2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 30

LONDON TO SYDNEY – Goodbye Britain, it’s been a pleasure

Today I fly back home to the Land of Oz. These past weeks have gone so fast and I have seen so much. I have single-handedly boosted Kodak sales not to mention the British economy. I am carrying back practically an entire library of books from everywhere I have been. Because of the extra weight of the books, I plan to wear as many clothes as I can to try and avoid the excess baggage charges. That is going to be very interesting because it is Summer and hot.  Not to be put off I have on my heavy Colorado walking shoes, thick socks, jeans, shirt, jumper tied around my waist. Another cardigan type jacket over my shoulder and my coat draped over my bag. The weather is going to be cold when I arrive home so maybe it’s not a bad idea after all anyway – that’s what I tell myself as I slowly melt!

In my main suitcase are all the books and the rest of my clothes. The cabin bag contains my cameras and films and things I need on the plane. The Insight shoulder bag is stuffed with things that I have bought over the tour – the Wedgwood plates, the Waterford Crystal, passport and tickets etc. I also have an extremely large paper carry bag that is holding about six teddy bears including the one from Harrods who has his head popped out the top. I look like the Michelin Man on a shopping spree! I hope I don’t have to get out my cameras in a hurry or it could turn nasty!

Downstairs at 11.00am to check out – they look rather strangely at all the ‘winter’ clothing I have draped over my body or it could be the sweat – sorry ladies perspire that is running down my face - mainly because it is about 30 degrees outside. I decide to wait for shuttle bus to take me to the airport. I do not want to do anymore sightseeing. I sit around in the foyer for about 4 hours. The bus arrives about 4pm and I am on my way to Heathrow. It is no mean feat trying to juggle, carry and cart all that I have.

I immediately grab a trolley and proceed to unload everything onto it. Arriving so early (about 6 hours early), I cannot check in for a few hours yet so I just amble around pushing this monstrous trolley and look in the shops. Enough is enough and I find a seat and sit and read. At least it is cool in here. The flight is due to leave at 10.30pm and check in time finally arrives. I head up to the counter. The airline person looks at me – looks at my bags on the trolley and I lift the suitcase onto the scales trying to smile and hoping that she will think that it really isn’t heavy at all. I am allowed 22kg and it weights 29kg. I am sure that she feels sorry for me and puts a big red ‘HEAVY’ sticker on it. She does not charge me excess allowance – what a charming lady. She’s most probably thinking to herself ‘ Darling when you get home try and shed a few pounds.’  Little does she know and I breathe a sigh of relief.  On a positive note my cabin bag is under weight and I get away with all the other stuff to carry on the plane. Mainly because she doesn’t see it.  The Harrod’s teddy is smiling - - he can come back to Oz with me.  She gives me a British Airways boarding ticket and I go into panic mode. ‘I am flying QANTAS’ says I – ‘that’s right’ says she– ‘but I want a Qantas plane’ says I. ‘All the boarding tickets are printed on British Airways paperwork love, you will have a Qantas plane’ – says she. Sigh of relief and everything is OK once more.  With no big case to worry about I decide to have a little wander. When I am out of eyeshot of her I proceed to shed the layers and stash them into the bags.  I have some British money left – so I decide to spend it on little souvenirs for everyone. I also buy some chocolates for me so that I can console myself and I won’t feel so bad in leaving.  We get on board and I am dead. Spare seat beside me again so spread out.

Find some music – Glen A. Baker is on – but a different year - and put on the flight path screen. All I want to do is sleep but yep you guessed it – here comes the food. Supper consists of: Chicken Breast with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Vegetables / Raspberry and Lemon Mousse and Coffee.  Feeling rather stuffed to the gills I settle down again – but wait – here comes Snack on Q – the overnight bag with all the goodies. Thank you – just what I needed.

Sleep – sleep. The flight home is definitely worse than going over. And just when you thought it was safe to keep on sleeping - - the noise of the trolleys start again and wake up it’s breakfast time!  I decide on the hot breakfast::

Orange Juice, Fruit Salad and Blueberry Muffin / Bacon and Sausages with Slow Roasted Tomato / Coffee

Sounds wonderful until it arrives and there is an egg laying on top of it. Yuk!! Discreetly wrap the egg in the serviette and enjoy the rest. I am not in the writing mood on the way home so do not have any flight details. You’ll just have to take my word for it that we are extremely high in the air and heading home.

Arrive Bangkok – decide to go ashore again to stretch this tired body. No DVT for me - - so I commence the airport shuffle - around and around and around. But not to be side-tracked I take a photo. 

This is my plane – at Bangkok airport. Isn’t she a beauty?  Surprisingly I have a bit of money left – not much mind you – but enough to buy some orchids. Back on the plane – and back to sleep.

