tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77232258649125003152024-03-12T23:27:01.775-04:0027 Thousand WavesAdventures At Home And Abroad27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-44697248407736763362013-09-05T15:57:00.000-04:002014-05-12T10:23:31.891-04:00Triumph of the Itinerary: Recap of British Isles & Ocean PrincessWe had a wonderful vacation in the British Isles and that was mostly due to a great itinerary. While an 8 Day cruise may seen a bit short, the selection of port visits and 2 sea days were perfect. Visiting Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands by cruise ship was terrific. The only thing that would have enhanced the experience further would be adding the Orkney Islands to the itinerary. With the exception of England and France, this was our first time to all of these destinations. We had a full schedule each day in port but soldiered on with feet dragging and thighs burning to get it all in. The local people were wonderful, the food mostly delicious and the sights and scenery spectacular.<br />
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We started off on a good foot too by taking the day flight from Boston to Heathrow. We arrived in the evening without any jetlag. After a good night sleep at the Sofitel Heathrow we were rearing to go. Mother Nature was especially kind to us during our journey around the British Isles and post-cruise in Paris. Most days started out overcast but the sun would come out by the afternoon. We also had brilliant blue skies and sun on our first sea day and the best weather was during our visit to Milford Haven, Wales when the temps topped 80F. Best of of all there was no threat of hurricanes back home in Florida to worry about. Our petsitters are wonderful but evacuating with 2 dogs really isn't part of their job description.<br />
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We were able to use miles for award tickets on the BA flight to the UK and also the AirBerlin flight home saving $. Although it was distracting at times, I enjoyed using a camcorder for the first time. At some point I will figure out how to edit the videos and add them to the blog.<br />
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Below is an short recap with highlights of our journey, with the time spent in the UK, our post-cruise stay in Paris and general reflections of the Ocean Princess.<br />
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Favorite Port: St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands: Our visit was short but sweet. I had originally planned to disembark from the Ocean Princess here but demurred when other cruise lines had to cancel their visits due to difficult seas. We had a wonderful walk around the Old Town, visited Victor Hugo's fabulous home Hauteville House and gorged ourselves on a scrumptious lunch overlooking the harbor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of St. Peter Port harbor and Castle Cornet from Le Nautique</td></tr>
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Longest Day in port: Edinburgh during an overnight stay. This day went on and on and on. We were off the ship and at the train station heading to Edinburgh at 7:00 am and didn't get to bed until after 1:00 am the next morning! We covered a lot of ground (walked over 10+ miles) and enjoyed seeing so many different venues. If visiting Edinburgh for the first time, the month of August is the time to do it! We partook of the Book Festival, Fringe Festival and International Festival plus the Military Tattoo all in the same day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh, Scotland</td></tr>
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Favorite Lunch: Le Nautique in St. Peter Port. Succulent lobster, fine wine, excellent service, a supreme setting and the gorgeous views of the harbor were unbeatable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Lobster Ever!</td></tr>
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Favorite Scottish City: In addition to Stirling and Perth, we also visited both Glasgow and Edinburgh which are only 46 miles apart. There is a well known rivalry between Glasgow and Edinburgh with many preferring one over the other. In our assessment <b>Glasgow</b> is the winner. While Edinburgh offers tons of events in August, historic sites and many Michelin starred restaurants, we still enjoyed Glasgow more. Edinburgh felt very touristy and almost a bit contrived. Glasgow is a real city with great restaurants and nightlife. Glasgow's glorious heritage architecture, fab shopping on Buchanan Street, close proximity to the countryside, the beautiful Kelvingrove museum. the striking University of Glasgow and the fantastic Glasgow School of Art won us over and should not be missed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziqzW6PswMk/U2QQ-Hv5tUI/AAAAAAAANB4/0oddK-wzgdY/s1600/Kelvingrove+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziqzW6PswMk/U2QQ-Hv5tUI/AAAAAAAANB4/0oddK-wzgdY/s1600/Kelvingrove+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow</td></tr>
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Best Meal in Scotland: While Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery was very good, my favorite food is Asian and Lychee Oriental in Glasgow delivered with its homey Katsu Curry, delicious Duck with plums and thirst quenching Lychee Bellinis.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lychee Bellini</td></tr>
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Best Fish & Chips: We only had this once during our trip but the one at the Forth Inn in Aberfoyle hit the spot during a full day tour to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with Rabbies. www.rabbies.com<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish & Chips Forth Inn Aberfoyle</td></tr>
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Best Live Action Event: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Charlie, the Border Collie and his ducks in Aberfoyle were adorable and certainly entertaining, but they cannot compete with the pageantry, extravagance and skill of the Tattoo performers from around the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military Tattoo 2013</td></tr>
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Best Escorted Tour: Rabbies. From Glasgow we did their tour to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Glengoyne Distillery. The castle was fabulous, the view of Loch Lomond beautiful from Balmaha, the distillery was very interesting (and tasty!) and most importantly our guide George was stupendous!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4H04weJKvM/U2QUP-QEgQI/AAAAAAAANC0/pzFVN9T84ww/s1600/Trossachs+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4H04weJKvM/U2QUP-QEgQI/AAAAAAAANC0/pzFVN9T84ww/s1600/Trossachs+10.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Lomond from Balmaha</td></tr>
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Best Asian Food: Besides Lychee Oriental in Glasgow which was already mentioned, the excellent sushi and sashimi at lunch on the Ocean Princess was a surprise and put smiles on our faces and yummies in our tummies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi and Sashini Selection Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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Best Historic Home: We saw several of these on this trip and it isn't easy deciding which we enjoyed more. Winston Churchill's Chartwell House in Kent and Victor Hugo's Hauteville House on Guernsey were tops. The grounds and the history behind Chartwell House are magnificent. Seeing the lovely rooms and learning about Winston Churchill was fascinating. The decoration of Hauteville House is very unusual and along with the amazing views has to be seen to be believed!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartwell House, Westerham, Kent, UK</td></tr>
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Worst ripoff: Our deceitful taxi driver in Sevenoaks who misled us about the road closure in Westerham and drove for 15 minutes directly to where the road was closed and then an additional 25 minutes in the opposite direction to get to our destination at Chartwell House. What should have cost 22 pounds ended up being 36!<br />
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Best Find: Snoozebox without a doubt! I was so happy to be able to spend the night in our shipping container in Edinburgh for 82 pounds. This saved valuable time as we did not need to traipse back and forth to the ship during our 2 day visit. The cost of Edinburgh hotels in August is astronomical and Snoozebox was a great alternative.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Snoozebox Room</td></tr>
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Most Beautiful Garden: The Monet Garden in Giverny. Even on an overcast day the reflections on the pond when the sun made an appearance were mesmerising. The grounds around the house aren't too shabby either and the entire area is a treasure. Very convenient from Paris too as we were there by express train in just 45 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet's Giverny Garden</td></tr>
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Favorite Cathedral: We only saw one but the St. Davids Cathedral in Wales was terrific. We loved touring the remarkable purple and gold flecked building and even had a little extra time for the lovely town. The drive and views along the Pembroke Coast were beautiful too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Davids Cathedral, Wales</td></tr>
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Favorite Dinner: Frenchie in Paris. Chef Greg Marchand is a genius and keeping the menu to only 2 choices for the appetizer, main and dessert makes ordering very simple! We loved the Cod and the Pork Belly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Jean de Luz Cod, Frenchie in Paris</td></tr>
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Favorite Scottish Palace - We saw both the Place of Holyroodhouse and Scone Palace which are very different from one another. Holyroodhouse is certainly dramatic with history pertaining to Mary Queen of Scots and as the official residence of the British monarchy, quite special. The scenery in Perth around Scone Palace was fantastic and a wonderful place to visit on a Sunday morning. Scone Palace itself did not take long to see but is very elegant and not your typical palace. It is really a flip of the coin which one we preferred more but as I loved being in the countryside I give a slight nod to Scone Palace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbUYpVOV_ik/U2fgkudKI6I/AAAAAAAANFo/dgNGMwgD8sU/s1600/Peacock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbUYpVOV_ik/U2fgkudKI6I/AAAAAAAANFo/dgNGMwgD8sU/s1600/Peacock+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of Holyroodhouse</td></tr>
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Best Shopping: Paris! With our time spent at the Galerie Vivienne, viewing fabulous antiques, cruising Rue St. Honore, a stop at Galleries Lafayette and spending Sunday afternoon in the Marais we saw lots of items to pique our interest. The window shopping was terrific. Amazing that we had such good self restraint and made very few purchases.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping in the Marais</td></tr>
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Favorite Dessert in Port: Pudding Selection at The Witchery Secret Garden in Edinburgh. The mini selections were perfect for sharing and the variety was excellent. The savior of a rather mediocre meal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pudding Selection, The Witchery Secret Garden, Edinburgh</td></tr>
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Favorite Museum: We only visited one and it was far from spectacular. We didn't care for The National Museum of Scotland but the special Mary Queen of Scots exhibit was well worth it. We also saw the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle but it was a quick 20 minute visit so I am not counting it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZd54ldFi00/U2jrRbNd0WI/AAAAAAAANF4/9VSH_1c8iG0/s1600/Mary001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZd54ldFi00/U2jrRbNd0WI/AAAAAAAANF4/9VSH_1c8iG0/s1600/Mary001.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Queen of Scots Exhibit, Edinburgh</td></tr>
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Wish we had more time for: This one is easy! The island of Guernsey. It would have been wonderful to explore more of this beautiful Island. Seeing the Castle Cornet and Candie Gardens in St. Peter Port in addition to learning more about the German occupation would have given us a greater appreciation for this special place.<br />
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Best Snack: Pierre Herme macaroons in Paris. Yum!!!<br />
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Relaxing Countryside Visit: Our visit to Scone Palace in Perth followed but the yummy Afternoon Tea at the nearby Gleneagles Hotel was a great way to enjoy the Scottish countryside. The Tea was scrumptious and surpassed our expectations. Very reasonably priced too! We did this on the ship's second day in Edinburgh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g3xh3LaUuw/U2Qa391eCNI/AAAAAAAANEQ/i8eDuVssIcU/s1600/Gleneagles+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g3xh3LaUuw/U2Qa391eCNI/AAAAAAAANEQ/i8eDuVssIcU/s1600/Gleneagles+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64S1kvJIHUc/U2fXVq1T0ZI/AAAAAAAANE4/PWOrMDxTA6M/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64S1kvJIHUc/U2fXVq1T0ZI/AAAAAAAANE4/PWOrMDxTA6M/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea+1.JPG" height="552" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Section of the Afternoon Tea</td></tr>
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Favorite Train Journey: The Eurostar to Paris. This was our first time taking it and it was so easy to disembark the ship in Dover, take the train to Ashford International, board the Eurostar and travel under the English Channel to Paris. All in under 2 hours! Fantastic!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurostar at Ashford International</td></tr>
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Something I would do differently: Bring proper footwear for the gym. While I thought I would be exhausted from all the long days in port during the cruise I had plenty of energy on the ship. With very few activities offered onboard, the 2 seas days would have been prime time to spend in the gym.<br />
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Best Ship Tour: Our Princess tour to the Powerscourt House and Garden in Wicklow which included Dublin on Your Own on the return suited us perfectly. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qnidl3Vg4g/U2fYHsmzk8I/AAAAAAAANFA/Gt1TM4fYtHM/s1600/Sugarloaf+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qnidl3Vg4g/U2fYHsmzk8I/AAAAAAAANFA/Gt1TM4fYtHM/s1600/Sugarloaf+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Sugarloaf Mountain from Powerscourt House and Garden</td></tr>
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Surprises: I am not a morning person, yet I was up at dawn more times than I care to remember! This was both for convenience and to maximize our vacation time in port.<br />
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Favorite Hotel: Les Plumes in Paris. I picked it on a whim after reading the reviews. Loved the hip design, literary theme, convenient location and the reasonable rate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-017V4UAEkI8/U2fZEzIy09I/AAAAAAAANFI/LufhJMUlsJ8/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Breakfast+day+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-017V4UAEkI8/U2fZEzIy09I/AAAAAAAANFI/LufhJMUlsJ8/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Breakfast+day+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Plumes Hotel, Paris</td></tr>
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Least Favorite Hotel: The Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells. While the setup and amenities of the hotel were very nice; the weird lobster painting in our room was frightful and the uncomfortable bed didn't provide a good night sleep. The food in their Bistro restaurant was also a bit disappointing. Dinner was just average and their breakfast offering was very sparse.<br />
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<b><u>Review of Ocean Princess</u></b><br />
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Our 8 days on the Ocean Princess went by so quickly! Our balcony stateroom (7100) was cozy, nicely appointed and well located near the aft area of the ship. We got a price break with a sale just before final payment making the cost very reasonable. The "R" class ships are classy and it is so easy to get anywhere on the ship in just a few minutes. Where the Ocean Princess was lacking is in the entertainment department and some elements of the food. There were no lectures on the ship and the poor evening entertainment detracted from our overall enjoyment. The specialty restaurants on the ship were nothing "special" and we actually preferred the food in the main dining room. Breakfast in the Lido was excellent and the extravagant sushi presentation during one of the sea days at lunch was a wonderful surprise. The crew were very professional and the waiters, stateroom attendant and front desk personal were all terrific.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJS40cYazGw/U2faEPO7q1I/AAAAAAAANFQ/BxYMqVh4-kw/s1600/Staircase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJS40cYazGw/U2faEPO7q1I/AAAAAAAANFQ/BxYMqVh4-kw/s1600/Staircase.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Staircase Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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Best Princess Perk: Being able to book the ship excursions online but not having to pay for them until on the ship. (Same as Crystal Cruises).<br />
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Best Ocean Princess Dessert: The Baked Alaska on the last night. The parade was fun, the atmosphere jovial and everyone's spirits were sky high!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfe9lagRvM0/U2faxbfPz4I/AAAAAAAANFY/UsVaR_Rs5Po/s1600/O19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfe9lagRvM0/U2faxbfPz4I/AAAAAAAANFY/UsVaR_Rs5Po/s1600/O19.JPG" height="546" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Alaska</td></tr>
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Surprising feature that pleased us : Traditional dining. This is not something we would usually do, but having our own table for 2 each night at 6:00 pm worked out perfectly. The only detriment was that the table was against the wall and not near any other passengers so we could not engage or chat with others around us which would have been nice.<br />
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Best Ship Feature: The small size of the ship! It was a joy to walk around. Another plus was being able to disembark in each port without hordes of people. Due to the Ocean Princess' small size we were able to dock in Rosyth and had a short train ride to Edinburgh. This beats tendering as the larger Caribbean Princess must do in Leith where getting to the train is not as easy.<br />
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Most Annoying Experience of the Cruise: The muster drill when the crew attendant in charge of our section was cackling the entire time and was quite annoying. We had a lot trouble hearing the announcer.<br />
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Most Disappointing Aspect Onboard: The entertainment. The shows were not good and there were no special lectures except for the port / destination presentations. I got a lot of reading done!<br />
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Overall Surprise: That the Ocean Princess was in such great shape! The ship is very elegant and well maintained. I expected it to be a bit worn and old looking. The ship was also very relaxing and sailed beautifully. It was so quiet with only 674 passengers onboard and at times felt like a private yacht!<br />
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I looked at many lines for a British Isles itinerary but with the exception of Princess, could only find ones that were 2 weeks long and / or at a much higher cost. With Princess offering the 8 Day cruises on the Ocean Princess during the months of July and August to Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Guernsey it ticked almost all of the boxes. Princess offers a great product at a much reduced price in comparison to its competitors. Oceania and Azamara who also operate the R class ships provide a higher end product. You may not get the same high level of service and excellent food on Princess as you would on Oceania or Azamara but the cost is also significantly less. We loved the breakfasts as well as the lunches on the Ocean Princess during the 2 seas days but struggled a bit at dinner. The cruise was not perfect but close enough that with a great itinerary at the right price point I am very glad we booked it. I would highly recommend the Ocean Princess for those looking for an elegant ship, with a hard working crew, great service and a fabulous itinerary. The Ocean Princess provided a great overall experience and we look forward to sailing with them again.<br />
<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-68394573354347674242013-09-02T19:41:00.000-04:002014-08-19T13:37:03.368-04:00Another Awesome AirBerlin Flight Dusseldorf to FloridaContemplating the end of our holiday comes with both regret and excitement. I would be so delighted to stay longer yet I am also definitely ready to head home. With this duality of feelings I wonder if I should be on some psychotic meds. Just kidding!<br />
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Requiring neither the motivation nor fearing the drudgery of getting up at dawn, we both woke early and were soon down in the lobby and ready to start the journey home.<br />
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It is still dark outside and our flight to the US will depart from the Dusseldorf airport at 9:10 am. Cologne is about 45 minutes away and there are a few ways to get there including taxi or train. We have opted for the train from the main Cologne Station. Prior to 6:00 am we were in the lobby completing checkout and ready to drive to the station.<br />
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The Cologne train station is very nice (almost sparkles!) and I actually prefer it to the one in Dusseldorf. It is very large but somehow does not feel chaotic. However at this early hour there were hardly any other people around.<br />
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We purchased our tickets from the kiosk and then went down to the track to wait for the train.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlhzIFDCScU/U1A9P8gVXyI/AAAAAAAAM-w/WUToMlTUrMI/s1600/Station+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlhzIFDCScU/U1A9P8gVXyI/AAAAAAAAM-w/WUToMlTUrMI/s1600/Station+1.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cologne Station in the early A.M. </td></tr>
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There were maybe only 3 or 4 other people taking this train this early to the Dusseldorf airport. The train is an express and goes direct to the airport and then we will take the SkyTrain to the terminal building. Sounds easy but as this the first time we have done this we will find out. The Dusseldorf airport actually has 2 train stations which makes it confusing. There is <b>Dusseldorf Flughafen</b> which services the S-Bahn and ICE trains and is located east of the airport. From here the SkyTrain has fast trains to the terminal. The other station is called "<b>Dusseldorf Terminal Airport Station</b>" and only the S-Bahn trains arrive there. This station is located below Terminal C and you don't need to take the SkyTrain. However, the S-Bahn trains are much slower (almost an hour) than the ICE which arrive at the Flughafen station.<br />
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It is between 29 - 37 minutes nonstop on the ICE trains depending on the schedule from Cologne to the Dusseldorf airport and then the SkyTrain is only another 5 minutes. As it is more convenient and faster, we opted for this service.<br />
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Happy to report the journey was very easy and after a couple different escalators at the SkyTrain station we arrived inside the Dusseldorf Airport main terminal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oX3eOvG2II/U1A8fk1_3_I/AAAAAAAAM-k/SjPlJ11OX7s/s1600/Cologne+HBF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oX3eOvG2II/U1A8fk1_3_I/AAAAAAAAM-k/SjPlJ11OX7s/s1600/Cologne+HBF.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusseldorf Airport</td></tr>
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At 7:00 am the airport wasn't very busy. Due to security issues AirBerlin does not allow online checkin for US bound flights so that is another reason why we are here so early. With fewer people this helped as I needed to find the SIBA mobile wrapping guy. My battered carryon with its taped side is reaching critical mass. Its weight surpasses the cabin baggage limit so needs to be checked. Without being wrapped I am sure it would fall apart in transit and the contents dispersed who knows where. It was hard finding the wrap guy but as I did this last year I knew he had to be somewhere. I didn't realize I was going to get a full tour of the Dusseldorf airport from end to end as I kept searching for him. The airport is BIG and I was getting a workout!<br />
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I had my mother park herself on a bench while I walked all the way to the end where the AirBerlin US bound checkin desks are located. No luck and then walked almost all the way back when I spotted him! I scampered over to get mother as she needed her bag wrapped too. There were 3 people ahead of us and they were wrapping some very small bags which looked kind of silly.<br />
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With the bags wrapped (8 euros each) we proceeded to the AirBerlin checkin desk at the end of the airport. The checkin was fast and I found out my bag weighed 14 kgs. Passing through security was easy too and we proceeded to Terminal B. Everything looked very familiar from our visit here last year. We went to a different restaurant this time where my mother had a cappucchino and a we both purchased a breakfast item.<br />
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My mother is still complaining about her legs hurting so we stopped at a pharmacy type store and she purchased a cream from Switzerland. She got some free samples too! At the gate she put some of the creme on and it smelled like menthol eucalyptus. It was very strong and seemed to be clearing my sinuses too!<br />
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Because we were assured of having the newly configured aircraft this time with the new IFE system I didn't download any movies to the iPod or iPad. However at the gate I tried to download a movie to the iPad in case the IFE was broken. This was not going very well! Not sure if the connection just was not working or if I didn't have enough storage space on the device. Defeated I plugged my iPad into the outlet on the wall to charge it anyway. We were due to board at 8:30 am and next time I will have the movies already loaded in advance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nEZRIXYGTuI/U1BAH3aTTcI/AAAAAAAAM_I/35Yr3s91xFI/s1600/Air+Berlin+0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nEZRIXYGTuI/U1BAH3aTTcI/AAAAAAAAM_I/35Yr3s91xFI/s1600/Air+Berlin+0.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our aircraft on the right</td></tr>
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Many travelers dismiss AirBerlin as a budget airline and refuse to fly it. While everyone is entitled to their option I think AirBelin has great service and I am very happy to be flying them again. Best of all we can fly nonstop to Florida and then it is just a short drive home. How great is that? The aircraft is an A330-200 and we have economy seats 41 I & K. The flight time is 10 hours and 20 minutes. It is really overcast right now but it is supposed to be a sunny across the Atlantic.<br />
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Our turn came to board and we made our way down to the seats past the wing. Both the new seats and the monitors were very nice. Some people have complained about the new seats being too hard but it seemed fine to us. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-cal0f4GH8/U1BAPH7oy9I/AAAAAAAAM_Q/JM3v4ZAOIis/s1600/Air+Berlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-cal0f4GH8/U1BAPH7oy9I/AAAAAAAAM_Q/JM3v4ZAOIis/s1600/Air+Berlin.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airberlin A330-200</td></tr>
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The majority of the passengers were German but we did hear some English being spoken too. The crew seemed very nice. This time we had a male flight attendant named Helmut who could not have been nicer.<br />
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We taxied and did not have to wait and we were soon flying over Westphalia and the Rhine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4SBQ60ypIc/U1BAloAKtvI/AAAAAAAAM_g/KN-_bavb93g/s1600/Takeoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4SBQ60ypIc/U1BAloAKtvI/AAAAAAAAM_g/KN-_bavb93g/s1600/Takeoff.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloomy Departure from Dusseldorf</td></tr>
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It appears a bit dreary outside. However, inside the plane everything was going great!<br />
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After a few minutes in the air the monitors came on. I absolutely love the new monitors! The clarity is amazing and the size which is 8.9 inches seems even larger and is so easy to see. The monitor has a USB port too if you want to plug in a mobile device. The RAVE high definition audio/video on demand AVOD system offering more than 200 hours of entertainment is fantastic! AirBerlin also switched to the one prong audio headsets instead of the double pronged ones pre-refurb. Another huge improvement as you can use your own headphones without an adapter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuBbcfx2B4A/U1BB09jz9oI/AAAAAAAANAc/E-1MBtvSyrs/s1600/Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuBbcfx2B4A/U1BB09jz9oI/AAAAAAAANAc/E-1MBtvSyrs/s1600/Map.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Journey Home Begins</td></tr>
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As a nervous flyer I love being able to monitor our flight progress and location. I am sitting on the right side of the plane and our journey will take us across southern England and Ireland and then off the coast of Canada until flying parallel to the US southeast coast before arriving in Florida.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypGJh33SfhQ/U1BAvTK2lWI/AAAAAAAAM_o/FB0TGQNu7OU/s1600/Spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypGJh33SfhQ/U1BAvTK2lWI/AAAAAAAAM_o/FB0TGQNu7OU/s1600/Spain.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Coast of Ireland</td></tr>
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In about 2 hours we were flying off the coast of Ireland near Dingle. No more land for many more hours.<br />
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As we are on a morning flight, I was thrilled AirBerlin wisely did not insist on serving breakfast! The lunch entree looked pretty good. I selected the chicken in a tomato type sauce with rice and broccoli. There was also a little salad, crackers and a dessert.<br />
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Once the lunch tray was removed I enjoyed the new IFE system and watched some movies. My first choice was American Beauty with Kevin Spacey. I have seen this film before but I wanted to watch it again. Spacey's portrayal of "Lester Burnham" is so funny and it was even better the second time around.<br />
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I then selected Star Trek: Into Darkness. I am not a "trekkie" but a big fan of the original series and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Chris Pine plays a young Captain Kirk and is a great addition to the franchise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhhLiAhKkTg/U1BBQf4ivHI/AAAAAAAANAA/CEZROx-o9OU/s1600/Star+Trek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhhLiAhKkTg/U1BBQf4ivHI/AAAAAAAANAA/CEZROx-o9OU/s1600/Star+Trek.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Pine as Captain Kirk</td></tr>
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After the movie I took a short break and then returned to my seat to take a few snaps out the window before deciding what to watch next. We have terrific weather for flying today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTsPBSyck7U/U1BAXSPFcUI/AAAAAAAAM_c/P1iLH7ld0A8/s1600/Clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTsPBSyck7U/U1BAXSPFcUI/AAAAAAAAM_c/P1iLH7ld0A8/s1600/Clouds.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day to fly!</td></tr>
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There was one episode of Magnum P.I. available so I decided that would be fun for 30 minutes. Amazing how much faster the show works without commercials! Nice to see Tom Selleck again but the episode was rather idiotic with Magnum and a lovely con artist stranded on a deserted Hawaiian Island. Magnum is dressed in a a tuxedo which continues to get smaller and smaller as their predicament becomes more perilous and he cuts away his clothing.<br />
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In need of something more cerebral I was delighted to discover that apparently the Germans are big fans of Mad Men. AirBerlin had 25 episodes on hand and I watched 6 of them. They were from all different seasons. I jumped around a bit and really enjoyed the ones with young Sally and Ms. Ida Blakenship who expires at her desk!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bi5mSzdkG2I/U1BBpIrDqTI/AAAAAAAANAQ/Vcvv7aTvugY/s1600/Mad+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bi5mSzdkG2I/U1BBpIrDqTI/AAAAAAAANAQ/Vcvv7aTvugY/s1600/Mad+Men.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Draper would you like some coffee?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0lcKjBHt-Q/U1VM7HCScfI/AAAAAAAANBI/C5SKUJZHkjk/s1600/Peggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0lcKjBHt-Q/U1VM7HCScfI/AAAAAAAANBI/C5SKUJZHkjk/s1600/Peggy.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy, you look a bit tense!</td></tr>
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After a couple of episodes centering on Peggy's (Elizabeth Moss) character we were only a few hours from home and it was now snack time!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvxRtSBlI88/U1BCTVRqOFI/AAAAAAAANAg/kDMjA419_zE/s1600/Snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvxRtSBlI88/U1BCTVRqOFI/AAAAAAAANAg/kDMjA419_zE/s1600/Snack.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
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This looks reminiscent of the same snack we were served last year. Kibbe, potato salad, cheese wedge and a cookie. It was very good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6TLd6MYObc/U1VNJ6ZuW5I/AAAAAAAANBQ/s2_bsEpliWY/s1600/Florida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6TLd6MYObc/U1VNJ6ZuW5I/AAAAAAAANBQ/s2_bsEpliWY/s1600/Florida.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Florida</td></tr>
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It was not long before we could see the coast of Florida from the right side of the plane. Looks very inviting doesn't it?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wbjWOE4ybo/U1VNTga-BGI/AAAAAAAANBY/o24W4VEYO_Y/s1600/Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wbjWOE4ybo/U1VNTga-BGI/AAAAAAAANBY/o24W4VEYO_Y/s1600/Lake.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Okeechobee</td></tr>
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I have never seen Lake Okeechobee from the air before. Looks like someone cut a perfect circular blue hole in the center of Florida.<br />
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We landed in the late afternoon and were soon queueing at immigration. The line for US citizens and landed immigrants was not long at all. I really felt for those in the longer line and one adorable screaming little boy who just wanted to get the heck out there. Unfortunately he was in the non-US line and it was not going to be a quick exit.<br />
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Two weeks away on vacation was great but I was excited to be home again. One of our petsitters (Jeanne) was out walking the dogs when we pulled into the gate. I don't know if Siebren or I was more excited to see one another! It was a perfect welcome home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0R3EOsi4mg/U1U6TFmCMEI/AAAAAAAANAw/hLLGz57y8uk/s1600/Sibi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0R3EOsi4mg/U1U6TFmCMEI/AAAAAAAANAw/hLLGz57y8uk/s1600/Sibi.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siebren</td></tr>
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Our next trip is not for a while. We will probably go to Longboat Key around Christmas time and see my uncle and cousins but we are home bound for the foreseeable future, which is fine with me!<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-92043485485479314212013-09-01T22:57:00.000-04:002014-04-16T18:59:03.334-04:00Les Puces St. Ouen, Sunday in the Marais and Train to CologneToday is Sunday and many stores and attractions in Paris will be closed. This doesn't mean that there aren't places to enjoy and things to see. I have planned accordingly and we will visit a few different venues in Paris today. Our first stop is Les Puces St. Ouen (flea market) which is actually far from tatty and rather upscale. We will spend a few hours there perusing the shops. Afterward we will walk around the Marais and have lunch near the beautiful Place de Vosges. The stores, museums and restaurants will all be open in the Marais and it is a great place to spend a Sunday. Toward the end of the day we will take the Thalys train to Cologne, Germany where we will stay overnight.<br />
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Before I jump ahead on how our day progressed I thought I would begin by showing photos of the hotel's 4th floor where our room is located. I described it in prior posts but didn't upload any photos. Les Plumes Hotel's literary theme is nicely expressed by the sepia-toned bookcase wallpaper in the corridors. It compliments the wide hallways and along with the dim overhead lighting provides a relaxed feeling to the surroundings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnjYWDoaXu8/U0LKjChjiaI/AAAAAAAAMxI/5FOZV-EykGI/s1600/Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnjYWDoaXu8/U0LKjChjiaI/AAAAAAAAMxI/5FOZV-EykGI/s1600/Hotel.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Plumes Hotel 4th floor</td></tr>
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During our stay we have been using the elevator but the stairs are easy to navigate. They take very good care of the premises. The entire hotel including our floor is spotless. The a/c also works great and is very quiet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpCYQC_ASIc/U0LLBKuv08I/AAAAAAAAMxQ/pYQRq3phGSc/s1600/Hotel1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpCYQC_ASIc/U0LLBKuv08I/AAAAAAAAMxQ/pYQRq3phGSc/s1600/Hotel1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice stairway and hall</td></tr>
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With the 4th floor explored and our itinerary set we proceeded downstairs for breakfast. I tried some different items today including a little crepe and some eggs. They were okay but in the future I would stick with the cheese and fruit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwS7q5SqHZ0/Uz8BRALOG6I/AAAAAAAAMw4/4EwKI2B_ryk/s1600/Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwS7q5SqHZ0/Uz8BRALOG6I/AAAAAAAAMw4/4EwKI2B_ryk/s1600/Breakfast.JPG" height="592" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast on our last day</td></tr>
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There was plenty to sustain ourselves until our lunch break.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKxIpGb64Ys/U0LMG6u9sBI/AAAAAAAAMxg/DUKjiu0WgDo/s1600/Breakfast1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKxIpGb64Ys/U0LMG6u9sBI/AAAAAAAAMxg/DUKjiu0WgDo/s1600/Breakfast1.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condiments</td></tr>
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We waited in the lobby while reception called a taxi to take us to the Flea Market as it is a bit out of town in the 19th arrondissement. You can take the Metro there but it is a long walk from the nearest stop so a taxi is more efficient.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL2dSkirvxQ/U0LMgflY8rI/AAAAAAAAMxo/bgMX_898x5k/s1600/Breakfast2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL2dSkirvxQ/U0LMgflY8rI/AAAAAAAAMxo/bgMX_898x5k/s1600/Breakfast2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby Les Plumes Hotel</td></tr>
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We brought our bags down with us and left them at the front desk as we will return past checkout time. The hotel staff are very kind and I have been very pleased with our choice of Les Plumes Hotel. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way but it has been a pleasant surprise. Originally I planned to stay on the Ile Saint-Louis near Notre Dame. The island is charming and has the feel of a small neighborhood. I cancelled the hotel I had booked there when I discovered Les Plumes. I love boutique hotels and it satisfied all our requirements with a great rate, twin beds, stylish decor, a/c, location on the Right Bank and within close proximity to the train stations.<br />
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The taxi arrived and we zoomed north to the edge of town. But it was far from the "edge of darkness" as I had feared. I had read about this area being dodgy but it appeared quite safe. The Les Puces St. Ouen market is well established and has been located here since the late 1800's. As there was no traffic it took less than 20 minutes to arrive at our destination. It was so easy and quite reasonable. I am glad we did not take the Metro.<br />
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<b><u>Clignancourt / Les Puces de Saint Ouen</u></b><br />
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I was very much looking forward to visiting the most famous flea market in Paris at Porte de Clignancourt. Known informally as Les Puces de Saint Ouen "The Fleas" (sounds lovely doesn't it?) it covers 7 hectares (17 acres) and is the largest antique market in the world. It is open every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I read about the propensity for pickpockets and will be vigilant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IRsPu-dEU/U0Mj7YNUyjI/AAAAAAAAMx4/TrYAEOIx4lI/s1600/Flea05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IRsPu-dEU/U0Mj7YNUyjI/AAAAAAAAMx4/TrYAEOIx4lI/s1600/Flea05.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue des Rosiers</td></tr>
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We were dropped at the beginning of Rue de Rosiers which is the main street for the market. From here you can access separate markets which run perpendicular to it. However all the markets sort of run into one another.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUG4PbrXbp8/U0Q676hueHI/AAAAAAAAM2s/4WjDF5p0Myo/s1600/Les+Puces001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUG4PbrXbp8/U0Q676hueHI/AAAAAAAAM2s/4WjDF5p0Myo/s1600/Les+Puces001.jpg" height="304" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map Les Puces</td></tr>
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I had the map above with me to help us navigate the different markets.<br />
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Walking down Rue des Rosiers we immediately found several interesting shops selling Empire-style furniture, chandeliers, fireplaces, mirrors and other wonderful decorative items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33oMlNgjF9Y/U0Mny-QwR-I/AAAAAAAAMyE/OaDlbs-_GhA/s1600/Flea15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33oMlNgjF9Y/U0Mny-QwR-I/AAAAAAAAMyE/OaDlbs-_GhA/s1600/Flea15.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shop on Rue des Rosiers</td></tr>
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This shop with the chandeliers was amazing. I loved the tiered Art Deco chandelier in the center. We had no plans to buy anything today. Initially we just planned to look. However, it was a constant struggle not to wander inside and ask about prices.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGDFVlkhupU/U0MoXWEvomI/AAAAAAAAMyM/_GLkrhoLiao/s1600/Flea09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGDFVlkhupU/U0MoXWEvomI/AAAAAAAAMyM/_GLkrhoLiao/s1600/Flea09.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was enamored with the marble and bronze Chenets at the foot of the table but didn't inquire about the cost. I am guessing several thousand dollars. They were very tempting!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFvreQmuKRk/U0MoxU4x2aI/AAAAAAAAMyU/4Tq-_UYGe4I/s1600/Flea03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFvreQmuKRk/U0MoxU4x2aI/AAAAAAAAMyU/4Tq-_UYGe4I/s1600/Flea03.JPG" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
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My mother loved the fireplace screen on the lower left. I agreed that it was very nice and perhaps we should have gone inside to take a closer look. How amazing we both found items to covet within 5 minutes of our arrival!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-277PEDLCJ4M/U0MvjjXY9SI/AAAAAAAAM0c/vBAmNYjgkxM/s1600/Fleax1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-277PEDLCJ4M/U0MvjjXY9SI/AAAAAAAAM0c/vBAmNYjgkxM/s1600/Fleax1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baccarat Table</td></tr>
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Continuing down the street we saw more beautiful pieces. This Baccarat table was very impressive but it doesn't appear that useful. . I am guessing it is used in a dining room or bar area. Our window shopping so far is a big success and it wasn't costing us a centime!<br />
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This shop wasn't as fancy with a metal door and more closely resembled a storage container. The items looked very nice though.<br />
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This shop named Evelyne wasn't open yet but they had a good selection of smaller decorative items we could spot from the window. I particularly liked the lit rose colored pendulum chandelier in the center. Good thing they are closed. My self-control is holding but at any minute I might be in trouble!<br />
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It was wonderful to see these items in person instead of through a Christie's catalogue. When we finished walking up the street we then made our way to the other markets including Serpette, Vernaison, Antica and Biron.<br />
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After Vernaison and Antica which didn't take long, our next stop was Serpette. Here we spotted some unconventional merchandise. All the shops in this market are located inside an enclosed building. There were a few closed shops too as the poor economy has sadly put some dealers out of business.<br />
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I found this small kiosk that designs clothing in unusual styles. I don't think I could get away with rocking a skirt made of ties but I am sure someone could!<br />
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Next door was a truly amazing shop selling vintage jewelry. We meet the owner, Ms. Olwen Forest who definitely has a flair for the dramatic sporting spiky red hair and an abundance of bright green eye shadow. Her shop is a labor of love and she delighted us with an explanation of her amazing collection. .<br />
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<b><u>Olwen Forest</u></b><br />
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Olwen Forest is British by birth and was a dancer in Southern California. Her specialty is costume jewelry from the golden age of Hollywood. Many of the pieces were created specifically to be worn in films including Liz Taylor items in Cleopatra. Now thousands of miles from Tinseltown the collection at her little booth on the outskirts of Paris is spellbinding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-WpgMG_5_g/U0RX1Fr67qI/AAAAAAAAM3M/zo6iFcufabA/s1600/Olwen001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-WpgMG_5_g/U0RX1Fr67qI/AAAAAAAAM3M/zo6iFcufabA/s1600/Olwen001.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of the store on Olwen Forest's website</td></tr>
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Ms. Forest was very kind to us neophytes and explained the history of the pieces and the designers who made them. There were photos next to many of the items indicating who wore them from Greta Garbo to Grace Kelly. The items span from 1920 to 1970. We spoke for nearly an hour and learned about designers Elsa Schiaparelli, Hattie Carnegie, Coco Chanel and Kenneth Jay Lane among others. Ms. Forest has intimate knowledge of each piece and they are more like treasures to enjoy rather than adornments for sale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5ibnPgcqA/U0Wi4Ltjf3I/AAAAAAAAM3k/v9id-fpT_Ns/s1600/554458_max.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5ibnPgcqA/U0Wi4Ltjf3I/AAAAAAAAM3k/v9id-fpT_Ns/s1600/554458_max.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elsa Schiaparelli brooch and earrings</td></tr>
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Olwen Forest's current exhibition is titled "The Jet Set" and will start in early September 2013.<br />
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I asked if I could take a photo of her display with the write-up on the new show and she agreed. She also gave me a brochure and business card. It was a truly fascinating encounter!<br />
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We next made our way to the Marche Biron which is adjacent to Serpette and also located in an enclosed building. There are 220 art and antique dealers in Marche Biron which are classified in 6 areas: 19th Century, 18th & 19th Centuries, Asian Art, Printing and Graphic Art, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and 20th Century. Should we find anything we cannot part with we also spotted a transport company to ship everything home. Many of the items were quite nice but we kept moving.<br />
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We headed outside and this time found the inexpensive market areas.<br />
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It is not as fancy in this area.<br />
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It does look much cheaper here! However, it did not captivate our interest.<br />
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This area definitely seemed more like a flea market. As we walked down the street we came across some horses having their lunch. What a nice surprise! They were just gorgeous!<br />
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I said hello to one of the horses and he started to walk toward me and his buddy followed!<br />
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Here they come! I wish I had an apple or something they would enjoy.<br />
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Once they realized we had nothing for them they turned around and went back to their hay. It was not too warm out and they seemed very well cared for.<br />
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Around this time we started to make our way down the street to look for a taxi.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for a taxi</td></tr>
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We passed this store which my mother found fascinating. I really enjoy this style of furniture too. Perhaps my grandmother's influence has something to do with it.<br />
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I love the cherubs on the doors too.<br />
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We found a taxi without much trouble and then proceeded to the Marais.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the Marais</td></tr>
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Being Sunday there weren't many people about. However, once we arrived in the Marais it was a whole different story! There were several families enjoying the splendid weather. I noticed lots of dad's with their kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place de Vosges.</td></tr>
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<b><u>The Marais</u></b><br />
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The Marais literally means "the swamp" and is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. In the 16th century noblemen and the bourgeoisie built magnificent homes in this undeveloped area. Through the 18th century beautiful houses were built with many resembling palaces. This area is also the location for the old Jewish Quarter and provides an interesting cultural backdrop.<br />
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We walked around a bit before deciding where to have lunch.<br />
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There are lots of cars around the square but it almost feels pedestrianized. The buildings with the arches provide a shady and cool place to relax, eat and shop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carette</td></tr>
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Above is Carette where I planned to eat lunch but as time appeared to be in abundance today we also looked at few other places. Having extra time is not something that normally happens!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Hugo in the Marais</td></tr>
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We checked out Cafe Hugo which seemed very nice. It was not yet lunch time which made our decision all the more difficult since it was not crowded and we could eat anywhere.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps perfumes from the Pays Basque?</td></tr>
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This shop selling scents was very cute!!<br />
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The other main attraction in the Marais besides the lovely shopping and the restaurants is the striking Place des Vosges. The buildings are arranged in a quadrangle and are considered by many as the most magnificent architectural accomplishment in Paris.<br />
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<b><u>Place des Vosges</u></b><br />
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Place des Vosges is Paris’s first major architectural ensemble, where the whole is more impressive than its parts. Originally known as place Royale, Henri IV ordered its construction in 1605. (Other well-known squares such as place des Victoires or place Vendôme were built much later under Louis XIV (1643 -1715) and place de la Concorde, during the 18th century.) Place des Vosges consist of three stories, steep slate roofs and red brick facades whose corners are edged with quoins in the same white stone that frames the windows.<br />
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Between the 18th and 19th-centuries, the Marais was sadly neglected and in the 20th-century, it was planned to be razed through the center of the Right Bank and to widen the Rue de Rivoli. Fortunately once demolition was imminent an immediate intervention was successful and no destruction occurred.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place des Vosges</td></tr>
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We next headed over to the park to get a nice view of it and the beautiful Place des Vosges beyond. Victor Hugo's former home is at number 6.<br />
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It is such a beautiful wide area and perfect on a warm summer day.<br />
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After enjoying the park it was time to eat. I took another look at the restaurant below as I was having a hard time making a decision.<br />
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This place was very cute but since I wasn't that hungry we ultimately went back to Carette where I could order a pastry or dessert.<br />
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<b><u>Carette</u></b><br />
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Carette was founded in 1927 in the Place du Trocadero. They opened the Place des Vosges offshoot several years ago. Famous for macaroons and pastries, the menu also features salads and sandwiches. We whet our appetite by viewing the delectable pastries in the case by the entrance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Carette Pastries</td></tr>
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We sat inside and looked at the menus and ordered our drinks. Raspberry soda for me and wine for mother.<br />
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While Carette is famous for their pastries I was feeling peckish and decided to order an ice cream dessert. My mother had a salad.<br />
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My Cafe Leigeois was delicious! It is made with coffee ice cream and Chantilly cream and was perfect on a warm day. Until World War 1, the dessert was known as Cafe Viennois.<br />
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Afterward we both took a look at the pastries and my mother had one with strawberries and I ordered 2 macaroons.<br />
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The pastries are truly the star here. The little wrapped sandwiches looked good too and were also very reasonable. I thought of purchasing a few to save for our train ride later today but passed as they might not do well in the 77 degree temperatures today.<br />
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It was now time for some shopping, but again we mostly looked in the windows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue de Francs Bourgeois</td></tr>
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The streets were very busy with lots of people. This area has many boutiques but in recent years the appearance of chain stores has become more prevalent.<br />
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This is one of older Jewish Quarter buildings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Paul Saint Louis Church in the rear</td></tr>
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At the end of the street is the Saint-Paul Saint-Louis church in the background on Rue Saint Antoine. The present building was constructed from 1627 to 1641 on the orders of Louis XIII. The design is traditional French with Italian inspiration. It was here on February 15, 1843 that Leopoldine Hugo secretly married Charles Vacquerie. Sadly, Victor Hugo's eldest daughter and her husband died just a few months later when their boat overturned on the Seine. Her heavy skirts pulled her down and her husband died trying to save her. The impact of this event affected Victor Hugo deeply and he expressed his grief in many of his poems.<br />
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We continued in the opposite direction of the church. This store had some very interesting jewelry in the windows on either side. Blue on the left and gold on the right. </div>
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I liked the blue ones and my mother preferred the gold items. They certainly make a statement!<br />
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We didn't have plans to visit any of the museums but soon arrived at the majestic Musee Carnavalet. It is open everyday but Monday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee Carnavalet</td></tr>
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The museum specializes in the history of Paris and its development. The main entrance is to the right. We probably should have spent a little time in the museum but were so much enjoying our walk in the Marais that we decided to pass.<br />
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The area is certainly well marked. We continued down the Rue Des Francs Bourgeois and then to Saint Antoine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel de Sully</td></tr>
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Above is the Hotel de Sully at 62 Saint Antoine. It was built in 1624 and was constructed in the renaissance style. It is known as a "Hotel Particulier" which were beautiful townhouses in their day. As these buildings were free standing they were distinguished from the other Paris mansions in not sharing any walls. Apparently it is a gorgeous building inside and the courtyard is accessible but the interior is closed to the public.<br />
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We next passed some interesting clothing stores with cute names including Bumba and Lola and Officina Slowear.<br />
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We would soon round things up and contemplate leaving. Nonetheless, we still had lots of time and could have stayed a bit longer. We were however worried that finding a taxi might not be that easy and we did want to rush back in a panic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPUexFjfCEI/U0byGG4lvQI/AAAAAAAAM54/NLkvS0clpu4/s1600/Marais35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPUexFjfCEI/U0byGG4lvQI/AAAAAAAAM54/NLkvS0clpu4/s1600/Marais35.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam and tea shops</td></tr>
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What better accompaniment to go with jam but some nice tea? I can hear Julie Andrews from the <i>Sound of Music</i> singing in my head "Tea and Jam, Jam and Bread...." Both stores looked very nice.<br />
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It was still a bit early but our taxi predicament was weighing on us. We needed enough time to go back to the hotel to finalize the checkout and pickup our bags and then get to the train station. At first it looked like finding a taxi was going to be a challenge. We had only seen one taxi the entire time we were walking around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_x6KadHuoY/U0by4mS8ISI/AAAAAAAAM6A/kIMt-N3FGZM/s1600/Marais33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_x6KadHuoY/U0by4mS8ISI/AAAAAAAAM6A/kIMt-N3FGZM/s1600/Marais33.JPG" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No taxis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked a bit further away from the main shopping area and fortunately after 15 minutes spotted a taxi to take us "home". It was just luck though. It could have taken much longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osBwDanbfmI/U0bzni0FdxI/AAAAAAAAM6I/dAeiC2gFVFw/s1600/Marais+Leaving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osBwDanbfmI/U0bzni0FdxI/AAAAAAAAM6I/dAeiC2gFVFw/s1600/Marais+Leaving.JPG" height="568" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster of Naomi Watts as Princess Diana</td></tr>
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On our way out of the Marais I finally had a good look at the "Diana" posters my mother has been seeing all over the city. I had to inform her that the poster is not commemorating the 16th anniversary of death of Princess Diana. The poster is an advertisement for the Naomi Watts movie based on Diana and soon to open in theaters.<br />
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We passed some beautiful buildings on the way to our hotel.<br />
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Soon we were back in the Haussmann area of Paris and drove by Printemps again. Paris is actually quite a small city and you can cover a lot of ground in just 15 - 20 minutes.<br />
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The stores are closed today so there are no people around.<br />
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There was hardly any traffic and we sped along at a leisurely pace.<br />
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I liked this narrow building above with its beautiful balconies. I will try to figure out what it is online.<br />
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We arrived at the hotel and asked the taxi to wait for us to take us to Gare du Nord.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeFKlrHqzBU/U0b15h4eodI/AAAAAAAAM7A/AXlC0LBIvvw/s1600/Hotel3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeFKlrHqzBU/U0b15h4eodI/AAAAAAAAM7A/AXlC0LBIvvw/s1600/Hotel3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior Les Plumes Hotel</td></tr>
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I went inside to reception while mother waited in the taxi. I finalized our checkout and picked up our bags. I also thanked the staff for a wonderful stay. I ran out, dumped the bags in the trunk and we headed to the train station. It was all very efficient but perhaps we were getting ahead of ourselves. We arrived at the train station early but I planned to spend some time in the Thalys lounge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpaCLwVx-dA/U0b20qs4s2I/AAAAAAAAM7M/ePjHtGfSx5g/s1600/Nord1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpaCLwVx-dA/U0b20qs4s2I/AAAAAAAAM7M/ePjHtGfSx5g/s1600/Nord1.JPG" height="306" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gare du Nord</td></tr>
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Once inside Gare du Nord I went to the Thalys booth to inquire about the lounge. I also wanted to see if we could change our seats as they are facing backward on the train. I noticed the seat issue a few minutes after booking the tickets online many months ago but couldn't figure out how to remedy it. Emails to Thalys went unanswered and I was not about to call them as they only had an international number.<br />
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The woman at the booth said she couldn't change the seating but that the lounge was upstairs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1QocIaHOx8/U0b3RIdmMzI/AAAAAAAAM7U/eatfBDUh2To/s1600/Nord2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1QocIaHOx8/U0b3RIdmMzI/AAAAAAAAM7U/eatfBDUh2To/s1600/Nord2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Floor Gare du Nord</td></tr>
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However, she forgot to mention that as it is Sunday, the lounge is closed today. We did have a nice view of the station from the second story though. Our Comfort Class tickets included lounge access which offers free wifi so I was disappointed. We went back down in the glass elevator and retreated to the ground level. There were very few places to sit at the station. This is not an exaggeration! We finally found a place at one the food outlets. I ordered a small sandwich just so we could sit there.<br />
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Being early and with no lounge to relax in, we occupied ourselves by chatting a little and watching the armed security force march up and down the station. It made me feel secure and at risk simultaneously!<br />
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Security at the train station.<br />
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As someone had to stay with the luggage, mother and I both took turns taking walks in the station. During my walk I looked at the Thalys trains parked on tracks 6 & 7.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUuYcghQaYM/U0b5Oika4xI/AAAAAAAAM70/eKUDAnyu_LY/s1600/Nord8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUuYcghQaYM/U0b5Oika4xI/AAAAAAAAM70/eKUDAnyu_LY/s1600/Nord8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thalys Train</td></tr>
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Thalys is a high speed train operator offering service between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. The Dusseldorf Airport station is being added in winter 2013. Peak speed on a dedicated track is 186 mph.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmkaL7tk3g/U0b5mSk-rZI/AAAAAAAAM78/btne4bApWI8/s1600/Nord10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmkaL7tk3g/U0b5mSk-rZI/AAAAAAAAM78/btne4bApWI8/s1600/Nord10.JPG" height="520" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thalys Routes</td></tr>
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The largest segment of Thalys sales come from the Paris-Brussels route. When booking the train I registered for the Thalys Card which you earn points on like an airline frequent flyer program. The card which looks just like a credit card, also has your booking info on it which can be read with a scanner.<br />
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I booked our tickets in Comfort Class 1 which is the equivalent of first class. The cost for both tickets together was 186 EUR. Our train will depart at 4:01 pm and will arrive in Cologne at 7:15 pm. It was now finally time to board and we made our way to Coach 22 and seats 52 & 53.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqruxFGCDuY/U0hkLanYI-I/AAAAAAAAM8M/zpiYjy4wXJE/s1600/Thalys1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqruxFGCDuY/U0hkLanYI-I/AAAAAAAAM8M/zpiYjy4wXJE/s1600/Thalys1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thalys Comfort 1 seating</td></tr>
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The seats were comfortable and had a foot rest.<br />
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I went down to the next car to take a photo. In Comfort Class they offer free wifi but I found out later that it was not working. The ride was very pleasant though. At some point someone did come over to check our tickets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o3sExc57Hk/U0w5SoSBkFI/AAAAAAAAM9M/YnmO2AnNs9I/s1600/Near+Cologne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o3sExc57Hk/U0w5SoSBkFI/AAAAAAAAM9M/YnmO2AnNs9I/s1600/Near+Cologne.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Scenery</td></tr>
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The scenery was very nice and I love taking the train over flying. The train only had one or two stops before arriving at Cologne.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3HsMWVokjE/U06XITb-_ZI/AAAAAAAAM9k/1kd6lR494Hc/s1600/Station+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3HsMWVokjE/U06XITb-_ZI/AAAAAAAAM9k/1kd6lR494Hc/s1600/Station+1.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aachen Station</td></tr>
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We stopped at Aachen which is a small town in Germany and was a favorite of Charlemagne. It was heavily damaged during World War II. The station looked very nice!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMmqbAd4XQE/U06WqmOOtoI/AAAAAAAAM9c/8Jz4jDf0txI/s1600/Train+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMmqbAd4XQE/U06WqmOOtoI/AAAAAAAAM9c/8Jz4jDf0txI/s1600/Train+5.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the River</td></tr>
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We crossed the river and it was then just a a few minutes before we arrived at the station. We were soon arriving in Cologne. This is our first time in Cologne but unfortunately we have no time to see any of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2kn5094DUk/U0hqxAEZkMI/AAAAAAAAM8k/Gv9Y_xFpZd0/s1600/Koln1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2kn5094DUk/U0hqxAEZkMI/AAAAAAAAM8k/Gv9Y_xFpZd0/s1600/Koln1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cologne (Koln) Station</td></tr>
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We exited the station and looked for a taxi.<br />
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The beautiful Gothic Cologne (Koln) Cathedral known as the Kolner Dom, is directly outside the train station doors. It is perhaps 200 yards away. It may have still be open but due to the luggage we had to just enjoy the view from the curb.<br />
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We jumped in a taxi and headed to the Hyatt Hotel on the opposite side of the Rhine. Easier said than done. Apparently they were holding a road race earlier in the day and closed several roads including the main access point to the hotel. Around and around we went and still getting nowhere. We were both tired and it was getting frustrating. I think the driver was doing his best but after the 4th attempt we were ready to just walk there.<br />
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We went back to other side of the river and asked a road worker for assistance. He suggested another way to get there and thank goodness it worked! What should have taken 10 minutes ended up triple that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFaKCVw-v4/U06YaV_kZiI/AAAAAAAAM94/j9Egs-N9_dI/s1600/Hyatt+Exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFaKCVw-v4/U06YaV_kZiI/AAAAAAAAM94/j9Egs-N9_dI/s1600/Hyatt+Exterior+1.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyatt Hotel Cologne</td></tr>
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Checkin at the Hyatt was a breeze and we were soon upstairs in our comfy room.<br />
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I had planned to eat dinner here so there was not rush to go anywhere. We eventually made it downstairs to the bar area where they have a small restaurant. I thought we might be able to eat outside and enjoy the view of the river but it was closed. The Hyatt also has a second fancier restaurant upstairs but we preferred the bar area.<br />
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We sat at a table near the back and looked at the menu. Most of the items were very reasonable and we ordered our drinks. The drinks were taking a looong time as the male bartender was schmoozing a couple from the UK. He was apparently in no rush to make our cocktails but I was rather desperate for it as if it were my last. We gave our food order to another server and inquired about the drinks. She looked over to the bartender gabbing away and with a smile said she would check on it.<br />
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That did the trick as our libations were now being prepared. We enjoyed the ambiance of the little restaurant which resembled a small pub with wood tables and low lighting. The cocktails were served and looked super!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0rD1NhZmkA/U0w43yjLyJI/AAAAAAAAM88/n6KMBhDQtYY/s1600/Drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0rD1NhZmkA/U0w43yjLyJI/AAAAAAAAM88/n6KMBhDQtYY/s1600/Drinks.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cocktails At Last!</td></tr>
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The food came out fairly quickly as opposed to the drinks. I love Currywurst and usually order it if it is on the menu. The sauce on this one was a bit tame and could have used a little more kick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BZ1gJf1aco/U0w5ICk5GII/AAAAAAAAM9E/ahqqwwU5Olc/s1600/IMAG0407+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BZ1gJf1aco/U0w5ICk5GII/AAAAAAAAM9E/ahqqwwU5Olc/s1600/IMAG0407+(3).jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currywurst</td></tr>
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During dinner I took a short break to take some photos outside. The hotel is located in a great spot with a spectacular view of the Dom (cathedral) lit at night and the nearby bridge. I had to use my phone as my camera battery had died earlier. I think it came out okay though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou4KkTztPGY/U08EyfFVldI/AAAAAAAAM-I/ukwe4fzCJGE/s1600/Cathedral+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou4KkTztPGY/U08EyfFVldI/AAAAAAAAM-I/ukwe4fzCJGE/s1600/Cathedral+2.jpg" height="338" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cologne Cathedral and Bridge at night</td></tr>
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It was a challenge to get the photo as there was barbed wire as a protective barrier at the hotel. I actually had to hold the phone outside the hole in the wire and hoped I didn't drop it to take the photo!<br />
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I then went back and finished dinner. We were tired from a fun but long day. Tomorrow we will get up early to take the train to the Dusseldorf Airport and then board our flight home.<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-25355859252841480372013-08-31T21:12:00.000-04:002014-05-21T10:07:46.707-04:00Monet's Giverny Garden and Nightfall along the SeineThe original plan for today was to take an 8:00 am train to Vernon and visit the Monet Garden in Giverny. I slept a little longer than usual and when I finally woke, didn't feel like racing to the station. We had a leisurely breakfast instead and planned to take the second express train around 10:00 am. This would mean we would have to skip the pre-booked lunch I had planned at a restaurant near Giverny. However, I would rather enjoy the day and not have to rush.<br />
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We went downstairs around 8:30 am and the breakfast tables were all nicely set with little baskets of croissants, tea cups and jams. I noticed the little garden in the rear which I missed yesterday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPKlGAjTXpk/UycDT0f6o8I/AAAAAAAAMWY/eiX4XWYTDUc/s1600/Paris+56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPKlGAjTXpk/UycDT0f6o8I/AAAAAAAAMWY/eiX4XWYTDUc/s1600/Paris+56.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Plumes Hotel Paris</td></tr>
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Breakfast is not included in our room rate but at only 7€ extra per person its a no-brainer. There was a good variety of both hot and cold items to choose from. The coffee machine was versatile and could make many different kinds of coffee and even hot chocolate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDm3AD_JjTs/UycDsYOsJzI/AAAAAAAAMWg/_v9yacWByx4/s1600/Paris+55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDm3AD_JjTs/UycDsYOsJzI/AAAAAAAAMWg/_v9yacWByx4/s1600/Paris+55.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advanced Coffee machine</td></tr>
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The breakfast setup was quite nice. There was fresh fruit, cured meats, yogurt, cheese and also hot items on the other side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld0rz0ccCBw/UycEQKNY1GI/AAAAAAAAMWo/3ots2xrrLGQ/s1600/Paris+57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld0rz0ccCBw/UycEQKNY1GI/AAAAAAAAMWo/3ots2xrrLGQ/s1600/Paris+57.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurt and Juice</td></tr>
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My mother was pleased with the variety of yogurt and juices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN3jwOJtbZA/UycEgpVvhmI/AAAAAAAAMWw/xMii2W7Q-rA/s1600/Paris+58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN3jwOJtbZA/UycEgpVvhmI/AAAAAAAAMWw/xMii2W7Q-rA/s1600/Paris+58.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs, sausage and crepes</td></tr>
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I took a few different items as I knew we would not be eating again until past lunch time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDRQDhciYOA/UycEyOxl6UI/AAAAAAAAMW4/do_etut794M/s1600/Paris+59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDRQDhciYOA/UycEyOxl6UI/AAAAAAAAMW4/do_etut794M/s1600/Paris+59.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Breakfast</td></tr>
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My preferred breakfast is European style with cheese, fruit and at times a little meat so this was perfect. I also had Green Tea. With breakfast service about over, the staff were soon clearing the empty tables. You can see the man working in the back looking quite spiffy in his top hat.<br />
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It was now time to walk to Saint Lazare station to catch our train. Our express train to Vernon will depart at 10:20 am and only takes 45 minutes. The express runs about 4 times per day. The slower train takes over 2 hours so the fast train is worth the wait.<br />
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I studied the Google map last night and had no fear of getting lost this time. It is basically a straight shot from our hotel to the station and should take no more than 15 minutes to get there.<br />
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My mother was still contemplating taking a taxi but the hotel staff reconfirmed it was an easy stroll. It was pleasant outside, a little overcast with temps in the high 60's and it was great to stretch our legs. About 8 minutes into our walk we noticed 4 - 5 young men behind us. Mother was concerned fearing they were some sort of hoodlums. I thought she was being silly as they looked harmless. We crossed the street to the opposite side just to play it safe. Otherwise the walk was uneventful.<br />
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We passed this beautiful building but there was no sign. It would be nice to know its significance.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIuSIXRgAjE/UycFrJgGK4I/AAAAAAAAMXI/arQm_2TbiK0/s1600/Paris+62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIuSIXRgAjE/UycFrJgGK4I/AAAAAAAAMXI/arQm_2TbiK0/s1600/Paris+62.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It must be important as they are working on it and have scaffolding in front. There was a gate with initials that may indicate a clue.<br />
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It was just about another 5 minutes from here to Saint Lazare station which we discovered was also undergoing renovation. This morning we saw the garbage trucks and the city has appeared quite tidy during this trip. I don't remember Paris ever looking this clean before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BS8wyYfkP0/UycGsFo0n-I/AAAAAAAAMXY/v7UV-nP6ABU/s1600/Paris+63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BS8wyYfkP0/UycGsFo0n-I/AAAAAAAAMXY/v7UV-nP6ABU/s1600/Paris+63.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gare Saint Lazare</td></tr>
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While staying in the 9th Arrondissement may have some drawbacks, it is very convenient for 2 of the 3 major train stations: Gare du Nord and Gare Saint Lazare. Gare du Lyon is a bit further away.<br />
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As has been our usual practice, we were early again but we needed the extra time to purchase our train tickets. There were kiosks but we decided to wait in the main ticket line as we were not sure what time to return and needed to go over the options. The line was long but they had 4 people working the ticket area. Our turn came and we decided the train around 1:00 pm was too early so chose the next one at 2:53 pm. The cost was 13.90€ each way per person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2uDHRz9TZY/UydBVE9rRxI/AAAAAAAAMXo/8hst1fDqXUk/s1600/SCNF001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2uDHRz9TZY/UydBVE9rRxI/AAAAAAAAMXo/8hst1fDqXUk/s1600/SCNF001.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our train tickets from Paris to Vernon and back</td></tr>
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Tickets in hand, we stood staring aimlessly at the overhead board for the track to post.<br />
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Our train will terminate in Rouen so we kept our eyes peeled for that destination on the board. I noticed the train to Deauville was leaving at around the same time and for a brief moment wished we were going there instead.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5udF0iFxFiM/UynXeKtCZHI/AAAAAAAAMas/-MXdgkTbY7s/s1600/Giverny006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5udF0iFxFiM/UynXeKtCZHI/AAAAAAAAMas/-MXdgkTbY7s/s1600/Giverny006.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the track to post</td></tr>
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However, as much as we enjoyed our visit to Deauville and Honfleur in 2012, we have never seen the Monet Garden and it seems like the better option for spending a few hours in Normandy.<br />
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Apparently the train to Rouen was a popular choice for as soon as the track posted it was a mad dash and it felt like we were competing on the "Amazing Race". Mother being far from spry, we were among the last to board and almost didn't get seats. Hmm, standing? That was not going to work. The train has two levels and we...okay I, made the mistake of going up top where there were no seats. Back down on the lower level we found a couple seats near one of the doors just as the train was pulling away. Phew!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mJqrv0YVP0/UynYBEHdFwI/AAAAAAAAMa0/oftOyUs4IZ4/s1600/Giverny005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mJqrv0YVP0/UynYBEHdFwI/AAAAAAAAMa0/oftOyUs4IZ4/s1600/Giverny005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seat was completely full when we left</td></tr>
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The weather forecast for Giverny is overcast skies but no rain. It probably was not the nicest day to tour a large garden but hopefully the sun will make an appearance. I enjoyed looking at the countryside as we headed west. Time passed quickly and it seemed in no time we arrived in Vernon.<br />
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Upon arrival we were directed to board one of the buses for the short ride to Giverny. The cost of the bus is 4€ per person each way. There were 4 buses, so plenty of room for everyone.<br />
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Looking around it appeared that most of the people on the bus were young women. There were a few men but not too many.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-SWWv7BBzg/UynZJ6JOHSI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/24fjNP4gG34/s1600/Giverny00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-SWWv7BBzg/UynZJ6JOHSI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/24fjNP4gG34/s1600/Giverny00.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bus to Giverny</td></tr>
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The ride to the garden was about 10 minutes. We had some traffic and were stopped for a bit. We crossed the bridge over the river Seine. The windows on the bus are tinted so it looks much darker outside.<br />
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We were now in Giverny and it was very green!<br />
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I do prefer the country to the city so anytime I have the opportunity I will gladly head out of town.<br />
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We pulled up to the drop off point which was at the end of a large parking lot. It was then about a 15 minute walk to the ticket office. We passed this pretty restaurant on the way. I was thinking we should stop here for lunch on the way back.<br />
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The walk was very nice along a level path. We looked at the sign posted with a map to get our bearings. The area is much larger than I realized. I thought the only thing here would be the garden. However, there are small galleries, various restaurants and even a few guest houses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry21NERJMTI/UysKSA6sHZI/AAAAAAAAMcU/84t4NY4BR_4/s1600/Giverny06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry21NERJMTI/UysKSA6sHZI/AAAAAAAAMcU/84t4NY4BR_4/s1600/Giverny06.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Monet's Giverny Garden</td></tr>
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We continued down the path to reach the ticket office.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hO1oiDNuOdY/UysKuQSkdfI/AAAAAAAAMcc/tlrZ_RDY6jQ/s1600/Giverny07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hO1oiDNuOdY/UysKuQSkdfI/AAAAAAAAMcc/tlrZ_RDY6jQ/s1600/Giverny07.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to Monet Garden Ticket office</td></tr>
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Some of the buildings were painted in pretty colors with of course delightful flower boxes below the windows.<br />
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I read online about the possible lines for tickets so purchased ours online in advance from Digiticks. The website was easy to use and I printed them out to take with us. Each ticket was 9.50€ and you can use the tickets for up to one year from date of purchase.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9aeGUL0TmI/UydB9tjwNlI/AAAAAAAAMX8/s-T5ldpAa8k/s1600/Monet+Ticket001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9aeGUL0TmI/UydB9tjwNlI/AAAAAAAAMX8/s-T5ldpAa8k/s1600/Monet+Ticket001.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet Garden E-Ticket</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the ticket entrance I was very happy I already had tickets as there was a long line. We entered from the group entrance for pre-purchased tickets where they scanned the bar code. We then were lead not to the garden, but surprise...directly into the gift shop!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0-m3pSszQ/UysJzweuAeI/AAAAAAAAMcM/Al2LrDPJuIc/s1600/Giverny09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0-m3pSszQ/UysJzweuAeI/AAAAAAAAMcM/Al2LrDPJuIc/s1600/Giverny09.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet Garden Gift Shop</td></tr>
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While the gift shop is usually at the end of most attractions it made sense here. Looking at the postcards and posters I got a sense of what we would see. They also had some jewelry and higher end objects. I purchased 5 postcards at 1€ each. They don't allow photos inside Monet's home so I wanted something to remember it by. I should have also looked for a book on botany describing the variety of flowers planted here. I had a very hard time identifying anything during our visit and also later when reviewing my photos.<br />
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We then made our way out the back to head to the Garden. The Monet Garden is probably most famous for its large pond with the pretty water lilies. However, the areas on the way there and near the house are very beautiful in their own right. The entire landscape was breathtaking.<br />
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The round Globe Thistles above were a beautiful periwinkle blue. Looking around I wish I knew the names of all the other flowers. I loved the composition of all the various element and it really piqued my interest.<br />
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At first glance it looked like just a bunch of flowers, flowers and more flowers. But closer examination revealed the artistic planning involved. It definitely requires a lot of work.<br />
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The autumn flowers at Giverny include Anemone, Dahlias, Asters, Passiflores Grimpants, Climbing and Stem Roses, Rudbeckias, Clematis, Marigold, Aconites, Carnations, Tansy, Pelargoniums, Ipomee, Hypericums, Epilobes, Begonia and many other varieties that we enjoyed discovering. I would love to learn how to design even a small area like this one. Giverny is located in hardiness zone 8 which is the same zone as Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Madrid. By comparison, most of England and Wales is in hardiness zone 9.<br />
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<b><u>Claude Monet</u></b><br />
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Claude Monet was born in 1840 in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. His real name was Oscar-Claude and his parents actually called him Oscar. His family moved to Le Harve and his mother died when young Claude was only 17. While living in Paris, Monet was trained as a painter. However, Instead of focusing on copying old masters as was common practice then, Monet desired to paint what he saw. In developing this style he among a handful of others founded what became known as French Impressionism.<br />
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In 1883 after ten years of living at Giverny, Monet began transforming part of his land and pond into an Asian inspired water garden. In the 1880's the European fascination with all things Japanese was referred to as Japonisme. Monet was a great admirer of nature's central influence in Japanese culture. He was also very adept at incorporating these themes into his landscapes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet on Giverny Bridge 1922</td></tr>
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Monet was granted government approval to expand his pond and then encircled it with various flowers, trees and bushes. The Japanese style wooden bridge was added in 1895. The bridge in the photo above is much higher than the bridge that replaced it in 1970 when it was rebuilt. Monet had an obsessive focus of repainting the pond and water lilies over and over again for the next 25 years. He eventually created over 250 works based exclusively on his water lilies. He was certainly persistent!<br />
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"<i>It took me a long time to understand my water lilies…I grew them without
thinking of painting them…And then, all of a sudden, I had the revelation of the
enchantment of my pond. I took up my palette".</i><br />
<i>Claude Monet 1924</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claude Monet Home Giverny</td></tr>
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Claude Monet's home was just beyond this thicket and most people see the ponds first and then the house last. I was probably overdoing it with taking so many photos. Everywhere I looked though there was another fabulous arrangement or border. I love purple and found this area quite captivating.<br />
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As one would expect the flowers are arranged in groups by color. We next entered a different section with gorgeous large crimson blossoms accented by white azaleas.<br />
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Some of the areas were roped off. It was wonderful to glance down the gravel paths at the archways and arbors. It looked so natural and there were many of these rows.<br />
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This is a view looking back at the house from further into the garden.<br />
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The style of the garden is very natural. It probably requires more talent and skill to design a garden this way than to have it manicured. I loved the contrast of the raspberry colored Globe Amaranth with the sunflowers across.<br />
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It was a bit of a walk to get to the pond area but truly enjoyable. We finally made it to the Water Garden area where you had to go down an underground passageway to reach the other side.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passageway to the Water Garden</td></tr>
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Once across we reached the beginning of the water features. The sight of the tall bamboo grove made us feel like were in Asia and provided an exotic feel to the garden.<br />
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The meandering stream was very peaceful as we walked along the bridge toward the lily ponds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo Grove</td></tr>
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You could tell we were getting close as there were a few lily pads in the water and the giant willows were becoming more abundant.<br />
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In this area they had a couple little wooden boats to make it plausible that monsieur Monet was shortly due to return.<br />
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After the underground passageway, passing the bamboo, and then a little stream...we were finally there! Although were were expecting it, the first sight of the Japanese Bridge over the pond was more amazing than I imagined. It looked very similar to what I remembered seeing in photos over 20 years ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glance at the Japanese Bridge</td></tr>
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Below is how the bridge looks in a professional photograph on the postcard I purchased. I must say I have my work cut out for me to capture a photo like this one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Japanese Bridge at Monet Garden</td></tr>
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It was astounding that one man devoted his later life to cultivating this area. Claude Monet did have the help of some experienced gardeners but planned the design himself. It reminds me how multi-talented the French are in many areas including food, wine, literature and architecture. As much as Victor Hugo was not only a great writer and a skilled interior designer, it appears Claude Monet was more than a brilliant painter but also a skilled horticulturalist. Did Edith Piaf have a secret skill as a "dog whisperer" and Coco Chanel as a chef? One does begin to wonder!<br />
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Growing up I was fascinated by Monet's creation of the Japanese bridge and his garden. We lived up on a hill 300 feet from the road with lush foliage a small pond down below. I spent a lot time wishing we could build a small Japanese bridge similar to this one and add some amazing landscaping. Not being overly ambitious and having no skill in this area it seemed an impossible task. In the end, the pond eventfully dried up, skunk grass, large ferns and moss predominated. The area remained "natural" in comparison to our neighbors with perfect hedges and meticulous landscaping. Seeing the Monet garden in person brought back some nice memories and I appreciated the "wildness" and seeing what is possible when you put your mind to it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet Lily Pond</td></tr>
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While there were other tourists the area didn't feel overrun. It was already close to noon time and I actually expected to see many more people. Today is August 31st and the anniversary of Princess Diana's death. My mother spotted signs in Paris with Diana's photo but I missed them. I have been thinking about her too while enjoying our visit to the garden.<br />
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It is very peaceful here and easy to get caught up in one's thoughts. It was a challenge to get a photo of the bridge without anyone on it though. I almost succeeded.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet Japanese Bridge beyond the willows</td></tr>
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Monet was fascinated by the effect of light and reflections on the pond in his landscapes. Seeing the garden on an overcast day was not optimal but the sun delighted us sporadically through the cloud cover. I can only imagine what the reflections look like on a bright sunny day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great reflections on the pond</td></tr>
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I loved this area with the lush flowers in the background and the reflections on the pond. The water lilies are a summer flowers and require warmth and sunshine. We are lucky to see them this late in August.<br />
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In just a few weeks with cooler temperatures this area may look quite different.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite areas</td></tr>
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We very much enjoyed walking around the pond.<br />
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The red brambles were a nice contrast to the colorful flowers.<br />
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I don't know what this flower is. Perhaps it is a Tansy?<br />
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The Monet Garden surpassed our expectations and I am very glad we came. It was now time to turn around and head back to the house. We saw very few people until we reached the passageway.<br />
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We actually viewed some cows in a field with the lush hills in the background. It is amazing you can experience this garden and the wonderful countryside just 45 minutes via express train from Paris!<br />
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I didn't notice until on the way back that the passageway was donated by Walter Annenberg.<br />
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As we went up I took a photo of the people headed down. Again, lots more women than men.<br />
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It looks like there be many more visitors in the afternoon. On the way back to the house we passed this row of bright orange blossoms. I looked online and these may be a mixture of Asclepias and Tithonia.<br />
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I still prefer purple though. I know, I sound like a broken record but I wish they had signs so I knew the names of the flowers.<br />
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The combinations below was just incredible! I think the term "ordered randomness" might accurately describe it!<br />
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The only sign visible was the one for the direction to the water garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgm51qQxlNI/UzHVDDiuO6I/AAAAAAAAMhQ/N_Dks4cL7eI/s1600/Giverny63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgm51qQxlNI/UzHVDDiuO6I/AAAAAAAAMhQ/N_Dks4cL7eI/s1600/Giverny63.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Dahlias!</td></tr>
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These were probably some of my favorites flowers of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HNXSYmOV0c/UzHVggBJbHI/AAAAAAAAMhg/th-M8BSp0Ao/s1600/Giverny65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HNXSYmOV0c/UzHVggBJbHI/AAAAAAAAMhg/th-M8BSp0Ao/s1600/Giverny65.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giverny Dahlia</td></tr>
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We were now back at the house which I toured while my mother remained behind. It is a short tour as there are only a handful of rooms to see on the ground floor and second story.<br />
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The front of the house is carpeted with Pelagoniums, which are more commonly known as geraniums and are the most popular summer flower in France.<br />
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The house looks very large from the outside but they only allow you to see a small portion of it. As no photos are allowed inside I relied on the postcards I purchased to show the interior. One of the first rooms on view was the Salon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9MTLQOhSO8/UzHWgWSIPUI/AAAAAAAAMh0/k1JXlNmDIDU/s1600/Monet+Salon001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9MTLQOhSO8/UzHWgWSIPUI/AAAAAAAAMh0/k1JXlNmDIDU/s1600/Monet+Salon001.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Salon at Claude Monet house Giverny</td></tr>
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Upstairs we viewed one of the bedrooms. The room was very elegant and nicely appointed.<br />
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Before leaving was the kitchen area. The tiles were amazing! The stove was pretty neat too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgppPs4rG5k/UzHXTQOioFI/AAAAAAAAMiE/RWZRy_yheok/s1600/Monet+Kitchen001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgppPs4rG5k/UzHXTQOioFI/AAAAAAAAMiE/RWZRy_yheok/s1600/Monet+Kitchen001.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monet Kitchen Giverny</td></tr>
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I took a photo from the house looking out the window to the grounds below.<br />
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The house was interesting but not worth spending more than 10 minutes. I popped back outside and met up with my mother who was relaxing on one of the benches. It was now past lunch time and our stomachs were rumbling. I was a little confused which way to get to the restaurants. I think we turned right and walked toward some buildings in the distance. This wasn't where I intended to go but we came upon a Creperie which was also part of a hotel. It looked nice and I was thrilled we could taste some galettes during our brief Normandy visit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creperie and Hotel</td></tr>
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They had a nice covered outside terrace which was a delightful break in the mid-afternoon.<br />
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We asked to be seated and were directed to a lovely table facing the grounds. Nearby was a middle aged Chinese couple who had not ordered yet. We needed to keep track of the time so as not to miss our train back to Paris. We ordered quickly and before the Chinese couple as they required a bit more explanation.<br />
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Understandably it must be hard when English is not your first language, but the way the Chinese man ordered his meal was very funny. He sounded robotic as he pronounced each and every syllable carefully with a pause between the words except for the last two and said, "I...would....like...to...order...theduck!". He had an exclamation at the end as if he was pleased to successfully complete the sentence. Hope he was not expecting Peking Duck. I don't know why I found it so amusing. I too struggle when trying to speak a French or Spanish but I hope it sounds better!.<br />
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We enjoyed the view of the trees and meadow while waiting for our meal to arrive.<br />
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It did not take long to be served. Both of our galettes were super! Mother had the Apple and ham galette.<br />
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I ordered the ham, potato and sour cream. They were huge and just as delicious or perhaps better than the ones we had in Bayeux a year ago. We finished every bite!<br />
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We both did a great job on our crepes and then I took the rock inside with our table number (505) to pay. The staff were so nice. They seemed very appreciative of our visit.<br />
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Sadly it was now time to walk back to the bus so we could return to Vernon for our train. I wish we could have stayed longer as there were some interesting galleries we missed along the way.<br />
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This exhibition looked quite nice. Wish we had the time.<br />
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We reached the buses and were soon heading back to Vernon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n2ZjZ2sJNE/UzHdu4Ei98I/AAAAAAAAMjs/hlrOTgBPcM0/s1600/Vernon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n2ZjZ2sJNE/UzHdu4Ei98I/AAAAAAAAMjs/hlrOTgBPcM0/s1600/Vernon.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bus heading to Vernon</td></tr>
