Missing in Action

OK, I know! The supposedly regular missal has slipped over the past few days. Internet access has been a problem as has been the frenetic pace not unusual with guided tours. We seem to be continually driving (or sailing) from town to town with barely time to appreciate neither the journey nor the destination. That is not to say we have missed some marvelous experiences , we certainly have not but the more traveled of you will appreciate the point. Perhaps a little repetition, but here goes.

The tour of Lord's last Tuesday was truly marvelous. Merv Hughes was able to connive a visit for us into the dressing rooms (the guide had never seen this happen before) and to stand on the balcony was a thrill. The majesty and tradition of Lord's cannot be overstated. We shall never forget it. They really did 'air-brush' Warnie's masculinity off his portrait!!

The afternoon guided tour of London took in all the usual landmarks: Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Big Ben and the Palace simply cannot be done justice in photographs. The stunning architecture is set off with ornate gilt finishes which take the breath away. I must say however, the presence of heavily armed police everywhere is intimidating. This evening we ate at the 'Prince of Wales Feathers' pub next to out hotel.

On Wednesday (27th, Happy Birthday Mum and GL) we set off for Bristol by way of Bath. Bath to us was a magical town. The architecture is unique and when you imagine yourself as a character out of one of Jane Austen's novels set in the area the experience is wonderful. The Roman built baths live up to their reputation. The engineering of nearly 2,000 years ago is astounding. The Brigstow Hotel in Bristol is built on the watefront and is first class. We ate in the 'Commercial Rooms' pub which is the first non-smoking pub in Bristol.

Thursday we traveled to Swansea by way of Cardiff. Cardiff felt like being at home. The people of Wales are very friendly and of course it is not the racial 'hodge-podge' that London has become. The city is modern and vibrant yet the charm remains. Cardiff castle was particularly interesting with its 'keep' situated within the walls. In the evening we arrived at the Marriott Hotel Swansea. A superb place to stay.

At first glance, Swansea had little to offer considering the time available. However, notwithstanding the inclement weather, Donna and I took to the road. We explored the Maritime Centre and were also pleasantly surprised to learn of one of Swansea's favorite sons, Dylan Thomas. In an obscenely short time we visited Swansea Museum where the exhibition of locally discovered fossils and artifacts from 10,000 years ago, including the Roman and Viking times, was entrancing. Yet again on to the bus to Pembroke where we boarded the 'Irish Ferry' to sail to Cork in Ireland. The trip was not unlike that of the 'Princess of Tasmania' but the ship was three times bigger. The voyage of 4 hours provided me time to introduce myself to Guinness. The ferry docked at Rosslare Harbour and after a 3.5 hour bus trip we arrived at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork. This beautiful hotel, set in lovely gardens, was once a teaching facility for overseas bound missionary fathers. It was a shame that on our way to here we drove directly past the Waterford crystal factory!

On Saturday morning (30 July) we had 1.5 hours to explore Cork on foot. Sadly all we could see were magnificent mansions set in dramatic gardens as we were unwilling channeled towards a shopping mall! I have a photo of the 'HILLS' newsagency (cultural experience)!

On now to Killarney, but first, Blarney Castle. From a military point of view the castle is strategically well situated however, nowadays it's the aesthetics ... beautiful. Donna declined the somewhat arduous trek to the top of the castle to kiss the 'Blarney Stone'. I did, and it was exhilarating! On now to the social centre of Ireland.... Killarney. We thought the Cork hotel was outstanding; the 'Great Southern' leaves it for dead. It has been operating for 150 years so we suppose it has learned a thing or two. This evening we ventured deep into Irish cultural experience with dinner at the local Chinese restaurant ---- brilliant! The banquet was 25 euros ($40 Aust.) a head and worth every cent. On the way home we heard music and for the next 2 hours sat in the open listening to a trio playing lively yet sentimental Irish ballads. Our request for an Australian song was met by 'And the band played Waltzing Matilda'. People cried. I must also add it is disconcerting to be out at 10 pm at night in daylight!

I have been reliably informed that Guinness has medicinal qualities. Sick babies used to be fed upon it. I have given it my best shot (a pint every half hour in 4 hour sessions). I have still got tinnitus!!

