and St. Nicholas, and who am I to pass up a photo opportunity?
In Greek means: This Doesn’t Suck.
Three of our days were spent on the aquamarine shores of the Aegean Sea at the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Beaches, sunsets and rum drinks were the order of the day. Although… there IS a rumour that one of us may have partook in just one too many of those rum drinks.
Two of Mykonos’ most recognizable landmarks are its windmills, that date back to the 16th century and Little Venice, where we enjoyed an excellent sunset dinner one evening.
Of course, there are the churches of Panagia Parapotiani and St. Nicholas, and who am I to pass up a photo opportunity?
While Amy became great friends with Lynda’s recommended jeweler, I took a ½ day excursion out to the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
24 June 2008
Saturday through Sunday 14-22 June 2008
Athens:
We toured some of the ancient sites of the Greek empire.
We shopped throughout the Plaka district.
We experienced the nightlife of the hidden gem that is the Psiri area.
Yes… we squeezed a LOT into our two days in Athens.
One can’t visit Athens without going to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. For those that are unaware: The Parthenon is the Athenean temple located ON the Acropolis, which is the high fortified area of many ancient Greek cities.
We toured some of the ancient sites of the Greek empire.
We shopped throughout the Plaka district.
We experienced the nightlife of the hidden gem that is the Psiri area.
Yes… we squeezed a LOT into our two days in Athens.
One can’t visit Athens without going to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. For those that are unaware: The Parthenon is the Athenean temple located ON the Acropolis, which is the high fortified area of many ancient Greek cities.
The temple to honor the city’s namesake, Athena overlooks the area and dates back to the 5th century BC. Truly one of those iconic sites I so enjoy visiting up close.
I also made a quick visit to the remains of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch with a perfectly timed opportunity to see the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Amy and I also took a half day excursion out to Cape Sounion, which is the southernmost part of mainland Greece. Perched high on the headland overlooking the realm is the site of remains of the Temple of Poseidon.
Saturday through Sunday 14-22 June 2008
Greece is the word…
One of the “Top Three” places to visit (well… Amy has more than three) once we took this European assignment has always been Greece. We can now cross that off of our list as we decided to take an organized tour that included Athens and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
We had an outstanding tour director in Lynda, who not only led us to some historic and scenic sites, but also made sure we had several opportunities to sample Greek cuisine and… um… nightlife.
I've decided it best to break up our trip into separate posts as I DO have to sift through almost 600 pictures. Digital cameras are our friends.Stay tuned for more Greecian updates coming to a blog near you.
12 June 2008
Thursday 12 June 2008
I’ve been derelict in my duties of keeping my pub visits up to date. Only 27 more required to reach a total of 150 unique visits. Are 200 out of the question before our return? Is that a challenge?
Below are the most recent visits, and as always, the comprehensive list can be found by following the link on the right of the blog.
Cheers!!
114. The Bridge House: Canal-side pub near Paddington. Gastro-pubbish on the inside, but outside seating on a nice day has potential.
115. The Mitre: Wide open two bar Victorian pub with some nice cut glass panels. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it down to the “Cellar Bar”, but still an nice place.
116. The Victoria:Great Place!! Corner pub. Cool clock above a mirror backed bar dating back to 1864. Upstairs rooms are pretty cool as well. Mind the influx of roller bladers near closing time.
117. The Elgin:Large corner pub in Notting Hill. Built in 1860 most of its interior has unfortunately been “modernized”. BUT… go to the back saloon section where the original tiling and etched glass still remain.
118. The Anchor Inn:(Cowes, Isle of Wight) An 18th century coaches inn that still offers accommodations. Lovely bar area, but very modernized interior. Excellent food however, and the local ale (Fuddle De Dum) was SUPERB!!!
119. The Grapes:(Oxford) Very narrow traditional Victorian boozer with paneled booths. Dark wood walls were adorned with local theatre posters.
120. The Kings Arms:(Oxford) Another historic Oxford pub established as a coaching house in 1607. Rambling collection of odd shaped rooms and small bars added to the quirkiness of the obvious “Uni” atmosphere.
121. The Turf Tavern:(Oxford) Considered Oxford’s best know pub located down a winding alleyway. Pub itself dates back to 1200’s and is a tiny, TINY place that I could not allow me to stand upright. Surrounded by several beer gardens, it was a shame that the house ale was absolute CRAP.
122. The Bear:(Oxford) Reported to be the oldest pub in Oxford. Present building dates back to 1770. We sat outside as it was quite warm, but the inside displays several thousand ties on its walls. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed.
123. The Vines:(Liverpool) Built in 1867 and now a listed building. EXCELLENT paneled booths and ornate wood sculptures. Several different rooms including a full dining hall that included etched glass windows and plaster reliefs along the ceiling.
