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Suzie and Nik Do The UK
  • Suzie Holland
  • Nicole Sumpton
  • Suzie Holland
  • Nicole Sumpton

Suzie and Nik Do The UK

Hello! We are about to embark on a most amazing trip to the UK! We are going to begin in London, make our way up to Chester for Eurovision in Liverpool (YAY!), then onto Edinburgh, then to Inverness, scoot down to York and then back to London :D Read more
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  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Bath

    May 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Nik - Today we're back to walking in history, vising the Roman Baths. Those Romans really knew a thing or two about construction. The artisty is amazing. I can imagine how relaxing and healing it would have been, floating in the warm waters. Sounds like bliss.

    We were able to taste the waters too. I didn't mind the mineral taste, but Suzie was not a fan.

    Suzie - This was my second time to Bath and it was good to spend more time there this time 😀 The Roman Baths were lovely and as I was walking over the uneven floors, I thought of all the other feet that had been there before me over the last 2000 years...    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Stonehenge

    May 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Nik - What can I say about Stonehenge? I've wanted to visit it forever. The history of the place has long captured my imagination.

    My first glimpse of the stones and I was lost in the magic of the place. It feels special. Important. We had an audio guide to listen to as we wondered and were told that years ago they had a specialist visit from overseas hoping he could explain to them why people with such simple tools, who you would think would be more concerned with basic survival needs, would build such a monolith, and why build it from stone. The time and effort it would take. The specialist explained the ancients would build in wood for the living, and stone for the dead...because stone lasts.

    It occurred to me what a time capsule the place is. It's the ancients link to the future. And our link to the past.

    I would have dearly loved to spend more time here. Bring a picnic blanket and soak up the history. But we had to get back to the tour bus.

    I had to bring home a souvenir, but time was short and I didn't have much time to browse the gift shop. I settled on a bluestone bead bracelet. The inner circle stones are bluestone, and the stones of my bracelet come from the same mine as the henge stones. A little piece of the magic to take home with me.

    Suzie - Seeing Stonehenge again was lovely! It was the same awe-inspiring feeling I had 5 years ago when I first saw them. I wanted to roll around in the soft grass and dance among the stones. I wanted to let on the burial mounds with respect and speak to the dead. I wanted to touch the stones and listen to their stories of their years and what they have seen.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK
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    Windsor

    May 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Nik - We didn't get to go to the castle as it's closed on Wednesday but we did get to wander around the town. It's quite picturesque and has a very relaxed vibe.

    Suzie - Send my things, I'm staying!! Last time I was in Windsor, I visited the Castle and that was it.... this time I was able to meander through and walk along the Thames - a lot more picturesque than the Thames in London!! I even saw Eton as Windsor and Eton are separated by a bridge over the Thames and the swans! Gorgeous!Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Hampton Court Palace

    May 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    This beautiful Grade I listed palace in Richmond Upon Thames, was once owned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and the building began in the early 16th century to create a palace from his country house; a palace fit for a King. King Henry VIII liked it so much that he took it for himself.

    Henry and his wives would all live at Hampton Court. The last monarch to live at Hampton Court was George II and in 1838, Queen Victoria opened Hampton Court as a tourist attraction.

    I have wanted to see Hampton Court since I started studying Tudor history when I was 12. This was truly magnificent. I also took communion in the Chapel Royal where worship took place today. History is everywhere, walking through and with history.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Hampton Court Palace 2

    May 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    The Rocky Horror Show

    May 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Suzie - When in London, one must go to the theatre in the West End and there are always plenty to choose from! We saw a poster at Oxford Circus station yesterday for The Rocky Horror Show playing at the Peacock Theatre (opened 1911) in Holborn. How could we resist??!! Nik scored some last minute £28 tickets and off we went tonight!

    It was absolutely fabulous! Best live performance of Rocky I have ever seen (that was my third time) and we had so much fun!!! We even got to do some AP (audience participation) only as some others were doing it!

    And of course we cheered when Frank sung the lyric of my favourite Rocky song (I'm Going Home) - 'cards for sorrow, cards for pain' to pay homage to Brisbane's very own floor show cast 'Cards4Sorrow' of which Trev is a member, being the cast's long performing Riff Raff 😀😀😀

    And it's also the 50th anniversary of Rocky! Happy birthday dear Rocky!!

