Yesterday (Wednesday) was time to go to Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard. Quite disappointing, as we got there 90 minutes before it started, and couldn't get spots with a decent view. Watched some soldiers and bands walk past, and then heard bits of the formalities over the hoards, but overall not a great morning. Headed back to the Thomas Hotel after that, stopping to get some groceries on the way for lunch and supper.
Spent the afternoon packing and organising the stuff. We go home today, so are sorting out the last few things.
- Details
27th was a Bank Holiday yesterday, so got to sleep in late, and then headed off with Darryl and Liese for Tower Bridge to have a better look around there. After a bit of a wander around there to see the bridge, Tower of London and the sites around there, went across town to Hamley's to get some nice stuff for Brendan and Nicole. To top it off, Darryl and Liese bought them their birthday presents too, so we came back with plenty of stuff.
Had to try all the new stuff out, so did that. Then went up to Putney for supper in one of the restaurants along the Thames. Had a very pleasant meal there and just a bit of time to relax, until we found out my folks had written of their car, but were OK, so that put a bit of a damper on the rest of the evening.
This morning had to be up fairly early to catch the tube to Wimbledon and then the train to Hampton Court. Spent the morning roaming around the palace to see how and where Henry VIII lived. Then went out into the gardens, rested a while, and then decided to tackle the famous palace maze (dates back to late 1600's apparently). However, drama arose as we entered when Nicole got stung by a bee on her foot. Fortunately another family just behind us had tweezers and sting ointment, but we still ended up leaving as she refused to continue in the maze.
Figured we should go get lunch, which we did at the Tiltyard Cafe whilst she calmed down. After lunch, Jen took Brendan in the maze, and then I did it with him so that he could go again.
Time to head back to the station, and on getting into Wimbledon headed into the book stores for the final book shop of the trip before going back the Thomas hotel as Nicole is now calling Darryl's place.
Not the most fun lugging all the books back up the road from the station. Spent the rest of the afternoon playing games with the kids, and Jen has just taken them out to play on the jungle gym so I have time to update this. Tonight we want to start packing the stuff up to make sure we have enough space to bring everything back, so time to start getting ready to go home.
Only one day left tomorrow before we fly back on Thursday, and we want to go to see the changing of the guard which we missed last week.
- Details
We're now back from Versoix and using the evening to catch up the blog (and do all the washing).
The trip to Versoix started with a very long and drawn out tube trip, which started at 10:00am at Southfields station and ending finally at Heathrow at 11:30am. This after waiting at Southfields for 10 minutes for the tube, transferring at Earl's Court, waiting for the correct train, then catching one that then decided it wasn't going all the way through to Heathrow, so had to get off that one, wait for the next, get on that, which was full and then let others squeeze on for the last leg. A tin of sardines probably has more space than the carriages on the tube to Heathrow.
The tube aside, the flight was very pleasant, and we arrived at Geneva airport, and went through customs really quickly, found our luggage on the carousel waiting for us, and then proceeded to get the car.
We got given a nice Mazda 5 which I thought was really great, 'cause it had lots of space. Graham on the other hand, didn't like the idea of a big car: he had to drive a big car, with left hand drive, on the wrong side of the road, on little roads. Not much fun. I'm really glad that I didn't have to drive.
The B 'n B was really quaint, a lovely little house run by Claire-Lise, with three stories, and all wood with wooden stairs and old lady trinkets and things all over the house. Everybody's movements could be heard, with the creaking floor boards and stairs.
When we arrived at Russell and Jenny's house on Thursday, Russ was still at work, but it didn't take long for the kids to get re-acquainted and straight into games in the garden.
On Friday, we went down to the "beach" at Versoix, it was a small pebbled beach at the yacht club at Versoix (http://www.cnv.ch/ and click on webcam at the top menu to see what it looks like there) on the shores of Lake Geneva, which was really pretty. The kids loved playing on the beach and in the 'cold' water. We then went to the river in the forest which was really pretty. The kids sent their twig boats down the river and they played on the branches and on the banks of the river.
The kids had hot dogs for supper, we put them all to bed, and then Russ, Jenny, Graham and I sat down to a cheese fondue. I never knew you could have so much fun with stale bread.
On Saturday, we went to Signal de Bougy, a lovely park up in the mountains about 30 minutes drive away, with a view over the lake. We were high enough up that we could still see the Geneva fountain, a 140m high water fountain in Geneva. Grabbed some lunch in the restaurant there, and took the kids into the play area. They had all sorts of jungle gyms and mazes and pipes and waterparks and other stuff for the kids to play on.