124. The Philharmonic:(Liverpool) Widely regarded as the most ornate pub in ALL of the U.K. and I just might have to agree. Grand rooms with detailed reliefs and stained glass windows highlight this extraordinary Victorian palace. One of the best pubs I’ve visited.
125. The Princess Louise: A must see!! A completely restored Victorian pub dating back to 1872, one could actually get lost in its unique maze of paneled enclosures and connecting rooms. Every wall is covered with intricate tiling and etched mirrors, and don’t forget to check out the gents’ toilets. If you’re a gent that is.
126. Cittie of Yorke : A very unique place. The rear bar resembles a Tudor style dining hall. A long bar traverses one wall as the other is occupied by small cubicles. Rebuilt in the 1920’s a pub has been on this sight since the 15th century.
127. The Lamb: Nothing special on the outside, but this traditional still maintains its original tiled walls. The bar still has the original “snob screens”. Not special, but still interesting.
Below are the most recent visits, and as always, the comprehensive list can be found by following the link on the right of the blog.
Cheers!!
114. The Bridge House: Canal-side pub near Paddington. Gastro-pubbish on the inside, but outside seating on a nice day has potential.
115. The Mitre: Wide open two bar Victorian pub with some nice cut glass panels. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it down to the “Cellar Bar”, but still an nice place.
116. The Victoria:Great Place!! Corner pub. Cool clock above a mirror backed bar dating back to 1864. Upstairs rooms are pretty cool as well. Mind the influx of roller bladers near closing time.
117. The Elgin:Large corner pub in Notting Hill. Built in 1860 most of its interior has unfortunately been “modernized”. BUT… go to the back saloon section where the original tiling and etched glass still remain.
118. The Anchor Inn:(Cowes, Isle of Wight) An 18th century coaches inn that still offers accommodations. Lovely bar area, but very modernized interior. Excellent food however, and the local ale (Fuddle De Dum) was SUPERB!!!
119. The Grapes:(Oxford) Very narrow traditional Victorian boozer with paneled booths. Dark wood walls were adorned with local theatre posters.
120. The Kings Arms:(Oxford) Another historic Oxford pub established as a coaching house in 1607. Rambling collection of odd shaped rooms and small bars added to the quirkiness of the obvious “Uni” atmosphere.
121. The Turf Tavern:(Oxford) Considered Oxford’s best know pub located down a winding alleyway. Pub itself dates back to 1200’s and is a tiny, TINY place that I could not allow me to stand upright. Surrounded by several beer gardens, it was a shame that the house ale was absolute CRAP.
122. The Bear:(Oxford) Reported to be the oldest pub in Oxford. Present building dates back to 1770. We sat outside as it was quite warm, but the inside displays several thousand ties on its walls. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed.
123. The Vines:(Liverpool) Built in 1867 and now a listed building. EXCELLENT paneled booths and ornate wood sculptures. Several different rooms including a full dining hall that included etched glass windows and plaster reliefs along the ceiling.
124. The Philharmonic:(Liverpool) Widely regarded as the most ornate pub in ALL of the U.K. and I just might have to agree. Grand rooms with detailed reliefs and stained glass windows highlight this extraordinary Victorian palace. One of the best pubs I’ve visited.
125. The Princess Louise: A must see!! A completely restored Victorian pub dating back to 1872, one could actually get lost in its unique maze of paneled enclosures and connecting rooms. Every wall is covered with intricate tiling and etched mirrors, and don’t forget to check out the gents’ toilets. If you’re a gent that is.
126. Cittie of Yorke : A very unique place. The rear bar resembles a Tudor style dining hall. A long bar traverses one wall as the other is occupied by small cubicles. Rebuilt in the 1920’s a pub has been on this sight since the 15th century.
127. The Lamb: Nothing special on the outside, but this traditional still maintains its original tiled walls. The bar still has the original “snob screens”. Not special, but still interesting.
03 June 2008
Saturday 31 May 2008
Tonight we had tickets to see Bruce Springsteen at Emirates Stadium. The large stadium venue took away some of the intimacy his shows tend to have, but regardless it was a toe-tapping fun evening.
Ok…ok… I did sing… a little.
I was VERY happy with his ever changing playlist which included, “Growing Up”, “She’s the One” and, of course, “Jungleland”. “Because the Night” was a very welcomed added bonus. While Amy also enjoyed the show she left just a tad disappointed as her favourite, “Thunder Road” wasn’t included.
All in all it was a great show and it never hurts attending a concert where we don’t skew the age demographic.
Ok…ok… I did sing… a little.
I was VERY happy with his ever changing playlist which included, “Growing Up”, “She’s the One” and, of course, “Jungleland”. “Because the Night” was a very welcomed added bonus. While Amy also enjoyed the show she left just a tad disappointed as her favourite, “Thunder Road” wasn’t included.
All in all it was a great show and it never hurts attending a concert where we don’t skew the age demographic.
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