tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69504784566939768672024-03-05T11:54:31.113-05:00Live...Love...Laugh...Travellivelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-56058644574709002582011-11-16T22:32:00.000-05:002011-11-16T22:32:35.391-05:00Whisk Gourmet Restaurant and CateringAfter twenty minutes of searching for parking and walking practically four blocks to the restaurant (in Miami we are not used to walking too much), we finally arrived. My foul mood lifted almost immediately...<br />
The vibe in the restaurant is chic and trendy. We went for lunch and found a mix of executives and housewives. Although the restaurant is almost unassuming, it has a certain "je ne sais quoi".<br />
I really enjoyed just being there.<br />
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The menu was different from most I've seen in Miami. Yet, from the selections I could almost guess, what the meals would look and taste like. <br />
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Once we received our meal, my husband immediately commented that this restaurant was similar to Justine's Kitchen" in Charleston, SC. I argued and said "No way, you are crazy!!!" I continued by adding that Justine's was a very southern, home-like restaurant, almost like eating at a southern neighbor's home. I even added that Whisk was too chic to be like Justine's.<br />
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Lunch was fabulous! We shared a house salad (<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>WHISK House Salad</strong> w/ Organic Mixed Greens, Raisins, Gorgonzola, Brown Butter Walnuts, Fresh Tomato & Cider Vinaigrette</span>)</em> and then each had a half of two different sandwiches. We ordered the <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Pimiento Cheese & Fried Green Tomato Sandwich </strong>w/ Hydroponic Arugula, 3 Fried Green Tomatoes, Pecanwood Smoked Bacon </em>and the <em><strong>Turkey Avocado Lettuce & Tomato</strong> w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo & Dijon.</em> <span style="font-size: small;">The first was better than the second, however, if you request the raspberry</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">mayo, the turkey sandwich gets a whole lot better.</span><br />
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So while we had coffee and my husband ate a cookie for dessert, our server came over and my husband interrogated her (as he loves to do). It turns out we were both right. The owner is from the south, and wanted to introduce Miami to gourmet southern cuisine.<br />
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I think he hit it right on!!! This place is great. You can even look past the horrible parking, because it truly is a special place.<br />
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Drop in, you certainly won't be disappointed!livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-56822448130994942782011-09-08T16:49:00.015-04:002011-09-11T17:03:38.280-04:00Universal StudiosWell, its that time of year again! The time for the national holiday that is my birthday and my daughter's birthday. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our birthdays! Today is officially MY birthday. We alternate birthday trips since our birthdays are so close together. My daughter chose the trip this year. This year we will go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. She's never been to either of these parks.<br />
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We are staying at the Lowe's Royal Pacific Resort, part of the Universal resorts. When you stay at one of their three resorts everyone in your group receives "Fastpass" privileges at the Universal parks. This means you can bypass the regular long lines and speed ahead of everyone through a special line. This is a real time-saver. Staying at the resort also allows us to go into the park one hour before it opens to easily access the very popular Harry Potter ride.<br />
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We arrived at the hotel around 5pm. We walked around to explore and and admire how beautiful it is. We showered and changed and headed off to dinner at Kobe Steak House. We drove to the location 10 miles away becasue it was much nicer than the one close to the hotel. We sat at the Tepanyaki table and had an enormous and delicious meal. When we left the restaurant we couldn't move. We were all stuffed to the hilt!<br />
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When we returned to the hotel, we walked around and took photos and enjoyed the lounge areas. We went to bed past midnight exhausted but very grateful and feeling very blessed!livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-2345666918451721182011-07-10T08:00:00.002-04:002011-07-26T14:40:59.820-04:00Guided Turtle WatchesAlthough reservations are required and the guided sea turtle walks are very popular, my friend's friend was able to get us tickets to participate this evening. It was a special favor, so don't attempt to go without a reservation, it won't happen...It is unlawful to harass or disturb the sea turtles as they are preparing their nests or laying their eggs. There are specific rules regarding lighting and walking on the beach at night which are designed to protect these threatened and endangered species and their eggs. For the safety of the sea turtles it is recommended that viewers join guided watches.<br />
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We've lived in Florida most of our lives and had never been on a Sea Turtle walk. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society prepares you well for the exciting experience. We watched a video and a guide explained everything we would encounter and also provided instruction on how to behave during the walk. Flash photography is not permitted so the pictures are a bit dark, but thankfully you can still make out what is happening.<br />
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There are permitted STPS guides throughout the beach searching for incoming sea turtles preparing to nest. Once spotted and once she starts nesting and its safe to approach her, the group quietly comes closer and closer to the nesting mother. Once she has starting laying eggs it is okay to get close and watch this miracle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvaeRmb1Rm5Ei1sBDQwzxYQLoDIO4-DFS20LVaXoZHsjK9rKm9aMis50ur63Nj2IyUAZbH8NASnU2tVsRq59NEYR3vDvsVj5POaHejP5NWI9midv0TqOuc22miu4f1Z-qL6_FUxe7tYqr/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvaeRmb1Rm5Ei1sBDQwzxYQLoDIO4-DFS20LVaXoZHsjK9rKm9aMis50ur63Nj2IyUAZbH8NASnU2tVsRq59NEYR3vDvsVj5POaHejP5NWI9midv0TqOuc22miu4f1Z-qL6_FUxe7tYqr/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light pointed to Loggerhead Mama laying eggs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nest with the eggs inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nest with the eggs.</td></tr>
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We had more than enough opportunity to see the entire process. While we were there we also spotted about five other turtles heading up to lay eggs. Apparently some got spooked because three of them turned around and left. <br />
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We were also lucky because during our experience, the Loggerhead turtle we were watching had a tracking device on her. The scientist who'd been tracking her, showed up looking for her. It was the third time she'd come ashore since May to lay eggs on that beach. The scientist drew blood and performed other exams, which was an added bonus. The guides that were with us had never experienced that at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-qnq13t8m6PhbeqAvlSFfvci9C_wHSAMnb6TReQlT5i75ApJ7EtQ5QqffpIqy-IPiq4stF76h1MgDZXv7_LHt5HvAQ68MEx5QNDWlBXEFnJhtk4YJM3cjL8nkLpoj0-gATsxevGsRxqJ/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-qnq13t8m6PhbeqAvlSFfvci9C_wHSAMnb6TReQlT5i75ApJ7EtQ5QqffpIqy-IPiq4stF76h1MgDZXv7_LHt5HvAQ68MEx5QNDWlBXEFnJhtk4YJM3cjL8nkLpoj0-gATsxevGsRxqJ/s320/IMG_1737.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The scientist holding the turtles head.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scientist examining the turtle.</td></tr>
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We all loved the experience and recommend it highly to everyone...we even had seven year-olds in our group and they were patient, cooperative and awe-struck throughout the entire process. It is so amazing that everyone remains actively involved the entire time.<br />
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Go ahead and experience this wonderful miracle of life...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.seaturtlespacecoast.org/">Sea Turtle Preservation Society</a><br />
PO BOX 510988<br />
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951<br />
321-676-1701<br />
<a href="mailto:STPS@seaturtlespacecoast.org">STPS@seaturtlespacecoast.org</a><br />
or check out the link to their website above.<br />
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Analivelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-20846546852413566482011-07-09T22:00:00.013-04:002011-07-26T13:51:06.530-04:00Our Wedding Anniversary in Melbourne, FLWhen Al and I got married seventeen years ago, I was a teacher. I planned our wedding in the middle of the summer to ensure I would have ample time to get ready for the wedding and ample time from the honeymoon until the start of the new school year. It worked out perfectly. <br />
It also works out well for our anniversaries. We usually travel for our anniversary just because we can...work is usually not as busy and the children don't have any commitments, so its perfect. Although we weren't planning to be away this year, it worked out that way. We were in Melbourne. We had a great time celebrating our special day.<br />
Melbourne is only a short 3 hour drive from Miami but there are things to do there that you couldn't do in Miami such as visiting Kennedy Space Center. The beaches are different from the beaches in Miami because they are a bit more rough. Surfing is a possibility there (unlike Miami).<br />
We spent the early part of the day relaxing and then had frozen drinks and appetizers at <a href="http://www.squidlipsgrill.com/default.aspx">SquidLips</a>. It has a "Florida Keys feel" with the live music playing, the raw bar and just sitting by the water relaxing and sipping cold drinks. We had a table for the adults and a table for the children. Everyone had an enjoyable time while listening to beautiful music, enjoying terrific scenery and munching on delicious treats.<br />
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We had the frozen Margaritas to start, accompanied by the Artichoke and Crab Dip, Conch Fritters, Coconut Shrimp and Chicken Wings, yum!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Stop by SquidLips, you'll be happy you did!<br />
