Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday 28th January..New York to Lakeville, Minnesota
This morning Joe and walked to Central Park. The sidewalks were not as bad as yesterday but there were lots of water standing at every intersection and the only way to cross the street was to go through the water, my feet were soaked before we got very far, it was a little colder this morning so my feet were wet and cold. When we got to the park we were surprised to see that there were still a lot of joggers around even if there were lots snow on the ground. We saw the zoo but it wasn't open, we saw the ice skating rink where there were lots of skaters with their coaches, we watched for a few minutes and then moved on to ramble some more through the park. There were lots of people walking dogs and most of the dogs had little booties on their feet and coats on their backs. It looks like New York puppies are pampered. I took a few photos of the park with the skyline, I hope they turn out okay.
We headed back to the hotel walking down Park Avenue, 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue just to name a few. When we got back I had to try to dry my boots with the hairdryer before I could pack them. Our flight was at 3:45pm this afternoon so we had a little time to kill before heading to the airport. I am still feeling sick so I took medication and almost fell asleep. We figured we may as well head to the airport early and get some thing to eat before our flight, we went down to check out and get a cab.
After we had been in the cab a few minutes the driver asked if we were paying by cash, Joe told him no he would be paying with a debit card, the driver was not too happy, he told us he would rather have cash, Joe again told him it would be a debit card, the driver was pretty rude and said 'all you tourists come to town with credit cards' He got us to the airport, Joe paid him and he threw our luggage on the sidewalk.
Our flight was uneventful, got the right seats and we were on time. Arrived in Minneapolis about 6:00pm this evening. Here we are now back home in Lakeville. This was a great trip and would have been even better if I had not been sick for half of it.
I don't know if I will keep up this blog, I might not have much to ramble on about, my normal everyday life is not very exciting to be writing about but we will see..........
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday 27th January..New York City
When we got up this morning we found that New York had up to 16 inches of snow last night, just our luck we are here for a day and a half and we are going to be stuck in the hotel room. The news was saying schools were closed and public transportation was limited service. Joe went down to the Starbucks to get us coffees and when he came back he said that it looks like we can get out. We walked to Grand Central Station and found that we could get the underground to Bowling Green and then get a ferry across to see the Statue of Liberty. When we got off the underground we first went to where the Staten Island ferry leaves and got our first glimse of Lady Liberty, it was too far away to get a decent photo but I tried anyway. After talking to a police officer we found we had to go to Battery Park to get the ferry across to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, we walked over there, just minutes away, found that the ferrys were not running, we don't know if it was because of the weather or they just don't run in the winter. We went back and got the Staten Island ferry, Joe figured we could get a better look at the Statue from the ferry, he was right I got some photos, this is the trip that I should have had my 35mm camera with me, I don't use it much anymore, it's too big to carry all day. We rode the ferry to Staten Island and rode the very next one back.
We could see the Brooklyn Bridge from where we were so decided to walk there next. It wasn't too bad of a walk but trying to find where to get on the bridge was the problem, we eventually found our way, we walked across and back so now we can also say we have been to Brooklyn.
We didn't eat breakfast, just the coffee so we thought about looking for somewhere for lunch found a place called Albella, we had pizza.
When we were walking to Brooklyn Bridge we saw Wall Street so we thought we would go check it out, we saw The New York Stock Exchange, it is very heavily guarded. We have both wanted to go to see Ground Zero so that was our next visit. I cannot imagine being there that day or being in one of these other buildings watching the planes hit.
We started to make our way back towards the hotel by getting the underground, we bought the tickets and then we were not too sure which train to get, we found a map and figured it out. It's funny when you are somewhere unfamilar you lose a little of your confidence, at least I do. We got back to Grand Central Station and walked back to Times Square for another look around.
My feet were soaked from the slush so we came back to room for a while to warm up and relax before we go out to meet Dennis for a drink, he is someone that used to work at Toro that now lives and works in New York.
Tomorrow will be our last day of travel. We are going to get out early and walk to Central Park and see whatever else there is to see on the way there. Our flight is around 4:30pm so we have to get out and do some more rambling around this city.
We could see the Brooklyn Bridge from where we were so decided to walk there next. It wasn't too bad of a walk but trying to find where to get on the bridge was the problem, we eventually found our way, we walked across and back so now we can also say we have been to Brooklyn.
