Last day in LA.......
Up early to finish packing and have breakfast. Pete then headed off at 8am to pick up the rental car.
We decided to drive to 'Santa Monica' and 'Venice Beach' for the day.
Thank goodness for GPS! These motorways are huge.... and busy but we had a relatively stress free drive (luckily it was Sunday - could have been a different story if it was a week day).
Before we knew it we were there (it took about an hour). What a beautiful place!
We parked and hopped out for our first look at 'Santa Monica' Pier and the ocean. It just goes for miles and miles. We then drove just down the road and we were at 'Venice Beach'. Parked and started wandering down checking out the shops and the stalls and the sights.
Some very talented people selling their art etc but a lot were just selling themselves (they were charging a $1.00 to take their photo).
We stopped for some lunch - it was great to sit for a while and just people watch. One thing I've
noticed over here is that Dogs (big & small) seem to be taken everywhere. They were out in force here today but they also take them into the shops (malls) and restaurants. And as seen in he movies the little ones are carried most of the time either under their arms or in their handbags.
We decided to head back to the car but this time along the waters edge. The water was warm and the girls had fun running from the waves. We had left our togs out in case we wanted a swim but decided
to go shopping instead.
Back into the car and we soon found a shopping centre. However there didn't appear to be an electronics store so Pete phoned a friend who lived in the area (Mike) to see where we should go.
We were soon at the recommended location. It was an outdoor mall so there were entertainers all along the street. They were singing, dancing, playing instruments, miming and jump rope/skipping. You name it they were doing it. And all ages.
We soon found the Apple store. Half an hour later Chloe had her iPod. One very happy child. Pete had also made a purchase :) Hannah purchased a lovely jacket from the next shop. Mike then phoned to say he had driven here - so we found him. He pointed Hannah & I in the direction of a store that sold label clothes at cheap prices while the others headed off for a coffee/catch up.
Hannah & I finally dragged ourselves out of the shop with our purchases and the others were on the other side of the street. They thought we had gotten lost.......
Said farewell to Mike - we then packed our new purchases before heading off to return the rental car. The drop off point was close to the airport and they ran a courtesy bus to the airport. Too easy!
Before we knew it we were checked in and had gone through customs without any issues or cavity searches....
We had dinner (Burger King as there wasn't a lot of choice here in Terminal 2) then relaxed outside our boarding gate - reading and watching movies. However when it was time to board, we didn't walk onto the plane but instead they put us on a bus and we drove alongside a runway to another terminal - where we boarded the plane. I guess 'Air NZ' opted for the cheaper Terminal option :)
The bus ride was at least 5 minutes.
We had a good flight home - managed to sleep for a few hours. Arriving back to a beautiful day.
So ends our amazing trip! We enjoyed every moment - especially catching up with family and friends. For those we didn't manage to see......... We'll be back!
Friday 17 October 2014
Sunday 12 October 2014
LA 11 October
The last day of our 'Disneyland' & 'California Adventureland' pass.
We decided to spend a few hours this morning packing our bags - getting ready for our flight home tomorrow night :(
Walked to 'Downtown Disney' to see if we could book in for lunch at the 'Rainforest Cafe' but the only free spot was for 3 o'clock so decided to leave it. Carried onto the 'Make a Toy' shop so that Chloe could have a look around inside.
Finally back in 'Disneyland' we hit the rides we had marked off the night before. Being Saturday the Park was a lot busier than it had been during the week so we used the 'Fast Pass' to its full advantage. These things are great!
Then at 4pm we lined up along the road for 'Mickey's Parade'. That was awesome. So much energy from the performers/dancers and their costumes were amazing!
Okay we had done the main things we wanted to do in 'Disneyland' so we headed over to 'California Adventureland' for the roller coaster (which we had saved for last). Pete, Hannah & Chloe did this one and all came off buzzing and ready to go again. Unfortunately just then they closed the ride temporarily for some reason but couldn't say when it would reopen so we headed off to do a few more rides and hoping it would then be open.
It still wasn't open so we headed off - saying farewell to 'Disneyland'. We had an AMAZING time!!
We then walked three blocks to 'Bubba Gumps'. What a place. They had 'Forrest Gump' showing on one of the TV screens so now another movie we have to dust off for the girls to watch. While we were waiting for our table we had a few drinks at the bar (soaking up the atmohere). When our table was ready we quickly ordered our meals. They came out really quickly and were delicious - love those shrimps! YUMMY
All full and tired we caught a taxi back to the hotel....... Our legs couldn't take us any further!