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Vernon gets a lot of traffic due to its location near Giverny but I don't think many tourists linger here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLlVa69HRC8/UzHeCtUum5I/AAAAAAAAMj0/C9k1CTDmcME/s1600/Vernon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLlVa69HRC8/UzHeCtUum5I/AAAAAAAAMj0/C9k1CTDmcME/s1600/Vernon1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernon</td></tr>
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The Vernon station is nice and modern with plenty of outside seating to wait for the train.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernon Train Station</td></tr>
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Since we already had our ticket we went to the track and waited with everyone else.<br />
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I noticed this adorable little girl with her father. She had the most beautiful blue eyes. She was just the cutest kid I have ever seen! I wanted take a photo of her but didn't want to creep anyone out so took it when she wasn't looking. It is a shame because you cannot see her enchanting blue eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db4dhWTjCfA/UzR_St6MqQI/AAAAAAAAMlk/p1yi2z8r-50/s1600/Vernon4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db4dhWTjCfA/UzR_St6MqQI/AAAAAAAAMlk/p1yi2z8r-50/s1600/Vernon4.JPG" height="640" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little princess</td></tr>
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The train soon arrived and again it was very crowded. I spotted a seat for my mother and then I found one for myself close by. The guy I was sitting next to was in his late 20's and had a huge laptop on which he was watching a Bradley Cooper movie.<br />
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We didn't have an exact plan on what to do when we returned to Paris. I thought we should take a walk around one of the lovely neighborhoods. My mother said she wanted to see some antique shops she remembered from a prior visit located near the Louvre. That sounded like the better option. Once we reached the train station we took a taxi there.<br />
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On the way we passed some iconic buildings including the Musee d'Orsay where paintings of Monet Water Lily collection reside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee d'Orsay</td></tr>
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We arrived at the Louvre where we have not been in a long time. I took a few photos of the area before heading to our destination. The Louvre buildings are as gorgeous as ever.<br />
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This is a very popular area. It would have been nicer to view the the famous I.M Pei glass pyramid among the Louvre buildings lit at night.<br />
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I don't remember all the steel barricades from our prior Paris visits but it has been a while since we have been at the Louvre. When we toured the museums for the first time in 1981 I had a swollen eye from a bug bite and looked at everything with one eye halfway shut. The paintings were still beautiful! Back then at the Jeu du Palme you could walk right up to the Mona Lisa which is now behind a sheet of glass and is roped off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBxr_PDKYl4/UzSCX7IR1YI/AAAAAAAAMmY/eDirvpyF6UQ/s1600/Parisafternoon8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBxr_PDKYl4/UzSCX7IR1YI/AAAAAAAAMmY/eDirvpyF6UQ/s1600/Parisafternoon8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre</td></tr>
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Pictured below we also could see the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel in the distance. This smaller monument was built as the same as the more famous and much larger one in the 16th Arrondissement.<br />
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Rain looked imminent at times but luckily it stayed dry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Louvre</td></tr>
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We walked from here to the Palais Royal and the adjacent Louvre des Antiquaires. I have never visited this building before. I was amazed my mother remembered it from so many years ago. The building is home to over 75 small boutique-style antique shops.<br />
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Most of the shops are quite expensive and they have an exquisite assortment of items.<br />
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The building is designed around a central atrium with a large skylight. There are 3 floors but we only visited two of them.<br />
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The style of the building is very elegant with large chandeliers.<br />
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All the shops have large floor to ceiling windows displaying their merchandise.<br />
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This store sold a great assortment of fabulous looking canes and walking sticks.<br />
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This shop was more opulent and had a gorgeous clock in the window.<br />
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We really enjoyed the window shopping here as it was so easy to see everything without having to go inside any of the shops.<br />
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I feel in love with this necklace! Falize was a Paris jeweler in 1830's. Christie's recently sold one his pieces for $30,000 USD. I loved the purple amethyst and the gold was very good quality. At least I have a photo to remember it by. <br />
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My mother made a "happy stop" while I stood admiring the necklace. While I waited a man came by to tell me they were closing many of the shops to remove asbestos from the building. Sounds like a big undertaking.<br />
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We then made our way downstairs. They have lots of signs in case you forget where you are!<br />
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Although we didn't make any purchases I found the Louvre des Antiquaires very interesting. We still had more than an hour until dinner time and decided to take a stroll. As we were on the corner of the the Rue Saint Honore we proceeded down this vibrant street with its fashionable stores.<br />
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<b>Rue Saint Honore</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue Saint Honore</td></tr>
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We noticed the Velib bikes parked in front of Kiehls. As my mother doesn't like the Metro and if she was willing, that would have been a nice option from all the taxis we have been taking.<br />
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The outfits in this shop (especially the one in front) reminded me of my aunt who passed away 3 years ago. She was very stylish!<br />
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The wide Paris boulevards are wonderful for walking.<br />
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At the corner of the Hotel Vendome and a Chopard store.<br />
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As if we have not seen enough flowers today, we came upon the lovely florist Dani Roses.<br />
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Nearby was the new Mandarin Oriental hotel which is located in a former office building. We were invited by the doorman to come inside for a closer look.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Oriental Hotel</td></tr>
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With its open atrium design it reminded me of a Hyatt Hotel. A little further down was Chanel but mother was more interested in the pharmacy next door. In the window was a display of boar bristle hair brushes. We went inside and after closer examination mother purchased a new hair brush. At least we bought something today!<br />
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We continued to enjoy our walk and the view.<br />
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The Longchamp display was creative.<br />
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We were now near the end of the street and our walk was almost over. We were really tired too!<br />
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Although it is quite famous, I have never actually been to Maxim's. The restaurant was founded in 1893. In the 1970's Brigitte Bardot caused a stir when she entered the establishment barefoot!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maxim's</td></tr>
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At the corner we found a taxi to make our way to our designated dining destination. Yesterday I had our hotel re-confirm our dinner reservation as was required. We drove through the Place de la Concorde and then it was just a short distance to the restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place de la Concorde</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain Place de la Concorde</td></tr>
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Before our trip I had a hard time narrowing down where we should eat on our last night in Paris. After tons of research and discovering the place I wanted to go (Yamtcha) was closed until mid September, I narrowed it down to just a couple places. It was around this time that I heard about my cousin Zach's visit to L' Atelier du Joel Robuchon in Tokyo. He said it was expensive but the food was great. I emailed my request for a coveted reservation at the original restaurant in Paris and was successful. Having never eaten at any of Joel Robuchon's restaurants before I wasn't sure what to expect.<br />
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<b><u>Joel Robuchon</u></b><br />
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Joel Robuchon is a French Chef who came to prominence in the 1980's with several successful restaurants in France and a couple of TV cooking shows to boot. He famously retired at the age of 50. It was a brief rest. After visiting Japan many times his interest in Japanese cooking techniques plus his exposure to Spanish tapas bars gave birth to a new venture. Ten years after his supposed retirement he opened his first Joel Robuchon restaurant in Paris and one in Tokyo soon after. He now has restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Monaco and Taipei with a grand total of 25 Michelin stars, more than any other chef.<br />
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I was a bit clueless of the type of food he serves but looked at one of the menus online. It seemed like we would enjoy it. There are now two L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon restaurants in Paris, the original in St. Germain des Pres and the newer one at the top of the Champs Elysees.<br />
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The restaurant is attached to the Hotel Royal. The neighborhood around St. Germain des Pres is lovely and I thought as we were 20 minutes early we should take a little walk before our meal. Rue du Bac is a very attractive little street.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue du Bac</td></tr>
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We didn't venture too far and soon returned to the restaurant. The steel doors to the restaurant look very austere and resemble a vault. You can access the hotel from the street and also from the hotel side. We had brought clothing with us to change into for dinner. At the hotel we found the restroom at the bottom of the stairwell and made our wardrobe change. Presto! We now look presentable. We went back outside and joined our fellow patrons who were all smartly attired.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel doors Joel Robuchon</td></tr>
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The other dinner guests started to congregate outside until the doors opened. While we were waiting a couple ladies asked me about eating here and I explained the reservation process. I also pointed to the menu posted outside. They have an a la carte menu and a Menu Decourverte for 169€ . The special menu includes 9 courses.<br />
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Everyone was waiting for the doors to open at 6:30 pm. This is the only time they take dinner reservations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Joel Robuchon to open for dinner</td></tr>
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The door parted and we were welcomed inside and individually directed to our seats. The concept is very interesting with a "U" shaped bar area that seats 40 people facing an open kitchen. We were directed to the area on the left side with a good view of the food preparation. The Japanese influence is evident with the black plates and bright red water goblets. Some people think the black and red color theme is a bit dated but I enjoyed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ2EEBZYqII/UzXPwnSD1dI/AAAAAAAAMrI/7uie2TBoEoM/s1600/Robuchon7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ2EEBZYqII/UzXPwnSD1dI/AAAAAAAAMrI/7uie2TBoEoM/s1600/Robuchon7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice place setting</td></tr>
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When I looked at the menu online they didn't have prices but I found a sample menu on another site. The prices didn't seem intimidating. However, looking at the menus posted outside before we were seated I started to wonder how much this was going to cost. The prices seemed to be on par with La Tour d'Argent, Les Ambassadeurs other fancy options I had shied away from during our Paris stay.<br />
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We reviewed the a la carte menu and tried to figure out what to order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPL6NAXccG8/UzXRdGKykVI/AAAAAAAAMrU/YxJR0PwDxNQ/s1600/Robuchon8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPL6NAXccG8/UzXRdGKykVI/AAAAAAAAMrU/YxJR0PwDxNQ/s1600/Robuchon8.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side of a la carte menu</td></tr>
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The a la carte menu was very expensive but the set menu with the 9 courses seemed exorbitant. Perplexed and unwilling to spend 169€ each, we opted for the a la carte. In hindsight we should have bitten the bullet and done the set menu. It would have been less stressful and a much better experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUhv758fo0/UzXR5jXoPQI/AAAAAAAAMrc/UlcGakSw6jE/s1600/Robuchon9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUhv758fo0/UzXR5jXoPQI/AAAAAAAAMrc/UlcGakSw6jE/s1600/Robuchon9.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of a la carte menu</td></tr>
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I loved the concept of the restaurant with the bar area and small plate option. We enjoyed seeing the creative presentation of the food too.<br />
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Being a newbie, I was not sure how to proceed with ordering and the waitstaff were not being that helpful. I think we made a fatal mistake when my mother asked if they had a glass of wine less expensive than the one on the menu for 23€ . After that fiasco we were ignored for 15 minutes and couldn't place our food order either. We just sat there watching everyone else nibble away!<br />
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Other people were getting served near us and the service seemed to be working fine for them. They guy on my left was halfway done with his gazpacho soup before we even got a second glance from the waitstaff.<br />
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After speaking with the maitre d' we were promised better service by our waiter Mykial but I think they thought our frugality was a lost cause. I partially agree but they could still have treated us better.<br />
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We finally successfully ordered a few different dishes to share from the left side of the menu. We were told most people order 3 - 4 items per person from the left side and then 1 - 2 items from the right side. Really?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L' Atelier du Joel Robuchon Paris</td></tr>
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My mother did get served a less expensive glass of wine and I had Evian water. We thankfully had a bread basket to hold us over until our first items arrived. Since we were sharing I tried to find something big to split between us. The Stuffed Clams with Garlic and Violet seemed a good choice. They were just okay, nothing spectacular. They were also very small!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOHTdlPdaoA/UzXVQ80WhGI/AAAAAAAAMsE/PvgCGRaS6W4/s1600/Robuchon13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOHTdlPdaoA/UzXVQ80WhGI/AAAAAAAAMsE/PvgCGRaS6W4/s1600/Robuchon13.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed Clams with Garlic and Violet</td></tr>
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The next course was even smaller! We shared the Gyoza of which there were three dumplings in total. Fortunately we were not that hungry. At 33€, I expected to be blown away. While the dumplings were very light and flavorful I wasn't wanting for more. The sauce was very good though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSI51OsCKE0/UzXXN428sAI/AAAAAAAAMsg/lgvLViTuGfg/s1600/Robuchon16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSI51OsCKE0/UzXXN428sAI/AAAAAAAAMsg/lgvLViTuGfg/s1600/Robuchon16.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyoza</td></tr>
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To say this was not turning out they way I had expected was an understatement. Others around us seemed to be having a good time with their small plates or a set menu. I was feeling rather impoverished. We discussed ordering a main dish from the right of the menu to share but the attitude of the waitstaff was irritating and a complete turnoff. We were very quickly losing our appetites.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR3uItwcc7Y/UzXWjqbX2zI/AAAAAAAAMsU/EQWzhjeYzjs/s1600/Robuchon15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR3uItwcc7Y/UzXWjqbX2zI/AAAAAAAAMsU/EQWzhjeYzjs/s1600/Robuchon15.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Ravioli with truffles</td></tr>
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Our next course, the lobster ravioli with truffle should have been a show stopper. I know I keep referring to the price, but at 39€ I expected to be wowed. It comes as a pair and was served to us on separate plates. Again, nothing special.<br />
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Although our dining experience wasn't going well, our neighbors were more successful. The gentlemen to my left seemed to be having a religious experience from his pied du cochon to his steak and especially his mashed potatoes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_tAoyw5R2A/UzXXi1JRNuI/AAAAAAAAMsk/k3ibQjOedNI/s1600/Robuchon17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_tAoyw5R2A/UzXXi1JRNuI/AAAAAAAAMsk/k3ibQjOedNI/s1600/Robuchon17.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied du Cochon</td></tr>
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His wife ordered a whole fish that looked fantastic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUf2UlQnRhk/UzXYKFgNpHI/AAAAAAAAMss/m8kEd02oSjc/s1600/Robuchon19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUf2UlQnRhk/UzXYKFgNpHI/AAAAAAAAMss/m8kEd02oSjc/s1600/Robuchon19.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Fish</td></tr>
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This gentleman next to me was profusely complimenting the waitstaff about the food. Just when you think you have seen everything, tears came to his eyes as he applauded the taste of the mashed potato. Honestly it didn't look that special to me but if you can reduce a man to tears with this simple staple then so be it! Puzzled by his reaction to the puree potato, I looked online and apparently Robuchon earned his second Michelin star based solely on this dish! They use very cold water and salted butter to get just the right consistency. I was tempted to take my fork and plunk it down in his bowl when he wasn't looking but resisted!<br />
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Our guest to the right had the seared Foie Gras which also looked pretty good too. Though we soon learned that all was not perfect with those ordering the special 9 course menu. The waitstaff kept trying to introduce wine pairings with each dish. The people to our right kept having to decline this offer and you could tell they were getting annoyed by the pushy staff. The restaurant apparently likes to make a killing selling liquor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bez487ikY-M/UzXZrkUJ3fI/AAAAAAAAMs0/iAfEo_2jcvQ/s1600/Robuchon18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bez487ikY-M/UzXZrkUJ3fI/AAAAAAAAMs0/iAfEo_2jcvQ/s1600/Robuchon18.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie Gras</td></tr>
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Instead of ordering a larger dish to share from the other side of the menu we decided to cut our loses and each order a dessert. This was actually a very good idea as the desserts were both very good and big too!<br />
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My mother had a sabayon with chocolate and coffee. She said it was delicious!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT9linKorag/UzXZ8Rm3qWI/AAAAAAAAMs8/HmIHv8icBqY/s1600/Robuchon20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT9linKorag/UzXZ8Rm3qWI/AAAAAAAAMs8/HmIHv8icBqY/s1600/Robuchon20.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabayon of Chocolate and Coffee</td></tr>
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My dessert was harder to figure out. It was supposed to be a meringue but I think it was mostly whipped cream. It did have a coffee flavor and was very good. It was called Parfum Islands!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cokGlZFGf_A/UzXaSuD92MI/AAAAAAAAMtE/U_5RQ3LpKG8/s1600/Robuchon21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cokGlZFGf_A/UzXaSuD92MI/AAAAAAAAMtE/U_5RQ3LpKG8/s1600/Robuchon21.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parfum des Iles</td></tr>
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We concluded our "meal" if you can even call it that and asked for the check. One other couple across the way near the front of the restaurant was also having dessert but everyone else was still eating dinner. We did spot a special treat being served to a birthday guest at the end of our row. The waiters all sang Happy Birthday, in French of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnpYwqhDl6Y/UzXfwstd8iI/AAAAAAAAMtU/Z0e8Z1yogWA/s1600/Robuchon22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnpYwqhDl6Y/UzXfwstd8iI/AAAAAAAAMtU/Z0e8Z1yogWA/s1600/Robuchon22.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robuchon Birthday Guest</td></tr>
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The check wasn't this crumpled when it was presented to us. For the quantity and quality of food we had it was expensive at 158€. Our meal at Frenchie last night was not only significantly tastier but was also a much better value.<br />
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It is doubtful I would ever go to another L' Atelier du Joel Robuchon again. That being said, we had a very limited sampling and cannot adequately evaluate the full menu. As I mentioned previously, had we done the set menu with the 9 courses we may have come away with a more favorable experience.<br />
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We bid adieu to Mykial and the rest of the surly waitstaff and went outside to get a taxi. Since we finished dinner in just over one hour, we still had time to take the boat tour along the Seine. I have not done this in over 20 years. As Paris is remarkable at night and we still had lots of energy it seemed like a great idea. It might brighten our spirits too.<br />
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We arrived by taxi at the perfect time to do this at dusk. The Bateaux Mouches is a very popular venue and I think our boat tour at 9:00 pm was perhaps the last one of the day before closing time.<br />
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The line seemed very long and snaked around but it moved quickly and we soon had tickets. We then moved at a snails pace toward the boat. We climbed a short row of stairs and then found seats on the right side. Before we knew it we were off!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQbZUMdB4fc/UzrrEDF7m3I/AAAAAAAAMuA/2YzmUW9IU5c/s1600/Seine1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQbZUMdB4fc/UzrrEDF7m3I/AAAAAAAAMuA/2YzmUW9IU5c/s1600/Seine1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk along the Seine</td></tr>
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I know the boat trip along the Seine is very touristy but we thought it would be nice to see again. It might also help salvage our disappointing evening.<br />
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Our mood was brightened when we saw the sparkling Eiffel Tower with the lights twinkling on the hour. On the way back we would get a much closer look.<br />
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Some of the bright spotlights on the shore made seeing the buildings easier but taking photos was more challenging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ordpQn-5LnU/UzrsrbSC96I/AAAAAAAAMug/uffgPlY21x0/s1600/Seine10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ordpQn-5LnU/UzrsrbSC96I/AAAAAAAAMug/uffgPlY21x0/s1600/Seine10.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner Boat cruise</td></tr>
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We passed several dinner boats like this one during our trip.<br />
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They do a great job with lighting the buildings so you can see them from the river.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVOfh95-LMw/UzrtThLykGI/AAAAAAAAMuw/cO1M_cGonQ8/s1600/Seine12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVOfh95-LMw/UzrtThLykGI/AAAAAAAAMuw/cO1M_cGonQ8/s1600/Seine12.JPG" height="514" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame Cathedral</td></tr>
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When we reached the Notre Dame Cathedral everyone was snapping away.<br />
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Paris architecture is truly amazing!<br />
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We passed under several bridges during our tour.<br />
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They had recorded commentary in French, English and Mandarin. I don't remember what this building is. It looks like a castle!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee d'Orsay at night</td></tr>
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We next passed the Musee d'Orsay. I have lost track of how many times we have seen this building during our brief stay. It looks very elegant and is spectacular at night. It used to be a train station before being turned into a museum.<br />
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There were lots of smaller boats on the river too. This is near one of the more impressive bridges.<br />
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We were now back at the Eiffel Tower which is the highlight of the Seine boat trip.<br />
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I took lots of photos of the tower trying to get the perfect one!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower with Chinese Tourists</td></tr>
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More than half of the guests on our boat were Chinese. How things have changed from 20 years ago!<br />
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Being on the river may be the best place to get a photo of the Eiffel Tower at night.<br />
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You can see the lower restaurant quite well in this photo.<br />
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We had a great time on the Seine seeing the sights at night. The tour soon ended and we disembarked and tried to find a taxi. They had tons of buses to pickup the people leaving the boat and we walked in the same direction they were headed. Unfortunately this was not a good idea as there were no taxis there. Everything was closing down and we were not sure what the best place was to locate a taxi. We started to walk the 20 minutes back to the ticket office which was now closed when a taxi came by dropping someone off. A miracle! We ran over and he luckily was willing to take us back to our hotel. We certainly did a lot today!<br />
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Tomorrow we will spend most of the day in Paris until the late afternoon when we will take a train to Cologne, Germany. Our vacation is almost over!27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-72470522145680775662013-08-30T22:52:00.000-04:002014-03-18T13:04:24.491-04:00Disembark Dover and off to Paris!We're baaack! As they say, all good things must come to an end. Our 8 days aboard the Ocean Princess were great and lived up to expectations. Was it perfect? No. The food was a little lacking and there was zero enrichment (lectures) during our 2 sea days. However, service was excellent and we enjoyed the special ambiance of the smaller R Class ships. In totality, I consider our cruise around the British Isles a success and look forward to sailing on the "little" Princess ships in the future. I will be posting a highlights section with a full cruise review on the blog at the conclusion of the trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn arrival in Dover</td></tr>
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I think we arrived in Dover around 2:30 am. Why we had to leave Guernsey so early just to sit outside the Dover port until docking at 4:30 am is a mystery. It would have been so much nicer to have been able to spend the entire day in Guernsey without cutting our visit so short. It is only 205 nautical miles to Dover so I don't understand the rush to cut and run.<br />
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Arriving at dawn did provide the benefit of a gorgeous sunrise over the English Channel. We were early risers and stood out on the balcony taking in the view and watching the maritime traffic near the white cliffs of Dover. .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The P&O Ferry from Calais</td></tr>
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We had a quickie breakfast around 6:00 am before walking off the ship with our luggage. It appeared we were not among the first passengers to depart. The luggage was nicely arranged in the disembarkation area. Perhaps many others were also doing self disembarkation. We had everything with us and didn't need to stop here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port of Dover Luggage Area</td></tr>
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We popped in a taxi for the short ride to the Dover Priory station. I used up the last of my UK coinage to pay for the taxi. I still have a good bit of Scottish notes that I will keep for our next visit. Our train departed around 7:12 am.<br />
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The Southeastern trains run frequently to Ashford International. This is our destination to catch the Eurostar for the journey through the "Chunnel" to Paris. The Eurostar also runs from St. Pancras station in London and is much more popular.<br />
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When we arrived at Ashford International the station almost appeared deserted. The reason being the Eurostar only departs from here 2 -3 times per day. There is morning train and also an afternoon train. Some days there is also an evening train.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashford International Station</td></tr>
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There weren't many people waiting at the station except some school girls who were sort of blocking the entrance. I think they might be going to Disneyland.<br />
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Our train will depart at 9:55 am and will arrive in Paris at 12:47 pm. As time on the Continent is one hour ahead than the UK, the travel time is only 1 hour and 52 minutes. Boarding is at 8:30 am and I wanted to get here early to make sure we didn't cut the time too tight. I allocated plenty of time for immigration which actually only took 5 minutes. I thought it would take 30 minutes. Ultimately, we had lots of time to kill before our departure. All most too much. My mother made a donation of her UK coins to the food concession tip box. I paced around the waiting area until the doors opened and we could step out to the track. They don't open the doors until 10 minutes before the train is due to arrive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the doors to open</td></tr>
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When booking our tickets for the Eurostar, I studied the seating chart which is excellent and clearly identifies the location of the windows and the direction the seats are facing. I purchased the cheapest seats which cost $128 each for standard class.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Page of the Eurostar Seating Chart</td></tr>
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I selected Coach 15 and seats 27 & 28. I decided to sit near the front of the train. There are 18 coaches on the Eurostar in total.<br />
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Ashford station is quite large and has a pleasant airy design. I noticed the "girls" parked their bags near the Royal postal box. Guess they are coming with us.<br />
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The doors to the track suddenly opened and we walked down to section 15. It was well marked on the side of the station. The coach doors match up exactly with each section on the station platform. So organized!<br />
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The regular Southeastern train arrived on the opposite track just before ours.<br />
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The Eurostar arrived just a few minutes later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurostar to Paris</td></tr>
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Our coach was nearly full with passengers who boarded at St. Pancras. Once at our seats I stored the bags on the rack above which was a good size for carry-on luggage. The seats were comfortable but not luxurious. It was certainly adequate for our short journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjK4iqt4AM/UxiTLjyKbcI/AAAAAAAAMKg/ghqOdWDHpB8/s1600/Eurostar+Inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjK4iqt4AM/UxiTLjyKbcI/AAAAAAAAMKg/ghqOdWDHpB8/s1600/Eurostar+Inside.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of standard class seats</td></tr>
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As the seating chart indicated, the window was large and there were no obstructions. I was busy reading and didn't even notice when we had entered the tunnel until 5 minutes before we emerged across to France Terra Firma. It is a gorgeous day out and we look forward to walking around Paris this afternoon.<br />
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The time passed quickly until our arrival at Gare du Nord. This is so much easier than flying!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gare du Nord, Paris</td></tr>
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It was an easy transfer through the station to the taxi rank for our 10 minute ride to the hotel. While I have no qualms about splashing out now and again, I was more conservative this time on selecting a hotel. The George V and the new Shangri-La were very tempting but I decided to be more economical. My bank account was already taking a beating with some unexpected expenses unrelated to this trip. Paris has so many great choices that it is not necessary to spend a fortune on accommodations.<br />
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After considerable of research I ended up booking an inexpensive small boutique hotel in the 9th arrondissement for our two nights. I used Booking.com for my research which is a great resource to search for deals and hotels that are not well known. I discovered Les Plumes Hotel. It is relatively new / redone and a bit out of the way but for only €149 per night, a true bargain. I booked with the hotel directly to get the special promotional rate. At the time I booked the regular rate was around €280 per night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4ar8fKyQIU/UxoUgebTyZI/AAAAAAAAMLA/l9eobmawFW0/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Outside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4ar8fKyQIU/UxoUgebTyZI/AAAAAAAAMLA/l9eobmawFW0/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Outside.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance Les Plumes Hotel</td></tr>
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As we pulled up to the hotel I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive exterior. Les Plumes is located at 10, rue Lamartine. There is also a metro station (Cadet) right around the corner. It is a really cute hotel with a writers theme. The rooms are named for famous French authors including, George Sand, Victor Hugo, Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud. The design is a superb contrast between history and technology. The lobby area with its ebony walls and attractive fixtures was elegant with a modern touch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Lobby</td></tr>
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The color theme is black and dark yellow but it really works here. There is also a bookcase area off to the side which displays books featured in the room names.<br />
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The reception staff all wear top hats which is part of the hotel concept. It seems a bit quirky but you quickly get used to it. We checked in around 1:00 pm and were assigned room 401 which was one of the George & Alfred rooms (George Sand and Alfred de Musset).<br />
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After a quick ride in the nice elevator we arrived on the 4th floor. All the walls on the entire floor are covered in bookcase wallpaper. You had to look carefully to find out door! Upon entering I was immediately thrilled with the room. It is a good size and we have twin beds, a window with a view to the street and a lovely modern bathroom. I loved the shower with dark walls, captivating inscriptions and changing light colors. The room was truly adorable. I adored the top hat light fixture too. The design is very clever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George & Alfred Room</td></tr>
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The entire hotel has a/c which is very important at the end of August. The bed looks like a double bed but it is actually two twins. The shower has changing colored lights which was very atmospheric and fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-TYMXRmp0c/UxoVDDWZ0NI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/AvmiJz-QK_U/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-TYMXRmp0c/UxoVDDWZ0NI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/AvmiJz-QK_U/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Bath.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink and Shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwP4QmDc2Qg/UxoVK_c27sI/AAAAAAAAMLY/9WrQVTDJNd4/s1600/Paris+Hotel+Shower.JPG" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower with changing lights</td></tr>
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The room was immaculate, cozy and had everything we needed. There was also a minibar and a safe in the small closet.</div>
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The hallway wallpaper was also on the inside of the door. The room was large enough to accommodate two chairs, a little table and a large flat screen TV on the wall.<br />
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Both my mother and I have been to Paris several times. Although we are familiar with the city there are still areas and sights we have not seen before. After settling in and doing a little unpacking we went downstairs to get directions to a shop my mother wanted to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe next door to our hotel</td></tr>
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As we stood outside waiting for our taxi we noticed the cute cafe next door. Our hotel does not have a restaurant so this was quite welcome.<br />
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We provided the directions to the taxi driver to a wholesale emporium selling inexpensive clothing and jewelry. One of my mother's acquaintances has a shop in the Caribbean and has purchased merchandise from this same store. They also have a store in Montreal. The directions were easy and we could have taken the metro but not surprisingly mother insisted on a taxi. The driver dropped us off at Palme Atoll but it didn't appear very enticing. In fact, it was actually rather depressing. Perhaps the quality had gone down (way down!) in the last few years as it was very disappointing. Honestly it all looked like junk! The "jewelry" if you can even call it that was very tribal and was priced at 1 - 5 euros. The clothing was nothing like what her friend had ordered before. I waited outside while Mother spent about 15 minutes trying to decide if she should make any purchases but finally gave up.<br />
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We are not getting off to a very good start. I was glad we didn't spend too much time here. I had in mind a place I wanted to see so we decided to walk over to metro and take the train there. Mother didn't really like the steps down to the station so it seems going forward we will be taking lots of taxis.<br />
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Paris has several enclosed arcades from the 1800's and I have not visited any of these before. I previously looked at the map for one of them and thought it would be easy to find. We arrived in the 2nd arrondissement via metro and then proceeded to spend the next 30 minutes walking around in circles trying to find it. We asked for directions several times but no one seemed to know about this place. It was supposedly near the Palais Royal but not that close either. Even with a map we made little progress. This day is truly turning into a disaster!<br />
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Mother was hungry for lunch and quickly losing patience. We ended up in the middle of nowhere and proceeded to walk into an upscale wood flooring store. The young couple who owned it were very nice and kindly looked up the address for us on their computer. They said it was not that far to walk, perhaps 10 minutes but my mother was done with walking and I also thought we would get lost again. We asked them to call a taxi and in a few minutes we were on our way again, and this time finally made it!<br />
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<b><u>Galerie Vivienne</u></b><br />
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The lovely Galerie Vivienne is a glass covered arcade that was constructed in 1823 on plans by architect Francois-Jean Delannoy. It was designated a historical monument in 1974. It is 176 meters long and is illuminated by a glass rotunda. There are about 20 unique boutiques and 4 bistro / restaurants inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance Galerie Vivienne</td></tr>
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Immediately upon our arrival we spotted Bistrot Vivienne with its impressive wood staircase and plush rose colored drapes and decided to try it. This was such a relief after so much walking. I am glad we did not give up!<br />
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It is a very cute bistro and wasn't that busy since it was already around 2:00 pm and past lunch time. My mother had a small salmon appetizer and I had a mediocre Caesar salad with chicken. Mother also enjoyed a glass of Rose wine.<br />
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We wondered when we were being seated why they asked us to sit at a table away from the center of the room. They explained something about the floor but I didn't really understand until we saw this giant red contraption suddenly emerge.<br />
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It didn't make much noise though. The trash collector went up and down 2 or 3 times to clear the refuse from lunchtime. It must have been a very busy day!<br />
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After lunch we walked around Galerie Vivienne looking at all the lovely shops. They had some very nice high end stores. I tried on a scarf in one of them. The shop is called Wolff et Descourtis. It is a beautiful store but sadly beyond my meager budget.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolff et Descourtis</td></tr>
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Above is the same design of the scarf I tried on . I liked it very much but at €350 it cost more than our hotel stay.<br />
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This clothing store below was also quite nice. It is called Catherine Andre. The collection is very classic and also quite elegant. I loved the muted colors. All the shops here had nice large windows with beautiful wood trim to display their merchandise. It was wonderful for window shopping.<br />
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Further down we noticed a very nice floral shop called Emilio Robba. It turns out they even have a shop in Miami. This store was marvelous and very creative! They had several "living walls" with fake animal heads attached to it. They also sell engaging floral arrangements.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilio Robba</td></tr>
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We took a brief look inside. This is one of the walls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilio Robba Living Wall</td></tr>
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The atmosphere of the Galerie was very tranquil and special. It was nice not having to walk down a busy street with tons of people.<br />
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We stopped to look in the windows of an impressive wine store and a fancy gift shop.<br />
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I must have been tired as the photo of the wine shop is a little blurry. I read online that this particular shop is very well respected in the wine community.<br />
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Today the temps are in the mid 70's and it is warm but delightful outside. It was nice and cool in the Galerie. I must be wonderful to come here in the winter when it is freezing outside.<br />
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I said hello to this lady walking her Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV). Her dog was adorable! I was admiring the dog when I noticed the beautiful mosaic floor. It is terrific they have taken such good care of the building and preserved it.<br />
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Having reached the end of the Galerie we soon reversed our direction and retreated toward the entrance. <br />
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There were others taking photos too. Glad I am not alone!<br />
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We had no trouble getting a taxi to head to our next stop which was Galleries Lafayette. We drove by the Academie of Music and this building to the side.<br />
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The buildings are gorgeous.<br />
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We crossed over to the right bank and headed to the Hausemann area with its wide boulevards. I have not been to Galleries Lafayette in years. I have been looking at a photo of the Galleries Lafayette dome on our Paris map. I wanted to have a peek at the store and also take this exact photo myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galleries Lafayette</td></tr>
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Galleries Lafayette takes up an entire block. They have several different entrances. However, from any area you don't have to walk far to see the dome. You just have to look up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbXLFOahgj4/UyH3FRH9eCI/AAAAAAAAMQk/xv5Dnyap6VE/s1600/Paris+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbXLFOahgj4/UyH3FRH9eCI/AAAAAAAAMQk/xv5Dnyap6VE/s1600/Paris+22.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galleries Lafayette Dom</td></tr>
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The store has 10 main floors and is very upscale. The glass and steel dome is 43 meters high and was completed when the store opened at this location in 1912.<br />
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To recreate the photo I needed to go up a few levels and have the balconies in view. Mother was starting to get suspicious that the photo was the only reason for our visit here...and she would mostly be right!<br />
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And then one more level....<br />
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Mission accomplished! Now that I had my photo we decided to buy some Pierre Herme macarons and afterward take a look at the jewelry displays. They had a little Pierre Herme kiosk nearby in the store which was very convenient.<br />
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You could buy them by the piece or a set. We each purchased two. I love macarons and could have bought 10 at least. Good thing we just ate lunch. I had 1 chocolate and 1 Rose. Yummy!<br />
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We then took a look at some of the clothing and the lovely jewelry. Some of the jewelry was quite reasonable but a few of the items were more expensive. They had a very nice selection and the way they displayed them was terrific.<br />
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The clothing area reminds me of Bergdoff Goodman with separate sections.<br />
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I liked the bracelet on the right.<br />
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These below were pretty too but were bigger than I would normally wear.<br />
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We didn't make any purchases but it was fun looking. After about 90 minutes of walking around the store we decided it was time to head to our dinner location for tonight. We are going somewhere casual and don't need to change our clothing.<br />
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We walked by Printemps next door to get to the taxis parked out front.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNP-DnZACRg/UyH7PmDfCsI/AAAAAAAAMRs/mbk_4kkusk4/s1600/Paris+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNP-DnZACRg/UyH7PmDfCsI/AAAAAAAAMRs/mbk_4kkusk4/s1600/Paris+29.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printemps</td></tr>
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It was a pleasant taxi ride to Rue du Nil which is located in the 2nd Arrondissement. When I was thinking where we should eat for our two nights I decided to try new places both times. I discovered Frenchie and was able to score a reservation for one of their elusive tables. You usually need to book at Frenchie a month in advance which is what I did. I was thrilled that they are open in August and also that we can eat at 6:30 pm.<br />
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We admired the exterior of the beautiful opera house during our drive there.<br />
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While Paris may have changed a lot over the years it still has the most amazing architecture.<br />
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While in traffic I noticed the Lancel store across the way. However, I learned before this trip they no longer manufacture the nylon type bags that I like so I won't be going there.<br />
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We were soon dropped off near Rue du Nil. It is a very cute area. We walked down to the restaurant to make sure we knew where it was and then took a short walk to Rue du Bac.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBwuVRUdbNI/UyNRcVVUjYI/AAAAAAAAMSk/DcyYSlDaIp4/s1600/Paris+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBwuVRUdbNI/UyNRcVVUjYI/AAAAAAAAMSk/DcyYSlDaIp4/s1600/Paris+32.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue du Nil</td></tr>
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The street is very short and Frenchie was easy to find.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1VpkR613Io/UyNR39206II/AAAAAAAAMSs/qOakmxZha84/s1600/Paris+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1VpkR613Io/UyNR39206II/AAAAAAAAMSs/qOakmxZha84/s1600/Paris+33.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Frenchie</td></tr>
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We re-confirmed our reservation at reception and then took a little stroll around this quaint neighborhood.<br />
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As we crossed the street we noticed Lilla which sells silk scarves.<br />
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The store was super and had some really beautifully scarves in larger and smaller sizes. I spent about 20 minutes looking and ended up purchasing 2 scarves for myself and 5 as gifts. The owners are Chinese so I assume that is where these are made.<br />
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We now headed back to the restaurant. I noticed these adorable Fox Terriers on the corner while waiting for the light to change.<br />
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I assumed the couple was together. However, the woman started to walk in the opposite direction. One of the dogs doesn't seem too happy about being separated from his buddy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWXMpZg3umo/UyNUhTkuI5I/AAAAAAAAMTU/7F-Hh6uB8ek/s1600/Paris+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWXMpZg3umo/UyNUhTkuI5I/AAAAAAAAMTU/7F-Hh6uB8ek/s1600/Paris+37.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable Fox Terriers</td></tr>
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Hoping they will be reunited soon.<br />
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When we arrived back at the restaurant there were other diners already seated. Frenchie only accepts reservations at 6:30 pm so that is when almost everyone arrives. After that time they accept walk-ins if space is available. They also own a bar across the street which serves small plates and takes the over flow from the restaurant.<br />
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We were seated an presented with the menus. I had a cidre and my mother a glass of wine while we reviewed the menu.<br />
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The menu is very easy to discern as there are only two choices for the starter, main and dessert. You can also opt to add the Foie Gras and / or a cheese course for an additional charge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWQlsZApxLk/UyNWMy9jtQI/AAAAAAAAMTw/mhIWFvphYls/s1600/Paris+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWQlsZApxLk/UyNWMy9jtQI/AAAAAAAAMTw/mhIWFvphYls/s1600/Paris+41.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchie Menu last week of August 2013</td></tr>
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The menu is 45 euros per person without any beverages. It is a great deal for a 3 course gourmet meal. One of my pet peeves is not looking across the table to the same meal I am eating, Therefore I had my mother select the items she would order and then had the ones that remained. Frenchie changes their menu weekly so they have a nice variety to choose from.<br />
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We decided to share the Foie Gras with figs and walnuts first. The bread was too heavy but the foie gras was very good with the delicious condiments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw3FM9nm-9c/UyNXGFlpB5I/AAAAAAAAMT4/2q009yozaj4/s1600/Paris+43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw3FM9nm-9c/UyNXGFlpB5I/AAAAAAAAMT4/2q009yozaj4/s1600/Paris+43.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie Gras with figs and walnuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were sitting not far from the kitchen. It has a little screen door that lifts up. There appeared to be 3 -4 people cooking back there.<br />
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I snapped a photo of Greg Marchand who is the chef and owner of Frenchie. It is amazing what the French can do in a tiny kitchen! The decor of the restaurant was also quite charming with brick and stone walls.<br />
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About 20 minutes later our starters were presented to our table. Mother had the Quail with mushrooms and black currant. It looked fabulous! She said it was outstanding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyC53PFjTog/UyNY3fcwUvI/AAAAAAAAMUM/yDPflW2CTIY/s1600/Paris+44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyC53PFjTog/UyNY3fcwUvI/AAAAAAAAMUM/yDPflW2CTIY/s1600/Paris+44.JPG" height="508" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail with mushroom and black currant</td></tr>
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I had the smoked mackerel with red currant, tomato and watermelon. The fish looks minuscule but that is because of the over-sized large dish it was placed in.<br />
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The mackerel was good but it wasn't going to win any awards in my book. The quail dish was the crowd-pleaser.<br />
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The restaurant was now completely full and it seemed the kitchen preferred to make all the starters at the same time before beginning the main meal preparations. We weren't in a rush though and it was nice to just relax and enjoy the ambiance.<br />
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Eventually the main dishes arrived. Mother had the cod from Saint-Jean de Luz with mushrooms and coco beans. Again the presentation was first rate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1INC06YhLqM/UyNas_MGY5I/AAAAAAAAMUk/GsGjVNI1Mf0/s1600/Paris+47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1INC06YhLqM/UyNas_MGY5I/AAAAAAAAMUk/GsGjVNI1Mf0/s1600/Paris+47.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cod with tomato and coco beans</td></tr>
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Mother loved the sauce and said the cod was fantastic.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zpketD9zz4/UyNboQzqCZI/AAAAAAAAMUs/j3FA0RCuto0/s1600/Paris+46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zpketD9zz4/UyNboQzqCZI/AAAAAAAAMUs/j3FA0RCuto0/s1600/Paris+46.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamworth Pig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had the pork or more accurately the "Tamworth Pig with sweetcorn, pickled cucumber and orange blossom harissa". I was a bit hesitant to order this as I thought it might be too fatty but I do like pork belly. I hoped it would be good. It was actually great! The orange blossom harrisa was an excellent accompaniment to the flavor of the pork and the cucumber. There was also hardly any fat.<br />
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It was interesting watching the other diners. Due to the limited menu several of the patrons tasted their dishes and decide to switch plates with their partners. It would be a great idea to share to sample both dishes.<br />
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Both dessert options sounded great to me and I didn't care which one I ordered. Mother enjoyed the sorbet of wild blackberries, lime chestnut and marigold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ke1ef4c_lnc/UyNgxx5jTmI/AAAAAAAAMU8/4kph8FxbHSU/s1600/Paris+48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ke1ef4c_lnc/UyNgxx5jTmI/AAAAAAAAMU8/4kph8FxbHSU/s1600/Paris+48.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberry sorbet with lime and marigold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I savored the delectable sorbet of raspberry, yogurt and basil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0BeCVakgco/UyNhddpl8SI/AAAAAAAAMVE/JDQ4cdQwH4Q/s1600/Paris+49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0BeCVakgco/UyNhddpl8SI/AAAAAAAAMVE/JDQ4cdQwH4Q/s1600/Paris+49.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Raspberry sorbet with yogurt and basil. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The raspberry sorbet had a kick of pepper but the yogurt was very soothing and toned it down.<br />
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We both loved our meal at Frenchie. The food, service and ambiance was excellent. The price was also quite reasonable. After the bill was presented I asked them to call us a taxi.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGRcRU90MVg/UyNkyymev5I/AAAAAAAAMV0/Wb2357eRD5U/s1600/Frenchie002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGRcRU90MVg/UyNkyymev5I/AAAAAAAAMV0/Wb2357eRD5U/s1600/Frenchie002.jpg" height="640" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bill</td></tr>
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The cost of the entire meal including two bottles of water was only 128 euros. I thought it was an excellent deal for such great food.<br />
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It was now around 9:00 pm so dinner took about 2 1/2 hours but we had a great time and it didn't drag on. While we waited outside for the taxi I took a few photos of the exterior of Frenchie and the diners inside.<br />
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Greg Marchand, the chef and owner has a cookbook which I considered buying but I think I will order it online so I don't have to carry it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookbook</td></tr>
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Most of the diners were in their late 20 to mid 40's. It was a nice group and a lively bunch of people.<br />
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Having door-to-door service was great and we were soon careening via taxi down the Paris boulevards to our hotel. In no time we were back at the hotel. It was nice to be home!<br />
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We watched a little TV and I also used my iPad before going to bed. The wifi (also free) worked great. Tomorrow we will take an excursion to Giverny to see the famous Monet Garden. We are looking forward to revisiting Normandy!27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-8516158581835633082013-08-29T21:58:00.000-04:002014-06-16T10:24:29.622-04:00St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Day 8The fantastic weather from yesterday has followed us to the Channel Islands. We are very lucky as this is another tender port and sometimes the wind and / or rough seas will prevent cruise ships from visiting. When we booked the cruise I had originally planned to disembark here instead of Dover and was granted permission by Princess. However, several weeks into the summer season it became apparent that many cruise lines had to cancel this port stop due to poor weather. I made a Plan A and Plan B for what to do if the port was cancelled during our scheduled day here.<br />
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After crunching the numbers it was going to be a significant hit if we didn't make it to Guernsey. The prospect of cancelling non-refundable ferry tickets, train tickets plus hotels on Guernsey and at Mont Saint Michel was adding up to a serious deficit. The writing so to speak was on the wall. A month prior to the cruise I reluctantly decided to cancel the disembarkation on Guernsey and stay on the ship. Instead of spending time on the Channel Islands and in Brittany, we would stay in Paris for 2 nights. I know, a small sacrifice!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival in St. Peter Port, Guernsey</td></tr>
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So it was with some regret as we pulled into St. Peter Port with the gorgeous weather that I thought wistfully of what we would be missing by only spending a few hours here and unable to fully enjoy the island. I know I should be thankful for what I have rather than what I do not. We were very fortunate we could anchor and tender. As we will probably only get a "taste" of what Guernsey has to offer I planned to just relax and go with the flow. Oh, but as we found out later what a taste that would be!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor St. Peter Port</td></tr>
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Following breakfast, as we did yesterday we took an early morning tender to shore. The day started a bit hazy but the cloud cover soon dissipated. Since we will be touring on our own we will be able to enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace. My mother is certainly thrilled about that part! We arrived at the dock near the right side of town if facing the island from the sea.<br />
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Immediately upon our arrival we spotted the left luggage area at the end of the pier. I had wondered if this existed since the hotel I had originally booked and later cancelled required a check out fairly early.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Luggage St. Peter Port, Guernsey</td></tr>
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It was nice to know we could have checked out and brought our luggage here for the ferry I had planned to take the Condor Ferry at 1:30 pm the next day. As we will be back on the Ocean Princess later today I will save this reconnaissance for another time.<br />
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<b><u>St. Peter Port, Guernsey</u></b><br />
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St. Peter Port is the capital of Guernsey. The island is officially a "Bailiwick"and is not part of the United Kingdom. Guernsey is however part of the British Crown but has its own autonomy in government affairs.<br />
Along with Jersey, Sark, Herm and a few other outcropping this area is known as the Channel Islands.<br />
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Guernsey has its own currency but UK coinage is accepted. It is important to note that Guernsey notes and coins cannot be used outside of the Channel Islands.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coat of Arms</td></tr>
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During World War II Guernsey was under the occupation of Germany. These were very tough times and a fictional account was depicted in the highly acclaimed book, "<i>The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Society</i>". It is an enjoyable read.<br />
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The island has a total land area of 24.5 square miles. Guernsey is only 31 miles west of Normandy, France. Condor Ferries offers high speed catamaran service twice a day to St. Malo which takes only a couple of hours.<br />
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Our main event of the day is enjoy a walk through the Old Town area and then to tour Hauteville House, the former home of the infamous exiled writer Victor Hugo. I completed an application online to make sure we would be admitted as tickets are limited to 10 people per hour. One amusing item on the form was our promise not to be bare chested and to wear shoes! Happy to say we will comply on both accounts. Since we had to tender I selected the tour at 11:00 am. However, once ashore I realized that the one at 10:00 am would work better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town, St Peter Port</td></tr>
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We took a leisurely stroll through the Old Town's cobbled streets heading south. It was still early so the shops were not open yet.<br />
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We enjoyed looking at the store windows and the displays. This area was very upscale and attractive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great display of boxes, clocks and jewelry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venetian Puppets with bits and bobs</td></tr>
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The streets in the Old Town are rather narrow and provide a small village ambiance. We needed to make a quick dash at one point as a delivery truck tooted its horn and we had to move aside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking uphill</td></tr>
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The further we walked the shops became more interesting. It was nice there were not many cars or trucks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Leopard Combo</td></tr>
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I thought it was interesting to put a sign in the window with things that were not on sale. The leopard hat was tempting but the shops would not open for another hour or so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great street</td></tr>
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Since the journey was uphill my mother was already starting to lag after only 25 minutes! I thought to myself as short as our visit is on Guernsey it was going to be a long day after all. Mother said her knees were killing her which is not an uncommon complaint. However, this time her anguish seemed more palpable. We stopped several times to let her rest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Estate Office</td></tr>
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If we were interested in moving to Guernsey we found a good place to start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF79BJINRu4/Uv5kpjTxoMI/AAAAAAAAL6I/-XT4QxRT4Qo/s1600/G13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF79BJINRu4/Uv5kpjTxoMI/AAAAAAAAL6I/-XT4QxRT4Qo/s1600/G13.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfridges 8% sale</td></tr>
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Now as I glanced at the attractive St. Peter Port scenery, I was thankful mother with her bad knees would not be climbing the steps at Mont Saint Michel. I would never have heard the end of it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice building for the bank</td></tr>
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We were now at the end of the street. At the corner there was what appeared to be a government building. We paused again to figure out which way to go.<br />
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I had a map with me but still inquired to a passersby as to the direction to Hauteville House. The roads twist and turn here and it wasn't clear if we had lost our way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very nice square</td></tr>
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Rest assured we were on the right track and after a few more hills (yes hills!) and stopping to let mother rest, we made it!<br />
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As we turned the corner, Hauteville House is the second building on the left, located at 38 Hauteville Street..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hauteville House</td></tr>
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The white facade is basic and belies the gems hidden inside. We went to the closed door and knocked. A young woman answered and we asked about our tour and changing the time. I showed my printed confirmation and after checking with the front desk we were told it would be fine to do the 10:00 am tour instead and to enjoy the garden in the back for 10 - 15 minutes. I was very happy they could accommodate us earlier.<br />
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We walked around back to the lovely garden which had an abundance of flowers and trees. It was almost like a mini-park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hauteville House Garden</td></tr>
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The garden is bigger than it initially looked and delightful. The mild climate allows gardens to do quite well here. The gardener was fast at work prepping the fountain area. Mother sat on one of the benches while I enjoyed a symphony of the floral bouquets. I just wish I knew the names of the foliage. Everything was laid out exquisitely and the composition was enhanced by each individual element.<br />
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The garden is U shaped and goes around in a circle. The little dirt path is impeccably maintained and it was a treat to enjoy. I am glad we arrived early or we may have missed this part if pressed for time.<br />
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At the corner of the garden we had a hazy view of the harbor and the Ocean Princess. It was turning out to be a very nice day. Temps were in the high 70's.<br />
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I made my way around to the other side of the garden. The landscape design was just as nice on this side. The large trees really made the garden feel more expansive too.<br />
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As I made my way back to the front I walked past the sign for the garden which is in French, English and German.<br />
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The rear of the house was also quite interesting. We were told later that the spiral staircase was added in the 20th century as a fire escape required by law.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of Hauteville House</td></tr>
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I noticed a few people who work here were using the back door to the house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Door Hauteville House</td></tr>
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As our tour time approached we walked around to the front entrance and entered the main hall of the building.<br />
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<b><u>Victor Hugo and Hauteville House</u></b><br />
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Victor Hugo lived at Hauteville House for 15 years during his exile from France from 1855 to 1870. He made his way to Guernsey after a brief stop in Belgium and 3 years on the Island of Jersey. His outspoken political views did not take kindly to the French regime of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte and he needed to find a new home. He moved his entire family including his longtime mistress, Juliette Drouet to Guernsey. He ensconced his mistress in a nearby house a few blocks away.<br />
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Fortunately Victor Hugo was not hard for cash as the success of his poetry in <i>"Contemplations"</i> allowed him to purchase this former Corsairs house up on a hill with outstanding views. He then set out as most new homeowners do and redecorate. However, Victor Hugo took this to a whole new level.<br />
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In 1927 Jeanne, Victor Hugo's granddaughter and three of his other relatives donated the home to the City of Paris who maintain and run the home as a museum.<br />
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While we were waiting in the front hall a British couple walked in and inquired as to the price of the tour. They balked at the 7 pounds and left. It is a shame because I think the price is quite reasonable and once inside it is a cornucopia of design that almost anyone would enjoy.<br />
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Soon others arrived and joined our small group. Most pre-reserved the tour in advance as we had. There were about 12 people on our tour although I thought they limited each one to 10. Our guide was Julia and she was delightful. It must be hard doing this tour again and again but she was enthusiastic and seemed to genuinely enjoy it. Tours are available from April to September, Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information you can send an email to: <a href="mailto:hugohouse@cwgsy.net?subject=hugohouse@cwgsy.net" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">hugohouse@cwgsy.net </a><br />
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Julia explained a bit about Victor Hugo, his personal life, published works and his love of design. Most people are only familiar with Victor Hugo's skill as a writer and his rebuke against the French regime. Julia asked how many of us had read <i>"Les Miserables"</i> or other of his works and only a smattering of hands went up. I wasn't one of them either I am afraid. The more I learned about Victor Hugo though, the more intrigued I became.<br />
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The tour began with a peak at the kitchen area before entering the billiard room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen area</td></tr>
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The billiard room was quite interesting with a somewhat Moroccan style with the long covered sofas. The room has lots of family photos. The French pool table is called "Carom Billiards" and has no pockets in it.<br />
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The family portraits in the room included one of his favorite daughter who died at 19 when her boat overturned on the Seine. The art in the room was eclectic too. We were told Victor Hugo made the ones pictured below himself with coffee grinds.<br />
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We were lead into an adjoining room which held a large cabinet with a fireplace and a mirror.<br />
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I don't think Victor Hugo ever met a tapestry he didn't like. Even the ceilings were covered with them.<br />
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The oak table looks very similar to one that I own. Mine was reclaimed from a barn door which we were told is the case as the one here.<br />
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Once he went into exile on Guernsey there were only so many hours a day he could spend writing. It was interesting to hear how Victor Hugo would go to the antique markets and house sales to find his treasures on the island to decorate his home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Paper screen above the door</td></tr>
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The Oriental influence of the screen above the door was a nice surprise. At the time Victor Hugo was decorating his home the Oriental style was all the rage and very popular.<br />
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I was able to get a good photo of the room as everyone departed to next area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of tapestry</td></tr>
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The next room we entered was missing its ceiling tapestry. It is being restored.<br />
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The mixture of all the elements was well balanced. This room had a view out the back to a terrace and the harbor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrace</td></tr>
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Our next venue was the kitchen area. Victor Hugo very creatively decorated it by covering the ceiling with china. Hoping they are very secure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantry / Kitchen ceiling</td></tr>
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Julia explained that the glass objects in this plaque are the discarded remains of glass blown bottle tops. Another great DIY idea!<br />
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We next entered a part of the house with tons of Delft ceramic tiles. Victor Hugo loved incorporating his name though out the home with his initials. You could spot them everywhere!<br />
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The Delft tiles were masterfully arranged. They created a bright and airy room.<br />
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Julia explained that Victor Hugo was against most standard conventions including monogamy, religion, politics, you name it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The End of Religion"</td></tr>
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I loved this little area of ceramics with the little dog.<br />
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The tour continued upstairs on the second floor. This stairway leads to the bedroom area, reception rooms and the library. Above the stairs is a skylight. Another room is actually built directly over it! <br />
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The steps were quite easy to navigate even for mother who doesn't like stairs. At the top we entered what more closely resembled a jewelry box. There are two reception rooms, with the Red Room being the most spectacular. The incorporation of the damask, silks, gilt and tapestries was almost overwhelming. It may be a bit over the top but I love the ornate style. The items came from France and Asia.<br />
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The Blue Room on the other side had a sitting area and was more subdued.<br />
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The embroidered paneling was very impressive. It even was continued on the ceiling.<br />
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The brightness of this area was a nice contrast to the ground floor.<br />
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We were told the statues came from Asia which Victor Hugo purchased from a ship captain.<br />
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The composition of the room is well done with the combination of rose colors and blues and greens. The concave eagle mirrors make the room feel quite regal too.<br />
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The table in the center used to be a door.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3_kslXKlAg/UwPGDcPJ2aI/AAAAAAAAMAk/iCuiwEgA82U/s1600/G62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3_kslXKlAg/UwPGDcPJ2aI/AAAAAAAAMAk/iCuiwEgA82U/s1600/G62.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapestry detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had another view of the skylight as we walked across to the next room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zktEba355A/UwPGRwBLPjI/AAAAAAAAMAs/pmYo5lEgty8/s1600/G63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zktEba355A/UwPGRwBLPjI/AAAAAAAAMAs/pmYo5lEgty8/s1600/G63.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This room below was designed as Victor Hugo's bedroom but he had a strong dislike for it and hardly ever used. The bed actually has an area that slides forward with a trundle. A few of us snickered that that might have come in handy for Hugo's mistress who lived nearby.<br />
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The opposite side of the room looks like a magistrate chamber with its large desk and chair. It was not used for writing. The bed was also only slept in once.<br />
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The room is a bit dreary but does have a fantastic view.<br />
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The last two areas to see were the library and the enclosed rooftop writing area. The library was basically a hallway on the landing with some very old books.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9zQR8pYJZM/Uwe8yZVQADI/AAAAAAAAMCM/CNqWJp3-IDI/s1600/Encyclo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9zQR8pYJZM/Uwe8yZVQADI/AAAAAAAAMCM/CNqWJp3-IDI/s1600/Encyclo.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valuable Encyclopedias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perhaps in a few hundred years the 1969 Encyclopedia Britannica set my grandfather purchased may resemble these.<br />
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It was said Victor Hugo placed the books here so they would be available to his staff. Sounds like he was a very kind man.<br />
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Perhaps the most impressive area of the entire home is the area known as the "Lookout".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lookout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is where Victor Hugo would stand for hours at the windows on either side of the room crafting his masterpieces. Apparently he would write in the freezing cold during winter or the blazing heat of the summer looking out to the islands of Sark /Herm and further to France composing his works.<br />
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It really is a fantastic room. The lightness and the view were marvelous. The upholstered sofa is where he would rest. To the side hidden away is an area that resembles a shipman's cabin. It was here that Victor Hugo slept. There were also little cupboards for him to hide away a waste basin and his clothing.<br />
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The view from the lookout was terrific. It was here that Victor Hugo composed his famous works "<i>Les Miserables</i>", "<i>Notre</i> <i>Dame de Paris"</i> (known to English readers as (<i>The Hunchback of Notre Dame)</i> and <i>"Les Travailleurs de la Mer",</i> (<i>Toilers of the Sea)</i>. In fact his writing career was the most productive while living on Guernsey.<br />
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Below are Victor Hugo's own words to describe the view:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Et cependant, pensif, j’</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">é</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">cris </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">à </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> ma fen</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">ê</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">tre,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Je regarde le flot na</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">î</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">tre, expirer, rena</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">î</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">tre,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Et les go</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">ë</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">lands fendre l’air.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Les navires au vent ouvrent leurs envergures,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Et ressemblent au loin </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Ã </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> de grandes figures</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Qui se prom</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">è</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">nent sur la mer.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">And still, deep in thought, I write at my window,</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I watch the tide come in, go out, come in again.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">And the gulls slice though the air.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ships unfurl their sails before the wind:</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Seen far off they remind me of giants</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Who stroll up and down on the sea.</span></span></i></div>
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The tour had now come to and end and we descended to the ground level and thanked Julia for a great tour. I am very glad we spent our few precious hours on Guernsey seeing this home.<br />
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It was a little past 11:00 am and we did not have to be back on board the ship until 2:30 pm. I was hoping to still visit the Castle Cornet area and also make a stop at Candie Gardens. However, we had more pressing matters at hand as mother was very tired and desperately wanted a glass of wine and a nice lunch. Luckily I had researched the various tables on the island and knew where to go.<br />
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As we turned the corner this was not it!<br />
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We passed a few other establishments during our walk to toward the quayside including a large Thai themed restaurant. They were doing some road work and you had to be careful where you walked.<br />
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We were up on a hill so the walk down was pretty easy. We glanced in some shop windows on the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was not long before we were at the quay level and walking along the street with views of the harbor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were the only ship in port today but not the only visitors. There were tons of people about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-0QTF5JcN8/UwfAxWifdHI/AAAAAAAAMDM/IV99G2dUqr0/s1600/G81.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-0QTF5JcN8/UwfAxWifdHI/AAAAAAAAMDM/IV99G2dUqr0/s1600/G81.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stopped at the Tourist Info kiosk to ask directions to the restaurant and it was just two blocks up. The good news is we soon arrived at our destination but unfortunately it was still too early for lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51vcMlf6e5I/UwfBPpNkP0I/AAAAAAAAMDU/RXlvip73Ry8/s1600/G82.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51vcMlf6e5I/UwfBPpNkP0I/AAAAAAAAMDU/RXlvip73Ry8/s1600/G82.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Nautique</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Le Nautique has very good reviews on Tripadvisor and the view is supposed to be very nice. It is Michelin rated (not starred) but we deserve a good meal, don't we?<br />
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As it was a bit before noon time we looked at the menu outside and then walked up the stairs to the entrance to find out what time we could be seated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBSq9BJ2hE/UwfB55y8KTI/AAAAAAAAMDg/q_ilpNagc4Y/s1600/G83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBSq9BJ2hE/UwfB55y8KTI/AAAAAAAAMDg/q_ilpNagc4Y/s1600/G83.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Nautique Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The staff we actually finishing up their own lunch but allowed us to enjoy a drink in the bar until they were ready. Mother had a glass of wine and I had a club soda. I also made a trip to the restroom facilities which were very nice. I love the Dyson hand air dryer machine. It is so much nicer than the ones in the U.S.<br />
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About 20 minutes later we were seated at a lovely table with a fantastic view. We couldn't sit directly at the window because it was reserved. We still could see quite well out the windows from our table.<br />
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The decor of the restaurant is very light and refreshing with beamed ceilings and white stucco walls. There is maritime paraphernalia hanging on the walls but it is rather discrete.<br />
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We perused the menu (they offered a regular menu and a more reasonable special lunch menu) and made our selections which also included several glasses of wine. I am glad we didn't order a bottle when I saw the size of it! Just kidding!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbH7TCU8j1k/UwfDj-uYn0I/AAAAAAAAMD8/7H3WkVeedxw/s1600/G92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbH7TCU8j1k/UwfDj-uYn0I/AAAAAAAAMD8/7H3WkVeedxw/s1600/G92.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious Sicilian Wine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mother loved the red wine from Sicily. It is very reasonable too at only 8 pounds per glass. After the wine was served I walked upstairs to get a better view of the harbor and Castle Cornet in the distance. I had a feeling this was going to be the closest we were going to get to it as mother no doubt would prefer to return to ship following lunch. As we need to tender back she didn't want to rush through our meal as we still needed to allow a little extra time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor and Castle Cornet in the distance</td></tr>
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The view must be even more spectacular at night. I took a few more photos of the dining room just before more guests arrived. The room was about half full by the time we ended our meal.<br />
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There were some rather interesting businessmen at the next table discussing high finance. I think one of them was Flemish and the other two were from the Netherlands.<br />
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The view was mesmerizing. The server came to prepare the table for our meal and to inquire if we wanted more wine. But of course!<br />
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I admired the serious looking shellfish utensils and enjoyed the yummy butter with the soft bread. It was not long before our meal was served. Mother had the prawns with green curry which looked delicious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prawns with Green Curry</td></tr>
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My dish was the lobster salad. Oh my! It looked outstanding.<br />
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The size of the lobster tail and claw were huge. I loved the presentation and being able to partially shell my own lobster was a plus. The sauce on the side was a bit like mayo but more flavorful. It tasted similar to Heinz Cream Sauce that comes in a bottle. This was one of or perhaps the best lobster I have ever eaten. Coming from New England that is saying a lot! I loved it!!<br />
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I savored each and every bite. I told the maitre'd how fantastic the lobster was and he remarked that in New England we get Blue lobster which actually is not exactly true but I didn't debate the matter. After finishing the lobster I went upstairs for a second time to wash my hands. I enjoyed using the Dyson dryer again. I took photos of the view from the second story. There are about the same amount of tables here as where we are dining but they only use this room at dinner time when it is busier.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the second floor</td></tr>
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I arrived back at our table just in time to contemplate the dessert menu. I knew what dessert my mother was going to order from the lunch special menu. Everything sounded so good on the main dessert menu that it took some time to make a final decision.<br />
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We placed our order and then talked about what to do following lunch. Mother said since we only had an hour it was it best that we go back to the ship. I was not surprised by this and saying I would join her later I wisely knew was not an option. She would just sit there worrying the entire time I would miss the ship!<br />
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The dessert brightened things up nicely though. Mother had the Apple Tatin. This is one of her favorite desserts and today's offering did not disappoint.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Tart Tatin</td></tr>
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I selected the apple and plum crumble with maple walnut ice cream. Yummy!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple and Plum Crumble</td></tr>
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We both enjoyed our desserts and relaxed before settling the bill which I charged on my visa. We never had to get cash to use on the island. Another plus. Having enjoyed a fantastic meal, we soon departed Le Nautique and started walking back toward the quay.<br />
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We walked past the very cute tourist info building. Once outside I realized the walk to the Castle Cornet would only take 5 minutes but mother really couldn't walk anymore. Defeated, I agreed we should just return to the ship. We passed this marker commemorating the 60th anniversary of liberation from German occupation along the way.<br />
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I would have enjoyed seeing some the museums to learn more about the German occupation on the island. I will certainly do that next time.<br />
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We walked to the embarkation area for the tender but it was not there and we had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. I am glad we are on a smaller ship. Doing this with 2000+ people would not be fun. One other issue was one of the wives of the crew was there with her screaming 3 year old son. You could not blame the little boy for his behavior but the mother was rather clueless and didn't discipline him. My mother said a few unkind words to the mother and I tried to keep her a good distance away which wasn't easy. If anything, my mother definitely believes in discipline!<br />
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When my sister and I were eight years old and about to enter a jewelry store on Newbury Street in Boston our mother threatened us to behave or she would "kill us". Yes, we believed death was a possibility and didn't say a word. We were statues. Another memorable time was when my sister was 10 and didn't hold the door for my mother walking into a shopping mall on a cold winter day. My sister was told to stand outside in 25 degree temperatures until we returned. I couldn't believe she was actually still there, almost a Popsicle nonetheless when we we came back an hour later. Needless to say, my sister never forgot to hold the door ever again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise Pier</td></tr>
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As we tried to ignore the screaming child, finally the tender arrived and we all scampered onboard. The mother with the child was nearby but on the opposite side of the boat. We had a nice trip back to ship. It was sad to leave Guernsey so quickly. I wish they didn't have to depart until 5:00 pm.<br />
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Once back on the ship mother went up to the room and I went to the pool area to take photos of our departure. The pool and deck area were very busy with everyone enjoying the great warm weather.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool area is very busy with the warm weather</td></tr>
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Lots of people were standing at the aft enjoying the sailaway from St. Peter Port.<br />
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I decided to go up one deck to get a better view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck with running / walking track</td></tr>
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I had the area all to myself to take photos. We were not wasting any time as we were sailing away at a fast speed. I think this is either Sark or Herm in the distance we are passing.<br />
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I then turned back to Guernsey for a final look.<br />
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I stood out on deck for another 15 minutes before returning to the room. As this is our last night on the Ocean Princess the cruise is coming to an end. This is our third cruise on Princess and only the second time on Princess we have finished up at the designated disembarkation port. One time we disembarked in Grand Turk and flew on a little mosquito (small plane) to Providenciales. Like Victor Hugo I am not a huge fan of conformity either.<br />
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I went back to the room and was busy charging my devices. I got ready for our 6:00 pm dinner but we arrived a little late to our table. Almost everyone else was already in the dining room. Menus were quickly dispatched and we immediately made our selections as to not delay the servers from their schedule.<br />
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I wasn't that impressed with the menu but it didn't seem terrible either. Just not that exciting.<br />
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I started off with the watermelon and feta salad. It was light and refreshing. My mother had the squash soup which she said was delicious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon and feta</td></tr>
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The dining room seemed especially lively tonight but we were not sure why. Perhaps everyone was excited for the end of the cruise.<br />
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Our main dishes were served 15 minutes later. I had the linguine with white clams and my mother had mussels. Both dishes were excellent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linguini with white clams</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussels</td></tr>
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It turned out to be quite a pleasing dinner after all. We had never eaten in the main dining room on the last night of a Princess Cruise. We were looking around and noticed the waiters getting ready to march into the dining room carrying trays, What was this all about?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ5T2wqTO7M/Uwu9eyn1WvI/AAAAAAAAMHs/zM24-iZmfvA/s1600/O16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ5T2wqTO7M/Uwu9eyn1WvI/AAAAAAAAMHs/zM24-iZmfvA/s1600/O16.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiters getting ready</td></tr>
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Looks like something is about to happen! All of sudden there was shouting and hollering, I think some music too as the waiters paraded out of the kitchen hoisting platters of Baked Alaska.<br />
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Everyone was waving their napkins in the air. They were all very excited! Our waiter Budi paused so that we could get a photo of the main attraction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQz7B8Sk33Q/Uwu-XuwlfYI/AAAAAAAAMH8/k1oTJhKFKWs/s1600/O18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQz7B8Sk33Q/Uwu-XuwlfYI/AAAAAAAAMH8/k1oTJhKFKWs/s1600/O18.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budi and the Baked Alaska</td></tr>
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It was a very nice looking Baked Alaska and tasted good too!<br />
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After dinner we decided to try the evening entertainment again. Tonight's performer was a young male singer from Montreal. He had two first names which now escape me. He was okay but mother was not impressed and was greatly disappointed in his attire. He was wearing a grey silk/satin suite which was in dire need of pressing. Needless to say we did not stay until the end of the show.<br />
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We went back to room and finished our packing for disembarking in Dover tomorrow morning. We will be catching the morning train to Paris where we will spend two nights. I took a few photos of the sunset for our final night onboard.<br />
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It was a great cruise. I just wish it was a day or so longer. The next post will be about our first day in Paris.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-54241520286107813512013-08-28T19:46:00.000-04:002014-06-16T10:24:06.017-04:00Milford Haven and St. Davids Peninsula, Wales - Day 7With so many gloomy days behind us I think we finally hit the jackpot. Our arrival in Milford Haven, Wales was greeted with brilliant blue skies and the impending warmth of the sun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilot Boat</td></tr>
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We stood out on the balcony and watched the beautiful sunrise while the Ocean Princess reached its anchor position.<br />
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As this is a tender port, the crew were busy getting the boats ready to go ashore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchored off Milford Haven, Wales</td></tr>
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Breakfast was a treat as we sat near the outside terrace. I had already cut into the Eggs Benedict when I remembered to take a photo. I did my best to clean it up and make it presentable.<br />
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I am very happy I don't have to be the tour guide today as we have a Princess sponsored shore excursion for later this morning. We will be doing Princess tour MH2210A: St. David's Peninsula. This tour starts at 10:30 am and ends at 2:30 pm. The cost per person is $59.00 which seems very cheap. I am not sure why the tour starts so late since we anchored early this morning. I would have preferred to get an earlier start.<br />
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As the tour is not for several hours we decided to request meeting the group on shore instead of in the Cabaret Lounge. We spoke with the shorex staff who at first didn't seem so keen on this idea. However, once I mentioned that other cruise lines allow this practice they relented. They seemed mostly concerned that we would not show up for the tour on time and everyone would be waiting for us. I promised we would be punctual.<br />
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We heard the announcement that the tenders were ready and went down to the gangway to board.<br />
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It was a very smooth tendering process to Milford Haven. The tender was just about half full. During the ride over we met a young couple who planned to do a kayak or wind sailing trip today. It sounded like fun. They said they always plan 1 fun / strenuous athletic activity during a cruise. They were both VERY fit!<br />
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Once ashore we were each personally greeted with a smile and handshake by the Town Councillor / "Governor" of Milford Haven. Few cruise ships stop here preferring Holyhead on the northwest coast instead. In all of 2013 they expect about 5000 cruise ship passengers here. The Councillor and his wife seemed were very happy to see all of us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Councillor of Milford Haven with his wife standing on the right</td></tr>
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On the dock a group of adorable girls entertained with Welsh dancing and singing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable Welsh Welcome</td></tr>
