Friday, May 26, 2006
Prague!
Kate and I left for Prague at 4am Sat morning. Got there and tried to find our way to the city. The signage was terrible, nothing in English, but luckily for the trusty Europe book I had it came through with the goods and pointed us in the right direction. Found our hostel which was through 2 security doors, up 2 flights of stairs and through another security door. We had our own room, which is pretty rare for a hostel which was good.Walked around for a while after that, got a feed, then explored the city for about 6 hours. We walked all around through Old town square, through the markets, across Charles Bridge and up the big hill to Prague castle. Charles bridge is amazing, you'll know what I mean when I send the pics, and the views approaching Prague Castle are just as good, looking over the entire city. Anyway, we popped back to our room before dinner and then went to eat in Old Town Square. Really nice place so the prices were expensive, well expensive for Prague anyway, probably a lot cheaper than London. But the local cuisine is basically meat and potatoes so I loved it. Spent the night at Charles Bridge again, before making our way back to beat the storm.
Next day we were up at 8am because we wanted to get a train out of town to a city called Kutna Hora where there is a castle where a lot of the ornaments are made out of human remains, so we went to the main train station, and as usual nothing was in English. We read the timetables for a while and found 1 train going there but it was too late for our flight back to London. We tried to find an info booth but everyone we went to didn't speak English (Really useful Information Booth's), so we couldn't go. Spent the day strolling around the city and admiring the place.
Amazing city, full of gothic buildings, cobblestone streets, and great views. Very picturesque and definitely a place I'd visit again. Now I couldn't leave without knocking back 1 litre of Prague's finest beer! I'm hoping to get the pics up over the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
One of the greatest soccer games I've ever seen!
Left work early at 6pm on Friday, came straight home, and Kate and I left for Essex, got a train to Liverpool ST then the overland to Witham in Essex, only took about 90 mins to get there. Kate's cousin Matt came and picked us up and took us back to his house in Great Totham. I met his wife Zara, and his Mum (Kate's Aunty) Anne. We sat around and talked for a few hours and then went to bed. I was pretty buggered due to an 8 pint session on Thursday night straight after work with some work people.
Sat morning we were up pretty early, went for a walk then came home and they put on a nice breakfast outside in the sun which was good for a change. Then Neil - the other cousin came around and we drove to Anne's house. We all then went to Heybridge Basin, there version of a beach I suppose, and we had a walk around there, although me and the 2 guys just wanted to get to the pub. Half hour later we got our wish and went to the Chequers Inn. Apparently it's 600 years old, really nice, and we sat in the beer garden and had a feed and a few beers. After that Anne left and the 5 of us went to another pub called the Welcome to watch the FA Cup Final. Don't know how many of you watched it but they're saying it is the best Final in history. The two cousins are crazy Liverpool fans (who were odds on favourites to win), and the pub we went to was full of crazy West Ham supporters and we thought that it could get quite interesting later on. Anyway, after 25 mins, West Ham were 2-0 up and the place was going crazy, shortly after Liverpool got one back and at half time it was 2-1 in West Hams favour.
We sat by the river at half time for yet another beer, and came back in to only have to wait about 15mins to see Liverpool equalise thanks to their skipper Gerrard. Looked like it was going to go to extra time until West Ham scored again, with about 20mins to go. The pub went nuts, and Matt and Neil were nearly in tears. 90th minute, and West Ham still up, everyone thought it was over until Gerrard again shot from over 35 yards into the back of the net, it was amazing, even for someone like me, it was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen, and i found myself yelling and screaming in excitement. Anyway the game went into extra time where no one scored, only thanks to the Liverpool goalkeeper saving an absolute ripper, then went into penalties where Liverpool won 3-1. One of the greatest soccer games I've ever seen. Needless to say, the pub cleared out pretty quick and we left unscathed back home for a few more beers.
Had a quick feed and then went into Chelmsford for a night out. Spent the whole night at a pub called D Place I think, just drinking, trying to dance, and admiring the scenery which I was told all about by every guy that has ever been there before. After 18 beers (majority pints), we called it a night, Anne picked us up at 12:30 and 5 of us squeezed into her tiny little car and went back to Matt's. Boys being boys, we thought we'd have another beer, and just like a million times before we all got through about half before passing out!!
