Saturday June 18, 2016 Glasgow -Isle of Skye

Day 15 - Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle Of Skye
Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre at Glencoe – ‘Glen of the Weeping'. Pass through Fort William and see Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing onto the Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
Hotel
Dunolie / Kings Arms

OK OK OK ..... YES SCOTLAND IS MAGNIFICENT!

Good morning Scotland. Our stay at the Westerwood was certainly very comfortable, albeit short.. No time to socialise last night with our mates. Home late, and ready to face a big day.

As I write this I had no idea JUST HOW BIG!!

It is Saturday I think, and today we started off with a most lovely brekky in the resort dining room, I really like the fruit selection offered. One can only do so many "cooked brekkys"
Off we go to the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond for ....wait for it..YES ....ANOTHER CRUISE.... #5 now.. Too spoilt 😉  
The one hour cruise was unbelievable. Every moment was spectacular. Warren braved a nasty local beer, and I had a coffee then a nice Pino Grigio, after all it was 7.30 at home..
Our boat was called the Lomond Queen( Wazzas note and I beg to differ.. )
It was peaceful, beautiful and everything we love...water fun and great company!
Onward through Glencoe, and though Linnhe.
Our lunch stop today was at fort William, as there is a dire weather prediction for tomorrow it's decided unanimously we should do our optional Isle of Skye tour tonight. Today we had the most amazing weather...
 Fort William was a bit slow with service, so after a drink at the Great Glen with Barbara, Debbie, Marian and the always funny always gorgeous Jeff we bolted off in pursuit of a coldie for tonight given we are in the boon docks.
At the last gasp I grabbed a roast  roll.. And jumped back on board in the nick of time
All the while battling something I haven't encountered for a zillion years.. The migraine eyes.. If you have had one you know what I am talking about.
Flashes everywhere, couldn't read or see properly. I was so upset. I took a couple of pills, put my sunnies on and asked for Devine intervention.. Today was a special day for me.- A special "mum place"  didn't want to miss a bit!  I got lucky and had just a "dull headache". Very grateful.
 Today was a rough day for most, it was over 12 hours in the bus ..none more so than Liz and Lucky Phil.....great job hearding the sheep.
As I write these notes its12.05 am,  I just peeped out the window and it's still not dark.
OK lunch done, sheep herded and off we go to Commandos Memorial, a magnificent place high on the the hill with the lonely goat heard... Oh no wrong movie!!
I was very excited to know we passed our beautiful grandson Lachlans Loch . I miss you Lachie..
Isle of Skye next to drop our bags and continue onto tomorrow mornings tour, today we had the most splendid weather, tomorrow is not so good apparently. John was our local specialist .. A mixture of funny and well..... Snoring ....
I can't tell you how  12 hours in a bus is so NOT fun... But I love our Liz for ensuring we get to see the best of the best.

She is AMAZING to say the least!
So is Wazza ..this  is what I missed
Loch Lomond is 23 meters long 5 meters wide
630 feet deep and 22 islands.

Friday June 17, 2016 Glasgow Glencoe Isle of Skye

Day 14 - Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow
Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Regional Meal
Hotel
Started our day with a cruise on Lake Windermere, this was an optional excursion. Once again beautiful scenery. On to Waterhead where we met up with our bus. I got to pat a very excited Cavalier ... She was adorable. Made me miss Nellie even more ..
Next stop was Ambleside, there is an Apple Store (no not THAT Apple ) that has been built over a creek, as such, the owners pay no land taxes. It's a hilly but beautiful town. We got a lovely fruit bun to share for smoko from a local bakery.
Passed back through Grassmere.
WELCOME TO SCOTLAND!!!
Lunch stop was at Gretna Green, another place mum spoke fondly of. Once upon a time the local blacksmith married people here often as young as 12!
We got our lunch at the local store, had a drink, took a few photos, listened to a piper, then it was time to hit the road to Glasgow.
And it rained as we got there.... Another highlight for Warren yet one more ABC moment..(another bloody cathedral) ...and a visit to the Necropolis. More than 3000 people buried here, but only 300 head stones.
We were then dropped in Glasgow town for 2 hours free time. More rain, so we stopped in at The Counting Room (Wetherspoons Pub) a truly beautiful old Treasury building. HUGE! Then off to explore town. We found lots of lovely markets, and hello, a Hard Rock Cafe ..... Bubbly time !!!
Co-Op for supplies, and then an included dinner at the Corinthian Casinos very grand dining room. A lovely meal, with 2 drinks thrown in!  More terrible beer for Warren...
Finally after 9 pm we arrived at our hotel, all very weary travellers.
Our room was beautiful, it was sure good to get my feet up. The days are long.
We stayed at the Westerford Golf resort... Excellent ...

But the days are fun filled.

