lozdotcom's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member lozdotcom on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/lozdotcom en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:51:07 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com What's better.... — Positano, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181952000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181952000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181952000/tpod.html Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:51:07 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
Positano, Italy

What's better that going to possibly the most romantic place in the world on your own??

Getting surprised by the man you love and finding out he's coming too!!

So we were all packed, and it was an early start Tuesday morning for our trip to Italy! The transfer was picking us up at 4am, and we arrived at Stansted about 5am, and were one of the first to check-in. We had plenty of time so we had some breaky and wandered around duty free for a bit.

We got a good seat on the plane (from the advice of Catherine at work) so when we flew into Naples we had a good view of Mt Vesuvius. The weather was lovely as we flew in, and the Med looked grogeous!

Straight away there was a bus to Sorrento so we hopped on that, and just relaxed for the hour or so long trip. Took a few piccies as we drove along the Sea. We stopped in Sorrento for about an hour, had a bite to eat, and then got a bus to Positano. The trip to Positano was a smidgen scary as the road goes along a cliff side. But once you look past that it really is a spectacular view. The trip took about an hour or so again and then we arrived in Positano!! It's only taken me about 15 years, but I was finally here!!

We founf our hotel easily, and got a good room too!! Had our own little terrace balcony with comfy chairs, and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean! Me being the bogan I am did comment quite loudly on our amazing view, much to the horror of those in the room next to us who said 'Oh no, more Aussies'. We had a rest, then showered and got ready and wandered down to the beach for dinner. This place is magical to say the least. We followed the road down to the main intersection that takes you through all the shops and stalls and down to the beach.

We ended up having dinner at a restaurant called Buca di Bacco which is right on the beach. Good food, good music, good view, but the company was better!! We were only going to stay there for a drink and something small to eat, but the menu looked delicious so we just stayed there. I had brushetta, and Chef had an antipasto plate for starter, then I had a prawn and mushroom pasta, and Chef had a seafood risotto for main. I managed a lemon sponge thing for dessert. The food was sooooo good there, we were so full after, but it was worth it.

We waddled back up the hill to our hotel, and had a few quiet bevvies on the balcony as the sun went to bed. Had a kind of early night as we'd been going since 4am that morning.

The next day we got up for breaky, but had a late start. We walked the long way down to the beach - around the top road, then down the stairs and through the village - and got some good photos and good food! Stopped in at the local food shop and got stuff to make our own sandwich. Got pancetta, boconcini, grilled eggplant and sundried tomatoes. Best sandwich EVER!!

We lazed on a sun bed on the beach all afternoon. Chef had a few Coronas, I stuck to cold water, and we even went for a dip in the Med. All was pleasant until Chef tipped the bucket of ice and water on me - not real impressed about that. We had to pay to be on this beach. Yeah, it sounds shit, but you get to have your sunbed for the whole day, they bring you towels, and there is a waiter and beck and call. The beach is like Perissa in Santorini, Greece, the sand is black so you pretty much stick to the pathways, or keep your thongs on at all times. Got a nice bit of sun on my bones too!!

We got back to the hotel early evening after walking the long way home to check out possible eateries for that evening. We had a bit of rest before a late dinner at a restaurant just down the rd from us. We sat at a table that was right on the roa. No joke, the local bus and cars and bikes and scooters were going right by our table, kinda weird. The food was allright, not as good as the night before, but again, the company was the best thing about the meal.

An average start on the Thursday morning as we were booked on a boat tour down the Amalfi Coast. We had to be at the pier by 11, and we were really looking forward to today. The boat tour took us down towards Amalafi and along the way we got to swim at a small beach (where i got stung by a jellyfish - little bugger), in a cave, under a waterfall (called by the locals as Viagra Falls), and the jump off the kissing arch. The tour included a seafood lunch at this small restaurant on the beach, and the fish we ate had been caught by our captain that morning - tuna and anchovies. There was so much food, and we at all of it!! Antipasto, tuna sashimi style, pasta, anchovies cooked whole in a crispy batter (really good), tuna steaks grilled with mint, fruit platter and ice cream. We all got a little worried that it was never going to end, but I say bring it on!! We had some time after lunch to go for swim or relax on the beach. The boys being boys saw a rock and thought they'd climb up it and jump off, whilst us girls just just bathed in the shallows, unable to move as we were so full.

