Greetings All,
Well today was to be a day for doing another dreaded packing again as we head to Liverpool. But that all changed with a scan of the morning paper. Adrienne has a kids day at the Asia House Festival which she was dreading and asking for volunteers. We passed as I found a Morris Men Exhibition at Trafalgar Square. So we head out to see the show at noon walking up in record time for me. We have never been in London this late on our previous trips and it is like someone opened up the bowels of the earth and spit out the hoards of people. It is crazy busy and not yet the start of the tourist season.
A little history of the Morris Men Dance. It is a dance done by 6 men and a leader that celebrated the end of winter sometimes with sacrifices to ensure a good spring and always happened during the first two weeks of May. Around 1450 the dance changed slightly and is very much what we see today. Clean white scarves replaced heads or what ever animal was sacrificed and sticks replaced swords. Today they had a number of counties represented from all over England in the square. Some of the music sounded very much like pirate jigs and although some of the dances looked very much the same there were a number of differences in each dance that we could not see as we did not understand the various subtle nuances. The square was itself busy with the dancers competing with a Falun Chinese celebration.
After the show we walked back to the Morpeth Pub for a late lunch as we were heading off to a footie match. Liverpool versus West Ham United. The tube ride out was packed and Fred was asked if he came down from Liverpool to watch the game as he had his Liverpool jacket on and we were both sporting Liverpool scarves. He responded no Canada and reactions around us was funny to say the least.
The games was an amazing experience. Because of John's bad back I got to go and we had fabulous seats. In the 10th row from the field. Really should get danger pay to sit where we were, balls were flying all around us. The poor kid right in front of us got a good shoot in the head during practice time. The fans are very entertaining and lively with singing songs for players and praise for the team. The best was when West Ham fans started to leave early because they were losing they sang and waved "Show Me The Way To Go Home". Leaving the game is an experience in itself. 34591 people leaving the stadium and all heading for the tube can be quite a experience but everything was orderly and we made good time getting back.
On the tube ride back we met some West Ham fans; two in particular the were drowning there sorrows. They had a bottle of wine that they were swigging and we thought OMG trouble as we were sitting right beside them. Turns out they were harmless and rather funny. Once they found out we were from Canada, Fred answered what questions he could and I barely understood what he said given the drunken accent. Well back to the flat faster then the trip out and were were treated to Limoncello with apple and raspberry pie. Last but not least a nightcap at the Morpeth. Tomorrow we are Liverpool bound to look for a place to live.
I must also warn that we may be out of contact for a bit so please don't panic.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8, 2009 - Tour of Old Stomping Ground
Greetings All,
Well today we woke up to a fairly steady rain so did some laundry while deciding where to head out to. By the time the laundry was done it had cleared up so we took the tube down to the Borough Market. Once we got out of the tube we had to take cover for about 3 minutes as it started to hail. It quickly turned to rain then sun. At the market we wandered around taking in the sites and smells of food and shared a double lamb burger for lunch.
We then headed up the south bank of the Thames, old ground we have previously covered each trip to London but a lovely walk and always makes me feel that I have finally arrived in London. It is quite windy but very refreshing and surprisingly busy.As we walking arm in arm a rummy approached us and started to sing lovers, lovers how great that makes me feel. After we passed him Fred say's you sure do attract them Sandy! Me why me could be Fred :)! Once we are passed the London Eye we decide to cut up through Whitehall and head to St. James's Park. Before entering the park we stop to rest and grab some refreshment at The Clarence a pint of Adnams Guest Ale for Fred and 1/2 pint of Cider for me. Fortified we head on to St. James's Park. The flowers are in bloom but the flowering trees are very quickly losing their blooms with the strong wind. The tulips are also almost finished but those remaining are very beautiful. Amazingly they have the tomato and other vegetable plants out ready to be planted in the veggie section of the park.
The lake in St. James's is being drained to clean the sludge from the bottom of it and it seems to have disturbed some of the water fowl. A large white pelican is strutting along the path and chasing some of the people who are unsure of it and are in its way. It finally tires of his games and returns to what little water there is.
Once through the park the Coldstream Guards band is practicing on the parade ground of the barrack in full uniform. We stop here for a photo op and then carry on back up to the flat. We are getting to know our way around so well that maps are no longer required for the familiar tourist sites. We stop once more for refreshment as I am now really dragging my ass. A stop at the local pub The White Swan pint of Adnams Bitter for Fred and 1/2 pint of cider for me. We did discuss how come I never tried cider previously as it is cheaper then wine. Fred was quick to answer that before I was on my holidays so he felt I should have what I wanted now as we will be living here we are have to be more frugal. Right I laugh as he knows I will get what I want regardless.
