November 17, 2003
November 14, 2003
Okay! Another update here...
On Tuesday, I went down to Leicester Square to pick up a third Lion King Musical ticket to go with the two tickets that Andrew and I had bought on Monday evening. While there, I ran into Wes and Erin, who are Kevin C's friends and whom I had met on the first night of my stay in London. Together, the three of us went to Tate Modern Gallery, spending approximately 2 hours there. The Tate Modern has some really neat paintings and structures, and then some other stuff that was a little too interpretive in my opinion... So I didn't get as much out of that as Erin did, who's an artist. We parted ways thereafter, and I went back to Covent Garden for a cornish pasty, an English food with beef and potatos wrapped in a pastry. I headed back to The Generator to change, and then walked over to The British Museum, which is as impressive as a building as the contents inside. I walked through the corridors quickly (3 hrs) taking a lot of pictures, reading very little, and wincing from my hurting feet. I left the museum just as the sun was dropping behind the horizon, around 5:30pm. I met Andrew and his Aussie friend Annabelle again at Leicester Square and we had a quick Chinese dinner before going to the Lycium Theatre for the The Lion King showing. While The Lion King followed the original Disney movie a littl too closely in my opinion, it boasted a great set of costumes and has some fabulous scene transitions. Overall, it was an entertaining show.
Wednesday would be my last day in London. I packed up my bags, had breakfast, talked to Harsh (a fellow from India studying in London and bunking in my dorm) for a bit, then checked out, locking my luggage in the luggage storage at the Generator. My first stop of the day was The Tower of London. And it is in places like that, which started to be built in the 11th century, that show the history of England, and its long tradition of Monarchy. I spent a good 3 hours there, starting with a 1 hour guided tour given by a Beefeater (Royal Guard of the Tower), then venturing off on my own of a little while. For lunch, I had traditional Fish & Chips at the Sherlock Holmes' Pub/Restaurant. The last big item on my list was to go back to the Westminister Abbey and see in the interior. I did just that, and thought it was fantastic. It's an incredible display of burials and memorials, most of them elequantly decorated with impressive sculptures. I found myself with a little bit of time before needing to get my luggage, so I stopped by The National Portait Gallery for some 20 minutes, walking very quickly through a few halls.
FINALLY, London is checked off my list. I picked up my luggage from The Generator and scooted over the tube for the last time. After some walking, I got to EasyCar, which was a shack in the middle of a parking lot, and got my car keys. The guy working was like, "The car's somewhere in the parking lot. Just go out there, press the button, and look for the blinking lights." Duh, Okay.
Driving on the left side of the road isn't very difficult at all. Getting out of London during rush hour is. After a couple wrong turns, I was on my way! I continue to approach the car from the wrong side and reach for my seat belt over my left shoulder. I've only made the mistake of turning onto the wrong side of the road once, and it was very momentary. So nothing too bad so far. I still don't know how to get the gas casket open, so I'll have to get some help the next time I need to fill up. I enjoy driving here however. When you can regularly drive 80 - 90 mi/hr (~140 km/hr), it's fun. At first, I wasn't sure how the roundabouts worked, but things are falling into place as I get more and more familiar with it. Got to Krista's only after 2.5 hrs of getting the car (granted the ride was estimated at 1.5 hrs, but traffic and wrong turns can take its toll). Krista has been a fantabulous and inviting host... and it's much appreciated.
Today, I had a later start on the day. I look my time with a shower, breakfast, and some TV before setting out around 10am. I went to Oundle (pronounced "Andle") which is a small town some 15 mins away, with some 17th - 18th century architecture, as well as some older 13th century buildings as well. After a few hours and lunch there, I drove a short ways North to the city of Stamford. Stamford has an even richer 1000+ year history that began with the Saxons and the Danes during the Norman Conquest. So by the 14th century, Stamford was one of the richest towns in England. Furthermore, Stamford was designated as the first Conservation Area in the country in 1967, so most of its heritage is preserved. I bought a little Town Trail pamphlet from the Tourist Information Centre and walked around the main area with its guidance and descriptions. The city a very ancient look and is truly breathtaking, as some of you will see in my photos (now 680+ of them).