There was another young Aussie couple on the boat who were staying in Amalfi. They invited us back to their place for some drinks so we got to see Amalfi too whilst there. Really nice couple, and they drove us back to Positano at the end of the night where we had a very late dinner. Suffering from sunburn, jellyfish sting, and an early cold I was struggling, but managed to stay up long enough for dinner.

Poor Chef got woken up many times during the night with me whinging in pain and having to rub cream on my back. He's such a good guy!!

Early start to get ourselves packed and on our way back to Naples to get a train to Rome. We went back down to the beach quickly to pick up a couple of souvies and take one last look.

We got our bus back to Sorrento and then trained it to Naples via Pompeii. We strolled around all the ruins, saw the Temple of Apollo and other various sites. I think we needed a whole day to really see it, but me being sick, and the weather so hot, we stayed there just over an hour before getting back on the train.

When we arrived in Naples we had to walk to the central station which was about 5 minutes away. First impressions, not great. We must have hit the not so great part of town. But, we found the station, and got our tickets, then finally I ate my pizza in Napoli (Dean Martin 'That's Amore' reference there). I think I feel asleep as soon we got on the train...

All in all, Positano was absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure we'll go back there one day, not sure when, but it's just too beautiful to not go back. Going with someone, especially someone you love is much better than the idea of going on my own, it just wouldn't have been as much fun!

Enjoy the photos!

L :-) xo
]]> Chef's in London!! — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181577600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181577600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1181577600/tpod.html Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:16:29 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
London, United Kingdom

So I was to expect a package from my lovely man, and the only thing I knew that was in it was a box of choccies. I was to expect it Thursday or Friday. I was pretty excited about it, Chef said there was something really good in it, he thought it would make me cry.

Friday morning came around and it still hadn't arrived. I had my breaky and then thought I'll have a shower, then get ready and walk to work, leave by about 9, and check after work tonight.

I'm in the shower when Robyn (my roomie) comes yelling up the stairs 'You're package is here, you're package is here! Get out of the shower!'. As quickly as I could I turned the shower off, wrapped myself in the towel (still dripping wet) and opened the door...

Chef was there!!!

I think I said something along the lines of 'OH MY GOD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?'. It was definitely the biggest surprise I've ever gotten, and the best!! I think I was kinda speechless, nothing like this ever happens to me. Robyn was in tears, bless her. It was sort of surprise after surprise for a bit there. I commented that I was spose to work that day, and Rob and Cato had already organised the day off for me. I asked how long he was staying for, and he said till Tuesday morning... then he'd booked a flight to go to Naples! He was coming to Italy with me! He is looking really good too!! Not that he didn't before, but now, he looked HOT!!

So we ventured back to room 15 where I could get dressed and get lotsa cuddles (coz I'd missed them the last 2 months!), and played catch up showing him all my photos from Paris, and all the little things I've collected since he left. First thing we had to do was go to a net cafe and book him his flight back from Rome (had to be on a different flight - heaps cheaper) and also change my accommodation booking. We had dim sum for lunch (which seems to be the welcome and farewell london lunch for us) and lazed in the park for a little bit.

That night we went out for drinks with the girls in town, went to Guanabara. I was there a few weeks earlier for work drinks, at least this time I remembered leaving! Had lots of fun dancing with the girls, and ofcourse, dancing with Chef. A couple of Rob and Ren's mates were there too, turns out everyone knew Chef was coming over but me, everyone was in on the surprise!! We got there just before happy hour ended, and boy did the girls and boys smash that! I think their last purchase was about 6 drinks each, and with 4 of them buying there was a big line up of caprioska's on the bench.

Chef and I did the phantom and left about 10pm. Got some food on the way home, and then the poor boy pretty much passed out when we got to bed. He'd done well to stay up so long though.

Saturday morning was a lazy start, then into town to get a charger for Chef's digital camera (that's right kids, he's entered the digital age!). A lazy afternoon, and then the poor guy passed out again with jetlag.