We didn't eat breakfast, just the coffee so we thought about looking for somewhere for lunch found a place called Albella, we had pizza.
When we were walking to Brooklyn Bridge we saw Wall Street so we thought we would go check it out, we saw The New York Stock Exchange, it is very heavily guarded. We have both wanted to go to see Ground Zero so that was our next visit. I cannot imagine being there that day or being in one of these other buildings watching the planes hit.
We started to make our way back towards the hotel by getting the underground, we bought the tickets and then we were not too sure which train to get, we found a map and figured it out. It's funny when you are somewhere unfamilar you lose a little of your confidence, at least I do. We got back to Grand Central Station and walked back to Times Square for another look around.
My feet were soaked from the slush so we came back to room for a while to warm up and relax before we go out to meet Dennis for a drink, he is someone that used to work at Toro that now lives and works in New York.
Tomorrow will be our last day of travel. We are going to get out early and walk to Central Park and see whatever else there is to see on the way there. Our flight is around 4:30pm so we have to get out and do some more rambling around this city.
Wednesday 26th January...Nice to New York
We left the hotel at 5am our flight to Amsterdam was at 6:40am. Got checked in and went to the departure gate. When it was about time to board we were told that the plane had ice on it, ice? this is Nice and they dont have de-icing equipment so the flight was cancelled, we had to go and collect our luggage and go to a desk to be re-routed. We stood in this very slow moving line for two hours, when we were just a few people from the front of the line they told us that the original flight was going to take off in about 40 minutes, that the sun had come up and melted the ice off the plane, so we stood in line for two hours while we could have just waited for two hours at the gate. We originally had a five hour lay over in Amsterdam which was cut down to two with the delay.
When we got our boarding passes for the New York flight we found that we were seated in different areas of the plane, we were originally seated together, Joe asked at check in Nice if they could be changed, they said they couldn't do it because they are AirFrance and we are flying KLM to New York. We got to Amsterdam and went in the World Club, they couldn't or wouldn't do it there and told us to check at the gate, we got to the gate and there we were told that there was a flight cancelled earlier in the day and they were re-booking people onto our flight and moving people around, we felt we shouldn't have to change seats because of something that was not our fault, they changed our seats and put us together.
We got to New York. Got a cab to the hotel, it was cold and raining. We are staying just a few blocks from Time Square so we decided that we are here for such a short time that we should go out and see something, so off we went to ramble around Times Square. It was fun to see where Good Morning America is taped, I watch it most mornings. It started sleeting and icing so we headed back to the hotel stopping on the way at a Walgreens for some cold medication, I am still struggling with this stinking cold, I cannot remember having a cold this bad. We went down to the bar for a drink, Joe had a beer and I had a sprite, I took cold medicine.
It was a very long day what with the delay and the time change.
When we got our boarding passes for the New York flight we found that we were seated in different areas of the plane, we were originally seated together, Joe asked at check in Nice if they could be changed, they said they couldn't do it because they are AirFrance and we are flying KLM to New York. We got to Amsterdam and went in the World Club, they couldn't or wouldn't do it there and told us to check at the gate, we got to the gate and there we were told that there was a flight cancelled earlier in the day and they were re-booking people onto our flight and moving people around, we felt we shouldn't have to change seats because of something that was not our fault, they changed our seats and put us together.
We got to New York. Got a cab to the hotel, it was cold and raining. We are staying just a few blocks from Time Square so we decided that we are here for such a short time that we should go out and see something, so off we went to ramble around Times Square. It was fun to see where Good Morning America is taped, I watch it most mornings. It started sleeting and icing so we headed back to the hotel stopping on the way at a Walgreens for some cold medication, I am still struggling with this stinking cold, I cannot remember having a cold this bad. We went down to the bar for a drink, Joe had a beer and I had a sprite, I took cold medicine.
It was a very long day what with the delay and the time change.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday 25th January..Monaco and Monte-Carlo
Joe and I decided to go back and ramble around Monaco and Monte-Carlo some more, we didn't get enough of it on Sunday. We left by bus from Nice airport at 9:45am and was in Monte-Carlo by 10:30am.
We got off the bus at a tourist information center, went in and picked up a map. We first walked to the world famous Monte-Carlo Casino, wow! what a building, it cost 10 euros just to walk in the door but it didn't open until 2pm. There were signs all over saying no cameras which was a little dissapointing, Joe thought it was to keep the papperatzi away from the rich and famous entering the casino.
