Reimposta ricerca
Europe
  • Michelle Creasy
ago – ott 2016

Europe

Un’avventura di 61 giorni di Michelle Leggi altro
+2
SeguiPanoramicaCalendarioCondividiCondividiLista dei desideri
Prima i più nuovi
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy
    1

    When police close the area where you are

    15 settembre 2016, Francia ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Well today was interesting.
    As I mentioned in yesterday's post a strike was planned for today. I couldn't find any information online about it (except that flights had been cancelled) so I went about my day as planned.

    I caught the bus to the Marche Bastille (open air market). Now that I was finally in a market and I could buy stuff I was a bit overwhelmed. I just wanted enough to last while I'm here.

    I eventually bought some fish, chicken, veg (including chanterelles), cheese and dried sausage.

    While I was shopping I was vaguely aware of the building police presence but not that concerned as there is a large police station at the hotel end of the street. By the time I left though there would have been at least twenty police vans (with multiple officers inside) on the surrounding streets.

    At the bus stop the electronic sign said something like "no stop" so I assumed the bus drivers had joined the strike.
    Consulting my transit app showed I could use the metro. Except the station was shut.

    I still wasn't sure what was happening, just assuming it was due to the strike. I made my way back to the hotel on foot. At one place the police had blockaded the street and I had to ask an officer if I could go through. With a look of bemusement he told me I could. I realised afterwards they were keeping people out, not in.

    It had been raining through all this so even with an umbrella I was quite wet. I dried off and had a rest. I couldn't find anything online about the strike so at about 3pm I set off to do the other hop on hop off tour. The metro station was open but there were 4 stops the train passed through without stopping so I assume they were still closed.

    I felt a bit daft then for avoiding the protests.

    I made my way to the Opera metro stop and then started looking for the bus stop.
    Paris roundabouts seem to have at least 5 streets leading off them. I walked up and the streets leading off this roundabout looking for the bus stop (I'd been there yesterday so I knew what it looked like). Google maps kept saying I was 10m away but I couldn't see it.
    Eventually I realised that there was a difference between "place de l'Opera" and "avenue de l'Opera" and I found the right place.

    A bus pulled up just as I got there and I did a tour of the Monmarte district. It was nearly 4:30 by the time I got on the bus, not really the right time to be driving through central Paris.

    The traffic is crazy. There are few lane markings and traffic lights seem to be a suggestion. The tour was interesting but we spent a long time sitting in traffic.

    I came back via a different Metro line but it appeared that all the stations were open.
    Once back in the hotel I could see footage of the demonstrations this afternoon and no longer felt daft for staying away.
    I support anyone's right to protest, especially against tough labour laws but I'm glad I wasn't there. The police appeared ready for violence.

    Photos
    Police vehicles at Marche Bastille
    Marche Bastille (market)
    I think they are cucumbers
    Police barricade
    Opera house
    "The most famous red windmill in the world". Not sure I know of any more red windmills.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Attractions I wasn't going to visit

    16 settembre 2016, Francia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    A wet and dreary morning to start. The Eiffel tower was first up on the agenda.
    Getting there was relatively simple - metro then bus. I like the metro and with the City Mapper app I haven't done too badly so far (except for yesterday's debacle).

    I was actually surprised that I wanted to go up the tower at all. In Australia I thought I'd probably be happy to see it from the ground but I really wanted to go up. Partly I think because it is iconic Paris and partly because it is such a magnificent structure.

    I had heard a lot about crowds and long line waits. I moved through the first line quickly, that was just the first security line. I had to ditch my water bottle.

    Once through security there were four ticket offices, one for each "leg" of the tower. I happened to chose the west leg and quickly bought a ticket and got into the first lift. It took us to the second floor where I then got into another lift to go to the top. The trip up was a bit disconcerting as we could see out. Not as bad as the ski jump in Innsbruck though.

    The weather cleared by the time I got to the top. It was crowded but not too crowded. The views were fantastic. I joined the selfie takers. I don't take many selfies but this was a special occasion.

    From the top (which is open) I walked down to the next level which was enclosed. That had a lot of information with important facts such as Buffalo Bill visited the tower.

    The structure really is magnificent.

    From there I went on a cruise of the river Seine. Somebody (Sarah W?) told me not to bother and I should have heeded her advice. The commentary wasn't great and the views were better from the bus. The house boats were lovely to look at though.

    At the Eiffel tower I had heard a woman telling some tourists about the Louvre Carousel, an underground shopping centre next door to the Lourve. I went and had a look but it was all a bit upmarket for me.

    I returned to the Louvre in the evening. It is open until 10pm on Fridays. I thought I'd start with the Mona Lisa then just wander. I actually started with Louis XIV because I can't read a map. With the help of an app I found my way to the Mona Lisa. The crowd wasn't too bad and I was pleasantly surprisef by the painting. I was expecting it to be much smaller and with the help of the commentary I was able to appreciate some of the genius behind it.

    I wandered around the Italian paintings then found the way up to the French paintings. French landscapes of the second half of the 19th century seems to be my favoured style.

    I was a bit wary coming back on the metro at night but there was plenty of people about as let's face it, 10pm on a Friday night in Paris isn't that late.

    Photos:
    Eiffel tower
    View from tower
    From under the tower
    Houseboat
    Mona Lisa
    Painting by Alfred Sisley - the style I like    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Reflections

    17 settembre 2016, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    A summary of my experiences

    Flights - not nearly as bad as I was expecting. The extra room/bed made all the difference

    London - so much hotter than I expected. The amount of people really shocked me.
    My favourite activity was probably The bodyguard. I also really liked Hyde Park.