Just another little note of differences over here. A number of words are pronounced very differently here, controversy is a good one and they say brilliant here when they mean it is fabulous were we say brilliant when we are being sarcastic like he is brilliant like a idiot. Should come up with some very new sayings once we get to Liverpool. Well today we were walking for about 3 1/2 hours when you take out the refreshment breaks but no idea as to miles. Just know I returned pooped.
Lastly Fred will be posting to Flickr later.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Well today we woke up to a fairly steady rain so did some laundry while deciding where to head out to. By the time the laundry was done it had cleared up so we took the tube down to the Borough Market. Once we got out of the tube we had to take cover for about 3 minutes as it started to hail. It quickly turned to rain then sun. At the market we wandered around taking in the sites and smells of food and shared a double lamb burger for lunch.
We then headed up the south bank of the Thames, old ground we have previously covered each trip to London but a lovely walk and always makes me feel that I have finally arrived in London. It is quite windy but very refreshing and surprisingly busy.As we walking arm in arm a rummy approached us and started to sing lovers, lovers how great that makes me feel. After we passed him Fred say's you sure do attract them Sandy! Me why me could be Fred :)! Once we are passed the London Eye we decide to cut up through Whitehall and head to St. James's Park. Before entering the park we stop to rest and grab some refreshment at The Clarence a pint of Adnams Guest Ale for Fred and 1/2 pint of Cider for me. Fortified we head on to St. James's Park. The flowers are in bloom but the flowering trees are very quickly losing their blooms with the strong wind. The tulips are also almost finished but those remaining are very beautiful. Amazingly they have the tomato and other vegetable plants out ready to be planted in the veggie section of the park.
The lake in St. James's is being drained to clean the sludge from the bottom of it and it seems to have disturbed some of the water fowl. A large white pelican is strutting along the path and chasing some of the people who are unsure of it and are in its way. It finally tires of his games and returns to what little water there is.
Once through the park the Coldstream Guards band is practicing on the parade ground of the barrack in full uniform. We stop here for a photo op and then carry on back up to the flat. We are getting to know our way around so well that maps are no longer required for the familiar tourist sites. We stop once more for refreshment as I am now really dragging my ass. A stop at the local pub The White Swan pint of Adnams Bitter for Fred and 1/2 pint of cider for me. We did discuss how come I never tried cider previously as it is cheaper then wine. Fred was quick to answer that before I was on my holidays so he felt I should have what I wanted now as we will be living here we are have to be more frugal. Right I laugh as he knows I will get what I want regardless.
Just another little note of differences over here. A number of words are pronounced very differently here, controversy is a good one and they say brilliant here when they mean it is fabulous were we say brilliant when we are being sarcastic like he is brilliant like a idiot. Should come up with some very new sayings once we get to Liverpool. Well today we were walking for about 3 1/2 hours when you take out the refreshment breaks but no idea as to miles. Just know I returned pooped.
Lastly Fred will be posting to Flickr later.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7, 2009- Car Hunting then a Long walk about.
Greetings All.
Today we head up the the Mercedes Dealership to check out cars. We decide although overcast and cool, it's a good day to walk. On our way up overhead a convoy of helicopters travels up the Thames and at Albert Bridge heads back down the river. There were approximately 20 helo's. Will have to try and find out it something special is going on.
At the dealership we spend over a hour leaning about the process of purchasing a car in England. Apparently we have more options then we thought. We didn't think leasing or financing credit would be an option for us with no credit history in the UK. Benjamin, the salesman, was extremely helpful and even build a car for us to give us an idea of a price for a new car. Giving us suggestions and also told us to check out dealership in Liverpool and test drive the model we are looking at. If you buy a new car it takes 3 months for it to be delivered. So more decisions and discussions are needed before we take the plunge. Renting a car for now until we sort through all the requirements.
Upon leaving the dealership we walk along to Sloane Square. This is a shopping area that has a lot of boutique type stores. We stop and have a Cornish Pastie for lunch and split a diet coke. We continue our walk into Belgrave an area of London and stop at the Nag's Head for a pint. Kevin the owner was in and we had a brief chat with him before he headed off to do some family duties.We should note we met Kevin 2 1/2 years ago. A pint of cider for me is way to much but the rest was nice. The trees have flowered and some roses are in bloom already. We were out approximately five hours and Fred figures we walked about 5 or 6 miles in total.Tired but feeling like we accomplished something today we returned to the flat to relax.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Today we head up the the Mercedes Dealership to check out cars. We decide although overcast and cool, it's a good day to walk. On our way up overhead a convoy of helicopters travels up the Thames and at Albert Bridge heads back down the river. There were approximately 20 helo's. Will have to try and find out it something special is going on.