We then made our way to the Royal Palace, this time we climbed the steps to the hill top to see the Palace close up. I had always heard it was the pink Palace but it really is not, some of the surrounding buildings are pinkish and there were pink sheer curtains at the windows. We saw the Cathedral were the American actress Grace Kelly married and became Princess Grace and where Princess Caroline was also married, we didn't go in it was closed. We walked around the gardens and also saw Jaques Coustau's oceanography museum that we were trying to find on Sunday. When we got back from walking in the gardens we were just in time to see the changing of the guard at the Palace gates, that was fun to see.
We walked down to the harbor and found a street side restaurant for lunch, lamb shank was on the menu so we both had that, the desert was so good. The French know how to do food right.
After lunch we walked the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix circuit, Joe was interested to see how sharp those turns are when you actually see them. Went back to the Casino area and saw people taking photos so I sneaked a couple of the casino, when we were there earlier there were a few police officers around so I didn't dare use my camera then, this afternoon the police had moved on, maybe they were expecting someone famous this morning, who knows.
We walked around the harbor again looking at the yachts, I touched one and wondered how many thousands of dollars I had just touched.
Afer walking around and after seeing everything we both wanted to see we got the bus back to the airport. Walked the few minutes back to the hotel. This evening we have packed ready for the start of our trip back home. Went down to the bar for our last beer in France. We leave Nice at 6:40am tomorrow, flying to Amsterdam and on to New York where we will spend a couple of days before we head back to Minnesota on Friday..
We got off the bus at a tourist information center, went in and picked up a map. We first walked to the world famous Monte-Carlo Casino, wow! what a building, it cost 10 euros just to walk in the door but it didn't open until 2pm. There were signs all over saying no cameras which was a little dissapointing, Joe thought it was to keep the papperatzi away from the rich and famous entering the casino.
We then made our way to the Royal Palace, this time we climbed the steps to the hill top to see the Palace close up. I had always heard it was the pink Palace but it really is not, some of the surrounding buildings are pinkish and there were pink sheer curtains at the windows. We saw the Cathedral were the American actress Grace Kelly married and became Princess Grace and where Princess Caroline was also married, we didn't go in it was closed. We walked around the gardens and also saw Jaques Coustau's oceanography museum that we were trying to find on Sunday. When we got back from walking in the gardens we were just in time to see the changing of the guard at the Palace gates, that was fun to see.
We walked down to the harbor and found a street side restaurant for lunch, lamb shank was on the menu so we both had that, the desert was so good. The French know how to do food right.
After lunch we walked the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix circuit, Joe was interested to see how sharp those turns are when you actually see them. Went back to the Casino area and saw people taking photos so I sneaked a couple of the casino, when we were there earlier there were a few police officers around so I didn't dare use my camera then, this afternoon the police had moved on, maybe they were expecting someone famous this morning, who knows.
We walked around the harbor again looking at the yachts, I touched one and wondered how many thousands of dollars I had just touched.
Afer walking around and after seeing everything we both wanted to see we got the bus back to the airport. Walked the few minutes back to the hotel. This evening we have packed ready for the start of our trip back home. Went down to the bar for our last beer in France. We leave Nice at 6:40am tomorrow, flying to Amsterdam and on to New York where we will spend a couple of days before we head back to Minnesota on Friday..
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday 24th January..Nice
Today we left the Four Season Resort, too bad really it is very nice to be treated the way the staff treated us, I have never experienced anything like the service they give anywhere before, at dinner last night the wait staff noticed I cannot hardly talk and she brought me hot tea with lemon and honey to help my cold, her idea not mine.
Jace was leaving to go back to the USA this morning so he offered to take us to the hotel we are now staying at until we leave on Wednesday. This hotel is within walking distance to the Nice airport, Joe and I walked there this morning to check out if there is a bus station or train station there also. We found that we can get a bus to Monaco there at the airport, we are thinking we will go back to Monaco tomorrow, we would like to see more of the town.
Today Joe and I got a bus into Nice, that was an experience in itself, we were told by the hotel staff where to get the bus and what number etc. What they failed to tell us was which side of the street to get the bus, of course we were on the wrong side, luckily we did tell the driver we wanted to go to Nice city center and she told us wrong bus, we needed to cross the street.
