We all agreed that we wanted to go to the British Museum. Lindsay went on a Starbucks run and brought us all coffee to get us going. We stopped at the concierge on the way out to see if could get tickets to a play. She was surprised to find that there were three available that evening, third row orchestra, for The Phantom of the Opera. We were thrilled. So off we go to find our way to the museum. The Marleyboned station is located directly out the back door of the hotel. Karina acted as the tour guide, figuring out the correct trains to get us to our destinations. Only two train changes and we would be where we wanted to be. Ok, it was a Saturday. and it was Christmas time… a zoo! People were pushing, people were hurrying, but generally in polite mode. It was easy to get caught up in the hustle. I like moving fast, and you definitely had to move fast or get trampled. Once on the street, we found walking on the outside of the sidewalk, sometimes on the curb, was the best way to move ahead.
The museum was surprisingly non-descript from the outside. Inside, it is amazing!! A main feature is the Rosetta stone:
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/goto?id=OBJ67
Also, the Egyptian artifacts are impressive. Like Karina said, “pots, pots and more pots!”
We decided just to stay downtown instead of returning to the hotel before the show. So… off to Harrods (with a Starbucks stop, of course..) where I purchased a Harrods ornament, supposedly something one must do every year… It was fun moving through the store that is about a block long and three stories high. It is very garish inside but it was decorated for Christmas, so very cheery!
The play is performed at Her Majesty’s Theater located in the Picadilly area of London. The theater was designed in 1896. It is ornate and very intimate. We sat in the third row, off center to the left. Awesome seats!
http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/westendvenues/hermajestys.htm
After the show we went to an old pub about two blocks up, off the main street. It was very bright and festive looking so we went in. It was just a little after 10pm and they had stopped serving food :(
We were ok with that, but they stopped serving drinks at 11:30… some kind of law. It was OK because we wanted to walk around and see all the lights and the people hurrying from one place to another. As we got up to leave the pub, we noticed a happy group of people standing at the bar, enjoying their last drinks… It turned out to be most of the cast from the Phantom. The very cute boy who played Raoul, the smitten boyfriend and the girl who played Christine… and other cast members. We engaged in conversation, telling them how much we enjoyed the performance. To make my night, the cute boy asked if I had been sitting in the first row, I said no, the third row. He said, Oh, I remember you, we made eye contact! I was thrilled. I didn’t know that they really did make eye contact. Anyway, quite an exciting end to the evening. We then walked for a long while checking out all the lights and activity. We got ourselves back to the hotel about 1am. Fun, fun.
The next morning we slept in, took leisurely showers and decided to have breakfast in the lovely atrium in the center of the hotel. It was almost 1pm before we headed for the British Library. This a newer building, opened in 1998. Despite the modern outside, it houses some of the oldest and most amazing things. The original Magna Carta, the original Handel’s Messiah, the first written bible, many, many other old documents. It also holds a display of more contemporary artifacts, such as some of the Beatles original song lyrics written on napkins… not kidding! Anyway, a WOW!
http://www.bl.uk/about/history.html
To complete my goals for the weekend, we made our way to Paddington train station and located the correct train to get us back to my house. The Maidenhead station is about a 10 min cab ride to there. The girls were carrying two bags each since they had been traveling throughout Europe for almost three months. We purchased our tickets and had five miuntes to make the train which was at the furthest most track, of course. So, off we ran, Lindsay hauling two big suitcases and Karina and I with the rest. We were comical at the very least. We made the train though with less than a minute to spare. Lindsay used the suitcases as a seat, I found a seat and after a few stops, so did Karina. Again, fun, fun! We made it successfully to the Maidenhead station. It was dark, we had no idea how long it would take and we gotten on the train that stops at every station on the way. After about 45 minutes we reached our destination. I was thrilled. Not only had I gotten a good taste of London, I also was able to make my on the tube and train routes! Yeah…Goals completed!
…More to come ---- London, the “drunk train” and.. a weekend in Istanbul!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Discovering London
London – it is quite a city.
I was invited into London for a charity luncheon at the Landmark Hotel on Friday, Dec 8th. This seemed like a great opportunity to stay for the weekend in London. I have not really spent any time in London since I arrived in England. This coincided with the return of the Scarborough sisters, Lindsay and Karina, from their travels through the rest of Europe. They willingly agreed to “hang out” in London with me. So the adventure began. I had two objectives, one, to begin exploring London and two, to learn how to use the underground and train system.
The Landmark hotel is a historical hotel located next to the Marleybone tube station in a busy area of the city. It is a beautiful old building built in the late 19th century. It is famous for it’s atrium center. It is a place where people have weddings, gala events, company parties and charity events. It is a five star accommodation.
Before the girls arrived, I accompanied one of my co-workers on a manic trip to the industrial area north of central London after the luncheon. She was in search of the perfect wedding dress for her second marriage. (so not white) A friend of hers had recommended a designer who sold dresses wholesale. Only glitch was that you had to go to the “factory” where they were produced to try one on. We left the hotel about 16:00 (4pm) for a 16:30 (4:30pm) appointment. We purchased our tickets for the underground, heading for the (Can't remember the name...)station. This meant two stops, a change of trains and then four more stops before we made it to our desired station. It is very similar to the New York system, only ten times more crowded! There is no crowd control, people just keep piling in until there is no room to breath!! I don’t think I could do that every day… Anyway, once we reached our stop, out of the ground we go, running up an escalator (yes running… we were late , of course) bringing us at least ten stories from what I think must be the bottom of the earth…( so far down…) Once above ground we notice a brass plaque proudly displayed at the entrance that stated something like, “… in memory of 143 women and children who were killed during WW11 by a bomb that hit this station as they were heading underground to the bomb shelter...” Makes you think…
We called for directions from there and were told to walk about six blocks on the right, turn at the water, go under a bridge and look for the iron gates with the number 43. We made it, in the dark and past questionable characters by 5pm. Unfortunately, the dress was not the “dream dress.” However … the adventure for me was well worth it. I got a good feel of what it was like to work and live every day in London. We made it back the same way we came, arriving back at the Marleybone station at 7:00pm. My friend took a cab to the Paddington station where she caught the train to Windsor, her stop for her home in Sunningdale. I checked into my hotel.
The girls arrived about 20:30 (8:30pm). Being the helpless (yeah, right) females that they are, a young bellman from the back door helped them up with their luggage. Our room was huge. It had a very nice bathroom, appreciated by the girls, who had been in a small apartment in Barcelona for a while. There was plenty of room for them to open their suitcases and show me all the “goodies” they had purchased in their travels. Shopping seemed to be a major part of each city they visited. They filled me in on all that had gone on since I last saw them which was in mid-October. Boy did they have a great trip. Day 1, part of objective achieved.. more to come...
Friday, December 08, 2006
Been in the states...
