Last Day

Well, I can't believe that it's now day 42! Sitting in the hotel lobby waiting for the bus to the airport, then it's home to Melbourne! Had a lazy start to the day, then went for a walk in the heat around the city taking a few snaps. Probably could have done more, but after this long away, I think my mind was already on the way home...

What an adventure it's been, the tears, the laughter, the special times - it's been a blast! Thanks for reading along - hope you had as much fun as I did (probably not!).

Cheers,

John

It's All Class Here!

Near Journey's End: More From London Then On To Singapore

Well, spent my last day in London taking a cruise down the Thames, before making my way to a comfy pub (Earls Court Tavern) to watch the England v Australia rugby match (I ran out of time to visit the Tate Modern, oh well). Anyway, it was a tragedy watching Australia lose like that, made worse because I was wearing a Wallabies jersey (a few other Aussies were there too)! So, at full time, I took off the jersey and yelled "YAY ENGLAND!!!". I don't think they fell for that!

Took the tube to the airport and once I got through all the security stuff (getting bored with all that - you now have to get almost naked before you go through!), I went to the BA lounge for a few G&T's and some snacks. As luck would have it, my flight was delayed by about 40 minutes, so was able to watch the entire France v New Zealand match, which was the best match of the RWC I have seen so far. The crowd in the lounge were very excited and I think we all wanted France to win! I said at the beginning that the RWC was too predictable - was I wrong!!! I never would have guessed that England would play France in the semi-final.

Anyway, had a good 12 hour flight to Singapore (first time I have flown British Airways - not bad at all), getting there at about 6pm. Got a shuttle bus to the hotel (Sha Villa) and went for a walk to the shopping district on Orchard Road. Stayed up as late as possible to combat any jet lag and then snuggled down for a good night's sleep.

On Monday, got up at a fairly decent time and went down for.breakfast. After all this time away, I was not prepared for the attentive service - they followed me everywhere and did everything to make sure I was happy! As I have since found out, this hotel, while fairly basic but comfortable, is used as a "teaching hotel" for hospitality students, so they are extra eager to please. I was trying not to laugh, I know I shouldn't, but I just wasn't used to it!

Well, as I like to stick to tradition, I found they had a "hop-on' hop-off" tour in Singapore, so I just had to do it! Spent most of the day exploring Singapore, having to run for cover now and then when the rain can pouring down! Another thing that I wasn't used to was the humidity, I have had a mix of all weathers on this trip, but most of it has been perfect, very lucky indeed!

Took a bus trip to Sentosa Island at night (I wanted to take the cable car to recreate our 1976 visit and to get a hot dog with chili sauce, but wasn't organised enough!). I made the mistake of taking the optional "Sounds Of The Sea" show, which was described as a multi-million dollar production containing dramatic effects, water jets, lasers and fire set to foot-tapping music. What they didn't say was it was one of those shows that has cheesy people miming the dialogue and songs - if you have ever seen one of those Disney On Ice shows you will know what I mean. You know, where the performers use exaggerated arm movements to 1) show you who is speaking and 2) Distract you from their mouths so you don't see they aren't in sync with the dialogue / music! Still, the effects were good, so it was not all bad.

On the way back, stopped off at the famous Bugis Markets for a look at the many stalls, but there was so much, I didn't buy anything... Maybe tomorrow.

One day left of the trip - let's see what the day brings...

Do What, Leave It Out, Apples & Pears!

I arrived in London around midday (after about a 50 minute flight) and after dragging my luggage onto the tube, I caught the train to Earls Court, where thankfully my hotel was just a very short walk away. My room, if you call a shoebox a room, is at least comfortable and quiet - it's just difficult getting into it. I find it easier to back in, so it is easier to leave later! Oh, the English! Still, I barely spend any time there, so it matters not the size.

Met my friend Brian and went for a few drinks at Covent Gardens - the weather was beautiful (I really have been lucky all trip there!). We were later joined by his Australian friends from Sky (Shelly and Rod) and later still, Brian's (Husband?) Enrico. It was great to catch up and later we went for a burger on Tottenham Court Road (very near where I stayed back in 1989) - how gourmet!

Friday morning I was out the door as fast as I could squeeze myself and headed for the tube. Went to the London Eye (the big wheel) first to avoid any crowds and while the weather was still perfect. Got on just about straight away and enjoyed the 30 minute "flight" around London. A great view and gives you an idea what it will be like when the Melbourne Docklands one is built (though you probably won't be able to see Big Ben from that one!).

From there it was on to the the Houses Of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower Of London and Tower Bridge. After that, I just couldn't resist taking one of my favorite "hop-on, hop-off" loop tours, which filled in the bits I had missed so far, including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and Downing Street.

All that sightseeing made me thirsty, so after a crowded tube ride back to Earls Court (I did choose to travel at 6pm!), I found a nearby pub and had a couple of Bulmer's Ciders (this pub will be showing the Australia v England match too, so I will be watching from there before making my way to the airport and flying to Singapore).

Prior to the rugby on Saturday, I plan on taking in a cruise on the Thames (the bus tour ticket can with a free river cruise, so why not?) and then perhaps a peep at the Tate Modern Gallery, which looks interesting.

My trip is nearly at a close, but there is still Singapore and I have found I can pack a lot into one day, so keep watching!

