May 2007

San`s on another computer checking out accom in Hawaii, so I have the power.!!!! (A brief moment I bet).
We boarded the ferry for Belfast without incident, and I must say that the ferry was extremely impressive. (Not like the ferries that I have travelled on in the past!!).
There were great lounge areas, bars, eateries galore, children areas, machine game areas etc etc. The crossing was gentle and went quickly.
Upon arrival we collected our bags and proceeded to collect our car. It became evident very quickly that no such commodity existed at the ferry terminal as we had been advised. After some questions we established that our car was at the airport (the only Hertz car rental area in Belfast). A £7-00 fare saw us collect our car and head off to arrange accomodation. We drove through the city streets a few times, familiarising ourselves, then San went off to the "Info" office to book accom. The B&B was about 2 miles from the city, located on a major road with cafes and shops on both sides. Of course our room was at the top of 3 flights of stairs, but the owner (Theodore) was very helpful and room was good. We asked re Black Cab tours and he advised that he new of a driver who was a character and a set price etc, and would pick us up. We had a quick coffee across the road while we waited then headed off on the tour. The guide was definately a character, repeating every sentence about three times (we must have looked backward or something!!).
Anyway the tour was 75mins, and well worth the effort. I must admit that my knowledge of the "trouble between the Catholics and Protestants" was now vague, but after visiting the streets and seeing the murals first hand, it all came back. Our guide provided much historical information and his passion was evident. Although things have quietened in Belfast, you can feel that the division is still alive.!! A very interesting tour.
We were dropped off in the city so began to familiarise ourselves with a walk. We visited City Hall where a local cultural food fair/festival was on, (food from France/Holland/Germany/Italy), then walked to the famous Crown Hotel (National Trust building) known for its individual booths and stained glass windows. We had a drink and avoided a downpour while doing so. We caught a bus home, then ate at a local rest across the road and turned in.
Another great "cooked breaky" then we headed off to view the north, especially the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede (rope bridge). We took the scenic coast road.
We were informed that the weather was going to turn so to hurry. Luckily we viewed both spots at length without any rain. Initially San did not want to cross the bridge, but age is making her more adventurous, and she made it over and back, even posing for photographs.
We booked our nights B&B accom at the Giant's Causeway Info office, at a farm located to the north "Ballyhenry House" at Limavady (Londonderry).
After a reasonable drive, (although you quickly realise that both Scotland and Ireland are not that big compared to good old Aust) we located our B&B.
It was located on a farming property and due to cancellations we had a double area which is usually self catering, and brand new. It was very luxurious, probably one of the best that we have encountered on our journey. We journeyed (a couple of miles) to a local hotel and enjoyed one of the best meals of our trip. Barb, you will be pleased to know that I had duck (served double portions) without asking..!!!
Next day we joined native locals on holiday at breakfast (as a local holiday on Monday), then headed off for Dublin. The drive through the countryside was pleasant with everything green green green, but obviously not as spectacular as Scotland. Along the way we stopped off at Londonderry and walked the old city wall, taking in all of the history via info boards along the journey. You can also see the murals on buildings outside the wall, along with fortified police stations (same as Belfast).
We arrived in Dublin, and we quickly realised that it was a much bigger city than we had anticipated. After some frustration with signage (lack of), one way streets, we located the tourist information building, which closed at 3pm, and it was 5pm.
We had noticed B&B`s on the way in, so our plan was to head back to that road and investigate. Easier said than done, but after some further frustration we located a nice B&B (again at the top of three flights of stairs) which is only 10 mins from the airport.
After catching a bus to the city we walked the streets for a short time ending up at "Temple Bar" along with hundreds of other locals and tourists (obviously the place to be). We both enjoyed Irish Stew and a drink, then walked back to a I`cafe and called the girls. It was 6-00am, but as we told them, we had waited a few hours to be nice.!!!
The last bus home, ready for our last day in Ireland.
Today we enjoyed b`fast (fresh fruit salad and toast etc) then drove to the airport to check everything out for tomoz, as our plane for New York leaves at 10-00am, and we don't want any surprises.