We had intended to watch the Fireworks from the hotel spa but they are renovating apart of it so it had been closed at 6pm (dah). Ended up watching from the car park before climbing/crawling into bed (the beds are high over here). Snoring in seconds........
We decided to spend a few hours this morning packing our bags - getting ready for our flight home tomorrow night :(
Walked to 'Downtown Disney' to see if we could book in for lunch at the 'Rainforest Cafe' but the only free spot was for 3 o'clock so decided to leave it. Carried onto the 'Make a Toy' shop so that Chloe could have a look around inside.
Finally back in 'Disneyland' we hit the rides we had marked off the night before. Being Saturday the Park was a lot busier than it had been during the week so we used the 'Fast Pass' to its full advantage. These things are great!
Then at 4pm we lined up along the road for 'Mickey's Parade'. That was awesome. So much energy from the performers/dancers and their costumes were amazing!
Okay we had done the main things we wanted to do in 'Disneyland' so we headed over to 'California Adventureland' for the roller coaster (which we had saved for last). Pete, Hannah & Chloe did this one and all came off buzzing and ready to go again. Unfortunately just then they closed the ride temporarily for some reason but couldn't say when it would reopen so we headed off to do a few more rides and hoping it would then be open.
It still wasn't open so we headed off - saying farewell to 'Disneyland'. We had an AMAZING time!!
We then walked three blocks to 'Bubba Gumps'. What a place. They had 'Forrest Gump' showing on one of the TV screens so now another movie we have to dust off for the girls to watch. While we were waiting for our table we had a few drinks at the bar (soaking up the atmohere). When our table was ready we quickly ordered our meals. They came out really quickly and were delicious - love those shrimps! YUMMY
All full and tired we caught a taxi back to the hotel....... Our legs couldn't take us any further!
We had intended to watch the Fireworks from the hotel spa but they are renovating apart of it so it had been closed at 6pm (dah). Ended up watching from the car park before climbing/crawling into bed (the beds are high over here). Snoring in seconds........
LA 10 October
We had breakfast and headed off to catch a bus to 'Universal Studios'. It only took us about 50 minutes to get there.
The Park was decorated in scary/gruesome Halloween scenes. Awesome!
Between us we went on most of the rides. Hannah & Pete went on 'The Mummy' ride three times and went back on again later with Chloe.
We all enjoyed the simulator rides especially 'The Transformers'!
Hannah & I went on the 'Jurassic Park' ride while Pete waited with Chloe. This was a gentle boat ride with Dinosaurs spitting water at you (one got me full in the face - you rotter) until you came to the end. Then you went over an 84foot waterfall. Screamed my lungs out! Pete then went on with Hannah while I waited with Chloe.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 'Waterworld' scene re-enactment. Very talented actors. Not only do they act but do all the stunts themselves. And these actors have been in big shows like CSI, Law & Order and General Hospital etc. The girls want to watch the movie now - will have to wipe off the cobwebs and drag it out when we get home.
Next we headed over to the 'Special Effects' show. Once again very entertaining - making the learning fun for everyone. They started cutting one of the audiences arm off and even though we knew it wasn't real - it looked so real! Scary....
Unfortunately before we knew it - it was time for the park to close and for us to get on the bus. The ride home took 2 hours due to the traffic.
They dropped us by our hotel and we were all so tired. By this time it was after 8pm so Pete went to the restaurant next door for takeaways which we ate in bed. You can only get away with that when your on holiday :)
The Park was decorated in scary/gruesome Halloween scenes. Awesome!
Between us we went on most of the rides. Hannah & Pete went on 'The Mummy' ride three times and went back on again later with Chloe.
We all enjoyed the simulator rides especially 'The Transformers'!
Hannah & I went on the 'Jurassic Park' ride while Pete waited with Chloe. This was a gentle boat ride with Dinosaurs spitting water at you (one got me full in the face - you rotter) until you came to the end. Then you went over an 84foot waterfall. Screamed my lungs out! Pete then went on with Hannah while I waited with Chloe.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 'Waterworld' scene re-enactment. Very talented actors. Not only do they act but do all the stunts themselves. And these actors have been in big shows like CSI, Law & Order and General Hospital etc. The girls want to watch the movie now - will have to wipe off the cobwebs and drag it out when we get home.