Sunday morning Chef and I had breaky in Hyde Park, and then it was ON! There's nothing like a Sunday at The Church, followed by a Walkie sesh. Carly, Shannon and Cat from the hostel came along too as it was Carly's farewell weekend. Had a good time there, we all were well lubricated by the time we left!! Met up with all the girls and boys at the Walkie. There was a function on for the Wildcats AFL team so it was this big beach party theme. The girls had won a boat race just before we got there, but it was mayhem still. Not a late night, did the phantom again, but went to sleep pretty early as I had to be at work early Monday morning.

Monday night a big bunch of us went out for dinner to a cheap place down the road. A good reason to go out too because Bianca (my little Lambchop!) came back to London!! It was very good to see her again, and I know we are going to cause trouble like we did before!!

Got all our stuff packed up Monday night, ready for an early start Tuesday morning!!

Enjoy the pics!

L :-) xoxo

PS Love you Cheffy!!
]]> 16 Kilts, 2 Bagpipes, Haggis and a Picnic Rug! — Edinburgh, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1180483200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1180483200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1180483200/tpod.html Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:23:22 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The last weekend in May in England is a long weekend, so I used this to finally head up to Edinburgh and visit an Aussie mate I went to uni with, Cat. It was defo long overdue, but I think I would have died if I'd gone during the thick of Winter!

I travelled up on the train the Saturday morning, got in to Edinburgh Waverly about lunchtime, and casually strolled to cat's through the centre of town (with Cat and her roomy ofcourse). My first impressions of Edinburgh were that it a very pretty city. The buildings are old, but don't have the grey-ness that London buildings seem to have. Also, it did feel a lot different England if that's possible.

It was really good to see Cat again! She's 5 months pregnant, and due to leave the UK at the end of June with her fiance Richard. I had met Richard in London just over a year ago - cool guy. Who knows when we'll meet up again, so it was really nice to see a new place, and catch up with a good mate at the same time.

Saturday arv we walked up to the Castle, then down the Royal Mile where all in one shop I picked up badge, patch and shotglass - pretty bloody stoked about that! After that we just wandered around town, picked up some food for dinner, then headed home.

One observation I did make were the amount of ginger-headed people in Edinburgh! Do you think it has something to do with the fact that I'm dating one?? He's defo the better looking of all of them!!

Had a relaxing dinner at home, and I tell ya what, it did my head in a bit that the sun doesn't completely go down till around 10.30/11.00pm! Def freaked me out a little...

Sunday was a lazy morning, then Cat and I headed back in to town to catch a bus to Musselbrough to watch the end of the marathon. The really cool thing about Cat's place is that when you walk out the fornt door, turn right and look up, you see Edinburgh Castle right there, I think that's cool...

Very windy day, but nice and sunny. So we watched as people who had ran about 42kms finally crossed the finish line - and it was quite emotional! One poor bugger limped over the line in tears, I would hate to think how long he had been limoing for, but he looked in pain. We walked along the ocean/lake side and then stopped off for a pee-break and hot choccie. Both feeling very tired (what's my excuse??) we headed back to Edinburgh. Stopped in at Sainsbury's to grab some food and then home. I cooked a really good feed for Cat, Richard and 2 of their mates that night. I made Chicken Cordon Bleu (please forgive my spelling babe if I got it wrong), with potato smash and veggies, and either peppercorn or msuhroom sauce. And we all know me, got dessert too!!

Again, not a late night - well didn't feel like it was anyway, could have been with the sunset times here.

Monday morning I caught up with an Ios mate for breaky. Vanessa has appeared on the blog before, and she is a wild one!! I would have loved to have gone partying with her up there, but funds and a lack of energy stopped me. Instead she rocked up to breaky with only a couple hours sleep under her belt (I would not expect anything less from this girl - she's a champion!), and having to work only a couple hours later! Used this opportunity to try haggis! I reckon it tasted like the meat bit in a sausage roll, and you know what, it probably is the same thing, we all just know what haggis is - sheep's stomach and other shit! Didn't taste too bad though, I would eat it again if it was put in front of me... couldn't bring myself to have the black pudding though, been there done that, wasn't a fan.

After breaky I walked back up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Made the effort to walk through all the nooks and crannies, but a bit annoyed I missed the torture museum bit. I watched the cannon go off at 1.00pm which you'll see the short video, and yeah. I liked the castle. The royal honours (crown jewels) were a bit of a let-down. They make you line up and follw this line through for about 30 minutes, the honours are at the end, and there's only a sword, a sceptre, a crown and the stone of destiny. Bloody big sword though!!

