I love Paris... In the springtime

Today started off very early.. Well early for some. Mum isn't used to being up at 4:30am, I'm sure some people on the tour didn't even know there was a 4:30 in the morning.

Our first point of call on our first day of our European tour was the white cliffs of Dover. These cliffs are brilliant white and there are gulls hovering the entire cliff face by the sea.

We crossed the English channel via ferry to Calais where we then headed to Paris!

I don't think I can explain what Paris is like in words. The architecture, the history, the vibe of this beautiful city actually brought a tear to my eye.

We dropped our bags off at the renaissance hotel and proceeded to a quaint little restaurant for dinner. On our menu tonight was an entree of French onion soup, main of poached salmon with crispy skin and creamy mash, and to finish it off was a creme brûlée and wine.

We then headed off for a drive down the champes elyssee to see the sights of Paris by night fall. We saw the opera house infamous for phantom of the opera, the louvre, the arc de triomph, the ritz hotel where Diana spent her last hours, and finally we were treated to a show of spectacular lights upon the amazing Eiffel tower.

This first night in Paris was amazing. Such a beautiful city and we can't wait to see more of it tomorrow on our city sight seeing walking tour.

P.S. After trying to order some fries and a drink today I think my French could do with some practice lol.

Last day in London was a ripper!

Mum and I spent our last day in London casing the shops for bargains and goodies. We started the day off by heading to Abbey Rd to walk the infamous zebra crossing and get the usual silly photos.

Mum was so excited to be at Abbey Rd but somehow remained subdued whilst on the crossing. I on the other hand felt this overwhelming desire to dance my way across the crossing. So I did!

We wrote messages for the Beatles on the pillars outside Abbey Rd Studios and we had a fabulous time there. We then hit the Beatles memorabilia shop and spent up big. Mum bought an Abbey Rd t-shirt and some other things, and I bought a Beatles satchel which is really cool.

Afterwards we headed to Harrods where the wallet got another workout. I bought some lovely things for some friends and mum bought some great chocolate which I am sad to report wont make it home, it actually didn't make it past the train station going home that arvo. It was delicious! We got to try on beautiful perfumes and climb the Egyptian staircase which was stunning.

We then headed to Hamleys which is a huge toy store, and I mean huge! It's like 4 or 5 levels high and has every toy imaginable.... Except the one mum wanted! Mum was after a Noddy toy but there was not one to be seen. They had some lovely things there tho.

A short walk from there was Carnaby St which was the height of fashion during the 60's in London. Sadly it is a modern version these days and it had changed so much even compared to when we were there last 12 years ago.

We stopped at Picadilly circus on the way and got some pics of the famous intersection. Again very different than the pics we got 12 years ago, and it will be great to compare them.

Later that night we went out to celebrate our cousin's Madeline and Thomas' birthdays (they are twins) turning 28. We went out for a Chinese banquet and drinks. It was delicious but they have different things to what we have here. I tried fried seaweed with brown sugar on top which was surprisingly good. Also tried plum sauce ribs which were equally as good. After a few drinks we headed home for laughs and cake. Was a really good night and mum and I will miss our 2nd and 3rd cousins respectively very much. We plan to come back and see them more before we head back to Australia.

Tonight we are staying in London ready for the beginning of our tour tomorrow. In 24 hours we will be in France which is an exciting but nerve racking prospect. I really should have practiced my French more!!

After those drinks last night I am sad to report i am feeling my age... Not too good LOL xxxx

All the wonderous sights

Today was another big day for us in the glorious city of London. The sky graced us with cliche london weather of grey dull clouds and drizzle but it makes for a more authentic experience i say. We saw so much today which we had not experienced last time so all in all a good day.

We went on a tourist hop on hop off bus tour and began the day at St. Paul's cathedral. We saw some beautiful architecture and the ceiling was stunning with its tiny mosaic tiles making up the entire ceiling. Mum and I whispered naughty things to each other up on the whispering gallery level. It's a circular deck level which overlooks the whole cathedral and ii was informed by a reliable source that if you whisper into the wall, the voice will travel around and your companion on the other side of the building can hear you as the sound travels around the wall back to you. It was a great laugh.

No photos were allowed in the cathedral (or any major attractions really) so we had to opt for postcards instead. We have etched the image into our brains anyway so we will never forget how beautiful it was.