Afterwards, we went to our friends house and I beat all the kids on the Wii game, Just Dance 2. WE went to the mall, which was small and very empty, and then off to our next adventure...<br />
We had a picnic on the beach for dinner. It was beautiful, and a unique experience. We ordered takeout from ThaiThai2 on A1A and then took it across the street and had a lovely dinner. <br />
The meal was delicious, the company great and the evening was spectacular!<br />
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After dinner we had yet another amazing experience in Melbourne. Guess what we did...<br />
Check tomorrow's post for the details...livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-19608618181211904392011-07-08T23:00:00.002-04:002011-07-26T13:50:18.670-04:00Dinner in Melbourne, FloridaOur friends took us to dinner at this fabulous restaurant, <a href="http://www.palmshoresdiner.com/">Palm Shores Diner</a>, which is a house that has been converted to a restaurant. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They offer an extensive menu which makes it very hard to make a decision for me. I know...I have issues...everyone prefers to have many choices, but I become overwhelmed. I usually choose something different from other members of my group so I can taste different things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went for dinner, but most of us ordered "breakfast" items. I had the Salmon Benedict (delicious!), my daughter had her usual cheeseburger, my husband had like 3 different dishes for himself (he always orders some kind of egg entree, a side dish or two and then a dessert entree, like pancakes or waffles). He loves breakfast foods! My son ordered the NY Style Cheesecake Pancakes with Fresh Strawberry Topping and Whipped Cream, which was incredible!!! It's his new favorite now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ambiance was good, the meal was delicious and the service was good. All in all a great experience and one I would recommend...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-50514828955595509092011-07-08T22:00:00.001-04:002011-07-26T12:53:44.198-04:00The Last Space Shuttle LaunchOne of the great things about living in Florida is there is always something exciting to do...and most of the time those things are fairly close by. On a whim (and the urging of friends who live in Melbourne, FL) we decided to drive up for the last Space Shuttle launch. <br />
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It didn't look like it was going to happen because of the terrible weather all day yesterday, but we drove from Melbourne to Cocoa Beach (Jetty Beach to be precise) at 6:00 am this the morning in the hopes that we would be able to catch a glimpse of the last shuttle take off and enjoy this historic moment. <br />
(Along with about 1 million others.)<br />
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Thank goodness we took our chances...we had to wait until the very last minute, but finally the control center gave the okay and the shuttle was off!<br />
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I was not a big follower of the space program, however, those moments after the launch I felt my heart tugging and tears filled my eyes. It was a bittersweet moment...<br />
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I am so happy we experienced it! As always, I am grateful that we have the opportunities to experience so many amazing things...<br />
Analivelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-46279592718674379902011-05-19T13:29:00.003-04:002011-07-10T09:49:27.954-04:00Blogathon 2011 UpdateAs you may have noticed, I stopped posting for several days. First there was an issue with the blogger site. The blogs could be viewed but it was not possible to post for several days last week. I continued writing in a notebook, in order to post when the site came up. Unfortunately there were a series of "life events" (nothing serious) just time-consuming things, and in order to get at least 5 to 6 hours of sleep every night I had to give up writing posts for a few days.<br />
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I'm back and although I am not in the running to be a winner for the 2011 Blogathon, I will add the blogs I wrote and will continue to write as much as possible the rest of the month.<br />
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In addition to maintaining a happy marriage, raising my elementary age children full-time, enjoying quality family time together, I also help my friend with her Educational Materials website (www.thelearningcollection.com), write posts for my three blogs, work as a realtor, and own and rent vacation homes. I also try to read books, other blogs and try to keep abreast of global issues.<br />
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To add to all the excitement, we are now in the process of buying a new home which happens to be a short sale. The house has been abandoned for close to two years, so when its finally ours, we are going to have to do a great deal of work to be able to move into it. Something has to give...I only have 24 hours per day and like 50 hours worth of work...<br />
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I still have so much I want to do...I have several children's books I've started and haven't finalized. My husband and I have an idea for a children's television show, we've written the treatment but need to pitch it to networks...<br />
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I will eventually do everything I want, I just need better time-management skills and a few assistants.<br />
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By the way, the answer to the "haiku" is: The Royal Wedding of William and Kate.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-26992269116118282922011-05-10T23:57:00.002-04:002011-05-19T13:35:10.055-04:002011 Blogathon Haiku Day<div style="text-align: center;">I am participating in the 2011 WordCount Blogathon. As a participant, I must post on my blog every day in May. I can tell you there are days when I just don't have time to write, but I have been working hard and keeping up so far, even if it means staying up and posting seconds before midnight.<br />
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During the Blogathon there are designated theme days. Participants are encouraged to follow the theme for the day. Today's theme is Haiku. This is the 17 syllable, three-line poem most of us learned in elementary school.<br />
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This was fun to do. My family and I wrote it together. In order to figure it out, you must be familiar with my blog/ previous posts. I will post the answer tomorrow...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wish we would have stayed</div><div style="text-align: center;">missed it by five days, </div><div style="text-align: center;">once in a lifetime event.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">***Okay, okay...I know its not a true Haiku...it should have been 5/7/5 syllables in that order...I forgot that detail...All I remembered was that it had to be 17 syllables total. I'll try to rewrite it at some point...</div>livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-1687406668954068972011-05-09T12:38:00.005-04:002011-07-26T18:49:14.104-04:00England...April 25th, 2011 Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>In the morning we woke up, dressed and walked across the backyard to the dining room. There was a sumptuous English buffet for breakfast. My children couldn't get enough. We packed up the car with our bags and checked out. We left the car parked in the backyard of the hotel so the employees could keep an eye on it. <br />
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We took the bus to Oxford. The bus cost 6GBP for the 4 of us for a day pass. We were advised by a hotel guest not to drive and park in the town because it was nearly impossible. The bus worked out well and we met a couple from Wales. The gentleman had attended Oxford in his youth and now their daughter was studying there and they were visiting her. We rode the bus with them and they gave us a mini tour and took us to some points of interest as long as they could. <br />
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We continued walking to the river. We finally arrived at our destination, it was a quaint little area by the river where you could rent boats or go out with a guide punting on the river. Punting is similar to rowing but with a long, long pole that you use to touch the ground to propel the boat forward. Steering is done by moving it in the direction you want through the water. This boat ride was one of the highlights of the trip. I enjoyed it very much. It was different, serene and the views from the river were beautiful.<br />
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After punting we headed back to town to Christ Church where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. It was pretty and we took magnificent pictures along our walk, in the gardens and by the building.<br />
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Next we went to the Carfax Tower and climbed to the top. Although there are several towers you can climb in town, this one is the only one where you can get a panoramic view of the whole area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After the tower we had lunch at Starbucks (at my children's request) and Alex and I got some super, yummy hot pockets/pies from a neighboring window (it wasn't a full restaurant, they just sold the pockets from a window). <br />
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We left there and walked around the shops a bit. Then we went back to the hotel to get the car and continue the journey.<br />
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I tried my luck at driving the manual transmission on the opposite side of the road and my family made it clear that I must not do it ever again. Kudos to Alex...he did great!!! Although many times I though I was going to have sap as an apperitif (because he veered way too much to the left) he drove very well and we made it safely to all our destinations.<br />
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Analivelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-62053764305124169792011-05-08T21:08:00.082-04:002011-07-26T19:44:21.299-04:00London...April 24th, 2011...Part 2Alex upgraded our rental to a Volkswagen Passat wagon because we had to take all our bags and they wouldn't fit in a small car. Driving back to the hotel was a mission...we found it okay, but Alex driving a manual transmission car on the left side of the road was more than I could handle. I was petrified!<br />