At the dealership we spend over a hour leaning about the process of purchasing a car in England. Apparently we have more options then we thought. We didn't think leasing or financing credit would be an option for us with no credit history in the UK. Benjamin, the salesman, was extremely helpful and even build a car for us to give us an idea of a price for a new car. Giving us suggestions and also told us to check out dealership in Liverpool and test drive the model we are looking at. If you buy a new car it takes 3 months for it to be delivered. So more decisions and discussions are needed before we take the plunge. Renting a car for now until we sort through all the requirements.
Upon leaving the dealership we walk along to Sloane Square. This is a shopping area that has a lot of boutique type stores. We stop and have a Cornish Pastie for lunch and split a diet coke. We continue our walk into Belgrave an area of London and stop at the Nag's Head for a pint. Kevin the owner was in and we had a brief chat with him before he headed off to do some family duties.We should note we met Kevin 2 1/2 years ago. A pint of cider for me is way to much but the rest was nice. The trees have flowered and some roses are in bloom already. We were out approximately five hours and Fred figures we walked about 5 or 6 miles in total.Tired but feeling like we accomplished something today we returned to the flat to relax.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6, 2009 -Amazing What Can happen you speak the Right Person
Greetings All,
Well the time difference finally caught up with us, or maybe it was the visit to the Pub for a nightcap. We slept in until 10:00 a.m. Before heading out I called the HSBC help line and asked about the opening of the Passport account and how quickly it can be changed to regular chequing account telling him what we would be depositing. He said that we should be able to get a better account than the passport account and the customer service representative should be able to give us options. I told him what poor service we had yesterday for which he apologized and suggested I speak to another rep in the branch. I told him not to worry I definitely would not be dealing with that idiot and thanked him.
Today armed with a better understanding of the British banking system off we went. Well as you may have guessed only the idiot was there so we went for a long walk to kill some time so that lunch hours could be completed. Upon our return we got the service I think HSBC would like to be known for. Not only was David Pape helpful he gave us a number of options. Unknown to us Passport accounts can only be in a single name and we needed a joint account as the drafts were were payable jointly. Bank cards are mailed and not provided immediately and he even resolved that issue by having them sent to the main branch in Liverpool as that's where we will be.
The whole process took about two hours as we needed a letter from John introducing us and a copy of his tax bill so took another trip back. So speaking to a intelligent, customer oriented person pays big time. Those who think Canadian banks make it hard to open a account have no real idea.
With two major achievement's today, opening a bank account and setting up viewings in Liverpool for Monday afternoon we celebrated with a pint of Best Bitter for Fred and a 1/2 pint of Cider for me at the Gallery before heading back to the flat.
Cheerio for now.
Sandy & Fred
Well the time difference finally caught up with us, or maybe it was the visit to the Pub for a nightcap. We slept in until 10:00 a.m. Before heading out I called the HSBC help line and asked about the opening of the Passport account and how quickly it can be changed to regular chequing account telling him what we would be depositing. He said that we should be able to get a better account than the passport account and the customer service representative should be able to give us options. I told him what poor service we had yesterday for which he apologized and suggested I speak to another rep in the branch. I told him not to worry I definitely would not be dealing with that idiot and thanked him.
Today armed with a better understanding of the British banking system off we went. Well as you may have guessed only the idiot was there so we went for a long walk to kill some time so that lunch hours could be completed. Upon our return we got the service I think HSBC would like to be known for. Not only was David Pape helpful he gave us a number of options. Unknown to us Passport accounts can only be in a single name and we needed a joint account as the drafts were were payable jointly. Bank cards are mailed and not provided immediately and he even resolved that issue by having them sent to the main branch in Liverpool as that's where we will be.
The whole process took about two hours as we needed a letter from John introducing us and a copy of his tax bill so took another trip back. So speaking to a intelligent, customer oriented person pays big time. Those who think Canadian banks make it hard to open a account have no real idea.
With two major achievement's today, opening a bank account and setting up viewings in Liverpool for Monday afternoon we celebrated with a pint of Best Bitter for Fred and a 1/2 pint of Cider for me at the Gallery before heading back to the flat.
Cheerio for now.
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009 - A lesson in the English Banking System
Greetings All,
Well today we learned it is not a easy process to open a chequing account in England.
