My last post from the Northern Hemisphere

Oh well, I will be back in Adelaide soon. I look forward with anticipation and hesitation.... You can work out why.

Anyway, on our last day in London we had the pleasure of taking the stairs to the top og Big Ben, a big thank you to Mr JMcG. Unfortunately, there was a policy of strictly no photos. Given the heightened level of security I wasn't willing to try and sneak a photo. The police and security are understandably focused.

It doesn't matter because even if I had photos I could not upload them at this free internet terminal service operated by the BBC in Hull. I am happy to be taking advantage of the TV licence fees paid by the English. It is also quite fun to remind them, that yet again we are going to win the Ashes. I don't even need to know anything about cricket to have fun with this one.

Hull is no longer to the number 1 crap town in Englad. The revised book - crap towns II have droppped it back to number 17. I agree in the last 5 years there has certainly been a lot of goof change. You can even drink a mocha outside now. Although today is a bit like an Adelaide winters day.

Ooh dear, the BBC is palying scary 80s music on the radio! "we're the kids in America woah!!!" ........

See you all soon, except of course you don't live Adelaide then a prochain!

"Never a dull moment in Hull"

That is what the logo on the t-shirt in the information centre in Hull says. Although prior to coming here a number of people commented "why would you want to go there?" .

We met the friendly relatives at Hull station - however we can't upload any photos. Currently usibng the computers available for free at the BBC just opposite the Queens Gardens, and there is no USB port - the pictures will have to wait until Thursday - sorry!

On Saturday we had the full Hull experience - walking around the town, morning tea at Skeltons, Fish, chips and mushy peas for lunch, followed by a two-hour walking tour of Hull old town in the afternoon - which was actually really interesting.

On Sunday we met a few more relatives while pouring over the family tree, and cups of tea and cake (golden syrup cake - yummy!). There are a few photos missing - whch means some work to do when I get home! Will put up the photos of the relatives later in the week.

The weather in England has turned cold... a lot like the Adelaide winter - so it is not too bad. However it is when the weather is like this that you relise that you have not packed the right clothing. Not much point worrying about it now! The only worry we have is our bags being the right weight - and not too over when we go to the airport tomorrow... sigh.. always the worst part of any trip (that and packing).

At least I've managed to pick up something to read - bought teh latest Harry Potter for £7.39 - bargain!!! Everywhere else it has been £11+ so I've done well on that score.

Library update
It is a very sad state of affiars, not one cloth library bag - but I do have three plastic ones. It is interesting reflection that while everyone else in the world is reducing their plastic bag consumption , libraries seem to be giving them out willy nilly. Obviously not tapped into the social concious.

Looking forward to coming home (not the long flight obviously!!!!!!!)

Recent NEWS

I am here at the Regent Street Apple Store using a Apple Powerbook G4. It is quite sexy but my hunched over look to type isn't.

We've just picked up the evening newspaper and it suggets that there have been some copycat bombs. Fortunately there appears to be no serious injuries. The bombs, some of which were detonated were not very big. Anyway, just for your information Helen and I were not near the incidents. Although we did wonder why half of the Tube appeared to stop working.
We leave tomorrow. Tonight we will be saying another musical.

Westminster

Westminster
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Ah... what a view. The ride itself was very smooth. The clouds even cleared by the time we went on it. London weather so far has been good.

On Friday morning we are going on a tour to big ben!

Gaudi Apartments

Gaudi Apartments
Originally uploaded by kdt.

We visited the apartment in here. All I can say is that I want to live there. Light filled large spaces with tall ceilings.... Hmmm Very nice mordernista.

Food Market - Barcelona

Food Market - Barcelona
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Great food market and a good place for cheap lunch.. Would recommend shopping early though as the stalls start to shut at about 2:00pm in the afternoon.

La Rambala

La Rambala
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Barcelona is a great city. We thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll put some photos onto the blog for you now.

Train Wash Anyone?

Train Wash Anyone?
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Well, they could have washed it before I got on. The Eurostar is now faster on the London side amazing what 5 years and a bit of track work can do. I look forward to the next trip when it will be fast all the way into London.