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We made it to the hotel, I stopped by the front desk to get an extra key, and the agent was so nice, she gave Alissa an Easter teddy bear with chocolates. They parked the car and we went upstairs to get the bags ready. WOW! We thought we had done a good job the previous night, but we still had quite a mess! It took us a long time to get everything ready. It was so late there was no way we could go on the Thames River cruise now. We might not even make it to Windsor Castle. We'd really have to hurry!<br />
The concierge, who was great our entire stay, gave us directions to Windsor castle. The problem was we couldn't see the street names in the city so we got very, very, very lost. We were lost for over one hour. We finally got our of London but continued to get lost along the way. I guess at some point we figured out how to decipher the map, roads and roundabouts.<br />
We took so long that by the time we reached Windsor Castle it was too late to go in. The last admission was at 4:00pm and we arrived at 4:30pm. <br />
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</div>We were disappointed but we walked around the town , took pictures and then went back to the car to try to make it to Stonehenge before the sun set. I thought the town of Windsor was too commercial and "touristy", but the castle was beautiful and I would have loved to see it. I will see it when I return. We definitely needed more time in London, but this was the best we could do since there were other places to see in England before taking the ferry to Ireland on Tuesday. <br />
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We continued driving and arrived in Stonehenge after it had closed but just before the sunset, so were were able to get some spectacular pictures of the site with the sun setting in the distance. Stonehenge is an ancient stone circle. It is an amazing engineering feat and most important pre-historic site in England. It is also a place of spiritual significance.<br />
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We wanted to continue to Bath, but time would not permit. We had to make it to Oxford for our hotel reservations. We quickly drove through Salisbury, because it was already dark and we couldn't see much. We saw the Salisbury Cathedral which is an international symbol of Christianity. The spire is the tallest in England. At the Cathedral you can see one of only 4 surviving copies of the Magna Carta. <br />
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Soon we were back on the road to Oxford. Thankfully many of the roads were divided highways with two lanes on each side so we were able to drive more comfortably, less afraid. <br />
We got lost several times again... the roads and signs are just not clear and many times they just didn't even have signs.<br />
When we arrived in the Oxford area, we must have gone around at least 5 or 6 times and couldn't find the road we needed, even after getting directions...why???? because there were no signs...we basically had to guess which way to go. What a waste of time! We really could have saved some time and enjoyed the sites more had the signs been better.<br />
We stayed at a boutique hotel just outside of Oxford in a town called Summertown. My son and I are a bit spoiled when it comes to hotels, we obviously like luxury hotels but since we like to travel so much we have to opt for as luxurious as possible on a budget ( or have it comped or at least given for a reduced price), but the hotels must be clean, safe and have wifi.<br />
Occasionally we are pleasantly surprised when we get above and beyond our basic requirements.<br />
This boutique hotel was a pleasant surprise. We had a ground floor room- which normally I wouldn't like, but the place seemed safe and it was steps away from the car so unpacking the car was easy. The bathroom and room had been redone recently and the room had contemporary furnishings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdfkT9BzNfEn63h7thkCblTZBY7Y-JJpbur5onc3NlLHGaNaIGIbY8KngIAutYsWgRjUgieZ4057gmENIRYEbnYQFHDGGD94S55-39iQCBsRiTIsBpxxmQc9bRg7K-wgDycME99BAEBUM/s1600/IMAG0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdfkT9BzNfEn63h7thkCblTZBY7Y-JJpbur5onc3NlLHGaNaIGIbY8KngIAutYsWgRjUgieZ4057gmENIRYEbnYQFHDGGD94S55-39iQCBsRiTIsBpxxmQc9bRg7K-wgDycME99BAEBUM/s320/IMAG0931.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX0oFsOGFa1QZiagz5fgbNSGDotOWH0LNFVe5qNN1BQpxm9lMHt8OjreafAgXyIQmQn85dVkvRa9EtGPx9JAC8rlCZXaByD0KzWNEIzi2WgX8r5oT6IJBgR0mtaq4TjGKB4i9h6YDhOfr/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX0oFsOGFa1QZiagz5fgbNSGDotOWH0LNFVe5qNN1BQpxm9lMHt8OjreafAgXyIQmQn85dVkvRa9EtGPx9JAC8rlCZXaByD0KzWNEIzi2WgX8r5oT6IJBgR0mtaq4TjGKB4i9h6YDhOfr/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofa bed for the kiddos...</td></tr>
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</div>We were also welcomed with a tray of complimentary teas, coffee, cookies and chocolate. We arrived around 11:00 pm to shower and go to sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7inITu1NntwlU4lGXjBSQuv5DQ5CwHL1lPKSYbJmJNDWff2w3TPp09CMHLpcgW2iXDiAMlSky6PETmyfEe3ceFYk897r_PTpNq5TMZwKaxutk2bg0RYgGf49-tTRElVipy33VWYhyWSl9/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7inITu1NntwlU4lGXjBSQuv5DQ5CwHL1lPKSYbJmJNDWff2w3TPp09CMHLpcgW2iXDiAMlSky6PETmyfEe3ceFYk897r_PTpNq5TMZwKaxutk2bg0RYgGf49-tTRElVipy33VWYhyWSl9/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8q0xCWszLFbuGt54XbOOwOpLjrZkjyUT2ulG3dwIi6IA1fHBcz9wkYAW6JfBUTHLtaxpcrueMaJfFv8HdZfJGhNkUiAQ2p3q-WIvkgdxQwND8fjMQAHOctUfLezemg6PywJTQZjTdM7f/s1600/IMAG0936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8q0xCWszLFbuGt54XbOOwOpLjrZkjyUT2ulG3dwIi6IA1fHBcz9wkYAW6JfBUTHLtaxpcrueMaJfFv8HdZfJGhNkUiAQ2p3q-WIvkgdxQwND8fjMQAHOctUfLezemg6PywJTQZjTdM7f/s320/IMAG0936.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how close the car was...this was the best packing and unpacking ever!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-49307759981584568182011-05-07T23:58:00.006-04:002011-07-27T01:03:11.053-04:00London...April 24th, 2011...Part 1The plan was to wake up very early at 6:30am and leave to Westminster Abbey for an Easter Sunday Eucharist Service at 8:00 am. From there Alex would run back to get the tickets for the cruise while the children and I walked to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guards ceremony where Alex would meet us by 10:00 am After that we would go take the cruise to Greenwich to the Prime Meridian and stand on two hemispheres. Later we'd go pick up the rental car at Hertz and pick up our bags at the hotel and then be on our way to Windsor around noon.<br />
<br />
This is what actually happened (which gives you an idea of why my "to do" list never gets done and just keeps growing and growing. I think I just don't know how to manage my time very well, or I think I can do much more than I really can in the amount of time I have):<br />
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Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011<br />
We woke up around 6:15 am, dressed and went downstairs for the buffet breakfast (the dining room was empty so we had the buffet all to ourselves)...no lines.<br />
We ate quickly and rushed out to find a taxi to take us over the bridge to Westminster Abbey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6rYkP7p05AKmb_TYkQZTr9bGFuSiXVSNuvQg5LJJjUINkcaXeJNTPa8Jha0ZYZcNyndjw28fb4U5MYgN_MYO4muisUO2Fgl1TQN0ygZOrHBKiHRg_TSz33sENXxT5qlKweI2DcyN6J23/s1600/IMAG0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6rYkP7p05AKmb_TYkQZTr9bGFuSiXVSNuvQg5LJJjUINkcaXeJNTPa8Jha0ZYZcNyndjw28fb4U5MYgN_MYO4muisUO2Fgl1TQN0ygZOrHBKiHRg_TSz33sENXxT5qlKweI2DcyN6J23/s320/IMAG0716.jpg" t$="true" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68VCIgaVOyI2zveMBTjPi7VHDSOTT1xAvstVm7D9mtDJaDJSSRR-e0dmStIPM3xfkuMB2c5oFfxO77FNwMa_XiEnmCrQ0DxD2s3EHPem9rb3gfltTvfg9TT_prCrt_hyphenhyphenLyImm8vxOqmMZ/s1600/IMAG0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68VCIgaVOyI2zveMBTjPi7VHDSOTT1xAvstVm7D9mtDJaDJSSRR-e0dmStIPM3xfkuMB2c5oFfxO77FNwMa_XiEnmCrQ0DxD2s3EHPem9rb3gfltTvfg9TT_prCrt_hyphenhyphenLyImm8vxOqmMZ/s320/IMAG0697.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> We arrived 25 minutes early and had to wait about 10 minutes outside with a small group of worshipers for the gates to be opened. Around 7:45am, someone opened the gate and let us in. Of course I tried to take photographs of this spectacular building...I was reprimanded and reminded that since I was there for the service, I would not be able to take photographs (I was able to take two before).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm2yj5w1jSk/Ti-MBwqHwJI/AAAAAAAAALE/TWzX4gJEm5A/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm2yj5w1jSk/Ti-MBwqHwJI/AAAAAAAAALE/TWzX4gJEm5A/s320/IMG_1993.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The group that was waiting walked in and attempted to sit in the choir box, but again the gentleman corrected us and told us all to move to the chairs that were closest to the altar. We all obliged. The service was similar to a Catholic Mass but there was no homily although the Gospel was read, there was a first reading, but no second reading and no singing. There were no Eucharistic ministers either- the priest gave Communion to each person himself (approximately 70 attendees). <br />
After the service the priest greeted everyone individually at the door, he blessed my daughter and we walked out. He called for us to return so Alissa could get an Easter egg from a lady with a basket. Both of my children went back in to get their eggs. What a beautiful experience! Although very simple, the service touched me!!! <br />
<<<Note: I sat in the chair where Pippa (Kate's sister) sat at the Royal Wedding. My family sat next to me to the right, which is where the children in the wedding court sat during the Royal Wedding. >>><br />
