Archive through March 30, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: 2003 April: Road Trips (ARCHIVES): Archive through March 30, 2003

Jmm

Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 06:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lori, Better be careful, someone took a picture of you.

pt

Heyltslori

Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 06:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
hahahaha!!! dang...busted! I shoulda known the units had security cameras! :)

Squaredsc

Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 06:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
you all are hysterically funny.

Sawheel17

Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 08:15 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Welcome Home Mimi and Drew.:) Waiting with the rest of the gang.

Ddr1135

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Dang! Half's still sleeping?

Urgrace

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 06:55 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for making a place for me on the recliner, Eggy! Hey is Jmm CIA or something?

<munch, munch, slurp>

Egbok

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 08:32 am EditMoveDeleteIP
<burp> omg, excuse me!

<Eggie has eaten too many snacks or was it the beer?!>

Squaredsc

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 10:53 am EditMoveDeleteIP
i new the units needed a vacation from their vacation. thank god lori brought beer and popcorn, lol.

Draheid

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 11:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
COMING SOON
Half & Unit Do London!!!

Halfunit

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 11:53 am EditMoveDeleteIP
(Thanks for waiting for me!! I have been sleeping, and waiting for pictures to be developed, and resizing pictures, and doing laundry, and loafing. OK, here is my journal - the post of the year for me!)

Thursday 3/20
Friday 3/21

An uneventful drive to Pittsburgh airport, but what a different story about the flight! I have never seen Brett scared until today. I was annoyed with the flight, but not worried.

JFK airport - very disorganized and under construction at Terminals 8 & 9. We met a couple on their way home to London while waiting for our plane. They had just spent 5 days in New York and were very nice, helping us with the British “language”, such as the road our hotel was on. The name of the road is: Tottenham Court Road. We kept saying TOT EN HAM. They told us it’s pronounced TUT NUM. This knowledge helped us not to stand out too much - yeah, right!

The plane to London was a 777. We both got a little sleep, but need more.

We made our way through Heathrow and found the Immigration stations. After a 20 minute wait, we were finally admitted into the country.

With our passports stamped, we made our way to the Underground to trade in our vouchers for our Tube passes. Not until we found the ramp going below the airport did we feel we were going the right way. Got our passes and we were off!

The Tube was fun and we made our transfer. We emerged at the Warren Street station and viola’! Our hotel!!

We checked in and went to our room and hated it!! Very cramped. Back down to change, and the 2nd room was wonderful!

As we were trading rooms, who walks in but a touring college band from Westerville, OH. Talked to their adult chaperones about Ohio and just how funny it was to all be staying in a hotel together in London gives new meaning to “It’s a Small World!”.


We took a stroll down Tottenham Court Road and stopped in a grocery store, and then a bank. We found a little place to have dinner, Numero Uno. Fettuccini Alfredo for me, lamb steak for Brett.

A quick stop at the grocery store and we were back in our room where we slept heavily until dawn.


Saturday 3/22
Today was "designated re-con day". We knew the streets would be crowded, being a Saturday. We also knew of the peace march that was scheduled. Still, we ventured out in pursuit of finding Scotland Yard.

Not only did we find it, but also a friendly bobbie behind the counter named Bob. Bob was kind enough to give us the name of the Crime Museum curator and told us to telephone him Monday. Brett and Bob exchanged patches and we were off yet again.

Before entering Scotland Yard, we passed Little Ben. It was now time to check out his larger version. As we approached him, he struck two.

bigben

We headed for the Thames, making a pitstop at Westminster Abbey. What a beautiful old place. We were both left speechless as we admired the architecture and it's contents.


wm1 wm2

Next, we made our way to the Theatre District and Chinatown. We were going to eat Chinese for lunch, but the menus scared me more than the ducks hanging in the windows. We settled on a steak joint that was fair.

We then took a long walk on the downtown streets to a pub called "Cittie of York". An old quaint place that Brett wanted to see. We stopped for a drink and then made our way back to the hotel.