    Bravo and Brava everyone!!! 💜💜💜💜💜    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Camden Markets

    May 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Nik - Suzie and and I went off on seperate adventures today, as I wanted to visit Camden Markets and she wanted to see Hampton Court Palace. Bit nerve wracking for me as it ment I had to brave the crazyness of London trains on my own for the first time, but with the help of the city mapper app I managed without too much drama.

    Loved the markets. It's a rabbit warren, twisting back and forth on itself, going upstairs and down. So easy to get lost...but I loved it. There was cheap tourist trinkets yes, but also artist stalls, which is what I love. All the handmade one of a kind things. I bought myself two rings. I wanted to buy so much more.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    May 5, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Suzie - We had the most fabulous day today with Mez, Shannon and JJ in the beautiful village/town of Stratford-upon-Avon. This is my second visit to this beautiful area and to see Mez, (who is one of the best friends I have in the world) this time we met her amazingly fabulous family who welcomed us with open arms 💜💜💜 I miss you already fam, until next time 💜💜💜💜

    We started today with a tube from Bayswater to Paddington, then Paddington to Edgeware Road, then Edgeware Road to London Marylebone, then national rail train train from London Marylebone to Leamington Spa then Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon. Wow!! 😀😀😀 Luckily I love travelling by train!!

    We met Mez and Shannon at the station and then walked from the station into town to see the sights. Then we found this coffee shop with massive scones even I couldn't conquer (unusual I know!!), stayed and chatted and then continued on our way. We turned the corner and there on the green was an old carousel!! Cue much excitement from Suzie!! Of course I was going to ride it, so Shannon and I got on and it was fantastic fun!!

    We then went to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and walked to Holy Trinity Church. On the way, we got caught in a proper English thunderstorm and huddled under the massive canopy of trees near the church. Then we sought sanctuary in the Church from the rain. It's so beautiful. I love stained glass windows and these were amazing.

    The rain stopped and we went out into the cool air. So refreshing! We walked to the River Avon and got on a boat that went up and down the river, on the way meeting JJ who had finished school for the day. The river boat ride was very tranquil and peaceful. Thankfully there wasn't any more rain!!

    After the boat ride, we went to the Black Swan/Dirty Duck which is across the road from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a drink before we headed back to the station to come back to London. Cue many tears. I miss you already Mez, Shannon and JJ!! I'll be back 💜💜💜💜    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Stratford Upon Avon

    May 5, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Nik - We traveled out of London for the day to Stratford Upon Avon. It was so good to to catch up with Mez, Shannon and JJ, who acted as our tour guides around the town.

    We saw the house in which William Shakespeare lived, and saw his burial place too, which is inside Trinity Church.

    We had a great meal at a cafe. (The size of the scones were unbelievable!) And later had a drink at the only pub in England that has two names. The Black Swan and The Dirty Duck.

    We even went on a river boat down the river Avon.

    It's been a great day, full of laughter and great friends.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Coronation Day

    May 6, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Today has unfortunately not gone to plan. The coronation garden party was poorly planned and we ended up not getting access. We decided to do the crazy thing (extra crazy because of the rain) then and brave the crowds at Westminster Abbey. No words to describe the number of people, and we didn't get to see anything exciting. (Though did hear Big Ben strike at mid day. And I found a squirrel). We made a hasty exit though and had a drink at the pub before retreating to our warm and dry room. We've not stopped since we got here and a few hours to just be still was much needed. It's not takes us long to get board though so now we're heading back to Westminster to see what can be seen...AND we've managed to score tickets to Phantom of the Opera tonight. I've seen it before but it's exciting to see it in its home theatre.

    PS - Decided to come back to Westminster before we head off to dinner and got a few photos.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK
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    Coronation Day, Westminster

    May 6, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Suzie - As Nik has already said, plans for today got scuppered and while it was beyond my control, I wasn't happy that I needed to watch part of the coronation on my phone!! What the?! Apparently the Mayfair Garden Party peeps copped a lot of complaints. Good!! However, singing God Save The King with other people in a pub in England on Coronation Day was pretty special.

    Anyway enough of that, the rest of the day went pretty well and Phantom of the Opera was phenomenal!! I have seen Phantom 4 times now, twice in Brisbane and twice in London at her Majesty's Theatre, the home of Phantom 💜💜💜 It's another late night, but it's our last night in London!! Well, before we come back here to leave the UK in 3 weeks time 😀😀😀 Many more adventures to come, tomorrow we are off to Chester!!    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Chester, Cheshire

    May 7, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Suzie - Welcome to the Cathedral City of Chester!! Chester or Caer in Welsh (we are very close to the Welsh border with England), was founded and walled by the Romans in the first century AD who named their new fortress Diva, as the River Dee flows through Chester.

