Day 40 August 20th A Day at Yosemite.
It was an early start to a very long day. We were travelling to Yosemite National park; 180 miles away with a travelling time of 3hours 40 minutes according to Google. The tour bus was due at 5:45am at the Hotel; it arrived at 5:50am. We were up early enough to be able to shower and enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits; we bought a couple of sandwiches at Starbucks across the road and ate them on the bus. The bus then toured around San Francisco picking up another 23 passengers before we entered the expressway at 7am to start the journey to Yosemite National Park; our driver was a young, polite and casually dressed young man with long hair. Just before we entered the expressway we passed through a lawless district nicknamed the “Tenderloin District” so called because the Police were reluctant to be there as it was dangerous for them but were enticed back by butchers who would give them free tenderloin meat. This according to Shaun our driver. The surface of the expressway was surprisingly rough so much so that I could not hold my camera steady to take photographs as we passed through Oakland. Here Marijuana has been legalised and licences to grow are issued by the local Authority. The expressway varied in width up to seven lanes; it was busy but free flowing. Soon we were clear of the built up area driving through rolling hill country covered with golden prairie grass; this was San Francisco’s six month dry period so there was not much green grass except where it was irrigated. On the hills were small ancient electricity windmills; apparently they were the first in California. Driver Shaun said that the towers vibrated the ground which attracted small rodents which were set upon by rare and protected eagles; some of the eagles would get killed by the windmill’s rotating blades and this caused concern to the local controlling authority. Soon the hills were replaced with rich fertile plains of the Napa Valley; corn, grape vines, and almond trees were grown. According to Shaun 80% of Americas almonds were grown here. Some dairy cows could also be seen in paddocks; they were also housed in large cow barns similar to what are proposed for New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country. At 8:30am we stopped at Oakdale for a half hour comfort and refreshments. At a supermarket we bought some bananas and peaches; the peaches were large and sweet. At 9am we continued our journey; we left the plains and started climbing steadily; at one stage the road became steep and very windy somewhat like our Crown Range Road only more so; every now and then our driver would pull into a “pullout” so that faster moving drivers could pass; he was a very courteous driver.
We reached the toll gates of the park at around 11am; we stopped at a refuelling and refreshment stop in a beautiful tall pine forest. Nineteen minutes later we had our first photo stop overlooking a large river valley between huge granite rock faces.
Our second photo stop was by the roadside high above a river meandering through very high, smooth granite cliffs. We then drove into the river valley and stopped beneath El Capitan; a huge 3000 feet (910metres) vertical smooth granite cliff; Shaun says it is very popular with rock face climbers. Some take two days and get some sleep on the way up in special hammocks which they haul up for the purpose.
Next we had to walk through open bush for about ¼ hour to see the 188 metre Bridalveil fall. The strong winds at its top whisked the falling water into a veil like cloud.
At 1:40 pm we stopped for lunch at the park headquarters. Here we were entertained by a little squirrel. It was not frightened of us and stood erect on its haunches as if asking for food. I gave it some bread but it did not like it; i followed with lettuce which it held between its little paws and ate it. It was cute.
At 2:30 we headed for the Sequoia trees; our last stop. We reached the site at 3pm. We had to walk about 2½ miles down a gentle slope to see them. The tree with a square hole cut through it that is often pictured in books is now dead but still standing. Our driver said that cutting the hole killed it. After taking a picture of Fay in the hole we started the long climb back up the hill. The hill seemed steeper on our return to the bus; after a few rest stops we made it back to the bus. At 6pm we had another comfort and meal break at Oakdale; the sun was still shining and the temperature was very hot; we finally reached our hotel around 9pm; a little tired but happy.
Try this website.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100318093300.htm
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Yosemite National Park Pictures
The first picture is of Fay in Sequoia Tree.
The Second is a little friend.
Then Fay rests on the bus.
El Capitan.
Fay with El Capitan in background.
Large granite cliffs with river valley.
Stately Pines.
Double click a picture to enlarge.
The Second is a little friend.
Then Fay rests on the bus.
El Capitan.
Fay with El Capitan in background.
Large granite cliffs with river valley.
Stately Pines.
Double click a picture to enlarge.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
San Francisco Pictures
The top two pictures are the Atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The next is a night view from our room wit the Bay Bridge lit up.
Seals at the Fisherman's Wharf.
The lounge of our Hotel room.
Another view of our Hotel Atrium.
Street Scene with San Francisco Cable Car.
The next is a night view from our room wit the Bay Bridge lit up.
Seals at the Fisherman's Wharf.
The lounge of our Hotel room.
Another view of our Hotel Atrium.
Street Scene with San Francisco Cable Car.
Day 38 August 18th Day one in San Francisco.
Day 38 August 18th Day one in San Francisco.
We slept well for nine hours and awakened to a beautiful sunny day, clear sky and a light to strong breeze. After breakfast Fay found a hairdresser just across the road from the Hyatt. While she was having her first hair set since The Star Princess cruise I spent the time taking photos of our beautiful hotel. We then caught an ancient and crowded tram to the Fishermans Wharf. We walked around, enjoyed a late lunch, and watched the seals at play and the jugglers juggling before catching the tram back to the hotel again. We dined at the Ferry buildings across the road from our hotel before retiring early at 8:30pm. Although we had had a good sleep the night before we were tired by 8:30pm; must have been a little jet lagged.
We slept well for nine hours and awakened to a beautiful sunny day, clear sky and a light to strong breeze. After breakfast Fay found a hairdresser just across the road from the Hyatt. While she was having her first hair set since The Star Princess cruise I spent the time taking photos of our beautiful hotel. We then caught an ancient and crowded tram to the Fishermans Wharf. We walked around, enjoyed a late lunch, and watched the seals at play and the jugglers juggling before catching the tram back to the hotel again. We dined at the Ferry buildings across the road from our hotel before retiring early at 8:30pm. Although we had had a good sleep the night before we were tired by 8:30pm; must have been a little jet lagged.
Day 37 August 17th London to San Francisco.
Day 37 August 17th London to San Francisco.
Today was always going to be a long day. My cell phone woke Fay at 5:45am; we started breakfast at 6:45am and walked to the Tower Hill underground and caught a train at 7:31; we changed to a Piccadilly line train at Hammersmith, a level platform crossing. We arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1 at 8:10am and after a short walk we arrived at the Lufthansa check in. A bit more walking was required to pass through customs and security before reaching the Star Alliance lounge where we relaxed with drinks and morning tea. At 10:45 the gate number we were waiting for appeared and we set off on the long walk to Gate 5 where our Plane was scheduled to leave at 11:10am. We need not have hurried; the boarding time was delayed. We eventually left the terminal at 11:30 and was airborne at 11:45am. We arrived at Munich only 10minutes after schedule time at 2:10pm Munich time. The flight time was 1hour 25minutes during which time we enjoyed a light lunch. Our main flight of the day was due to leave Munich at 4:15pm. Once again there was a delay; this time a passenger had not turned up so we had to wait while all his/her luggage had to be found and taken off the aircraft. We eventually left the ground at 5:07pm Munich time. Eleven hours had now passed since we awoke for the day and we still had approximately 11 hours of daylight flying ahead of us. After about an hour we were served another lunch; the food once again was wonderful. I watched a good video; “You Have Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the principle actors. Outside the sun was bright so Fay closed the curtains and we tried to sleep. After about an hour I gave up trying and watched some more video. Eventually I dozed for about 40 Winks as the saying goes and woke up surprisingly refreshed. Fay also managed a little sleep. The flight path took us North West, across the Norwegian Sea, Greenland and Northern Canada before heading south over Alaska and then The Rocky Mountains. I managed to take some photos of the landscape about 10900 meters below; around Northern Canada the land looked barren with icebergs in the sea; the snow covered Rocky Mountains glistened brilliantly white in the bright sun. With about two hours flying left we were served the Dinner Menu. By the time we reached San Francisco we had made up for time lost and landed as per schedule. I have come to the conclusion that the flight schedules printed have an allowance for delays as we always seem to arrive on time. We proceeded through security without the delays we have experienced in the past at San Francisco. Once again I had my finger prints taken and my eyes photographed. We caught the train 50minutes after landing and thirty minutes later we were entering the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown San Francisco. We emerged from the underground train station literally at the hotel door.
From the outside the hotel did not look impressive but on emerging from the lift at the first floor Atrium I stood in awe at the sight before us. The reception desk was at the base of a large triangle shape floor space surrounded by seventeen floors of service balconies in front of guest rooms. On the right hand side the balconies rose vertically one above the other but on the left hand side the balconies over hung each other forming a sloping ceiling from left to right and from each balcony starting at the third floor and finishing at the 10th balcony many strings of tiny white lights hung down to finish just above the dining area. To the right of reception were five oval shaped elevators moving up and down. They too were impressive with bright yellow domes top and bottom of the glass fronted compartment. We reached our room around 11pm. The quality of the room was consistent with the Atrium area I have tried to describe above. We have a large bed at one end of an eleven by four meter room; we have two couches able to seat five people, two low tables and a wide desk with a broadband cable for me to work at on my computer. We have two 32inch TVs; even the bathroom mirror has a built in 10inch remote controlled TV built into it. The 9 meter lounge window allows us to look over the ferry terminal area with the massive Bay Bridge in the background; at night it is lit up; we feel like we are in Wonderland.
We had survived the 23¾ hour day without sleep, apart from the 40 winks, better than I had expected.
Today was always going to be a long day. My cell phone woke Fay at 5:45am; we started breakfast at 6:45am and walked to the Tower Hill underground and caught a train at 7:31; we changed to a Piccadilly line train at Hammersmith, a level platform crossing. We arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1 at 8:10am and after a short walk we arrived at the Lufthansa check in. A bit more walking was required to pass through customs and security before reaching the Star Alliance lounge where we relaxed with drinks and morning tea. At 10:45 the gate number we were waiting for appeared and we set off on the long walk to Gate 5 where our Plane was scheduled to leave at 11:10am. We need not have hurried; the boarding time was delayed. We eventually left the terminal at 11:30 and was airborne at 11:45am. We arrived at Munich only 10minutes after schedule time at 2:10pm Munich time. The flight time was 1hour 25minutes during which time we enjoyed a light lunch. Our main flight of the day was due to leave Munich at 4:15pm. Once again there was a delay; this time a passenger had not turned up so we had to wait while all his/her luggage had to be found and taken off the aircraft. We eventually left the ground at 5:07pm Munich time. Eleven hours had now passed since we awoke for the day and we still had approximately 11 hours of daylight flying ahead of us. After about an hour we were served another lunch; the food once again was wonderful. I watched a good video; “You Have Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the principle actors. Outside the sun was bright so Fay closed the curtains and we tried to sleep. After about an hour I gave up trying and watched some more video. Eventually I dozed for about 40 Winks as the saying goes and woke up surprisingly refreshed. Fay also managed a little sleep. The flight path took us North West, across the Norwegian Sea, Greenland and Northern Canada before heading south over Alaska and then The Rocky Mountains. I managed to take some photos of the landscape about 10900 meters below; around Northern Canada the land looked barren with icebergs in the sea; the snow covered Rocky Mountains glistened brilliantly white in the bright sun. With about two hours flying left we were served the Dinner Menu. By the time we reached San Francisco we had made up for time lost and landed as per schedule. I have come to the conclusion that the flight schedules printed have an allowance for delays as we always seem to arrive on time. We proceeded through security without the delays we have experienced in the past at San Francisco. Once again I had my finger prints taken and my eyes photographed. We caught the train 50minutes after landing and thirty minutes later we were entering the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown San Francisco. We emerged from the underground train station literally at the hotel door.
From the outside the hotel did not look impressive but on emerging from the lift at the first floor Atrium I stood in awe at the sight before us. The reception desk was at the base of a large triangle shape floor space surrounded by seventeen floors of service balconies in front of guest rooms. On the right hand side the balconies rose vertically one above the other but on the left hand side the balconies over hung each other forming a sloping ceiling from left to right and from each balcony starting at the third floor and finishing at the 10th balcony many strings of tiny white lights hung down to finish just above the dining area. To the right of reception were five oval shaped elevators moving up and down. They too were impressive with bright yellow domes top and bottom of the glass fronted compartment. We reached our room around 11pm. The quality of the room was consistent with the Atrium area I have tried to describe above. We have a large bed at one end of an eleven by four meter room; we have two couches able to seat five people, two low tables and a wide desk with a broadband cable for me to work at on my computer. We have two 32inch TVs; even the bathroom mirror has a built in 10inch remote controlled TV built into it. The 9 meter lounge window allows us to look over the ferry terminal area with the massive Bay Bridge in the background; at night it is lit up; we feel like we are in Wonderland.
We had survived the 23¾ hour day without sleep, apart from the 40 winks, better than I had expected.
Day 36 August 16th Day 2 in London.
Day 36 August 16th Day 2 in London.
Today was Fay’s day. At 11:30am we met her niece and nephew who live at South Croydon. We enjoyed a chat over a long lunch with them at St Kathryn’s Lock; this is a marina with expensive apartment blocks shops and restaurants built around its edge; the marina used to be shipping wharfs and warehouses. There are many expensive motor boats and yachts tied up. They enter the Thames River via the lock.
After lunch we walked with S and I across London Bridge to London Bridge Railway station where they catch their train to South Croydon. After saying good bye were returned to our hotel. On the way we rested in a small park and enjoyed “Mr Whippy” type of soft serve ice cream. Upon reaching our hotel we repacked our luggage and rested in preparation for our long flight via Munich to San Francisco the next day when we will have an early 7am start. We catch the underground at Tower Hill station about 300 meters from our hotel; it will cost £2.40 each for the 1¼ hour trip to Terminal 1 at Heathrow.
Today was Fay’s day. At 11:30am we met her niece and nephew who live at South Croydon. We enjoyed a chat over a long lunch with them at St Kathryn’s Lock; this is a marina with expensive apartment blocks shops and restaurants built around its edge; the marina used to be shipping wharfs and warehouses. There are many expensive motor boats and yachts tied up. They enter the Thames River via the lock.
After lunch we walked with S and I across London Bridge to London Bridge Railway station where they catch their train to South Croydon. After saying good bye were returned to our hotel. On the way we rested in a small park and enjoyed “Mr Whippy” type of soft serve ice cream. Upon reaching our hotel we repacked our luggage and rested in preparation for our long flight via Munich to San Francisco the next day when we will have an early 7am start. We catch the underground at Tower Hill station about 300 meters from our hotel; it will cost £2.40 each for the 1¼ hour trip to Terminal 1 at Heathrow.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 35 August 16th London.
Day 35 August 16th London.