Bought me a picnic blanket on my way to meet Cat, then met up with her, had a drink and back to hers to chill out before my train back that evening.

All-in-all, a great weekend, and I do hope to get back there one day, just not sure when!

L :-) xoxo
]]> Happy 21st Birthday Ali!! — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179619200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179619200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179619200/tpod.html Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
London, United Kingdom

Another birthday, so more celebrations to be had!! And that also meant more drinks to be consumed!!

This time around it was Ali's 21st Birthday! Ali is the other Aussie girl at Travelex, and decided to have Friday night drinks with work. Not a big crowd, but we all had a great time! Went to very cool bar near work called Guanabara. It's a Brazillian themed bar that serves Mojito's off some sort of production line, and gets the whole place dancy salsa whether they want to or not.

As usual, I stuck to my JD and cokes (probably had too many!), and Ali and I ended up dancing with these little Brazillian fellas - very funny.

I did a sort of phantom about 11.30pm, but still had a really good night!!

L :-) xoxo
]]> Happy Birthday to Me!! :-) — Paris, France http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179100800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179100800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1179100800/tpod.html Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:48:39 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
Paris, France

Happy Birthday to me,
I am now 23!
I spent the weekend in Paris,
With my Mum and Dad-dee!

Well, in all honesty, can you think of many other places to spend a birthday?? This was my third time to Paris and again, it didn't disappoint!

I left London Thursday evening on the Eurostar, and arrived in to Paris Gare du Nord station about 9pm. Quite easily made my way to Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter where Mum and Dad were staying, and found their hotel in no time at all!! After settling in a little bit we went for a walk around Saint Michel, I had some dinner, and as they were staying pretty much directly across the River Seine from Notre Dame Cathedral, we went over there for a little look-see also. Not a late night, in preparation for a big Friday around town!!

Friday morning we got going at a reasonable hour to get the Metro to Chateau Rouge station which is near the Sacre Coeur. Once out of the station, my rampage begun!! The first choc eclair was down the hatch!!

The Sacre Coeur is a beautiful church on top of a hill with an amazing view over Paris. It's in the Montmartre district which is also home to the famous Moulin Rouge. We did get it on a good day, not too many tourists, but the usual rounds of people selling all those genuine imitation Louis Vuitton and Gucci handbags.

After we left the church we walked down the hill through a throng of tourist shops. I picked up a couple of very novelty little souvenirs for a mate back in Oz, who has since received them, and thought they were hilarious!! We kept walking and just happened to pass another patisserie, so I just had to pop in and buy another eclair!!

It was a really nice day, a smidge windy, but all the walking kept us warm. We wandered through the streets of Paris, and I know Dad knew where we were going, but we stumbled along lots of very cute French streets on our way to wherever we decided to go.

We ate lunch on the Avenue de Champs Elysee, and walked through the Place de la Concorde, and even past the Pont Alexandre III. And eventually we made our way back to the hotel for a rest before our evening at the Moulin Rouge! Which by the way, I bought myself some Chanel lipgloss and Yves Saint Laurent liquid eyeliner from Galleries Lafayette for the occasion! I thought this would go nicely with the French Manicure my wonderful friends in London bought me!!

I decided not to rest, but make it my mission to find a patisserie close to the hotel that stocked choc eclairs for my easy access. I did find one, and bought 2!! Because it was a nice afternoon I sat outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, people-watched, and ate my eclairs! Also got a few pics of me trying to plug 'Club Old Bar' - don't think anyone really noticed.

So, as I had said to everyone, whether it rains, hales, or shines, I WILL be wearing my dress! And what did the weather do, it was wet, it was windy, and it wasn't exactly warm. We had a nice dinner around the corner from the hotel, and then got on the bus for our Illuminations tour of Paris. This was my third illumnations tour, so it was kinda cool that I could tell Mum and Dad some stuff about things that the commentary couldn't. As I didn't get one when we were on Contiki, or the first time around when I went to Paris, I thought I should get one this time. I bought one of those little Eiffel Tower statues that sits on the base that flashes different coloured through the statue. Dad got one too for his study - a shrine to tacky souvenirs!

