Thursday 30th May. London

Thursday 30th May 2019 HoHo bus, river cruise and Tower of London.

We have decided to buy a two day HoHo Bus tour, with the intentions of seeing part of London on the Red Bus Route, visiting Tower of London, catching a river cruise to Greenwich, returning to Westminster to then board a Red Bus to Marble Arch, transferring to a Blue Bus route home (the hotel of course). 

An early start today for us. We caught the first bus from Gloucester Road Station at about 8.30am and transferred to the Red Bus to tour around the London City square mile before alighting at the Tower of London.  All going to plan. We walked, climbed and dodged our way around the Tower of London. There was a humongous and long queue to see the Crown Jewels so decided we would check it out on the Internet!

Though we did walk through the various 'Palaces', battlements and museums in the tower. When leaving, we followed the exit signs but somehow ended up at the entrance and had to retrace our steps until we found the exit. The exist just happened to be behind a tour group who had stopped to hear the guide talk about where they brought the prisoners into the tower. See; taking the wrong turn didn't go to waste!

After leaving the Tower we caught a river cruise to Greenwich and returned to Westminster to catch a Red route bus to Marble Arch. Then transfer to the Blue route bus and travel home (the hotel we are staying in).

All went according to plan.  Until we arrived at Westminster to catch our first of two buses home. The river cruise boat had about 350 passengers on board, all of them Big Bus Tour patrons. I reckon there were at least 200 people who walked with us from the boat to the bus stop with the intention of boarding a Red route bus.

I recommend to anyone visiting London with intentions of using the Big Bus HoHo tours to do so early in the day. There are so many customers/passengers using it in the afternoons that if they can get on a bus, there is no guarantee they can get a seat. 

By the time we arrived at Westminster stop, the cruise passengers who were waiting at the bus stop were joined with other people joining from their wanderings around inner London. To make my heart sad is some of the people waiting were families with little children who would have coped better if they were in strollers and these little tackers were at the end of their ability to cope, tired and overwhelmed. Some of them were with grandparents who were just coping themselves, apart from looking after grandchildren. There were wives telling their husbands off for not getting them on the bus and grandma's berating grandpa's.  The first two Red bus's went past us, full and unable to collect anyone. The 3rd arrived and stopped just before the stop sign, so those waiting in the front of the line missed out on any chance of getting on. Only those who were quick and at the back of the line managed to squeeze on. I think we managed to get on either the 4th or 5th bus to arrive and it was standing room only. For those who know us...the ride back to Marbe Arch for Paul, was challenging to say the least. A couple got on our bus who I think, came from Holland,  were so dissappointed to get on the tourist bus and not hear a commentry, apart from not having a seat!. And, it will get worse when the tourist season really ramps up!. 

We arrived back at the hotel tired but happy to have seen so much of this iconic city full of history and iconic to our roots.

                             On the top of the bus travelling near Kensington Gardens.

                    Sitting on the top deck, It pays to have your cap on back to front.

                                                    Travelling down Fleet Street.

St Paul's Cathedral.

The Shard.

View from London Bridge towards Tower Bridge.

Note the Silver Seas Cruise ship alongside HMS Belfast.

                                   Crossing the River Thames on the Tower Bridge.

                                                   View of part of the city scape.

In the King Edward 1 chamber.

King Edward 1 bedchamber.

King Edward 1 was known as 'Longshanks';

he was 1.88cm tall.

                            This bedchamber is a replica from the oringinal 1280 bed.

                                                           Alongside a Beefeater.

On the ramports at the Tower of London

                              Outside the building which housing the Crown Jewels.

Victoria and Albert Museum and Harrods

Wednesday, 29th May 2019 London

A day on my own as Paul has a rest day. As the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Harrods are walking distance from the hotel, I have decided to explore these attractions. The weather forecast for today showed max 20C, cloudy with showers in the afternoon. Well; plenty of time to head off without getting wet. It is exceptionally fortunate when our body clocks are still on South Australian time which allows us to wake up at a ridiculous time in the morning, shower, dress and have breakfast before 7.30am! 

Getting out and about early also helps to avoid the crowds, for a time anyway. There are tourists everywhere and I am told the season hasn't really started. I headed off, walking up Cromwell Road, past the Natural History Museum (which I will save for our second stay in London, in 3 weeks time) and into Victoria and Albert Museum,

View from our hotel window, the first building on lower left is the Natural History Museum, then the V &A Museum. The city of London in background (London Eye, Shard, Cheese Grater, etc)

                               Photo of National History Museum from street level.

I had mistakenly thought the V & A Museum contained a lot of old clothing from past era's. No, I was mistaken, it is an amazing collection of furniture, clothing, statues, cultural treasures, architecture and ornaments from various countries and eras.

                                                      Front of V & A Museum.

                                            Statue of an South East Asia display.

I wondered around for a while, joined in on a couple of free tours when I happened to be in an area where a guide was talking, then wondering off again. The guides are so knowledgeable but also very long winded, spending a lot of time on an individual item. I discovered benches with head phones in some areas, especially the Medieval and Renaissance section, so sat, resting my tired back and listened to descriptions and music (usually choirs singing) of what I happened to be sitting in front of.