Next we headed over to the 'Special Effects' show. Once again very entertaining - making the learning fun for everyone. They started cutting one of the audiences arm off and even though we knew it wasn't real - it looked so real! Scary....
Unfortunately before we knew it - it was time for the park to close and for us to get on the bus. The ride home took 2 hours due to the traffic.
They dropped us by our hotel and we were all so tired. By this time it was after 8pm so Pete went to the restaurant next door for takeaways which we ate in bed. You can only get away with that when your on holiday :)
LA 9 October
Jet lag still with us (woke at 4am).
Today - California Adventureland here we come....
I won't bore you listing all the rides we did but we had an awesome time!
A few highlights were -
Cars (Radiator Springs)
Water Rapids
Tower of Terror (Pete & Hannah did this one) not for Chloe or I :)
At 3.30pm Pete & the girls headed back to the hotel for a swim and I stayed to look at a couple of shops. Headed back to join the others & for a rest before we all headed back for dinner and the 'World of 'Colour' show at 8.15pm.
We were all pretty tired and poor Chloe was a zombie (asleep on her feet)! We found a possie - sat down and Chloe was soon asleep on my lap. Left her to have a cat nap and woke her when the show started.
The show was brilliant!! The colours displayed in the water and the heights they got were amazing! The volume of water in places was so dense they were able to project some of the Disney movie characters onto it. They were so high sometimes they blocked out the 'Mickey' ferris wheel. We were getting slightly sprayed but soon dried off when they did the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and huge flames came up out of the water. Boy you could feel the heat!
Headed back to the hotel and bed.... Snoring before our heads hit the pillows.
Today - California Adventureland here we come....
I won't bore you listing all the rides we did but we had an awesome time!
A few highlights were -
Cars (Radiator Springs)
Water Rapids
Tower of Terror (Pete & Hannah did this one) not for Chloe or I :)
At 3.30pm Pete & the girls headed back to the hotel for a swim and I stayed to look at a couple of shops. Headed back to join the others & for a rest before we all headed back for dinner and the 'World of 'Colour' show at 8.15pm.
We were all pretty tired and poor Chloe was a zombie (asleep on her feet)! We found a possie - sat down and Chloe was soon asleep on my lap. Left her to have a cat nap and woke her when the show started.
The show was brilliant!! The colours displayed in the water and the heights they got were amazing! The volume of water in places was so dense they were able to project some of the Disney movie characters onto it. They were so high sometimes they blocked out the 'Mickey' ferris wheel. We were getting slightly sprayed but soon dried off when they did the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and huge flames came up out of the water. Boy you could feel the heat!
Headed back to the hotel and bed.... Snoring before our heads hit the pillows.
LA 8 October
Jet lag hit again and Chloe was awake at 1am (oh boy) but she wasn't the only one!
We tried to get back to sleep but no luck so up, dressed and down for breakfast at 6.30am.
We headed off to the main 'Disneyland' entrance to collect our tickets. ALL very excited. Got our tickets and our 'First Time' visitors badges :) and headed in.
First stop - 'Tomorrowland'.
Then onto 'Fantasyland'
'Mickey's Toontown' was next - meet and greet with 'Mickey' & photo.
Jumped onto 'Monorail' to do a circuit around park and got off at 'Downtown Disney' and walked back to hotel.
Quick bite to eat and then a swim in the pool & spa pool.
Headed down the road to 'Tiffys' for dinner. Hannah and I headed back to 'Downtown Disney' for some retail therapy. Pete & Chloe headed back to the hotel. A long day!
We tried to get back to sleep but no luck so up, dressed and down for breakfast at 6.30am.
We headed off to the main 'Disneyland' entrance to collect our tickets. ALL very excited. Got our tickets and our 'First Time' visitors badges :) and headed in.
First stop - 'Tomorrowland'.
Then onto 'Fantasyland'
'Mickey's Toontown' was next - meet and greet with 'Mickey' & photo.
Jumped onto 'Monorail' to do a circuit around park and got off at 'Downtown Disney' and walked back to hotel.
Quick bite to eat and then a swim in the pool & spa pool.
Headed down the road to 'Tiffys' for dinner. Hannah and I headed back to 'Downtown Disney' for some retail therapy. Pete & Chloe headed back to the hotel. A long day!
LONDON 6 October
Raining again today.
Headed into the city to Buckingham Palace to watch 'The Changing of the Guards'. It was drizzling and the Girls soon got bored and wanted to go. But we hung in there to the end.