We slept ‘til 9am after two late nights in a row. After breakfast we caught another Hop on Hop Off bus and travelled directly to Buckingham Palace, which was open to the public while the Queen was away. We had to queue for ½ an hour to purchase tickets for the 1:45pm session. To fill in the time waiting for 1:45pm we went for a walk to Hyde Park corner and sat for a while enjoying the “passing parade”; we joined the queue for entry at 1:40pm. We had to go through an X-ray examination; I had to start up my computer for them to see that it really was an ordinary computer, and then they made me give it up while I was in the Palace grounds. I guess it was worth it because the palace was very interesting and beautiful. We were given a personal recorded guide. We enjoyed a very expensive cup of tea and cake at the end of the tour in the Palace Cafe before strolling through the extensive park like gardens to the roadway exit. Then we reboarded the bus for some more sightseeing before alighting at St Pauls Cathedral. It was breathtaking inside. I would have had a great time taking photographs if I had been allowed.
Being close to our hotel we walked back to our hotel.
We slept ‘til 9am after two late nights in a row. After breakfast we caught another Hop on Hop Off bus and travelled directly to Buckingham Palace, which was open to the public while the Queen was away. We had to queue for ½ an hour to purchase tickets for the 1:45pm session. To fill in the time waiting for 1:45pm we went for a walk to Hyde Park corner and sat for a while enjoying the “passing parade”; we joined the queue for entry at 1:40pm. We had to go through an X-ray examination; I had to start up my computer for them to see that it really was an ordinary computer, and then they made me give it up while I was in the Palace grounds. I guess it was worth it because the palace was very interesting and beautiful. We were given a personal recorded guide. We enjoyed a very expensive cup of tea and cake at the end of the tour in the Palace Cafe before strolling through the extensive park like gardens to the roadway exit. Then we reboarded the bus for some more sightseeing before alighting at St Pauls Cathedral. It was breathtaking inside. I would have had a great time taking photographs if I had been allowed.
Being close to our hotel we walked back to our hotel.
Day 34 August 14 Edinburgh
Day 34 August 14 Edinburgh
We slept in a little after retiring at midnight following the late finish at the Tattoo. After a late breakfast I took advantage of good complimentary internet to update the blog. Then R and young A called to pick us up to attend a family and friends get-together at a nice restaurant “the Braids Hill Hotel” on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Ten people from Scotland, England and New Zealand attended. The meal was delightful. The first time I had seen Cauliflower, Broccoli and carrots together for a long time. I enjoyed Smoked Mackerel served with baby Prawns lemon and caper salad with nice wholemeal bread as a starter; Pan fried liver and bacon with red wine and onion gravy served on creamed potatoes as my main, and finished with a selection of Scottish Cheeses and oatcakes. After the meal we sat around in the grounds for a chat and a few drinks.
At 5pm it was reluctance that we said goodbye as Fay and I had to catch a plane to London. Our plane was delayed by thirty minutes by rainstorms disrupting planes around Heathrow. We took to the air at 8:25pm and landed at Heathrow at 9:20pm. We bought some nice sandwiches at the airport and caught the Tube train to London arriving at our hotel at 11:40pm. After a nice cup of tea and the sandwiches we bedded around 12:15am Sunday. Apart from the travel we had a very enjoyable day.
.
We slept in a little after retiring at midnight following the late finish at the Tattoo. After a late breakfast I took advantage of good complimentary internet to update the blog. Then R and young A called to pick us up to attend a family and friends get-together at a nice restaurant “the Braids Hill Hotel” on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Ten people from Scotland, England and New Zealand attended. The meal was delightful. The first time I had seen Cauliflower, Broccoli and carrots together for a long time. I enjoyed Smoked Mackerel served with baby Prawns lemon and caper salad with nice wholemeal bread as a starter; Pan fried liver and bacon with red wine and onion gravy served on creamed potatoes as my main, and finished with a selection of Scottish Cheeses and oatcakes. After the meal we sat around in the grounds for a chat and a few drinks.
At 5pm it was reluctance that we said goodbye as Fay and I had to catch a plane to London. Our plane was delayed by thirty minutes by rainstorms disrupting planes around Heathrow. We took to the air at 8:25pm and landed at Heathrow at 9:20pm. We bought some nice sandwiches at the airport and caught the Tube train to London arriving at our hotel at 11:40pm. After a nice cup of tea and the sandwiches we bedded around 12:15am Sunday. Apart from the travel we had a very enjoyable day.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
Some Pictures
Star Princess in Stockholm.
Star Princess swimming pool and cinema under the stars
Canal Boat Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Canal Scene.
Building in Sigapore.
Long Tailed Lizard in Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Expensive Beef.
Our Tour Group.
Singapore Scene.
Hanging out the Washing.
Fay contemplating the Singapore Airline Menu.
Star Princess swimming pool and cinema under the stars
Canal Boat Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Canal Scene.
Building in Sigapore.
Long Tailed Lizard in Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Expensive Beef.
Our Tour Group.
Singapore Scene.
Hanging out the Washing.
Fay contemplating the Singapore Airline Menu.
Day 33 August 13th Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo
Day 33 August 13th Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo
Fay and I were up early e Tattoo.for an early getaway to Edinburgh; Fay was meeting with her niece Jessie. After about 1¼ hours we reached the outskirts of the City; quite a fast drive along Scotland’s motorways; our trust sat-nav then led us through a maze of streets to her place. After an hour of catch-up talk she treated us to a lovely lunch. After lunch we drove to Polmont to see Bills family home. We returned to Edinburgh and found our B&B right in the centre of the city. After our evening meal we walked uphill to Edinburgh Castle to watch the Military Tattoo. It was very colourful with the castle in the background its walls being used as a screen for an ever changing background for the many Bands from different countries. New Zealand performed a very good band which performed a haka as part of its repertoire. We all enjoyed the experience, especially the young 12to 15 year olds who performed on small motor scooters. The walk “Home” all downhill took ¾ hour. We retired for the night at midnight.
Fay and I were up early e Tattoo.for an early getaway to Edinburgh; Fay was meeting with her niece Jessie. After about 1¼ hours we reached the outskirts of the City; quite a fast drive along Scotland’s motorways; our trust sat-nav then led us through a maze of streets to her place. After an hour of catch-up talk she treated us to a lovely lunch. After lunch we drove to Polmont to see Bills family home. We returned to Edinburgh and found our B&B right in the centre of the city. After our evening meal we walked uphill to Edinburgh Castle to watch the Military Tattoo. It was very colourful with the castle in the background its walls being used as a screen for an ever changing background for the many Bands from different countries. New Zealand performed a very good band which performed a haka as part of its repertoire. We all enjoyed the experience, especially the young 12to 15 year olds who performed on small motor scooters. The walk “Home” all downhill took ¾ hour. We retired for the night at midnight.
Day 32 August 12th in Pitlochry.
Day 32 August 12th in Pitlochry.
Today was a day for catchup; Fay wanted a hairdo, but all the hairdressers were fully booked, I found a drycleaner and was happy, A&H did some shopping and the rest of the day was spent just walking and wandering around. After lunch I walked up one side of the Tummel River to the Hydro-electric dam, across the top examined the fish ladder and then back to the B&B. On the way I spent some time looking at a marvellous household flower and vegetable garden. We all visited Heather Gems, a small factory shop that makes jewellery and other ornaments from the small branches of the heather shrub. Workers go in to the hills and pick the heather bushes, bring them back to the factory where they remove the bark in a small kiln. Then the white wood twig like branches are dried before being cut into 300mm lengths after which they are dyed with various colours. Then the twigs of a mixture of colours are put into a press with a clear resin and compressed into small blocks about 200mm square. After a day or two these blocks are the further dried and cut into layers which are then shaped into what look like gemstones. They are finished off by polishing and coated with three coats of lacquer before being mounted.
Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo in the evening.
WE have had an enjoyable stay at the Ferryman’s Cottage in Pitlochry.
Today was a day for catchup; Fay wanted a hairdo, but all the hairdressers were fully booked, I found a drycleaner and was happy, A&H did some shopping and the rest of the day was spent just walking and wandering around. After lunch I walked up one side of the Tummel River to the Hydro-electric dam, across the top examined the fish ladder and then back to the B&B. On the way I spent some time looking at a marvellous household flower and vegetable garden. We all visited Heather Gems, a small factory shop that makes jewellery and other ornaments from the small branches of the heather shrub. Workers go in to the hills and pick the heather bushes, bring them back to the factory where they remove the bark in a small kiln. Then the white wood twig like branches are dried before being cut into 300mm lengths after which they are dyed with various colours. Then the twigs of a mixture of colours are put into a press with a clear resin and compressed into small blocks about 200mm square. After a day or two these blocks are the further dried and cut into layers which are then shaped into what look like gemstones. They are finished off by polishing and coated with three coats of lacquer before being mounted.
Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo in the evening.
WE have had an enjoyable stay at the Ferryman’s Cottage in Pitlochry.
Day 31 August 11 we visit Blair Castle.
Day 31 August 11 we visit Blair Castle.
We set of for Blair Castle in light rain; the future outlook was for the weather to clear. After entering the gates we drove through a beautiful avenue of mature trees for about ¾km before reaching the car park. We walked about 400meters through manicured gardens crossing a small footbridge over a rocky stream before reaching the castle. The castle did not have the usual stone look being painted white all over. Small artillery guns were at the ready to the right of the main entrance. The walls of the entry hall were decorated with many old style flintlock rifles, all with fixed bayonets as well as the occasional sword and deer antler; we moved on to a long hall of about 100metres (my estimate ) it was adorned with many stag antlers. All the carpets were red. In the many beautiful rooms displays told of the history of the castle, the land, the ruling monarchy and the Clan Murray family. We spent three hours of interest before we reached the huge ballroom at the end of our tour. We lunched at the castle cafe.
We next set off for a new shopping complex we should visit we had been told about; on the way we stopped to view a water wheel attached to a bakery in a stone building; the wheel turned the mill to make the flour for the bakery.
The shopping centre was built in the traditional style of the towns in the area; not the modern styles we see in New Zealand. We did not buy any goods; just window shopped.
Our next visit was to a scenic viewing point high in a beautiful forest. We overlooked a lovely lake bounded by forest and farmland with small white dots in the paddocks; these were sheep a long way down below us. In the distance could be seen the mountains around Glencoe, an area we had visited several days ago. I bought a small book of Scottish jokes at the locality shop. Rain was still falling from the skies; it did not clear ‘til we were back at our B&B around 4pm.
At 5:30pm we went for a short walk and found a restaurant; we dined well.
We set of for Blair Castle in light rain; the future outlook was for the weather to clear. After entering the gates we drove through a beautiful avenue of mature trees for about ¾km before reaching the car park. We walked about 400meters through manicured gardens crossing a small footbridge over a rocky stream before reaching the castle. The castle did not have the usual stone look being painted white all over. Small artillery guns were at the ready to the right of the main entrance. The walls of the entry hall were decorated with many old style flintlock rifles, all with fixed bayonets as well as the occasional sword and deer antler; we moved on to a long hall of about 100metres (my estimate ) it was adorned with many stag antlers. All the carpets were red. In the many beautiful rooms displays told of the history of the castle, the land, the ruling monarchy and the Clan Murray family. We spent three hours of interest before we reached the huge ballroom at the end of our tour. We lunched at the castle cafe.
We next set off for a new shopping complex we should visit we had been told about; on the way we stopped to view a water wheel attached to a bakery in a stone building; the wheel turned the mill to make the flour for the bakery.
The shopping centre was built in the traditional style of the towns in the area; not the modern styles we see in New Zealand. We did not buy any goods; just window shopped.
Our next visit was to a scenic viewing point high in a beautiful forest. We overlooked a lovely lake bounded by forest and farmland with small white dots in the paddocks; these were sheep a long way down below us. In the distance could be seen the mountains around Glencoe, an area we had visited several days ago. I bought a small book of Scottish jokes at the locality shop. Rain was still falling from the skies; it did not clear ‘til we were back at our B&B around 4pm.
At 5:30pm we went for a short walk and found a restaurant; we dined well.
Day 30 August 10th Elgin to Pitlochry
Day 30 August 10th Elgin to Pitlochry
The day dawned sunny and bright; we headed for pitlochry at 9am. An hour later after travelling through green pastures and wooded hills we arrived at the small town of Rothes in a valley of trees. A sign saying Glen Grant Distillery and Garden tours beckoned to us so we answered the call. While A and I were shown how whiskey was made our two ladies spent time in the garden. At the end of the tour of the distillery we all sampled the product.
Our next stop was at the vintage Strathspey Railway. Fay and I boarded the steam locomotive hauled train at the Broomhill Station for a £5.00 ride to Aviemore where A&H picked us up to continue our journey to Pitlochry. Aviemore was a beautiful town with flower gardens in full bloom and the main street adorned with colourful hanging baskets.
I thought the flowers and hanging baskets of Aviemore were great but they were not in the same league as Pitlochry.
Our B&B is called “The Ferryman’s Cottage” which is exactly what it was way back in 1750 until 1913. It is a beautiful stone building beside the River Tummel with its own set of hanging baskets.
We are only 200 metres away from a live concert venue. As we are here for three nights we might see a show. We are only 70 metres away from a lovely restaurant as well. I reckon we will enjoy our stay in Pitlochry.
The day dawned sunny and bright; we headed for pitlochry at 9am. An hour later after travelling through green pastures and wooded hills we arrived at the small town of Rothes in a valley of trees. A sign saying Glen Grant Distillery and Garden tours beckoned to us so we answered the call. While A and I were shown how whiskey was made our two ladies spent time in the garden. At the end of the tour of the distillery we all sampled the product.
Our next stop was at the vintage Strathspey Railway. Fay and I boarded the steam locomotive hauled train at the Broomhill Station for a £5.00 ride to Aviemore where A&H picked us up to continue our journey to Pitlochry. Aviemore was a beautiful town with flower gardens in full bloom and the main street adorned with colourful hanging baskets.
I thought the flowers and hanging baskets of Aviemore were great but they were not in the same league as Pitlochry.
Our B&B is called “The Ferryman’s Cottage” which is exactly what it was way back in 1750 until 1913. It is a beautiful stone building beside the River Tummel with its own set of hanging baskets.
We are only 200 metres away from a live concert venue. As we are here for three nights we might see a show. We are only 70 metres away from a lovely restaurant as well. I reckon we will enjoy our stay in Pitlochry.
Day 29 August 9th our day in Elgin.
Day 29 August 9th our day in Elgin.
Not much happened on this morning of rain. A & H went to the seaside for a walk along the seashore near Lossiemouth while Fay and I stayed behind; Fay writing postcards and me catching up with this diary. About 1pm the weather had cleared and the sun was shining so Fay and I walked for ten minutes into town for a bite to eat and to post the postcards. Mission achieved we bought some chocolate at the supermarket and walked home. We enjoyed an evening meal at the local hotel; reasonably priced and pleasant to eat.
I could not see any high-rise buildings in Elgin. The buildings in the main street were all constructed of grey/brown stone no taller than tree stories high; the shops were on the lower levels; the centre was a pedestrian area only.
Not much happened on this morning of rain. A & H went to the seaside for a walk along the seashore near Lossiemouth while Fay and I stayed behind; Fay writing postcards and me catching up with this diary. About 1pm the weather had cleared and the sun was shining so Fay and I walked for ten minutes into town for a bite to eat and to post the postcards. Mission achieved we bought some chocolate at the supermarket and walked home. We enjoyed an evening meal at the local hotel; reasonably priced and pleasant to eat.