Woken up by the sound of the trolley and it is time for Dinner – Oriental Vegetable Salad / Fish Fillet with Lemon Caper Butter and Ratatouille / Cheese and Crackers / Coffee and Magnum Ice Cream

More sleep – wake up about 4am – breakfast anyone? – are they kidding? I have already had breakfast – but now we are in a different time zone and of course I want breakfast.  Just the mere mention of the word food and I start to salivate!  Breakfast consists of : Orange Juice Danish Pastry / Toasted Muesli Fresh Fruit Platter.  I am nearly home. We are due to land in Sydney at 6.00am and are right on target.

Sights of Sydney – it’s just the best place. And yes, I used this photo in the previous journal.  I cannot move to get my camera and anyway – it can take another look.  Maybe it’s because I am tired but seeing home makes me get all teary. The Harbour – the Bridge – the Opera House.  So glad to be home – and touch down. Get together all my gear – check the seat pocket, check the floor, check overhead - make sure I have everything and head off to retrieve my suitcase. Getting a trolley is the first priority.  Can hardly lift my suitcase off the roundabout and onto the trolley – head for customs. Anything to declare – yes the orchids – it is listed on the declaration.  The quarantine dog is sniffing my bag and they ask me if I have anything else. No I say. The dog is still sniffing. Mongrel thing. They ask me to lift that beast of a bag onto the counter – and that is no mean feat. I could swear that the dog is smiling! If I didn’t have so much stuff I would have kicked it! I’ve broken out into a sweat at this stage.  Open the suitcase – take everything out – and I do mean everything - and what is there hidden away in the corner but the bit of wedding cake I got about 5 weeks ago in Greta Green still wrapped in the cellophane bag. The dog has a look of ‘I knew you had something in there you crook!’ I imagine myself being carted off to who knows where and I tell her I completely forgot about it and ask can I eat it now instead of turning it in but she smiles and says no that is OK you can take it with you. Just goes to show how sensitive those dog’s noses are.  After packing everything back in my bag (much to the delight of the queue that has now backed up for 5 miles) – I am off to quarantine with my orchids.  They come back from examination minus the greenery and I am off. Stuart is there to meet me and I am glad to be home. I am so tired – the trip home is so long and after all the time spent touring and walking I am looking forward to some serious extended sleep in my own bed with my own pillow.

Just can’t wait to start planning the next one - - - - so many places to see and so much to do.

Highlight of the day: my beautiful harbour!

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 29

TAKE THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON - - -

Today is my last day of sightseeing in Britain so I have to make the most of it. Another continental breakfast and off to the tube again.  Today is yep - another Evan Evans Tour – this time of London and Buckingham Palace. I know I have seen most of London but it came with the deal so off we go. First stop is near Westminster Bridge. I have already done this so I take off for New Scotland Yard which we passed about 500 metres back. The guide says ‘where are you going?’ – I says ‘I’ve already seen where they are going – I am going this way’ – he snarls ‘make sure you are back in time’ and promptly heads off with the group.

HISTORY LESSON:

New Scotland Yard (NSY) is the headquarters building of the Metropolitan Police. Commonly known as the "Met", the force is responsible for law enforcement within Greater London, excluding the square mile of the City of London, which is covered by the City of London Police. The current New Scotland Yard building is located within Westminster. The term Scotland Yard (or New Scotland Yard, or just "the Yard") is often used as a metonym for the Metropolitan Police, and Scotland Yard itself was named after a street in London. Scotland Yard has become internationally famous as a symbol of policing, and detectives from Scotland Yard feature in many works of crime fiction. They were frequent allies — and sometimes antagonists — of Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Lestrade and of course Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot!

Having returned to the bus I am waiting for the group and the guide who are running late – but I do not say a word – I just give him a look that says it all!  Everyone is finally on board and off we go to Clarence House and St. James Palace – which I haven’t seen (surprised?) – so more photos –

We cross over the Thames and I get some more good photos of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament - from a different angle this time. Yes, yes I know.

Back to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard and the place is packed. The Guard is coming and we hear the band playing. What a spectacle. Tall black bear-skin hats and bright red jackets – they are fabulous. The Changing of the Guard is only done on certain days – so I am glad I did the work to find out what day it was.  I find a good vantage point until the police come and tell us we have to move from here as there is a security threat. They have found a parked car – with no owner in sight. So we all move and then a while later the owner of the car turns up, is really embarrassed (idiot) and we all race back.  I am caught up in the spectacle of it and move along with them and get some good photos until I realise that I have to be back at Buckingham Palace by a certain time for our tour. Racing back through the crowds I make it just in time – I don’t think the guide was too pleased that I cut it that fine but he most probably remembered the earlier encounter and how his group was late. He gives me a sour look which is returned with a very large smile and then gives us our tickets. He then bids us farewell as the tour finishes here and the remainder of the day is our own. Tour twit could have given us our tickets before when we were on the bus or even when we got off the bus – but no he has to wait until we are altogether so that he can hear us tell him how good he is and of course hand over a tip for his services!  Well he lucked out with me!

