We love. Bath 29 Dec 11

well the first full day in bath and this place is so beautiful. if i had to live somewhere in england I think it would be here. we have walked around, had a look at the circle - not sure of the significance but i think it is where all the rich people lived. we have been caught in light showers of rain that pass as quickly as they come. little alley ways with (i know) small cute pubs. this holiday at the moment seems to be about the pubs. i think we knew that before we started that england was about finding the cute little pubs. now don't get me wrong there are so many other things to see and enjoy. i think i understand why here are so many of them. i mean where else do you pop into if it is raining. they are everywhere. they have interesting names for example - the lamb and lion, the salamander, the slug and lettuce (pub chain not so great). lunch today we found a little local butcher and bought some sausages and stopped off an got leicester cheese (yummy and bright orange). this cheese is so yummy could eat the whole thing by itself.









nap time as i wasn't feeling so great, so after lunch we had a nap and then about 4.30 headed out again. i can't say enough how much we love this place. the little alley ways, the great shops. brett bought a t-shirt from a shop called 'old guys'. it is full of shirts etc with really cool stuff written on them avout being old. there is another store here called 'fat face'. wish i had found something there just love the name.

we found the smallest pub in bath and let me say it was small. It was called the 'the volunteer riffleman' a nice ale and ginger beer and out into the rain again.
yes it rains here a lot but it is more like showers than anything else.



time to head home, which always take's longer than you think. so many cute little alley ways and we always go a different way home and end up somewhere there is something to see.

off to m&s to get dinner. can you believe they were selling mini salmon and cream cheese bagels for 10p (10 cents). omg like 10p so we got that, some wine (i know don't judge) and little shot glasses with chocolate and other stuff in them.

we are loving this part of our holiday and it is so cheap to eat here and well drink. i am on holiday high at the moment. imagine one week in and well it seems like the time is flying. we have one more full day of touristy stuff and more pubs.

i miss you all and wish my friends were here traveling (julie I am expecting to see you in March in Tuscany) and any one else that wants to come over.
nat I think that you would love the architecture and the guys. I know why greg keeps coming back as it is so lovely.


Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:Bath, England

Bath 28 Dec 11

we arrived in bath today. a lovely train ride through the country side. we got in time for lunch but not to check into the accommodation. we left our bags and headed off to a restaurant down the road. omg i think it was the worst chinese we have ever had in our lives.

after lunch it was time for a stroll through the streets of bath. well like all of our days it ended in a pub. well we weren't looking for one but well they are everywhere. this one was called the salamander and well it looked like a good pub. in we went, got ourselves a drink and a table. we were only going to be there for a short while , however an american family sat beside us and an afternoon of drinks and chatting happened. they were a lovely couple from new york. he was working in london and they had come up to bath for the day. one of their daughters was at a museum and the other was with them it was a fun couple of hours. we got a free drink because gary said with such confidence that australia had won the rugby union and i said i thought it was new zealand. he was so sure it was us, so they had their daughter google it and well free drinks for us. it was so lovely of him.

after a few drinks we headed off to check into our hotel. well that was funny in itself. she gave us the keys and well we couldn't find the room so we came back to the reception and she said oh well go around the back and you will get in that way. so off we went and well we saw our door but no way in. so off we went again bak to reception feeling like idiots. they had given us the wrong type of key. the room is lovely and perfect. i don't think we will get such nice rooms once we hit france as we are staying in cheaper places.












bed rating: good (will let you know tomorrow after we have slept in it).

strolling around the streets of bath and going in and out of all of the shops that are open has been fun and eventually we made it back home after picking up some supplies from m&s. didn't eat themas well we drank the wine and the bag of chips but the food will have to wait for tomorrow.


Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:Bath, England

Tower of London & Harrod's horror

Last day in London today. First stop was the Tower of London. This place is amazing. I highly recommend taking the free tour if you go. It was fantastic. We had a lovely beef eater called Mark.



He was both informative and entertaining. There is so much history here, I wish I had paid attention at school. We got to the see the resting place of Anne Burline (sorry about the spelling). We got to see some of the crown jewels and let me say it is hard to imagine that they are real.