Thursday June 16,2016

Day 13 - Liverpool – Quarry Bank Mill – Lake District
After a leisurely start, visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that brings to life how communities lived together during the Industrial Revolution. Manchester and the surrounding area was involved with textile manufacturing during this period and today's visit will give you a Cultural Insight into life during this important time in British history. Later, make your way north to the idyllic Lake District. Travel along the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried in the village of Grasmere. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
This morning was a very slow start for those of us who went to the Cavern last night.

Very slow

We did an optional tour around Liverpool discovering its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present. Once again, many magnificently different cathedrals. We saw Matthew Street, birthplace of the Beatles, and drove along the Mersey Sound.
Stopped for a photo at Penny Lane.
Left Liverpool at 10 am and travelled onto Quarry Bank Mill, passing Manchester and the turn off to Wigan where one of our cruise friends lives.
We had a couple of hours to explore this mill and the beautiful gardens. Lots of history and lots and lots of stairs. Several school groups were there .. All dressed in period costume. Very cute.
Next we began our drive through the Lakes District. How stunning. 4000 acres of land was donated to the National Parks by Beatrix Potter when she died.
Onto a tiny town called Grassmere where we had afternoon tea and a quick trip to the co-op for some drinks, as our hotel for tonight is out of town, and we are sick of paying the high prices in the hotels.
The hotel in Kendal is called the Castle Green, it's set on acres and acres of land and has a magnificent garden. The rooms and the staff were first class.
Dinner was in the restaurant and was very nice.
Night cap then bed. It was a BIG day.

But a great day!

Wednesday June 12, 2016

Day 12 - Dublin – Chester – Liverpool
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor ‘Rows'. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier – an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Our day began with a 2 hour "cruise" on the Irish Ferry back Jonathan Swift into Wales.
The time we spent in Ireland was wonderful.

Another picturesque journey down to Chester, a wonderful Tudor style town.
We had a guided tour around this very beautiful place. Then free time for lunch.
We stumbled across a pub that was over 400 years old, and is included in the Ghost tours. Legend has it a ghost spooked the man making the sign for the pub he spelt Marlbourgh incorrectly!
Then onto the Off the Wall pub for a cheap feed and a drink before meeting up with the Town Crier, who had me record the fun and games on my "cheap" movie camera!
Next onto Liverpool and The Jury's Inn. Another excellent hotel.
On advice from our friend Cat, we met up with a group and walked (in the rain again) and got lost along the way (again) to the place where the Beatles used to play called the Cavern. We all had the best night! And all agreed it was so worth getting lost and wet. The music and venue were FABULOUS ......

Yet another outstanding day.

Tuesday October 13 or 14 and maybe 2016 Dublin

Day 11 - Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Grafton Street, famous for its street performers, or consider joining an optional experience to the monastic site at Glendalough.
Meal(s)

Today I woke up with a cant be stuffed attitude, so I just fluffed around our room while Warren went to brekky. He Came back with some lovely toast and raspberry jam while I continued to fluff around till all of a sudden it was 8.30 and time for our Guinness tour.
Warrens notes are as follows.
Back in 1759 Mr Guiness signed a 9000 year lease ...the first year was £100 following years it was £49 per year.
They produce 3million pints per day. They are true philanthropists .. They are so generous to all.
The brewery uses 6 million litres of water a day. No shortage here, we got told the other day it rains for 457 days a year!! After today I believe that!
The tour was excellent, apart from the  tasting ... Guinness it terrible, even Warren groaned! Our brothers however were in their element getting everyone's free tickets for a pint up on the 7th floor observation deck. Amazing views of all of Dublin!
Off next to town to spend 2 hours shopping.. But I hadn't got a jacket or my iPad, so we walked home to gather our gear for our afternoon excursion. Liz told me I wouldn't need a coat...WRONG LIZ...VERY VERY WRONG!!
Had a quick stop at Tesco to get lunch and then popped into the Wellington Hotel while we waited for the gang. The delightful Irish publican has surely kissed the Blarney Stone.. And more than once.
Our tour began with the wonderful Adele again at 1 pm, we drove though the most fabulous countyside.
We drove to Lake Glendalough a Monastic 6th century relic. It flogged down rain, but we kept going ... The scenery was fabulous ... There was a Priests Church where all your ailments were cured if you went inside. Tomorrow I will be able to run. ....
No photos to post, as it was too wet to bring out my iPad, I have some good photos on my camera,but they won't play nicely with the iPad to share, so I shared our travel buddies pictures on Facebook.
Just enough time to have a dry off of sorts at Caseys Bar, a magnificent hotel in this divine area before we headed back to Dublin and home...
Thanks Adele, our new Irish friend .  Sensational..
Collected our laundry, gathered up a drink, and home to dry out and prepare for tomorrow's early departure back to the UK.
Happy hour downstairs at our hotel then a small shared snack at William Searsons pub..excellent service, and a grand pub..to be sure...
Home... Pooped..
Back across the Irish Sea on our "cruise ship" tomorrow and we land at Liverpool tomorrow night.
What an adventure.

Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE....

Monday June 13 2016. Belfast to Dublin

Day 10 - Belfast Sightseeing – Dublin (2 Nights)
After an orientation of Belfast, enjoy free time to perhaps explore the Titanic Quarter or shop in the bustling city centre. Later, head south to Dublin where your choice of sightseeing gives you the opportunity to visit the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration or the Little Museum of Dublin. Tonight, perhaps consider an optional experience at an Irish Cabaret.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Mespil

We headed off after another lovely breakfast, everything has been exceptional. Cannot speak highly enough of Trafalgar and our fabulous guide Liz.
We did a drive around town, and dropped several people off at the Titanic museum. We were left at the beautiful city hall for 2 hours free time.
Our first day where the weather was not too kind, overcast and drizzle were the order of the morning!
Wandered around the city, and ended up back at the City Hall where we had morning tea. Not out of a glass... Real morning tea!!
On our way out we signed the book of condolence for the victims of yesterday's atrocity in Orlando.
We are now headed down to Dublin for a 2 night stay.  Time for a snooze.
It's a hard life on the road!!  A very quick snooze, as Liz put a video of Riverdance for us.
The weather is not improving 😩
We arrived at the hotel at 2.15 time for a pit stop before we reboarded our bus to do an orientation tour with the lovely Adele, a beautiful lilting Irish accent!
These are Warrens notes as he wrote them:
River Liffey, 1800 century part of town, gorgeous Georgian houses. St Patrick's Cathedral, now home to the Church of Ireland. It was taken from the Catholics.
Saw the Guiness Brewery, established in 1759, it sits on 64 acres,we have a visit there in the morning.
Next a drive to view the Phoenix Park 1760 acres, way bigger than Central Park. It's home to around 400 wild deer. The US Ambassadors Residence, very much like the White House and then the Irish President's building ... The Irish Prime Minister has to buy his own digs... Huh!
Passed by Temple Bar, and the Clarence Hotel, owned by U2. Homes in Temple Bar start at €6.5 million. None really appealed to me...
Arrived at our hotel at 4 pm, and all of a sudden it's  almost time to meet up with our friends to go our for dinner.
Dinner was at the Wellington Pub. Shared a meal of a irish stew.
It's a huge night in the pubs with Ireland playing Sweden... Lots of green going on here!
Another lovely hotel ... Actually has an ice machine!!
Put a bag of laundry in as we have 2 nights here.
Friends back for a nightcap ... And again, late to bed, and still light!!

Sunday June 12. Letterkenny to Belfast

Day 9 - Letterkenny – Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast
Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Specialist and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant's Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, you will meet your Local Specialist ‘Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of the city in his Black Cab.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Stormont

Today is a very busy day for us, 45 minutes after we got on our coach we arrived at Derry for our guided bus/walking tour, after crossing the border into Northern Ireland, where the Pound is not the same as the other pound if you know what I mean, well I am confused. In my purse I have Aussie dollars, Euros, English Pound and Northern Ireland Pound. I look quite stupid when I stop to make a purchase, then again, I look quite stupid most times!
Our guide Rhonan was a mixture of Chinese and Irish, with a Buddhist mum! He took us on a tour that was sensational to say the least! Rhonan should be classified as a national treasure! I could listen to his voice all day and not get tired of him.
When he first boarded the bus, he said "do not adjust your glasses, you are looking at a Chinese Irishman leprechaun ... We laughed and cried at his stories.
We toured town in the bus hearing the history and looking at murals and places of interest before walking the walls.
Rhonan asked Warren a question, and then asked if he always looked at men that way, Warrens retort was "only when they are weird" quick as a wink Rhonan came back with, says you in bright yellow shorts. Rhonan won that round.
Sadly our escorted tour was over and we had free time to explore what must be the grandest Town Hall ever built. Home to a pipe organ with over 3000 pipes.
We walked across the Peace Bridge and realised how lucky we are to live where we live.
Just near here was the lovely town of Bushmills.
More shades of green, an overcast day, but not at all cold. And the rain came out when we were on the bus!
Next stop was the Giants Causeway, Irelands only UNESCO site. It was a beautiful walk down, but I woosed out and spent the best pound I ever spent catching the bus back while Warren walked up.
We had our usual lunch in a pub called "The Nook" fabulous scenery here again!
We are now on our way to Belfast to take a ride in a black cab to hear more of the political history of this place.
Our Black Cab ride was hysterical, the funniest 2 fellas ever, however what we saw and heard about was unbelievable to us. So much hatred because of religion?? We learned their day of celebration is way bigger than St.Patricks day, they have HUGE Bon fires. They really are pretty crazy up here!!
We finished our tour at the magnificent city hall. Off we went to search for a place for dinner. First stop Crown Pub, a national trust property, and certainly very very ornate!
Photo on Facebook!
Dinner was at Pizza Jazz £8 for a 12 inch pizza and a glass of Prosecco or a pint of beer. Good value, and great service.
Back to the beautiful Stormont Hotel where we had drinks out in the courtyard before retreating inside to watch everyone return home from walks like drowned rats!!
Another fun fun night.