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Inside the visitor tent they had lots of tourist info on attractions and places to see in the local area. Some of the reading materials were in both English and Welsh. I picked up a few brochures on St. Davids and also an area guide explaining "The Secret Waterway". The guide which is in English and Welsh, explains the history of the Milford Haven Waterway. In the 19th century shipbuilding, fishing and coalmining dominated the employment opportunities here. About 60 sailing vessels were built here in the early 19th century. In 1908 over 300 fishing boats were using the port with 40,000 tons of fish sold yearly.<br />
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Below is an except form the area guide. The Welsh version is incomprehensible to me. Thank goodness for the English translation beside it. The Welsh seem to love double consonants and especially the letter "D".<br />
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Milford Haven has a current population of 12,830 making it the second largest in Pembrokeshire county. Valero has a large oil refinery and pipeline here for fuel and natural gas. It is one of the largest and most complex refineries in Europe and employs over 1000 people.<br />
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The harbor area is very pretty but it was apparent that there isn't much to do around the dock. What small shops they have weren't open yet. They did offer a free shuttle service to go around the town. There is a Tesco and a £ (pound) store which is very popular with the crew. We opted to take the shuttle tour roundtrip without getting off. The trip took about 15 minutes!<br />
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We first passed the little museum, then a few shops before returning to port.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milford Haven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tesco</td></tr>
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The town has some small businesses but it wasn't worth exploring further. I am glad we are doing an excursion in a few hours. Clearly the nicest aspect of Milford Haven besides its lovely people and its beautiful harbor and marina. We went on a leisurely walk around the marina taking photos of the very pretty boats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boaters enjoying breakfast</td></tr>
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The harbor area has restored brick buildings with bright blue trim. They also have high railings along the dock and it appears very safe. However, we noticed this sign that perhaps you need to be careful while boating.<br />
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This was just the first of several signs we spotted throughout the day. It appears the Welsh love their signs.<br />
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The Welsh also love dogs as we saw tons today. George pictured below, is a Brindle Collie. He looks a lot like an Australian Shepherd but with a big tail. He was very cute and friendly too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome George</td></tr>
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The shops along the dock were average but as they don't get that many visitors the offerings are limited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Store Sign</td></tr>
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As we still had more time before our tour we took a look at the antique cars on display. They were very nice but I didn't see any info providing more detail on the year, make and model. Perhaps it and MG and from 1931 according to the license plate?<br />
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They also had this car with two fronts facing in opposite directions.<br />
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In addition to the antique cars, they offered a Bird of Prey encounter which included an adorable little owl who only wanted to get back inside the van. She was precious. The other larger owl was very sweet and not so shy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's of Prey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want to go home"</td></tr>
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With not much offered in town it was nice the local government provided some other distractions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnkOqhSYgA8/UvFGA-8rIZI/AAAAAAAALu4/oJraifXWLZw/s1600/Owl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnkOqhSYgA8/UvFGA-8rIZI/AAAAAAAALu4/oJraifXWLZw/s1600/Owl.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl</td></tr>
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We took another short walk around the harbor to see the craft tent that was setup a little further away. Here you could purchase some local handmade items. We took a quick look but didn't find anything to bring home. As we were waiting for over 2 hours for our tour to begin, I wondered if we should have taken the local bus to St. Davids instead. I noticed online that The Puffin Shuttle provides transportation a few time a day to St. Davids. However, the Princess tour was so cheap, escorted and roundtrip that it didn't seem worth looking into the local bus. St. Davids is also pretty far away so if you miss the bus for any reason you may also miss the ship.<br />
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We noticed this woman walking toward town. She was not an eliminated "Miss Milford Haven" contestant but one of the town's volunteers for the cruise ship welcoming.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town Welcome</td></tr>
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I was surprised to see the "Martha's Vineyard" restaurant! Apparently many of the Welsh fishermen spent time in New England in the prime fishing grounds.<br />
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Around 10:00 am we noticed our tour bus had arrived and decided to see if we could take our seats. Helen, the tour leader and Christine, the driver were very kind and welcomed us to join them. Just as we did yesterday, we selected the first seats on the left side. We did notice a "reserved" seat sign in the first row on the right for one of the passengers. I didn't know you could do that.<br />
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It was definitely warm out and the a/c on the bus was turned on. Little by little the other passengers showed up and boarded the bus. After one last straggler we were on our way to St. Davids. It is supposed to be in the high 70's to low 80's today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-svRwCP2fq4M/UuF5jGqPweI/AAAAAAAALrk/idDSVaclY78/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-svRwCP2fq4M/UuF5jGqPweI/AAAAAAAALrk/idDSVaclY78/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Milford Haven, Wales</td></tr>
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The drive to St. Davids would take about 45 - 50 minutes.<br />
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<b><u>St. Davids Peninsula</u></b><br />
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St. Davids Peninsula which in Welsh is known as "Tyddewi" is considered one of the most enchanting spots in Britain. St. Davids has the designation as a city due to the presence of the cathedral. It is more accurately a large village which sits on the very western most point of Wales. In addition to some lovely beaches in this area, there are lots of water fowl and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Most people though make the trek to St. Davids for its magnificent purple and gold flecked cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9vr4AK9SHE/UukxyC5m8iI/AAAAAAAALsU/qiL6DHNF9i0/s1600/Milford+Haven+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9vr4AK9SHE/UukxyC5m8iI/AAAAAAAALsU/qiL6DHNF9i0/s1600/Milford+Haven+4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to St. David's, Wales</td></tr>
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The drive along the beautifully paved and twisting roads was spectacular. We passed pretty fields and went through various towns, the first being Haverfordwest which is the main seat of government. The town hall was pointed out as we continued on the highway toward Newgale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrlulAtJbQk/UukyHbLaaGI/AAAAAAAALsc/lAwJ2QRlplw/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrlulAtJbQk/UukyHbLaaGI/AAAAAAAALsc/lAwJ2QRlplw/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Newgale</td></tr>
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We were now driving mostly along the coast. We arrived in Newgale which is a picturesque little beach town with surfers and boaters. Due to the warm weather there were lots of people near the beach. Our current location along the Pembrokeshire coast is very popular with those wanting to enjoy the scenery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arp13Raz7lU/Uuky8MLB1BI/AAAAAAAALsk/bsGJrOvx_hA/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arp13Raz7lU/Uuky8MLB1BI/AAAAAAAALsk/bsGJrOvx_hA/s1600/photo+8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newgale campground and beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeD6HTh3OWc/UukzNsrOlRI/AAAAAAAALss/MfiDwc7YGAU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeD6HTh3OWc/UukzNsrOlRI/AAAAAAAALss/MfiDwc7YGAU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently you need to be a good swimmer here</td></tr>
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Christine stopped the bus and pulled over to the curbside so everyone could jump off and take a closer look. The area is very pretty and the weather was terrific.<br />
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I am not sure what amenity this sign is referring to. I did notice a little bench further up from the sign. Perhaps that what the sign is indicating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G_L0u1vdt8/UulWqTK-LHI/AAAAAAAALtE/M27JfqZQ0uE/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G_L0u1vdt8/UulWqTK-LHI/AAAAAAAALtE/M27JfqZQ0uE/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view with a bench</td></tr>
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They also had this sign on the roadside.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zbvu7JorWY/UvO_k3Np0oI/AAAAAAAAL0k/1o281WWiN9Y/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zbvu7JorWY/UvO_k3Np0oI/AAAAAAAAL0k/1o281WWiN9Y/s1600/photo+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This area is especially captivating with the deep blue water, lush meadows and short cliffs. Back on the bus we had about another 15 minutes until we reached St. Davids.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci14C621_Mw/UulXh7xaKRI/AAAAAAAALtM/pFFxA_d2anY/s1600/Milford+Haven+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci14C621_Mw/UulXh7xaKRI/AAAAAAAALtM/pFFxA_d2anY/s1600/Milford+Haven+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Drive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We passed through this little town with pastel colored buildings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpxrTM9EuHY/UulX9GdsNEI/AAAAAAAALtU/etlVyAM78kg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpxrTM9EuHY/UulX9GdsNEI/AAAAAAAALtU/etlVyAM78kg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute buildings</td></tr>
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We then drove along a coastal waterway before pulling up to our final destination.<br />
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Here is a map to show where we started from in Milford Haven and our current location on the Pembrokeshire coast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXwEfcHmOBA/UuqHk2VT9QI/AAAAAAAALuo/dna8n0DgRAw/s1600/Pembrokeshire_Coast.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXwEfcHmOBA/UuqHk2VT9QI/AAAAAAAALuo/dna8n0DgRAw/s1600/Pembrokeshire_Coast.gif" height="373" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pembrokeshire Coast Map</td></tr>
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We rolled into St. Davids which is a very attractive town. There were lots of cute little shops and restaurants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--R8cJn5-V-Y/UulZ8Bd-sfI/AAAAAAAALts/OOHCgsABXLc/s1600/Saint+David+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--R8cJn5-V-Y/UulZ8Bd-sfI/AAAAAAAALts/OOHCgsABXLc/s1600/Saint+David+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Davids, Wales</td></tr>
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We exited the bus and followed Helen, our guide toward the Tower Gate. There were lots of tourists here today enjoying the sites in the glorious weather.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUJ3oz2hKag/UulaUWVCN-I/AAAAAAAALt0/Gq0OOKquF8s/s1600/Saint+David+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUJ3oz2hKag/UulaUWVCN-I/AAAAAAAALt0/Gq0OOKquF8s/s1600/Saint+David+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading toward the Cathedral</td></tr>
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The main street runs under the 13th century Tower Gate. Once through we walked down to the cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_uYda2le6o/Uulan4XFx-I/AAAAAAAALt8/AtBQn7jOVdo/s1600/Saint+David+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_uYda2le6o/Uulan4XFx-I/AAAAAAAALt8/AtBQn7jOVdo/s1600/Saint+David+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Gate Entrance</td></tr>
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The sign on the tower lists the hours in both Welsh and English.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlUmIxwYjDU/Uula2WLwZ-I/AAAAAAAALuE/sPbjhGt0qLY/s1600/Saint+David+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlUmIxwYjDU/Uula2WLwZ-I/AAAAAAAALuE/sPbjhGt0qLY/s1600/Saint+David+7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign for cathedral in Welsh and English</td></tr>
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On the other side of the gate we had our first glimpse of St. Davids Cathedral from above. It was even more impressive than I imagined.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifkQQHTHSZg/UulbeM1_GfI/AAAAAAAALuM/ZCmPzND6GLc/s1600/Saint+David+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifkQQHTHSZg/UulbeM1_GfI/AAAAAAAALuM/ZCmPzND6GLc/s1600/Saint+David+8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. David's Cathedral</td></tr>
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<b><u>St. Davids Cathedral</u></b><br />
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St. Davids Cathedral is positioned in a hollow rather than up high on an embankment. It is an usual feature for a building of such prominence. Rather than modesty, it was explained that in this location it could be more easily defended from intruders. If the cathedral was visible from the sea on all sides it would have been more vulnerable to attack.<br />
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The cathedral site was founded by the Welsh patron himself in 550 AD. It has drawn pilgrims and visitors for over a millennium and half. William the Conqueror being among them. In 1120 Pope Calixtus decreed that two journeys to St. Davids were the spiritual equivalent of one to Rome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI58qHeL6nU/UulfgZbw4fI/AAAAAAAALuY/wF5cB-AI51U/s1600/Saint+David+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI58qHeL6nU/UulfgZbw4fI/AAAAAAAALuY/wF5cB-AI51U/s1600/Saint+David+11.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking down to the Cathedral</td></tr>
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We proceeded to walk down the hill to the South entrance of the cathedral. Helen explained that the 125 ft tower has clocks on only three sides. The people in the northern part of the parish couldn't raise enough money for one facing them.<br />
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Helen gave us some last minute instructions before entering the building.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3svySBbEwY/UvPCCoRdqTI/AAAAAAAAL0s/FbKsn-sVbwg/s1600/Helen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3svySBbEwY/UvPCCoRdqTI/AAAAAAAAL0s/FbKsn-sVbwg/s1600/Helen.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide Helen giving instructions to the group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once inside I made a beeline for the Bookshop to purchase the photography pass for 2 pounds. It was well worth it as there was lots of opportunities for photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckSwgpA2KVo/UvFITNFMCyI/AAAAAAAALvE/ztj0DBHOxO4/s1600/Hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckSwgpA2KVo/UvFITNFMCyI/AAAAAAAALvE/ztj0DBHOxO4/s1600/Hall.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our fellow Princess passengers</td></tr>
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We entered the twelfth century nave in full view of the latticed oak roof. The nave floor has a noticeable slope. Unlike any other British cathedral, the Queen is an automatic member of the St. Davids Cathedral Chapter.<br />
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Helen handed us each a pamphlet explaining a bit about the cathedral. It also contained a map. The cathedral is quite large and we did our best to keep up with the group, that is until we lost them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwuvOvdUyFg/UvFJKrnUTDI/AAAAAAAALvM/qEacS34kB5U/s1600/Map+SD001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwuvOvdUyFg/UvFJKrnUTDI/AAAAAAAALvM/qEacS34kB5U/s1600/Map+SD001.jpg" height="640" width="587" /></a></div>
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The present cathedral was built under the Norman bishop Peter de Leia in 1180. Life was never dull for a monk as the cathedral was sacked by Norse raiders at least 10 times over the next 4 centuries. The current cathedral is believed to be the 4th to stand on the original site.<br />
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The Norman architects did their best dealing with the swampy ground. The nave pillars even today lean outwards to an alarming degree. The nave is built of beautiful rose colored sandstone.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukUKmOOunZo/UvFLSP-srlI/AAAAAAAALvY/wN7kqkXucxk/s1600/Cath+Window+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukUKmOOunZo/UvFLSP-srlI/AAAAAAAALvY/wN7kqkXucxk/s1600/Cath+Window+01.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nave Ceiling and arches</td></tr>
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The style of the building is Romanesque with rounded pillars and massed shapes. There is also evidence of the Gothic transition with the addition of pointed arches and wide spans. The ceiling of the nave was built in 1472 and carved from Irish oak. Near the high altar is a brass memorial to Edmund Tudor, the father of Henry VII. To the left of the Tudor memorial is the shrine of St. David. Mortuary chests hold the bones of early Welsh saints.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur5nRfvVsTc/UvFM0mlhxpI/AAAAAAAALvs/VJmi7eUUh-U/s1600/Nave+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur5nRfvVsTc/UvFM0mlhxpI/AAAAAAAALvs/VJmi7eUUh-U/s1600/Nave+01.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quire Screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We eventually made our way to the Lady Chapel and the Holy Trinity Chapel just past the choir. This area of the chapel was built in the 1500's and has wonderful fan tracery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WufAYgggP5M/UvFOT1PTuuI/AAAAAAAALwE/oGfZ9BxU8GA/s1600/Cath+Roof+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WufAYgggP5M/UvFOT1PTuuI/AAAAAAAALwE/oGfZ9BxU8GA/s1600/Cath+Roof+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Perpendicular architecture"</td></tr>
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The detail and the shapes and textures were fantastic. We entered another room with some tombs and Helen had us take a seat while she provided some explanation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQJ-2sQLzQA/UvFPTRtTzxI/AAAAAAAALwQ/-X1oRT8yB2g/s1600/Cath+Crypt+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQJ-2sQLzQA/UvFPTRtTzxI/AAAAAAAALwQ/-X1oRT8yB2g/s1600/Cath+Crypt+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are numerous tombs including Lord Rhys, Gerald of Wales, St. Justinian and finally the relics of St. David.<br />
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While admiring the ceiling in one of the rooms we seemed to have lost sight of our group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPUpgOLs-_4/UvFQaJb9FAI/AAAAAAAALwc/ptXL8bk2tQ8/s1600/Cath+Roof+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPUpgOLs-_4/UvFQaJb9FAI/AAAAAAAALwc/ptXL8bk2tQ8/s1600/Cath+Roof+01.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful ceiling St. Davids Cathedral</td></tr>
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We wandered in a few directions trying to find them. At least we were together. We looked in a few more rooms before finally being reunited!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. David's Reliquary</td></tr>
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We then enjoyed learning about the reliquary and seeing another beautiful ceiling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoEw-z9CH2k/UvFSCweXOEI/AAAAAAAALxM/9johe7rtGgU/s1600/Cath+Roof+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoEw-z9CH2k/UvFSCweXOEI/AAAAAAAALxM/9johe7rtGgU/s1600/Cath+Roof+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross ceiling</td></tr>
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I particularly liked the detail of all the decorative elements with the ornamental iron embellishments and intricate wood carvings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorative door</td></tr>
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I asked Helen about the meaning of this gate but said she wasn't up on her Latin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting gate</td></tr>
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We then started to make our way as a group to front of the cathedral. We really enjoyed our tour and learning about St. Davids.<br />
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After a few final glances at some of the beautiful windows, we exited the building in search of something to eat. Our tummies were beginning to rumble.<br />
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Once outside Helen told us we had about 35 minutes to get back to the bus. That left very little time for any shopping or eating.<br />
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As we walked up the hill we had a clear view of the 14th century Bishops Palace which is now a ruin. The cows seem to enjoy it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1zRjqdpSA/UvFW1P1brOI/AAAAAAAALzQ/P6Hj9yUTlz4/s1600/Bishop+Cows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1zRjqdpSA/UvFW1P1brOI/AAAAAAAALzQ/P6Hj9yUTlz4/s1600/Bishop+Cows.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishops Palace</td></tr>
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We walked up in the opposite direction from where we came. This gave us a bit of a different vantage point of the cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyk9XnNKdZQ/UvFXPniIUKI/AAAAAAAALzY/cNmZCq-j9Y4/s1600/Cath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyk9XnNKdZQ/UvFXPniIUKI/AAAAAAAALzY/cNmZCq-j9Y4/s1600/Cath.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful St. Davids Cathedral</td></tr>
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The walk back was graduated but very level. Due to mother's bad knees we took the ramps instead of the stairs.She was very appreciative!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QhEtrgVKFY/UvPDM5xrjKI/AAAAAAAAL04/SqwGemwwem4/s1600/Cath+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QhEtrgVKFY/UvPDM5xrjKI/AAAAAAAAL04/SqwGemwwem4/s1600/Cath+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking back</td></tr>
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Once in town we looked at a few shops windows but were eagerly looking for something to eat. Needing something fast we discovered Gianni's Italian ice cream which was delicious. I had the maple walnut. Yummy! It must be a goldmine as they were doing a very brisk business today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4doR3TnrOs/UvFYJaZvDfI/AAAAAAAALzk/NDIG-8g1fSU/s1600/Giannis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4doR3TnrOs/UvFYJaZvDfI/AAAAAAAALzk/NDIG-8g1fSU/s1600/Giannis.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giannis Ice Cream</td></tr>
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We walked with our ice cream cones along the streets looking at a few of the shops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZ34YjKIYQ/UvFY0EB9YLI/AAAAAAAALz0/UZSjndZQeso/s1600/SD+Shops+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZ34YjKIYQ/UvFY0EB9YLI/AAAAAAAALz0/UZSjndZQeso/s1600/SD+Shops+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping</td></tr>
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The town was very easy to get around. It was a shame we did not have more time as we didn't have an opportunity to enjoy the town.<br />
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I had read about the Cwtch restaurant online before our visit here. It has very good reviews. There was also this seafood restaurant below.<br />
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We saw these beautiful spaniels on the sidewalk. The coloring is striking.<br />
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There is actually lots to do in St. David besides the cathedral. During our walk we noticed a company offering boat trips to Ramsay Island. They go out twice a day on 90 minute trips to see the birds and scenery. That would have been fun if we had more time.<br />
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With our time up we meandered back to the bus for our trip back to Milford Haven.<br />
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Surprisingly everyone came back to the bus on time and we departed for our journey home. We went back the same exact way we came.<br />
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We passed this nice building which looked like a church. <br />
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The drive back was uneventful and we traveled the same twisting and turning roads.<br />
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There were lots cows and fields to see on the drive.<br />
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We were told the bushels are not hay but fertilizer for the fields.<br />
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We were in Newgale again and then a short time later pulled into the outskirts or Milford Haven.<br />
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Helen and Christine seem a bit mystified when 20 minutes later we were arriving back in Milford Haven so soon. It was only 2:00 pm. I overheard them talking and they decided to take us on a detour around town to use up a few minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Return to Milford Haven</td></tr>
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Helen had us enjoy the view of our ship, the Ocean Princess from this area of town. She also suggested we have a look at the fisherman statue. In this same area there is also a Valero memorial to the 3 men and 1 woman who died in a horrible explosion several years ago. Christine said she was in town that day and felt the ground move thinking they were having an earthquake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman memorial and the Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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We had a great view of our ship from here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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The town looks very pretty from here. You can also see our tender below.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHl8CYkvJSY/UvPo9iD9mDI/AAAAAAAAL2k/1fcCtgEd5Uk/s1600/Tender.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHl8CYkvJSY/UvPo9iD9mDI/AAAAAAAAL2k/1fcCtgEd5Uk/s1600/Tender.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We then drove the last 5 minutes back to the dock. The tender was waiting and the same couple we met on the trip over was on this tender too. We asked about their excursion and the husband said it was a bit different than he thought. They did this buggy type thing on the beach with a kite. He said it was still fun.<br />
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It was now around 2:45 pm and having skipped lunch we were totally famished. We went to the Grill to get a hot dog that would hold us over until dinner. It wasn't busy and we enjoyed sitting on deck enjoying out meal.<br />
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We went back to the room and I took some photos as we departed the port. We are leaving early as it will take some time to get to Guernsey in the Channel Islands tomorrow morning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Wales</td></tr>
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We very much enjoyed our time in Wales. Later we learned that on every visit by other cruise ships this summer it was cold and rainy. We were very lucky today!<br />
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Since we had a snack so late were weren't that hungry for dinner. However, we are not ones to turn down a meal so eventually made it to the dining room about 20 minutes late. The room was buzzing and the waiters were briskly running around for the first seating.<br />
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We placed our order which consisted of several courses. My mother started with the cheese souffle and I had a salad. We both were served sorbet mid meal and then I had the scallops for my main. I don't remember what mother ordered. Dessert was just okay. It was a mix of 3 different chocolate desserts. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souffle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorbet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td></tr>
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Dinner was fine but it wasn't that memorable. For a change we decided to walk around the shops until the show would begin. Tonight's entertainment is the comedian Tom Briscoe. I have never seen him before and don't know anything about him but thought it might be fun.<br />
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Before the show while we were walking by one of the shops, Pat and Ash from our lunch during one of the sea days asked us to come into the shop to join the free raffle. They were doing a Larimar presentation and following that would award a prize. I think Larimar is actually quite pretty but my mother has trouble believing that the mine in the Dominican Republic is completely gone. The guy doing the presentation explained that a deep blue color for Larimar is preferable. At the end of the talk he pulled one of the raffle tickets out of a hat and Pat was the lucky winner! She got a little aquamarine necklace.<br />
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It was now time for the show and we took our seats in the crowded room. We were more toward the middle which was sort of a mistake in case we decided not to stay. Mr. Briscoe was fine but it really wasn't my favorite type of humor. It was more in line with Jeff Foxworthy. The most annoying part was a couple who might have been friend's of Mr. Briscoe who were seated directly behind me. The male part of this duo was laughing and hollering very loudly at things that no one else cared for and was rather obnoxious. When I couldn't take it anymore, I finally turned around and stared at him. I guess my "death stare" worked wonders as he soon stopped and was more subdued during the remainder of the performance. Most of Mr. Briscoe's jokes were about family and being married. I may have enjoyed it more if not for my nearby neighbor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgMzC7PSYwY/UvP0b0WqEfI/AAAAAAAAL4M/auq8n0ed73o/s1600/Tom+Briscoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgMzC7PSYwY/UvP0b0WqEfI/AAAAAAAAL4M/auq8n0ed73o/s1600/Tom+Briscoe.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comedian Tom Briscoe</td></tr>
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Once the show ended we went upstairs to our room for our last of 2 nights on the ship. Tomorrow we will arrive in Guernsey and will be touring on our own.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-37904733325056050352013-08-27T18:30:00.000-04:002014-01-20T13:13:25.699-05:00Dublin, Ireland - Day 6For a short cruise, this one has been particularly relaxing. After a full day at sea we are excited to be arriving in Dublin this morning. This is a first visit for each of us to the Emerald Isle. Growing up outside of Boston I have certainly had exposure to the Irish heritage. My mother had a boyfriend for many years from Belfast while living in the Caribbean. I know that don't really count though!<br />
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The Captain is a very good navigator but not a great meteorologist. His weather update for today is the same as every other day: Cloudy skies and 60 degrees. Since we left Dover it has actually been much warmer than that and we have also had our fair share of sun. Although it looks a bit gloomy out right now, I am confident it will clear up.<br />
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I didn't notice our approach along the Irish coast as I was sleeping at the time. We actually docked around 5:00 am. As to be expected the area around the docks is noticeably industrial but I imagine the green hills are not far away.<br />
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Breakfast in the Lido again was a treat. It is was easy to select our items and then locate a table. Mother had a latte again and I just had some water.<br />
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We went back to the room to get our things and then walked to the Cabaret Theater to join our tour. We are doing the Princess tour DBL180A "Powerscourt Estate and Dublin On Your Own". I was happy to see this tour listed on the Princess website as I wanted to visit both the Powerscourt Garden and also have the opportunity to see a bit of Dublin too. The cost of the tour is $89 each. The tour departs at 8:30 am and will return to the ship at 4:30 pm. I booked it online, and similar to Crystal Cruises, you don't have to pay for it until you are actually on the ship. I wish Oceania had this same policy.<br />
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The Cabaret Lounge was buzzing but it was easy to walk up and get our obligatory stickers (yellow unfortunately) for the tour. Every time I see the Cabaret Lounge sign I automatically hear Liza Minnelli signing in my head ("It's a cabaret....")! It is a fun way to start the day!<br />
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It wasn't long before the tour was called and we were paraded down the hall to the gangway and off the ship. It was just a short walk through the parking area to the tour bus. As luck would have it we were among the first people to board the bus. The front seats on the left side were available so we happily took those. I will be using my camcorder on the bus so being upfront has significant advantages.<br />
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The people on our tour were in very good physical condition. I didn't notice anyone who required sitting closer to the front or we would have willingly relinquished our seats.<br />
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The tour leader is named Mary and was a hoot! She was very bubbly and also quite funny with her commentary not only about Ireland but also the "battle of the sexes". We had some good natured joking about women being superior to men. Our bus driver, Tony was in charge and the decider in making any photo stops along the way. Tony seemed to find Mary's banter amusing too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJnm1jhwf40/UsXNAha80XI/AAAAAAAALbM/CA5pp3CE2SQ/s1600/Dub1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJnm1jhwf40/UsXNAha80XI/AAAAAAAALbM/CA5pp3CE2SQ/s640/Dub1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary leading the charge toward the center of Dublin</td></tr>
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Mary appears to be in her late 60's and is outspoken and very loquacious. She loved sharing her enthusiasm for Dublin as well as describing some of the pitfalls of the former Celtic Tiger. For example she mentioned her disappointment for poor leadership and planning which lead to the collapse of the Republic of Ireland's economy. Lots of people lost their jobs. However, once again things are improving and Dublin (not sure about the rest of Ireland) seems to be making a resurgence. In the second quarter of 2013, the Dublin property market turned the corner with prices up 2.4%. This is the highest increase in seven years. However it will take 20 years to return to 2008 levels. In places like Cork it is yet to bottom out and prices remain stagnant.<br />
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It was just about a 5 minute drive from the Docklands area to the center of town, Mary pointed out some sights along the way including the Samuel Beckett Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. The bridge looks a bit like a mini version of the Calatrava bridge in Buenos Aires.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxbsfT7fcYU/UsXNQ1E3DwI/AAAAAAAALbU/xPMvkhLK8xk/s1600/Dub2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxbsfT7fcYU/UsXNQ1E3DwI/AAAAAAAALbU/xPMvkhLK8xk/s640/Dub2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel Becket Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava</td></tr>
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We passed by perpendicular to it as it crosses the River Liffey. The shape of the cables is said to resemble a harp, which is a symbol of Ireland. The bridge cost €60 million and was first opened to traffic and pedestrians in December 2009.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MQyVON58zE/UsXNjThKsGI/AAAAAAAALbc/49Lh7tSQ99Y/s1600/Dub3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MQyVON58zE/UsXNjThKsGI/AAAAAAAALbc/49Lh7tSQ99Y/s640/Dub3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel Becket Bridge</td></tr>
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Tony took us on a short meander down the main streets of Dublin before getting on the N11 highway and heading southbound to the Wicklow countryside.<br />
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We passed a few more buildings which whet our appetite for exploring Dublin this afternoon. The big domed building below is the Custom House which houses the departments of Environment, Community and local government.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_zF0g1t9g/UsXYHLZOpGI/AAAAAAAALb4/zA6oxVbOHoo/s1600/Dub5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_zF0g1t9g/UsXYHLZOpGI/AAAAAAAALb4/zA6oxVbOHoo/s640/Dub5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neoclassical Custom House </td></tr>
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Tony kept us on a tight schedule in order to get back to Dublin on the return and allowing enough personal time to enjoy it.<br />
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We made a pit stop at #46 Fitzwilliam Square to get a glimpse of a beautiful doorway. Mary asked Tony if we would be getting off the bus for photos but he said there wasn't time. I did my best snapping a photo through the window across the opposite side of the bus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BoOs1MI7kQ/UsXWFX5QZxI/AAAAAAAALbs/L_MxR2qXgN8/s1600/Dub6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BoOs1MI7kQ/UsXWFX5QZxI/AAAAAAAALbs/L_MxR2qXgN8/s640/Dub6.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">46 Fitzwilliam Square</td></tr>
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This classic Georgian doorway is alleged to be the most photographed door in all of Dublin. The architectural style is popular and dates from 1714 to 1840 during the reign of King George I. Similar examples of these doors can be seen along the leafy row of buildings in Fitwailliam and Merrion Squares. We will try to get to Merrion Square later when we return to town this afternoon.<br />
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Although the early architects built some wonderful buildings, Dublin's urban planners didn't do a great job with the local infrastructure. Once we were on the highway we crawled along with all the traffic. While the roads are poor, Mary explained that public transit isn't adequate either as the light rail, trains, and buses all run on separate systems requiring separate tickets for each. The highway has only 2-3 lanes so we were in traffic for awhile. I did spot a few nice sportscars (Porsche & Jaguar) so apparently some Dubliners are doing pretty well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHrHTD-6jDY/UtWZ8q8x6uI/AAAAAAAALdQ/b8xYlovTXS0/s1600/Powerscourt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHrHTD-6jDY/UtWZ8q8x6uI/AAAAAAAALdQ/b8xYlovTXS0/s640/Powerscourt2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wicklow Countryside</td></tr>
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I was hoping to get a view of the coast during the drive but we remained inland. About 10 minutes before we reached the Powerscourt Estate and Garden, one of the passengers requested an emergency bathroom stop. The husband, who requested it for his wife was very reserved about it. Mary could not have been nicer. She informed Tony of the emergency and he advised it would be about 5 more minutes to Enniskerry, the town for Powerscourt. Tony gently guided the bus around several steep curves as Mary gave constant updates on our impending arrival to the anxious couple. Mrs. Doubtfire had obviously taken charge as Mary loudly announced "please hold on, it will just be a few more minutes".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Sl6u9LWQ0/UssFLFdT4mI/AAAAAAAALcI/6XWrugvvYuA/s1600/Wicklow1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Sl6u9LWQ0/UssFLFdT4mI/AAAAAAAALcI/6XWrugvvYuA/s1600/Wicklow1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enniskerry</td></tr>
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We pulled into the little town of Enniskerry and Mary swiftly escorted the couple to one of the restaurants for use of the facilities. It was a short wait as the couple quickly returned within just a few minutes. We then proceeded directly to the Powerscourt Garden but we had to fit through the gate first! It looks <i>very</i> narrow but somehow we made it through!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXI-HgM1ExU/UssGF48rPtI/AAAAAAAALcQ/U6hmOMtwD6c/s1600/Dublin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXI-HgM1ExU/UssGF48rPtI/AAAAAAAALcQ/U6hmOMtwD6c/s1600/Dublin+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe the bus actually fit between the stone archway? </td></tr>
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With just inches to spare we passed between the stone pillars of the archway. Mary made a joke that we all needed to breathe in! Tony did a marvelous job and we pulled up to the ticket booth on the right. Mary popped off the bus to collect all the tickets. And I mean all of them! I thought the ticket machine was going to explode! It just kept spitting them out in fast succession. The woman working in the ticket booth neatly folded them up (there were around 40+) and handed them over. Mary then had the task of separating them and dispensing the individual tickets to all the passengers. The ticket price is included in the Princess tour price.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3SdfHk5zmY/UssHYxqMHAI/AAAAAAAALcc/gjV1NXZT5FU/s1600/Powerscourt4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3SdfHk5zmY/UssHYxqMHAI/AAAAAAAALcc/gjV1NXZT5FU/s1600/Powerscourt4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerscourt Estate</td></tr>
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<b><u>Powerscourt Estate and Garden</u></b><br />
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The Powerscourt Estate and Garden is located in an idyllic setting. Parts of the structure dates from the 1600's but the main construction of the current house began in 1721. King James I granted Powerscourt to Sir Richard Wingfield, one of his generals as a reward for quelling local rebellion. The Wingfield's became the Viscounts Powerscourt and began to build at the site. The origin of the name "Powerscourt" comes from the first family that lived here in the 1600's, the de la Poer's. The building provided an impression of prosperity during the hardships of the famine and troubles in 1800's.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GYjL8mfQLU/UtcFEBt8TcI/AAAAAAAALhc/zMN-qOPUZwc/s1600/Powerscourt7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GYjL8mfQLU/UtcFEBt8TcI/AAAAAAAALhc/zMN-qOPUZwc/s1600/Powerscourt7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The house once held valuable collections of paintings and furniture. It was restored by the Slazenger family but it was not long after that tragedy stuck in 1974. At an event being held to celebrate the completion of work when a late night fire broke out and destroyed the Mansion. It then languished for over 20 years until it was restored and reopened for tourism in 1997.<br />
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The gardens are laid out on over 47 acres and have been described as the most ambitious formal gardens of the Victorian era in Ireland. The site unites architecture, sculpture, pools, fountains and plantings against a magnificent setting of lush woods, green mountains and river valleys. Popular European landscape design is incorporated in the classic statues, fountains and gates located on the estate grounds.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDEQb7HMS98/Uthk9rryUhI/AAAAAAAALnk/V_XJQe_rV8Q/s1600/Powerscourt+Building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDEQb7HMS98/Uthk9rryUhI/AAAAAAAALnk/V_XJQe_rV8Q/s1600/Powerscourt+Building.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sun was starting to come out as we left the bus and went inside the building for a peek. Mary gave us the time to be back at the bus (90 minutes) and instructions to walk through the garden staring on the right instead of the left. We also were given a little map which proved very helpful when we were not sure which way to turn. It also identified what we were seeing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVxLxDX19S4/UtWd8RjWd0I/AAAAAAAALdY/S17TLj9a6d8/s1600/Powerscourt+Map001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVxLxDX19S4/UtWd8RjWd0I/AAAAAAAALdY/S17TLj9a6d8/s640/Powerscourt+Map001.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerscourt Map</td></tr>
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It was great we could do this at our own pace. It also appeared it would be an easy walk and not too difficult for my mother.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHaHMm68bT0/UssJKyQeCKI/AAAAAAAALcw/V4HCrfIiY2Y/s1600/Powerscourt8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHaHMm68bT0/UssJKyQeCKI/AAAAAAAALcw/V4HCrfIiY2Y/s1600/Powerscourt8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Wicklow mountains from the Estate</td></tr>
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The gardens are beautifully designed and it was even nicer than I imagined.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po73nBRMAW8/UtblLc7fd7I/AAAAAAAALe4/9bMDsd3w7fo/s1600/Powerscourt12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po73nBRMAW8/UtblLc7fd7I/AAAAAAAALe4/9bMDsd3w7fo/s1600/Powerscourt12.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower bed</td></tr>
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We passed some fragrant flowers on the side of the building as we traveled the gravel path toward the gates.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FafBy5415k/UtWemjllwBI/AAAAAAAALdo/GdVeEF-xYm0/s1600/Powerscourt14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FafBy5415k/UtWemjllwBI/AAAAAAAALdo/GdVeEF-xYm0/s640/Powerscourt14.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Flowers</td></tr>
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It was very relaxing stroll through the Walled Garden and toward the Dolphin Pond.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path along the Walled Gardens</td></tr>
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The vibrant flowers in front of the building were very pretty. The Walled Gardens are one of the oldest parts of the gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSzf9i30EZQ/UssJf3In4kI/AAAAAAAALdA/86GL2TSPtXA/s1600/Powerscourt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSzf9i30EZQ/UssJf3In4kI/AAAAAAAALdA/86GL2TSPtXA/s1600/Powerscourt+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Clovis</td></tr>
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The Dolphin Pond came from Paris in the late 19th century. It is surrounded by a line of Japanese red cedars which were planted in 1864.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTtnyoa5zbc/UtWp69QLQWI/AAAAAAAALeg/Ym_E_rskRE0/s1600/Powerscourt17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTtnyoa5zbc/UtWp69QLQWI/AAAAAAAALeg/Ym_E_rskRE0/s640/Powerscourt17.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphin Fountain</td></tr>
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The sun was now shining as we walked around the fountain with the beautiful gate and mountains in the background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zGEafi1twU/UtbtNCehiHI/AAAAAAAALgo/dIJV-J-H9vk/s1600/Powerscourt16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zGEafi1twU/UtbtNCehiHI/AAAAAAAALgo/dIJV-J-H9vk/s1600/Powerscourt16.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English gate</td></tr>
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The "English Gate" has intricate ironwork of thistle, shamrocks and roses representing Scotland, Ireland and England.<br />
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<b>Pets' Cemetery</b><br />
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Following along the Rhododendron Walk we reached the Pets' Cemetery. According to our map info, the Pets' Cemetery is one of the largest in Ireland. Many of the family's treasured pets are buried here including several chows, Dachshunds a pony and even a cherished cow or two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-awMddSyrQ/UtWnPCKnvDI/AAAAAAAALeE/SJ1hlRUNm44/s1600/Powerscourt21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-awMddSyrQ/UtWnPCKnvDI/AAAAAAAALeE/SJ1hlRUNm44/s640/Powerscourt21.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graves for "Bully" the Pony and "Tinker", "Taffy Topaz" and "Rusty", a Terrier and 2 Dachshunds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jvt3i7kEvo/UtWnlElZCHI/AAAAAAAALeM/oaQkFUmxf24/s1600/Powerscourt18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jvt3i7kEvo/UtWnlElZCHI/AAAAAAAALeM/oaQkFUmxf24/s640/Powerscourt18.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graves of 2 dachshunds Tiny and Teddy, plus Eugenie & Princess, family cows at the Estate<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKrLqNECtB0/UtWn0aYGNmI/AAAAAAAALeU/euJsOOGfPkk/s1600/Powerscourt20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKrLqNECtB0/UtWn0aYGNmI/AAAAAAAALeU/euJsOOGfPkk/s640/Powerscourt20.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graves of two Chows</td></tr>
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I enjoyed the cemetery and it warmed my heart seeing how strongly the family must have felt toward their beloved pets. Some of the markers were very, very old while others were established about 50 years ago.<br />
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We next walked through the forest toward the lake.<br />
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<b>Triton Lake</b><br />
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The Triton Lake contains the largest fountain of the gardens. It is placed directly in front of the Estate and centers the garden. The fountain in the Lake is based on the Piazza Barberini in Rome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3OICqn6SRQ/UthHMjvx6_I/AAAAAAAALi4/wt1gwgruOjg/s1600/Triton+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3OICqn6SRQ/UthHMjvx6_I/AAAAAAAALi4/wt1gwgruOjg/s1600/Triton+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triton Lake and Powerscourt Estate</td></tr>
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The landscape was very lush and it was like being in the forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GPay0YMgto/Utbnx6l-KJI/AAAAAAAALfA/s_dtHyAI_wM/s1600/Powerscourt23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GPay0YMgto/Utbnx6l-KJI/AAAAAAAALfA/s_dtHyAI_wM/s1600/Powerscourt23.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful trees</td></tr>
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<b>Japanese Gardens</b><br />
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The Japanese Gardens are a Victorian interpretation unlike any other Japanese garden I have seen. The one at Powerscourt is elevated and appears more vertical than horizontal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEIPBVS-tmg/UtboG41xUOI/AAAAAAAALfI/74DCUpygtZc/s1600/J+Garden+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEIPBVS-tmg/UtboG41xUOI/AAAAAAAALfI/74DCUpygtZc/s1600/J+Garden+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevated Japanese Garden</td></tr>
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With the rock formations and the foliage it actually appears more Chinese in character. The Japanese Garden was created by the Viscount and Viscountess Powerscourt in 1908.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtDCvJC_hDg/Utbovlxy52I/AAAAAAAALfg/Pq96iwhW74o/s1600/J+Garden+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtDCvJC_hDg/Utbovlxy52I/AAAAAAAALfg/Pq96iwhW74o/s1600/J+Garden+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Garden</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z78MjpCH5cU/Utbo7ZXd6uI/AAAAAAAALfo/AWLz-Advx1A/s1600/J+Garden+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z78MjpCH5cU/Utbo7ZXd6uI/AAAAAAAALfo/AWLz-Advx1A/s1600/J+Garden+7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Japanese path and grotto</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDFy13F8p8Q/UtbpfKuM7SI/AAAAAAAALfw/TA6vsA7lqxg/s1600/J+Garden+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDFy13F8p8Q/UtbpfKuM7SI/AAAAAAAALfw/TA6vsA7lqxg/s1600/J+Garden+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall</td></tr>
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We enjoyed the sight of Azaleas, Japanese Maples and Chinese Fortune Palms. There were lots of people walking around the garden and crossing the grotto. The fact that it was spread out with multiple paths made it very easy to navigate and a delight to walk down the little paths.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHbG_UDyr6M/UthGS3oj7yI/AAAAAAAALiw/jrgyvqYC2Ps/s1600/Cedars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHbG_UDyr6M/UthGS3oj7yI/AAAAAAAALiw/jrgyvqYC2Ps/s1600/Cedars.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are over 250 varieties of trees on the property. It is bit like being in the forest with the tall canopy of specimens hundreds of years old.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ics14XGyDiw/UtWkmhqTm5I/AAAAAAAALd8/knm4E8M--dA/s1600/Powerscourt24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ics14XGyDiw/UtWkmhqTm5I/AAAAAAAALd8/knm4E8M--dA/s640/Powerscourt24.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the trees are over 200 years old</td></tr>
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<b>Tower Valley</b><br />
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We were a bit confused when seeing the Tower Valley area as there were multiple paths and we didn't know which way to go and consulted our map. My mother decided to bypass this area but I walked up the path to get a closer look. The structure is called the "Pepperpot Tower" which was modeled on a pepperpot from Lord Powerscourt's dining table.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGtkTSyXHh0/UtWkZgQf4LI/AAAAAAAALd0/MURxvLdSaBw/s1600/Powerscourt25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGtkTSyXHh0/UtWkZgQf4LI/AAAAAAAALd0/MURxvLdSaBw/s640/Powerscourt25.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Valley "Pepperpot"</td></tr>
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<b>The Italian Garden</b><br />
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The Italian Garden is beautifully designed. The Italian Garden leads into the Triton Lake. The bright blue and red flowers are gorgeous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bw3LPk3IOM/Utbqzv5pATI/AAAAAAAALgA/Rtoe8B1FRpI/s1600/Powerscourt35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bw3LPk3IOM/Utbqzv5pATI/AAAAAAAALgA/Rtoe8B1FRpI/s1600/Powerscourt35.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Garden leading to Triton Lake</td></tr>
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Beyond Triton Lake you get a marvelous view of Sugar Loaf mountain. It is arguably one of the best views in Ireland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a09SdguW2qE/Utbp-9SG9EI/AAAAAAAALf4/yj_VBIJg5c4/s1600/Sugarloaf+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a09SdguW2qE/Utbp-9SG9EI/AAAAAAAALf4/yj_VBIJg5c4/s1600/Sugarloaf+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent view of Sugarloaf mountain</td></tr>
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Sugarloaf Mountain is not actually classified as a mountain since it only 1,387 feet high.<br />
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The terrace area was created in the 1840's and took 100 men over 12 years to complete.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePMllbS2wsI/UthITM9lazI/AAAAAAAALjE/6a4YbfN4axk/s1600/Terrace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePMllbS2wsI/UthITM9lazI/AAAAAAAALjE/6a4YbfN4axk/s1600/Terrace.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant Terrace and amazing view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wT855gLKxGg/Utbr0GZt5-I/AAAAAAAALgQ/MnEP90BA5BA/s1600/Powerscourt+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wT855gLKxGg/Utbr0GZt5-I/AAAAAAAALgQ/MnEP90BA5BA/s1600/Powerscourt+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful Gate</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGvi5U0j2f0/UtbrhZPtgmI/AAAAAAAALgM/ZZLdmGMwxHA/s1600/Powerscourt34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGvi5U0j2f0/UtbrhZPtgmI/AAAAAAAALgM/ZZLdmGMwxHA/s1600/Powerscourt34.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Terrace</td></tr>
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The sculptures on the property were very impressive and added to the tranquil setting.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejjt5KkcNyw/UthI3EChIII/AAAAAAAALjM/U6VDwMFbFck/s1600/Statues+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejjt5KkcNyw/UthI3EChIII/AAAAAAAALjM/U6VDwMFbFck/s1600/Statues+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sculptures of gods and mythical creatures, including Apollo and Diana are tastefully displayed across the property<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEuzgVd9rk/UtbscTn_FdI/AAAAAAAALgY/AnKXd4ZT46M/s1600/Powerscourt30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEuzgVd9rk/UtbscTn_FdI/AAAAAAAALgY/AnKXd4ZT46M/s1600/Powerscourt30.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had now arrived back at the front of the house. It took us about 40 minutes to tour the grounds. We now had time for a little shopping inside the house. Avoca has taken over the first floor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgKVucimXwE/UtbtjpnYBYI/AAAAAAAALgw/bS2Jz0Rhyf0/s1600/Avoca+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgKVucimXwE/UtbtjpnYBYI/AAAAAAAALgw/bS2Jz0Rhyf0/s1600/Avoca+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avoca merchandise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They had several rooms with clothing which was nicely displayed. They also had a large area with food items for purchase. They also have a cafe but we didn't see it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb5fR5zR_Mc/Utbt-uvfbxI/AAAAAAAALg4/IaJ5p9I14CQ/s1600/Avoca+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb5fR5zR_Mc/Utbt-uvfbxI/AAAAAAAALg4/IaJ5p9I14CQ/s1600/Avoca+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avoca breads and beverages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPXlpy04aRI/UtbuJyJF5BI/AAAAAAAALhA/Yk9kAdiqe7Q/s1600/Avoca+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPXlpy04aRI/UtbuJyJF5BI/AAAAAAAALhA/Yk9kAdiqe7Q/s1600/Avoca+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More yummy treats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everything looked delicious and although we were getting hungry, we didn't have anytime to eat. We planned to have lunch on our own when we returned to Dublin. They also had some nice crockery but I didn't fancy trying to get it home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAjLbM1WD68/UtbunaDwy9I/AAAAAAAALhI/3Tw4--lkwXw/s1600/Avoca+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAjLbM1WD68/UtbunaDwy9I/AAAAAAAALhI/3Tw4--lkwXw/s1600/Avoca+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice crockery, notice the selfie on the tea kettle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The upstairs area was very impressive! They had an escalator and wide wooden staircase to access the second story. I particularly liked "Design Loft". They had some unusual clothing and beautiful hair ornaments. I purchased a felt fascinator, a peacock feather headband and a silk flower brooch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSO8b-6Z_c/UtbvWUO-z9I/AAAAAAAALhQ/8L5pK1JR8G8/s1600/Design+Loft+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSO8b-6Z_c/UtbvWUO-z9I/AAAAAAAALhQ/8L5pK1JR8G8/s1600/Design+Loft+1.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design Loft purchases</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fascinator hat and the headband were made by the same person, Sophie Hunter Millinery. There were other fascinators with feathers but they would not pack well. The brooch is by Wild Gypsy Rose. All the items were made in Ireland.<br />
<br />
After making my purchases we walked across the hall to the other side and looked at store selling furniture. Do people actually come here to purchase their furniture?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zgwje3T4p1E/UtcGsJtNzCI/AAAAAAAALhk/NL6JLBbvKtI/s1600/Avoca+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zgwje3T4p1E/UtcGsJtNzCI/AAAAAAAALhk/NL6JLBbvKtI/s1600/Avoca+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furniture and Accessories</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I peeked out the second story window for a nice view of the grounds and Wicklow mountains in the distance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIjcJ-9EgFo/UtcG_GUI_RI/AAAAAAAALhs/fe1jzO5f1Q4/s1600/View+Powerscourt+Window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIjcJ-9EgFo/UtcG_GUI_RI/AAAAAAAALhs/fe1jzO5f1Q4/s1600/View+Powerscourt+Window.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from second floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was also an adorable Children's museum with books and toys. They charge admission so I just took a quick look inside.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHi8NL1SLSc/UtcHYXv7vQI/AAAAAAAALh0/OR459FZ7NUI/s1600/Avoca+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHi8NL1SLSc/UtcHYXv7vQI/AAAAAAAALh0/OR459FZ7NUI/s1600/Avoca+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children's Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was now time to start making our way back to the bus. We both very much enjoyed our time at Powerscourt. The combination of the beautiful gardens and a little time for shopping was terrific!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQjbEMG81Hg/UtcIOT6IN-I/AAAAAAAALh8/uzTWinAMzRs/s1600/Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQjbEMG81Hg/UtcIOT6IN-I/AAAAAAAALh8/uzTWinAMzRs/s1600/Garden.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Back on the bus we took the same seats and again passed through Enniskerry. Mary pointed out a special toilet that was built to detract from tourists using the facilities in town. It is actually quite nice looking and Mary said it was very expensive to build.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FN8Ep1jh8hU/UtcIgEKHnWI/AAAAAAAALiE/vfgdYbe9bfs/s1600/Enniskerry+Toilet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FN8Ep1jh8hU/UtcIgEKHnWI/AAAAAAAALiE/vfgdYbe9bfs/s1600/Enniskerry+Toilet.JPG" height="528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enniskerry Public Toilet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The town of Enniskerry is very cute with small shops and restaurants.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdhr5ynTit8/UtcJBO84vdI/AAAAAAAALiM/VbjHI8sHG18/s1600/Enniskerry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdhr5ynTit8/UtcJBO84vdI/AAAAAAAALiM/VbjHI8sHG18/s1600/Enniskerry.JPG" height="502" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant in Enniskerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The traffic wasn't too bad as we drove back to Dublin. We made great time and it took about 30 minutes to return which was good as we were getting very hungry!<br />
<br />
Mary provided more information about Dublin and pointed out some of the sights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7eAaN0mdLg/UtcKDuYpFQI/AAAAAAAALiU/l5WZ7cLmGU8/s1600/Busy+Dublin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7eAaN0mdLg/UtcKDuYpFQI/AAAAAAAALiU/l5WZ7cLmGU8/s1600/Busy+Dublin.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy Dublin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Dublin</b><br />
<br />
The name Dublin in the Irish language is Baile Atha Cliath. The literal meaning is "Ford of the Reed Hurdles". We did spot several signs using the Irish spelling in the city. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and has a population of 1.5 million people.<br />
<br />
It is probably a misconception, but I expected to see lots of tow-headed red moppets on the streets of Dublin. I noticed a few redheads but with the exception of so many young people, it resembled many other cities. Dublin has a very young population with 50% of the people below the age of 25. Ireland as a whole has a total population of 4.7 million with an average age of just 35 years old.<br />
<br />
Our next stop was St. Patrick's Cathedral. Mary really wanted us to see this but it turned out to be a challenge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEi6V_ixHKw/UtcKjzppnnI/AAAAAAAALic/jzgzkdizRIo/s1600/St+Patricks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEi6V_ixHKw/UtcKjzppnnI/AAAAAAAALic/jzgzkdizRIo/s1600/St+Patricks.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We departed the bus and had to cross a busy street, walk across the park and then the church was a good 300 yards away. We couldn't get there though as they were shooting a scene for the TV show "The Tudors" and blocked off the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CP3J0LLYUw/UthM9agJhEI/AAAAAAAALjY/UVQUCskYhNM/s1600/St+Patricks+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CP3J0LLYUw/UthM9agJhEI/AAAAAAAALjY/UVQUCskYhNM/s1600/St+Patricks+2.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film Crew for "The Tudors" Actress on bench facing the young girls with water bottles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few people did try to make a sprint around them to the front of the Cathedral but gave up as we only had 5 minutes for this stop and they realized it was going to take much longer than that.<br />
<br />
The outside of the cathedral was very pretty. I particularly liked the windows.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvq7hRHlWQ4/UthNhBhIfII/AAAAAAAALjg/7Fm2T61J1ug/s1600/St+Patrick's+Window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvq7hRHlWQ4/UthNhBhIfII/AAAAAAAALjg/7Fm2T61J1ug/s1600/St+Patrick's+Window.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once back on the bus we drove around a few more streets that looked very interesting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRaXP044IDI/UthN9YqKQdI/AAAAAAAALjs/nc_jgkilsEI/s1600/Dublin+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRaXP044IDI/UthN9YqKQdI/AAAAAAAALjs/nc_jgkilsEI/s1600/Dublin+statue.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Coastal Tour does a visit to Powerscourt too but the schedule includes a few more stops.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwX3vPL6OD0/UtcK6MOa2gI/AAAAAAAALik/paVkbkVJ3kw/s1600/Dublin+Buildings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwX3vPL6OD0/UtcK6MOa2gI/AAAAAAAALik/paVkbkVJ3kw/s1600/Dublin+Buildings.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of hanging flowers on the buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then passed by the Spire of Dublin which is a 398 ft steel monument. It is located on O"Connell Street near a government building. The top 39 feet is illuminated at night to provide a beacon of light. The spire stands at the same sight as Nelson's Pillar which was destroyed by a bomb in 1966.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSUzO34_1F4/UthOm1vmMWI/AAAAAAAALj0/Rpe2OL_FFiA/s1600/Dublin+Spire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSUzO34_1F4/UthOm1vmMWI/AAAAAAAALj0/Rpe2OL_FFiA/s1600/Dublin+Spire.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of Dublin Spire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mary provided a few more details of places to see as we made our way to Kildare Street where the bus would park. We drove down most of Dame Street and passed the restaurant we planned to have lunch, "Queen of Tarts".<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awQWLzFCatI/UthR_-1J_aI/AAAAAAAALkQ/rDQ__Ohhbm8/s1600/Queen+of+Tarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awQWLzFCatI/UthR_-1J_aI/AAAAAAAALkQ/rDQ__Ohhbm8/s1600/Queen+of+Tarts.JPG" height="488" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dame Street with Queen of Tarts on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We passed Trinity College but did not plan to go there and take the tour or see the Book of Kells.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPPgubF3JZc/UthRpE1AK5I/AAAAAAAALkA/FlA-cfhedwc/s1600/Dublin+Trinity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPPgubF3JZc/UthRpE1AK5I/AAAAAAAALkA/FlA-cfhedwc/s1600/Dublin+Trinity.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mary was ecstatic when Tony found the perfect parking spot right on Kildare Street. She said is very unusual to find parking here and had planned for the bus to drop us off and to come back later.<br />
<br />
We had about 2+ hours on our own in Dublin. If we required more time, we would take a taxi back to the ship instead of the tour bus. We disembarked and headed on foot back to Dame Street. It was about a 20 minute walk. Mother was getting ansy that the walk was so long. When we arrived at Queen of Tarts, the restaurant was very crowded and they suggested we go to their sister location just 2 minutes away on Bow Street.<br />
<br />
We did as suggested and the other restaurant is bigger but it was also crowded. We found seats inside where it was bit warm. It was a very cute place but due to such close quarters and my rumbling stomach I didn't take many photos.<br />
<br />
The menu isn't very extensive so we ordered quickly and hoped service would be fast. My mother had a salad which I didn't take a picture of but my sandwich when it arrived looked lovely. It was a sliced chicken sandwich with aioli and some cilantro. It was delicious!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9K3RIDT7D0/UthVQXfXCMI/AAAAAAAALko/JGruRQvbFPI/s1600/Lunch+Sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9K3RIDT7D0/UthVQXfXCMI/AAAAAAAALko/JGruRQvbFPI/s1600/Lunch+Sandwich.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Chicken Sandwich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we finished our sandwich and salad we each ordered a one of the famous tarts on the menu. My mother had the Apple and I had the decadent Chocolate Pecan. It was soooo good!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMb5wW9LKi4/UthV1ukNFWI/AAAAAAAALkw/9nmHzw3kLQU/s1600/Lunch+Apple+Tart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMb5wW9LKi4/UthV1ukNFWI/AAAAAAAALkw/9nmHzw3kLQU/s1600/Lunch+Apple+Tart.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Tart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz8uW0ImYpE/UthWBA2jt2I/AAAAAAAALk4/5t_C0eQxLlY/s1600/Lunch+Pecan+Tart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz8uW0ImYpE/UthWBA2jt2I/AAAAAAAALk4/5t_C0eQxLlY/s1600/Lunch+Pecan+Tart.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Pecan Tart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our lunch was great and the service was excellent. We then headed back toward Grafton Street to see Dublin's prime shopping area. Along the way we passed the Molly Malone Statue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMjDkZd1-4/UthTffh5J5I/AAAAAAAALkc/7vVi5U4wtdI/s1600/Molly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMjDkZd1-4/UthTffh5J5I/AAAAAAAALkc/7vVi5U4wtdI/s1600/Molly.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice family posing in front of the Molly Malone statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Molly Malone was a fictional fishmonger by day and a prostitute at night. A song was recorded about Molly for the first time in 1883. Since then many other recordings have taken place, including one by U2. The statue if affectionately known as "The Tart with the Cart".<br />
<br />
Grafton Street is a pedestrian shopping area with many high end retail establishments. There are many chain stores too but the buildings are very attractive and it is a nice place to stroll.<br />
<br />
The store Brown Thomas is located here on the corner at the beginning of the street. We didn't go inside but the windows showed it was quite a nice store.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---LRp3_JmEA/UthZhaHCggI/AAAAAAAALlM/l6P7RfNX_Kw/s1600/Dublin+Grafton+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---LRp3_JmEA/UthZhaHCggI/AAAAAAAALlM/l6P7RfNX_Kw/s1600/Dublin+Grafton+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a very busy street!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2coGiNo13gE/UthY2B4t4ZI/AAAAAAAALlE/dam2vGqbgLk/s1600/Grafton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2coGiNo13gE/UthY2B4t4ZI/AAAAAAAALlE/dam2vGqbgLk/s1600/Grafton.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grafton Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mPBxh4kZkY/UthZ4RsgQsI/AAAAAAAALlU/Whu-EzWbNuQ/s1600/Dublin+Grafton+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mPBxh4kZkY/UthZ4RsgQsI/AAAAAAAALlU/Whu-EzWbNuQ/s1600/Dublin+Grafton+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of interesting places on Grafton Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being short on time, we didn't go into any shops. We were getting tired and decided to head back to the bus.<br />
<br />
We walked down Nassau Street and spotted a very nice shop selling brass door knockers. Their prices were very reasonable too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcz9xW2czjQ/UthaqAM7xEI/AAAAAAAALlg/D9diKj5p_Wk/s1600/Shopping+Brass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcz9xW2czjQ/UthaqAM7xEI/AAAAAAAALlg/D9diKj5p_Wk/s1600/Shopping+Brass.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brass Door Knockers</td></tr>
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The store is called "Knobs & Knockers" and is located at 19 Nassau Street.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eGsB0LFFdE/Utha-9gseqI/AAAAAAAALlo/WztFDqnQTjk/s1600/Shopping+Brass+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eGsB0LFFdE/Utha-9gseqI/AAAAAAAALlo/WztFDqnQTjk/s1600/Shopping+Brass+1.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great variety!</td></tr>
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We went inside for a few minutes to take a closer look. The store also has a website www.knobsandknockers.ie<br />
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We trotted over to Kildare Street but as we still had some extra time went into the Kilkenny Shop to browse a little. This store is very touristy but they do sell Waterford and will ship to the US.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7qqbTw67Bc/Uthbr-9iyCI/AAAAAAAALl0/InQOpWn23s0/s1600/Shopping+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7qqbTw67Bc/Uthbr-9iyCI/AAAAAAAALl0/InQOpWn23s0/s1600/Shopping+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilkenny Shop selling Waterford Crystal</td></tr>
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We didn't find anything to buy. Right next door is a shop selling very nice jewelry. The display was done beautifully. Prices weren't cheap though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4f3_raM7wM/UthcHRLPDII/AAAAAAAALl8/vk5tyN6QmDw/s1600/Shopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4f3_raM7wM/UthcHRLPDII/AAAAAAAALl8/vk5tyN6QmDw/s1600/Shopping.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very nice Jewelry</td></tr>
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It was now time to say goodbye to Dublin and get on the bus. As we only had a couple hours here and spent most of it having lunch, we will have to return to truly experience the city.<br />
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Everyone came back to the bus on time and we drove back to the docklands area for the Ocean Princess.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxxmuD-PlxI/UthcvfI_VqI/AAAAAAAALmI/WZWmIS84Swk/s1600/Returning+to+Ship.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxxmuD-PlxI/UthcvfI_VqI/AAAAAAAALmI/WZWmIS84Swk/s1600/Returning+to+Ship.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back to the Dock</td></tr>
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As we got closer we noticed that the Seabourn Sojourn was parked at berth #2. It looked like you could walk to town.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpbPT2Rm72w/UthdMBOu7UI/AAAAAAAALmQ/aBYUGw-wMf0/s1600/Seabourn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpbPT2Rm72w/UthdMBOu7UI/AAAAAAAALmQ/aBYUGw-wMf0/s1600/Seabourn.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seabourn Sojourn</td></tr>
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By contrast Ocean Princess was a bit further down, at berth #32. We returned to the ship around 4:45 pm. We were very happy to be back on board! We went back to room and rested before our 6:00 pm dinner in the main dining room.<br />
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I took a few photos from our balcony of the ferries docked nearby. I believe one goes to Troon, Scotland and the other to Liverpool, England.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjelDkKygoA/UtlEFVmKgLI/AAAAAAAALn0/o9ygx2FSrrQ/s1600/SAM_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjelDkKygoA/UtlEFVmKgLI/AAAAAAAALn0/o9ygx2FSrrQ/s1600/SAM_0088.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our internal dinner bell rang and it was now time to head to the main dining room. Tonight is Italian Night which is celebrated in the main dining room with a special Italian menu and appropriately costumed waiters. I think the waiters really enjoy it. There were lots of smiling faces and it created a jovial atmosphere.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9amdzSAhCWU/UtheGnq_HWI/AAAAAAAALmc/BmAzuGGs5IM/s1600/Dinner+Waiters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9amdzSAhCWU/UtheGnq_HWI/AAAAAAAALmc/BmAzuGGs5IM/s1600/Dinner+Waiters.JPG" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian attired waiters</td></tr>
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It seems like we only ate a few hours ago but we still had an appetite. My mother ordered Eggplant Parmesan and I selected the Prosciutto appetizer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPNN1BmB_iI/UthebIUjGiI/AAAAAAAALmk/v0OweEx3uDM/s1600/Dinner+App+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPNN1BmB_iI/UthebIUjGiI/AAAAAAAALmk/v0OweEx3uDM/s1600/Dinner+App+1.JPG" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant Parmesan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYw3keK8ZYk/UtheuNcpinI/AAAAAAAALms/onyCBpNjfFU/s1600/Dinner+App+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYw3keK8ZYk/UtheuNcpinI/AAAAAAAALms/onyCBpNjfFU/s1600/Dinner+App+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prosciutto</td></tr>
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My mother then had a Caesar salad and I had the minestrone soup.<br />
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Everything so far was very good. For our mains my mother had what looked like "Seafood Shepherd's Pie" and I had Spaghetti and Meatballs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFnF_RGarMk/UthiYg4PLnI/AAAAAAAALnA/PUsXb960BvM/s1600/Dinner+Seafood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFnF_RGarMk/UthiYg4PLnI/AAAAAAAALnA/PUsXb960BvM/s1600/Dinner+Seafood.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this look Italian to you?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3AzFf6hqH0/Uthie5POgBI/AAAAAAAALnI/XKMSVn6mrEY/s1600/Dinner+Spaghetti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3AzFf6hqH0/Uthie5POgBI/AAAAAAAALnI/XKMSVn6mrEY/s1600/Dinner+Spaghetti.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice smaller size portion of Spaghetti and Meatballs</td></tr>
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The food was great tonight! We finished it all off with a little dessert and delectable Limoncello. It was the next best thing to actually being in Sorrento sitting beneath the lemon trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWZCEZvqNWI/Uthi-mEDu2I/AAAAAAAALnQ/Fkrh2OJrmG0/s1600/Dinner+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWZCEZvqNWI/Uthi-mEDu2I/AAAAAAAALnQ/Fkrh2OJrmG0/s1600/Dinner+Dessert.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvCR0HCWW-I/UthjL8C2FnI/AAAAAAAALnY/_Eix1Q6zhW4/s1600/Limoncello.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvCR0HCWW-I/UthjL8C2FnI/AAAAAAAALnY/_Eix1Q6zhW4/s1600/Limoncello.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limoncello, you get to keep the glass</td></tr>
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We then retired to our room for the remainder of the evening. It was a great day in Dublin and a very successful dinner on the ship. Tomorrow we will arrive in Milford Haven, Wales and have another Princess escorted tour to look forward too.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-36219380064714709922013-08-26T16:18:00.000-04:002013-12-30T12:21:17.984-05:00Cruising the Northern Coast of Scotland - Day 5Scotland is an amazing country! After a very good night sleep due partly to smooth sailing, we woke to a beautiful view of the Scottish coastline. I checked the ship's position on the TV and we are somewhere between Thurso and Durness at the very top of the Scottish mainland.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9ja6idC1o/Urprb5ZAlPI/AAAAAAAALWw/p48bG4utueg/s1600/Sea+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9ja6idC1o/Urprb5ZAlPI/AAAAAAAALWw/p48bG4utueg/s640/Sea+Day+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking Scottish Coastline near Durness</td></tr>
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I was hoping to get a glimpse of the Orkney Islands and the Old Man of Hoy early this morning but we passed them a few hours ago during our slumber.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjK2OfHK_-k/UrrtT27D_wI/AAAAAAAALXM/HaNV2LnsKYw/s1600/Map+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjK2OfHK_-k/UrrtT27D_wI/AAAAAAAALXM/HaNV2LnsKYw/s640/Map+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current location of the Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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We love sea days for both the rest and relaxation and a chance to re-charge our batteries. I mean that both in the literal as well as a metaphorical sense. I have my camera battery, camcorder, Fitbit, iPad and iPod all charging simultaneously with the use of a multiple port USB device.<br />
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As mentioned before, sadly there aren't any enrichment lectures on this short voyage so we need to find other ways to amuse ourselves. There is a Dublin port talk that we will attend as the ship will arrive there tomorrow. Neither of us have been to Dublin before and we are looking forward it. I did minimal research on this port and mostly relied on Tripadvisor.<br />
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I took a few more photos from the balcony before heading down to the Lido for breakfast.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyNKB2o2OFw/Urrv5C7fCyI/AAAAAAAALXw/Ok6zYvW4JRc/s1600/Lighthouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyNKB2o2OFw/Urrv5C7fCyI/AAAAAAAALXw/Ok6zYvW4JRc/s640/Lighthouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqu61AB8kE/UrrwCsOtwKI/AAAAAAAALX4/kmH-aEMQqB4/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqu61AB8kE/UrrwCsOtwKI/AAAAAAAALX4/kmH-aEMQqB4/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotland further down the coast</td></tr>
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The seas are very smooth and the temps are expected to be in the low 50's today. I am not sure how fast we are going but it appears we may be cruising along at a fast pace of perhaps 17-18 knots. For some reason the TV doesn't post the speed, just the position of the ship.<br />
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We walked up the two sets of stairs to the Lido for our morning sustenance. Although I am not a fan of breakfast I am enjoying it on the Ocean Princess. It has more of a European sensibility with a variety of cheeses, some cured meats and succulent smoked salmon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmwW9eUjspI/UrrujrQdZxI/AAAAAAAALXY/RhsapdoYJhs/s1600/Bagel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmwW9eUjspI/UrrujrQdZxI/AAAAAAAALXY/RhsapdoYJhs/s640/Bagel.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy bagel, cheese, ham, pear, white fish, raspberry jam and prunes</td></tr>
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I am no expert, but the bagels seem similar to the New York variety. They are crunchy and not too doughy. My mother ordered a specialty coffee and also had a little pastry and yogurt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9nU0dL1ZI/UrrvL73gU9I/AAAAAAAALXg/AMYSBei7zmg/s1600/Cafe+au+Lait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9nU0dL1ZI/UrrvL73gU9I/AAAAAAAALXg/AMYSBei7zmg/s640/Cafe+au+Lait.JPG" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe au Lait</td></tr>
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After a relaxing breakfast we went out on the aft terrace to take in the view. It is getting a bit cloudy and doesn't look like pool weather today. We are now a lot further from the coast.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjKa08THYUI/UrrvjRYED0I/AAAAAAAALXo/SbdygufkdYI/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjKa08THYUI/UrrvjRYED0I/AAAAAAAALXo/SbdygufkdYI/s640/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overcast skies in Scotland</td></tr>
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The Dublin talk is in 2 hours so we wandered around to use up some of our time. I went to reception to inquire about the nationalities of our fellow passengers. Being a short cruise around the British Isles I expected to see a sizable contingent from the UK. The person at reception was very nice and printed off a summary of the passenger nationalities. I was surprised at the predominance of 431 American passengers onboard. No one else even comes close. There are only 81 UK citizens and 66 Canadian followed by a smattering of other nationalities. However, proportionally per percentage of the total population of the USA as compared to the UK perhaps this works out. Math is not one of my strong suits so I certainly am not going to ponder this any longer!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p136Z8cYooE/UrpufvJk9qI/AAAAAAAALW8/-kzx_nDgDcA/s1600/Nationality001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p136Z8cYooE/UrpufvJk9qI/AAAAAAAALW8/-kzx_nDgDcA/s640/Nationality001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nationality of Passengers aboard Ocean Princess August 22 - 30, 2013</td></tr>
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As the Ocean Princess has a maximum capacity of 675 passengers it is evident our voyage is sold out. We still see very few people though.<br />
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Before departing the reception area I took a look at the monitor to see the ship's progress. We are a just a bit further along than we were when we woke up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8q5VRRAiMns/UrrxqsBLOCI/AAAAAAAALYM/_yr_qWT8HzA/s1600/Map+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8q5VRRAiMns/UrrxqsBLOCI/AAAAAAAALYM/_yr_qWT8HzA/s640/Map+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ship position near Scottish coastline</td></tr>
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It is deceiving how large Scotland is and also how many islands it contains. Scotland has a land area of 79 sq km with a total coastline of 12,000 km. There are some 800 islands, with almost 600 of them lying off the west coast. Scotland has over 30,000 freshwater lochs and 6600 river systems. The Scottish population of 5.1 million live in only 3% of the total land area.<br />
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I picked up the following postcard showing a map of Scotland when we were in Stirling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyyHLKNxLzc/UrryyUfZ8VI/AAAAAAAALYg/YF97UFGkprI/s1600/Scotland+Map001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyyHLKNxLzc/UrryyUfZ8VI/AAAAAAAALYg/YF97UFGkprI/s640/Scotland+Map001.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Map of Scotland</td></tr>
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The map above shows the islands off the coast. Some of islands must be very tiny!<br />
<br />
To take up more time we made another loop around the ship visiting Deck 5 again. I love this vantage point of seeing Decks 4 and 5 together from here. Ocean Princess is a very pretty ship. It is also great that it only takes a few minutes to get where you want to go in any direction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtwAO88P8WY/UrrxAZhlC1I/AAAAAAAALYE/-mD0j63c_sE/s1600/Deck+4+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtwAO88P8WY/UrrxAZhlC1I/AAAAAAAALYE/-mD0j63c_sE/s640/Deck+4+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Deck 5 looking down to Deck 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone must be worn out because with the exception of the Lido it is almost a ghost town! <br />
<br />
It was finally time to head to the Cabaret Lounge for the Dublin presentation. The same lovely speaker we had for Edinburgh was doing this one too. She went over some logistics and provided info on the price of a taxi from and to the port in case the shuttle wasn't an option. The shuttle is not free so the taxi might actually be better if only going in one direction. She also explained the different sightseeing buses, routes and cost (18 euros).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XR__8IzmYu8/UrrzjsQqOlI/AAAAAAAALYo/zUAGpPzp03g/s1600/Dublin+Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XR__8IzmYu8/UrrzjsQqOlI/AAAAAAAALYo/zUAGpPzp03g/s640/Dublin+Map.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin City Sightseeing Bus Routes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are doing a Princess escorted tour tomorrow so we don't need to know too much about getting back and forth to the ship. We may take a taxi back if want to spend more time in town. Dublin is reasonably compact and walkable but it was nice to get our bearings before our arrival. We also received some recommendations on where to purchase certain items on Kildare Street and other areas of interest. It was mentioned that the Temple Bar area though somewhat sketchy at night, is fine during the daytime and it is interesting to see. She also mentioned taking excursions outside of Dublin but didn't go into too much detail.<br />
<br />
We departed the talk and stopped at the Internet room to check email. Being a sea day I was surprised how empty this room was. We both had no problem logging on and I used up about 20 more of my Internet minutes checking in at work and also looking at my own personal email.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWYJpVyT_B0/Urr0kUHvaNI/AAAAAAAALY0/v05IQvCv0o8/s1600/Internet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWYJpVyT_B0/Urr0kUHvaNI/AAAAAAAALY0/v05IQvCv0o8/s640/Internet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internet Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perhaps everyone is using a handheld device from their rooms?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T63EpRPsvC0/Urr0zSd0K_I/AAAAAAAALY8/sR17nqmNMfA/s1600/Internet+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T63EpRPsvC0/Urr0zSd0K_I/AAAAAAAALY8/sR17nqmNMfA/s640/Internet+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicely appointed Internet room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This room is the perfect size as it provides privacy even if it gets crowded. The large windows with natural light are also a plus.<br />
<br />
After walking by the Card Room, also empty, we decided to take another look outside to see if the weather had improved.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eq-Efdmgvc/Urr1Sn6BucI/AAAAAAAALZE/a6eQFDIhtfI/s1600/Card+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eq-Efdmgvc/Urr1Sn6BucI/AAAAAAAALZE/a6eQFDIhtfI/s640/Card+Room.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Card Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't getting any better and it was now pretty windy too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Epn2MtPRsLI/Urr1kP6BlUI/AAAAAAAALZM/ZELwamTaA7k/s1600/Internet+Sea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Epn2MtPRsLI/Urr1kP6BlUI/AAAAAAAALZM/ZELwamTaA7k/s640/Internet+Sea.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No sun today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How time flies! It was now lunch time and we went to the Lido at around 1:00 pm. It was so busy! There were hardly any open tables available. We asked a couple if we could sit with them and they happily agreed. We went up to get our food and they had a very nice selection today. I got a little saran wrapped sandwich, a couple of hot items and some salad. I didn't take any photos as we were with present company.<br />
<br />
The couple we joined, Pat and Ash are from Ontario, Canada. They turned out to be very nice. Mother insisted that I tell them about our marathon visit in Edinburgh and how much walking she had to do. It probably took 10 minutes to finish the entire list of venues we saw. Pat and Ash were amazed with Pat saying she wouldn't enjoy moving around that much. Ash was moot on the subject.<br />
<br />
We asked Ash about his profession and then had a really fascinating discussion about the aviation industry. Ash works for Emirates and as specializes in running their flight simulators. He makes several trips per month to Dubai and other exotic destinations. He didn't know he was a sitting duck as I inquired about the problems with 787 Dreamliner and asked for his thoughts. He said it is a good plane and that they will get it right eventually. We did talk about the flight simulators a bit more which was very interesting. It was nice meeting some fellow passengers and we really enjoyed our lunch. I feel like we did something educational too.<br />
<br />
Afterward mother went back to the room and I followed a short time later. I did some laps around the ship both inside and outside. This would have been a great day to use the use the gym but I didn't bring my running shoes or exercise clothes as I thought we would be getting plenty of exercise on shore. I contemplated for a few moments using my regular walking shoes in the gym but that just didn't seem right.<br />
<br />
Instead I went to the Tahitian Lounge (also empty!) to sit down and take some notes on the trip and to reflect on our time in Edinburgh and its environs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBLhPULGWAI/Urr8rXeDiRI/AAAAAAAALZc/S3wrxqfG9Ag/s1600/Tahitian+Lounge+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBLhPULGWAI/Urr8rXeDiRI/AAAAAAAALZc/S3wrxqfG9Ag/s640/Tahitian+Lounge+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deserted Tahitian Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is the middle of the day. Where is everybody????<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOrCJxbo6H8/Urr81_vX6QI/AAAAAAAALZk/ZBbCwsgQrGI/s1600/Tahitian+Lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOrCJxbo6H8/Urr81_vX6QI/AAAAAAAALZk/ZBbCwsgQrGI/s640/Tahitian+Lounge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahitian Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I had the room to myself I plopped down and made some notes on our experiences over the last 2 days.<br />
There are numerous port possibilities in Edinburgh so I thought I would provide some suggestions.<br />
<br />
<u>Edinburgh Excursion Possibilities</u><br />
<br />
Walking and getting around the city is very easy and because they speak English it is joy to explore on your own. It really is not that hilly on the Royal Mile. We walked it in both directions with little difficulty. Even with an entire day exploring we only touched the surface in Edinburgh and there are many more places we did not have time to see. Some of the Closes (alleys) would have been fun and I wish we would of had time for the Botanical Garden which has excellent reviews. Further a field, you can take the train west to Stirling to see the castle or even easier it is just 45 minutes by train to Glasgow. We enjoyed seeing the city of Glasgow prior to the cruise. There is a lot to see and do there and it provided a nice contrast to Edinburgh which we found a bit too touristy. If you go north it is just a short trip to Glamis Castle, the ancestral home of the Queen Mother. Also traveling north you can visit Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands or St. Andrews which is along the seashore. If you go south you can see Melrose Abbey and Berwick. There are tons of options!<br />
<br />
That being said, I loved our trip yesterday to Perth and Gleneagles. However, if we did not see the Military Tattoo, I would have taken the train to Blair Castle in Athol late on Saturday afternoon and spent the night there. They were holding an equestrian event over the weekend with the added bonus of an annual high-end craft fair. Since the travel time there is 4 hours roundtrip I had to rule this one out immediately since we could not do it in just one day. Due to the train schedule, even if we only spent 90 minutes there we would not have arrived back to the ship in time for our 4:00 pm departure.<br />
<br />
I know some people enjoy seeing the Royal Yacht Britannia. However, this didn't hold any interest for me or mother. When mother was living in the Caribbean she had the opportunity to see Britannia not just once, but twice by invitation from HRH Prince Philip. He was sailing around the British West Indies and invited the expatriates on board during his various stops. She first declined the invitation to visit in Nevis and then about a week later when she returned to Turks & Caicos she declined a second time when the yacht was parked outside her window. Let's just say while mother has high admiration for the Queen, she is not a fan of the Royals. For her, the Royal Family is akin to the Hope Diamond. It is nice to look at but it is really not necessary. Now that I have offended the entire British Commonwealth I apologize!<br />
<br />
Okay, moving on now, I decided to go back to the room to rest for a bit before dinner. I feel like I have not done much today but it certainly was relaxing. When I arrived Mother was snug in her bed watching TV. She had already showered and had her curlers in her hair.<br />
<br />
I had plenty of time to get ready for our dinner in the Sterling Steakhouse. I don't eat steak that often, maybe once or twice a year but my mother is true carnivore and loves meat! I didn't feel like dressing up too much so just put on my velvet pants and a silk top.<br />
<br />
We went upstairs to the restaurant but the service seemed a bit off. We had to wait 5 minutes for someone to come to the podium and take our room number. It was early but there were only about 5 other tables seated. Like last night, we again have a table for 4 but only set for 2. We are facing the opposite side tonight and the sun isn't visible.<br />
<br />
I was slightly horrified that they insist on bringing over a cart of the meat selection to explain each cut. While this may be welcomed by most people, I was completely turned off. I couldn't stand the sight of it. I looked at the menu and contemplated just ordering vegetables.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSXjqyQyGyo/UsGoSmyAj-I/AAAAAAAALa0/3BL5LKAzgH4/s1600/Meat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSXjqyQyGyo/UsGoSmyAj-I/AAAAAAAALa0/3BL5LKAzgH4/s640/Meat.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The easiest way to lose one's appetite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really like Bearnaise sauce so against my better judgement I changed my mind and ordered the Filet. My mother ordered the same thing but we had different starters. Our waiter was just okay. He had no personality and didn't seem to speak English very well. I am glad we are only eating here one night.<br />
<br />
For my starter I had the Gruyere and Blue Cheese Onion Soup. I had this before on the Ruby Princess too. It was just "Meh". The cheese need to be crisper. It was just a bit of soggy mess I'm afraid. Taste was fine though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZQsj1Y3-E/UrxnBPItXXI/AAAAAAAALaQ/3y3selcguAY/s1600/Onion+Soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZQsj1Y3-E/UrxnBPItXXI/AAAAAAAALaQ/3y3selcguAY/s640/Onion+Soup.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My mother had a seafood starter but I did not snap a photo apparently.<br />
<br />
The main dishes came out fairly quickly. At first I just sort of starred at the steak wishing I had not succumbed to the temptation of dousing it in Bearnaise. There was nothing wrong with it but it just did not appeal to me. All the veggies and the baked potato around it on the plate looked yummy though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0goZ3PP0Ai8/Urxo_m4xHoI/AAAAAAAALac/8Ske9TtKYGQ/s1600/Filet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0goZ3PP0Ai8/Urxo_m4xHoI/AAAAAAAALac/8Ske9TtKYGQ/s640/Filet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet Sterling Steakhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ate less than half of it but cut it into little pieces so it wasn't so obvious. My mother seemed to really enjoy hers though! I did offer her some of mine and she took some of the more rare pieces as she likes her meat "walking off the plate".<br />
<br />
We both had dessert which seemed to be way to rescue the evening. I ordered the Berry Cobbler but the crust was too thick. I just scooped out the berries inside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCVv7sWDopE/Urxp0EoNXaI/AAAAAAAALak/7BEcFZ0Evqs/s1600/Berry+Cobbler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCVv7sWDopE/Urxp0EoNXaI/AAAAAAAALak/7BEcFZ0Evqs/s640/Berry+Cobbler.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berry Cobbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The berries and the ice cream were very good.<br />
<br />
We passed on the show again and went back to room. I know we are so boring!<br />
<br />
Ocean Princess is due to arrive in Dublin at 7:00 am tomorrow. Our Princess tour will depart at 8:30 am so we will be getting early start.<br />
<br />
The moon looks quite beautiful tonight as we approach the Irish Sea.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgdNOHk-LPw/UsGoxE_WcGI/AAAAAAAALa8/Z0GY2511J0s/s1600/Moon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgdNOHk-LPw/UsGoxE_WcGI/AAAAAAAALa8/Z0GY2511J0s/s640/Moon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon from our window</td></tr>
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-81933989653888106002013-08-25T04:00:00.000-04:002014-05-06T10:28:27.460-04:00Perthshire and Gleneagles, Scotland - Day 4I slept like a baby! Snoozebox was terrific and I probably had the best night sleep of the entire trip so far. Since we didn't get back last night until after 1:00 am we got up a little later than planned. I finally popped down from the top bunk around 8:15 am. The bathroom is very small but it did the trick and we were soon ready to head out. I checked my Fitbit tracker and even with taking several taxis yesterday, we walked over 10 miles! Exploring Edinburgh took a lot out of us and we are definitely both moving a bit more slowly today.<br />
<br />
Although I had selected a cute place for us to have breakfast (Hula Cafe) we went directly to Waverley station to catch our 9:10 am train to Perth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6r85rlQNs4/UrIB1Zw2qMI/AAAAAAAALOM/IyeYVF_pOUY/s1600/Waverly+Station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6r85rlQNs4/UrIB1Zw2qMI/AAAAAAAALOM/IyeYVF_pOUY/s640/Waverly+Station.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waverley Station on Sunday Morning</td></tr>
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We checked out of Snoozebox and walked the 8 minutes to the station. We purchased our train tickets yesterday so we found a place to sit until the track was posted. The various festivals are all ending this weekend and there are lots of people at the station heading home.<br />
<br />
We got a little snack but found no place to dispose of the empty containers when we were finished. One thing we noticed about Edinburgh is a shortage of trash receptacles. Perhaps this is due to security?<br />
<br />
The track # posted and we boarded another almost empty train for our 1 hour ride north to Perth. The weather today is nicer with temps in the 60's, clear skies and hopefully some sun by the afternoon. The train passed by a few towns and then we had a view of the sea before transversing across several fields.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZbKRZK0ZyU/UrIIMzy83HI/AAAAAAAALOc/XOd_ZZhW4HQ/s1600/Train+Perth+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZbKRZK0ZyU/UrIIMzy83HI/AAAAAAAALOc/XOd_ZZhW4HQ/s640/Train+Perth+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing a little town and church</td></tr>
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Next we had a view of the sea...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_PVK425BhY/UrIIXbuSgnI/AAAAAAAALOk/698GJ_ew1Fk/s1600/Train+Perth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_PVK425BhY/UrIIXbuSgnI/AAAAAAAALOk/698GJ_ew1Fk/s640/Train+Perth+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Sea</td></tr>