There is a myth here that they have to keep 6 raven's on site at all times. If they don't then the white tower will collapse and the monarch will disappear. Here is one of them. They are huge.




Marty got out today but the rest of the guys were so tied from the last few days that they had to have a rest.



I tried on one of the helmets on and let me say you would need a really really thick neck to hold up these bloody things.



As we were close to home we headed back after 3hours to have some lunch and have a short break and then head out to have a look at Harrods.

Harrod's
I don't get it. I know I am a consumer looser. I don't like to spend that much money and I am not into clothes shopping at all. Maybe handbags (i get that) so we got to Harrods and there were so many people. I mean it was hard to move type crowded. I was going to buy anna a little present from here (a little westie dog coin bag but it would have taken me 1hr just to pay for the thing. Sorry anna, have decided you will get something either from paris or Italy. Your choice. So we had a quick look at the other floors and got out of there quick smart.

Matt and Cass we got out of there without anything apart from no clue as to why people love this store.

We headed home and well on the way home finally found a pub open. I have taken a liking to Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. It is thirst quenching and well yummy. Leonie you can have your pims if I can have my Crabbies.

We have loved London. The accommodation we stayed in has been awesome and the location is excellent. My only recommendation is perhaps don't come over the Christmas break as a lot of the city and public transport close down.

Thank Matt and Cass for an awesome day it was great, thanks London for showing us a great time.

Tomorrow we head off to Bath.


Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:London, England

Boxing day sales

Imagine the crowds at the Ekka on People's day and that is what Oxford Street was like today. I have my friend Cass to thank for this stupid journey. She told me about this store called Primark where everything is cheap. So off we went this morning to find out if it or any shops would be open. An hour of walking and a bus ride later we arrived at Oxford Street.



After fighting our way through the crowds we found the store. I was in handbag heaven. How to choose from so many handbags and so cheap. I came away with two handbags, 1 belt several pair of tights (way cheaper than Brissie) and some cute socks. There were so many other things to buy but how go fit it all in.

A lot of walking and we arrived home and no pubs open on the way. Public holidays are playing having havoc n our pub touring and getting around the city.

So I have Cass to thank for my new handbags etc. Tomorrow we are off to the Tower of London and Harrods.


Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:London, England

The queens wasn't home

Merry Christmas everyone. It is 3.14pm on Christmas day and we have just gotten home. Several skype calls home this morning to find out everyone was having a lovely day.

We started off with the normal bacon and eggs and then headed out into the city to find out what was happening and well to visit the Queen.

We walked for 4hours today and have just gotten home. We walked London today. We started off over London Bridge to head the long way to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.



There were more people out then we expeted and well they were all tourists.

We then headed towards the queen cause well we thought that she had sent us an invite to the palace but it had gotten lost.

On the way Hooter and Marty had a strange encounter.






On to the palace. They had shut the roads down so there was tourists everywhere.
We got there to find out that the Queen wasn't home but I got a few photos. Marty popped up again to see if the queen was home but well she wasn't there.






After leaving the palace we took a very very very long way home. Everytime we saw something we wanted to look at we would go down the street and then have to find our way back to which way were headed. There is nothing open, no public transport so loots of walking as you would imagine makes a person thirsty an well around a corner somewhere near Covent Garden (know idea how we got there) we saw this light on and well it was a pub an it was open. How happy where we.



Brett and I were enjoying a drink (my new favourite drink is Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer) an well when we looked away the guys jumped out of our bags and decided they would try Brett's beer.


After very long time we finally made it home (one more pub for us) an more walking we are now cooking our Christmas lunch/dinner. Pork pies, roast veggies. Check out how they sell brussell sprouts. We are having chocolate tart and also a rasberry tart to share for dessert.



So to all of you that are reading this - Merry Christmas wish you were with us enjoying this town.

Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:London, England

Pub day

Christmas eve is here. I can't believe it. Hard to imagine that it is Christmas tomorrow. Off to the markets early to get our Christmas fare. Pork pie, game meat pie, roast veggies and a chocolate tart and rasberry tart. Some wine and beer and all should be good.