I could not see any high-rise buildings in Elgin. The buildings in the main street were all constructed of grey/brown stone no taller than tree stories high; the shops were on the lower levels; the centre was a pedestrian area only.
Day 28 August 8th Skye to Elgin
Day 28 August 8th Skye to Elgin
It was a with a slight sadness that we left the beautiful B&B, Cliffe House at Skye although it will be uppermost in my mind when I think of the places we have stayed at. Within five minutes we were traversing the only land link Skye has with Scotland; the Skye Bridge, then passing through Kyle before reaching open country; the highlands of Scotlands. With lakes and high green hills all around us the time passed quickly. We made frequent photo stops; the reflections in the lakes of the hills, sky and clouds being irresistible. After travelling about 53 Miles we reached Loch Ness, home of the famed monster which was nowhere to be seen. Eleven miles further we stopped at a delightful village of Drumnadrochit; the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Fay spent an hour researching the monster in the large exhibition building while I lay on a grassy slope in the warm sunshine. Then on towards Inverness to visit the Colloden Battle Field where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was a battle between Government and the Jacobite army which included French units and some English Jacobites. It was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the throne that had been under way since 1688.
Onward to Elgin; we had left the highlands some miles before and were now travelling through open rolling fields of green and various shades ranging from brown to golden; a patchwork of green grass fields, brown tilled soils and ripening golden grain fields. Just before Elgin we refuelled the vehicle; diesel was £1.289 per litre. ($NZ2.65) We arrived at “The Pines” our place of rest for the next two nights at 5pm.
We had travelled about 120miles.
It was a with a slight sadness that we left the beautiful B&B, Cliffe House at Skye although it will be uppermost in my mind when I think of the places we have stayed at. Within five minutes we were traversing the only land link Skye has with Scotland; the Skye Bridge, then passing through Kyle before reaching open country; the highlands of Scotlands. With lakes and high green hills all around us the time passed quickly. We made frequent photo stops; the reflections in the lakes of the hills, sky and clouds being irresistible. After travelling about 53 Miles we reached Loch Ness, home of the famed monster which was nowhere to be seen. Eleven miles further we stopped at a delightful village of Drumnadrochit; the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Fay spent an hour researching the monster in the large exhibition building while I lay on a grassy slope in the warm sunshine. Then on towards Inverness to visit the Colloden Battle Field where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was a battle between Government and the Jacobite army which included French units and some English Jacobites. It was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the throne that had been under way since 1688.
Onward to Elgin; we had left the highlands some miles before and were now travelling through open rolling fields of green and various shades ranging from brown to golden; a patchwork of green grass fields, brown tilled soils and ripening golden grain fields. Just before Elgin we refuelled the vehicle; diesel was £1.289 per litre. ($NZ2.65) We arrived at “The Pines” our place of rest for the next two nights at 5pm.
We had travelled about 120miles.
Day 27 August 7th we visit the Isle of Skye.
Day 27 August 7th we visit the Isle of Skye.
We were up early for and early start as A had booked the ferry at Mallaig for 9:30am. We need 1½ hours for the 58 mile drive. We arrived on time for the ferry and it was not long before we drove off at Armadale. We then had a half hour drive to Broadford where there was and information centre. Fay and A&H went into a snake house where Fay touched a snake. We then drove toward Portree in the north a quaint little seaside village where we stopped for lunch. We then drove North up the spectacular west coast with huge bald mountains on our left and every now and then steep cliffs into the sea on our right. We stopped at the top of one such cliff and looked over the side. To my surprise there was a large flat paddock some two hundred metres (my estimate) below us with cows grazing on lush pasture between our cliff and a seaward cliff.
Further on we stopped at a display of ancient crofters cottages. One had a peat fire burning inside it which filled the clean air with its distinctive aroma. Having reached the northern tip we completed the circle drive back to Portree, bought some ice-cream and sought out our B&B for the night.
Our B&B was a lovely surprise. It was beside the estuary that divides the isle Skye from mainland Scotland. We had arrived early and after settling in I was able to sit in the lounge at a desk overlooking the water and the large bridge that links the Isle to the mainland. As I typed I could see the occasional seal and fish break through the surface of the water.
This was the best B&B yet. I could have spent the rest of my holiday here.
We were up early for and early start as A had booked the ferry at Mallaig for 9:30am. We need 1½ hours for the 58 mile drive. We arrived on time for the ferry and it was not long before we drove off at Armadale. We then had a half hour drive to Broadford where there was and information centre. Fay and A&H went into a snake house where Fay touched a snake. We then drove toward Portree in the north a quaint little seaside village where we stopped for lunch. We then drove North up the spectacular west coast with huge bald mountains on our left and every now and then steep cliffs into the sea on our right. We stopped at the top of one such cliff and looked over the side. To my surprise there was a large flat paddock some two hundred metres (my estimate) below us with cows grazing on lush pasture between our cliff and a seaward cliff.
Further on we stopped at a display of ancient crofters cottages. One had a peat fire burning inside it which filled the clean air with its distinctive aroma. Having reached the northern tip we completed the circle drive back to Portree, bought some ice-cream and sought out our B&B for the night.
Our B&B was a lovely surprise. It was beside the estuary that divides the isle Skye from mainland Scotland. We had arrived early and after settling in I was able to sit in the lounge at a desk overlooking the water and the large bridge that links the Isle to the mainland. As I typed I could see the occasional seal and fish break through the surface of the water.
This was the best B&B yet. I could have spent the rest of my holiday here.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day 26 August 6th we visit the Isle of Mull.
Day 26 August 6th we visit the Isle of Mull.
The day dawned with rain; we did not get our tour of the garden so we opted for a drive to visit the Isle of Mull. We set off just after nine for Lochaline where we hitched a ride on the local ferry; the road was only wide enough for one car; fortunately there were lots of small passing bays; the trick was look ahead for oncoming cars and decide who would get to the passing bay first and drive accordingly. Although the weather was still overcast and very cold with rain and a stiff breeze we passed many yachts as we sailed to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. On leaving the ferry we turned left and soon we found what looked like a nice castle and gardens to visit. It was very comfortable inside the castle with fresh flowers in almost every room; the owners still lived there. Beautiful views could be seen through large windows. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe downstairs before venturing out into the cold and wet weather again. We then drove north to the other end of the isle and found a nice little seaside village / fishing port called Tobermory. On the waterfront there was a fish and chip caravan exuding enticing smells; even though we had lunch back at the castle we could not resist and shared a large helping of really nice fish and chips before returning to the ferry and the mainland. About half way back to our B&B A turned off onto a back road, an almost unbelievably narrow road; you would have to experience it to believe. To me it seemed to have been formed without the aid of a bulldozer; it was as if the surface of the land had been smoothed with hand tools. The surface was smooth and tar sealed but undulating; the seal had been laid directly on the undulating soil surface; I dubbed it the rolly polly road. Fortunately we did not meet any oncoming vehicles. Eventually we arrived at the “boatshed”, an upmarket restaurant in a restored boat shed. After our evening meal we continued slowly along the rest of the rolly polly road carefully dodging all the sheep and eventually found the main road close to our B&B.
The day dawned with rain; we did not get our tour of the garden so we opted for a drive to visit the Isle of Mull. We set off just after nine for Lochaline where we hitched a ride on the local ferry; the road was only wide enough for one car; fortunately there were lots of small passing bays; the trick was look ahead for oncoming cars and decide who would get to the passing bay first and drive accordingly. Although the weather was still overcast and very cold with rain and a stiff breeze we passed many yachts as we sailed to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. On leaving the ferry we turned left and soon we found what looked like a nice castle and gardens to visit. It was very comfortable inside the castle with fresh flowers in almost every room; the owners still lived there. Beautiful views could be seen through large windows. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe downstairs before venturing out into the cold and wet weather again. We then drove north to the other end of the isle and found a nice little seaside village / fishing port called Tobermory. On the waterfront there was a fish and chip caravan exuding enticing smells; even though we had lunch back at the castle we could not resist and shared a large helping of really nice fish and chips before returning to the ferry and the mainland. About half way back to our B&B A turned off onto a back road, an almost unbelievably narrow road; you would have to experience it to believe. To me it seemed to have been formed without the aid of a bulldozer; it was as if the surface of the land had been smoothed with hand tools. The surface was smooth and tar sealed but undulating; the seal had been laid directly on the undulating soil surface; I dubbed it the rolly polly road. Fortunately we did not meet any oncoming vehicles. Eventually we arrived at the “boatshed”, an upmarket restaurant in a restored boat shed. After our evening meal we continued slowly along the rest of the rolly polly road carefully dodging all the sheep and eventually found the main road close to our B&B.
Day 25 August 5th Oban to Fort William.
Day 25 August 5th Oban to Fort William.
After breakfast we set off for a 45 mile drive to Fort William. After 11 miles we stopped at the Scottish Sea life Sanctuary. Inside a building we saw many fish species in small and large tanks including the rear and almost extinct NZ seahorse. At 10am we rushed to the North American otter’s enclosure for their daily feed. They were cute and performed well for their food. They differed from the Sea Otters we saw in Alaska two years previously.
We continued on towards Fort William. A wanted to climb Ben Nevis and I want to ride the antique train to Mallaig; we both missed out, the train was booked out for the rest of the month and Ben Nevis was hiding behind a mantle of thick cloud, so we drove past fort William to a spectacular valley enclosed on both sides by tall mountains disappearing into the clouds; many people were walking along tracks in the valley.
We then sought out our B&B Ard Daraich an old stone building set amongst many Rhododendrons and other shrubs; the Rhodos had all finished flowering for the season and were covered with new growth. We were promised to be shown around the garden the next day but rain intervened. After settling in we went for a short walk before driving several miles to a hotel for drinks before dinner. The hotel overlooked a tidal estuary; instead of the usual mud or sand the shore was covered with small rocks covered with gold coloured seaweed up to the green grass covered shore. It was truly scenic in the evening sun. A couple of miles further on we found our restaurant hidden away up a country lane over looking green fields sloping down and away towards a large hill covered with soft green Scottish pine trees. Back in NZ we would describe the place as the whop whops. The food was certainly not from the whops; it was Devine!
After breakfast we set off for a 45 mile drive to Fort William. After 11 miles we stopped at the Scottish Sea life Sanctuary. Inside a building we saw many fish species in small and large tanks including the rear and almost extinct NZ seahorse. At 10am we rushed to the North American otter’s enclosure for their daily feed. They were cute and performed well for their food. They differed from the Sea Otters we saw in Alaska two years previously.
We continued on towards Fort William. A wanted to climb Ben Nevis and I want to ride the antique train to Mallaig; we both missed out, the train was booked out for the rest of the month and Ben Nevis was hiding behind a mantle of thick cloud, so we drove past fort William to a spectacular valley enclosed on both sides by tall mountains disappearing into the clouds; many people were walking along tracks in the valley.
We then sought out our B&B Ard Daraich an old stone building set amongst many Rhododendrons and other shrubs; the Rhodos had all finished flowering for the season and were covered with new growth. We were promised to be shown around the garden the next day but rain intervened. After settling in we went for a short walk before driving several miles to a hotel for drinks before dinner. The hotel overlooked a tidal estuary; instead of the usual mud or sand the shore was covered with small rocks covered with gold coloured seaweed up to the green grass covered shore. It was truly scenic in the evening sun. A couple of miles further on we found our restaurant hidden away up a country lane over looking green fields sloping down and away towards a large hill covered with soft green Scottish pine trees. Back in NZ we would describe the place as the whop whops. The food was certainly not from the whops; it was Devine!
Day 24 August 4th Tarbet to Oban.
Day 24 August 4th Tarbet to Oban.
After a hearty breakfast we set forth on A83 before joining the A 82 for a 57 mile drive to Oban our next B&B town. We arrived at Oban Just before midday. Fay and I were able to buy some more cough medicine before we enjoyed a nice meal in a cafe overlooking the bay. We stayed at the Alltavona B&B, a nice everlasting stone building with a classy breakfast room situated on the waterfront overlooking the ferry terminal and small boat marina. Around 2pm Fay and A & H went walkabout while I stayed and watched a documentary on the Berlin wall.
After a hearty breakfast we set forth on A83 before joining the A 82 for a 57 mile drive to Oban our next B&B town. We arrived at Oban Just before midday. Fay and I were able to buy some more cough medicine before we enjoyed a nice meal in a cafe overlooking the bay. We stayed at the Alltavona B&B, a nice everlasting stone building with a classy breakfast room situated on the waterfront overlooking the ferry terminal and small boat marina. Around 2pm Fay and A & H went walkabout while I stayed and watched a documentary on the Berlin wall.
Day 23 August 3rd Touring around Tarbet.
Day 23 August 3rd Touring around Tarbet.
After a beautiful breakfast ( I am trying to eat less, but it is difficult) we went for a drive not knowing where we were going. After driving for about 35 miles we stumbled on the Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon, Argyll. We strolled around for more than an hour through tall 100 year old American Sequoia redwoods under planted with soft green grass and many named small shrubs and trees. We photographed two large castle like homes within the Park before enjoying lunch at the cafe. After lunch we wandered on and eventally arrive at the seaside town of Dunoon, after which we retraced our track back to our B&B for a second night.
After a beautiful breakfast ( I am trying to eat less, but it is difficult) we went for a drive not knowing where we were going. After driving for about 35 miles we stumbled on the Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon, Argyll. We strolled around for more than an hour through tall 100 year old American Sequoia redwoods under planted with soft green grass and many named small shrubs and trees. We photographed two large castle like homes within the Park before enjoying lunch at the cafe. After lunch we wandered on and eventally arrive at the seaside town of Dunoon, after which we retraced our track back to our B&B for a second night.
Day 22 August 2nd London to Glasgow.
Day 22 August 2nd London to Glasgow.
We were up early even though we had plenty of time we wanted to make sure the London rush hour did not hinder us. We left the guest house at 6:45am and walked to the station. The first set of stairs was not a problem as they sloped down. The train quickly appeared and we were on our way; being early meant there were seats available next to our luggage. Thirty five minutes later we arrived at South Kensington where we had to change from the Piccadilly Line to the Direct Line in order to travel to Victoria Station. There were two sets of stairs to climb; at the first a burly young man offered to help and at the second two young ladies offered; Hallelujah. Two stops later we arrived at Victoria Station and from there we walked about 500 metres to the coach station. Time taken from go to woe was 50 minutes. Victoria Coach Station was huge; there were 20 coach bays; busses were going everywhere. A sign offered a return day trip to Paris with six hours of Hop on Hop off bus in Paris. The Price £167. I spoke to a young Polish man who was about to commence a thirty hour bus journey to his home town in Poland. We boarded our bus at gate 19 and started the journey on the dot at 9am. This was an express bus which made one refuelling stop and two comfort stops for its passengers. The bus was fully loaded. At the beginning we travelled along the M1 highway for about a quarter of the journey and then we followed the M6; we left London at 09:00 and arrived at Glasgow at 17:40 after travelling 405 miles. On the way we passed by Lockerbie and Gretna Green. The bus ride was not pleasant; it was very hot inside as the air conditioning was not working. It was interesting to see how all the big trucks keep to the left lane while our bus kept in the second lane from the left; we passed an almost continuous line of trucks until over half way. As we neared the Scottish boarder the terrain changed from gently rolling plains to hill country before returning to rolling low plains just before Glasgow. The Scottish country side was not as closely populated as the English. We were met at the bus station by A & H who will drive us around Scotland for the next twelve days. A will drive and H will be our tour Guide. We travelled 40 miles to our B&B at the small village of Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond. From our room we could overlook the loch. Our B&B, Lomondview was constructed 11 years previously of light brown stone blocks of various sizes neatly patterned together.