This Medieval Altar piece come from a Church in Germany, which had been destroyed, some centuries ago. I sat down in front and listened to the commentary of the various scenes carved out and then heard 3 pieces from various choirs singing in Latin the hymns which would have been sung in the church at the time. (near the headphones were the words in English of what the choir was singing, so I had an idea of what was sung).

I wondered through another area full of Casts of some of the world's most inspiring objects. Cultural treasures, ornaments and architecture. At first I thought they were the originals, but no, fantastic reproductions.

Plaster casts record the finely carved details. I think this is Trajan's Column.

Trajan's Column.

                                            The casts taken from various tomes.

                                  Cast of Michelangelo's David in rear of the gallery.

In the middle of the museum I discovered a lovely courtyard with a shallow water feature, potted plants and cafe.

                                                   The inner courtyard and garden.

After about 2 hours I had had enough, though I think if I really did it justice I could come back each day for weeks and still find something new and impressive. Next, I headed off to Harrods. I am glad Paul wasn't here with me, I think I would have about 2 minutes in here before it was time to leave!. I myself found this iconic, upmarket department store over the top. This is my opinion only, but it was claustrophobic and heavy. It had a closed in feel and didn't flow. There were lots of assistants standing around each area waiting to help, in one area there seemed to be more assistants than shoppers and a lot of sightseers. I found the Food Hall and a place to sit and enjoy a cup of cappuccino. GBP 6.05!.

                                                      Egyptian decorated area.

                                                            Glitzy perfume area.

                     Area where I enjoyed my coffee. It did taste good, but so it should!

On my walk back to the hotel, I walked past an eatery full of people, I mean chocka block full. I backtracked a couple of steps and realized it was a MacDonald's. I just had to take a photo.

                                 Somewhere in expensive to buy something to eat.
                                                                   Macca's.

Bus Tour to Warwick Castle, Shakespear's birthplace, scenic drive through Cotwolds and Oxford

Tuesday 28th May 2019 

Early start today to get to Victoria Coach Station by 8am. As we are still adjusting to the new time zone it is easy to get out of bed, shower, dress, have breakfast and catch a taxi to meet our coach for the tour.  The only dilemma is what to wear!. 

We booked with Evan and Evans Tours and needed to be there by 8am for a 8.30am departure. By the time to bus left there were 6 passengers who had not arrived. That is always a concern for us when travelling in a strange country. 

Warwick Castle was the first stop after an hour and half drive.  It started to rain just as Paul and I were about to enter the drawbridge, so out came the umbrellas for the short walk to the main castle. The castle had been bought by the company which owned Madam Trussuo's and millions of pounds has been spent to repair and make the castle an ideal tourist attraction. It has been voted the most preserved Medieval Castle in the world.

Paul and I originally started to walk through together but in the end we went our own way, meeting up again on the bus.  One stage I was climbing up some stairs when Paul was walking down! Hello!.  

                                   Paul with Guy's Tower behind at Warwick Castle.

                                      Umbrellas up, in the front of Warwick Castle

                                      In the Great Hall in front of original armour.

                  Wax models of King Henry V111 and other royal members.

King George

Dining room.

A short drive from Warwick Castle found us at Shakespear's birthplace in Stratford-on-Avon. We had a tour around the house an garden. Whilst in the garden we heard actors quoting some of Shakespear's work from various plays. 

Afterwards we had enough free time to pick up a bit the eat and wander through this historic township. 

Rear garden of where Shakespear grew up.

Alongside a bust of William Shakespear inside the house.

Quaint half timbered houses.

I couldn't resist this gargoyle on the Guild Chapel. It even has a pimple on its tongue.

The front of Shakespear's birth house.

After a drive through some of the Cotswalds we arrived at Oxford to walk around some of the university buildings. I had been concerned with Paul's endurance to walk around with the group, however he managed very well but I must admit he slept well that night.

A church in the Cotswalds built using the local stone.

A style at the enterance to the church where bodies of dead people would be kept for a few days before burial. (just in case they were still alive!)

Martyrs Memorial in Oxford for the deaths of Catholics who did not convert to the Church of England faith.

Radcliff Science Library on left with University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Paul out the front of gates of one of many colleges in Oxford.

Bridge of Sighes connecting to buildings of one of the Colleges.

Bodlelan Library.

Adelaide to London viaHong Kong

Our Baltics Cruise begins

We boarded our Cathy Pacific flight on Sunday at such a realistic time...1pm. Oh so nice! Paul and I had decided to pay the extra and fly Premium Economy and boy it was worth it....all the way to London. Just that extra leg room and wider seats made all the difference, especially when we are sitting there for over 19 hours. 

The departure from Hong Kong had been delayed an hour whilst connecting passengers from other flights flew in later due to bad weather en route. This made our arrival into Heathrow an hour late. Mmmm concerned as I was to connecting with our pre booked and pre paid shuttle bus to our hotel. Would they wait? They knew we were flying in with Cathay Pacific and the flight number but would they wait? 