Head inside the Palace – of course no photos (so buy a book).  Incredible place full of history and the staircase is very grand I must say. Did I mention that I love English history?  I am as happy as the proverbial pig and I am getting dizzy just looking at everything.  After about an hour I head outside and we are allowed to take photos. It is a very elegant place and very huge and the grounds are fabulous.  On the left is a photo of the back of The Palace.  Everyone sees the front but out the back is where Her Maj entertains the guests at the garden parties. She may even walk the royal corgis out here!  What a great area. Lovely lawns and great gardens and is a very serene place. Compared to Hampton Court, this place is very austere but just the magic of it being a royal palace is enough to make my imagination talk off thinking of what it was like in previous years.  

HISTORY LESSON: Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned by the Dukes of Buckingham. George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James’s Palace. It became known as the Queen’s House and 14 out of 15 of their children were born there. In 1762 work began on remodelling he house to the King’s requirements. In 1826 George IV decided to transform the house into a palace.

After wandering around I head off for The Royal Mews which is about 15 minutes walk down Buckingham Palace Road. Cost - ₤5.00. This is where the Royal Stables and the Royal State Coaches that are used for various occasions are housed. 

HISTORY LESSON: The Mews first started in its present location in 1760 when George III moved his carriage collection and some of his horses there. It was convenient for them to be near to the house which he just purchased – today’s Buckingham Palace. There is a riding school; two sets of State Stables with room for 54 horses and well as forage and harness rooms.  I see some of the fabulous Windsor Greys (horses) – this one’s name is Flagship.

From the stables we proceed into a special room that houses the coach that was used for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

 

 

 

 

This is the magnificent Gold State Coach. And yes, we can take photos – so off I go taking them from every angle. 

HISTORY LESSON: This coach was commissioned by George III in 1762. The designs for it were approved by Sir William Chambers.  When completed it was brought to The Mews on 24 November 1762.  Eight cream horses were harnessed to it and it was duly pulled round the Mews.  It weighs almost 4 tonnes and never travels faster than walking speed.  It is gilded all over and the exterior has hand painted panels.  The interior is covered in crimson satin.  The Coach was used at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. 

I buy a book as well. I have enough books to start a library and how on earth am I going to get them all home??? I walk back up to Buckingham Palace and take some photos of The Mall and Queen Victoria Monument.

  The Queen Victoria Monument outside Buckingham Palace was constructed of the finest white marble and unveiled in 1911. The Monument was designed to be the symbolic hub of The Empire. The seated statue of Victoria facing The Mall is 13 feet high and is carved from a solid block of marble. On the sides of the pedestal are groups which represent Truth, Motherhood and Justice. Around the monument are groups in bronze symbolizing Science, Art, Peace, Progress, Naval Power, Industry and Agriculture.

I have just about had it by this stage – but not quite. On the way home I decide to go to Harrods. Just went by this place last time – so I have to go in and have a look around. What a store – it’s incredible. The owner – Mr Fayed – has big Egyptian Sphinxes with his face – and also there is the Memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi – this is the only place in the store where you can take a photo – so I do, but it really is too crass to put here.  The Harrods Dated Christmas Bear is on sale so I buy it. Something else to carry back home.  I also go to the famous Food Hall and I see some ‘shrimp’ or what we call prawns. They look good so decide to get some for dinner tonight. I also get some chocolates.  Now I am beat – have to get back to the hotel and pack because I am leaving tomorrow.  I get ready to have my shrimp with lemon and dill for dinner and my mouth is watering.  What a disappointment – no taste – I think they must have been frozen for 6 months - - anyway doesn’t matter – I can’t take them back!

Early shower – early to bed and I am off with the pixies almost immediately.

Highlight of the day: The breathtakingly beautiful Gold State Coach.

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 28

GUARDS & HORSES!

Today’s plan of attack – something different - back into London for some more touristy things to see and do.  It is a very hot day with blue skies. Horse Guards is first on the list and I am there in time for the Changing of the Guard.

The horses trot down through St James’s Park and onto the parade ground. Guards are very resplendent in their uniforms even though they are looking really hot. The horses are immaculate.  They change the guards and I get some good photos. The guards look really young and there are even some females in the group.

HISTORY LESSON: Horse Guards stands on the site of Henry VIII's tournament ground or 'tiltyard'.  Nearby is a remnant of the 'real tennis' court where Henry is said to have played the forerunner of modern lawn tennis. The elegant buildings of Horse Guards were designed by William Kent and completed in 1755.  Horse Guards originally was the main entrance to Buckingham Palace and royal processions travelling through Whitehall still pass under the arches of the building.  The Old Treasury, and the back of the Dover House, dating from 1758, are also by Kent.  The parade ground of Horse Guards is dominated by the ivy-covered Citade, a.bomb-proof structure built beside the Admiralty in 1940.  During World War II it was used as a communications headquarters by the Navy. 

From Horse Guards – I go to Trafalgar Square – to take some more photos. There are lots of kids playing in the big fountain and climbing all over the lion statues.  The photo on the right is one of the fountains in Trafalgar Square with the church of St Martin’s in the Fields and a statue of Charles I.