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The moment of our separation came...Alex would go for the river tickets and the children and I would go to Buckingham Palace where we'd all reunite by 10:00am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfVJxC8mbj62gghwOWJjg649DQufH9ZPxNI4tSs5RwkdayEtQUmVHmjevgxG1KlKbt-Y1qQSjiGTw7V4Ygw6WfsQaCjGY9fsoUXj97ajErmIOx2hg9qH8QzAXm5K36fIki9RWaoWY46lE/s1600/IMAG0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfVJxC8mbj62gghwOWJjg649DQufH9ZPxNI4tSs5RwkdayEtQUmVHmjevgxG1KlKbt-Y1qQSjiGTw7V4Ygw6WfsQaCjGY9fsoUXj97ajErmIOx2hg9qH8QzAXm5K36fIki9RWaoWY46lE/s320/IMAG0703.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4aaDoUEHzqyQf3oO56vsBJTMQuUs2x6ZF_H55mPlitxCs3cGgdsywRoX-qxp6JLDRI_3QsykyITXf4iPbb0tyZ8vQm6fj1_y4ouzZIcI3URJyeNo65qdlWV9Zs1I8F74vzaDJXE6w6Ur/s1600/IMAG0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4aaDoUEHzqyQf3oO56vsBJTMQuUs2x6ZF_H55mPlitxCs3cGgdsywRoX-qxp6JLDRI_3QsykyITXf4iPbb0tyZ8vQm6fj1_y4ouzZIcI3URJyeNo65qdlWV9Zs1I8F74vzaDJXE6w6Ur/s320/IMAG0704.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Preparations for the Royal Wedding</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dBMxZQYH7G7zlsjkb4i6FZltjDb5FJPmjyX28hUoILuAzpDOw2xavnxJE2RKbSen20paQpB3zjGkx3ulLP9OPKBuIte-Xn33Rs_3luL0Moiub_APP10R8xc7aRmJbFMC_PiY-bn75RG_/s1600/IMAG0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dBMxZQYH7G7zlsjkb4i6FZltjDb5FJPmjyX28hUoILuAzpDOw2xavnxJE2RKbSen20paQpB3zjGkx3ulLP9OPKBuIte-Xn33Rs_3luL0Moiub_APP10R8xc7aRmJbFMC_PiY-bn75RG_/s320/IMAG0756.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QFLU1YNY2M_G-38wNumLxJbWpQnTMaWq7y8hf9JZ8IcZmoxZQTG11ioI4kq1Oqg8aBzklxlWwxXP9lNXgH1kFobRvoi1LJlVjwogHlocfZnCjgp-FafaUvUX4R0zvmVlJ0rdiTfUX5UV/s1600/IMAG0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QFLU1YNY2M_G-38wNumLxJbWpQnTMaWq7y8hf9JZ8IcZmoxZQTG11ioI4kq1Oqg8aBzklxlWwxXP9lNXgH1kFobRvoi1LJlVjwogHlocfZnCjgp-FafaUvUX4R0zvmVlJ0rdiTfUX5UV/s320/IMAG0757.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> We got directions from the guards at the Abbey and walked along Great Smith St. and Great George St. to Horse Guards Road bordering St. James's Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAQTFeD-CADD_0233ygv_SmakZelGA2DThKsn76rIx3equVPH6I_Opg1S72ow2mp8znYGYT5fXZebfcklR1nqi1iA-vbarJ1NYnOBYlXxuM-znNjHzgQRpiTh8C15Js3NfYVT2oUih2CU/s1600/IMAG0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAQTFeD-CADD_0233ygv_SmakZelGA2DThKsn76rIx3equVPH6I_Opg1S72ow2mp8znYGYT5fXZebfcklR1nqi1iA-vbarJ1NYnOBYlXxuM-znNjHzgQRpiTh8C15Js3NfYVT2oUih2CU/s320/IMAG0775.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccqXlEC066v6NS94nnNxxK8nxlX393Mo03LORlbQtXRE2NiDte_snaqAfX0dlF7gOAwkAbawxD-JaP9z3p6UzfJaAqdodgQXl6NdmBQ25imprCF94jsly_aF3TKQspP5NkxRIDqdEHy1o/s1600/IMAG0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccqXlEC066v6NS94nnNxxK8nxlX393Mo03LORlbQtXRE2NiDte_snaqAfX0dlF7gOAwkAbawxD-JaP9z3p6UzfJaAqdodgQXl6NdmBQ25imprCF94jsly_aF3TKQspP5NkxRIDqdEHy1o/s320/IMAG0797.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> We went by the Household Cavalry Museum and Horse Guards. I hesitated and considered staying to see the Changing of the Guards there at 10:00 am, but since the one at Buckingham Palace was at 10:00am and I had no way of reaching Alex, the children and I walked and took pictures in St.James's Park.<br />
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We headed to the Palace through the Mall. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NAtuF2f69zykh4iUiw-lkdKyVUj_nVPPaur_KHT4zzP3z4OMOYafqGevs_Z4JZHGkeo5HyVWi7Tn3M0Ga18vztxq_hGfUgepvAznN15mVgkyAGKm-LWg6Wxc_RiFe-VF4temTrhRshEr/s1600/IMAG0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NAtuF2f69zykh4iUiw-lkdKyVUj_nVPPaur_KHT4zzP3z4OMOYafqGevs_Z4JZHGkeo5HyVWi7Tn3M0Ga18vztxq_hGfUgepvAznN15mVgkyAGKm-LWg6Wxc_RiFe-VF4temTrhRshEr/s320/IMAG0803.jpg" t$="true" width="191" /></a></div>As we approached the palace we noticed the many media stands and "scaffolding-like stands" where journalists from all over the world would be in just a few days for the Royal wedding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJedvNQiqQJDHaAayUmwcu_zxqcwbK_7tG8bWOuj50U0V6FV6WJyk6rfOWWsswd3_rGNhN9T6nehSr36zvJv9PLua3SqhehyphenhyphenALcjk2h1Qv-Dcv7eytfsP7lwgbdy6wG1dXPyAZHUs1om6D/s1600/IMAG0825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJedvNQiqQJDHaAayUmwcu_zxqcwbK_7tG8bWOuj50U0V6FV6WJyk6rfOWWsswd3_rGNhN9T6nehSr36zvJv9PLua3SqhehyphenhyphenALcjk2h1Qv-Dcv7eytfsP7lwgbdy6wG1dXPyAZHUs1om6D/s320/IMAG0825.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXxHdSwN7s6Rv0dEjIw5-nWmbMA5W9H99exnp8-Cw82BasqjuGiRoNoJxBPff0DisFvNPn9JlO2x2whdEwefq8bj7Ccj9weplv_FDyLQnlL5v_F4vHXF7HXS8txXYfaoHieYwgAKkgPOi/s1600/IMAG0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXxHdSwN7s6Rv0dEjIw5-nWmbMA5W9H99exnp8-Cw82BasqjuGiRoNoJxBPff0DisFvNPn9JlO2x2whdEwefq8bj7Ccj9weplv_FDyLQnlL5v_F4vHXF7HXS8txXYfaoHieYwgAKkgPOi/s320/IMAG0826.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMSLEdrSS5yAzlGG9_EZEEey9w8KQ8l5h3iE1_nt-WEehz_ccBHgnCUa9XTLhWiisGBRH1_riXY3w_uzctZUDIJIspQq92dlOLlYh_TRSJQdkmo96R_Xju0fR5zacyvM9npK3eWAyTNKw/s1600/IMAG0827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMSLEdrSS5yAzlGG9_EZEEey9w8KQ8l5h3iE1_nt-WEehz_ccBHgnCUa9XTLhWiisGBRH1_riXY3w_uzctZUDIJIspQq92dlOLlYh_TRSJQdkmo96R_Xju0fR5zacyvM9npK3eWAyTNKw/s320/IMAG0827.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> We had seen similar stands along the road across the street from Westminster Abbey and along Great George ST and Parliament Square. At Buckingham Palace, the media area was different, a little more elegant draped with green fabric and awnings and "quasi" sets for taping live shows. <br />
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We miraculously found Alex...I was starting to fear we had made a mistake and would never find each other in that mess. We saw a changing of the guards at 10:00 am (I read in a magazine that during the spring the changing of the guards on Sundays is at 10:00am.<br />
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It turns out that was wrong. The changing of the guards was not until 11:30 (someone overheard us and set us straight). We hesitated and struggled with the decision should we wait 1.5 hours more or should we just skip it. We decided to stay. We lost our standing area right by the palace gate but later we found front row room in front of the fountain facing the gates. <br />
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Prime location...we had an excellent position. We were corralled and led around but eventually we ended up in front of the gates in the center.<br />
We saw the processions, the marching bands, the guards, all the pageantry. It was a memorable event, one not soon forgotten, that coupled with the upcoming royal wedding I'm sure will live in our memories forever.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOMQfaJ7WxhF4wb1DLy3-qeXzOf7JTuOe2OPDkWtB7zw0NH9izspUjNVsNzcJiLjCNGd_HILoB6Cyv9jI5IoMDK3OIE_nRNhSvnCcd3ZWhP0jPH1nGPazkjGsaMLqqRFuSHH5vafkRwwl/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOMQfaJ7WxhF4wb1DLy3-qeXzOf7JTuOe2OPDkWtB7zw0NH9izspUjNVsNzcJiLjCNGd_HILoB6Cyv9jI5IoMDK3OIE_nRNhSvnCcd3ZWhP0jPH1nGPazkjGsaMLqqRFuSHH5vafkRwwl/s320/IMG_2026.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiN16Lc6siILYzYWnUAcYGkZ1X2jBePTnsL5pNm1bwmrtCffzQQSl7ebA-zT3rLTX8sG9w4wMNfLglYQJRD27Vec9r66qBwSnt1kb5Tg0CdDI2W2FTLOcGZoKrKXXL1uEiir2f0D1fNQN/s1600/IMAG0864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiN16Lc6siILYzYWnUAcYGkZ1X2jBePTnsL5pNm1bwmrtCffzQQSl7ebA-zT3rLTX8sG9w4wMNfLglYQJRD27Vec9r66qBwSnt1kb5Tg0CdDI2W2FTLOcGZoKrKXXL1uEiir2f0D1fNQN/s320/IMAG0864.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>I reminded everyone to look carefully at the balcony because we'd see all these things in a few days on TV during the Royal Wedding coverage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLJ2M32ihN6G_rR8V3HxhQTCzR2z7aZ7vcMHddUPGcJfqXDCDv0M0E7PCXVB0a9R17U89UndQ3HPC1kAYdmSycdJKhRGKY9QR5DTrE9F_slRiedNlt-dVQRpOs278_s2mHYg9-R_Gz8ET/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLJ2M32ihN6G_rR8V3HxhQTCzR2z7aZ7vcMHddUPGcJfqXDCDv0M0E7PCXVB0a9R17U89UndQ3HPC1kAYdmSycdJKhRGKY9QR5DTrE9F_slRiedNlt-dVQRpOs278_s2mHYg9-R_Gz8ET/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>After we walked along the palace garden and through the Green Park to the Big Bus stop. Alissa stopped a million times to pick up dandelions and blow the puffy area all over the place. She collected them throughout London, she really enjoyed blowing the seeds all over London. I enjoyed watching her and taking beautiful pictures of her doing it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zB1LKMQcCZHUcH4G7W-doJyLzLX7xf3HxK8fhtE9zdmiXM-SHrG-RbFVWR2yU9pWrmUOY16eR0ErFscqdr2X9rydRc2XT9s87u3KIdUPp6_mZa31f-JIgenQ05vTrbwzxm3nEa37RFZS/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zB1LKMQcCZHUcH4G7W-doJyLzLX7xf3HxK8fhtE9zdmiXM-SHrG-RbFVWR2yU9pWrmUOY16eR0ErFscqdr2X9rydRc2XT9s87u3KIdUPp6_mZa31f-JIgenQ05vTrbwzxm3nEa37RFZS/s320/IMG_1997.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I didn't have photos of the dandelions alone but I had these beautiful tulips so I included them.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> We climbed aboard and rode to the Marble Arch where we were dropped off to pick up our rental car at Hertz. While Alex went into Hertz, I walked across the street with Alissa and Jake and ordered a pizza for lunch at L'artista Pizza and Piadina Restaurant. We sat down to a very simple lunch of Margherita pizza and water. The place was very simple but the pizza was very good.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-88297788126902116762011-05-06T10:37:00.148-04:002011-05-07T23:19:51.575-04:00London...April 23rd** I owe you pictures, please check back on Monday.<br />
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Breakfast at the hotel was delicious. They serve a traditional English buffet. There is always an egg dish , a meat dish, cooked vegetables, and a large assortment of breads, cereals and pastries. The children's meals were complimentary daily and the adults paid 10GBP each.. So, for 20GBP the family of 4 had a very substantial breakfast every morning.<br />
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After very careful consideration, we will see London via the Big Bus On/Off Tour and we will also purchase the London Pass for the entrance to the attractions. We did the math and figured out this was the least expensive way to see as much as possible in our only full day in London. We bought the one-day pass with the option of the extra second day for just a few GBP more. You can use it for 24 hours from the time you first board, so technically we have it until Monday morning, which is plenty of time.<br />
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We boarded the bus at the London Eye stop, went over Westminster Bridge and took the bus tour to the Tower of London. (We bought the London Pass there across the street from the bus stop.) We were promised a Royal Wedding mug with the purchase of the London Pass, but they didn't have them there and we'd have to go to Piccadilly Circus to pick it up.<br />
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We finally made it inside the Tower of London, which was once a luxurious Medieval Palace as well as a fortress. The Tower has served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public records office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.<br />
We went straight to the Crown Jewels exhibit. (Its best to do this early, we avoided huge "ques" by arriving early). Needless to say...it was magnificent! Such opulence! They display crowns, scepters, swords, serving pieces from Royal celebrations and coronations, etc. Photography is not permitted so I purchased postcards with pictures of a few pieces. It is a beautiful exhibit.<br />