    The Dark Ages saw attacks by Viking Raiders, who sailed up the River Dee in their longboats and after the successful Norman invasion in 1066, William the Conqueror created the first Earl of Chester and built Chester Castle.

    The Middle Ages saw Chester become a wealthy trading port and the English Civil War brought battles between Royalists who were loyal to King Charles I and Parliamentarians loyal to Oliver Cromwell. Chester was under seige for two years before starvation made the people surrender. There is still evidence of these battles with marks made from cannons in the walls, which we will explore tomorrow.

    The walls on a clear day have views to the mountains in Wales. Chester also has ruins of the largest amphitheatre in Britain. I'm looking forward to seeing it!!

    Nik - We left London today. It's a bit sad because it marks the end of our first stop on our trip. But also, to be honest, the press of people in London has been getting to me a bit. Particularly on the trains. So it's also a bit of a relief.

    Excited because the move also means we will soon be at Eurovision! Which after all is what inspired this trip in the first place.

    We had a bit of an explore around town. It's obviously a tourist town with stalls in the middle of the main shopping area selling cheap gimmicky souvenirs and buskers too. It's a very picturesque town and I can't wait to explore more.

    Suzie got her nails done then we went to dinner at a place called Botanist and had a Sunday Roast. Very tasty.

    We were full and tired then, so back to our room to rest up.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK
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    Queens Hotel, Chester

    May 7, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Suzie - This is our hotel for the next 8 nights and it's so beautiful that I think it needs it's own Penguins entry!!

    Built in 1860 to take advantage of the burgeoning new rail transport, it has provided accommodation for rail travellers since then as it's directly opposite Chester train station. It apparently has resident ghosts!

    There are precious works of art in every corner together with historical memorabilia. The hotel is a work of art itself. Our room is twice the size of my bedroom at home and after our poky hotel room in London, it's a welcome change!!

    Nik - Our room in Chester is certainly bigger than where we were in London. The space is welcome. And the shower is warmer too. (Though I would like it hotter again.) It's a great space, right across the road from the train station and only a 5 minute walk into the centre of Chester.

    We're across the road from a pub too. The might be a good thing if we want to go for a drink, we don't have far to stumble home. Then again, it might get noisy if we want to sleep. At any rate, we are quite comfortable.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Sick To Death, Chester

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Nik - The interactive experience of Sick To Death is an interactive museum going through the history of medicine, disease and death.

    It was quite interesting. Gruesome and quite sad where you see how people is history have gotten things so wrong.

    How far we're come.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Roman Gardens

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    These are beautiful gardens created in the 1940's to showcase Roman discoveries in one place of peace and tranquillity. There is no doubt much more buried, waiting to be discovered. Very peaceful and a wonder to be walking through this history.Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Grosvenor Park

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    A walk by the River Dee and across the bridge. 😀😀😀

    It was here we discovered that our Eurovision tickets have finally become live! Thank goodness. We have been a bit worried that we didn't have access to them yet. But we have them now!Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK
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    Walk Around Chester

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today we walked around and explored Chester. I still love it here 😀😀

    We explored the Roman walls that were damaged in the English Civil War, saw the oldest racecourse in Britain, saw Chester Castle built by William the Conqueror in 1070 as his stronghold in the northwest of England, saw the Roman Amphitheatre from the late first century AD, walked down by the River Dee and across Queens Bridge, visited the Roman Gardens, explored ruins of St John the Baptist church, visited a church which is now a interactive experience called Sick To Death, a history of medicine, healings, cures and disease focussing on the history of Chester. It was absolutely fabulous!! Well worth the £7 😀😀 All this in 12° and raining on and off!!!Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Ruins of St John's Church

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    These were a surprise! Beautifully preserved ruins next to the more modern St John the Baptist Church.

    The King of Mercia, Ethelred I founded the church on this ground in 689. The Normans added more to the church. Before the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, it was a collegiate church and after the Reformation, the church became a parish church.

    The ruins are from the east section of the church which happened in 1581.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Eurovillage Liverpool!!

    May 8, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Suzie - Words can't describe my feelings! We are finally here after 6+ months of planning, waiting for the host city/country in the UK to be announced, mad dash to book flights and accommodation, getting leave approved, hoping to get tickets for our first in person Eurovision (we have been Euro Tragics since 2007), not getting tickets, trying again and not getting tickets and then trying for a third time, being lucky enough to get a fan standing packages to the afternoon family shows and the first one is tomorrow for Semi Final 1!!