Walking down Whitehall there are many statues of historical figures.  It is extremely hard to dodge traffic, take photos and appreciate the statues but I manage to do it and not get hit in the process.  You could spend all day just walking up and down Whitehall taking photos. 

There is also a place called ‘The Banqueting House’. See photo right.

HISTORY LESSON: in 1649 work commenced on The Banqueting House. Designed and built by Inigo Jones for James I, it replaces a previous building which was destroyed by fire. It is used as a setting for Occasions of State. In 1649 King Charles I was found guilty of treason and executed outside this palatial building. 

The building was controversially re-faced in Portland stone in the 19th century, though the details of the original façade were faithfully preserved. Today, the Banqueting House is a national monument, open to the public and preserved as a Grade I listed building.  It is cared for by an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces which receives no funding from the Government or the Crown.

Further down Whitehall is the Cenotaph - - constructed 1919 -1920.

After walking far enough down Whitehall I  I turn around and go back to Trafalgar Square.  The Square was laid out in 1829 to 1841 to commemorate Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.  Nelson’s statue is on a column 185 feet high.

From here I cross over and walk through St. James’s Park, which is situated in the very heart of London. This is the oldest Royal Park in London.

HISTORY LESSON: Three royal palaces skirt St James Park. Westminster – the most ancient; Buckingham Palace and the Tudor style of St James Palace.

St James Park was once a marshy water meadow. In 1532 Henry VIII acquired the site as yet another deer park and built the Palace of St James. When Elizabeth I came to the throne she indulged her love of pageantry and pomp and fetes of all kinds were held here. James I improved the drainage and controlled the water supply. A road was created in front of St James’s Palace approximately where The Mall is today, but it was Charles II who made dramatic changes. The park was redesigned with avenues of trees and lawns.  The King opened the park to the public and was a frequent visitor, feeding the ducks.

It doesn’t sound as if I did much today but I have not stopped walking. Today was great – head off back home to Kensington.

Highlight of the day: Whitehall

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 27

OF CASTLES AND KINGS

Early morning – another continental breakfast and today is yet another Evan Evans Tour – Windsor Castle and afternoon tea at Hampton Court Palace. This time I have to make my way to the pick up point as they do not pick up from where I am staying. Off to the tube at South Kensington, then to Green Park, then to Bond Street and then to Marble Arch.

HISTORY LESSON : Marble Arch was built in 1828 as the chief entrance to Buckingham Palace, but when the Palace was extended in 1851, the Arch was moved to its current site as an entrance to Hyde Park. On top of the Arch was meant to be a bronze equestrian statue of George IV, but this ended up in Trafalgar Square.  The Arch is made of white Carrara Marble.

Waiting on the corner for the bus to arrive I note that there are a few on this tour – including the l-a-r-g-e girl I sat next to on the Insight Tour and her parents – but I make sure this time I have a seat to myself. We head off through the streets of London for Windsor Castle.

HISTORY LESSON : Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Over a period of nearly 1,000 years it has been inhabited continuously and altered by successive monarchs. Some were great builders strengthening the Castle against uprising and rebellion, others living in more peaceful times, created a palatial Royal residence.  William the Conqueror chose the site high above the river Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. The outer walls of today’s structure are in the same position as those of the original castle built in 1070.

In November 1992 there was a major fire that started in the Private Chapel. It took 15 hours to put out the blaze. Nine principal rooms and over 100 other rooms were damaged or destroyed – approximately one-fifth of the castle area. The next five years were spent restoring Windsor Castle to its former glory. More history and we are virtually left to our own to discover the palace, which is great. Lots of photos outside – but once again – no photos inside. So yep, buy another book. We are allowed to go inside St Georges Chapel and see the tombs of Monarchs and Royal family members including the tomb of the Queen Mother, well, it is really just a place on the floor with a plaque.

HISTORY LESSON : The Chapel was begun by Edward IV and completed by Henry VIII. It is dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Order of the Garter – Britain’s highest order of chivalry.

After wandering around and around I head off for a quick little visit to Windsor Town which is just up the street from the Castle. Back on the bus and onto Hampton Court for afternoon tea.

I visited Hampton Court last time I was here but this tour was just around the gardens not going inside so it was just more of a wander and check out the outside of the palace that was under re-construction when I was here before. Little did they know - - - typical touristy me – I look around to see if anyone is watching – there is not so I head into the gates to take a photo of what I missed last time and all of a sudden there is a guard asking me what I was doing and did I have a ticket.  I am sure that he must have been hiding behind a bush!  I think to myself should I pretend not to understand English but all of a sudden I reply in my best Australian grammar ‘taking a photo and no’ I apologise profusely, explain that it was under wraps last time I was here and hurriedly leaving I head back out the gate and into the gardens to disappear before he has a chance to wonder what had happened!  And by the way – afternoon tea was not included in the cost but no matter – I still had scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam!  Back on the bus we are dropped off at Marble Arch to find our own way home. This has been a rather full day – we spent a lot of time at Windsor – so I am glad to get back to my room.

