Paris 13.11.2012

This morning we caught the bus to Opera, which is close to the centre of Paris - where we tried to change our Traveller's Cheques again without success (unless we wanted to pay commission - which we were advised we wouldn't have to pay). We then walked around the Left Bank, which is the artistic centre off Paris, which is a really interesting quarter. There was even a man playing a piano on one of the corners. We then went to the Musee d'Orsay, which is in an old train station. Here we saw works by Monet, Van Gough and Rodin, and many other sculptures and paintings. From the Museum we rode in what would be called a Tuk Tuk in Asia, to the Eiffel Tower, where while we waited for our visit to the top, we had ham & cheese crepes. The visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower was fantastic - such a long way up!! Unfortunately, the weather had turned quite cold and misty, so the view from the top wasn't as good as it could have been, but it was definitely well worth it. John, who has developed a fear of heights even enjoyed it !!

London - Paris 12.11.2012

We left London today on the Eurostar and 2 1/2 hrs later arrived at Gare de Nord in Paris. We are staying in Monmatre again, not all that far from last time. Our apartment is quite small (petite) but has everything we need, including a bath, and is very clean.we went to a bistro for a very late lunch , and then just walked around the town,found a Patisserie and bought pastries for John, croissants for breakfast the following day. Later in the night we went back to the bistro for dinner, which was drinks, followed by coffee & dessert.

London 11.11.2012

Back on the train today, this time to Greenwich. The main reason for our visit is that John wanted to see the Cutty Sark, the Clipper Ship that was built specifically for the Tea Trade between China and London. Within 5 years the Suez Canal had opened and sailing ships were not able to use it, so instead the ships were used for the Wool Trade between Australia and London. Unfortunately, our time here was limited and we caught the ferry back to Westminster. We thought that by 1.30 the Remembrance Day Parade would be over and things would be back to normal in the city ! WRONG Remembrance Day here in London issue lot bigger than in Australia - much more like our ANZAC Day. The. buses were all still being re routed , so we were a little confused as to where to catch the bus to the British Museum. After walking way too far (for my legs) we ended up catching the underground to somewhere close to the museum, and after being given the wrong directions and again walking too far, we eventually made it. Some of the amazing things in the museum are the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, the relics of the Sutton Hoo, the Viking Burial ship. From the museum we headed for Camden Town Markets on the off chance that I could replace an earring I bought there 2 1/2 yrs ago, and lost in the Lakes District 3 weeks ago. To our surprise - I was able to buy the exact earrings:) John bought a beautiful leather notebook with handmade paper. After a quick look around we were back on the bus in the direction of Harrods to see the Christmas window display, mainly Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel, Pocahontas even Tinker Bell was there ! It was just amazing and well worth the trip back to the city. Unfortunately the Department store itself was just closing.

London 10.11.2012

Today we caught the train to Windsor Castle. What an amazing place !! The Queen was actually in residence today, however we didn't see her ! The tour of the Castle took us about 3 hrs. The State Apartments are incredible as is Queen Mary's Dolls House. St George's Chapel is beautiful and full of history. Both King. and The Queen Mother are buried here as well as Henry VIII.
After returning to London we then went to see the Household Cavalry Museum and arrived in time to see the 4pm Inspection. Then down to The wharf near the Tower of London For fish n chips and a night time boat ride down the Thames. We were lucky enough to be able to see Tower Bridge open to let a sailing boat through - quite a spectacular sight!! The sights of the city at night time are just beautiful

London 9.11.2012

First thing today was the Changing of the Guards. Not quite as spectacular as we thought it would be, as it was done by the Blues & Greys, who were in winter uniform! Still great to see though!! Back to Victoria Station - thought we would change some travellers cheques !! What a drama - so much for being able to change American Express Travellers Cheques anywhere - even their Head Office doesn't change them !!! Very frustrating to say nothing of how tiring walking backwards and forwards!! Anyway found the 1/2 price tickets in Leichester Square - tickets to see Dreamboats & Petticoats tonight for £27.50 ea. Next stop Westminster Abbey - wow!!! It's huge - so much more to it than is ever shown on TV. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier was unbelievably moving. Graves of Kings & Queens Edward I & II and Henry V were all really plain, unlike Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I whose are elaborate marble effigies. The Coronation Chair is also here at Westminster. The Choir Screen was built by the monks and remains a permanent structure,unlike most other Cathedrals,is very ornate and separates the Altar from the main part of the church. This week in the UK is Remembrance Week and outside the Abbey is lined with small with wooden crosses and poppies - an amazing sight!
Time to find a London pub for a drink and a rest, before heading to the Show tonight.
The show was at Wyndham Theatre, in the West End. Quite a small theatre - our tickets were 4 rows from the front - great seats. Fantastic show of 60's music had everyone up dancing at the end of the show.

Lyndhurst - London. 8.11.2012

We felt sad leaving the Stag Hotel in Lyndhurst, as it had been such a great place to stay. The staff were all so very friendly, the room was amazing and the location excellent. We decided that we would visit Hampton Court Palace before taking the car back to Heathrow . It was built by Cardinal Wolsley and was later taken over by Henry VIII. And was decorated for his then wife Anne Bolyn. The brickwork is very ornate, and it would be ray to get lost inside. The Chapel Royal was beautiful. The kitchen area of the Palace was huge and the rotisserie was turned by heat going up the chimney. Out in the courtyard we even saw Henry VIII And Lady Jane Seymour. This was an amazing place, but was different or other places we have seen, as this was built as a Palace not a Castle.
From there we drove to Heathrow to take the car back to Hertz. After an £80 taxi ride, we arrived at The Marlin Apartments. Tonight was a rest night - pizza, bubbly (at last) and ice cream.