We made it to the Moulin Rouge, and had seats right up the back. Still a good view though. The show in all, very glitzy, the costumes were amazing (yes, even though the girls were topless in parts, what they did have on was still very impressive), and the staging was also pretty cool. As we all know, having done a bit of dancing in my teenage years, I do get a bit picky. In the beginning, we all noticed the dancers were out of time, but towards the end when they did the famous Can-Can, and the story line got to styles of dance from the last century I really enjoyed it. It was a wonderful birthday pressie from Mum and Dad, and it was nice to eb able to get dressed up for change too!!

By the time the show finished, it was after midnight, so officially my birthday in French time! I had a missed call and birthday message from my lovely man back in Oz when I came out of the show which also made my night!

A minor sleep in on a Saturday morning - I was awake first and jumped on Mum and Dad like a 4 year-old would on their birthday. Mum and Dad a couple small gifts for me - something to open on the day. Another big day of walking - the Rue di Rivoli, Eiffel Tower for lunch (well we sat on the grass under it - not actually ate at it), Champs Elysee, and down along the river.

We all arrived back at the hotel at different times, me being last, but when I got there a big brown paper bag was in the room. Inside - a massive bunch of roses! The most beautiful flowers I've ever seen in my life!! My beautiful boy had organised flowers and a box of choccies to be delivered to the hotel, on my birthday!! I was speechless... I did manage to get the flowers back to London and they lasted a good week.

Quiet afternoon, then we went and ate French food for dinner. Mum and I shared an entree of Escargot, and I also had Onion Soup. For my main I had a delicious steak which I think might have still been moo-ing, but was really yummy!! Dessert was another choc eclair whilst standing on a bridge over the Seine.

Mum and I attempted to stay up and watch the Eurovision song contest, but after a big day of walking around Paris we were all just too tired and conked out pretty early. The next morning was Aussie Mothers Day, but also the day we were departing Paris and going our separate ways. Breakfast was a warm drink and ofcourse choc eclairs...

I walked the folks to the station, and bid a teary farewell to them. It's kinda weird now that I won't see them till I'm back in Oz, but also kinda cool. They did say they had noticed I have grown up a bit, but in many ways I'm still a child!!

I spent the rest of the day not doing much, just eating and people watching... I had this massive WOW moment outside Notre Dame. I was sitting there in the sun, listening to some of my favourite songs on my mp3, watching this hobo man put small pieces of bread in children's hands so their parents could take photos of their kids, feeding the sparrows in front of Notre Dame. It was an amazing thing to watch, it even made me tear up... that was until one of the little sparrows flew over me and did a shit on my arm!! Then I just laughed...

After a lunch of crepes I got on a train back to Gare du Nord, and then my Eurostar back to London, in time for a Sunday Walkie sesh with the girls. All in all, a fab weekend, and the best birthday to date!!

Enjoy the photos, I've also posted the pics Mum and Dad emailed after all my photos!

L :-) xoxo
]]> Chocolate, Funland and Sushi! — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1170295200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1170295200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1170295200/tpod.html Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:54:35 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
London, United Kingdom

I'd only been back at work 2 days and was having a day off already!!

Nah... Rachel was flying home today so I took the day off to take her to the airport, and now I was babysitting the big Chef-meister I thought I'd take hm sightseeing after dropping Rachey off @ Heathrow.

Not too many tears, I had a couple after she went through security. But the company still in London was great!!

Chef and I got back on the Piccadilly Line to head into Central London for a day of fun!! The tube stopped at Knightsbridge, and when I mentioned that this is the stop for Harrods, Chef grabbed my hand, and off we went for our first stop.

Being a Chef, he went nuts through the food halls. He was gobsmacked that a leg of cured ham cost £150 for 100g, and that a 50g serve of Beluga Caviar (excuse the spelling) cost £150 also. I didn't get any photos with my camera, but Chef got many with his. I bought him a chocolate eclair (nothing on France), and he got us a box of choccies... looked for a little longer, then hopped back on the tube into Piccadilly Circus.

As we came out of the tube we got some photos with the billboards, then I took Chef to Funland in the Troccadero Shopping Centre. I'd been there once before with Wifey and Bianca, and had a great time. We played all sorts of games - even had a go at those dancing machines. On our way out we spotted a mechanical bull... that was great fun!!