Highlight of the day: St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 26

EYES OVER LONDON – IN SEARCH OF HARRY POTTER

After a rather exciting night - breakfast at the Ramada is a continental one with croissants, Danish pastries, cereal, juice, yoghurt, toast etc. Makes a light change from the 5kg efforts we had on tour and that is good but as the saying goes – you don’t know what you miss until you don’t have it anymore!

I get out my plan of attack that I worked on back in Australia – and here we go – left out the hotel door up Queens Gate – right into Prince Consort Road – stop at the Royal Albert Hall. – more Kodak moments – what a fabulous place.

Opened in March 1871, the hall is dedicated to the memory of Prince Albert – Queen Victoria’s husband. Around the outside is a great terra cotta frieze depicting ‘The Triumph of Arts and Sciences’. For your History Lesson click on the link above and enjoy!  What a great place.

Time to move on – lots to see and do today! Turning right into Exhibition Road and there is South Kensington Underground. It is about a 10 minute walk if you take out the time I spent at Albert Hall.

First stop – Westminster Station and the tourist priority - the British Airways London Eye!  A tip if you want to travel on this - book a time to go on this fabulous viewing object . It gives you the opportunity to walk around and not stand in line for ages.  Even saying that - there are loads of tourists and I stand in line waiting for my time. As you can see in the picture on the right the London Eye is a great big ferris wheel type object.

I get a little bit apprehensive and wonder if I am doing the right thing. It looks very, very high up to the top – but too late now here comes my cabin and I’m on it!  It is another overcast day – I am beginning to think that blue sky doesn’t exist here.  The little cabins are fully enclosed with something like perspex so I can’t fall out into the Thames and off we go. Up and away ever so slowly and the views are breathtaking. I am not a bit nervous and of course the cameras are clicking away.

Great views of Parliament House and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral; Westminster Abbey; up and down the Thames – in fact all over London.  There are also dusk and night tours but that is too late for me this trip. Maybe on the next?  Money well spent – the tour takes about half an hour.

Back on the ground I walk over Westminster Bridge and head off for Big Ben (which I saw last time I was here) and the Houses of Parliament.  Why? Because I want some more photos that’s why. Like anything good - you can never have enough. The ultimate tourist photo. How many books has this been in?

I get side-tracked and walk along the Thames on the side opposite the Houses of Parliament just looking at everything – more photos – I can’t remember what photos I took on the way up the river so I take more coming back down - - - weather is hot and steamy – last time I was here it was raining - -back over Westminster Bridge to the Houses of Parliament – and Big Ben.  Continue to walk around and around. The Houses of Parliament are open to tourists but I decide not to go inside – yep - not enough time.

As per my plan of attack I take a tour (not guided) of Westminster Abbey. Cost ₤6.00. Visit time: 11.00am.  The Abbey has been the burial place of Britain’s monarchs since the 13^th century and the setting for Coronations and many royal weddings. It is crammed with an extraordinary collection of tombs and monuments honouring some of Britain’s greatest public figures.  Lots of photos outside but no photos allowed inside so I do the next best thing and buy a book! What a great place.  Take lots of time looking around – and by the time I have wandered up and down and around there are also lots of tourists. Continuing on my way I will not be shoved along so I just take my time and amble along and look at everything.  Coming out of the Abbey – next thing is a cruise along the Thames.

Get on board this quaint little boat which is loaded down with tourists.  One woman with an extremely loud mouth is sitting on the railing – right beside a sign that says ‘do not sit on railing’. The railing gives way and she nearly falls into the river. Too bad she didn’t. Everyone has a secret smile to themselves and it would have made a great photo.  Sailing up the Thames we pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - a detailed reproduction of an Elizabethan theatre has been built on the riverside a few hundred metres from the sit of the original Shakespeare’s Globe where many of his plays were first performed. Open to the elements the theatre operates only in Summer. The plays are done ‘in the round’ which is the original format of Shakespeare’s day.  Make a note to attend one of the plays when next in London.  I knew all that Shakespeare in high school would come in handy.

Still on the boat and we go past the Tower of London - - - I do not visit The Tower this time – although I really would have liked to have taken the Yeoman Warders Tour.  Same old story - I just don’t have enough time – so it will be definitely on the list for next time.  This list is getting longer by the minute!   

 

 

 

 

Moored in the Thames is HMS Belfast, a World War II cruiser built in 1939. It opened as a naval museum in 1971. 

Under Tower Bridge where on the return trip we see the bridge opening. More photos.  On our cruise back I also get some good photo opportunities of the bridges

Return to land and grab a bite to eat. Next stop – Kings Cross Station – Harry Potter’s Train to Hogwarts on Platform 9 and ¾ .

Down into the tube station and arrive at Kings Cross. Find 9 and ¾ and it is outside the regular platform areas. I suppose because everyone wants to take photos and they don’t want people clogging up the platforms. Take a photo and go inside onto the platforms to look around. There are signs everywhere saying photography is forbidden – but I seek out a railway attendant and ask him if it is OK. He smiles and says ‘what I don’t see I don’t know’ so a couple of snaps later I thank him and am on my way.