Here you need proper ID which is a given but to get a chequing account you must have a utility bill with your name and address on it (verifies your address). While they do have an account for new comers they do not allow cheques and you must sign a 12 month contract with a fee of 6 pounds a month. As luck would have it we got the idiot who did not know the details of the product he was trying to sell to us. Here they are not as customer oriented as the Canadian system. Nothing is done in the branch except paper work and they mail out a bank card, you don't get it the time the account is opened. Staff is kept to a absolute minimum with the branch being no more then a hole in the wall. Needless to say we left the bank not opening an account in order that we could better research it on line which in hindsight we should have done before we left.
It looks like we have no choice in the type of account we can have as we are currently homeless so no utility bills, and we need a account to get a rental unit and purchase a car. So caught between a rock and a hard place. A rather flustering process but it will sort itself out or rather we will work through it.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Well today we learned it is not a easy process to open a chequing account in England.
Here you need proper ID which is a given but to get a chequing account you must have a utility bill with your name and address on it (verifies your address). While they do have an account for new comers they do not allow cheques and you must sign a 12 month contract with a fee of 6 pounds a month. As luck would have it we got the idiot who did not know the details of the product he was trying to sell to us. Here they are not as customer oriented as the Canadian system. Nothing is done in the branch except paper work and they mail out a bank card, you don't get it the time the account is opened. Staff is kept to a absolute minimum with the branch being no more then a hole in the wall. Needless to say we left the bank not opening an account in order that we could better research it on line which in hindsight we should have done before we left.
It looks like we have no choice in the type of account we can have as we are currently homeless so no utility bills, and we need a account to get a rental unit and purchase a car. So caught between a rock and a hard place. A rather flustering process but it will sort itself out or rather we will work through it.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009 - England Bound
Greetings All,
Hard to believe that we are finally beginning our next chapter in our lives. Packing our bags for the move was brutal. The ticket led us to think that we were each only allowed 50 lbs in total for two bags. Reality was it was 50 lbs for each bag. Check in at the airport was also a major pain in the ass. We get in the line and an attendant tells us to go around to section K to sign in. We get there and the women asks us if we are executive class. We tell her no and she then tells us to go back and we snap we were told to come here. She rather reluctantly takes us then weighs our carry on something that has never been done before. Tells Fred he has to lose 3 lbs and me 13 lbs. Fred says give us our boarding passes back and we will sort it out. Now I am really ticked and tell Fred it's his mother in my bag that is making it heavy. Well we sort it out. Out comes Amy, my laptop and purse. We go back and she asks to weigh my bag again. Well now I am under so I said to Fred give me your mother back and plunk her on the scale. Well she is too heavy to go back in and so I ask her what am I supposed to do with my mother-in-law. She says carry her on as you are allowed two carry on bags each that can weigh 22 lbs. Now I ask you If I can have two bags that equal 44 pounds and we each have one that that while over comes under the weight what is the big deal. Any way we go through carrying the laptop, my purse and Amy separate plus my carry-on and get through security. Now you are wondering what happened with all our carry-on pieces once we were out of sight You know it I put everything back in the carry on and off we went to Timmy's for a much needed tea & coffee. Now I know why Fred gets so ticked with Canadian airports.
Thank god the rest of the trip went very well. We had a fairly smooth ride over and came in almost a hour early due to strong tailwinds despite a 15 minute delay taking off. Adrienne picked us up at the airport and after a short search for the car (she lost it) :) we arrived safe and sound at their flat. John welcomed us to England with a bottle of Champagne .
Cheerio and stayed tuned for more adventures.
Sandy & Fred
Hard to believe that we are finally beginning our next chapter in our lives. Packing our bags for the move was brutal. The ticket led us to think that we were each only allowed 50 lbs in total for two bags. Reality was it was 50 lbs for each bag. Check in at the airport was also a major pain in the ass. We get in the line and an attendant tells us to go around to section K to sign in. We get there and the women asks us if we are executive class. We tell her no and she then tells us to go back and we snap we were told to come here. She rather reluctantly takes us then weighs our carry on something that has never been done before. Tells Fred he has to lose 3 lbs and me 13 lbs. Fred says give us our boarding passes back and we will sort it out. Now I am really ticked and tell Fred it's his mother in my bag that is making it heavy. Well we sort it out. Out comes Amy, my laptop and purse. We go back and she asks to weigh my bag again. Well now I am under so I said to Fred give me your mother back and plunk her on the scale. Well she is too heavy to go back in and so I ask her what am I supposed to do with my mother-in-law. She says carry her on as you are allowed two carry on bags each that can weigh 22 lbs. Now I ask you If I can have two bags that equal 44 pounds and we each have one that that while over comes under the weight what is the big deal. Any way we go through carrying the laptop, my purse and Amy separate plus my carry-on and get through security. Now you are wondering what happened with all our carry-on pieces once we were out of sight You know it I put everything back in the carry on and off we went to Timmy's for a much needed tea & coffee. Now I know why Fred gets so ticked with Canadian airports.