Look some sun.

London Eye
Originally uploaded by kdt.

I may be freezing when the wind blows, it may be summer, all can be forgiven because for our half hour on the Lodon Eye actually had some sun......... Not full sun.. only some. But it makes a lot of difference to the photos. This photo was taken about 30 minutes ago..

A tourist trap it is, but a good on at that.

Barbizon Library

Barbizon Library
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

Some of you may notice the lack of library photos from this holiday. They aren´t as easy to find here! However whenever I have found one it has been shut - which is probably a good thing.

The opening hours have been interesting - take a look at these. I wonder if my work place would like to change to these hours but shtill pay me the same. oh well I can dream :)

Barbizon Library is a little town - which reminds me of Harndorf but without the piped music. The shops are very cute, and the buildings are lovely. When we can get to a computer terminal that enables us to use USB I will add some photos to my flickr page.

Easy Internet Cafe computers are %$·". They still use Windows 98!!!

Barcelona and all that

Sorry no photos today. Easyinternet sucks big time. It uses Windows 98 and the USB port is completely dead. Grumble - I´ll boycott them in London so hopefully you´ll get to see some photos soon.

Barcelona has hit the top 10 of my favourite cities in the world. The old town is a walkers paradise with a myriad of tiny pedestrainised paths hiding all sorts of fascinating things. For those gunzels out there its public transport system is integrated, its prices reasonable and its metro makes it a breeze to get around.

The Spanish experience commenced on the night train, which offered a comfortable service with everything in Spanish and Spanish speaking staff only. The food on board the train was good too. We had thought we had left the French speaking world behind. But our dinner companions was an elderly artist from Paris, who had lived in Melbourne from 1947 to 1950 and wished to speak in English to us Australians because he has fond memories of Melbourne. He was travelling with his brother in law from Switzerland. It is a sad day when my French has to be relied on for translations.

We´ve seen lots of art and lots of hot sweaty bodies. Gorged ourselves on Paella and other good food. Tonight its the turn of the Tapas bar washed down with good local beer. Tomorrow we return by night train so I will be filled again with good spanish food.

I need to increase my fitness regime and go on a diet when I come back.

Float

Float
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

While waiting for the cyclists to turn up, an hour before the caravan of cars and floats goes by the entire route - rain or shine.

When we watched the start of stage 7, it rained on and off for about two hours. When this went by the lion and the guy look drenched. I don´t know if I would want to drive this the entire legth of the race!

It was disappointing that you couldn´t even by a small one of these at the sales tent... but we did get a couple of t-shirts :)

Helen Firewoman

Helen Firewoman
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Helen asked me not to upload this photo... but she uploaded mine..

Here she stands with the full kit on breathing through the fireman breathing apparatus.

It is hot!!! and there is no fire.

French Food...

IMG_1179
Originally uploaded by kdt.

We have eaten soo much French food, I know I have gained weight. We have eaten:
Frogs legs
Duck Gizzards
Sea snails
and a variety of sea food for which I can not remember the names. Not forgetting, crossants, french bread (ah), normandie butter, vast quantities of drinks. looking forward to going to the gym!

BTW - this meal was fabulous!

HK

Segway #2

Segway #2
Originally uploaded by kdt.

We went on a Segway tour of Paris. The segway was better than the information provided than the guide.

HK

Kym Fireman?

Kym Fireman?
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Maybe Kym should get a new job? He just fitted the suit. Must be all the good food we have eaten.

Christophe gave us a guided tour of the fire station where he works. It includes ambulance services as well as some of the services which we know are provided by the CFS. Very different to the South Australian set-up.

>HK

Bastille Day

Fireworks 14 JUL 2005
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Helen, Chrisophe, Vanessa and I along with more than 1 million others watched this stunning spectacle.

I've seen a bike future and it is all good.

IMG_1516
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Karlsruhe is a bike and public transport city. It has excellent bike paths and excellent public transport. It was very enjoyable - Adelaide could be like this!