We had to meet Matt and Cass today for a tour of some of the pubs of London.
Before they got there we got our photos in front of the Tower of London bridge.







It was so great to see Matt (Cass was still at home getting ready, aparently they had a big night the night before and got out of bed late). It was worth the wait. What a great day.

We started off in one of the oldest pubs in London. Sorry about the angle of the photo but don't know how to turn it around. Notice Marty, Kiwi and Hooter were all with us. This is an awesome pub but didn't get a photo on the inside. This is where we had lunch well.




Filsh ad chips






Yum, the fish and chips were good but no better than Brissie. The second meal was fantastic. Yorkshire puddings, pies, sausages.

Matt took us past where captain cook lived and Hooter was so excited, that he flew out of Brett's bag and checked out the sign.



Sorry the next pub I didn't get a photo but it was great also. We walked to each of the pubs and when we finished we caught a black cab (awesome, these cabs could make me want to take cabs again). The cab driver was so lovely. He even let me sit in the drivers seat so the guys could take a photo. That wouldn't have happened in Brisbane.



We then went to some other pub but it was closed but well it was London so we found another one.




The pubs close early here so this pub closed at 5pm. How weird, guess this isn't the city that never sleeps.

I even had to check out the inside of the doctor who phone boxes (ok, so this one was red) and no this one was very tiny on the inside.



More walking and well we got to see some more great sites in London but unfortunately the city was closing down and most things were shut including the next pub we were going to. We found another one after two attempts. Matt and Cass were then heading on to their mate Criag's place but we were ready to head home. We were able to walk home and I am still awake at 8pm. So by the time most of you read this it will be Christmas.

To all of friends and family, merry christmas and happy new year.

Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:London, England

Locatelli day

The day started as any normal day. Across to Borough Markets for Brett's coffee. We found this little coffee shop and brett loves the coffee.
For those people that love food the markets are bloody awesome. We will head off there early tomorrow morning so that we can get our food for Christmas day. How do we choose?





We have a few travel companions with us. So it is their turn to show up on the blog.




Say hi everyone to Marty (green), Kiwi (orange) and Hooter (white). Marty most of you know as he has been with me for some time now and he loves traveling. Kiwi had to come along to keep Marty company and well work sent him along to keep an eye on me, bit hard to do that from a hand bag. Welcome to the travel group Hooter. He has come from Brett's work mates and you will see him turn up now and then. In the background is the Millennium bridge.

NOW TO THE MOST EXCITING NEWS

We went to lunch today at Locanda Locatelli restaurant. We love this guy. We have watched his tv shows and then Anna (hi anna) for my 40th bought me his cook book. Love it. So we went along to have lunch and when we got there as we were handing over coats etc guess who walked out but the man himself. Brett gave me a nudge and I looked up and we both went ohhh. I can't believe he was there. It was so exciting. So we were seated and had our wine and I looked up and out of the corner of my eye I saw him again and smiled at him. He came over to the table and had a conversation with us (for those of you that won't believe it I have proof). I asked if we could get a photo. OMG he was so nice and he sat down and had his photo taken, talked with us a bit. He will be in Australia next year. Hope we get to see him.

The food was awesome. It was hard to sit still after our visit, but we managed.










We travelled around on the tourist bus again (which we find out is 48hrs of travel) and well we just have to come back to look at everything and check out all the pubs etc. Stopped off to see some horses and for the guys to say hi.






It started raining for the afternoon, so off to the Churchill War room museum (boring). They really need more interaction. By the time we came out of the museum it was raining still and dark. So it was time to try and head home. Another early night and tomorrow will have to find umbrella and rain coat.

We meet Matt and Cass tomorrow for christmas drinks etc.



Love Monique, Brett, Marty, Kiwi and Hooter

Location:London, England

Just for you Leonie

no wonder you like London










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Location:London, England

London we love you

The weather on Thursday was amazing. Cold but blue sky. Dont think this will last but it was great. We spent the day out and about. We walked all morning and looked at Borough Markets (love them), along the Thames, stopped for english breakfast with a view of the river.



Continued until we found the London Eye and I made Brett go on it and it was great.



