Conquering Fears

Today was all about conquering fears. Well, yesterday for both Lou and I ( fear of being in a tunnel with no way out for 20 mins) and just me, today , with my fear of heights.

The tunnel was easy for me - I slept through it. Like a bad bachelors party, I went to sleep in England and woke up in France. Dodging a bullet really. Lou, on the other hand, challenged her fear and won. Bravo!

Today, The Iron Lady. Grandmother of the French. Le Eiffel Tower.

I have been scared of heights, and steps with gaps in them, forever. I don't like lifts, and my feet sweat when people in movies are at the edge of the roof. I knew today was going to be tough. But this was the one thing on Lou's Bucket List for Paris and I did not want to disappoint. My feet still sweated, my heart still raced, I still felt a little sick, but I got it done. 

Second level only, not the top, We were going to go to the top but the queue was already a couple of hours long and we had so much more we wanted to do today. 

Fear, conquered. At least for today.

Last day in London

Today was our last day in London. We had a strong plan of attack and a list of must dos that had not been done. They were: ( in no particular order)

1. Visit Hyde Park and Kensington Palace

2. Locate Elsa and kidnap her.

3. Go to Covent Garden

4. Get a photo with the Horse Guards.

5. Support my new obsession with shop windows by taking photos of displays.

So how did we go?

Kensington Palace : check. A little bit fancy or us.

Kidnapping Elsa: Epic fail. Elsa dolls delivered overnight but all sold in under two hours. We walked at least 13 km today, ten of them up and down Oxford st looking for the Disney store.

Covent Garden: check. Favourite treat? Salted caramel gelato from Venchi's.

Photo with the Horse Guards: check. 

Shop windows? Check. Soooooo beautiful.

Tomorrow, Paris!

To Market To Market

  

This morning we got up early and went to the London Borough Markets (on the advice of last night's cabbie who said it was one of his favourite places).The produce that we saw was fantastic. Not a place to visit if you are hungry!

  

  

 

  

  

Putting on the Ritz!

Yesterday we were transported back in time. Afternoon Tea at the Ritz was everything that you expect it to be: incredibly polite service in opulent surroundings. I don't think I had time to take a breath before my tea was poured and every need was anticipated. We ate rhubarb petit fours and macaroons, and smoked salmon sandwiches, scones and vanilla slices. It was very fancy! Thanks for a lovely birthday present Lou. 

It's Show Time!

Yesterday we were at the Seven Dials to see Matilda. AmAZIng show. Got a few tips from Principal Trunchpole for when I go back to work. Tonight we were at the Apollo to see Wicked. Lou has to go in front in queues because I'm too polite. She is like a snow plough but she does it in a nice way. We are learning to have a 'take no prisoners' attitude to taxi queues and seats on the Tube as well. 

In Bruges

No hit men in the tower, just the sound of the bells pealing and the clip clip of the horses hooves on the cobblestones. There is so much to love about Bruges, I think I am in heaven.

  

 

 Exquisite lace, 1 200 beers to choose from, patisserie and chocolate on every corner and my personal favourite, chocolate dipped strawberries. We are spending today chillaxing, eating waffles in the sun at the Grote Market this morning and shopping up a storm. 

Yesterday we went on a boat trip around the canals, but at the last minute a mad Russian joined the tour and he spent the entire trip standing up to take photos and blocking everyone else's view. However, it was so relaxing that for 5€ we area plan to go again tomorrow and just use Lou's Parisian Attitude to get a seat up the front.

 

 

Bon Voyage Car Party

We have a new tradition in 2014 - The Car Party. Special events are celebrated on the road to work and so far we have had a birthday celebration and a baby shower. On Friday, we had our first (but I'm sure not the last) Bon Voyage party. I heard them coming before I saw them. To some rather loud music a smiling lass waved a baguette and a bottle of champagne through the sunroof, and when the car pulled alongside the kerb, and I opened the door....Voila! A fabulous chauffeur with an espresso to go!
     

Flags from every European country adorned the roof, and delicious breakfast of croissants, fromage and eclairs were ready to be served by a gentleman in a classy black beret.We had not driven more than three kilometres when we slowed, and to my surprise, a VERY pregnant English rose was waiting to wave the Union Jack proudly in one hand whilst demonstrating the royal wave in the other. You were there with us all the way in spirit, Bex!


We continued to the gentle strains of the "Learn to Speak German" and it took us at least 20 kilometres to master the phrase 'Kaffee mit Milch und Zucker bitte'. Thank heavens I only feed my addiction once a day! Games, including the testing "Do You Know Where You're Going to?" map, and a challenging Q and A about Europe made sure the start to my last day at work was an awesome one. I am blessed to have friends an co-workers like these. Thanks to Claire, Cedric, Bex, Garry and Kate, I will miss you, but remember:
Cuando el ratón está ausente el gato no debe jugar!

Taxi Fare from the Airport.....Check!

I heard once that if you take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves. I tried and never got any thinner. Turns out it wasn't even about losing weight!. Savannah gave me this jar last year so I could save a little extra for my holiday. Tonight I cracked it open and found out that old wives knew more than I thought they did.

I now have an extra $700 to take away on holidays, and I never even missed those $2 coins in my purse. Yay! Now we can get a taxi from the airport in London and pay CASH!

The Countdown!

My new suitcase arrived today. A new suitcase for an exciting journey. Only 15 days until we fly out to start the adventure that has been over 12 months in the planning. Look out Europe, here we come!

For those who have yet to meet her, this is my sister Lou. She is the spontaneous, fun loving one who will make sure we don't take ourselves too seriously. I am the serious one who worries about flying over water and can't sleep on planes in case someone hears me snore. It's going to be a long trip to Heathrow via Dubai and Barcelona!