LeHavre France - September 1, 2010

The day finally arrives!  We arrive in France at the port of LeHavre.  Since I had started this entire vacation by wanting to spend my birthday in Paris, we decided to disembark here and head to Paris for 3 more nights.  What a great decision!

We left the ship around 8:00am.  Princess had taken care of everything with customs.  All we had to do was pick up our passport in the morning and wave goodbye.  We got a cab (with the help of a local) and made our way to the train station. 

France is not like America in that they don't try to make everyone happy.  Street signs are in French.  Period.  Announcements on trains, buses are in French.  They make no excuses and make no apologies.  What we found though were wonderful people who are very proud to be French and will welcome you into their country.  We hear all the time how unfriendly French people are and how they don't like Americans.   Our experience was the total opposite.

While waiting for the train we met up with a couple from Canada.  An adventuresome twosome who made the two hour trip very entertaining.  Right off the bat, we didn't know that as you boarded the train you had to scan your tickets through this machine off the tracks.  We were following our French speaking Canadians who had a different type of ticket (found that out later on the train) so we just boarded the train with them.  As announcements proceeded and the couple translated, we had the "uh oh" moment.  The gentleman took Alan and our tickets to find a conductor, explain what happen and get everything squared away.

The French countryside that we went through on our way to Paris was beautiful.  Wonderful farms, houses and views.  You do move at a rapid pace so no pictures came out.  We had a few stops along the way, but we safely arrived at the train station in Paris.  It was so exciting!  Again, thanks to our friends on the train, they led us out of the train station into a beautiful sunny Parisian day.  There was stood with all our luggage thinking "Oh my goodness!  How will we ever get around!"

Let me say that in our travels (New York, Chicago, Rome) we've never come across such an easy (and clean) subway system.  Again, before the trip I had read Rick Steves Paris 2010 book and understood the symbols on the signs so we found the subway station and found our train to our hotel.  After the initial subway ride, we were golden. 

Edinburgh Scotland - August 31, 2010

Our last port of call from the ship.  We're back in Edinburgh for the day.  Since we are not on a tour today, we decided to just wake up and go when we were ready.  Sadly I must say we were still up at 7:30 and off the ship by 9:00. 

We wanted to take the train into Edinburgh today instead of a shuttle.  Well worth the effort.  European trains are fast and clean.  People are fun to watch and talk to.  Like in Italy, people are just as interested in where we are from as we are in them.  You learn alot.  To get to the station you had to climb up 130 steps.  It seems that we spent alot of this trip going up hill.

The train station in Edinburgh was like what you see on Harry Potter.  They look just like that except with modern boards telling you where to go and where your train is located. 

In Edinburgh you walk the Royal Mile.  At the top of "the rock" is Edinburgh Castle which I've previously mentioned in another blog.  Again, straight up hill from the train station.  The train station is midway of the mile.

It's a beautiful and working castle as the Royal Regiment is still posted here.  Also here are the Scottish Crown Jewels (sceptre, crown and sword).  Magnificent!  and of course no pictures allowed.  The view was unbelievable and we enjoyed touring the grounds. 

We then started the mile trip to the other end where Holyrood Palace is located.  Holyrood is the Scottish house of the Queen.  It too is a working palace, and like Buckingham Palace you can tour certain parts.  The Palace was beautiful.  The history here of Mary Queen of Scots was better explained than anywhere.  (She was a doll I had and was intrigued by as a little girl.) 

The grounds were beautiful, but again I was struck at the lack of color.  Many, many bushes, trees, but all the plants are not in bloom.  It is our understanding that we missed the full bloom season here of July.

After the palace, we decided we were done with palaces and castles and headed back to the ship.  Back up hill we go!!!  Made a pitstop at the Fudge Shop for that extra needed burst of energy.  It was a beautiful day.  Warm and sunny.  I'm not sure if anyone has noticed but the only time we've seen rain this entire trip was at the Edinburgh Tattoo when some brief drops hit us.  We couldn't have been luckier and we know it!  I hope it holds off for Paris.

Tomorrow is a day at sea.  We have our Cruise Critic lunch with new friends and then just enjoy the day.  Maybe watch a movie outside.  Lots of packing to do as we will be getting off the ship tomorrow morning and heading into Paris. 

I can't wait!

Invergordon Scotland - August 30, 2010

We docked in a small town called Invergordon.  Inver means Nose or Mouth, so the Mouth of Gordon.  We were on a 12 person tour, but in a 50 seater bus.  Lots of room to spread out. 

We headed off to the Highland Country.  The mountains here (called Bens) are no more than 3000 feet, but they are beautiful.  Like our time in Greenock, the area going through the highlands is piney, green and beautiful.  Throughout are lakes that are so clear and look so refreshing.  Again, many sheep and cattle.  Sheep up here are for there wool though mainly so that made it a wee bit better. 

We headed To what is called the Million Dollar View.  A beautiful view over the northern part of Scotland and the North Sea.  Funny thing today is that we can't get anymore north in Scotland, however it's by far the warmest day we've had yet and no wind.  Only needed a light weight coat. 