Next stop back to tour the inside of 'The Tower of London'. Enjoyed this and seeing all the crowns and jewels.
Back on the tube and we caught a Black Cab a few blocks (another trip wished ticked off) to take us to 'Harrods'. Oh boy forgot how big and beautiful this place is. "Don't touch anything" was my continual dialogue to the girls.... £298,000.00 was just a little outside out trip budget!
Back on the tube (all very tired) back to Monique & Nigel's for a lovely Indian takeaway.
Headed into the city to Buckingham Palace to watch 'The Changing of the Guards'. It was drizzling and the Girls soon got bored and wanted to go. But we hung in there to the end.
Next stop back to tour the inside of 'The Tower of London'. Enjoyed this and seeing all the crowns and jewels.
Back on the tube and we caught a Black Cab a few blocks (another trip wished ticked off) to take us to 'Harrods'. Oh boy forgot how big and beautiful this place is. "Don't touch anything" was my continual dialogue to the girls.... £298,000.00 was just a little outside out trip budget!
Back on the tube (all very tired) back to Monique & Nigel's for a lovely Indian takeaway.
Friday 10 October 2014
LONDON 5 October
This morning we jumped back in the car and Nigel drove us into the city to the 'Tower of London'.
We wanted to get in there early before the rest of the crowds so that Pete & Monique could get some great photos of the poppies. These ceramic poppies (888,246) are being put all around the grounds in remembrance of soldiers killed in World War 1.
Once the photos were taken of the poppies and the 'Tower Bridge' we took a stroll around 'St Katherine's Dock'. We saw the Queens boat that she used for her Jubilee and 'The Dickens Hotel' where 'Charles Dickens' wrote his stories. Whoops..... passed a handbag shop with a sale on and one just called my name :)
Back in the car and we drove over 'The Tower Bridge' heading up to 'Greenwich'. Wandered around the grounds and took a photo of us standing on the 'Greenwich Meridian Line'. Back in the car and down to 'Greenwich Village' for another pub lunch. Here we saw the 'Cutty Sark' and went to the ''Greenwich Market'.
Time to go home via a trip down memory lane..... Nigel drove past one of the houses Pete & I (and about 10 others) lived in. Mum - you should recognise this place ...... remember Norbury?
Back home to put the swollen feet up and relax.
We wanted to get in there early before the rest of the crowds so that Pete & Monique could get some great photos of the poppies. These ceramic poppies (888,246) are being put all around the grounds in remembrance of soldiers killed in World War 1.
Once the photos were taken of the poppies and the 'Tower Bridge' we took a stroll around 'St Katherine's Dock'. We saw the Queens boat that she used for her Jubilee and 'The Dickens Hotel' where 'Charles Dickens' wrote his stories. Whoops..... passed a handbag shop with a sale on and one just called my name :)
Back in the car and we drove over 'The Tower Bridge' heading up to 'Greenwich'. Wandered around the grounds and took a photo of us standing on the 'Greenwich Meridian Line'. Back in the car and down to 'Greenwich Village' for another pub lunch. Here we saw the 'Cutty Sark' and went to the ''Greenwich Market'.
Time to go home via a trip down memory lane..... Nigel drove past one of the houses Pete & I (and about 10 others) lived in. Mum - you should recognise this place ...... remember Norbury?
Back home to put the swollen feet up and relax.
Saturday 4 October 2014
LONDON 4 October
We piled into the car and Nigel and Monique took us to 'Kew Gardens' today.
On the way we drove through 'Richmond Park' and saw some Deer. And then through 'Kingston' - oh how the other half live ($$$$$ pricey houses).
And what do you know.............. it has finally rained. Not the best day to be outside but we still had a great day.
'Kew Gardens' was beautiful. We walked around checking out the gardens and buildings (jackets on and umbrellas up).
Rain started to come down harder so we took shelter in the cafe and had some lunch hoping it would stop by the time we had finished.
It had eased so we then went to the 'Treetop Walk'. Why is there so much to do that involves heights!!!
Pete, Hannah and Chloe walked up while the rest of us took the elevator. The floor that you are walking on is grated and creaked. There was also a slight swaying feeling. Once again the others had no fear and were taking off and looking over the rail.
We 'ALL' then took the elevator back down and started walking back to the car park. Nigel had the map and got us totally lost - we almost ended up back where we started. Came across an abandoned wheelchair (hope it was abandoned) and Pete and the girls took turns in it.