This is the actual platform that was transformed into 9 and ¾. Looks like the ‘Hogwart’s Express’ is waiting. Does this mean that I am not a muggle?

It is getting late at this stage so I decide I better head for home as I have another big day ahead of me tomorrow. Get some prepacked meat and salad from a supermarket in Kensington and arrive back in my little room.

More noise of cars being hijacked by the police but I am too tired to worry.

 

Highlight of the day: The London Eye

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 25

MEGALITHS AND GOODBYES - Plymouth to London

The last of the big English Buffet Breakfasts – juice, cereal with yoghurt, bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, toast & jam, coffee - - I really pile the plate don’t waste a thing. I look out the window of the restaurant at Plymouth and sadly realise, as I am eating my way to a heart attack - this is the last day of the tour.  Our bags are on for the last time and we all board the coach and begin our journey to London.  Heading north east we cross the Exeter Bridge and arrive in Glastonbury to have a look around by ourselves.  In June of every year Glastonbury plays host to a big music festival - - we are only 3 months too late - - I think it is the English version of Woodstock without the tumultuous music.  Very folksey – very hippy!

However I decide to visit Glastonbury Abbey - ₤3.00 entrance fee and I discover the fabulous ruins of a once proud abbey. It is traditionally the first great Christian sanctuary in Britain and dates from the 7^th Century.  It is also said that the remains of King Arthur and his Queen were discovered here.  This abbey along with many others like Tintern Abbey – were part of the Dissolution of the Abbeys carried out by good old Henry VIII.

Thousands also come here for the Summer Solstice on Midsummer’s Day.

Over the years history and legend have become intertwined and the monks who founded the Abbey, found it profitable to encourage the association between Glastonbury and the ‘Blessed Isle’ known as Avalon – alleged to be the last resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Growing in the grounds – so legend has it - is a cutting from the famous Glastonbury thorn which is said to have miraculously grown from the staff of St Joseph of Arimathea.  According to myth, he was sent around AD 60 to convert England to Christianity. Back on the coach we pass by Glastonbury Tor – it is of course the aim of every photo fanatic to have the camera always at the ready so I am lucky enough to get some good photos. 

This is Glastonbury Tor. In early medieval times there was a monks retreat on top of the hill. The Tor is said to be home to the Lord of the Underworld and King of the Fairies – Gwyn ap Nudd and a place where ‘fairie folke’ live.  This place is also said to be connected mythically of course to Avalon.

Next stop is our last place of call for the tour - - the incredible Stonehenge.

There is a path right around the outside of the monuments and you have to stay on it – you can’t wander between the stones. The highway is not so far away and we are told that maybe this will change in future due to pollution and danger to the monuments. Lots and lots of photos – and lots of tourists. 

Looking at these magnificent stone towers – or mysterious megaliths - as it says in the Insight itinerary - is incredible. The stones we see now date from about 3000 BC and they are the most important prehistoric monument in Britain today. Stonehenge was first commenced about 5000 years ago and added to over the centuries.  The Ancient Order of the Druids conduct ceremonies here during the Winter and Summer Solstice.

There are places away from the path where you can sit on the grass and just look and wonder about this place. As this is the last stop on our tour it seems to be the right thing to do. A little bit of solitude and reflection - - -

I find a nice grassy patch and think about what I am seeing now and also remembering all the good times and the great places I have been. It has been an incredible experience that I wouldn’t have missed for anything.  The time has gone so fast and I have seen so many wonderful things. I have taken about 35 rolls of film (and I still have a week to go) so I’ll have a lot of photos to help me remember.

Back on the coach for the last time and we head east into London Town. Our Insight Tour is over. Making sure I have everything – I bid farewell to Paul and Kenny and thank them for such a fabulous, memorable tour. I say goodbye to all my fellow tourers who are going their separate ways. It’s hard to realise that I am now on my own after having had 50 people around me for nearly 4 weeks. And I lasted without any major incident - - - or giving anyone a black eye!

I have another 4 days in London to do some more exploring and see some of the things I didn’t see last time. I have to find my own way back to my new lodgings – The Ramada Jarvis in Kensington – I get a taxi uptown with some people from the tour who are staying in the same area.

Arrive at the Ramada and it is a really nice looking place don’t you think? It is in a really nice up-market street – Queens Gate Road. There are lots of trees around. It is late afternoon so I book in and just relax. It is a small room – no bath, only a shower but it is clean and is right on the main street and serves the purpose. That is my room on the top floor of the picture on the left. Decide I might go for a wander and a bit of a look around and get some dinner – the hotel serves only breakfasts – so I amble off.

I discover that the hotel is just around the corner from Albert Hall – so really I didn’t have to walk all that way up here in the first place.  Wish I had known. But doesn’t matter.