After the View, we headed to a waterfall (Falls of Shin) where the salmon are trying to swim upstream to spawn.  Unfortunately, we seemed to have gotten there too early and we saw no salmon, but we did see a beautiful waterfall. 

We left the waterfall for Dunrobin Castle.  Dunrobin is not really a castle at all, but a residence for the Duke of Sutherland.  They still reside here but open parts of the house for tour.  The most amazing part of this house is the gardens and the falconry display.  On property they house many hurt falcons and other birds and train them to go back to the wild.  For some, they figure out quickly that they have an easy food source where they are so they never leave. 

There were falcons, eagles, and vultures.  He had them flying directly over our heads.  There was also an owl who was very personable.  It's interesting how they don't fly away, but as he told us, why would they?


This castle is what I would have dreamt one should be like.  A beautiful home with gardens and the North Sea on the other side of my fence. 

We left the castle and did a tour of the Clynelish Whiskey Distillery.  This was an actual tour with a tasting at the end of course!  I understand why people take a small drink in the winter.  It warms you all the way down to the tummy.

Lunch was then in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, a town of 3,000 people.  There are only around 5 million people in all of Scotland with 41% of the population living in the capital of Glasgow. 

These little towns like Dornoch are just wonderful places of quiet peaceful living.  All farmers by trade.  Very little industry, however in Invergordon they do maintenance on oil rigs.  Pretty interesting  The church here is where Madonna and Guy Ritchie had their child baptized. 

After lunch we were heading back.  We went through a few more towns with lots of history given to us.  Then to the Nigg Old Church which holds a stone made by the Picts, a name given to the people of the area in Roman times.  The Picts didn't have a written language so they made stone tablets which have been found throughout Scotland.  One resides in this tiny church. 

All in all it was very nice day.  The scenary in Scotland is beautiful, although I have to say my favorite country visited (so far) is Ireland with the green green grass.  Tomorrow is our last day in Scotland in Edinburgh for the day. 



Thanks Lauren for the update!!!  We're trying to stay up with ESPN whenever we get it.  GO REDS!!!!  Tell Grandpa we love him!!!!!

Day At Sea - August 29, 2010

Today is a day at sea.  Given all the activity we've done in the past week we need the break.  Nothing exciting to write about.  We got up, ate, napped, ate, watched a movie outside..(little chilly, but very sunny), then off to eat again.  We had an enjoyable and relaxing day.  Off to Invergordon Scotland (Highland country) tomorrow.

Greenock/Glasgow Scotland - August 28, 2010

Tattoo Day!!  I've been looking foward to this day for about a year.  We've heard such wonderful things about the Edinburgh Tattoo and can't wait to see it.  But before we get there we have a whole day of sightseeing and traveling.

Our driver David picks us up promptly at 8:30.  There are 6 of us today heading off from the port of Greenock to Edinburgh.  West side of Scotland over to the East.  First stop we make is to Loch Lomond (Loch = Lake).  I'm sure you've all heard the song about Loch Lomond.  It's a beautiful sight setting on a quaint town.  There is a church here dating back to the 12th Century including a Viking grave.  The town surrounding is beautiful and the air is crisp.  That's been on of the nicest things is the fresh air.  No wonder the Irish and Scots always look so fresh. 

I also was finally able to get a picture of the hydrangea's that I've seen throughout the trip. 

We left Loch Lomond on our way to Stirling Castle.  To get there we go past the waterway known as the Lake Katrine (Lady of the Lake).  It reminds me of Colorado in this area.  Very mountainous with pine trees.  We also pass the castle that the Monty Python was filmed at.  Today there was a wedding going on there so I only got a shot from the outside.

We stopped for a bit of lunch and then headed onto Stirling Castle.  Stirling Castle sits mid Scotland so it was a critical castle in the early wars.  It's where William Wallace fought as well as Queen Mary of Scots reigned from.  There are so many queens and kings and family's I'm not sure how everyone over here keeps them straight!  This castle is being restored to it's glory and by next year there will be tours and period costumes to give everyone a look back into history. 

There were 7 tapestries that hung in the great hall that are now being remade by hand.  The pictures of the tapestries reside in New York's Met Museum and the lady weavers go take pictures and are recreating them from them.  One tapestry takes well over a year. 

We now have to head onto Edinburgh.  The drive is beautiful and scenic.  We're not worried about spending time here as we are back for a whole day near the end of our trip.  Edinburgh, in addition to the Tattoo has numerous festivals going on so there are thousands of people in the street.  A little overwhelming, but we get through it.  We have dinner with our group and then head up to the Tattoo.  By the way, everything is straight up...up steps, uphill climbs....just up. 

We are lucky today also at the Tattoo as the cadets from the Citadel in South Carolina are part of the performance.  It displays all types of the military bands here as well as others such as the Citidel.  It was beautiful and the tributes to all the current men and women serving is moving. 
It's 10:00 pm by now and we are going to head back to the ship.  It's been a long day with lots of information.  We have a Day at Sea tomorrow so hopefully I can get all the pictures uploaded at some point.