I Could Feel It In My Waters At The Meeting Of The Waters

Wednesday was my last day in Ireland, so took one last tour (hey, why not?!). This time it was a day tour of the Wicklow Mountains, which are not far south of Dublin. Saw much scenery along the way, including Glencree Valley, Sally Gap (where Braveheart has shot), Lough Tay, the monastic ruins at Glendalough (valley of two lakes) and lunch at Avoca (yes Mum, where they shot Ballykissangel - yawn!).

On the way back we stopped off at The Meeting Of The Waters, made famous by Irish poet Thomas Moore (who wrote the classic ditty "There Was A Young Man From Nantucket" - maybe not!). Quite an interesting and scenic tour and I think I was the youngest on the bus! Boy, do those oldies take their time getting off a bus - "HURRY UP!!!".

One final drink and meal with Sa, who very kindly gave me some farewell pressies, including a box of Barry's tea bags - she swears it is the best tea ever. I have become a tea addict now - I've fallen in with the wrong crowd!!!

Ireland has been a lot of fun (as has everywhere I've been so far), so glad I went, it is sad to be leaving.

Now at Dublin airport, waiting for a flight to London. Less than a week and I'll be home.

Over The Other Side In Galway...

After not much sleep, I got up early and caught a train to the west coast of Ireland (try doing that in one day in Australia!) to see the town of Galway. Quite the bustling little place, with lots of narrow streets, which seem to be mostly occupied by pubs (there seems to be a drinking theme to this country!).

Anyway, spent the day wandering the streets of Galway, with a stop at the King's Head pub for fish & chips and a pint of Guinness! A beautiful place be Galway and it is said to be the Irish (Gaelic) speaking capital of Ireland (though I never hear anyone speaking it!). All the signs over in Galway are either Irish only, or at least appears first on signs instead of second as is elsewhere in the country. After a full day, caught the train back to Dublin (about a 2 1/2 hour trip) and was pretty much buggered after that and the big weekend, so it was off to beddies...

Wee Buns!

Some People May Find The Following Photo Offensive...

I know we did!

Destination: Belfast

Well, spent the weekend in Belfast (and other places in Northern Ireland) and I've gotta say, it's been one of the highlights of my trip.

We caught the train up on Friday night, which normally takes about 2 hours, but due to some kind of mechanical problem (to another train), it took about 3. Got in around 10pm, so found our way to the hostel and then popped out for a quick snack and a cuppa before catching a few zeds. Easier said than done, due to a very large Scottish gentleman we were sharing with, who returned at 2am - turning on the lights and talking very loudly (yeah, you just try to tell him to shut up and turn off the lights!). The sight of this large object lying on his bed the next morning sans shirt just has to be seen to be believed (and thanks to Sarah taking photgraphic evidence you will enjoy it soon too!).

Saturday morning, headed up into the city centre and checked out the tourist office for things to do on the weekend. Started with a recommended Black Cab tour of the political murals of West Belfast. Firstly we were taken to the protestant side on Shankill Road. You feel a bit strange at first getting out and taking photos, but you soon realise they don't mind and there are many tours doing this. After a look at the peace line (the fence that divides the Catholic and Protestant sides) and gates that are shut 6pm to 6am and all weekend, it was over to the Catholic side on Falls Road. Saw the Sinn Fein (Irish for "to stand alone") headquarters - didn't see Jerry (or is it Gerry?) there. The driver gave us a very detailed history of "the troubles" and explained that even though they are in a time of peace, they will keep the fence, just in case. Definitely the best tour I've done so far (yes, even better than the Segway tour of San Fran - perhaps a Segway tour of Belfast?!).

We did hope to do a walking tour of Belfast in the arfternoon, but it was sold out, so instead we went to the St. Georges markets for a look and some lunch and then off to a nearby pub to watch the Aussies beat Canada in the RWC. Not the most interesting of matches, but always good to cheer on your country away from home.

That night it was out to dinner, followed by drinks elsewhere then to a movie (Superbad again!), which technically means I have now seen my UK movie as well! A better night's sleep that night thanks to some earplugs and the fact that Fat Bastard kept the lights off (I think someone complained).

Sunday, took a Paddy's (big green bus with a driver who keeps breaking into song!) tour of the northen part of Northen Ireland, which included a visit to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and the Giant's Causeway (interesting rock columns, most of them hexagonal). It is believed they were formed by volcanic activity, but locals say it was more likely to have been due to a giant called Finn MacCool, who made it as part of a path for him to get to some chick he liked in Scotland (which you can see from this point in Ireland)! Next it was on to the walled city of Londonderry (or Derry as many prefer to call it), which was the site of the Bloody Sunday protests in 1972 (remember the U2 song?). There were many murals here depicting the events of that day and a quick walking tour filled us in on the history behind it all. From there it was back to Belfast, where we hopped on the train back for Dublin, this time running to schedule, getting back at about 9pm.

A great trip and a real learning experience - there was so much I didn't know about the history of Northern Ireland. If you are ever over this way, you really should check it out, you won't be disappointed and the people are some of the friendliest and most helpful you could ever meet.

So How Do You Say... Dun Laoghaire?

I took the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) a short way south of the city to Dun Laoghaire, a nice resort-style suburb that would be very nice on a warm summer's day. This was not a warm summer's day! When the sun was out it was OK - but a bit chilly. There was a long pier there and when there is a long pier you must walk out to the end of it (then when you get to the end you realise there is nothing else to do, but turn around and go back!).

Anyway, a fairly relaxing day - tomorrow night we are heading up to Belfast for the weekend, which should be a bit of fun.

By the way, it is pronounced "Dunleary".