Start of Stage 9 - Gèrardmer

IMG_1992
Originally uploaded by kdt.

On Sunday we had our best position for the start of the race - as the cyclists had to go by in order to get in the position for the start.

We arrived at 8am in order to get a good spot - and the race didn't start until 12pm. Thankfully it did not rain, or have a cold wind like the previous days. During this time (it is amazing how fast it goes), a number of the sponsors come around and give you giveaways such as coffee (we have 4 small bags to bring home), hats, banging sticks which you inflate, lollies, phone cards etc.

Prior to the race commencing there are a number of presentations for junior cyclists, the caravan with all the sponsors leaves An hour before the start, as well as the cyclists signing in.

We did take an Australian flag with us - the only one we saw on this day. We didn't get anything signed (Stuart O'Grady went to the other side of the road - must of been the flag), but we took some great photos. It was fantastic!

HK

Start of Stage 7 - Luneville

Start of Stage 7 - Luneville
Originally uploaded by kdt.

We saw three stages of the tour de France in Lorraine, Alsace and Germany.

We saw two starts (and received lots of ree stuff)at Lunéville and Gérardmer, one King of the Mountain at Col de La Schlucht.

There was lots and lots of people and we waited a lonng time but the atmosphere and the caravan kept us going. We had shining sun, rain and cold winds - but it was all good.

At the last start Helen got some good close ups of the riders which we may post later. We screamed to get Stueys attention; while we got our knod we didn't get his autograph on our waiting cap!

Such is the life of the Tour De France. Next time we go; we will chase the mountains in a motor home and satellite TV!!!!!!!!!!

Suisse Normandie

Suisse Normandie
Originally uploaded by kdt.

There is a sign near where I took this photo that stated that Suisse Normandie is a little paradise. It is not far wrong. This is where Mr and Mrs Mirey (the not so recently married couple) lives. It is a beatiful area of every so hilly country side. It derives the name Suisse because of its hilliness!

Helen and agree with the intent of the sign proclaiming it to be a little paradise. In Normandie you'll certainly eat and drink well1 Pommeau, Camberet, fine seafood is just a part of daily life!

BBQ in France

IMG_1040
Originally uploaded by kdt.

It doesn't rain in Normandy - it is the sunning crying. However as it was approx 10.30 at night, it was the moon. There is nothing like a good BBQ - and being prepared for the weather. The head Chef was Jean Pierre.

BBQ in France

IMG_1039
Originally uploaded by kdt.

When in France what do you drink when having a BBQ? Fosters Beer! In the photo from left to right: Kym, Christophe, Vanessa, Albert, Jean Pierre, Martine.

Bell Foundary

IMG_1022
Originally uploaded by kdt.

On the way back from Mont St Michel, we visited the last working bell foundary in France (for at least the last 200 years). Out tour guide spoke English and French really well - so the tour was conducted in both languages as we were the only group on the English language tour :) It was fascinating to walk around a working factory, amongst the dirt. The photo is of a bell that was cast at the end of June, which they are slowly removing from the mould.

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel
Originally uploaded by kdt.

We visited here on Tuesday 5 July. A very stunning church which was started in the 8th century. It is at the mouth of the river Couesnon, in Normandy (not Brittany!). It is linked to the mainland by a causeway - which I am happy to report is going to be removed in 2012 :) It is one of hte most beautiful buildings in France I have seen. While we were there (with the other 1000's of tourists), we had a fantastic guide who was French but had very good humour - which made it entertaining for us (ask me about the bus that got caught in the tide).

Tram in Caen

IMG_0883
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Just a short post to let everyone know that my passion for photographs of public transport vehicles has not yet passed. This modern tram is operating throughout the Normandie city of Caen. I was not able to ride it because we were on our way to another wonderful dinner!

Fontainebleau Castle

Fontainebleau Castle
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

On Friday we were taken to visit the castle by Virgine & Stephan, who were very kind to us (we apologise if the spelling is wrong). Neither of these people spoke English, however Kym's French got us through the day, with the help of a dictionary.

