Blogs from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 8

This day we took the 3 hour train down to Portsmouth on the south coast. It is here that the British Navy, and no concept of a navy in general, was born. The naval base houses the HMS Victory, the flagship of Sir Nelson's navy. This ship was in service for 157 years and now sits in the world's oldest dock, which has been made a dry dock. It was really cool to walk through it and see how the sailors lived and ate and fought. There is a brass plaque where Nelson was shot and below decks there is a shrine where he died after hearing of the English victory and uttering his last words: "Thank God I have done my duty." It was one of the most important naval victories of all time. ... read more

We arrived at Portsmouth at 1.30pm a little early as check in was at 4.30pm. We lined up at the port and waiting patiently so patient we both had time for a sleep, nearly read an entire book, have a sun bake and a cool beer. Eventually were asked to get ourselves into the camper and get ready for boarding note time now being 8.45pm. Patience is a virtue as my mum and dads have said. Finally on the Ship named the “Pride of Bilbao” heading from Portsmouth to Bilbao Spain. We had a spectacular view as we left Portsmouth Harbour, the new Spinnaker Tower, the HMS Illuisious, the Ark Royal navy ships, the Warrior but the Victory was out of sight the size of them astounding. We retired to our humble cabin. ... read more

As of 11.15 this Sunday morning (ten days after the due date and following circa 50 hours of labour culminating in a C-section at the brilliant St Mary's Hospital Birthing Unit in Portsmouth, God bless the NHS!) Esther and I are the excited parents of a beautiful baby girl. What's she called, you ask? So do we! We are deciding tomorrow after we actually get a few hours sleep… Mother and child are both doing well, Father on the other hand is a basket case…... read more

Some mornings during this trip in Europe, I would wake up and ask myself, "Why do I travel? What am I doing here?" After establishing what country I'm in, I try to take a moment to answer these questions. But only now that I am back in the United States, have I fully been able to answer them. Did I accomplish my mission in Europe? What was I searching for? Myself. My future. Others. Other perspectives. A combination of these: self-growth through daily challenges, personal experience based on travel and interaction. I have been told that people travel for three reasons: they are running away from something, running to something, or just because they love to travel. I think I am a combination of the last two. I wanted to find myself-to find out more ... read more

Links to re-add after travelblog database malfunction As I celebrate my 21st birthday (again and again!), I wonder - where will I be next year? After a relaxing time having my hair cut in Simon Andrew (Bedford Place), I headed off to Whiteley Village , and then onto Gunwharf Quays to check out hiking boots and backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing, etc. Didn't buy anything as brain wasn't really in the right mode, so decided to visit the Spinnaker Tower whilst in Portsmouth. Weather was so lovely thought it was worth the nearly £6 entry fee (although not the £10 for a blue screen photo when you walk in the door!!) - and the views were amazing. Exterior lift is still not functional, so it was up the interior lift (probably preferable for me!) to the first ... read more