    My highlights of the day were dancing hand in hand with people from all over the world to 'Shum' by Go_A from Ukraine (Eurovision 2021) in massive circles - the raising of the energies then grounding and sending love around the world and to each other reminded me happily of many gatherings I have been to over the years. It was beautiful and magical. Go-A are amazing live and I'm so happy that we got to see them perform and create all those beautiful energies.

    We also went to Club Fusion as we had tickets to see James Newman (Eurovision 2021 entrant for Great Britain), Zoe Eurovision 2016 entrant for Austria) and The Roop (Eurovision 2021 entrant for Lithuania). Unfortunately we didn't get to see any of them as we had to make the last train back to Chester - however dancing to some of my favourite Eurovision songs prior to needing to leave was awesome!! I was so happy when Finland's 2023 entry 'Cha Cha Cha' by Kããrijã came on and the joy I felt when Italy's 2017 entry 'Occidentali's Karma' by Francesco Gabbani (which is in my top 10 of favourite Eurovision songs ever) was almost overwhelming! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

    This has been years in the making!!! And I'm so happy to be here!!! 💜💜💜💜    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK
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    Our First Eurovision Event!!!

    May 8, 2023 in England

    Nik - After exploring Chester today it was time tonight to head into Liverpool for our first Eurovision event!

    We caught the 6:15pm train into James Street and went to the Eurovillage. There was various Eurovision photo opportunities on the way down to Pier Head, which of cause we HAD to take advantage of.

    Security is tight getting into the village and there are a a long list of things we're not allowed to take in with us. We had to line up a bit but the line didn't move too slowly.

    First stop was the official merchandise store for a few souvenirs before exploring.

    There is two very long lines of bars, several food places, Conchita's Holiday House (which is basically a photo opportunity) and a big area to explore Ukrainian culture. (We didn't have much time there tonight we we left the cultural area to explore when we have more time.

    Then to the stage are for Go_A. She was fabulous! We danced to Shum (from Eurovision 2021) But the really REALLY special thing was when she had the entire audience hold hands and do a circle dance.

    Then we had tickets to Fusion Night Club dancing with other Eurovision fanatics. We had been hoping to see The Roop but they didn't come on to late and we had to leave at 11:15pm in order to make the last train back to Chester.    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Semi Final 1 Family Show

    May 9, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Suzie - This is the final dress rehearsal show for the semi final 1 of Eurovision!! I must admit when I opened the door to go down to the floor where we had tickets, I closed the door again and said 'no'!! It was too beautiful, too magical and I was in disbelief that we was actually here!!

    I was in the third row on the floor and could see pretty well despite being short. Then some very tall men, let me stand in front of them 😀 My ankles messed up badly, despite painkillers being taken beforehand and so after standing for four hours, dancing and singing, it was a welcome relief to sit down after! A shout out to Ray and Zoe from Birmingham who we met in the mosh pit, you are fabulous!!

    Then we went to the Eurovillage 💜 I love that place, all Eurovision fans from around the world, kind and supportive 😀😀😀 We watched semi final 1 live and while I'm gutted that Latvia and Malta didn't qualify and Croatia somehow did, it was a fantastic night. So cold though on the Mersey!! We were grateful to get back to Chester and a warm bed!!    Read more

  • Suzie and Nik Do The UK

    Semi Final Family Show

    May 9, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Nik - After initially missing out on tickets in the original Ticket Master release, and the OGAE Australia fan tickets...and playing the waiting game when OGAE Australia managed to score a handful of more tickets. Add to that all the planning it's taken to get here, and the stress over tickets not appearing in our accounts when they should have (we only got the e-tickets yesterday). It's been a marathon.

    So is it any wonder that when we finally opened the double doors and stepped into the arena for the first time that I started to well up. Excitement, wonder and disbelief. We actually made it!

    The arena is maybe only slightly bigger than where Australia Decides was held. But it took my breath away.

    And the show was fabulous! Seeing the artists and songs yes...but also seeing all the behind the sceens mechanisms, the cameras whizzing by just infront of us and overhead, the heat from the fire special effects washing over us. Ohhhh, magic!

    We had standing tickets and I knew it would be tough for both of us. I underestimated how tough. Suzies ankle and my back were aching by the 3/4 mark. The press of people all dancing made it hot and uncomfortable. We both needed a good sit down after.    Read more

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