We were in Nice by 11am and started walking, we had no idea where anything was located but we had heard that there is an old town area and we hoped to find it. We hadn't walked very far before we saw signs for the heritage area. It was fabulous, very narrow streets an alleys to explore, we have never seen anything like it. We went through a market place, it was flea market day all kinds of treasures for sale. I wonder if on other days it is a regular market with fruit, vegetables etc. We walked to the ocean and walked along the promanade, it was bright and sunny but just a little cool. After walking along the oceanside for a while we went back into the streets and found a streetside cafe for lunch and yes they take credit cards. We ordered beers and I had pizza and Joe had all you could eat mussels. Joe finished his mussels or so he thought, they brought him another big bowl of them but this time in a cream sauce instead of butter and garlic, I tried them they were very good and I am not a big fan of mussels.
After lunch we decided to start walking towards the hotel, partly because we had no idea where to get the bus back but mainly because it turned into such a warm day and it felt good being outside in the sun and warmth. We found a drug store and we went in to see if we could get something to help me cope with this cold thing that I have. The person we spoke to knew some English and she helped find something to try, just add it to water she said. We walked and walked and finally made it back to the hotel. It was about three miles walk from Nice.
Now I wanted to take this medication, I had no idea how much water? cold? hot? so I got on-line and googled it, didn't tell me much, so I figured I would put it in water and hope for the best, as soon as I opened the packet of powder I knew what to do, it was a hot drink mix.
We were so tired after our day of walking and sightseeing that we haven't moved out of the hotel this evening...tomorrow we are going back to ramble around Monaco some more..
Jace was leaving to go back to the USA this morning so he offered to take us to the hotel we are now staying at until we leave on Wednesday. This hotel is within walking distance to the Nice airport, Joe and I walked there this morning to check out if there is a bus station or train station there also. We found that we can get a bus to Monaco there at the airport, we are thinking we will go back to Monaco tomorrow, we would like to see more of the town.
Today Joe and I got a bus into Nice, that was an experience in itself, we were told by the hotel staff where to get the bus and what number etc. What they failed to tell us was which side of the street to get the bus, of course we were on the wrong side, luckily we did tell the driver we wanted to go to Nice city center and she told us wrong bus, we needed to cross the street.
We were in Nice by 11am and started walking, we had no idea where anything was located but we had heard that there is an old town area and we hoped to find it. We hadn't walked very far before we saw signs for the heritage area. It was fabulous, very narrow streets an alleys to explore, we have never seen anything like it. We went through a market place, it was flea market day all kinds of treasures for sale. I wonder if on other days it is a regular market with fruit, vegetables etc. We walked to the ocean and walked along the promanade, it was bright and sunny but just a little cool. After walking along the oceanside for a while we went back into the streets and found a streetside cafe for lunch and yes they take credit cards. We ordered beers and I had pizza and Joe had all you could eat mussels. Joe finished his mussels or so he thought, they brought him another big bowl of them but this time in a cream sauce instead of butter and garlic, I tried them they were very good and I am not a big fan of mussels.
After lunch we decided to start walking towards the hotel, partly because we had no idea where to get the bus back but mainly because it turned into such a warm day and it felt good being outside in the sun and warmth. We found a drug store and we went in to see if we could get something to help me cope with this cold thing that I have. The person we spoke to knew some English and she helped find something to try, just add it to water she said. We walked and walked and finally made it back to the hotel. It was about three miles walk from Nice.
Now I wanted to take this medication, I had no idea how much water? cold? hot? so I got on-line and googled it, didn't tell me much, so I figured I would put it in water and hope for the best, as soon as I opened the packet of powder I knew what to do, it was a hot drink mix.
We were so tired after our day of walking and sightseeing that we haven't moved out of the hotel this evening...tomorrow we are going back to ramble around Monaco some more..
Sunday 23rd January..Monaco...Monte-Carlo...Cannes
After breakfast we met Jace and the three of us went to visit Monaco and Monte-Carlo. Jace still has his rental car so he drove. It only took about a hour to get to Monaco. We parked up and started walking, we got to the harbor and there were lots of very large yachts moored, boy how the other half live. We were trying to find Jaques Costeau's ocean museum but it seemed we could'nt walk to it from were we where so we walked back to the car stopping to look at The Japanese Gardens on the way.