After a half hour rest, our venture continues as we partake in a "London Walk". We chose the Jack the Ripper Tour. What a terrific experience. We walked for two hours, stopping at interesting "Ripper" areas. Our guide, Simon, was knowledgeable and lively. After the walk, Simon took the time to talk to Brett about Jack the Ripper and serial killers. We parted and headed for the tube station, when two bobbies appeared in our sight. Brett stopped them, inquiring where he could get a real bobbie helmet. The bobbies, Phil and Keith, told us to meet them at the Brick Road Police Office at 11:00 pm, and they would give Brett a helmet.

We had an hour to pass so we stopped in the Curry District for food - Bangladesh style. Um... it was ok.

Time to meet the coppers! Brett received his helmet and chatted with the gents for 20 minutes. Super super nice guys!

Off to the tube and back to our room. We will have breakfast in the morning and plan out our Sunday.

Sunday 3/23
The day started with breakfast in the hotel dining room. We really didn't expect to do much today. Many stores were closed as we hit the streets. We had no idea what a day we were in for!

We headed out for Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. I took pictures of Brett with John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, "Ah-Nold", John Wayne, and Ronald Reagan. Brett, in turn, took one of me, kneeling in front of Bill Clinton - quite funny. The museum was smaller than I expected and it was crowded, but it was interesting.

Next we headed towards the Westminster area. We had planned another London Walk, but abandoned that idea after enjoying our own leisurely paced exploration.

We walked along the old governmental buildings, stopping to take photos of 10 Downing Street - Tony Blair's place. As you can imagine, it was under heavy guard.

Further down the road, we took photos at the Horse Guards Parade Building. We walked to the edge of St. James's Park, and headed back.

We rounded the corner at King Charles Drive where we saw a vehicle full of bobbies. Brett was curious if London offered "ride-a-longs", so we asked a man in uniform.

Steve had never heard of ride-a-longs, and after an explanation told us that London did not have these. Turns out, Steve was not a bobbie, but a private security guard for the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, workplace of Diplomats. Steve went on and told us that he was keeping guard over the comings and goings of employees in the building. When British casualties happen in Iraq, the first call from in the field came into the building that Steve was guarding.

We parted and went down the road and accidentally came upon the Cabinet War Rooms Museum - the bunker of Winston Churchill. It was very interesting and very eerie with what is going on today. Many original items remain in the bunker, adding to the original period of time feeling you get upon entry.

We crossed the River Thames to the London Eye - a giant enclosed ferris wheel offering a spectacular birds-eye view of the city. Many more photos were taken here too.

Time to eat! Tonight's choice was the Grenadier - a pub dating back to the days of Waterloo (1815). I had chicken with thyme dumplings, and Brett had some sort of Scottish game meat pie. A few more photos, as well as one of both of us in front of the pub, taken by a local. We were tired after our productive day, so we headed back to our hotel.

There have been numerous references to picture taking in this section, and for good reason. Up until Sunday night, the film had not loaded properly in the camera. All pictures that we thought were taken - weren't. This is so disappointing to me, but now we know and we are going to do everything we can to retrieve many lost photos. Better this happens on day two versus day six, and tomorrow is another day!

First thing in the morning - call Scotland Yard!

Monday 3/24
Some good news and bad news on Scotland Yard and the Crime Museum. They can fit Brett in tomorrow - just Brett. But that is ok - he's earned it and this opportunity can't be passed up when there is a six month waiting list just to get in.

We focused our day in the southern end of London. The Tower of London was our first stop. Guns, swords, ravens, and an abundance of stone here. We spent hours walking along walls and through castle towers. Viewing the Crown Jewels was amazing!
tl1 tl2 tl3

tl4 tl5

Lunch was a cheeseburger for me, and fish and chips for Brett at the Riverside - a place on the water at the Katherine Docks.

An enjoyable walk across the Tower Bridge and then along the Thames, and we were at the HMS Belfast. She is Europe's last big armored warship of World War II, turned museum. A floating city, complete with her own dentist's office and bakery, the Belfast was a sight to see.

tb1 tb2

tb3 belfast

Our last stop of the day was the London Dungeon. A cross between a haunted house and a historic look at the evils of London. This two hour experience was fascinating. The displays were well done, the actors were marvelous, and the mini-boat ride was unique.

dungeon

Back to the hotel where we munched on fresh bread, cheese, and cookies. Tomorrow is the Crime Museum for Brett and then we will attempt to backtrack in the Westminster area for lost pictures of the past couple of days.

