Sunday, October 30, 2005
12 Days until our first visitor
Yes in 12 days somebody has finally decided to come and see us. We are really excited to pick Curtis up from Standsted Airport in under 2 weeks. We had a great time staying with him in Regensburg Germany (check out the photos below) and hopefully he will have a awesome time here. He is only going to be here for 3 days but we will make sure to make the most of it. So far our only plans are to take him into London for one really long day to go site seeing and of course to check out the downtown pubs. I am sure we will end our night somewhere around covent garden. Those of you who have been there will know why we will end our night there. Those of you who havn't, well come over here and find out. Chances are we will end up playing some Gamecube at some point in those 3 days. Check out Curts Websiteto see what he has been up to lately in Regensburg and to also check out his love for Gamecube. Not sure which is worse. Video games or Geocaching. Maybe we will have time for both Curt......see you in 12 days.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Mapped Out
Ok so I took some time to map out our main trip. Hope this is helpful to those who are unsure on any of the locations we went to on this trip......there will be more to come.
Scotland Trip
The Big European Trip
Click on picture to Enlarge
The Big European TripClick on picture to Enlarge
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Famous Fog
As most of you know England has quite a reputation about its thick Fog. Well it might not be so bad that you can't see your feet but it can get very thick. Below are a few pics of the heath (village green) as seen from my grandmothers balcony. So all those people who keep asking me about the fog, this should put your mind at ease.
In the Fog!!
On a clear day
On a clear dayGreensted Church (and a geocache)
Hello everyone I guess I should really keep this blog up to date, but nothing really to exciting has happened over the last few weeks except for the fact that we are both working temp jobs now. Megan is working for a company called banktec and I am working for a company called Raytheon. Neither of our jobs are really that exciting so I won't write about them for now.
Today we went down to a place called Greensted Church which is located in the country about 30min away from us and is known for being the oldest wooden church in the world and the oldest wooden building in England. The oldest part of the church (one timber log)is dated at 1060 AD. The church is really small inside but has a honesty box store where if you want to buy something you just put the money in a box. Well at least it used to be a box last time I was there. It has now turned into a safe that you drop your money into. Can't trust people inside a church anymore.....
Once we were done looking around the inside of the church we made our way outside and walked among the graves trying to answer a few clues we got off the internet. Ok wait let me back track a little. There is another reason we went to see this church that is going to make everyone of you laugh at me. Well everyone besides Mike Chan that is.....sorry Mike but I know you would have done the same. Megan and I went geocaching although don't hold it against Megan as I made her come with me for this part. For those of you who don't know what geocaching is click here.. This geocache was not like the other one I have found (yes I have only done it twice so far but I will be going again soon). There was a series of clues that we had to find first such as the date on the crusaders grave, the date of a certain persons grave, and the dates that a certian choirmistress held her postion at the church. We had no idea why we needed to find them but like the clue said it became quite apparent once we found the cache. Once we located the cache which was about a 15min walk from the church, behind a small retaining wall. We realized then that the clues were the numbers to the combination lock that locked the ammunition box that held the cache. We got inside the cache and signed the log book as well as looking at all the junk people place in there. We didn't take anything or leave anything but at least we are putting my GPS to good use. Ok go ahead laugh again. It was a great little walk to find it though down by a few fields and streams in the English countryside. It was a great way to spend a sunday afternoon. I have attached a few photos below for everyone to look at and laugh at. Enjoy.
Front view of the Church
Back view of the Church
Megan points at the Geocache although we found it tucked down behind the wall.
Today we went down to a place called Greensted Church which is located in the country about 30min away from us and is known for being the oldest wooden church in the world and the oldest wooden building in England. The oldest part of the church (one timber log)is dated at 1060 AD. The church is really small inside but has a honesty box store where if you want to buy something you just put the money in a box. Well at least it used to be a box last time I was there. It has now turned into a safe that you drop your money into. Can't trust people inside a church anymore.....