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I was too lazy to get up to take the photo on the right side of the train. There is a bicycle blocking part of the view from the window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsiuW20SqKA/UrIIg36PLgI/AAAAAAAALOs/FUYY9rtX2DQ/s1600/Train+Perth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsiuW20SqKA/UrIIg36PLgI/AAAAAAAALOs/FUYY9rtX2DQ/s640/Train+Perth.JPG" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and then fields...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3uCzPojlCo/UrIIsmJGEmI/AAAAAAAALO0/JrKqNDtylFU/s1600/Train+Perth+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3uCzPojlCo/UrIIsmJGEmI/AAAAAAAALO0/JrKqNDtylFU/s640/Train+Perth+3.JPG" height="316" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fife Fields </td></tr>
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Today we are headed to Perth where will tour Scone Palace. The Palace is just 7 minutes by car from the Perth train station or a 30 minute walk. We definitely will not be walking! I am hoping there are taxis available on Sunday morning. The journey went by pretty quickly with only about 8 stops until we arrived in Perth. We were in luck as there were several taxis out front. Our driver Graham was very nice and not only took us to Scone Palace but agreed to pick us up in 75 minutes and drive us to the Gleneagles Hotel. If this were a weekday we could have taken the train which only takes 17 minutes, but the schedule on Sunday is very limited.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Scone Palace</u></b><br />
<br />
Scone Palace is a Gothic Georgian mansion that was completed in 1812 for the Earl of Mansfield. It is located east of the River Tay (Tee) and holds significance as the crowning place of the Kings of Scots and is the origin of the Stone of Destiny. The Stone of Destiny was moved (some may say stolen) to Westminster Abbey and was then returned to Scotland in 1996 where it can be seen at Edinburgh Castle. However, there is some controversy over the Stone and whether it was switched at some point during its relocation.<br />
<br />
We bought our tickets at the gate (adult 10.00, senior 9.40) plus a few postcards before taking the commanding walk up to the Palace.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s03Jw640rJI/UrNYPNJjIuI/AAAAAAAALPY/TaeXpjI4Qss/s1600/Peacock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s03Jw640rJI/UrNYPNJjIuI/AAAAAAAALPY/TaeXpjI4Qss/s640/Peacock+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up to the Scone Palace entrance</td></tr>
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It is a really nice day but still not sunny yet. The exterior of the Palace is gorgeous and it is surrounded by a lush lawn. You can tell it is well cared for. When we arrived at the entry we were told we needed to wait because there was a private tour inside and they didn't want us to disturb them. This usually would not be a bother but as Graham was picking us up in an hour we needed to get a move on. I snapped a photo of the chandelier in the entry with an interesting skylight, decorative ceiling and arched doorways. I was subsequently told no interiors photos are allowed. There is a sign stating this and I am bit ashamed to say I feigned ignorance!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnFVUHRyi8E/UrNWLfS8BNI/AAAAAAAALPE/8y0qnLswnJc/s1600/Scone+Palace+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnFVUHRyi8E/UrNWLfS8BNI/AAAAAAAALPE/8y0qnLswnJc/s640/Scone+Palace+7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandelier at Scone Palace Entry</td></tr>
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After waiting 20 minutes we tried to gain entry but were again rebuffed by one of the ladies in charge. We really didn't feel like racing through the place so a few minutes later we tried again with a different person. Fortunately, she was much more receptive. Without complaining we told her our predicament about only having a limited amount of time here and that we might not be able to stay. In the manner of Dame Judi Dench as M giving orders to James Bond said "no <b>YOU</b> are going too see it" and swiftly removed the red velvet rope and let us proceed into the next room. Hooray!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-NCSTA5Vos/UrNXga37P6I/AAAAAAAALPQ/9OwtwRz8M8Y/s1600/Scone+Dining+Room001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-NCSTA5Vos/UrNXga37P6I/AAAAAAAALPQ/9OwtwRz8M8Y/s640/Scone+Dining+Room001.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Scone Palace Dining Room</td></tr>
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The room we entered was the opulent Dining Room. With large leaden windows, a marvelous table and enough space to do cartwheels behind the Chippendale chairs, it looked like a splendid place to enjoy dinner. In fact, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dined here in September 1843.<br />
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The large private tour of about 40 people was right before us. While it would have been interesting to hear the guide's commentary, this wasn't our tour and we didn't have time to spare. We carefully skirted around them and saw what we could of this room before moving on to the next area.<br />
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Although there were lots of people enjoying the Palace, the building is so vast that it did not feel crowded. The next room we came to was the marvelous Drawing Room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE6t7k-r6cw/UrNaZKS6woI/AAAAAAAALPk/6SAf7TOsG84/s1600/Scone+Drawing+Room001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE6t7k-r6cw/UrNaZKS6woI/AAAAAAAALPk/6SAf7TOsG84/s640/Scone+Drawing+Room001.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Drawing Room</td></tr>
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The Drawing Room was wonderful with its beautiful blue carpet, imposing family portraits and a marble fireplace. The huge brass chandelier and decorative ceiling are a wonderful touch. Although large, the room actually seemed quite cozy. This room displays about 70 finely crafted pieces of ivory dating from the 17th century. While this is very sad for the elephants the carvings were remarkable.<br />
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Moving on we next looked at the Library where instead of books they have beautiful porcelain, much of it is from Germany creatively displayed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3e-Bk_xKpc/UrNbrp64UsI/AAAAAAAALPw/RQRgcY7dEZc/s1600/Scone+Library001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3e-Bk_xKpc/UrNbrp64UsI/AAAAAAAALPw/RQRgcY7dEZc/s640/Scone+Library001.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Scone Palace Library</td></tr>
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This is quite an unusual use of a library. With all the porcelain in the open cabinets it looks more like a kitchen pantry. We enjoyed seeing all the porcelain, with many pieces from Dresden. I wish I could have taken photos of some of the dishes. One of the prized processions at Scone Palace is a writing table that used to belong to Marie Antoinette. It is on the right side of the desk above.<br />
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After seeing the Library we passed a couple more rooms, including the bedroom for Queen Victoria's visit, before reaching the Long Gallery. That is the perfect name for it, as it is 150 feet and the longest room of any home in Scotland. It was here that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert witnessed a Curling demonstration on the then polished wooden floor. Subsequently, Prince Albert accepted an invitation to become the first President of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYgI23KptFI/UrNdtXNOrdI/AAAAAAAALP8/xT37VmgHw3k/s1600/Scone+Long+Gallery001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYgI23KptFI/UrNdtXNOrdI/AAAAAAAALP8/xT37VmgHw3k/s640/Scone+Long+Gallery001.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Scone Palace Long Gallery</td></tr>
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The Gallery feels quite regal with its deep red carpet with gold border. In addition to all the family portraits on display they also had a replica of the Stone of Destiny and a stuffed peacocks with its beautiful plumage. There was a group of Japanese women in front of the peacock and they seemed quite enamored by it.<br />
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I was happy that it did not take us long to see the interior of the palace. Now we could enjoy grounds and not need to rush.<br />
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Once outside we walked up to the Chapel and Moot Hill. The small Presbyterian chapel was restored around 1804. Moot Hill is the original home of the Stone of Scone (Destiny) where the Kings of Scotland were crowned. Robert the Bruce was crowned here on March 25, 1306. The last coronation was of Charles II in 1651. Moot Hill is also where Scottish noblemen swore their allegiance to the new King.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PiAdP92WPE/UrNgTQe1DfI/AAAAAAAALQI/1ttGlOFiqgc/s1600/Scone+Palace+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PiAdP92WPE/UrNgTQe1DfI/AAAAAAAALQI/1ttGlOFiqgc/s640/Scone+Palace+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel and Moot Hill original location of Stone of Destiny</td></tr>
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We entered the Chapel which dates from 1807 and is more like a mausoleum with crypts of the Murray family. The Murray family is known by the Peerage as the Earls of Mansfield. The Murray's have resided at Scone for over 400 years. As they still live here the upstairs area of the Palace is off limits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUw7plbPrmk/UriOy8A0svI/AAAAAAAALQg/oOxzthj_DVs/s1600/Scone+Palace+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUw7plbPrmk/UriOy8A0svI/AAAAAAAALQg/oOxzthj_DVs/s640/Scone+Palace+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of William Earl of Mansfield</td></tr>
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The tomb of Sir David Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield, has a prominent position in the mausoleum. In 1600 Sir David was instrumental in saving the life of his royal master King James VI from an attacker. He soon became a favorite of the King. Beautiful carvings and Sir David's likenesses adorn the mantle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kpDOZ9eR-Y/UriOq12s9BI/AAAAAAAALQY/2179vit5xag/s1600/Scone+Palace+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kpDOZ9eR-Y/UriOq12s9BI/AAAAAAAALQY/2179vit5xag/s640/Scone+Palace+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of Sir David Murray</td></tr>
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On the opposite wall is another crypt with more family members.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBszlqvHLfg/UriO7syRRRI/AAAAAAAALQo/QzJhDKXsh-Q/s1600/Scone+Palace+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBszlqvHLfg/UriO7syRRRI/AAAAAAAALQo/QzJhDKXsh-Q/s640/Scone+Palace+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murray Family Crypt</td></tr>
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After exiting the Chapel we still had some extra time to explore the grounds. My mother decided to rest while I roamed admiring the twig deer and the beautiful Fir trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LwyiQt338c/UriQDsbrHrI/AAAAAAAALQ0/AmQvk2DIC10/s1600/Scone+Palace+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LwyiQt338c/UriQDsbrHrI/AAAAAAAALQ0/AmQvk2DIC10/s640/Scone+Palace+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel with twig deer</td></tr>
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I took a brief walk toward the Archway and Mercat (Market) Cross. It was built in the 16th century and was originally the entrance to the "City of Scone". Past this is a Butterfly Garden and an Ancient Burial Ground. Time was against me as I did not continue on to the see the Pinetum, a giant Douglas Fir raised from a seedling from North America. David Douglas sent the seedling to Scone in 1826. The Douglas Fir is named after David Douglas who was born in Scone in 1799. He worked as a gardener at the Palace before moving on to the Botanical Garden in Glasgow and later North America.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nxwW6SExEY/UriSxweF6KI/AAAAAAAALRA/JrNnRNYcpls/s1600/Scone+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nxwW6SExEY/UriSxweF6KI/AAAAAAAALRA/JrNnRNYcpls/s640/Scone+Park.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archway and Mercat Cross</td></tr>
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On my way back to the Palace to see the shop and make a "happy stop" I noticed a couple walking their beautiful dog. I found out his name is Bismarck and he is a Eurasian. It is a rare breed and the first one I have seen in person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLDX7HC9vOU/UriTg24se0I/AAAAAAAALRI/fSX6nTAXfuE/s1600/Bismarck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLDX7HC9vOU/UriTg24se0I/AAAAAAAALRI/fSX6nTAXfuE/s640/Bismarck.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bismarck and a Peacock</td></tr>
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Scone has several delightful peacocks (at least six) roaming the property. The males ones with the beautiful feathers were lovely. They didn't seem shy at all. Bismarck the Eurasian, was pretty interested but his owner kept a tight hold on him. However, I was dismayed to see 2 little boys chasing one of the peacocks while their father looked on in amusement.<br />
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The Scone Palace shop was very nice and located in the former servants quarters. I bought more postcards but nothing else. When I went outside one of the peacocks was outside and seemed to have recovered from being chased but it appears the trauma has caused him to lose a feather.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-Shr7Dz_k/UriUcvLp3xI/AAAAAAAALRQ/spVPSohaHLM/s1600/Peacock+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-Shr7Dz_k/UriUcvLp3xI/AAAAAAAALRQ/spVPSohaHLM/s640/Peacock+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ekWVd1nwwQ/UriUkngzM9I/AAAAAAAALRY/3_rgd_A7s7k/s1600/Peacock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ekWVd1nwwQ/UriUkngzM9I/AAAAAAAALRY/3_rgd_A7s7k/s640/Peacock.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Peacock</td></tr>
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Mother enjoyed her rest but we were both getting hungry. At certain times of the year Scone Palace makes fresh Scones but they didn't offer that today. It is a bit of head scratcher that Scone Palace is pronounced "Skoon", like spoon. The Scone that you eat can be pronounced differently depending on where you are from. In the USA the preferred cadence is to rhyme with 'cone" but it is the exact opposite in the UK where it is pronounced "con", Got that?<br />
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So while we couldn't have our scone at Scone, we walked down the driveway to meet Graham for our drive to Gleneagles for lunch. As soon as we reached the bottom he was just pulling up. Perfect timing! We noticed that what we thought was a light tan car, was now white. Looks like someone got a little bath!<br />
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Graham couldn't have been nicer and shared some personal info of where he has traveled and his interests. He told us a funny story about eating at a Southern restaurant in the US and not understanding anything that was said. We told him the same thing happened to us one time in mountains of North Carolina. The waiter rattled off a choice of 11 sides and the only one I could make out was Hushpuppies. Everything else with like he was speaking another language!<br />
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The Perthshire scenery was gorgeous during the drive to Gleneagles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJyT-iiJPgs/UriYDHYyOhI/AAAAAAAALRs/xhWFtBysVWs/s1600/Drive+Gleneagles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJyT-iiJPgs/UriYDHYyOhI/AAAAAAAALRs/xhWFtBysVWs/s640/Drive+Gleneagles.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perthshire Landscape</td></tr>
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We will be having Afternoon Tea at the Gleneagles Hotel which I reserved in advance. Our reservation is for 1:30 pm and I think we might even be a few minutes early.<br />
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It was a pretty drive up to the Gleneagles Hotel which is actually in the town of Auchterarder. There is also a town named Gleneagles which is just a couple minutes away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQNRqf9DuoA/UriY1mGssRI/AAAAAAAALR4/LZH4_qgJbIU/s1600/Gleneagles+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQNRqf9DuoA/UriY1mGssRI/AAAAAAAALR4/LZH4_qgJbIU/s640/Gleneagles+9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles</td></tr>
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Today there are more people than usual as they are holding the Johnnie Walker Championship here. There are 3 separate golf courses at Gleneagles and I expect it to be busy. As we approached the hotel we could see the golfers and spectators in the distance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjBnjkXxQs/UriZUCZKizI/AAAAAAAALSA/eXxBwEDmniw/s1600/Gleneagles+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjBnjkXxQs/UriZUCZKizI/AAAAAAAALSA/eXxBwEDmniw/s640/Gleneagles+Sign.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Gleneagles</td></tr>
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I was surprised that there was absolutely no problem driving up to the hotel. However, that may not be the case next year when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 40th anniversary here in September 2014.<br />
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The exterior of the hotel is outstanding but it does not feel imposing. Gleneagles is touted as having the some of the best golf courses in the World and even tops the Old Course at St. Andrews in several rankings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Dpt_QwN3w/UriaSRhmZVI/AAAAAAAALSM/xvJnC7R1UU8/s1600/Gleneagles+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Dpt_QwN3w/UriaSRhmZVI/AAAAAAAALSM/xvJnC7R1UU8/s640/Gleneagles+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior Front of Gleneagles Hotel</td></tr>
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I went immediately to the concierge desk to let them know that we have a reservation for tea and are not just traipsing through the lobby. I also asked then to call the car service we reserved and reconfirm our pickup for 2:30 pm. I sent an email from Edinburgh asking to move the pickup time up but now the current time will actually work fine.<br />
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They kindly attended to these requests and then showed us to the bar area for our tea. The bar area is a large room and very much on the masculine side. It seem a bit incongruous to have a "dainty" tea in these surroundings.but with all the golfers it probably works better. We were given menus and I selected the Classic tea while my mother opted with my prompting, for the special Champagne Tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1tLtLxF5LM/UribdGvZBzI/AAAAAAAALSg/1hq2N9SQIzY/s1600/Gleneagles+Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1tLtLxF5LM/UribdGvZBzI/AAAAAAAALSg/1hq2N9SQIzY/s640/Gleneagles+Bar.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar area for Afternoon Tea</td></tr>
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While we waited for our order, we enjoyed the room with its large windows that were open today to the outside. It was sort of like having an indoor picnic!<br />
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We were famished and looking forward to our first real meal of the day. Our server Fiona, first brought a small plate of poached salmon. It went wonderfully with my Hibiscus tea and my mother's, Earl Grey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4h5WJDvwR_w/UribVELhL3I/AAAAAAAALSY/uzfIg44WUk0/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4h5WJDvwR_w/UribVELhL3I/AAAAAAAALSY/uzfIg44WUk0/s640/Gleneagles+Tea+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked Salmon and Hibiscus Tea</td></tr>
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The salmon was succulent with a delicious lemony sauce. The tea was very good too.<br />
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The first course arrived with tea sandwiches, biscuits and other savories. I took a quick photos before we devoured it. About halfway through I realized by looking at the other tables there is a decant dessert tray that comes after this one. Oh my!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5oRUOOwlQ4/UricE5fCxWI/AAAAAAAALSo/BnOBtIEWjr8/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5oRUOOwlQ4/UricE5fCxWI/AAAAAAAALSo/BnOBtIEWjr8/s640/Gleneagles+Tea+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Course with sandwiches and sausage rolls</td></tr>
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Everything was yummy and it is a close contest if I prefer this one or the Afternoon Tea at Cliveden more. It is tough act to follow. While the first tray would have been enough for lunch, the dessert tray was lurking in the distance as Fiona made her way to our table. All I can say is WOW!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Itv7Y79m_ug/UrictpIxuoI/AAAAAAAALSw/t0CMHqLut6w/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Itv7Y79m_ug/UrictpIxuoI/AAAAAAAALSw/t0CMHqLut6w/s640/Gleneagles+Tea+1.JPG" height="552" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert Selection for Afternoon Tea</td></tr>
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This one gets an A+ for presentation. I loved the vibrant colors of the Raspberry jelly cups, the strawberry custards and orange flaky pastry. Everything including the custard chocolate eclairs was scrumptious and we miraculously managed to clear most of the plates. The only fault I found was that the meringue swans were pretty but they didn't have much taste.<br />
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While I was savoring my sense of accomplishment in finishing most of the lovely pastries, a plate of scones arrived with the usual accompaniments. I had completely forgotten about this part!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8fJ9r9KS4w/Uriey90ITfI/AAAAAAAALS8/1qO9IfTMSY0/s1600/Gleneagles+Tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8fJ9r9KS4w/Uriey90ITfI/AAAAAAAALS8/1qO9IfTMSY0/s640/Gleneagles+Tea.JPG" height="322" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit Scones</td></tr>
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The fruit scones were warm and flaky like they just came out of the oven. The clotted cream, butter and jam helped it go down like velvet. The bill was presented and it was £29 for each tea plus £16 for one glass of champagne. In my opinion, for the amount of food we had the cost is very reasonable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw0wgQr8iOQ/Urig1dgy_AI/AAAAAAAALTI/vYDlKU1T3i8/s1600/Gleneagles+bill001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw0wgQr8iOQ/Urig1dgy_AI/AAAAAAAALTI/vYDlKU1T3i8/s640/Gleneagles+bill001.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill for Gleneagles Afternoon Tea</td></tr>
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Now that we are officially stuffed we decided to take a walk (or waddle) around the property. As we have found to be typical during our time in Glasgow, the afternoon sun was out and it was quite balmy. The flower beds and fountain were lovely. As the hotel is elevated we had a great view of the grounds below. The hotel is located on 850 acres. They certainly make the most of it! With activities that include, Shooting, an Equestrian School, Fishing, Falconry, a Gundog School and Off Road Driving, plus an elegant spa there is plenty besides golf to keep one occupied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0PZaqUlzLU/Urin7gT5yOI/AAAAAAAALTY/X2uQTpHDAIk/s1600/Gleneagles+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0PZaqUlzLU/Urin7gT5yOI/AAAAAAAALTY/X2uQTpHDAIk/s640/Gleneagles+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Gleneagles grounds</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24-LTI8q3Co/UrxbN7nteYI/AAAAAAAALZ0/MVeeWHp35YI/s1600/Gleneagles+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24-LTI8q3Co/UrxbN7nteYI/AAAAAAAALZ0/MVeeWHp35YI/s640/Gleneagles+11.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous gardens and grounds</td></tr>
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The hotel grounds are gorgeous. As we walked a little further we could see what looked like three generations of golfers in the distance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEYFy34bPWc/UriqRW3q_XI/AAAAAAAALUA/-i7SK-lwMa4/s1600/Golf+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEYFy34bPWc/UriqRW3q_XI/AAAAAAAALUA/-i7SK-lwMa4/s640/Golf+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golfers and magnificent scenery </td></tr>
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The grounds are indeed massive and it looks like more than a short walk to get to most of the places on the property.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvHuzro1oj8/UrniOcBNHtI/AAAAAAAALWg/uXwERzQQxnk/s1600/Gleeaglesmap-1455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvHuzro1oj8/UrniOcBNHtI/AAAAAAAALWg/uXwERzQQxnk/s640/Gleeaglesmap-1455.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gleneagles Hotel Map</td></tr>
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The scenery was breathtaking with the glens and lush foliage in the background. We had a great vantage point from the large fountain near the front of the hotel and could see for miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNy3Mro8Atg/UrioyO9vr8I/AAAAAAAALTo/GEchH39JnCA/s1600/Gleneagles+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNy3Mro8Atg/UrioyO9vr8I/AAAAAAAALTo/GEchH39JnCA/s640/Gleneagles+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand fountain and view</td></tr>
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As we walked back to the hotel we noticed one of the staff bringing a pony to the front door. That is what I call door-to-door service!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmmjvmO-3Tc/UripXBjM2hI/AAAAAAAALTw/0QVPlIhj264/s1600/Horse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmmjvmO-3Tc/UripXBjM2hI/AAAAAAAALTw/0QVPlIhj264/s640/Horse.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pony Delivery with the Bar area in the background</td></tr>
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The rear of the hotel is impressive too. The hotel has 232 rooms and suites and looks much bigger from this angle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EC_B0wY9qY/Uripzluv0kI/AAAAAAAALT4/D6y22Eqdpi4/s1600/Gleneagles+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EC_B0wY9qY/Uripzluv0kI/AAAAAAAALT4/D6y22Eqdpi4/s640/Gleneagles+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of Glenealges Hotel</td></tr>
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We still had a few minutes before our scheduled pickup so we walked back to the entrance to checkout the specialty shops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrhwPprYTCs/UrirbSoBorI/AAAAAAAALUM/0vZPZb67UwE/s1600/Gleneagles+Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrhwPprYTCs/UrirbSoBorI/AAAAAAAALUM/0vZPZb67UwE/s640/Gleneagles+Hotel.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gleneagles Entrance</td></tr>
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Back in the lobby we found a sign saying "Retail Therapy" with an arrow indicating the location of the shops. I was looking for a sweater or something with the Gleneagles insignia. However, the shops were nice but there were too many people and I came away empty handed.<br />
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We went back outside and our driver David, from SM Taxi was there to greet us. I found this car service on the Internet when searching for Gleneagles transportation. However, although the company is called Gleneagles Taxi on the Internet, they are not located here but in Stirling. This fact came up when the concierge called to reconfirm our ride. I must say she wasn't too happy about them using the Gleneagles name. Perhaps they are gearing up for the Ryders Cup.<br />
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In any event, David was very nice, a great driver and told us about his dog and how he used to breed German Shepherds. He confirmed it would take about 40-45 minutes to reach Rosyth. A car service was the only option here as the train takes too long and on a Sunday definitely didn't work. The cost for the transfer is £80 which sounds like a lot. However, the Gleneagles Hotel quoted me £100 so while not a bargain, David is still less.<br />
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We enjoyed the scenery in this area. I kept the window open for a bit to take some photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbGJv3SUL8/UrnayF6GMCI/AAAAAAAALU8/R66SJEqsHeg/s1600/On+way+to+Rosyth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbGJv3SUL8/UrnayF6GMCI/AAAAAAAALU8/R66SJEqsHeg/s640/On+way+to+Rosyth.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beautiful landscape!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJtMocveDYQ/UritpOr0_GI/AAAAAAAALUY/z5kZY_WsHso/s1600/Drive+Gleneagles+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJtMocveDYQ/UritpOr0_GI/AAAAAAAALUY/z5kZY_WsHso/s640/Drive+Gleneagles+0.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading from Gleneagles to Rosyth</td></tr>
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The landscape during out journey was gorgeous! It was lush and the glens were blanketed in a multitude of colors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdQ-3ICMv4w/UriuOYmz1lI/AAAAAAAALUg/P1wpJrQdzvw/s1600/Glens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdQ-3ICMv4w/UriuOYmz1lI/AAAAAAAALUg/P1wpJrQdzvw/s640/Glens.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Glens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had allocated plenty of time to return to Rosyth. We left Gleneagles at 2:30 and planed to be back at the port by 3:15 pm. Ocean Princess will depart at 4:00 pm. Leaving a cushion of 45 minutes made the trip less worrisome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ccXle8-jo/UrxccYGZn3I/AAAAAAAALaA/w9sB9d5wcOo/s1600/Road+to+Rosyth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ccXle8-jo/UrxccYGZn3I/AAAAAAAALaA/w9sB9d5wcOo/s640/Road+to+Rosyth.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road to Rosyth</td></tr>
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We would soon approach the town of Dunfermline where I considered making a brief pit stop to see their magnificent Abbey. David told us the town is holding a road race today and said it would be best to avoid all the traffic. Better safe than sorry. I certainly don't want to miss the ship.<br />
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We soon could see water and it appeared we would be back in Rosyth very soon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2VMRphsDws/Urnb9aPj0aI/AAAAAAAALVI/_iLGtxyAE2M/s1600/Approaching+Rosyth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2VMRphsDws/Urnb9aPj0aI/AAAAAAAALVI/_iLGtxyAE2M/s640/Approaching+Rosyth.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Rosyth</td></tr>
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We approached the port and were soon pulling into the Rosyth Ferry Terminal. With only a handful of visits over the summer months, they don't have a dedicated Cruise terminal. The port area is quite small which is nice. I hardly remember it from yesterday morning. We paid David in cash and were soon boarding the Ocean Princess.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rr8WZp5xkLA/UrivhyOMx2I/AAAAAAAALUs/LEmDF-Kashk/s1600/Rosyth+Port.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rr8WZp5xkLA/UrivhyOMx2I/AAAAAAAALUs/LEmDF-Kashk/s640/Rosyth+Port.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port of Rosyth</td></tr>
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We were very happy to be back home! We passed through security and there was no wait for an elevator up to Deck 7. Around 4:00 pm I went out on the balcony to take some photos as we departed the port and once again went under the bridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU08-5mo-c8/Urnc9Jf9ZFI/AAAAAAAALVU/cA8yELnlb84/s1600/Rosyth+Leaving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU08-5mo-c8/Urnc9Jf9ZFI/AAAAAAAALVU/cA8yELnlb84/s640/Rosyth+Leaving.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Rosyth</td></tr>
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We have 2+ hours to rest until dinner. After our ginormous tea time treats, I cannot quite fathom another meal. I checked email and updated my notes on our last 2 port days. After showering and resting a bit I almost felt like a new person.<br />
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Tonight we are eating in Sabatini's, the Italian specialty restaurant. We loved Sabatini's on the Ruby Princess, and it was probably along with the Sanctuary, the highlight of that cruise.<br />
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On the Ocean Princess the two specialty restaurants, Sabatini's and the Sterling Steakhouse are open on alternate nights. They don't have the passenger demand nor the staff to keep them open on the same nights.<br />
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Our dining time is at 6:00 pm tonight but it is still very bright outside. It sort of throws you off as it looks like it is early afternoon. We took the elevator to Sabatini's on Deck 9 aft. They seated us at a table for 4, which was set for 2 and facing a large window. So far so good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEz32D6tyVM/UrneTLg0sII/AAAAAAAALVg/QbQGszmy3gw/s1600/Sabatini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEz32D6tyVM/UrneTLg0sII/AAAAAAAALVg/QbQGszmy3gw/s640/Sabatini.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Table and View</td></tr>
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We perused the menu but I was disappointed to not find any Langoustines. I had so much enjoyed these before. They were lightly sauteed and grilled and this was by far the best item they served on the Ruby Princess. We made alternate choices and savored the bread and breadsticks until the starters arrived.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9MfqvYl8yQ/Urnez7ioo2I/AAAAAAAALVo/guxhUbYlzhU/s1600/Sabatini+Shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9MfqvYl8yQ/Urnez7ioo2I/AAAAAAAALVo/guxhUbYlzhU/s640/Sabatini+Shrimp.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poached Shrimp with white beans</td></tr>
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The starters were just average. I had shrimps with white beans and my mother had the soft shell crab.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMVeNQUB-lg/UrnfBainoLI/AAAAAAAALVw/OC1q8oGfxq4/s1600/Sabatini+Crab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMVeNQUB-lg/UrnfBainoLI/AAAAAAAALVw/OC1q8oGfxq4/s640/Sabatini+Crab.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft Shell Crab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we waited for the main courses to be served we overheard (some people might say eavesdropped) on the table next door. It was a table of 2 couples with one of the ladies speaking much louder than anyone else. You would have to wear earplugs if you didn't want to hear her. In fact, I think the whole dining room could hear everything she said! She was explaining to her tablemates in a sharp New York accent that she is related to Donatella Versace (we didn't understand how) and spoke glowingly of Donatella's and her family. This woman didn't seem Italian so it was a little confusing to us. Donatella's ex is American so perhaps that is the connection. I tried really hard not to listen to her. My mother who has "bionic" hearing seemed to enjoy it though.<br />
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Mercifully, the main dishes soon arrived. My mother had the Pasta and I had the Lobster three ways.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfosn603z9I/Urnft1iR2oI/AAAAAAAALV4/VmdoijRvABY/s1600/Sabatini+Pasta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfosn603z9I/Urnft1iR2oI/AAAAAAAALV4/VmdoijRvABY/s640/Sabatini+Pasta.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Pasta Dish</td></tr>
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The lobster was not good. I have had this dish on Princess before and really enjoyed it. However this time the lobster was salty and chewy. I have never had salty lobster before. I was thinking of sending it back but there was nothing else on the menu I wanted. Some sauce may have helped but I ate a little of it "as is". I will unlikely ever order this dish prepared this way again on Princess. Good thing I had a big lunch!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNPR9BD90d0/Urnf_JqwX6I/AAAAAAAALWA/OK55HmZ5S7c/s1600/Sabatini+Lobster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNPR9BD90d0/Urnf_JqwX6I/AAAAAAAALWA/OK55HmZ5S7c/s640/Sabatini+Lobster.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disappointing Lobster 3 Ways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The New York lady was still yakking away about another topic when our waiter came to inquire about dessert. We selected two different ones and I was hoping they would be good. Often times dessert turns out to be the best part of the meal.<br />
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That was certainly true in this case as I was very happy with the Napoleon with hazelnut, almond and praline.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNXU1KQ8slE/UrngzFCpZ0I/AAAAAAAALWM/-QaI7dk8Dj4/s1600/Sabatini+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNXU1KQ8slE/UrngzFCpZ0I/AAAAAAAALWM/-QaI7dk8Dj4/s640/Sabatini+Dessert.JPG" height="446" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazelnut Napoleon</td></tr>
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It was yummy and very light. My mother had the Semifredo white chocolate mouse with limoncello and raspberries. She said it was excellent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0am0nUoWqHc/UrnhGLGGTKI/AAAAAAAALWU/Axzj9j71B8U/s1600/Sabatini+Semifredo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0am0nUoWqHc/UrnhGLGGTKI/AAAAAAAALWU/Axzj9j71B8U/s640/Sabatini+Semifredo.JPG" height="530" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Chocolate Semifredo</td></tr>
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We finished every bite of our desserts. We signed the slip for the $25 per person cover charge for dinner + the wine, We debated going to the theater but decided to just take a walk around the the shops. It was very quiet!<br />
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We went back to the room early and went right to bed! Tomorrow we have a sea day to recover from the last 48 hours. The ship is headed north around the coast of Scotland near the Orkney Islands. I am hoping for decent weather and beautiful scenery.<br />
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27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-37524111112896153422013-08-24T23:34:00.000-04:002013-12-23T12:15:19.804-05:00Edinburgh, Scotland - Day 3Captain Servillo of Ocean Princess said we would be arriving in Rosyth at approximately 5:00 am. Although this is significantly earlier than I usually get up, I wanted to see the Forth Bridge up close. My internal clock worked great as I miraculously woke just moments before we approached the bridge and then sailed quietly under it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y_Ckj7ehi0/Up4wl68BU7I/AAAAAAAAK70/0FnL1_1iN0I/s1600/Forth+Bridge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y_Ckj7ehi0/Up4wl68BU7I/AAAAAAAAK70/0FnL1_1iN0I/s640/Forth+Bridge+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Forth Bridge with Forth Road Bridge in the background</td></tr>
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The Forth Bridge is a cantilivered railway bridge spanning the Forth from Dalmeny to North Queensferry. It took 7 years to complete and opened in 1890. Four years earlier, the nearby collapse of the Tay Bridge created concern in constructing this new bridge. Experienced architects were hired and major stress tests were performed before the first passenger and freight trains roared across it.<br />
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The Forth Bridge is considered an engineering marvel and in 2011 it was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status (it didn't make it). Made of metal, the bridge is 8,296 ft long and 151 ft high. It certainly is a beautiful sight. It is similar in color to the San Francisco Bay Bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMxiQlBc7zk/Up4w1Ob4lGI/AAAAAAAAK78/_-GydaQE998/s1600/Forth+Bridge+under+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMxiQlBc7zk/Up4w1Ob4lGI/AAAAAAAAK78/_-GydaQE998/s640/Forth+Bridge+under+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the other side</td></tr>
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A third bridge is now being built as a replacement for the Forth Road Bridge (for cars and trucks) which has structural problems. The new bridge will be named Queensferry Crossing and is due to open in 2016.<br />
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Being early birds we decided to have breakfast and get off the ship before all the Princess tours. Ocean Princess will be over-nighting in (Rosyth) Edinburgh and we have almost 2 full days to enjoy the city and the beautiful countryside. We have "a marathon" of a day in store and I am hoping for the best. It will be strenuous at times and I expect to hear some griping from mother. However, I have informed her of the various stops and that we will be in constant motion the entire day. I have my fingers crossed against a revolt.<br />
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After another yummy breakfast we disembarked the ship around 7:15 am and took the free port shuttle to the terminal building. There were two other couples traveling together on the shuttle with us. They had a private guide meeting them at the terminal. I asked them where they were headed and they really didn't seem to know! We exited the bus and took a taxi to the Inverkeithing train station which is only about 7-8 minutes away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTSPEYkonaY/Up4xZdVvzhI/AAAAAAAAK8E/w0RWzq-KbLM/s1600/Inverkeithing+Station+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTSPEYkonaY/Up4xZdVvzhI/AAAAAAAAK8E/w0RWzq-KbLM/s640/Inverkeithing+Station+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inverkeithing Train Station</td></tr>
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We purchased our tickets from the kiosk to Waverley Station in Edinburgh. It was a bit brisk outside but the forecast is for overcast skies and thankfully no rain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdufQTsB3NE/Up4xmj4CuGI/AAAAAAAAK8M/pFe4Azyb4zY/s1600/Inverkeithing+Station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdufQTsB3NE/Up4xmj4CuGI/AAAAAAAAK8M/pFe4Azyb4zY/s640/Inverkeithing+Station.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the train to Waverley</td></tr>
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The train was on time and we enjoyed the ride (about 27 minutes) to town. When we passed over the Forth Bridge I spotted the Caribbean Princess at anchor near Leith. Those passengers will need to tender ashore. I am very happy that we are on Ocean Princess which docks at Rosyth, allowing easy access to the train and eliminates the need for tendering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rot4t0aBHl8/Up4xzlNQszI/AAAAAAAAK8U/QsWAVwbOBOk/s1600/Caribbean+Princess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rot4t0aBHl8/Up4xzlNQszI/AAAAAAAAK8U/QsWAVwbOBOk/s640/Caribbean+Princess.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Forth Bridge. Caribbean Princess anchored near Leith. </td></tr>
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The train made a brief stop at Haymarket before arriving at Waverley. On an early Saturday morning there was hardly anyone else on the train.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZdDGc2Ncl4/Up9ROTPqLfI/AAAAAAAALBM/-k5t1t1dOlA/s1600/Train+to+Waverly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZdDGc2Ncl4/Up9ROTPqLfI/AAAAAAAALBM/-k5t1t1dOlA/s640/Train+to+Waverly.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost empty train at 8:00 am on a Saturday</td></tr>
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I am still surprised that with all the various Edinburgh festivals there weren't many people around. August is an especially busy time in Edinburgh, with the Fringe, Book and International festivals, not to mention the Military Tattoo, the place is supposedly a mad house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOvAqDtYadA/Up4ycTVP8PI/AAAAAAAAK8g/1zLAZQTU64o/s1600/Princess+Mall+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOvAqDtYadA/Up4ycTVP8PI/AAAAAAAAK8g/1zLAZQTU64o/s640/Princess+Mall+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Waverley Station</td></tr>
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From the Princess Mall we walked down almost deserted streets toward the New Town and Charlotte Square. We had a view of the Ramsgate buildings on the left side of the street with the temporary Tattoo seating in the distance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4EeYQBLWH4/UqiLhlfoGiI/AAAAAAAALJ4/I94Wv9EbDfY/s1600/Downton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4EeYQBLWH4/UqiLhlfoGiI/AAAAAAAALJ4/I94Wv9EbDfY/s640/Downton.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramsgate buildings and festival seating for the Tattoo</td></tr>
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We had a partial view of Edinburgh Castle in the background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXdCBS1Q9L8/UqYYOy521gI/AAAAAAAALFc/56JdCfWqeWA/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXdCBS1Q9L8/UqYYOy521gI/AAAAAAAALFc/56JdCfWqeWA/s640/Edinburgh+Castle+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking down Princes Street with a view of the Castle</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the central part of town, we looked in the store windows at Hotter (shoes) and a soap shop. It was actually nice that it was quiet and there weren't crowds to deal with at this early hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hB1EFhqSuU/Up4zwY2qzOI/AAAAAAAAK8s/LfEHGYYwcVI/s1600/Pink+Cat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hB1EFhqSuU/Up4zwY2qzOI/AAAAAAAAK8s/LfEHGYYwcVI/s640/Pink+Cat.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxkHyxtKKl4/UqIoSDIX4rI/AAAAAAAALCc/IEkRY5yTikY/s1600/Soap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxkHyxtKKl4/UqIoSDIX4rI/AAAAAAAALCc/IEkRY5yTikY/s640/Soap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaps</td></tr>
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We also spotted Jenners across the street but kept going as it was closed. It is a huge store!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2DQqP2WSto/UqIojsdnCMI/AAAAAAAALCk/fX6x93IIGVw/s1600/Jenners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2DQqP2WSto/UqIojsdnCMI/AAAAAAAALCk/fX6x93IIGVw/s640/Jenners.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This morning we are headed to Charlotte Square for the Edinburgh Book Festival. I purchased the tickets online but they don't mail them outside the UK. We have to pick them up at 9:30 am, hence our early departure.<br />
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<b><u>Edna O'Brien</u></b><br />
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We will be seeing the legendary Irish writer, Edna O'Brien. She first came to notoriety in 1960 with the highly acclaimed publication of her novel, <i>"The Country Girls"</i>. It was made into a trilogy and several other significant novels, plays and features followed. From Wikipedia, it says "O'Brien's works often revolve around the inner feelings of women, and their problems in relating to men, and to society as a whole". Sounds a bit grim, but also highly relateable and universal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-LGerytdtU/Up9Ul2zT2TI/AAAAAAAALBY/JnmSpyuCeaE/s1600/Edna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-LGerytdtU/Up9Ul2zT2TI/AAAAAAAALBY/JnmSpyuCeaE/s640/Edna.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writer, Edna O'Brien</td></tr>
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Now at robust 82 years old, she recently completed her memoir, aptly titled <i>"Country Girl".</i> O'Brien's Book Festival session is the first one of the day at 10:00 am. Margaret Atwood, one of my favorite writers is speaking afterward. As I have seen Ms. Atwood before and we have a lot of other things to get to in Edinburgh we will just be doing the one Book Festival event. In addition to many literary luminaries, I also noticed the Book Festival program has lots of events geared to children. This is certainly worth checking out if you have little ones.<br />
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We enjoyed our leisurely walk and arrived in magnificent Charlotte Square. This is regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in all of Edinburgh. Located in the New Town, the square was designed by Robert Adam in 1791. The final work was completed around 1820.<br />
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The central part of the square has a statue of Prince Albert which was actually dedicated by Queen Victoria.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz7M9iVnWFM/UqDP5YlEGoI/AAAAAAAALCM/qULUJKTjFYs/s1600/Statue+Prince+Albert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz7M9iVnWFM/UqDP5YlEGoI/AAAAAAAALCM/qULUJKTjFYs/s640/Statue+Prince+Albert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince Albert Statue in Charlotte Square</td></tr>
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During the last three weeks in August the Edinburgh Book Festival takes place in Charlotte Square. We walked to #5 to pickup the event tickets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elEKZFBghg0/UqIph8Kg7iI/AAAAAAAALCw/lPocCVkkva8/s1600/Charlotte+Square+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elEKZFBghg0/UqIph8Kg7iI/AAAAAAAALCw/lPocCVkkva8/s640/Charlotte+Square+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmIMm9D286s/Up41K0vTXBI/AAAAAAAAK84/IKajW6NR_MA/s1600/George+Square+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmIMm9D286s/Up41K0vTXBI/AAAAAAAAK84/IKajW6NR_MA/s640/George+Square+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Street</td></tr>
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The stone buildings in the square are very interesting. The style is Georgian and the townhouses were designed as unified blocks. Decorative fan lights were incorporated to allow light into the hallways. The trumpet designed railings were used to snuff out torches that lit the homes at night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53fyYc8mbJI/UqIqXBpg1HI/AAAAAAAALC4/rQQeB4IT-FE/s1600/Charlotte+Square+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53fyYc8mbJI/UqIqXBpg1HI/AAAAAAAALC4/rQQeB4IT-FE/s640/Charlotte+Square+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Townhouses on George Street, Charlotte Square</td></tr>
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As we were admiring the gorgeous buildings we were completely oblivious to the long line forming at the Book Festival gate. We got in line with the other participants who were mostly older women in their 60's and 70's. By all appearances, this seemed like a large contingent of the Edna O'Brien "fan club". There was a smattering of younger women too and even a few men. I overheard one woman in her 30's telling a couple of ladies that she almost ran out of the house without "<i>the</i> <i>book"</i> (she wanted signed). She remarked on what a travesty that would have been and that she would never have forgiven herself. A sign of true devotion! I felt a bit like a wannabe, having no book to sign, not being that knowledgeable about Ms. O'Brien and planning to dash off to other venues once the reading was over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaC8Q2KA6K8/Up45k120FnI/AAAAAAAAK9M/NeZqnx6OJJA/s1600/Book+Festival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaC8Q2KA6K8/Up45k120FnI/AAAAAAAAK9M/NeZqnx6OJJA/s640/Book+Festival.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh International Book Festival</td></tr>
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At exactly 9:30 am, the mostly salt and pepper crowd slowly started to move through the gate. We went to the desk to get our tickets which took about 5 minutes. We then got in another longer line for the main theater where the event is taking place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp86F7301XM/UqYa4y9uQ6I/AAAAAAAALF0/Qt-PfuVjITQ/s1600/Book+Tickets001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp86F7301XM/UqYa4y9uQ6I/AAAAAAAALF0/Qt-PfuVjITQ/s640/Book+Tickets001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ticket</td></tr>
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The line snaked along in a "U" shape toward the theater. Huge white canvases with illustrations of the book festival writers lined the walkway all the way up to the theater. I didn't know any of these authors but it captivated our attention and beat staring at the grass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hESq3BRqKY/Up46GWvC_VI/AAAAAAAAK9c/Ar3RbctIBhU/s1600/Book+Festival+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hESq3BRqKY/Up46GWvC_VI/AAAAAAAAK9c/Ar3RbctIBhU/s640/Book+Festival+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Illustrations</td></tr>
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The area for the book festival is sort of its own park. Framed by a grassy area, there is a bookstore, a restaurant, cafe, outdoor seating and restrooms. It was starting to get a little brighter outside as the sun was making an attempt to triumph through the gray skies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvx92FvIQk/Up46e9kwwXI/AAAAAAAAK9k/rLYSK_Q1yWo/s1600/Book+Festival+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvx92FvIQk/Up46e9kwwXI/AAAAAAAAK9k/rLYSK_Q1yWo/s640/Book+Festival+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line to the theatre for Edna O'Brien</td></tr>
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The Baillie Gifford Theatre appears temporary as the interior is enveloped with a pretty purple tent and cheapo plastic chairs are on elevated concrete steps. I noticed that this event sold out online just a few days after tickets were available for purchase. The room was packed as we tried to find seats that would be comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGLiMo0o3uk/Up465WL2vqI/AAAAAAAAK9s/NwU7UmpuRxk/s1600/Book+Festival+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGLiMo0o3uk/Up465WL2vqI/AAAAAAAAK9s/NwU7UmpuRxk/s640/Book+Festival+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too comfy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to sit on the left side as it looked a bit more spacious. There wasn't a lot of leg room (mother would say none) and I was glad the event was only about an hour long.<br />
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Once everyone was settled, Ms. O'Brien made her entrance leaning on the arm of the moderator. She didn't seem frail at all but may have bad knees.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHrA9ckSobw/Up47KKTi9qI/AAAAAAAAK90/l31VY4tcuZg/s1600/Book+Festival+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHrA9ckSobw/Up47KKTi9qI/AAAAAAAAK90/l31VY4tcuZg/s640/Book+Festival+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edna O'Brien on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got off to a lively start when the moderator asked Ms. O'Brien questions about her knack for drawing on memory and her writing process. Ms. O'Brien had some zippy responses and has a great sense of humor. She shared reflections on her upbringing, the difficult relationship with her mother; and her early years living in London in the 1960's. She read a long passage from her recent book and then after a few more moderator questions opened it up to the festival participants. It was all over in about 70 minutes but it was very entertaining and enlightening.<br />
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We didn't have time (nor plans) to purchase her book or get it signed as we have a full itinerary to complete today. Hoping I won't regret this later.<br />
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We were soon off via taxi to the Castle Hill area for our pre-reserved 12:00 pm Lunch. I am glad we are eating early since we need to build up our energy. The taxi driver was super efficient and got us within just a few feet of the restaurant entrance. This is no easy task at the top of the Royal Mile.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nH0ueuQyhEs/Up5GnMPjBNI/AAAAAAAAK-E/D3myASaBzk4/s1600/Witchery+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nH0ueuQyhEs/Up5GnMPjBNI/AAAAAAAAK-E/D3myASaBzk4/s640/Witchery+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Witchery </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We will be dining at the Witchery, and more exactly their enchanting downstairs venue, "The Secret Garden". It was getting busy outside with lots of people coming and going to the Castle which is just a stone's throw from the restaurant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTioUzVo0Ro/Up5K02WJNoI/AAAAAAAAK_A/R0OxIbys00I/s1600/Witchery+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTioUzVo0Ro/Up5K02WJNoI/AAAAAAAAK_A/R0OxIbys00I/s640/Witchery+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Secret Garden on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lunch service does not start until noon so we were among the first patrons to arrive. The room is lovely with drippy white candles, brick walls, a wood beamed ceiling and large windows to the outside. We were seated in the rear with a nice view of the restaurant and natural light.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09fmbAdmfnk/Up5HiG6zDAI/AAAAAAAAK-M/ke4KdZRgUSY/s1600/Witchery+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09fmbAdmfnk/Up5HiG6zDAI/AAAAAAAAK-M/ke4KdZRgUSY/s640/Witchery+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Witchery Secret Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The menu is extensive and it was a bit of a challenge to decide what to order. We first had to make it through the encyclopedic wine list. I ordered a glass of Rose and my mother had a Reisling. The servers came around with a choice of bread. One was a little spicy and the other was more mild.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPFdH0T79vI/Up5Id-ityMI/AAAAAAAAK-U/h3dU28S5FYo/s1600/Witchery+Wine+List.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPFdH0T79vI/Up5Id-ityMI/AAAAAAAAK-U/h3dU28S5FYo/s640/Witchery+Wine+List.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine List and bread selection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't that hungry but we decided to each get a starter and a second dish, or more correctly, two starters. The restaurant slowly began to fill up. The service was excellent and not rushed considering it was quite busy. <br />
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Our first dishes arrived and were okay but I would probably make a different choice another time. My mother had the Foie Gras which seemed more like pate. I had the French style fish soup with rouille. I usually love this dish but this one was a bit watery and didn't have any depth. It was supposed to be a bisque but it seemed to be lacking in substance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjsqkY_huQA/Up5Jd9RJjOI/AAAAAAAAK-g/Vuid4FxjX_w/s1600/Witchery+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjsqkY_huQA/Up5Jd9RJjOI/AAAAAAAAK-g/Vuid4FxjX_w/s640/Witchery+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Foie Gras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A35Zg_fo98w/Up5JnLa6IGI/AAAAAAAAK-o/z5FHM7CIKwI/s1600/Witchery+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A35Zg_fo98w/Up5JnLa6IGI/AAAAAAAAK-o/z5FHM7CIKwI/s640/Witchery+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice presentation but the fish soup had little flavor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our second dishes arrived and I forgot to photograph my mother's oysters. Mine was the appetizer portion of the baked scallops. The description didn't seem to match the dish. It is listed on the menu as "Guy Grieve's Scallops, Iberico bellota ham". It was also supposed to have sauerkraut and Granny Smith apple jelly. I didn't notice any of the latter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk6DtMWoi-U/Up5KMOBcCKI/AAAAAAAAK-w/1S-4ZIlVcv0/s1600/Scallops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk6DtMWoi-U/Up5KMOBcCKI/AAAAAAAAK-w/1S-4ZIlVcv0/s640/Scallops.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At first appearances, the dish looked small but it was just the right portion size. It was okay, but nothing to rave about. We both managed to save room for dessert. It was hard to make a decision from all the yummy"puddings" on the menu.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQlCRlPcXo8/Up5KnSfqTzI/AAAAAAAAK-4/_lyaqmKU9q0/s1600/Witchery+Puddings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQlCRlPcXo8/Up5KnSfqTzI/AAAAAAAAK-4/_lyaqmKU9q0/s640/Witchery+Puddings.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pudding "Dessert" Menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally settled on ordering ALL of them! The Witchery Pudding Selection is a bite size version of their best sellers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AhD33x8TJo/Up5LedjKB7I/AAAAAAAAK_I/K5cCr1G-EvU/s1600/Witchery+Pudding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AhD33x8TJo/Up5LedjKB7I/AAAAAAAAK_I/K5cCr1G-EvU/s640/Witchery+Pudding.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witchery Pudding Selection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was the perfect dessert to share and end our meal. Everything including the orange blossom ice cream was delicious! We didn't leave a single bite.<br />
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The restaurant is on the expensive side but you are paying for the ambiance as well as the food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrgHfrzOvPY/UqiOk3aVjRI/AAAAAAAALKE/kqXnhAMnGZY/s1600/Witchery+Bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrgHfrzOvPY/UqiOk3aVjRI/AAAAAAAALKE/kqXnhAMnGZY/s640/Witchery+Bill.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bill in pounds. I also left a gratuity. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the meal wasn't that thrilling, the atmosphere of the restaurant is fabulous. I especially liked the gooey candles that melted down to the wick during our meal. The restaurant is popular so I suggest booking in advance. It was nearly full by the time we departed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klGEisO0oPc/Up5MabMraII/AAAAAAAAK_Q/M0FFE9bTpcQ/s1600/Witchery+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klGEisO0oPc/Up5MabMraII/AAAAAAAAK_Q/M0FFE9bTpcQ/s640/Witchery+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret Garden viewed from the stairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7PicBbguKc/Up5MmG-NEcI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/3m1YmVStqWc/s1600/Witchery+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7PicBbguKc/Up5MmG-NEcI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/3m1YmVStqWc/s640/Witchery+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque in the restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fed and fortified, we were off to explore the sights of Edinburgh. It was now around 1:30 pm and our next stop was Edinburgh Castle which was just around the corner. I was initially on the fence about spending time here. However, as it dominates the Edinburgh skyline I thought we should at least see a little of the castle. I had allocated about 40 minutes for our visit which worked fine. If you want to see everything here, you would obviously require a lot more time.<br />
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The Castle is separated by the Esplanade (with the temporary Tattoo bleacher seating) and then a large courtyard. As we will be seeing the Tattoo tonight I was interested to see the location of our seats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqMVrV-J5Dc/UqIv_ygQJNI/AAAAAAAALDI/s_8CeWWBRCU/s1600/Esplanade+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqMVrV-J5Dc/UqIv_ygQJNI/AAAAAAAALDI/s_8CeWWBRCU/s640/Esplanade+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esplanade with Tattoo Seating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was just as I expected and our seats in Section 2 in the fourth row from bottom looked fine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LQiuMVNANg/UqIw8Cl4AgI/AAAAAAAALDQ/hIfIt_-jyRI/s1600/Esplanade+Section+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LQiuMVNANg/UqIw8Cl4AgI/AAAAAAAALDQ/hIfIt_-jyRI/s640/Esplanade+Section+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you pass through the Esplanade you enter the gatehouse. On the other side there are ticket kiosks, ticket windows and a shop.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n01yxm7EVcU/Up5NOwug12I/AAAAAAAAK_g/0lBU6EyaM2E/s1600/Castle+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n01yxm7EVcU/Up5NOwug12I/AAAAAAAAK_g/0lBU6EyaM2E/s640/Castle+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Although the castle is hundreds of years old, the gatehouse is relatively new. It was built in 1888 and has statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace flanking the sides.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoXDFiq-UGc/Up5P2wiYi7I/AAAAAAAAK_s/ehxEZueFal4/s1600/Castle+Entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoXDFiq-UGc/Up5P2wiYi7I/AAAAAAAAK_s/ehxEZueFal4/s640/Castle+Entrance.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I purchased the tickets online but elected to print them onsite instead of on my computer at home. This was a mistake. While the line for the kiosk to print pre-purchased tickets was non-existent. the presence of a head wrapped gypsy woman trying to take down my information on the screen was not. As I was busy entering the information I didn't notice this woman. My mother was standing back and rushed over to tell me to cover up the screen. Apparently, this woman was writing down the last names and confirmation numbers on a piece of paper. My mother saw her do this to the guy to my right and also the person before him.<br />
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Since the reservation is linked to a credit card I was alarmed. I had just printed my tickets as the woman ran away. I decided to find security to report the incident. I entered the tourist office and we described what we had just encountered. I was reassured by security that that the credit card cannot be compromised by knowing the confirmation number and/or last name. The fact that my mother said the woman did not get my last name (it is a long one!) helped me breathe easier too. The security personnel said they would keep a lookout for this behavior but that I didn't need to worry. In any event, to avoid this I recommend printing the tickets at home.<br />
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Once in the Castle courtyard (and a bit rattled) we needed to decide what areas to see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIz3DCWxmV4/Up5Qa3MjybI/AAAAAAAAK_0/YqgmTNzlfuo/s1600/Castle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIz3DCWxmV4/Up5Qa3MjybI/AAAAAAAAK_0/YqgmTNzlfuo/s640/Castle+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Castle area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The area is very hilly and I knew due to my mother's knees we had to limit our options.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vLh-IqVVeU/UqIypidWw3I/AAAAAAAALDc/i6kpPSCC4KM/s1600/Castle+Lang+Stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vLh-IqVVeU/UqIypidWw3I/AAAAAAAALDc/i6kpPSCC4KM/s640/Castle+Lang+Stairs.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lang Stair Edinburgh Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We declined to see the crown jewels or the Royal Apartments. Instead we decided to tour the National War Museum. I had seen something on TV and thought there was a special WWII exhibit there but I may have mixed this up with the museum on Guernsey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We entered the National War Museum of Scotland which displays 400 years of Scotland's military history. I quickly realized there wasn't an exhibit about secret WWII German weapon installations in Norway, but we enjoyed seeing the items they did have on view.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cW_AsOLtXM/Up9cihRfbpI/AAAAAAAALBo/fwZL14McNF8/s1600/Castle+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cW_AsOLtXM/Up9cihRfbpI/AAAAAAAALBo/fwZL14McNF8/s640/Castle+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National War Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were lots of shinny metals, portraits of admirals and uniforms to see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNjCiAB4hY4/Up5R5FHqqzI/AAAAAAAALAI/NZiCpV8h9Yg/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNjCiAB4hY4/Up5R5FHqqzI/AAAAAAAALAI/NZiCpV8h9Yg/s640/Edinburgh+Castle.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmT5D1eLHk8/Up5SEtOzH6I/AAAAAAAALAQ/6KrvZfUCsHM/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmT5D1eLHk8/Up5SEtOzH6I/AAAAAAAALAQ/6KrvZfUCsHM/s640/Edinburgh+Castle+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Scottish War Hero's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The display cases were nicely done and there was just enough documentation to make it interesting without feeling like you were reading a novel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6sK8woEQl0/Up5SaYgSoXI/AAAAAAAALAY/mzvIo4Acqes/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6sK8woEQl0/Up5SaYgSoXI/AAAAAAAALAY/mzvIo4Acqes/s640/Edinburgh+Castle+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold handled sword and more medals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sword belonging to the Earl of Northesk was quite impressive. I have not seen one like this before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jj9VaAGSPWY/Up5S2bh8YyI/AAAAAAAALAk/ajR-iT1GWlE/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jj9VaAGSPWY/Up5S2bh8YyI/AAAAAAAALAk/ajR-iT1GWlE/s640/Edinburgh+Castle+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sergeant Wallace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spent about 25 minutes in the War Museum. We then went outside to take in the views from the Castle. The city of Edinburgh has mostly low rise buildings. This certainly helps maintain the elegant character of the environs. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwHuvUzRIc/Up5TSgxQg0I/AAAAAAAALAs/tqWq4eVV2is/s1600/Castle+view+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwHuvUzRIc/Up5TSgxQg0I/AAAAAAAALAs/tqWq4eVV2is/s640/Castle+view+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Castle</td></tr>
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There are a lot of buildings in the Castle area so deciding what you want to see in advance would be helpful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ia0fsdZQmoA/Up9dA6o3HKI/AAAAAAAALBw/mKfSFvFphmU/s1600/Castle+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ia0fsdZQmoA/Up9dA6o3HKI/AAAAAAAALBw/mKfSFvFphmU/s640/Castle+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Area</td></tr>
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While all these historic sights were interesting I was suddenly longing for some retail therapy. We exited the castle area and walked down Victoria Street and around the Grassmarket area to look at the shops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZsfvRLX7zg/UqI2tPmC9yI/AAAAAAAALDo/mIo3H9s02FM/s1600/Mint+Velvet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZsfvRLX7zg/UqI2tPmC9yI/AAAAAAAALDo/mIo3H9s02FM/s640/Mint+Velvet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mint Velvet</td></tr>
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When we were in Tunbridge Wells I noticed the shop "Mint Velvet". I didn't have time to go inside then, but was happy to see the same store here. The merchandise is similar to the UK chain Jigsaw or Banana Republic. I tried on a top and a sweater but neither one worked.<br />
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We saw a few more shops, including the Mellis Cheese Shop before getting back to our itinerary.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yis6M-IMRcc/UqYezXayJzI/AAAAAAAALGA/EdbxHCa2tfU/s1600/Mellis+Cheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yis6M-IMRcc/UqYezXayJzI/AAAAAAAALGA/EdbxHCa2tfU/s640/Mellis+Cheese.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mellis Cheesemonger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXObOTZrqGI/UqI3DWp-s4I/AAAAAAAALDw/wHgJmg8oPZ0/s1600/Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXObOTZrqGI/UqI3DWp-s4I/AAAAAAAALDw/wHgJmg8oPZ0/s640/Bar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We looked in the window at Hamilton and Inches. I liked the silver candlesticks but at £4,000 they were definitely out of my price range.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8fEy-qX9TA/UqYfRLZQsGI/AAAAAAAALGI/00TBNg-3ScE/s1600/Hamilton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8fEy-qX9TA/UqYfRLZQsGI/AAAAAAAALGI/00TBNg-3ScE/s640/Hamilton.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamilton & Inches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was then an enjoyable walk past Greyfriars Bobby (both the pub and statue) before arriving at the National Museum of Scotland about 20 minutes later.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhLADlatxZk/UqYfr3sHu2I/AAAAAAAALGQ/QBKK-Yy2PVQ/s1600/Greyfriars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhLADlatxZk/UqYfr3sHu2I/AAAAAAAALGQ/QBKK-Yy2PVQ/s640/Greyfriars.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greyfriars Bobby Pub</td></tr>
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It would have been nice to take a break here but we weren't hungry or thirsty yet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_I6jOzlw24/UqYgKC5pN8I/AAAAAAAALGY/Pja99vrSOxo/s1600/Greyfriars+Bobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_I6jOzlw24/UqYgKC5pN8I/AAAAAAAALGY/Pja99vrSOxo/s640/Greyfriars+Bobby.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every dog lover can't help but be enamored with the true story of Bobby, the famous Cairn Terrier of Scottish legend. The little guy refused to leave the side of his master (a policeman) who had passed away and visited his grave daily until he died himself many years later.<br />
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His statue is well visited as demonstrated from his glistening brass nose.<br />
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We worked our way down to the National Museum of Scotland. While we were both feeling a little "<i>museumed</i> <i>out</i>" I definitely did not want to miss the Mary Queen of Scot exhibit which started in July and ends in November. We first had to figure out how to get to the exhibit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3lyrYUSvFA/UqYijPembHI/AAAAAAAALGk/hQNUJaBy_z0/s1600/National+Museum+Statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3lyrYUSvFA/UqYijPembHI/AAAAAAAALGk/hQNUJaBy_z0/s640/National+Museum+Statue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Museum of Scotland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The National Museum has a strange setup. While the exterior is very attractive, the inside is not very becoming.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jnjTkWyuws/UqYjV2JkEzI/AAAAAAAALGs/TP_B7QJuEOs/s1600/National+Museum+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jnjTkWyuws/UqYjV2JkEzI/AAAAAAAALGs/TP_B7QJuEOs/s640/National+Museum+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cavernous National Museum of Scotland</td></tr>
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Admission is free and once we were inside I was given directions to the Mary Queen of Scots exhibit. I was told to walk diagonally across to the next hall and take the elevator up to the second floor. Once on the second floor I still needed more directions to finally make it to the far corner of the museum.<br />
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There was a fee for the special exhibit of £9 for adults and £7.50 for seniors. That seemed very reasonable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3y8ATB5Ro/UqYjyVExGKI/AAAAAAAALG0/qyaEe0uA3uY/s1600/Mary001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3y8ATB5Ro/UqYjyVExGKI/AAAAAAAALG0/qyaEe0uA3uY/s640/Mary001.jpg" width="538" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit flyer with senior ticket</td></tr>
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The Mary Queen of Scots exhibition is presented in atmospheric dark tones of grays and browns to perhaps make it more mystical. There is a short movie in a glass enclosed space and the moody music and narrative pervades the hall while looking at all the amazing artifacts. Mary's compact mirror, jewelry, and other personal possessions were on display. It was a bit crowded so if you wanted to get closer in order to read the small notes on the items you needed to be patient.<br />
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While the main museum held little interest for us, the Mary Queen of Scots exhibit was fabulous. It helped you understand the personal side of Mary and her importance in UK history.<br />
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Afterward we perused the very nice gift shop just beyond the exhibit area. There had lots of merchandise tailored to Mary Queen of Scots. We each bought a little black velvet pouch with a crest and I also bought some postcards. My mother purchased a red velvet pouch as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r36qOXgyT7M/UqYlIynNYsI/AAAAAAAALHA/v8NnNvtAJ4A/s1600/NMS002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r36qOXgyT7M/UqYlIynNYsI/AAAAAAAALHA/v8NnNvtAJ4A/s640/NMS002.jpg" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small black velvet pouch about £7.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While all of today's activities would be enough for most people, we were far from done. Our next stop was checking into our room for our overnight stay. Obviously we could have gone back to ship, but agreed that since we are seeing the Tattoo at 10:30 pm tonight that not having to go back and forth to the Rosyth would be a bonus. It is helpful that Edinburgh is fairly compact and walkable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q8-KNhT5Xc/UqiSXEz_EcI/AAAAAAAALKQ/RpyZN7E9v84/s1600/Royal+Mile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q8-KNhT5Xc/UqiSXEz_EcI/AAAAAAAALKQ/RpyZN7E9v84/s640/Royal+Mile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We made the short 10 minute walk to Calton Road where our hotel is located. It is called Snoozebox and it is a temporary hotel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7ddNv1XQm4/UqYllW7mI7I/AAAAAAAALHI/4VADvphn-r4/s1600/snooze001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7ddNv1XQm4/UqYllW7mI7I/AAAAAAAALHI/4VADvphn-r4/s640/snooze001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Snoozebox website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rooms are shipping containers and once the festivals in Edinburgh are over at the end of August the entire structure is disassembled and moved to its next venue somewhere else in Europe.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9BS8qou7t4/UqI6ueUYbaI/AAAAAAAALD8/kD4Z108GZ2k/s1600/Snooze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9BS8qou7t4/UqI6ueUYbaI/AAAAAAAALD8/kD4Z108GZ2k/s640/Snooze.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snoozebox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think the whole idea is quite ingenious. With the sky high rates of Edinburgh accommodations during the month of August I was very happy to find Snoozebox. I prepaid the nightly rate of £82 online.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpUh5MyVxs8/UqI7bf38N6I/AAAAAAAALEM/XXqejxpQDPc/s1600/Snooze+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpUh5MyVxs8/UqI7bf38N6I/AAAAAAAALEM/XXqejxpQDPc/s640/Snooze+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went to check in and were given cards to our room and codes for the free wifi. We were then escorted to our room. It was just as it appeared on the Internet. There was one lower bed and a bunk style bed on top. I got the top one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS4YeTi0tIE/UqI7EsdTTdI/AAAAAAAALEE/FOlz1cceM7c/s1600/Snooze+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS4YeTi0tIE/UqI7EsdTTdI/AAAAAAAALEE/FOlz1cceM7c/s640/Snooze+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With plush duvets for the beds, a/c, safe, TV, toilet, a sink and shower we were more than satisfied with the accommodations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvHz0OnUZrI/UqI7t646uHI/AAAAAAAALEU/v7CyCFvNcs8/s1600/Snooze+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvHz0OnUZrI/UqI7t646uHI/AAAAAAAALEU/v7CyCFvNcs8/s640/Snooze+8.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink & toilet (shower to the left out of view)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF-liDn_I5w/UqI79b5I5xI/AAAAAAAALEc/gPjmYMsH6FY/s1600/Snooze+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF-liDn_I5w/UqI79b5I5xI/AAAAAAAALEc/gPjmYMsH6FY/s640/Snooze+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room Safe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwpACC5XAl4/UqI8EfdMb4I/AAAAAAAALEk/IK99shqHA68/s1600/Snooze+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwpACC5XAl4/UqI8EfdMb4I/AAAAAAAALEk/IK99shqHA68/s640/Snooze+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV Remote and photo of La Mans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was really happy to be leaving the little overnight bag (which I had been carrying all day) here and proceeded to our next stop.<br />
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Just about 7 minutes down the road from the hotel is the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This was at the top of my list for sights to see in Edinburgh. While mother started to lag a bit I told her that she needed to carry on as this was a must see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N4Y5tRuCig/UqeNEBgAdGI/AAAAAAAALIk/Uxiyo5RtmgQ/s1600/Holyrood+Palace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N4Y5tRuCig/UqeNEBgAdGI/AAAAAAAALIk/Uxiyo5RtmgQ/s640/Holyrood+Palace.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of Holyroodhouse</td></tr>
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In 1128 King David established the Abbey here at the foot of the Royal Mile. James IV added a palatial interior in the 16th century which is now a ruin. The Palace itself was built in the 16th century. It was burned down but rebuilt as is the case with many historic palaces. Holyroodhouse was re-constructed in its present form between 1671 and 1679. There are four wings around a central courtyard.<br />
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Queen Elizabeth spends one week per year in residence at Holyroodhouse in June. During that time the palace is off limits to the public.<br />
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Mary Queen of Scots has a strong connection to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. She resided at the Palace from 1561 until her forced abdication in 1567. She also married both of her Scottish husbands at Holyroodhouse, Lord Darnley and James Hepburn. In 1566 Mary's assistant David Rizzo was assassinated here in the north wing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgVzfNNaEGg/UqeNlEgBdZI/AAAAAAAALIw/U3IOLummXN8/s1600/Holyrood+Arthurs+Seat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgVzfNNaEGg/UqeNlEgBdZI/AAAAAAAALIw/U3IOLummXN8/s640/Holyrood+Arthurs+Seat.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur's Seat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before walking through the courtyard to reach the palace we glanced at Arthur's seat, the extinct volcano adjacent to it. We then proceeded through the courtyard to reach the quadrangle area and purchase our tickets.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekGm3on3veY/UqeMkWaB8_I/AAAAAAAALIc/0kKCgiXn3q4/s1600/Holyrood+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekGm3on3veY/UqeMkWaB8_I/AAAAAAAALIc/0kKCgiXn3q4/s640/Holyrood+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to buy tickets</td></tr>
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We purchased our tickets and the audio guide for the 45 minute self guided tour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkPqMhdF-3I/UqeJuhzjRdI/AAAAAAAALIU/_fGX6_TGLDw/s1600/THolyrood+Ticket001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkPqMhdF-3I/UqeJuhzjRdI/AAAAAAAALIU/_fGX6_TGLDw/s640/THolyrood+Ticket001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Ticket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was nice going later in the day as it was not crowded. No photography is allowed in the building so once we passed through the quadrangle I put my camera away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD3pvbZyhrY/UqeOW7ZhG1I/AAAAAAAALI4/Yob7IVlzc7w/s1600/Holyrood+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD3pvbZyhrY/UqeOW7ZhG1I/AAAAAAAALI4/Yob7IVlzc7w/s640/Holyrood+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last photo opportunity at the Palace</td></tr>
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The audio guide worked well and had just the right amount of detail. Since I couldn't take photos I was concentrating a lot more to the audio descriptions. Afterward I purchased postcards in the gift shop to remember what we saw.<br />
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First up were the Morning and Evening Drawing rooms. This room is so large that it requires two different postcards to capture it fully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBYuEv8F1pA/UqePa1FJn5I/AAAAAAAALJE/xagtXCVcUtM/s1600/Holyrood+Palace001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBYuEv8F1pA/UqePa1FJn5I/AAAAAAAALJE/xagtXCVcUtM/s640/Holyrood+Palace001.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcards of Morning and Evening Drawing Rooms</td></tr>
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The tapestries in this room were outstanding. There is even a painting of the Queen Mother over the fireplace.<br />
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Also notable is the largest room in the palace which is the Great Gallery. This room is adorned with 110 portraits of Scottish monarchs which were all painted from 1684 to 1686.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yU5EtjOt4U/UqeQ6Ou_L-I/AAAAAAAALJQ/5Z183xxJBq0/s1600/Holyrood+Stair+Gallery002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yU5EtjOt4U/UqeQ6Ou_L-I/AAAAAAAALJQ/5Z183xxJBq0/s640/Holyrood+Stair+Gallery002.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Stair and Great Gallery</td></tr>
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The Great Stair has a beautiful plaster ceiling with angels holding the "Honours of Scotland".<br />
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Upstairs on the second floor we saw Mary Queen of Scots bedchamber and her sitting area, or outer chamber.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcvp44heFKc/UqeSuhmSyEI/AAAAAAAALJc/v9EiPqxeEoM/s1600/Holyrood+Bed+Mary001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcvp44heFKc/UqeSuhmSyEI/AAAAAAAALJc/v9EiPqxeEoM/s640/Holyrood+Bed+Mary001.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcards of Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber and Outer Chamber</td></tr>
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There is a remarkable chest belonging to Mary I learned about on a PBS show. It was a treat seeing it in person here. The inside of the chest is very intricate with bright ruby colored stones. However, I didn't dare get too close for fear I would be tempted to open it up and see it! I might have been able to ask one of the docents to show it to us.<br />
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The rooms on view were wonderful and it was a fabulous tour. I could imagine the Queen walking in at any moment. At the end of the tour near the exit there are some personal portraits of the British monarchy. I snapped a photo of the Queen, Princess Anne and her daughter Zara on horseback. They look very happy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2E7WZQU-MQ/UqeTxC7tCkI/AAAAAAAALJo/rk--VKEZKvs/s1600/Holyrood+Queen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2E7WZQU-MQ/UqeTxC7tCkI/AAAAAAAALJo/rk--VKEZKvs/s640/Holyrood+Queen.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three generations of British monarchy</td></tr>
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We took a look at the ruined Abbey before departing. The Abbey must have been quite beautiful at one time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jupw-FxWwfE/UqiUvcxEP4I/AAAAAAAALKc/T07ghKsgB68/s1600/Holyrood+Abbey+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jupw-FxWwfE/UqiUvcxEP4I/AAAAAAAALKc/T07ghKsgB68/s640/Holyrood+Abbey+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUeyPNVfu6w/UqiU8yYucKI/AAAAAAAALKk/z6cwbrdaPX4/s1600/Holyrood+Abbey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUeyPNVfu6w/UqiU8yYucKI/AAAAAAAALKk/z6cwbrdaPX4/s640/Holyrood+Abbey.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holyroodhouse Abbey</td></tr>
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We left Holyroodehouse at around 6:00 pm and looked for a taxi. Are we done yet? Not quite! Our next stop via taxi is the International Edinburgh Conference Center (IECC) on Morrison Street. In June I had checked the International Festival schedule and was thrilled to see that David Sedaris would be returning to Edinburgh this August. I purchased tickets online for his last show which is at 6:30 pm tonight. However, since they insist on mailing the tickets one week before the event that presented a problem. As we would already be in the UK. I notified the ticket office in advance and they said they would print new tickets at the venue. I needed to get there 15 minutes early to pick them up.<br />
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Once inside the conference center, I was getting a little nervous as the ticket person was fuddling around looking for our tickets. He finally produced them though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzPbMF9FRSQ/UqiXHBStg3I/AAAAAAAALK8/8gujmwPB-3c/s1600/Sedaris+ticket002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzPbMF9FRSQ/UqiXHBStg3I/AAAAAAAALK8/8gujmwPB-3c/s640/Sedaris+ticket002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Sedaris Ticket</td></tr>
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The Edinburgh Conference Center is a very nice modern steel and glass building. After all the historic old buildings we have been seeing today it was a bit of a jolt to be standing in this contemporary interior with plush dark blue carpets, sparkling overhead lighting, floor to ceiling windows and an shiny escalator to the second floor.<br />
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Just before we entered the room I noticed Mr. Sedaris was seated at an outside table signing books. I have been walking around Edinburgh all day with his most recent tome of reflections "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls". I asked if could get in line but I was told "no" and that I would have to wait until after the event. I knew I probably would not have time for that and slunked away toward the theater.<br />
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The room was huge with a gigantic stage for theater productions. Due to its vast size it seemed like an odd venue for a book reading. In sharp contrast to our first event of the day with Edna O'Brien, the Sedaris audience was very young and lively. I think my mother may have been among the oldest in the audience. The room may hold around 400+ people and was nearly full. It was great seeing so many young people!<br />
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We found seats near the front of the room on the right side. We were only sitting for about 10 minutes when Mr. Sedaris made his entrance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFYRr253kAA/UqiVxi7_WuI/AAAAAAAALKw/TzPRDnxWmuU/s1600/Sedaris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="477" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFYRr253kAA/UqiVxi7_WuI/AAAAAAAALKw/TzPRDnxWmuU/s640/Sedaris.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Sedaris and his most recent book</td></tr>
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He was certainly among friends as the audience clapped and cheered when he entered the room. After a brief introduction he spoke on what appeared to be random selections which he read and also commented on. These ranged from the purchase of a summer home in North Carolina, his sister Tiffany's suicide, being a houseguest in Normandy, the ubiquitiuous use of the word "Awesome" in the US, the dexterity and skill of woman who can remove their bras fully clothed (ala "flashdance") and his proclivity for picking up litter around the UK. There may have been a couple more topics too.<br />
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I had first heard of Mr. Sedaris while I was listening to National Public Radio on the drive home. He was so funny I almost careened off the road. His delivery in Edinburgh was no less entertaining. He has a sharp wit and interesting world perspective. After hearing him, I was very happy that I could finish reading the book in his voice as if he was reading it to me himself.<br />
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When the reading ended, Mr. Sedaris was rewarded for his poignant and witty remarks with loud applause from the audience. There was now a second opportunity to get in line for the book signing. There were already about 20+ people in line even before Mr. Sedaris appeared and I pondered this for a few seconds. I ultimately decided against it as we needed to eat before attending the Tattoo. In addition, I was worried that we would be cutting it too close and there may not have been any taxis outside if we waited.<br />
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It was now dark outside as we exited the conference center and took one of only two taxis waiting out front. Looks like I made the correct decision. I had planned to have a small bite at the Royal Cafe on Register Street, about 10 minutes away. The Royal Cafe has an oyster bar where you can order small plates and we could also try Haggis for the first time. I had email correspondence with Gordon, the Royal Cafe manager prior to departing for the UK. The Royal Cafe has both a bar and a restaurant. Since we didn't want to order a lot I decided we would not reserve a table and instead would sit in the bar. Gordon advised it should probably be a 15 - 30 minute wait at the most for a table.<br />
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We arrived at the restaurant and I was crestfallen to see people standing everywhere on both the restaurant and the bar side. I spoke to the person at reception and he said they were fully booked. I relayed what Gordon had said and he repeated they were full and there was no more room tonight. I didn't have a prinout of the emails but it was too crowded to wait there anyway. I snapped a few photos and sadly left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiVlt-Hi-84/UqYwsTzMDoI/AAAAAAAALH0/LcTf5CfrbXY/s1600/Royal+Cafe+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiVlt-Hi-84/UqYwsTzMDoI/AAAAAAAALH0/LcTf5CfrbXY/s640/Royal+Cafe+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Cafe Bar Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4VVTsxus8/UqYw1reDNkI/AAAAAAAALH8/YaPB05B-4S0/s1600/Royal+Cafe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4VVTsxus8/UqYw1reDNkI/AAAAAAAALH8/YaPB05B-4S0/s640/Royal+Cafe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Cafe</td></tr>
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Edinburgh has tons of restaurants so I knew we could find something. The Balmoral hotel is just around the corner so we walked there and looked at their options.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWkpnBbNZ1w/UqYvu3mePbI/AAAAAAAALHo/j3Q5wt934kY/s1600/Balmoral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWkpnBbNZ1w/UqYvu3mePbI/AAAAAAAALHo/j3Q5wt934kY/s640/Balmoral.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balmoral Hotel</td></tr>
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We were actually seated a table in one of their restaurants but ended up walking out when the server was much more accommodating to the male patrons seated across from us while we were being completely ignored.<br />
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We are 0 for 2 now. While walking up the street deciding where we should try next, I noticed a RBS bank with several ATMs. The lines were a medium size and it looked like it would take about 10 minutes. Since we needed more pounds for our taxis tomorrow I got in line to make a withdrawal. The line moved fast and I we were now all set for tomorrow.<br />
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It was now about 8:45 pm and we needed to eat rather quickly. My mother noticed a Pizza Express. This seemed like a good idea. Again, the restaurant was packed and we had to wait about 7 minutes for a table.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ2plX3XpXs/UqYvhJC-F0I/AAAAAAAALHg/D22McXLebCQ/s1600/Pizza+Express.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ2plX3XpXs/UqYvhJC-F0I/AAAAAAAALHg/D22McXLebCQ/s640/Pizza+Express.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza Express</td></tr>
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Once seated we quickly looked at the menu, ordered our drinks and pizzas and hoped the service would be fast. After all, it is called Pizza "Express" so how slow could it be?<br />
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We were in luck as the pizzas only took about 15 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDRZYQE67QI/UqYvRD2HzDI/AAAAAAAALHY/C5cdJRGLmps/s1600/Pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDRZYQE67QI/UqYvRD2HzDI/AAAAAAAALHY/C5cdJRGLmps/s640/Pizza.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepperoni Pizza</td></tr>
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We ate pretty quickly and exited the restaurant around 9:25 pm. We walked up to the entrance for the Military Tattoo. The line was not hard to find as it was massive! We were probably near the end of it and it was not moving at all. The good news was it wasn't cold out and we didn't feel that tired. I am glad we just ate though.<br />
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The line suddenly started to move slowly and then at a faster pace. It wasn't really much of a line as people were jumbled together 5-7 people across. Once we got closer to the entrance the line started to narrow. I handed our tickets over (pre-purchased through the Tattoo website and mailed to us in the USA) and we were directed to the Section 2, row F. It was easy and very efficient.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_VRahVRhdo/Uqibu9zoc9I/AAAAAAAALLI/vUO_FiN3t38/s1600/Tattoo+tickets001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_VRahVRhdo/Uqibu9zoc9I/AAAAAAAALLI/vUO_FiN3t38/s640/Tattoo+tickets001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tattoo Ticket</td></tr>
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The tickets come in a nice little packet with a map and directions to the event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wANSC8bvdhI/Uqib2lxNINI/AAAAAAAALLQ/sxmQnXjYflc/s1600/Military+Tattoo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wANSC8bvdhI/Uqib2lxNINI/AAAAAAAALLQ/sxmQnXjYflc/s640/Military+Tattoo001.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket packet</td></tr>
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It was actually nice coming in late as we didn't need to sit for long before the show began. I thought we had a pretty good view even being closer to the castle. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLjFjTAZbw8/Uqict59UgqI/AAAAAAAALLc/x30jGZtcLNc/s1600/Tattoo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLjFjTAZbw8/Uqict59UgqI/AAAAAAAALLc/x30jGZtcLNc/s640/Tattoo+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Section 2</td></tr>
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The announcer welcomed the various nations to the event. Not surprisingly, the loudest applause and shouting was for Scotland. The show then began with the Scottish regiment emerging from the castle. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp08dtKecXM/UqidkgLpvGI/AAAAAAAALLs/U4alFQATu10/s1600/Tattoo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp08dtKecXM/UqidkgLpvGI/AAAAAAAALLs/U4alFQATu10/s640/Tattoo+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show begins</td></tr>
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The Military Tattoo is comprised of 11 acts representing various countries. There has been some grumbling that the presence of the different nations is detracting from the unique nature of the Tattoo's Scottish pedigree. We both however really enjoyed the multicultural component. </div>
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The music is a mixture of contemporary songs and lovely Scottish ones.<br />
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The first act to appear was the Fanfare and Massed Pipes and Drums. It was very loud! </div>
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Massed Pipes and Drums</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vYr8r8c9rg/UqifSHo3TRI/AAAAAAAALMI/bYIKHmFEgJA/s1600/Tattoo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vYr8r8c9rg/UqifSHo3TRI/AAAAAAAALMI/bYIKHmFEgJA/s640/Tattoo+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massed Pipes and Drums</td></tr>
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The Highland Dancers were next to appear and were very entertaining. One dancer even lost her shoe during all the jumping up and down but carried on nonetheless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2eiIlzrXss/UqifpD-j_2I/AAAAAAAALMQ/KCeldo0xoxQ/s1600/Tattoo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2eiIlzrXss/UqifpD-j_2I/AAAAAAAALMQ/KCeldo0xoxQ/s640/Tattoo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland Dancers</td></tr>
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I kept alternating between my camera and my camcorder. It was hard to decide what mode would capture it best.<br />
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The third act to appear was the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Traditional Band. They performed some dancing and were quite splendid in their colorful golden yellow costumes. This is one of the best displays of "yellow" I have witnessed! They played traditional Korean music.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhQJa24c7s0/Uqjd3ZLSz1I/AAAAAAAALNQ/MV_ibooZ-E4/s1600/Tattoo+Korea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhQJa24c7s0/Uqjd3ZLSz1I/AAAAAAAALNQ/MV_ibooZ-E4/s640/Tattoo+Korea.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean Band</td></tr>
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The lighting of the castle is very pretty with a multitude of changing colors. The fourth act was the Erksine Stewart Melville School Choir.<br />
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The 5th act I didn't really enjoy. It was the "Imps Motorcycle Display Team". These were young kids who did tricks on motorcycles either alone or in a big group. It made me too nervous to watch them criss-crossing each other's path at high speeds. They even formed a pyramid at one point.<br />
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This was quickly forgotten by the lively Mexican Mariachi marching band. I didn't take any photos of this one.<br />
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My favorite acts though were the New Zealand Army Band and the Lochiel Marching Drill Team of New Zealand. The Lochiel "girls" were marvelous! While marching can be quite boring these girls did a great job. It seemed like they were a crowd favorite too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lochiel Marching Drill Team from New Zealand</td></tr>
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There was a short break before the next act. The castle was again changing colors and this time looked like a chocolate birthday cake!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ5BNzIV1tk/UqihImb-JJI/AAAAAAAALM8/G8TRXKSv5Yc/s1600/Tattoo+Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ5BNzIV1tk/UqihImb-JJI/AAAAAAAALM8/G8TRXKSv5Yc/s640/Tattoo+Cake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Castle</td></tr>
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The last international act was from Mongolia. The costumes of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces were impressive. They even did some acrobatics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egktMgPSd8Q/Uqjg6o7LPvI/AAAAAAAALNc/Y8gOIhfVfWM/s1600/Tattoo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egktMgPSd8Q/Uqjg6o7LPvI/AAAAAAAALNc/Y8gOIhfVfWM/s640/Tattoo+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mongolian Group</td></tr>
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The last act before the finale was a second appearance by the Massed Military Bands and the Massed Pipes and Drums. At one point they even played Louis Armstrong's "Its a Wonderful World". All the other acts were welcomed into the arena to end the performance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All groups performing together</td></tr>
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The final act was the lone piper. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful evening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone Piper</td></tr>
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A fireworks display soon followed but my camera didn't want to cooperate with capturing any of it. It was a nice display though and the bursting lights above the castle continued for about 10 minutes.<br />
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It all went by quite fast and as it was now after midnight when we left the esplanade area. We were tired and looking forward to heading back to our room (shipping container!).Being near the bottom allowed a pretty easy exit and we were soon on the darkened streets of Edinburgh.<br />