    Munich - the English gardens were my favourite. I enjoyed my meal of Spatzle and ---.
    What surprised me most - the amount of potato I ate.

    Innsbruck - I wish I had spent more time in Innsbruck. Pressed to pick a favouite / the cable car to the alps.

    Achensee - there was very little not to like. Once I reached the Dripping rock I literally thought "I can go home now"
    I surprised myself with the difficulty of the walks I did.
    Half board was great.

    Dijon - I don't think I saw Dijon's full potential. Not getting the hang of the public transport contributed to that. I had some good food though!

    Languages - in each of the continental Europe countries I stayed in instructions in the hotel etc were usually given in three languages - the language of the country, english and then it varied.
    Germany had french, Austria had Italian and France had Spanish.

    Packing - what did I use most
    What didn't I use
    What surprised me

    What have I learnt

    Most useful apps    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy
    12

    Degas, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Sisley ...

    17 settembre 2016, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    A late start to the day. Last night I was achingly tired. All of me was aching.
    I slept through my alarm and woke after 9. The room has blockout blinds so the light doesn't get in.
    First task was to post some stuff back to myself. Should have been simple right? It probably is if you don't have to translate the address lable and customs forms. It took about 45 minutes.

    Musee d'Orsay was on the agenda today. To get there I had to go through the Tuileries - a formal garden next door to the the Louvre. I had lunch there - a croque monsier - toasted ham and cheese sandwich with the cheese on the outside. It was okay, another french food to check off the list. There were plenty of birds around waiting for crumbs. They were quite bold.

    Across the river was the Musee d'Orsay, a museum in an old railway station. It was beautiful inside. I spent ages in the Impressionist gallery. These paintings are definitely the type I prefer. I was excited to see Edgar Degas' dancer of 14 years. I saw a documentary on it several years ago. I also liked his ballet paintings.
    I spent nearly three hours there. I only left because they were closing.

    On the way home I stopped to go shopping at Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, a huge department store. I did some shopping and lots of window shopping. There was so much I could have bought...
    Back to the hotel for another home cooked meal - fish and veg. It's been nice to cook simple meals.

    Photos
    Tuileries
    Bird at lunch
    Love locks - people/lovers write their names on the lock, attach the lock the the bridge and throw the key in the river.
    Ballet rehearsel on the stage by Edgar Degas
    Dancer of 14 years
    Starry night by van Gough    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy
    1

    Montmartre

    18 settembre 2016, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today is my last day in Paris. Of course you can always stay somewhere longer but I think this has been the perfect length for me at this time.

    Sacre-Corur is the Basillica. It is a beautiful cathedral. It's at the top of a hill overlooking Paris.

    I took the funicular to the top of the hill. It was quite overcast so the views weren't great.

    The longest lines are always for security.
    Mass was being celebrated inside. It continued for about 15 minutes. Tourists were still able to walk around the edge of the cathedral. I stood with the congregation until mass was finished and then sat.

    I know God is everywhere but I do like the mood being in such surroundings produces.
    This carthedral has clean lines, the decoration is not as ornate as I had expected. I like the simpler designs.

    After about an hour I made my way to Montmarte square. There are artists painting and selling their paintings as well as doing portraits.

    I had lunch in the square. The two french dishes I had wanted to try while in France were croque monsier and an omlette.
    The restaurant I chose had omlettes on the menu. They also had frogs legs! So I had both.
    The frogs legs were okay. The were dusted in flour, fried and served with a tomato garlic mix. There is a lot of bones, more than chicken wings. I gave up trying to use a knife and fork and used my fingers.
    The omlette fines herbs was nice but I suspect it contained a lot of butter.
    I gradually made my way down the bottom of the hill.

    At all the tourist spots thetr are people selling cheap souvenirs outside the entrances. Everything is one euro. It is obviously illegal as I saw them scatter at the Eiffel tower when the police turned up. They don't hassle people, just calling one euro, one euro, one euro. On my first day, which was quite hot I bought water from one of them.
    I didn't really like seeing them at the Basillica, they were at the top but not inside the grounds.

    At the bottom of the hill there were also men playing the shell game - where there is a ball under one of three cups and you have to guess which cup. People were gambling €50. Each time I watched I was able to correctly pick the cup with the ball under it but the people handing over the money always guessed incorrectly. So I'm not sure how it is meant to work but I didn't play.

    As well as a strong police presence wherever I have been, the army has also been around. They patrol in groups of four and it is a reminder that France is under a state of emergency.

    The only other place I really wanted to see was Bastille square. Once I got there I wasn't sure why. It is just a square, not even a pretty one by French standards. So I made my way down to the river.
    I sat and watched the boats and people. A nice way to finish my time in Paris.

    Photos
    Basillica
    Main dome of the Basillica
    Montmarte
    Omelette fines herbs
    Basin de l'Arsenal - leading from Bastlle square to the Seine
    Notre Dame cathedral from the river    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    She don't know where she are...

    19 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Apologies to Banjo Patterson for the barstadisation of the line from "Clancy of the Overflow"

    I'm back in the UK. I got to experience the "thrills" of Paris traffic for myself in the taxi to the train station to catch the Eurostar back to London.

    The British immigration officer is familiar with long service leave. He correctly guessed I was using my lsl (I had written "travelling" on the landing card under UK address). He remarked he has never come across anyone but Australians who have lsl.

    The trip itself was pretty uneventful, I managed to doze for a while.

    Today is the start of the UK part of my trip. The first step was to pick up my hire car from Enfield, which is in the north east region of London. I had no intention of driving in central London which is why I chose a suburban pick up location.
    A train from Kings Cross, then an overground train and then two buses got me there. As it not peak time it wasn't awkward with my luggage as the two train stations were step free.