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My son was very anxious to see the torture chamber so we went to that area next. Prisoners were tortured there for information. It was a little gloomy and disturbing, yet informative.<br />
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Lastly, we visited the White Tower, the most important building in the Tower of London. On display at the White Tower, is original armour worn by Henry VIII and Charles I. There are weapons, armour, gifts and many interesting pieces. We spent quite some time admiring the displays.<br />
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Within the walls of the complex we saw the infamous ravens and enjoyed the historical reenactments by costumed guides.<br />
There were plenty more things to see but after spending several hours there we got back on the Big Bus and went to the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. There we saw Treasures from the Royal Collection. We saw the Dutch Landscapes exhibit which will run through October 9, 2011 and the Mythology and Regency Exhibit which retells the classical Greek and Roman myths through paintings, sculpture and furniture. They were interesting and we were given complimentary headsets for the audio tours.<br />
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WE walked over the to Royal Mews and had a wonderful time there. The children, ALex and I enjoyed seeing "one of the finest working stables", the horses, and the royal collection of coaches and carriages.<br />
We saw the glass coach used by royal brides, the state coach and the Gold State Coasch used at every coronation since 1821. We saw some of the carriages that will be used for William and Kate's Royal Wedding in just 6 days.<br />
It's funny because we made reservations for this trip in early November, 2010, shortly before the prince and Kate announced their engagement and wedding date. Friends and family asked whether we'd planned it and why weren't we going to stay for the wedding? We weren't really affected by it and didn't care about not being in town...but now as we are in the city, seeing the preparations and the pagentry, we would LOVE to be here...it should be a once (or twice) in a lifetime experience.<br />
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Once we saw the carriages we were hooked...we called home and asked for family to DVR the Royal Wedding for us, since we would be in Ireland that day. <br />
After the MEWS we had a casual lunch as a small cafe across the street.<br />
We boarded the bus again to some other spots and finally got off at Hyde Park so we could go to Kensington Palace (the former home of Princess Diana and the future London home of William and Kate). The gardens just outside the palace are beautiful. The colors of the flowers are exquisite. The current exhibit at the palace was fabulous, yet a little eerie or "spooky" as my son described it. My husband also described it accurately as "obscure and very unexpected". Basically, they have a scavenger hunt through the palace with clues to help you figure out the names of seven princesses that had lived in the palace. We figured it out and had a great time doing it.<br />
After Kensington Palace we walke a bit through Hyde Park and got caught in a rain shower. It didn't let up so we put on the raincoats that my husband efficiently picked up on the Big Bus (during the very sunny day) which saved us and allowed us to move from Hyde Park (thank goodness he plans ahead). We went to the closes bus stop and waited an eternity in the wind and rain for a bus to come. They were delayed because of the rain and traffic. When it finally came it was packed. passengers were crammed in like sardines. Another family was waiting also and had the insight to squeeze through the crowd and climb to the uncovered top floor of the bus. We followed them up.<br />
Although it was raining, cold and windy the alternative was to continue waiting there in the rain for another full bus.<br />
WE sat at the top with raincoasts on each seat and a second one completely covering our faces, heads and bodies. It was miserable!!!<br />
At some point we noticed a large group leave the bus so we ran down and got seats. We just rode around in the rain hoping the rain would stop so we could get off and walk around. We rode through several stops and finally got off at the Westminster Bridge stop. There we walked back over the bridge to try to go on a Thames River cruise but it was closed already. <br />
We walked back on the bridge and back towards our hotel. We stopped at a restaurant with middleeastern food and satoutside for dinner. Alex and I had red lentil soup and hummus with bread. Our children ordered beefburgers (what a surprise!!!) Dinner was enjoyable. Afterwards we walked to the hotel and tried to organize our bags for our departure on Sunday, but more importantly, we studied all the brochures and wnet on-line to try to figure out how to make the most of our last hours in London.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-2028263143308061592011-05-05T22:01:00.000-04:002011-05-05T22:01:03.629-04:00London...April 22, 2011 (Part 2)*** Still having technical difficulties with the photos. I'm not sure why....I will be able to dedicate more time to figuring it out this weekend...Until then just posts, no photos...Sorry!!!<br />
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When we were finally ready to go out we couldn't decide what to do. London is very expensive so we wanted to make the most of the tours we bought. We ended up taking a cab to the Tower of London (at the concierge's suggestion) around 2:00 p.m. When we arrived there we were told that we wouldn't have enough time to see it all, so we decided to wait until the next day. We ate fish and chips from a vendor outside the Tower. It was not very good! My son and I are forever turned off from fish and chips. <br />
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We walked around the perimeter of the Tower of London and came upon the Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge has stood over the Thames River since 1894 and is one of the most well-known bridges in the world.<br />
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We did the Tower Bridge Exhibition and enjoyed brilliant views from the high walkways. The exhibit has information about the history of the bridge and how it was built, and most importantly fantastic views of the river. <br />
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We were unsure what to do with the remaining daylight hours...we didn't want to pay for a tour on the ON/OFF Bus ans waste it because we couldn't go into places. (The next day we found out we could buy a 1-day ticket and upgrade to a 2-ticket for only 5GBP for adults and 3GBP per child.<br />
We would have gotten the tickets for the Thames River cruise and done that on Friday evening, but we didn't know.)<br />
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Instead, we walked along the river all the way from the Tower Bridge to our hotel. We stopped along the way at several places:<br />
<ul><li>HMS Belfast (military ship)</li>
<li>Hay's Galleria mall</li>
<li>Southwark Cathedral and park</li>
<li>Shakespeare's Globe Theater</li>
<li>Tate Modern</li>
<li>the OXO Tower</li>
<li>the Royal National Theater</li>
<li>Waterloo Pier</li>
<li>the London Eye</li>
</ul>Some of the beautiful bridges we admired were:<br />
<ul><li>London Bridge</li>
<li>Southwark Bridge</li>
<li>Blackfriars Bridge</li>
<li>Waterloo Bridge</li>
<li>Millenium Bridge</li>
</ul>We walked and enjoyed London, differently than we'd ever done before, for several hours. When it became dark we went back to the hotel to shower and change for dinner. WE quickly left by taxi to Covent Garden. We strolled around a bit, we listened to the performers and ate a casual dinner of pizza at Covent Garden Pizzeria. We sat outside in an open courtyard and took in every moment of our first day in London. After dinner we strolled around the are a little more and then on to Picadilly Circus. We had dessert and coffee there at a small coffee shop. <br />
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We didn't stay long because we were beyond exhausted. It was time to go to sleep!livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-52576475443580283032011-05-04T13:47:00.000-04:002011-05-05T21:32:15.278-04:00London, April 22, 2011 Part 1*** due to technical difficulties, I can't upload my photos. I promise to upload photos tomorrow.<br />
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We arrived in London and took a cab to our hotel, The Park Plaza-County Hall. The cab ride cost us about 80 GBP. The children loved the car. It didn't have a trunk, so all our luggage went with us in the passenger compartment and next to the driver. The seats inside face each other and 5 people can ride together in that compartment . (Most taxis we took were like this. They also have a bar across the top of the door...my daughter liked to hang on it and swing back and forth, with her arms in a position of a pull-up but swinging. It's funny because she could not get in or out of a taxi without doing that). <br />
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Our hotel was 4 star, in a decent location (by the London Eye, across the bridge from Parliament, Big Ben and The Westminster Abbey). The hotel was clean, decorated with a contemporary flair, and very family-friendly.<br />
The hotel was very welcoming of children. Upon arrival they received a goody bag with coloring sheets, crayons, play money to use at the snack bar for real items, a bracelet with the name and phone number of the hotel. (I thought this was a great idea, in case the children become separated from the parents while in the city). The hotel stay also included a free British-style buffet breakfast every morning.<br />
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Another point I liked is that they let us check-in when we arrived at 10:00 a.m. The hotel was visibly full, yet they were accommodating. We could have waited to get the room with a better view we had reserved, but since it wasn't available yet and we were so tired, we preferred the room we could go into right away regardless of the view. We weren't planning on spending a lot of time admiring the view anyway. We wanted to be out exploring the city whenever possible...<br />
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The concierge was helpful and full of information. We took several brochures to the room with us to help figure out how to spend our first day there.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-75273026902546928012011-05-03T22:02:00.002-04:002011-07-10T09:54:36.187-04:00The flight...Miami-Chicago-London... April 21, 2011We are traveling on award miles, FINALLY!!! As usual, it was a bit complicated to find flights that would qualify for the trip, even though we reserved almost 6 months in advance.<br />