I was back in the States for Thanksgiving. Once I was home, back in my familiar surroundings, around my friends and family, I asked myself, "What have you done?"...
Returning to the UK was not easy. Once I got here, I have found that it is OK. I still miss all my familiar surroundings, familiar faces, familiar life but it is not bad here. We do what we must do... I am going to spend this coming weekend in London so I will have lots to write about then.
Here are two pictures from our Thanksgiving... 80 people, pretty much all related!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
Nov 11, Armistice Day
I was surprised to learn that we share the "Veteran's Day" remberance with the English. They call it remberance day and they honor veterans of WWI and WWII at 11:00am on Nov. 11th. This year the Queen dedicated a memorial to New Zealand for the 1800 soldiers they lost in WWI and I can't remember the number in WWI but the % was very high. Very few people lived in New Zealand during those wars. Anyway, the memorial looks a little odd on TV, but I am sure it is cool in person. The design includes chards of metal sticking out of a grassy mound with some sort of insignia on each one... I will try to get to see it in person. Anyway, people wear these cute little red poppy lapel pins that old people sell for some charity. It is good to know that we aren't the only ones who appreciate what our veterans have done for us and the rest of the world. (of course, England, Ireland and Europe have way more veterans than we ever thought to have... hello... the Crusades!! oh I could go back to BC with the list.
Anyway, a very cool thing, my cousin shared a piece from letters that my Grandfather wrote to my Grandmother on Armistice Day, Nov 12, 1918, while he is was stationed in France... this true history, albeit my Grandfather's opinion...
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
November 12, 1918
My Dear Annie,
The old French expression “C’est la guerre” will soon have to sink into oblivion, for the Armistice has been signed and Germany given thirty days notice to sign a peace treaty or have their country devastated the same as they themselves ruined Belgium and Northern France; and no one can conceive of the German people, who, at last, are free agents, wishing to renew hostilities.
Last Saturday night the news reached here that the Armistice was about to be signed, and everyone was excited as only the French can and, from then on, until 11 o’clock yesterday morning, thousands upon thousands lined the streets in front of the News Agency anxiously awaiting some more news, but nothing encouraging came over the wires until about 10 o’clock yesterday when it was announced that the Armistice had been signed and at 11 all fighting would stop. Then the fun commenced and I don’t expect to see such a sight again if I live to be eighty years of age. Everyone nearly went crazy.
Men, women and children were running around kissing each other and shouting, “Vive l’France, Vive l’Amerique”, and waving flags and, every once in a while, a bunch would get together and sing the Marseillaise. Our band started to parade through the streets but they were nearly taken off their feet and, in an hour or so, they returned looking as if the battle of the Marne had been fought all over again. There was as at least four or five thousand people following them, and they surely went crazy when they got within the Headquarters grounds. It was an hour or more before the crowd could be dispersed. All the sirens and church bells and every other contrivance was utilized to make known the good news and it was impossible to talk, much less hear, so about 3p.m.we closed up the ‘shop’ and all went downtown. It was the greatest crowd I want to see, Americans, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Scotsmen, Canadians, Algerians, Brazilians, Japanese, Russians, Greeks, Serbians, Belgians, Italians, Portuguese, Chinamen, and Lord knows how many more, all celebrating the downfall of one nation.
I guess every man, woman, and child in this city turned out, for it took us about an hour to walk four blocks. All the stores, restaurants, cafes etc. closed up and even the streetcars had to stop, for they could make no progress whatever
within the crowds.
Around six o’clock the crowd began to be more jubilant than ever, so, in order to show up favorably, about eight hundred of us marched in columns of squads all through the principal streets. We got the reception of our lives and we had no trouble in securing flags. Everybody was willing to give up theirs and, of course, it wouldn’t be polite to refuse them, so, at the end of the parade, every one of us had at least one flag. The streets were all decorated in bunting and flags and, to our delight; we found that the Stars and Stripes was second only to the Tricolor. These French surely appreciate us and, take it from me, they know how to celebrate. It was our first opportunity to be with them on such a day and, believe me, it will be long remembered. I thought the Fourth of July celebration was great, but it couldn’t hold a candle to this one.
No doubt the States went crazy also yesterday, but I don’t believe that they show it like these people. They are naturally excitable and, given the chance to show it, they can’t be beat. Of course they have much more to be thankful and joyful over than our folks, for it was their soil that was in danger of occupation by the enemy and, yesterday practically meant the ceasing of such dangers, as menaced their country for the last forty years, forever.
This armistice, of course, does not necessarily mean peace, but it is a long step toward that goal, and I don’t believe that the German people, now that they have the government in their own hands, will ever permit hostilities to break out again, for, if they do not accede to the allies’ demands now, nothing short of entire occupation of Germany will satisfy us. The peace conditions are hard pills to swallow, but it is their own medicine and they must accept them.
Who in this wide would could have foretold five months ago what was to happen yesterday? The end came about as quickly as the affair started, and to-night report has it that the Krons-prinz has been assassinated. Now how about the Kaiser?
Everything is going along the same as ever, and this morning found us back on the job as the last of our celebrations was last night, although the French extended the holiday to to-day.
I received your letters of Oct. 13th, 11th, and 10th last night upon my return and, as usual, I was glad to hear that you were all in good health and pray that this letter still finds you the same. We hear a great deal, over here, about the Spanish Flu in the States, but I hope that you and the folks will be spared the ordeal of this sickness. Some of the boys up the line have been hit pretty hard, but it seems to have been checked, thank God.
I also received your clipping showing the pictures of the crowd at Golden Gate Park on the day on which the big affair in which you participated took place. It surely reminded me of the good old days of a year or so ago, but I hope that, before another year passes, I will be able to again look the old familiar spots over.
We are having some fine weather here and yesterday especially was warm for November. To-night it is a little cooler but just enough coolness to make the air fresh and brisk. Up north the weather has been rather cold, but nothing like that down here. Do you wonder why I consider myself so lucky?
Give everybody my best regards and tell them just because the war is almost ‘finis’ they shouldn’t think that no more letters are interesting. Keep us supplied with news and things will along better here.
Hoping that the peace which is about dawning will have risen in all its glory by the time that this letter reaches you (as we now have accomplished our purpose) and that you are all enjoying the of health, I will close.
As ever
Joe
Corp. J. A. Bosque
Pretty cool, this was written almost 90 years ago... he was so descriptive.
Anyway, a very cool thing, my cousin shared a piece from letters that my Grandfather wrote to my Grandmother on Armistice Day, Nov 12, 1918, while he is was stationed in France... this true history, albeit my Grandfather's opinion...
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
November 12, 1918
My Dear Annie,
The old French expression “C’est la guerre” will soon have to sink into oblivion, for the Armistice has been signed and Germany given thirty days notice to sign a peace treaty or have their country devastated the same as they themselves ruined Belgium and Northern France; and no one can conceive of the German people, who, at last, are free agents, wishing to renew hostilities.