Now I'm back at Krista's waiting for her to come back so that we can go for dinner.
By the way, I can read the comments you leave. Just had problems for that one day. Hmm... and I'm on free Internet (being at Krista's place), so feel free to email or post comments!
On Tuesday, I went down to Leicester Square to pick up a third Lion King Musical ticket to go with the two tickets that Andrew and I had bought on Monday evening. While there, I ran into Wes and Erin, who are Kevin C's friends and whom I had met on the first night of my stay in London. Together, the three of us went to Tate Modern Gallery, spending approximately 2 hours there. The Tate Modern has some really neat paintings and structures, and then some other stuff that was a little too interpretive in my opinion... So I didn't get as much out of that as Erin did, who's an artist. We parted ways thereafter, and I went back to Covent Garden for a cornish pasty, an English food with beef and potatos wrapped in a pastry. I headed back to The Generator to change, and then walked over to The British Museum, which is as impressive as a building as the contents inside. I walked through the corridors quickly (3 hrs) taking a lot of pictures, reading very little, and wincing from my hurting feet. I left the museum just as the sun was dropping behind the horizon, around 5:30pm. I met Andrew and his Aussie friend Annabelle again at Leicester Square and we had a quick Chinese dinner before going to the Lycium Theatre for the The Lion King showing. While The Lion King followed the original Disney movie a littl too closely in my opinion, it boasted a great set of costumes and has some fabulous scene transitions. Overall, it was an entertaining show.
Wednesday would be my last day in London. I packed up my bags, had breakfast, talked to Harsh (a fellow from India studying in London and bunking in my dorm) for a bit, then checked out, locking my luggage in the luggage storage at the Generator. My first stop of the day was The Tower of London. And it is in places like that, which started to be built in the 11th century, that show the history of England, and its long tradition of Monarchy. I spent a good 3 hours there, starting with a 1 hour guided tour given by a Beefeater (Royal Guard of the Tower), then venturing off on my own of a little while. For lunch, I had traditional Fish & Chips at the Sherlock Holmes' Pub/Restaurant. The last big item on my list was to go back to the Westminister Abbey and see in the interior. I did just that, and thought it was fantastic. It's an incredible display of burials and memorials, most of them elequantly decorated with impressive sculptures. I found myself with a little bit of time before needing to get my luggage, so I stopped by The National Portait Gallery for some 20 minutes, walking very quickly through a few halls.
FINALLY, London is checked off my list. I picked up my luggage from The Generator and scooted over the tube for the last time. After some walking, I got to EasyCar, which was a shack in the middle of a parking lot, and got my car keys. The guy working was like, "The car's somewhere in the parking lot. Just go out there, press the button, and look for the blinking lights." Duh, Okay.
Driving on the left side of the road isn't very difficult at all. Getting out of London during rush hour is. After a couple wrong turns, I was on my way! I continue to approach the car from the wrong side and reach for my seat belt over my left shoulder. I've only made the mistake of turning onto the wrong side of the road once, and it was very momentary. So nothing too bad so far. I still don't know how to get the gas casket open, so I'll have to get some help the next time I need to fill up. I enjoy driving here however. When you can regularly drive 80 - 90 mi/hr (~140 km/hr), it's fun. At first, I wasn't sure how the roundabouts worked, but things are falling into place as I get more and more familiar with it. Got to Krista's only after 2.5 hrs of getting the car (granted the ride was estimated at 1.5 hrs, but traffic and wrong turns can take its toll). Krista has been a fantabulous and inviting host... and it's much appreciated.
Today, I had a later start on the day. I look my time with a shower, breakfast, and some TV before setting out around 10am. I went to Oundle (pronounced "Andle") which is a small town some 15 mins away, with some 17th - 18th century architecture, as well as some older 13th century buildings as well. After a few hours and lunch there, I drove a short ways North to the city of Stamford. Stamford has an even richer 1000+ year history that began with the Saxons and the Danes during the Norman Conquest. So by the 14th century, Stamford was one of the richest towns in England. Furthermore, Stamford was designated as the first Conservation Area in the country in 1967, so most of its heritage is preserved. I bought a little Town Trail pamphlet from the Tourist Information Centre and walked around the main area with its guidance and descriptions. The city a very ancient look and is truly breathtaking, as some of you will see in my photos (now 680+ of them).