Back in the car and headed home.
On the way we drove through 'Richmond Park' and saw some Deer. And then through 'Kingston' - oh how the other half live ($$$$$ pricey houses).
And what do you know.............. it has finally rained. Not the best day to be outside but we still had a great day.
'Kew Gardens' was beautiful. We walked around checking out the gardens and buildings (jackets on and umbrellas up).
Rain started to come down harder so we took shelter in the cafe and had some lunch hoping it would stop by the time we had finished.
It had eased so we then went to the 'Treetop Walk'. Why is there so much to do that involves heights!!!
Pete, Hannah and Chloe walked up while the rest of us took the elevator. The floor that you are walking on is grated and creaked. There was also a slight swaying feeling. Once again the others had no fear and were taking off and looking over the rail.
We 'ALL' then took the elevator back down and started walking back to the car park. Nigel had the map and got us totally lost - we almost ended up back where we started. Came across an abandoned wheelchair (hope it was abandoned) and Pete and the girls took turns in it.
Back in the car and headed home.
LONDON 3 October
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Tube Station.
First we went to 'Madam Tussauds'. We all loved this. I had been before but Pete had never been and was surprised to find that you could get right up close and touch the wax figures. He thought they would be behind glass. Lots of photos taken with the different celebrities/royals.
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| Madam Tussauds |
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| Watch that hand Pete!! |
The girls were successfully frightened as we walked through the horror part with live actors coming out and scarring us. We were walking through very dark tunnels with grotesque medieval wax figures displayed along the way being tortured or mutilated......
We then sat in a cinema for a 4D show. That was awesome! Water was sprayed on us, air shot past our heads and we were stabbed in the back from our chairs..... Brilliant!
When we came out it was 12 o'clock. We walked around the corner and ate lunch in 'Regent Park'.
Back on the Tubes to head over to the 'London Eye'. 
I HATE heights so was a little nervous about this one but it was very slow and the views were amazing. I remained seated in the middle for most of it but I finally got big and brave and walked over to the window for a better look. It takes 30 minutes to complete a full rotation. Pete and the girls of course were wandering all around it the whole time.
We then wandered along the Thames River past 'The London Dungeon' when one of the many birds flying over head decided to christen me on my head! Charming .......
Quick cleanup and we continued on over the 'Westminster Bridge' to 'Big Ben'; 'Parliament House' (better known as Palace of Westminster) and 'Westminster Abbey'. We decided we needed some culture/history and went into 'Parliament House'. Just like the airports our bags were searched and we went through metal detectors as we went in.
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| Parliament House |
Parliament was not sitting (back end of October) so we were able to wander through the 'House of Commons' and 'House of Lords'. The art work and the details on the walls and ceilings were amazing. Unfortunately we were not able to take photos inside.
We were all tired and our feet and legs sore so we headed back home on the Tube.
Another great night catching up with Monique and Nigel over dinner and a few too many wines!
London 2 October
Pete had some prep work to do for another talk he is giving at a dive club tonight so we caught up on exciting things like ...... washing.
We then headed to 'Piccadilly Circus'. Hannah was in control of getting us there on the tube - did a great job! Just as I remembered - fill of hustle & bustle. Performers & Buskers.
We strolled up Oxford Street to 'Hamleys' Toy Store. Hamleys is the oldest toy shop in the world. OMG - the girls were in heaven! Knowing we wouldn't be able to stick together for long Pete & I paired up with one of the girls and headed off..... 5 levels of every toy/arts & crafts you can imagine and the amazing thing is how they have staff showing off some of the toys and art which the kids (both young & old) can try!
However as expected very expensive so Hannah & Chloe only bought one thing each.
Left the store and walked all the way up 'Oxford Street' (window shopping). Oh boy - if Pete hadn't been with us there could have been serious damage done to the credit card :) Ended up just buying a few souvenirs.
Back on the Tube to go home so that Pete could head off for his talk. The girls and I had a catch up night with Monique & Nigel watching a movie.
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| Piccadilly Circus |
We strolled up Oxford Street to 'Hamleys' Toy Store. Hamleys is the oldest toy shop in the world. OMG - the girls were in heaven! Knowing we wouldn't be able to stick together for long Pete & I paired up with one of the girls and headed off..... 5 levels of every toy/arts & crafts you can imagine and the amazing thing is how they have staff showing off some of the toys and art which the kids (both young & old) can try!
