London to Paris 19/05/2009 Waking up at 4h00 was a breeze since we were SUPER excited to be on our way to the City of Love. The taxi picked us up at 5h00, dropped us at the train station, we traveled by train and tube to arrive at St Pancras station, its HUGE!! Almost as big as an airport. Since we were a little early Leon had a cup of tea and Melinda spoils herself with hot chocolate, with whipped cream & a block of chocolate that she stirs in for sweetness! It’s heavenly! The EuroStar train is very comfortable and [View Full Entry]

---

---

Sightseeing in London 18/05/2009 We were so glad that we decided to have this extra day in London before continuing our travels. The last few days we slept very little, to make sure we use our time to sight-see, and as the saying goes “sleep when you’re dead”. We didn’t mind in the least when Jaco asked us to stay at his place till 10h00, to open for the electrician to reconnect the neighbors power. This gave us time to sleep a bit later, repack our bags for the next week and a half and make some back-ups of the photos [View Full Entry]

---

---

Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge 17/05/2009 Breakfast at the Holiday Inn was a variety of breads, cheeses, hot drinks and juices. We took some of the cheese as snacks for later. The weather is dreadful! It’s cold and windy, we hope it clears up by the time we get to Stonehenge as there is no cover and we will not be able to see the henge if the rain keeps pouring down like this. We arrive at the City of Bath; this must be one of the most beautiful cities we’ve seen so far on the trip. All the buildings are constructed [View Full Entry]

---

---

Oxford, Cotswold, Slaughter, Burford, Bourton on the Water & Bristol 16/05/2009 http://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/oxford-cotswolds-bath-lacock-and-stonehenge.html use the link to see the tour description We woke up bright and early and got ready for our only planned tourist trap tour. Jaco took us for a healthy McDonald’s breakfast, and even Leon enjoyed McDonald’s, which he usually despises! We had bacon & cheese Bagel with hot chocolate. Even the McDonald’s are better in London. The décor is much better and it’s much clea [View Full Entry]

---

---

Wicklow Mountain Adventure 15/05/2009 We decided we wanted to get out of the hustle and bustle of gorgeous Dublin and take a tour through the countryside. To make sure that we get space for the tour we got up really early, and very glad we didn’t go to the club last night. We took the scenic route through St Stephens Green which is the nearest park to where we stayed and were amazed at how beautiful it is! It’s like a little Eden in the middle of Dublin, with huge trees, small walkways and bridges over the streams that criss-cross the [View Full Entry]

---

---

Dublin! 14/05/2009 We woke-up bright and early, it’s impossible to sleep late when you know your going to explore a new country as soon as you walk out the door! We had a wonderful Irish breakfast, and went to the Tourist Centre. We bought tickets for the Hop-on Hop-off bus which took us to all the places we wanted to see without us getting wet as it’s a rainy day in Dublin, who would have guessed! Our first stop is Christ Church Cathedral and from there to Dublinia and the Viking World. Whatever you do, don’t waste your time going to [View Full Entry]

---

---

Scotland - Ireland 13/05/2009 It’s Melinda’s birthday! We woke up to the beep beep of Melinda’s cell phone with best wishes from her Mom, Dad and shortly after a call from Jaco. Thanks to everyone that e-mailed and sms’ed, I was a bit worried that it would be a lonely birthday for the party girl, but it ended up filled with lots of beautiful messages! After saying goodbye to the loch we were on our way back to Edinburgh to catch a flight to Dublin (Ireland). On our way to our first stop for the day we passed the famous Highland [View Full Entry]

---

---

Scotland! 12/05/2009 O what a beautiful morning! O what a beautiful day! You know the rest of the song! We woke up at 7h00 this morning, and the sun was already shining. We still have no idea what time it get’s dark since we fell asleep at 23h00 and it was still dawnish outside!! We both saw Nessie today, but not at the same time and was too stunned to take any pictures, but we will try again tonight. Once again the view from the room is spectacular! After breakfast we’re off to do our first official castle tour! Surrounded on [View Full Entry]

---

---

London - Scotland! 11/05/2009 We woke up bright and early for our flight to Edinburgh! Our flight is at 8h00 so we’ll have more than enough time for the first day of our Scotland road trip. After a 2 hour flight we collected the rental car from Hertz at 10h00. The weather is once again warm and sunny, with no wind. We started our trip up to Loch Ness and are surprised with how beautiful the countryside is. We drove past a few small towns and there’s no rubbish in the streets and everything looks like a postcard! Our first stop [View Full Entry]

---

---

London 10/05/2009 We woke up at about an hour and a half before landing, and after the eventful flight we had we actually felt great! Leon is fresh as a daisy and looks as great as always, Melinda on the other hand decided that the “after 10 hours of flight” is not her best look and after trying to tame her hair and washing her face, she looked presentable enough not to be mistaken for the missing link! It was wonderful seeing a friendly face when we landed and having Jaco (Leon’s brother) as tour guide made day one of the [View Full Entry]

---

---