After Funland, I took Chef to Yo! Sushi. He had been whinging about missing his sushi train visits, so I had promised to take him to one when we were back in London. We sat there and ate so much, but it was so yummy. It's nice having a chef to go out and eat with, they know what most things are that you're about to eat!!

To tick a few more things off the list we went to Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and then irish pub, Waxy O'Connors. had a few beers there and Chef decided he liked Funland so much, we went back there one more time!! Had another go on the dance machine, and 4 heinies did not help - I lost soooo badly in that....

Got home, ate dinner and then to bed, very very tired after the night before at the pub with Rachel, getting her slightly tozzled on her last night!!

Enjoy the pics...

L :-) xo
]]> photos of mum and dad — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1175092440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1175092440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1175092440/tpod.html Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:50:29 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
London, United Kingdom

this is my family!!
]]> Back to Ireland... — Whitegate, Co. Clare, Ireland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1146593820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1146593820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1146593820/tpod.html Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:35:24 -0400 LONDON BABY!!!
Whitegate, Co. Clare, Ireland

Hi Everybody!!!

Headed back to Ireland for the long weekend to catch up with Laura and Ronan. It was fantastic to see them both again, and we had a great time.

I flew into Shannon Airport in County Clare Saturday afternoon, and then spent the 45 minute or so drive to Whitegate catching up with Laura, I don't think the boys would have been able to get a word in. We get back to Ronan's place, and maybe 10 minutes pass when some of the lads arrive, and I'm back to square one - having no bloody idea what any of them are saying as they speak quickly with their thick Irish accents. They copped onto this, and decided to use it to their advantage - but I gave as good as I got!

The weather was nice, alot nicer than last time I was there, however I think I was being a little too game in wearing thongs, and not bringing proper shoes, as Sunday wasn't a real nice day.

We went out in Scariff both Saturday and Sunday nights. Went to a pub called 'Rodgers' first. It's quite an old place, but most places are there. A nice little pub, and then out the back was a big marquee with a band and a bar. The band that played the first night was not very good, to say the least. We all agreed that they murdered pretty much every song they played. We went to 'Max' nightclub after. Not a bad spot, well I thought so. It had a dance floor, so that's all I needed. Left @ 12 (when everything shuts), got some Chinese food from the shop that was open at that hour, waited for a cab and home.

Sunday we didn't really get going till about 2.00pm. Went down the road to the Half Barrel pub for a feed, and I tried Black Pudding - something I'm not sure I'll ever have again, but would eat to be polite. Sat there for a bit watching a hurling match on telly, then home, and chill out till we go out again that night.

Laura and Ronan had gone off to Scariff to get some supplies for the night, and came back with some early birthday pressies for me!! They bought me gorgeous garnet and marquezite earrings, with a matching ring. Also a keyring with my name on it, and a choccy muffin with candles, very sweet indeed!! So, it was decided that Sunday was an early b'day celebration for me, and we headed back out. A few of the lads I met last time I was there came out too, it was great seeing everyone again!

A later night this time, we spent 2 and half to 3 hours waiting for I think the only cab in that neck of the woods. And when it came (finally!), there was 15 of us going back to Whitegate, and all jammed into this 8 seater van. Madness, but very funny.

Went to my first hurling match before I left to go to the airport. It was the Whitegate boys vs some other team. At thalf time when we left I'm not too sure, but I think our team was losing, but it was great to go anyway.

Back to London after some frisking at Shannon airport (I think my bra made the beepers go, not sure, but all very funny).

I've put in some photos. I only took my camera out on Sunday night so not as many as last time, but better than nothing!!

L :-)
xo
]]> The first 24 hours back!! — London, United Kingdom http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169956800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169956800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169956800/tpod.html Fri, 09 Mar 2007 06:01:31 -0500 LONDON BABY!!!
London, United Kingdom

So, we are back in London...

I'm going to make the most of this last weekend before I go back to work, arghhh!!!

Australia Day night didn't quite go as planned. As we didn't get to Shebu till late we ended up having to stand in line. That lasted about 3 minutes when we got a call from Kristy to say they were at another pub around the corner which had no line, so we were there!!

We managed a few drinks, but we were both so tired. It wasn't a late night which was good.