It is only ten minutes from our accom, so should be easy.
We left the car, and caught a bus to the city, then jumped on a Hop-on-Hop-off bus to get a good understanding of the city. Just as we started, a hail storm came from no-where, luckily we were under shelter, but many were not.
We stayed on the trip a second time around and departed to tour the Guiness Museum and factory !! San decided not to go in, but I spent about 1-30 hrs touring etc.
Afterwards we ate dinner at O`Neils Pub, we both enjoyed a massive pork roast (recommend to anyone heading here), and updating the blog.
On the way home we may call in for a last drink in Ireland, then pack for our flight tomoz.
Our next update should be from the "Big Apple".
Trust everyone is well and please keep your comments coming as we enjoy reading them.

(Just to finish our Minard Castle experience).
We booked our Minard Castle B&B in St Andrews, and arrived approx 6`ish on the 23rd after a long drive from Drumnadrochit.
The (unfortified castle) was situated on Loch Fyne approx a mile from the main road. Entry was via a forrest, which neighbouring trees were being harvested by the forrestry dept. The castle was extremely impressive and everything that we had wished for. We were greeted at the front door and ushered into the main hall which was fully decorated and adorned with deer heads from hunting trips of years past. Our room was at the top of an ancient (creaky) staircase, and we were watched all the way by the eyes contained on many large portraits which adorned the walls.
Our room was of a high quality, and we were also informed that we had exclusive use of the large drawing room. The house manager also informed that although we were not the only ones staying, we would probably not see anyone else until morning. They also advised that the rather "large" front doors would be locked and alarmed at 11pm.
We decided to walk down to the "Loch" via rather saturated ground, then took to walking through the gardens. Along the way we met the gardner, who gave us some background on the property and its current owners. There were a few donkeys and a horse "elvis" in one paddock, and many batum? hens running free.
We travelled into "Furnace" and ate at the local hotel. It was what I had been looking for all of our trip, an open wood fire, and a local meal washed down with rose`(the wife) and guiness for mine.
We drove back, watched the soccer on TV in the drawing room, then retired.
No Ghosts, but we were awoken about 11-15, by the sound of a bell constantly being rung. It went on and on, I thought of assisting, but did not know where the key was, plus it was alarmed.
Finally I went downstairs and spoke through the door to find that two elderly Americans who were staying a few nights had been locked out. They were not happy chaps, let me tell you, and I dont blame them as they would have spent a good hour trying to get some attention. I finally made contact with the manager, and he let them in. ( Lesson- dont stay out late if you are sleeping in a castle).
We had a very enjoyable breakfast overlooking the front gardens and Loch, then headed off for Straraen.

We weren't far wrong in our prediction at cost to get to Gatwick Airport from hotel. Taxi to Victoria Station was £15. Train to Gatwick was £14.95 each. Taxi tried to drive us to Gatwick with a special offer of £70!!
At the airport there was a lot of security. More so than Hong Kong!! We were both only allowed 1 bag each on the plane so we had to do some quick thinking as we both had 2 each of hand luggage. Through security check everyone was made to take their shoes off.
Flight was good and quick to Edinburgh. On arrival we caught a shuttle bus to train station in the city and then a taxi to our B.B. It was a nice place only minus was we were upstairs and taking bags up a bit of a chore! We were a 2km walk to city centre or there was a bus stop right out front. After settling in we chose to walk back to the city to explore on foot even if it was sprinkling with rain-we are use to it now.
We walked up and down the three main streets and then stopped and had a drink in a bar as it was now around 7:00. It does not get dark until 10:00 so there is plenty of light to do things. Shops still close at 5:30.
After our drink we began looking for somewhere to eat. After lots of walking and seeing more of the city we began to head back to the B.B. as we new there was a pub around the corner. On the way we came across an Italian restaurant so stopped there. A good choice. We had a great meal. When we came out it had been raining so we made a quick dash home.
Surprise Surprise on waking we discovered it was still raining. (18/5/07) Had a cooked breakfast and met a nice couple from Orregan-America.
(Me now..) Day two was aimed at viewing Edinburgh and the Castle.