I find a little supermarket and get some food. There is no fridge in the room (???) so I can’t buy anything I need to keep cold. Settle down for the night and all of a sudden the fire-alarms go off. Great – I grab my cameras, films, passport and anything else I can shove into my shoulder bag and take off down the stairs to stand out in the street with all the other guests. We are all wondering what the hell is going on – can’t see or smell any smoke. The fireys arrive and after about half an hour we can go back inside. It is a false alarm.  Back up to the room and settle down again – until I hear the sounds of a dirty big truck or something out the window.  I look out and lo and behold it is a truck going along picking up cars that are illegally parked. There is a police woman taking photos of the car before it is hoisted onto the truck – during the hoist and after the hoist. Apparently it is resident’s only along this street and you have to have a parking ticket displayed on the window.  They don’t just fine you – they confiscate your car and it costs about ₤100 to get it back plus the fines. A rather nasty shock awaits those who will come back to their car – and it isn’t there. Anyway, after they have gone, I wonder is this going to be a nightly occurrence? I finally get some sleep.

Highlight of the day: Stonehenge

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 24

PRISONS, SMUGGLERS & LEGENDS - Overnight Plymouth

Another thumping breakfast.  The restaurant is right at the top of the hotel and we get some great views albeit blurred a bit because the windows are a bit grimy – nevertheless this does not deter our spirits as we have an exciting day ahead of us. Unfortunately two of our group have left us due to illness in the family back home – but on the up side this means that I can finally get a seat to myself and s-p-r-e-a-d out.

On the road and we see Dartmoor Prison.  This is a place for rather nasty convicts who must be ever imagining ways to get away from there but on the other hand I can understand why no-one escapes. Where on earth would they go?  It’s not as if there is a railway or a bus stop close by.  Not even a Maccas! Yes I know that one is hard to believe but after scanning all directions no Golden Arches (but I am sure there will be in time).There are only desolate moors – and doom and gloom  in this area.  However, there are some long horned hairy cattle here but yep – I am on the wrong side and miss the photo.  I guess me and the cattle just ain’t meant to be.

On to Bodmin Moor – another very eerie place. I can imagine what this would be like in Winter – bleak and desolate, with howling winds swirling around a la Heathcliffe and Kathy in Wuthering Heights. Ghostly voices moaning in the dark - - driving rain - - definitely not a place for man or beast - - but I digress – as Paul says. I have digressed for the past 23 days of this journey so one more day won’t hurt.

Next stop - ‘Jamaica Inn’ which has stook high on Bodmin Moor for over four centuries. . Cornwall’s legendary coaching house and refuge for smugglers. If the name sounds familiar it is because it was immortalised by Daphne du Maurier in her book of the same name. As I stand outside my imagination takes off again - - back with the ferocious Winters on the moors with smugglers up to no good plotting and planning and drinking rum – murder and mayhem – ships being driven onto the wild coastline - my imagination is going faster than a speeding bullet - - - I just love it! 

After acquiring the obligatory souvenirs and taking ‘moor’ photos (sorry) - it is time to get back on the coach – and head off - - for King Arthur Country. Driving, driving we arrive at Tintagel on the west coast of Cornwall and see the legendary King Arthur’s Castle. Now it’s up to each individual to assess the situation and decide if this is really Camelot.  For me – yes it is. Let’s just say it is the romantic in me – along with my overactive imagination. Any minute now Richard Harris is going to turn up singing the songs from the movie.  I am already doing it!

For those of you who do not have a sense of the fairy tale – here is the boring truth.  The castle was built around 1240 by Earl Richard of Cornwall. It sits high on a hill-top surrounded by crumpled slate cliffs and yawning black caves. Access is by means of two steep staircases clinging to the Cliffside. Unfortunately we do not go there – we just look.

Lots of photos of the castle, the bay and the ocean and we stay in Tintagel for lunch – so what do you eat for lunch in Cornwall? Give up? A Cornish Pastie of course. Full of meat and vegetables. I think it must have been the grand-daddy of the pastie in York. It is huge and I can’t eat it all at once so I’ll save some for later. Those Cornish people must have huge appetites. A fact on the pastie is that it was taken by the working men to have during the day.  Not washing their hands  the crumpled edge was the part they held while pigging out on the filling. Then they threw the crust away.

There is lots to see walking around this quaint village.  Interesting bric-a-brac shops – everything on King Arthur that you could imagine and walking around I spy the old Post Office. 

HISTORY LESSON : The Old Post Office is a rare example of a 14^th century Cornish manor house, restored and furnished with 17^th century oak furniture.