After that we roamed around a bit and whilst going through their farmyard (which certainly smelt like a farmyard) found an amphitheatre where the Trio Velinos were about to perform. Enjoyed a fun filled 45 minutes watching a show of magic, monocycles and bicycles with a magician/performer and his two assistants, although didn't understand a thing that was said.
By now it was getting late, and was time to head back to Versoix for our braai, I mean barbecue, that we were having for supper. Early night, as everyone was a little tired.
Sunday morning was time to finish packing up, as we needed to get out of the B&B. Went to Russ and Jen's and then headed back to the beach again. We spent the morning there with the kids playing in the inflatable boat, building 'stone' castles, and skipping stones. We had lunch on the beach, and then headed back to the house to collect the bags, and head start the journey back to London. It only took 15 minutes from the time we left the Mackie's until we'd handed the car back at the airport. The check in and passport control was effortless, and we were transported safely back to Heathrow by a comfortable flight on BA. At least today we did not have to catch the tube all the way back to Southfields, as Darryl very kindly fetched us at the airport.
All in all the trip to Switzerland was enjoyable beside the fact that we felt very lost with the communication side of things. Au revoir, until the next update.
- Details
21st we planned to go watch the Changing of the Guard. On arrival at Southfields station, discovered that someone had had an accident at Putney Bridge and the tube was suspended. It also started raining again as we were trying to work out the bus routes and options to get into London another way, so we gave up and Jen went shopping in Wimbledon again, dragging the rest of us through all the shops.
Had lunch at a pleasant coffee shop, and there was an Angelina Ballerina display on just outside it so Nicole enjoyed that at least.
Headed home early afternoon and just vegged indoors.
22nd up early and in the rush hour travelling to get to Madame Tussauds when it opens at 9:00. Queued for 30 minutes to get in anyway, but did enjoy the morning. Missed the scary stuff around the Chamber of Horrors and had great fun taking pictures with all the other celebs.
Even pretended we were royalty for a short period of time.
Back home for lunch, and need to pack this afternoon as we head off to Geneva to see the Swiss family Mackie from tomorrow.
- Details
Saturday 18th August was spent relaxing for the morning with Chris as Mike and Andrew were at work. Mike was home at lunch time, and again a really good meal. After lunch they took us up to Box Hill. The view from up there was magnificent, we could see all around the area, but the wind was quite strong and it started raining again, so we didn't stay up there much. Went back to the house, had supper and then they all ganged up on me, teaching me to play What 'R's (a card game similar to rummy) and whipping me, Jen was the household champion.
Sunday got to sleep in late, and we had a late English Breakfast fryup. Rained, rained, and then rained some more, so any chance of going out didn't materialise. Was quite pleasant actually to just sit around, chat and read and eat. Big roast for supper, and after putting the kids to bed, Jen whipped us all at cards again.
Monday morning up for breakfast and then Chris took us back to Southfields. Dumped the bags and headed into London, making this a museum day. First stop was the Science Museum, got to see space space and flying stuff. There is even a cross section of a 747 showing how the plane is made up. Also fascinating seeing and showing the kids how household equipment has changed over the last 100 years.
Grabbed lunch in the Science Museum, and then time for the Natural History Museum. Saw dinosaurs and mammals and creepy crawly things. In the marine section, there is a lifesize whale model, and Nicole's words were "that is the biggest thing I have ever seen in the whole wide world, I couldn't believe mine eyes". Brendan got all scientific and told us that the Blue Whale grows 28 metres long. Brendan enjoyed all the fossils, and we had to drag him away from the interactive displays.
Back in Southfields now, unpacking and washing and having a bit of a rest. Weather is still miserable, so lets see what the rest of the week holds for us.
- Details
Yesterday (17th) was time to sleep late and relax. Mike was fetching us at midday, so could laze around and organise ourselves slowly. Arrived at the Wrights early afternoon, to see Andrew briefly before he rushed off to work.
Got fed, spent the afternoon in the garden, Brendan playing rugby with Mike and then with Andrew. Also did lots of catching up with Mike and Chris, and then got fed again. Won't leave here hungry!
Today (18th) got to sleep really late, kid's only woke up after 8:00. Weather is horrible, raining and cold. I have just finished updating this for the Disney trip, and we are about to have breakfast.
We are all enjoying the slowdown and relaxing.