Sunday was pretty relaxing which was good, we needed it, just saw a bit of Maldon, went for a walk, had a big BBQ, and played Giant Jenga, good fun, a game we'll play when I get back home, I know my family will take it so seriously and gamble on it which would make even more hilarious. Neil drove us back to the station at 5 and we were back home by 7:30pm.
Great weekend, pretty busy but time to relax which doean't happen to often over here. We definitely want to go back soon, they're really fun people, and we had a ball.
Champions League Final this Wednesday, and off to Prague this weekend, so I'll spend another week dog tired and aching for money!! But it's good fun doing it! Speak to you all soon.
Sat morning we were up pretty early, went for a walk then came home and they put on a nice breakfast outside in the sun which was good for a change. Then Neil - the other cousin came around and we drove to Anne's house. We all then went to Heybridge Basin, there version of a beach I suppose, and we had a walk around there, although me and the 2 guys just wanted to get to the pub. Half hour later we got our wish and went to the Chequers Inn. Apparently it's 600 years old, really nice, and we sat in the beer garden and had a feed and a few beers. After that Anne left and the 5 of us went to another pub called the Welcome to watch the FA Cup Final. Don't know how many of you watched it but they're saying it is the best Final in history. The two cousins are crazy Liverpool fans (who were odds on favourites to win), and the pub we went to was full of crazy West Ham supporters and we thought that it could get quite interesting later on. Anyway, after 25 mins, West Ham were 2-0 up and the place was going crazy, shortly after Liverpool got one back and at half time it was 2-1 in West Hams favour.
We sat by the river at half time for yet another beer, and came back in to only have to wait about 15mins to see Liverpool equalise thanks to their skipper Gerrard. Looked like it was going to go to extra time until West Ham scored again, with about 20mins to go. The pub went nuts, and Matt and Neil were nearly in tears. 90th minute, and West Ham still up, everyone thought it was over until Gerrard again shot from over 35 yards into the back of the net, it was amazing, even for someone like me, it was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen, and i found myself yelling and screaming in excitement. Anyway the game went into extra time where no one scored, only thanks to the Liverpool goalkeeper saving an absolute ripper, then went into penalties where Liverpool won 3-1. One of the greatest soccer games I've ever seen. Needless to say, the pub cleared out pretty quick and we left unscathed back home for a few more beers.
Had a quick feed and then went into Chelmsford for a night out. Spent the whole night at a pub called D Place I think, just drinking, trying to dance, and admiring the scenery which I was told all about by every guy that has ever been there before. After 18 beers (majority pints), we called it a night, Anne picked us up at 12:30 and 5 of us squeezed into her tiny little car and went back to Matt's. Boys being boys, we thought we'd have another beer, and just like a million times before we all got through about half before passing out!!
Sunday was pretty relaxing which was good, we needed it, just saw a bit of Maldon, went for a walk, had a big BBQ, and played Giant Jenga, good fun, a game we'll play when I get back home, I know my family will take it so seriously and gamble on it which would make even more hilarious. Neil drove us back to the station at 5 and we were back home by 7:30pm.
Great weekend, pretty busy but time to relax which doean't happen to often over here. We definitely want to go back soon, they're really fun people, and we had a ball.
Champions League Final this Wednesday, and off to Prague this weekend, so I'll spend another week dog tired and aching for money!! But it's good fun doing it! Speak to you all soon.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
ANOTHER hectic weekend!
(Sent 8/5/06)
How were your weekends?? Hope you had a good one. Happy Birthday to Dad again, sounds like you had a REALLY good weekend, of what you can remember of it anyway!
Friday night after work, me and Kate met Louse and Knighter at a pub, with a beer garden cos the weather here was pretty awesome late last week, got up to about 23 for a few days. Sounds shocking doesn't it, but it's a classic, as soon as the sun comes out, everyone is sunbaking in their lunch breaks and wearing ridiculous clothes, they just get so excited at the thought of sun, and it's only 23 degrees. Anyway, had a few beers, pretty quiet one cos I had to work the next day. Got home by midnight.