We were up early even though we had plenty of time we wanted to make sure the London rush hour did not hinder us. We left the guest house at 6:45am and walked to the station. The first set of stairs was not a problem as they sloped down. The train quickly appeared and we were on our way; being early meant there were seats available next to our luggage. Thirty five minutes later we arrived at South Kensington where we had to change from the Piccadilly Line to the Direct Line in order to travel to Victoria Station. There were two sets of stairs to climb; at the first a burly young man offered to help and at the second two young ladies offered; Hallelujah. Two stops later we arrived at Victoria Station and from there we walked about 500 metres to the coach station. Time taken from go to woe was 50 minutes. Victoria Coach Station was huge; there were 20 coach bays; busses were going everywhere. A sign offered a return day trip to Paris with six hours of Hop on Hop off bus in Paris. The Price £167. I spoke to a young Polish man who was about to commence a thirty hour bus journey to his home town in Poland. We boarded our bus at gate 19 and started the journey on the dot at 9am. This was an express bus which made one refuelling stop and two comfort stops for its passengers. The bus was fully loaded. At the beginning we travelled along the M1 highway for about a quarter of the journey and then we followed the M6; we left London at 09:00 and arrived at Glasgow at 17:40 after travelling 405 miles. On the way we passed by Lockerbie and Gretna Green. The bus ride was not pleasant; it was very hot inside as the air conditioning was not working. It was interesting to see how all the big trucks keep to the left lane while our bus kept in the second lane from the left; we passed an almost continuous line of trucks until over half way. As we neared the Scottish boarder the terrain changed from gently rolling plains to hill country before returning to rolling low plains just before Glasgow. The Scottish country side was not as closely populated as the English. We were met at the bus station by A & H who will drive us around Scotland for the next twelve days. A will drive and H will be our tour Guide. We travelled 40 miles to our B&B at the small village of Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond. From our room we could overlook the loch. Our B&B, Lomondview was constructed 11 years previously of light brown stone blocks of various sizes neatly patterned together.
Day 21 August 1st a day in London.
Day 21 August 1st a day in London.
I was happy to have woken completely refreshed after the tiring day yesterday. We quickly had breakfast and set off to reconnoitre the route to the Victoria Coach Station where we would catch the bus to Glasgow on the morrow. I had already worked out the underground route, so it was a confirmation run in this respect. On emerging from Victoria tube station I asked taxi driver where the bus station was; he obliged; I also asked him how much a taxi would cost from our guest station to the bus station; his best guess was around £60.00; around $NZ133 compared with about £4.00 for the train. We found the Coach Station without any problems. The only problem with the train was that we had to climb about four sets of stairs with our heavy bags.
After finding the coach station the time was about ten in the morning so we bought two tickets for the “Original London Tour” hop on hop of bus. I planned that we would stay on the bus for one 2 hour round trip then start the hop on hop off bit. One of the first buildings of note we saw was the residence of England’s first woman Prime Minister; Margaret Thatcher. She owned the building, but not the land. All the land in the immediate locality was owned by a landlord Earl somebody. Every tenant of the land was obliged to repaint their homes annually with the same unique colour bought from the Earl who had it specially manufactured for him. Next stop would be Buckingham Palace and when the guide said that the changing of the guard was soon to take place i decided that we would hop off. We asked a palace spokesman where it would take place and the followed his directions. We had missed the actual changing ceremony but were able to witness the relieved guards marching through the gates back to their barracks. After a few more photos we then joined the queue in order to buy a ticket to view some of the interior; we reached the ticket seller who told us that the next entry group would be three hours into the future we decided to hop on the bus again. The next stop was the Big Ben, Parliament Buildings and Hyde Park stop. It was very difficult taking good photos from the moving bus so we hopped off again. I managed to capture Big Ben striking the hour as well as some good photos of the parliament. After spending some time sitting in Hyde Park watching the river Thames flow by we hopped back on the bus; next stop Trafalgar Square where we joined the huge crowds of people enjoying the sunshine and the music of the Jamaican steel bands. After taking photos of Nelson on top of his high column we managed to find some lunch. The National Art gallery was located here and we viewed some of the many old works. Then it was back on the bus again and after passing the Big Eye we crossed Tower Bridge and arrived at The Tower of London. I decided we would finish here as the Travelodge London Tower Bridge was nearby and I wanted to book for our last three nights in London. We then caught the underground back to our Guest House.
We enjoyed our day in London.
I was happy to have woken completely refreshed after the tiring day yesterday. We quickly had breakfast and set off to reconnoitre the route to the Victoria Coach Station where we would catch the bus to Glasgow on the morrow. I had already worked out the underground route, so it was a confirmation run in this respect. On emerging from Victoria tube station I asked taxi driver where the bus station was; he obliged; I also asked him how much a taxi would cost from our guest station to the bus station; his best guess was around £60.00; around $NZ133 compared with about £4.00 for the train. We found the Coach Station without any problems. The only problem with the train was that we had to climb about four sets of stairs with our heavy bags.
After finding the coach station the time was about ten in the morning so we bought two tickets for the “Original London Tour” hop on hop of bus. I planned that we would stay on the bus for one 2 hour round trip then start the hop on hop off bit. One of the first buildings of note we saw was the residence of England’s first woman Prime Minister; Margaret Thatcher. She owned the building, but not the land. All the land in the immediate locality was owned by a landlord Earl somebody. Every tenant of the land was obliged to repaint their homes annually with the same unique colour bought from the Earl who had it specially manufactured for him. Next stop would be Buckingham Palace and when the guide said that the changing of the guard was soon to take place i decided that we would hop off. We asked a palace spokesman where it would take place and the followed his directions. We had missed the actual changing ceremony but were able to witness the relieved guards marching through the gates back to their barracks. After a few more photos we then joined the queue in order to buy a ticket to view some of the interior; we reached the ticket seller who told us that the next entry group would be three hours into the future we decided to hop on the bus again. The next stop was the Big Ben, Parliament Buildings and Hyde Park stop. It was very difficult taking good photos from the moving bus so we hopped off again. I managed to capture Big Ben striking the hour as well as some good photos of the parliament. After spending some time sitting in Hyde Park watching the river Thames flow by we hopped back on the bus; next stop Trafalgar Square where we joined the huge crowds of people enjoying the sunshine and the music of the Jamaican steel bands. After taking photos of Nelson on top of his high column we managed to find some lunch. The National Art gallery was located here and we viewed some of the many old works. Then it was back on the bus again and after passing the Big Eye we crossed Tower Bridge and arrived at The Tower of London. I decided we would finish here as the Travelodge London Tower Bridge was nearby and I wanted to book for our last three nights in London. We then caught the underground back to our Guest House.
We enjoyed our day in London.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 20 July 31st Copenhagen to London.
Day 20 July 31st Copenhagen to London.
We had to rise at 5am in order to be at the gangplank at 6:30. Our big bags were packed and placed in the corridor by 7pm the night before where they would be collected and taken to the airport ahead of us. We breakfasted at 5:50am and arrived at the gangplank on time. The bus took 25minutes to reach the airport. I really do not know why we had to be taken so early. We had to wait until 11:30 before boarding the plane. The plane looked small but managed to seat 100. We had to buy our refreshments. I was worried because I had cashed all my Kroner for English pounds at the airport. To my relief they only accepted credit cards.
We arrived at Heathrow early and after walking for what seemed like 5 miles we cleared customs and arrived at the underground station. I topped up our Oyster cards and boarded the train. An oyster card is a train and bus pass which lasts forever providing you keep topping it up with money. When entering the train platform you touch a smiley face pad with card and the gate opens. You must go through the same process at your destination point at which point the machine calculates your fare and deducts if from your card value quicker than you can blink you eye. Twenty five minutes later we were at the Ealing Guest House. I was very weary and had a thumping headache so I lay down for a while.
At 6pm we went in search of our evening meal; we could not find a restaurant nearby but what we did fine was a small supermarket with lots of prepared meals just waiting to be put in the microwave oven and heated. We shared a nice shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate mousse and fresh fruit.
After I swallowed a couple of disprins and went straight to sleep. I awoke the next morning refreshed and with no headache.
We had to rise at 5am in order to be at the gangplank at 6:30. Our big bags were packed and placed in the corridor by 7pm the night before where they would be collected and taken to the airport ahead of us. We breakfasted at 5:50am and arrived at the gangplank on time. The bus took 25minutes to reach the airport. I really do not know why we had to be taken so early. We had to wait until 11:30 before boarding the plane. The plane looked small but managed to seat 100. We had to buy our refreshments. I was worried because I had cashed all my Kroner for English pounds at the airport. To my relief they only accepted credit cards.
We arrived at Heathrow early and after walking for what seemed like 5 miles we cleared customs and arrived at the underground station. I topped up our Oyster cards and boarded the train. An oyster card is a train and bus pass which lasts forever providing you keep topping it up with money. When entering the train platform you touch a smiley face pad with card and the gate opens. You must go through the same process at your destination point at which point the machine calculates your fare and deducts if from your card value quicker than you can blink you eye. Twenty five minutes later we were at the Ealing Guest House. I was very weary and had a thumping headache so I lay down for a while.
At 6pm we went in search of our evening meal; we could not find a restaurant nearby but what we did fine was a small supermarket with lots of prepared meals just waiting to be put in the microwave oven and heated. We shared a nice shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate mousse and fresh fruit.
After I swallowed a couple of disprins and went straight to sleep. I awoke the next morning refreshed and with no headache.
Day 19 July 30th Oslo Norway.
Day 19 July 30th Oslo Norway.
I awoke at 5am half an hour before sunrise. When I looked out the window, Norwegian houses amongst pines lined the shore, about 100 meters away; we had reached the Oslojorden fjord; in fact were probably half way through it. This one differs from the great fjord on the west coast of Norway; the one that appears in all the picture books with its tall precipitous cliffs. At this point there were a few small houses dotted along the shore but as we got closer to Oslo they grew in number and became bigger. It was a pleasant sight. There were quite a few populated islands, their only access to the city being by ferry or personal boat; there were quite a few in small harbours. We reached the pier at seven o’clock and only a short walk into town. Beside the pier was a restored medieval fort.
After breakfast we went ashore to our waiting tour bus. The weather was slightly overcast and threatening to rain. It did rain but luckily elsewhere. We drove through the centre of town through many fine buildings, plenty of trees and lots of lush parks. Some of the streets were lined with brightly coloured flowers. It was a pleasant drive. Our first stop was at a park where hundreds of sculptured human figures was the theme of the park; all of them nude!.
One beautiful waterfall had a large saucer full of water supported by six huge broad shouldered men hewn from stone which overflowed cascading down over their bodies. The park had lots of pools, very green lawns, lovely rose gardens as well as other flowers. When we rejoined our bus the driver could not start the motor, it had an electrical fault so we had extra time at the park until the repair man arrived.
We next visited a man made steel ski jump on top of a small mountain: there was no snow to be seen but in the winter there would be plenty; we were at latitude of 60 degrees. We drove further up the mountain to about 450 meters before descending through some really upmarket ski resorts and private home nestled among pine forests. Our next stop was at their National Art Gallery where we viewed many large paintings many hundreds of years old.
We were back on board moments before the ship sailed at 1:45pm. Apparently we had to sail early in order to negotiate the narrow fjord in turn with other large cruise ships (I counted five) and to arrive back in Copenhagen by 5am; it would be a busy day for the ship in Copenhagen disembarking its present 2700 passengers restocking and readying the cabins for another 2700 new passengers before sailing at 6pm.
At around 3pm we cruised past an historic island which had a military fort complete with large guns guarding the narrow waterway which we were travelling through. It also had torpedo launching tubes below the surface of the water. At the outbreak of the last world war, the day Germany had just invaded their neighbour, Denmark two German ships sailed toward this fortified this Island, one a blue ship carrying high ranking Germans and troops followed by a gunship. Norway at this point in time was not officially at war with Germany. The commander of the fort had a difficult decision to make and had not received official orders from Oslo. There was little time for communication as it was night. If he opened fire he would be damned and damned if he did not so he did. The blue boat was damaged so badly it sank in 300 feet of water not much further on; the gunship was torpedoed and also sunk. As it turned out the troops and officials on the blue were to make a surprise attack on Oslo and take over control without much fighting. The sinking of these ships allowed the royal family and the government officials enough time to take all Norway’s gold bullion and major artworks and escape to Britain. 48 hours later Norway surrendered to the Germans.
The Norwegians as recognition of the event and Britain offering asylum have a statue in the main square of Oslo.
After leaving the sheltered waters of the fjord we encountered rough waters. I was amazed at how the huge ship could be thrown round. Fortunately we reached sheltered waters again before we went to bed.
I awoke at 5am half an hour before sunrise. When I looked out the window, Norwegian houses amongst pines lined the shore, about 100 meters away; we had reached the Oslojorden fjord; in fact were probably half way through it. This one differs from the great fjord on the west coast of Norway; the one that appears in all the picture books with its tall precipitous cliffs. At this point there were a few small houses dotted along the shore but as we got closer to Oslo they grew in number and became bigger. It was a pleasant sight. There were quite a few populated islands, their only access to the city being by ferry or personal boat; there were quite a few in small harbours. We reached the pier at seven o’clock and only a short walk into town. Beside the pier was a restored medieval fort.
After breakfast we went ashore to our waiting tour bus. The weather was slightly overcast and threatening to rain. It did rain but luckily elsewhere. We drove through the centre of town through many fine buildings, plenty of trees and lots of lush parks. Some of the streets were lined with brightly coloured flowers. It was a pleasant drive. Our first stop was at a park where hundreds of sculptured human figures was the theme of the park; all of them nude!.
One beautiful waterfall had a large saucer full of water supported by six huge broad shouldered men hewn from stone which overflowed cascading down over their bodies. The park had lots of pools, very green lawns, lovely rose gardens as well as other flowers. When we rejoined our bus the driver could not start the motor, it had an electrical fault so we had extra time at the park until the repair man arrived.
We next visited a man made steel ski jump on top of a small mountain: there was no snow to be seen but in the winter there would be plenty; we were at latitude of 60 degrees. We drove further up the mountain to about 450 meters before descending through some really upmarket ski resorts and private home nestled among pine forests. Our next stop was at their National Art Gallery where we viewed many large paintings many hundreds of years old.