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| Regent Street |
Left the store and walked all the way up 'Oxford Street' (window shopping). Oh boy - if Pete hadn't been with us there could have been serious damage done to the credit card :) Ended up just buying a few souvenirs.
Back on the Tube to go home so that Pete could head off for his talk. The girls and I had a catch up night with Monique & Nigel watching a movie.
Friday 3 October 2014
Belfast / London 1 October
Belfast
The 5am wake up was a bit of a killer but managed to get ourselves dressed and have a cup a tea :) before having to say goodbye to Granny (Georgie). We had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave. It was wonderful seeing her again and being able to spend time together.
Taxi arrived before we knew it and we were off to 'George Best Airport'.
Thank you Granny (Georgie) .... we love you & miss you already xxxx
London
An hour later we arrived back at 'Heathrow Airport'. Monique was at work so Nigel soon arrived to pick us up and took us back to their place in Morden. Pete & I lived here with Monique & Nigel (many many many years ago). Good memories :)
Quick catch up with Nigel; a bite to eat then Nigel dropped us at the 'Morden Tube Station' to head in for 'The Lion King'.
Bought our tickets for the weeks transport (yah Chloe is free on all transport when accompanied with an Adult). Headed down to the tube. A Tube was there but about to leave. We told Hannah to get on and then before the rest of us could the door started shutting....... Oh no - 5 minutes in London and we are about to loose one of the kids already (we hadn't planned to do it so early in the trip) :)
I quickly (without thinking) stuck my arm in the door and stood there now stuck while Pete tried to
pry it open. They soon opened the doors again - and we were told off over the intercom (sorry....) and the rest of us jumped on. Oh boy the Mesley's have arrived!
'The Lion King' was amazing. Even Pete enjoyed it. The costumes, music, lighting was just brilliant! Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures during the show but I copied these off the web (they give you some idea but don't do it justice):-
Will load photos of show soon
We then wandered around Trafalgar Square, stopping at another pub for a drink while we waited for Monique & Nigel to meet us for dinner.
We went to Leister Square and ate at an old haunt.... 'Chiquito's'
(a great Mexican place).
After dinner and a few margarettas we went for a walk through Chinatown.
What should we come across on the way ........... The M&M store. Oh boy. What an amazing shop but very expensive.
Managed to loose Hannah but eventually found her and we headed off again towards Chinatown. Another trip down memory lane!
Back on the Tube for home.
The 5am wake up was a bit of a killer but managed to get ourselves dressed and have a cup a tea :) before having to say goodbye to Granny (Georgie). We had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave. It was wonderful seeing her again and being able to spend time together.
Taxi arrived before we knew it and we were off to 'George Best Airport'.
Thank you Granny (Georgie) .... we love you & miss you already xxxx
London
An hour later we arrived back at 'Heathrow Airport'. Monique was at work so Nigel soon arrived to pick us up and took us back to their place in Morden. Pete & I lived here with Monique & Nigel (many many many years ago). Good memories :)
Quick catch up with Nigel; a bite to eat then Nigel dropped us at the 'Morden Tube Station' to head in for 'The Lion King'.
I quickly (without thinking) stuck my arm in the door and stood there now stuck while Pete tried to
pry it open. They soon opened the doors again - and we were told off over the intercom (sorry....) and the rest of us jumped on. Oh boy the Mesley's have arrived!
'The Lion King' was amazing. Even Pete enjoyed it. The costumes, music, lighting was just brilliant! Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures during the show but I copied these off the web (they give you some idea but don't do it justice):-
Will load photos of show soon
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| About to go into show |
We then wandered around Trafalgar Square, stopping at another pub for a drink while we waited for Monique & Nigel to meet us for dinner.
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| Trafalgar Square |
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| Trafalgar Square |
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| Monique, Hannah, Kim, Chloe and Nigel |
(a great Mexican place).
After dinner and a few margarettas we went for a walk through Chinatown.
What should we come across on the way ........... The M&M store. Oh boy. What an amazing shop but very expensive.
Back on the Tube for home.
Thursday 2 October 2014
Belfast 30 September
Another quiet morning waiting for Pete to get back at 10am.
In the afternoon Chloe, Hannah and I dragged Pete back to 'Forestside' for more SHOPPING!
He was very good about it and was happy to sit and wait for us :)
Headed back to Georgie's to pack ready for our trip to London in the morning. Mmmmmmm that spare bag we brought might have to come out already!