Again we walked into the city centre and boarded the hop-on-hop off bus for a tour of the city. I must say that it is a very impressive city and we both especially loved the old section. The rain did hold off for awhile, but when it decided to fall, we just moved downstairs, going back up top when the sun came out. We alighted the second time around, at the Castle, and spent an enjoyable number of hours viewing a most marvellous place, full of history etc. (Sandy listened to the commentary via audio and related to me).Afterwards we walked the "royal mile" to the palace, but unfortunately it was closed due to "Gov Gen in residence until 1/6".
Across the road is the new modern Scottish Parliament buildings, so we went and viewed, very abstract design. We then waited for a bus which never turned up so as it started to rain heavily, called into a pub for some refreshments. (Every second building was a pub..luv the place).
When the rained ceased we headed back to the B&B stopping for a "Thai" on the way.
19th...After another delicious b`fast we headed off to collect the rental car. Queue took 2 hours, so glad we went early. Back to B&B to collect luggage then headed off to St Andrews.
Trip semi uneventful, arriving early afternoon. Walked the streets, then called in at the info`centre re accom. Obtained a B&B just a few metres from the i`centre in the heart of St A. Lovely B&B £40-00pn each. Toured the town, visited the Old Club House, then had a lovely meal and turned in.
20th...Breakfast provided in the room(fresh fruit/perc coffee/toast etc), then walked amongst the golf courses and undertook the "18 putting holes". I think more practice is req before getting on the course.
We headed off for Loch Ness (Drumnadrochit), via "Perth and Kinross, Fort william and Spean Bridge." Absolutely spectacular scenery, from baron mountains, to Lochs surrounded by forests, then mountains still with snow peaks and ice still embedded in the craigs. A most enjoyable experience. One funny experience along the way, in the middle of nowhere was a vehicle approaching with siren and lights flashing, which turned out to be a bomb disposal unit. We have experienced the normal vehicles with sirens blazing, but never a bomb unit.
We arrived at Drumnadrochit (prev booked accom for two nights)and walked around the small village then enjoyed a meal at a semi pub/rest as the local hotel was booked. The accom was very good, with the manager extremely helpful, and a lovely cooked b`fast each morning.
21st...We headed off for a recommended walk through the woods, to access Loch Ness, and "touch the water". Afterwards we headed off to tour, Urquardt castle and "Glen Affric". The drive through "Glen A" was spectacular, viewing magnificent waterfalls and Lochs & forests. We undertook some "walks", which certainly tested our stamina. It was refreshing to get out of the car and walk again, as we had undertaken so much prior to the previous few days.
After we drove down and visited Fort Augustus, hoping to find a !`net cafe along the way. (Did not happen).
Enjoyed a tour around the village, viewed the canal system, then had a drink and headed back to Drum`it. Enjoyed a meal at the hotel to finish a most enjoyable day.
22nd...Enjoyed another w`ful b`fast then headed off for the Isle of Skye.
We stopped at a beautiful small village/port (Plonkton). Absolutely picturesque, called into the local gallery, local craft fair, then onto tour the island.
Again absolutely magnificent, unbelievable scenery. Waterfalls abound, mist covering the mountains, rain, sunshine, ice covered mountains and sheep. (No fences, just move them off the road if you hit one!! Only jok`n). A wonderful experience, breathtaking. We toured to the top, 2 Staffin", then turned around and headed back. We spent the night at Kyleakin, nothing much happens at Kyleakin.
23rd...Breakfast and then off to Minard Castle, stopping along the way at Nevis Range to undertake a ride on the cablecar to the top of the mountains. It was a fifteen minute ride there and 15 back again. View was again spectacular, but limited due to low cloud.
Our castle experience was everything that we thought it would be. (No ghosts). We are about out of time, so will elaborate at next update re the castle.
24th...Up with a delicious b`fast and on the road by 8-30 to ensure that we delivered our rental car back at Stranraer by 12-00. After a few anxious moments along the way we arrived about 15 mins late. Hence we are updating and catching the Ferry to Belfast tomoz.