- Details
Disneyland was great, the kids had a wonderful time. We enjoyed it, but it was hard work keeping the kids on the go and making sure we got to do everything and experience it properly so that they really remember it.
By the end of the 5 days, we had ridden and walked through:
- Legends of the Wild West (Cowboy walkthough)
- Thunder Mesa Riverboat
- La Cabane des Robinson (Swiss Family Robinson tree house)
- Le Passage Enchante d'Aladdin (Aladdin walkthough)
- Adventure Isle
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Le Carrousel de Lancelot
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Alice's Curious Labyrinth
- Mad Hatter's Tea Cups
- Casey Junior - le Petit Train du Cirque
- Le Pays des Contes de Fees (the boats through fairy tale land)
- "it's a small world"
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Orbitron
- Star Tours
- Les Mysteres du Nautilus (Nautilus submarine walkthrough)
- Space Mountain: Mission 2
- Cars Quatre Roues Rallye
- Les Tapis Volants - Flying Carpets Over Agrabah
We had watched:
- Winnie the Pooh and Friends on the Fantasy Festival Stage
- La Fanfare du Chateau (Disney band playing Disney tunes)
- Animagique
- High School Musical on Tour
- Lilo and Stitch's Catch the Wave Party
- Disney Characters' Express
- Toon Train
- Disney Cinema Parade
- Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade
- Candleabration (the 15th birthday celebration)
- Disney's Fantillusion Parade
- Wishes Firework Display
The kids met, in person:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Chip
- Dale
- Sully
- Winnie the Pooh
- Lilo
- Stitch
- Prince John
- Wendell
- Details
Last day, so finished packing up our stuff. Went to the normal 7:00 breakfast session, then went back up to get our stuff and check out. Dumped it all in the luggage store and walked down to the Park.
In by 8:00 to get in all the last rides. Carousel twice, Teacups twice, Buzz once and explored the Sleeping Beauty Castle again.
Then went to watch the Winnie the Pooh show that was cancelled yesterday. Great fun, had the children up and dancing and singing in the front of the audience.
Explored the Alice maze again.
I then went and rode the Star Tours flight simulator, on my own for this one. Pizza again for lunch, and then watched the Character Express coming through with characters on. Went for final walks through FrontierLand and AdventureLand, went through the Alladin walkthrough (twice) and the Wild West Legends.
Last wander through Studios, got some one-on-one time with Pluto and Goofy, this made Brendan's day as he had been trying to get a Pluto photo all week. Watched the Toon Train, Chip and Dale and Clarice all providing the entertainment.
By now it was time to hit the road, so up to the hotel, got the bags, and caught the shuttle to the station. Check in was fairly painless, on the train with plenty of time so got the kid's colouring books and puzzle books out and waited to get back to London Waterloo. Darryl met us there and helped us find the quickest train to Putney where Liese picked us all up.
Spend the evening unpacking and washing and the kids told Darryl and Liese all about Disneyland.
- Details
Up early again for breakfast, into the park by 8:00. Weather looked lousy, rainy and overcast.
I went off first on my own this morning to ride Space Mountain, as everyone else was too small or scared to do this. Great ride, just need to work out which way is up when you get off.
Went on Buzz again, mom won this time. I took Nicole on Peter Pan whilst Jen took Brendan on Dumbo. Then we all rode Dumbo again and then all went on Peter Pan (again!). Then time for the Teacups and Carousel.
Rain came down and the Thomas family went for shelter in the shops, looking for some nice stuff to take home.
When the rain eased up went into "it's a small world" again. Then went round to watch the Winnie the Pooh show, to discover that they had "technical problems" and it wasn't happening, so watched the Disney band playing some tunes in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Then went into a new part of the park for us, Adventureland. Spent some time exploring Adventure Isle, into Skull Rock and roaming the cave mazes. Eventually found our way out across the high suspension bridge. Finally went up to the top of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house.
More rain, so time to get pizzas (again) for lunch and then we decided to finish our shopping. After bending the credit card some more, we had to catch the shuttle bus back to the hotel with all the stuff we bought for the kids.
Decided then to go back to Studios, as it looked like the rain had stopped. Little did we know it just stopped for us to get there dry before raining on us to get us all wet again as we arrived. Had promised Brendan a ride on Cars, so did this in the rain. We had planned to watch some of the other stuff here, and it all got cancelled due to the weather.
Resorted to MacDonald's for nuggets and chips for supper, and then onto the hotel to pack up and go to bed.
- Details
Another early start, breakfast by 7:00 to be in the Park by 8:00.