Once we were done looking around the inside of the church we made our way outside and walked among the graves trying to answer a few clues we got off the internet. Ok wait let me back track a little. There is another reason we went to see this church that is going to make everyone of you laugh at me. Well everyone besides Mike Chan that is.....sorry Mike but I know you would have done the same. Megan and I went geocaching although don't hold it against Megan as I made her come with me for this part. For those of you who don't know what geocaching is click here.. This geocache was not like the other one I have found (yes I have only done it twice so far but I will be going again soon). There was a series of clues that we had to find first such as the date on the crusaders grave, the date of a certain persons grave, and the dates that a certian choirmistress held her postion at the church. We had no idea why we needed to find them but like the clue said it became quite apparent once we found the cache. Once we located the cache which was about a 15min walk from the church, behind a small retaining wall. We realized then that the clues were the numbers to the combination lock that locked the ammunition box that held the cache. We got inside the cache and signed the log book as well as looking at all the junk people place in there. We didn't take anything or leave anything but at least we are putting my GPS to good use. Ok go ahead laugh again. It was a great little walk to find it though down by a few fields and streams in the English countryside. It was a great way to spend a sunday afternoon. I have attached a few photos below for everyone to look at and laugh at. Enjoy.
Back view of the Church
Megan points at the Geocache although we found it tucked down behind the wall.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
More Photos
A great photo of the Southern Alps in France
the infamous cardboard cutout along highway 7 in France
The Eiffel Tower by night
The distance between the Eiffel Tower and Toronto (more of less)
Megan at the Arc de Triomphe
Infront of the Louvre
Moulin Rouge
Notre Dame
The Roseline in the church St. Sulpice (for those people who have read the Da Vinci Code)Saturday, October 15, 2005
ma me mAY MAAA MOOOO
Cough cough, It starts. As the long stories go, I have managed to become my own boss and get auditions for myself. Whether it’s for modeling, singing, dancing or acting; I scope out what I would like to go for.
My audition, my first mission - To make a female R&B band and become famous!
Well, although I’m not sure I made the band yet, I will find out in a week. The night starts:
5:30pm Philip drives into the parking lot from his first day of work. Walking up the stairs he notices his shoe is untied. Quickly tying it up, he proceeds to the door, walks in and gets into something more comfortable.
6:00pm Megan and Phil proceeded to the train station in little Toby Blue, Park, grab the tickets and await for what should be a very interesting night. After all what could go wrong?
6:20pm The train comes and they try to get inside realizing the door was locked! The whistle blows and they run to the next door, jumping into the train they sat down and sank into their chairs.
6:30pm Over a lovely conversation, Phil suddenly asks Megan where they need to go? In shock Megan realizes she has forgotten the sheet with all the information on it! Quickly she calls Gee Gee and writes down the information on the back of a tube direction chart. Another disaster eliminated as the train rides on.
7:00pm The train arrives at Central Station, Megan and Phil start walking to the tube. Stopping in his tracks, Phil notices a big sign stating that the Northern line is shut down and to please use another line. Disaster 3, that’s the line we needed to take to get to the Ghetto of London. We plan B it, and take two different lines, setting us back about a half n hour.
7:45pm Dashing off the train we take our left (way out) and enter into a very sketchy tube platform. This was called 'Elephant and Castle' We walked as quick as we could, now starting to slip off the edge of time and surface our way up to the street.
7:55pm With the clippity clop of my stiletto sling backs, we walked silently observing everyone and everything around us. People would pass and eye you down as if to say 'Don’t try anything on me' finally getting to our down the alley way street! We approached a building that was playing extremely loud music. Rang the doorbell and entered into what would be the interesting part of our night.
8:05pm I had made it on time and walked to the reception area to grab some forms. Phil and I both looked around and noticed we were surely now in the ghetto. The place was filled with ghetto folk and very little whites. We felt so out of place and the looks we were getting didn’t help in the least. We chose a couch and sat down.