Last Saturday night the news reached here that the Armistice was about to be signed, and everyone was excited as only the French can and, from then on, until 11 o’clock yesterday morning, thousands upon thousands lined the streets in front of the News Agency anxiously awaiting some more news, but nothing encouraging came over the wires until about 10 o’clock yesterday when it was announced that the Armistice had been signed and at 11 all fighting would stop. Then the fun commenced and I don’t expect to see such a sight again if I live to be eighty years of age. Everyone nearly went crazy.
Men, women and children were running around kissing each other and shouting, “Vive l’France, Vive l’Amerique”, and waving flags and, every once in a while, a bunch would get together and sing the Marseillaise. Our band started to parade through the streets but they were nearly taken off their feet and, in an hour or so, they returned looking as if the battle of the Marne had been fought all over again. There was as at least four or five thousand people following them, and they surely went crazy when they got within the Headquarters grounds. It was an hour or more before the crowd could be dispersed. All the sirens and church bells and every other contrivance was utilized to make known the good news and it was impossible to talk, much less hear, so about 3p.m.we closed up the ‘shop’ and all went downtown. It was the greatest crowd I want to see, Americans, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Scotsmen, Canadians, Algerians, Brazilians, Japanese, Russians, Greeks, Serbians, Belgians, Italians, Portuguese, Chinamen, and Lord knows how many more, all celebrating the downfall of one nation.
I guess every man, woman, and child in this city turned out, for it took us about an hour to walk four blocks. All the stores, restaurants, cafes etc. closed up and even the streetcars had to stop, for they could make no progress whatever
within the crowds.
Around six o’clock the crowd began to be more jubilant than ever, so, in order to show up favorably, about eight hundred of us marched in columns of squads all through the principal streets. We got the reception of our lives and we had no trouble in securing flags. Everybody was willing to give up theirs and, of course, it wouldn’t be polite to refuse them, so, at the end of the parade, every one of us had at least one flag. The streets were all decorated in bunting and flags and, to our delight; we found that the Stars and Stripes was second only to the Tricolor. These French surely appreciate us and, take it from me, they know how to celebrate. It was our first opportunity to be with them on such a day and, believe me, it will be long remembered. I thought the Fourth of July celebration was great, but it couldn’t hold a candle to this one.
No doubt the States went crazy also yesterday, but I don’t believe that they show it like these people. They are naturally excitable and, given the chance to show it, they can’t be beat. Of course they have much more to be thankful and joyful over than our folks, for it was their soil that was in danger of occupation by the enemy and, yesterday practically meant the ceasing of such dangers, as menaced their country for the last forty years, forever.
This armistice, of course, does not necessarily mean peace, but it is a long step toward that goal, and I don’t believe that the German people, now that they have the government in their own hands, will ever permit hostilities to break out again, for, if they do not accede to the allies’ demands now, nothing short of entire occupation of Germany will satisfy us. The peace conditions are hard pills to swallow, but it is their own medicine and they must accept them.
Who in this wide would could have foretold five months ago what was to happen yesterday? The end came about as quickly as the affair started, and to-night report has it that the Krons-prinz has been assassinated. Now how about the Kaiser?
Everything is going along the same as ever, and this morning found us back on the job as the last of our celebrations was last night, although the French extended the holiday to to-day.
I received your letters of Oct. 13th, 11th, and 10th last night upon my return and, as usual, I was glad to hear that you were all in good health and pray that this letter still finds you the same. We hear a great deal, over here, about the Spanish Flu in the States, but I hope that you and the folks will be spared the ordeal of this sickness. Some of the boys up the line have been hit pretty hard, but it seems to have been checked, thank God.
I also received your clipping showing the pictures of the crowd at Golden Gate Park on the day on which the big affair in which you participated took place. It surely reminded me of the good old days of a year or so ago, but I hope that, before another year passes, I will be able to again look the old familiar spots over.
We are having some fine weather here and yesterday especially was warm for November. To-night it is a little cooler but just enough coolness to make the air fresh and brisk. Up north the weather has been rather cold, but nothing like that down here. Do you wonder why I consider myself so lucky?
Give everybody my best regards and tell them just because the war is almost ‘finis’ they shouldn’t think that no more letters are interesting. Keep us supplied with news and things will along better here.
Hoping that the peace which is about dawning will have risen in all its glory by the time that this letter reaches you (as we now have accomplished our purpose) and that you are all enjoying the of health, I will close.
As ever
Joe
Corp. J. A. Bosque
Pretty cool, this was written almost 90 years ago... he was so descriptive.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Nice Ride...new car.
Today, Sunday, Nov 12, I took a drive to Brighton. I felt the need to see the sea. (No pun intended.) After a frustrating morning with my network connection, I decided a nice long drive in my pretty blue new car was just what I needed. By the time I left the house it was 2:00pm. I set the "Nav" system to the "Kings Road," Brighton.
In my reference book on England it is referred to as the place where Victorian men would take their mistresses for rendevous. When they wanted a divorce, they would also bring photographers to be able to verify infidelity. Seems a little odd..
It was a very easy ride... south M404, east on M25, southwest M23... about one hour and thirty minutes. After the freeway experience, like Hwy 17, it dumps you into the town of Brighton. Unlike Santa Cruz, this is not a sleepy little beach town. It is very much like San Francisco, the Marina district to be precise. Parks, shops and three to six story buildings, all facing the sea. The buildings all have bay windows, similar to those in the Marina, but I am sure much older. There was some sort of 10k race going on in one park and every field had a soccer (football) game being played.
You wind down through the city until you notice in front of you an open area that is blue... oh there it is, the sea!! There is a wide promenade overloaking the beach area that seems to stretch for miles. A pier supports several buildings, restaraunts, amusement rides, and game areas, similar to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz but much older and smaller. Down the center of the pier is a covered area painted white, lined with black painted iron benches. Old style street lights line the pier as well. All of this lights up as the sun goes down. As you look back at the city you see rows of hotels, restaurants, stores and apartments all lined neatly across from the promenade.
You can just imagine the Victorian couples strolling along, enjoying the sea breeze, planning the evening, stopping for ice cream or a cold drink.
The wierdest thing of all was that the beach is not sand, it is rocks or I guess big pebbles, like Johnson's Beach at Russian River! That was a surprise.
The sun goes down about 4:30 and everyone was heading towards the beach or the pier to enjoy the sunset. I have to say, it was as beautiful as any I have seen in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, Greece, Spain or yes, in the US... although I will say Kansas has some amazing sunsets!
A nice drive for a dull day... I hate Sundays... and Sundays alone are the worst!!
In my reference book on England it is referred to as the place where Victorian men would take their mistresses for rendevous. When they wanted a divorce, they would also bring photographers to be able to verify infidelity. Seems a little odd..