Saturday 11 th June 2016 Galway Donnegal Letterkenney

Day 8 - Galway – Donegal – Letterkenny
This morning enjoy views of Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. Later stop in Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where Lord Mountbatten once lived. Visit Donegal and see the 15th century castle before heading to Letterkenny. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
Hotel


After brekky we had a little scenic tour of Galway, ending up at Eyre Square.
In the 1400's Galway was home to 14 tribes.
We crossed the Wolfetonne Bridge, and had beautiful views of Galway Bay.
Visited the memorial park for sailors, crossed over Stoney River(River Carib)
Went to Finnigans Bar, but they are only doing meals 😭
Checked out Kings Head Bar, at Debbie Smiths advice, they also were not yet open 😳
We were looking at the iPad for Debbie Smiths pub suggestions when a local Irish lady collared us, thinking we were lost.... 20 minutes later we escaped. She sure kissed the Blarney Stone, and more than once!!
Wazzas notes say pub not bloody open, and regarding the Irish Lady, anyone got a rope?? LOL
We left Galway at 10.45
Passed through Tuam, and then entered the County of Mayo. Then through Charlestown, before our lunch stop at Sligo. A large town, and again, really lovely. Never seen so many pubs in my life as these Irish towns have!
We watched a video about Lord Mountbatten. In 1979 the IRA blew up his yacht in Mullaghmore, Lord Mountbatten spent every August at his summer "ranch", sadly he and several others were murdered, one was a 14 year old local lad.
We passed by Queen Maeves tomb, on top of a large hill..
Lunch time at Sligo, we checked out a few eating/beverage stops and ended up at the Fiddlers Inn then the Snug Pub.
Next up a quick stop at Drumcliffe, where the grave of WB Yeates is. (The Irish Shakespere).
Our last stop for the day before Letterkenney was at Donnegal, the home of Daniel O'Donnell, much loved by our mums. His music is lovely.
We stopped into the O'Donnell bar at the beautiful Abbey Hotel before a walk through town.
Our accommodation was once again excellent. Dinner and drinks were part of the package tonight. The. Drinks were on Rose our fellow traveller who has notched up 40 Trafalgar tours! Thanks to the Managing Director of Trafalgar for shouting us a round of bevvies!

June 10,2016 Kenmare to Galway

Day 7 - Kenmare – Limerick – Cliffs Of Moher – Galway
Drive through Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, en route to Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. View King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Arrive later in Galway where you dine at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
Hotel
Connacht/Maldron

We left the hotel at 8am and headed off toward Galway, passing through Nashville, Farranfore,Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, River Ara and had our smoko at Adare, a most beautiful little town, we heard an Irish choir singing, it was absolutely beautiful! We walked along the Main Street, took a few photos, and all too soon we were back on the bus headed to Limerick where we had our lunch stop. Most went in search of Maccas or Subway, naturally not us....we headed off and found the BEST Irish Pub, called Nancy's, sawdust on the floor and all. Jeff and Marian joined us and we had soup and sangers and the compulsory glass of good cheer before once again our bus was calling us!
Before leaving Limerick we had a photo stop at the Treaty Stone (1691), King Johns Castle, (getting to be like the ABC's...another bloody castle!!!) and crossed the very pretty River Shannon.
We continued on the Wild Atlantic Way through Ennistymon, Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher (stunning scenery) Liscannor, where John P Holland invented the submarine, Galway Bay, with views of the Aran Islands. Lisgoruanna, The Burreen Way, Ballyvaughan, Belt Harbor, Kinvarra, Dunguaire , Castle 16th century again!  Then through Ballinderderren, if the spelling is incorrect it's Warrens fault !! ,Kilcoglan, Claredbridge,Oranbeg and finally after a long bus day we arrived at the Connacht Hotel.
This hotel is HUGE, but we have a great room, with a HUGE super comfy bed.
Dinner was included, it was OK, but in a Coles cafeteria style barn, really loud! We had dinner with Lisa and Rod, and Chris and enjoyed a few laughs about the day just gone. We were all pretty knackered today, however after dinner drinks in our room seemed to be the order of the day, while I got my poor cankles up to rest. We had the front seats today, so no time to get them elevated.
Front seat people get "interviewed" it was our turn!
The road was pretty hairy at times, and it's a good thing our coach doesn't have another coat of paint!

Another fantastic day in the Emerald Isle.

Another thousand laughs.

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR OLD MATE RAELENE B. HOPE YOU HAD A FABULOUS BIRTHDAY!!