The following day I got up for my first hostel, cooked breaky back. It was nice to sit down and have a chat with all the girls again. When Chef and Rach finally surfaced, Rach went off to Portobello Rd markets with a couple of girls from the tour, whilst Chef and I had Dim Sum, then I took him sightseeing!! Yes, even after 24 days I still managed to drag him along to more churches and other things!

After food we got the tube to Westminster, took some photos of Big Ben and the Abbey, then walked across the bridge, passed the London Eye (line was massive so we didn't go on it), and ended up at the Temple Walkabout. Had a few quiet drinks - this was Chef's first walkabout experience - then we headed home to get ready for dinner.

About half of the Contiki group all met up near Liverpool St Station as we were all heading to Brick Lane for curry tonight!! You haven't even hit Brick Lane yet and already you have people coming up to you trying to get your business. They would have loved it when about 25 people all walked up together. It helped having Arj who is fluent in Indian - we managed to get all of us into one restaurant, no corkage as we'd all brought our own grog, and 35% off the meal. In the end we had all this food, and it only cost us £9 each!

It was good to see most people again. Kind of weird though. We'd all been apart for the last 24 hours, and it was strange. A few tears at the end of the night when we all parted ways, but I really hope I get to see some of them again.

Got a few piccies from the day, including a video message from chef to home..

L :-) xo
]]> Do I have to state the obvious here?? — Amsterdam, Netherlands http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169863200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169863200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozdotcom/larrys_dream/1169863200/tpod.html Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:14:34 -0500 LONDON BABY!!!
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Save the best for last.... for some this was the case. I was very excited about going to Amsterdam, I was excted about seeing everything I'd ever heard about there.

On our way to the hotel we stopped off to look at a big windmill and watch a cheese-making and clogg-making demonstration. The clog thing was interesting, the clog-maker was this young guy who spoke something like 4 different languages. We got to try the different cheeses they make, some were really nice, some were average.

After that we got our picture taken in the big clog, then we headed to the hotel to check-in, chill out, and get ready for dinner, then in to town for a sex show and a wander about the red light district.

We got in to the centre of Amsterdam, and after a short walk around, Ali took us straight into the red light district - but not before laying down the rules. No photos in the red light district, or your camera will get thrown in the canals. Red lights indicate women who are women. Blue lights indicate men who are dressed as women. Curtains are shut = the girl (or boy in some cases) is currently 'servicing' a customer. Ali said it beautifully that the order of shops goes - sex shop, kebab or any other fast food shop, then coffee shop. And it was true as well. That bit didn't shock me.

Walking through the bits where the girls were shocked me. There's skinny street, fat street, scandi street, black street... a few more which I can't remember. But it's as they say, skinny girls, fat girls, scandinavian girls, coloured girls. I couldn't believe that as we were walking there were girls dressed in no more than lingerie, standing behind glass about 1 metre from us. And they all had the 'come here' looks on their faces too.

The Casa Del Rosa was where we were to go watch a sex show. This is where all the Contiki groups go, and they give us a pretty good deal to. I think it was about 26 Euros, and you get 2 free drinks included. We all get int there and get seated, and it was full-on striaght away. I mean, I knew it was going to be a sex show, but yeah, couldn't believe what those people were actually doing up there!!

Other 'highlights' (if you want to call it that) of the night was a girl smoking a cigarette (not out of her mouth either), one lady getting up a bunch of Contikiers to have a dance and then eat a banana - she held the banana for them, and not in her hand.

Shaz and myself got pulled up on stage to get a lap dance by one of the male strippers. As chef said, the stripper thought he'd pulled up 2 innocent giggly girls. We were giggly allright, but not at all innocent. He'd get one of us up to dance, but I don't think he thought we would get so in to it. We were slapping his bum (nice bum though!), and leading him around the stage - absolutely hilarious, I wish we could have had it all filmed.

After the show we had some free time before the bus would depart for back to the hotel. Quite a few of us headed to the Grasshopper - a bar famous for selling marajuana. A few of the group dabbled in the green stuff - I decided to spectate. I had an early night tonight, got in trouble for it of a certain person, but I kinda wasn't in the mood for having a big night.

I was home in bed asleep when some of the group came home a few hours after I had. Due to this, I was now awake for a few hours - very entertaining though. I slept through breaky the following morning, but made the bus in time to get back in to central Amsterdam.