8:45pm The lady in charge of the girl group audition finally gave me a form to fill out. I filled it out but this time I decided to be myself. Short answers getting right to the point. If they didn't want me, I didn’t need them.
9:00pm Phil and I met with the manager of one of the bands playing at the Much Music awards! Asking him a few questions about the industry, he answered politely, kissed my cheek and wished me good luck.
9:45pm I finally get called. It’s my time to shine! Walking into the audition room I noticed a group of 4-5 people just looking at me. They were the posh type, defiantly knew what they wanted. I stated my name and age as I looked into the camera. The guy filming then took his SLR and shot me twice with it. I showed humor and personality through the picture taking. Let’s face it; no one likes people who just stand there stiff and smile!
10:00pm After singing two songs, one chosen by them, I aced it. Every note was there, the expression, I felt the music and I loved it. I was so into it, I had forgotten the few nerves I had and pushed out my vocals so the angels could hear them. It was so good it could have been a cd. They sat me down for about 15 minutes and talked to me about everything. How I wouldn’t be making a profit at the start because at first it’s all promoting. However once a record label picks the group up that’s when it starts becoming more of a reality.
10:15pm I walk out and smile. Even if I don’t get the part, I know I did my best and I was thrilled that it went that well.
12:30pm Phil and Megan finally arrive home. Its now bed time after a long hard days work!
My audition, my first mission - To make a female R&B band and become famous!
Well, although I’m not sure I made the band yet, I will find out in a week. The night starts:
5:30pm Philip drives into the parking lot from his first day of work. Walking up the stairs he notices his shoe is untied. Quickly tying it up, he proceeds to the door, walks in and gets into something more comfortable.
6:00pm Megan and Phil proceeded to the train station in little Toby Blue, Park, grab the tickets and await for what should be a very interesting night. After all what could go wrong?
6:20pm The train comes and they try to get inside realizing the door was locked! The whistle blows and they run to the next door, jumping into the train they sat down and sank into their chairs.
6:30pm Over a lovely conversation, Phil suddenly asks Megan where they need to go? In shock Megan realizes she has forgotten the sheet with all the information on it! Quickly she calls Gee Gee and writes down the information on the back of a tube direction chart. Another disaster eliminated as the train rides on.
7:00pm The train arrives at Central Station, Megan and Phil start walking to the tube. Stopping in his tracks, Phil notices a big sign stating that the Northern line is shut down and to please use another line. Disaster 3, that’s the line we needed to take to get to the Ghetto of London. We plan B it, and take two different lines, setting us back about a half n hour.
7:45pm Dashing off the train we take our left (way out) and enter into a very sketchy tube platform. This was called 'Elephant and Castle' We walked as quick as we could, now starting to slip off the edge of time and surface our way up to the street.
7:55pm With the clippity clop of my stiletto sling backs, we walked silently observing everyone and everything around us. People would pass and eye you down as if to say 'Don’t try anything on me' finally getting to our down the alley way street! We approached a building that was playing extremely loud music. Rang the doorbell and entered into what would be the interesting part of our night.
8:05pm I had made it on time and walked to the reception area to grab some forms. Phil and I both looked around and noticed we were surely now in the ghetto. The place was filled with ghetto folk and very little whites. We felt so out of place and the looks we were getting didn’t help in the least. We chose a couch and sat down.
8:45pm The lady in charge of the girl group audition finally gave me a form to fill out. I filled it out but this time I decided to be myself. Short answers getting right to the point. If they didn't want me, I didn’t need them.
9:00pm Phil and I met with the manager of one of the bands playing at the Much Music awards! Asking him a few questions about the industry, he answered politely, kissed my cheek and wished me good luck.
9:45pm I finally get called. It’s my time to shine! Walking into the audition room I noticed a group of 4-5 people just looking at me. They were the posh type, defiantly knew what they wanted. I stated my name and age as I looked into the camera. The guy filming then took his SLR and shot me twice with it. I showed humor and personality through the picture taking. Let’s face it; no one likes people who just stand there stiff and smile!