We went out for our last meal with Georgie to a local Indian restaurant.
Hit the sack ready for our 5am wake up call.....
In the afternoon Chloe, Hannah and I dragged Pete back to 'Forestside' for more SHOPPING!
He was very good about it and was happy to sit and wait for us :)
Headed back to Georgie's to pack ready for our trip to London in the morning. Mmmmmmm that spare bag we brought might have to come out already!
We went out for our last meal with Georgie to a local Indian restaurant.
Hit the sack ready for our 5am wake up call.....
Belfast 29 September
Lazy morning today - just relaxing.....
Georgie cooked us an amazing typical Irish fry up. Sausage, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, toast and Soda bread. YUM
In the afternoon Pete flew off to Manchester for the night to give a talk at a Dive Club meeting. This was streamed live on the internet.
The girls and I spent the night with Georgie. xxx
Georgie cooked us an amazing typical Irish fry up. Sausage, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, toast and Soda bread. YUM
In the afternoon Pete flew off to Manchester for the night to give a talk at a Dive Club meeting. This was streamed live on the internet.
The girls and I spent the night with Georgie. xxx
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Belfast 28/09/14 - water park
Yesterday Mum, Dad, Chloe and I went to Aurora swimming pools in Bangor and spent the morning on what I thought was the best swimming pools I have ever encounted before.
The first thing I said when I entered the kids play area was OMG this was so big then sprinted up the stairs to the first slide being the first one in my family to get changed into their togs.
Then I came to the end of the slide and I ran out of the tunnel thing and took of to this awesome swing /donuts ride and I was told off a couple of times by the life guards to slow down and not to run around the pools because of the wet tiles but I didn't listen I was too exited I was like a child at christmas or Chloe in a candy shop.
This is the big slide that I ended up going on 5 times and man it was step on the way down I was in the air when going down but it was so much fun.
When we where half way between our time in the pool my dad's old friend Trevor came to the pools since he lived only 3 mins away from the Aurora pools so after we left the pools we stayed an hour at Trevor's house having a cup of coffee and tea well that's what mum and dad had while Chloe and I went for a walk down to the dairy with Trevor's youngest daughter Rubi (14) and we came back with a drink and some lollies and it was very nice, it was also nice to meet Rubi. I think just by that one visit I became friends with Rubi and I now follow her in instergram (lol). Sadly half an hour later we had to leave since we where late home because we had some more family from dad's side coming to visit and I enjoyed meeting everyone and getting the gifts from my dad's aunt Isabel who was my granny's sister and only family member left sadly but I really enjoyed seeing everyone last night and I also meet dad's cousin (Carol) who was Dawn's mother that we had meet a few days before which we had already posted photos of.
I really enjoyed meeting everyone for the first time and a big thanks to Isabel for my money I had the best day.
BEST SLIDE EVER
The first thing I said when I entered the kids play area was OMG this was so big then sprinted up the stairs to the first slide being the first one in my family to get changed into their togs.
Then I came to the end of the slide and I ran out of the tunnel thing and took of to this awesome swing /donuts ride and I was told off a couple of times by the life guards to slow down and not to run around the pools because of the wet tiles but I didn't listen I was too exited I was like a child at christmas or Chloe in a candy shop.
This is the big slide that I ended up going on 5 times and man it was step on the way down I was in the air when going down but it was so much fun.
When we where half way between our time in the pool my dad's old friend Trevor came to the pools since he lived only 3 mins away from the Aurora pools so after we left the pools we stayed an hour at Trevor's house having a cup of coffee and tea well that's what mum and dad had while Chloe and I went for a walk down to the dairy with Trevor's youngest daughter Rubi (14) and we came back with a drink and some lollies and it was very nice, it was also nice to meet Rubi. I think just by that one visit I became friends with Rubi and I now follow her in instergram (lol). Sadly half an hour later we had to leave since we where late home because we had some more family from dad's side coming to visit and I enjoyed meeting everyone and getting the gifts from my dad's aunt Isabel who was my granny's sister and only family member left sadly but I really enjoyed seeing everyone last night and I also meet dad's cousin (Carol) who was Dawn's mother that we had meet a few days before which we had already posted photos of.
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| Hannah, Georgie, Pete, Chloe, Isabel & Carol |
I really enjoyed meeting everyone for the first time and a big thanks to Isabel for my money I had the best day.