We spoke to Daniel this morning and Nellie is doing well. His 40th celebrations are underway with his friends from Victoria.

June 9, 2016 Ring of Kerry Excursion

Day 6 - Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the ‘Ring of Kerry'. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographers delight. We will also see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breath-taking beyond words. Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

What a wonderful day we had today. We left early headed toward Killarney and drove through Molls Gap. Moll had a sly grog pub up here years back, and did very well, these days it's a respectable coffee shop. We were admiring the abundant beautiful rhododendron trees, alas they are a noxious weed here.
We had a photo stop at Ladies View to see the upper lake. One of 3 lakes up here.
An optional excursion was on a "jaunting cart" (a horse and buggy) through the National Park, a fabulous experience, our driver was a real character, cracking some funnies along the way! Magnificent scenery all day today!
We had free time in Killarney, Warren got a stubby cooler, and then we went so he could give it a trial run at the Laurels Pub.
On we went to a Killorgan home of the "Puck Fest" a festival that lasts 3 days, and the  pubs are open 24 hours a day.  A young girl has to catch a large goat, and the goat is crowned "King Puck"
Passed Glenbi Village and had a photo stop at Dingle Bay, looking across to Dingle.
These are Warrens notes as we travelled around the Ring of Kerry .
Daniel O'Connell house (ruins) He was the first catholic MP? They had to change the constitution for him. This is n the town of Cahirciveen.
Waterville (a beautiful little town),however we didn't have our lunch break here, instead we went further up the road to queue like sheep for a meal!
Charlie Chaplin spent many holidays a Waterville. There is a statue of him.

Lunch was at Scariff Inn, a restaurant with a magnificent view. We shared an a Irish Stew. Then headed back to a lookout for photos. Lots of people climbing up the side of a Rocky Mountain.
Next stop Sneem, another beautiful town, where we had a half hour stop off. We found Dan Murphys, so we felt compelled to have a drink, sadly the prices were not the same as our Dans!
Back home to Kenmore for a freshen up and get ready for our walk into town with 8 of our friends for dinner. We ended up at Coachmans Inn, where an Irish musician was playing very loudly!
Last drinks at a pub over the road from our hotel, called Caseys. A quartet were playing at a much easier listening volume. The brothers joined in the fun. Another sensational day in a magical part of the world.
Life is grand to be sure to be sure!!

June 8,2016 Waterford, Blarney, Kenmare

June 8, 2016  Waterford, Blarney, Kenmare

Our hotel in Waterford was the Waterford Marina, and was exceptional, very large rooms and in a delightful position right on the waterfront. There was an included dinner that was lovely and an outdoor terrace where we sat and enjoyed the balmy light filled evening, while we had a night cap to top off a simply fabulous day!

This morning after breakfast we went for a walk along the waterfront and admire the lovely properties around us.
Then a quick visit to see a Viking boat Vadrarfjordr ... Means Waterford in Norse apparently... And Reginald  tower circa 1170.
Then off to Waterford Crystal for a tour that was really informative, and makes you realise why their beautiful goods are so expensive.  We saw some fabulous pieces, the vase I wanted was just €13000.00 ... Just a bit too heavy for my suitcase, shame that!!
Some free time before we boarded our bus to take us to Blarney Castle, 2 hours away, dont think I need to miss the Blarney Stone... 😉
We passed through Dunngavan, Blackwater River, town of Youghal, County of York, town of Killeagh, Caewrswood Middleton, and the Jamieson distillery.
We passed by the Island of Covh -immigration island. The last port of the Titanic, at Vork, pop. 120k. Butter and beer are the largest exports. Murphy is the most popular name (who'd a thunk it?? )
We enjoyed a drink at the Muskery Arms Hotel and then a quickie at Blarney Castle Hotel.
Thanks for all your note  taking Wazza....
Blarney and the Castle are set on magnificent grounds, we wandered around for ages, Warren went to try to get to the top of the tower, however the line was huge, and he felt the need for a bevvie!
On to Kenmore following the River Lee.
We arrived about 5.30, another big day, I had a snooze while Warren socialised before our included dinner. The hotel is lovely, still NO BLOODY FRIDGES!!!

June 7, 2016 Cardiff - Waterford

June 7, 2016 Cardiff - Waterford

A real treat this morning, sleep in!! brekky was at 9 am, departure at 10 am, after brekky we went walking for a while before we did a brief overview of Cardiff on our coach with our new driver Greg. We went past the Millennium centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay.  Queen Elizabeth will arrive here at 11.30 from London on the Royal Train, sadly we won't be able to hang around and say g'day... I know she will be shattered.
Off we go, another day, another wonderful adventure. The morning started out very gloomy and overcast, as I type this its 7.40 pm and delightfully sunny and warm!
OK so foo we go Greg at the wheel, Liz on the Mike, and us as happy as pigs in mud!

