Dublin and Newgrange

It was so good to reach Dublin and see that we had a lovely little Hotel opposite a beautiful park, Saint Stephens Green. So lovely to see so much green and huge Elm trees after the dryness of London.

We went on a bus trip to Newgrange today----The valley of the Kings. It was quite spectacular situated on this hill that overlooks the green rural countryside. This is known as Royal country in Meath where Tara is situated. It is 1,000 years older than Stonehenge and 500 years older than the Great Pyramid. In the visitors centre you can enter a ballot to try and win a pass to go to the Winter Solstice on December 21 for 4 days. 30.000 enter the lottery and only 50 can go!! Why go you ask?? On this day at daybreak the first rays of the sun shine enters through a little high viewing door and makes a line of light along the passage. We went in the passage tomb (crouched very low) and stood in a circle while the guide turned off the lights---yes a bit scary!! Then a simualted light went on making a line right past us---it was amazing and another deep spiritual moment. Like feeling the presence of Kings past.

We really loved this sight and found it a very amazing sight. On the walls were Tricircles or Trykalics and other celtic symbols. The roof was very high with no cement to hold the stones together just skilled craftsmen.

WE also went to Monsterboice where we saw two huge Irish High crosses.

A great day!!

To Ireland!!

Today we headed off to catch the train for Holyhead. We left early but had horrendous times with overcrowding on the train----we were standing with many people when the conductor said everyone standing off the train at Chester !! Bit frantic as we had to catch the ferry at 2!! We finally caught a small local train that was badly overcrowded and took two hours to get to Hollyhead!! Terrible experience and some people had to stand for the two hours!!!

On The Irish Ferries and having a wonderful time in Club Class!! Loving the journey and a glass of wine orr two----badly needed1!! So quiet and relaxing!!!! Best time ever! Then we head to our accomodation in Dubin----looking forward to our Irish adventures!!

Bath 1-8-10

WE stood in line with hoards of people waiting to view the Roman Baths. As we had both been before we left this rabble and headed for a quiet birthday lunch for Brenda!! Quiet is hard in Bath where tourists abound!! But we found a little corner and enjoyed ourselves!!

We both loved the Assembly Rooms where Jane Austin frequented. It spoke of days past bygone eras. The chandelliers were sparkling everywhere and one could imagine beautiful music floating from a stringed Quartet playing in a special area above the ballroom. There is   aCostume museum with beautiful old gowns--I collected a few postcards to show my girls these beautiful gowns.

We then went on a walk with our guide to the Royal Circle and Royal Cresent to view the beautiful houses of bygone days---Angelina and Brad have a house here and elton John and Jonny Depp!!! Nice little pads!!

Going home was not good as we ended up in peak hour traffic heading for London---Sunday night so we didnt get back till 7.30pm. Couldnt believe so many people were out and about shops open and people sittting in parks enjoying the humid sultry evening of london!! A lovely birthday for Brenda!!

Stonehenge and Bath 1-8-10

Today is Brenda's birthday!! 29 at last!!! So we headed to her favourite place, Bath, to celebrate. We stopped at Stonehenge first and walked around the site with headphones along with 2million other people---not really just felt like it!!  The skies were dark and cloudy with rain clouds about to burst but it stayed away while we were there. This made for great photos. It really is a very mystical place---awesome in it's size and isolation to Salsberry Plains surrounding it. It's hard not to ask questions---where did they come from, how did they get here and why do so many people visit this site today??????

The Big Red Bus-31-7-2010

Today Brenda and I went on the Big red Bus tour around London. We had a great time and saw all the wonderful landmarks that we all know and love.

London July 30th

After a hellsih flight to London----I was in the back of the plane and it spent a lot of time rocking and rolling---and you all know how I love flying!!! So as soon as I disembarked, kissed the ground and caught the fast train to London I met up with Brenda and we spent hours catching up with the news!!

Then we headed down the Strand for some sightseeing. Every time I'm in London there's a good feeling of "loving this place"!! WE walked the monopoly board and ended up at The National Art Gallery to meet up with my friend Angela who was waiting on the steps----good meeting place eh?? Lots of hugs later we set off for more sight seeing and a snack at the Crypt----know my brother Will like that one!! It's under St. Martin-in-the Field church!!! Well I felt a bit apprehensive about having coffee in a crypt!! It was just spectacular!! It had soft yellow lightening that fell over the magnificent arches and flooded the area witha warm glow! Part of the floor was covered with old headstones so you walked over them and read as you went!! Have beautiful photos of this place!! They also take lessons on brass rubbings and I may indulge if I get time before we leave!!

Next we headed White Hall past 10 Downing Street, The Banqueting hall to Westminster station where we saw Big Ben and Westminster Abby and two mounted police----a horse guard outside the entrance to Downing Street. Then we caught the train and went on the new Jubilee line to Carary Wharf. This was the old part of London where trading ships called in and was known as the East end. These old buildings were pulled down to make way for the financial area of London with hugely expensive apartments and enormous office blocks---skyscrapers. Much controversy occurred over the old making way for the new!!

WE had lunch with Angelas's daughter, my Goddaughter Gemma at a lovely Turkish restaurant overlooking the Thames!! Turkish music flowed and very attentive waiters brought us dips and Turkish pitta bread. Fab food cooked beautifully. The most impressive place was the rest rooms where huge Turkish basins were used for washing---it really was the poshest toilet I have ever seen!! Only toilets I have ever photographed!!!

Then we all headedback on train for more sight seeing! By this time my huge swollen legs and feet were really troubling me and we haeded back---think we walked for hours and hours!! I am still suffering jet lag and was awake at 2.30am ready to "Hit the road"!!! Hate this jet lag!! I want nice feet again and legs that dont look like Dorinth columns!!

The Family!!