BEST SLIDE EVER
Monday 29 September 2014
Carrickfergus Castle & Giant Causway 27 September
Hired a car today (7 seater) to take us all up North to see 'Carrickfergus Castle' and the 'Giant Causeway'.
We headed up the coast and the landscape was gorgeous.
First stop 'Carrickfergus Castle'. We had great fun exploring the castle and listening to a short animated video. The original castle was built around 1177 by John de Courcy. The Outer Ward was added around 1250. Hannah was horrified to hear that during one of the battles they ate some of their enemy.......
Hot chocolates and coffees then hit the road again to the 'Giant Causeway'. First we stopped and walked down to the rope bridge. We left Georgie at the top and headed down. I don't like heights so there was no stopping for photos on the rope bridge but great views. Huffing and puffing we walked back up. Hannah and Chloe ran up it......
Back in the car and off to the rocks. These are an amazing natural phoneoumum.
First stop 'Carrickfergus Castle'. We had great fun exploring the castle and listening to a short animated video. The original castle was built around 1177 by John de Courcy. The Outer Ward was added around 1250. Hannah was horrified to hear that during one of the battles they ate some of their enemy.......
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| Carrickfergus Castle |
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| King William of Orange |
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| Hannah's new dress |
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| Games Room |
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| View from Castle |
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| Two dead soldiers |
Hot chocolates and coffees then hit the road again to the 'Giant Causeway'. First we stopped and walked down to the rope bridge. We left Georgie at the top and headed down. I don't like heights so there was no stopping for photos on the rope bridge but great views. Huffing and puffing we walked back up. Hannah and Chloe ran up it......
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| Rope Bridge |
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| I hate heights ................... |
Back in the car and off to the rocks. These are an amazing natural phoneoumum.
Dublin 26 September
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| Dublin - here we come........ |
Up nice and early to catch a train down to Dublin. Georgie had organised a day trip down there for us as a surprise.
160km to Dublin from Belfast. The train ride took two hours but we arrived there before we knew it. Hannah & Chloe asked why we don't have trains like this from Auckland to Rotorua?? They thought it was definitely the way to travel. I agree!
First impression was how busy it was..... lots of people. We started walking towards the city centre. Stopped to check the map to make sure we were on the right course when a lovely elderly man stopped to ask if we needed help. The friendly Irish!
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| 'The Spire' |
Decided the best thing would be to get on a Dublin Sightseeing bus (another hop on hop off). While we were waiting for it the girls decided they needed the toilet and Hannah spotted 'Starbucks'. In we went only to find that you needed to buy something to get a code for the toilet...... Queued to order a drink only to find out that they only took 'Euros' so Hannah rushed outside to get some off Pete while Chloe & I went to the back of the line again. What a mission........ ggggrrrrrrrrrr spotted a Macdonalds as we came out.
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| Hannah enjoying her Starbucks drink |
Hopped on the bus and our first stop was at the Trinity College. Such beautiful old buildings. Felt strange sight seeing (walking around) a functioning college.
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| Inside 'Trinity College' grounds |
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| Make shift 'Confessional'. I was worried I might get zapped from above :) |
Back on another bus to the 'Temple Bar' area. Lots of pubs (funny that) and free entertainment in this area. Hopped off and went into 'Quays Irish Restaurant' and had a traditional Irish pub lunch. Yum...... Couple of glasses of Guinness & wine to help wash it down.
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| Before...... |
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| After....... |
Okay ready for more sight seeing. First stop was to buy a few souvenir Jerseys/T-shirts then back on a bus.
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| GPO |
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| Pub |
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| Christchurch Cathedral |
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| Guinness Factory |
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| Old horse and carts outside Guinness Factory |
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| One of the many bridges over the Liffey River (longest river in Ireland - flows into the Shand) |
Caught another bus and stayed on enjoying the commentary and sights from the top deck.
Caught the 4.50pm train back to Belfast which was pretty fill. We found four seats and deposited ourselves only to find out that three of them were reserved when two lovely elderly people turned up for their seats. Up we got, grabbing all our bags. We ended up finding a seat for Hannah; Chloe sat on the floor by one of the doors while Pete & I stood. Luckily it was only for about 40minutes after which we most of the people got off at the next stop.
Got back to Georgie's only to discover we had left Chloe's bag on the train. Waiting till Monday (when the lost property is open) to see if anyone handed it in :(
Fingers crossed!
Just as a side note.... food and milk is dead cheap here!
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| 2Ltr Milk around $2 |
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