As a result, we must fly through Chicago and London to go to the primary destination, Dublin.<br />
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My husband, Alex, has wanted to travel to Ireland since I met him, but we always travel to other places instead. For his 40th birthday, he wanted to travel to visit Ireland, so 1.5 years later he is getting his wish.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsGPb8kXtL4DKIK2tJCkqmcGrEoqfUTNyZSlzEKTxhk5l8eBLMkFcIbO2Gn5TX24IPaeMyh2SPYaJJl8wdMSRa7F67dTNEI8zLhaXrZBhliizsS4iMr76zQ0Vmr2H0UQJxPLFo6JFdlQR/s1600/view+from+airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsGPb8kXtL4DKIK2tJCkqmcGrEoqfUTNyZSlzEKTxhk5l8eBLMkFcIbO2Gn5TX24IPaeMyh2SPYaJJl8wdMSRa7F67dTNEI8zLhaXrZBhliizsS4iMr76zQ0Vmr2H0UQJxPLFo6JFdlQR/s320/view+from+airplane.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
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We took the 9:25am flight from Miami to Chicago and arrived there around noon. We considered going into the city, but opted against it, for several reasons:</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had eight carry-on bags which could not be stored at the airport</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We would have to go back through security in the airport for our international flight</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We preferred to relax and take it easy because we would be in for a hectic 10 days of travel abroad</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvLHQXYXL-JMS8yWoXwEacthyL3RVIPhUFslrPF8bOuO1bPQ8HP36dyBB0pV0YV8qrI1VG0O6WTdor8g7StKvbwAov002b0n5CQawSef9vPi7KXMB3IBdclVZIrqjAd6UDGC5LV-_Jx9T/s1600/admirals+club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvLHQXYXL-JMS8yWoXwEacthyL3RVIPhUFslrPF8bOuO1bPQ8HP36dyBB0pV0YV8qrI1VG0O6WTdor8g7StKvbwAov002b0n5CQawSef9vPi7KXMB3IBdclVZIrqjAd6UDGC5LV-_Jx9T/s320/admirals+club.jpg" width="320" /></a>Alex works for a global company and travels extensively for work. Although it is a strain for the family it affords us some perks from time to time. One of his perks is the Admiral's Club Lounge. We were able to spend the 5 hour layover in the lounge in Chicago. It was very large and comfortable.</div><br />
We set up camp in an area with several lounge chairs and tables. We connected all our electronics for charging and enjoyment. The children watched movies and played with their portable games, read books and played games. Alex and I worked for a little while and answered email, etc. <br />
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We had complimentary drinks and cookies, so we ordered sandwiches for lunch.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN8Vat1JBathVFN3vrfPQLFfx9swAs8A6hMz3H8gOH6ivnCt_bPOoAH71m-NYb0k-sueN829b5s990Mg1uyLtSmDtO0zT-5cMgD16KD7qrwiVxTgqSYo3w3JzACfpnODjvAi1pEvrabDz/s1600/airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN8Vat1JBathVFN3vrfPQLFfx9swAs8A6hMz3H8gOH6ivnCt_bPOoAH71m-NYb0k-sueN829b5s990Mg1uyLtSmDtO0zT-5cMgD16KD7qrwiVxTgqSYo3w3JzACfpnODjvAi1pEvrabDz/s320/airport.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
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We all enjoyed our layover and were able to rest a bit. We normally over-do-it and try to do too much. I think we were wise to stay put. We also enjoyed eachothers' company. The flight from Chicago to London was uneventful. I watched a romantic comedy (I can't remember the name), I read, I worked, but I couldn't sleep. My entire family slept...I tried but couldn't.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-23338827059887221862011-05-02T22:43:00.001-04:002011-05-03T11:50:17.535-04:00Don't become a victim of robbery while traveling<div class="intro" id="intelliTxt" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">When I was young, traveling with my mother through Europe we were robbed. It wasn't a violent robbery, but it was a robbery and it ruined our trip. We were driving through Europe from Switzerland, through France and Italy. At this point most of our trip was behind us. We'd been in Switzerland and France and some of Italy. This fateful day we were in Florence and were heading south to Rome that afternoon. We packed up the car with our bags because we had to. We had to check out of the hotel and it was just easier to leave from the city rather than go back to the hotel. (We were Sheraton Club members, and would normally stay at Sheratons when possible. The only issue was most Sheratons were a little out of the way, so it wasn't always convenient.) (I digress.) </div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">We made the decision to keep the bags with us in our hatchback car. </div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">We went to one of the piazzas and thought we were so lucky because we found a parking space right near the center of all the action. We thought it would be a safe place to park since there were so many people around. Nobody would try to break into our car there!!!</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">God only knows how they managed it, but they went into the car and took everything...our cameras, film we'd taken already, our bags, all our clothes, etc. We had all the money, passports, plane tickets with us, but everything else was there. WE tried to hide things as much as possible and I am positive the car was locked, because I checked it before going. The glass was not broken , the door was not forced, there was no sign of entry and they were kind enough to lock up the car for us when they finished, because all the doors were locked.</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">While at the police station we met several other victims. Although we were upset about losing our things, thank goodness we did not go through a scary moment as a result. </div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">These other people were different. A couple had been held up with a knife...they had to turn over their fanny pack with their money, passports, etc. Another had been pick-pocketed. She had her camera in a backpack and had it on her back. She was getting on a metro (with her husband) all of a sudden she heard a big commotion and people started going around her as if trying to rush to the train before it left. They bumped into her a bit, and then decided not to ride the train and got off. </div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Obviously, it was all an act to distract her so they could get into her backpack and take whatever they could find.</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lIQoItDPfT-Ny0yeisBzi_BDFMzBt15aT5Ua6YCaAGgNiBGVznHGExzH3vwEZQsTDNWZp0rpmfJ25c9Ut3x7Fby8_kkp8iIWdYS5Duj5vTqjqE2ZqyRN7tXMwZJ6Wm3i46aG6rBx0oSK/s1600/pp3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lIQoItDPfT-Ny0yeisBzi_BDFMzBt15aT5Ua6YCaAGgNiBGVznHGExzH3vwEZQsTDNWZp0rpmfJ25c9Ut3x7Fby8_kkp8iIWdYS5Duj5vTqjqE2ZqyRN7tXMwZJ6Wm3i46aG6rBx0oSK/s1600/pp3.bmp" /></a>This was 20 years ago and apparently things aren't much better these days...however, at least in London they are trying to help tourists not become victims. They have brochures printed warning tourists to guard themselves against pick-pockets. While I was at Buckingham Palace waiting to see the changing of the guards, police officers went be the crowd several times and warned tourists to be aware. </div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Some of the tips were:</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><ul><li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wear your backpack in front of your chest, not on your back</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Close backpacks and purses completely</div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don't put any wallets or valuables in back pockets, put them in front pockets so you can see if anything is being attempted</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Be vigilant</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Don't let anyone touch you or get too close to you</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don't let anyone see where you keep your money</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyD2_OH31lLRFEOU7w71nPDZiitXVA3GOW02qPUJInhmTsNmVdSd72K2klu0SUle6FbUEzNaKdb0nxqk9mLoRrLUbsK8WDL96vKMylx6gQi3kLdoGBtg6AET8eC7x0i94mWS2jDYYxa8q/s1600/pp2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyD2_OH31lLRFEOU7w71nPDZiitXVA3GOW02qPUJInhmTsNmVdSd72K2klu0SUle6FbUEzNaKdb0nxqk9mLoRrLUbsK8WDL96vKMylx6gQi3kLdoGBtg6AET8eC7x0i94mWS2jDYYxa8q/s1600/pp2.bmp" /></a>If you carry a purse, use one that you can strap across your chest </div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Keep money and credit cards in a money belt around your waist or neck. If you must keep something in your pocket, make sure it is a tight-fitting pocket that closes well.</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Don't lose contact with your luggage at the airport or while you're traveling to or from your hotel. The more bags you carry, the easier it will be for a pickpocket to target one of them, so don't give them the opportunity</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0"><div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="55">Keep your wallet, camera or other valuables at the bottom of your backpack if you are carrying one. If a pickpocket opens your bag, he or she will have to look around to find anything of value.</div></div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Sleep with valuables under your pillow on trains or in hostels, especially if you are sharing the space with a stranger</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0">Place the strap of a purse or backpack under your chair leg to deter pickpockets while you are seated at a restaurant or elsewhere. </div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don't ever leave a bag hanging on back of your chair</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Leave anything you don't need on you locked in the hotel safe. </div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLO6R9zK6n1Ezn5ZSGWHnOw_5bgOMFxAgW1nnIUaAB9h8TWho7-xjUjYHIOXs49niw785QxnuRy_Z5d-Nr2-VX1Z4fd2LUesNsXvlykWgh9aJhoIpoDNNOel2KvqQ7Zy4P6Qg4pZMhXkt/s1600/pp4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLO6R9zK6n1Ezn5ZSGWHnOw_5bgOMFxAgW1nnIUaAB9h8TWho7-xjUjYHIOXs49niw785QxnuRy_Z5d-Nr2-VX1Z4fd2LUesNsXvlykWgh9aJhoIpoDNNOel2KvqQ7Zy4P6Qg4pZMhXkt/s1600/pp4.bmp" /></a>Take only one credit card and a small amount of cash for the day. Carry traveler's checks if possible instead of cas,</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Carry only a photocopy of the first page of your passport rather than the real thing</div></li>