Now I'm back at Krista's waiting for her to come back so that we can go for dinner.
By the way, I can read the comments you leave. Just had problems for that one day. Hmm... and I'm on free Internet (being at Krista's place), so feel free to email or post comments!
November 13, 2003
I'm ready to leave London. I am leaving my hostel (where I had already checked out this morning, but stored my luggage while I was enjoying my day) to go to the car rental place. Cross your fingers, as I hope to make this 1.5 hr drive within 2 hrs, and keep myself alive. Luckily, it's not raining anymore... but it's dark. And scary. :)
I also noticed that I can't read feedback here on this UK (Internet) Explorer... but please continue to leave feedback if there you have. I'll try to give an update when I arrive at Krista's place later tonight.
Cheers.
I also noticed that I can't read feedback here on this UK (Internet) Explorer... but please continue to leave feedback if there you have. I'll try to give an update when I arrive at Krista's place later tonight.
Cheers.
November 11, 2003
Still in London. Today was probably my most comprehensive day of tourism thus far. I took the "Original London Tour Bus" which has several routes with multiple stops at the larger locations where one can hop-off and hop-on. Today, I visit Trafalgar Square (again), saw the Westminister Abbey, White Hall, Parliament Building and Big Ben (again), St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge (again), Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace, and a few other places, I think. The repeated locations are because I went there at night with Andrew on the first evening of my arrival. I spent a good part of the day walking around with a French lady, who was in London for the day. We had some good conversations and exchanged contact info before she left for France again.
Yesterday, I had a short day. I got together with Andrew and we went to Convent Garden, had some Cornish Pasties, a few drinks, walked around a bit, and called it a night early (around 4pm) because we couldn't find anything else to do for the day -- and my right big toe was hurting from the day before. It's better today, but just slightly. I need a foot massage.
That's my last 2 days in a handful.
Yesterday, I had a short day. I got together with Andrew and we went to Convent Garden, had some Cornish Pasties, a few drinks, walked around a bit, and called it a night early (around 4pm) because we couldn't find anything else to do for the day -- and my right big toe was hurting from the day before. It's better today, but just slightly. I need a foot massage.
That's my last 2 days in a handful.
November 09, 2003
"This train is for Cockfosters." Well, I took it only until Russel Square.
I have arrived here in London and all is well so far. Everything is expensive by my standards, and the Internet browsing is £0.5 / 7 mins. Anyway, £1 is enough to get people updated.
I spent most of the day with Andrew and met up with Kevin C. for dinner with his friends. Managed to see quite a few spots, but in little detail. The night pictures are great! None to post, nowhere to post. I see more foreigners here in London than I do Brits... then again, maybe it's just me. Street signs suck, because they can be anywhere (on buildings, for example) other than on the corner of the streets. The Tube has been kind to me, and I'll be sure to take it more often. All in all, I'm enjoying my first day here... still much to see. I haven't really had any "day-light" time -- but I'll get that tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Also had to take a picture with The Horniman (one of many bars).
I have arrived here in London and all is well so far. Everything is expensive by my standards, and the Internet browsing is £0.5 / 7 mins. Anyway, £1 is enough to get people updated.
I spent most of the day with Andrew and met up with Kevin C. for dinner with his friends. Managed to see quite a few spots, but in little detail. The night pictures are great! None to post, nowhere to post. I see more foreigners here in London than I do Brits... then again, maybe it's just me. Street signs suck, because they can be anywhere (on buildings, for example) other than on the corner of the streets. The Tube has been kind to me, and I'll be sure to take it more often. All in all, I'm enjoying my first day here... still much to see. I haven't really had any "day-light" time -- but I'll get that tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Also had to take a picture with The Horniman (one of many bars).
November 07, 2003
In an effort to offset the time change and avoid the effects of jet lag, I have resorted to staying up extra late -- that and the fact that I have the dryer running outside of my room to provide me with some more clean, dry underwear for my trip. I think I've managed to pack everything I'll need for a 3 month journey... fortunately, if I have forgotten anything, I'm only away for 18 days. I have a headache. Going to bed now.