We drove around trying to find this museum, Jace programed the GPS but it kept telling us to turn into a street that was a one way street-the wrong way. Afer driving around in a circle three times we gave up and decided to get out of there. Along with the harbor we also saw the Royal Palace on the hill top, the famous Monte-Carlo casino and some very expensive stores that we could'nt even afford to walk into.
We headed to Cannes, passing Nice on the way. Again we parked up and walked to the ocean. By this time we were looking for somewhere to eat lunch, we got seated at an oceanside cafe but found that they did not take credit cards only cash and between the three of us we didn't have enough euros to pay for lunch so we left. We did find another restaurant that took credit cards. We ordered drinks and our appertizers and didn't get chance to order our main course because the waiter took the menus away. We did notice that they served lunch between 12noon and 2:30pm, it was already 2:20pm when they seated us but they did seat us. When we had finshed our appertizers we were asked if we wanted dessert or coffee, we declined. The waiters were hovering around the tables and as soon as anyone got up and left they prepared the table for the evening meal. Apparently they close from 2:30pm until 7pm. We payed the bill and moved on, what little food we did have was very good, too bad they didn't give us the chance to try more.
We took a look around the area, Gucchi and Prada come to mind, they were closed, not too many stores open on a Sunday in Europe. I took quite a few photos of our rambles today which I need to work on posting...
We drove around trying to find this museum, Jace programed the GPS but it kept telling us to turn into a street that was a one way street-the wrong way. Afer driving around in a circle three times we gave up and decided to get out of there. Along with the harbor we also saw the Royal Palace on the hill top, the famous Monte-Carlo casino and some very expensive stores that we could'nt even afford to walk into.
We headed to Cannes, passing Nice on the way. Again we parked up and walked to the ocean. By this time we were looking for somewhere to eat lunch, we got seated at an oceanside cafe but found that they did not take credit cards only cash and between the three of us we didn't have enough euros to pay for lunch so we left. We did find another restaurant that took credit cards. We ordered drinks and our appertizers and didn't get chance to order our main course because the waiter took the menus away. We did notice that they served lunch between 12noon and 2:30pm, it was already 2:20pm when they seated us but they did seat us. When we had finshed our appertizers we were asked if we wanted dessert or coffee, we declined. The waiters were hovering around the tables and as soon as anyone got up and left they prepared the table for the evening meal. Apparently they close from 2:30pm until 7pm. We payed the bill and moved on, what little food we did have was very good, too bad they didn't give us the chance to try more.
We took a look around the area, Gucchi and Prada come to mind, they were closed, not too many stores open on a Sunday in Europe. I took quite a few photos of our rambles today which I need to work on posting...
Saturday 22nd January..Manchester back to Nice..
Here I am sitting in Manchester airport. It was strange in the security area, I was the only person around besides the about ten security workers, I even commented on it to one of the guards.
I said goodbye to Rose, Marie, Olivia and Amelia a little while ago, they all brought me to the airport. It is always hard saying goodbye, I never know when I am going to back in England, I know I will be back but when...Rose and I of course had the customary tears.
I have about another hour to wait for my flight to Amsterdam. I have wandered around and looked at the shops..WH Smith, Boots Drug store etc. I bought a bottle of Ribena Blackcurrant, thought that the vitamin C might do me good, I have a stinking cold.
Joe called Rose's house before I left, he will be in Nice waiting for me tonight and probably Jace will drive. Joe said we may go to Monaco tomorrow which is something to look forward to but right now I am very sad.
Got here in Amsterdam without any problems, well just one, I was in a middle seat, only a hour flight so no big drama. It looks like we are going to be bussed out to the plane. I have eaten my crunchie bar Rose gave me while I have been sitting here. It is very boring traveling by myself, I dont know how Joe does it all the time. Oh! It seems like my flight is going to be leaving thirty minutes late, wont get into Nice until about 11pm now. Going to board now...
I said goodbye to Rose, Marie, Olivia and Amelia a little while ago, they all brought me to the airport. It is always hard saying goodbye, I never know when I am going to back in England, I know I will be back but when...Rose and I of course had the customary tears.