First stop was Pembroke , home of the Queens corgis. We had a walk around this lovely town, it's very hilly, but after a while my feet began to behave ! We walked along the lagoon walk, saw the BIGGEST EVER SWAN!!  And continued up into town to find the action/toilets/ pubs.. Yes, you get the picture... First pit stop was Old Kings Arms, most likely the oldest pub in the world, with the best Cornish pasties, best meat pies etc. and a very ordinary Sav Blanc!!
More walking back down to the HUGE Pembroke Castle for photos and back for one last roadie at The Castle Inn, they were having renos done, but obliged us with a drink, where Vicki and Max joined us before a sprint back to the bus.

We travelled to Pembroke Port where we boarded the ferry to Ireland..

YES, WE ARE FOING TO IRELAND. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT ...and I image  the ferry crossing will be kind of like a 2 week cruise squashed into a 4 hour cruise.
Our ferry was the Isle of Inishmore, we had 450 pax on, and she holds 1800+ so plenty of room to spread out and have a gathering.
And gather we did. A 4 hour laugh fest .. Started with us two, ended up with about 20.
Such is life.
Met a great lady today named Rose, she has done 40 Trafalgar tours, and is a wonderful wealth of information.  Rose is from Unley well Kings Park smallest suburb in Adelaide. She is awesome!

Well here we are on our way to our Hotel and travelling through the Emerald Isle.

I need the funknwagnels to be more descriptive. Unbelievable beauty.

Just passing through the birthplace of John F Kennedy.

June 6 2016, Plymouth Bath Cardiff

June 6, 2016 Plymouth - Bath - Cardiff

Last night 8 of us went to dinner at the Boat House Cafe down at the Plymouth waterfront. We walked down and back, it was a beautiful evening and we all really enjoyed the walk. Dinner was great, as was the company, and we have been offered a 10% discount for when we return!!

This morning we left at 8 am our first stop will be Glastonbury on our way to Bath.
Wazza has been busy note taking. Liz has been narrating some really interesting stories ..so much history here, very hard to absorb it all. Agatha Christies story was intriguing, she lived in Devon, then through Exeter, which was very heavily bombed by the Germans in 1942. There was the remains of a grand old church, left as it was. War is so BLOODY senseless!
Our smoko stop was Glastonbury, another gorgeous town. We just don't get how old these places are.
King Henry the 8th was born here, the story we heard about him really makes you shake your head, what a scoundrel!
We passed CJ Clarks shoes complex, shoes are now made in India (surprise) however in years past the Clark family (Quakers) built villages for all the staff.
On to Bath we went, first stop was Royal Crescent, then The Circus, and our visit to the Roman Baths, 2000 years old, and a fascinating history lesson for us!
Afterwards we had free time to wander around Bath, what a beautiful place, and the glorious sunshine helped us work up a thirst! We found Sam Wellers Pub had a coldie and then found the "smallest" pub in Bath, The Coeur de Lion Pub. Had a great chat the the barman there, a really jovial fellow!
Left Bath at 2.20 and on to our final destination for the day, Cardiff in Wales!
We crossed the Severn River Bridge, it's 5 kilometres long!
Liz told us lots about the Welsh people and their languages.
Our hotel was at the Park Inn by Radison, right in town, and is a really excellent hotel. However once again, the guests before us stole the fridge!!

Quick refresh before we headed off to dinner at The Duke Of Wellington, with Rod, Lisa Chris and very soon after it seemed half of Wales had joined us for a night of excellent fun, and laughed till we cried. A good meal, at very reasonable prices. I had Welsh Rarebit, bit different to how mum used to make it, but when in Wales...

Back home to bed after another FABULOUS day in a FABULOUS country.

Tomorrow we cross to Ireland. Reckon that could be another laugh or 20!

Cheers till next time xx

June 5, 2016 Cornish excursion

June 5, 2016 Cornish Excursion

I remember mum telling me about the little English roads, with homes right up to the roadside, and how beautiful the countryside is. Once again, mum was right on the money.
Thanks mum for sharing so many of your wonderful travel stories, and giving us to opportunity to see for ourselves the absolute beauty of this Country.