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I had thought about pre-arranging a taxi to take us the 15 minutes it would take to walk. However, being the last show of the season, the streets were mobbed and I was advised that a taxi could not be reserved in advance. I was told that I could call to request a taxi after we were outside. Now that plan seemed like a impossibility as there were too many people and very few taxis. We waited on several different street corners and finally gave up after 30 minutes.<br />
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I got directions back to Carlton Road from two different people who were very helpful. They showed me the map on their smartphones. It was actually a very easy walk and in hindsight we should have not even bothered trying to get a taxi. At one point we were below an overpass and had no idea whether to turn left or right. There were no one around and I thought we might be sleeping on the street after all! We suddenly spotted a group of 4 young people walking nearby. We asked for directions and after a brief discussion between the difference between Carlton road and Calton Road we were soon within a few yards of Snoozebox. Thank goodness!<br />
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It was now about 1:15 am and we were very happy to be home! In about 7 hours we have a trip planned to the nearby countryside. Hoping for a few hours of sleep! </div>
27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-15278728409705887282013-08-23T21:21:00.000-04:002013-12-02T16:47:06.308-05:00Cruising the North Sea and the UK Coast - Day 2While the forecast for the last few days kept fluctuating between rain and clear skies we are very fortunate today. We woke to beautiful blue skies and... SUN! We are very lucky. I imagine the pool area will be buzzing this afternoon. In addition to the wonderful weather I was also blessed with (finally!) a good night's sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5igkd4kaFE/Uo-qqoS4bOI/AAAAAAAAK4E/CL20V0FaTgo/s1600/Morning+Sunshine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5igkd4kaFE/Uo-qqoS4bOI/AAAAAAAAK4E/CL20V0FaTgo/s640/Morning+Sunshine.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brilliant Sunshine</td></tr>
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Well rested and ready for the day, I took some photos of the England coastline from the balcony before showering and getting ready for breakfast. It was a bit windy outside but otherwise glorious. We have a full sea day today. Tomorrow morning the ship will dock outside of Edinburgh for a 2 day visit.<br />
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After my relaxing shower and checking email (wifi worked fine) it was time to go down to the Lido for breakfast. This room is canary yellow and very cheerful looking, but almost over-powering. I am probably in the minority as I really don't like yellow. I forgot all about the room decor when I noticed the large oval plates at the front of the buffet. I almost burst out laughing as these are quite funny! I guess Princess assumes the average person wants to pile on the food. However, as I abhor trays the large oval plates worked wonderfully. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
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We both found items we liked and had no difficulty selecting a table. My mother was approached again (same person as at dinner last night) by a crew member asking if she wanted to purchase a wine card. She declined last night and this time said, "what don't you understand about no, no and no?" I guess he got the message because she was never asked again! I know he was just doing his job but it can be a bit obtrusive when you are trying to enjoy yourself and keep getting pestered to buy something. <br />
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There must have been a lot of sleepy heads on board as we enjoyed the quiet serenity of the Lido by ourselves while nibbling our salmon and fruit. When we were finished we walked through to the pool area. The teak flooring was sopping wet and I was surprised the crew wasn't mopping it up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZh2fQjQB4I/Uo-ruA2DkrI/AAAAAAAAK4c/KgTXgUhoNOc/s1600/Pool+Area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZh2fQjQB4I/Uo-ruA2DkrI/AAAAAAAAK4c/KgTXgUhoNOc/s640/Pool+Area.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet Deck</td></tr>
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We found a couple lounge chairs and relaxed while watching the swirling puddles slowly dissipate. The sun was strong even at this early hour so in a short time the floor would probably be completely dry.<br />
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When I checked the Princess Patter last night for today's activities I unfortunately didn't find anything of interest. Princess offers no lectures or enrichment on this cruise with the exception of some port presentations. There is an Edinburgh presentation at 10:00 am which I will attend. My mother has opted to skip it though.<br />
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We both have spa appointments this morning. I am having my hair colored at 11:00 am and my mother is having a pedicure at 10:15 am. These are the only activities (besides eating) we have planned for the entire day. We have been moving around nonstop since we landed in the UK, so we are grateful to be taking it easy today.<br />
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It was soon time for my mother's spa appointment and I had to make my way to the theatre for the Edinburgh talk. We left the pool area and went our separate ways. The ship seemed so quiet as I walked toward the Cabaret Lounge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading toward the Cabaret Lounge</td></tr>
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I brought my camera and camcorder with me this morning. With no one around to annoy it was easy to take photos and do some video recording. Eventually I will edit the videos and post them to the blog. <br />
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There were about 60 people in the theater for the Edinburgh discussion. I chose to sit in the back since I would not be staying for the duration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hg0QiYrCWss/Uo-sgqnNdVI/AAAAAAAAK4s/RtPuhP2oQb4/s1600/Caberet+Lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hg0QiYrCWss/Uo-sgqnNdVI/AAAAAAAAK4s/RtPuhP2oQb4/s640/Caberet+Lounge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Presentation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq-KOxZBrIk/Uo-s3jh135I/AAAAAAAAK40/HChOZ5fTNmg/s1600/Cabaret+Lounge+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq-KOxZBrIk/Uo-s3jh135I/AAAAAAAAK40/HChOZ5fTNmg/s640/Cabaret+Lounge+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet in the back</td></tr>
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The woman speaker had a very pleasant voice and presentation style. However, she incorrectly said that you cannot use Scottish pounds in other parts of the UK. That is incorrect. We had no problem using them during our overnight stay in England.<br />
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The speaker discussed the transportation options from Rosyth, where the ship will dock, and how to get to Edinburgh. A free shuttle bus is required to get from the ship to the port entrance. From there you can take a taxi, another bus, a train or other private transportation to Edinburgh. We will be taking the train on our own so this info was minimally helpful. She did provide fare estimates for a taxi, bus and the train. The audience seemed very appreciative.<br />
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Items also discussed included the sightseeing bus, shopping, historic sites to visit and using taxis and public transportation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LQLuH5a1JY/Uo-tHBE5W3I/AAAAAAAAK48/Yp76q7MoDEI/s1600/Edinburgh+Presentation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LQLuH5a1JY/Uo-tHBE5W3I/AAAAAAAAK48/Yp76q7MoDEI/s640/Edinburgh+Presentation.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Map</td></tr>
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The overview was well done and it was nice that there was no hard sell about where to shop or what to buy. I had done a lot of research online of what to do in Edinburgh during our two days there. I have 2 guidebooks with me so I am all set. The talk was more reassuring than informative for me but probably helpful to others.<br />
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It was soon time for my hair appointment so I departed the talk prior to its completion. I love how small the ship is and it only took a few minutes to walk up the stairs to Deck 9 where the spa is located.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okdq3lcrzXw/Uo-tnRXKxpI/AAAAAAAAK5E/C-N0odWLiz0/s1600/Salon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okdq3lcrzXw/Uo-tnRXKxpI/AAAAAAAAK5E/C-N0odWLiz0/s640/Salon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair Salon</td></tr>
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The salon was empty and I was quickly escorted to the light filled room with a comfy chair facing the ocean. I confirmed my request for a double pigment #4 with my stylist Leoni and she quickly got to work on my tresses. Leoni is from Ireland, outside of Belfast and has been on the ship for 3 months. She told me she is very much looking forward to leaving the colder weather in the UK and heading for the Med and then the Middle East. She has wanted to visit Dubai for a long time.<br />
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We had some fun discussing the British names for hair related items like flossing (color) and fringe (bangs). It was then 30 minutes of "resting' before the color was washed out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKAFTup4MQo/Uo-t7iPt1QI/AAAAAAAAK5M/QlCoDpBM2D8/s1600/Salon+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKAFTup4MQo/Uo-t7iPt1QI/AAAAAAAAK5M/QlCoDpBM2D8/s640/Salon+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth seas while during my hair treatment</td></tr>
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It was $70 for the color treatment which is around what I pay at home. I opted not to have a cut or blow dry. She did comb it out and gave it a good towel dry so I was presentable to walk back to my room to style it myself.<br />
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I took the stairs again, 2 levels down to our room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAfHxPC_7Ow/Uo-0yldqD5I/AAAAAAAAK6I/3FiuMIYOuZc/s1600/Stairway+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAfHxPC_7Ow/Uo-0yldqD5I/AAAAAAAAK6I/3FiuMIYOuZc/s640/Stairway+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs are very easy to access the other decks</td></tr>
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Back at the room, I had the all too familiar scene of my mother resting on the bed and watching TV. She said her pedicure was excellent and even better than at home. I checked the TV to see the ship's current position. We are still along the English coast and will arrive in Scotland later tonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_X37ygk86Ns/Uo-ufn4_QkI/AAAAAAAAK5U/fSZCcHcq99Y/s1600/Map+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_X37ygk86Ns/Uo-ufn4_QkI/AAAAAAAAK5U/fSZCcHcq99Y/s640/Map+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Princess position in the North Sea</td></tr>
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After my blow dry and sitting on the balcony for 20 minutes we were starting to get hungry. It was back to the Lido again to see what was for lunch.<br />
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This time the Lido was extremely busy! There tons of people all over the place. Okay this may be a bit of an exaggeration as there are only 672 passengers on the ship. However, it seemed very crowded and it was nearly impossible to find an empty table.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bI6a8GpChkw/Uo-vFYfnV9I/AAAAAAAAK5c/l2Hy0Wz77-A/s1600/Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bI6a8GpChkw/Uo-vFYfnV9I/AAAAAAAAK5c/l2Hy0Wz77-A/s640/Lunch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow everywhere!</td></tr>
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We persevered and it was certainly worth waiting a few minutes for seats as the selection on the buffet was one of the best we have seen. They had an entire area of sushi and sashimi near the rear of the room. They also had decorations too and it was quite festive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk3Hh3E54EI/Uo-vbiYKxqI/AAAAAAAAK5k/JD_9UK8ugJM/s1600/Sushi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk3Hh3E54EI/Uo-vbiYKxqI/AAAAAAAAK5k/JD_9UK8ugJM/s640/Sushi.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous Sushi and Sashimi</td></tr>
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The quality, variety and presentation of the Sushi and Sashimi was excellent. The rice was very tasty and almost at a perfect temperature considering it is sitting out on a large table. They had 3 different types of soy sauce and good quality ginger. They even had daikon. Can you tell I am excited?! We were very impressed with the sushi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkccv7QkiJg/Uo-v0ylaJjI/AAAAAAAAK5s/DUG071qDkYE/s1600/Sushi+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkccv7QkiJg/Uo-v0ylaJjI/AAAAAAAAK5s/DUG071qDkYE/s640/Sushi+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also tried a couple other items and they were equally good. I loved the sandwich selections and that they were individually wrapped and labeled. So far the cruise is going great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtUDbrcQgGA/Uo-wFd1W3kI/AAAAAAAAK50/aBc3o2dVMyk/s1600/Sea+Day+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtUDbrcQgGA/Uo-wFd1W3kI/AAAAAAAAK50/aBc3o2dVMyk/s640/Sea+Day+Lunch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My selection was excellent!</td></tr>
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The Ocean Princess also had an extensive Chocolate Buffet. However, as a chocolate aficionado, there wasn't much "real" chocolate in the ones I tasted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLMWvldo6lM/Upz_X-3vEJI/AAAAAAAAK7k/fqXbAEkalC0/s1600/Lunch+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLMWvldo6lM/Upz_X-3vEJI/AAAAAAAAK7k/fqXbAEkalC0/s640/Lunch+Dessert.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Desserts</td></tr>
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After lunch we went out by the pool and lounged in the brilliant sun. I read one of my guidebooks while mother dozed. They were playing music but it was soothing and not too loud. Some people were in the pool but most of the passengers were spread out on the lounge chairs enjoying the smooth seas and sunny skies along the countryside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQCbZGhXB-8/Uo-wpP3VgnI/AAAAAAAAK58/27vdbyugSXs/s1600/Pool+Area+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQCbZGhXB-8/Uo-wpP3VgnI/AAAAAAAAK58/27vdbyugSXs/s640/Pool+Area+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl23f1KQKzg/Uo-rgkJu_MI/AAAAAAAAK4Y/YIWckNqSzjM/s1600/Pool+Afternoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl23f1KQKzg/Uo-rgkJu_MI/AAAAAAAAK4Y/YIWckNqSzjM/s640/Pool+Afternoon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor is completely dry now</td></tr>
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While it was really relaxing doing nothing, I was still wishing there were lectures or speakers on board. Nonetheless, I tried to convince myself that perhaps with the intensity of the next 2 two days it is best to appreciate our quiet time. As we cruised north it was getting a bit more cloudy. After a few hours as gray skies were taking over we went back to the room and I charged my devices again and read for awhile.<br />
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Tonight we are eating in the main Dining Room. We like having our own table for 2 near the front of the dining room. So far this is working out very well. Tonight is the Welcome Dinner so the food is supposed to be a little more "special".<br />
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We arrived at the entrance to the Dining Room and the Maitre'd and head waiter were there to greet the passengers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We went straight to our assigned table and our waiters Joel and Budi swiftly produced the menus and asked if we wanted any wine. My mother did order a glass of Reisling but luckily wasn't asked about the wine card again.<br />
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For me, the menu was not that impressive and I struggled to find something to order. I ended up with Onion Soup, a salad and the Fish.<br />
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The soup was okay but the cheese wasn't baked enouugh on top and the broth was sort of bland. The dining room was very lively though and we enjoyed seeing the other passengers having a good time.<br />
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Our salads came and were crisp and fresh.<br />
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When our main dishes were served I was happy my fish had a bit of a kick and was quite tasty. I sometimes wonder if I should travel with my own mini spice rack since I like more seasoning that what is normally included in the average cruise fare. The potato was crunchy and more similar to pommes frites. I was very happy with the main course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KthIrHLuk-4/Uo-4nMghheI/AAAAAAAAK6w/EoUbkaoISn4/s1600/Dinner+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KthIrHLuk-4/Uo-4nMghheI/AAAAAAAAK6w/EoUbkaoISn4/s640/Dinner+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish</td></tr>
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We both had dessert and then debated going to the theater.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmKO2Ns9nHk/Uo-5tmzlrsI/AAAAAAAAK68/jQQkZZ4zc0Q/s1600/Dinner+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmKO2Ns9nHk/Uo-5tmzlrsI/AAAAAAAAK68/jQQkZZ4zc0Q/s640/Dinner+Dessert.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cream is a little less melted than last night</td></tr>
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We ended up taking a walk around the deck 5 shops instead. It seemed that most people were eating or at the show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRy_-QGu8bw/Uo-6F-mNSBI/AAAAAAAAK7E/UfbLATjNn14/s1600/Deck+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRy_-QGu8bw/Uo-6F-mNSBI/AAAAAAAAK7E/UfbLATjNn14/s640/Deck+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck 5 near the shops</td></tr>
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Also located on Deck 5 is the main staircase. On the R Class ships this staircase is very classy and in the style of the iconic one on Titanic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mtcJxfGiX4/Uo-7LhiId4I/AAAAAAAAK7U/Xy1r0yesHbg/s1600/Deck+5+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mtcJxfGiX4/Uo-7LhiId4I/AAAAAAAAK7U/Xy1r0yesHbg/s640/Deck+5+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iconic Staircase</td></tr>
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Since we are getting off the ship at dawn tomorrow morning we made it an early night and headed back to the room. Virgil had piled up my extra pillows on my bed. I perused the copy of the Princess Patter with information for Edinburgh and called it a night.<br />
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It was a very nice sunset as we went to bed.<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-59213635787414104992013-08-22T16:44:00.000-04:002014-01-13T16:32:45.285-05:00Ocean Princess Day 1 - Dover, UKIt was a rough night. Although the baby next door didn't make a peep and the menacing lobster on the wall was ignored, I didn't sleep well at all. The bed wasn't comfortable and I woke up very cranky. Mother said her bed was fine and she slept well. Lucky her! Not being a huge fan of "English Breakfasts" I opted to take a walk to the western part of town while my mother relaxed with her morning coffee in the Bistro. I wasn't in a great mood so some alone time was probably a good idea. I hoped the walk and fresh air would brighten my spirits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVReyT5PvAA/Um_WMgbJTuI/AAAAAAAAKw8/C9QHgoOn_1c/s1600/Hotel+Lobby+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVReyT5PvAA/Um_WMgbJTuI/AAAAAAAAKw8/C9QHgoOn_1c/s640/Hotel+Lobby+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby Hotel du Vin</td></tr>
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The town is not big but I stopped in the lobby to make sure I had my map. I preceded down Crescent Street to Pleasant Road where we had walked yesterday. At the intersection of High Street, this part was all new to me. They had some nice attractive shops and the walk was very enjoyable. It certainly was putting me in a better mood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUB6verxgVY/Um_XtrE7X9I/AAAAAAAAKxI/BFSD4bDRz54/s1600/Pleasant+Street+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUB6verxgVY/Um_XtrE7X9I/AAAAAAAAKxI/BFSD4bDRz54/s640/Pleasant+Street+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Street Tunbridge Wells</td></tr>
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The area I was headed for is divided in a triangle so I wasn't exactly sure which side of the road to be on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaNxQZG58-U/Um_5Phu4W-I/AAAAAAAAKxg/C9PnjyDEjZw/s1600/Pantiles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaNxQZG58-U/Um_5Phu4W-I/AAAAAAAAKxg/C9PnjyDEjZw/s640/Pantiles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Pantiles, but which side of the street?</td></tr>
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I ended up going down the wrong street at one point but turned around and then found the entrance to The Pantiles. It was such a cute area!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PDIAovjTkk/Um_5tYLps6I/AAAAAAAAKxw/B21_RW6rXPE/s1600/Pantiles+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PDIAovjTkk/Um_5tYLps6I/AAAAAAAAKxw/B21_RW6rXPE/s640/Pantiles+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pantiles</td></tr>
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The Pantiles is a Georgian colonnade formally known as The Walks and also the Parade. The area contains a variety of specialty shops, art galleries and cafes. The Pantiles are named for the original one inch think wealden clay pavers used on the walkway.<br />
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There isn't a lot to see but the area is lovely and I sort of regretted not staying down here instead where we were. However, while the French restaurant looked adorable, the Tunbridge Hotel seemed outdated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CC48YH5xZQ/UnEw9wyZqZI/AAAAAAAAKzk/nrHiQIVi-C4/s1600/French.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CC48YH5xZQ/UnEw9wyZqZI/AAAAAAAAKzk/nrHiQIVi-C4/s640/French.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French restaurant in The Pantiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBz4NZ3UIcQ/UnExK6Si2cI/AAAAAAAAKzs/-uadB-xoMIs/s1600/Tunbridge+Wells.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBz4NZ3UIcQ/UnExK6Si2cI/AAAAAAAAKzs/-uadB-xoMIs/s640/Tunbridge+Wells.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Decor</td></tr>
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There were only a few people around this early. I walked to the Chalybeate spring on the corner. The spring is over looked by the "Dippers Hall". Apparently there are costumed "Dippers" who serve tastings of the iron rich water during the summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYcJ892iQWQ/Um_-HJHKv2I/AAAAAAAAKyY/xFxK0mKYkgY/s1600/Spring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYcJ892iQWQ/Um_-HJHKv2I/AAAAAAAAKyY/xFxK0mKYkgY/s640/Spring.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalybeate Spring</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfULN167lk0/UnExkk9bbRI/AAAAAAAAKz0/0f1cZP0ol9U/s1600/Tunbridge+Wells+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfULN167lk0/UnExkk9bbRI/AAAAAAAAKz0/0f1cZP0ol9U/s640/Tunbridge+Wells+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The well is on both sides of the building below the railing. You can tell there is iron from the discolored floor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10zWbvTnEsE/Um_-V5bqrCI/AAAAAAAAKyg/e_ZJ8bYOR5g/s1600/Spring+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10zWbvTnEsE/Um_-V5bqrCI/AAAAAAAAKyg/e_ZJ8bYOR5g/s640/Spring+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks sort of ghastly!</td></tr>
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I realized I needed to find a restroom. I spotted a very nice pastry shop and said I would buy a pastry but I first needed to use their facilities. They were very nice and restroom was fine. The pastries looked great and I took one to go as it was time to head back to the hotel. I made a brief stop to look at the Corn Exchange building and then continued to he hotel.<br />
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I very much enjoyed the traditional character of this part of the town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vupvdawNcdw/UnAIgeQLLgI/AAAAAAAAKzM/z8tXrPSBMVM/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vupvdawNcdw/UnAIgeQLLgI/AAAAAAAAKzM/z8tXrPSBMVM/s640/Map.JPG" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map Royal Tunbridge Wells</td></tr>
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Twenty minutes later I was back at the Hotel du Vin. Yesterday I had missed the beautiful Hydrangea on the side of the building.<br />
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I entered the hotel I rushed up the staircase to the second floor. I didn't have a key to the room but mother was awake and watching TV. I told her about The Pantiles at the other end of town and how cute it was. She said she enjoyed resting and didn't seem mind missing it. A bit later we got our things ready and went down to request a taxi to the train station.<br />
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We will be taking the train to Tonbridge and then changing trains there to go directly to the Dover cruise terminal and board the Ocean Princess. The entire train trip including changing trains is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.<br />
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The girl at the front desk requested our taxi but apparently the call got dropped. She planed to call back but had a call on the line requesting room rates. It took a while for her to get off the phone and call the taxi company back. The train only comes twice per hour where will be changing trains for Dover so we were getting a little inpatient.<br />
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The taxi came and it was only £4 for the 2 minute drive to the train station. I gave him £5 for his trouble. We purchased our tickets and then waited on the track for the train. From our ride yesterday I knew there wasn't a lot of room on the train for luggage so was glad we were traveling off peak.<br />
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Our first train had lots or room and we were only among 4 other people in our rail car. It was two stops to Tonbridge and then we changed trains for Dover. At the elevator we were met by another family. It was a bit uncomfortable when the "Dad" insisted on pressing the down indicator for the elevator when we needed to go up. We were outnumbered with 4 against 2. I pressed the button for to go up and then once inside the elevator level 2. There was some grumbling from our neighbors but I ignored them.<br />
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The family was insisting there was a tunnel to walk through but you needed to take the elevator up then walk across and go down using the elevator if you had luggage to be on the other side of the track. We finally made it. We found the track and had about 20 minutes until the 10:21 am train to Dover. The train to Dover comes twice every hour at 21 minutes past and at 51 minutes past the hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNhD7IHbBso/UnAD7gJASZI/AAAAAAAAKzA/d4g7hMATMac/s1600/Train+Tonbridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNhD7IHbBso/UnAD7gJASZI/AAAAAAAAKzA/d4g7hMATMac/s640/Train+Tonbridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonbridge station</td></tr>
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It was a bit gloomy out but not raining. There were several announcements to make sure to sit in the first four cars if going to Dover as the train separates at Ashford International. There were a few more people waiting by the time the train arrived. It was nice it wasn't crowded. It was great the train was empty because the racks were too small to put the luggage on top.<br />
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There are about 9 - 10 stops until Dover. There was a short 2 minute break at Ashford where the train separated. We continued in the first 4 cars to Dover while the other 4 cars went to Ramsgate. We had a nice view of the water when we passed Folkstone. When we arrived in Dover it was drizzling as we exited the station. We grabbed a taxi for £8 to the Western Docks Cruise terminal.<br />
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It was now about 12:00 pm and a little earlier than when we usually would check in. The reason for going early was that I had planned to take a walk on the cliff before sailaway. However, the dreary weather was putting a damper on that plan.<br />
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There wasn't a line at the check in desk. We handed them our completed health questionnaire and our Xpress Pass. It has been 9 years since we have been in the Dover cruise port. I hardly remember it.<br />
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We walked toward the gangway and were told to wait until we could board. I knew it was going to be a short wait as it appeared those with priority boarding were already on the ship. There were only a handful of people waiting with us. We were handed a card at checkin stating once we boarded we could go to our room to leave our luggage even if the room wasn't ready. I was very pleased with this policy.<br />
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Two minutes later we were cleared to board the Ocean Princess.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6-uObMitY/UnE0n1NFSeI/AAAAAAAAK0A/TlRXJkip9vg/s1600/Boarding+OP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6-uObMitY/UnE0n1NFSeI/AAAAAAAAK0A/TlRXJkip9vg/s640/Boarding+OP.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding Ocean Princess</td></tr>
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Once aboard there were elevators directly to the right and we went up 2 floors to deck 7. Our balcony room, 7100 is on the port side further aft. I had originally booked this same room on the Ocean Princess when we had planned to cruise in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately we ended up cancelling that cruise. I decided to book the same room for this cruise.<br />
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We are familiar with the R class type of ship having sailed on Oceania Insignia. I love the smaller size ships and am really excited to the cruise finally starting. The R ships hold approximately 674 passengers, have 11 decks and feature a traditional dining room plus two specialty restaurants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DG66uj_ojU/UnFIuhZEloI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/AhZiOQ7t0v8/s1600/Deck+Plan004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DG66uj_ojU/UnFIuhZEloI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/AhZiOQ7t0v8/s640/Deck+Plan004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Princess Deck Plan</td></tr>
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We have not cruised since our disaster on the Celebrity Millennium in December 2012. It feels like this cruise has been well deserved.<br />
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What we could see of the ship as we passed through Deck 5 to Deck 7 looked very nice. Our room 7100 was attractive in blue fabrics and dark woods. So far the Ocean Princess was living up to our expectations. We opened the balcony door for some fresh air and spent some time unpacking. I immediately plugged in my camera battery, iPod, fitbit charger and camcorder as all of them had little or no battery left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKwpERjpHUk/UnFLG4oMEHI/AAAAAAAAK0k/QdbncOOtnUI/s1600/Dover+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKwpERjpHUk/UnFLG4oMEHI/AAAAAAAAK0k/QdbncOOtnUI/s640/Dover+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the cliffs from our port side room</td></tr>
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Our room seemed like a good size and was nicely laid out. I used the desk area with the drawers and my mother utilized the closet. The safe was at a good height where we stored our valuables including my iPad.<br />
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The room is similar to the one we had on Oceania. I was pleasantly surprised with our accommodations.<br />
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The balcony was small but adequate for an 8 day cruise.<br />
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The bathroom was fine but had one of those hair dryers that attach to the wall. Not my favorite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MmNKzw7NBA/UnFPdZczP0I/AAAAAAAAK1c/i0HbwQa11zM/s1600/bathroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MmNKzw7NBA/UnFPdZczP0I/AAAAAAAAK1c/i0HbwQa11zM/s640/bathroom.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7100 Bathroom</td></tr>
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We finished the unpacking in about 30 minutes and were ready to explore the ship. Our steward Virgil came by to say hello. I requested extra pillows and a top sheet for the bed.<br />
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I still contemplated taking a walk as it was only 1:30 pm and we would not sail until 4:00 pm. However the weather wasn't too nice out and it was raining on and off. We had a nice view from the balcony watching the ships pass by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjjoQ99868Q/UnFRxsMERfI/AAAAAAAAK1o/9leK6fUezWs/s1600/Dover+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjjoQ99868Q/UnFRxsMERfI/AAAAAAAAK1o/9leK6fUezWs/s640/Dover+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the White Cliffs of Dover</td></tr>
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The cliffs have so much vegetation on them that they don't look that white. P&O has ferry between Dover and Calais, France.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pJ2kkNX3IQ/UnFR6VN1YmI/AAAAAAAAK1w/x4YVdKhVO10/s1600/Dover+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pJ2kkNX3IQ/UnFR6VN1YmI/AAAAAAAAK1w/x4YVdKhVO10/s640/Dover+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P&O Ferry</td></tr>
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The building below is the Best Western Marina hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq9j07pTd9M/UnFSB8EPRVI/AAAAAAAAK14/75hYCuzmGxU/s1600/Dover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq9j07pTd9M/UnFSB8EPRVI/AAAAAAAAK14/75hYCuzmGxU/s640/Dover.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Western Marina Hotel</td></tr>
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We also had a view of Dover Castle from our balcony.<br />
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We decided to take a walk around the ship prior to the Muster Drill. With only 11 decks (actually 9 as they start on Deck 3) it wouldn't take us that long. We took the elevator to Deck 5 and hardly saw any people.<br />
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They have a few shops which is sufficient for our needs. We looked in the windows and then went down the stairs to check the dinner menu for tonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX3lrdH9QyI/UnFUDD3Jb2I/AAAAAAAAK2U/oeWNb5KKy6s/s1600/Shopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX3lrdH9QyI/UnFUDD3Jb2I/AAAAAAAAK2U/oeWNb5KKy6s/s640/Shopping.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck 5 looking down to Deck 4</td></tr>
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On Deck 4 is Reception and the main restaurant. We looked at the photos of the ships officers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSxkXCjNJ4M/UnFUWebV1HI/AAAAAAAAK2c/YDGyZJQFHGM/s1600/Officers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSxkXCjNJ4M/UnFUWebV1HI/AAAAAAAAK2c/YDGyZJQFHGM/s640/Officers.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Princess Officers</td></tr>
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The captain is Carlo Servillo from Italy.<br />
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We stopped in the Computer Room to sign up for our minutes. The packages were very reasonable and I chose the one for 90 minutes. It is only an 8 day cruise so I am hoping I won't need to use it too much.<br />
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Back at the room we took out our life jackets and prepared to go down to the dining room for the muster drill. They make you take the jackets with you and put them on during the drill. The bell sounded and we marched down with the throng of other passengers to our muster station. We were directed to the rear corner of the dining room. The person in charge of this area was extremely loud and just cackleling. It turned out she was the Future Cruise consultant! She wouldn't shut up and it was hard to hear the announcements while she was gabbing with other crew members. She also had an odd shape and her vest was more wearing her than other way around!<br />
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We put on the vests and tried to listen to what was said. Thankfully it was over in about 20 minutes. We returned to our room and put the vests away and got ready for our first dinner on the ship.<br />
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They don't have anytime dining on the smaller Princess ships so we chose the early 6:00 pm seating. I had been informed that there are only a few tables of 2 in the dining room but prefer to eat on our own and not at a larger table as you can be stuck with people that are incompatible.<br />
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It was now time to eat! I was hungry having only had a little pastry and no lunch. We went down to the restaurant to be seated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqbF2XM2Mk/UnFW9dBZ7FI/AAAAAAAAK2o/FwEXF95a2_4/s1600/Lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqbF2XM2Mk/UnFW9dBZ7FI/AAAAAAAAK2o/FwEXF95a2_4/s640/Lounge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounge</td></tr>
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Similar to Oceania, they have a little lounge and bar just before the main dining room. We provided our room number and we did not have far to go to arrive at our table. We were seated at Table 1 which is the first table to the left after entering the restaurant. We actually liked the location very much. We didn't have to traipse through the entire room.<br />
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We had a nice painting above our table to keep us company. The waiters even made a joke about it!<br />
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Our waiters, Joel and Budi introduced themselves and offered their recommendations for the night. We both ordered appetizers, a Caesar salad a main course. I started with the Spring Roll which were very good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHVkN8BzQYM/UnFX9h8nJKI/AAAAAAAAK24/y5i9PV4s0TE/s1600/Spring+Roll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHVkN8BzQYM/UnFX9h8nJKI/AAAAAAAAK24/y5i9PV4s0TE/s640/Spring+Roll.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Roll</td></tr>
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The Caesar salad was served plated (they don't make it table side) and it was not that flavorful but did have anchovies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz-rExVeGD4/UnFYQ87iwwI/AAAAAAAAK3A/Mt0WC5WvfdA/s1600/Caesar+Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz-rExVeGD4/UnFYQ87iwwI/AAAAAAAAK3A/Mt0WC5WvfdA/s640/Caesar+Salad.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar Salad</td></tr>
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The room was quite busy and it was nice to be off to the side an away from the excitement.<br />
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I rarely order Fettuccine but decided to try the famous one that Princess serves in the Parmeasan cheese basket. It was pretty good but did not have me wanting a second helping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivu30w97ekM/UnFY09QBtXI/AAAAAAAAK3I/71YLVN66S5Y/s1600/Fettuccine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivu30w97ekM/UnFY09QBtXI/AAAAAAAAK3I/71YLVN66S5Y/s640/Fettuccine.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fettuccine</td></tr>
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My mother had some kind of fish but I don't remember what kind.<br />
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We of course had to have dessert and the ice cream was a bit melted but still tasted fine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoJhd3hpoGk/UnFZJv0ML9I/AAAAAAAAK3Q/4ICfav_SJt4/s1600/Dessert+Day+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoJhd3hpoGk/UnFZJv0ML9I/AAAAAAAAK3Q/4ICfav_SJt4/s640/Dessert+Day+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melting Dessert</td></tr>
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We decided to skip the evening entertainment and instead went back to the room to relax. So far the cruise seems off to a great start. Tomorrow we have a sea day as we cruise up the coast of Scotland.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-49102226307269953432013-08-21T19:22:00.000-04:002013-10-27T19:28:12.884-04:00Royal Tunbridge Wells & Chartwell HouseAs vacations go, this one is soon going to click into high gear. We both slept very well and woke up excited about flying to England in a few hours and starting the cruise on Thursday. Our flight to Gatwick will depart at 9:45 am. There was also the option of going by Virgin train but it takes 4 hours and then we would need to change to another train which adds an additional hour to get to Kent where we will stay tonight. Flying seemed much simpler.<br />
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We had breakfast again in the hotel and then took a taxi to the airport. The airport seems in need of some renovation. Once past security they naturally have you walk through all the duty-free shopping but this area is much too narrow for the large number of people there. My mother wanted a coffee so we found the Starbucks and stayed there for a while. Unless you went to a restaurant there weren't a lot of other places to sit. It wasn't clear what gate we would depart from as they are located on opposite ends of the terminal so Starbucks worked just fine.<br />
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Close to boarding time we checked the monitor and the gate was posted. We are flying BA again but this time the plane is a newer 737. At the gate we only had to wait a few minutes. As we boarded I was happy to see it was a nice plane with comfy dark blue "pleather" seats. They had a business section too but we were seated in row 6 in Economy. There were lots of business attired people on the flight just like on our flight up.<br />
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We again had a person sitting in the middle seat between us. She was probably in her late 20's and had trouble storing her carry on so had to have it gate checked. She was too nice and let other people go ahead of her and by then there was no place for her bag in the overhead.<br />
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It is cloudy here today but the weather in South East England is supposed to be warm and sunny. We took off on time and once above the clouds we had a nice view of the countryside. I read the Financial Times and took occasional glances out the window. When we were about halfway there we had descended enough that I had a great view. I noticed this rather nice country home below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTquodoGu_0/UmaxeqnBLhI/AAAAAAAAKp8/XnbSfE-2Yu4/s1600/Flight+Gatwick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTquodoGu_0/UmaxeqnBLhI/AAAAAAAAKp8/XnbSfE-2Yu4/s640/Flight+Gatwick.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English House </td></tr>
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About 25 more minutes we landed at Gatwick. I had arranged a pickup from Royal Tunbridge Wells Taxis. This is the same company our hotel recommended. We exited the plane and looked for our driver but didn't see anyone. I decided to walk to the other end of the terminal for International arrivals to see if the driver was there by mistake.<br />
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When we got to the other end there were other drivers but not ours. I had no choice but to call the company. They put me on hold and came back and said our driver was parking the car. However, a funny thing happened immediately after I got off the phone when we noticed a guy coming out of the Men's room with a sign with my name on it! He quickly got in line with the other drivers thinking we wouldn't notice.<br />
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We didn't bother telling him he was at the wrong area of the airport for the pickup but we did say it was hard finding him. It was a pleasure arriving at Gatwick since it is so much smaller than Heathrow. We walked to the car and the driver opened it for us while he went to get a token to pay for the parking. The car was clean but it was nothing special. It is about 30 minutes from Gatwick to Tunbridge Wells in Kent. We have been to London many times and as it is just one night, we preferred to stay in the country.<br />
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<b>Royal Tunbridge Wells</b><br />
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a lovely small affluent town of 56,000 people 40 miles southeast of London. In its heyday during the 1880's it was a popular spa and tourist resort. The prefix "Royal" dates to 1909, when King Edward VII granted the town its official royal title to celebrate its popularity with the Royal Family including, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the Duchess of Kent. There are only two other UK towns with that prefix.<br />
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The town is presently a quiet bedroom community of London with high speed train access to St. Pancras. There are several small hotels, various restaurants and boutique shopping to welcome tourists.<br />
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We drove through the pretty Kent countryside with tall trees and lush rolling hills. The rainy UK spring did the trick as it was very green! We arrived at the Hotel du Vin at around 11:45 am. The hotel is part of a boutique chain and has rooms on two floors and a popular restaurant. I had prepaid for the taxi online so we gathered our bags and hoped we could check in early.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihgw--rhF2U/Uma0tduUNJI/AAAAAAAAKqE/NNgXLAx2htA/s1600/Hotel+Du+Vin+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihgw--rhF2U/Uma0tduUNJI/AAAAAAAAKqE/NNgXLAx2htA/s640/Hotel+Du+Vin+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells</td></tr>
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The reception area is just off the cozy lobby. With wood furnishings, comfy sofas and plush curtains, the hotel definitely had an upscale quality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPlIEsOwAkE/Uma03A4zBII/AAAAAAAAKqM/88QdA8koBko/s1600/Hotel+Lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPlIEsOwAkE/Uma03A4zBII/AAAAAAAAKqM/88QdA8koBko/s640/Hotel+Lobby.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby</td></tr>
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We were easily checked in and escorted to our room. There is a stately wood staircase but we opted for the antique looking elevator due to the luggage. The elevator was tiny and you need to pull the brass screen across before pressing the button.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-hi7xq5ntM/Uma09jVho9I/AAAAAAAAKqU/jPOgyRxxaCQ/s1600/Staircase+HDV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-hi7xq5ntM/Uma09jVho9I/AAAAAAAAKqU/jPOgyRxxaCQ/s640/Staircase+HDV.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant Staircase</td></tr>
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Once upstairs we walked through a set of glass doors and down a short corridor to our room. We noticed a young couple with a baby exiting from the room next door. Might be a sleepless night! They name the rooms after people. Our is a Superior room called DeGroot. It was south facing and was a nice size. I didn't care for the orange cushions and chair but I guess it went with the rather strange painting over the fireplace!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7DzwwoiSfM/Uma1EhogLSI/AAAAAAAAKqc/6A5J3KTxwoM/s1600/Hotel+Du+Vin+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7DzwwoiSfM/Uma1EhogLSI/AAAAAAAAKqc/6A5J3KTxwoM/s640/Hotel+Du+Vin+Room.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superior Twin Room</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The painting was downright frightful! I have never seen anything like it in a hotel room, or anywhere else for that matter, before. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE_MXH4hCnY/Uma5XA0t-HI/AAAAAAAAKrE/sCd0JEFcOs0/s1600/HDV+Lobster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE_MXH4hCnY/Uma5XA0t-HI/AAAAAAAAKrE/sCd0JEFcOs0/s640/HDV+Lobster.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horrors! I have no idea!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When we </span><span style="text-align: left;">went downstairs to inquire about directions to the train station we asked about the painting. The answer was ambiguous as they just short of dodged the question. Later on we noticed other lobster paintings (which were blue, not orange) near the restaurant but there were not as scary. I am glad we are only spending the one night. I can only imagine what kind of nightmares we may have. </span></div>
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On the plus side, the black and white bathroom was very nice with modern fixtures. The glass bath/shower door was a nice touch. It looks traditional yet contemporary at the same time. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpAMrWTEwkI/Uma1Lqfh55I/AAAAAAAAKqk/5j4iE_KORfI/s1600/Hotel+Bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpAMrWTEwkI/Uma1Lqfh55I/AAAAAAAAKqk/5j4iE_KORfI/s640/Hotel+Bath.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bathroom</td></tr>
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After getting directions from reception to the train station we exited the hotel and headed down Pleasant Street to Crescent Street. We will be taking the train to the town of Sevenoaks to get a taxi to Chartwell House, Winston Churchill's home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1mPzNkE1tQ/Uma2HPzYPQI/AAAAAAAAKq0/gFEGMJQe1jY/s1600/TW+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1mPzNkE1tQ/Uma2HPzYPQI/AAAAAAAAKq0/gFEGMJQe1jY/s640/TW+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant Street</td></tr>
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The town's buildings are a combination of older heritage style and sharp looking low front shops. The Arcade building is impressive but I was told it is currently empty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qR_H8cWDYNU/Uma2NMr5JtI/AAAAAAAAKq8/C_KRYXzK7Oo/s1600/TW+Arcade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qR_H8cWDYNU/Uma2NMr5JtI/AAAAAAAAKq8/C_KRYXzK7Oo/s640/TW+Arcade.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Hall Arcade</td></tr>
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Part of the walk is up hill and we did some window shopping along the way. The town is very nice and they have some wonderful shopping. It reminds me slightly of Wellesley, MA where I lived for a few years. We took a look inside India Jane, an upscale home goods store. They have several other branches in the UK.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZEcAwFNClw/Uma6BE9aHCI/AAAAAAAAKrM/GaA1Dpv2wvA/s1600/India+Jane+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZEcAwFNClw/Uma6BE9aHCI/AAAAAAAAKrM/GaA1Dpv2wvA/s640/India+Jane+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">India Jane from the window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM6_cTZEY54/Uma6LZnV6lI/AAAAAAAAKrU/VPLaeDRgPCU/s1600/India+Jane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM6_cTZEY54/Uma6LZnV6lI/AAAAAAAAKrU/VPLaeDRgPCU/s640/India+Jane.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">India Jane</td></tr>
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They had some very nice things and their merchandising was top notch. I liked an ottoman but it was 500 pounds and would obviously require shipping so I will think about it.<br />
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Further up we passed a few restaurants, a hair salon, supermarket and more shops until we could see the train station across the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQFTltCmrjg/Uma7SLuWHfI/AAAAAAAAKrc/AxgMA-CPbA0/s1600/Train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQFTltCmrjg/Uma7SLuWHfI/AAAAAAAAKrc/AxgMA-CPbA0/s640/Train.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train station with the clock on far left</td></tr>
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The train station is very cute and much larger than it appears at you can enter either from the back or front. We purchased our tickets from the machine using a credit card and found the track. The trains come very frequently, about every 20 minutes and it is only 2 stops to Sevenoaks. I researched taking a taxi directly from Tunbridge Wells to Chartwell but the train and a taxi from Sevenoaks would take about the same time and be less expensive.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Smnn2OT0TYw/Uma7ivMYbkI/AAAAAAAAKrk/oXkpizZQOuw/s1600/Sevenoaks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Smnn2OT0TYw/Uma7ivMYbkI/AAAAAAAAKrk/oXkpizZQOuw/s640/Sevenoaks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In just 10 minutes we arrived in Sevenoaks, jumped in a taxi and headed to Chartwell House in Westerham. Chartwell is actually located closer to the Sevenoaks train station than the center of Westerham. The taxi fare was supposed to be about 25 pounds for the 18 minute drive to Winston Churchill's home. However, as we drove through the beautiful countryside we hit a snag when we saw a sign indicating a detour due to road closure. Not only would the trip now take longer as we needed to approach Chartwell from the opposite end, we also weren't going to be saving any money, actually probably costing more.<br />
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We circled back and ended up going through Westerham to reach the other road which was near the Kent boundary which we had passed this morning coming from the airport. During the drive we had a nice chat with our driver but I started to doubt his sincerity and if he knew about the road closure. Finally 20+ minutes later we saw the signs for Chartwell and drove up to the visitor center. The driver said the cost was 36 pounds!. This was 12 pounds more than it should be but we didn't argue with him. We were just happy to finally be out of the car and didn't want to waste another minute as it was almost 2:00 pm.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CHtWc49Uo8/UmgvyQ6UnXI/AAAAAAAAKr0/xGX8zgh9I_E/s1600/Chartwell+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CHtWc49Uo8/UmgvyQ6UnXI/AAAAAAAAKr0/xGX8zgh9I_E/s640/Chartwell+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket office</td></tr>
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While purchasing the tickets our suspicions were confirmed when we asked about the road closure. The woman selling the tickets responded, "oh they have been working on that for weeks, your taxi driver should have known". She added that the taxi driver probably did know and said she felt badly for us. We were steamed but there was nothing we could do as I didn't write down his license plate number. We were quickly cheered up though when she handed us tickets for the 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm time slot and said that those were the last ones she had for that visit. If we were any later we would have be given tickets for 4:00 pm! She said the tickets have been selling out everyday.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI3v4AJGzMo/UmgxS8G6XeI/AAAAAAAAKsE/ha7DI50gHHM/s1600/Chartwell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI3v4AJGzMo/UmgxS8G6XeI/AAAAAAAAKsE/ha7DI50gHHM/s640/Chartwell.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Tickets</td></tr>
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Since we had an hour to wait I browsed the gift shop and purchased a National Trust guide book on the property and some postcards. They also had a doggie pickup bag that was really cute for free. I use the biodegradable plastic ones but the paper ones are more environmentally friendly. I may order some.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umTZg61ekSg/UmgwLAlnRXI/AAAAAAAAKr8/nI5iQY_aL10/s1600/Doggie001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umTZg61ekSg/UmgwLAlnRXI/AAAAAAAAKr8/nI5iQY_aL10/s640/Doggie001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggie Pickup Bag</td></tr>
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We were told in advance of visiting the house, to enjoy the walk up and see the gardens and Churchill's painting studio. That sounded like a good plan and in some ways it was nice not to be in a rush. We started our walk up through the Rock and Water Gardens.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErOZV96B12s/UmgzNE2YRJI/AAAAAAAAKsM/57BpiyhP3uI/s1600/Chartwell+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErOZV96B12s/UmgzNE2YRJI/AAAAAAAAKsM/57BpiyhP3uI/s640/Chartwell+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The plants were very impressive. They take great care of the property and I can see why it is so popular. We are also so lucky with the beautiful weather with sunshine and blue skies.<br />
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I have wanted to visit Chartwell for about 10 years but it never worked out. When I decided to stay in Kent the night prior to the cruise, it fit perfectly with our schedule this time. The grounds are huge and there were lots of people sitting on the lawn enjoying the fine weather and the views.<br />
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<b>Chartwell House</b><br />
Chartwell House was the beloved home of Winston Churchill from 1922 until his death in 1965. Churchill paid 5,000 pounds for the house and its 80 acres. His wife Clementine was not immediately enthralled with the gloomy Victorian building covered in ivy and worried about its drain on their finances. It took her many years to feel happy here.<br />
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An architect was hired to modernize and enlarge the original dwelling. Almost every part of Chartwell was changed when the family finally made the move here in 1924.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-667G5-jma5M/UmgzdOXTwuI/AAAAAAAAKsU/iUEOXXQQmPw/s1600/Chartwell+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-667G5-jma5M/UmgzdOXTwuI/AAAAAAAAKsU/iUEOXXQQmPw/s640/Chartwell+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The setting is spectacular with slopping hills, ponds and beautiful gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hul6ycm1LRo/Umgzo1Y3RHI/AAAAAAAAKsc/UfxppCaq7YU/s1600/Chartwell+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hul6ycm1LRo/Umgzo1Y3RHI/AAAAAAAAKsc/UfxppCaq7YU/s640/Chartwell+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the garden and rear of the house</td></tr>
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Winston Churchill in addition to being a brilliant statesman, orator and writer, was also a very accomplished painter. He took up painting in 1915 as solace following the British defeat at the Battle of Gallipoli. With the exception of a short break during the Second World War, Churchill painted often and produced over 500 canvases. He used to paint in the house but his wife was displeased with oil paint on the rugs. In 1950 - 1952 a single story extension was built as his painting studio. His easel, original paints and brushes are displayed as if he has just taken a short break.<br />
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We visited the painting studio which is bi-level and quite large. It was very crowded as perhaps some of the people were also waiting for their tour to begin. They don't allow any photos inside any of the buildings so I relied on the postcards and guidebook I had purchased.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pP9qUB8vwfo/Umgz09upamI/AAAAAAAAKsk/h8TDtTwRWw0/s1600/Studio007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pP9qUB8vwfo/Umgz09upamI/AAAAAAAAKsk/h8TDtTwRWw0/s640/Studio007.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard of Winston Churchill's Painting Studio</td></tr>
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After exiting the studio we visited the beautiful gardens. Clementine Churchill loved roses and they have continued that tradition on the property with various flowering plants in her favorite pastels.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmR5C3bFNBI/Umgz9WfF7rI/AAAAAAAAKss/e6WEAlVotNw/s1600/Chartwell+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmR5C3bFNBI/Umgz9WfF7rI/AAAAAAAAKss/e6WEAlVotNw/s640/Chartwell+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Garden</td></tr>
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The gardens including the Grey Walled Garden were beautiful and looked very natural. We could see several gardeners working during our visit. I must certainly require a lot of work.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvsUejKZ1es/Umg0IePmVvI/AAAAAAAAKs0/LtZTtUPFnI0/s1600/Chartwell+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvsUejKZ1es/Umg0IePmVvI/AAAAAAAAKs0/LtZTtUPFnI0/s640/Chartwell+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Walled Garden</td></tr>
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We meandered through the garden leading up to the back of the house. The exterior of the house actually looks rather understated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnE8a21Ggc/Umg0WFFjsJI/AAAAAAAAKs8/hWniUHiy4vs/s1600/Chartwell+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnE8a21Ggc/Umg0WFFjsJI/AAAAAAAAKs8/hWniUHiy4vs/s640/Chartwell+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartwell House from the rear</td></tr>
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The different levels enhance the beauty and elegance of the setting. The ground are extravagant and it was a treat to enjoy.<br />
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While my mother relaxed on one of the benches, I took a walk to the pet graves. This is where two of Churchill's poodles (Rufus I and Rufus II) and his favorite cat Jock are buried.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFy73Eznxxg/Um2W9UjjfxI/AAAAAAAAKvU/V2Mju_4Go_4/s1600/Jock006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFy73Eznxxg/Um2W9UjjfxI/AAAAAAAAKvU/V2Mju_4Go_4/s640/Jock006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Jock" the cat from a postcard</td></tr>
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You can easily miss the graves as the stones are flat against the ground and worn away. I actually had to ask one of the gardeners to show me where they were as I kept going past them! Afterward I met up with my mother at the front of the house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv86Nxna5Is/Umg0pfmEcDI/AAAAAAAAKtM/pRcuAsBUWU8/s1600/Chartwell+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv86Nxna5Is/Umg0pfmEcDI/AAAAAAAAKtM/pRcuAsBUWU8/s640/Chartwell+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartwell from the front</td></tr>
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The view of the Weald of Kent is magnificent from here. It is easy to understand why Churchill loved living at Chartwell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sTKUE2Lz1E/Umg03IyRgyI/AAAAAAAAKtU/7CcKFAjtUuo/s1600/Chartwell+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sTKUE2Lz1E/Umg03IyRgyI/AAAAAAAAKtU/7CcKFAjtUuo/s640/Chartwell+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Weald of Kent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njDTJ99_Wq0/Umg1T-DGbEI/AAAAAAAAKts/gBH882gqcEQ/s1600/Garden005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njDTJ99_Wq0/Umg1T-DGbEI/AAAAAAAAKts/gBH882gqcEQ/s640/Garden005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Garden</td></tr>
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They had a few benches in front of the entrance and we waited there until it was time to queue and enter the house. There are 3 floors to the house with rooms open to the public. We toured rooms on the ground floor, lower ground floor (basement) and the first floor which is more like a second floor. <br />
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The rooms are arranged and furnished as they were when the Churchill's lived here in the 1930's. As the Churchill's grew older and less mobile they located Lady Churchill's bedroom on the ground floor but that has now been reversed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JhdAYmPVBQ/Umg1Jp_5Y7I/AAAAAAAAKtk/a7FMXG05C2o/s1600/First+&+Ground+FL002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JhdAYmPVBQ/Umg1Jp_5Y7I/AAAAAAAAKtk/a7FMXG05C2o/s640/First+&+Ground+FL002.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
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The hour finally passed and it was now 3:15 pm and we could enter the house. It seemed like there were about 20 - 25 people in our time slot. After entering the Hall we were directed to the right and Lady Churchill's Sitting Room which is in the oldest part of the house. Some of Churchill's own paintings are in this room including, "Winter Sunshine, Chartwell". There is also a set of family photographs on the right side of the room. There were a few tables and sofas. We then walked down the hall to enter the more opulent Drawing Room.<br />
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The Drawing Room enjoys windows on three sides and is bright and airy. A Georgian card table, Lalique crystal cockerel, handsome fireplace and several striking George II mirrors provides and elegant feel to this room. The most distinguished painting in the room is on the right hand wall. It is a painting of London Bridge by Claude Monet and was a gift from Churchill's literary agent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qN0NJHjntHY/Umg1b8DjoYI/AAAAAAAAKt0/5299pxcJWME/s1600/Room008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qN0NJHjntHY/Umg1b8DjoYI/AAAAAAAAKt0/5299pxcJWME/s640/Room008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing Room</td></tr>
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We next visited Churchill's Library. He had a great admiration for English literature and history. The library was used as a reference room with most his major work on speeches and writing taking place in his Study.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PepZIy7UV6I/UmmOUEjOcOI/AAAAAAAAKuU/BTSLvrPSQ9Y/s1600/Libary001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PepZIy7UV6I/UmmOUEjOcOI/AAAAAAAAKuU/BTSLvrPSQ9Y/s640/Libary001.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library</td></tr>
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In the right hand corner of the room is a bust of President Franklin D Roosevelt.<br />
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We then made our way up the rather ordinary looking carpeted staircase to Lady Churchill's Bedroom on the first floor. This room has a fantastic view of the Kent countryside. Clementine took great personal interest in the decor of Chartwell and had final say on the color scheme. In her own bedroom she used cerulean blue (looks paler in person) on the walls and ceiling with red moire silk (looks more orange) for the four poster bed. Clementine also used the room as a personal study where she managed the household accounts and interviewed the staff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpQ4wLqCZa4/Umg1ijtISxI/AAAAAAAAKt8/7S73Rsq6YlY/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpQ4wLqCZa4/Umg1ijtISxI/AAAAAAAAKt8/7S73Rsq6YlY/s640/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Churchill's Bedroom</td></tr>
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With family pictures, an 18th century fireplace, porcelain equestrian figures and a mantel clock the room is a stunning bedroom. The Ante room off to the right used to be a bathroom and dressing room but now displays porcelain and other memorabilia. Robes, metals and important letters are arranged on the walls.<br />
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The next rooms we visited were the Museum and Uniform rooms. These original 3 bedrooms were converted to their present museum role in 1966. The display cases hold awards and many interesting uniforms. Two of the notable awards of interest displayed are the Honorary Citizenship of the United States and the Medal and citation for the Nobel Prize for Literature.<br />
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Apparently the impressive showcases with the uniforms were modeled on the window displays created by Liberty's of London. There is quite a large selection of robes, coats and hats. It was fascinating to see the range of ceremonial and everyday clothing he wore.<br />
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Just past these rooms is Churchill's Study. It has exposed ancient roof timbers and a huge Union Flag is hanging from the rafters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbPJyBOSdNk/Um2LtUDortI/AAAAAAAAKuk/s8M4ybYewLE/s1600/Study001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbPJyBOSdNk/Um2LtUDortI/AAAAAAAAKuk/s8M4ybYewLE/s640/Study001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study</td></tr>
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This room is very special and were Churchill wrote many of his speeches and conducted business. It is also where he made a living as a writer. Although the product of the aristocracy, he didn't inherit vast wealth. Churchill supported himself as a journalist, war correspondent and then the author of many respected books. He wrote 43 books including a four volume biography of his great ancestor the Duke of Marlborough and his highly respected six volume account of the Second World War.<br />
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His bedroom which is just off the Study, is small and private but not open to the public.<br />
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We then went down to the ground level to see the Dining Room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNjFi1uyV_g/Um2NIoEPvWI/AAAAAAAAKuw/pUZukvS3lCk/s1600/Dining+Room001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNjFi1uyV_g/Um2NIoEPvWI/AAAAAAAAKuw/pUZukvS3lCk/s640/Dining+Room001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room</td></tr>
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This room is in an east facing extension of the house which was added in the 1920's. The room has the appearance of a summer room or conservatory. I had expected something a bit more grand. However, it is a nice relaxing room with a marvelous view.<br />
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Finally we just had the Kitchen and the Exhibition rooms to see to complete our tour. In the kitchen there are no electrical appliances or easy to wipe surfaces. The utensils are made of copper and cast aluminum and the Belfast Sink has solid brass taps.<br />
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The exhibition has many photographs, various objects and a genealogy chart showing the Churchill family lineage. There was also a plaque on the door with a crest and Churchill's full name.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We greatly enjoyed tour of Chartwell and learned many things about Winston Churchill that we did not know. We definitely have a fonder appreciation for everything he accomplished. We walked around the front of the house to catch the shuttle bus that whisks people through the gates back to the ticket office and restaurant area. I snapped a photo of the outside of the Drawing room before we left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-dH3iEXfFA/Um2XajFalYI/AAAAAAAAKvc/MUf6ql9SB2E/s1600/Chartwell+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-dH3iEXfFA/Um2XajFalYI/AAAAAAAAKvc/MUf6ql9SB2E/s640/Chartwell+21.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doors to the Drawing Room</td></tr>
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The ticket office called us a taxi to take us back to Sevenoaks. While waiting for our taxi I took a look at the gift shop and the plants outside for sale.<br />
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The taxi soon arrived and we were on our way for the ride to the train station which did not take long. The work on the roads had stopped for the day so it was a quick 15 minutes to the station. The tickets we had purchased earlier were roundtrip so we checked the track and waited for our train.<br />
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Once back in Tunbridge Wells we stopped at Morrison's supermarket to purchase some duct tape. My new 22" spinner suitcase needs some mending. The rubber part has separated from the front part of the bag. It is still attached well enough that it isn't open but my clothing and contents can be seen from the outside.<br />
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Morrison's carried a wide variety of items and after asking about the tape, we easily found it on one of the aisles. It was only 1 pound for a roll which seemed cheap. They had self-serve checkout like Home Depot.<br />
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Back at the hotel we rested for about an hour until it was time for our dinner reservation at 6:30 pm. The Bistro at the hotel is refined with sconces and stone fireplace but also relaxing with the large windows and casual ambiance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-jz0lwZqVE/Um2akwOBnfI/AAAAAAAAKvo/Hm94O76ycTw/s1600/Bistro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-jz0lwZqVE/Um2akwOBnfI/AAAAAAAAKvo/Hm94O76ycTw/s640/Bistro.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistro Hotel du Vin</td></tr>
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The Bistro has two rooms which connect in the middle of about equal size. We were seated on the room to the left further away from kitchen. There were a few other seated tables but we were among the first patrons for the night.<br />
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We had eaten at the same Bistro in Cambridge with my cousin and her husband a few years ago in their Cambridge location. The menu was very similar here.<br />
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We began with wine of course and then the Mushroom and the Pate starters. These were just "okay" and somewhat disappointing. It seemed like toast was a great gastronomical feat with both of our plates sporting a single piece like it was extra special.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-babBWKm6YXU/Um2bsjNv-3I/AAAAAAAAKv0/VQeS8P9tonM/s1600/Dinner+Mushroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-babBWKm6YXU/Um2bsjNv-3I/AAAAAAAAKv0/VQeS8P9tonM/s640/Dinner+Mushroom.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushrooms on a piece of toast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pate with one piece of toast</td></tr>
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Although the first courses were not that pleasing we were entertained by the young couple sitting diagonal to us. The woman was blond and in her early 20's. She could not stop playing with her hair. First it was down, then a ponytail, then plopped on top of her head! They must have been staying in the hotel too because at one point she left and came back in a different sleeveless top.<br />
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The other table near us was a bunch of business colleagues who worked in the fashion industry. There were 4 men and 3 women. One of the men was quite boisterous and must of loved the sound of his own voice as he would not shut up and let anyone else speak! They were all dressed smartly and seemed to be having a great time with lots of laughter.<br />
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We enjoyed the delicious bread and butter until our main courses arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyeONw4Bb4c/Um2dmS0S9uI/AAAAAAAAKwI/etJcK8CAXFo/s1600/Dinner+Fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyeONw4Bb4c/Um2dmS0S9uI/AAAAAAAAKwI/etJcK8CAXFo/s640/Dinner+Fish.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish</td></tr>
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The main courses were better but not as good as our meal at the Bistro in Cambridge. My mother had the fish with potatoes. She is not a huge fan of potatoes so this dish was about a 6 on a scale of 10.<br />
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My main was the Steak Hache which I happily devoured in Cambridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFOtPIpdsts/Um2eT7LcTsI/AAAAAAAAKwQ/uluNlni9O8U/s1600/Dinner+Steak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFOtPIpdsts/Um2eT7LcTsI/AAAAAAAAKwQ/uluNlni9O8U/s640/Dinner+Steak.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Hache</td></tr>
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This time the steak was in pieces and tasted more like Mutton than steak. I tried my best to convince myself it was my imagination that it wasn't great but only ate about half of it. The chutney was very good.<br />
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At least we were eating in the hotel and could just go upstairs when we were done and not need to take a taxi anywhere tonight.<br />
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We both ordered dessert which turned out to be the highlight of the meal. My mother had the Baked Apple and I had the Banana Chocolate Brownie which sounds even more decadent the way the British pronounce "Ba-naa-naa".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr-b1yaEpWw/Um2fbQr2SwI/AAAAAAAAKwc/gLflU5QJpNQ/s1600/Dinner+Apple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr-b1yaEpWw/Um2fbQr2SwI/AAAAAAAAKwc/gLflU5QJpNQ/s640/Dinner+Apple.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Apple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fgqh7b8a6hs/Um2fhP_Z0RI/AAAAAAAAKwk/qGYBrAqzyLk/s1600/Dinner+Brownie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fgqh7b8a6hs/Um2fhP_Z0RI/AAAAAAAAKwk/qGYBrAqzyLk/s640/Dinner+Brownie.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Chocolate Brownie</td></tr>
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With the desserts a success we exited the Bistro and went upstairs to watch a little TV and use the Internet. The beds seemed a little low and soft. I was hoping for a descent night sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH1Tt0uRU_8/Um2gG2eTU2I/AAAAAAAAKws/xjrsPJm9coI/s1600/Bistro+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH1Tt0uRU_8/Um2gG2eTU2I/AAAAAAAAKws/xjrsPJm9coI/s640/Bistro+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bistro</td></tr>
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-26827255208873959052013-08-20T19:12:00.000-04:002013-10-21T10:16:27.713-04:00Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today the weather looks much better and it will be partly sunny and in the mid 60's. We have an organized tour today through Rabbies (<span style="color: blue;">http:/</span>/<span style="color: blue;">www.rabbies.com) </span>of Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery. I booked it online a month or so before our trip. I had originally purchased a tour from a different company to Loch Lomond that cruised on the Loch. I cancelled it as a boat trip might not be fun if it rained. The other tour also did not visit a distillery.<br />
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After getting ready we went downstairs for breakfast.The hotel offers a continental breakfast and a full cooked breakfast. For some strange reason it is £1 less for the Continental (total of £7) but you get more food. The items available were not mind blowing but adequate to start our day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CckBfMcZ30w/UltRdAXrEJI/AAAAAAAAKdo/magK14phEXk/s1600/Breakfast+Indigo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CckBfMcZ30w/UltRdAXrEJI/AAAAAAAAKdo/magK14phEXk/s640/Breakfast+Indigo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo Breakfast</td></tr>
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We enjoyed our leisurely breakfast and then departed for our 9:15 am rendezvous with Rabbies. It was overcast but not raining as we walked the 4 -5 blocks to the meeting spot at George Square. We cut through part of Buchanan Street to get there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lhIK9nPPEA/UltSDhr-elI/AAAAAAAAKdw/SgRUJgbZ9Gk/s1600/Glasgow+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lhIK9nPPEA/UltSDhr-elI/AAAAAAAAKdw/SgRUJgbZ9Gk/s640/Glasgow+City.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lPCRnzmtk0/UltVKA9yn_I/AAAAAAAAKeE/srRMyebaztM/s1600/Apple+Store+Glasgow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lPCRnzmtk0/UltVKA9yn_I/AAAAAAAAKeE/srRMyebaztM/s640/Apple+Store+Glasgow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Store</td></tr>
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When we reached Monteith Street in front of George Square there were other tours departing from the same location. We were 20 minutes early but wanted to make sure we arrived on time. Directly across the street from the meeting spot is George Square.<br />
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<b>George Square</b> is the city's central plaza and dates from 1782. It is named for King George III. The City Chambers (headquarters of the Glasgow City Council) is located in the square and it is a grand building with tons of Carrara marble inside. There are also important statues and monuments flanking the square, including those of Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott.<br />
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In advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games which will take place in Glasgow, they are renovating the entire square and removing the red bricks. They are being replaced with gray pavers. They are also adding some grassy areas that apparently were removed some years ago. The first phase is due to be completed in September at a cost of £500,000. This will restore the square to its original appearance. Some Glaswegians have previously referred to the area mockingly as "Red Square".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Square under renovation</td></tr>
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In quick succession, some of the other tour guides came to pick up their passengers and escort them to the bus. Not long after Rabbies showed up and we checked in to find out which of the two mini Mercedes buses we should board. We were on the second bus which holds 16 people, and our guide/driver is named George.<br />
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The bus has single seats on the left and double seating on the right. We sat on the right and it was a bit snug for the all day tour. We were ready to depart but needed to wait for two more people who had not shown up. George was very patient and was about to call the office for permission to leave when our two wayward stragglers arrived. They were a Canadian mother and her 12 year old son. The mother said they got lost and walked way beyond the meeting point. However, later on the mom mentioned she and her son are staying in Glasgow with her sister for 3 weeks. My guess is they overslept. In any event they were very nice and I glad they made it in time.<br />
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As we departed the city, George pointed out some of the historic tenement buildings. Many of these buildings were torn down and replaced with modern apartment blocks. It was nice to see they are not all gone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBzb5XQkd5Q/UltU48IM_YI/AAAAAAAAKd8/ZfxZM8d4ypU/s1600/Tenement+Building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBzb5XQkd5Q/UltU48IM_YI/AAAAAAAAKd8/ZfxZM8d4ypU/s640/Tenement+Building.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenement Style building</td></tr>
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Soon we were on the motorway heading to Stirling Castle. George was a great guide and gave us excellent information during the journey about the tour and and also about Scotland and its history. He said he usually doesn't do this tour and had just returned from a 5 day tour of the Isle of Skye.<br />
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In preparation of our visit to Stirling Castle, George shared information about Scottish history and the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. This was a historic victory for Scotland's independence. This battle was portrayed in Mel Gibson's movie Braveheart. George played a short snippet from the film over the PA system.<br />
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Scotland has had a storied past. In addition to their territorial disputes with England, they have achieved great prominence in areas as diverse as literature, business and medicine. Scottish literary luminaries include Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J M Barrie and more recently J K Rowling.<br />
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The number of Scottish is inventors is jaw dropping. Steam Engine - James Watt, Tar road surfacing - John McAdam, the bicycle - Kirkpatrick Macmillan, Light bulb - Bowman Lindsay, .Antiseptic - Joseph Lister, Telephone - Alexander Graham Bell, Television - John Logie Baird, Penicillin - Alexander Fleming, Radar - Sir Robert Watson Watt, fax machine - Alexander Bain, lawnmower - Patrick Bell. Two of the World's best known capitalists are Scottish, Adam Smith and Andrew Carnegie. Least we forget that the game of golf was invented here too. Quite impressive!<br />
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It took about 35 minutes to reach the outskirts of Stirling. There are many farms in the area and the setting is gorgeous. The castle is quite impressive perched up on Castle Hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocDmeMO_Hdw/UmKvfFBdpxI/AAAAAAAAKes/Oxdnz0J3QqI/s1600/Stirling+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocDmeMO_Hdw/UmKvfFBdpxI/AAAAAAAAKes/Oxdnz0J3QqI/s640/Stirling+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Stirling Castle</td></tr>
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We drove through the small town of Stirling which looked quaint with lots of grey stone buildings. The roads are quite narrow as we meandered up toward the castle. George parked the bus and lead us past the cemetery to the ticket office of the Castle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCLqCLMq6hk/UmKwcteJ9nI/AAAAAAAAKe0/EcF1BNfwJVI/s1600/Stirling+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCLqCLMq6hk/UmKwcteJ9nI/AAAAAAAAKe0/EcF1BNfwJVI/s640/Stirling+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large graveyard</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPrqpYBoXIQ/UmK2T6jRthI/AAAAAAAAKfA/zoNGpxtDRV0/s1600/Stirling+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPrqpYBoXIQ/UmK2T6jRthI/AAAAAAAAKfA/zoNGpxtDRV0/s640/Stirling+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stirling Castle admission is not included in the Rabbies tour price but Rabbies participants get a discount, saving a few pounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv9NihdFmB0/UmK2iU6Wm2I/AAAAAAAAKfI/ywq_GycuFe0/s1600/Stirling+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv9NihdFmB0/UmK2iU6Wm2I/AAAAAAAAKfI/ywq_GycuFe0/s640/Stirling+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket office</td></tr>
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The ticket office had 4 separate ticket counters. After we purchased our tickets, George informed us we had a little over an hour to enjoy the castle and be back at the bus. Stirling Castle offers a free guided tour on the hour and we were just in time to scamper and catch up with them. Only one other couple joined the tour as everyone else with Rabbies decided to see the Castle at their own pace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUv2_4uqF64/UmK3RlzJeNI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/ndI-G0eykG8/s1600/Stirling+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUv2_4uqF64/UmK3RlzJeNI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/ndI-G0eykG8/s640/Stirling+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Princes Tower</td></tr>
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<b>Stirling Castle</b> was founded in 1110 and the oldest surviving structures were built in 1380. Stirling is one of the largest and historically important castles in Scotland. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.<br />
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Stirling Castle was the scene of at least 8 battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1296 Edward I of England invaded Scotland beginning a long history of land capture and retrenchment between the Scots and the English that would last for 60 years.<br />
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Almost all the present buildings in the castle were constructed between 1490 and 1600 during the Stewart kings (James IV, James V and James VI) Renaissance. The architecture of the new buildings is an eclectic mix of English, French and German influences.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16mVCwcYeNA/UmK9tlsVa4I/AAAAAAAAKfc/Q_KCe_FfV54/s1600/Stirling+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16mVCwcYeNA/UmK9tlsVa4I/AAAAAAAAKfc/Q_KCe_FfV54/s640/Stirling+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of the Royal Palace</td></tr>
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The Royal Palace is at the south side of the inner Close (courtyard) and was the work of King James V. The French inspired building is covered with carved stone and is very beautiful. The castle was closed to the public for many years. A £12 million project to recreate the grandeur of the Royal Palace was completed in June 2011. The work took a decade of research and craftsmanship. The six royal apartments were restored as they may have looked in the 1540s, when this was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The painstaking process of restoring the seven hand-woven unicorn tapestries was completed in 2013.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq9tTGU3IPo/UmRIPzBBYjI/AAAAAAAAKnw/jLd5QCYyasU/s1600/Stirling+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq9tTGU3IPo/UmRIPzBBYjI/AAAAAAAAKnw/jLd5QCYyasU/s640/Stirling+22.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rj60pbB-KSM/UmK97wEc3PI/AAAAAAAAKfk/TfZYrZzSKqI/s1600/Stirling+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rj60pbB-KSM/UmK97wEc3PI/AAAAAAAAKfk/TfZYrZzSKqI/s640/Stirling+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Soldier on the South Parapet</td></tr>
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The tower below shows signs of a gun battle with bullet holes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xM78l9mSg/UmK9_xyfViI/AAAAAAAAKfs/0bMjTpu21_M/s1600/Stirling+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xM78l9mSg/UmK9_xyfViI/AAAAAAAAKfs/0bMjTpu21_M/s640/Stirling+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullet ridden tower</td></tr>
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The juxtaposition of the Royal Palace building and the yellow-gold colored Great Hall is striking. The Great Hall was built by James IV in 1497. The Renaissance building has five fireplaces and large lead glass windows.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTG3b22DQRA/UmK-EpGm9JI/AAAAAAAAKf0/JsVPacEHfMs/s1600/Stirling+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTG3b22DQRA/UmK-EpGm9JI/AAAAAAAAKf0/JsVPacEHfMs/s640/Stirling+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Palace and the Great Hall</td></tr>
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We made our way to the Great Hall and our guide provided some information on the building and how it was originally used by the King. Apparently it was plastered yellow as the German style represented a contemporary look at that time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlxd0C_KALU/UmK-OrqxWWI/AAAAAAAAKf8/ukRwQ6OKDpY/s1600/Stirling+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlxd0C_KALU/UmK-OrqxWWI/AAAAAAAAKf8/ukRwQ6OKDpY/s640/Stirling+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Hall</td></tr>
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We walked up the side staircase to enter the building.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03JArwR0yeM/UmK-Vj29qyI/AAAAAAAAKgE/orM37C8h93A/s1600/Stirling+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03JArwR0yeM/UmK-Vj29qyI/AAAAAAAAKgE/orM37C8h93A/s640/Stirling+16.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Great Hall</td></tr>
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The Great Hall is connected to the Royal Palace building by a passageway.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NSyVucfwsA/UmK-hm_zhYI/AAAAAAAAKgM/jZI62f9BDUk/s1600/Stirling+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NSyVucfwsA/UmK-hm_zhYI/AAAAAAAAKgM/jZI62f9BDUk/s640/Stirling+17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The large windows with crest inserts flood the room with light.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6tp-nVzzqw/UmK-tq7w25I/AAAAAAAAKgU/4LUDKGl8WwY/s1600/Stirling+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="604" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6tp-nVzzqw/UmK-tq7w25I/AAAAAAAAKgU/4LUDKGl8WwY/s640/Stirling+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful windows</td></tr>
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There is a throne for the king and queen but no other furnishings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wx391UPCOLw/UmK-63FZdpI/AAAAAAAAKgc/dtoN9ckuNu8/s1600/Stirling+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wx391UPCOLw/UmK-63FZdpI/AAAAAAAAKgc/dtoN9ckuNu8/s640/Stirling+19.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dias for the King and Queen</td></tr>
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The Stirling guide explained the history of the building as we walked around. Afterward, we departed the Great Hall and headed to the King Old's Building. Our castle guide is pictured below. He reminds me a little of Sir Ian McKellan.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Old's Building</td></tr>
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The King Old's building is the oldest part of the Inner Close and was completed around 1497. In 1855 the north end of the building burned down and was rebuilt in a Baronial style. Inside the building there are costumed docents who answer questions about the bed chambers as well as pose for photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvGIw2vE6Js/UmMq-X_osUI/AAAAAAAAKg0/ILbS2C5XwxY/s1600/Stirling+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvGIw2vE6Js/UmMq-X_osUI/AAAAAAAAKg0/ILbS2C5XwxY/s640/Stirling+21.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Bed Chamber</td></tr>
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It was very crowded in the apartments and a little hard to see everything. The restoration work is wonderful though and you can imagine what the castle looked like hundreds of years ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQoETr0pZ0Q/UmMrRwEa2TI/AAAAAAAAKg8/Pt_htMMwqWo/s1600/Stirling+castle+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQoETr0pZ0Q/UmMrRwEa2TI/AAAAAAAAKg8/Pt_htMMwqWo/s640/Stirling+castle+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apartment with restored unicorn tapestries</td></tr>
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Many people wanted to pose with the costumed docents which created a bit of a bottleneck.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPresVqJlz4/UmMrkPgS15I/AAAAAAAAKhM/ICXt95Yxzno/s1600/Stirling+Castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPresVqJlz4/UmMrkPgS15I/AAAAAAAAKhM/ICXt95Yxzno/s640/Stirling+Castle.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We exited the building and took a walk around the exterior to take in the views of the castle and the countryside.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxnOozEmgTw/UmMszPRRRrI/AAAAAAAAKhU/OWEhDbnuL2w/s1600/Stirling+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxnOozEmgTw/UmMszPRRRrI/AAAAAAAAKhU/OWEhDbnuL2w/s640/Stirling+23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sun was struggling to breakthrough the clouds. It was getting warmer and was about 70 degrees. The grounds and views of the countryside were beautiful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or5ciRjsz5U/UmMtdpi6qtI/AAAAAAAAKhg/NNGasGAsQhk/s1600/Stirling+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or5ciRjsz5U/UmMtdpi6qtI/AAAAAAAAKhg/NNGasGAsQhk/s640/Stirling+26.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Stirling Castle</td></tr>
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I can only imagine what it looked like from here when the English were approaching to attack the castle. They definitely could see them coming!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgDBW_Qw1nk/UmMtuKg86PI/AAAAAAAAKho/rIbtaiyzkL0/s1600/Stirling+27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgDBW_Qw1nk/UmMtuKg86PI/AAAAAAAAKho/rIbtaiyzkL0/s640/Stirling+27.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took a peek in the impressive gift shop. They had for sale books, black Scottie stuffed animals, miscellaneous gifts and a whisky section. I was tempted to buy a cute book on Scottish phrases but decided not to as I didn't want to make my bag any heavier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9AvPNzCJGs/UmMuwj_8dUI/AAAAAAAAKhs/f99PXs4SoXA/s1600/Stirling+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9AvPNzCJGs/UmMuwj_8dUI/AAAAAAAAKhs/f99PXs4SoXA/s640/Stirling+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift Shop</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRXiPTcVHBI/UmMvsM-sI7I/AAAAAAAAKh0/ixxqx0fOVDA/s1600/Stirling+29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRXiPTcVHBI/UmMvsM-sI7I/AAAAAAAAKh0/ixxqx0fOVDA/s640/Stirling+29.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Whisky selection</td></tr>
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It was now time to make our way back to the bus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z78vtHH4a4E/UmMwMKjEteI/AAAAAAAAKh8/p8HmeYifBuM/s1600/Stirling+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z78vtHH4a4E/UmMwMKjEteI/AAAAAAAAKh8/p8HmeYifBuM/s640/Stirling+25.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Palace, Forework (entrance) and the current gift shop </td></tr>
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We passed the ice cream truck on the way to the parking lot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLnqfdgYB-0/UmMxAwfwG9I/AAAAAAAAKiE/fbHwtMSnqEI/s1600/Stirling+31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLnqfdgYB-0/UmMxAwfwG9I/AAAAAAAAKiE/fbHwtMSnqEI/s640/Stirling+31.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Ice cream</td></tr>
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Back at the bus everyone showed up on time and we departed for our visit to Loch Lomond. George answered some questions about the castle and played some Scottish music during the drive to the Loch. We passed through a little town with cute houses along the way. I love how they cover the houses with foliage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T9teVh6_I8/UmMxvf8HQHI/AAAAAAAAKiM/1TwxG1lx2ck/s1600/Stirling+32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T9teVh6_I8/UmMxvf8HQHI/AAAAAAAAKiM/1TwxG1lx2ck/s640/Stirling+32.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute houses</td></tr>
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In the town, which I think was Callander, we passed a pretty church and some shops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWWE5tOm8jQ/UmMy4LvfwNI/AAAAAAAAKic/ygdVj5TI9uY/s1600/Stirling+35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWWE5tOm8jQ/UmMy4LvfwNI/AAAAAAAAKic/ygdVj5TI9uY/s640/Stirling+35.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving by the church</td></tr>
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I found the hardware store sign very funny.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ernQCYWJ5fo/UmMynAXllgI/AAAAAAAAKiU/QRyleyuijvM/s1600/Stirling+33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ernQCYWJ5fo/UmMynAXllgI/AAAAAAAAKiU/QRyleyuijvM/s640/Stirling+33.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How appropriate!</td></tr>
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It was a quick pass through the town before we made a pit stop at Doune Castle. This castle is perhaps best known as the setting for the 1975 movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film is a comedy and is loosely based on the legend of King Arthur. This stop was not included on the tour so perhaps it was requested from the 12 year old Canadian boy. He seemed to have a pass with him that he had printed online. It was only a 10 minute break and we could stretch our legs again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TEZiIRy7_hY/UmM0f4egSuI/AAAAAAAAKik/icHrLSa2lcU/s1600/Rabbies+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TEZiIRy7_hY/UmM0f4egSuI/AAAAAAAAKik/icHrLSa2lcU/s640/Rabbies+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doune Castle from Monty Python fame</td></tr>
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The castle charges a fee to enter so we walked to the entrance and took a peek inside. It is basically a ruin.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tU2lxmbvS34/UmM08mrIVoI/AAAAAAAAKis/ytqlQhVUGaQ/s1600/Monty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tU2lxmbvS34/UmM08mrIVoI/AAAAAAAAKis/ytqlQhVUGaQ/s640/Monty.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mission accomplished, we assembled back on the bus for the 25 minute drive to Loch Lomond. On the way we passed a beautiful hotel called Tigh Mor. George pulled the bus over so we could get off and take some photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7mYQJMD0Lc/UmM1yumRxhI/AAAAAAAAKi0/bGBqQlwoDiw/s1600/Rabbies+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7mYQJMD0Lc/UmM1yumRxhI/AAAAAAAAKi0/bGBqQlwoDiw/s640/Rabbies+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tigh Mor Hotel</td></tr>
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We made a couple short stops at a loch (cannot remember the name) and also to see a pair of Highland Cows before reaching our destination.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvcyQ10eCVA/UmM2kaVNM6I/AAAAAAAAKi8/p0MGeiMBJq4/s1600/Loch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvcyQ10eCVA/UmM2kaVNM6I/AAAAAAAAKi8/p0MGeiMBJq4/s640/Loch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch in Trossachs National Park</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuLusqNv-7Y/UmQfLSmhUZI/AAAAAAAAKkw/-jCz58WznAM/s1600/Rabbies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuLusqNv-7Y/UmQfLSmhUZI/AAAAAAAAKkw/-jCz58WznAM/s640/Rabbies+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamish (tan) and his "wife" Amy (black)</td></tr>
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The cows are very friendly and actually walked over to say "hello". They seem very well cared for.<br />
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We are now in what is known as the Trossachs. It is very green and there are beautiful hills and opportunities for hiking.<br />
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<b>Trossachs National Park</b> is one of two national parks in Scotland. It was established in 2002 by the Scottish Parliament. The Trossachs are a mountainous region with deep cut glens, shimmering lochs, purple heather and green forests. The park is the fourth largest in the British Isles with a total area of 720 square miles. It includes 21 munros (mountains over 3000 ft), 2 forests and 57 nature conservation sites.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUUFnPmlPeM/UmM3scLFU9I/AAAAAAAAKjU/Shv93vIs-WY/s1600/Trossachs+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUUFnPmlPeM/UmM3scLFU9I/AAAAAAAAKjU/Shv93vIs-WY/s640/Trossachs+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trossachs</td></tr>
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We arrived in Balmaha in the Trossachs which is a small town on the banks of Loch Lomond, George guided us down the road and then those that wanted a better view of the loch could climb the steps to the top of the hill.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-c7aRCL2As/UmRK5qMHfiI/AAAAAAAAKn8/0IBKeiGfriE/s1600/Balmaha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-c7aRCL2As/UmRK5qMHfiI/AAAAAAAAKn8/0IBKeiGfriE/s640/Balmaha.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdRQctunMIk/UmQaD3gLl9I/AAAAAAAAKjw/kljFxlwPCEo/s1600/Trossachs+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdRQctunMIk/UmQaD3gLl9I/AAAAAAAAKjw/kljFxlwPCEo/s640/Trossachs+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the Loch</td></tr>
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There is are steps up the hill and then after that a path that goes up still higher.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mk0vd0fdgA8/UmQXv-y_sgI/AAAAAAAAKjo/vegYJ38a4ew/s1600/Trossachs+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mk0vd0fdgA8/UmQXv-y_sgI/AAAAAAAAKjo/vegYJ38a4ew/s640/Trossachs+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to viewpoint</td></tr>
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Due to all the foliage from ground level you cannot get a good vantage point of the lake. I joined the group that climbed the steps to the view point overlooking the Loch. My mother, the Canadian mother and 5 other people stayed behind.<br />
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<b>Loch Lomond</b> is the largest loch (lake) in the UK. It is 24 miles long, 5 miles wide and up to 600 feet deep with 38 islands. The loch is watched over by Ben Lomand, a mountain of 3,192 feet. Ben Lomand is very popular with hill walkers and it takes 4 -5 from top to bottom roundtrip. There is a famous song about Loch Lomond reputed to be about two of Bonnie Prince Charlie's soldiers who were captured in 1745.<br />