10:00pm After singing two songs, one chosen by them, I aced it. Every note was there, the expression, I felt the music and I loved it. I was so into it, I had forgotten the few nerves I had and pushed out my vocals so the angels could hear them. It was so good it could have been a cd. They sat me down for about 15 minutes and talked to me about everything. How I wouldn’t be making a profit at the start because at first it’s all promoting. However once a record label picks the group up that’s when it starts becoming more of a reality.
10:15pm I walk out and smile. Even if I don’t get the part, I know I did my best and I was thrilled that it went that well.
12:30pm Phil and Megan finally arrive home. Its now bed time after a long hard days work!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Facts about our trip
Total miles driven = 5666m (roughly 9065 km)
Total number of countries visited = 8
Total number of different languages we were exposed to = 6
Number of days away = 53 days
Amount of weight I lost = 22 lbs.
Number of homeless men that sat on our car = 1
Number of close calls in the car = 1
Worst place for driving = Italy by far…….its crazy
Best country for driving = Germany (gotta love the no speed limit sections)
Top speed the 92 ford fiesta would go = 175 kph(its a 1.3 litre what did you expect?)
Number of Cheese toasties (grilled cheese) eaten = no idea….but well over 50
Number of hard rock café shot glasses = 5
Longest time without a shower = Megan – 5 days
Phil – 6 days (I would rather be dirty than use some of the showers)
Highest price paid for gas = around 1,45 euro per litre (around $2.03 Canadian)
Highest price paid for camping = 33 euro per night in Venice
Lowest price paid for camping = 10 euro per night in Prague
Favourite campsite = Camping Tiber in Rome
Worst campsite = Italy with a crazy lady and a charge of 31 euro per night
Favourite drink = a tie between the absinth and the giant 1 litre beer in the Hofbräuhaus
Favourite cathedral = St. Rupert in Salzburg Austria
Favourite City = Bruges with Amsterdam a close 2nd
Favourite place for natural beauty = Wolfgangsee in Austria
Biggest waste of money = a €4 Gatorade (we didn’t know the price until it was to late)
Total amount of fines = €75 in Czech Republic
If there is anything else you want to know please ask away and we will add them. But don’t ask how much it all cost. We are not to sure and we don’t really want to know.
Total number of countries visited = 8
Total number of different languages we were exposed to = 6
Number of days away = 53 days
Amount of weight I lost = 22 lbs.
Number of homeless men that sat on our car = 1
Number of close calls in the car = 1
Worst place for driving = Italy by far…….its crazy
Best country for driving = Germany (gotta love the no speed limit sections)
Top speed the 92 ford fiesta would go = 175 kph(its a 1.3 litre what did you expect?)
Number of Cheese toasties (grilled cheese) eaten = no idea….but well over 50
Number of hard rock café shot glasses = 5
Longest time without a shower = Megan – 5 days
Phil – 6 days (I would rather be dirty than use some of the showers)
Highest price paid for gas = around 1,45 euro per litre (around $2.03 Canadian)
Highest price paid for camping = 33 euro per night in Venice
Lowest price paid for camping = 10 euro per night in Prague
Favourite campsite = Camping Tiber in Rome
Worst campsite = Italy with a crazy lady and a charge of 31 euro per night
Favourite drink = a tie between the absinth and the giant 1 litre beer in the Hofbräuhaus
Favourite cathedral = St. Rupert in Salzburg Austria
Favourite City = Bruges with Amsterdam a close 2nd
Favourite place for natural beauty = Wolfgangsee in Austria
Biggest waste of money = a €4 Gatorade (we didn’t know the price until it was to late)
Total amount of fines = €75 in Czech Republic
If there is anything else you want to know please ask away and we will add them. But don’t ask how much it all cost. We are not to sure and we don’t really want to know.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Last days of the trip (until the next one that is)
Well I we have been back in England now for a few days so I suppose its about time for me to write a new blog. Following Paris we headed back to Belgium and stayed in the same campsite in Bruges (the first site we stayed at). Heading into Bruges it was a whole new story than last time. The weather has become much colder and all the tourists had gone home so it seemed to be just us and the locals. It was funny to see the main square almost empty and we enjoyed the town as much as we did the first time. The next we took the train into Brussels for the day and found ourselves in the main shopping district within the first 30 min. Megan was happy at least.