It was a very easy ride... south M404, east on M25, southwest M23... about one hour and thirty minutes. After the freeway experience, like Hwy 17, it dumps you into the town of Brighton. Unlike Santa Cruz, this is not a sleepy little beach town. It is very much like San Francisco, the Marina district to be precise. Parks, shops and three to six story buildings, all facing the sea. The buildings all have bay windows, similar to those in the Marina, but I am sure much older. There was some sort of 10k race going on in one park and every field had a soccer (football) game being played.
You wind down through the city until you notice in front of you an open area that is blue... oh there it is, the sea!! There is a wide promenade overloaking the beach area that seems to stretch for miles. A pier supports several buildings, restaraunts, amusement rides, and game areas, similar to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz but much older and smaller. Down the center of the pier is a covered area painted white, lined with black painted iron benches. Old style street lights line the pier as well. All of this lights up as the sun goes down. As you look back at the city you see rows of hotels, restaurants, stores and apartments all lined neatly across from the promenade.
You can just imagine the Victorian couples strolling along, enjoying the sea breeze, planning the evening, stopping for ice cream or a cold drink.
The wierdest thing of all was that the beach is not sand, it is rocks or I guess big pebbles, like Johnson's Beach at Russian River! That was a surprise.
The sun goes down about 4:30 and everyone was heading towards the beach or the pier to enjoy the sunset. I have to say, it was as beautiful as any I have seen in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, Greece, Spain or yes, in the US... although I will say Kansas has some amazing sunsets!
A nice drive for a dull day... I hate Sundays... and Sundays alone are the worst!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Guy Fawkes Night
I forgot to detail my first "Guy Fawkes" celebration. Well, at about 5pm I arrived home from a shopping trip in Maidenhead...(when in doubt, SHOP!) to find a mound that was at least 12 feet high in the big field about 40 yards from my front door. The neighbors were taking trip after trip of garden cuttings and other burnable, non toxic items to the mound. I went over to get a closer look. On the top of this mound was a scarecrow looking thing supported by a makeshift pole. The "head" was a paper maiche pumpkin looking thing with a hat on it. (The kids down the lane had made it and painted it orange and black.) Anyway, I approached the mound and introduced myself to the two neighbors, John and Rob who were preparing the mound for burning. They said, well, welcome to the neighborhood and to our celebration of burning the Catholics... (at that point I decided to remember not to discuss religion with any of the neighbors!) Anyway, all in all, quite an impressive mound! I returned to my cottage to prepare the brownies and garlic bread that I had volunteered to bring.
The official bonfire was to begin at 6:30pm. (or 18:30 if you are on 24 hr clock)... I left my house just in time to see the whole mound go up in flames... the Guy Fawkes efagy burned quickly, and the rest of the mound kept going. It was quite impressive. We stayed out there until almost 9:00pm, drinking wine and eating off the pot luck table set under a makeshift light. All around us individuals were setting off fireworks, and I mean fireworks...big bursts of color in the sky. Evidently, on any occasion they will shoot off fireworks. People have fireworks at their weddings! Our neighborhood didn't do fireworks because there were too many little kids. Anyway, it reminded me of our neighborhood Fourth of July parties, only with a bonfire.
I was invited back to my neighbor's house were a number of the bonfire watchers were invited for baked potatoes, salad and desert. It was very nice, good conversation and good wine. I found a Califorinia wine from Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc at a local store and brought that as my contribution. Of course, I had to tell them all about the vineyard... Yes, I talk a lot, even to people I don't know... Anyway, it was a great night out for me. I haven't had many since arriving here. Not sure whether they will invite me back... I did give my opinion on Bush and Clinton... (I remembered not to talk religion but I forgot about politics.)
I am still trying to download a picture of the mound... soon to come.
The official bonfire was to begin at 6:30pm. (or 18:30 if you are on 24 hr clock)... I left my house just in time to see the whole mound go up in flames... the Guy Fawkes efagy burned quickly, and the rest of the mound kept going. It was quite impressive. We stayed out there until almost 9:00pm, drinking wine and eating off the pot luck table set under a makeshift light. All around us individuals were setting off fireworks, and I mean fireworks...big bursts of color in the sky. Evidently, on any occasion they will shoot off fireworks. People have fireworks at their weddings! Our neighborhood didn't do fireworks because there were too many little kids. Anyway, it reminded me of our neighborhood Fourth of July parties, only with a bonfire.
I was invited back to my neighbor's house were a number of the bonfire watchers were invited for baked potatoes, salad and desert. It was very nice, good conversation and good wine. I found a Califorinia wine from Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc at a local store and brought that as my contribution. Of course, I had to tell them all about the vineyard... Yes, I talk a lot, even to people I don't know... Anyway, it was a great night out for me. I haven't had many since arriving here. Not sure whether they will invite me back... I did give my opinion on Bush and Clinton... (I remembered not to talk religion but I forgot about politics.)
I am still trying to download a picture of the mound... soon to come.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Today, I am whole! ... well, almost,
Today was a convergence of happenings. First thing this morning, BT, the ever friendly, non-customer focused telecom company, as promised, delivered an engineer who walked through my house in his socks, (because I have white carpet and live in a mud puddle...) and connected phone lines (oh, not free, mind you...to the tune of GBP 46.00, equivilant to USD 90.00 per line) so that I can pay Sky cable to connect my tv's to channels other than BBC 1,2,3, or 4... God is good!!
After that, I received an email to my work email, stating that my broadband connection (yes, another BT adventure) at home was now up and running.(How you would ever know without a work email is beyond me.) I am happy to say, after almost three months of not having internet access at home, I AM CONNECTED!!
Then, to top it all off, I was delivered my brand new (Seagate provided) car. A gorgeous, metalic blue, 320 si, BMW, salon style, four door with all the bells and whistles... blue tooth phone, sun roof, heated seats, parking sensors (yes, I need them!), "lovely" as the guy who delivered it said, beige interior. Also, a big plus, tires that don't go flat... can you imagine! What will they think up next? Oh, yeah, I have a "Nav.. system as well... no more excuses for being late to work. Anyway, I was only able to drive 10 minutes home from work, but I am going for a long ride this weekend!!
All in all, not a bad day for a Monday. I feel so lucky to have had such a day. What can possibly top this!!
Well, tomorrow is another day!
After that, I received an email to my work email, stating that my broadband connection (yes, another BT adventure) at home was now up and running.(How you would ever know without a work email is beyond me.) I am happy to say, after almost three months of not having internet access at home, I AM CONNECTED!!
Then, to top it all off, I was delivered my brand new (Seagate provided) car. A gorgeous, metalic blue, 320 si, BMW, salon style, four door with all the bells and whistles... blue tooth phone, sun roof, heated seats, parking sensors (yes, I need them!), "lovely" as the guy who delivered it said, beige interior. Also, a big plus, tires that don't go flat... can you imagine! What will they think up next? Oh, yeah, I have a "Nav.. system as well... no more excuses for being late to work. Anyway, I was only able to drive 10 minutes home from work, but I am going for a long ride this weekend!!