Rode Peter Pan, which takes you high over London in pirate boats and then onto Never Never Land. Then onto Dumbo and the Teacups. Went round to ride Buzz, which was closed for technical problems, so I took Brendan on the Orbitron, much like Dumbo but only in rocketships not elephants.
Went back to ride Dumbo again, and then queued again, this time to meet Winnie the Pooh.
Then went for a walk through the Nautilus (Captain Nemo's submarine).
Buzz was open again, so shot Zurg again, getting more points this time as we figured out how it works properly
Road the Casey Junior train again and then went round to Frontierland.
We had a bit of time before lunch, so took a cruise on the Riverboat around Thunder Mountain.
Lunchtime in the Lucky Nugget, with Minnie and Mickey and Chip & Dale and Goofy and Prince John and Wendell, was a really good buffet meal. Also a live Saloon Band played whilst we ate and met the characters.
After lunch went up to Studios again. Went to watch Animagique. Rode the magic carpets.Watched some of the High School Musical on Tour show, got pics with Lilo and Stich, watched the Lilo and Stich Wave Party and then the Cinema Parade.
Back to the hotel for the kids to have a swim, early night to bed.
- Details
Up early again, needed to be in the park for breakfast in Fantasyland. After breakfast, decided to get some fun rides in, so I took Brendan on Dumbo and Jen took Nicole on the Carousel. After that Jen took Brendan on the teacups.
We then decided to go round to Discoveryland, and went on the Buzz ride. Great fun, shooting laser beams at the evil Zurg and his minions.
We then started something else we learned to do well in Disneyland, stand in queues. Got into the first one so the kids could meet Minnie Mouse. As soon as we were done there, got into the next one for Mickey Mouse.
Having had enough of the queues in the Disneyland Park, we decided to go to Disneyland studios. Stopped for pizzas on the way through and then Brendan and I rode the Magic Carpet ride.
On the way back to the main part of Studios, bumped into Donald and Daisy Duck, another opportunity for kiddy photos. Then it was time to pose with Sully from Monster's Inc. and to practice screaming to see how much energy your scream generated, Nicole won hands down.
As we wanted to spend the evening watching the parades, took the kids back to the hotel for a nap.
Went back down to the park in time to get a decent spot for the Once Upon a Dream Parade. Awesome show, saw all the main characters go past, and Nicole was in Princess heaven when the princess float went past with all her princesses on with their princes.
Needed to keep the kids busy and on the go for the Fantillusion parade which was only at 22:25, so rode "it's a small world" again, the teacups again, the carousel again.
Got some hotdogs for supper whilst keeping a good spot for the Fantillusion parade, which was also magnificent. The lights give new perspective to the characters, and there was a butterfly float with great colours on it. Again ended with the Princess float, Nicole ecstatic again
Then watched the Candleabration, which lit up the Sleeping Beauty Castle with the birthday candles (Disneyland Paris is 15 years old) and then the wishes fireworks show.
Well past midnight by the time we got to bed with exhausted kids and more exhausted parents.
- Details
Back from Disneyland Paris, and been offline the whole time, so time to catch it all up.
12th
Up early, as Darryl took as for a drive along the Embankment to appreciate the views of London before dropping us at Waterloo to catch the Eurostar to Disneyland. Pleasant journey, much nicer than flying, with more space and legroom, quieter trip and don't have to check in the luggage.
Got to Disneyland early afternoon, and went to check in and get our passes. Dumped the bags in luggage storage and headed for the parks.
As we got in, experienced our first set of characters as the character express went past. Headed into Fantasyland to see the Sleeping Beauty Palace. Nicole was having lots of fun. Spent the afternoon in Fantasyland, and rode the horse carousel, explored the Alice in Wonderland maze, rode the boats through fairytale land to see all the fairytale characters, rode the Casey Junior train around the fairy palace on the hill which was the kid's first roller coaster experience, and rode the boats through "it's a small world", which is a miniland of all the countries and cultures you can think of.
Grabbed some chicken nuggets and burgers for supper at Au Chalet de la Marionnette, and then went back to the hotel to get into the room and unpack.
Time for bed as we were all pretty tired.
- Details
Had a quiet day, went for breakfast in the morning with Darryl and Liese to Giraffe, a little restaurant in Wimbledon. After that wandered the Centre Court shopping centre and surrounds, picked up some nice books for the kids there.
Went back to Darryl's place and spent the rest of the day there. Mike and Chris popped in to say hello. Spent some time in the evening sorting out the stuff for Disneyland the next day.
