Stop 7 - BERLIN

Off to Berlin - we had some dramas with our train travel. We had booked a first class cabin so we would never have to sleep in a couchette (a cabin with 6 beds + strangers). We were so excited to have our own little cabin with toilet and shower and thought that it might be a romantic way to spend our wedding anniversary.

Well - Belgium decided they would have a train strike. As our train was to travel from Paris via Belgium to Berlin, this meant our train was to be cancelled. We therefore were redirected to another train which went all the way south to Frankfurt and up to Berlin. A 13 hour journey. The worst was to come...... We got to the train and it was a free for all. Bloody COUCHETTES! Aghhhh. We were not happy Jan! It got worse. As we got on the train, people closed their curtains so they could have just 2 per cabin. One women had a baby and would not let us in. Another FRENCH! women wanted her bags on the bed. I was starting to steam up. I said that's it! I banged on the door and just opened it and told the 2 people that the train was full and that we will be taking 2 of the beds. We then also took on another passenger and had 5 in our cabin.

I was sweating, annoyed and tired (it was 10pm at this stage). Philip was cranky at me for being cranky and rude to people. But if I wasn't, we would have been sleeping in the toilet!

As we have travelled like this before it was not at all as bad as the first time - apart from the bloke snoring beneath me. Both Phil and I managed to sleep a little.

Stop 6 - Paris

We took the train from St Pancras (Kings Cross) station on the Eurostar to Paris. It is a fantastic way to travel. We were in Paris in 2 hours. I'm sure it would be easier than the hassle of going to the airport and flying.

As most people would be aware, there was a fire in the Chunnel the week before, however we were pleased the only way it affected us was that we got on an earlier train.

The trip is very comfortable and as we were first class we got served a nice lunch and wine. The tunnel section only goes for approximately 20 minutes.

We arrived in Paris, and it was quite chilly. We stayed in another great hotel (Hotel Eiffel) which was pleasantly large for Paris standards. We had a great view from our street right up to the Eiffel tower. We stayed in a great area with not so many tourists. It was a residential area for the well to do.

We didn't have great weather in Paris with the wind blowing - thank goodness I had bought a warm coat in York. We saw all the usual sites, and once again boarded the red open top bus.

Stop 5 - LONDON

Train back to London for 1 night before heading off to Paris via the Chunnel (that is the nickname for Train tunnel under the English Channel).

Nothing much to report - non-descript hotel close to station.

Stop 4 - YORK

York - our favorite visit of all.

Hopped on a train to York via some Leeds and some beautiful countryside. York is just one of the most beautiful cities in England. The history is mind blowing dating back to Roman times AD71. It is a walled city with most of the wall still intact surrounding the town.

We stayed in a fantastic Inn. The Guy Fawkes Inn (he was born there in the 1600's). We had a tiny little room, but it was so cozy and overlooked all the little shingle roofs. We were directly opposite the York Minster. I so enjoyed just meandering down the little cobble stone streets shopping.

Off course there was a pub downstairs, so I tried all the different ales they had on tap. Some were very nice indeed.

We again made use of the red open top bus and saw all the historical sites. It was all just mindblowing. On our final day we had a guided tour of York Minster which was just so incredibly interesting.

Stop 3 - Manchester

Manchester - home of Manchester United Football Club and the one and only Old Trafford...

We stayed at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester which was top class and fancy. (Yes expensive too, but it was the only way we could get Man United tickets). But we can tell you - it was worth every penny.

We left our hotel at 10am and headed to Old Trafford for a 3pm kick off. We spent some time in the Manchester United Shop buying up t-shirts and the such. We then just enjoyed sitting looking down over the empty stadium watching it slowly fill up with fans. The atmosphere was amazing. Phil was sitting saying 'I can't believe I am actually sitting here"!!! We had a fantastic day and we are pleased to report Man United won the game against Bolton (it was a little controversial with a penalty goal) - thank goodness they scored a second. Final Score 2 - 0.

We got back to our hotel and then watched the whole game again on TV. Majic!

Stop 2 - LONDON

We departed LA to London and once again a very pleasant trip in business class.

Having been to London before, we found everything much easier as we knew where we were going. Our hotel was fantastic - it was 200 metres from Westminster Abbey. If I put my head out the window I could see the Abbey. Our accomodation were old apartments above a pub which was great for pub meals and a beer of course.

We took the red open top bus around the city (so everyone could see we were tourists again). This is such a great way to see a city, as you can hop on and off at all the major sites. London is just such a wonderful city. I could definately spend some time living there.

Stop 1 - La La Land

Los Angeles

We had a very smooth and comfortable flight on United and couldn't really fault them at all (apart from the accents - but they can't help that!). We had our business class seats, and whilst they were not flat beds, it was still fantastic and I managed to get a lot of sleep. Phil stayed up the whole time enjoying his whisky.

We arrived in LA, and after finding our way around the airport, we came outside to what was a very hot day. Our shuttle to the hotel in Anneheim was the Disneyland Express. It was hideous, with disney characters all over it and a recorded greeting and advertising blasting out of the stereo the whole 1 hour journey. There was no hiding the fact we were tourists.

We stayed at the Marriott just next to Disneyland. The hotel was great with a pool which we made use of as it was quite hot.

Day 2 - we headed off to Disneyland and explored the area. I was most dissapointed that I did not get to see Cinderella, Snow White, Daffey or Mickey Mouse. It was a great experience, however it was not as good as I had expected. Well at least I can say I have been to Disneyland.

What's with the toilets in the US. The water comes half way up the bowl, I'm always worried my bottom is going to touch the water. Poor Phil and I managed to block our toilet twice. It was most embarrasing having to have the maintenance man come and unblock it with his plunger. Now were we supposed to also tip the maintenance man. Aghhh - I hate tipping!

Time to leave LA, and we were held up and searched. We were put in a little glass box where everyone could see us, and touched up. I'm sure it was Phil's shifty looks....

Back from our Travels

Well we are finally back from our 5 weeks of globe trotting and had a fabulous time. I will blog each destination separatly.

Stay tuned....