All in all, not a bad day for a Monday. I feel so lucky to have had such a day. What can possibly top this!!
Well, tomorrow is another day!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The English Lifestyle
Just a quick note so that I don't get out the habit of updating.
I have actually spent almost an entire week in my new place alone. It isn't creepy or anything. I am quite comfortable. I enjoy coming home at night to my cute little cottage with the white picket fence and nicely trimmed hedge. The kitchen is where I live because I don't have a TV in the living room yet. It is a brand new kitchen so I feel very "cosmopolitan" as I heat up my weight watchers dinner in the microwave and sip a glass of white wine. (No, I haven't lost any weight, and the reason I am drinking white wine is because red wine is not good for acid reflux...rrr it is a bitch getting old!) Anyway, I generally get home about 8pm because I talk to the states on the lease line at work and try to get caught up on the stuff I didn't get done with all the conference calls, meetings, etc. Don' t feel sorry for me though. One of the nicest things here is that we don't really start work until 9-9:30am. If you know me well enough, you know this is perfect for me!! Anyway, I have met a few of my neighbors and they all seem very nice. This weekend the "hood" is having a pot luck bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawkes day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night. Evidently this guy had planted explosives in the basements of Parliament, way back when, but he got caught. They burned him at the stake (thus, bonfire) and also exploded all the explosives so they also celebrate with fireworks... Hmmm, Fourth of July - Independence from England, Guy Fox day - England burns one of their own... Correlation?? "Don't be silly!"
I will report in after the event...
Bye for now, keep those comments coming, I love to read them.. keeps me connected!
PS: Any of you English teachers, (and you know who you are..) Don't be too critical of the writing... I am in a hurry...
I have actually spent almost an entire week in my new place alone. It isn't creepy or anything. I am quite comfortable. I enjoy coming home at night to my cute little cottage with the white picket fence and nicely trimmed hedge. The kitchen is where I live because I don't have a TV in the living room yet. It is a brand new kitchen so I feel very "cosmopolitan" as I heat up my weight watchers dinner in the microwave and sip a glass of white wine. (No, I haven't lost any weight, and the reason I am drinking white wine is because red wine is not good for acid reflux...rrr it is a bitch getting old!) Anyway, I generally get home about 8pm because I talk to the states on the lease line at work and try to get caught up on the stuff I didn't get done with all the conference calls, meetings, etc. Don' t feel sorry for me though. One of the nicest things here is that we don't really start work until 9-9:30am. If you know me well enough, you know this is perfect for me!! Anyway, I have met a few of my neighbors and they all seem very nice. This weekend the "hood" is having a pot luck bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawkes day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night. Evidently this guy had planted explosives in the basements of Parliament, way back when, but he got caught. They burned him at the stake (thus, bonfire) and also exploded all the explosives so they also celebrate with fireworks... Hmmm, Fourth of July - Independence from England, Guy Fox day - England burns one of their own... Correlation?? "Don't be silly!"
I will report in after the event...
Bye for now, keep those comments coming, I love to read them.. keeps me connected!
PS: Any of you English teachers, (and you know who you are..) Don't be too critical of the writing... I am in a hurry...
Friday, October 27, 2006
another milestone
Well, we hit another milestone yesterday. Oct 26 would have been Steve's 56th birthday. Damn him! Now I will always be older than him! It was a wierd day for all of us, I think. Nick was on his way to Mississippi with his friend Cody. He and Kirby are on a break... Steph went on a job interview that looks promissing and had to celebrate her birthday without Dad... Joe and Domique are formally unattached... Tony and Kelly seem to be doing OK... Tony is coaching football at Scotts Valley High School where the team is undefeated, Kelly is taking four classes at Cabrillo in order to get her AA degree by January...while working full time... yes, she is insane! Adrianna is learning to talk, more and more and more. Every time I speak to her on the phone she seems to have improved language skills. Today she said, "Hi, What are you doing?" When I said I was at work, she said, "Oh, at your desk?" anyway, on and on she went but it was definetly a conversation. How fast they grow up.
English people have got to be the most patient people in the world. I have been waiting over a month to get a line for a broadband connection. Do you know that they came out today, but I don't have it yet because, all the guy did was put in a line. Some where else the connection will be processed. Hopefully I will have it before it is time for me to move back home... Ridiculous!
The weather was very nice when I came in to work today. The sun was shining, there were bright skys. By the time I leave tonight it will be dark, raining and cold... Welcome to England they all say. Not to worry though, my mother and daughter set up lights on timers for me so that I don't go home to a dark house. They are the best.
I have no plans for the weekend, except maybe get the grey out of my hair... I have noticed that when the grey starts to show through, my skin starts to sag as well... got to stop that!! Now I know what they mean by "turkey neck" and "flabby arms..." God, it is a bitch getting old!
Well, if anything exciting happens, I will let you know... off to the cottage... Ta Ta!
English people have got to be the most patient people in the world. I have been waiting over a month to get a line for a broadband connection. Do you know that they came out today, but I don't have it yet because, all the guy did was put in a line. Some where else the connection will be processed. Hopefully I will have it before it is time for me to move back home... Ridiculous!
The weather was very nice when I came in to work today. The sun was shining, there were bright skys. By the time I leave tonight it will be dark, raining and cold... Welcome to England they all say. Not to worry though, my mother and daughter set up lights on timers for me so that I don't go home to a dark house. They are the best.
I have no plans for the weekend, except maybe get the grey out of my hair... I have noticed that when the grey starts to show through, my skin starts to sag as well... got to stop that!! Now I know what they mean by "turkey neck" and "flabby arms..." God, it is a bitch getting old!
Well, if anything exciting happens, I will let you know... off to the cottage... Ta Ta!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Marbella... It is in Spain.
Boy, is the world a small place. I am here in Marbella, Spain which I think is on the West Coast of Spain...who knows, I flew here with absolutely no idea of where the plane was headed. It only took 2.5 hours from Heathrow. Anyway, I am sitting in my hotel room watching NFL football with the commentary in Spanish. I am watching it because it is Atlanta vs Pittsburgh and I hoping to see Nick's friend Jordan (number 52 for Atlanta). Haven't' seen him yet. All I really understand is "Michael Vick...and touchdown..." with the exaggerated vowels and bueno, bueno!! I think I might know Spanish!!
It has been raining all day. I am traveling with two great ladies from the UK event company we use, for a site visit to the hotel where we are going to hold our Regional Sales Meeting end of Feb. We have been accused of bringing the rain. The hotel sits right on the ocean and looks like it is fabulous when the sun is shining which is supposedly almost 360 days a year. Yes, we are here during the only five days a year they have rain... It is a resort area with many hotels, lots of shops and restaurants. We decided we would walk to the" old town." It really was a nice walk except the sidewalks are tile...(this is a big tile area) and this becomes very slippery in the rain.. I was wearing my cute gold flip-flops.. not good! Not only were my feet getting soaking wet, I was slipping everywhere.. for sure I was going to land on my butt...(even though it is wide, it has little padding and for sure I would break my tailbone..) Luckily we came upon a sports shoe store. I bought a pair of tennis shoes (trainers, if you are English) and socks and off I walked, with dry feet and way more traction. Who really cares about rain when you can walk without slipping!
We finally found the "old town" which is extremely charming... very much like parts of Italy with small little alleys, cute little shops, tile walkways and many little squares which have loads of outdoor seating, abandoned today due to rain, but quaint. While we shared a bottle of Spanish champagne, we were entertained by several really drunk people singing in English but trying to speak to us in some Slavic language... Drunks are really the same everywhere. They were not too annoying, except they smoked. We ordered dinner and they kept trying to talk to us. They finally gave up and just kept singing... While we ate at this covered outside bistro we also watched little ferrel cats run in and out of the restaurant, looking for scraps, I guess. Tomorrow we are going to travel out a bit farther by car to look at potential off site venues. (I know, tough life!) But I have had to check email on my blackberry all day... It's so annoying!! Just kidding.. Love being connected.
Well off for now..
It has been raining all day. I am traveling with two great ladies from the UK event company we use, for a site visit to the hotel where we are going to hold our Regional Sales Meeting end of Feb. We have been accused of bringing the rain. The hotel sits right on the ocean and looks like it is fabulous when the sun is shining which is supposedly almost 360 days a year. Yes, we are here during the only five days a year they have rain... It is a resort area with many hotels, lots of shops and restaurants. We decided we would walk to the" old town." It really was a nice walk except the sidewalks are tile...(this is a big tile area) and this becomes very slippery in the rain.. I was wearing my cute gold flip-flops.. not good! Not only were my feet getting soaking wet, I was slipping everywhere.. for sure I was going to land on my butt...(even though it is wide, it has little padding and for sure I would break my tailbone..) Luckily we came upon a sports shoe store. I bought a pair of tennis shoes (trainers, if you are English) and socks and off I walked, with dry feet and way more traction. Who really cares about rain when you can walk without slipping!
We finally found the "old town" which is extremely charming... very much like parts of Italy with small little alleys, cute little shops, tile walkways and many little squares which have loads of outdoor seating, abandoned today due to rain, but quaint. While we shared a bottle of Spanish champagne, we were entertained by several really drunk people singing in English but trying to speak to us in some Slavic language... Drunks are really the same everywhere. They were not too annoying, except they smoked. We ordered dinner and they kept trying to talk to us. They finally gave up and just kept singing... While we ate at this covered outside bistro we also watched little ferrel cats run in and out of the restaurant, looking for scraps, I guess. Tomorrow we are going to travel out a bit farther by car to look at potential off site venues. (I know, tough life!) But I have had to check email on my blackberry all day... It's so annoying!! Just kidding.. Love being connected.
Well off for now..
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Praque - continuing the journey
Well, I thought I would experiment with a blog. I have never done anything like this so it might be fun.
Today is a rainy day in jolly ole England. I was planning on an early walk through the "Green" this morning but rain forced me to the office where I sit now. I still don't have broadband at home so anything internet needs to be done at the office. Just returned from a seminar in Praque. Very good seminar on Marketing. Good quality speakers, interesting people and a lovely venue. For the "Gala" dinner they took us to a 16th century building called the "New Town Hall" as apposed to the old town hall built in the 1400's. The significant fact about this building was that it was where 8 Roman Catholic politicians were thrown out of the window by their protestant comrades over the killing of one their own collegues. It signaled the beginning of protestant rule for many years to come.
The building itself was beautiful. Gorgeous high ceilings supported by arched shape beams of amazing wood. A zig-zag set of stairs led you through the bell tower to the roof where you could see all of Praque. The stairs were constructed with sturdy wooden posts that actually supported the bell as well. Incredible to think that we were ploding up these stairs, women in high heels, men in suits, on stairs built in the 1600's. They were not crickety or loose or dangerous. The walk up was worth it!
During the dinner, set in the main room, a string quartet played, dressed like Mozart... wigs and all! Then, in between courses we were entertained by two opera singers, costumed and wigged as well... Wonderful! And... the food and service were good as well...
Wow, who would ever have thought last year at this time that I would be sitting in a 16th century building, enjoying dinner with strangers. Last year at this time I was dressed in Red and Black, enjoying (well, trying to) watching my son play football in a stadium in Arkansas... Life is a wonder!!
Signing off for today... Love to all, hope you enjoy.
Here are copies of the emails I sent before:
Update: 18-Oct-2006
The sun was shining, my little cottage was clean, put together, grocery shopping done, laundry complete, timers on lights, all signs of unpacking gone... and off the two little helpers went. Mom and Steph left this morning.
I will miss them, we have had a lot of fun. On Saturday night we really experienced the "City of Lights.." first, our tour guide, Herve, drove us through the streets of Paris like he was driving a scooter, not a 9 passenger van. All the time he is talking to us in the back seat, and looking right at us!! Ohhhh we had quite a night! Off to the Eiffel Tower for dinner where we were treated to Foi Graz (according to Herve, the best in Paris), another wonderful bottle of Bordeaux and a fantastic view... We were instructed by Herve to walk to the tour boat across the road for our night tour of the Seine... unbelievable! After the tour, Herve was waiting and off we went to the "Red Light" district as Herve pointed out...(where he was raised, of course) to the Moulin Rouge... Through streets no wider than a handicap hallway, Herve drove (sort of) and talked, looking at us, in the back seat, the whole way. He spoke Spanish to the girls in the "way" back and English to us...and French to everyone who got in his way... Mom is laughing and holding on the whole time. Steph and I put our hands up saying... "Party, Party..." We took in the Moulin Rouge 11:30pm show, bottle of Champagne and all... It was quite a show... two hours of skinny, topless incredible dancers. Mom never even nodded off. Good times... The next day we did two hours in the Louvre. Mom saw the Mona Lisa, the Venus, the Winged whatever and the Egyptian exhibit, then we wanted to get back to the exit... easier than it sounds... Between Mom and I we felt like we were never going to get out of there, but 45 minutes later we came out to the light of the Pyramid and hooked up with Stephanie who had chosen to go off on her own. We were happy with our Paris visit. We caught the 5pm train and off we went to London... Delightful!!
This afternoon I boarded a plane to Prague. Tonight I walked through the amazing city, admiring the beautiful buildings, bridges and statues. In contrast to Paris, the lights are subtle, strategically placed to enhance the fairy tale atmosphere of the place. Religious reminders are everywhere. I touched a statue on the famous Charles bridge and made a wish... customary for tourists. In front of me was a small woman who touched the statue, made the sign of the cross and said something in a language I didn't understand while crying. My wish wasn't so serious but it did make me think about customs and how people need things like that to give them hope that things will get better. We all hope for that, really.
Anyway, off to bed.
Update: 13-October-2006
Just to keep you posted... We are now in Paris. Trip on the train was great, we went business class so we had Champagne, lunch and very comfortable seats. We arrived about 5pm, right at "rush hour"... lots of noise, lots of people, horns honking, buses everywhere... We are staying in an area near the Opera House, at a very French style hotel with colorful vines decorating the Louis 1VX style entrance . Hotel Westminster sits next to, and above, the Cartier store that is guarded by armed security, so you know Dolores is in seventh heaven. All the big jewelry stores are in the area and she just keeps saying, "Oh my God!".... We walked to the park that leads to the Louvre and sat by a fountain while Steph smoked a cigarette and we watched the Effiel Tower start to light up. We then walked back to the area around our hotel and had a drink outside, watching the crowds go by then went inside for a typical French dinner at the Grand Cafe. Started with champagne and enjoyed a nice Bordeaux with dinner. We walked back to our hotel and are now getting ready for bed. There are two French doors that open up to a small balcony overlooking the alley near the hotel that is filled with stores, a few bars and the "American Bar" restaurant... It really is a great location. Tomorrow we will do a tour and try to get started on the Louvre... it will take two trips, I am sure.
Mom is a trooper, yesterday she went with the girls to Bath, walked all around (a two hour drive both ways), they picked me up from work and the six of us crammed into my little clown car that is really only supposed to hold five and drove to Windsor where we attended a play called ..."Elvis, Viva Las Vegas.." We walked up to Windsor theater which was a good mile from where my Windsor apartment is. The play lasted almost two and one half hours, where we were all up dancing and singing. Yes, it was unbelievable, you almost thought that Elvis is alive!!! It was great fun! We then went to an Italian restaurant near the theater and walked back to the apartment where the car was parked. Another mile... It was 12:30pm before we got her home, she never complained...even when we got lost on our way home trying to find a gas station!
She is asleep now... but we know she will be up early, getting us out to tour!
Ok, update over.
PS: I don't have internet at home but we do in this hotel, hence I am able to send this. I will do my best to keep you updated.
Love you all.
Update: 12-October 2006
Well, my mom and I had a very uneventful flight to the UK on Friday. She did very well. Neither of us slept much but we weren't too terribly uncomfortable.. When we arrived at the new house we were surprised to find that the most wonderful daughter in the world had unpacked all the boxes and had placed all the furniture! My favorite bed was all set up and so was the guest bed. We both took naps and pretty much lost most of the day on Saturday. On Sunday we got up late and barely made it to the Homebase Store (Home Depot type store) before it closed at 4pm... to pick up a few things like a broom, light bulbs, picture hangers, etc. We also walked through Marlow, walked along the river and enjoyed a Starbucks coffee. We had a nice dinner at home. As we were finishing, I was blabbing and complaining about Steve not going to the doctors and saying how mad I still was, when out of no where, a picture falls off its perch on the table, knocks over the very nice Cabernet we were sharing and spills red wine all over the white carpet. As I was cleaning this up, "Knock, knock, knock'in on Heaven's Door" starting playing on Steve's IPOD.... Mom said it was a sign that I have to stop saying I am mad... RRR, even from the grave.... Anyway, it was weird...
On Monday I went off to work. While I was gone my two fantastic helpers put up all the pictures, filled the bookcases and went grocery shopping. You would think I have lived there for years! We are getting used to the one bathroom thing, (even hard with just three people). Mom has been sleeping well and getting used the BBC news. It rained the past two days so we couldn't really walk, but on Saturday we took a great walk around the area, saw lots of birds, people walking their dogs, people riding horses and saw some beautiful homes.
Yesterday our friends the Scarborough's (Lindsay, Karina and mother Karen) arrived. They are staying in the apartment I have in Windsor because I have it until Oct 15. They came over for dinner last night and we had a great time. Steph is really getting around. She gets a little lost, but is pretty used to driving on the "other" side. She was able to pick them up and bring them back to Windsor. It is about a 15 min drive from my house.
Today, Thursday, Steph and Mom took the girls to Bath. It is supposedly a really cool place to go. They are having a great time. Tonight we are going to play in Windsor, "This is Elvis" should be fun..
Tomorrow Steph and Mom and I are taking the train to Paris for the weekend. I will fill you in on Monday on how that goes. We plan to explore the museums, eat good food and drink good wine... (Mom will have Scotch...)
Both my mom and Steph have really been a tremendous help. I couldn't have done it all myself!! I really am such a lucky person.
We have a home phone, 011 44 1628 776670.. Yes, all those numbers. Please call if you feel like it. Remember we are 8 hours ahead of you.
Sorry I have been remiss in communicating... it has just been a whirlwind!! We haven't been able to download pictures because my computer blew. Will send/post some soon.
Love and miss you all. Kathi
Today is a rainy day in jolly ole England. I was planning on an early walk through the "Green" this morning but rain forced me to the office where I sit now. I still don't have broadband at home so anything internet needs to be done at the office. Just returned from a seminar in Praque. Very good seminar on Marketing. Good quality speakers, interesting people and a lovely venue. For the "Gala" dinner they took us to a 16th century building called the "New Town Hall" as apposed to the old town hall built in the 1400's. The significant fact about this building was that it was where 8 Roman Catholic politicians were thrown out of the window by their protestant comrades over the killing of one their own collegues. It signaled the beginning of protestant rule for many years to come.
The building itself was beautiful. Gorgeous high ceilings supported by arched shape beams of amazing wood. A zig-zag set of stairs led you through the bell tower to the roof where you could see all of Praque. The stairs were constructed with sturdy wooden posts that actually supported the bell as well. Incredible to think that we were ploding up these stairs, women in high heels, men in suits, on stairs built in the 1600's. They were not crickety or loose or dangerous. The walk up was worth it!
During the dinner, set in the main room, a string quartet played, dressed like Mozart... wigs and all! Then, in between courses we were entertained by two opera singers, costumed and wigged as well... Wonderful! And... the food and service were good as well...
Wow, who would ever have thought last year at this time that I would be sitting in a 16th century building, enjoying dinner with strangers. Last year at this time I was dressed in Red and Black, enjoying (well, trying to) watching my son play football in a stadium in Arkansas... Life is a wonder!!
Signing off for today... Love to all, hope you enjoy.
Here are copies of the emails I sent before:
Update: 18-Oct-2006
The sun was shining, my little cottage was clean, put together, grocery shopping done, laundry complete, timers on lights, all signs of unpacking gone... and off the two little helpers went. Mom and Steph left this morning.