Belfast Ireland - August 27, 2010

We arrived into Belfast this morning around 10:00...docking at 11:00.  Most of the ports on this trip have us docking in small channels of some sort, this being no exception.  It's an amazing sight to see a ship this size turned around and backed into a slip.  We struggle parallel parking with a car!  The dock was just that, but take a look around and oh my!!!  The green is everywhere.

We disembarked and got on a bus with Belfast City Tours.  There were about 50 of us, this being our only large bus tour.  Nigel, the tour guide, came recommended from CC and Trip Advisor and he didn't disappoint. 

The drive to the North Antrium coast took a little over an hour and was beautiful.  Agriculture is the main industry in Belfast and we saw why.  The sheep, the cows, the farms.  Made me a little sad.  The sheep here are not used for the wool, but for dining.  :(  During this trip, Nigel began giving us the history of Belfast back into the 1200's. 

On the coast we went to the Giant's Causeway.  (Lauren, it was just amazing!).  It's hard to fathom how this was created, but I can only guess that God has his purpose.  The stones are almost all 6 sided and make an incredible site.  There is one that is the side of the mountain which is called the Organ as it resembles organ pipes.  Words just don't express the scenary and beauty here.  You have to close your eyes and smell the salt air with the green grass blowing in the wind.  And that's not even close. 

This is the area also where the Irish Sea meets the English Channel and the North Atlantic.  Lots of wave activity up here. 

We left here to have lunch at the Smuggler's Inn.  We had pre-ordered our lunch on the bus so it was there when we arrived.  Lunch was good and relaxing.  Quaint place by the Causeway.

Next stop was the Bushmill Distillery where we did a quick group tour and sampled the wares.  Never liked whiskey, but this is different.  It smells the same, but when you drink it (after the initial burn), it has a very smooth flavor.  Not harsh like what I anticipated. 

We next went to the Rope Bridge where a handful of us were brave/daring enough to make the climb and cross the rope bridge.  Keep in mind through all these activities what the landscape around us looked like.  Hopefully my pictures will give you a hint.  Trust me that I have tons more to show everyone.

It was then time to start the drive back to Belfast.  Nigel continued on with the history of Belfast up to current day.  Unbeknownst to me, Bill Clinton is well loved here as is was instrumental in getting the IRA to put down their weapons after the treaty was signed.  We continued back to Belfast for a quick tour through the city.  First through the Protestant area and then through a gate into the Catholic area.  We saw the Peace Wall in between.  On the Catholic side are still many wall paintings to remind them of what they are fighting for and yes, it seems that while there is no outward fighting right now, the war still silently continues.  The fact that there is still gates that are shut down at night between the two areas is somewhat disturbing.  Once fall comes even the gate that we went through will be closed early in the evening to try and prevent any issues. 

We learned alot about Belfast and the people there.  It makes you think about your home and how lucky we really are to live in the USA. 
Miss you all and can't wait to hear about kindergarten Adi!!!

Liverpool England - August 26, 2010

We arrived at Liverpool early in the morning.  We had not joined a tour as Liverpool is a walking city and we wanted a day off a bus/taxi.

We started the day by walking down the waterfront.  We've noticed in all the cities that we've been that they take great care to make their waterfronts into a place for gathering and remembrance.  Lots of statutes to the soldiers of WWI and WWII.  We walked down to the Mersey Maritime Museum.  It seems Liverpool is connected to the sinking of all three major cruise lines that have sank in the past.  Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland.  All three sank within a 3 year period.  The museum was quite impressive.  We went through 2 exhibits which took about 2 hours. 

Next we headed out to town.  They have a large shopping area that allows no cars.  It has a carousel and street venders....in addition to the shops such as Armani.  We strolled thru this part of town, enjoying the people and listening to the everyday conversations.  The accents are so much fun.  When the people start talking fast it is almost like a language of their own.  You can't understand anything!  The children though remind me of those on Mary Poppins.  The other item we noticed was hair here.  Children, mainly young boys are 99% red heads.  Just adorable....Josh would fit right in here and in Ireland.  Then there are the older girls (15-25) who dye their hair some bright shade of red/magenta.  Streaks or whole heads, it doesn't seem to matter.  And on a fashion note, if our trends come from over here we will see the tights with long shirts.  No heels.  I think in an 8 hour time period, we saw about 5 women with heels.

Enough of that, next we went off to Cavern Club area where the Beatles performed as well as many other bands.  Those that perform there have a brick in the wall.  During the day it's a nice place to tour, but they say at night it's shoulder to shoulder because of the large number of pubs and bands playing.

I want one of these street benches.  How cool!

We then headed up from the river some more to St. George's Hall.  In the pre-Victorian era this was where justice was dispensed.  Children in this area were subjected to the same treatment as adults including Hangings.  It wasn't until Queen Victoria came to power that children were treated differently including Reform schools.  The gardens here were beautiful as well.

We ended our day on the Mersey River Cruise.  We sat inside and just listened to the history as told by the pilot.  It was a nice place to just relax a bit before we headed back to the ship.  The ship is very impressive to see in these ports.  Locals come from around to see us off everytime. 

Again, beautiful weather, albeit a little chilly today.  The locals that we talk with ask us to leave the weather but we're hoping it follows us every day!

Belfast Ireland tomorrow.