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Published: April 16th 2011
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Sitting down on a quiet Saturday morning trying to remember where we were last time we blogged seems hard, even though it has only been a week or so! We have managed to cram so much in since we left Ireland it feels like we need a holiday to relax.
We left Ireland as we arrived, it was hot, sunny and still looking lovely. Watching the various greens pass as by in the car on the way to the very posh new terminal two at Dublin Airport we took stock of how much we actually crammed in! The rugged scenery of the south to the quaint and unspoilt north, to the busy party streets of Dublin to the Victorian architecture of Belfast - we managed to catch a glimpse of some of the best the country has to offer. The country is best seen by car so if anyone does come I would look into hiring one, but then also make sure you check out accommodation prices as it ain't cheap! With average hotel/hostel prices at around 44 euros, you could burn through your budget in an instant...make sure you save some for a great pint of Smithwick's in a
pub.
It was very sad farewelling Ireland and loved ones, we were spoilt and looked after so well and I'm sure we've put on a few extra kilos thanks to the lovely sausages and black and white puddin'!
As sad as it was to farewell Ireland, we were excited as next it was off to Cleethorpes to visit my big brother (via Manchester airport) and then off to fulfil my dream of going to see Liverpool play. Again we hired a car, ((which ended up being the same price as a few train tickets) and made a flying visit to the lovely little seaside town of Cleethorpes. The town comes complete with sticks of rock, donkeys for hire along the beach and more pasty englishmen than you could shake a stick at! We were treated to great fish and chips and an amazing roast dinner so couldn't really ask for more!
My bigger treat was in store however when we made our way across the north of England towards Liverpool. It seemed like a great bustling, and definately growing city, with lots of tourists attractions on offer. Apparently some band called the Beatles were there?! But on
a more serious note, like many places in England it has a growing cultural centre and alot on offer, there is more to England than London at the end of the day!
My treat was complete with a visit to Anfield to see my beloved Liverpool play. A 3-0 win, fantastic atmosphere, Andy Carroll scoring his first goal and my dream was complete! Even if you don't like football it was a definite must do. Photos should do the talking...as does the smile on my face!
Our little side trip was soon over as we made our way to London, capital city, home of the rich and wealthy, birthplace to many political figures, and...the soon to be site of Kate and Wills getting married. Yes, London is definitely getting ready for a royal wedding! The tourist shops have moved aside the Big Bens, big red buses and bulldog postcards for the various pens, cups, tea towels with the royal loved-up couple. We're a bit glum we will miss out on the festivities but have been making up for it with being complete tourists and catching up with dear friends.
Day one was a wander around this great,
great city. It's busy, it's beautiful and it's bold. Everywhere you go there are famous landmarks, street names and statues. It's easy to see why everywhere has a pull to visit the city and it does not disappoint.
Day two was a day on a tourist open deck bus, which we can definitely recommend. If you can get over the fact that you look like a complete tourist it is such a good way to get around to all the hot spots without getting lost, and remember, it is a pretty huge city! Our various guides were great and filled us in with useless yet interesting information. Did you know a terrace house in the Mayfair area recently sold for 26 million? Or did you know the great fire of London started in a bakery in Pudding Lane and burnt out on Pie Road? Nope? Neither did we.
Day three was an amble around Camden Markets and all it's funky laneways and market stalls whilst chowing down some great cheap eats. This was followed by more of what we are good at, eating and drinking. First to a kiwi owned cafe were we FINALLY had a good coffee.
I think it's something you take for granted in Melbourne and Auckland, you can buy a guaranteed great coffee for 3 dollars. We had yet to have a good coffee until yesterday...oh it was great. The perfect roast, the frothy milk, the warmth of it whilst not being burn your mouth off hot...right will stop now, but you get the idea. Our evening was spent with old and new friends and a pub in Covent Gardens, see what we mean by the names which we all know? It hit me whilst on the phone to my sister. "Where are you?" "We're walking down The Strand" "Shut up don't make me jealous" "No really we are, oh look we're passing the Waldorf Hotel" "I hate you" "Next stop Covent Gardens..."
Today is our last full day in London before we set off on our overland adventure. For those who don't know we are off to do 27 countries, in six months, with 20 strangers thanks to a company called Odyssey Overland. We still have a couple of bits to do here, and we are still scared at how much we have to carry on our backs for six months but
it will be the trip of a lifetime. When telling people our plans we usually get looks of jealousy mixed with hate mixed with complete awe but to be honest, we're still worried about where we pee whilst camping! It should be fun.
This time tomorrow we will be sleeping under canvas in Belgium. But thanks Londontown we've had a great
bubble and a bit of a
giraffe, but me and the
trouble and strife have a couple of
Wilson Pickett's for the trip of a lifetime!
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Annette Mitchell
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London!
WOW how absolutely fantastic! You chickees are having the times of your lives - and yes, I am extremely envious. I feel the real adventure is just about to begin however! Keep up the blogs! Annettexx