    I had booked a ford focus or similar. I got a Vauxhall Mokka, a small SUV which is bigger than I asked for but small vehicles were at a premium. The guy serving me was very impressed with the small marks I found on the vehicle although I guess some reading this blog won't be.

    It took me a while to get used to the vehicle. The indicator and windscreen wiper levers are on the opposite sides to what I am used to. It took several hours to find the lights as they are a separate switch on the dash.

    My first stop was Norfolk so I set google maps for Cambridge and it took me right into the bloody middle of Cambridge. Once I got there it abandonded me, having done its job!

    I may or may not have driven in the bus only lane looking for somewhere to pull over but as far as I know I didn't drive down any one way streets the wrong way.
    The reason for going into Cambridge was to get a sat nav. Despite saying so Tesco didn't sell them but I found a camping store (Halfords) that did. I just bought a cheap one but it's much better than using my phone.

    I had wanted to stay in Downham Market but the accommodation didn't have any spare rooms so I set the gps for Kings Lynn. I had learnt my lesson though and once I got to the outskirts I pulled over to look for somewhere to stay.

    The first place looked a bit expensive (£100/night). The second looked better at £55/night. The address didn't have a number attached to it so I had to guess at the correct address as it gave me a chouce of 4 or 5. I guessed wrong.
    By this stage I had lost any sense direction that I had. All I did know was that I was close to Sandringham estate, having passed it.
    Putting the name of the pub into google maps brought me past Sandringham estate again and to the Ffolkes Arms.

    It's a charming place, an old staging inn. I still feel like I have no idea where I am.

    Photos
    Underground
    Clock at St Pancras
    The rest are of the Ffolkes arms - I didn't take many photos today.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Old churches

    21 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Today I set out to explore Kings Lynn and then visit some old churches in which Creasys have been buried.

    Kings Lynn is an old town. Unfortunately I couldn't work out how to get to The Wash.

    I then followed a route from Kings Lynn to Downham Market looking at various old churches and their graveyards. Most of the gravestones I was looking at were no longer readable but it's such a nice pastime wandering around these churches and driving around the area.

    I was hoping to find an ancestor's grave in Downham but they have removed all the standing headstones and allowed the flat ones to become overgrown. While I was disappointed it has obviously given them a large grassed area and churches shoyld be for the living.
    I was happy to see one old very old church advertising Messy church.

    The area is marshland and the ploughed areas look so muddy compared to the dry paddocks of the farm. They look a lot more fertile too!

    I finished the day at Castle Rising, a medieval ruin, surprisingly small but it was used more as a hunting lodge lthan fort. I was able to climb nearly to the top.

    Photos
    Boat on river Ouse in Kings Lynn
    Inside Kings Lynn Minster
    St Edmunds church, Downham market
    Wild berries!
    Farmland
    Castle rising    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Seals and birds and boats oh my!

    22 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    I started the day at Morston with a seal tour.
    We went out in what looked and felt like a massive lifeboat, but with a motor.
    It took us our to Blakeney point were we could get with about 2m of the shore where the seals were lolling about.
    There are two types of seals - grey and common. One type (common?) had their pups about 2 months ago so we saw babies!

    Blakeney point is a spit and the other side is the north sea. After viewing the seals we were able to land/beach/pull up/whatever it is called when a boat comes up on the beach on Blakeney point (not near the seals) and have a wander around for 45 mins. The beach is shale (smooth small stones) and I had a nice wander around although really there wasn't much there.

    From Morston I made my way around the coast to Horsey. It was such a beautiful drive, mostly on B roads I think. I hadn't gone far when I came across "Cookies", a seafood cafe/store.
    My crayfish tail salad had everything - cockles, prawns, smoked fish and tiny crayfish tails. The crayfish are about 15cm here and so the tails a bit smaller than I was expecting, although still delicious.
    The view was gorgeous with wind turbines in the distance (possibly in the ocean).

    At Horsey I went on another boat tour, of the Horsey mere and broads (I think, the terminology is a bit confusing). I saw a lot of rare birds such as marsh harrier, common crane, bitterns as well as heron, egyptian geese and swans.

    I didn't take a lot of photos as you needed a much more powerful lens than I had and I preferred to just look, use the binoculars and listen to the guide rather than wait for the perfect photo.

    From Horsey I made my way to Great Yarmouth, just because. I had a look around, the beach front is very holiday park touristy with arcades and other attractions. I did stop just north of Great Yarmouth and got to see the beach there.

    I'm currently in Drayton, just out of Norwich where I stopped for tea at a random pub. It's curry night so I had an english curry (tikka masala), another food item to check off the list.

    It's been a good day, to add local flavour I've been listening to "The Big Six" by Arthur Ransome, set in this area. I've still got about an hour to drive back to the hotel so I'll upload this while I have good wifi.

    Morston/Blakeney harbour is tidal, the cruise times depended on the tide.
    Lifeboad style tour boat
    Seals
    On Horsey mere
    Geese in flight
    Wind turbines north of Great Yarmouth    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Journey to Yorkshire

    23 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    It was time to move on. My basic plan is to spend 3 nights in each place and no more than 4 hours drive between each place. That gives me 2 full days to explore and a whole day to travel which leaves plenty of time for detours.

    My first detour today was to have another go at finding access to The Wash national park. The gps produced a route but after many small, winding roads it ended at a private road so I turned around and set the gps for Yorkshire.