We were back on board moments before the ship sailed at 1:45pm. Apparently we had to sail early in order to negotiate the narrow fjord in turn with other large cruise ships (I counted five) and to arrive back in Copenhagen by 5am; it would be a busy day for the ship in Copenhagen disembarking its present 2700 passengers restocking and readying the cabins for another 2700 new passengers before sailing at 6pm.
At around 3pm we cruised past an historic island which had a military fort complete with large guns guarding the narrow waterway which we were travelling through. It also had torpedo launching tubes below the surface of the water. At the outbreak of the last world war, the day Germany had just invaded their neighbour, Denmark two German ships sailed toward this fortified this Island, one a blue ship carrying high ranking Germans and troops followed by a gunship. Norway at this point in time was not officially at war with Germany. The commander of the fort had a difficult decision to make and had not received official orders from Oslo. There was little time for communication as it was night. If he opened fire he would be damned and damned if he did not so he did. The blue boat was damaged so badly it sank in 300 feet of water not much further on; the gunship was torpedoed and also sunk. As it turned out the troops and officials on the blue were to make a surprise attack on Oslo and take over control without much fighting. The sinking of these ships allowed the royal family and the government officials enough time to take all Norway’s gold bullion and major artworks and escape to Britain. 48 hours later Norway surrendered to the Germans.
The Norwegians as recognition of the event and Britain offering asylum have a statue in the main square of Oslo.
After leaving the sheltered waters of the fjord we encountered rough waters. I was amazed at how the huge ship could be thrown round. Fortunately we reached sheltered waters again before we went to bed.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 18 July 29th cruising the Baltic towards Oslo Norway.
Day 18 July 29th cruising the Baltic towards Oslo Norway.
I awoke at 5:30am, the sun had just risen and the day was overcast with a low temperature of 15°. We will be having an easy day today; I will spend time editing photos, we will take advantage of the marvellous washing machine only 10meters down the corridor. After breakfast I sat on the balcony and watched as we sailed close to several hundred windmills in the sea generating power for Denmark which was just visible on the horizon. At 1:45pm we sailed under the Østbroen Bridge. We just fitted under with what looked like 2 metres to spare. The bridge has the third longest main span in the world; 1.6km. It links the two main parts of Denmark.
At 8:00pm we made our way to the Princess Theatre as we have for the last 7 evenings. Tonight’s program was song and dance with tunes from our young days; songs like Tennessee waltz, Que Sara Sara, Walking My Baby Back Home etc. The theatre was packed with an appreciative audience; mostly oldies like us.
I awoke at 5:30am, the sun had just risen and the day was overcast with a low temperature of 15°. We will be having an easy day today; I will spend time editing photos, we will take advantage of the marvellous washing machine only 10meters down the corridor. After breakfast I sat on the balcony and watched as we sailed close to several hundred windmills in the sea generating power for Denmark which was just visible on the horizon. At 1:45pm we sailed under the Østbroen Bridge. We just fitted under with what looked like 2 metres to spare. The bridge has the third longest main span in the world; 1.6km. It links the two main parts of Denmark.
At 8:00pm we made our way to the Princess Theatre as we have for the last 7 evenings. Tonight’s program was song and dance with tunes from our young days; songs like Tennessee waltz, Que Sara Sara, Walking My Baby Back Home etc. The theatre was packed with an appreciative audience; mostly oldies like us.
Day 17 July 28th in port at Gdynia., Poland
Day 17 July 28th in port at Gdynia.
It was raining quite hard when we arrived at Gdynia; our berth was at a cargo wharf; big stockpiles of bulk coal were being loaded onto railway wagons by huge cranes. Other piles of white and brown loose materials were also being loaded. Although the city was within easy walking distance we decided to stay on the warm ship and participate in its activities; at 1:30pm we watched a particularly good film in one of the main lounges. In the evening we were entertained by a magician in the Princess Theatre; he was good.
At 6pm we left Gdynia and headed into rough seas bound for Oslo
It was raining quite hard when we arrived at Gdynia; our berth was at a cargo wharf; big stockpiles of bulk coal were being loaded onto railway wagons by huge cranes. Other piles of white and brown loose materials were also being loaded. Although the city was within easy walking distance we decided to stay on the warm ship and participate in its activities; at 1:30pm we watched a particularly good film in one of the main lounges. In the evening we were entertained by a magician in the Princess Theatre; he was good.
At 6pm we left Gdynia and headed into rough seas bound for Oslo
Day 16th July 27th a day in Tallinn Estonia.
Day 16th July 27th a day in Tallinn Estonia.
I awoke to the long mournful sound of the fog horn; yes were approaching Tallinn in dense fog. It had cleared slightly as the ship tied up at the wharf; I could just glimpse Tallinn through the clearing fog. By the time we had finished breakfast the fog had cleared to allow the sun to shine out of a beautiful blue sky; the first time since Stockholm.
Expectant tourists like me who had booked on tours ashore gathered in the Princess Theatre where we were organised into groups. We were then were led to the gangway. In order to leave the ship we had to put our ships ID card into a machine to register our departure. Our bus drove us through the main street with many fine modern buildings to the outskirts where we were shown old wooden houses. There were many trees around them. The bus drove up a small hill and stopped at a park where a wooden sound shell stood at the bottom of a large grassy slope big enough to accommodate and large audience. The shell was originally built so that Estonians could have a National song day. It is held every five years. Estonians come from near and far for this festival. After the official program the audience join in and sing the songs of their choice. Next we were shown a Russian settlement with tall Russian style apartment blocks. The Russians decided to build a large industrial area which our guide said the Estonians did not want. Our guide said that all Estonians were equal as were driving through a beautiful wooded housing estate, but the people living in this estate were slightly “more equal”. The houses certainly looked “more equal”. Next we were driving through a pine forest and in this pine forest was the city’s cemetery. A beautiful resting place! After the forest we stopped at a lovely white sandy beach overlooking some of the town and our ship. The sand was very fine; just like castor sugar. We drove back to the city to see a well preserved medieval town wall complete with defence turrets. There was a hill behind the wall with a fort. After the fort was no longer needed an ornate church was built on the site. The Russians also built their orthodox church. Both are beautiful. On the way back to the ship we were offered the chance to leave the tour in the main street for a look at the old town; there was a shuttle to catch to get us back to the ship. On one narrow street there were about twenty cut flower stalls. The flowers were fresh and equal in beauty and colour to any I have seen. I bought Fay a dozen red roses. Hamburger bars were selling hamburgers for 71 Zlotys or Kiwi $10.14 and a pizza for 99.00 Zlotys or $US9.90 or kiwi =$14.14.
When I arrived back at the ship the fog had reappeared and almost hid the two ships. Stalls had since sprung up and were well stocked with fine clothing, wooded carvings and much more. I enjoyed my tour of Tallinn.
While I was touring another large cruise ship arrived and moored on the other side of the pier. The two big ships looked grand together.
We sailed at 1pm bound for Gdynia in Poland at 1pm.
The sun rose at 4:57am and set at 9:58pm.
Estonia is 17,458 miles² Has a population of 1,307,605 comprised of 900,000 Estonians and the rest are mainly Russians according to our guide.
.
I awoke to the long mournful sound of the fog horn; yes were approaching Tallinn in dense fog. It had cleared slightly as the ship tied up at the wharf; I could just glimpse Tallinn through the clearing fog. By the time we had finished breakfast the fog had cleared to allow the sun to shine out of a beautiful blue sky; the first time since Stockholm.
Expectant tourists like me who had booked on tours ashore gathered in the Princess Theatre where we were organised into groups. We were then were led to the gangway. In order to leave the ship we had to put our ships ID card into a machine to register our departure. Our bus drove us through the main street with many fine modern buildings to the outskirts where we were shown old wooden houses. There were many trees around them. The bus drove up a small hill and stopped at a park where a wooden sound shell stood at the bottom of a large grassy slope big enough to accommodate and large audience. The shell was originally built so that Estonians could have a National song day. It is held every five years. Estonians come from near and far for this festival. After the official program the audience join in and sing the songs of their choice. Next we were shown a Russian settlement with tall Russian style apartment blocks. The Russians decided to build a large industrial area which our guide said the Estonians did not want. Our guide said that all Estonians were equal as were driving through a beautiful wooded housing estate, but the people living in this estate were slightly “more equal”. The houses certainly looked “more equal”. Next we were driving through a pine forest and in this pine forest was the city’s cemetery. A beautiful resting place! After the forest we stopped at a lovely white sandy beach overlooking some of the town and our ship. The sand was very fine; just like castor sugar. We drove back to the city to see a well preserved medieval town wall complete with defence turrets. There was a hill behind the wall with a fort. After the fort was no longer needed an ornate church was built on the site. The Russians also built their orthodox church. Both are beautiful. On the way back to the ship we were offered the chance to leave the tour in the main street for a look at the old town; there was a shuttle to catch to get us back to the ship. On one narrow street there were about twenty cut flower stalls. The flowers were fresh and equal in beauty and colour to any I have seen. I bought Fay a dozen red roses. Hamburger bars were selling hamburgers for 71 Zlotys or Kiwi $10.14 and a pizza for 99.00 Zlotys or $US9.90 or kiwi =$14.14.
When I arrived back at the ship the fog had reappeared and almost hid the two ships. Stalls had since sprung up and were well stocked with fine clothing, wooded carvings and much more. I enjoyed my tour of Tallinn.
While I was touring another large cruise ship arrived and moored on the other side of the pier. The two big ships looked grand together.
We sailed at 1pm bound for Gdynia in Poland at 1pm.
The sun rose at 4:57am and set at 9:58pm.
Estonia is 17,458 miles² Has a population of 1,307,605 comprised of 900,000 Estonians and the rest are mainly Russians according to our guide.
.
Day 15 July 26th St Petersburg
Day 15 July 26th St Petersburg.
The day dawned hot and hazy. This morning I went on a bus tour. As we did yesterday I presented my passport to a customs officer. I smiled and said good morning; her face was sullen and she did not recognise my greeting; every checkpoint I have been through I have spoken a greeting and have had a smile or friendly gesture in response, but not here. The terminal although very clean and new looking, had a stale musty smell. We climbed on the bus and goody goody this one had a good air conditioner. We saw quite a few of the sights that I saw yesterday from the canals but from a different aspect; I was able to get better photos from the roadside as the bus stopped for photo opportunities.
Our guide said that everyone lived in apartments; they lined the street for up to about 200 meters with no gaps. There were entrance archways through which I could see some flower gardens and car parks.
I was disappointed with St Petersburg. I have always believed it to be a beautiful city. The part that I saw had a few parks and trees but to be fair there are some beautiful buildings and churches but they are scattered amongst many greyish apartments.
On returning to the ship I passed through customs for the fourth time with the same sullen look from the young female customs officer; she must lead a humdrum life.
We sailed at 6pm. The ship stirred the mud as she turned. The bay that we travelled through was several kilometres wide but it was shallow; our ship had to follow a narrow channel.
After about an hour we passed through an area of breakwaters forming small harbours in which Russian naval ships were moored along with 2 submarines. There were many navy buildings and far in the distance were large tall blocks of apartments. A little further on a long road built on both sides of the channel disappeared into the distant shore. It was built on a reclaimed strip of land. Just before the road reached our narrow channel it dived into a tunnel beneath our channel.
The sun rose at 5:27an and set at 10.44pm.
Russia 6,592,800 square miles in area, and has an population estimated in 2007 to be 144,377,752.
The day dawned hot and hazy. This morning I went on a bus tour. As we did yesterday I presented my passport to a customs officer. I smiled and said good morning; her face was sullen and she did not recognise my greeting; every checkpoint I have been through I have spoken a greeting and have had a smile or friendly gesture in response, but not here. The terminal although very clean and new looking, had a stale musty smell. We climbed on the bus and goody goody this one had a good air conditioner. We saw quite a few of the sights that I saw yesterday from the canals but from a different aspect; I was able to get better photos from the roadside as the bus stopped for photo opportunities.
Our guide said that everyone lived in apartments; they lined the street for up to about 200 meters with no gaps. There were entrance archways through which I could see some flower gardens and car parks.
I was disappointed with St Petersburg. I have always believed it to be a beautiful city. The part that I saw had a few parks and trees but to be fair there are some beautiful buildings and churches but they are scattered amongst many greyish apartments.
On returning to the ship I passed through customs for the fourth time with the same sullen look from the young female customs officer; she must lead a humdrum life.
We sailed at 6pm. The ship stirred the mud as she turned. The bay that we travelled through was several kilometres wide but it was shallow; our ship had to follow a narrow channel.
After about an hour we passed through an area of breakwaters forming small harbours in which Russian naval ships were moored along with 2 submarines. There were many navy buildings and far in the distance were large tall blocks of apartments. A little further on a long road built on both sides of the channel disappeared into the distant shore. It was built on a reclaimed strip of land. Just before the road reached our narrow channel it dived into a tunnel beneath our channel.
The sun rose at 5:27an and set at 10.44pm.
Russia 6,592,800 square miles in area, and has an population estimated in 2007 to be 144,377,752.
Day 14 July 25th St Petersburg
Day 14 July 25th St Petersburg.
We were alongside the pier when we woke at 5:50am. We had missed the trip up the Kronshtadtskiy Korabelfarvater; a 150m wide fairway swept to a depth of 14 metres which leads 10 miles East/Southeast to Sankt Petersburgskiy Morskoy Kanal which is the main channel of Sankt Petersburg Port. Our berth was at the edge of a large reclamation from the sea. Our tour guide said there will be large apartments built on this site. The atmosphere was hazy which blocked the sun slightly. The temperature was already warm and the day was forecast to be very hot. Nearby our ship there were five other big cruise ships. I later saw another two in another part of the city. The haze prevented the whole city from being seen and it was not until late afternoon when the haze lifted that I was able to see its full extent around the vast harbour.
The city is built on 14 low lying muddy islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Peter the Great Czar of all Russia decided to build a city here in 1703. He did so because the Neva flowed into the Baltic Sea and Russia would then be opened to the west for trade. He recruited thousands of peasants to clear forests and to drain the swamps with their bare hands. Millions of wooden pilings were driven into the mud to provide firmer foundations for the new city. I obtained this information from the ships daily information sheet.
Fay and I were booked in for a canal boat tour at 1:45pm; this tour could not proceed earlier because it required the tide to be low to enable the boats to travel under the many bridges. A bus took us to the city to join the canal boat. The bus was old and the transmission ground away and the air condition only just managed to give out a little air slightly cooler than the ambient temperature. On the way we drove past large blocks of apartments. They were all of concrete or brick construction; some of the concrete block buildings looked rough and unfinished as if the builder had been short of finance and left the finish coat of plaster until sometime in the future; or maybe they were meant to be that way. They looked drab although to be fair there were some nice ones as well. We only saw a small part of the city so there could well be better apartments elsewhere.