Last nights welcome dinner was held a a beautiful old pub the Rose and Crown 8 miles from where our hotel was in Plymouth. It sure didn't take long to sound like we were at an Aussie barbie, a drink or two, and everyone was in great form. We had a nice meal, and met more of our tour "family" before heading to our hotel to settle in. Liz advised us to,head to the bottle shop/supermarket for supplies before it closed at 8pm.. You know how they say the poms drink warm beer, apparently that's pretty true, as the beer and wine was kept on the shelf! A friendly shop assistant offered us a "large" bag of ice, hmmmm nothing too large about a bag with about 20 ice cubes in it. No chance to pop our bevvies in our room fridge, I think the guests before us pinched it! Oh well down to the hotel bar for a night cap while our drink chilled in the bathroom basin.
There lies another story. Another round of friends and drinks and laughs, before hitting the hay in our room.
We both slept till about 5.40, getting the hang of this time zone maybe!
Breakfast in the dining room after an early morning walk on a lovely sunny Sunday morning before Steve drove us to the Mayflower Steps and the Royal Citadel, where we boarded a cruise boat to Cradon in Cornwall shire. Cornwall has a population of 500,000 but tourists eat their way through 5 million pasties a year. Passed the town where Mick Fleetwood was born in Redruth. Wazza is doing a great job of taking the notes for me once again, if spelling is incorrect blame him!
5/1/1842 the worlds first lift operated by a water wheel, 1794 gas lighting was invented and copper mining began in 1700. We also saw a large obelisk to honour the Duke of Wellington and the battle of Waterloo. The scenery has been so diverse, parts were very familiar to the Dandenongs Nola Stokes... Sensational rhododendrons  .
Stone wall fences, hedge
A real feast for the eyes today.
We stopped for photos at Saint Michaels Mount before our lunch stop at the very pretty seaside town of St Ives. It was crazy busy with seagulls the size of a Doberman ready to steal your Cornish Pasty from your hands. And they were quite aggressive. We wandered around after we got Warrens pasty from Warren bakery (the oldest bakery ..) and fell upon the Sloop Inn established 1312, had a drink in the gorgeous sunshine and watched the world go by before hopping back on the bus for the 2 hour drive back to Plymouth.
There is an optional dinner tonight, but we have declined, instead we will wander back down to town for a walk and a light dinner.

June 4 , 2016 London to Plymouth

Our night in London was great fun, Shirley and Brian are an absolute laugh a minute! We started off with a glass or two at our hotel in the  bar, before we ventured out into,the cold London night to find a real English Pub.
Back to,the Copthorne Tara Hotel as we were both bushed
Not even anytime to post the blog, I was asleep before I hit the pillow.

Till 3 am.
Jet lag SUX!
We went walking the streets at 4.30 am. Our trek took us up Earls Court through Kensington.
London Taxi to the Cumberland  to meet our tour group and get this adventure well and truly under way!

The drive to Salisbury was sensational, rolling green hills, beautiful homes. We arrived about 10 am and visited the Salisbury Cathedral. Poor Wazza I did promise no more ABC days... (Another bloody church). We got to see the Magna Carta which was signed in 1215 by King John. So much history. And a cathedral that allows doggies...YAY!!
Later we wandered this beautiful town through malls and then onto the markets where we got some fresh fruit. It's just like you see in pictures!
We finished up at the Cloisters Hotel, circa 1350.

Next stop a tour of Stonehenge. A well organised self guided tour. Warren got himself a beer from Stonehenge Ales, called Great Busted. Well, it seems it was anything BUT great, but busted possibly describes it better! We had a sandwich for lunch and then had another look around before rejoining our coach to head down toward Plymouth.

Our tour guide Liz is just delightful, and our driver Steve is doing an excellent job negotiating all the tiny wee streets.

We are having a welcome dinner tonight before we head to the Copthorne Hotel for two nights.

We have already made a few new friends, no doubt many more t follow.

So far so good.

Today's weather was at times cold, overcast, foggy, miserable and now SUNNY!! We must be in Melbourne!!!

Till tomorrow ...

Cheers from the UK.

3rd of June Singapore to Heathrow UK

3rd of June  Singapore to Heathrow

Our pick up was right on time at 5.10 am, we had a quick trip to the airport, very little traffic at all and our driver was a much friendlier chap than the grumpy old fart we had last night!
Check in was really smooth, and Lo and behold a Hard Rock Cafe yelled out to us to come for a glass of brekky!!  We shared a meal, and the  time passed Quickly.

We spent over an hour sitting on the plane before we even moved a bees you know what!  All because some you know what goose was sitting In The wrong seat and we missed our place in the queue.

I really need to watch a movie, not the map! 10 hours to go still..😱😱😱😱😱

Last night we walked to Chinatown, found a really nice pub called Luxe, I had a Prosecco and didn't need to sell off a vital organ $14... Bargain, in this city!!  Poor Wazza suffered through a Coopers. I thought of our friend Stu...pretty sure he likes this brew. Then we heard about a bar that sells VB...guess where we will be headed on our return in 6 weeks or so. It's called the Boomerang bar, and it's close to our hotel.
Free wifi at the Furama Riverfront was very good. The room was nice, with a view of the very lovely swimming pool, and complimentary bottled water. (Listen up cruise ship people).

Today's crew on our flight are a lot more stressed than yesterday's, perhaps because we were late getting away, it has an impact on them.

When we drag our sorry swollen feet and broad beams off the plane, we head to our hotel in Kensington, freshen up and have a catch up with some friends we met last year, (he is a plumber) and they live right in the heart of London. Perhaps we will all call in and have tea and scones with HRH, and help her blow out her 90 candles!

Tomorrow our tour begins, a late start, 7am!

Watching the map (again) and we are about to go over Beirut, Istanbul, Karachi ..get the picture here? And the turbulence is pretty horrid.  Have I said I don't like flying ???

I will be happy to put the full stop on this page in just over 10 hours and 1 minute (9 hours 51 minutes now) 👏👏👏👏👏

OK sleeping pill, feel free to kick in right now, before I throw a sharp object at the little kid in front of us who has just chanted "I need a wee daddy" about 6400 times.


FULL STOP .. Yay we made it out!

Day 1

2nd of June 2016

The beginning ..it's where it usually starts.

Note to self : do not look at the map on your screen. We have been in the air for 346 days, and we have not even gone past Darwin... Who moved Darwin.....??? Really, it was never that long before!

Singapore Air are doing a fine job of looking after us, apart from the dreadful Chateau Cardboard Chardy...I managed a couple, but hey, even I draw a line at that gut ripper.
Wazza squealed his way through a Fosters... And went on to vodka quite happily!  We are both now having a vodka and tomato juice, and I am thinking a snooze is on the cards.

The "dinner" at breakfast time was fine, a choice of pork or chicken (obviously not Emirates hey Steve Wotherspoon!)

The service is first class, offering water or juice at least every half hour, and the crew are just lovely.

I am happy we have chosen to have a stop over in Singers, even though we loose precious time in London.

Self just looked at the screen again, we still haven't hit DARWIN!!

Self needs to book these trans everything's on a flippin cruise ship....might be slow, but hey it's loads more fun.

Till we hit Singapore,

Cheers

Spelling and punctuation Nazis please forgive me in advance.

Somewhere down this travelled road, we start out young and then we grow old... We don't care, you and I, we'll cruise together."

Happy Birthday Daniel

We are finally here at Brisbane International Airport, having a glass of good cheer for Daniels 40th birthday. This trip has been over a year in the planning, and a wonderful trip it should be.

We are having a stopover in Singapore, so hopefully some time to get our land legs before the next 13 hours to London, where we get to have a reunion with some fabulous pommies we met on the New Amsterdam last year, Shirley and Brian. They are a laugh a minute, and I am seriously worried about being able to make our departure time for our Trafalgar tour the next morning ....

We had a few very serious fun times. You know what I mean.

Anyway not much else to report yet. The sun is rising, and it will be a very very good day. Another dream coming true.

Thanks for all the good wishes.

Cheers

The 6 day countdown

However our travel agent stuffed our bookings up has me tossed, but she did. We have lost the last day of our Trafalgar tour, and now have one entire day  via two train trips to get our backsides to Amsterdam in order to meet our welcome aboard evening.

Hello World Burpengary don't win a prize, that's for sure. And it's up to us to sort transfers to and fro...
We (travel agent) also have a mucked up arrival into London, instead of a day to take part in tours we have hours to have a snooze... Nothing more.

That is it.. From here on in, it will be smooth sailing and grand friendships along the way

The suitcases are in the front room.

OK they are empty. There is time ...

What next?

Get excited.
Celebrate our sons 40 th birthday
Celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary.

I am not sure how many will follow our blog, but for those of you who care to join in, I hope to engage you in our fun, laughter and frivolity.  Please feel free to comment. .. Only if it's good 😜

For now Cheers till Thursday at BrisVegas Airport where we begin another awesome adventure.

Our Countdown is on again! UK, Ireland Scotland Europe, here we come!

Well this next big adventure begins on our first born sons 40th birthday. Happy Birthday Daniel. Celebrating 40 years of being parents...or something. (More like running away from the party!)
Our trip takes us from Brisbane via a stopover in Singapore to London UK. Our tour goes (hopefully) like this :
Trafalgar Tour 20 days Britain and Ireland Grandeur, 5 countries - England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Belfast.
And then... Eurostar train to Amsterdam to meet AmaStella APT River Cruise 15 day Magnificent Europe -Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.
Home via Singapore for 3 nights.

I hope to be able to keep the blog up to date, as I believe the coaches and the hotels all have wi-fi, let's see just how correct that is hey!
I will post on Facebook when I have made an entry, and if you wish to see what we have been up to, please come along for the ride.
We have had many wonderful adventures, and we are certainly grateful for the opportunity to see what we have seen, there have been some challenges (mostly for Warren dealing with my deathlike grip in foreign countries, climbing places most normal people are smart enough to avoid) foreign languages, foreign currency, what time is it back home questions as we wander the streets when only the brave dare venture out!
Then there has been the never ending search for a VB or a stubby cooler. That's another story. Watch this space for the VB and stubby cooler great World Search!
So, now to pack and prepare ...... Wish us luck

Cheers