Thank god the rest of the trip went very well. We had a fairly smooth ride over and came in almost a hour early due to strong tailwinds despite a 15 minute delay taking off. Adrienne picked us up at the airport and after a short search for the car (she lost it) :) we arrived safe and sound at their flat. John welcomed us to England with a bottle of Champagne .
Cheerio and stayed tuned for more adventures.
Sandy & Fred
Monday, March 9, 2009
Cuba Cayo Largo - February 27 - March 7 2009
Greetings all,
We're off to Cayo Largo late in the afternoon for some much needed vitamin D. Cayo Largo is located in the Archipelago de los Canarros that surrounds Cuba. Other desert keys located here are Isle of Youth, Rosario, Rico, Cantiles, Matias y Avalos. The island is covered mangroves, pine and coconut forests and white sand beaches. The wildlife consists of pelicans, frigate birds, the usual seagulls, crocodiles, iguanas and nesting sea turtles.
The flight down is very rough and the seats painfully close. We arrive at night and get our request of a room near the beach with ocean view and off the ground. We also luck out as we have no one above us due to the shape of the building.
Up and at it early breakfast and we hit the beach. There is a good breeze and the ocean is very rough. We do not get a shaded area at all and the sun is hot with clear skies. There are a lot of suits on the free side of the beach. I meet a French Canadian naturist who invites us to use their shelter when her and her husband go for lunch Fred takes advantage of the shade and I should have. I get somewhat fried.
In the evening we meet our friends Carol and her mom at the lobby bar for a drink, then supper and early to bed. Next day, as the beach has no shade spots available we spend the day around the pool as we need to watch the sun. Yes, believe it or not I Sandy need to mind the sun.
The resort has run down since our last visit and the staff are not as attentive. Food is mediocre but also we think a sign of the world recession. As return clients we given a bottle of rum on the second day and on the last day a carving of a pelican with chocolate which was a very unexpected but a pleasant surprise. Especially when you consider we had no hot water for three days, then the balance of the week it was tepid at best. No bath towels for two days. But I guess if there is no hot water laundry can't be done. Our last night the meal was the best. Filet mignon. baked potatoes, peppers and onions, soup, dessert and the best coffee of the week.
Overall while things were not the best, we accomplished what we went to Cayo Largo for, an overall tan and relaxation. Pictures will be posted on www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins by March 11th.
So till our next trip take care and live life to the fullest every day .
Sandy & Fred
We're off to Cayo Largo late in the afternoon for some much needed vitamin D. Cayo Largo is located in the Archipelago de los Canarros that surrounds Cuba. Other desert keys located here are Isle of Youth, Rosario, Rico, Cantiles, Matias y Avalos. The island is covered mangroves, pine and coconut forests and white sand beaches. The wildlife consists of pelicans, frigate birds, the usual seagulls, crocodiles, iguanas and nesting sea turtles.
The flight down is very rough and the seats painfully close. We arrive at night and get our request of a room near the beach with ocean view and off the ground. We also luck out as we have no one above us due to the shape of the building.
Up and at it early breakfast and we hit the beach. There is a good breeze and the ocean is very rough. We do not get a shaded area at all and the sun is hot with clear skies. There are a lot of suits on the free side of the beach. I meet a French Canadian naturist who invites us to use their shelter when her and her husband go for lunch Fred takes advantage of the shade and I should have. I get somewhat fried.
In the evening we meet our friends Carol and her mom at the lobby bar for a drink, then supper and early to bed. Next day, as the beach has no shade spots available we spend the day around the pool as we need to watch the sun. Yes, believe it or not I Sandy need to mind the sun.
The resort has run down since our last visit and the staff are not as attentive. Food is mediocre but also we think a sign of the world recession. As return clients we given a bottle of rum on the second day and on the last day a carving of a pelican with chocolate which was a very unexpected but a pleasant surprise. Especially when you consider we had no hot water for three days, then the balance of the week it was tepid at best. No bath towels for two days. But I guess if there is no hot water laundry can't be done. Our last night the meal was the best. Filet mignon. baked potatoes, peppers and onions, soup, dessert and the best coffee of the week.
Overall while things were not the best, we accomplished what we went to Cayo Largo for, an overall tan and relaxation. Pictures will be posted on www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins by March 11th.
So till our next trip take care and live life to the fullest every day .
Sandy & Fred
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