We then headed for the tower of London where we found the crown jewels and all the torture towers. We only had enough time for a viewing of the crown jewels and they were mind blowing. So opulent and beautiful it was something we could never had imagined until we had seen it.

After that we went to Westminster abbey and spent almost 2 hours there amazed at the building and the history it housed. So much history and culture in one day makes for a long day but we would not have missed it for the world. We lit candles for all of our loved ones past and present and it was a lovely moment.

The bus tour then drove around the ritzy part of London and the west end. We saw famous restaurants and places that princess diana frequented which was a lovely highlight. We didn't have time to see anything else and headed home for a much needed rest.

London again tomorrow but this day will be filled with some serious shopping and a trip to abbey road. Should be lots of fun.

London calling!!

Today we spent the day in London with cousin Madeline. Maddy is mums 2nd cousin but my 3rd cousin or something like that and she is a great girl.

Maddy and I experienced the London eye and mum decided she would keep watch down below on terra firma lol.

We then went on a Thames river cruise where we saw tower bridge and some really great sights.

We met so many people today like strangers on the train and photo guy who charged our camera battery up and we had a good ol chin wag with and boat guy who was very cheeky but an absolute card.

Went to a little market think it was called spittlefield market or something like that. Saw some very unsavory characters so hauled ass out of there very quickly.

Then went to covent garden which is an undercover market place with heaps of buskers and shops. Copper guy was there busking.

Highlight of day... Saw a pub with a dirty name, tried on silly sunglasses and got asked to have my picture on the shops facebook page (cue the bros song "when will i be famous" and had some great laughs. Realized that the Aussie accent draws people in like magnets and they just want to know where ur from, how long ur staying, etc. great way to meet new people and experience the city.

P.s. check out the chick in the background of the sunnies pick with mum and maddy. Sour puss lol xx

Flight over, now journey begins...

Okay so mum and I are chauffeured by doig and dad to tullamarine airport at 11pm ready for our 3:30am flight. Little did we know what we were to experience on our 28hr flight but if we had have known we would only get 2 hrs sleep each we may have had second thoughts about getting on that plane. The international departure lounge was nice tho.

We could not wait to get off that plane as plane food loses its flair rather quickly. The Arabic coke was cool tho.

Once we landed and got thru customs to our hotel we just crashed and slept thru til morning London time.

We then went to settle in with the relos and spend the day at Hampton court, where Henry VIII lived with his 6 wives.

Tomorrow is London Where history and adventure awaits xx

1 week to go... So close yet so far away

Time has gone very fast and now it's only 1 week to go until we will be on the plane and headed for the other side of the world. I only have 3 more work days next week and that is exciting in itself, but to know at the end of next week we will be at the airport with luggage and anticipation loaded up just adds another element of excitement. Final important things to do : 1 - get hair cut and colored. Very important! 2 - mums nails need doing so she has pretty hands during our trip. 3 - make sure. Our technology gear is all hooked up and ready to go. 4 - realize we should be excited, not nervous. I have the flu (a little flu anyway) so if that would subside before departure I would be extremely grateful... Noting worse than a coughing sneezing passenger on a long haul flight. Maybe if I get really sick an upgrade to first class may be on the cards - yeah right!

3 weeks to go!

The 3 week mark has hit and the nerves are starting to hit also. I’m excited as can be, but also nervous as this is unchartered territory for both of us so there is a tiny bit of apprehension there too. Spent the day with mum yesterday to buy gifts for the relo’s in UK and also bought some little necessities for our trip. We finally got our travel documents last week, so this made it all the more real, as we now have something in our hands.

My luggage is out on the couch and I have been filling it with little things each day, as I will forget these things if I leave them to the last minute. Mum’s luggage has been filling up slowly also from a few weeks ago.

We talk about all the things we are going to buy while we are over there, and all the nibbles we will try (I fear I am a little more adventurous than mum – but she can try what I order to see if she likes it) and the experiences we hope to have, and all this is becoming more real as the days go on. Soon it wont just be idle chatter – we will be experiencing it and the camera lens will be working overtime, as well as our mouths!

Now to put in the hard slog for the next 3 weeks to earn the extra $$ for the trip. I know I could find a way to spend it... no doubt :o)

P.S. love the luggage - nice Xmas pressie - thanks mum xo