As Paul now uses the aid of a walking stick we were able to use the wheelchair assistance in both Hong Kong and Heathrow. Great. In Hong Kong everything went according to plan, however in Heathrow, the airport has a segmented flow of people using wheel chairs. We were last off the plane as expected and Paul had an assistant to push him through, what I think is one of the furtherest arrival gates to a main section where several covered walkways converge. We were transferred to an electic cart to proceed another long transverseway. We had to wait for another passenger to join us before it would leave. Waiting.... 30 minutes later, with no extra passenger the driver decides to take us, to what seems to be at least a kilometre to another drop off area where Paul is placed back into another wheelchair, along with maybe another 10 people in wheelchairs to wait their turn to be pushed down ramps and through customs. By now I am freaking out......45 minutes since we have landed, our suitcases would be riding around on an almost empty carasel, maybe collected by an opportunist, never to be seen again and our shuttle connection would have given up waiting for us. 

Eventually Paul's turn comes to be wheeled through customs. One good thing to come out is we didn't have to wait in line to have our arrival checked. I haven't finished yet...the person pushing Paul doesn't have the clearance to go through immigration and has an auguement with someone about not continuing, so I just push Paul on down ramps. along corridores and into the baggage collection and our now not revolving carasel. Relief to see our two suitcases left on the floor with I am surprised to note, a few other suitcases.  I don't know what the owners of the suitcases were doing as we it is now an hour after the plane landed. 

Now Paul has to alight from the wheelchair and wheel his suitcase using one hand and with the other use his walking stick to support him. Through customs with no holdups and out to the arrivals hall to see if our shuttle connection is still waiting. Yes...bingo! He is. Holiday Taxis waited for us and drove us safely to our hotel in South Kensington. Bliss. 

Once at the hotel we checked in but as it was so early (9.30am) our room wasn't ready.  Ok, we knew this may happen so leaving the luggage at the reception area we buy tickets for the Hop On Hop Bus and walk a block to the bus stop. Equipped with a bottle of water and a sandwich each from Tedesco's we sit in the top open area of the bus and enjoy the sights of London.  The day in London was cloudy and slight wind but no rain to dampen our ride. 

Some of the streets were blocked off, allowing the marathon runners access to the streets. It was also a public holiday (Bank Holiday I think) with thousands and thousands of people were out and about on London. The city had a real buzz to it. 

Back to our hotel to collect our keycards and crash for the night.

Sapphire Princess Baltic Heritage 1st June 2019

       

Sapphire Princess Baltic Heritage 

Departing Southampton 1st June 2019

Our adventure starts when we leave Adelaide via Hong Kong on a Cathy Pacific flight on Sunday 26th May 2019. We will be staying in London for 5 nights prior to traveling by coach to Southampton on the morning of our cruise departure. We will then return to London after we disembark for an further 4 nights before flying back to Adelaide, Australia.

With lots of luck, I hope to keep this blog going, bearing in mind various availability of WiFi strength. 

Thursday, 8th November 2018 At Sea

Our last day on board. Last minute duty free shopping, packing in the afternoon and gratuity giving. By now we have tasted and decided on our favourite cocktail, well a couple of them anyway!

I have found the ship arrives early in Brisbane and we have to be out of our cabin by 6.30am.....!!! that means dressed and OUT.

Early to bed tonight and our early start was easy to manage. Toni had a concern as her bus left the airport fairly early and she didn't know if any delays on disembarking would hinder her progress, but as P & O Brisbane has it all down pact and everything went smoothly.

We arrived at the airport, checked (and I paid to extra for my vase) our luggage, then it was an easy lunch/late morning tea and boarded our direct flight back to Adelaide.

What a great holiday away with like minded gals. I hope to be able to some day repeat. Thank you to my lovely cruise mates, you made my holiday extra special.

Wednesday, 7th November SEA DAY

"The parties were bigger, the place was faster,the shows were broader, the morals were looser and the liquor was cheaper" F. Scott Fitzgerald- The Great Gatsby.

Choices galore for our days activities.  Marget shopping on board, Galley tour, early morning stretch and relaxation, abdominal breathing, laser tag, yoga, KO Boxing(?),

table tennis, mediation,card and board games, trivia, walk a mile,origami, adult remote control car racing, roaring 20's Gatsby headband making, morning chat, flying fox, movie, bocce ball, bingo, dance class, build a boat, casino poker tournament, wine tasting,musical challenge, coffee and cake trivia, rum tasting, abseiling, kids talent show, bean bag competition, paper flower making, ....and it still goes on.

If I remember we went to the restaurant for breakfast, Kaye and I went to headband making whilst some went to bingo, then met for lunch in the Pantry before meeting again for Kay J's card game in the after lunch Pantry where the tables had been vacated and cleaned in readiness for the dinner service. Then back to our cabins to prepare for the Great Gatsby dress dinner. After dinner we then head off to a show and maybe bingo.