I have about another hour to wait for my flight to Amsterdam. I have wandered around and looked at the shops..WH Smith, Boots Drug store etc. I bought a bottle of Ribena Blackcurrant, thought that the vitamin C might do me good, I have a stinking cold.
Joe called Rose's house before I left, he will be in Nice waiting for me tonight and probably Jace will drive. Joe said we may go to Monaco tomorrow which is something to look forward to but right now I am very sad.
Got here in Amsterdam without any problems, well just one, I was in a middle seat, only a hour flight so no big drama. It looks like we are going to be bussed out to the plane. I have eaten my crunchie bar Rose gave me while I have been sitting here. It is very boring traveling by myself, I dont know how Joe does it all the time. Oh! It seems like my flight is going to be leaving thirty minutes late, wont get into Nice until about 11pm now. Going to board now...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday 21st January..Meeting an old school friend after 40 plus years
Today Rose and I went back into Manchester, we got the train again and we were in Manchester by 10:30am. We went back to Primark and I did get the boots I saw a couple of days ago. I also got Adam a Manchester City Football [soccer] jersey. Today we are meeting an old school friend, I haven't seen her for forty some years. I have talked to Rita on-line. We met at 12noon and went to the Printworks center to Papa Gs a Greek restaurant, we all had a Greek Village Salad with Salmon, it was very good. We had a good time catching up with Rita and talking over old times at school. After lunch we were thinking we might ride the Manchester Eye but we ran out of time, Rose had to get back to pick the girls up from school. I had been a little nervous about meeting Rita not knowing how we would get on but it was a good time. Next time I am in town it would be fun to meet up with her again.
I have developed a sore throat over the last couple of days..I hope I dont have tonsillitus
I have developed a sore throat over the last couple of days..I hope I dont have tonsillitus
Thursday 20th January..Ashton under Lyne
Today Rose and I went to Ashton-U-Lyne. This is a town were we lived and went to school. Last time I was in England Rose and I went to meet Pam an old friend we were at school with, we had not seen her for 40 plus years. We went to meet Pam again and have lunch with her. We went to the Ash Tree Pub which is part of the Wetherspoon chain of pubs. We had a good lunch and a nice time with Pam.
We headed back towards Rochdale stopping at the Range store, I was looking for Frys Chocolate Cream bars to take back for my Mom, they didn't have any. It was a very cold foggy day. It was good to get back to Roses and get warm inside.
We headed back towards Rochdale stopping at the Range store, I was looking for Frys Chocolate Cream bars to take back for my Mom, they didn't have any. It was a very cold foggy day. It was good to get back to Roses and get warm inside.
Wednesday 19th January..Manchester
Both girls went back to school today. Marie took the day off work so that Rose, Marie and myself could have a day of shopping in Manchester. Rose and I met Marie at the train station in Littleborough and got into Manchester about 10:30am. Went shopping at Primark, I saw a pair of boots I might get on Friday when we will be in Manchester again.We then went to Greggs bakery and got a pasty, got coffee at Costa. Shopped in the Arndale center [shopping mall] We headed back to Victoria station for the 3pm train but it had been cancelled, the next train was at 3:20 but that one was 15 minutes late, it was becoming very cold waiting on the platform for this train. We got back to Roses at about 4:30pm.
This evening we all went to The Temujin Mongolian Restaurant in Sowbey Bridge a small town 45 minutes away. It was excellent, a little bit like the Mongolian Grill in Burnsville Mn.
A good day of shopping and a good night out.
This evening we all went to The Temujin Mongolian Restaurant in Sowbey Bridge a small town 45 minutes away. It was excellent, a little bit like the Mongolian Grill in Burnsville Mn.
A good day of shopping and a good night out.
Tuesday 18th January..Oldham
Both girls are sick now and are staying home from school. Rose and I went to Oldham a little town about 40 minutes away. Oldham is a town I used to shop at many years ago. We went through the indoor market, there was not an outdoor market today. Went to the store Primark then went to my favorite bakery Greggs for a cheese and onion pasty. Had a coffee and then did some more shopping at Debenhams,WH Smith and Boots. We headed back to Roses, she made Beef Steak puddings for dinner, another one of my things I have to eat while in England.
Monday17th January..around Walsden
Amelia is going to the doctors this morning. It is a dull and dreay day but it's not raining yet. We dont have any plans today, I might go for a walk around the village.