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The story says one of the soldiers was to be executed and the other released. The ghost or spirit of the dead soldier would makes it way home to loch lomond on the "low road" before the other soldier was released. He would have to take the long way home over the hills and mountains, or the "high road".<br />
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The song has been popular in Scotland for many years but in 1991the Scottish band Runrig played a massive outdoor concert on the shores of Loch Lomond and the song exploded. The second verse is probably familiar to most people:<br />
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Oh ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road,<br />
An' I'll be in Scotland before ye',<br />
But wae is my heart until we meet again<br />
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond<br />
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This is a link to the Runrig concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzQ1pNfbe3Q<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMSnWgLGbWc/UmQXggvxVCI/AAAAAAAAKjg/bjX5pjFgLGA/s1600/Trossachs+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMSnWgLGbWc/UmQXggvxVCI/AAAAAAAAKjg/bjX5pjFgLGA/s640/Trossachs+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Loch Lomond from Balmaha</td></tr>
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It was not a hard climb but I went up fast to keep up! I was a little out of breath. I moved quickly as I wasn't sure how long it would take but it was only about a 5 - 7 minute climb. The view was spectacular. However, I was getting a little worried about the 12 year old as he was getting very close to edge and it just drops off. I was fearing we would have to explain to his mother what happened to him! George didn't seem fazed. I am guessing he thinks this is what young boys do.<br />
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While at the top I spoke with two of the people on our tour. I was surprised that they were from Brittany. I told them how much we enjoyed seeing Dinard, Dinan and St. Malo last spring. We actually started talking when I remarked the walk up the hill was much easier than last winter in Halong Bay, Vietnam when I needed help to get down. They had also visited Vietnam but during the summertime.<br />
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The descent here was not difficult but I was careful so as not to slip and fall and injure myself. One of the other tour participants kept up the rear to make sure I was okay on the way down.<br />
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We rejoined the group and my mother told me that while we were on the hill, the Canadian mother all of a sudden started to have a bit of a panic attack about her son and if he was okay. How she could sense he was almost dangling off the top of the precipice I have no idea!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJUa2Fz6kw8/UmQac2IzphI/AAAAAAAAKj4/sveiT9zFgz0/s1600/Trossachs+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJUa2Fz6kw8/UmQac2IzphI/AAAAAAAAKj4/sveiT9zFgz0/s640/Trossachs+14.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Loch Lomond and the park</td></tr>
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At the visitor center their is a small office and a map of the area. The view of the loch at ground level doesn't compare from the hilltop. We have been very lucky with the weather today. Supposedly tomorrow it is going to rain.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkIIor3V09M/UmQa41usZuI/AAAAAAAAKkA/EGo7ybRaQjk/s1600/Trossachs+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkIIor3V09M/UmQa41usZuI/AAAAAAAAKkA/EGo7ybRaQjk/s640/Trossachs+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Lomond at ground level</td></tr>
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On the way back to the bus we passed some people walking their dogs. The one with four dogs was very impressive. I have enough trouble just walking two.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90HQS2AQe5I/UmQbzwyznQI/AAAAAAAAKkI/ECrUBkxFLAk/s1600/Trossachs+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90HQS2AQe5I/UmQbzwyznQI/AAAAAAAAKkI/ECrUBkxFLAk/s640/Trossachs+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great day for a walk</td></tr>
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We boarded the bus again for the drive to Aberfoyle where could have lunch. It was only about a 20 minute drive. The countryside was very pretty during the drive. However, I noticed the best views were on the left side of the bus. We were on the right side so I didn't get many good photos and it was a little frustrating.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51ZGKmXze4o/UmQc1XVF8VI/AAAAAAAAKkY/uirA5_rLDoU/s1600/Aberfoyle+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51ZGKmXze4o/UmQc1XVF8VI/AAAAAAAAKkY/uirA5_rLDoU/s640/Aberfoyle+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trossachs on the way to Aberfoyle</td></tr>
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I spotted a lot of livestock as well as horses during the drive.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq3kzsxviSc/UmQdRbyuCZI/AAAAAAAAKkg/dDPDPgMmWEo/s1600/Aberfoyle+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq3kzsxviSc/UmQdRbyuCZI/AAAAAAAAKkg/dDPDPgMmWEo/s640/Aberfoyle+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the journey to Aberfoyle we asked George how he felt about the vote and referendum next year for Scottish independence. He had served in the English army for 8 years in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has spent a lot of time with the English. He was careful not to boast but it was clear he was going to vote in favor of Scotland going their own way. It will be interesting to see what happens in September 2014.<br />
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We pulled into Aberfoyle, a small town in the Trossachs with a wool mill shopping center, lots of restaurants and hotels. George suggested a few places for lunch and told us what time to be back. We only had about an hour. I had read about the Quack Commando show with a sheep dog and ducks and true to form they were straight ahead as we walked toward the main building.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char (Charlie) and his ducks</td></tr>
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Charlie "Char" the Border Collie was truly enamored with his ducks. He would not take his eyes off of the them. The show takes place at 1:00 pm daily and we had about 5 more minutes before it started. Charlie's owner was explaining the different varieties of sheep on view but I was only interested in the dog and his ducks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varieties of sheep</td></tr>
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Finally it was time for the show and Charlie quickly got to work! He is 10 years old and is still quite spry. He listened intently to his master as he directed the ducks through and obstacle course. He is an amazing dog!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char herding his ducks!</td></tr>
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We didn't stay for entire show or else we probably would not get to eat. We went across the road to look at a fish & chips shop and also considered the Coach Inn, before finally selecting to eat at The Forth Inn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forth Inn - our lunch spot</td></tr>
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It was a very cute restaurant that was divided into two sides. We chose the less crowded one and the menus were the placemats so that sped up the ordering process.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forth Inn Interior</td></tr>
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We both chose to have the fish & chips. I had a cider and my mother had a glass of wine. We also shared an order of yummy onion rings. We told the server we were sort of in a hurry and they expedited the order.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Fish & Chips</td></tr>
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Lunch was a success and we were stuffed! They processed the payment quickly too so we didn't have to wait. We finished our meal with only about 10 minutes remaining before the bus was due to depart. We took a quick look inside the Wool Mill and the surroundings on the way to the parking lot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool Mill Shopping</td></tr>
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I snapped a few more photos before getting back on the bus. I didn't realize until we boarded that we were the last people to arrive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute Hebridean sheep</td></tr>
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We departed Aberfoyle for our last and final stop, the Glengoyne Distillery. It has been a long day but the pacing has been excellent and it is so much easier to do this with a guide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Aberfoyle</td></tr>
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The <b>Glengoyne Distillery</b> is on the way back to Glasgow. We were told it would take about 25 minutes to get there. George is a terrific guide and a great driver. I am very happy we took this tour.<br />
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As we approached the distillery it looked like we were in the forest. The foliage was very lush and abundant with lots of tall trees.<br />
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Glengoyne Distillery was founded in 1833 and is the most southern distillery in Scotland producing Highland single malt whisky. The distillery is located right on the line separating the highlands from the lowlands. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map showing the boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands. </td></tr>
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The white building is adorable and because the distillery is small it provides more of a cozy feeling, that is if you can discount the large number of tourists taking the tours.<br />
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We purchased our tickets for the tour and were then led into a lounge to watch a short video and have a tasting of the 10 year old whisky. The 12 year old boy and 2 other teenagers did not do the tasting but were offered water instead. Lorna, our guide was excellent and very enthusiastic. She was very proud of Glengoyne distillery and it showed.<br />
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Lorna gave a short description of Glengoyne and why it is "special" and differs from other Scottish distilleries. To begin with they do not use peat in their maturation process. Other distilleries will use peat smoke to dry their barley. At Glengoyne they use warm air. This gives the whisky a clear bright appearance and distinctive flavor.<br />
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Before we were led out of the room to tour the distillery, Lorna informed us that no photos are allowed inside the building.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glengoyne Distillery buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Casks</td></tr>
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We entered the building with the large oak barrel tubs (I think there were 6) and Lorna lifted the top so we could all take a whiff. It looked very soupy and actually smelled quite nice. This room was very warm and a little humid. We next went up the little metal staircase to the Still area of which there are 3. Lorna explained that it takes months to make one batch and everything is done by hand. There is no computer or other mechanization. We walked by the little book with pencil markings noting the schedule. Making whisky is a painstaking process!<br />
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As we exited the building we were told we could take a photo looking in from the outside. The Stills are very pretty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzt7ZCffXZk/UmQtDtK2OQI/AAAAAAAAKmM/Nb-RH3XQaJE/s1600/Glengoyne+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzt7ZCffXZk/UmQtDtK2OQI/AAAAAAAAKmM/Nb-RH3XQaJE/s640/Glengoyne+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisky Stills</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisky Distillery</td></tr>
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This part of the tour now complete, we were led back to the gift shop where Lorna explained the different whisky varieties they sell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o99D0o7gWYw/UmROvyuxtxI/AAAAAAAAKoM/PJZIqGOkuE4/s1600/Lorna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o99D0o7gWYw/UmROvyuxtxI/AAAAAAAAKoM/PJZIqGOkuE4/s640/Lorna.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorna explaining the different ages of Whisky they make</td></tr>
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My admission price also entitled me to a tasting of the 17 year old Whisky which has won quite a few rewards. I definitely liked it better than the first one. It was much more smooth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisky Display</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carafes and other merchandise for sale</td></tr>
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We looked around the shop at the merchandise but did not make any purchases. We did complete a card to enter a raffle with the prize being a £3,000 bottle of Glengoyne whisky.<br />
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We enjoyed the tour of the distillery and slowly wandered back to the bus. I am happy we soon be back in Glasgow. It was fun but tiring day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back to Glasgow</td></tr>
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The drive back was uneventful and once we arrived we tipped George and told him what a great job he did. We would gladly sign up for any of his other tours. If we had more time, four days in Skye sounds terrific!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to dinner</td></tr>
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It had apparently rained in Glasgow during our absence. The pavements was wet as we trudged down Mitchell Street to find Lychee Oriental. I had pre-booked this Chinese restaurant for dinner. I contemplated having Scottish food but I don't think we will be having much Asian food during the remainder of the trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lychee Oriental</td></tr>
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Lychee Oriental has been open for about a year and the reviews I read online were glowing. Again we are early for our dinner and arrived at 5:00 pm. The owner, a nice Chinese woman showed us to a table. The restaurant is very modern and since we are early, they had a happy hour menu plus the full regular menu. We immediately ordered libations, Lychee Bellini for me and wine for mother.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lychee Bellini</td></tr>
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We decided to order off the regular menu. We shared the dim sum sampler first. The sauce was a little too pungent but the dumplings were very good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJFMp_x8W3w/UmQ5xCcV2vI/AAAAAAAAKng/kpdujI3CsPs/s1600/Lychee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJFMp_x8W3w/UmQ5xCcV2vI/AAAAAAAAKng/kpdujI3CsPs/s640/Lychee.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum</td></tr>
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Service was excellent and the rest of the order soon arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwRDORZpczg/UmRRwc7mJVI/AAAAAAAAKpM/o78GzNbMrSE/s1600/Lychee+Katsu+Curry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwRDORZpczg/UmRRwc7mJVI/AAAAAAAAKpM/o78GzNbMrSE/s640/Lychee+Katsu+Curry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Katsu Curry</td></tr>
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I had the Chicken Katsu Curry, while not Chinese I been having a craving for it. My mother had the Duck with plums and lychees. Both dishes were delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tamAmRoosUY/UmRR-xhAveI/AAAAAAAAKpU/d1FMKPWD-2E/s1600/Lychee+Duck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tamAmRoosUY/UmRR-xhAveI/AAAAAAAAKpU/d1FMKPWD-2E/s640/Lychee+Duck.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck with Lychee and Plums</td></tr>
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We also decided to order a dessert to share. I let my mother choose and she selected the fried Banana with Coconut Ice Cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmQO5c__asg/UmRST5Ub9qI/AAAAAAAAKpc/E47Uao50F4I/s1600/Lychee+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmQO5c__asg/UmRST5Ub9qI/AAAAAAAAKpc/E47Uao50F4I/s640/Lychee+Dessert.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My serving of the Banana and ice cream</td></tr>
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The woman and her son who own the restaurant were wonderful. We loved our meal and hope to be back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-QoRfDFVpY/UmRSovb20iI/AAAAAAAAKpk/LmmrNxxqgqA/s1600/Lychee+Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-QoRfDFVpY/UmRSovb20iI/AAAAAAAAKpk/LmmrNxxqgqA/s640/Lychee+Bar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lychee Oriental bar area (mother and son in the background)</td></tr>
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I convinced mother that we could walk back to the hotel as it was only on the opposite side of the train station. She wasn't happy but complied. In less than 10 minutes we were back at the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VQ0einf4ck/UmRS7O_qQBI/AAAAAAAAKps/DEfKD2kGLWg/s1600/Glasgow+Home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VQ0einf4ck/UmRS7O_qQBI/AAAAAAAAKps/DEfKD2kGLWg/s640/Glasgow+Home.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the Indigo Hotel</td></tr>
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Back in the room we quickly changed into our PJ's and used the free wifi before going to bed. My mother also watched a little television.<br />
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Tomorrow we will check out in the morning and fly from Glasgow to London Gatwick. We will spend one night in England before boarding the Ocean Princess the following day. We have enjoyed Glasgow very much and very glad we came.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-87197201735374615452013-08-19T19:56:00.000-04:002013-10-14T11:39:54.039-04:00Two Days in Glasgow, Scotland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a great night sleep but still woke up early. Our flight to Glasgow isn't until 10:00 am so we can relax a little this morning. Our room was so quiet last night you would never know you were at an airport, much less Heathrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRbumsmn-Ds/UlRZGZcMJPI/AAAAAAAAKSw/Tq5j8ssylrI/s1600/Room+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRbumsmn-Ds/UlRZGZcMJPI/AAAAAAAAKSw/Tq5j8ssylrI/s640/Room+View.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room</td></tr>
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I took a peak out the window and realized we looked into an interior courtyard and not directly at the airport tarmac. No wonder it was so quiet!<br />
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It was great taking the day flight from Boston and arriving on the same day in the UK. I definitely recommend doing that if you can. The flying time was about 6 hours, we arrived around 7:25 pm, had dinner, went to bed and woke up refreshed with no jet lag whatsoever.<br />
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Since we were not in a hurry I decided to take a very nice long steamy shower. Afterward I let my hair air dry as I tried to configure my new Samsung Camcorder. I will be using it for the first time on this trip. I could have done the practical thing and set it up at home. However I kept finding excuses not to do it! No more procrastinating now or I won't have any videos to speak of. I did download the user guide to my iPad for easy reference. I flipped through the pages and after much trial and error I was finally able to set the date and time. I then inserted the memory card and formatted it. My mother was getting really annoyed at all the beeping noises the device was making so I abruptly had to stop and put it away.<br />
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I read that the breakfast at the Sofitel is very nice but it is also on the expensive side. We decided to get something in the terminal instead. It was soon time to get our things together and checkout. It is one elevator down to reception followed by passing through the 4 corridors and then another elevator up one level to get to the terminal. It is still more convenient than taking a shuttle bus or having to change terminals. The Sofitel was wonderful and I would definitely stay there again but next time I will book directly with the hotel just in case they lose the reservation.<br />
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Once inside the terminal we found the area for the passport check. The automated barcode scanner for the boarding pass is pretty cool. Once you scan your boarding pass a green light flashes and the gate opens. At security everything had to be screened in a large plastic trays including the carry on luggage. There was hardly any line. This time Heathrow security was painless compared to last December when we flew to Shanghai and had to empty our bags entirely. This time they hardly looked at anything and it only took 10 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1JlPHNTZb8/UlRc0dDphfI/AAAAAAAAKTM/3jLTyBMv-nk/s1600/Heathrow+T5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1JlPHNTZb8/UlRc0dDphfI/AAAAAAAAKTM/3jLTyBMv-nk/s640/Heathrow+T5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heathrow T5</td></tr>
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The gate for Glasgow wasn't posted yet on the monitor so we decided to find a place to eat. We considered a couple different ones before sitting down at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant. However, the sun was shining so brightly through the huge floor to ceiling windows that it was blinding. There was no way to look up without having the glaring sun in your eyes. We left and ended up at Wagamama which faced differently. At Wagamama they take your order on a handheld device and scribble the order on your placemat.<br />
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I ordered peppermint tea and my mother had a latte which she said was delicious. The food took at least 25 minutes to prepare but was worth the wait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Go4hVKsnWY/UlRb7DCkSBI/AAAAAAAAKS8/e1aenkh0eog/s1600/Okononomiyaki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Go4hVKsnWY/UlRb7DCkSBI/AAAAAAAAKS8/e1aenkh0eog/s640/Okononomiyaki.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake with shrimp, fish flakes and a savory sauce)</td></tr>
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I had Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) and my mother had a egg white omelet. One of the fun things about eating Okonomiyaki is that you usually prepare it on a grill in front of you adding what you like, but that is not possible here. It was still really good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_aTSGxx1EY/UlRcjUazbsI/AAAAAAAAKTE/vQ511tBQfyk/s1600/Wagamama+omelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_aTSGxx1EY/UlRcjUazbsI/AAAAAAAAKTE/vQ511tBQfyk/s640/Wagamama+omelet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagamama Egg White Omelet</td></tr>
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Both of our meals were yummy. When we were done we still had plenty of time before our flight so I looked in the shops at overpriced expensive designerwear while mother rested in one of the lounge areas.<br />
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I went over to look at the monitor again and it said our gate would post at 9:30 am but it was taking longer than that. Finally the gate was listed and we were actually very close to Concourse A where our flight would depart from. It was only about a 7 minute walk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfuf-la_GQ/UlRdPKgeOpI/AAAAAAAAKTU/m8rFOOwYesQ/s1600/Heathrow+waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfuf-la_GQ/UlRdPKgeOpI/AAAAAAAAKTU/m8rFOOwYesQ/s640/Heathrow+waiting.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting at our gate for the flight to Glasgow</td></tr>
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We are flying British Airways to Glasgow on an older Airbus 319. It is only an hour flight so I don't expect any inflight entertainment. The configuration is 3-3 and we again have the window and aisle. When I checked in last night there was no one sitting in between us. However, you don't have to pay for your seat on BA if you check in within 24 hours of departure. There is still a good chance we will have the row to ourselves.<br />
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Boarding commenced and we found our way to row 7. This was indeed an older looking plane and it had seen better days. There was plenty of leg room though. Just when I thought I could stretch out a bit, a woman made her way to our row and indicated she had the middle seat. The plane was completely full. There were lots of business people as many of them were dressed in suits.<br />
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We took off to hazy skies and climbed through the clouds. I looked out the window for a while until I couldn't see anymore and then decided to work on the settings for the Camcorder again. I finally figured out that I was pressing the buttons instead of moving them from the outside edge. After some more beeping I had the camcorder set for anti-shake and daytime landscape mode, or at least I hoped so! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1a0U6jahjg/UlRe1FZgDgI/AAAAAAAAKT4/J0K-625CXVg/s1600/Scotland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1a0U6jahjg/UlRe1FZgDgI/AAAAAAAAKT4/J0K-625CXVg/s640/Scotland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over Scotland</td></tr>
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Time passed pretty quickly and we were soon descending toward Glasgow. We will be spending 2 nights there before going to Dover to board the Ocean Princess. If the cruise was longer than 8 days I would have boarded when the ship was berthed in Edinburgh the next day immediately after embarkation. Since we want to see as much of Scotland as possible we decided to visit Glasgow and the Scottish countryside prior to the cruise.<br />
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It took a surprising amount of time to exit the airport as we needed to take several different escalators and/or elevators. We grabbed a taxi for the 17 minute drive to downtown. It was overcast and rain looked very likely for our walking tour of Glasgow. We were soon in the city center and arrived at the Indigo Hotel. I have never stayed at an Indigo Hotel before but they were rated #1 on Tripadvisor for Glasgow. Upon entering the hotel it looked a little more institutional than the photos on the their website. However, it was still suitable and the rate was reasonable. We were told that even though it was early our room was ready. We took the elevator to the third floor and found our room.directly across from the cavernous linen supply room. This room stored soap, towels, robes, sundries. As the door was wide open we wondered if we should help ourselves?<br />
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Our room is an Executive Twin with two beds. The room is decorated in blues and greens with a desk and chair. I liked the wood floor but I was not sure what about it made it "executive". The room is actually much smaller than it appears in the photos on the website.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dai61aGVEPY/UlmEkJnF9cI/AAAAAAAAKVY/uA0dJIIBBVs/s1600/Indigo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dai61aGVEPY/UlmEkJnF9cI/AAAAAAAAKVY/uA0dJIIBBVs/s640/Indigo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Executive Twin Room</td></tr>
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The beds looked pretty comfortable and the bathroom was modern with a glass shower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcnc0SLd78A/UlmFAiG4DdI/AAAAAAAAKVg/kCrQ5iVe-Og/s1600/Indigo+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcnc0SLd78A/UlmFAiG4DdI/AAAAAAAAKVg/kCrQ5iVe-Og/s640/Indigo+Room.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Beds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIOdgHK_7j8/UlrskOZ6III/AAAAAAAAKYQ/uNhJdpsV4tc/s1600/Shower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIOdgHK_7j8/UlrskOZ6III/AAAAAAAAKYQ/uNhJdpsV4tc/s640/Shower.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern Bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKGVNa3chw/Ulrs7dfwjqI/AAAAAAAAKYc/aVDPD7O_FSs/s1600/Bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKGVNa3chw/Ulrs7dfwjqI/AAAAAAAAKYc/aVDPD7O_FSs/s640/Bath.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass Shower</td></tr>
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On the plus side the hotel has free wifi and the breakfast is very reasonably priced. We have a very full day ahead so after using the facilities and getting our umbrellas and rain gear together we went downstairs to get a map. The reception provided excellent directions to Buchanan Street which is the main pedestrian shopping area in Glasgow. We planned to shop for about 45 minutes before heading to a historic house and a museum in the countryside. On the way back we planned to make a short stop at Glasgow University and then end the day with a pre-booked tour of the Glasgow School of Art. Our day was pretty jam packed.<br />
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As we exited the hotel it was drizzling but not drenching. My mother used her umbrella but I just put up the hood on my jacket. It was about a 10 minute walk to Buchanan Street. Along the way we passed the Central train station as well as some more modern buildings. The city is a nice combination of traditional and contemporary styles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9K9HKd8K34/Ulg9N7kd7zI/AAAAAAAAKUI/hnylzNq4Pks/s1600/Glasgow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9K9HKd8K34/Ulg9N7kd7zI/AAAAAAAAKUI/hnylzNq4Pks/s640/Glasgow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow, Scotland</td></tr>
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<b>Glasgow, Scotland</b><br />
Glasgow is a former industrial city that at its zenith had a population of over 1 million people. From the 18th century it grew as one of the Great Britain's main hubs of transatlantic trade with North America. It soon became one of the world's pre-eminent centers of shipbuilding, chemicals, textiles and engineering. The city fell on hard times during the 20th century with the post World War 1 recession and later the Great Depression. Glasgow entered into a period of rapid economic decline leading to high unemployment and urban decay.<br />
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In the 1990's Glasgow started on an economic revival effort. With the addition of diversified businesses from insurance, banking, biosciences, healthcare to financial services, the city's former affluence has returned.<br />
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Glasgow is now the UK's second largest and most economically important retail sector after central London. There are 4 universities and the city is identified as an art and design center. Many of the red sandstone Georgian buildings were restored and you have to keep reminding yourself to look up to admire the fabulous architecture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6iPA_uY4Yk/UlhDGiGFY2I/AAAAAAAAKUg/R18BeVDZHN0/s1600/Georgian+Glasgow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6iPA_uY4Yk/UlhDGiGFY2I/AAAAAAAAKUg/R18BeVDZHN0/s640/Georgian+Glasgow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buchanan Street in the rain</td></tr>
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We arrived at Buchanan Street and it was indeed a shopper paradise. The buildings are quite beautiful and due to the absence of cars the whole area is easily walkable. We limited our time to window shopping but did pop into a few places to take a closer look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbqF9tNabgw/UlhDZzKuxNI/AAAAAAAAKUo/0D_C81T3aXU/s1600/Buchanan+Street+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbqF9tNabgw/UlhDZzKuxNI/AAAAAAAAKUo/0D_C81T3aXU/s640/Buchanan+Street+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of shopping and beautiful flowers</td></tr>
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We went inside Princes Square (a high end shopping mall) and the Argyll Arcade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GE3fAHUenU/UlhD6ONipnI/AAAAAAAAKU4/WgmShUw_jN4/s1600/Argyll+Arcade+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GE3fAHUenU/UlhD6ONipnI/AAAAAAAAKU4/WgmShUw_jN4/s640/Argyll+Arcade+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Argyll Arcade</td></tr>
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The Argyll Arcade is one of Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades and Scotland's first indoor shopping mall. It was built in 1827 in the Parisian style. The arcade is known for its large collection of diamond jewelry and watches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3h7BVdi6b4/UlrvDuyAW5I/AAAAAAAAKYk/nDucXO99dIE/s1600/Argyll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3h7BVdi6b4/UlrvDuyAW5I/AAAAAAAAKYk/nDucXO99dIE/s640/Argyll.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior Argyll Arcade</td></tr>
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We looked in the windows at the diamonds and expensive watches and them moved on.<br />
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Princess Square is a beautiful building from the outside and has many retails shops and lots of restaurants. The inside though wasn't that appealing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wAoYvUoc3A/UlhEbwazoWI/AAAAAAAAKVI/49d44DrTHy8/s1600/Buchanan+Street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wAoYvUoc3A/UlhEbwazoWI/AAAAAAAAKVI/49d44DrTHy8/s640/Buchanan+Street.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked along Buchanan Street in both directions and then took a turn down one of the side streets near the Modern Art Gallery in Royal Exchange Square.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DSsfS-CZuk/UlrxGcIv02I/AAAAAAAAKZI/A9iucEZBUAY/s1600/Entrance+Merchant+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DSsfS-CZuk/UlrxGcIv02I/AAAAAAAAKZI/A9iucEZBUAY/s640/Entrance+Merchant+City.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Merchant City and the Modern Art Gallery</td></tr>
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We spotted the Duke of Wellington statue.with the traffic cone. It was explained to us later that the city used to remove the cone only to have it return within 48 hours so they stopped doing it. The people of Glasgow think the cone on the statue shows their humorous side.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekmmmgwxr_Q/Ulg9jU4AJ6I/AAAAAAAAKUQ/ja34_Tk5Uyc/s1600/Statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekmmmgwxr_Q/Ulg9jU4AJ6I/AAAAAAAAKUQ/ja34_Tk5Uyc/s640/Statue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke of Wellington Statue</td></tr>
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We walked a bit more before deciding it was time to depart to our next venue. With our retail therapy accomplished we started looking for a taxi to take us to Pollok Park which is about a 15 minute drive on the outskirts of town. It didn't take long to spot a bright blue taxi.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUc-P-h_NV8/Ulrw2NuCrWI/AAAAAAAAKZA/AOy8xoDJF_U/s1600/Shopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUc-P-h_NV8/Ulrw2NuCrWI/AAAAAAAAKZA/AOy8xoDJF_U/s640/Shopping.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow in the rain</td></tr>
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The drive was very pleasant and your were now clearly in the countryside. Pollok Park also contains Pollok House and the Burrell Collection. The park has 3 Clydesdale horses in the stables which would be great to see if we have extra time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNL374HPcm0/UlmKhqua1_I/AAAAAAAAKWc/p5rD5ueMvfk/s1600/Pollok+House+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNL374HPcm0/UlmKhqua1_I/AAAAAAAAKWc/p5rD5ueMvfk/s640/Pollok+House+Front.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pollok House</b><br />
Pollok House was built in 1752 and is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family. It was designed by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam and gifted to the city of Glasgow in 1966. The house may be best known for its large collection of Spanish art with paintings by El Greco, Francisco Goya and Bartholome Murillo. There is also on display a collection of silverware, porcelain and antique furniture. Pollok House is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.<br />
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Once inside I realized this was only going to take about 20 minutes as the area accessible for viewing was tiny. The man selling the tickets (8 pounds ea) took a fancy to my mother and wanted to make sure she enjoyed her visit. He pointed out what she should see and said not to miss the servants area downstairs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVQYynBUpDU/UlsMQoyn6AI/AAAAAAAAKco/P-mrYdQcMOQ/s1600/Pollok+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVQYynBUpDU/UlsMQoyn6AI/AAAAAAAAKco/P-mrYdQcMOQ/s640/Pollok+House.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foyer</td></tr>
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From the foyer area you can go one flight up to see the rooms. The house is nice and it depicts what living here was like in the 1930's. There is however not much to see. The Maxwell family still uses part of the house so perhaps if the entire structure was accessible that would make it more worthwhile.<br />
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The rooms we saw including the dining room, music room and library, did have some beautiful art and lovely antique furnishings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5-XCHPydk/UlmK4ho2wtI/AAAAAAAAKWk/or2ChUkcGmk/s1600/Pollok+House+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5-XCHPydk/UlmK4ho2wtI/AAAAAAAAKWk/or2ChUkcGmk/s640/Pollok+House+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior Pollok House<br />
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The furniture and paintings are original to the house.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SkU9JPB8xc/UlmMFwr4bzI/AAAAAAAAKWw/aAdEh39SOw0/s1600/Pollok+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SkU9JPB8xc/UlmMFwr4bzI/AAAAAAAAKWw/aAdEh39SOw0/s640/Pollok+House.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok House Paintings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After walking in the 4-5 rooms we could visit we headed to the basement and servants area. This area was reminiscent of the servants area in the Newport mansions where the staff worked and slept. The original kitchen for the house is now an adorable restaurant with little wood tables with blue and white tablecloths and copper pans on the wall. We thought about having a tea break but neither of us were hungry.<br />
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While I was using the restroom I was told the ticket man suddenly appeared and showed my mother the photo on the wall with the 200+ staff who ran the house in the early 1900's. This guy <i>really</i> likes my mother!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GGVJkq3uc/UlmI6jDO7nI/AAAAAAAAKV8/I-zitEQKPZQ/s1600/Pollok+Staff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GGVJkq3uc/UlmI6jDO7nI/AAAAAAAAKV8/I-zitEQKPZQ/s640/Pollok+Staff.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok House Staff 1905</td></tr>
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It is amazing so many servants were required to run the house properly. Our tour complete, we exited through the back and walked around the garden which is typically English.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FO0mjIfWr6s/UlmJb61LENI/AAAAAAAAKWE/-tLvqHuWN6o/s1600/Pollok+Garden+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FO0mjIfWr6s/UlmJb61LENI/AAAAAAAAKWE/-tLvqHuWN6o/s640/Pollok+Garden+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok House Garden</td></tr>
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The grounds were lovely and the sun was now shining through the dispersed clouds. It was going to be a nice day after all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtFJJRACF9o/UlmJ-E84-zI/AAAAAAAAKWU/cKNN9BwEjR8/s1600/Pollok+Garden+and+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtFJJRACF9o/UlmJ-E84-zI/AAAAAAAAKWU/cKNN9BwEjR8/s640/Pollok+Garden+and+House.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok House from the rear</td></tr>
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We asked for directions to the Burrell Collection which is just up the road and were told it is only a 10 minute walk . The meadows and fields with the cows were lovely. It was a very nice relaxing walk but closer to 20 minutes since my mother is a bit slower.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUY33iCyPTk/UlmOAw4viMI/AAAAAAAAKW8/UPfAldukopc/s1600/Burrell+Road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUY33iCyPTk/UlmOAw4viMI/AAAAAAAAKW8/UPfAldukopc/s640/Burrell+Road.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollok Park walk to the Burrell Collection</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jckdCtFKPA/UlmOQxxvfyI/AAAAAAAAKXE/c_Z_VqHWiXM/s1600/Pollok+Cows+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jckdCtFKPA/UlmOQxxvfyI/AAAAAAAAKXE/c_Z_VqHWiXM/s640/Pollok+Cows+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows resting</td></tr>
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We passed a couple of ladies walking in the opposite direction and were told it was only another 2-3 more minutes until we reached our destination.<br />
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The Burrell Collection buildings looks similar to a modern farmhouse. It is very understated but they have an impressive assortment of paintings and artifacts.<br />
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<b>The Burrell Collection</b><br />
The Burrell Collection comprises over 8000 objects. Sir William Burrell spent many years amassing his collection as a shipbuilding magnate. He gifted his collection to Glasgow in 1944 on the condition that the items be housed in a building 16 miles from Glasgow (due to air pollution) and not be loaned to other institutions. However, it took until 1967 to find a suitable site in Pollok Park which is 3 miles from the city center. The museum was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDqRyIY91rw/UlmO8GZ2WdI/AAAAAAAAKXU/kR4QLXEm4kQ/s1600/Burrell+Building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDqRyIY91rw/UlmO8GZ2WdI/AAAAAAAAKXU/kR4QLXEm4kQ/s640/Burrell+Building.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrell Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They have been having a lot of structural problems with the building lately and will be closing at some point for repairs that will take 2 years. They seem a bit embarrassed about the poor condition of the building. However, walking around it the building appears just fine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_76L4p3YCDU/Ulr0ncLsRUI/AAAAAAAAKZU/6GzpkY3Ya3w/s1600/Burrell+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_76L4p3YCDU/Ulr0ncLsRUI/AAAAAAAAKZU/6GzpkY3Ya3w/s640/Burrell+Sign.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign explains problems with leaks </td></tr>
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The museum's items are quite impressive. They even have 3 rooms reconstructed from Burrell's home, Hutton Castle near Berwick-on-Tweed. You can see the dining room, drawing room and hall complete with their furnishings. It was fun to walk though this section.<br />
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They don't allow photos which is a shame since the museum is so interesting and very open with large windows. Burrell achieved quite an eclectic art collection including stained glass, tapestries, oak furniture, medieval weapons, armor, Islamic art, Chinese porcelain and Impressionist paintings with about 20 by Degas. I took one photo of the stained glass near the entrance. There are more than 700 of these panels from various periods in the collection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TnjVAVyneg/Ulr1Qa75q5I/AAAAAAAAKZc/3bbW9GcLJBk/s1600/Burrell+Stained+Glass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TnjVAVyneg/Ulr1Qa75q5I/AAAAAAAAKZc/3bbW9GcLJBk/s640/Burrell+Stained+Glass.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass near the entrance</td></tr>
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We spent a good 90 minutes in the museum taking in the artifacts. We enjoyed the special Impressionist exhibition too. When were about ready to leave I asked how to get a taxi and a man pointed across the way to the phone hanging on the wall. He said you just pick it up and it is directly connected to the taxi company and you don't dial anything. How ingenious! I went over to the phone and picked it up. A recording said to press 1 if you want a taxi now. I did that and a message said "you are number 27 and your taxi will arrive in 5 minutes". Amazing!<br />
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We went outside and tried to figure out the correct place to wait for the taxi. There is a sitting area right outside but then second sitting area across the road. We went closer to the road and this turned out to be the right spot. While we waited for the taxi I was watching a bird that also seemed to be keeping a close eye on me as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BW41_EQzDgQ/Ulr1zO8wpII/AAAAAAAAKZk/PsWv0O_FyUw/s1600/Burrell+Bird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BW41_EQzDgQ/Ulr1zO8wpII/AAAAAAAAKZk/PsWv0O_FyUw/s640/Burrell+Bird.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty birdy</td></tr>
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Our London style black cab soon arrived and we asked him to take us to Glasgow University. I was hoping to see Bute Hall. This is a beautiful room where student exams take place. It is not always open though.<br />
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<b>Glasgow University</b><br />
At the entrance to the university the taxi driver asked directions to Bute Hall and we preceded heading west. The university is on a hill and the view is gorgeous. Glasgow University is the 4th oldest university in the world after Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8btl5EMIHvg/Ulr2VcWGVrI/AAAAAAAAKZw/G0ijRlZbzTg/s1600/Glasgow+Uni+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8btl5EMIHvg/Ulr2VcWGVrI/AAAAAAAAKZw/G0ijRlZbzTg/s640/Glasgow+Uni+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow University</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82PCMCxYtk4/UlsVGZ1LoaI/AAAAAAAAKc4/oJEsS1Mg-5U/s1600/Glasgow+Uni+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82PCMCxYtk4/UlsVGZ1LoaI/AAAAAAAAKc4/oJEsS1Mg-5U/s640/Glasgow+Uni+Front.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Cloisters and Bute Hall</td></tr>
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We found the building for Bute Hall and our taxi driver waited as we walked inside. We entered from the Cloisters below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQcNVxMdmgE/Ulr3IkMVC9I/AAAAAAAAKZ4/22t56sbKfis/s1600/Cloisters+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQcNVxMdmgE/Ulr3IkMVC9I/AAAAAAAAKZ4/22t56sbKfis/s640/Cloisters+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloisters Glasgow University</td></tr>
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As we walked inside I asked a smartly dressed man with an umbrella how to get to Bute Hall. He wasn't sure it was open but was very eager to help. So eager that we quickly climbed a two level beautiful blue and gold carpeted brass staircase to find the doors at the top locked! He wasn't giving up though! He had another plan to approach the room from the other end. As we were walking back down the staircase and then across the way to go up the other side I asked him if he is a professor. He said he used to teach physics but now he is a senior administrator for the university. I told him I was very grateful he was willing to help us. He said Glasgow University is his alma mater and it is no trouble at all. I later looked online and this gentleman is just one level below the president of the University!<br />
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We arrived at the other end to find it not only locked but barricaded with scaffolding. They were apparently doing renovations. You could peak in a bit but I couldn't make out much.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DzWTqHagU8/Ulr4wX0tyCI/AAAAAAAAKaE/Ltlj_lc9NiU/s1600/Bute+Hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DzWTqHagU8/Ulr4wX0tyCI/AAAAAAAAKaE/Ltlj_lc9NiU/s640/Bute+Hall.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Bute Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then traded stories of visiting famous places that we couldn't see due to scaffolding. He regaled us with his visit to Barcelona in 2004 and trying to see the Sagrada Familia which at the time was completely covered and you couldn't see a thing. I told him it was a running theme with me from last spring when we couldn't see some structures in Bilbao, San Sebastian and Deauville.<br />
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I felt like at least we made the effort and met a very nice person at the university so all was not lost. Our taxi driver had no problem waiting for us. We explained why our visit took longer than expected and then I snapped a few photos of the exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum before we were on our way to the Glasgow School of Art.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yukRSsitmXU/Ulr8xvU6OaI/AAAAAAAAKbI/ggzolrWOtNo/s1600/Kelvingrove+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yukRSsitmXU/Ulr8xvU6OaI/AAAAAAAAKbI/ggzolrWOtNo/s640/Kelvingrove+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our taxi and the Kelvingrove Museum in the background<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5vPIoAhSfE/Ulr881HZADI/AAAAAAAAKbQ/6u6sViSfR4M/s1600/Kelvingrove+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5vPIoAhSfE/Ulr881HZADI/AAAAAAAAKbQ/6u6sViSfR4M/s640/Kelvingrove+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelvingrove Museum</td></tr>
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It was only a short drive to reach the Glasgow School of Art on Renfrew Street.<br />
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<b>The Glasgow School of Art</b><br />
The Glasgow School of Art is Scotland's only independent art school offering university programs in architecture, fine art and design. In 1897 work started on the current building. The first half of the building was completed in 1899 and the second half in 1909.<br />
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The school has produced most of Scotland's contemporary artists, including since 2005, 29% of Turner Prize nominees and three recent Turner Prize winners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fmaMnAxy9w/Ulr7VSjBAfI/AAAAAAAAKag/-IJ-5mvYg68/s1600/Glasgow+School.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fmaMnAxy9w/Ulr7VSjBAfI/AAAAAAAAKag/-IJ-5mvYg68/s640/Glasgow+School.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow School of Art Entrance</td></tr>
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The school is located on one of the city's famous hills. Why they decided to build it in such a challenging area is a mystery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05mX1Jbrc2A/Ulr70685tMI/AAAAAAAAKaw/qBqSWcjJPRc/s1600/GSA+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05mX1Jbrc2A/Ulr70685tMI/AAAAAAAAKaw/qBqSWcjJPRc/s640/GSA+Back.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of the building sloping down the hill</td></tr>
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Our tour which I booked online was not until 5:00 pm but as it was only 3:30 pm I asked if we could take the one at 4:00 pm instead. They said that was fine and we waited in the gift shop where all the tours begin. While we waited we admired some of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.<br />
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<b>Charles Rennie Mackintosh</b> was a Scottish trained architect and was only 19 years old when he was chosen to design the new building for the Glasgow School of Art. He was born in Glasgow in 1868.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2dRPrk1RgM/UlwN7cSK4zI/AAAAAAAAKec/QUBhzjkh9Mg/s1600/Mac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2dRPrk1RgM/UlwN7cSK4zI/AAAAAAAAKec/QUBhzjkh9Mg/s320/Mac.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Rennie Mackintosh</td></tr>
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Mackintosh became best known for his blending of Art Nouveau with the simplicity of Japanese design. His style was a contrast of strong right angles and decorative floral motifs. In addition to architecture he also became interested with the furnishings for the buildings he designed. This was similar to his contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright. Mackintosh's greatest accomplishment was the Glasgow School of Art. In later life he became disillusioned with architecture and spent time in the Mediterranean as a watercolorist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-0_A92XTRI/Ulr7fZ52SxI/AAAAAAAAKao/f2eX99JSgDk/s1600/GSA+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-0_A92XTRI/Ulr7fZ52SxI/AAAAAAAAKao/f2eX99JSgDk/s640/GSA+Front.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow School of Art (Mackintosh building)</td></tr>
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It was not long before the tour began. There were about 25 people on the tour with a surprising majority of young men in their 20's. I think my mother was the oldest person in the group. There are about 200 stairs in total on the tour but I didn't share that info with my mother in advance for fear she would decline to participate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crsIapi-FqU/Ulr8L3fNNRI/AAAAAAAAKa4/ROUgJzSeUes/s1600/GSA+Store.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crsIapi-FqU/Ulr8L3fNNRI/AAAAAAAAKa4/ROUgJzSeUes/s640/GSA+Store.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GSA shop</td></tr>
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Callum our tall and lanky tour leader is also a student at the school. He is very proud of it and is a great admirer of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.<br />
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The tour started off slowly with some facts about the building and how it was constructed. It quickly became apparent how amazing and unconventional the design was at that time. Callum discussed how Mackintosh married styles from art nouveau and Japanese aesthetics. He had never been to Japan but was fascinated with light and dark contrasts and incorporated those elements into his design. Part of the building looks like a Zen Buddhist temple while other parts are classical art nouveau.<br />
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Since this is a working school with artists no photos are allowed. However I was disappointed that no photos are available for purchase in the gift shop. That doesn't make sense to me. I noticed a couple of guys sneaking photos and I tried to do the same but the setting on my camera was messed up and I was unsuccessful. Because our group was so big there were several opportunities to take photos even if you weren't allowed to do so. In the areas to sneak the photos there were absolutely no people or studios so I didn't see the point of banning all photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orU31JyNYOw/Ulr66GCFEpI/AAAAAAAAKaY/FO44gFUBHCU/s1600/GSA+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orU31JyNYOw/Ulr66GCFEpI/AAAAAAAAKaY/FO44gFUBHCU/s640/GSA+Inside.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior GSA</td></tr>
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My favorite part of the building was the walkway between the two galleries. I found a photo online of this area. You cannot tell in the photo but the windows are different sizes and hang over the side of the building. The archway is really interesting too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHkM7T-a8Jg/Ulr6jldtiKI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/C4Jm4d2M7K4/s1600/Hallway+GSA1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHkM7T-a8Jg/Ulr6jldtiKI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/C4Jm4d2M7K4/s400/Hallway+GSA1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GSA Walkway (courtesy of online photo)</td></tr>
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The highlight of the tour is supposed to be the library. However, they have covered all the windows from the inside to work on them and the room doesn't have the same "Wow" factor. It was still worthwhile seeing though. Callum had tons of interesting information and was very enthusiastic. My mother and I really enjoyed the tour!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFNz7-g1x-Q/UltKibymAfI/AAAAAAAAKdI/BFph-GCFTkM/s1600/Front+GSAx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFNz7-g1x-Q/UltKibymAfI/AAAAAAAAKdI/BFph-GCFTkM/s640/Front+GSAx.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow School of Art from the front</td></tr>
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By now we were getting tired from a long day and decided to head out early to the restaurant I booked for dinner. The restaurant, Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, (love the name!) is sort of on the edge of town near Argyle Street.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDiVDpt_PiU/Ulr-g6WUElI/AAAAAAAAKbc/yZp1CV8-3oA/s1600/TFL+Entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDiVDpt_PiU/Ulr-g6WUElI/AAAAAAAAKbc/yZp1CV8-3oA/s640/TFL+Entrance.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant</td></tr>
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When we arrived at 5:20 pm there were only 2 other tables seated. They had an early bird menu but we both ordered from the regular menu. We started with two well deserved glasses of wine (Merlot for mother and Rose for me). The rose wine is the smaller glass and was really dark!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVoQtB2HQDs/Ulr-rinav_I/AAAAAAAAKbk/dQjDMB1K-jI/s1600/TFL+Wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVoQtB2HQDs/Ulr-rinav_I/AAAAAAAAKbk/dQjDMB1K-jI/s640/TFL+Wine.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wine</td></tr>
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The restaurant is very cozy with pillows and upholstered banquets. The gentleman who took our order actually sat down next to us to write it down. He was quite distinguished and probably in his late 50's. He was very helpful in his suggestions from the menu.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gQiehx105I/Ulr--YXPFFI/AAAAAAAAKbs/Hr2TNOo8E_E/s1600/TFL+Restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gQiehx105I/Ulr--YXPFFI/AAAAAAAAKbs/Hr2TNOo8E_E/s640/TFL+Restaurant.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cozy Restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kEfI3OLqLo/Ulr_ImmMQlI/AAAAAAAAKb0/9GO1Ish35QI/s1600/TFL+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kEfI3OLqLo/Ulr_ImmMQlI/AAAAAAAAKb0/9GO1Ish35QI/s640/TFL+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decoration behind our table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HsFGmEJBDk/Ulr_SSqCL5I/AAAAAAAAKb8/q3sgCZBhHhI/s1600/TFL+Seating.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HsFGmEJBDk/Ulr_SSqCL5I/AAAAAAAAKb8/q3sgCZBhHhI/s640/TFL+Seating.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pillows and bench cushion seating</td></tr>
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Our starters arrived within about 10 minutes. My mother had the scallops and I had the baked brie with 3 different kinds of potatoes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjFESAQ0i0w/Ulr_2qBCfVI/AAAAAAAAKcE/K8HR0f7ytSk/s1600/TFL+Scallops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjFESAQ0i0w/Ulr_2qBCfVI/AAAAAAAAKcE/K8HR0f7ytSk/s640/TFL+Scallops.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops</td></tr>
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She said the scallops were very good. My brie was okay but nothing to write home about. The purple potatoes are what intrigued me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecwGHcIPKp0/UlsAGQBR9QI/AAAAAAAAKcM/0x4P24m787I/s1600/TFL+Starter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecwGHcIPKp0/UlsAGQBR9QI/AAAAAAAAKcM/0x4P24m787I/s640/TFL+Starter.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Brie with potatoes</td></tr>
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The restaurant was very relaxing and the service was excellent. My mother ordered a second glass of wine. However, I was already starting to feel a bit sleepy!<br />
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The main courses arrived and were wonderful. My mother had the fish and I had the Chili Lime Prawns with mango pineapple salsa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpSaPthvoDo/UltNDm8yV-I/AAAAAAAAKdU/05xDPjU9TR4/s1600/TFL+Fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpSaPthvoDo/UltNDm8yV-I/AAAAAAAAKdU/05xDPjU9TR4/s640/TFL+Fish.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Bass with Cherry Tomato and Mint Yogurt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAt5S0fOPLs/UltNRX679tI/AAAAAAAAKdc/CZwSN7wxI9E/s1600/TFL+Shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAt5S0fOPLs/UltNRX679tI/AAAAAAAAKdc/CZwSN7wxI9E/s640/TFL+Shrimp.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chili Lime Prawns</td></tr>
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The restaurant had a few more diners by now but the room was still pretty quiet. Perhaps Monday nights are slow.<br />
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We weren't that hungry for dessert so we decided to share one. We ordered the homemade Brandy Basket with Trio of Ice Creams and Fruit Coulis. It was scrumptious!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKCjXs_nTzo/UlsA764awnI/AAAAAAAAKcY/kAR40qZXqy8/s1600/TFL+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKCjXs_nTzo/UlsA764awnI/AAAAAAAAKcY/kAR40qZXqy8/s640/TFL+Dessert.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandy Basket with Trio of Ice Cream</td></tr>
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After our wonderful meal a taxi took us back to the Indigo Hotel. My mother watched TV but I immediately went to bed. Tomorrow we will have a tour of Loch Lomond and the Scottish countryside. I can't wait!27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-27615614306558398042013-08-18T16:21:00.000-04:002014-03-24T14:28:45.793-04:00Crossing the Pond and Overnight at Heathrow T5We woke very early (5:00 am) on a beautiful Sunday morning. Our flight will depart Boston at 8:15 am for the UK. We had requested a 6:00 am wake up call but will not be needing it now. We got ready and 15 minutes later went downstairs for a quick breakfast. The items were your average offering of eggs, sausage, fruit, pastries. It didn't really impress me and I wasn't that hungry either. Many years ago (in the 1970's) we had breakfast at the former Hilton Logan before a dawn flight to the Caribbean. I can still remember that breakfast where everything tasted like soap! Strange how those things stay in your head! Anyway, I had a little nibble and then decided to take a walk outside while mother finished her coffee.<br />
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The Boston Bombing in April is still very fresh in everyone's mind. It is such a tragedy that this took place and so many lives were impacted. As horrific as the bombing was, I am very proud of the people of Boston and their resilience. Unfortunately this is not the only terrorist act to have transpired here. This morning I am also thinking about the tragedy of September 11, 2001.<br />
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The events of 9/11 began in Boston with the high-jacking of the two planes which crashed into the World Trade Center. Many of the passengers were Massachusetts residents. One of those killed was my friend Sonia who was on the first plane. AA Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 am killing all 87 people on board. Sonia will always be remembered as being vibrant, beautiful and tenacious. I would like to think she did not go down without a fight. She was described by one of her friends as "a ballerina atop a birthday cake"!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wOWR4N_Hv8/UkMkpfFXYUI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/pdyZDKXX8Pw/s1600/Soniax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wOWR4N_Hv8/UkMkpfFXYUI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/pdyZDKXX8Pw/s640/Soniax.jpg" height="640" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonia</td></tr>
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I watched the events of 9/11 unfold from home on the television. It was after the buildings came down that evening that I learned Sonia was on one of the planes. It has been 12 years since that horrible day. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday. In 2008 a memorial was constructed at Boston's Logan Airport to commemorate those lost. I have never visited the Boston memorial before and thought now would be the prefect time. I did visit Ground Zero in NY in February 2002 which was quite sobering. </div>
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The Boston memorial is very simple in its design honoring those that lost theirs lives with its serene setting. It is fitting that the entire structure is a glass cube with the roof open to the sky as if looking up to the heavens. There are sparkling glass ornaments dangling from the ceiling. Sonia would have wanted diamonds or at least Swarovski crystals but I think it works well and she would be pleased.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pd_rZdkuOzI/UkIJvEL1UZI/AAAAAAAAKP4/W8H4Y-qd-wc/s1600/Memorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pd_rZdkuOzI/UkIJvEL1UZI/AAAAAAAAKP4/W8H4Y-qd-wc/s640/Memorial.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston 9/11 Memorial</td></tr>
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The path leading up to the memorial is very understated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6W23b8vpI_g/UkIJ8tP4EwI/AAAAAAAAKQE/K6k3bu8D9ak/s1600/911+Entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6W23b8vpI_g/UkIJ8tP4EwI/AAAAAAAAKQE/K6k3bu8D9ak/s640/911+Entrance.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the memorial</td></tr>
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I spent several minutes reading all the names. I was again reminded that today looks like a beautiful day with bright blue skies, just as it was on September 11, 2001.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PsguJHdqx4/UkIKr-KWdeI/AAAAAAAAKQI/zW6eUSOL9OM/s1600/Memorial+Box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PsguJHdqx4/UkIKr-KWdeI/AAAAAAAAKQI/zW6eUSOL9OM/s320/Memorial+Box.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial with the time of hijacking of the planes </td></tr>
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The names of the crew and passengers are displayed on two glass boards with the time of hijacking on the other side.</div>
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I also knew two people on United flight 175 who perished. One was just a little 5 year old girl. I then read the names of the crew and passengers from United Flight 175. This was the second plane that departed from Boston and crashed into the World Trade Center.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAaTEb6jQ3U/UkILfaE1nuI/AAAAAAAAKQo/c6-xC9aU_l8/s1600/Memorial+Roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAaTEb6jQ3U/UkILfaE1nuI/AAAAAAAAKQo/c6-xC9aU_l8/s640/Memorial+Roof.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was comforting and uplifting to pay respects to Sonia once again before leaving 'home". <br />
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I hurried back to the Hilton lobby as my mother might be getting ansy about heading over to British Airways. I forgot to give her a spare key to the room so she may be a little annoyed. As I approached the front of the hotel I noticed a lot of people waiting for the shuttle bus to the airport terminals.<br />
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I quickly went through the entrance and just as I suspected mother was standing in the lobby and not smiling. She mentioned not having a key and I apologized.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYj1ZUharL8/UlRIyTqcizI/AAAAAAAAKSg/CUnNVszfwLw/s1600/Hilton+Lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYj1ZUharL8/UlRIyTqcizI/AAAAAAAAKSg/CUnNVszfwLw/s640/Hilton+Lobby.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Lobby</td></tr>
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We went back up to the room, freshened up and then headed downstairs to get the Hilton Shuttle. This being Sunday I was very surprised so many people were waiting at 6:30 am to go to the airport. We could have taken a taxi or even walked but I know my mother wanted to take the bus. They come every 15 - 20 minutes but it was taking a loooong time to show up. We had already checked in online for our flight but we wondered how long the line would be for security.<br />
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The two shuttle buses finally showed up simultaneously and we were soon on our way. They stopped at Terminals A, B and C before we were dropped off at E (International). It took about 20 minutes before we reached the terminal. The taxi would have been the better option.<br />
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We didn't need to check bags since British Airways has such a great hand baggage policy. The allowance is 50 pounds per bag as long as you can lift it yourself into the overhead. We are only traveling with one carry on each and a personal item.<br />
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We went through the passport check and then through security. There was hardly any line. It was a breeze and only took about 7 minutes. That is another benefit of taking a morning flight as there are less people as most international flights depart the US in the late afternoon and evening. We are traveling economy class this time. Since it is a day flight and only about 6 hours flying time I thought we could save the extra $ and miles and not need to fly in Business class. We are again using BA Avios (miles) for our tickets. The only down side is the configuration of economy class on the 777-200 which is 3-4-3. I booked the window and my mother booked the aisle hoping no one would sit in the middle.<br />
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After security my mother got another coffee and I purchased a water in the shop before we waited at the gate for our flight. It was not long before we boarded. We walked all the way back to row 28 and it appeared we would have the row to ourselves with no one in the middle seat. Yeah!<br />
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We left the gate a little early but were in line to take off. We didn't get to the front of the line for another 15 minutes. Then we were soon on our way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4vQHjYkcpY/UkMtC5OGN6I/AAAAAAAAKRM/tCgIf5OHaFA/s1600/BA+238+Flight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4vQHjYkcpY/UkMtC5OGN6I/AAAAAAAAKRM/tCgIf5OHaFA/s640/BA+238+Flight.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Boston</td></tr>
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I was sitting near the wing and had the load hum of the engine at the beginning of the flight. Once I put on my headphones it didn't bother me though.<br />
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I was happy that my IFE monitor was working and the seat was also pretty comfortable. Leg room was not great but not terrible either. In a few hours they served the meal which was...Breakfast! It was almost 11:00 am so why can't they serve lunch? Breakfast is my least favorite meal and to get two of them in one day, eew. I should have just declined. It was eggs, ham and a tomato and I decided not tot eat it.<br />
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On the plus side the movie selection on the IFE was pretty good. One of the great things of long flights is I can catch up on all the movies I have missed. I first watched a Danish movie.called "Love is all you Need" (Den Skaldede Frisor / The Bald Hairdresser) with Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. I like the English title better! It is a romantic comedy and takes place in Denmark and the Amalfi Coast. It was excellent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GETRJziNagY/UkMuRIhXe_I/AAAAAAAAKRY/sypuHApeJ6k/s1600/Pierce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GETRJziNagY/UkMuRIhXe_I/AAAAAAAAKRY/sypuHApeJ6k/s640/Pierce.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierce Brosnan - you are still looking good!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">After that I watched the Bling Ring directed by Sofia Coppola. It was amazing how these young high school kids could get involved in stealing from celebrities and think they would not eventually get caught. The last movie I watched was Olympus Has Fallen with Gerard Butler. This was the dumbest movie ever! The White House is under siege by North Korean terrorists and Glaswegian Gerry is the only person who can save the day. I do have to applaud the diversity of the President's cabinet portrayed in the film with a female secretary of Defense and an African-American Speaker of the House. Bravo! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After the movies I thought about watching something else but as there wasn't a lot of time left I put the screen to the Inflight info showing our location, speed, and time to destination. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je4Q4_lmH0Y/UkMv81UzWDI/AAAAAAAAKRk/YWFrQOnZixY/s1600/UK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je4Q4_lmH0Y/UkMv81UzWDI/AAAAAAAAKRk/YWFrQOnZixY/s640/UK.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were soon flying over England. We were due to land at 7:15 pm local time. We did end up circling at least once.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rnN96o2UMc/UkMwkqhgx8I/AAAAAAAAKRs/pg7Bzjg8coA/s1600/Landing+UK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rnN96o2UMc/UkMwkqhgx8I/AAAAAAAAKRs/pg7Bzjg8coA/s640/Landing+UK.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On approach to land at Heathrow</td></tr>
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We touched down and were happy to get up and stretch our legs. I mentioned to my mother that sitting in economy wasn't terrible and that there was plenty of leg room. I turned around to see the couple who were seated behind us. Both of them were over 6 feet tall. They said it was not very comfortable! Being petite does have some advantages.<br />
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We exited the plane and made our way to immigration and customs. The line wrapped around but moved very quickly. In less than 20 minutes we were cleared and headed to our airport hotel.<br />
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Since we are flying out tomorrow morning to Scotland I decided to stay at the Sofitel at Heathrow T5. This is the same terminal where we will depart from tomorrow. Once we exited the secure area and walked past M&S Simply Food we found the elevator outside the glass doors. It was one level up and then 4 separate hallways (all carpeted) to get to the Sofitel. One of the hallways was uphill which didn't make the journey any easier. If you had a lot of luggage this would not have been fun!<br />
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At the front desk we tried to check in but the hotel did not have our reservation in their system. Yikes! It was booked using Amex points. For some reason when using the Amex points it gets changed to Orbitz. We were told Orbitz doesn't always send over the reservation. Luckily I had the printed confirmation with me and they had extra rooms. It took about 15 minutes to sort it out and we were soon given the keys to our room. By now it was around 8:30 pm. We had reconfirmed the reservation with Sofitel on the 800# before departing but in the future I would contact the hotel directly to make sure they have the reservation.<br />
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We went upstairs to drop our bags before dinner. The room was very nice for standard accommodation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RH2wS_gt598/UkMzNYEIMWI/AAAAAAAAKR4/ciubEEf56Hc/s1600/Sofitel+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RH2wS_gt598/UkMzNYEIMWI/AAAAAAAAKR4/ciubEEf56Hc/s640/Sofitel+Room.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard Room Twin Room Sofitel Heathrow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V36SnERyu50/UkMzSRoswqI/AAAAAAAAKSA/0Y-RgFXVPlA/s1600/Sofitel+Room+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V36SnERyu50/UkMzSRoswqI/AAAAAAAAKSA/0Y-RgFXVPlA/s640/Sofitel+Room+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room has a coffee maker and a large flat screen TV</td></tr>
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We were famished and since I had skipped the meal on the plane looking forward to dinner. They have two restaurants but only one was open on Sunday night. We had a little trouble getting seated. This was strange because there were lots of empty tables. They wanted to put us on the perimeter of the restaurant facing the lobby instead of inside. We registered our displeasure with this plan and were soon seated where we wanted to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZicZRa1Ejc/UkMzeky3pUI/AAAAAAAAKSI/q1SwoAc0_yE/s1600/Sofitel+Restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZicZRa1Ejc/UkMzeky3pUI/AAAAAAAAKSI/q1SwoAc0_yE/s640/Sofitel+Restaurant.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofitel Restaurant</td></tr>
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We both decided to order the Indian specialties on the menu. I had the Jalfreizi Curry and my mother had the Chicken Curry. They both came with Naan, Papadrums and Basmati rice. Mine also had a yummy chutney.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LdP7yFfSuU/UkMzkbN3xZI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/MRSEg8V5l-Y/s1600/Jalfreizi+Curry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LdP7yFfSuU/UkMzkbN3xZI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/MRSEg8V5l-Y/s640/Jalfreizi+Curry.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The food was very tasty. The chutney was very good too and the curry had just the right amount of spice. We considered having dessert but were tired and needed to check in for our flight before heading back to the room.<br />
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The hotel has 2 computers near reception for airline checkin. It was very easy to check in and print our boarding passes for our morning flight to Glasgow.<br />
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At around 10:00 pm we went to the room and immediately to bed. Luckily our flight isn't at the crack of dawn. Hoping for a good night sleep. </div>
27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-85424027737357733892013-08-17T21:37:00.000-04:002013-09-30T17:06:56.289-04:00The Journey Begins, First Stop - Boston, MassachusettsIn order to take the day flight from Boston to Heathrow (leaving at 8:15 am) we need to be there a day in advance. I was wishing it were autumn with the changing leaves but happy to spend even 1 night in Boston.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjb889aE-BM/UkH6mnO7KWI/AAAAAAAAKPU/qhxleKlpxwI/s1600/Swanboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjb889aE-BM/UkH6mnO7KWI/AAAAAAAAKPU/qhxleKlpxwI/s640/Swanboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden</td></tr>
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I am usually a very good traveler but unfortunately I had a bit of meltdown in Florida prior to boarding our JetBlue flight to Boston. I had purchased a new Tumi credit card holder during their July sale. I had never used it before and decided for this trip to put 2 credit cards in it and the rest of my cards in my regular wallet. Thought it was safer having some of the cards separate. BIG MISTAKE!!<br />
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After going through security and stopping briefly at our gate, I went to buy a bottle of water. I opened the Tumi holder and did not see my Chase debit card or British Airways credit card. I panicked! I couldn't breathe and ran back to where my mother was sitting. Proceeded to dump everything in my purse on the floor and sobbed. Not my proudest moment. I thought the trip was already over before it began. Now I would have to stay home to repair the damage.<br />
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One of the JetBlue attendants noticed the commotion (how could he not?) and was very kind. He told me to go speak with one of the TSA agents. After a 2 minute walk back to security, shaking and having difficulty speaking I told the nice TSA lady named Michelle what happened. I assumed someone at security must have swiped the cards. However I did watch my purse go through the x-ray machine even during a quick pat down, I didn't notice anyone going near it. Michelle was very calm which helped a lot and asked to see the credit card holder. She carefully examined it like a rare Chinese vase and then - miraculously pulled out my two cards!! They were hidden behind a window flap holding my driver's license and BX card. I was soooooo happy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihygi1y3IJs/UkH7C3j62fI/AAAAAAAAKPc/48Z-a9rperc/s1600/Tumi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihygi1y3IJs/UkH7C3j62fI/AAAAAAAAKPc/48Z-a9rperc/s400/Tumi.JPG" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tumi holder and compartment behind the window</td></tr>
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I just couldn't believe my good fortune and that they were there all along! I felt a combination of extreme embarrassment and stupidity not to mention exhaustion. I apologized profusely to Michelle and said I was sorry over and over and over again. She was very gracious and said she understood and these things happen. Thank goodness she was so nice. Luckily we had plenty of time before the flight left.<br />
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Crisis averted and one meltdown behind me as we retreated to our lounge seats. Hoping this is not a sign for the rest of the trip. I was feeling a bit self-conscious assuming all the people around me had witnessed my breakdown. Just glad they still allowed me to get on the plane. I have to say my mother was very calm during this event. Even when I said I couldn't breathe and she asked if she should call 911 and I replied no she let me be. I guess it is true that Mother Knows Best!<br />
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Our JetBlue flight departed Florida a bit late. I relaxed on the plane by drinking my bottled water and watching the movie 42 about Jackie Robinson. It was a great film! The weather was very nice during our flight up and we had great views of Boston on our descent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRF0JjYtZA/UjoDP-Kwx1I/AAAAAAAAKLk/3xzLWssQ0fM/s1600/JetBlue+Boston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRF0JjYtZA/UjoDP-Kwx1I/AAAAAAAAKLk/3xzLWssQ0fM/s640/JetBlue+Boston.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Boston</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo4Y66SexU4/UjoDdDyuU-I/AAAAAAAAKLs/izn-pkcGurE/s1600/JetBlue+Boston+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo4Y66SexU4/UjoDdDyuU-I/AAAAAAAAKLs/izn-pkcGurE/s640/JetBlue+Boston+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to land</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7RzH5AEhwg/UjoD3otUFsI/AAAAAAAAKL8/7inR5EQxJeY/s1600/Boston+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7RzH5AEhwg/UjoD3otUFsI/AAAAAAAAKL8/7inR5EQxJeY/s640/Boston+Harbor.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Harbor</td></tr>
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We arrived at Logan only 15 minutes behind schedule. I was very happy to be back in Boston! The weather was very nice too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ox4i2EtnCq8/UjoDo3Akf8I/AAAAAAAAKL0/0DK8E-o7S8M/s1600/Logan+Airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ox4i2EtnCq8/UjoDo3Akf8I/AAAAAAAAKL0/0DK8E-o7S8M/s640/Logan+Airport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Logan Airport</td></tr>
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We de-planned and made our way from the airport to the Hilton Logan Airport. We walked from Terminal B to Terminal E and then took an elevator to the overhead passageway. It took about 20 minutes to get there with our wheeled luggage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5DWJQl-0Es/UjoEHw29ZaI/AAAAAAAAKME/1-jgi33wy2A/s1600/Hilton+Logan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5DWJQl-0Es/UjoEHw29ZaI/AAAAAAAAKME/1-jgi33wy2A/s640/Hilton+Logan.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Logan Airport</td></tr>
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We had agreed in advance to meet my sister at a new restaurant in South Boston near the waterfront. After checking in (and being upgraded - thank you Hilton Honors) we quickly departed by taxi to Marina Drive and the Waterfront. There are still areas on the waterfront that look familiar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlY7D3dYe8s/UkH_CfvTfDI/AAAAAAAAKPo/9_go2pM4G_M/s1600/WF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlY7D3dYe8s/UkH_CfvTfDI/AAAAAAAAKPo/9_go2pM4G_M/s640/WF.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Waterfront near Marina Drive</td></tr>
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However, the entire Innovation area with the new modern buildings is completely new to us. It is amazing the transformation that has taken place on the Boston Waterfront in such a short time. The days of Whitey Bulger roaming South Boston seem like a distant memory.<br />
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The restaurant we agreed to meet for dinner is called Empire and from the description and photos online looked very nice. I was hoping it would be similar to Buddakan in New York.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zlgiIb6vpI/UjoEbgH_iGI/AAAAAAAAKMM/jjUPZBVSZmc/s1600/Empire+Restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zlgiIb6vpI/UjoEbgH_iGI/AAAAAAAAKMM/jjUPZBVSZmc/s640/Empire+Restaurant.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empire Lounge and Restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSpa9KAz6rE/UjoEn8XW7AI/AAAAAAAAKMU/gXVQe6uV9To/s1600/Empire+Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSpa9KAz6rE/UjoEn8XW7AI/AAAAAAAAKMU/gXVQe6uV9To/s640/Empire+Bar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empire Bar (very early - only 5:30 pm)</td></tr>
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When we arrived at 5:30 pm the restaurant was pretty empty but it is more a late night scene, We perused the menu while we waited a few minutes until my sister and her partner Ted arrived. Stacey and Ted showed up within 5 minutes and we were shown to our table. We ordered some yummy drinks and a few appetizers to share. The dumplings were very good but both the lobster cupcakes (recommended by our server) and the lobster pancake (my choice) missed the mark.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtcnELOsHRg/UjoFAkk9UaI/AAAAAAAAKMc/jUUF2bfhmkg/s1600/Lobster+Cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtcnELOsHRg/UjoFAkk9UaI/AAAAAAAAKMc/jUUF2bfhmkg/s640/Lobster+Cupcakes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xnLBbiePss/UjoFYow9QII/AAAAAAAAKMk/JIu02rBH-tg/s1600/Lobster+Pancake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xnLBbiePss/UjoFYow9QII/AAAAAAAAKMk/JIu02rBH-tg/s640/Lobster+Pancake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Pancake and Dumplings in rear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The music was interesting and not deafening that we couldn't hear one another. I think it must get louder later in the night. The restaurant was starting to fill up and lots of 20-somethings were ordering the large passion fruit drinks with 8 to 10 straws. It was fun to watch.<br />
<br />
The service by the restaurant staff was a little disappointing. One of the young male servers decided to clear the plates like he was in a diner - scrapping the leftovers onto another plate right in front of my mother. She wasn't pleased!<br />
<br />
We let that misstep pass and decided not to put a damper on the evening. The mains soon arrived and were thankfully much better than the starters. My sister and I shared a modern version of Bi Bim Bap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jB1LOIbZvM/UjoFn-QWDGI/AAAAAAAAKMs/JUgx4HY4-V4/s1600/Bi+Bim+Bap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jB1LOIbZvM/UjoFn-QWDGI/AAAAAAAAKMs/JUgx4HY4-V4/s640/Bi+Bim+Bap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern Bi Bim Bap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I thought it was pretty good but my sister didn't like the huge chunky vegetables. I think we should have requested 2 eggs instead of just the one it came with since we were sharing. Ted's salad looked delicious and my mother said her Tuna Poke was excellent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c01L9AC8Pk/UjoF1BrnXdI/AAAAAAAAKM0/VKav89xDXPs/s1600/Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c01L9AC8Pk/UjoF1BrnXdI/AAAAAAAAKM0/VKav89xDXPs/s640/Salad.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted's Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaKKHAZu1ag/UjoGAT2j7UI/AAAAAAAAKM8/W22LYBp73Bc/s1600/Tuna+Poke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaKKHAZu1ag/UjoGAT2j7UI/AAAAAAAAKM8/W22LYBp73Bc/s640/Tuna+Poke.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna Poke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We shared two desserts. The peach one was weird but the chocolate coffee one was much better. Overall our dinner was sort of a mixed experience. The decor and the setting were great. However, the service and some of the food needs some work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIealHjobbA/UjoGJ4dqS6I/AAAAAAAAKNE/039L11e3wq8/s1600/Desserts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIealHjobbA/UjoGJ4dqS6I/AAAAAAAAKNE/039L11e3wq8/s640/Desserts.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desserts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After dinner we took a walk around the waterfront. My sister and Ted being Techies immediately pulled out their smartphones to look at the map and the best route we should take. They live here so that seemed strange.<br />
<br />
We started walking in one direction but then changed and went back toward Rowes Wharf.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kfU6H1C7kE/UjoGotY2hFI/AAAAAAAAKNM/MVvbcA7UkLM/s1600/Dusk+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kfU6H1C7kE/UjoGotY2hFI/AAAAAAAAKNM/MVvbcA7UkLM/s640/Dusk+Harbor.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing the harbor at dusk<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The entire waterfront seemed very vibrant and we were very impressed with the improvements. The new office buildings give the waterfront an entirely different vibe. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V6d-UHxoCw/UjoG0km3Y3I/AAAAAAAAKNU/3HNMCYqIuQ8/s1600/Innovations+Area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V6d-UHxoCw/UjoG0km3Y3I/AAAAAAAAKNU/3HNMCYqIuQ8/s640/Innovations+Area.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innovation buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The court house being on the waterfront seemed out of place several years ago but now fits right in. I had been to the Moakley courthouse once before but had entered from the Atlantic Avenue side. It is quite impressive from the rear. This the place of Whitey visited during his recent trial.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Jc3-2sei-M/UjoG_ahPdtI/AAAAAAAAKNc/s8BLfu6lduE/s1600/Courthouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Jc3-2sei-M/UjoG_ahPdtI/AAAAAAAAKNc/s8BLfu6lduE/s640/Courthouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moakley Courthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to coming up to Boston I had considered staying in Cambridge and walking around Harvard Square instead. I was very happy we decided to eat on the waterfront instead. Our timing was perfect too with our walk. Everything looked beautiful at dusk. We kept telling Stacey how lucky she is to live here. Ted seemed especially pleased with this as Stacey keeps trying to get him to relocate to his company's California office.<br />
<br />
After about 20 minutes we headed back to the restaurant and the garage to get Ted's car. Ten minutes later they dropped off at the Hilton. It was a fun and relaxing night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jG4h9kj7hj4/UkHZELft2XI/AAAAAAAAKPE/JyC-B96tDnQ/s1600/Room+Hilton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jG4h9kj7hj4/UkHZELft2XI/AAAAAAAAKPE/JyC-B96tDnQ/s640/Room+Hilton.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Room at Hilton Logan Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went straight up to our room. It was very quiet and we couldn't hear any planes outside. We turned in around 10:00 pm so we would be up early for our flight in the morning. Looking forward to heading to the UK tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-82878400413145847252013-08-07T11:00:00.000-04:002014-06-16T10:25:34.729-04:00British Isles & Ocean Princess - August 2013While we may be tempting fate with hurricane season in full swing by late August, we have booked a cruise during this time to the British Isles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDIRl1Dl6oA/UjnxQJcR7HI/AAAAAAAAKKs/bl-x3yHe0CU/s1600/Tiburon+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDIRl1Dl6oA/UjnxQJcR7HI/AAAAAAAAKKs/bl-x3yHe0CU/s640/Tiburon+025.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florida before the storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Florida has not experienced a serious hurricane since Wilma in 2005. We evacuated to Tampa (Palm Bay) back then with our 2 dogs and 2 cats and watched the onslaught on TV throughout the night. The storm looked quite strong and we wondered while the metal storm shutters screens were flying off the Borders bookstore up the street if we would have a home to return to. About 30 hours later we departed the hotel for the 3 hour drive back and were without power for a week but were lucky. There was significant damage to some homes and condos and there were tons of trees down. So sad.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScpJN5bFlYE/UjnywkVu42I/AAAAAAAAKK4/jmxnUWrOZrs/s1600/Gulfshore+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScpJN5bFlYE/UjnywkVu42I/AAAAAAAAKK4/jmxnUWrOZrs/s640/Gulfshore+024.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damage from Hurricane Wilma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO64rgdLLdo/Ujny_RuETdI/AAAAAAAAKLA/DLKDGPhZW3g/s1600/Gulfshore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO64rgdLLdo/Ujny_RuETdI/AAAAAAAAKLA/DLKDGPhZW3g/s640/Gulfshore.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condos damaged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It could have been much worse though. Parts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale looked like a war zone with all the broken glass from the highrises.<br />
<br />
While I am a little worried about a storm fortunately we will not be far away. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of a British Isles cruise is that we don't have to travel a gazillion hours to get there. It is just a short flight across the pond from the east coast. After so many days in the 90's we are definitely ready for some cooler temperatures.<br />
<br />
<div>
We will start the journey with a pit stop in Boston for one night and then after one night at Heathrow a visit to Glasgow for a couple of days. My brother spent a year at St. Andrews while in college and I am looking forward to seeing the Scottish countryside. We will spend one night in Kent before boarding the Ocean Princess in Dover.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB42TTH1HgA/Ujn1pmZfroI/AAAAAAAAKLU/5SauqKsecqc/s1600/ocean_princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB42TTH1HgA/Ujn1pmZfroI/AAAAAAAAKLU/5SauqKsecqc/s400/ocean_princess.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is our first cruise on one of Princess smaller ships. We have experienced the "R" class on Oceania. I am not expecting the Ocean Princess to be on par with Oceania but still like the idea of a small ship with only 684 passengers. We had booked the Ocean Princess several years ago for Southeast Asia but ended up cancelling it (they had dropped Bangkok) and cruised six months later on the Diamond Princess (2009) in Alaska.<br />
<br />
Our British Isles cruise will visit the following ports: Dover, Edinburgh, Dublin, (Milford Haven) Wales and Guernsey. We will travel in a northerly direction in contrast to the diagram below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K05Z8afYpQI/UjntX586zyI/AAAAAAAAKKg/eo2h0GXreUQ/s1600/RBD081lgX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K05Z8afYpQI/UjntX586zyI/AAAAAAAAKKg/eo2h0GXreUQ/s400/RBD081lgX.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
It is just an 8 day cruise but that seems about the right amount of time. I wish the itinerary included the Orkney Islands but we will try to do that another time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This will be our 3rd Princess cruise and I have been pleasantly surprised by the enhancements to the Princess website. You still cannot book the specialty restaurants online but you can book excursions and don't have to pay for them until on the ship. I really enjoyed this feature with Crystal. </div>
<div>
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<div>
The planning process has again been fun! I first visited the UK in 1981 during the summer of the Royal Wedding between Princess Diana and Prince Charles. For this trip I want to see some places that I have missed previously. From my research I have discovered some interesting and historic places to see in Scotland & Wales. I will be taking a camcorder with me for the first time. I am a novice but will try my best to get some good videos. Remembering to open the lens cap is the first step. If the videos are in focus and not seizure inducing I will consider that a success!<br />
<br />
Although this vacation seemed so easy to plan, there was a surprising amount of bookings and ticket purchases required in advance of this trip. I am almost done with my punch list and just have some miscellaneous dinner reservations and transportation arrangements to make.<br />
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Below is my list of reservations and tickets that have been completed or still required:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Book
Eurostar Ashford Intl to Paris – Done</li>
<li>Book Thalys
train Paris to Cologne - Done</li>
<li>Book Fringe Festival Tickets Edinburgh - Done</li>
<li>Book Hauteville
House Guernsey - Done</li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Book Monet Garden Aug 31 - Done</span></li>
<li>Book Jardin des Plumes Restaurant -
Done</li>
<li>Book Dinner
Frenchie Aug 30th – Done</li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Book Dinner L’Atelier Joel Robuchon – Done</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Book Edinburgh Castle Tickets Aug 24</span><sup style="color: #0d0d0d;">th</sup><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"> -
Done</span></li>
<li>Book Palace of
Holyrood House Aug 24<sup>th</sup></li>
<li>Book Edinburgh Hotel Aug 24<sup>th</sup> - Done</li>
<li>Book
afternoon tea at Gleneagles - Done</li>
<li>Book Taxi from Gleneagles to Rosyth </li>
<li><span style="color: #1d1b11;">Book restaurants Glasgow </span></li>
<li>Book
Rabbie’s tour Glasgow (Stirling, Loch Lomond, Glengoyne) - Done</li>
<li>Book Dinner
Tunbridge Wells (Hotel du Vin) </li>
<li>Book taxi from Gatwick to Turnbridge Wells </li>
<li>Book taxi from Sevenoaks
to Chartwell </li>
<li>Book Book Festival Tickets </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p>Our flights were booked many months ago. We are using miles to fly from Boston Heathrow on British Airways. For the return we are also using miles on Air Berlin from Dusseldorf to Florida. </o:p></div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Hoping for continued dry African dust and winds in the Atlantic to impede any tropical storms from organizing. We will see!</div>
27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-62392148467673118202013-03-13T14:41:00.000-04:002013-04-09T10:45:54.905-04:00Tour and Lunch on Oceania Riviera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week we were invited as past Oceania passengers to tour and have lunch on the recently launched Oceania Riviera. The ship would be in the port of Miami on March 4th. As Miami is only a few hours drive away we decided this would be fun. By sheer coincidence my brother and sister would be arriving in Fort Lauderdale the same day as the ship tour. My brother who I have not seen in 4 years lives in Seattle and my sister who visits often is from Boston. We would rendezvous at the FLL airport in the late afternoon which worked perfectly with our schedule.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__DNZJmHAM/UUCPwsuZ6dI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/aaSHyBzeUwU/s1600/Riviera004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__DNZJmHAM/UUCPwsuZ6dI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/aaSHyBzeUwU/s640/Riviera004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invitation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAwxGMgPxDE/UUCP8mMnqmI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/W2HBdzXPfgA/s1600/RivieraI005.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAwxGMgPxDE/UUCP8mMnqmI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/W2HBdzXPfgA/s640/RivieraI005.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
I RSVP'd for the event online and received a few updates via email confirming our attendance on the Riviera. We rented a car as we don't like using our own going to Miami. While Boston may be known for having some crazy drivers, the ones in Miami IMHO are worse. The fast highways and numerous exits make the drive more than a little harrowing. As some people have said and I am in agreement, I would rather have a root canal than drive to Miami.<br />
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Sunday night I charged the Tom Tom GPS and my camera battery for the "big day" ahead. Monday morning there was hardly any traffic on I-75 and thankfully very few trucks. After an hour+ on I-75 we took Route 27 down to Miami which may not have been such a good idea. There was lots of construction and many stop lights. I liked going slower but my mother just wanted to ride to be over. We missed a turnoff and had to circle around near downtown. At one point I thought we would be crossing the causeway to Key Biscayne. Mercifully thanks to "Mr. Tom Tom" we found our way back and manged to arrive at the Hertz garage with our nerves a little frazzled but otherwise in good shape to return the rental car.<br />
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The Hertz shuttle left promptly to the Port of Miami with just us and one other couple who were going to the Celebrity Constellation. We saved them our diatribe about Celebrity and were dropped off first at Terminal J for the Riviera. South Florida was experiencing a cold snap all week and it was only in the 50's and overcast. We stood outside until the line started to move to process our forms. There were lots of people but soon we were inside. The Oceania staff seemed very professional which was a nice change from our unruly Celebrity experience last December.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX1r0G45j30/UUCyiQqOFBI/AAAAAAAAKIs/aoNYmT3N0Iw/s1600/213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX1r0G45j30/UUCyiQqOFBI/AAAAAAAAKIs/aoNYmT3N0Iw/s640/213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terminal J Oceania Cruises</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They collected either a driver's license or passport for safe keeping in exchange for a boarding pass card. Mine said Vista Suite. Not sure if they all said that. We also received some brochures, ship maps and an agenda.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsrylzlKRR8/UT4-8q2ABXI/AAAAAAAAJ18/rFdWEl9YahI/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsrylzlKRR8/UT4-8q2ABXI/AAAAAAAAJ18/rFdWEl9YahI/s640/206.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oceania Cruises Logo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Riviera</u></b><br />
<br />
The Riviera debuted in May 2012. Below are some specs of the ship.<br />
<br />
Tonnage: 66,084 Total Decks: 15<br />
Length: 785 feet Guest Capacity: 1,250 (double occupancy)<br />
Beam: 106 feet Staff size: 800 <br />
Maximum Draught: 24 feet Guest to staff ratio: 1.57 to 1<br />
Cruising Speed: 20 knots Nationality of Officers: European<br />
Guest Decks: 11 Country of Residency: Marshall Islands<br />
<br />
Upon boarding the ship we were immediately directed to the Horizons lounge. The elevator was the first stop where we noticed a recurring theme of "long and narrow". That seemed to be the thought for the design of several areas on the ship.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np6aMbBeZ4M/UT5Auh4yn1I/AAAAAAAAJ2k/B4o8FLxJII4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np6aMbBeZ4M/UT5Auh4yn1I/AAAAAAAAJ2k/B4o8FLxJII4/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Deck 15</td></tr>
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We arrived on Deck 15 at Horizons where they were serving large goblets of red wine, flutes of white wine, and glasses of orange juice and water. The room was really packed and we found seats in the back on the right side.<br />
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The views of Miami were great from the ship. While we were waiting for the presentation to begin I took some photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across Biscayne Bay to Brickell Avenue and Downtown Miami</td></tr>