<li><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Maintain extreme caution in highly crowded areas, including public transportation and elevators or escalators. Hold your possessions in your hands to ensure no one has access to them. </div></li>
</ul></div><div class="intro" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Good luck and safe travels!!!</div><br />
** Images copied from Google Images</section></section>livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-75282555779103420872011-05-01T21:09:00.000-04:002011-05-01T21:09:42.365-04:00Avoid pick pockets while travelingI just returned today from a glorious 10-day trip to London, several towns in England, Dublin, and Chicago. Look for new posts from the trip starting tomorrow.<br />
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I will also be posting information about avoiding pick-pockets. As the summer high-season is around the corner and many of you will be traveling to Europe, I will give you some hints that were announced to us by policemen at Buckingham palace during our vacation. Pick pockets are all over Europe and they are looking for tourists so they can make their living. Don't become a victim...protect yourself.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-34232194999306717892010-04-03T16:34:00.001-04:002011-09-11T16:37:51.732-04:00Zionlivelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-37961308397149109492009-07-26T16:44:00.009-04:002011-06-09T14:43:32.390-04:00Arriving in Miami and looking back on the whole trip - Sunday, July 26, 2009Arriving in Miami and looking back on the whole trip - Sunday, July 26, 2009<br />
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Alex woke up around 6:45 a.m. and I woke up around 7:30. We had breakfast, showered and were packed and in the car by 8:15 a.m. We had 668 miles ahead of us from Florence, SC to Miami. We should be arriving around 7:45 p.m.<br />
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I drove so Alex could work. Jake was texting back and forth with Mike P. They made arrangements to meet as soon as we arrive in Miami. We had a nice and pleasant drive. We got a few areas of bad weather, but all in all very enjoyable. We talked to Fab, and we'll see her this week as they will be in Miami. We finally arrived in Miami at about 9:00 p.m. <br />
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As I stated before, this is bittersweet. We loved this family alone time. We loved all the places we stopped in with some planned and unplanned. Most especially, we got the opportunity to see alot of our friends along the way to make the trip memorable. This is the gift we wanted for the kids and for them to get "it." That "it" is far more than material things the experiences you have in life especially as one travels are the most important things. To make it even more impactful, one should learn from those experiences. I think we will plan a similar trip in the coming years as the kids get older. We want to make sure they still want to travel with Mom and Dad until they are old and gray with their own families. We can't wait to plan bigger family trips! Much love to all and safe travels!livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-2787012693308871492009-07-25T16:42:00.023-04:002011-06-09T14:38:17.631-04:00On the road again leaving NYC and stopping in Florence, South Carolina - Saturday, July 25, 2009On the road again leaving NYC and stopping in Florence, South Carolina - Saturday, July 25, 2009<br />
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I woke up around 8:00 a.m. because Al went to the bathroom and woke me up. I got up and started getting everything ready. I cleaned a little and picked up the remaining things and Al went to get the car. We were in the car ready to leave by 10:30 a.m. I wanted to eat a cannoli so we went on a search for cannolis without chocolate chips then Al wanted glasses from Chinatown, so we went to get them. I turned onto Spring Street and got stuck in major traffic. Then, Jake wanted to see Al's office building so we drove by and then we drove into Brooklyn to see the bridge and sights by day. Toasty took us out of NYC through Staten Island so we went on the Verrazano Bridge. I don't think I'd ever been on it, but have seen it many times.<br />
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Again, we got stuck in horrible traffic in New Jersey (it also happened when we came three years ago). Finally, I think we got on the road around 1 p.m. We stopped a few times for potty and meal breaks. We drove until about 1:30 a.m. Although we weren't tired, we were afraid to get tired and not have anywhere to stop. We slept at a Marriott Springhill Suites in Florence, SC. We all love the Springhill Suites because they are roomy, clean, relatively new and they provide full breakfast in the morning. On the drive, we talked to a lot of people on the phone and communicated via text.<br />
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We were sleeping by 2:00 a.m. At the start of the drive this morning, we had to travel 1,309 miles and it would take approximately 20 hours 39 minutes to do. When we arrived in Florence, we had traveled 632 miles in about 12 hours (including all the stops and traffic jam in NJ). The bittersweetness is coming over us again. It's sad to say bye to the experience, but I think we are ready to get home.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-2646391468880827082009-07-24T16:41:00.035-04:002011-06-09T14:32:55.002-04:00Central Park Zoo, Boathouse, and Times Square - Friday, July 24, 2009Central Park Zoo, Boathouse, and Times Square - Friday, July 24, 2009<br />
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We woke up early and tried to get out by 9:30 a.m., but really didn't leave until 10:15 a.m. We took the bus super easily from Bleeker and LaFayette to Madison Ave & 58 ST. We walked to Central park and went to the zoo. <a href="http://www.centralparkzoo.com/">Central Park Zoo</a> is one of our favorite places to visit in New York City. It is a small manageable zoo with animals that are exciting to watch. We always go there every time we go to NYC. They have penguins, polar bears, sea lions, reptiles, a large aviary with many birds, a red panda and a snow leopard. We had a delightful morning just the kids and I. We also went to the Tisch Children's Zoo and had lunch there as usual. They have a nice petting zoo and things for the children to climb and explore.<br />
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We walked through the park a bit. The kids climbed the rocks and we got balloons in the shape of swords. We walked to the Apple Store on 5th Ave and then went to FAO Schwartz. The kids were diasppointed with the selection of toys there. There were no electronics, mostly nice and educational toys, which they don't appreciate. They have a "make your own muppet" area. They wanted to make one, but I refused as it was $130.00 for each muppet.<br />
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We walked more on 5th Avenue and went to the Disney store and the NBA store. The kids bought some team school supplies there, the girl that helped us was named "Toasty." That's one of our catch phrases for the trip. We even named our GPS woman Toasty, because she's toasted, and makes many mistakes. Another catchword is "Chaser" because Chaser had to chase us and save us while we were rowing on the Mystic River. "Satellite" is another. The kids were quoting Ti, because he calls ditsy people "satellites." They get a kick out of that one and its variations. They use it interchangeably with "remote," "Direct TV," and "Comcast."<br />
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Anyways, I digress. From the NBA store, we went on the bus back to the house to meet Daddy. The bus took us to Bleeker and Broadway and then Dad was waiting for us at the NYU sports center. We went to the house and the kids showed Al what they bought and we got ready. Alex spoke to Hugo and we decided to meet at Central Park at the Loeb Boat House, which is a nice restaurant. We took forever to get there because we went to the wrong subway entrance. Then, we had to walk to the park and then to the restaurant. In retrospect, we should have just taken the car. <br />
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The restaurant was gorgeous. It's amazing that I had never seen nor heard of this place. We've been to the lake where they race the remote controlled boats a million times and this is just steps away from there. They have used this restaurant in many films such as "When Harry Met Sally." Hugo was there already. We had drinks and hung out a bit. Then, we walked through the park awhile and then to 5th Ave. We took a cab to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant called John's Pizza in the theater district one block from Times Square. Later, we walked through Times Square and had ice cream cones from a Mr. Softee truck.<br />
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Suddenly, we witnessed a bust of illegal purse vendors. These guys were carrying the handbags in huge bundles behind their backs and they all looked like Santa Claus. All of a sudden, some of them yelled something and all of them took off running with their bags on their backs. Their were about 50 of them. It was an impressive sight to see them all running and scampering about like rats. The police officers ran after them, but they didn't get caught. One undercover officer came back to the area with one sack he was able to get, but no guys. I'm glad the kids saw that, because after doing the wrong thing and going with them to the secret rooms of Chinatown, they were able to see that it's dangerous to do illegal things and that the police are always after criminals.<br />
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We walked more on Times Square and went to the M & M store. We shopped there for awhile and then called it a night. We took a cab home and arrived around 12:30 a.m. I stayed awake packing until 3:30 a.m. We are heading back home first thing in the morning. It was a bittersweet feeling as we knew the trip was coming to an end, but we had the best along, family time anyone could ask for.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-64604676676660536842009-07-23T16:39:00.031-04:002011-06-09T10:45:46.045-04:00Museum of Natural History and Macy's - Thursday, July 23, 2009Museum of Natural History and Macy's - Thursday, July 23, 2009<br />