    Next detour was to Skegness. I've heard it mentioned many time, I'm just not sure in what context. Like Great Yarmouth the beach part is very touristy and very hard to actually see the beach.

    Next I stopped at Waltham at a little pub for lunch and a look at their windmill.

    I stopped to take a look at the Humber bridge before crossing it. It is a massive bridge, fortunately they still have a person accepting tolls on the northern side of the bridge.

    Pickering is a small town on the edge of the North York Moors. I stopped at the castle ruin. I'm glad I saw Castle Rising which is mainly intact (missing the roof and some upper floor floors) as it gave me an idea of what the Pickering Castle ruin may have looked like.

    I'm staying in Goatland in the North York Moors National Park. The sun was starting to set as I made my way in but it looks stunning.

    Goatland itself is a spreadout village. It is the setting of Aidansfield, of Heartbeat fame. I've been listening to one of Nicholas Rhea's books (his Constable series inspired the tv show). I'm looking forward to exploring tomorrow.

    I had dinner in one of the pubs and had my first Pims. Not quite sure what is in it but it took quite a while to make.

    Photos
    Waltham Windmill
    The Ship's Inn, where I had lunch
    Humber bridge
    Pickering Castle
    Moors
    View from my bedroom    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    No words needed

    24 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Yorkshire is beautiful. I thought Norfolk was beautiful, and it is but Yorkshire so much more.

    I started with a look around Goathland, it gives a nod to Aidensfield without being too touristy.

    I happened upon Grosmont while the steam train was there. It is one of four stations on the Pickering - Whitby line. The other is Goathland, I forgot about it so will check it out tomorrow.
    Each of the stations has been renovated to reflect a distinct time period. Grosmont is set in the 1950s.

    From there I went to the Wheeldale Roman rd.
    I went by a rather convoluted route, going yo Cropton only to do a loop. I had lunch while I was there. I've learnt to stop at the first pub I see after 12 in order to find lunch.

    The roman road was a bit underwhelming but the route there was glorious.

    I then went to Hutton le Hole which houses the Ryedale folk museum. This was fantastic, it contains houses from various eras throughout England's history all the way back to the Iron Age. The village itself is also very picturesque.

    Next onto Rieveleux Abbey. The ruins consist of all the buildings, the church, cloisters, chapter house, day room and more. The audio guide was very informative. I was there late in the day and the light was great.

    I made my way to Sutton bank but by that time the visitor centre was closed (I was hoping it would be open until 6pm).

    Last stop was to be the RAF Danby Beacon. By now my GPS had had enough and found the shortest possible route. This included some pretty dubious lanes and what I would call a track. There was no turning around so I was committed. At 6:45 I came acrods the Lion Inn and decided to call it quits. I'm having tea here and then will head back to Goathland.

    I've seen plenty of wildlife. Yesterday a small deer ran out in front of the car in front of me.
    Lots of what I think are grouse, a rabbit, a squirrel and what I assume was a hare, it was the size of a dog.

    I could have spent the day just driving across the moors and I would have been just as happy.

    Photos
    View
    Shop at Goathland
    Steam train at Grosmont
    Crofter's cottage at Ryedale folk museum
    Rieveleux Abbey
    Another view    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Bloody Beck Hill, Lousy Hill Lane ...

    24 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Just some of the roads I've driven on today.

    I started by checking out Goathland station, also known as Hogsmeade station. I think Grosmont is nicer.

    A short drive took me to Whitby. I was really surprised at how close it is. I started with a trip in the old lifeboat out of the harbour to a bouy in the ocean. So I've officially been out into the North Sea!

    There were a lot of families crabbing off the harbour walls. Most had little mesh bags with meat in them at the end of a hand line. Everyone seemed to be catching crabs with great regularity. They were quite small and the catching is for fun only, they throw them back.

    One if the guys on the lifeboat recommended a fish and chip shop for lunch. On the boat he was telling us as a kid they ate fish everyday and only had meat on Sundays, a bit different to mutton everyday with occasional fish for me growing up.

    The fish and chips was nice. I do find it amusing that peas are offerred/come with every meal in England. I turned down the peas, curry sauce and gravy. The tartare sauce was good though.

    Around the corner was the Captain Cook museum. There wasn't a lot of information there but it was interesting to see a shipmaster's house.

    Then up to the headland to Whitby Abbey. I do wonder what all these ruins would be like if Henry VII hadn't interfered. I am beginning to recognise the layout of an abbey now. The location is spectacular.

    Today was meant to include the whole North Yorkshire coast so Robin Hood's bay was next. It is at the top of a cliff. I tried to get down to the beach but came to a dead end about 2/3 the way down. There were lots of rocky pools and kids with nets looking for creatures.

    I could see Robin Hood's bay from Ravenscar, there isn't a lot there.

    Scarborough was interesting and I wish I could have spent much more time there. I could see signs of the magnificient spa town it must have been including a tramway and funicular to get from the top of the cliff to the beach. Robin Hood's bay could do with one of these!

    I headed back to Goathland while it was still light. Fortunately it was still light when I met a landrover on a single lane road while going uphill. I was the one who had to do the reversing.

    Tea was in the Goathland hotel (aka The Aidensfield Arms). I tried black pudding - okay but I was expecting a more salami style taste. The main of silverside of beef with yorkshire pudding produced roast beef, not what I would call silverside. It was nice with horseradish sauce.

    Photos
    Goathland station
    Whitby lighthouse
    Crab
    Whitby Abbey
    Robin Hood's bay
    Goathland Hotel    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Roman ruins

    26 settembre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    I was sorry to leave the North York Moors. I made my way north through the Pennines to Corbridge and Chesterswhere I looked at Roman ruins.
    They were interesting and different to the medievel ruins I seen.