As we walked to the boats, the edge of the foot path was littered drink bottles and food wrappings. The boats are not as good looking as the Copenhagen boats. They were very busy and appeared to suffer from a lack of maintenance. There were many canal boats and just like we see traffic jams with cars, here we had canal boat jams. The sun beat down on us and although we were on water we became hot. My wrist watch measured my arms temperature at 36.5° whereas I am normally between 28° and 31°. There were some privately owned boats but nothing like the numbers in Copenhagen or Stockholm. We passed several fine buildings with golden domes. I saw only one green grass park with trees. We also travelled along the very wide river Neva; on it were many tourist boats, speed boats and one large cruise ship. In the canals were cafe boats which served both customers from the pavements and from the private launches.
After I returned Fay and I spent time in the Piazza on deck 5 amidships listening to a string quartet with piano accompaniment playing light classics before dining. At 8:30 pm we watched a lively Russian group singing and dancing traditional Russian music and dances.
Sun rise was Sunset was
We were alongside the pier when we woke at 5:50am. We had missed the trip up the Kronshtadtskiy Korabelfarvater; a 150m wide fairway swept to a depth of 14 metres which leads 10 miles East/Southeast to Sankt Petersburgskiy Morskoy Kanal which is the main channel of Sankt Petersburg Port. Our berth was at the edge of a large reclamation from the sea. Our tour guide said there will be large apartments built on this site. The atmosphere was hazy which blocked the sun slightly. The temperature was already warm and the day was forecast to be very hot. Nearby our ship there were five other big cruise ships. I later saw another two in another part of the city. The haze prevented the whole city from being seen and it was not until late afternoon when the haze lifted that I was able to see its full extent around the vast harbour.
The city is built on 14 low lying muddy islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Peter the Great Czar of all Russia decided to build a city here in 1703. He did so because the Neva flowed into the Baltic Sea and Russia would then be opened to the west for trade. He recruited thousands of peasants to clear forests and to drain the swamps with their bare hands. Millions of wooden pilings were driven into the mud to provide firmer foundations for the new city. I obtained this information from the ships daily information sheet.
Fay and I were booked in for a canal boat tour at 1:45pm; this tour could not proceed earlier because it required the tide to be low to enable the boats to travel under the many bridges. A bus took us to the city to join the canal boat. The bus was old and the transmission ground away and the air condition only just managed to give out a little air slightly cooler than the ambient temperature. On the way we drove past large blocks of apartments. They were all of concrete or brick construction; some of the concrete block buildings looked rough and unfinished as if the builder had been short of finance and left the finish coat of plaster until sometime in the future; or maybe they were meant to be that way. They looked drab although to be fair there were some nice ones as well. We only saw a small part of the city so there could well be better apartments elsewhere.
As we walked to the boats, the edge of the foot path was littered drink bottles and food wrappings. The boats are not as good looking as the Copenhagen boats. They were very busy and appeared to suffer from a lack of maintenance. There were many canal boats and just like we see traffic jams with cars, here we had canal boat jams. The sun beat down on us and although we were on water we became hot. My wrist watch measured my arms temperature at 36.5° whereas I am normally between 28° and 31°. There were some privately owned boats but nothing like the numbers in Copenhagen or Stockholm. We passed several fine buildings with golden domes. I saw only one green grass park with trees. We also travelled along the very wide river Neva; on it were many tourist boats, speed boats and one large cruise ship. In the canals were cafe boats which served both customers from the pavements and from the private launches.
After I returned Fay and I spent time in the Piazza on deck 5 amidships listening to a string quartet with piano accompaniment playing light classics before dining. At 8:30 pm we watched a lively Russian group singing and dancing traditional Russian music and dances.
Sun rise was Sunset was
Day 13 July 24th Helsinki
Day 13 July 24th Helsinki.
When we awoke and pulled the curtains we were already alongside the pier. Helsinki did not look attractive; bare land all around our pier, buildings far away. The sky was overcast and threatened rain. One fellow passenger said there was not much to see, so we decided to stay on board. I caught up with this diary a Fay rested before we enjoyed the activities of the ship.
We left at 6pm; about one hour later we were in open waters with strong winds whipping up the sea. The ship started to rock a little; I am amazed the sea could move this big ship.
When we awoke and pulled the curtains we were already alongside the pier. Helsinki did not look attractive; bare land all around our pier, buildings far away. The sky was overcast and threatened rain. One fellow passenger said there was not much to see, so we decided to stay on board. I caught up with this diary a Fay rested before we enjoyed the activities of the ship.
We left at 6pm; about one hour later we were in open waters with strong winds whipping up the sea. The ship started to rock a little; I am amazed the sea could move this big ship.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 12 July 23rd Our Day in Stockholm.
Day 12 July 23rd Our Day in Stockholm.
I awoke at 5:50am. The sun had already risen at 4:16am; I peeped through the curtains to see land quite close; we had arrived at the 58 mile passage through tree clad islands which our ship meandered for five hours before reaching Stockholm at 10am. Fay and I went to the viewing deck 16 and watched for a short while as we glided slowly past. Some were only a few meters across while others disappeared into the horizon. There was habitation on most of the islands. The cottages and houses looked cute. On some islands there breakwaters for the small boats. These houses have no roads so the people depend on their boats to get around. As we neared Stockholm the hoses were getting bigger and bigger; they were attractive to look at.
I quote from the Princess Patter.
“Stockholm is a smorgasbord of majestic architecture, lush parks and graceful waterways. Its quays and harbours are lined with distinguished buildings crowned with green copper roofs. They rise in a swirl of spires, turrets pinnacles and cupolas over Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest quarter. From humble beginnings as a Viking fortress, Stockholm spread out through the centuries across wide bays, broad channels and narrow inlets until today, when it’s population of 900,000 straddles four separate islands. Today it is Sweden’s Capital and the home of the Nobel Prize. Spared the ravages of war, this “Belle of the Baltic” is one of the world’s most orderly, clean and beautiful cities.”
Fay and I took a bus tour; we saw the Royal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the picturesque Grand Hotel and many other interesting buildings.
We also to a boat ride on the City end of the Baltic Sea and saw most of those buildings again from a different perspective. We entered a lock with elevated us to a freshwater lake. People were swimming, sailing and living on houseboats on this lake; the lake is also used for the city’s fresh water supply. The boat guide said the water was very pure.
We reboarded and the ship sailed at 5pm. The sun set at 9:32pm apparently around June 21st the sun is only below the horizon about 4½ hours. Our tour guide said that at the moment the days are shortening by 4 minutes per day.
I awoke at 5:50am. The sun had already risen at 4:16am; I peeped through the curtains to see land quite close; we had arrived at the 58 mile passage through tree clad islands which our ship meandered for five hours before reaching Stockholm at 10am. Fay and I went to the viewing deck 16 and watched for a short while as we glided slowly past. Some were only a few meters across while others disappeared into the horizon. There was habitation on most of the islands. The cottages and houses looked cute. On some islands there breakwaters for the small boats. These houses have no roads so the people depend on their boats to get around. As we neared Stockholm the hoses were getting bigger and bigger; they were attractive to look at.
I quote from the Princess Patter.
“Stockholm is a smorgasbord of majestic architecture, lush parks and graceful waterways. Its quays and harbours are lined with distinguished buildings crowned with green copper roofs. They rise in a swirl of spires, turrets pinnacles and cupolas over Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest quarter. From humble beginnings as a Viking fortress, Stockholm spread out through the centuries across wide bays, broad channels and narrow inlets until today, when it’s population of 900,000 straddles four separate islands. Today it is Sweden’s Capital and the home of the Nobel Prize. Spared the ravages of war, this “Belle of the Baltic” is one of the world’s most orderly, clean and beautiful cities.”
Fay and I took a bus tour; we saw the Royal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the picturesque Grand Hotel and many other interesting buildings.
We also to a boat ride on the City end of the Baltic Sea and saw most of those buildings again from a different perspective. We entered a lock with elevated us to a freshwater lake. People were swimming, sailing and living on houseboats on this lake; the lake is also used for the city’s fresh water supply. The boat guide said the water was very pure.
We reboarded and the ship sailed at 5pm. The sun set at 9:32pm apparently around June 21st the sun is only below the horizon about 4½ hours. Our tour guide said that at the moment the days are shortening by 4 minutes per day.
Day 11 July 22nd. Cruising the Baltic
Day 11 July 22nd. Cruising the Baltic.
I quote from the “Princess Patter” a daily broadsheet about events.
“FROM THE NAVIGATOR”
“Following her departure from Copenhagen yesterday evening, Star Princess steamed North through the Sound passing the town of Helsingor to port. We entered the Kattegat Sea area rounding Point Nakkehoved and set a Westerly course towards the Great Belt. During the early hours of this morning we transited the Great Belt in a southerly direction passing under the Great Belt Bridge and disembarking our belt pilot around 4:30am. We continued on our transit rounding Lolland Island and proceeded east up the Kadetrenden passage into the Baltic Sea. For the remainder of the day we will set various North Easterly courses towards the Swedish Capital of Stockholm.
A nautical mile is the distance used by both mariners and aviators. One nautical mile corresponds to a minute of an arc of Latitude, sixty of which are contained in each degree. One nautical mile is internationally recognised as 1852 meters or 6076 feet corresponding to 1.15 land miles. A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Star Princess is capable of steaming at a maximum speed of 22 knots.”
While most of the above was happening we slumbered peacefully. I think the first part of the journey would have been really interesting. We travel back the same route to Oslo; I hope it will be in the daytime.
We spent the day exploring the ship. I went to a Digit Photo seminar and learnt a little more and a session on how to obtain a flatter stomach which turned out to be all about Detoxification; interesting but not all believable. Fay spent time at the hairdresser.
The sun rose at 4:16an and set at 9:32pm.
I quote from the “Princess Patter” a daily broadsheet about events.
“FROM THE NAVIGATOR”
“Following her departure from Copenhagen yesterday evening, Star Princess steamed North through the Sound passing the town of Helsingor to port. We entered the Kattegat Sea area rounding Point Nakkehoved and set a Westerly course towards the Great Belt. During the early hours of this morning we transited the Great Belt in a southerly direction passing under the Great Belt Bridge and disembarking our belt pilot around 4:30am. We continued on our transit rounding Lolland Island and proceeded east up the Kadetrenden passage into the Baltic Sea. For the remainder of the day we will set various North Easterly courses towards the Swedish Capital of Stockholm.
A nautical mile is the distance used by both mariners and aviators. One nautical mile corresponds to a minute of an arc of Latitude, sixty of which are contained in each degree. One nautical mile is internationally recognised as 1852 meters or 6076 feet corresponding to 1.15 land miles. A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Star Princess is capable of steaming at a maximum speed of 22 knots.”
While most of the above was happening we slumbered peacefully. I think the first part of the journey would have been really interesting. We travel back the same route to Oslo; I hope it will be in the daytime.
We spent the day exploring the ship. I went to a Digit Photo seminar and learnt a little more and a session on how to obtain a flatter stomach which turned out to be all about Detoxification; interesting but not all believable. Fay spent time at the hairdresser.
The sun rose at 4:16an and set at 9:32pm.
Day 10 July 21st Copenhagen to the “Star Princess”
Day 10 July 21st Copenhagen to the “Star Princess”
I am writing this episode sitting on our balcony on the Star Princess at 4pm after enjoying a nice buffet lunch. The sun has just broken through the cloud cover, the sea is calm, the sea is calm and the air is pleasantly warm. I reckon if I sat back and relaxed I would fall asleep it is so pleasant. Nice thought, but this blog post has to be written.
After a hearty breakfast we relaxed in our Airport Hilton Hotel. I blogged a little and organised some photos for Face book. I tried to publish them but the internet would not work.
At 1pm we walked 100 metres and caught the train that had travelled from Sweden and twenty two minutes later alighted at Øesterport where we caught a taxi to Frihavnen, where the Princess was berthed. My, what a ship; it dwarfed everything with its seventeen decks, thirteen of which are above the waterline. About twenty minutes later we were in our cabin awaiting the arrival of our luggage. We are on the 11th floor; we have a cabin with its balcony. When we look over the side rail we look down on two rows of balconies below us. We have more privacy as the balcony above is not set back. So if you ever want to travel on the Star Princess choose a balcony cabin on Deck eleven or higher.
After about a ½ hour our travel bags arrived so we un packed and took the lift up to the 14th level to enjoy a late lunch after which we set off to explore home for the next ten days.
This ship is really massive and exquisite. At the Stern there is “The Sky Walk” which an escalator that takes you to the Skywalkers Night Club. This club is above deck 17 and looks down at the sea all around the rear of the ship and also several swimming pools. I have not yet counted all the pools of which there are many. At the moment I reckon there are at least ten. Part of this club lounge was off limits to Fay and me as we are not elite members!
As the ship was getting ready to set sail we sought a better viewing platform at the bow. Last year we experienced the Queen May 2 which was a fine ship; I can only remember two swim pools on it which were so crowded with English tourists that we could not get near them. At the bow on this ship on the fifteenth deck there are several pools on two levels and plenty of room to enjoy them. There is also a large movie screen at one end orientated to the young of which there are many. At 6pm on the dot I could observe a slight movement of the ship away from the wharf. We were on our way. The exit from the harbour was through a very narrow gap between the breakwaters. We had to move forward from the wharf and then execute a ninety degree pivot turn in order to line up and move through the gap. There was not much room to spare. As we travelled into open water we passed a large number of yachts.
We dined well at 7pmon deck 14; as we did so we cruised past the beautiful farmlands of Denmark; we retired at nine.
The Star Princess Statistics:-
Built in 2002
Port or Registry Hamilton
Call Sign ZCDD6
Official Number 733709
Gross Tonnage 109000
Net Tonnage 71763
Overall Length 951 feet
Breadth 118 feet
Fuel Capacity 2649 tons
Fresh Water Capacity 2731 tons
Normal Passenger capacity 2600
Normal crew figure 1150
Cruising Speed 22.5 knots
There is a notice on the notice board which says the ship has capacity passengers for this cruise, I.e. 2600.
I am writing this episode sitting on our balcony on the Star Princess at 4pm after enjoying a nice buffet lunch. The sun has just broken through the cloud cover, the sea is calm, the sea is calm and the air is pleasantly warm. I reckon if I sat back and relaxed I would fall asleep it is so pleasant. Nice thought, but this blog post has to be written.
After a hearty breakfast we relaxed in our Airport Hilton Hotel. I blogged a little and organised some photos for Face book. I tried to publish them but the internet would not work.
At 1pm we walked 100 metres and caught the train that had travelled from Sweden and twenty two minutes later alighted at Øesterport where we caught a taxi to Frihavnen, where the Princess was berthed. My, what a ship; it dwarfed everything with its seventeen decks, thirteen of which are above the waterline. About twenty minutes later we were in our cabin awaiting the arrival of our luggage. We are on the 11th floor; we have a cabin with its balcony. When we look over the side rail we look down on two rows of balconies below us. We have more privacy as the balcony above is not set back. So if you ever want to travel on the Star Princess choose a balcony cabin on Deck eleven or higher.
