Aussies in London 23.06.2007

Saturday

An early bus ride from Bristol to London on the cheap carrier ‘Megabus’ got us to London at around 10am to catch up with some Aussie friends who are in London at the moment.

We first caught up with Anthony and Larissa, who were in London prior to heading off on their Contiki bus tour through Europe.

We met at the tube station near the Globetrotter hostel that we were staying at later that night, and then headed into London central on the tube.

Piccadilly Circus

Red Phone Booth in Chinatown

Australia House

One of the few remaining timber buildings in Central London not burnt down by the great fire.

We decided on a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral first, and walked there from Piccadilly Circus to see the sights on the way. We passed Australia House (jumping shot) on the way but once we arrived at St Paul’s, we were told no entrance all day due to services being held on the Saturday. Quite unusual as it is a tourist mecca, however no entry this weekend. This is the 2nd time we have tried to get in but every time we go past St Paul’s it is always being used for other functions hence we miss out!

We did go to the Gift shop (which of course is always open – how convenient! Note sarcasm), and we timed this well as it started to rain as we entered the building. Upon exiting the rain had gone, and we were left with just an overcast afternoon in London. We walked through the Cathedral’s grounds, and headed for a pub for a drink and some food. Upon finding a pub called ‘the hand and raquet’ we started with one pint of cider, and 4 hours later, and after about 4 pints each and dinner, we decided best to head off while we could still walk in a straight line.

St Paul's Cathedral

That evening we left Anthony and Larissa to have an early night as they were still suffering from jetlag. We then headed on the Tube out towards Hammersmith where we then caught up with Paul (Jungle) and Diana Nicholls, who have just moved to London to work and live (like we did a year ago). They are in a share house and are enjoying things so far, but both looking for more highly paid work.

Jungle mentioned he had a special present, and special indeed it was. My first Coopers Pale Ale in over 9 months. I savoured the first stubbie, and 4 beers later was quite satisfied. Thanks for the south aussie beers Jungle and Diana! We caught up over a few beers and wines at their house, and ended up having a great night out. Thanks again to Jungle and Diana for their hospitality and we wish them all the best in London!

Then a 15 minute walk back to the Hostel for sleep in preparation for Sunday…

The first Coopers Pale Ale in 9 loooong months...

Sunday

Sunday was a poor weather day even for England. Considering it is almost half way through summer, it rained pretty much continuously all day… In any case, we met up with Anthony and Larissa, and made our way out to Greenwich on the Light Rail to see the sights there for the day.

On the Tube heading to Greenwich (Larissa and Anthony)

Observatory Buildings

Statue of King William the 4th in Greenwich Parklands

Then up to the meridian line where Greenwich Mean Time originated from. This area of outer London contains a large parkland area, and numerous Colleges, and importantly still houses all the Observatory buildings that were used many years ago.

Observatory buildings

Standing on the Greenwich Timeline

Jumping over Time!

In the afternoon we headed to the Hamley’s toy Store in London, which is set on 6 floors, and is one of the biggest to stores in the world. Larissa bought a Paddington bear, and we bought some other small gifts for family back home.

Hamley's Toy Store

We finished the afternoon off with a walk down to Buckingham Palace, and it looked like we had just missed a parade, as there were Union Flags everywhere, and the roads were all blocked off to vehicles. We had all been here before, so it was more of a time to relax sitting on the central fountain steps, enjoying the views – in between the rain showers!

Buckingham Palace in the background

Little man with Big Hat!

Palace Gates

We then had another drink at a Pub near Victoria Station before saying bye to Anthony and Larissa who were due to go to Wimbledon on Monday. Unfortunately as I write this it is still raining in London, and Bristol, and I think the tennis has been called off. They are enjoying the strawberries & cream, and champagne of course!

Boules Tournament 15.06.2007

On Friday afternoon, the Bristol Architecture Group organised a Boules (Bodgy) Tournament in Queens Square. It was Architectural week also hence this was the time chosen to have the tournament. A casual affair it was, with about 12 teams entering comprising three players in each. Similar to lawn bowls, however rather than bowling the ball you throw it underarm towards the jack, and whoever gets the closest gets a point, as so on.

Phil in action


Beer in hand doesn't get much better!


After the winning shot


The Apple Cider Boat


Phil was missing from the presentation

We enjoyed some beers along the way, and it is truly a great game when you can throw with one hand, while drinking a beer in the other.

Oh, and yes, we even won the tournament, received a trophy and a bottle of champagne.

Phil, Ali and myself won the first three games to get us to the final, then Phil had to go, so James stepped in and we continued our winning form!

In trust English style, the rain came in thick and fast towards the end and the final was played out in the pouring rain... however with a win we did not mind too much at all!

Afterwards we had a cider at 'the Apple' - a cider boat located on the floating harbour.

Cardiff City Centre 10.06.2007

After we had another great win in Cricket on Saturday, we headed with Phil to Cardiff on the Sunday morning.

This was a fairly quick visit to the Capital of Wales, however after a 50 minute drive, we arrived in Cardiff and managed to sneak in Lunch before we headed towards the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff Castle

On the way to the Millennium Stadium, we walked past the Cardiff Castle, which is located right in the centre of the City. the Castle itself is still standing however not inhabited by anyone nowadays. It consists of large stone walls which enclose the grounds of the Castle. Inside, interestingly enough there is a moat (normally seen on the outside of the perimeter wall) that adds secondary defence to the inner building. Being short on time, and that we have seen numerous Castle's since being in the UK, we just took some photos of the outside and I found a good photo from another website which I have included so you can see what its like inside.

View from above (not taken by me)




Outer Wall

Millennium Stadium

We previously booked tickets for the Millennium Stadium Tour due to its popularity. The Millennium Stadium was built as part of the feature venue for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. However, the venue is actually used for much more than just Rugby. The venue primarily hosts sporting events, including Rugby, Football, and 20/20 Cricket. However, the Grass Pitch can then be removed, and then dirt can be brought in for dirt bikes jumping, water can be pumped in for windsurfing (plus big fans to make wind), and of course massive concerts can also be staged here. They were on the process of setting up for a concert while we visited, hence no grass to give the stadium a proper 'feel'.

The grass pitch when used, is shipped over from Denmark, at a cost of 150,000 pounds. It can be laid for a further 50,000 pounds, then removed for another 50,000 pounds. The staff can go from bare concrete to the built up grass pitch in 3 days, but require 15 days at least to allow the grass to take hold. It really is a multi use venue and can seat up to 80,000 people.

The tour also takes you through the Locker Areas where players prepare before a match, and the Corporate area, and we even got to hold a Trophy recently won by Wales over Australia.

And of course the Roof opens and closes, but was closed whilst we were there during the tour.

Millennium Stadium


Wayne Rooney is one of the famous players has used this 'changing booth'


Stadium Views

More Views - no grass, it has been removed in preparation for a concert


Holding the Cup - don't drop it...


Holy Jumping Stadium's Batman...

Cardiff Museum and City Hall

Following the Stadium tour, we walked around the rest of the city centre, walking past the City Hall, and we also briefly visited the museum, which mainly contains modern art and stuffed animals. We had all seen similar in other museums, in particular over in Dublin, so after a quick walk through, we headed to the Pub for a Cider before heading home for dinner.

Big thanks to Phil for driving us to and from Cardiff!!! Next trip is London in 2 weeks...

Statue near the Cardiff City Hall


Cardiff City Hall


Typical Museum Displays