    Scotland is beautiful.

    I'm in a town just outside of Edinburgh. I thought I had booked an apartment in the centre of Edinburgh but the fine print had the address in Loanhead. I'm not happy about it but short of losing my money there isn't much I can do.

    Photos
    County Durham house
    Ruins at Corbridge
    Corbridge landscape
    Ruins at Chesters
    Railwaybridge in Scotland
    Scotland view    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Riding the buses

    27 settembre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌫 9 °C

    My enthusiasm for Edinburgh had waned due to my feelings over the accommodation. I find it hard to shrug things like this off, but that is my personality.

    I decided to start with a boat ride, you may have noticed I enjoy them 😀
    After a 45 minute bus ride into the city I bought a ticket for the bus/boat ride. The bus was a hop on hop off bus and the commentary intetesting. The boat tour went out to Inchcolm island, back and under the road bridge.
    We saw a number of seals but sadly no puffins. It's a bit late for them.
    A new road bridge is being built and we were able to see a section being raised, it was to join the south pillar to the middle pillar. A historic day according to the captain.

    After the tour I realised that all the tours were run by the same company so I upgraded my ticket to allow me to travel on all the buses.
    I made the ticket seller's day by giving her two plastic £5 notes. They apparently only came out last week and she was excited to see them.

    I went on two more bus tours, one out to the Royal Brittannia and one around central Edinburgh. The tours gave me a good overview.
    I just missed the bus to come back to the accommodation so I explored the M&S food hall and picked up some dinner. Eventually home at 7:30.

    Photos
    Houses in New town, note the different finishes on the stone on each floor level.
    Seals
    Abbey on Inchcolm island
    Firth rail bridge
    Raising the section on the new road bridge
    Walter Scott memorial    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    A day of history

    28 settembre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    A bit of a late start to the day, I was trying to work out where to go next as I want to spend more time in Scotland.

    I had intended to visit the castle first but the bus I got on was going in the wrong direction so I went to the Dynamic Earth instead.
    This is an amazing place, a museum I suppose. It looks at the geology of the earth and makes it very interesting.

    I started by going back in time with their time machine and then gradually came back to the present day though a series of rooms and experiences. The temperature of the room varied according to the theme of the room. I got to experience an "earthquake", I didn't realise the ground shook from side to side rather than up and down although if I'd ever given it much thought.

    If you are in Edinburgh I recommend you visit!

    I then made my way to the castle. The area outside the castle is very interesting. I detoured to see one of the buildings restored to the Georgian era.

    It was nice to see a more or less complete castle instead of a ruin! There was so much to see and I'm sure I missed bits.

    Photos
    Edinburgh castle
    In the "time machine" at Dynamic Earth
    Saber tooth tiger
    Owl on the Royal mile
    Stained glass window in St Margaret's Chapel
    Bloke playing bagpipes on the Royal mile    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Lochs, a ladder and lots of rain

    29 settembre 2016, Scozia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Time to move on again. Taking the advice given by Facebook friends I set out across the forth of firth bridge (or is it the Firth of Forth?) It wasn't as daunting as the Humber bridge, probably because I had done that bridge.

    I made my way to Kinross and was trying to find the ferry to Loch Leven Castle, the gps not being overly helpful. I found instead the Loch Leven Larder, one of those really nice places that sells all sorts of local food and products. I had breakfast there which included black sausage/pudding. While I don't hate it, I probably won't go out of my way to order it again. I've had it twice now, that's enough.

    I found the ferry and it took me across to the island where Loch Leven Castle is. I've now been on a loch.

    The ferry was a small boat and I was its only passenger. The people who had been on the island took my ferry back to the mainland so I had the island to myself. As I explored the island and the castle in which Mary Queen of Scots was incarcerated the "I have the island to myself" became "I'm all alone on the island".

    The castle is very small, as is the island. I went for a walk in the woods, it reminded me of walking in the rainforest in northern NSW/Queensland. I eventually realised it was because I could hear the rain on the leaves, not something I necessarily hear at home.

    The boat came back 45 minutes later and I headed off for Perth. There I explored the museum of The Black Watch.

    It was getting on for 4pm and I had more than two hours to drive so I set off for Fort William. The further I went the wetter it got. I had to pull over several times to let cars pass me as I was going too slow for them.

    I did stop at Pitcholry to see the fish ladder. It's there to assist the fish swimming upstream at the dam.

    I don't have much of an impression of Fort William yet as I couldn't see much between the twilight and the rain. I haven't even seen Ben Nevis!

    High winds are forecast for tomorrow so we will see what that brings.
    I suspect locals can easily tell who is a tourist around here. We are the ones carrying umbrellas. The locals just seem to where hoodies.

    Photos
    Loch Leven Castle
    "Mary's Spirit", the ferry
    Kinross House from the island
    Houses in Kinross
    Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch museum
    Fish ladder at Pitcholry    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Highland folk museum

    30 settembre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    It was a wild and windy day today. Given most of what I want to do is geared towards the outdoors I headed to the Highland Folk Museum.

    It was about an hour away towards Inverness.
    It's a great place, free (although they do ask for a donation).

    I started with the farm area, the buildings are dressed for around the 1930s although sone of the buildings are older.
    I was excited to see one of the buildings dated back to the 1850s, about the time my great grandfather and his family left the area to come to Australia.

    It had been raining on and off all morning but started coming down really heavily so I went into Newtonmore for some lunch, the cafe at the museum only sold cold food and it was a day for hot food!