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Dad went to work and I took the kids to the Museum of Natural History. We took a cab there and it cost me $22.00. It was worth every penny because I didn't have to worry about anything. We spent the day at the Museum. We were going to leave, but the kids wanted to see a new film in the Planetarium named Journey to the Stars, so I bought tickets for the 4:30 p.m. showing and we hung out and waited for it to start. We took a guided tour that was really informative and worthwhile. I wish we would have started it earlier, but nevertheless, it was good and I will take advantage of it again in the future.<br />
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We made our way down to the line for the show. They took us by elevator in small groups to a waiting area, before letting us into the Planetarium. While in this area, a verbal fight broke out between two guys and a guy and his wife. It got loud and ugly. They exchanged pretty disgusting words in front of everyone. The husband told the two guys, who were holding umbrellas, that he was going to shove the umbrellas up their butts. It got uglier, then someone said they were going to call the police and the husband started yelling, "You want to call the police, here he is, I'm the police!" He took out his badge and flashed it to everyone. Meanwhile, the only people there trying to take control of the situation were the teenage employees. Finally, after about five to 10 minutes, about eight security guards came and then more came later. It would have made sense for them to take the four away and let everyone enjoy the show, however, they didn't do that. Instead, they chose to let the four into the show and then had security guards sitting all over inside the planetarium. I was very uncomfortable. The room was dark and I was afraid they were going to take advantage in the dark and retaliate or something. Basically, I didn't even hear what was happening in the movie. All I know is that I was dying to get out of there. When it was over, we ran through to look at the giant whale and the ocean exhibit. Then we went to the gift shop and hung out a bit. By the time we finished it was closing time.<br />
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When we got outside it was pouring. We went out in the rain to try to get a cab, but it was impossible. There were hundreds of people scrambling to get cabs. After running around and getting soaked, Jake finally yelled to go into the subway. We ran in and then I tried to figure out how to get out. Alex was staying for dinner with his customer and colleagues. Nicki had to work and Hugo told us he would clean his apartment so we could go over. I had promised the kids I'd take them to Macy's to see the largest store in the world and also to see the wooden escalators. I figured out how to get there on the subway map and then got on the train. I had to keep verify that we were going in the right direction, because there was a fork in the line and I wasn't sure which way it would go. Thankfully, it went the right way and we went straight to 34th St. Herald Square. It was raining, but we were able to get across the street alright. We went up the escalators to the children's dept. When we arrived, the kids noticed a McDonalds right on the floor in the middle of the department. They were thrilled! The shrieks of happiness could be heard for miles. I let them order dinner and we sat and had dinner there.<br />
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Then, we shopped. We bought sports t-shirts, shorts, shirts, and shoes. I went through all the floors and really didn't find anything I liked for me. Hugo called to see if we were going, but we didn't go because it was getting too late. We stayed a few minutes more at Macy's and then took a cab to Tita's house. Nicki got back a few minutes later and then Alex shortly after.<br />
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I was able to watch Betty La Fea for the first time since Lake Mary on June 24th, one day shy of exactly one month. I started packing and getting things ready for the trip back to Miami. The kids worked on puzzles with Nicki. We went to bed relatively early.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-64984531553690734152009-07-22T16:38:00.017-04:002011-06-09T10:38:48.822-04:00Another Yankee game and Brooklyn - Wednesday, July 22, 2009Another Yankee game and Brooklyn - Wednesday, July 22, 2009<br />
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We tried to wake up early and go to the Bronx Zoo before the Yankees game, but it didn't happen. We would not have much time at the zoo, so we decided to skip it and go straight to the game. The passes Hugo got us were for the Yankees Legends Suite Club. This means we had 9th row tickets behind first base. When we arrived, they explained everything to us. We could have anything we'd like to eat from the buffet in the restaurant in the higher floor, unlimited snacks, sodas and water from the snack bars below and you could request anything you wanted from the menu to be delivered to your seat outside. We could not believe it. We ate like pigs. My daughter said, "this is great and this is the best day of my life." My son added, "I don't want this day to end. This is awesome." We enjoyed the game and the experience thoroughly. The only problem was the heat. It was sooooooo hot. We kept going inside to the lounge to cool off. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience. Thank you Hugo and Hugo's former company!<br />
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After the game, we were going to go to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk across, but Hugo called and said he would go with us. So we went to shower and get ready. Hugo met us and we just drove over. By the time we got there it was dusk, so there wasn't much light. The bridge is beautiful and the views from the bridge and from the Promenade in Brooklyn are also the best views. This is the view you see alot in Woody Allen films. We drove around the Brooklyn Heights area and then walked on the Promenade, took pictures and walked around the neighborhood. The homes are gorgeous. It's a beautiful area. As stated before, it's amazing that as many times as I've been to NYC, I still see new things and am still surprised by the awesome sights and places. I'm also surprised that I had never know about this.<br />
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We had dinner at Height's Cafe. We sat at a table outside. Alex kept returning the wine bottles until we settled on one. The dinner was fiasco-like as the service was terrible and food not so good. We talked about going to Hugo's building's roof or to Elva's roof, but Al was tired and since he had to go to work tomorrow, we dropped off Hugo and went home.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-78757551538733887372009-07-21T16:36:00.025-04:002011-06-09T10:33:17.943-04:00Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and Mary Poppins on Broadway - Tuesday, July 21, 2009Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and Mary Poppins on Broadway - Tuesday, July 21, 2009<br />
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We tried to wake up earlier, but got out of the house around 11:00 a.m. We hung out with Nicki at the house a bit and then went to the TKTS booth by South Street Seaport to get the tickets for the Mary Poppins musical. We drove around the area a bit and bought gyros and steak sandwiches from a street vendor that were awesome. We parked near Battery Park and took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.<br />
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We weren't able to go into the Statue of Liberty, because you have to buy tickets in advance. All the tickets were sold out for today. It was raining a lot and it was a little miserable to be out in the rain. We walked around the statue, took pictures and just hung out. Later, we took another ferry to Ellis Island and went through the museum. <br />
We went back to the apartment, took showers and got ready to go to Times Square. The kids were dying to go to Toys R' Us and ride the ferris wheel. We finally did it. Hugo also called to meet us to give us tickets for tomorrow's Yankees game. He gets free tickets through work and he got us four tickets. He couldn't come with us because he had to work.<br />
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Before Mary Poppins, we ate pizza and calzones at a deli in Times Square right below MTV. It was spectacular!!!!!! My daughter was thrilled the whole time and she didn't want it to end. She was really into it the entire show. Both of them loved it and Jake's favorite part was when Bert walks on the walls and on the ceiling. They did many amazing stunts and it was impressive. My son admitted he really liked it. After the show, we took a cab home and went to sleep.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950478456693976867.post-46861693430518297262009-07-20T16:35:00.018-04:002011-06-09T09:59:41.685-04:00Chinatown and Yankee game - Monday, July 20, 2009Chinatown and Yankee game - Monday, July 20, 2009<br />
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We slept in until late, we relaxed and took the morning off. We did nothing all morning! We left to Chinatown and shopped for purses in the "secret rooms." The shops have gotten more elaborate as now they hide rooms behind what you think is a very small space or they have several employees strategically placed down a block where they wave you down. You follow each one until you get to a building, go up elevator, and go into these "secret rooms." As we were doing this, I didn't think it was a good idea for the kids as it is almost covert-like. However, the kids enjoyed the excitement of the "secret rooms." I bought about $100 worth of fake stuff. <br />
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We walked all the way from Tita's house to Canal St & LaFayette. On the way back, the kids were whining and complaining and they didn't want to walk back. We finally made it back to the house, took showers and got ready for the Yankees game. We saw Nicki for a little while as we got ready. The kids had fun playing with her. Our friend Hugo, came to the house and we left from there to the game by car. It was easy to get there and we were excited as this season is the inaugural year of the new stadium.<br />
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The stadium is wonderful. It is beautiful and impressive. We had a nice time at the game. Jake loved it. He had front row seats on the top level. After the game, Hugo took us on a driving tour of the city. He pointed out different places of interest and also gave us ideas of new things to do while we are there. He introduced us to Brooklyn and the Promenade. After so many years, we had no idea it was worth visiting. We got home around midnight.livelovelaughtravelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303634328458936967noreply@blogger.com0