Amelia has tonsillitus.
Rose and I went for a walk to Gorden Riggs garden center, I always make a point of looking around the center and also the Mill shop across the street..oh yes they are selling plants and shrubs to put in the ground already.
Amelia has tonsillitus.
Rose and I went for a walk to Gorden Riggs garden center, I always make a point of looking around the center and also the Mill shop across the street..oh yes they are selling plants and shrubs to put in the ground already.
Sunday 16th January..The City Of York
We walked around and we saw Cliffords Tower, I need to research this, it looks like it was once part of York Castle. We next got coffee at Costa Coffee Shop. We walked around some more and saw The Shambles which is a small narrow cobbled street of shops. Next we found a Fish and Chip shop and had fish and chips for lunch, I was beginning to think all we were going to do was eat and drink. After lunch we did get down to some serious sightseeing, first of all we went to York Minster Cathedral, it dates from the 1100s. I read a lot of Henry V111 novels and I know that he once visited York Minster. After this we went to the Jorvik Viking Museum, this is a museum about how the Vikings lived, no not the Minnesota Vikings the real Vikings that invaded England. There was a ride that took us through a recreated Viking village with all the scents and sounds of the times..very smelly. We spent a lot of time looking around..very interesting.
We left York at about 4pm and arrived back to Roses about 6pm. It was a rainy day but not cold..a good time was had by everyone.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Saturday 15th January..From Nice to Manchester
Slept good last night, jet lag has kicked in. This morning at breakfast I said goodbye to Robin, I dont know when I will see him again, he is retiring in February. Today I head to England, flying from Nice to Amsterdam then on to Manchester. Joe has Jace's rental car but it is a forty five minute drive to the airport and he has never driven in this area before so Joe has spoken to the concierge and they are looking in to providing a car and driver to take us to the airport, the driver will wait until I get checked in and find out where I go then he will take Joe back to Four Seasons.
When we got up this morning it was misty and cool, it looks like it is going to clear off and be a nice day. I heard from Rita that rain is forecasted for today and tomorrow in England, thats okay I will be home.
We did have a driver to take us to the airport, Joe took me in and I got checked in. After Joe left I wandered around until was time to go to the departure gate. The flight took us over the French Alps..
I had a row of three seats to myself. The landing was a little nerve wrecking, it was very windy, the plane was moving side to side quite a bit but needless to say we had a safe landing. They bussed us in from the plane so I saw a little more of the airport then I have seen before, I don't recall being bussed in Amsterdam before but I haven't arrived from Nice before. I had a hour or so layover before my flight to Manchester. This flight was also on time and again I had a row of three seats to myself. My sister Rose and my nieces Marie, Olivia and Amelia were all there to meet me in Manchester. It was good to be back in England after about 16 months. Tomorrow we go to York...
When we got up this morning it was misty and cool, it looks like it is going to clear off and be a nice day. I heard from Rita that rain is forecasted for today and tomorrow in England, thats okay I will be home.
I had a row of three seats to myself. The landing was a little nerve wrecking, it was very windy, the plane was moving side to side quite a bit but needless to say we had a safe landing. They bussed us in from the plane so I saw a little more of the airport then I have seen before, I don't recall being bussed in Amsterdam before but I haven't arrived from Nice before. I had a hour or so layover before my flight to Manchester. This flight was also on time and again I had a row of three seats to myself. My sister Rose and my nieces Marie, Olivia and Amelia were all there to meet me in Manchester. It was good to be back in England after about 16 months. Tomorrow we go to York...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 2 continued
I met Joe and the group for lunch. It was fascinating watching the wait staff. Customer service is their #1 priority. Serving the food three waiters would approach the table, the head waiter would discretely nod and all three waiters would lean in and put the plate in front of you at the exact same time, it was the same when they were clearing the plates away, Robin and I were entertained all through out the lunch wacthing these waiters. Lunch was delicous..goat cheese pastry with salad, salmon and pasta and apple and ice cream for dessert.
I did go walking this afternoon took a few photos which are posted here. It was so nice being outside it the nice weather, when I got back to the villa I sat outside on the patio for a while. Joe got back from working at about 4:30 by this time I was laying on the sofa watching tv but it wasn"t long before I fell asleep. I think jet lag was starting to catch up with me.