After about a ½ hour our travel bags arrived so we un packed and took the lift up to the 14th level to enjoy a late lunch after which we set off to explore home for the next ten days.
This ship is really massive and exquisite. At the Stern there is “The Sky Walk” which an escalator that takes you to the Skywalkers Night Club. This club is above deck 17 and looks down at the sea all around the rear of the ship and also several swimming pools. I have not yet counted all the pools of which there are many. At the moment I reckon there are at least ten. Part of this club lounge was off limits to Fay and me as we are not elite members!
As the ship was getting ready to set sail we sought a better viewing platform at the bow. Last year we experienced the Queen May 2 which was a fine ship; I can only remember two swim pools on it which were so crowded with English tourists that we could not get near them. At the bow on this ship on the fifteenth deck there are several pools on two levels and plenty of room to enjoy them. There is also a large movie screen at one end orientated to the young of which there are many. At 6pm on the dot I could observe a slight movement of the ship away from the wharf. We were on our way. The exit from the harbour was through a very narrow gap between the breakwaters. We had to move forward from the wharf and then execute a ninety degree pivot turn in order to line up and move through the gap. There was not much room to spare. As we travelled into open water we passed a large number of yachts.
We dined well at 7pmon deck 14; as we did so we cruised past the beautiful farmlands of Denmark; we retired at nine.
The Star Princess Statistics:-
Built in 2002
Port or Registry Hamilton
Call Sign ZCDD6
Official Number 733709
Gross Tonnage 109000
Net Tonnage 71763
Overall Length 951 feet
Breadth 118 feet
Fuel Capacity 2649 tons
Fresh Water Capacity 2731 tons
Normal Passenger capacity 2600
Normal crew figure 1150
Cruising Speed 22.5 knots
There is a notice on the notice board which says the ship has capacity passengers for this cruise, I.e. 2600.
Day 9 July 20th Our day in Copenhagen.
Day 9 July 20th Our day in Copenhagen.
The time is 16:00hours in Copenhagen. We have just had a great day. We set of from the hotel, walked 100 meters caught the computer controlled train to Northavn to check out the Star Princess terminal.. It was not in port so we checked out a sister ship The Caribbean Star; what a beautiful boat, I hope ours is as good. We then wanted to take a canal boat tour. After seeking help from pleasant strangers we caught the 1A bus to Nyhavn where we joined thousands of tourists. We managed to secure two seats in a good position for taking photographs. The beautiful clear day at thirty degrees was just right for cruising on the water. The canal bout was moored in a narrow waterway about 15 meters wide. Our boat was fully loaded with about 160 people at $35NZ a head. Attractive buildings lining the canal were painted with many pastel shades as we see in the advertising brochures. We did not see these colours throughout the city.
We did see many fine buildings from the boat along the many canals we travelled through. Many pleasure and house boats were tied up on each side of the canals, a lot of them house boats most with gardens in pots. I took a lot of pictures.
When we returned from the cruise I discovered I had lost my map. I started to panic but Fay was great! She suggested we retrace our steps to the bus stop. While I was wondering which bus to catch to the train station she noticed its name written on a list of stops along the topside of a bus. Wowee problem solved. At the station while we were checking which train to catch three helpful strangers suggest we catch the one in front of us. It took us directly to the Airport by a different route to that by which we came in. When we reached the Laufthavn (Airport) I was waiting for others to get off the train as yesterdays train terminated there and the station is the last one listed on the route map I did not want to get hurt in the rush. Hardly anyone moved which I thought was strange so I asked young lass if the train continued on, “Yes she said, to Sweden!” We moved so fast we just made it to the platform in time!
The time is 16:00hours in Copenhagen. We have just had a great day. We set of from the hotel, walked 100 meters caught the computer controlled train to Northavn to check out the Star Princess terminal.. It was not in port so we checked out a sister ship The Caribbean Star; what a beautiful boat, I hope ours is as good. We then wanted to take a canal boat tour. After seeking help from pleasant strangers we caught the 1A bus to Nyhavn where we joined thousands of tourists. We managed to secure two seats in a good position for taking photographs. The beautiful clear day at thirty degrees was just right for cruising on the water. The canal bout was moored in a narrow waterway about 15 meters wide. Our boat was fully loaded with about 160 people at $35NZ a head. Attractive buildings lining the canal were painted with many pastel shades as we see in the advertising brochures. We did not see these colours throughout the city.
We did see many fine buildings from the boat along the many canals we travelled through. Many pleasure and house boats were tied up on each side of the canals, a lot of them house boats most with gardens in pots. I took a lot of pictures.
When we returned from the cruise I discovered I had lost my map. I started to panic but Fay was great! She suggested we retrace our steps to the bus stop. While I was wondering which bus to catch to the train station she noticed its name written on a list of stops along the topside of a bus. Wowee problem solved. At the station while we were checking which train to catch three helpful strangers suggest we catch the one in front of us. It took us directly to the Airport by a different route to that by which we came in. When we reached the Laufthavn (Airport) I was waiting for others to get off the train as yesterdays train terminated there and the station is the last one listed on the route map I did not want to get hurt in the rush. Hardly anyone moved which I thought was strange so I asked young lass if the train continued on, “Yes she said, to Sweden!” We moved so fast we just made it to the platform in time!
Days 7 and 8 July 18-19th Singapore to Copenhagen.
Days 7 and 8 July 18-19th Singapore to Copenhagen.
We awoke, breakfasted, packed our bags, and checked out of the Hotel. I had to call at the Sony service centre as I could not get my Picture Motion Browser software updated for my new camera as my computers DVD drive would not work. It was great to find the centre open on a Sunday. A nice young lady technician downloaded the software from the internet.
Then caught a number 36 bus to the Big Wheel. This is like the London Eye only larger. As we walked from the bus stop towards the wheel rain started to fall lightly. We did not make it as the rain became too heavy. Even though we had an umbrella we got wet and had to return to the hotel. We decided that we should go to the airport early. We caught a taxi. I was surprised at how cheap the ride was.
We had lunch and a late evening meal in the lounge courtesy of the airline. They have very nice food. My idea was that if I did not eat first thing on the plane i might sleep better.
The plane was nearly and hour late leaving the ground at 12:05am. We had had a long day. I thought I had slept about 7 hours as the time had passed quickly.
Even though we left later than scheduled we arrived in Frankfurt on time 11:20hours later at 5:15am Frankfurt time.
At about 3:30am the night sky started to day ever so slowly. The sun was still 2hours from rising. We were served breakfast at 4:15am.
After landing we had 2 hours to catch a connecting flight to Copenhagen. We had a long way to walk and eventually found our check in point. We had a half hour to spare before being bussed out to our waiting plane. Frankfurt is a large hub airport. Our plane was one of about twenty all lined up on the tarmac. At this point we were only feeling a little tired.
We left the ground at 7:50am and at 8:15 we were served another very nice breakfast.
The scene beneath us was a patchwork of different shades of brown and green fields interspersed in large areas of green forest. I guess the brown fields were being readied for crops to be planted. There were many electricity generating windmills scattered throughout the fields. I guess they do not have a Resource Management Act like we do. There were many small villages. I only spotted about three houses on the farms so I have come to the conclusion the farmers have their houses in the villages. The landscape was very pretty.
As we approached the airport at Copenhagen I noticed a long causeway reaching out into the sea to halfway between two islands. There was a roadway in the centre which stopped at the end. I theorised that the road dived into a tunnel to continue across the bay to the other island. I have yet to find out whether I am correct.
After landing all we had to do was pick up our bags. No entry check and no customs; we have never had it so easy. When we exited the terminal there was our hotel within 100 metres. They allowed an early check in.
The Airport Hilton Hotel is a very nice hotel. I can thoroughly recommend in. The day before while in Singapore I received a welcoming email from them. I thought that was nice.
At 2pm we crossed the road and caught the train into Copenhagen Central Station. It was a 12minute ride and cost about $4NZ each. We strolled around the uninteresting streets for 15minutes, bought a rather expensive ice cream and the caught the train back to the hotel.
Later in the day I became extremely tired; in fact I was falling asleep at our early evening meal. I went to bed at 6pm and slept for ten hours.
We awoke, breakfasted, packed our bags, and checked out of the Hotel. I had to call at the Sony service centre as I could not get my Picture Motion Browser software updated for my new camera as my computers DVD drive would not work. It was great to find the centre open on a Sunday. A nice young lady technician downloaded the software from the internet.
Then caught a number 36 bus to the Big Wheel. This is like the London Eye only larger. As we walked from the bus stop towards the wheel rain started to fall lightly. We did not make it as the rain became too heavy. Even though we had an umbrella we got wet and had to return to the hotel. We decided that we should go to the airport early. We caught a taxi. I was surprised at how cheap the ride was.
We had lunch and a late evening meal in the lounge courtesy of the airline. They have very nice food. My idea was that if I did not eat first thing on the plane i might sleep better.
The plane was nearly and hour late leaving the ground at 12:05am. We had had a long day. I thought I had slept about 7 hours as the time had passed quickly.
Even though we left later than scheduled we arrived in Frankfurt on time 11:20hours later at 5:15am Frankfurt time.
At about 3:30am the night sky started to day ever so slowly. The sun was still 2hours from rising. We were served breakfast at 4:15am.
After landing we had 2 hours to catch a connecting flight to Copenhagen. We had a long way to walk and eventually found our check in point. We had a half hour to spare before being bussed out to our waiting plane. Frankfurt is a large hub airport. Our plane was one of about twenty all lined up on the tarmac. At this point we were only feeling a little tired.
We left the ground at 7:50am and at 8:15 we were served another very nice breakfast.
The scene beneath us was a patchwork of different shades of brown and green fields interspersed in large areas of green forest. I guess the brown fields were being readied for crops to be planted. There were many electricity generating windmills scattered throughout the fields. I guess they do not have a Resource Management Act like we do. There were many small villages. I only spotted about three houses on the farms so I have come to the conclusion the farmers have their houses in the villages. The landscape was very pretty.
As we approached the airport at Copenhagen I noticed a long causeway reaching out into the sea to halfway between two islands. There was a roadway in the centre which stopped at the end. I theorised that the road dived into a tunnel to continue across the bay to the other island. I have yet to find out whether I am correct.
After landing all we had to do was pick up our bags. No entry check and no customs; we have never had it so easy. When we exited the terminal there was our hotel within 100 metres. They allowed an early check in.
The Airport Hilton Hotel is a very nice hotel. I can thoroughly recommend in. The day before while in Singapore I received a welcoming email from them. I thought that was nice.
At 2pm we crossed the road and caught the train into Copenhagen Central Station. It was a 12minute ride and cost about $4NZ each. We strolled around the uninteresting streets for 15minutes, bought a rather expensive ice cream and the caught the train back to the hotel.
Later in the day I became extremely tired; in fact I was falling asleep at our early evening meal. I went to bed at 6pm and slept for ten hours.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day 6 July 17th we Visit Johor.
Day 6 July 17th we Visit Johor.
We were up early to make an early start on the trip. Our bus picked us up at 7:30am. After about a half hour drive through the beautiful high rise buildings and tree shrouded highways we suddenly came to a stop. We had joined a queue of traffic moving at a speed that I could have beaten by four times by walking. We had arrived at a customs checkpoint! There were hundreds of cars and busses in the queue. There were hundreds of riders on scooters speeding down the kerbside of the cars. That was definitely the way to go. We were given arrival cards for Johor to fill in while we waited. When we arrived in Singapore we were given a small card to surrender to customs when we left the country which we did at this checkpoint. We had to leave the bus and stand in a queue for over half an hour in order to do so. Then we boarded the bus again and drove over the 750 meter long (my estimate) manmade causeway in a slow moving queue once again before we reached the Johor checkpoint. We did not have to wait so long this time as there were more customs employees working. We received our little departure card and we started our tour it had taken about two and a half hours to reach Johor which is a state of Malaysia.
We first visited a small handmade fabric manufacturing enterprise and were given a demonstration of a laborious method of applying a colour design on fabric. They first treated the fabric with heated beeswax before they applied the colour. The fabric was then left overnight to cure before it underwent treatment to remove the wax.
We next visited a demonstration garden plot we were shown a pepper plant with its berries, a tapioca tree and more. I could not hear properly so I missed a lot. The making of (sorry I cannot remember its name but it is silver and three other metals) was also demonstrated.
Next we visited a massive Muslim Temple. We were not allowed in. While we were there, loud speakers sited on the top of the temple poured forth a Muslim chants. They sounded like they were more than one hundred decibels.
The part of Johor we saw looked very untidy when compared with Singapore. The buildings were unattractive and some were in a poor state of repair.
Apparently Singapore was a state of Malaysia but broke away in the 1950’s.and has prospered ever since.
We had to go through the same customs procedure again on the return trip. It was not so onerous so we reached our hotel in good time; about 1¼hours. It seems we chose the wrong day (Saturday) to travel to Johor as a lot of Malaysians who are working in Singapore during the week are returning home for the weekend. It was not one of the best of tours but it was an experience.
Arriving back at the hotel we said our goodbyes to other tour members as they were catching the 9:10pm flight back to NZ. We had another day before travelling to Copenhagen.
We were up early to make an early start on the trip. Our bus picked us up at 7:30am. After about a half hour drive through the beautiful high rise buildings and tree shrouded highways we suddenly came to a stop. We had joined a queue of traffic moving at a speed that I could have beaten by four times by walking. We had arrived at a customs checkpoint! There were hundreds of cars and busses in the queue. There were hundreds of riders on scooters speeding down the kerbside of the cars. That was definitely the way to go. We were given arrival cards for Johor to fill in while we waited. When we arrived in Singapore we were given a small card to surrender to customs when we left the country which we did at this checkpoint. We had to leave the bus and stand in a queue for over half an hour in order to do so. Then we boarded the bus again and drove over the 750 meter long (my estimate) manmade causeway in a slow moving queue once again before we reached the Johor checkpoint. We did not have to wait so long this time as there were more customs employees working. We received our little departure card and we started our tour it had taken about two and a half hours to reach Johor which is a state of Malaysia.
We first visited a small handmade fabric manufacturing enterprise and were given a demonstration of a laborious method of applying a colour design on fabric. They first treated the fabric with heated beeswax before they applied the colour. The fabric was then left overnight to cure before it underwent treatment to remove the wax.
We next visited a demonstration garden plot we were shown a pepper plant with its berries, a tapioca tree and more. I could not hear properly so I missed a lot. The making of (sorry I cannot remember its name but it is silver and three other metals) was also demonstrated.
Next we visited a massive Muslim Temple. We were not allowed in. While we were there, loud speakers sited on the top of the temple poured forth a Muslim chants. They sounded like they were more than one hundred decibels.
The part of Johor we saw looked very untidy when compared with Singapore. The buildings were unattractive and some were in a poor state of repair.
Apparently Singapore was a state of Malaysia but broke away in the 1950’s.and has prospered ever since.
We had to go through the same customs procedure again on the return trip. It was not so onerous so we reached our hotel in good time; about 1¼hours. It seems we chose the wrong day (Saturday) to travel to Johor as a lot of Malaysians who are working in Singapore during the week are returning home for the weekend. It was not one of the best of tours but it was an experience.