Tuesday 3/25
After escorting Brett to Scotland Yard, I went to inquire about train tickets to Nottingham. The line was too long, and we will both come back in the morning. I rejoined Brett and we went back to the Westminster area and the governmental area to take retake pictures.

parliament1 parliament2

parliament3 parliament4

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament - where we noticed some interesting gnarled trees in the yard.

tree

We asked some local bobbies about the trees, and John told us that they were Indian Bean Trees (from America, no less). As we were standing at the gate, Nicholas Soames was driven in. He is one of the grandsons of Sir Winston Churchill.

Round II at 10 Downing Street. It was barricaded more today than on Saturday. We befriended another Bobbie named Ian, who told us to come back at 6:00 pm, and he'd see what he could do. Ian was a great guy who did a coast to coast American football tour in the late 80's.

Revisited the mounted horses and took pictures of them and their surrounding buildings. I know - let's go visit Steve again!

hg1 hg2 hg3

This turned out to be a great idea, as Steve took his break when he saw us. He secured visitor's passes for us, and we got a personal guided tour of the Foreign and Commonwealth building. A very secure area, with no picture taking allowed. The building is absolutely gorgeous - Brett and I were led to a beautiful marble floor that Steve had us stand on. He told us it is insured for over one million pounds. As we were walking around, we saw Jack Straw meeting with the Romanian Diplomat. We felt very privileged to have been given access to a building generally not open to the public.

f&c

We still had about 30 minutes before meeting back up with Ian, so we sat on a wall across from Downing Street and people watched. All of a sudden - PANDEMONIEM! An instant motorcade was assembled and Tony Blair was whisked away.

blair

We saw Ian and crossed the street. Not only did he get us inside the gate, he got us all the way up to the number 10 building!

downing

Another coup for us! We had to be quick, and as we were thanking Ian outside the gate - PANDEMONIEM! Tony Blair was whisked back inside.

We said goodbye to Ian and headed for Trafalgar Square.

trafalgar

On to St. James's Park,

stjames

and up to Buckingham Palace.

buck1 buck2 buck3

Our journey continued on to Soho,

xxx

and we stopped for a bite to eat at a seafood place called Livebait. We then called it a day and then went back to our room.

Wednesday 3/26
Off to Nottingham! The train ride was great. We got to see the countryside, and while much could pass for Ohio, it was beautiful!

A short taxi ride and we were at the World Headquarters of a company called Games Workshop. They are the company that makes the little figurines that Brett paints. It was a huge building, complete with museum, a pub, and a huge gaming room for people to play the game that is Brett's hobby.

gw


We then proceeded by taxi to Nottingham Castle. Out front, there is a statue of Robin Hood. The area was beautiful with daffodils in bloom.

nott1 nott2

nott3 nott4

robinhood

Once again, a pit stop was made en route to the train station. Brett noticed an inn, dating back to 1189 AD. The food was terrific, and the building was even better. Parts were carved out of stone at the base of the castle. It makes you wonder about all of the people of years ago, wondering through the hallways.

inn inn2 inn3

Thursday 3/27
The day started out slow, as we both slept in until 9:00 am. By the time we left the room, it was almost time for lunch so we went to a fish and chips place around the corner.

We spent some time walking the streets looking for a refill for one of Brett's pens with a PO Box address in London on the refill. No luck.

Our walking finally landed us at the Imperial War Museum. You could spend days looking at all of the items and exhibits here. Unfortunately, we only had hours.

war1 war2

We then traveled to the Brompton Cemetery, which is actually part of the parks system. It was closing time when we got there, but we snuck in anyhow. This was one of my favorite spots in London. Most of the headstones dated back to the 1800's - it was a huge cemetery.

brompton brompton2 brompton3

brompton4 brompton5 brompton6

For dinner, we chose a restaurant called "Rules". They claim to be the oldest restaurant in London. Diners of the past include H. G. Wells, Graham Greene, and Charles Dickens. Loved the building, the food, and especially dessert which was a caramelized banana with butterscotch concoction.