Dinner was at 7:30pm at the clubhouse, a buffet this time. Again the customer service was impecable. I didn't know what to pick for appertizers, I had never seen some of these foods before, main course was fish, veal, potatos and mixed vegs. I didn't have much of a problem picking out desserts, there were various kinds all in shot glasses, I tried three different ones and went back for more. I only had one glass of wine but the wine was definatly flowing for some, I have two flights tomorrow so cannot risk a headache...
I did go walking this afternoon took a few photos which are posted here. It was so nice being outside it the nice weather, when I got back to the villa I sat outside on the patio for a while. Joe got back from working at about 4:30 by this time I was laying on the sofa watching tv but it wasn"t long before I fell asleep. I think jet lag was starting to catch up with me.
Dinner was at 7:30pm at the clubhouse, a buffet this time. Again the customer service was impecable. I didn't know what to pick for appertizers, I had never seen some of these foods before, main course was fish, veal, potatos and mixed vegs. I didn't have much of a problem picking out desserts, there were various kinds all in shot glasses, I tried three different ones and went back for more. I only had one glass of wine but the wine was definatly flowing for some, I have two flights tomorrow so cannot risk a headache...
Friday, January 14, 2011
Europe, Day 1 and 2
Now you have to know Paris Charles DeGaule airport, it is not the easiest aiport to fly into and once again we had a difficult time finding our way around. We were bussed in from the airplane into a small area of terminal 2 and we had no idea where we were supposed to go. Our next flight was not yet showing up on the departure moniter, we asked and we were told to get on a shuttle bus and go to terminal 1 but as we were aproaching terminal 1 we didn't think we were in the right place, it looked like Internatioal departures. Jace who we were travelling with got off the bus to check and he was told to get back on the bus, so off we went again. We got off at another area of terminal 2, wrong again so back on the bus, we were beginning to feel a little frustrated not knowing where our flight to Nice left from. Anyway to cut an already long story short we finally found were our flight was leaving from 2F..I think we just about circled the whole airport to find this departure area. We went through security and YAY! we found the World Club. Jace had about a three hour layover but Joe and I were on a later flight and had almost a six hour layover..
On the Paris to Nice flight Joe and I were sitting in rows across from each other, Joe was lucky he had a window seat with the middle seat empty and a guy in the aisle. Me? mmm not so lucky, I was sitting next to a French man who was leaning into my seat, reading a newspaper, every time he turned the page he hit me in the arm. He finally went to sleep but his knees were turned into mine and his head was almost on my shoulder, his wife was on the other side of him, could he not have leaned her way?
In Nice we were met by a very nice French man, he drove us and Mark who we had met up with at Nice airport, to the resort. He was very informative, pointing things and areas out to us on our forty five minute drive to Four Seasons. The Four Seasons Resort is set in a very pretty area, the villa we are staying in is awesome. I will almost be sorry to leave here tomorrow and head to England, no not really, Joe will be working for the next week like he is right now and I would be alone all week
There was a reception last night for everyone. The appertizers were very good, the wine was excellent, now I am not a big drinker, I dont drink more then one glass of wine at any one time, but after four glasses of wine I was feeling pretty good. After the reception Joe and I had dinner with Robin, he is from Hayter in England. A very good evening after a long trip to get here.
This morning we were up at 6am which is late for us, we are usually up at 4:30 am at home. Breakfast was at 7am. It was good except for the scrambled eggs, I dont know what they do to them in Europe the scrambled eggs are very yellow creamy tasting but kind of runny, they taste alright but they do not look very appertizing. I am supposed to meet the group for lunch at about 12:30pm. Sometime this morning I will go for walk and take some photos of the area....
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Beginnings
So here we are another New Year and a new hobby. I have always liked to write, I keep a personal diary of my life, of all my trials and tribulations and sometimes even the good things going on in my life. I am about to go on trip to Europe, starting out in Nice, France and heading home to England. Joe [hubby] has a business trip to Nice so I am traveling with him, then when he is working I will take advantage of being in Europe and go off to England to visit my sister and her family. I am looking forward to my trip but also a little nervous of being back in England. The older I get the harder it is to leave England, it is after all where I have spent most of my life so far. I am going to try and post my rambles around France and England but please bare with me as this is all new to me, photos? maybe, who knows, don't know how to do that part of the blog yet, another new thing I need to learn..
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