Saturday I worked till 5, then got picked up from home before 6 and left for Manchester. Took Knighter and I 4 hours to get there, we checked in to our hostel, and went straight out and met Louse, Amanda, and another couple Louse had met on his Contiki tour. We spent the night at a few bars and finished up getting kicked out of a casino at 4:30am. It was a massive night, got in bed after 5am. Great night life there and I had heard heaps about the girls up there, and it was true, they basically all compete with each other to see who can wear the shortest dress and least clothes I think. I couldn't believe what I was seeing!! But they're good fun, very friendly, and just like having a good time. Pretty funny night.
Woke up 3 hours later, had to get to Old Trafford
early to pick up our tickets for the game. Just the boys went to the game. We then waited for the local pub to open, "The Trafford" and got back into it, we only needed a top up so we were pretty jolly pretty early. The pub turned crazy. Agai
n, like the movie Euro Trip, it was like that Manchester United pub they stumble into in the movie, exactly the same, the whole pub was red with flags everywhere, and some of the roughest heads you would ever see. They all sing and chant all day, and this is just before the game. Was a great atmosphere and good experience but you wouldn't ever want to say a bad word about the club or there is no way you would get out alive. Seriously.
Anyway finally got into the stadium, we sat top stand near the half way line, pretty good seats. The atmosphere was awesome. 72,000 people all singing and yelling, was pretty cool. Got some good pics, and got lucky with a video I captured of one of the goals I'll forward on next week hopefully. Ended up being 4-0 to Manchester United so we got to see 4 goals which was good. Polished off yet another beer, and then me and Knighter left to come back to London. Traffic was horrendous and it took us 6 hours to get back. Got to bed by midnight. Struggled getting up for work this morning that's for sure.
Awesome weekend, was great going to Old Trafford and seeing the place, they have just too much money! Taking it easy this week till Friday, Kate and I are going to Essex to spend the weekend with her Aunty and cousins. I'm going to the pub with her 2 cousins on Saturday for the FA CUp final so that should be good.
How were your weekends?? Hope you had a good one. Happy Birthday to Dad again, sounds like you had a REALLY good weekend, of what you can remember of it anyway!
Friday night after work, me and Kate met Louse and Knighter at a pub, with a beer garden cos the weather here was pretty awesome late last week, got up to about 23 for a few days. Sounds shocking doesn't it, but it's a classic, as soon as the sun comes out, everyone is sunbaking in their lunch breaks and wearing ridiculous clothes, they just get so excited at the thought of sun, and it's only 23 degrees. Anyway, had a few beers, pretty quiet one cos I had to work the next day. Got home by midnight.
Saturday I worked till 5, then got picked up from home before 6 and left for Manchester. Took Knighter and I 4 hours to get there, we checked in to our hostel, and went straight out and met Louse, Amanda, and another couple Louse had met on his Contiki tour. We spent the night at a few bars and finished up getting kicked out of a casino at 4:30am. It was a massive night, got in bed after 5am. Great night life there and I had heard heaps about the girls up there, and it was true, they basically all compete with each other to see who can wear the shortest dress and least clothes I think. I couldn't believe what I was seeing!! But they're good fun, very friendly, and just like having a good time. Pretty funny night.
Woke up 3 hours later, had to get to Old Trafford
early to pick up our tickets for the game. Just the boys went to the game. We then waited for the local pub to open, "The Trafford" and got back into it, we only needed a top up so we were pretty jolly pretty early. The pub turned crazy. Agai
n, like the movie Euro Trip, it was like that Manchester United pub they stumble into in the movie, exactly the same, the whole pub was red with flags everywhere, and some of the roughest heads you would ever see. They all sing and chant all day, and this is just before the game. Was a great atmosphere and good experience but you wouldn't ever want to say a bad word about the club or there is no way you would get out alive. Seriously.Anyway finally got into the stadium, we sat top stand near the half way line, pretty good seats. The atmosphere was awesome. 72,000 people all singing and yelling, was pretty cool. Got some good pics, and got lucky with a video I captured of one of the goals I'll forward on next week hopefully. Ended up being 4-0 to Manchester United so we got to see 4 goals which was good. Polished off yet another beer, and then me and Knighter left to come back to London. Traffic was horrendous and it took us 6 hours to get back. Got to bed by midnight. Struggled getting up for work this morning that's for sure.