    There wasn't a lot open, I got a very definite "end of season" feel to the town but I found a lovely little teashop.
    I had cullen skink - smoked fish and potato soup. It was very rich and filling but the serve was thankfully small.

    Speaking of soup, what is it with Scots and lentil soup? It's been on nearly all the menus the last couple of days.

    I went back to the museum and explored the 1700s township. There was a peat fire burning in the biggest house.
    It did highlight what a hard life it must have been.

    It was only 4pm so I decided to return via Inverness and Loch Ness. It was a nice drive, I stopped off in Fort Augustus for tea and had haggis, neeps and oatcakes (no tatties though). I liked the haggis, it is nicer than black pudding.

    Photos
    1850s farmhouse
    Inside a 1700s house with a peat fire
    On the walk to the 1700s township I found animal carvings
    1700s grand house
    Loch Ness
    Nessie    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    All about the views

    1 ottobre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    The day started off well with beautiful sunny weather. I went out to the Old Inverlochy Castle, unfortunately it is being restored so I could only walk around the outside. Apparently Queen Victoria wasn't very inpressed with the ruins when she visited.

    I came back into Fort William for a cruise on the loch. The captain was very informative and the cruise was great despite the weather coming in cold and windy.
    We saw seals and 2 porpoises as well as salmon and mussel farms. The mussels are naturally farmed, the only artificial part is the lines they are attached to.
    We could see the salmon jumping out of the water.

    I then took the gondola halfway up Aonach Mor, a mountain close to Ben Nevis. I still haven't seen the Ben, it has been shrouded in cloud. Apparently it has snowed up there and may have settled, it should be a clearer day tomorrow so hopefully it will be visable then.
    I still had great views.
    The commando memorial was next and again great views. I then went round to Corpach were my great grandfather was born and then followed the two lochs around back to Fort William the long way, this included a short ferry trip at Corran. I wish I had been able to properly capture the colour of the loch this afternoon, it was stunning.

    Seafood for tea - mussels and then salmon. Delicious!

    Photos
    View of Loch Linnhe
    Salmon jumping
    Seals
    View on Loch Linnhe towards Corran
    View from Aonach Mor
    Corpach train station    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Steam train to Mallaig

    1 ottobre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    The line from Glasgow to Mallaig is meant to be one of the best train journeys in the world. From Fort William to Mallaig is the last part of the trip. The jacobite steam train runs this route and is the train I took.

    A large part if the attaction of the journey is the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. I didn't get any photos as my seat was by the corridor, not the window. It's one of those times you forget the camera, enjoy the experience and buy a postcard rather than spend all your time trying to get a good photo.

    I did like this train better than the Achenseebahn! It is much more comfortable.
    I can better imagine the scenes in many books in which the characters are in train carriages or in corridors. The food trolley went up and down the corridor, I could appreciate just how dark it got going through a tunnel and I learnt not to stick your head out of the window just after coming out of a tunnel.

    On the return journey it was lovely with the sun coming in the window. It was hard not to relax and have a nap as some of my carriage mates did.

    The carriage seated six and I shared it with an Irish family - a couple, her parents and grandfather. They came over just for the trip.

    Mallaig itself is quite small. I went on a wildlife cruise which was a bit of a misnomer. We saw some seals and some sheep! Beautiful scenery though, and I did see Skye.
    On the trip to Mallaig we saw two deer, they didn't have antlers.

    I had just enough time after the cruise to get some soup - prawn and scallop chowder before getting back in the train.

    Despite not having a window seat I really enjoyed it.

    Photos
    Steam train
    Scenery from train
    Mallaig harbour
    Glenfinnen viaduct
    Neptune's staircase / seven locks
    Me!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Oban

    3 ottobre 2016, Scozia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Today's agenda was the Steall falls and Oban.
    A beautiful drive in the wrong direction wasn't on the list but happened first up anyway - bloody GPS. The GPS couldn't find the falls and when I put in what I thought was the address took me on a drive to nowhere, but a very scenic drive to nowhere.
    Googlemaps was more successful and I found my way to the lower falls carpark (the upper falls path is blocked by a rock fall) and finally saw the lower falls.

    Onwards to Oban, the town that is close to the isle of Mull. It is a lovely seaside town, although the tide was out.
    I had a huge seafood platter for lunch - smoked salmon, mussles, oysters, langostines and a crab claw. I had a wander around the town.

    Back towards Fort William is the sea life santuary, I got a good look at an otter for the first time, I hadn't realised they had such long tails.I was in time for the seal feeding, it was great to watch.
    I stopped in Glencoe on the way back, there wasn't a lot to see. I drove around the river Coe which was a nice drive.

    I had a bit of trouble finding tea, the first place didn't "do" solo diners in the restaurant, only in the bar. Well if they didn't want me in the restaurant I didn't want to eat in their bar, which may have been a foolish decision. The next two places were full/fully booked. The fourth had a table with mediocre service and food. I was just glad to eat and get back to the B&B.

    Ben Nevis
    Steall fals
    Glen views
    Lunch
    Oban
    Otter    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Farewell Scotland

    4 ottobre 2016, Scozia ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    I left the beauty of Scotland behind me today. I did try and work in a visit to the Isle of Arran but couldn't get the ferries to work.

    The drive from Fort William to Largs was truly gorgeous, especially coming down through Loch Lamond.
    I broke the journey at Largs, it is the setting of several of Dorita Fairlie Bruce's series and also I was told I had to have icecream there. Always one to do as I am told I had an icecream sundae. I enjoyed it but it the sort of thing you should indulge in rarely.
    I was conscious of the time so while I took the ferry to Great Cumbrae I didn't get off and explore the island.