We finally after all of these years of travelling caught one of those tourist buses that go around the city (over priced by a lot) but it was fun. It gave us an overview of the city.

No lunch but found a pub to go to loo and well since we were there had a drink. Yes people the beer is warm well not chilled like us aussies like it.

I was expecting the people here to be different and more glam but guess what they are just like us. Haven't heard many really british accents yet.

Had tea at home with a bottle of wine - Duck breast with potato bake and veggies.

Asleep by 6.30pm which is a record for me.

Bed rating: good to very good

Tomorrow is Locanda Locatelli - yeh

Love

Me, brett and marty, kiwi and hooter

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Location:London, England

Our apartment

Well after a few changes of trains (our fault) we finally arrived at our apartment. It is awesome. It is so close to everything.

Location:London, England

The trip over

Hi
Well the trip over was long. I was excited but that excitement wore off very quickly. Singapore airlines was good but I was expecting more. The first part of the trip went quickly and we arrived in Singapore airport. Nice airport one of my favourite so far. Now the second part of the trip. Man this took forever.
I was expecting something special for the big 380 bus but no just like every other plane, big on the outside and way to small on the inside.

Here are the some photos so far.

Us at Brisbane. I know (jealous huh). By the way you will see this shirt a lot of times.





Me and Marty have a cocktail, only one as it was just so sweet.





So 24hrs worth of travel I watched 3 new tv shows, an awesome movie called The way and several other movies. I got several hours sleep which is unusual. Over 5 lots of meals and more snacks. I had several wines and no diet coke.

Location:Somewhere between Brisbane and London

Thanks Val

We arrived home to find some wine in the fridge from Val. Thanks, great way to start the trip.



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Location:Almost leaving

No more sleeps

Well after much planning and changing of details we have arrived at today. Travel day - limbo land where we don't belong here and we don't belong there. In about an hour a big yellow cab will come and take us away. 20 odd hours of flying and no sleeping but lots of reading and tv shows, a butterfly atrium in Singapore Airport and free massage chairs (yeh).

Our first stop is London where we will be catching up with friends (Pub tour Christmas eve) and going to Locanda Locatelli restaurant. Then on to Bath, Padstow for New Year's Eve and then finally Salisbury.

Locatelli booked

For those people who know their italian chefs we have just booked a table at locanda locatelli in London. Had to do it the day after we arrive, hope I can stay awake.


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Location:Still in Brisbane

Update on our trip

Hi
So much has happened. Our trip is now 3 and a bit months instead of 6 months. A mix up with the consulate and apparently you can't stay in Italy or Europe for that matter for more than 90 days. We are over the shock and very much looking forward to our trip. It is only a matter of weeks before we head off now and with every weekend full and lots of promises to catch up with friends the weeks should fly by.



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Location:Still Brisbane

Tuscany awaits

I am in heaven. I have found the perfect place to stay while we are in the Tuscan region.

www.anitalianexperience.com

We have rented this place for two weeks. If you are ever going to Tuscany then this is the place to stay. We used the lovey Carmelina's services when we were last in Italy and stayed in Sicily.

See her website
www.sicilianexperience.com we went and stayed at Cefalú

See you all there or maybe not

Ciao
Monique

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Location:Still Brisbane

Rick Stein here we come

Omg I am so excited. I have just booked us into Rick Stein's place in Padstow Cornwall for New Years eve.

We are staying in his accomm and then having dinner at his bistro. Couldn't afford the restaurant.

www.rickstein.com

Ciao

Mon


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Location:Still brisbane

We are coming back

You will be excited to know that we are coming back. Even though I was told that flights back wouldn't be open till mid August I have just booked our return flight. Leaving Venice (yes that Venice) via Dubia back into Brisbane on 21/22 June.

Ciao i miei amchi

Mon


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Location:Still brisbane

One way only

Well our flights to London have been booked. Am waiting now for the return flughts to open for me.

Location:Still brisbane

Still in brisbane

Hi this is us.


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Location:Brisbane still

Still planning

Well it is less than 6 months before we go and there is still so much to plan. This is our escape, our mid life crisis, do it before we die, do it before we're too old, do it before we retire and can't do it trip.