Awesome weekend, was great going to Old Trafford and seeing the place, they have just too much money! Taking it easy this week till Friday, Kate and I are going to Essex to spend the weekend with her Aunty and cousins. I'm going to the pub with her 2 cousins on Saturday for the FA CUp final so that should be good.
Friday, May 05, 2006
A Weekend in Paris
Left for Heathrow at 10:45am Saturday. Arrived at the Airport, awesome self check in service, typed in ref number and it spat out boarding passes, took 1 min. Anyway arrived in Paris and had to find our way to the city. Caught a couple of trains and then walked to find our way to our Hostel which was in a great location. Checked in by 5pm and then we were straight to the Eiffel Tower. It's amazing, very surreal standing there looking at it, couldn't believe I was actually there. Took a heap of pics then went to get dinner at a resta
urant with a partial view of the Tower. Can you actually believe it was ME who suggested snails as an entree and ME who convinced Kate to have some. I knocked back 4 and Kate had 2, and to be honest, they were beautiful! Straight from the shell and topped with garlic sauce. Quality.We then went to the River Seine, and had a 1 hour cruise around the city, that was pretty good. Got back at 10pm in time to see the Eiffel Tower at it's best, not only lit up, but flashing as it does every hour on the hour for 5 mins. Got some great shots of it!! It was awesome, never seen anything so good, and don't know if I ever will. Huge fan! Called it a night after that and went back to our hostel.
Sunday morning we went straight to the Louvre. I was really looking forward to this place, especially after the Da Vinci Code. Seriously impressive place, MASSIVE. Were there for over 2 hours and only saw probably a quarter of it. Apparently if you look at each piece of art for about 30 secs you would be there
for over 5 months or something like that! Got some pics of the Mona Li
sa which is strictly prohibited, but managed to sneak in 3 shots! We then walked through the gardens to the Concorde (Obelisk), then up the Champs Elysees, Kate's paradise, to the Arc De Triomphe! So many great things to see there. It then started raining so we walked to the Notre Dame to meet Scott and Jade who drove down from Lille that day. We took some pics then found a dry place for a beer and basically just to warm up. We then went back to our hostel to get out of our wet clothes. We went back out at 7:30pm and met Scott and Jade at the Panthenon. We then walked to the Latin Quarter for a nice pizza and pasta dinner and of course, a few beers! After that we went back to the Eiffel Tower to see it at night again, it's honestly amazing! Got home around 1am.Monday morning we were up nice and early again, straight to... you guessed it, the Eiffel Tower. Got the lift to the 2nd Floor then right to the top for some spectacular views of the city. Spent a good hour up there then came down and got walking. We visited the Madeliene, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coere (very impressive and sacred church), and then back to the Louvre for a coffee. Saw everything we possibly could!!! Got back to London around 10:30pm and back home by midnight!
Awesome weekend, amazing city, a place I would love to go back to and spend more time there. The Eiffel Tower is something else, and after everything I had heard about the locals being rude, they were all pretty nice to us. The language barrier was ok, luckily we new the basics, and the restaurants all spoke some English, but there was a hell of a lot of Merci and Bonjour's over the 3 days! The funniest thing about the city, in my opinion anyway, is that people park where ever they want, literally, I saw a heap of cars parked in the middle of the road, and I'm not kidding.
Anyway, that was my weekend, a very memorable one that's for sure, just an amazing place!!! Pretty damn tired though, need to re-energise over the next few days then got a big weekend in Manchester coming up!!
(On reading this email, Tyson's big brother, Brenton says, "Whoever this is, can you please let my brother know I want to speak to him.
It's a dead give-away that this is isn't Tyson speaking when I hear words like 'surreal' being used. And the thought of Tyson appreciating art, going somewhere for a coffee and enjoying snails is just ludicrous.")