    Then it was a long drive to Coniston in the Lake District. The last hour was in the datk along some windy narrow roads.
    I'm staying in an Inn (pub with accommodation upstairs). There must be a church nearby as the clock/bell struck 9 times at 9pm.
    Hopefully once I've shut the windows I won't be able to hear it. The window is open because I'm trying to cool the room down. I find the radiators make the room rather hot.

    Photos
    Views
    Views
    Icecream sundae
    Parish of St Columba
    Ferry unloading
    Cumbrae in the distance    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Roads, rivers, bridges and a train

    4 ottobre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    But no lakes.

    I thought I'd start the morning with a scenic drive, only 42 miles, it won't take long I thought. I didn't read the fine print.

    The route was well described, Coniston - Duddon Valley - Eskdale - Coniston.

    The author seemed to like rivers and bridges, the first few points of interest were stops to view (and paddle in!) the rivers and also the stone bridges that are built over them.
    I also saw bracken, it's more fern-like than I had imagined.

    I then found myself at Dalegarth Station with the minature steam train about to leave. I bought a return ticket with no idea where it went or how long it took. It went down to Ravenglass and was a very scenic journey. I saw banded cows - they were black or brown with a wide white band around their middle. Googling suggests they are a Belted Galloway.
    We had a deisel engine on the way back and it took 30 mins, as opposed to 45 on the way there.

    I then made my way over the Hardknott Pass, a steep winding road over the mountains. At one point when I was heading down I couldn't see the road in front of me. What made it worse was the cyclists and the cars coming on the other direction. It was single lane with passing areas along the way.

    But what a view. It was worth it, even if my heart was in my mouth quite often.

    Once I got through that I had to tackle Wrynose Pass and while it wasn't as difficult as Hardknott pass it was no piece of cake.

    From there it was relatively quick and easy back to Coniston. It was only then that I read the introductory statement "A drive that includes the most challenging mountain pass roads in the Lake District..."
    Although to be honest I probably would have done it anyway.

    I took a look at Tarn Hows and Coniston water.

    I went across the road for tea and I have been sitting in the bar of the Inn in which I am staying for the last hour. The wifi in my room is very patchy so I wanted to write this in the bar. I have spent most of the time chatting to a couple from the Peak district who have been giving me lots of suggestions for the rest of my trip.

    Photos
    View
    Forge Bridge
    Sheep on the road
    View on the way down Hardknott pass
    Cows - the black one wouldn't get out of my way!
    Coniston water    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Peter Rabbit Country

    6 ottobre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Today was another of those days where I didn't end up where I'd planned but was happier with the result.

    I couldn't get a signal and therefore couldn't find the address of the Beatrix Potter exhibition so I put the address I had on a flyer into the GPS, this turned out to be Hill Top, the first farm Beatrix Potter bought and where she lived for a while. The National Trust owns and runs the property now.

    The ticketing was a bit weird, you bought a timed ticket and had to be waiting outside at that time but then you could just wander through at your own leisure. I was fortunate that a coachload was running late, I got a time in which I had to wait just 5 minutes instead of 35, and I avoided the crowds until I was just about to leave.

    I then made my way to Bowness on Windermere, via the Windemere ferry. I found the original exhibition I had been looking for. It was more like Beatrix Potter land, they had models of a lot of her books. It was good but seeing Hill Top farm was better.

    I had my first ploughman's platter and it included a small pork pie so I could tick both of them off the list.

    I spent the afternoon on Lake Windemere going south to Lakeside and then north to Ambleside.

    I'm again going to try for an early night, last night as I went to leave the bar I got drawn into a conversation about Brexit and the working man and then spent quite a while researching the peak district so no early night.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Yorkshire Dales

    7 ottobre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    As I didn't visit the dales on my way through Yorkshire earlier I went via them today on my way to the peak district.
    I didn't have anywhere specific in mind to visit, while researching places to go I came across Sedbergh, a "book town". Many of the shops along the main street sell books, apart from the charity bookshop the rest seemed to sell things other than books.
    The Sleepy Elephant sold vintage children's books and outdoor wear.
    I had a lovely time looking around, I bought two books - a hardback of The Chalet Gitls in Camp and a Bessie Marchant.
    Visits to other shops resulted in two more books.

    In Hawes I discovered the Wendsleydale Creamery. I was able to taste all sorts of cheeses. I had the restaurant's cheese lunch - three cheese rarebit, a cheese ploughman's platter and a ginger cheesecake. It was nice but a bit much really. I'm all cheesed out!
    They had a small museum which was intetesting and a viewing gallery to what the cheesemaking.

    By this time it was after 3pm so I headed off to Darley Dale, where I am staying. The route through the dales was beautiful, the bit around Manchester slow and frustrating.
    I'm staying in a country house, it's very nice. I was limited in accommodation for here and I made some savings with the accommodation in Fort William so being slightly over budget wasn't a problem.

    Photos
    Books!
    "Sleeping elephants", the hills behind Sedbergh
    Dales view
    Kitchen in Creamery Museum
    Cheesemaking
    Sunset in the dales    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Chesterfield and Chatsworth

    8 ottobre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    My fancy bed turned out to be very comfortable.

    I headed into Chesterfield this morning.
    The main reason was to buy a small suitcase as my other one is getting rather full. I came across a Debenhams and found what I was looking for.

    Chesterfield is a market town and Fridays are general market day. The market took a bit of finding but I did find it. They weren't that exciting but it was interesting to read the history behind the market.