The castle was magnificant as you can see by just the outside photo. Inside was just as iporessive with marbled halls, paintings and tapestries. The gardens were huge (including great conical trees that I adore) and the rear of the castle is surrounded by a huge forrest of trees. Thankfully there weren't many tour groups that we saw either!

Afterwards we also visited a small lovely town called Barbizon - which contains a lot of modern impressionist paintings as well is very arty little shops. One of the museums also contained a picture that inspired the movie the gleemers.

For PB

A bike in France
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

Here is a photo of a bike with baguettes attached. (Ok it's not mine)

I understand the obssession with baguettes; They are really very good and best fresh!

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake
Originally uploaded by kdt.

The food at the wedding was magnificent!

We started with apertif, then the first course was foie gras - yummy. Then there was a fish pie and scallops - fantastic! Afterwards there was a sorbet (unsure what kind but it tasted great). For the main we had beef, which was very tender with shredded potatoe and tomatie with breadcrumbs on top. After which we then had cheese and bread followed by the wedding cake which was profiteroles ans a cake with strawberries and cream and toffee. C'est magnifique!!! Not to mention an abundance of wine throughout the meal. While everyone arrived at the reception 7pm, we didn't sit down to eat until approximately between 9 & 10pm. But the meql itself was not finished until 1:30ish in the morning. We left at 5pm!

Tie me kangaroo down sport, tie me kangaroo down!

Tie me kangaroo down sport, tie me kangaroo down!
Originally uploaded by kdt.

At the wedding reception we were greeted by a giant papier mache kangaroo. It was great!

The kanagaroo's pouch accepted gifts from the guests.

We understand that in France the wedding is themed according to the wishes for the future of the couple. Christophe and Vanessa wish to return to Australia.

et voila the Kangaroo!

Each table was named after an Australian city. We sat at the Adelaide Table, which was the head table. There was a picture of Victoria Square which had the unfortunate consequence of me thinking about work for about ... hmmm 10 seconds. Sorry guys!! Hey any interesting news on the restructure (oops make that 20 seconds - and no reply is neccessary!)

Christophe and Vanessa's Wedding

Christophe and Vanessa with local fire people.
Originally uploaded by kdt.

What a beautiful wedding! When we left the church Christophe's we saw fire trucks. But fortunately there was no fire.

The fire trucks brought Christophe's colleagues to greet the newlywed couple. Here is a good photo of them. They provided an honour guard as Christophe and Vanessa left the church.

We were glad that there were no fires to occupy his colleagues at the time.

Lighthouse near Saint Marie Del La Mer

Lighthouse near Saint Marie Del La Mer
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

Phare de la Gacholle is along the bumpy road in the Camargue. It was closed. While it looks greqt please keep in mind it was 35 degrees, and we had been cycling for two hours (if you can call a sand path cycling), and had to stop to reapply suncreen and anti mozzie repelant.

Bread anyone?

Bread anyone?
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

You just gotta love France. There are always a large number of bread shops in French towns. They are all so tempting.

Sunflowers in France

Sunflowers in France
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

This was as close as I got to a field of sunflowers. Saw many fields where they weren't quite open. It was on the road from St Remy de Provence back to Barbentane. However I did see a number of fields on the train from Avignon to Paris.

les Baux de Provence

les Baux de Provence
Originally uploaded by Helen K.

Part of our longest cycle (60 km's) involved cycling up a 400 meter climb (according to the lonely planet), to les Baux de Provence. The day started off bad, as we had intended to set out early - however the re-occuring puncture returned and we waited for the guy to turn up with a new tyre- by &&ish we were back on the road again. 3.5 hours later and a lot of cycling behind us... the hill climb started after Paradou... and just kept going... and going. We stopped twice only to have a drink of water, as it was 35°( and take some photos)! But at no time did we walk the bikes up that hill. Goal achieved! After we parked our bikes we also walked up a number of stairs to the town (those lunges came in use after all). The town itself has lovely buildings (bought some great biscuits which we have eaten), but very touristy. Worth the hill climb!