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The bar area was surprising small (but adequate) for the large room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar Horizons Lounge</td></tr>
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The presentation started with President of Oceania Cruisers, Kunal Kamlani welcoming everyone. He thanked us for coming and said we were in for a treat today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kunal welcomes the guests</td></tr>
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The slides were predictable but the presentation moved at a good pace. Mr. Kamlani mentioned some of the Oceania highlights being the delicious food and excellent service. He emphasized that Oceania provides value and mentioned their "points of distinction" which would hear about later. Oceania views themselves as below luxury but above the mass market lines. Some people call it "Upscale", "Deluxe" or "luxury lite".<br />
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Chef Kelly was introduced and gave a short overview of some of the special food events that take place on Riviera and Marina. There is a Culinary Center and La Reserve (sponsored by Wine Spectator) where food and wine pairings take place. She also provided some information on the specials events on shore. For instance, going to the local market and then cooking the food on board or at a local venue. Her discussion or reindeer meat in Helsinki drew some gasps! Chef Kelly was a past customer before working for the company. She talked about her first Oceania cruise to South America in 2005 on Insignia. I was on the same cruise and am almost certain Kelly and her daughter were part of our rag tag horse riding expedition in Patagonia. This excursion was quite memorable not only for the majestic beauty of Tierra del Fuego which we viewed from the mountain tops, but also for the steep hills and muddy trails during our athletic 3 hour ride. This was described by the shore excursion staff as "a walk in the forest". However, I digress. Kelly seemed very nice and definitely loves her job.<br />
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Nikki Upshaw, Vice President of Oceania Cruises continued the presentation and also offered a sales pitch toward the end.<br />
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The presentation included a video of Oceania Founder, Bob Binder at his California vineyard reminiscing about Oceania's development. Frank Del Rio, co-Founder and Chairman of the company also provided some funny anecdotes that were also taped.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikki Upshaw, VP Oceania Cruises</td></tr>
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Bob Binder and Frank Del Rio.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Binder</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank Del Rio</td></tr>
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Food was mentioned over and over and over again! The video clip of Jacques Pepin showed him in the kitchen, on the ship and buying local provisions in port. He is Culinary Director at Oceania and now has an eponymous restaurant on both Marina and Riviera serving "homestyle country" French food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacques Pepin<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ms. Upshaw covered the Points of Distinction (summarized below) which define the Oceania cruising experience. The most compelling for us are the small ship size and the Country Club casual dress code. I love it that there are no formal nights. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Points of Distinction</td></tr>
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An overview of the benefits of Oceania was covered. A few of these don't apply to us like free airfare as we try to use miles whenever we can and we rarely order room service. However, the free shuttles in port, no extra charge for the specialty restaurants and unlimited bottled water, tea and coffee are strong selling points for us.<br />
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Oceania's false advertising of 2 for 1 cruise fares drives me nuts. I don't know why they continue to do this because it is not 2 for 1. It is no different than just booking any other cruise for two people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">False 2 for 1 promotion</td></tr>
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Ms. Upshaw then went into the sales pitch which is obviously one of the main reasons we were all invited today. By attending the lunch/presentation we could book a cruise with just a $250 per person deposit and also be eligible for special fares on 2013 and 2014 sailings. It was also mentioned that when the deployment schedule is released for 2015 we can book those too.<br />
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All the slides showed the discount price for Veranda rooms. I don't know if there was any discount in booking an Oceanview room on Riviera or Marina. That would have been helpful to know.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Offer</td></tr>
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In addition to the reduced deposit, by booking we will also receive a cookbook and be eligible for a $500 shipboard credit on specific 2013 sailings.<br />
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They flashed the special offers across the screen. I think many included airfare so it was not such a sweet deal. Might be even cheaper if the airfare was deducted. However, when booking online or on the phone you can request the cruise fare without airfare. Without airfare you can save roughly from $850 - $1000 per person.<br />
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I have wanted to cruise the Black Sea for a while but $6,400 is still a little steep for me.<br />
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The British Isles cruise below is one I was thinking about booking before I found a much less expensive one on Princess. I actually like the itinerary on Ocean Princess more than on Marina.<br />
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The entire presentation took about 30 minutes.<br />
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We were finally dispatched for a one hour self guided tour around the ship from Noon to 1:00 pm. This would be followed by lunch in the Grand Dining Room from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Disembarkation was at 3:00 pm.<br />
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We had diagrams/maps and a list of rooms available to view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ship Diagram</td></tr>
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We walked out the door of the Horizon lounge and viewed the pool area on deck 14 before heading to view the interior of the ship.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the pool</td></tr>
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The lounge chairs didn't look as nice as I had expected and we thought the coverings were sort of average. Since the spa was nearby we took a quick look. There wasn't much to see as we did not walk down to the treatment rooms. What we could see was quite nice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway for the spa and gym</td></tr>
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The gym was a good size and the equipment had great views out the large windows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gym</td></tr>
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We walked back outside and took a closer look at the pool and the seating. The pool looks a little small.<br />
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The big lounge "beds" look very relaxing.<br />
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The plan was to work our way down to deck 6 where the Grand Dining Room is located. Our next venue was the all important computer room. They have Acer computers. I was surprised they did not have the snazzy iMacs. The room also was long and narrow and perhaps a little cramped. I asked the attendant if they had a way to hook up a USB to the machines and he said that is not possible. By contrast the computer room on Crystal Symphony is much nicer than this one and you can insert a USB that connects to the computer. This is really great for downloading and editing photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Computer Room</td></tr>
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We needed to pick up the pace a bit as we only had an hour to see the entire ship before lunch. We passed a room that looked like a library but it was an elegant lounge.<br />
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I looked at our map and noticed we could see the specialty restaurants on the way to the lower decks and then the rooms.<br />
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The specialty restaurants Toscana and Polo Grill are located on parallel sides aft on the ship. This is the same configuration as on the smaller Oceania 'R" ships. Nice that they kept the same setup.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polo Grill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polo Grill Menu<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They were holding a private event in Toscana so I took a photo outside. The menu was posted near the entrance of the restaurant. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toscana</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toscana Menu</td></tr>
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We passed the Library and then went down one level to the Terraces restaurant. The library was nice but it is true about what I read and that the chairs are too close to the books and it looks hard to maneuver.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of the Library</td></tr>
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The Terraces restaurant was very crowded with passengers who boarded today in Miami. Again, the room seemed long and narrow. The ceiling seemed a little low too.<br />
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Although I don't drink coffee, I was very impressed by the machine that can make several different kinds including espresso, latte and cappuccino.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW0XYnqzxKU/UT-15ebQmPI/AAAAAAAAJ78/wEQ-btnHEtE/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW0XYnqzxKU/UT-15ebQmPI/AAAAAAAAJ78/wEQ-btnHEtE/s640/094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee Machine</td></tr>
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We tried not to get in the way but I was interested in the buffet area and what was offered. The pizza looked very tempting!<br />
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One of the nicest parts of the restaurant is the large area where you can sit outside on the terrace and it was very popular.<br />
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We exited the restaurant and passed La Reserve where the food and wine pairing events take place. It was a little too "barn like" for my taste. I was expecting something much more plush and elegant. However, as wine is the star here it more closely resembles a tasting room in Napa.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Reserve</td></tr>
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After a quick peak at the Waves Grill, which offers hand spun milkshakes and gourmet burgers, it was now finally time to see some rooms!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves Grill</td></tr>
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We started with Oceania Suite 12017 on Deck 12 which is 1,030 sq ft.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oceania Suite 12017</td></tr>
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The room was large and had a very snazzy bathroom. I loved the large closet. However there was not much space between the bed and the sliding glass door.<br />
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The balcony was large and had lots of space.<br />
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The balcony was deep and even had a bath tub outside. The large overhang prevented sun and it seemed a little dark.<br />
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Back inside we marveled at the luxurious bathroom. There is separate shower and tub.<br />
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The suite has a nice layout with a dining table. The decor is nicely done.<br />
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The sitting area was very roomy and great for entertaining.<br />
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There was also a little nook area and perhaps the sofa has a pull out bed.<br />
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The powder room was very nice too and also had a glass door shower.<br />
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Our next room was just down one flight of stairs and down the hall. I was surprised by how modern the art is on the ship. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down to Deck 11</td></tr>
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We next explored Penthouse Suite 11016 which is 420 Sq Ft. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penthouse Suite 11016</td></tr>
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The liked this room a lot and actually preferred it to the larger Oceania Suite.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penthouse Suite 11016</td></tr>
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The room seemed more cozy. However, chairs at the end of the bed with table made the room appear a little cramped.<br />
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The room description is below.<br />
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The sitting area looks similar to photos I have seen of rooms on Regent with the curtain.<br />
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The balcony was nice but there was no room for a lounger or a foot stool. The overhang also would block a lot of sun.<br />
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The bathroom was quite nice as was to be expected from the previous ones we viewed. This one had a shower in the tub and also a separate shower stall.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there I am!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice size bathroom</td></tr>
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The closet was something I would really appreciate! The shelves may have been a little too high for some ladies.<br />
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The desk looked pretty standard but the cordless phone was a nice touch.<br />
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We took one last look at the bed and chairs before departing.<br />
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The next rooms on the tour were down two decks. There were three rooms to view on Deck 9. The first one was a Concierge Veranda stateroom. This one is #9021 and it is 282 sq ft. That size is a lot more familiar to us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concierge Veranda Stateroom</td></tr>
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I liked the layout and there was plenty of room to access the sliding glass door and the veranda.<br />
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The sitting area reminded me of the "R" class ships.<br />
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The one downside to this room was the very narrow veranda.<br />
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After a quick peek at the bathroom we were on our way to the next stop.<br />
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We tried to see the Owners Suite but the guests had arrived so that was not possible. There was another owners suite two decks up but we decided to pass. The Owners Suites are the largest on the ship at 2,000 sq ft. It is unlikely that we would ever book one so perhaps we didn't miss much!<br />
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Instead we just had two more rooms to see, the Vista Suite and the Ocean view. The first one up was the Vista on the current deck 9. Vista Suite 9001 is 1,200 sq ft.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vista Suite</td></tr>
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The large size of this one was very impressive.<br />
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The sofa was huge and I am guessing it opens up to a bed. <br />
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There was lots of space and separate sitting area.<br />
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This one had a nice big veranda and relaxing sun beds, multiple sitting areas and a whirlpool spa!<br />
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The bedroom itself seemed a little dark with just a window. Although the Vista Suite is big, I still preferred the smaller Penthouse Suite.<br />
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Check out the humongous bathroom!<br />
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There is even a room with two exercise machines but no treadmill.<br />
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The walk in closet was very impressive!<br />
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As it was now close to lunch time and we had just another 10 minutes to go before heading to the main dining room. We passed the Concierge Lounge on the way to the last room on the tour.<br />
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The final room on the tour was the one I was most looking forward to seeing. It is an Ocean View Deluxe room. There are 20 of these on both Marina and Riviera.<br />
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We definitely saved the best for last! The Deluxe Ocean View is 242 sq ft. It is the same size as the regular veranda rooms but minus the veranda.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deluxe Ocean View </td></tr>
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The room was very nice! While it is sometimes great to have a balcony I discovered during our Crystal Symphony cruise in an Oceanview room that I can survive quite well without one. The floor to ceiling window in the Oceania Deluxe Ocean View on Marina and Riviera would work perfectly for a port intensive itinerary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7074 Deluxe Ocean View</td></tr>
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The room is just the right size for us!<br />
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The bathroom and shower<br />
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I was very happy we got to see the Ocean View room.<br />
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We were finally ready to go to lunch and just in time. We got to see some of the public spaces along the way. One of the things we noticed is that the stewards don't use large carts. They have smaller ones which are much nicer and don't block the hallway.<br />
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We viewed the lobby and staircase from above which is one of the signature elements of Oceania.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Foyer and Staircase</td></tr>
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We also passed through a nice lounge on the way to the stern of the ship.<br />
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Not sure what this room is supposed to be? It looks like another lounge.<br />
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The Casino<br />
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The Martini bar is at the end of this hallway.<br />
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We finally arrived at the Grand Dining Room and were escorted to a nice table for six. We were the last two people to arrive. This is the menu for the luncheon.<br />
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Our tablemates were all very nice. There was a couple that hailed from Algeria (Jacqueline and Claude) that now live in North Miami. The other couple Fred and Margaret are from Long Island but moved to Florida 26 years ago and live in Weston, FL.<br />
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There were 280 guests who RSVP'd for the event and about 270 showed up. The room was quite full.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Dining Room with Margaret on the left and Jacqueline on the right</td></tr>
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The central Baccarat chandelier is very beautiful. Jacqueline made sure the waiter captured it in her photo with her husband.<br />
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We had two hours to eat and the service was very prompt. They started with the caviar and potato appetizer. The potato was warm and it was quite yummy and was a nice compliment to the caviar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caviar and Potato</td></tr>
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Fred who was sitting next to me was hysterical! He had such a great sense of humor. I could tell lunch was going to be a lot of fun.<br />
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The next course was the risotto with lobster. It was good but I only had one piece of lobster while my mother hit the mother load with about ten! She insisted I take some of her lobster and I was glad to comply. This dish was also excellent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Risotto and my one piece of lobster</td></tr>
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They served both red and white wine at lunch. I had a chardonnay and my mother had the red which I think was Cabernet.<br />
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There was a short break until the next course. I chatted with Fred and his wife about their past and upcoming cruises. They are going on a Baltic cruise on Celebrity this summer with their two children, 2 son-in-laws and five grandchildren. It sounds like a great cruise. They have cruised the Baltic before but this time they are taking the family. Claude entertained us by talking about the Potemkin and some Russian history. We then talked about the wars in Afghanistan, crisis in Syria and tried to solve the worlds problems!<br />
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We didn't get that far as the next course arrived. This one was Miso Glazed Sea Bass in a hobia leaf. The waiters came around to collect the mini clothespins. Guess they don't want us swallowing them by mistake.<br />
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The fish was delicious and the sauce on the side was yummy. The spritzing of the lime with the fish sealed the deal! It was terrific.<br />
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It was not long before the final main dish arrived. It was a 72 hour slow cooked short rib with semolina. I am not a beef fan but I had to try it. Fred joked that for 72 hours it needed to be cooked a bit more. It was on the rare side and he did not eat his.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">72 hour slow cooked Short Rib</td></tr>
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The meat was okay but as I am not that into meat it is unlikely I would order it. My mother thought it was very good.<br />
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As we were waiting for dessert to arrive, Vanessa who works in the Oceania reservations department came around the table to check on everyone. She wanted to know if we had any questions about booking a cruise. We were not certain if we wanted to and with cruises booked for 2013 and 2014 already I am unsure we would be able to schedule a third one.<br />
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The reduced deposit of $250 each that is refundable seemed too good to pass up so we completed the open booking form. Everyone at our table booked too. We all got cookbooks which were very large and weighed a ton. They also gave us bags to carry it in which was very helpful.<br />
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Over our chocolate and hazelnut dessert cake we talked about what destinations might be interesting. I would be happy to do an Oceania cruise to New England if the price was right.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Hazelnut Cake</td></tr>
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They brought the Petit Fours and we got ready to say good bye.<br />
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This is the flyer for today's special offer. Not sure if we can choose a sailing without the 2 for 1 cruise fare and free airfare.<br />
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Here is complete copy of the Points of Distinction which was also in our reading materials.<br />
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We were ready to depart the dining room but not the ship as we had a couple more venues to see.<br />
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I wanted to see Jacques Pepin's restaurant and also Red Ginger, the Asian inspired restaurant on the ship. We said "buh-bye" to our tablemates and headed down one deck to Deck 5 to see the additional restaurants.<br />
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Jacques was adorable and had a great French country feel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacques</td></tr>
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This is the menu which may be a little hard to read.<br />
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We next walked to the opposite side of the ship where Red Ginger is located. We passed the boutiques on our way there.<br />
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Red Ginger does not have any natural light but I think the food must make up for it. The restaurant gets rave reviews from Oceania passengers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Ginger</td></tr>
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Our tour was now complete and we headed upstairs to the lobby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful staircase with Lalique crystal</td></tr>
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While my mother used the restroom I viewed the slides on the screen near the exit.<br />
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This is the Destination Services Desk.<br />
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We had to go down one deck to exit the ship. Apparently my mother lost her Cruise card somewhere and she couldn't exit until they found it. It was quickly found at the exit we tried to take one deck up. I went to retrieve it and then we departed the Riviera.<br />
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I took some photos of Riviera from outside the cruise terminal.<br />
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Inside the cruise terminal was a full size model of the Riviera.<br />
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We jumped in a taxi but 4 minutes later had to make a detour to the Mandarin Oriental hotel when the driver wanted to pass us off to another taxi waiting up the street. He complained about a bad tire but never should of had us get in the car if that was the case. We couldn't understand how he knew the other taxi would take us as he did not speak with him on the phone. Maybe they were texting? We decided to get out rather than risk being the victim of some unfortunate shenanigans. Once we told the driver we didn't want the other taxi the other driver took off as if he could hear us. Maybe he could?<br />
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I have stayed at the Mandarin many times before and as it was nearby seemed like the best place to go. Michael the hotel doorman was very nice and dealt with the taxi driver. We paid the driver $10 even though we probably could have paid less as he took a long way to the hotel. We relaxed in the lobby for about 10 minutes. We were given another taxi and the doorman assured us that the driver was very good. We departed the hotel and drove to the Fort Lauderdale airport to meet my brother and sister.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Oriental Lobby</td></tr>
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On the way up my mother and I talked about our Riviera visit and tour. I was expecting to be wowed by the Riviera but surprisingly did not feel remiss we were not departing on the ship tonight. The Riviera was certainly upscale and had some beautiful rooms. However, even with the added dining venues on the Marina and Riviera I think I still prefer the coziness of the smaller "R" ships. We both enjoyed the tour and were very happy to have the opportunity to see the entire ship and be served a delicious lunch. I now have a better understanding of why Oceania doesn't try to compete with the luxury lines. However, their marketing strategy of saying they provide value with their 2 for 1 cruise fares that include airfare while simultaneously trying to appeal to the passengers of mass market lines like Celebrity and HAL still puzzles me.<br />
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It will be interesting to ponder if we will use our future cruise deposit in 2014 or 2015. If the fares are comparable I would still chose to cruise on Crystal in a heartbeat. We will see.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-75935072647873645422013-02-27T22:17:00.002-05:002013-03-29T14:58:02.679-04:00The Agony and the Ecstasy: Highlights of Asia and Review of MillenniumI took my sweet time writing the recap and review of this trip. I needed to mentally recover and not come across as too negative. We had many great experiences over this three week trip but there were also some disappointments. While trying not to complain or sound crabby, we soldiered on and made the best of challenging situations. Many of the low points were out of our control and while we did not exactly embrace the chaos, we tried to find a "happy place" to get us through the rough spots.<br />
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So much goes into planning for a trip like this that there are bound to be some bumps in the road and obstacles along the way. The following is a brief recap of what was outstanding and what we would perhaps prefer to forget.<br />
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<b><u>Outstanding Experiences</u></b><br />
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* The weather - Sounds simple but pouring down rain and steaming city pavements can hamper any resilient traveler. We were so lucky during this trip to experience fantastic weather. The temps in the UK were cold as expected for December but we had clear skies. Shanghai and Hangzhou even in early December were delightful during the day. At night the temps would drop but bundling up was fun too. Southeast Asia, known for being wet and humid was never sweltering and it was actually quite comfortable to walk around in all the cruise ports.<br />
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* Christmas Decorations - The amount and diversity of the Christmas lights and festive scenes was fabulous. In Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon and Hong Kong we were delighted with the spectacular and creative illuminations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Lights Orchard Road, Singapore</td></tr>
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* Hotels - I have an admitted weakness for swanky hotels. Our accommodations were stunning during the entire trip and made up for our rather drab stateroom on the cruise. It is hard to designate one hotel as our favorite. The Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai and the Siam Kempinski in Bangkok were two standouts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Double River View Room Waldorf Astoria Shanghai</td></tr>
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* Flights - Hands down our flight on Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to San Francisco was fabulous and leaves the rest in the dust.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathay Pacific Business Class (Seat 18A)</td></tr>
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*Shopping - There was were so many shops but so little time! Shanghai had the most stylish and unique shopping. Singapore had a great selection and many reasonable brands like Zara. We had fun during our shopping tour in Saigon. The shopping in Hong Kong was expensive and also intimidating. It was hard to compete with the young 20-somethings showering the city with cash.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khai Silk on Dong Khoi, Saigon</td></tr>
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* Food - Food, glorious food! Where to start? Off the ship we had some great meals. From yummy dumplings in Shanghai to crispy spring rolls in Saigon, we did not go hungry. With the exception of the food in the ship's specialty restaurants our meals on Celebrity Millennium were below average and at times uneatable.<br />
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* Guides - Both of our private guides with Viator were fabulous. We loved having the special attention and the price was so reasonable.<br />
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<b><u>Wish We Could Forget</u></b><br />
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There were times during the cruise where patience was a virtue and when a complimentary Xanax would have been welcomed. I won't go through an entire litany of grievances about our Celebrity Millennium cruise. By reading the blog that is pretty well covered. On a high note, our room was clean and quiet. We enjoyed the specialty restaurants and had made it to Hong Kong safely.<br />
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Basically, the lack of organization on the ship. disappointing food and inadequately trained staff made this cruise unsatisfactory. Celebrity used to provide value for the money. Unfortunately that no longer appears to be the case. We also felt under appreciated and taken for granted. Regrettably we have decided not to cruise with Celebrity and take a "leave of absence" for a while. Other lines like Crystal and Oceania will be where we will look to sail on in the future. I have even reconsidered Princess but only on their smaller "R" class ships. There will be more about this at the end of this post. You can read my full Cruise Critic member review of the Millennium cruise here:<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT301"><a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=114655" target="_blank">http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=114655</a></span>. <br />
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<b><u>Highlights & Lowlights:</u></b><br />
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*Cruising Highlight - The smartest choice I made was booking the Halong Violet for our overnight junk cruise in Halong Bay. The Violet and Halong Bay were outstanding and the highlight of the entire cruise. The Violet was beautiful, our room was a palace and the views of Halong Bay were unforgettable.<br />
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*Best Ship Excursion - There wasn't one. We booked two ship excursions. One in Hoi An and another one in Halong Bay for day 2. The Hoi An "On Our Own" tour should have been stress free and an enjoyable way to experience this town. However, having the passengers negotiate the departure time with the guide was challenging and put us all in a bad mood. The guide marching us down the streets of Hoi An just to show us the Chinese market didn't win any points either. Our second ship excursion "Shopping & Countryside" tour which was on the second day in Halong Bay was both agonizing and disappointing. It was more memorable for what we did not see than what we did see. No actual trip to the Yen Tu Pagoda, no shopping and no farm. It was a disaster.<br />
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*Favorite Harbor View - Shanghai. While Hong Kong is traditionally celebrated for its glorious harbor, we were mesmerized by Shanghai and the views of Pudong.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ehM_vJNKLI/US6FGIwDFxI/AAAAAAAAJuk/xFt9isqy_vU/s1600/Pudong+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ehM_vJNKLI/US6FGIwDFxI/AAAAAAAAJuk/xFt9isqy_vU/s640/Pudong+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Shanghai view of Pudong<br />
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*Worst Experience: Getting sick at the tail end of the cruise. I think I picked up my cold in Vietnam. I was sick for the last 4 days on the ship with congestion but thankfully no cough. That all changed when I got home on December 24th. While traveling and being sick was a challenge, when I woke up Christmas Day I had completely lost my voice. I could barely whisper. Two days later my voice gradually came back but it was all downhill from there. Coughing, a temperature of 102 for 4 days, aches, sweating, chills...I thought it was the end. While the words Florida and Doctor may be an oxymoron, I had no choice but to go to Urgent Care. One hour after sitting in the waiting room and seeing the physician (who turned out not be a real doctor) I got a prescription for z-pak and an antibiotic that did nothing. I was back at Urgent Care two days later, waited three hours to see the doctor coughing away the entire time and spreading my Vietnamese flu around the room. This time I saw a real doctor and he tested for pnuemonia (negative) and flu (also negative). Stymied he also tested for TB. That was negative too. A prescription of Levequin and a strong cough medicine had me on the mend in less than 48 hours. I don't remember ever being so sick before.<br />
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*The Proof of the Pudding is in the Tasting: This was our first experience with a private tour organized through the Cruise Critic Roll Call. Our fellow passengers in the group were very nice. The problem was mostly with the tour company, Smile and the aggressive salesmanship and weak performance of the guide. I know the RC private tours are popular to save money but it was not for us. We won't be doing this again.<br />
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*Best evening show: Impression West Lake. The performance on the West Lake in Hangzhou was magical and so worthwhile even when freezing watching it outside in the cold.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impression West Lake, Hangzhou</td></tr>
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*Most disappointing hotel: Four Seasons West Lake. While the staff were nice and helpful the hotel itself seemed very sterile and with its long white corridors more closely resembled a Swiss health clinic.<br />
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*Best Dinner -This is a hard one. It is a tie between Aqua Tokyo in Hong Kong and in Lost Heaven in Shanghai.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWxI5lK6_PM/US7FyGE7U7I/AAAAAAAAJ0E/Bkw6ApqQJ5g/s1600/Aqua+T+Beef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWxI5lK6_PM/US7FyGE7U7I/AAAAAAAAJ0E/Bkw6ApqQJ5g/s640/Aqua+T+Beef.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner Aqua Tokyo, Hong Kong</td></tr>
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*Worst Dinner: The Peking Duck at the Four Season Hangzhou. I still feel sorry for our unfortunate duck who was sacrificed for this horrible dinner.<br />
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*Best Lunch: Morning Glory in Hoi An. The tea rose dumplings, pancake and springs rolls were all yummy.<br />
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*Worst Lunch: The snack served on the Turbot Jet on the return to Hong Kong from Macau. Mystery tuna, soggy bun, gelatin cabbage. Need I say more?<br />
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*Best Dessert: The ice cream at Fanny's in Saigon was so fresh and light. Absolutely delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvoWrjYr-Qw/US7Gk68lKwI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/wb68BanXt6Q/s1600/Saigon+Fanny+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvoWrjYr-Qw/US7Gk68lKwI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/wb68BanXt6Q/s640/Saigon+Fanny+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fanny's Ice Cream, Saigon</td></tr>
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*Most terrifying moment: There were two! 1) Trying to cross the street in Saigon the first time. There were so many motorcycles but they magically know how to go around all the pedestrians. 2) Having the taxi almost drive away with our luggage at the Singapore cruise terminal.<br />
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*Favorite Museum: The Queen Sirikit Textile Museum in Bangkok was enchanting. Not only were the gowns and outfits amazing to look at but the building's interior was remarkable and greatly enhanced the experience.<br />
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*Most interesting Buddhist Temple: The assortment of buildings at Bangkok's Grand Palace was unparalleled. The Lingying Temple in Hangzhou is a close second but we did not have time to see all of it.<br />
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*Surprises - The amount of squat toilets in very modern Singapore was a stunner. I would never have imagine that Takashimaya in Singapore would not have modern facilities<br />
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*Wish I had more time for: Shopping in Bangkok's amazing malls & Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. <br />
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*Most over-hyped: The shop at the Jim Thompson House. It was too commercial for my taste. They hardly sold any clothing and the items in Singapore were actually more appealing than those in the main shop in Bangkok.<br />
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*Where I would go back to in a minute: Shanghai<br />
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*Won My Heart: The Toto toilet at the WA Shanghai with the motion activated lid and electronic gizmos was like making a new best friend. Just walking by the lid would pop up as if to say "hi".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q64asqU0xv8/US7HdJwX3yI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/LZVRAvuR7W8/s1600/Toto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q64asqU0xv8/US7HdJwX3yI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/LZVRAvuR7W8/s640/Toto.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toto Toilet, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai</td></tr>
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*Favorite Cruise Terminal: Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore. Gorgeous, Gleaming, brand new, excellent staff. What is not to like?<br />
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*Best Buffet: Evening buffet in the Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. Amazing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJvF2i5cA-o/US6LIhYbGKI/AAAAAAAAJvA/N1EfqKbx9eQ/s1600/Mandarin+Food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJvF2i5cA-o/US6LIhYbGKI/AAAAAAAAJvA/N1EfqKbx9eQ/s640/Mandarin+Food.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Oriental Evening Buffet</td></tr>
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*Favorite purchase: The folding silk boxes I bought in Hong Kong were beautiful and also so easy to pack. They made great gifts.<br />
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*Favorite Afternoon Tea: Cliveden House in Taplow, UK. It was wonderfully presented and delicious.<br />
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That about wraps it up for this last adventure. We saw some amazing places and met lots of great people. I wish the cruise would have been better but you win some and you lose some.<br />
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It has only been a few months since our return. In early January I cancelled a cruise on the Celebrity Infinity to the British Isles for August 2013 I had booked during the spring. I was very happy to get my deposit back and even happier not be cruising on a Millennium class ship.<br />
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I have been looking for a replacement for this cruise and may have finally found one. While I am not a huge fan of Princess they have something that may work perfectly. The Ocean Princess will be sailing the British Isles this summer on 8 day runs. The ship is a medium size ship with just 700 passengers. Itinerary for the British Isles includes an overnight in Edinburgh and visits to Dublin, Milford Haven (Wales) and Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I put a deposit down last week. I also sent a request to Princess to disembark in Guernsey where we can overnight and then the following day take the ferry to Saint Malo, France. Yes, I know, I am making this into another adventure!<br />
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I will have to make a decision by early June if we will be doing this cruise but currently it looks like a go. The only other impediment would be the cruise takes place in late August which is hurricane season. Princess has the "cancel for any reason" insurance so we could still pay for it without worrying too much.<br />
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Next week we will be going to Miami where we have been invited to have lunch and visit the Oceania Riviera. I have been drooling at the thought of cruising on Marina or Riviera since they were both launched. Very much looking forward to this opportunity! Will post a full report when we return.<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-36342807349352271242013-02-19T21:22:00.001-05:002013-02-19T21:27:11.292-05:00SFO Airport and the Journey HomeSometimes the best part of a trip can be when you get to go home. I know this sounds contradictory. As exciting it is to visit new places and have some great experiences, after a week I start to miss the dogs and my daily routine. In fact sometimes after planning a trip and doing all the research, booking hotels and tours I feel almost satisfied not to go at all. Sure would save a lot of money! I have so much fun in the planning stages that at times the actual experience doesn't live up to the hype. There have been many high's and low's on this trip. We did our best to roll with the punches but I am very happy to be starting our journey home. Traveling with a cold has been a challenge during the tail end of this trip. Mother is not sick yet which I am very grateful for.<br />
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I appreciated a good night sleep and the Hilton beds were very comfortable. We woke up well rested for our early 7:45 am departure from SFO. We dressed quickly and brought the luggage down to the Hilton lobby to wait for the shuttle.<br />
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Being half awake I think there were about 7 other people waiting for the bus. As promised, the glistening shuttle bus arrived right on time. The bus interior was very luxurious with large leather comfy seats. We made a pit stop at the Marriott to pickup a few more passengers and then we disembarked at the first SFO stop which was Delta Airlines.<br />
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The bags were still wrapped from Hong Kong but we removed some of the tags. We had checked in with Delta online so just needed to deposit the two hardsided bags. We are traveling in business class for this segment to Atlanta.<br />
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I am down to two small bags plus a bag from the Ming Fook Tong tea store.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJWUMvi_HzA/USQk-lrM93I/AAAAAAAAJp8/Ket14A9l_Ig/s1600/Ming+Fook+Tong.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJWUMvi_HzA/USQk-lrM93I/AAAAAAAAJp8/Ket14A9l_Ig/s640/Ming+Fook+Tong.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea Set</td></tr>
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I definitely need to make a point of traveling lighter next time. Having multiple small bags is annoying. The combination of hot and cold climates made packing a little more challenging this time. In addition, I purchased a few items that I had to squish into already tight spaces.<br />
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Hungry and unaware of what Delta had in store for us meal-wise, we decided to try our luck with breakfast at Perry's in the airport. The restaurant was busy but they seemed to be well organized. We were seated at a table and after taking our order we were asked what time our flight was departing.<br />
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I feel like I am getting sicker by the minute and may have a temperature. I am very congested and it is amazing with the long flight from Hong Kong that I can still hear anything. I have become the "tissue queen" and have been collecting and disposing of them like they are going out of style.<br />
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Breakfast was taking a while but we still had plenty of time and did not need to rush. The food finally arrived and I regretted not ordering something a little less colorful so early in the morning. If you ever wondered where the pink slime originates, it comes from Perry's at the San Francisco airport!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8nYjOqku2Y/USPb0BdUVdI/AAAAAAAAJn4/2jfpNt2BFbY/s1600/Food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8nYjOqku2Y/USPb0BdUVdI/AAAAAAAAJn4/2jfpNt2BFbY/s640/Food.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corned Beef Hash</td></tr>
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The corned beef hash was hot but not very tasty and was a little too unsightly to enjoy. I kept moving it around the plate with my fork hoping unrealistically that somehow it would improve. Mother had toast and coffee.<br />
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We "finished" breakfast and went to the gate around 7:10 am and boarded the plane shortly thereafter. I specifically chose this flight because it is a wide-body (767) and using a combination of miles and cash could sit in Business Class.<br />
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We have flown Delta regularly both domestically and internationally and prefer it to the other U.S. legacy carriers. However, perhaps due to our over the top experience yesterday on Cathay Pacific we were in for a bit of a let down. Apparently this aircraft continues on from Atlanta to Frankfurt but I was surprised how old it looked. The seats were weird and my mother's hardly reclined. The IFE was very limited and the screen was like a postage stamp. We did have more space than in Economy but for Business Class it wasn't so great. We have flown in Business Class on Delta to Rome, Barcelona and Madrid and I don't remember it looking like this.<br />
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There was a young couple in the center row near us who were flying to Atlanta and then to their final destination in North Carolina. Somehow the headrest of the girlfriend's seat became unhinged and she couldn't reattach it. Doesn't sound like a problem except for the metal spikes that were now protruding out. She sat on her boyfriend's lap while maintenance was called to assist. In the interim the co-pilot attempted to fix it before help arrived. After 10 minutes of fuddling with it the headrest was in place and we could now depart.<br />
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The safety demonstration was strange. We could hear it but there was nothing to look at. The flight attendants weren't even in the aisle demonstrating the life vest, seatbelt or pointing out the exits.<br />
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We taxied out but did not get very far. I could feel us slowing down and looked outside and saw we had pulled over to the side and were not headed to the runway. It was either a mechanical or security issue, neither of which would be good. The captain came over the PA to tell us that unfortunately the left engine (which I could see from my seat) was not working properly (he said it was line problem) and we would have to go back to the gate to see if they could fix it. It started to rain a little while we were parked at the gate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGESTavjves/USPcw-K9XwI/AAAAAAAAJoA/4T1YuY9aq64/s1600/SFO+Wait+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGESTavjves/USPcw-K9XwI/AAAAAAAAJoA/4T1YuY9aq64/s640/SFO+Wait+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the engine to be repaired</td></tr>
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While at the gate we waited anxiously to hear if we would have to deplane or if they could fix the problem. After about 35 minutes the Captain said they were going to test the engine again. We waited about 20 minutes until he reported that the problem did not appear to be occurring again. He said they had to complete some paperwork and then we could takeoff.<br />
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By this time the rain had stopped and the sun came out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcv0BJ8DfdM/USPdBmNyaOI/AAAAAAAAJoI/9_FedhvH5cU/s1600/SFO+Cleared.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcv0BJ8DfdM/USPdBmNyaOI/AAAAAAAAJoI/9_FedhvH5cU/s640/SFO+Cleared.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleared for takeoff</td></tr>
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After the paperwork was done and we taxied again it was 2 hours later. This meant we and several other passengers would miss our connections. At least it is a nice sunny day and seemed great for flying. I thought it was odd that they did not conduct the safety demonstration a second time. We just taxied and took off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE3R6x-2BLY/USPdatZwHeI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/q1tSuhniDw0/s1600/Fly+CA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE3R6x-2BLY/USPdatZwHeI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/q1tSuhniDw0/s640/Fly+CA.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing SFO Airport</td></tr>
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I had inserted my Earplanes when the door was shut as I experienced some pain when we descended the night before on the Cathay flight. Using the Earplanes meant I could not hear that well or use the headphones for the inflight entertainment. Instead I spent time looking out the window at the beautiful scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DWG7LZ0IE8/USPdmv3OqDI/AAAAAAAAJoY/QsvgKSrw8Kc/s1600/FLY+CA+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DWG7LZ0IE8/USPdmv3OqDI/AAAAAAAAJoY/QsvgKSrw8Kc/s640/FLY+CA+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful view of California</td></tr>
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The flight from San Francisco to Atlanta is 4 hours. It felt a lot longer though. With the exception of the pilot and co-pilot, the flight crew seemed very odd. There were two older ladies working in our section that were pleasant but it felt a bit like...well a nut house! The older granny-type woman was plying the young NC couple with liquor throughout the flight. They didn't look like big drinkers although the girlfriend definitely had a strong preference for Bailey's as evidenced by the 5 little bottles on her tray.<br />
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When the other female attendant asked my mother if she wanted something to drink she didn't ask if she wanted something alcoholic. I was pretty much oblivious to this and only heard about it later. I was trying to watch the limited offerings on the IFE. They announced over the PA earlier that you could use wifi enabled devices. However it was soon obvious that the wifi was not working. No one cared to mention that this was the case. I kept trying but finally gave up.<br />
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They served a meal which I declined and I just tried to snuggle into my seat against the window for the remainder of the flight.<br />
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About and hour before we arrived in Atlanta my mother and I talked about how we should get home. Our connecting flight to Florida was on AirTran. Delta was therefore under no obligation to compensate us or assist us with rebooking. I was worried that if we missed the flight our ticket was worthless and we would need to buy a new one. I have never missed a connecting flight before so this was a new experience. As it was Christmas Eve I was worried we would be stuck in Atlanta and might have to drive home or fly to an alternate airport. One of the flight attendants told us to speak with the Delta representative when we landed. If my brain was not so clogged and floating around my congested head I would have known that this was a waste of time.<br />
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My mother walked up to the flight attendants to ask about what do about our missed connection. She was also upset that she was not offered a glass of wine and mentioned that too. About 20 minutes later, the head flight attendant came to our seats and apologized for not mentioning that alcohol (wine) was included in the drink selections. She insisted she meant ANY kind of drink during the initial beverage service. That however was not clear at the time. My mother has dry eyes and they tear up when she is tired. While the flight attendant was speaking, mother's eyes kept tearing and the flight attendant kept apologizing and said "please don't cry!". My mother kept saying "that's okay". They attendant would repeat again "please don't cry'. Mother would say "that's okay". They were just going in circles and it seemed like it a very bad dream. I thought I was going insane. <br />
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With tears streaming down mother's cheeks, the flight attendant seemed a little shaken. She offered to give us both miles to compensate us for our libation grievance. I said jokingly "okay 50K miles would be great!". That didn't fly but she did bring the hand held device and we each received 2000 miles. It was a pittance but was still appreciated. After we got home I wrote to Delta about our entire flight experience. I mentioned the improper safety demonstration, poor seats, missed drinks and no wifi. I also added that it appeared that one of the flight attendants was serving a young couple too much alcohol. I received an apology and an additional 7,500 miles.<br />
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We landed in "Hotlanta" and after deplaning waited a couple of minutes to speak with the gate agent. Naturally, he immediately told us to to go Airtran. We looked at the monitor and our flight had not departed yet so perhaps we could still make it! Of course we would have to sacrifice our checked luggage and figure out how to get it home later. I did not look at the gate location on the monitor. I used what it said on the boarding pass. Unfortunately I realized too late that the gate number had changed and we needed to go to a different gate in the opposite direction. When we arrived, they had just closed the door and we missed the flight by minutes. However, we still needed to claim our bags so this was actually not that tragic.<br />
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We went to the AirTran customer service counter which was near gate C17. It turned out there was no need to worry as the agent put us on the next flight that would depart at 7:00 pm. Our original flight departed at 4:35 pm. It was now almost 5:00 pm by the time he printed our new boarding passes. He gave us great advice that mother should stay in the concourse with the little bags and I should go to baggage claim to get the two cases from the Delta flight. The agent advised that since it is Christmas Eve there could be a lot of people traveling tonight and I should hurry.<br />
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I took that advice whole heartily. I left the bags and my jacket with mother and just carried my small purse and boarding pass. The Earplanes worked great and I experienced no pain and could hear fine. I was worried about not having enough time, so sprinted like the devil through concourse C to the train and then to the baggage area. I asked where the Delta luggage was and found the numbered carousel. Apparently we were not the only ones who had not claimed our bags as about 15 bags were on the now motionless steel belt. My bag was heavy at the beginning of the day, but adrenaline had kicked in and I quickly wheeled my bag and mother's simultaneously through the terminal like a speed demon. I arrived at an almost deserted AirTran counter to deposit the bags. I must have sounded like a babbling idiot because I was speaking rapidly to the agent on about checking two bags... that my mother was in the concourse...and we missed our flight, blah, blah, blah. The nice AirTran employee looked at the boarding pass and me and said "no problem you are in Business Class and can each check a bag for free". Phew! I was worried since mother was not there she wouldn't accept her bag. She tagged the luggage and I continued my run through the terminal and to security where there were hardly any people. Yeah! Whizzed through and called mother while I was on the train headed back and reported "mission accomplished". I looked at my watch and was amazed that it only took 20 minutes from the time I left Concourse C to when I returned on the train. I thought it would take at least an hour.<br />
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I called the petsitter and gave her the good news that we would be home tonight. I had called earlier in a panic when we landed in Atlanta and told her I did not know if we would make it home so if she could feed and "water" the dogs I would appreciate it. I didn't expect anyone to stay overnight since it is Christmas Eve.<br />
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Darlene, our petsitter was happy to hear we would be make it back but added that one of her helpers was willing to stay with the boys if we couldn't get a flight. We are so lucky to have such great petsitters. Extremely relieved, we went to the AirTran gate to wait for our flight. Mother was hungry and I really did not want to stop to get anything when we got home. We went to the Chik-fla counter and each ordered a sandwich which we brought back to the gate. I was very lucky my voice was still working. I would quickly find out the next day how difficult it would have been talking on the phone with the petsitter and in person with the agents as my illness worsened.<br />
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I have never flown on AirTran before or a 717 Boeing aircraft. So this was going to be a first. I was very impressed by the service from the moment we went to the customer service desk. The rep at the bag checkin was also very nice and I appreciated their efficiency. There were only 4 of us in the Business Class section (one was an employee). The windows were so dirty though that it was hard to see out. We took off right on time and had a very smooth flight. I had stopped taking photos once we arrived in Atlanta but wished I had a few to commemorate my experience in the airport as well as the flight.<br />
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We landed at about 8:30 pm and our luggage appeared about 10 minutes later. I think there were about 11 bags in total from everyone on the plane. Our driver was there to meet us and as it was Christmas Eve, I don't know if he or I were more happier that the flight was on time. I was thrilled to be home and the boys were happy too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmVrk-INAQs/USQr_9Q3pVI/AAAAAAAAJr4/yd2MLKOxp4A/s1600/Xmas+lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmVrk-INAQs/USQr_9Q3pVI/AAAAAAAAJr4/yd2MLKOxp4A/s640/Xmas+lights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally Home<br />
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Looks like someone needs a bath!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow</td></tr>
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Siebren is very happy too!<br />
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I will next post a recap of the trip and list some of the high's and low's. I promise to focus more on the high points and not dwell on what was out of our control.<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-91117922736768854362013-02-15T23:58:00.000-05:002013-02-19T10:37:45.089-05:00Day 15 - Hong Kong, China & MacauYippee! We get to disembark this morning. We stopped at the Guest Relations desk last night to find out what time we can leave the ship. We did not receive any information in our room on the disembarkation procedure or schedule. Of course we were stuck speaking with Malika (sp?) at the Guest Relations desk who has a surly attitude like nurse Ratchet and would probably have been just as happy if we had jumped overboard. She is the same person who told us to call the ship when we were thinking of flying from Bangkok to Saigon due to the extensive passport delay instead of returning to port. About not returning to ship, she cheerily said "Call and let us know" but did not provide a phone number. I have no idea how we would have called and now we don't have to wonder anymore as we are leaving this dismal mess.<br />
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We skipped breakfast and mother made coffee in the room with her French press. We took our last lap past the lounge to exit the ship.<br />
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Around 8:15 am we took our bags down in a delightfully empty elevator to the gangway. Seapass card inserted and "bing!" we were now unencumbered from this quagmire of 14 days on and off the Millennium.<br />
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We asked one of the port staff if we could bypass the mall with all our luggage and go straight down to the taxi area. We had 2 rollerboards plus 2 smaller bags each. At first we were told "no" but after pleading and a little whining "but we were told we could do this yesterday" (which was true) he and another worker graciously escorted us in the elevator directly down to the area to wait for a taxi. I think it helped when we said this was all the luggage we had. We were very happy we did not have to traipse through the mall again and this time have to maneuver down escalators with our baggage.<br />
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The taxi line was very long and consisted of about 8 twisting and turning barricade lanes. We got in line with everyone else who were either going to hotels or to the airport. We spied a man with a large bag from Chinese Arts & Crafts. My mother said, "that is a very nice store". He smiled and said, "where are you from"? Perhaps he was worried we were coming to his home to relieve him of his new merchandise? He was Chinese and going home to California.<br />
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As we approached the front of the line we were entertained by the interesting method of loading the bags into the sedans. Most of the trunks were popped open with the luggage hanging out as the cars drove away. Many people had a lot of luggage! One couple had two taxis, one for them and the other for the luggage. A young family of 5 had the husband go in one taxi with the bags and the mother and the three little kids were in a separate car. Finally it was our turn and we easily fit the rollerboards in the trunk in addition to our 3 small bags. I kept one of the other bags with me and mother also was holding a small tote. Our destination is the airport where will checkin the hardsided luggage and store the smaller bags for the day while we visit Macau.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K1J5hSpmPI/UR5HCYeaThI/AAAAAAAAJRw/8JBjFhOAccI/s1600/On+way+to+Airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K1J5hSpmPI/UR5HCYeaThI/AAAAAAAAJRw/8JBjFhOAccI/s640/On+way+to+Airport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to the Hong Kong Airport</td></tr>
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Prior to finalizing this plan we debated the possibilities as we researched what to do with the luggage for the day. There were lots of options including a locker at the Macau ferry terminal in Kowloon or Central or even booking a hotel room. The airport made the most sense since we could leave the bags there and not have to make a special stop to pick them up on the return. The fact that there are not a lot of lockers and that they are various sizes made the decision easy. The drive to the airport took about 45 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2JX1BYV0J8/UR58vPzCG2I/AAAAAAAAJUw/059wLNcSfXA/s1600/Near+MTR+Station+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2JX1BYV0J8/UR58vPzCG2I/AAAAAAAAJUw/059wLNcSfXA/s640/Near+MTR+Station+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive to the airport</td></tr>
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I called Cathay Pacific before we departed for the cruise to ask if there was a baggage wrapping station at Hong Kong Airport. I was told it did not exist. The online info for the airport and any searches I did also came up short. After we arrived at the airport our first stop was the information desk in Terminal 2. They said baggage wrapping is located in aisle D. Yeah! It was only about 20 yards from where we were standing..<br />
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Instead of the saran wrap style of Siba in Europe, in Hong Kong they put a thick plastic bag over the carryon and then fasten it with heavy straps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfzaugTMS0o/UR5Ho2HUmRI/AAAAAAAAJSA/J0N65njf47g/s1600/Airport+Bag+Wrap+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfzaugTMS0o/UR5Ho2HUmRI/AAAAAAAAJSA/J0N65njf47g/s640/Airport+Bag+Wrap+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bag getting wrapped</td></tr>
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The finished product is very secure and nicely done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M1bEqE0hrQ/UR5Hvh0NlFI/AAAAAAAAJSI/vP39JZRMSR0/s1600/Airport+Bag+Wrap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M1bEqE0hrQ/UR5Hvh0NlFI/AAAAAAAAJSI/vP39JZRMSR0/s640/Airport+Bag+Wrap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very impressed with the service</td></tr>
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The fee to wrap was very reasonable and they did a great job! I was very impressed. Once the bags were wrapped we went to Cathay Pacific to drop off the luggage. We had checked in online the other day. The Business class counter only had a few people at this hour and we did not have to wait long.<br />
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Although we already checked in we received new boarding passes. Each bag was weighed and the service was great.<br />
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Our next destination was to walk to Terminal 1 to store our other bags at the Left Luggage counter. It was a bit of walk but I had a cart (with wheels that seemed to be stuck in the opposite direction) for the 4 smaller bags. This area was very busy and we noticed other Millennium passengers including some of our bus mates from the Hoi An tour in Vietnam. They tagged each bag and gave us a printed receipt with a location number. I decided to hold onto the receipt instead of mother having to forage for it later.. It cost 100 HKD for each bag for 9 hours. You pay when you return to pickup the bags.<br />
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Now "bag free" except for a small Tumi tote with the iPad and some maps we were on our way. We walked back toward Terminal 2 to take the Airport Express to Central and then change to the Island Line to get to the ferry for Macau.<br />
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We purchased a roundtrip Airport Express ticket as that was less expensive than buying two separate one-ways. The fare was $100 HKD.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uc6gvRnInI/UR5II-DhZgI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/XsbvGaxb2B0/s1600/Airport+Express+Ticket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uc6gvRnInI/UR5II-DhZgI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/XsbvGaxb2B0/s640/Airport+Express+Ticket.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airport Express Ticket</td></tr>
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The Airport Express was very nice. Much better than the Maglev in Shanghai in my opinion. The ride is about 26 minutes to go to Hong Kong station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcgkJeDUVns/UR5IYEZDZ2I/AAAAAAAAJSY/1F53a-Bmv3Y/s1600/Airport+Express+interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcgkJeDUVns/UR5IYEZDZ2I/AAAAAAAAJSY/1F53a-Bmv3Y/s640/Airport+Express+interior.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airport Express </td></tr>
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You could keep your bags with you at your seat or put them on the racks near the center of the train. There are just a few stops but the overhead diagram was helpful letting us know our progress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mM1YVLlkhJI/UR5I08z3_lI/AAAAAAAAJSg/-Z5FiHDBVxs/s1600/MTR+Diagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mM1YVLlkhJI/UR5I08z3_lI/AAAAAAAAJSg/-Z5FiHDBVxs/s640/MTR+Diagram.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram of stops</td></tr>
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We exited the train at Hong Kong Station and then changed to the Island Line to get to the Ferry Terminal. The Macau Ferry departs from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the airport. However we could not depart from the airport as that is only for people in transit.<br />
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We arrived at Shun Tak Centre which is located in Sheung Wan. There were so many people! Looks like going to Macau right before Christmas is not such a good idea. The monitors list the ferry departure times and then you go to the line showing that time lit up in the window. We decided to travel in Super Class as it is nicer than the regular seats and it was also leaving sooner. However, we forgot we need to go through passport control when departing Hong Kong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRsFAYEgcow/UR7ODGI_9hI/AAAAAAAAJjU/IMGdpWSi9_M/s1600/Walking+to+Ferry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRsFAYEgcow/UR7ODGI_9hI/AAAAAAAAJjU/IMGdpWSi9_M/s640/Walking+to+Ferry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the ferry</td></tr>
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We purchased our tickets at the Super Class window for the 12:15 pm ferry. The regular ferry class had very long ticket lines. When we arrived at Passport Control the line seemed to go on forever! It took us 25 minutes to get cleared and by that time we only had 5 minutes before the ferry was scheduled to leave. We arrived at the boarding area and I showed our tickets. They said the boat had left and they would put us on the next one. We were shown to the lounge for Super Class passengers. The lounge was nice but I would rather have not missed the ferry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGXj05LoDMU/UR5LIvRIOsI/AAAAAAAAJSo/7HInzL_3hsw/s1600/Super+Class+Lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGXj05LoDMU/UR5LIvRIOsI/AAAAAAAAJSo/7HInzL_3hsw/s640/Super+Class+Lounge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Class Lounge</td></tr>
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We were told the next ferry would leave at 1:30 pm which seemed too long. I went up to look at the monitor and saw another ferry was leaving in 7 minutes. The gate number said #9 which was far from where we were seated. We ran to the gate and they waved us through!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVoAk76jS6w/UR5MGtHatqI/AAAAAAAAJS4/mwiP-c2KWqA/s1600/TurboJet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVoAk76jS6w/UR5MGtHatqI/AAAAAAAAJS4/mwiP-c2KWqA/s640/TurboJet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running to the TurboJet</td></tr>
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I was way ahead of mother and waited for her as I gave our tickets to man at the gate and in return received boarding passes with assigned seats. We were in row 2. Mother finally caught up as I kept looking behind me before I walked onto the ferry. Very happy to be onboard and on our way to Macau.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phkFzO-5EtI/UR5MagnugyI/AAAAAAAAJTA/EG14xS4TsnU/s1600/Ferry+Seats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phkFzO-5EtI/UR5MagnugyI/AAAAAAAAJTA/EG14xS4TsnU/s640/Ferry+Seats.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The travel time from Central to Macau is about 55 minutes. The ride was very smooth. They served a snack shortly after departing. The lunch came covered and when I removed it I was disappointed the meal was not Chinese. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oL-Rjorm92k/UR6AIrwYeXI/AAAAAAAAJU4/vUJEV3qa4T4/s1600/Turbo+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oL-Rjorm92k/UR6AIrwYeXI/AAAAAAAAJU4/vUJEV3qa4T4/s640/Turbo+Lunch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TurboJet Snack</td></tr>
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The description was Spanish Beef and Pasta. It was just okay. It was hot and the meat was not too fatty. It actually was much better than what we had on the return trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDy7z_lPD1Y/UR5M3qtdk0I/AAAAAAAAJTI/ujtrhpuEPI0/s1600/Spanish+Beef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDy7z_lPD1Y/UR5M3qtdk0I/AAAAAAAAJTI/ujtrhpuEPI0/s640/Spanish+Beef.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Beef with Pasta</td></tr>
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The seats don't seem that "super" but there is more room in this area and you get a snack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lggUcBDoWQQ/UR5NPZm6thI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/ZnRsXlpdGwI/s1600/Super+Class+Section.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lggUcBDoWQQ/UR5NPZm6thI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/ZnRsXlpdGwI/s640/Super+Class+Section.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of people dozing after their meal</td></tr>
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They are currently building a bridge between Macau and Hong Kong. It is called the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. When finished it will consist of a series of tunnels and bridges connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. The longest bridge section will be 14.2 miles. Construction began on December 15, 2009 and is expected to be completed in 2015 with the bridge officially opening in 2016. I think this will make the trip much easier and faster. I read the trip will only take 30 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JT3JudCgNsg/UR7P_-mRLII/AAAAAAAAJjc/utH6D2rCs4o/s1600/220px-Concept_Plan_for_Lantau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JT3JudCgNsg/UR7P_-mRLII/AAAAAAAAJjc/utH6D2rCs4o/s400/220px-Concept_Plan_for_Lantau.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge linking Hong Kong and Macau</td></tr>
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The view out the window was appreciated and we had bright blue skies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKZFkBIUugA/UR6BY5nGhSI/AAAAAAAAJVA/0qYoKjZ40OM/s1600/Ferry+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKZFkBIUugA/UR6BY5nGhSI/AAAAAAAAJVA/0qYoKjZ40OM/s640/Ferry+View.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I read the TurboJet magazine located in the seat pocket which was somewhat entertaining. I noticed there is a show at the Palace Museum of jade from the Qing dynasty. Hope we have time to see it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg1LkkjHZNA/UR5OD4jbNoI/AAAAAAAAJTY/7oM74BvdB8Y/s1600/Ferry+Magazine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg1LkkjHZNA/UR5OD4jbNoI/AAAAAAAAJTY/7oM74BvdB8Y/s640/Ferry+Magazine.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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As we approached Macau the water became much browner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgLThKy0wv0/UR6BtK8_2LI/AAAAAAAAJVI/r_xMCFAlqzo/s1600/Near+Macau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgLThKy0wv0/UR6BtK8_2LI/AAAAAAAAJVI/r_xMCFAlqzo/s640/Near+Macau.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown water near Macau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We arrived at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. The boat was tied up and we quickly disembarked but had to go through Passport control in Macau.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7w7r36M9WA/UR6ClonHTiI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/-8ryfvKkOX0/s1600/Docked+Macau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7w7r36M9WA/UR6ClonHTiI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/-8ryfvKkOX0/s640/Docked+Macau.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TurboJet arrived in Macau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fE36oaWoXJA/UR6C2fE2M0I/AAAAAAAAJVY/6Zq9JdnPIK8/s1600/Departing+Ferry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fE36oaWoXJA/UR6C2fE2M0I/AAAAAAAAJVY/6Zq9JdnPIK8/s640/Departing+Ferry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Macau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were tons of people at the passport area and it looked like it was going to take at least half an hour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFp3v6kXLqs/UR6DJWlLp-I/AAAAAAAAJVg/SBUe44orUoQ/s1600/Paspport+Control.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFp3v6kXLqs/UR6DJWlLp-I/AAAAAAAAJVg/SBUe44orUoQ/s640/Paspport+Control.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then we spotted the line for senior citizens and the disabled. This line was much shorter and therefore faster. People with children were also using this line.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_mmo9qEdRY/UR6DTnCp3TI/AAAAAAAAJVo/dnzNasf-Kyg/s1600/Passport+Control.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_mmo9qEdRY/UR6DTnCp3TI/AAAAAAAAJVo/dnzNasf-Kyg/s640/Passport+Control.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign in Chinese, Portuguese and English</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The wait was short and we were soon past Passport Control. We had finally arrived in Macau and walked through the terminal to find a taxi. In the terminal lobby there was an ATM and I withdrew more funds. You can choose Hong Kong dollars or Macau Patacas which are equal in value. I chose the Hong Kong dollars.<br />
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While we were in the lobby I was approached by a woman who was offering a tour of the major sights. She showed me a map and described the itinerary. It sounded expensive so we declined. However once we realized how crowded the main streets were and that my mother was not going to like doing so much walking the tour would have been a good idea.<br />
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We jumped in a taxi and departed the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal for the city center.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AKQvIccwa0/UR6E3jo6bvI/AAAAAAAAJVw/Zzn1FeAHbuM/s1600/Macau+Outer+Ferry+Terminal+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AKQvIccwa0/UR6E3jo6bvI/AAAAAAAAJVw/Zzn1FeAHbuM/s640/Macau+Outer+Ferry+Terminal+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ferry terminal building is very nice but the water is very brown! The drive to the city center was around 15 minutes. I enjoyed taking photos along the way.<br />
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<b>Macau</b><br />
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Macau is 37 miles southwest from Hong Kong and 90 miles from Guangzhou, China. The territory comprises a peninsula and two islands, Taipa and Coloane.<br />
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Macau is now better known for its glitzy hotels and as a gambling mecca than a faded historic relic. The Cotai Strip has 17 luxury casino hotels and is the worlds biggest gambling hub. Las Vegas king pins Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson have built up very successful businesses in Macau. In fact Adelson's Sands China has 9.210 hotel rooms in Macau which accounts for 40% of the overall supply. In 2012 Macau total casino revenue climbed 14% to a record $38 billion USD. The profits from Adelson's Macau properties have countered sluggish results from his Las Vegas operations. <br />
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While the glittering casinos (and tackiness) attracts the Chinese high rollers, we are more interested in appreciating the historical nature of the area.<br />
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This former Portuguese colony has a population of 542,000. The size of the island is only 11.39 square miles. The settlement of the city began in 1535 when the Portuguese won rights to anchor their ships offshore. In 1557 Macau became a Portuguese administered trading post and in 1887 a Portuguese colony. On December 20, 1999 the territory was given back to China and is now a Special Administrative Region (SAR).<br />
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We soon arrived in the city center with the European designed buildings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2DQiTPvirQ/UR6Fosoy7PI/AAAAAAAAJV4/bssQE8L8q2A/s1600/Taxi+to+Square+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2DQiTPvirQ/UR6Fosoy7PI/AAAAAAAAJV4/bssQE8L8q2A/s640/Taxi+to+Square+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macau City Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2iMyuv9sdY/UR6F4xH1BaI/AAAAAAAAJWA/-zOl-0N_ax0/s1600/Taxi+to+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2iMyuv9sdY/UR6F4xH1BaI/AAAAAAAAJWA/-zOl-0N_ax0/s640/Taxi+to+Square.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Passing the ornate and colorful Lisboa Casino<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmrYFK3i95c/UR6GfEgdVmI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/BhC0M0BDFW4/s1600/Macau+Casinos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmrYFK3i95c/UR6GfEgdVmI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/BhC0M0BDFW4/s640/Macau+Casinos.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Macau has an interesting mixture of old and new buildings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgw_12miiBY/UR6GQoJUYrI/AAAAAAAAJWI/a5OKQDLt65E/s1600/To+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgw_12miiBY/UR6GQoJUYrI/AAAAAAAAJWI/a5OKQDLt65E/s640/To+Square.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The taxi dropped us near Largo de Senado which is in the heart of the historic area. This location is known as Senate Square and is accented by an assortment of baroque buildings surrounding the beautiful black and white mosaic pavers.<br />
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The area more closely resembles Europe than Asia. It was very festive with the Christmas decorations. It must look very pretty at night.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oXmfzYJFYo/UR6G5x_zSiI/AAAAAAAAJWY/BM_BfrZ6zd8/s1600/Senado+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oXmfzYJFYo/UR6G5x_zSiI/AAAAAAAAJWY/BM_BfrZ6zd8/s640/Senado+Square.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senado Square with Leal Senado and Santa Casa da Misericordia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X_EvzsxmOU/UR6HJa2boAI/AAAAAAAAJWg/BH_m4F1V7dY/s1600/Macau+Xmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X_EvzsxmOU/UR6HJa2boAI/AAAAAAAAJWg/BH_m4F1V7dY/s640/Macau+Xmas.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Across the square is the Santa Casa de Misericordia (Holy House of Mercy) or as my mother referred to it, the "house of misery". Her translation was a bit off! This mission was established by the first Bishop in Macau in 1569. It was modeled after one of the oldest and most prominent charitable organizations in Portugal. It is responsible for Macau's first western style medical clinic and several other social welfare organizations still in existence.<br />
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One of the original roles of the House of Mercy was to provide support for orphans and widows of sailors who died at sea. The majestic white facade represents a simple elegance and sense of tranquility. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONQuC2AOkOU/UR6HQlVdqSI/AAAAAAAAJWo/V6bnyTzdN0I/s1600/Miscercordia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONQuC2AOkOU/UR6HQlVdqSI/AAAAAAAAJWo/V6bnyTzdN0I/s640/Miscercordia.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Continuing on our walk we next approached the Igreja de Sao Domingos otherwise known as St. Dominic's Church.<br />
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<b>St. Dominic's Church</b><br />
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This 18th century building is said to be one of Macau's best preserved colonial baroque structures.<br />
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St. Dominic's Church was founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco, Mexico. It was here that the first Portuguese newspaper was printed on Chinese soil, <i>A Abelha da China</i>, the Chinese Bee on September 12, 1822.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOzzfPwokIo/UR6HWxuDlxI/AAAAAAAAJWw/r9hrhCBWo0A/s1600/Dominic+Church+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOzzfPwokIo/UR6HWxuDlxI/AAAAAAAAJWw/r9hrhCBWo0A/s640/Dominic+Church+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of tourists in front of St. Dominic's Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Chinese roof tiles, timber and large shuttered windows provide an understated charm. Intricate white plastered ornaments and mouldings on the church facade contrast with the yellow walls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9YWOPDlgfA/UR6HdCqv5cI/AAAAAAAAJW4/4x8XjBe-puM/s1600/Dominic+Church+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9YWOPDlgfA/UR6HdCqv5cI/AAAAAAAAJW4/4x8XjBe-puM/s640/Dominic+Church+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The interior of the church is impressive with carved stucco and a stone altar. There were services going on during our visit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEkgpgvp52A/UR6HjvhlDII/AAAAAAAAJXA/h9b3ylZQbVQ/s1600/Dominic+Church+Inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEkgpgvp52A/UR6HjvhlDII/AAAAAAAAJXA/h9b3ylZQbVQ/s640/Dominic+Church+Inside.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We continued our walk down the crowded streets of the Rua de San Antonio. This is a very busy shopping street! It was challenging to walk leisurely together and not get crushed. It was unbelievable!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfxqK9jfWsY/UR6v4_BWk_I/AAAAAAAAJYY/HPKl-NEnmHE/s1600/Macau+busy+street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfxqK9jfWsY/UR6v4_BWk_I/AAAAAAAAJYY/HPKl-NEnmHE/s640/Macau+busy+street.JPG" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very crowded streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We continued down the street with wall to wall people.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y9sgQcZzvQ/UR6wUmpjSgI/AAAAAAAAJYg/MHNy2JmE4CM/s1600/St+Paul+Walking+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y9sgQcZzvQ/UR6wUmpjSgI/AAAAAAAAJYg/MHNy2JmE4CM/s640/St+Paul+Walking+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The throng of tourists is walking toward St. Paul's Church.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAOspIqmDXw/UR6wioeHjTI/AAAAAAAAJYo/-Y9W3hskBiM/s1600/St+Paul+Walking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAOspIqmDXw/UR6wioeHjTI/AAAAAAAAJYo/-Y9W3hskBiM/s640/St+Paul+Walking.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Macau has no shortage of bakeries selling the yummy Portuguese tarts. This is the Choi Heong Yuen Bakery. I had read about the Lord Stowe Bakery but this one was new to me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufGw05eD7HA/UR6xI9eZQmI/AAAAAAAAJY4/bnpgMDcPA0E/s1600/Bakery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufGw05eD7HA/UR6xI9eZQmI/AAAAAAAAJY4/bnpgMDcPA0E/s640/Bakery.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portuguese Tart Bakery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tarts were 6 dollars each and came in a little paper bag. These were just okay and were not even a close second to the ones we had at the famous Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon. I thought this one was too "eggy" but my mother who actually does not like eggs thought it was delicious!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--i_J7pXxe8M/UR6xROYYo6I/AAAAAAAAJZA/nJgHWcKWH8k/s1600/Tarts+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--i_J7pXxe8M/UR6xROYYo6I/AAAAAAAAJZA/nJgHWcKWH8k/s640/Tarts+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg Tarts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another popular treat on this street seemed to be peanut brittle. There were several vendors selling it along the street.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOs_pWmJQ70/UR6xf58DzOI/AAAAAAAAJZI/a63Lei4zQV4/s1600/Peanut+Brittle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOs_pWmJQ70/UR6xf58DzOI/AAAAAAAAJZI/a63Lei4zQV4/s640/Peanut+Brittle.JPG" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut Brittle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The view of St. Paul's is captivating and we continued down the street.<br />
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<b>Ruins of St. Paul's Church</b><br />
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The Ruins of St. Paul include the original church built from 1602 - 1640 and the college next to it.<br />
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At Rua de Sao Paulo is the base of Macau's most well known historic monument, the facade of St. Paul's Church. It was destroyed by fire in 1601 and again in 1835. The classical baroque facade was crafted by Japanese Christians from Nagasaki.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3frLudBOAE/UR6x0NvVsmI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/bTzgLsIfbDk/s1600/St+Paul+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3frLudBOAE/UR6x0NvVsmI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/bTzgLsIfbDk/s640/St+Paul+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macau's "Acropolis"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Almost there!<br />
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The view of the ruins was spectacular. My mother decided to wait at the bottom of the steps and did not venture up. Once at the top I could go to the museum and the Fortaleza de Monte. This fort was constructed in the 17th century and houses the Macau Museum. I had to pass on this as I didn't think she would be that patient if I was gone more than 20 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vgac24xGCE/UR6x-_1cmCI/AAAAAAAAJZY/DYd_UOJfdzs/s1600/St+Paul+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vgac24xGCE/UR6x-_1cmCI/AAAAAAAAJZY/DYd_UOJfdzs/s640/St+Paul+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although it is just a facade, it was very impressive. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxDqeZzCy8U/UR6yIIwz7kI/AAAAAAAAJZg/VYoAWlUwbgE/s1600/St+Paul+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxDqeZzCy8U/UR6yIIwz7kI/AAAAAAAAJZg/VYoAWlUwbgE/s640/St+Paul+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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On the other side is the museum and fortress. You can also see the excavations of the ruins.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wkJkb6-LPg/UR6ygHrBLPI/AAAAAAAAJZo/eE-limynvKM/s1600/Museum+Fortress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wkJkb6-LPg/UR6ygHrBLPI/AAAAAAAAJZo/eE-limynvKM/s640/Museum+Fortress.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBlgjY6ki-U/UR6y2k4OAEI/AAAAAAAAJZw/Y--701faQzA/s1600/St+Paul+Escavation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBlgjY6ki-U/UR6y2k4OAEI/AAAAAAAAJZw/Y--701faQzA/s640/St+Paul+Escavation.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More ruins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is the view of the city facing back down from the church.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Gxf8frLzI/UR6zbVcUQbI/AAAAAAAAJaA/Hi5WZeQXbmc/s1600/St+Paul+steps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Gxf8frLzI/UR6zbVcUQbI/AAAAAAAAJaA/Hi5WZeQXbmc/s640/St+Paul+steps.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This lady on the step was carrying her dog as if it was a baby!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVF7Z0wHYcI/UR6zBWNgTvI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/n-QXPcmQJsc/s1600/Lady+and+dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVF7Z0wHYcI/UR6zBWNgTvI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/n-QXPcmQJsc/s640/Lady+and+dog.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I diverted my attention back to the church. The sculptured motifs of the building include biblical images, mythological representations, Chinese characters. Japanese chrysanthemums, a Portuguese ship, several nautical motifs, Chinese lions, bronze statues with images of the founding Jesuit saints and other influences from Europe, China and other parts or Asia.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXUljwnw-KA/UR6zn2ioIDI/AAAAAAAAJaI/WZyreKq48qM/s1600/St+Paul+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXUljwnw-KA/UR6zn2ioIDI/AAAAAAAAJaI/WZyreKq48qM/s640/St+Paul+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was now time to come back down<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbEt4DjMT0/UR6z0fiE1XI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/VBWvEy0sMFQ/s1600/St+Paul+coming+down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbEt4DjMT0/UR6z0fiE1XI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/VBWvEy0sMFQ/s640/St+Paul+coming+down.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once at the base and reunited with my mother, we were approached by some school girls to answer a short questionnaire about visiting Macau. This was so they could practice their English. The girl on the left asked all the questions and her English was pretty good. They did have the ubiquitous "do you think "Macau" is <i>funny</i>, instead of fun. I crossed out the last three letters and explained what the word should be.<br />
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They also took photos of us as documentation that they met us and completed their assignment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jy1uWm6dCQ/UR60B6Uy43I/AAAAAAAAJaY/ZiXMm2NtYEg/s1600/School+girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jy1uWm6dCQ/UR60B6Uy43I/AAAAAAAAJaY/ZiXMm2NtYEg/s640/School+girls.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Optically challenged Macanese school girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My mother refused to go back along the street the way we came with the wall-to-wall tourists so we went in the opposite direction. I had no idea where we were headed or would end up but it was a lot less crowded.<br />
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We met this couple and their dog as they came up the stairs. The dog is very cute! I am amazed how many dogs get carried around Asia.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXPbDv-WeHI/UR60OSz_76I/AAAAAAAAJag/B4jszkA_ucc/s1600/Whire+puppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXPbDv-WeHI/UR60OSz_76I/AAAAAAAAJag/B4jszkA_ucc/s640/Whire+puppy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was some more shopping as we continued down the street. This fish shop is called Tai O Fish Maw Shop. Doesn't make me too hungry! If your thing is dried fish, then you would be in luck!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKCcWlKN0fg/UR60U4qXd0I/AAAAAAAAJao/j-l8vA2PGNw/s1600/Fish+Shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKCcWlKN0fg/UR60U4qXd0I/AAAAAAAAJao/j-l8vA2PGNw/s640/Fish+Shop.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tai O Fish Maw Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We also passed a pharmacy selling traditional Chinese medicine. I was thinking about going inside and asking what I should take for my cold but was worried I might be given Flying Squirrel Dung or some other weird concoction.<br />
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I looked up this medicine later and it is very popular for treating strokes. I also read that it contains arsenic and mercury. Yikes! Good thing I did not buy any.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEmiIPOCW-A/UR60gBbyL_I/AAAAAAAAJaw/ab1_20HIYh4/s1600/Medicine+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEmiIPOCW-A/UR60gBbyL_I/AAAAAAAAJaw/ab1_20HIYh4/s640/Medicine+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice packaging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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More Chinese medicine in the window. Wonder if they just sell a normal decongestant?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ZblWsD0WY/UR60nK2dF8I/AAAAAAAAJa4/g0AQSRvikjo/s1600/Medicine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ZblWsD0WY/UR60nK2dF8I/AAAAAAAAJa4/g0AQSRvikjo/s640/Medicine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We came to this interesting alley with this nicely restored pink building. They were also working on the one next door.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egAq7Lk14aQ/UR60tuHPc1I/AAAAAAAAJbA/c6BJ_PAF5pg/s1600/Alley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egAq7Lk14aQ/UR60tuHPc1I/AAAAAAAAJbA/c6BJ_PAF5pg/s640/Alley.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The alley backs up to St. Paul's Church which you can see behind it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sHmEQlgKvA/UR60zpakZ5I/AAAAAAAAJbI/W2uAgLkfXUg/s1600/Alley+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sHmEQlgKvA/UR60zpakZ5I/AAAAAAAAJbI/W2uAgLkfXUg/s640/Alley+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting Macau Alley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were just a few more shops before the most interesting part of the street came to an abrupt end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZV99T8bjF0/UR61IRpkbmI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/xgYCDekFMRA/s1600/Macau+Shopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZV99T8bjF0/UR61IRpkbmI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/xgYCDekFMRA/s640/Macau+Shopping.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The interior of the shop was very interesting. The merchandise was displayed along the sides.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKLpP7Jb4Bc/UR61btXvtCI/AAAAAAAAJbY/RJtr3elnwjM/s1600/Macau+Nice+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKLpP7Jb4Bc/UR61btXvtCI/AAAAAAAAJbY/RJtr3elnwjM/s640/Macau+Nice+shop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We then wandered down the street not knowing at all where we were headed. This building was interesting with all the laundry hanging and apartments above the shops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aqRJdIAgjs/UR7AMWas6tI/AAAAAAAAJc8/iIr705vcr70/s1600/Shopping+Street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aqRJdIAgjs/UR7AMWas6tI/AAAAAAAAJc8/iIr705vcr70/s640/Shopping+Street.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little coffee shop looked intriguing. It was very small but popular.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIrLQvr7U3I/UR6_4xeZyII/AAAAAAAAJc0/Ne0kGj0_dYU/s1600/Macau+cafe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIrLQvr7U3I/UR6_4xeZyII/AAAAAAAAJc0/Ne0kGj0_dYU/s640/Macau+cafe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next restaurant, the Puffin Cafe was absolutely adorable. We had plans to eat elsewhere in Macau but we should have stayed here instead. The menu was posted outside and had some interesting selections, like pumpkin soup. As far as I could tell, they did not sell Puffin!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykhTSWtD3sQ/UR7Ac255qDI/AAAAAAAAJdM/0adigxQCQFA/s1600/Puffin+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykhTSWtD3sQ/UR7Ac255qDI/AAAAAAAAJdM/0adigxQCQFA/s640/Puffin+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This rather elegant shop at the corner caught our eye. A lot of the buildings are rounded instead of straight. Must be a Fung Shui influence. The air conditioners mounted outside seemed unusual.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmvB7rslU-s/UR7AqS2V66I/AAAAAAAAJdU/J00nk7n4g38/s1600/Macau+Dress+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmvB7rslU-s/UR7AqS2V66I/AAAAAAAAJdU/J00nk7n4g38/s640/Macau+Dress+shop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eventually we arrived at St. Anthony's Church.<br />
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<b>St. Anthony's Church</b><br />
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St. Anthony's was the site of Macau's first chapel and was built in 1558 of bamboo and wood. However, the current structure dates to 1940. The church is a two story building with a simple neo-classical facade.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMmzBt4oiQM/UR7Az5yHwNI/AAAAAAAAJdc/mw_DBIAsqgI/s1600/St+Anthony+church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMmzBt4oiQM/UR7Az5yHwNI/AAAAAAAAJdc/mw_DBIAsqgI/s640/St+Anthony+church.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anthony's Church</td></tr>
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This is the plaque in front of the church.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojTLNA9ilNc/UR7A6678fmI/AAAAAAAAJdk/drkhC2UQ4Ig/s1600/St+anthonys+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojTLNA9ilNc/UR7A6678fmI/AAAAAAAAJdk/drkhC2UQ4Ig/s640/St+anthonys+sign.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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By now we<b> </b>were looking for a taxi and an exit from this residential area. However, we saw absolutely no taxis. Even worse, looking at the map I had no idea where we were or what direction we should walk.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIK7JOS80rw/UR7BO9SwrAI/AAAAAAAAJds/I4oZruz_bLo/s1600/Macau+Building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIK7JOS80rw/UR7BO9SwrAI/AAAAAAAAJds/I4oZruz_bLo/s640/Macau+Building.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting apartment building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We went inside a pet store and besides seeing the very cute dogs she was grooming, did not make much progress on getting a taxi. The owner told us to walk down the street in the direction we were already headed toward the hospital. We did that but still did not see any.<br />