I will miss them, we have had a lot of fun. On Saturday night we really experienced the "City of Lights.." first, our tour guide, Herve, drove us through the streets of Paris like he was driving a scooter, not a 9 passenger van. All the time he is talking to us in the back seat, and looking right at us!! Ohhhh we had quite a night! Off to the Eiffel Tower for dinner where we were treated to Foi Graz (according to Herve, the best in Paris), another wonderful bottle of Bordeaux and a fantastic view... We were instructed by Herve to walk to the tour boat across the road for our night tour of the Seine... unbelievable! After the tour, Herve was waiting and off we went to the "Red Light" district as Herve pointed out...(where he was raised, of course) to the Moulin Rouge... Through streets no wider than a handicap hallway, Herve drove (sort of) and talked, looking at us, in the back seat, the whole way. He spoke Spanish to the girls in the "way" back and English to us...and French to everyone who got in his way... Mom is laughing and holding on the whole time. Steph and I put our hands up saying... "Party, Party..." We took in the Moulin Rouge 11:30pm show, bottle of Champagne and all... It was quite a show... two hours of skinny, topless incredible dancers. Mom never even nodded off. Good times... The next day we did two hours in the Louvre. Mom saw the Mona Lisa, the Venus, the Winged whatever and the Egyptian exhibit, then we wanted to get back to the exit... easier than it sounds... Between Mom and I we felt like we were never going to get out of there, but 45 minutes later we came out to the light of the Pyramid and hooked up with Stephanie who had chosen to go off on her own. We were happy with our Paris visit. We caught the 5pm train and off we went to London... Delightful!!
This afternoon I boarded a plane to Prague. Tonight I walked through the amazing city, admiring the beautiful buildings, bridges and statues. In contrast to Paris, the lights are subtle, strategically placed to enhance the fairy tale atmosphere of the place. Religious reminders are everywhere. I touched a statue on the famous Charles bridge and made a wish... customary for tourists. In front of me was a small woman who touched the statue, made the sign of the cross and said something in a language I didn't understand while crying. My wish wasn't so serious but it did make me think about customs and how people need things like that to give them hope that things will get better. We all hope for that, really.
Anyway, off to bed.
Update: 13-October-2006
Just to keep you posted... We are now in Paris. Trip on the train was great, we went business class so we had Champagne, lunch and very comfortable seats. We arrived about 5pm, right at "rush hour"... lots of noise, lots of people, horns honking, buses everywhere... We are staying in an area near the Opera House, at a very French style hotel with colorful vines decorating the Louis 1VX style entrance . Hotel Westminster sits next to, and above, the Cartier store that is guarded by armed security, so you know Dolores is in seventh heaven. All the big jewelry stores are in the area and she just keeps saying, "Oh my God!".... We walked to the park that leads to the Louvre and sat by a fountain while Steph smoked a cigarette and we watched the Effiel Tower start to light up. We then walked back to the area around our hotel and had a drink outside, watching the crowds go by then went inside for a typical French dinner at the Grand Cafe. Started with champagne and enjoyed a nice Bordeaux with dinner. We walked back to our hotel and are now getting ready for bed. There are two French doors that open up to a small balcony overlooking the alley near the hotel that is filled with stores, a few bars and the "American Bar" restaurant... It really is a great location. Tomorrow we will do a tour and try to get started on the Louvre... it will take two trips, I am sure.
Mom is a trooper, yesterday she went with the girls to Bath, walked all around (a two hour drive both ways), they picked me up from work and the six of us crammed into my little clown car that is really only supposed to hold five and drove to Windsor where we attended a play called ..."Elvis, Viva Las Vegas.." We walked up to Windsor theater which was a good mile from where my Windsor apartment is. The play lasted almost two and one half hours, where we were all up dancing and singing. Yes, it was unbelievable, you almost thought that Elvis is alive!!! It was great fun! We then went to an Italian restaurant near the theater and walked back to the apartment where the car was parked. Another mile... It was 12:30pm before we got her home, she never complained...even when we got lost on our way home trying to find a gas station!
She is asleep now... but we know she will be up early, getting us out to tour!
Ok, update over.
PS: I don't have internet at home but we do in this hotel, hence I am able to send this. I will do my best to keep you updated.
Love you all.
Update: 12-October 2006
Well, my mom and I had a very uneventful flight to the UK on Friday. She did very well. Neither of us slept much but we weren't too terribly uncomfortable.. When we arrived at the new house we were surprised to find that the most wonderful daughter in the world had unpacked all the boxes and had placed all the furniture! My favorite bed was all set up and so was the guest bed. We both took naps and pretty much lost most of the day on Saturday. On Sunday we got up late and barely made it to the Homebase Store (Home Depot type store) before it closed at 4pm... to pick up a few things like a broom, light bulbs, picture hangers, etc. We also walked through Marlow, walked along the river and enjoyed a Starbucks coffee. We had a nice dinner at home. As we were finishing, I was blabbing and complaining about Steve not going to the doctors and saying how mad I still was, when out of no where, a picture falls off its perch on the table, knocks over the very nice Cabernet we were sharing and spills red wine all over the white carpet. As I was cleaning this up, "Knock, knock, knock'in on Heaven's Door" starting playing on Steve's IPOD.... Mom said it was a sign that I have to stop saying I am mad... RRR, even from the grave.... Anyway, it was weird...
On Monday I went off to work. While I was gone my two fantastic helpers put up all the pictures, filled the bookcases and went grocery shopping. You would think I have lived there for years! We are getting used to the one bathroom thing, (even hard with just three people). Mom has been sleeping well and getting used the BBC news. It rained the past two days so we couldn't really walk, but on Saturday we took a great walk around the area, saw lots of birds, people walking their dogs, people riding horses and saw some beautiful homes.
Yesterday our friends the Scarborough's (Lindsay, Karina and mother Karen) arrived. They are staying in the apartment I have in Windsor because I have it until Oct 15. They came over for dinner last night and we had a great time. Steph is really getting around. She gets a little lost, but is pretty used to driving on the "other" side. She was able to pick them up and bring them back to Windsor. It is about a 15 min drive from my house.
Today, Thursday, Steph and Mom took the girls to Bath. It is supposedly a really cool place to go. They are having a great time. Tonight we are going to play in Windsor, "This is Elvis" should be fun..
Tomorrow Steph and Mom and I are taking the train to Paris for the weekend. I will fill you in on Monday on how that goes. We plan to explore the museums, eat good food and drink good wine... (Mom will have Scotch...)
Both my mom and Steph have really been a tremendous help. I couldn't have done it all myself!! I really am such a lucky person.
We have a home phone, 011 44 1628 776670.. Yes, all those numbers. Please call if you feel like it. Remember we are 8 hours ahead of you.
Sorry I have been remiss in communicating... it has just been a whirlwind!! We haven't been able to download pictures because my computer blew. Will send/post some soon.
Love and miss you all. Kathi
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