After a bit of shopping we headed on to see the cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule. Inside there are statues on the pillars of the 12 apostles which are almost life size and very detailed. Following that we headed over to Grand Place Grote Markt. This was the city’s first trading forum and dates from the 12 century. It was destroyed in 1695 and took 5 years to rebuild. The Grand Place today looks amazing. It is typically Belgium as it looks a lot like some of the places we saw in Bruges. Not to far from the Grand Place is a statue dedicated to the legend of Manneken Pis. According to the legend this young boy extinguished a fire by urinating on it and therefore saved the city from disaster. As we arrived it was busier than we thought it would be and had to join in the crowd to get a photo of the Statue. After that it was a long walk to see the business centre and the bury fountain, and then an even longer walk to see the basilque du Sacre-Coeur which is the 4th largest Catholic Cathedral in the World. When we first saw it from the street I told Megan it looks close and that it would be ok to walk to it. Well half an hour into our walk it seemed as though we had gotten nowhere. Another 45 min we finally made it there and yes it really is huge. That would explain the deceiving walk. Anyways to our disappointment it was closed.
We wanted to make it over to the Atomium and the Royal Palace but it was getting late and they were really far from each other. We decided to leave it for next time as we still have tickets left for train trips anywhere in Belgium that are good for a year. It was cheaper than getting 2 return tickets by 7 euro.
Anyways the following day we drove back to Calais, made the crossing seeing the white cliffs again, and made it back to Hatfield Heath to a kitchen and a nice warm bed. It does feel good to be back but also a little sad that the trip is over. At least there will be more to come. Well I guess I will leave it at that for now as this is turning into a novel and I will write about the being in England a little later on.
After a bit of shopping we headed on to see the cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule. Inside there are statues on the pillars of the 12 apostles which are almost life size and very detailed. Following that we headed over to Grand Place Grote Markt. This was the city’s first trading forum and dates from the 12 century. It was destroyed in 1695 and took 5 years to rebuild. The Grand Place today looks amazing. It is typically Belgium as it looks a lot like some of the places we saw in Bruges. Not to far from the Grand Place is a statue dedicated to the legend of Manneken Pis. According to the legend this young boy extinguished a fire by urinating on it and therefore saved the city from disaster. As we arrived it was busier than we thought it would be and had to join in the crowd to get a photo of the Statue. After that it was a long walk to see the business centre and the bury fountain, and then an even longer walk to see the basilque du Sacre-Coeur which is the 4th largest Catholic Cathedral in the World. When we first saw it from the street I told Megan it looks close and that it would be ok to walk to it. Well half an hour into our walk it seemed as though we had gotten nowhere. Another 45 min we finally made it there and yes it really is huge. That would explain the deceiving walk. Anyways to our disappointment it was closed.
We wanted to make it over to the Atomium and the Royal Palace but it was getting late and they were really far from each other. We decided to leave it for next time as we still have tickets left for train trips anywhere in Belgium that are good for a year. It was cheaper than getting 2 return tickets by 7 euro.
Anyways the following day we drove back to Calais, made the crossing seeing the white cliffs again, and made it back to Hatfield Heath to a kitchen and a nice warm bed. It does feel good to be back but also a little sad that the trip is over. At least there will be more to come. Well I guess I will leave it at that for now as this is turning into a novel and I will write about the being in England a little later on.
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