We popped in to O' Reilly's pub for a quick nightcap, and then back to the room. Hard to believe we are leaving tomorrow. I'm ready, but it went fast!

Friday 3/28
Today we stayed in the hotel until checkout time, as I had to pack for the both of us.

We went to Harrod's today and saw the Diana / Dodi "shrine".

D&D

Bought a new perfume for me - Sensi by Giorgio Armani - I felt like a million bucks! This was a really neat store, complete with it's own bakery, deli, and florist. Not to mention the 121,885 pound diamond tennis bracelet I saw and really liked!

Back to the hotel to fetch our luggage and we left the Warren Street tube station for the last time. Off to Heathrow and on our way home!

tube tubebrett

mtg That's for Fanny!

So long London - thanks for a grand time !

us

Heyltslori

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:08 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Great pics Half!! Sounds like you had a blast. Thanks for sharing with us!! :)

that kneeling in front of Bill Clinton thing cracked me up! lol

Moondance

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:24 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
WOW MsHalfCrazyUnit! That was an amazing play by play and the pix are GREAT! Thank you! Oh and The Brompton Cemetery ... my favorite pix, How cool!

We missed you!

Webkitty

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
WOW, what a trip report!!
It was worth sitting, beary eyed, in front of my screen waiting for it But I had good company

You guys packed a LOT into the time you had there. That is so cool that you got into 10 Downing, and I loved reading about all the food experiences, thanks MsHalf!

WELCOME HOME!

Tess

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 01:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
That was amazing, Half. I feel like I just had the vacation of a lifetime all through your eyes. Thanks a million for sharing your memories and photos. Absolutely wonderful!

Grannyg

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 01:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Great vacation, Half. I loved reading about it. Sounded so cool. Thanks for sharing!!

Pamy

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 02:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Half..I agree with Tess! What a great play by play, I need a nap after all that!!!! I am glad you all had fun!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Welcome Home!!

Hippyt

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 02:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!! Sounds and looks like ya'll had a grand time!!! The photos are wonderful!

Scootersmom

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:03 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Wow Half...thank you soooo much for sharing your pictures and travel diary! I was so excited for you and Unit while you were on your trip and checking in. Welcome Home!

Lancecrossfire

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
1/2, that was a great post!! Wonderful summary of ytour trip, what you did, how you liked it, and those great pictures!! Thatnks for taking the time to provide that to all of us!:)

Kstme

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:18 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks so much for sharing Half! Made me feel like I was there. WHAT FUN YOU HAD!!!!! Loved all the pics!

Schoolmarm

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
WOW!

And I still don't have the butt shots of our January meeting developed yet!

What a great trip....thanks for sharing!

And welcome home!

Squaredsc

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
i also have to say wow 1/2 and unit. i also feel like i was on the trip with you two. you sure had a great time, loved the pictures they were wonderful. the bill clinton thing is hizzelarious. i can't say it enough, but what a wonderful adventure you two had and im so glad that you included us. this was worth the wait, lol.

Schoolmarm

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
And may I add, that I find it very funny that you two from OHIO flew out of Pittsburgh. I'm from Pennsylvania and I almost always fly out of CLEVELAND...only 10-15 minutes farther than Pittsburgh but LOTS cheaper!

Shoot, you were in MY neck of the woods....<marm invites everyone up to the woods, well, you might want to wait until the leaves bud out!>

Halfunit

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 06:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I am so glad you guys liked my novel! I counted 50+ pics, and those were only the good ones! (A big thank you to Dra for helping me out with the post!)

We had a really really good time. My knees are paying for it now, but come tomorrow I'll be sitting on my bum all day so I should recover quite nicely.

This is the only thread I've looked at in over a week. Dare I venture back out into the others, lol...??

Tess - how'd we do with Surviiivor?

Mygetaway

Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 06:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for sharing your trip with us Half. I think it's neat how all the Bobbies welcomed Unit and yourself.