November 04, 2003
An engineering professor at Simon Fraser University died yesterday morning of a heart attack while playing soccer. Through my undergrad and graduate studies, I have taken three courses with Jacques Vaisey, and he was always a professor who took the time to help out his students, although he did have some rigorous expectations of them. I will always remember Jacques as the closer talker who would go back and forth between tippy-toe and heel as he talked; curved his fingers like beaks with his arms close to his body like a bunny rabbit as he explained course material; and would pace across the front of the classroom bumping into chairs and projectors on each side, over and over. His antics will be missed, as well as his teaching.
November 03, 2003
The details...
A week and a half ago, I realized that I would need to take 10 vacation days before the end of the year, as they exceed my maximum carry-overable limit of 15 days. Due to personal reasons, my vacation would be restricted to November, so I fired off a few quick emails and settled on going to England and France. Only one and a half weeks later, I think I've managed a cost efficient 18-day trip that will force me into many new experiences, and I absolutely cannot wait. As my plane ticket states below, I'll arrive in London on November 8th (6 days from now), and my carefully plotted plan will unfold:
With powerbars in my right holster and bottled water in my left, I've got just about everything ready, booked, and awaiting my arrival.
For the savvy traveller out there reading this:
A week and a half ago, I realized that I would need to take 10 vacation days before the end of the year, as they exceed my maximum carry-overable limit of 15 days. Due to personal reasons, my vacation would be restricted to November, so I fired off a few quick emails and settled on going to England and France. Only one and a half weeks later, I think I've managed a cost efficient 18-day trip that will force me into many new experiences, and I absolutely cannot wait. As my plane ticket states below, I'll arrive in London on November 8th (6 days from now), and my carefully plotted plan will unfold:
- Nov 8 - 12: In London seeing as much as I can possible see. I'll be staying at The Generator hostel in Russel Square. I'll be equipped with a 1-week Travel Card, enabling me full mobility over London's public transit offering... although with the dense web of Underground (Tube) stations, I can't imagine why I'd take the bus, other than for photo ops. I guess I'll find out soon enough. There will be likely meet ups with Andrew and Kevin during my stay.
- Nov 13 - 18: On the 12th, I've got a car rental (hire) reservation, and I'll attempt to find my way safely to the town of Islip, next to Thrapston, near Kettering and Peterborough (approx 1 hr North of London) where Krista lives. About 3/5 of the car rental cost is in insurance, which amounts to some 70 GBP (fully insured, excluding personal injury) because I am under 26 years old. For the cost of insurance, I question whether it would be more worth my while to turn my driving experience into a regular smash-em-up derby.... hmm... maybe on my last day. Needless to say, driving on the "wrong" side of the road will be an awesome challenge, and I'm hoping to not find myself in any fender benders or caught in their Round-abouts like Chevy Chase did in National Lampoon's European Vacation. From Krista's place, I plan to make day trips while she works and trips with her on the weekend, with Bath, Oxford, Derbyshire Dales, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Cambridge on my list of possible destinations. On the 18th, I'll drive back to London, possibly visiting Windsor first, and return the car.
- Nov 18 - 24: I have a flight from London Stansted to Montpellier, France at a few minutes after 6pm. I'll arrive in Montpellier at 9pm local time where Trish and Trevor will pick up me and take me to their place in Panzanas. Over the next 5 days, we'll have a car rental for day trips to Montpellier and Marseilles.
- Nov 24 - 25: Shortly after my flight back to Stansted nearing midnight on the 24th, I will hop onto my last flight out of London Heathrow.
With powerbars in my right holster and bottled water in my left, I've got just about everything ready, booked, and awaiting my arrival.
For the savvy traveller out there reading this:
- What other kind of light travel food should I bring in case I get hungry on day?
- What are the recommended must-sees in London or around the London area? Any of them require substantial admission I should be aware of?
- Cheap places to eat? Chains of restaurants? Authentic English foods? Others?
- Places I should avoid due to cost or any other reason?
- While Canadians are beloved all around the globe, do the British like us still even though we didn't participate in the war? Would it be wise or dangerous to tote a Canadian flag (pin)?
- Any other recommendations?
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