First stop was the post office for those wishing to send bits and pieces home. It's cheaper to do it from Amsterdam. After there, Chef, Sash and myself decided to go eat breaky in the red light district.

I'm going to admit it, I ate magic mushrooms in Amsterdam.

So we sat in the Bulldog Bar, ate our mushies, washed them down with lemonade, and then started on our way to the Heineken Brewery. Whilst sitting at the tram station I noticed the tracks were moving, but they were not moving, my eyes started to play up. We got on the tram, and I started to get the giggles. A few others from the group were on the tram as well, it was about the funniest tram trip I've ever had.

The next 3 hours were hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.

The Heineken Brewery was really cool. The entry cost was 10 Euros, and with that you got in, 3 free beers, and a free gift. There was lots of little activities to do around the brewery, it was fun. At the second, and last, bar we (being Chef and myself) kept getting all the tokens people didn't want, so we got more than our 3 free heinie's. Eventually we left the brewery, and started the walk back to the meeting point to get the bus home. Again a funny walk, more beer involved too!!

Last ones on the bus, we escaped Karaoke, but still in fits of giggles. got back to the hotel and relaxed for a bit before our farewell dinner and booze cruise.

The farewell dinner was really nice. I think at this stage in the trip we had all made so many new and great friends that everyone sat with people they didn't know very well at all at the beginnning of the trip.

Dinner was lovely, and we all had a toast to our tour. I'd done the table photo thing in Monaco, but everyone else was doing it now.

After dinner we headed back in to central Amsterdam for our canal 'booze' cruise. This was cool, there was music, and the booze was included - wine and heineken!! Having only just acquired a taste for heineken that day I was in my element. Downed quite a few, and took lotsa happy snaps of me and my new friends!! Dedicated a song to very special new friend of mine... you know who you are ;-) ;-)

After the cruise we were back in the hotel bar, dancing, singing and laughing the night away. Our driver Derek was DJ for the night so we listened to all those songs that reminded us of certain times on tour. Some funny times when another tour staying at the hotel of 'mature-aged' party-goers danced with all the boys on our tour.

After the bar shut, team 'I took it up the bum last night' reformed (with the notable absence of Rachel) for one last time. We serenaded Arj and Priscilla with 'Can you feel the love tonight', which was followed by Saffa Iain and Lauren's 'gumboot' dance - it's a South African thing, but was absolutely hilarious to watch.

A few of us retired to a room to have a few more drinks and laughs, which we did, so many laughs. And a lot of reminiscing about the tour. Not an early night, but did manage some sleep in prep for the trip back to London the following day.

It was an early start from Amsterdam. We bid farewell to American Ally as she was flying out from Amsterdam. It was still so dark, and so cold in the morning. But it was Australia Day!! So in true Aussie style I donned my bonds singlet, thongs, fosters hat and ripped jeans. Def not my smaretst idea, but fun all the same.

The bus trip was slow up until our service stop in Belgium. After that it all turned a bit sentimental. Ali came around with our tour photos we had taken in Florence, and also envelopes for tipping. A lot of people passed the covers of their photos around to be signed. I did with mine, and I'm glad I did. So many nice comments from people, and it was funny to read how people will remember me... :-p

After the ferry crossing to Dover, it got really sentimental. Ali gave a speech, and then did an open-mic thing where anyone could get up. I knew I had to get up for one last instalment of 'Lauren FM', but I also knew I'd end up in tears, which I did. I think for me, Contiki was an experience way beyond anything I would have ever expected.

It really was the best time of my life.

The point of the open-mic was to make mention of highlights from the tour, thank the friends you've made, and pretty much just to say how much you appreciated everyone for being a part of it. I did make special mention of Rachel, and also a certain someone else who I had become really close with in the final week.

As we drove in to London, all the songs that made our trip were played. Our day song - London to Berlin, and our wake up song - Scottie doesn't know. Another contiki dance party in the aisle and then we were back at the Royal National Hotel.

A few tears in saying goodbye to everyone. Probably because we all know we'll never see some of them again, but that such a good time was at an end.

Thanks to everyone on my Contiki trip, it would not have been the same without each and everyone of you!!

L :-) xo
]]>