- Details
Didn't get to do much yesterday, Brendan woke up with gastro and we spent the day relaxing around the apartment. Took the kids into the garden to relieve the cabin fever late in the afternoon. Quiet evening with Darryl and Liese after Jen earned some of our keep cooking dinner.
Today Darryl had taken the day off, and we headed out to Legoland. About an hours drive to get there, and hit the traffic going in as everyone seemed to be going to Legoland.
Once we got in, we started at the Imagination Centre. We all went for a ride on Sky Rider, small skytrains that look over the top of the park. Then we headed into the 4D movie theatre to see Lego Racers. Brendan and Nicole stopped using the 3D glasses part way through, as they got a bit nervous with the effects, but enjoyed the wind through their hair as the cars and bikes raced through the track, and especially enjoyed the snow fall on the ice track.
Next we roamed the world in Miniland, awesome realistic lego constructions of major landmarks around the world. The London display was the same as being on the London Eye again. Also saw Sweden, Holland, France and the NASA space centre.
Then we went into Duplo Land. Nicole and Brendan drove the helicopters at Chopper Squadron, and then rode with uncle D around the Fairy Tale Brook (twice), watching out for the Big Bad Wolf and Trolls trying to get the better of Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. Jen and I got to ride on our own here for a change.
Time for lunch, so into the nearest place for pizza and juices.
Walked through the bottom of the park, stopping off to ride the Dino Dipper. Brendan enjoyed it, but it went a bit quick for Nicole.
The queues for the rest of the big rides were starting to get long, so headed back up to the kiddy area at Duplo land for icecream and to watch the puppet show. Kids then changed and disappeared into the Waterworks area. Didn't last long there, they were too cold. Brendan discovered the water cannons on the side, and spent some time drowning the poor lego frogs and turtles.
After that it was time to head home, so packed up and changed and hit the road.
- Details
Just got back from first day on the go.
After breakfast, by which time Darryl and Liese were long gone, we hit the tourist road. Walked down to the station at the bottom of the street, which is great exercise for the kids who were about to spend the next half hour stuck in the tube. No grief, and found our way to Westminster without any backtracking or getting lost.
Came out at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It was pretty cold out near the river, and ended up scratching to find the kid's jackets straight away (what happened to summer?).
Anyway, headed to the London Eye to get our tickets, but still had a few hours to kill. The democratic vote (i.e. Brendan and Nicole whining to get their way) was to go into the Aquarium, which we did. Nicole enjoyed the sting rays, not the sharks, and loved Nemo. Brendan liked the sharks.
Resorted to MacDonald's for lunch (it was right there, no travelling or making decisions) but got chicken not burgers. Bolted out of there just in time to catch the River Cruise.
Quite good fun and very informative. Got us orientated on where all the main stuff is and some history with it too. The boat docked and we wandered up to the London Eye flight.
I think BA sponsored it because the service and procedures there are as bad as Heathrow. The 30 minute queue turned out to be a 45 minute wait in the "boarding area" and another 15 minute wait in the actual queue. Fortunately this gave Jen time to shop for pictures in the kiosk and bribe the bored kids with ice cream whilst I held the fort and kept our place in the queue.
What a view. Could see all the main parts of London, all the attractions, in one go. Certainly one of the most fun things to do here. Kids took a while to warm up to the idea that they were so high up, but by the end of the flight were right up at the window looking down.
Caught the tube back and slowly wandered back to the apartment. Everyone is a bit tired, so time to just relax now.
- Details
Landed Tuesday morning after the long flight in from Johannesburg. Took a few hours to clear all the formalities at Heathrow (the luggage was waiting for us, that says it all!).
Uncle Darryl picked us up and took the scenic route back to their apartment in Southfields, showing the rest of the family his old apartment.
After a few minutes to relax, Darryl took Brendan and I to watch the Chelsea team practice at Stamford Bridge. Quite an impressive stadium. Jen and Nicole stayed behind to relax and unpack. Brendan got his first roly poly for lunch, and then we headed back to the apartment.
Spent half the afternoon catching up on some sleep, and then went out into the gardens so that the kids could get some air and run around. They played on the obstacle course/trim park in the complex, but some rain cut that short.
After supper just got some time to relax with Darryl and Liese. Just before Brendan went to bed, we saw a fox running through the garden.
We needed to get some sleep as we had a busy day planned for the next day. We've booked the London Eye and Thames River Cruise for Wednesday.
- Details