Yesterday back to normal. Up early and had breakfast. Rain still about but after speaking to Jen who had good advice and said Mum you put on your coat, use your umbrella and just walk!! So that's what we did. First we walked to Oxford street. We visited a Primart Store for Phil. Then we walked down Bond and Regent Street.
Sandy called into the National Gallery and saw an exhibition of Monet's earlier work of his drawings and pastels which she enjoyed while Phil took cover in a coffee shop around the corner! Then we walked to Westminster Abby. We were very surprised at the size of the cathedral and enjoyed our walk around. A very interesting place to visit. Then we walked home to change for the theatre. We were going to see the Mouse Trap.
We caught the bus again into Piccadilly Circus. Walking to the West End we saw Leister Square. We were going to find something to eat there but we were running out of time so decided to find something closer to the theatre. Ate at an Italian Rest. and had a really enjoyable pasta.
The Mouse Trap was an enjoyable play. Very nice theatre. Not a full audience but what can you expect after running for 45 years!! Once again walked to Oxford Circus to catch the bus back to the hotel. Happy to say no rain!.
This morning we missed breakfast again to have our last sleep-in. Had a final visit to the laundromat as we won't be washing again until we get to New York. This afternoon we are going to enjoy a walk through Hyde Park and walk to Harrods for a traditional English afternoon tea. We may even go to the movies.
Tomorrow we have an early start. We catch a taxi to Victoria Station, then a train to Gatwick. Not a cheap exercise to get to the airport. Approx 40pounds for the both of us!! London has been fun and while the weather hasn't been fantastic we have both grown to like it. The only down side, it is very expensive!!
Keep well.

I spend most of my time trying to work out the date. Some days we don't even know what day it is!! Such is life.
After a very active day on the Saturday walking everywhere we had a lazy day on the Sunday as we did a bus tour to Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds. We decided to do this instead of hiring a car and driving ourselves as weather has not being good and predicted rain for more days. It was an early start as we had to be at the pickup spot by 7:30.am Lucky for us it was just up the street.
Needless to say the day started off with rain and as we got into the countryside it got heavier and did not stop for most of the day!! Stonehenge was really interesting but we did not spend long and the rain and wind made it difficult to spend the required time to ponder on what happened so long ago. Most people I speak to have similar experiences of their visit to Stonehenge with the weather. We stopped at a small pub for lunch on our way to Bath. We sat next to a young couple from Sydney who were off to Ireland the next day. Pub meal was ok but expensive for what we got.
When we arrived in Bath we had a total of 50mins to do a tour of the Roman Baths. This was interesting and we were enjoying the audio but at the end it was a rush to complete and get on the bus. Unfortunately that was Bath. Yes it was raining so we did not get to see the prettiness of the river or the little streets busy with people. It is one place I would like to come back to with Phil as I visited it with Jen and it is a really pretty place in the summer.
Driving through the Cotswolds was really pretty and we would like to come back and do our original plan of hiring a car and visiting many of the little villages in this region at our leisure.
We stopped at Stratford Upon Avon to visit Shakespeares Birthplace. We were greeted with a champagne and strawberries and cream scone which was very nice. After our visit we headed home which was another 2 hours on the bus. Lucky for us we were dropped off close to the hotel and we only had a short walk to the hotel. Dinner that night was a shared pizza at a place around the corner from the hotel.
Surprisingly we were tired after very little except sit on the bus and look out the window!!
Monday we had a very lazy day and had a sleep-in and missed breakfast. We spent the morning doing washing at the laundramat just around the corner from our hotel. Thanks to SJ this has been a great hotel. It is very central and walking distance to everything. The good thing it is reasonably priced. We also updated blog and checked emails.
Late in the afternoon we caught the bus to Piccadilly Circus and found a popular place to eat called The Stockpot. Then we walked to the Westend to see the musical Mary Poppins. We were early so we found a great little eatery and had a drink and people watched. We were in Soho and a gay area so it was interesting viewing.We thoroughly enjoyed the musical and had great seats. We then walked through Soho nightlife to catch a bus home. Yes it was cold and rain was hovering. Thanks to Kathie for the umbrella. It has had a work out.