Arriving back at the hotel we said our goodbyes to other tour members as they were catching the 9:10pm flight back to NZ. We had another day before travelling to Copenhagen.
Day 5 July 16th A trip to Sungei Buloh.
Day 5 July 16th A trip to Sungei Buloh.
This is a mangrove wetland Reserve. Since 2002 this area comprising 130ha of mangroves, mudflats ponds and secondary forest has been protected by the Government.
The waters of these wetlands were a long time ago fished for prawns. They contain animals, birds and plants unique to the area. It is a stopping off place for migratory birds flying from places such as Miranda in New Zealand to Alaska and Russia.
We walked and walked and walked but Fay and I managed to keep up.
We were then driven right across Singapore to an eating parlour to experience the many types of food available. I expect much of it was good but I was not felling adventurous and managed to fine some chicken and chips. Yes I was chicken as well.
We were then taken to a nearby Chinese garden which contained large statue like figures of garish colours. Fay and I sat this one out as did some of our tour friends. We were tired.
For the rest of the day window shopped, had a meal at Burger King and then retired for the day.
This is a mangrove wetland Reserve. Since 2002 this area comprising 130ha of mangroves, mudflats ponds and secondary forest has been protected by the Government.
The waters of these wetlands were a long time ago fished for prawns. They contain animals, birds and plants unique to the area. It is a stopping off place for migratory birds flying from places such as Miranda in New Zealand to Alaska and Russia.
We walked and walked and walked but Fay and I managed to keep up.
We were then driven right across Singapore to an eating parlour to experience the many types of food available. I expect much of it was good but I was not felling adventurous and managed to fine some chicken and chips. Yes I was chicken as well.
We were then taken to a nearby Chinese garden which contained large statue like figures of garish colours. Fay and I sat this one out as did some of our tour friends. We were tired.
For the rest of the day window shopped, had a meal at Burger King and then retired for the day.
Day 4 July 15th the Singapore Garden Festival.
Day 4 July 15th the Singapore Garden Festival.
We spent about six hours at this spectacular flower and garden design show.
The flowers were exotic. The design gardens were from many countries of the world. The show was held on two floors of a large buildings; levels 4 and 6. There was no fifth floor as the number five for a building is considered unlucky.
One interesting display was of a wall growing lettuces. Singapore has not enough land to grow any fruit and vegetables for its people’s food. It is all imported. Idea of growing vegetables on a wall means they could be grown in a large multi story building. They were not grown hydroponically
We spent about six hours at this spectacular flower and garden design show.
The flowers were exotic. The design gardens were from many countries of the world. The show was held on two floors of a large buildings; levels 4 and 6. There was no fifth floor as the number five for a building is considered unlucky.
One interesting display was of a wall growing lettuces. Singapore has not enough land to grow any fruit and vegetables for its people’s food. It is all imported. Idea of growing vegetables on a wall means they could be grown in a large multi story building. They were not grown hydroponically
Day 3 July 14th We visit the Singapore Botanic Garden.
Day 3 July 14th We visit the Singapore Botanic Garden.
We left the hotel at 8am. The main interest at the gardens for me would be the display of orchids. After a short 10 minute bus ride we arrived at the Gardens. It was out with the umbrellas as the rain had been falling for hours. I guess that is why Singapore is so green. The green grass was the first thing I saw through the window of the plane as we landed.
The gardens have over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids in its collection. I saw no cymbidiums. They were the tropical orchids that are the most expensive in NZ. They were planted amongst large trees with over 800 bromeliads. I was interested in several water fountains one of which I will use as a model for my garden.
Also in the gardens was an Evolution Garden where we saw trees purported to be the descendants of trees growing millions of years ago.
For the rest of the day we explored the shops.
We left the hotel at 8am. The main interest at the gardens for me would be the display of orchids. After a short 10 minute bus ride we arrived at the Gardens. It was out with the umbrellas as the rain had been falling for hours. I guess that is why Singapore is so green. The green grass was the first thing I saw through the window of the plane as we landed.
The gardens have over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids in its collection. I saw no cymbidiums. They were the tropical orchids that are the most expensive in NZ. They were planted amongst large trees with over 800 bromeliads. I was interested in several water fountains one of which I will use as a model for my garden.
Also in the gardens was an Evolution Garden where we saw trees purported to be the descendants of trees growing millions of years ago.
For the rest of the day we explored the shops.
Day 2 We Join a Singapore Sights Tour.
Day 2 We Join a Singapore Sights Tour.
We set off around 8am, all nine of us including Greg our Tour Guide / Host from New Zealand. We also had a local guide; her name was Tham. The day was beautifully fine and very hot. Singapore is a beautiful city made so with many green trees, ferns and flowers everywhere. Orchard Road, the main shopping area, just around the corner from our hotel (the Orchard Hotel) is lined on both sides with tall green trees. These sheltered us from the sun and cooled us a little. One big shopping mall had eight floors of shops and eating parlours, four below ground and four above. The many fine buildings also contributed to its beauty.
After driving around for a while we called at an Indian (not American) shopping Centre for a walking tour of its many varied shops. Our guide pointed out a tall apartment block with tenants clothes washing fastened to bamboo poles put out the window to dry. We were invited to taste some of their food. I must say Fay and I were not very adventurous in this area. We did partake of some Ginger tea. It was ok but I reckon it would have been better without the milk.
We then were taken to Marina Bay, an area where boats from afar many years ago would bring their wares to be traded with merchants. There was a snake charmer with an Albino Snake draped over his shoulders. We were invited to stroke it. Some did! We next enjoyed a walking tour over a foot bridge to a large building which used to be the General Post Office and Tax Department. It had been refurbished and turned into a very upmarket hotel; The Fullerton. We strolled through it in awe. It was beautiful. On exiting the hotel we found ourselves in Merlion Park overlooking another stretch of harbour towards three massive tower buildings separated from each other which I believe house hotels and apartments. Straddling the top of these building was a long boat shaped structure with park like areas and a large swimming pool surrounded by trees. Our tour Singaporean tour guide took our photos of us in front of the Merlion Fountain with a backdrop of stylish high rise buildings.
We returned to our hotel just after midday. We had an afternoon free from touring. Fay stayed at the Hotel for a rest while I explored the shops and transport systems I.e. bus and rail.
In the evening we were hosted for dinner at the hotel by Greg our Flora Tours Guide courtesy of Flora Tours.
Photos can be viewed on my Facebook page. Hopefully I have not yet tried to put them on yet.
We set off around 8am, all nine of us including Greg our Tour Guide / Host from New Zealand. We also had a local guide; her name was Tham. The day was beautifully fine and very hot. Singapore is a beautiful city made so with many green trees, ferns and flowers everywhere. Orchard Road, the main shopping area, just around the corner from our hotel (the Orchard Hotel) is lined on both sides with tall green trees. These sheltered us from the sun and cooled us a little. One big shopping mall had eight floors of shops and eating parlours, four below ground and four above. The many fine buildings also contributed to its beauty.
After driving around for a while we called at an Indian (not American) shopping Centre for a walking tour of its many varied shops. Our guide pointed out a tall apartment block with tenants clothes washing fastened to bamboo poles put out the window to dry. We were invited to taste some of their food. I must say Fay and I were not very adventurous in this area. We did partake of some Ginger tea. It was ok but I reckon it would have been better without the milk.
We then were taken to Marina Bay, an area where boats from afar many years ago would bring their wares to be traded with merchants. There was a snake charmer with an Albino Snake draped over his shoulders. We were invited to stroke it. Some did! We next enjoyed a walking tour over a foot bridge to a large building which used to be the General Post Office and Tax Department. It had been refurbished and turned into a very upmarket hotel; The Fullerton. We strolled through it in awe. It was beautiful. On exiting the hotel we found ourselves in Merlion Park overlooking another stretch of harbour towards three massive tower buildings separated from each other which I believe house hotels and apartments. Straddling the top of these building was a long boat shaped structure with park like areas and a large swimming pool surrounded by trees. Our tour Singaporean tour guide took our photos of us in front of the Merlion Fountain with a backdrop of stylish high rise buildings.
We returned to our hotel just after midday. We had an afternoon free from touring. Fay stayed at the Hotel for a rest while I explored the shops and transport systems I.e. bus and rail.
In the evening we were hosted for dinner at the hotel by Greg our Flora Tours Guide courtesy of Flora Tours.
Photos can be viewed on my Facebook page. Hopefully I have not yet tried to put them on yet.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 1 Auckland to Singapore.
We were up from our good night’s sleep early, full of expectation. We had completed most of our packing the week before. We left home as planned at 08:30. On the way I had to call to Sony in Mt Wellington to buy a battery with a larger power storage which took longer than expected; as a consequence we arrived at the airport ten minutes late at 09:45 to meet with our tour Guide, Greg. After checking in we enjoyed Air New Zealand’s hospitality.
The flight on Singapore airlines SQ 286 was excellent. Very smooth with good food; too much actually, provided with excellent service. The flight information video was interesting. I particularly liked the world globe which showed the areas of the world by day and by night together with the position of the sun in real time. Our flight was an all daylight flight. I could watch the sun catching us up. Although we left the ground half an hour late (12:35 NZ Time) we arrived in Singapore at 18:30 (Singapore Time) After leaving Auckland we travelled up the West Coast as far as the southern end of 90 Mile Beach before turning slightly to Port towards Queensland. The weather was fine; I could see the full extent of the Kaipara and Opononi harbours as well as doubtless bay. We passed directly over Townsville and Darwin before crossing Timor. When approaching Singapore our plane changed from the direct route several times to avoid turbulence. The sun did not catch us, although it was not far behind when we landed.
Changi Airport is massive and new. It looks beautiful. Our entry through customs into Singapore was very easy. We were met by our local guide who directed us to a waiting bus. The heat was very noticeable. As we travelled into the city I observed a beautiful orangey red sunset. The sun had caught up. I did not know that Singapore had 12 hours of sun each day all the year round; I probably learnt this at school many years ago but had obviously forgotten. I much prefer our four season climate with its long summer evenings and its long winter nights some of which is spent by a nice cheery fire.
We retired for the day just after midnight.
The flight on Singapore airlines SQ 286 was excellent. Very smooth with good food; too much actually, provided with excellent service. The flight information video was interesting. I particularly liked the world globe which showed the areas of the world by day and by night together with the position of the sun in real time. Our flight was an all daylight flight. I could watch the sun catching us up. Although we left the ground half an hour late (12:35 NZ Time) we arrived in Singapore at 18:30 (Singapore Time) After leaving Auckland we travelled up the West Coast as far as the southern end of 90 Mile Beach before turning slightly to Port towards Queensland. The weather was fine; I could see the full extent of the Kaipara and Opononi harbours as well as doubtless bay. We passed directly over Townsville and Darwin before crossing Timor. When approaching Singapore our plane changed from the direct route several times to avoid turbulence. The sun did not catch us, although it was not far behind when we landed.
Changi Airport is massive and new. It looks beautiful. Our entry through customs into Singapore was very easy. We were met by our local guide who directed us to a waiting bus. The heat was very noticeable. As we travelled into the city I observed a beautiful orangey red sunset. The sun had caught up. I did not know that Singapore had 12 hours of sun each day all the year round; I probably learnt this at school many years ago but had obviously forgotten. I much prefer our four season climate with its long summer evenings and its long winter nights some of which is spent by a nice cheery fire.
We retired for the day just after midnight.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Our Itinerary
On Monday July 12th 2010 we leave Auckland at 13:30 bound for Singapore. We have joined a Flora Tours Singapore Garden Festival Tour.
Tuesday 13th in the morning we are taken on a Singapore sights tour visiting Merilon Park and the Thian Keng Temple in particular. We have the afternoon to ourselves.
Wednesday 14th we visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens where we are promised there are 600 orchids on display.
Thursday 15th All Day at the Singapore Garden Festival.
Friday 16th We visit Sungei Buloh which is 130 acres of secondary forest and is home to many unique plants and animals. It is also a resting point for migratory birds on their way from New Zealand to Alaska.
Saturday 17th we explore more of Singapore.
Sunday 18th we depart Singapore at 23:05 on a Lufthansa flight bound for Frankfurt where after a two hour stopover we head for Copenhagen on a Airbus A321 arriving there at 09:10 on Monday 19th. We will no doubt rest a little and maybe a little unorganized sightseeing.
Tuesday 20th We may join a hop on hop off bus or a canal boat tour.
Wednesday 21st we board the "Star Princess" for a ten night tour of The Baltic.
Thursday 22nd We spend cruising. I hope the weather is fine so that we can get some R & r on the deck.
Friday 23rd We arrive at Stockholm, Sweden at 10:00 and explore the city.
Saturday 24th We are at Helsinki in Finland.
Sunday 25th We arrive at St Petersburg, Russia to spend two days sightseeing.
Monday 26th Sightseeing in St Petersburg. We "set sail" at 18:00.
Tuesday 27th We arrive at Tallin, Estonia.
Wednesday 28th We arrive at Gdansk, Poland at 9:00 and spend time ashore.
Thursday 29th We spend all day cruising. Time to enjoy the ships delights maybe.
Friday 30th We arrive at Oslo, Norway at 07:00 and depart at 14:00: not much time to see the sights!
Saturday 31st July we disembark and make our way to the Copenhagen Airport for our Scandanavian Airlines flight to London arriving in Heathrow, London at 13:05
We stay at Ealing Guest House 27 South Ealing Road Tel +44(0) 20 8840 0261.
Sunday 1st August 2010. Sightseeing London.
Monday 2nd August At 09:00 we board a National Bus at Victoria Station bound for Glasgow, Scotland we we be met by Alan and Heather for a twelve day tour by car of Scotland.
Tuesday 3rd August in and around Glasgow.
Wednesday 4th we travel to Oban.
Thursday 5th we travel to Fort William.
Friday 6th Another day around Fort William.
Saturday 7th We travel to and spend the night at the Isle of Skye.
Sunday 8th It is on to Elgin.
Monday 9th Another day and night at Elgin.
Tuesday 10th We are at Blair Athol in Pitlochery.
Wednesday 11th In and around Pitlochery.
Thursday 12th In and around Pitlochery.
Friday 13th We travel to Edinburgh where we attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Saturday 14th Sightseeing in Edinburgh before catching the British Airways 21:00hours flight to Heathrow, London.
Sunday 15th August. Sight seeing London.
Monday 16th. More of the same.
Tuesday 17th We head for Heathrow and at 11:10 take off for San Francisco via Munich. we arrive at San Francisco at 19:10 the same day; American Pacific time.
Wednesday 18th Sightseeing in San Francisco.
Thursday 19th More of the same.
Friday 20th We take a long day trip to Yosemite National Park.
Saturday 21st We depart San Francisco on and Air New Zealand Airbus A300-400 at 19:10.
Sunday 22nd Missed somewhere over the Pacific.
Monday 23rd 05:15 We land at Auckland Airport. A little bit weary I guess.
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