Whitstable

Went to Whitstable a few weeks ago and I guess I forgot to post the pics. Oops. Haha, oh well. Here they are now. It was just a nice relaxing day at the beach trying to escape the stress of everyday life. Its amazing how therapeutic the sound of the ocean and the feel of sand between your toes can be.

Not Much Going On Here

Nothing new to report really, its been a quiet week, spent most of the week with my friend Zaza who headed back to Brunei yesterday. We went to London monday, Whitstable tuesday, wednesday she packed, thursday was a shopping day in Bluewater and Friday was our planned beach trip to Margate which was rained out :( So instead we wandered around Canterbury for a bit, had a coffee then came up to Virginia Woolf and just lounged around for a bit. Saturday was the Summer Ball it took place literallly right outside my window. The music vibrated my entire room, but I had the perfect view of the fireworks show and I have to admit it was highly entertaining watching the people come and go. Some dresses were lovely others, well you get the idea. Girls wearing stillettos (most of which were carrying their shoes by the end of the night and hobbling out of the ball). Snapped a few photos and a video clip or two from my view. Security had a fun time the end of the night trying to keep people in an orderly queue, that was one of the more amusing points of the night. Watching security run to the areas where people moved the fencing to get out.

London Tourist

Spent the day in London yesterday and played the tourist to a T. Took the open top bus that goes around the city and stops at all the main tourist attractions in London, it came with a free boat ride down the river so did that of course then went the London Aquarium. Also went to Hyde park and walked through the gardens and saw the ducks, geese and swans. Stopped at the Princess Diana fountain and put my feet in (the sign told me to). Overall had an amazing time. My friend Zaza went with me. Had a fun time as a tourist in London Town.

Paris In Under 48 Hours

Spent the weekend in Paris and oh what a weekend it was! I saw the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, loads of other things, oh yeah did I mention I went to the Louvre!!!! It was an amazing trip. Spent part of the time wondering if I was even going to survive the taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Paris. The driver when the wrong direction down one way streets, weaved in and out of traffic as if he were a motorcycle and lights might as well have been non existent. Finally made it alive to where I wanted to go then it was off to see the wonders of Paris. Walked around the town and took in a bit of the sights, found a restraunt with English printed in the menus so all was well.
Then began the mad dash to take in all of Paris. Started off with a bus tour of historical Paris sights I saw: the old opera house, Marais district, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, then finally the Cite Island where Notre Dame cathedral is. At the cathedral I walked around and even recorded a bit of the sound of the bells as they chimed. Did you know that each bell has a name? Cool right. Then went on a boat ride down the river to see the sites along the banks. After it was back to the city centre for a bite to eat, then off to the Eiffel tower. That tour started with a boat ride down the river I saw many of the same things I had seen previously on the other boat but with a guide I could understand better I was able to take in more of the history of the locations. After the boat ride it was time for the Eiffel tower. Now I know the tower is big but until you see it in real life you don't realize how bit it really is. It was absolutely amazing to see. Took the life up to the second level and then had a look around at the city below. It was super windy up there and cold but the view was amazing. After having a look around I nipped into the gift shop but soon discovered that everything was far to expensive including post cards so headed for the lift to go back down. Oh while I was in the queue to get into the Eiffel tower this guy came by and told me to hold my pinky out I said know but he asked again and I finally gave in. In about a minute and a half he had made an intricate looking bracelet. It was so cool, his hands were a blur as he made it. When he was done he tied it on my wrist told me to make a wish and if I had any spare change he would appreciate it. I gave him 3 euro, he was amazing I wish I had filmed it. Haha.
After the Eiffel tower it was back to the centre of town and time to find food. Had a nice dinner then waited for it to get dark in order to see the Eiffel tower light up at night. Walked around the park and had a look at the Lourve from the outside just seeing the glass pyramid gave me the chills. Once it was good and dark took some photographs of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc.
I couldn't possibly leave without going to the Lourve so mad dash to the glass pyramid to wait impatiently and excitedly for the gates to open. Once inside checked the board to find out where the Mona Lisa was housed and headed straight for it. Once I had taken in the beauty of Da Vinci's work headed down to the statue area to see the Venice De Milo an equally breath taking work of art. Still have 30 minutes before it was time to catch my ride back to the U.K. so headed for the Egyptian section where I saw the Spinx, then a quick stop at the Greek pottery and then it was time to head back to merry old England.
I could have spent days in the Lourve and still not have taken it all in. I also realize that there is so much to see and do in Paris it takes far longer than a few days to see it. I managed to see a tiny corner of what Paris has to offer and it have definitely left me hungry for more.