Today has been another fabulous adventure - full of history, legends and galloping imagination and then it is back to the hotel to relax and get ready for -

#15 OPTIONAL: Plymouth Pub meal - Cost ₤24.00

This is our last night together and we have all taken this optional – so it’s on the coach and off we go. We are having dinner at a pub called The Who’d Have Thought It?’ It is tucked away at the bottom of a rather steep and narrow driveway.  As good a driver as Kenny is – he is not allowed to take the coach down there so we can either walk or get the pub shuttle car.  I opt for the walk down. A very steep and tiny little driveway just big enough for a car – now I understand why the coach is not allowed down there - overhanging trees and there it is – what a cute little place.  There is a little stream out the back of the pub – I can imagine that this place would be fabulous in winter – with snow maybe and a roaring fire and hot buttered rum. Here I go again!  We settle down to some good food and drink and spend the time merrily chatting about the tour and what a great time we have all had.  Everyone agrees it was a fabulous time! At the end of the night – a few of us brave souls decide to walk back up the hill – another big mistake! Pitch black and lots of giggling and carrying on – not to mention heavy breathing and the sound of protesting knees that have seen better days. This was not a good idea. Too late.  We collapse on the coach and head off home to Plymouth.  Needless to say I crash immediately my head hits the pillow - -a sound night’s sleep - -

Highlight of the day : Bodmin Moor and wild imaginations!

2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 23

CARDIFF PILGRIMS AND THE ROCK - Cardiff to Plymouth

After leaving the hotel – where I give them some more rather curt comments about my visitors from yesterday (sorry, sorry) and we are off to enjoy -

#14 OPTIONAL: Cardiff Castle Tour - Cost ₤10.00

It’s a little showery – but not heavy enough for raincoats and umbrellas, which is good because my umbrella is packed in my suitcase. It doesn’t dampen our spirits and we enjoy our guided tour of this ornate and rather overly decorated masterpiece. The rooms are fabulous, the grounds are great and there is a family of peacocks wandering around. I am adventurous yet again and climb to the top of the Norman Keep to get some great views and great photos.

Even though it is early in the morning – the lights are on because – yep, it’s really overcast. I think the blue sky has gone on holidays - - -

Taken from the top of the keep – the really ornate clock tower is on the left and the Cardiff Millenium Stadium (opened in 1999) is in the background. The stadium is on the site of the Cardiff Arms Park. There are some ancient Roman walls around the castle and we are told we can go down into the dark to have a look at them. I do – and take more photos.

Across the road to the shops (a few more souvenirs) and back on the coach. I notice that there are carved animals all along the castle wall – and everyone is not back yet - so I get off the coach and start dashing around like a mad woman taking more photos. Then a few more people see me taking the photos and they decide they will take some too. So now it is not only me holding up the tour it is everyone else – I don’t feel so bad and anyway I won’t be back here again as far as I know and I will not be rushed, but I can see a few frowns from our Tour Director so after a rather lengthy delay, Paul makes sure that we are all on board, promptly shuts the door and Kenny and the coach gets going.  Sorry - - - - - well, not really.

We cross the Severn Bridge on our way to Bath. Arriving in this historical town, Paul gives as a tour and we go inside to visit the Roman Baths. Really interesting and full of Roman history.

The waters in the bath are green because of the oxides coming up from below the ground, but I don’t plan to take a swim even though there are a few people ignoring the signs and paddling their tootsies.  This was a pool used to throw messages of retribution to the goddess Minerva.  If you thought someone had done you wrong then you wrote their name on a piece of metal and threw it into the pool and Minerva would punish them for you. 

We go underground and see the natural spring from where the hot water comes.  there is a very strong smell of sulphur and there is also a lot of Roman architecture and a history museum of sorts along with some interesting headstone.  We can take as much time as we want here because Paul has cut us loose.  After I soak up this fabulous history I decide to go back to Bath Abbey.  Unfortunately there is a service going on and it is suggested that we do not go inside at this time.  And as we do not have time later on I just take photos outside. 

Wandering around I go down towards the river and find a fabulous spot – ready to take some great photos and I am besieged by a group of Japanese tourists taking photos. I swear they are worse than me. At least I wait until people are finished before barging in.

However, I am patient and wait until every one of them gets their photo taken by themselves and with a group at the same spot and then I can start clicking away.  Do you think it was worth the wait? I do. Then it’s time to head back to the coach but I manage to grab a bit of lunch and we are on our way south west through Exeter and onto Plymouth.

We arrive in Plymouth and then head off for our ‘Highlight Cruise’ (meaning we don’t have to pay) on Plymouth Harbour. It is very relaxing on the water and we see the red and white striped Smeaton’s Tower that was erected in 1759 on the treacherous Eddystone Rocks. It was replaced by a larger lighthouse and this one was moved here and reassembled.  We also see the steps where the Mayflower and the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World in 1620.  After our cruise we check into our hotel – Plymouth Moat House - for our 2 night stay. I have a nice big room which overlooks the Plymouth Hoe (hill) and down to the water.

We have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves so there is plenty of time to wander around Plymouth and take in the sights - - so I head off. Plymouth was the tiny port from which Drake, Raleigh, Cook and Darwin all set sail on pioneering voyages.  There is a dirty big anchor down from the front of our hotel – it is from the British warship – HMS Ark Royal - and then I go down into the town.

  Lots of people – the weather is still hot – lots of interesting little alleyways. I go over to Plymouth Rock and the harbour to have another look around but I cannot find the place where, so they say, the boats left for Australia.

The town is very much a seafarer’s town with lots of shops that have ‘marine’ objects and there are also lots of crafty places.

Highlight of the day: Bath