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We went inside this building which is the Firehouse Museum to get assistance. There were two people working inside. They told us that a bus would be a better option and told us #8 should be coming by in 15 minutes.<br />
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We stood at the corner looking for the bus but also hoping for a taxi.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3a36fhxYRw/UR7BbFHRKQI/AAAAAAAAJd0/w2BHe5y2MA8/s1600/Firehouse+Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3a36fhxYRw/UR7BbFHRKQI/AAAAAAAAJd0/w2BHe5y2MA8/s640/Firehouse+Museum.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firehouse Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seemed like we were standing here forever but it was probably only 20 minutes. We gave up and started walking down the street. We finally saw a few taxis but they were already occupied. Then bus #8 suddenly whizzed by and I ran after it to the bus stop ahead. When the doors opened I was very disappointed because it was completely packed like a sardine can. Thanks, but no thanks.<br />
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We decided to wait for another bus. Just a few moments later I saw a taxi that looked available! I signaled for it and it pulled over and we got in! We were very happy. I asked the driver to take us to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel where we would have something to eat.<br />
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On the way, the Wynn hotel car passed by.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZdog9uOzcc/UR7BhNsXPlI/AAAAAAAAJd8/cbgHIdb4Xaw/s1600/Wynn+Car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZdog9uOzcc/UR7BhNsXPlI/AAAAAAAAJd8/cbgHIdb4Xaw/s640/Wynn+Car.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wynn Hotel Car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were very close to the Wynn Casino as seen below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67iwh1Fl-XQ/UR7Brob-0SI/AAAAAAAAJeE/tpJDrnoPkbo/s1600/Wynn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67iwh1Fl-XQ/UR7Brob-0SI/AAAAAAAAJeE/tpJDrnoPkbo/s640/Wynn.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wynn Casino Macau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We soon arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I had reserved lunch at their main restaurant. However, we were really late and the restaurant closed at 3:00 pm. It was a dim sum lunch which I was looking forward to and I thought it was open all day. We asked where we could get something to eat and they suggested the MGM Grand which was a 5 minute walk.<br />
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We also asked about taking the ferry directly from Macau back to the airport. However, the manager explained that this is prohibited for passengers going to the US. We also would not be allowed to leave the secured area to get our bags in the left luggage. Glad he explained it to us.<br />
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The manager was so nice and I think he felt sorry for us. He offered to have their hotel car take us back to the ferry terminal so we could return to Hong Kong. It was now past 4:00 pm and that seemed like the sensible thing to do.<br />
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I was disappointed I did not get to see some of the other sights in Macau but I wasn't really up for it. There was no charge for the ride to the ferry which was very nice. We drove down Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and passed some more iconic buildings along the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRMzehCUpvw/UR7CDhkGZ6I/AAAAAAAAJeU/rf31GcONmSg/s1600/Macau+Govt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRMzehCUpvw/UR7CDhkGZ6I/AAAAAAAAJeU/rf31GcONmSg/s640/Macau+Govt.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the Kun Iam statue in front of the Macau Lan Kwai Fong. The bronze statue combines western and Chinese styles. Kun Iam is the goddess of mercy in Chinese Buddhism. The building behind the statue is the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre. Inside is literature about Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt0gUr1HQWs/UR7CZ42bZ1I/AAAAAAAAJec/tdahy4su8GA/s1600/Macau+Statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt0gUr1HQWs/UR7CZ42bZ1I/AAAAAAAAJec/tdahy4su8GA/s640/Macau+Statue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kun Iam Statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Further along the street was this bar and restaurant area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNtelCp5xkU/UR7Cq0hfCyI/AAAAAAAAJek/llev-ZFAHIs/s1600/Near+Fishermans+wharf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNtelCp5xkU/UR7Cq0hfCyI/AAAAAAAAJek/llev-ZFAHIs/s640/Near+Fishermans+wharf.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bars and Restaurants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon we were passing Fisherman's Wharf<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBfGGu8Utjo/UR7C4qPe-2I/AAAAAAAAJes/mUO3jqdLJMU/s1600/Fishermans+wharf+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBfGGu8Utjo/UR7C4qPe-2I/AAAAAAAAJes/mUO3jqdLJMU/s640/Fishermans+wharf+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman's Wharf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is also part of Fisherman's Wharf which is a theme park and opened in 2006. There are 150 stores and restaurants built in the styles of different world seaports. Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice are among them.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jZRcovzX0g/UR7Dj4ARQEI/AAAAAAAAJe0/ZeC3xrnMnlU/s1600/Fishermans+wharf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jZRcovzX0g/UR7Dj4ARQEI/AAAAAAAAJe0/ZeC3xrnMnlU/s640/Fishermans+wharf.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We eventually arrived at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aRcsdCnA0/UR7ENuMsiEI/AAAAAAAAJe8/X7PYdkgLkoE/s1600/Macau+Outer+Ferry+terminal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aRcsdCnA0/UR7ENuMsiEI/AAAAAAAAJe8/X7PYdkgLkoE/s640/Macau+Outer+Ferry+terminal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macau Ferry Terminal</td></tr>
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Once we purchased our tickets we had to again go through passport control. I am glad we left when we did as it was still very crowded. We boarded the ferry except this one was yellow instead of red and we were sitting upstairs in Super class instead of on the same level coming over. This boat also had a bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-pFfWdO4FY/UR7FABoMvPI/AAAAAAAAJfE/NMjW9IAA0hE/s1600/Macau+Ferry+Yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-pFfWdO4FY/UR7FABoMvPI/AAAAAAAAJfE/NMjW9IAA0hE/s640/Macau+Ferry+Yellow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On ferry returning to Hong Kong</td></tr>
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This boat was not as nice. They served a meal but it awful. It was a tuna sandwich with a side of saurkraut. Yuck!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jknFQYuszCI/UR7FH9q0JtI/AAAAAAAAJfM/koofQIj3caw/s1600/Macau+Ferry+snack+Yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jknFQYuszCI/UR7FH9q0JtI/AAAAAAAAJfM/koofQIj3caw/s640/Macau+Ferry+snack+Yellow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am hungry but not THAT hungry!</td></tr>
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The ride back was very rough. We were really being tossed around. I wondered if we would have to turn back. They announced the bar was closing due to the rough seas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFybh0P_f0Q/UR7FflpcskI/AAAAAAAAJfU/ISK1F_SbDyU/s1600/Macau+Ferry+Rough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFybh0P_f0Q/UR7FflpcskI/AAAAAAAAJfU/ISK1F_SbDyU/s640/Macau+Ferry+Rough.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough ride on the return to Hong Kong</td></tr>
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The trip took a bit longer but we made it! Glad it was still light out. We went through passport control for a final time and were happy to be back in Hong Kong.<br />
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We talked about just returning to the airport or going somewhere to have dinner in Central. Our flight will not depart until after midnight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1-tiH2PEtI/UR7F1G3CO4I/AAAAAAAAJfk/SwE4Q6HOEiM/s1600/Arriving+back+HK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1-tiH2PEtI/UR7F1G3CO4I/AAAAAAAAJfk/SwE4Q6HOEiM/s640/Arriving+back+HK.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in Hong Kong</td></tr>
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I had read about the Clipper Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and decided we should head there for either tea or a snack. Obviously I was tired and my cold was getting the better of me. I insisted we walk from the MTR station down the street to get to the hotel. I had studied the map before and knew it was directly down Connaught Road. However, the walk was about 20 minutes and it was getting cold.<br />
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Mother was not so thrilled but we continued on our way. I asked directions a few times to make sure we were heading in the correct direction. At one point I wondered if we should cross the street and walk in the enclosed walkway but decided to just keep going.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHT10292F-c/UR7GKQ444_I/AAAAAAAAJfs/cIBPtNvLLPw/s1600/Walk+toward+Mandarin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHT10292F-c/UR7GKQ444_I/AAAAAAAAJfs/cIBPtNvLLPw/s640/Walk+toward+Mandarin.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the mid level escalators</td></tr>
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We soon could see the Mandarin Oriental sign and were about 5 minutes away. It was so nice to be back in Hong Kong with the less crowded streets compared to Macau!<br />
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Just adjacent to the Mandarin is the Jardine House office tower which was formerly known as Connaught Centre. The building is located at 1 Connaught Place. When it was completed in 1972 it was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaE00xEVics/UR7GYodtPUI/AAAAAAAAJf0/ZbQANwS7dhg/s1600/HK+building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaE00xEVics/UR7GYodtPUI/AAAAAAAAJf0/ZbQANwS7dhg/s640/HK+building.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardine House</td></tr>
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The round windows has earned the building the nickname "The House of a Thousand Arseholes".<br />
Jardine House is situated in front of the General Post Office.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKbUEMmWUg4/UR7GgW7vvaI/AAAAAAAAJf8/rQQqi0bZFEM/s1600/HK+Post+Office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKbUEMmWUg4/UR7GgW7vvaI/AAAAAAAAJf8/rQQqi0bZFEM/s640/HK+Post+Office.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were rewarded from our walk with the gleaming exterior of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h3BQuk-hTY/UR7GpGNIs6I/AAAAAAAAJgE/mPqGdLkmcUw/s1600/Mandarin+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h3BQuk-hTY/UR7GpGNIs6I/AAAAAAAAJgE/mPqGdLkmcUw/s640/Mandarin+Front.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior of Mandarin Oriental Hotel</td></tr>
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There are several excellent restaurants inside but we went to the Clipper Lounge which is somewhat of a Hong Kong institution. We headed up the staircase to the enjoy the timeless elegance. The Clipper Lounge serves breakfast, lunch, a dinner buffet and afternoon tea. I thought we would be having tea but they were now serving dinner.<br />
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We were very hungry so asked for a table without even checking out the buffet in advance. We needn't have worried though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3R7XpzYM6E/UR7GxHoemnI/AAAAAAAAJgM/dJIpaaVHJf8/s1600/Mandarin+Lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3R7XpzYM6E/UR7GxHoemnI/AAAAAAAAJgM/dJIpaaVHJf8/s640/Mandarin+Lobby.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the Mandarin Oriental Lobby</td></tr>
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Once seated we gave our drink order and then went to up to the buffet. It was absolutely amazing! Every night they have an evening buffet. We were told that due to the Christmas holiday some of the items are special during this time of year.<br />
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It was certainly a popular venue! There were lots of tables of not surprisingly young Chinese.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfoNTxdTpLA/UR7G6SoN5ZI/AAAAAAAAJgU/f6frhybrcok/s1600/Mandarin+Clipper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfoNTxdTpLA/UR7G6SoN5ZI/AAAAAAAAJgU/f6frhybrcok/s640/Mandarin+Clipper.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipper Lounge</td></tr>
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I loved the selections on the buffet. The fish and vegetables were scrumptious! The hot items were also fantastic. They even had a tuna nicoise. The hand towel came in a plastic packet that you used scissors to open.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV1jT-ALlxU/UR7HHYvv2iI/AAAAAAAAJgc/STi-VD5UNww/s1600/Mandarin+Meal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV1jT-ALlxU/UR7HHYvv2iI/AAAAAAAAJgc/STi-VD5UNww/s640/Mandarin+Meal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful choices on the dinner buffet</td></tr>
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I also ordered a pot of tea which was nice and big and had a covered handle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2_Ky0nokwA/UR7HUit_IBI/AAAAAAAAJgk/v-u7AFV7lCk/s1600/Mandarin+Tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2_Ky0nokwA/UR7HUit_IBI/AAAAAAAAJgk/v-u7AFV7lCk/s640/Mandarin+Tea.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I went up for a second plate of seafood. I particularly loved the seared salmon which tasted more like eel. Everything was so good!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1Fxxw8dMYI/UR7HbLbz5AI/AAAAAAAAJgs/TL7Qxlm_NZA/s1600/Clipper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1Fxxw8dMYI/UR7HbLbz5AI/AAAAAAAAJgs/TL7Qxlm_NZA/s640/Clipper.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy seafood. The Salmon tasting eel is on the left side of the plate. </td></tr>
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I usually try not to have a big meal before a flight. I tried a lot of items but did not eat too much. Dessert was also fantastic. They had an ice cream and sorbet area plus a nut and chocolate section.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0cHfw6BzJQ/UR7HldB3I0I/AAAAAAAAJg0/Wt8E_Gtt0u0/s1600/Mandarin+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0cHfw6BzJQ/UR7HldB3I0I/AAAAAAAAJg0/Wt8E_Gtt0u0/s640/Mandarin+Dessert.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great desserts</td></tr>
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I took just a few photos of the sushi and buffet area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85LUPFTzC2I/UR7HupNhkNI/AAAAAAAAJg8/ipR1lSAQ-bc/s1600/Mandarin+Sushi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85LUPFTzC2I/UR7HupNhkNI/AAAAAAAAJg8/ipR1lSAQ-bc/s640/Mandarin+Sushi.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sushi looked so fresh and tasted that way too!</td></tr>
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Lots of items to choose from!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pt1DkixwW5Q/UR7H44WivZI/AAAAAAAAJhE/ilmuR35ktd8/s1600/Mandarin+Food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pt1DkixwW5Q/UR7H44WivZI/AAAAAAAAJhE/ilmuR35ktd8/s640/Mandarin+Food.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We both loved the dinner buffet and look forward to coming back again. I would definitely stay at the Mandarin in Central. There is much more to do on Hong Kong Island. Kowloon is okay but we much preferred it over here.<br />
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Now satiated we departed the hotel and walked to the station to take the Airport Express to the airport. The Airport Express station was very close and it was quite convenient.<br />
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We soon arrived back at the airport which was quite striking at night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BjEq_DdFSU/UR7IHeWf7xI/AAAAAAAAJhM/KdYfr3LyRhM/s1600/HK+Airport+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BjEq_DdFSU/UR7IHeWf7xI/AAAAAAAAJhM/KdYfr3LyRhM/s640/HK+Airport+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong International Airport</td></tr>
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Our first stop was the left luggage area where we pickup and paid for our stored luggage. It worked out great! We went through security in no time and then up to the Cathay Pacific lounge to see what it was like. We still had several hours before our flight departed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RZcY71Vnj0/UR7IXNwOfZI/AAAAAAAAJhU/6MPz9N-3YXs/s1600/CX+Lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RZcY71Vnj0/UR7IXNwOfZI/AAAAAAAAJhU/6MPz9N-3YXs/s640/CX+Lounge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the huge Cathay Pacific Lounge</td></tr>
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We decided to take a walk and check out some of the shopping. We went down one level to look at a tea shop to see if they had the tea set my sister wanted me to purchase for her. She bought one here last year but broke one of the cups.<br />
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<b>Fook Ming Tong</b><br />
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Fook Ming Tong is a very nice tea shop that not only sells nice tea sets but have a good selection of loose leaf tea. My sister described her tea set as "blue and white" but gave no other details. I took a few photos hoping that once home, she could order what she wanted from the photos. The company has a website but no photos of their merchandise. Doesn't make any sense to me!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X04Y9BLkoFw/UR7IhCS_bVI/AAAAAAAAJhc/L-CC43X7W0g/s1600/Ming+Tea+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X04Y9BLkoFw/UR7IhCS_bVI/AAAAAAAAJhc/L-CC43X7W0g/s640/Ming+Tea+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fook Ming Tong Tea sets</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KcfjQbMk9E/UR7IpSAzDKI/AAAAAAAAJhk/SL47SCQJZP4/s1600/Ming+Tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KcfjQbMk9E/UR7IpSAzDKI/AAAAAAAAJhk/SL47SCQJZP4/s640/Ming+Tea.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another tea set</td></tr>
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We went back to the Cathay Pacific lounge and took a look around. We did not need any sustenance since we had a fabulous dinner at the Clipper Lounge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwZx8qcUaG0/UR7I7XIIVJI/AAAAAAAAJhs/6PjbINL-62k/s1600/CX+Lounge+Food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwZx8qcUaG0/UR7I7XIIVJI/AAAAAAAAJhs/6PjbINL-62k/s640/CX+Lounge+Food.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathay Pacific dumplings</td></tr>
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The lounge is very big and has several separate areas. It is great so you can sit in a quiet area.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSu9TldoTus/UR7JCmJVXlI/AAAAAAAAJh0/4t2igsV-qRo/s1600/CX+Lounge+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSu9TldoTus/UR7JCmJVXlI/AAAAAAAAJh0/4t2igsV-qRo/s640/CX+Lounge+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We went into a room where there were just about 10 seats and it was very relaxing. There were already a few people there. We soon found out that 4 of them had just completed a cruise on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager to India, Indonesia and East Asia. They were all past Regent cruisers and had a great time. I had to admit that we just completed a cruise on Celebrity which was disappointing. Coming from Regent they didn't seem surprised.<br />
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Both couples were "older" and probably in their late 70's to early 80's. One was flying on our flight to San Francisco and the other was on the earlier flight to Los Angeles.<br />
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We very much enjoyed our conversation with them and learned a little bit about Regent.<br />
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It was not much of a struggle to stay awake until the flight. The couple going to LA departed and soon it was also time for us to head to the gate.<br />
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I was the first person in line for the business section. Very impressed they have separate areas for boarding First, Business and Economy classes.<br />
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My mother is in seat 17A and I am directly behind her in 18A. I very much like the configuration of the business class seats along the windows. There is lots of privacy and the area is a good size.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MF1l2vMcBb4/UR8Ke62L4rI/AAAAAAAAJk8/314Tx6oaVfQ/s1600/CX+Seat+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MF1l2vMcBb4/UR8Ke62L4rI/AAAAAAAAJk8/314Tx6oaVfQ/s400/CX+Seat+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat 18A</td></tr>
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I especially liked the large windows, huge LCD screen and the controls near my seat. I don't think I disliked anything!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_4LVtH39Dw/UR8K9GIaYAI/AAAAAAAAJlE/IfloURtVX0s/s1600/CX+plane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_4LVtH39Dw/UR8K9GIaYAI/AAAAAAAAJlE/IfloURtVX0s/s640/CX+plane.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The size of the screen is quite impressive</td></tr>
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The hand control near the seat also showed the flight duration and how much time had elapsed and the amount of time remaining. It was very useful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BraI276sXtU/UR8LG9VXTqI/AAAAAAAAJlM/uhiZyZPQ4uc/s1600/CX+Seat+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BraI276sXtU/UR8LG9VXTqI/AAAAAAAAJlM/uhiZyZPQ4uc/s640/CX+Seat+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very comfortable seat and great setup</td></tr>
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The large windows were great!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfwKxq_Z438/UR8LM4PRG1I/AAAAAAAAJlU/__r7GoNWwr0/s1600/CX+Large+windows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfwKxq_Z438/UR8LM4PRG1I/AAAAAAAAJlU/__r7GoNWwr0/s640/CX+Large+windows.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We departed right on time. Our flight time is supposed to be 11.5 hours<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3A6WVKVX3A/UR8L9DuNgUI/AAAAAAAAJl8/PKDIpED26K0/s1600/HK+Airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3A6WVKVX3A/UR8L9DuNgUI/AAAAAAAAJl8/PKDIpED26K0/s640/HK+Airport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to depart</td></tr>
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The images on the screen were clear and easy to see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17i6WIexaHU/UR8LzmtOVWI/AAAAAAAAJl0/-pRdMUggz3k/s1600/View+CX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17i6WIexaHU/UR8LzmtOVWI/AAAAAAAAJl0/-pRdMUggz3k/s640/View+CX.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong Takeoff</td></tr>
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The dinner service was started soon after taking off.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg3mIFxvKcU/UR8LjR_R4wI/AAAAAAAAJlk/xTIKAU4rN0w/s1600/Cheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg3mIFxvKcU/UR8LjR_R4wI/AAAAAAAAJlk/xTIKAU4rN0w/s640/Cheese.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cheese and fruit were very good and not too big a serving.<br />
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I had the grilled shrimp which were good but paled in comparison to our items just a few hours earlier at the Mandarin Oriental.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwfbvxw3x9M/UR8LeIXe0AI/AAAAAAAAJlc/0FLa1HyjMyI/s1600/Shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwfbvxw3x9M/UR8LeIXe0AI/AAAAAAAAJlc/0FLa1HyjMyI/s640/Shrimp.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled shrimp<br />
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The seats have lots of privacy. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyFQQg-xKZM/UR8Ls9IzEdI/AAAAAAAAJls/YS4VevFsbUs/s1600/CX+Seat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyFQQg-xKZM/UR8Ls9IzEdI/AAAAAAAAJls/YS4VevFsbUs/s640/CX+Seat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a strong tail wind and made excellent progress! I watched 3 movies and used the rest room about 8 times! That is a record for me. With all the beverages I am consuming plus my cold I have lots of excess fluids!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KrjcZMmUyM/UR8MM9Lk8RI/AAAAAAAAJmE/dFp1YVQnW-Q/s1600/CX+Meal+2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KrjcZMmUyM/UR8MM9Lk8RI/AAAAAAAAJmE/dFp1YVQnW-Q/s640/CX+Meal+2a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit</td></tr>
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Dim Sum snack<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sA3tEuvh8bs/UR8MWTsTAwI/AAAAAAAAJmM/nsijzEi4nSQ/s1600/CX+Meal+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sA3tEuvh8bs/UR8MWTsTAwI/AAAAAAAAJmM/nsijzEi4nSQ/s640/CX+Meal+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum</td></tr>
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One thing I wish I had taken a photo of was the image from the plane's external camera of Tokyo as we flew over. The plane has an external camera which you can view images on the IFE screen. We flew directly over Japan and Tokyo and the view was fantastic! I was watching a movie at the time but when I went back later to check our flight path confirmed that we had flown directly over Tokyo and a lot of eastern Japan.<br />
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The flight went by quickly and we were soon approaching San Francisco.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fI_FXLltW0/UR8Md5ubWmI/AAAAAAAAJmU/wPXEh0To9k0/s1600/Flight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fI_FXLltW0/UR8Md5ubWmI/AAAAAAAAJmU/wPXEh0To9k0/s640/Flight.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching San Francisco</td></tr>
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We landed an hour early! I loved the flight and cannot wait to fly Cathay Pacific again! We cleared customs quickly, grabbed our bags and went to find transportation to our SFO airport hotel. The SFO airport felt like we had not left China. The information person at the ground transportation desk was "very" Chinese and the person monitoring the taxis was also oriental. Being San Francisco I guess that should not be surprising but in some ways it felt like we were still in Hong Kong.<br />
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We took a taxi to the Hilton Bayfront Hotel where we will spend the night. We will depart tomorrow morning for Atlanta and then Florida.27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-91125390311265926442013-02-11T23:27:00.002-05:002013-02-12T18:34:40.606-05:00Day 14 - Hong Kong, ChinaThis may be the first time I am glad a cruise is almost over. Starting from this morning we will have two full days in Hong Kong and then fly home. While trying hard not to sound like a sourpuss or a "gloomy Gertrude", I wanted to portray accurately what is working on this cruise and what is lacking. I am still surprised our Celebrity experience was so disappointing this time around. Nonetheless we enjoyed all our time off the ship in the various ports. This particular itinerary with so many overnights was the main incentive for booking this cruise in the first place. We will spend today in Hong Kong and the second day in Macau before departing for our flight back to the US.<br />
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We arrived in Kowloon as scheduled early on Saturday morning. To say it was foggy would be an understatement! There is nothing wrong with my camera. It is like pea soup - you can hardly see a thing. This is what it looked like from our balcony around 6:00 am.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkpsrv7fSKY/URhJuC6sgfI/AAAAAAAAIq8/TXiFPJ_Pems/s1600/Fog+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkpsrv7fSKY/URhJuC6sgfI/AAAAAAAAIq8/TXiFPJ_Pems/s640/Fog+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very hard to see across the harbor in the early morning</td></tr>
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Fortunately an hour after this photo was taken it looked much better!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13i1VQNwW38/URhKAdG6P_I/AAAAAAAAIrE/zQyr95t8j6M/s1600/Fog+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13i1VQNwW38/URhKAdG6P_I/AAAAAAAAIrE/zQyr95t8j6M/s640/Fog+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can now see Central from our balcony</td></tr>
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Due to my cold and being kind of out of it, we are going to take it easy today and try not to make our sightseeing a marathon sport. Our agenda is to visit a garden, do some shopping and see some of the iconic sites around the city. We will have dinner off the ship too.<br />
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<b>Hong Kong, China</b><br />
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This is my first visit to Hong Kong. My mother was here 30 years ago at the tail end of her mainland China and Yangtze River tour. Hong Kong is designated a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and has a population of 7 million people. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. After the first Opium War of 1839 - 1942 Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire. In 1997 China resumed sovereignty after the lease expired.<br />
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Hong Kong is currently governed under the principle of "one country, two systems". Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy in all areas except foreign relations and military defense. However there was a recent brouhaha over school textbooks. Soon Hong Kong children will be required to use textbooks from mainland China and read about events that may be contradictory. <br />
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As a leading financial center, Hong Kong enjoys great wealth and its citizens have their choice among a plethora of the best of high-end shops. The local economy is dominated by the service sector and accounts for over 90% of GDP.<br />
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Known as a vertical city, 36 of the World's tallest residential buildings are in Hong Kong. It is said that more people live above the 14th floor here than anywhere else on Earth. Framed by the surrounding mountains and Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong's Skyline is arguably regarded as one of the most beautiful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwHSZofDSOc/URmRz-yU8TI/AAAAAAAAI7U/jwLFXgyTS2I/s1600/120px-Hong_Kong_in_Chinese_2_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwHSZofDSOc/URmRz-yU8TI/AAAAAAAAI7U/jwLFXgyTS2I/s320/120px-Hong_Kong_in_Chinese_2_svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong in Chinese</td></tr>
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The literal translation of Hong Kong is "fragrant harbor".<br />
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We went to breakfast on the ship around 8:00 am. I had hoped to be getting an earlier start but as I am under the weather I am also not moving too quickly. I just had tea and a little croissant.<br />
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We walked down the gangway and into the Harborfront Mall which is connected to the Ocean Terminal. You actually have to enter the shopping mall and walk through it to get outside. This area of the mall has very nice children's clothing and accessory stores.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GyhhqzbUhk/URhLgW0v2XI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/wo6BE3dBjPY/s1600/Ocean+Terminal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GyhhqzbUhk/URhLgW0v2XI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/wo6BE3dBjPY/s640/Ocean+Terminal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Terminal Harbour City Shopping Mall</td></tr>
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The mall was not open yet and there was also no one from Celebrity to direct us to the exit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4DdQexQd2c/URhLpcoj_ZI/AAAAAAAAIrY/bnkGHLqXy34/s1600/Ocean+Terminal+Silver+Cross.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4DdQexQd2c/URhLpcoj_ZI/AAAAAAAAIrY/bnkGHLqXy34/s640/Ocean+Terminal+Silver+Cross.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Cross store in the mall</td></tr>
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My twin sister and I shared a Silver Cross carriage when we were babies very similar to the one on the right. It is exactly the same colors too! Ours may have been larger though.<br />
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We emerged outside and made our way to the nearest MTR station to take the train to Diamond Hill. Not being a "city girl" I decided to start our day with the peace and tranquility of the Nan Lian Garden and the Chi Lin Nunnery. We had some difficulty finding the entrance to the MTR station. Once inside we bought tickets from one of the machines. I considered purchasing an Octopus card to save money but we could not find where they were sold. The train tickets are cheap enough so we didn't waste any more time looking. There was also a Hang Seng ATM in the station and I withdrew some local currency.<br />
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We boarded the train at Tsim Sha Tsui heading toward Mong Kok and then we will change trains.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dWXv-SaDM/URhL9Xu9C5I/AAAAAAAAIsY/_rzRWRi24NA/s1600/MRT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dWXv-SaDM/URhL9Xu9C5I/AAAAAAAAIsY/_rzRWRi24NA/s640/MRT.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We changed trains at Mong Kok which was so simple. We just walked across to the other side of the track. It is very easy to tell what station is next and if you are heading in the right direction with the lighted diagram on the train.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G788HUfbqEA/URhMHGEaziI/AAAAAAAAIsg/c5EIK2ytQf8/s1600/MRT+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G788HUfbqEA/URhMHGEaziI/AAAAAAAAIsg/c5EIK2ytQf8/s640/MRT+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) has 10 lines and is the easiest and cheapest means of transportation around Hong Kong. My mother is not a huge believer in public transport but the fact that it is so convenient and inexpensive required little encouragement. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk36STCCJnM/URhMeko-s6I/AAAAAAAAIso/p5h6v2oYmlc/s1600/MRT+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk36STCCJnM/URhMeko-s6I/AAAAAAAAIso/p5h6v2oYmlc/s640/MRT+1.JPG" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very clean Subway train and not busy on a Saturday morning</td></tr>
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The train was spotless. Today is a Saturday and there are not many people about this early in the morning. There were plenty of seats too. We had to change trains from the "red line" Tsuen Wan Line to the "green line" Kwun Tong Line. Almost felt like we were in Boston. Okay, not really but the red line and green line do intersect there too!<br />
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It only took about 15 minutes for the entire subway trip. There were signs when we exited the station and we just turned left and walked past Hollywood Plaza and then about 3 minutes to get to the garden entrance.<br />
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<b>Nan Lian Garden & </b><b>Chi Lin Nunnery</b><br />
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The Nan Lian Garden is located at 60 Fung Tak Road in Diamond Hill, Kowloon.<br />
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The Nan Lian Garden is built in the classical style of the Tang Dynasty. There are hills, rocks, plants, water features and timber structures built in the area of 35,000 square meters. The garden was built by the Chi Lin Nunnery and opened to the public in 2006.<br />
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The ancient philosopher Laozi said "that man learns from the Earth and that the Earth learns from the heavens, the heavens from the Way and the Way from Nature". Man in harmony with nature is a central concept of Chinese philosophy and this is incorporated into Chinese garden design. The Buddhists religion also seeks enlightenment through nature. These ideas have influenced traditional Chinese landscape gardening.<br />
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We spent about 40 minutes walking in the garden before arriving at the Nunnery. The Buddhist pines frame the area with the high rise buildings in the distance. On entering the garden we passed through the Black Lintel Gate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsCGz7iNLGc/URhN1HlcgLI/AAAAAAAAIs0/6yOLDpwOeKg/s1600/Lan+Nian+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsCGz7iNLGc/URhN1HlcgLI/AAAAAAAAIs0/6yOLDpwOeKg/s640/Lan+Nian+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nan Lian Garden</td></tr>
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It is a beautiful garden and also so peaceful. The Pavilion of Absolute Perfection stands in the middle of a pond. The structure is described as a symbol of absolute perfection and fulfillment in all aspects of life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A-KUwSfYN0/URhOAZ58s1I/AAAAAAAAIs8/huAlqThtfyw/s1600/Lan+Nian+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A-KUwSfYN0/URhOAZ58s1I/AAAAAAAAIs8/huAlqThtfyw/s640/Lan+Nian+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion of Absolute Perfection stands in the middle of octagonal lotus pond</td></tr>
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The Nan Lian Garden is a classical Chinese traditional landscaped garden. The Chinese tradition of earth enclosing rocks is adapted to the setting. The path for the garden goes in a circular pattern toward the Nunnery. Myrtle is planted throughout the garden for its beauty and resiliency.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5uOD9lPmII/URhOQlpUQLI/AAAAAAAAItE/fkMB4-ZUEmo/s1600/Lan+Nian+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5uOD9lPmII/URhOQlpUQLI/AAAAAAAAItE/fkMB4-ZUEmo/s640/Lan+Nian+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the Pine Path South</td></tr>
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It was not crowded and it was very relaxing viewing the shrubbery and the buildings. The twin bridges, Zi Bridge and Wu Bridge connect the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection to the north and south shores. The bridges are painted bright rainbow red and are reminiscent of the ancient Tang style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IegSzU2s3kk/URhOiSglrBI/AAAAAAAAIuE/x44yxiusltg/s1600/Lan+Nian+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IegSzU2s3kk/URhOiSglrBI/AAAAAAAAIuE/x44yxiusltg/s640/Lan+Nian+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion of Absolute Perfection</td></tr>
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The plants looked very nice and some looked familiar to what I had seen in Japan. This is the the Pavilion of Chinese Pagoda below. It sits in the Blue Pond and is flanked by cedar and elm trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THtZ66UM9nU/URhO3zK--ZI/AAAAAAAAIuM/wb2thXw-bXU/s1600/Lan+Nian+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THtZ66UM9nU/URhO3zK--ZI/AAAAAAAAIuM/wb2thXw-bXU/s640/Lan+Nian+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion of Chinese Pagoda</td></tr>
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Below is another view of the Blue Pond and the pavilions. The garden closes early on Saturday so we were lucky we came early. Admission is free.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6crs0xrqJQ/URhPHD7xtmI/AAAAAAAAIuU/mPtiwywfxFk/s1600/Lan+Nian+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6crs0xrqJQ/URhPHD7xtmI/AAAAAAAAIuU/mPtiwywfxFk/s640/Lan+Nian+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trees throughout the garden include Buddhist Pine, Japanese Black Pine, Cypress, Pagoda and Common Crape Myrtle. The garden is designed with the intention that one follow a one-way route. The landscaping is based on traditional Chinese techniques such as "borrowing scenes", "concealing scenes", "sheltering scenes" and "penetrating scenes" to create space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3uD_505afiU/URhP5fa6wuI/AAAAAAAAIus/GRJU-9QGms8/s1600/Lan+Nian+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3uD_505afiU/URhP5fa6wuI/AAAAAAAAIus/GRJU-9QGms8/s640/Lan+Nian+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Pine Trees</td></tr>
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Classical Chinese gardens incorporate rocks as the basis of the structure. They represent mountains and it also said the rocks also inspire thoughts on antiquity and time. The flow of the water in the pond inspires a sense of change and space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3dxtQ4lOaw/URhQEn9argI/AAAAAAAAIu0/OayVdCHMa_0/s1600/Lan+Nian+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3dxtQ4lOaw/URhQEn9argI/AAAAAAAAIu0/OayVdCHMa_0/s640/Lan+Nian+15.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden workers walking by a rockery</td></tr>
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This photo looks down at the gold pavilion, the wood trees, timber structure, the water of the pond and the vermilion of the Zi Wu Bridges and the impressive rocks. These are the five elements of traditional Chinese culture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1LDVu_h9nU/URhQQj-BxvI/AAAAAAAAIu8/-48PdC_DK8I/s1600/Lan+Nian+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1LDVu_h9nU/URhQQj-BxvI/AAAAAAAAIu8/-48PdC_DK8I/s640/Lan+Nian+16.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six pairs of miniature bronze lions sit atop the balustrades looking inwards and guarding outward</td></tr>
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This area below is known as Spring Hill. There is a rustic cottage and a watermill. The mill is reminiscent of a traditional Chinese farmhouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ou5Hu0h0SyY/URhQlIX2BfI/AAAAAAAAIvM/dxpiJzPQ9L0/s1600/Lan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ou5Hu0h0SyY/URhQlIX2BfI/AAAAAAAAIvM/dxpiJzPQ9L0/s640/Lan.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area known as Spring Hill</td></tr>
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At the eastern edge of the Blue Pond is the Pavilion Bridge. The double roofed pavilion serves as a bridge and also provides a shady area to enjoy the view. A phoenix adorns to top of the roof.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iw1NGYphow/URhQ4KzqoLI/AAAAAAAAIvU/N1LMg83MjyE/s1600/Nan+Lian+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iw1NGYphow/URhQ4KzqoLI/AAAAAAAAIvU/N1LMg83MjyE/s640/Nan+Lian+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion Bridge</td></tr>
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This watermill wheel was historically used to produce grains.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFzc9YgnH9I/URhROUg6HRI/AAAAAAAAIvc/CheNqLwQpnY/s1600/Nan+Lian+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFzc9YgnH9I/URhROUg6HRI/AAAAAAAAIvc/CheNqLwQpnY/s640/Nan+Lian+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This area of the garden is framed by Sago and Buddhist pines.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dfz4BQwqu4/URhRWmhiFOI/AAAAAAAAIvk/a0m5BkmYX7Y/s1600/Nan+Lian+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dfz4BQwqu4/URhRWmhiFOI/AAAAAAAAIvk/a0m5BkmYX7Y/s640/Nan+Lian+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After exiting the garden we arrived at the Chi Lin Nunnery<br />
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<b>Chi Lin Nunnery</b><br />
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The Chi Lin Nunnery is a large temple complex which was established in 1934 and renovated in Tang dynasty style in 1990. It consists of elegant wooden buildings and treasured Buddhist relics. The complex also includes a series of beautiful temples, some with gold, clay or wooden statues representing Sakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattva's. As photos were not permitted inside the temple halls you will have to take my word for it that they were quite beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6w5ta5uxYNY/URhR5e15VQI/AAAAAAAAIv0/t3JKMET21V8/s1600/Chi+Lin+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6w5ta5uxYNY/URhR5e15VQI/AAAAAAAAIv0/t3JKMET21V8/s640/Chi+Lin+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi Lin Nunnery<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">After walking through the first structure we came to main temple buildings. </span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr5lt1-02oQ/URhSD7y78XI/AAAAAAAAIv8/uIR-DyUXbWk/s1600/Chi+Lin+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr5lt1-02oQ/URhSD7y78XI/AAAAAAAAIv8/uIR-DyUXbWk/s640/Chi+Lin+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi Lin Nunnery complex<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The buildings are constructed in the traditional style without the use of a single nail. </span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvPeTPNQEzg/URhSk1gTvcI/AAAAAAAAIwE/XeToRzKyPEg/s1600/Chi+Lin+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvPeTPNQEzg/URhSk1gTvcI/AAAAAAAAIwE/XeToRzKyPEg/s640/Chi+Lin+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The buildings are magnificently accented by stunning lotus ponds. The lotus is significant in Chinese garden design because it grows in muddy water and yet rises above it in pristine purity. The lotus grows upright and undistracted and signifies serenity, tranquility, joy and peace. The stem of the lotus is symbolic in Buddhist thought as it is hollow and receptive to revelation and enlightenment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsANLcsXG4g/URhTBbY6ZVI/AAAAAAAAIwU/Etw8PlZrIPc/s1600/Chi+Lin+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsANLcsXG4g/URhTBbY6ZVI/AAAAAAAAIwU/Etw8PlZrIPc/s640/Chi+Lin+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Lotus Pond</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4R3ico5uuI/URhTNxxjBNI/AAAAAAAAIwc/sBYrV8n8ydA/s1600/Chi+Lin+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4R3ico5uuI/URhTNxxjBNI/AAAAAAAAIwc/sBYrV8n8ydA/s640/Chi+Lin+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The lotus ponds were very beautiful and enhanced the peaceful surroundings.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-qLDNWfUE/URhTjmSZ1mI/AAAAAAAAIws/UJvEi5znAYQ/s1600/Chi+Lin+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-qLDNWfUE/URhTjmSZ1mI/AAAAAAAAIws/UJvEi5znAYQ/s640/Chi+Lin+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We very much enjoyed our serene visit and we were lucky that it was not crowded.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd2Dh2qOl-o/URhT4tWyE2I/AAAAAAAAIw0/SP1kFrY2OfM/s1600/Chi+Lin+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd2Dh2qOl-o/URhT4tWyE2I/AAAAAAAAIw0/SP1kFrY2OfM/s640/Chi+Lin+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was able to take a few photos as long as I did not look at the Buddhas in the temples.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-eSqKwWsic/URhUOC5ZlDI/AAAAAAAAIw8/318r64ACPFc/s1600/Chi+Lin+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-eSqKwWsic/URhUOC5ZlDI/AAAAAAAAIw8/318r64ACPFc/s640/Chi+Lin+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a very impressive complex even though it was not old.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epqzbTdxUMU/URhUbz6xeKI/AAAAAAAAIxE/yT5LQCumeMo/s1600/Chi+Lin+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epqzbTdxUMU/URhUbz6xeKI/AAAAAAAAIxE/yT5LQCumeMo/s640/Chi+Lin+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBjk_qJYI3I/URhUkeqrrZI/AAAAAAAAIxM/LEnfdNjn-Vs/s1600/Chi+Lin+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBjk_qJYI3I/URhUkeqrrZI/AAAAAAAAIxM/LEnfdNjn-Vs/s640/Chi+Lin+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi Lin Nunnery</td></tr>
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Before departing we stopped to use the public restroom. It was squat style but also immaculate. One of the nicest squat toilets I have seen.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iUPGmDMi-c/URhRni4x1qI/AAAAAAAAIvs/UPM-fvQLP4M/s1600/Chi+Lin+Nunnery+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iUPGmDMi-c/URhRni4x1qI/AAAAAAAAIvs/UPM-fvQLP4M/s640/Chi+Lin+Nunnery+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The complex has a vegetarian restaurant and next to that a large gift shop. The shop was very nice. I purchased some silk fold up boxes as gifts. They came in 3 different sizes. The also sold some nice looking tea sets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfi-8Kxhe9c/URnKr72PkNI/AAAAAAAAJM8/iOM51gduK2Q/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfi-8Kxhe9c/URnKr72PkNI/AAAAAAAAJM8/iOM51gduK2Q/s400/IMG_3317.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk folding box</td></tr>
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We departed the area for the MTR and our next stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1286VWpAeVw/URhUylbK2pI/AAAAAAAAIxU/FPF4QRGnP3o/s1600/Chi+Lin+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1286VWpAeVw/URhUylbK2pI/AAAAAAAAIxU/FPF4QRGnP3o/s640/Chi+Lin+14.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the garden</td></tr>
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We walked back the way we came and took the MTR back to Tsim Sha Tsui for sightseeing. A year ago my sister complained excessively on how dirty Hong Kong appeared to her. She spent a week here for her fiance's family reunion in 2011. All we heard about was all the garbage she saw. Apparently they must somehow have heard her complaints and decided to take action because so far we have not seen any garbage and the city is very clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaohlRySjC8/URnK-ca-XTI/AAAAAAAAJNE/Q1tu1W58n9E/s1600/Central+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaohlRySjC8/URnK-ca-XTI/AAAAAAAAJNE/Q1tu1W58n9E/s640/Central+view.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping in Kowloon</td></tr>
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We exited the station and walked toward The Peninsula Hotel.<br />
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I read about some stores in the shopping arcade so we went to have a look. The shopping arcade is in the basement of the hotel but you can access it from the outside too. It is on two levels and is much larger and nicer than I imagined. My mother liked a store called Kinji that was Japanese and sold very beautiful silk and cashmere scarves and clothing. She took a card but did not make a purchase. They also have a store at the Hong Kong airport.<br />
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I fell immediately in love with the Peninsula chocolate store! It sparkled and looked more like a jewelry store. It was so nicely setup.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZChfgZrfhR8/URhVbH5WcXI/AAAAAAAAIxc/TpY-xIulGEQ/s1600/Chocolate+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZChfgZrfhR8/URhVbH5WcXI/AAAAAAAAIxc/TpY-xIulGEQ/s640/Chocolate+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peninsula Chocolate Shop</td></tr>
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I love chocolate so this was a little bit of heaven to me! I think the chocolates here are more expensive than the ones we had in Brussels.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hjdpKlaSa0/URhVk4P7yzI/AAAAAAAAIxk/ly0d0lvhGKE/s1600/Chocolate+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hjdpKlaSa0/URhVk4P7yzI/AAAAAAAAIxk/ly0d0lvhGKE/s640/Chocolate+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant Chocolate Display</td></tr>
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I would have loved to purchase a big box but we each made the more sensible decision and selected 3 each of the individual chocolates in the large glass case in the front. I had 3 different kinds: lavender, passion fruit and kumquat. They were all delicious!<br />
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Wish I could have purchased this box!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGCeE3pmD5o/URhV7-kUo2I/AAAAAAAAIxs/6qXK5Nr2dU4/s1600/Chocolate+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGCeE3pmD5o/URhV7-kUo2I/AAAAAAAAIxs/6qXK5Nr2dU4/s640/Chocolate+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box of 36 chocolate pieces is 1,250 HKD. That is equivalent to $250.00 USD!</td></tr>
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Instead I also purchased a small box of chocolates and a little Peninsula bear. It must be my cold because I really didn't need the bear. It was cute but I should have just bought more chocolate!<br />
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My box of chocolates is a lot smaller!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ_WshzvQeE/URnLRVjdfAI/AAAAAAAAJNM/FgSvDUpVeK4/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ_WshzvQeE/URnLRVjdfAI/AAAAAAAAJNM/FgSvDUpVeK4/s640/IMG_3315.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small box of chocolates and Peninsula Bear</td></tr>
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We exited the arcade into the iconic Peninsula Hotel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYUSjxPK1_8/URlq_QJWbEI/AAAAAAAAIy8/wbIbQ1s1p-0/s1600/Pen+Exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYUSjxPK1_8/URlq_QJWbEI/AAAAAAAAIy8/wbIbQ1s1p-0/s640/Pen+Exterior.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peninsula Hotel </td></tr>
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My expectation was that the hotel would be very stuffy and also quite busy with lots of security. It actually was a lot more relaxed and inviting than one would have thought. The lobby was busy with people having tea but I did not feel like we were intruding or being interlopers. I think the hotel has their fair share of visitors so they are used to it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORZDRqDm7pw/URlq4xy-DMI/AAAAAAAAIy0/N2eJ8Z7MkB0/s1600/Pen+Lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORZDRqDm7pw/URlq4xy-DMI/AAAAAAAAIy0/N2eJ8Z7MkB0/s640/Pen+Lobby.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peninsula Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I snapped a few photos quickly in case that was frowned upon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MILEmK8ijY/URlrL-G3YqI/AAAAAAAAIzE/54oA27F59bg/s1600/Pen+Lobby+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MILEmK8ijY/URlrL-G3YqI/AAAAAAAAIzE/54oA27F59bg/s640/Pen+Lobby+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful lobby with musicians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The ceiling was very intricate and interesting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsoo755LNvY/URlrWSY8arI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ktkMMiL0Xm8/s1600/Pen+Ceiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsoo755LNvY/URlrWSY8arI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ktkMMiL0Xm8/s640/Pen+Ceiling.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not venture up to the Graff store.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx2PvZXPZTU/URlrjli4nbI/AAAAAAAAIzU/FaXd0yp02-Q/s1600/Pen+Graaf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx2PvZXPZTU/URlrjli4nbI/AAAAAAAAIzU/FaXd0yp02-Q/s640/Pen+Graaf.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graff Store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mother was doing pretty well with the walking today but I knew I was going to "lose" her soon if I did not step up the shopping part of our day. We went by Heritage 1881 and then headed toward the Star Ferry to go to Central.<br />
<br />
<b>Heritage 1881 </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9rtumf0Zfw/URls8DoAiCI/AAAAAAAAIzg/3A7h2FW1lY4/s1600/Heritage+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9rtumf0Zfw/URls8DoAiCI/AAAAAAAAIzg/3A7h2FW1lY4/s640/Heritage+02.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heritage 1881 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Christmas decorations were in abundance and added to the festive spirit. We passed the huge teddy bear where a Psy look-alike was having his photo taken by his chauffeur? Everyone else was in line to take their photos too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQxHeO4E7VE/URluWILsh1I/AAAAAAAAI0w/wC0vO3nc_mM/s1600/Heritage+1881+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQxHeO4E7VE/URluWILsh1I/AAAAAAAAI0w/wC0vO3nc_mM/s640/Heritage+1881+day.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Psy" getting his photo with the bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hard to believe all these people want their photos taken.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBtN0tV20GQ/URluLmPBwXI/AAAAAAAAI0o/mJToiWjHhAw/s1600/Heritage+1881+day+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBtN0tV20GQ/URluLmPBwXI/AAAAAAAAI0o/mJToiWjHhAw/s640/Heritage+1881+day+01.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gangman Style at Heritage 1881</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was very happy that there were not masses of people walking around and that Hong Kong was not the crazy concrete jungle I had imagined. Of course we are still in Kowloon and perhaps my perspective will change once we arrive in Central. Kowloon was very cosmopolitan and extremely walking friendly.<br />
<br />
There were a couple of stores I wanted to see in Kowloon. We first went to Chow Tai Fook which was established in Mainland China in 1929. They currently have over 1700 locations. We first looked in the window. Then we ventured inside.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuq0LyDzyyI/URmb2OwZsuI/AAAAAAAAI8g/KuKZe43QTY0/s1600/Chow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuq0LyDzyyI/URmb2OwZsuI/AAAAAAAAI8g/KuKZe43QTY0/s640/Chow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapphires</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They also sell Jade. There was a sign that they were having a sale so we decided to have a look.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY4df1BNF3I/URmcDlqHueI/AAAAAAAAI8o/BJmN0QylKKA/s1600/Chow+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY4df1BNF3I/URmcDlqHueI/AAAAAAAAI8o/BJmN0QylKKA/s640/Chow+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade or Jadeite?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was hard to tell the prices in HKD as they seemed too cheap. We then discovered that the ones with gold were priced per gold ounce and then you had to multiply. Turned out to be much more expensive than we originally thought. The items were very nice though. If I was in the need for jewelry I would certainly consider buying here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BocLaPWgMBA/URmeySZjDII/AAAAAAAAI90/rYb4emvKe4U/s1600/Chow+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BocLaPWgMBA/URmeySZjDII/AAAAAAAAI90/rYb4emvKe4U/s640/Chow+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother admiring the Chow Tai Fook merchandise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The store was very interesting and there was no "hard sell". Apparently they have plenty of buyers.<br />
<br />
Our next stop was just down the street and right near the Star Ferry at the corner of Salisbury Road.<br />
<br />
<b>Chinese Arts & Crafts </b><br />
<br />
Chinese Arts & Crafts was established in 1959 and specializes in jadeite and other high quality handicrafts. The jadeite carvings in the window were very impressive! The name of the store is so basic and does not do justice to the amazing items found inside. Some of the jewelry was especially stunning.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5l9xdOX8Rs/URlxAzeqTTI/AAAAAAAAI20/dvVtDukX3nk/s1600/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5l9xdOX8Rs/URlxAzeqTTI/AAAAAAAAI20/dvVtDukX3nk/s640/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved Jadeite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zez4pK0LSp0/URlxM5KmqwI/AAAAAAAAI28/Nk5L6C5jw7s/s1600/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zez4pK0LSp0/URlxM5KmqwI/AAAAAAAAI28/Nk5L6C5jw7s/s640/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+2.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />
The merchandise is not cheap. Photos are not allowed but I used my phone for a few. This necklace was very beautiful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPKWWw4K8lU/URlxbjSe1yI/AAAAAAAAI3E/uoxyJ03ldNs/s1600/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPKWWw4K8lU/URlxbjSe1yI/AAAAAAAAI3E/uoxyJ03ldNs/s640/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They had a good selection of jadeite jewelry...with prices!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H79_baNAcOg/URlxoFjsJnI/AAAAAAAAI3M/tECtp3B-sOI/s1600/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H79_baNAcOg/URlxoFjsJnI/AAAAAAAAI3M/tECtp3B-sOI/s640/Chinese+Arts+and+Crafts+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jadeite on display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were people buying and business seemed to be quite good. Hong Kong is in many ways a cash society. Plunking down a wad of cash did not seem to faze these shoppers. We really enjoyed this store but sadly did not make any purchases. In addition to the 4 Chinese Arts & Crafts shops in Hong Kong they also have a handful of stores in mainland China.<br />
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Surprisingly we walked away from Kowloon bag free except for my little items from the Nan Lian Garden and the Peninsula chocolates + bear. The Star Ferry was just in front of us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqLlIY-YcX0/URmvwkJpnnI/AAAAAAAAJEE/3H46k5ybzeg/s1600/Near+Star+Ferry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqLlIY-YcX0/URmvwkJpnnI/AAAAAAAAJEE/3H46k5ybzeg/s640/Near+Star+Ferry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Star Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also noticed this area right next to the ferry for quitting the Chinese Communist Party. Good luck with that!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7COoxNObEA/URmwDzASBbI/AAAAAAAAJEM/qfaUZ09Vll8/s1600/Near+Ferry+Quit+CP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7COoxNObEA/URmwDzASBbI/AAAAAAAAJEM/qfaUZ09Vll8/s640/Near+Ferry+Quit+CP.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too many people willing to quite the Chinese Communist Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ferry was very easy to get to and actually seemed faster than the subway. They have different lines for the Octopus card or the regular tokens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyjpEn8pxJc/URlyn6bz2BI/AAAAAAAAI3c/ssaSEj9r3GM/s1600/Star+Ferry+Terminal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyjpEn8pxJc/URlyn6bz2BI/AAAAAAAAI3c/ssaSEj9r3GM/s640/Star+Ferry+Terminal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Star Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are two decks on the ferry and we easily spotted the sign for the top deck. It is just a little bit more expensive for the top but you get a much better view. The ticket machine for the tokens is very easy to use or you can use your Octopus card if you have one for a discount.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM8RZY2avIE/URlyxXyhBMI/AAAAAAAAI3k/YupkZzZe10Q/s1600/Star+Ferry+Tickets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM8RZY2avIE/URlyxXyhBMI/AAAAAAAAI3k/YupkZzZe10Q/s640/Star+Ferry+Tickets.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Ferry Ticket Machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got our tokens and walked right onto the ferry. The seats are bench style and it was just a short 7 minutes to cross to Central. The weather now is very nice with bright blue skies and radiant sunshine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNXnF2IJ_nI/URlzO4mHXaI/AAAAAAAAI3s/A0_IvZL9Ydc/s1600/Star+Ferry+Boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNXnF2IJ_nI/URlzO4mHXaI/AAAAAAAAI3s/A0_IvZL9Ydc/s640/Star+Ferry+Boat.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Star Ferry crossing to Central</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ride was pleasant but not all that thrilling. We could see the Millennium docked as we departed the terminal in Kowloon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jf-3bH_gaCs/URlzyh4UdnI/AAAAAAAAI30/1ntwL_l7wws/s1600/Leaving+Kowloon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jf-3bH_gaCs/URlzyh4UdnI/AAAAAAAAI30/1ntwL_l7wws/s640/Leaving+Kowloon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Kowloon on the Star Ferry. View of Kowloon and the Millennium. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Below are some more buildings in Kowloon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2KyFatDBCU/URl0IyNOriI/AAAAAAAAI38/uJwXy7pcu-o/s1600/Leaving+Kowloon+00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2KyFatDBCU/URl0IyNOriI/AAAAAAAAI38/uJwXy7pcu-o/s640/Leaving+Kowloon+00.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Kowloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was able to get some nice photos of Central as we crossed Victoria Harbor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46s1jJQvvHY/URrLf3f5N7I/AAAAAAAAJQU/aDWWG9kx2m0/s1600/Central+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46s1jJQvvHY/URrLf3f5N7I/AAAAAAAAJQU/aDWWG9kx2m0/s640/Central+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The amount of buildings and how densely packed they are is amazing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNVZKhhQi_I/URl0vubb13I/AAAAAAAAI4M/ASV2qRRARTQ/s1600/Arriving+Central+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNVZKhhQi_I/URl0vubb13I/AAAAAAAAI4M/ASV2qRRARTQ/s640/Arriving+Central+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving on Hong Kong Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We departed the ferry and still in need of some retail therapy headed to the IFC mall and Lane Crawford. Unfortunately we found it very difficult to get to the mall.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUD98PMRh4Y/URmjbt9jf0I/AAAAAAAAI_g/jo0LjQv-tFA/s1600/IFC+Building+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUD98PMRh4Y/URmjbt9jf0I/AAAAAAAAI_g/jo0LjQv-tFA/s640/IFC+Building+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 IFC Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a huge construction site directly in front of it. We ended up walking precariously down a twisting narrow road hoping the cars would see us from behind.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeGseY0--7Q/URmjsHUIqII/AAAAAAAAI_o/ntes1axl30Q/s1600/IFC+and+Bank+of+China.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeGseY0--7Q/URmjsHUIqII/AAAAAAAAI_o/ntes1axl30Q/s640/IFC+and+Bank+of+China.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 IFC and the I.M. Pei Bank of China building in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wish I had known about the construction. I probably would have skipped this stop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q58zz8G5b34/URmkDgPJrPI/AAAAAAAAI_w/aTPfeKU1JmA/s1600/IFC+Construction+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q58zz8G5b34/URmkDgPJrPI/AAAAAAAAI_w/aTPfeKU1JmA/s640/IFC+Construction+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder what they are building?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally managed to get to the other side after 10 agonizing minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omD8NbJERq4/URrHlaNuPUI/AAAAAAAAJPA/FpYOPf8KiF8/s1600/Back+at+IFC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omD8NbJERq4/URrHlaNuPUI/AAAAAAAAJPA/FpYOPf8KiF8/s640/Back+at+IFC.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>IFC Mall</b><br />
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The IFC (International Finance Centre) consists of two towers, One IFC (39 stories) and Two IFC (88 stories). The 4 story mall at Two IFC also contains a Four Seasons Hotel. Two IFC is the second tallest building in Hong Kong and the 8th tallest in the world.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-ki4vvTbD0/URmkcqp1iHI/AAAAAAAAI_4/DtraI_shb-k/s1600/IFC+Reindeer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-ki4vvTbD0/URmkcqp1iHI/AAAAAAAAI_4/DtraI_shb-k/s640/IFC+Reindeer.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atrium of the mall has reindeer</td></tr>
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This fashion mecca overlooks the harbor and has 100 stores of diverse interest. The mall is one of the newest and nicest in Hong Kong. It is beautiful place to shop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pczbQnEWjU/URnCDVtWfmI/AAAAAAAAJLo/V3FTir-H2nk/s1600/IFC+building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pczbQnEWjU/URnCDVtWfmI/AAAAAAAAJLo/V3FTir-H2nk/s640/IFC+building.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IFC Mall</td></tr>
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We went to the Lane Crawford store. There were lots of young people in the mall. Most of the shopper appeared to be in the early to mid twenties.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5E1EGUEwcUI/URl7baXBEDI/AAAAAAAAI6A/xAwAfAwgQOY/s1600/IFC+Lane+Crawford.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5E1EGUEwcUI/URl7baXBEDI/AAAAAAAAI6A/xAwAfAwgQOY/s640/IFC+Lane+Crawford.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to Lane Crawford in the IFC Mall</td></tr>
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Lane Crawford was huge and did not disappoint. The shoe department was quite impressive. We looked around for about 20 minutes but unfortunately our stomachs were grumbling by now so we planned to return after we had something to eat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEAthTDW6rc/URl7wKKcj7I/AAAAAAAAI6I/9Wi0xXGg568/s1600/IFC+Lane+Crawford+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEAthTDW6rc/URl7wKKcj7I/AAAAAAAAI6I/9Wi0xXGg568/s640/IFC+Lane+Crawford+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Lane Crawford</td></tr>
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I read about a restaurant in the mall called Isola. They have western food and you can sit on the terrace outside and enjoy the view. We asked directions twice and finally found it.<br />
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<b>Isola</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-qlaTSeJgY/URmiE_mbgiI/AAAAAAAAI_I/WYbUZh67pJc/s1600/IFC+Isola+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-qlaTSeJgY/URmiE_mbgiI/AAAAAAAAI_I/WYbUZh67pJc/s640/IFC+Isola+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isola at IFC Mall</td></tr>
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However, this turned out to be not such a good choice. After we were seated we waited 10 minutes to order a margarita pizza and then nothing came for an additional 20 minutes, not even our drinks. My mother due to the walking was desperate for a glass of wine and I had ordered tea. We were about to give up when the pizza arrived. It was so disappointing! It was a flabby tasteless impersonation of a pizza.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCjQblpfLds/URl7IRyTYdI/AAAAAAAAI54/zrmOY0DSKn0/s1600/IFC+Isola+Pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCjQblpfLds/URl7IRyTYdI/AAAAAAAAI54/zrmOY0DSKn0/s640/IFC+Isola+Pizza.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad tasteless pizza</td></tr>
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We ate the pizza but were still hungry. We did not want to order anything else though. Our drinks still had not arrived. The view was also not so inspiring. We looked out on the construction site and could see across to Kowloon and even to the Celebrity Millennium.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H01b4OwNO2g/URminpKAWxI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/tbjkMk_zNi4/s1600/IFC+Construction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H01b4OwNO2g/URminpKAWxI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/tbjkMk_zNi4/s640/IFC+Construction.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction site in front of IFC and looking at Kowloon</td></tr>
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We soon determined that it was time to get our bill and leave. We were in a bad mood by now and decided to get out of the mall entirely. We walked to the Four Seasons Hotel and grabbed a taxi. Our destination was Hollywood Road.<br />
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<b>Hollywood Road</b><br />
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Hollywood Road is home to numerous trinket and antiques shops. It was the second road to be built when the colony was originally founded. More than 100 years ago Hollywood Road was very close to the coastline. In those days, merchants and sailors would unload the antiques and artifacts they collected from China for sale here on their way back to Europe.<br />
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Although known primarily for its antique shops, there are now many contemporary galleries opened on Hollywood Road.<br />
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The taxi ride took only about 10 minutes. I asked to be dropped at the top at 1 Hollywood Road and then we would work our way back. This area is near the mid level escalators.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shLA0jrvwP4/URmw5t0O1VI/AAAAAAAAJEY/RW3sXj3Oi5s/s1600/Mid+Level+Escalator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shLA0jrvwP4/URmw5t0O1VI/AAAAAAAAJEY/RW3sXj3Oi5s/s640/Mid+Level+Escalator.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6f8H_WimVoU/URmofQBpS4I/AAAAAAAAJBE/U8VHYYEhsiM/s1600/Hollywood+Road+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6f8H_WimVoU/URmofQBpS4I/AAAAAAAAJBE/U8VHYYEhsiM/s640/Hollywood+Road+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hollywood Road</td></tr>
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There were lots of antique shops and they were quite interesting. Items looked like the "real McCoy" and we enjoyed the window shopping very much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGUPIi-gpQo/URmovUBBM6I/AAAAAAAAJBM/WHHsUwQfCAg/s1600/Hollywood+Road+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGUPIi-gpQo/URmovUBBM6I/AAAAAAAAJBM/WHHsUwQfCAg/s640/Hollywood+Road+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see us in the window getting ready for a photo</td></tr>
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It would have been so much better to come here first and not have wasted time at the IFC mall. When we saw the NY pizza restaurant I was really mad at myself! This is Paisano's and it is from New York! They have several locations in Hong Kong. The pizza looked very good!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5x3wZMqlROw/URmpXwXN5JI/AAAAAAAAJBU/Vt_Qpz8bGVs/s1600/Hollywood+Pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5x3wZMqlROw/URmpXwXN5JI/AAAAAAAAJBU/Vt_Qpz8bGVs/s640/Hollywood+Pizza.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paisano's Pizza from NY</td></tr>
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We were still a little hungry and as good as the pizza looked decided to keep walking. The contemporary wave seems to also be popular in Hong Kong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKBxhyNF1_s/URmp8UY5XVI/AAAAAAAAJBc/ZlbZ9HfVIVI/s1600/Hollywood+Road+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKBxhyNF1_s/URmp8UY5XVI/AAAAAAAAJBc/ZlbZ9HfVIVI/s640/Hollywood+Road+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemporary gallery among the antiques</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfkOl7HVWGQ/URmqQ5wiJMI/AAAAAAAAJBk/uoCJmzeFrrw/s1600/Hollywood+Road+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfkOl7HVWGQ/URmqQ5wiJMI/AAAAAAAAJBk/uoCJmzeFrrw/s640/Hollywood+Road+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very cute dog</td></tr>
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I spotted this very cute dog walking its owner down the street. I know the feeling!<br />
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We looked in some stores as well as enjoying the window shopping. Everything looked authentic but it was also hard to tell.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXM0sQvTF5w/URmqrIRNKKI/AAAAAAAAJBs/g--MOeDKUwk/s1600/Hollywood+Road+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXM0sQvTF5w/URmqrIRNKKI/AAAAAAAAJBs/g--MOeDKUwk/s640/Hollywood+Road+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The items were all displayed so nicely. We appreciated their merchandising.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwLgv9L5so0/URmrD9trmZI/AAAAAAAAJB0/mXnU6WAoL88/s1600/Hollywood+Road+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwLgv9L5so0/URmrD9trmZI/AAAAAAAAJB0/mXnU6WAoL88/s640/Hollywood+Road+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the middle of Hollywood Road is the Man Mo Temple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH62uwx7VTQ/URmrTHK2lpI/AAAAAAAAJB8/slSRZgTgORA/s1600/Hollywood+Road+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH62uwx7VTQ/URmrTHK2lpI/AAAAAAAAJB8/slSRZgTgORA/s640/Hollywood+Road+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of the Man Mo Temple</td></tr>
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The Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest and busiest temples in the city. It is dedicated to the God of War and the God of Literature. We just walked by as we have seen quite a few temples on this trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb_LIvf_lNA/URmr4dC0q4I/AAAAAAAAJCE/YlYUYCWcfwA/s1600/Hollywood+Road+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb_LIvf_lNA/URmr4dC0q4I/AAAAAAAAJCE/YlYUYCWcfwA/s640/Hollywood+Road+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of antique shops on busy Hollywood Road</td></tr>
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We were almost at the end of the road. We only had a few more shops left to see. Some of these were the nicest though. I thought this display of these items was great.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKd1X3iA2wA/URmsM5WfMVI/AAAAAAAAJCM/dCQXU8_ANBg/s1600/Hollywood+Road+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKd1X3iA2wA/URmsM5WfMVI/AAAAAAAAJCM/dCQXU8_ANBg/s640/Hollywood+Road+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked everything in this window!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNR2i72Vs0Y/URmsgbo2mUI/AAAAAAAAJCU/MT6LC0VzA5Y/s1600/Hollywood+Road+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNR2i72Vs0Y/URmsgbo2mUI/AAAAAAAAJCU/MT6LC0VzA5Y/s640/Hollywood+Road+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of carved Jadeite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjGap2MU1tk/URmsu6kNl-I/AAAAAAAAJCc/wRZ-E8N20bE/s1600/Hollywood+Road+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjGap2MU1tk/URmsu6kNl-I/AAAAAAAAJCc/wRZ-E8N20bE/s640/Hollywood+Road+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items small enough to fit in my luggage!</td></tr>
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During our walk we also passed by the Press Room restaurant. I had glanced at it in one of my guidebooks. They serve an all day brunch on the weekend. I wish we would have gone there instead of Isola. I am usually much better at planning so I am blaming my cold for my poor judgement and decision making.<br />
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We had a great time looking in the beautiful stores on Hollywood Road. We also were seeing more of the "real Hong Kong" so to speak.<br />
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After about 90 minutes of browsing we took a taxi back to the Star Ferry to return to Kowloon and the ship.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMONEhKP3a0/URnLwMoa3LI/AAAAAAAAJNU/rIlbAaJPBmo/s1600/Star+Ferry+Central.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMONEhKP3a0/URnLwMoa3LI/AAAAAAAAJNU/rIlbAaJPBmo/s640/Star+Ferry+Central.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Ferry Entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NipDvHEZ02k/URmuMG52GOI/AAAAAAAAJCo/NbzhfXG86BM/s1600/Leaving+Central.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NipDvHEZ02k/URmuMG52GOI/AAAAAAAAJCo/NbzhfXG86BM/s640/Leaving+Central.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Central on the Star Ferry</td></tr>
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We had some nice views of Central on the way back.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94NSVchfAAg/URnMClUBL3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/-qWovCRZ5dE/s1600/Central+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94NSVchfAAg/URnMClUBL3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/-qWovCRZ5dE/s640/Central+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Central and returning to Kowloon on the Star Ferry</td></tr>
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We arrived back in Kowloon and the ferry is right next door to the Ocean Terminal so it was quite convenient. The curved building on the right with the Zegna sign is where we will be having dinner tonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc8NFelQMsE/URmu_HnuYOI/AAAAAAAAJD0/yYINBZcQPy4/s1600/Kowloon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc8NFelQMsE/URmu_HnuYOI/AAAAAAAAJD0/yYINBZcQPy4/s640/Kowloon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving back in Kowloon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTr9e4_MEU/URmxP1CzKHI/AAAAAAAAJEg/25ekNVYEItI/s1600/Star+Ferry+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTr9e4_MEU/URmxP1CzKHI/AAAAAAAAJEg/25ekNVYEItI/s640/Star+Ferry+01.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking back to the Ocean Terminal</td></tr>
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The Ocean Cruise Terminal / shopping mall was now VERY crowded. It was so confusing to find our way back to the ship. There were hardly any signs. We met some other Millennium passengers inside the mall also looking for the gangway. We followed them but it was soon obvious after about 5 minutes they did not know how to get there either.<br />
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By trial and error we finally found our way back but it took a good 20 minutes.<br />
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My mother was really tired from our day and disgruntled from trying to find the ship. Except for wandering aimlessly in the mall, I didn't think it was all that strenuous. I had made dinner reservations in advance online at a restaurant called Aqua Tokyo / Aqua Roma. It is located at 1 Peking Road and just a five minute walk from the cruise terminal. However, getting out of the terminal is not so easy so we needed to add 10 more minutes to that.<br />
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Due to the difficulty of getting through the mall and to the ship, mother was saying she did not want to go out to dinner. I had to show her a map and convince her that it was worth it. When I told her she could eat in Blu if she wanted to but I was going out she finally acquiesced.<br />
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We bundled up for our little walk as it was getting cold. It was very easy to get to the restaurant even though it was hard to see the building from the sidewalk. It was just up Canton road and then an immediate right. There were so many people out shopping.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDT6Wnr-do/URmyUA7TqiI/AAAAAAAAJFs/lV9O243D0iI/s1600/Canton+Road+Dior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDT6Wnr-do/URmyUA7TqiI/AAAAAAAAJFs/lV9O243D0iI/s640/Canton+Road+Dior.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of shoppers out at night</td></tr>
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There was even lines in front of Cartier and Dior.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line in front of Cartier</td></tr>
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The young people in Hong Kong definitely have money to burn.<br />
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My mother was trudging along beside me and puffed a sign of relief when we entered the building for 1 Peking Road. You take an escalator up and then an elevator to the 29th Floor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escalator and then the elevator to the 29th floor</td></tr>
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The entry to the restaurant is very beautiful. It is very James Bond like with sliding doors that magically open and close though no one is near them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Aqua Tokyo</td></tr>
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The lightening in the restaurant is rather subdued but that adds to the ambiance. We had a nice table by the window. I had looked at the menu online but as I was not feeling that well had completely forgotten what <i> </i>wanted to order. The menu has Japanese and Italian specialties.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dramatic high ceiling, low lights and lots of glass</td></tr>
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The restaurant noise level was very nice. I was a little worried it would be noisy but that was not the case.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our table by the window</td></tr>
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I thought my mother would order from the Italian section but she surprised me and choose the Black Cod from the Japanese side. The description is similar to the famous Nobu miso black cod but this one sounded even better. I ordered beef which sounded really good too. We had a tempura starter to share.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempura starter</td></tr>
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The tempura was very good and the batter was thin but it could have been a bit crisper. We very much enjoyed the view of the beautiful harbor and the buildings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Heritage 1881 directly below</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kowloon below looking over to Central</td></tr>
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Our main dishes arrived about 15 minutes later. Mother's Black Cod and sea bass is a specialty on the menu.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's seabass looked absolutely delicious!</td></tr>
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She said it was excellent! I am glad she is enjoying a great dinner after our rather dismal lunch.<br />
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My main course was the beef. It was cooked perfectly and was very tender. The sauce that accompanied it also enhanced the flavor.<br />
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I am not usually a big beef eater but the description with the daikon sounded too good to pass up. It was fabulous!<br />
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Hong Kong has a light show on many nights. It was not a requirement for us to be sitting where we could view the light show but we had a great view anyway. We enjoyed the beautiful skyline view of Central. The light show was kind of silly though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light show on Victoria Harbor</td></tr>
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Hong Kong is quite beautiful at night. There was some glare from the windows but I was still able to get some decent photos.<br />
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The show went on for a good 15 - 20 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finale</td></tr>
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We decided to order a dessert to share. We had the chocolate molten cake with pistachio ice cream. It was divine!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrumptious dessert</td></tr>
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I took a few more photos before we departed. If I turned sideways I could see our ship to the right and Hong Kong Island in the distance. You can tell we did not have to walk far to get to the restaurant!<br />
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We had a fantastic meal and greatly enjoyed the view at Aqua Tokyo. It was time to leave and return to the ship for the last time! We walked through the restaurant lobby to the elevator.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby of Aqua Tokyo</td></tr>
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When we arrived outside there were still a lot of people but fewer lines in front of the shops. We stopped to ask at Cartier if there was a special event but were told that they just like to limit how many people come into the store at once.<br />
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I remembered to make a note of the Thai restaurant in the Harborcity shopping mall at the Ocean Terminal so we could find our way home. Once near the Toys R Us it was just a quick walk to the Thai restaurant and then the gangway. Why it is not marked with a sign for the cruise ship or why there are no Celebrity people helping was disappointing but by now, not surprising.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landmark near the Celebrity gangway</td></tr>
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We made it back to our room on the ship. After enjoying the view at dinner, of course the first thing I do when we returned was take more photos from the balcony! I savored the view one last time. Our evening in Hong Kong was a success. I took a couple more photos before going to bed. I think my camera is even tired!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At night from our balcony</td></tr>
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We had a great day in Hong Kong despite some setbacks. Tomorrow we will disembark and then spend the day in Macau. 27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723225864912500315.post-52898928326052362672013-02-07T17:31:00.002-05:002013-02-07T17:31:38.943-05:00Day 13 - Cruising the South China SeaI love sea days! Happy to be back onboard for our last full day on the ship before we arrive in Hong Kong. I think I am going to be a couch potato for most of the day. Reading my Hong Kong guide books and eating seem to be the main (and only!) items on the agenda.<br />
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The weather is very nice and it is about 75 F. It is bright and sunny!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice weather on the way to Hong Kong</td></tr>
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We went to the Oceanview for breakfast instead of Olympic. It is just easier to walk down the stairs on deck 11 and we are on Deck 10 aft in minutes. I did a little better today with my breakfast selections. I had salmon, herring, a chocolate croissant and also added a piece of French Toast on the way back to our table. I even managed to find honey at one of the drink stations for my tea. My cold is getting worse. Besides feeling very tired I am also turning into a faucet with my congestion. I have lots of lozenges. I will do my best today to stay hydrated and perhaps just resting may stall the full onset of this dreadful cold.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty good breakfast</td></tr>
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I liked the French Toast very much! The berries and the whipped cream where on the side and added a lot to the taste of the fluffy bread. Following breakfast Mother decided to go to the Guest Relations desk to change some money to Hong Kong Dollars. I will wait and use the ATM on shore when we arrive there. We also turned in our passports for the last time. It was interesting that our Vietnam landing cards were not collected in Halong Bay. Perhaps since we departed at 10:00 pm no one in the port was interested in working late.<br />
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The Internet has mostly been working fine. Sometimes it is hard to get on but the speed is acceptable. I don't notice any difference between using the wifi in the room and the computers in the iLounge. I checked email this morning since I had not done so for 2 days.<br />
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In addition to working on our itinerary for Hong Kong, I have also been trying to formulate in my mind how I should review the entire cruise. The ports have been great but the service on the ship is sorely lacking. Because we have been loyal Celebrity customers we feel more let down. In our past 5 Celebrity cruises we always felt they provided such great value. With the disappointing food, frazzled staff and poor organization on the ship we will not be sailing with Celebrity for a long time. The cruise fare was very reasonable for two weeks in Southeast Asia but having an unsatisfactory experience on the ship does not make the money we saved worth it. I am glad I splurged on the hotels in all the ports and on our overnight Junk cruise in Halong Bay. Otherwise the entire cruise would have been horrible.<br />
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I was told that many of the crew including those in Blu were redeployed to the Celebrity Reflection before it launched. That could explain why so many people appear to be poorly trained and they just don't "click".<br />
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We had a great cruise on the Celebrity Solstice in May 2011. Now we know there is huge difference between the Solstice-class and Millennium-class ships. They definitely provided a higher level of service on the Solstice. It appears the most well trained and experienced staff are on the Solstice-class ships. I will never sail on a Millennium again no matter the price or itinerary.<br />
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The Captain did make the announcement today regarding the navigational information on our location and cruising speed. We are traveling at 17 knots through the South China Sea. Since we departed Halong Bay, it is only 490 nautical miles travel distance to Hong Kong.<br />
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We took a break from our reading to take a final look in the shops. On the way we passed the line dancing in the Rendezvous Lounge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3sLyuewtPo/URQBEV9_KBI/AAAAAAAAIoE/k6UYhI8wrE0/s1600/Dancing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3sLyuewtPo/URQBEV9_KBI/AAAAAAAAIoE/k6UYhI8wrE0/s400/Dancing.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Solsticized areas of the ship are nice but I still prefer the Solstice class over the Millennium class.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HobGMUHGv0/URQBO21k6gI/AAAAAAAAIoM/3fkpsuZuIHQ/s1600/Bacio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HobGMUHGv0/URQBO21k6gI/AAAAAAAAIoM/3fkpsuZuIHQ/s400/Bacio.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe a Bacio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The spa area on the Solstice class is also significantly nicer. Some people prefer the Thalassotherapy pool on the M class. I don't use it so that is not a draw for me. The Persian Garden on this ship is so depressing. It is just a drab dark room with no windows. On the Solstice they have the heated loungers and the relaxation room with the huge windows at the front of the ship. Millennium just feels old regardless of the upgrades. Might just be my cold clouding my judgement but I also prefer a smaller ship. Sailing with over 2000+ people is okay sometimes but going forward I have appreciated the intimacy on the Crystal Symphony with 900 passengers and the 700 on the R class ships with Oceania. I know these are both come at a higher price point but I appreciate the difference. If anything this cruise has been a good lesson to re-evaluate my cruising priorities.<br />
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I made quite a bit of progress on my notes on this cruise and on the Hong Kong itinerary. It was now lunch time. This is my least favorite meal on the ship. I tried in vain to get something suitable from the Asian station. I was not happy with the result and though I hate to waste food, I went to get a hot dog instead. I should have taken a photo of the hot dog too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJfe4BtkHPo/URPzRckcS9I/AAAAAAAAImc/k_ahkC7AEqo/s1600/Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJfe4BtkHPo/URPzRckcS9I/AAAAAAAAImc/k_ahkC7AEqo/s400/Lunch.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My not so yummy lunch</td></tr>
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After lunch I decided to go back to the Guest Relations desk to change some US money to Hong Kong dollars. I decided I might need the money before I can find an ATM. I waited in line for a while as there were a lot of people questioning their bills. One lady said, "How can my bill be $1100? I only went to the spa 3 times!". Another person in line wanted to know when the lecture on the Opium War was taking place. It was highlighted in the "Celebrity Today" program at the top of the page. However, the time area in the program listed a totally different subject. The passenger was having some difficulty explaining this simple fact to one of the Guest Relations people. He finally succeeded and was just told, "oh they will discuss that topic." I highly doubt he knew whether that was true or not from the 3 seconds he spent asking the question on his radio. The passenger just kind of looked at him blankly too. I don't think he knew whether to believe him either.<br />
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When I got to the front of the line I was told that they did not have any Hong Kong dollars left. They were all gone! They should really put a sign up so we don't waste time standing there.<br />
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Deflated but not defeated I decided to go to the pool area for a little while and relax listening to the poolside banter. It was starting to get rather cloudy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wd5-4AxN_Cw/URP1TCKsPqI/AAAAAAAAImk/LkslusV_rCQ/s1600/Cloudy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wd5-4AxN_Cw/URP1TCKsPqI/AAAAAAAAImk/LkslusV_rCQ/s400/Cloudy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went back to the room and got ready for our last dinner on the ship. Thank goodness! We are eating in Qsine tonight which I am so grateful for. I don't think I could face another dinner in Blu.<br />
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We took the scenic route and rode the elevator down to deck 9 and then took the elevator back up to deck 11 so we did not have to walk outside. The Maitre'd of Qsine was all smiles and very happily greeted us. She is from Serbia and told us a funny story later about how she met her husband back home who is also from Serbia and works on the ship.<br />
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We had a better table tonight than on our prior visit. We were in the back room near the large window. The a/c works much better here and the room is nicer. There was a woman that had her baby here tonight. She ate in Blu last night, also with the baby. The baby cried though most of our dinner in Blu. I felt like crying too so I was sympathetic. However, when he started to squeal in Qsine it was irritating. My mother was very annoyed but I tried to distract her as we made our dinner selections from the iPad menu.<br />
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We could not come to a mutual agreement on the items so we definitely over-ordered. If my mother has something she likes she could order that over and over for every night on the ship. I like to experiment and try different things. So we had to have some of the same items we ordered on our first visit. I added a few new ones too.<br />
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Our waiter was super efficient and understood our predicament. He suggested smaller portions of some of the items which was a great idea. However, we still had too much food!<br />
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We started with the Disco Shrimp. I have read a lot about this dish since Qsine was originally launched.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-gW57szE1o/URP3rlLYrFI/AAAAAAAAIms/mEZ71CJgZr8/s1600/Disco+Shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-gW57szE1o/URP3rlLYrFI/AAAAAAAAIms/mEZ71CJgZr8/s400/Disco+Shrimp.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disco Shrimp</td></tr>
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It was more of a gimmick with the blue light in the bowl. The shrimp were in a type of remoloude sauce. The sauce was too heavy that it was hard to taste the shrimp. It was good just not great.<br />
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Next came the Sushi Lollipops. I debated asking for a smaller portion but thought there were just 3 of each type instead 4. We managed to finish them though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMokFiJf0GU/URP4FoAqCwI/AAAAAAAAIm0/0xTzZXcW0pU/s1600/Sushi+lollipops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMokFiJf0GU/URP4FoAqCwI/AAAAAAAAIm0/0xTzZXcW0pU/s400/Sushi+lollipops.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi Lollipops</td></tr>
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They were just as good the second time around.<br />
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While we were still finishing these the Spring Rolls arrived. There was a vegetarian spring roll and a pork one. We split them in half but I thought the veggie one was better. My mother preferred the pork.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P9TcS51zbc/URP4jNZcbTI/AAAAAAAAIm8/V-0JWfdnt5I/s1600/Spring+Roll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P9TcS51zbc/URP4jNZcbTI/AAAAAAAAIm8/V-0JWfdnt5I/s400/Spring+Roll.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Rolls</td></tr>
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The presentation of the spring rolls was very creative. The sauces were good too.<br />
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Our next dish was the Chitinis. This is an assortment of different Chinese dishes. It included Orange Chicken and Spicy Shrimp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suEMyoZsla0/URP5JShwpeI/AAAAAAAAInE/xx9UKhL2ys0/s1600/Chitini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suEMyoZsla0/URP5JShwpeI/AAAAAAAAInE/xx9UKhL2ys0/s400/Chitini.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chitinis - served in little martini glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Though we asked for a smaller portion there were three pieces of each item in little martini glasses. We probably should not have ordered this dish based solely on how big it was and that we can always have this type of Chinese food anywhere.<br />
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We both were feeling very full by now but we had more dishes yet to come. I told the waiter to cancel the vegetable items I had ordered. We now had "only" two more items.<br />
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My mother had her Painter's Filet again. They served one piece but also with the side items.<br />
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The last item we ordered was the M Favorites. This one is very large and we should of just had this plus maybe one other dish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfTRWKBBFZg/URQBePETQ0I/AAAAAAAAIoU/x9vmGpnQaJs/s1600/M+Fav.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfTRWKBBFZg/URQBePETQ0I/AAAAAAAAIoU/x9vmGpnQaJs/s400/M+Fav.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M's Favorites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The items were mostly Middle Eastern. There was a lot of choice from hummus to lamb chops to a beef dish, salad with feta, kebabs and olives. The assortment was beautifully arranged and all the items were delicious! We tried them all and made a valiant effort to eat what we could. It was a winner and I would definitely order this one again.<br />
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They also come to the tables with a "garden of chocolates". It is very cute.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w04QIFS05Z4/URQC-Vvz1nI/AAAAAAAAIoc/KVI-3qH4KKY/s1600/Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w04QIFS05Z4/URQC-Vvz1nI/AAAAAAAAIoc/KVI-3qH4KKY/s400/Dessert.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests choosing a chocolate dessert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now it was our turn.<br />
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We managed to save room for dessert and both had the Silver Bullet gelato.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzXg5HE7LZM/URQpj1OeDEI/AAAAAAAAIpw/Vxq1eP4Cb7E/s1600/Q1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzXg5HE7LZM/URQpj1OeDEI/AAAAAAAAIpw/Vxq1eP4Cb7E/s400/Q1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother loved her meal in Qsine</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
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We decided to walk off the meal the best we could. Since dinner took over 2 hours we passed on the evening entertainment. We admired the decorations in the lobby again. The dog reminds us of Shadow at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEKrbOyEXQc/URQDU2A2DOI/AAAAAAAAIok/aQS3Ns-QvOc/s1600/Dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEKrbOyEXQc/URQDU2A2DOI/AAAAAAAAIok/aQS3Ns-QvOc/s400/Dog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xmas decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When we returned to the room we had an envelope from our stateroom attendants.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gzOZWx3Nds/URQEhglStFI/AAAAAAAAIos/OJYM38COsiU/s1600/Tip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gzOZWx3Nds/URQEhglStFI/AAAAAAAAIos/OJYM38COsiU/s400/Tip.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip Envelope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We elected not to have the gratuities automatically deducted since we are dining in Blu and off the ship so much. The attendants must be able to find this out because otherwise I don't think we would have this envelope. This works well for us as we can provide a tip for our stewards and tip if we want elsewhere on the ship. Due to our experiences on this cruise, the only tip we will provide is for the stateroom attendants and our waiter in Qsine.<br />
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Tomorrow we are due to arrive at 7:00 am in Hong Kong. We will take our own tour there but return to the ship to sleep for the overnight before disembarking the next day.<br />
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<br />27 Thousand Waveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402505230405605717noreply@blogger.com0