    Dominating the skyline is the crooked spire. It is the spire of the Catholic church. It was easy to find - just had to follow the spire. No one is quite sure why it is crooked - it seems to have rotated. The "sensible" theory is that the foundation of the spire was made of green wood that dried and twisted the spire.
    Two of the legends: one that Satan landed on the spire, the insense made him sneeze and the spire twisted. The other is that a virgin was married in the church and the spire bent to take a look, it couldn't stand back up straight. If another virgin was to marry in the church it would bend the other way and straighten up!

    The church itself was lovely, built along the lines of a small cathedral.

    The afternoon was spent at Chatswood - the home of the Duke and Duchesd of Devonshire. It is simply gorgeous.

    I toured the house first, my favourite room was the library. I could only look in from the door but would have loved to sit in there with a book. Seeing the bedrooms set up was very interesting.

    The house is very grand but the gardens are so much more interesting. I spent two hours there and only left because they were closing.
    I first did a tour which gave interesting information. Then I walked around. I found my way to the maze and eventually found the centre.

    Walking back to the entrance I could hear the sheep, it reminded me of being on the farm on chilly evenings when the sound of the sheep travels.

    I heard (on tv?) people say that the countryside smells. It does, which really surprises me, maybe there is a greater concentration of stock than we have, plus you are often driving over land the stock roams over.

    I had dinner at The Devonshire Arms. It is a very cosy pub, unfortunately all the tables there were reserved but they had a new section in which I got a table.

    The food was a lot fancier than it sounded.
    I had liver parfait to start with. I had to laugh when the only other people in the room (it was early) asked me what liver parfait was. I could only tell them I expected it to be like pate but lighter. I'm no expert, fortunately I was right.

    Main was gammon steak and fried egg. I've seen gammon steak and egg on a lot of menus recently so I decided to try it. It brought back memories of ham steak and pineapple rings that we used to get at the hostel, hence my hesitation. It was nothing like that. It was quite a thick steak of ham with a fried egg and then lots of fancy bits - dried radish and something else, potato gems (which was just weird) and 4 different "smears". It was nice though and I'd eat gammon steak again.

    Chesterfield market and market hall
    Crooked spire
    Church
    Chatsworth library
    Gardens
    Chatsworth    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Michelle CreasyEuropeMichelle Creasy

    Victorian delights

    8 ottobre 2016, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Another day with vague plans that came together very well.

    Yesterday I booked a trip on a canal boat. As I mentioned in an earlier blog I didn't really understand how a canal lock worked.
    There was some miscommunication in that my booking wasn't passed on to the canal boat. I got to the Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal at 10am to find the boat still parked up. The lovely lady in the cafe gave Bob a call and he explained that he didn't get the booking and would be down for 11am. So I sat in my car and read one of my new books (an exciting tale of schoolgirls who get shipwrecked - "School on an Island" by Rita Coatts for my book friends).

    At 11 I found out they weren't intending on going until 12. So I had a cup of tea.

    It was worth the wait though. I was the only passenger and so was able to have a good chat with Bob as we talked about the canal and other things.
    And I got to go through a lock! We entered at the lower end and floated to the top. We went further down the canal, round a bend that is apparently there because the land contains the mass graves of plague victims.
    We turned around and then went through the lock again, this time lowering the water.

    It was one of the (many) highlights of my trip. Bob wouldn't let me pay because I'd had to wait so long so I bought a souvenir tea towel.
    I met a lovely 88 year old man, he has backpacked and rock climbed all over the world. He sailed up the inside passage on a yacht with his wife and another couple.
    We had a good chat.

    From there I came over to Matlock Bath to do the Heights of Abraham, a cable car to the top of a massive hill.
    Parking was a real problem, the car park by the cable car was full, I eventually found one at the other end of town. Walking down to the town I discovered that the Illuminations were on tonight. As luck would have it I was parked in the right car park for that.

    I had a look at the lead mining museum, others probably would have found it more interesting that I did. It did emphasise just how cramped the working conditions were.

    I found the cable car and made my way up the hill. It does give a lovely view and there is a lot to do up there.

    I'm Victorian times it was a very popular spot but they had to walk up!

    After coming back down I was making my way back to the car when I came across a Victorian Bath house/arcade. The water used in the baths is high in calcium carbonate and would "petrify" objects. I saw lots of examples of this.

    The swimming pool is now a koi pond but I could still get the idea. Upstairs was a hologram exhibition and that was really cool.

    Tea was pretty much fish and chips or variations thereof. Two out of every three shops on the Main Street seemed to be fish and chip shops.

    A lot of the shops also have "bikers welcome" signs. Apparently lots of bikers come here. A few years ago the county decided they would name it difficult/impossible for the to park in the town as a way of discouraging them from visiting. 8000 bikers descended on the town. This is accordingly to the young guy from Darby who shared my cable car on the way down.

    Anyway I had fish and chips for tea, I could add peas, gravy or curry. I decided to try the curry as Phil recommended it after Whitby.
    I was expecting more of a Thai curry sauce (don't ask why) but it was more of a curry powder gravy. It was better than I thought and I'd chose it over mushy peas but not gravy.

    The illuminations turned out to be rowing boats lit up on the Derwent river. It has been a tradition since Queen Victoria's golden jubilee. The first boat out was lit by candles in glass jars, the rest was electric.

    It was certainly something different, the whole place had a fair feel to it. It finished with fireworks at 9. I'm sitting in the car in the car park waiting for the traffic to die down before leaving.

    I've enjoyed my time in the Peak District but I'm not sure I've actually been in the National Park.

    Photos
    Canal boat Madeleine
    Entering lock
    Approaching full lock
    Petrified objects
    Cable cars
    "Ship in a bottle" illuminated boat    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione