The Queen's Address
Hello all, it’s Jim. (Oh yeah, HM the Queen says hi, too.) All right, so perhaps I have not posted in a timely fashion while touring London and Nice. For those of you who have been here, it’s easy to understand how distracting this place can be (the consumption of large amounts of alcohol notwithstanding).
First of all, I may not be the Queen; however, after staying with John and Jamie, I truly feel like royalty. Our visit to London would never have been the same without them. Their hospitality is beyond gracious and Dan and I are eternally grateful.
Ok, off we go to Nice, France via British Airways. (That’s a whole other blog we don’t have time for.) All I can say about Nice: unbelievable. But what makes a vacation is the company you keep (we love you John and Jamie!). And in a foreign country, that company should collectively be able to compile 3 or 4 vital phrases in French such as, “May I purchase some wine?”, “May I purchase some bread?”, “May I purchase some cheese?”, and “May I purchase more wine?” We did quite well (thanks John!).
A lazy day on the beach with warm tropical sun, crystal blue waters (pictures do the water no justice…it is BLUE), and an acceptable quota of Speedos made the day enchanting. Laying (lying?…whatever…where’s the corkscrew?) on the rocks was quite interesting for those of us used to sand. Afternoon naps would prepare us for dinner. Strolls along quaint streets resulted in devilish delights to tickle the taste buds.
Memorable moments (those not washed down by cheap wine) include: a long worthwhile walk up some very steep stairs and then another set and yet another to gardens and Henri Matisse, a tableside magician who had the skills of Job (from US television series Arrested Development), a tipsy run through Nice to find fireworks (and a bathroom), insanely expensive drinks at a Holiday Inn, a pleasant check in (English speaking!) hostess at the hotel, and sitting on a bed playing rounds of Hearts while having rounds of wine. We now know the difference between a bottles of wine that cost 2 Euro and 5 Euro (and each increment between). But after the third bottle of wine, it really stopped mattering. You do the math.
We did our best to tour, visit and even exist in the French culture. Warning to travelers…go ahead, try to speak French using your high school or college class, just don’t be offended when they correct your pronunciation or they just flip to English. Now, many would say that they hated hearing their beautiful language ripped to shreds by an American accent, however, (in happy Jim land) I like to believe that they want to practice their English and much as we want to practice our French.
I loved Nice, France. And honestly, it surprised me. I was excited when it was planned but had some reservations: language, culture, etc. Prices are very reasonable, people are generally friendly or at the very least, civil. Dare to go off the beaten path. Our best discoveries are when we took an adventure. So put Nice on your travel list. I think it gives you a taste of French culture in a beautiful setting. (Who needs some big tower?)
Alright, on to London.
We stayed at the Ramsburg B & B. Accommodations were impeccable. While London can be expensive, the Ramsburg’s have a way to give you all of London on a budget. Jamie is a walking A to Zed of information. Jamie should have a job as a docent to all of London.
Our first night was recovering from flights and France. We enjoyed a night of Mario Party where you can be the Dreamstar! The next day was our day to visit a pub (although they were NOT airing the Arsenal game…which Jamie deemed a crime). And then it was off to a delicious dinner at Dial, serving tasty bits before our visit to the theater. We howled at the American humor of the show “Avenue Q”, I highly recommend it no matter where you are. The only way to describe it is take “Rent”, smash it together with an adult Sesame Street, and give it the humor of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show.
After the show, we found our way to Soho. Now, I was confused because I though Soho was the name of the area of town. And apparently it was, but it was also the name of the bar where we were trying to meet Jamie’s friends. And it was very chic. We had a good time for while, but then we realized, there was another Bar Soho up the street. Lots of people dressed up from ‘80s (on purpose). It was interesting to see London’s interpretation of 80’s.
Sunday was a day of recovery, needless to say. Some Mario Party, a little football, lots of tele. Okay, on a side note, there are some fascinating things on the tele over here. I thought the “exchange rate” of money was interesting, the “exchange rate” of tv programs is just as interesting. Be sure to compare common shows when you are here.
All right, then the typical tourist stuff begins on Monday. And carries through Tuesday and Wednesday. I guess you can pretty much figure what we saw on the bus tour on Monday. The bus tour was the best deal, be sure to take it and take advantage of it. And the National Gallery is a freebie and a must do. Instead of spending the 14 pounds you would spend to go up in the London Eye, use it on a companion guide to the National Gallery (it’s a souvenir!). Our “ghosts of London” walking tour was okay, but we got to know our tour guide very well and it made for a special memory. Thanks Barry!
Tuesday, Dan and I jumped a train to Windsor Castle (the weekend home of the Queen). It was amazing, especially in August because parts of the castle are only open during August. Now, perhaps I was being presumptuous to bring a suitcase…but it was obvious to me that the State Apartments were not in use. Whatever. And they say those “Qtip” guards are not supposed to break character…who knew they actually guarded things…(that’s okay, they didn’t catch the pea sized rock I took from the pathway!)
We returned home to an incredible meal prepared by Jamie of stuffed peppers.
Wednesday was a tour of the globe, and the Tate Museum. Once again, the free things win. The Tate Museum was stunning. Spend 17 pounds you’d waste elsewhere and get another companion book.
So now, here I sit. Telling you everything we did. But words do no justice to the experience. Make sure to get here if you haven’t. And if you have been here but neglected to go to the art museums, then you need to return. Truly, London is expensive. But it can be cheap and wonderful if you are smart. The most magical moments were sitting and eating homemade sandwiches in Trafalgar Square, having coffee and walking the South Bank, standing in front of any artist you could possibly name and being face to face with their masterpiece.
To share this moment with my love, and my friends has been a life changing experience. To make light of it would be a disservice. The lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes the best things in life are free: friendship, love, art and history. Everything else is just fluff. All you really need is a guidebook, a sense of adventure, and a couple great people. Their names are John and Jamie. We love you.
First of all, I may not be the Queen; however, after staying with John and Jamie, I truly feel like royalty. Our visit to London would never have been the same without them. Their hospitality is beyond gracious and Dan and I are eternally grateful.
Ok, off we go to Nice, France via British Airways. (That’s a whole other blog we don’t have time for.) All I can say about Nice: unbelievable. But what makes a vacation is the company you keep (we love you John and Jamie!). And in a foreign country, that company should collectively be able to compile 3 or 4 vital phrases in French such as, “May I purchase some wine?”, “May I purchase some bread?”, “May I purchase some cheese?”, and “May I purchase more wine?” We did quite well (thanks John!).
A lazy day on the beach with warm tropical sun, crystal blue waters (pictures do the water no justice…it is BLUE), and an acceptable quota of Speedos made the day enchanting. Laying (lying?…whatever…where’s the corkscrew?) on the rocks was quite interesting for those of us used to sand. Afternoon naps would prepare us for dinner. Strolls along quaint streets resulted in devilish delights to tickle the taste buds.
Memorable moments (those not washed down by cheap wine) include: a long worthwhile walk up some very steep stairs and then another set and yet another to gardens and Henri Matisse, a tableside magician who had the skills of Job (from US television series Arrested Development), a tipsy run through Nice to find fireworks (and a bathroom), insanely expensive drinks at a Holiday Inn, a pleasant check in (English speaking!) hostess at the hotel, and sitting on a bed playing rounds of Hearts while having rounds of wine. We now know the difference between a bottles of wine that cost 2 Euro and 5 Euro (and each increment between). But after the third bottle of wine, it really stopped mattering. You do the math.
We did our best to tour, visit and even exist in the French culture. Warning to travelers…go ahead, try to speak French using your high school or college class, just don’t be offended when they correct your pronunciation or they just flip to English. Now, many would say that they hated hearing their beautiful language ripped to shreds by an American accent, however, (in happy Jim land) I like to believe that they want to practice their English and much as we want to practice our French.
I loved Nice, France. And honestly, it surprised me. I was excited when it was planned but had some reservations: language, culture, etc. Prices are very reasonable, people are generally friendly or at the very least, civil. Dare to go off the beaten path. Our best discoveries are when we took an adventure. So put Nice on your travel list. I think it gives you a taste of French culture in a beautiful setting. (Who needs some big tower?)
Alright, on to London.
We stayed at the Ramsburg B & B. Accommodations were impeccable. While London can be expensive, the Ramsburg’s have a way to give you all of London on a budget. Jamie is a walking A to Zed of information. Jamie should have a job as a docent to all of London.
Our first night was recovering from flights and France. We enjoyed a night of Mario Party where you can be the Dreamstar! The next day was our day to visit a pub (although they were NOT airing the Arsenal game…which Jamie deemed a crime). And then it was off to a delicious dinner at Dial, serving tasty bits before our visit to the theater. We howled at the American humor of the show “Avenue Q”, I highly recommend it no matter where you are. The only way to describe it is take “Rent”, smash it together with an adult Sesame Street, and give it the humor of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show.
After the show, we found our way to Soho. Now, I was confused because I though Soho was the name of the area of town. And apparently it was, but it was also the name of the bar where we were trying to meet Jamie’s friends. And it was very chic. We had a good time for while, but then we realized, there was another Bar Soho up the street. Lots of people dressed up from ‘80s (on purpose). It was interesting to see London’s interpretation of 80’s.
Sunday was a day of recovery, needless to say. Some Mario Party, a little football, lots of tele. Okay, on a side note, there are some fascinating things on the tele over here. I thought the “exchange rate” of money was interesting, the “exchange rate” of tv programs is just as interesting. Be sure to compare common shows when you are here.
All right, then the typical tourist stuff begins on Monday. And carries through Tuesday and Wednesday. I guess you can pretty much figure what we saw on the bus tour on Monday. The bus tour was the best deal, be sure to take it and take advantage of it. And the National Gallery is a freebie and a must do. Instead of spending the 14 pounds you would spend to go up in the London Eye, use it on a companion guide to the National Gallery (it’s a souvenir!). Our “ghosts of London” walking tour was okay, but we got to know our tour guide very well and it made for a special memory. Thanks Barry!
Tuesday, Dan and I jumped a train to Windsor Castle (the weekend home of the Queen). It was amazing, especially in August because parts of the castle are only open during August. Now, perhaps I was being presumptuous to bring a suitcase…but it was obvious to me that the State Apartments were not in use. Whatever. And they say those “Qtip” guards are not supposed to break character…who knew they actually guarded things…(that’s okay, they didn’t catch the pea sized rock I took from the pathway!)
We returned home to an incredible meal prepared by Jamie of stuffed peppers.
Wednesday was a tour of the globe, and the Tate Museum. Once again, the free things win. The Tate Museum was stunning. Spend 17 pounds you’d waste elsewhere and get another companion book.
So now, here I sit. Telling you everything we did. But words do no justice to the experience. Make sure to get here if you haven’t. And if you have been here but neglected to go to the art museums, then you need to return. Truly, London is expensive. But it can be cheap and wonderful if you are smart. The most magical moments were sitting and eating homemade sandwiches in Trafalgar Square, having coffee and walking the South Bank, standing in front of any artist you could possibly name and being face to face with their masterpiece.
To share this moment with my love, and my friends has been a life changing experience. To make light of it would be a disservice. The lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes the best things in life are free: friendship, love, art and history. Everything else is just fluff. All you really need is a guidebook, a sense of adventure, and a couple great people. Their names are John and Jamie. We love you.
posted by Jamie & John | 9:45 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home