It is now Sunday and we set off for the 180 km tour known as the 'Ring of Kerry'. The has got to rate as one of the travelers' great experiences. The countryside is absolutely unspoiled with its ice-aged carved volcanic mountains. We visited a 'bog' village just out of Killarney and were impressed at the fortitude of the people that extracted this fuel. I suppose the sad thing about today was to see the ruins of houses burnt to their present state by the English landlords who sort to profit from the hardship of the 1884/86 famine. When the potato blight hit, the men went away to earn whatever money they could. the English came in and, without concern for women and children, raised their homes. Can you wonder at present animosities? Nevertheless, the mountains, lakes, and crags are wonderful and optimistic Ireland survives.

Tomorrow we head off to Dublin by way of Limerick. I'll be look for you in the 'Book of Kells', Kel.

Londinium & Lord's (Again)

With the win in four days at the cricket we found ourselves with time for an impromptu trip around London. The sky was overcast and threatening yet we opted for the 'open top' guided bus tour. It rained...heavily. However,we did see the changing of the guard at 'Horseguards' in Whitehall and afterwards continued on foot to the magnificent House of Commons and the Lords at Parliament Square. We really did not expect the beauty of Big Ben and its gilt highlights set atop an extremely decorative building housing the Parliament. No less a surprise was the sight of heavily armed police patrolling the entrances and surrounds of the building. The Westminster Abbey is adjacent and most imposing in its style. We adjourned to the 'Red Lion' for fish and chips and a pint of bitter for lunch before rejoining the bus and continuing over the Thames and back across Tower Bridge to The Tower and then home to the hotel.
In the evening we had a function at The Oval. A really great night with Merv Hughes chairing a talkfest between Geoff Lawson, Colin Miller, Terry Alderman and, Graham Gooch. We had the mandatory photos taken with them individually. As I said a great night topped off with a couple of bottles of a particularly fine South African red.
This morning we had a splendid tour of Lord's with all the trimmings. The Pavilion is magnificent. A Melbourne Cricket Club team played an MCC team today and Merv organized us a visit to the 'Dressing Rooms'...rather a treat. To stand on the balcony where our teams have stood for over a hundred years is a cricket followers heaven. We were also treated to a visit into the very modernistic media centre.
This afternoon we again toured London with a professional guide. Her knowledge and elocution was a pleasure to hear. For us the highlights were the Albert Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral and, Buckhingham Palace.
Have just arrived back at the hotel after dinner at a local pub, the 'Prince of Wales Feathers'.Settled for a vegetarian pizza and four pints of 'London Pride' bitter.
Tomorrow we hit the road to visit Bath and then onto Bristol to overnight before Swansea and the ferry to Cork.

What a Great Four Days

Australia all out for 190, the Poms could not contain themselves as they declared the series 'done & dusted'. Somewhat more subdued in the afternoon when McGrath had one of the greatest spells in modern cricket taking effectively 5 for 2 in 35 balls! Lord's lived up to all our expectations and more as the greatest place to experience Test cricket. In a most civilized way spectators enjoy an ambience unknown in Australia. Food is of the highest quality and beer, wine , and champagne are consumed from glass bottles in a true picnic fashion either in the stands or in beautifully maintained garden settings. Rain could not deter Australia's onslaught and we won on the fourth day by 239 runs.
As you probably heard there was an element of excitement in London whilst the cricket was underway. Unfortunately, we were involved to the extent that we could not return to our hotel as it had been cordoned off as a crime scene after a bombing scare. Our hotel is immediately adjacent to Warren St Station where the police believed a bomber had attempted to set off a charge and was in the hotel. We were transported from Lord's to a waiting position however, the cordon remained all night and we were driven to the airport and lodged in the Radisson Airport hotel. All is well that ends well but there continues to be a very high profile police presence with sirens continually heard and convoys of police vehicles speeding from one place to the other.
It has taken some while to get over the jet lag, Today we both seem better able to cope. The big drama today was being trapped in our overcrowded lift at the hotel. We had arrived at the ground floor but the doors would not open and the air in the quite small cabin was becoming hot and one lady in particular was very stressed. The frustrating thing was that we could not get the emergency phone to answer. Donna believed she could hear voices outside and she banged on the door with the heel of her shoe. Fortunately an Australian tourist heard the banging and alerted staff who prised the door open. Bit of a worry really when the emergency phone does not react!
Donna and I explored some eating houses today. The 'Mortimer Arms' produced two of the best pints of beer I've had in a long while accompanied by a great plate of chips. Tonight we ate Italian at a local restaurant. Insalata for Donna and Linguine for me set off with a Sicilian merlot was first class.
With no play tomorrow the time is ours and the plan at this stage is an open top bus tour of London where you can get off wherever you wish. Looking forward to it actually.

Down and Dirty

Well we made it! After 21 hours in the air plus a 3 hour stopover in Singapore, we touched down at Heathrow at 5.15 AM on 20 July. Baggage collection took some time and there was a surprise when there was no Customs service on duty for the 'nothing to declare' group. I must say we are reconsidering our views on the unwarranted expense of 'business class'....It is priceless!We found the 'cattle class' trip demanding.
The bus trip from the airport to the 'Radisson Grafton' took the best part of 50 minutes. We both were reminded of 'Monopoly' as we passed many of the locations featured on the board game. The hotel is centrally located in London on Tottenham Court Rd and is close to Oxford St.It was disappointing to find our rooms would not be available until 11.00AM. We felt rather scruffy as we strolled around the immediate area. Donna is really impressed by the many beautiful and colorful flowers hanging in pots and in window boxes. I am struck by the number of people and the traffic. It is said that London and the UK is one of the most closely populated cities and countries on earth ... it is not hard to see why.
We had a briefing by Merv Hughes (colorful as always) and, passport in hand, collected our tickets to Lord's. It is sad for the 17 people in our group who missed out on tickets in the ballot. Our tickets are probably quite valuable.
Donna is sleeping. I woke after just 3 hours at midnight... still wide awake. Day one of the Test should take our minds off jet lag.

9 Days and Counting

A wonderful Sunday lunch with friends has capped off a busy week in preparation for our trip to Europe. In their inimitable style, Kel & Jan hosted Peter and his wife Maria ,John, and ourselves at their house in Brisbane's west. Reminiscing of "old dreams and past glories" from our military days was a reminder of the conviviality we all shared and the social bond soldiers and their families enjoyed. Personally, I still miss the lifestyle and the comradeship even after nearly 20 years of "civilianisation".( I wonder if that is a real word?)
Good news!! Telstra Bigpond got their technical act together and we are now proud broadband users. The leap from 28Kbps to 512Kbps has seen me in a frenzy of internet surfing as previously unthinkable downloads now happen in seconds. I'm not sure all this speed is going to improve my sometimes ponderous writing style however,it is probable that with practise, some sort of acceptable standard will be achieved. I think it was Winston Churchill who said "if I had more time I would have written a shorter letter".
Our inoculations are now completed much to Donna's delight. She hates needles but I must say, her stoicism was impressive as I, normally relaxed about such things, felt a wave of nausea as the nurse punctured my dear wife's arm...I really am an old softy at heart.
We spent a day in Brisbane shopping for those little things that seem to be popping up as essential to take with us. The selection of a secure passport and cash holder was made difficult as each salesperson seemed to have a different idea of the best solution. Our solution has been a wallet worn around the neck and under the shirt. The purchase of cash and travelers cheques was a bit alarming with one Euro costing $1.61AUD. British pounds were each $2.3AUD. We left the bank (which bank) feeling we had a lot less money than when we went in. I also paid $20 for the privilege of having an International driving license.
People have been calling us to check whether or not we will actually fly out next Tuesday week in the light of the tragic bombings in London and the scare in Birmingham. The First Test in the Ashes Series is played in London and the Second Test in Birmingham. We accept that the smooth flow of our movements will be seriously affected by security measures. In itself, that will not be so bad as hopefully, any one set on doing damage will be similarly inconvenienced. Besides, we have waited many years for this adventure...