The On and the Off

Spent the day touring London on the "Hop on Hop off" bus showing Ruthy & Cummo the sights of London.  They've been to London Tower and seen the Crown Jewell's, Beefeaters and all of the poppies that have recently been on the news for the fallen from the First World War.  One ceramic poppy can be purchased for £25.  

We did a bit of touring on foot and naturally bought a few more bits n pieces to take home. All of this touring around made us thirsty so we sampled a few ales at various pubs before heading out for dinner. Our dinner venue was recommended to us by some locals at one of the pubs we frequented!

Poor Ruthy, on the way to dinner a bee landed on her neck and before anyone could chase it away it stung her.

London calling

As you may have guessed we drove into London today. Dropped off the hire car and legged it to Harrods.  Of course we had a bit of a look around then spent some money on some Harrods souvenirs.  Then off to see the Queen at Buckingham Palace.  A pub stop on the way back to our hotel for a quick bite and something to quench our thirst.  Back to the hotel to officially checkin before a quick tidy up and back out to sample some more of the English pub vibe. OMG .... how busy do these pubs get!!  We had some great English pub meals, and now have to roll back to the Hotel as we have stuffed ourselves full.

Lingfield Races

This afternoon saw us venture 200 metres to the Lingfield Race Track. It was a twilight meeting, but when the last race had finished the sun was still bright & sunny due to day light savings. 

A fun time was had with us enjoying drinks & a four course meal.

We have enjoyed our time in Lingfield & surrounds. London here we come.

A trip to the beach

 After arriving yesterday you can imagine how exhausted we all were.  We had dinner and all went back to our rooms and crashed.  All of slept like the dead and were reading for tripping around. We went for a drive to Brighton this morning. It was just fantastic.  Quite gusty and overcast, then the sun came out and so did the people ..... a very popular spot.  

A couple of the team decided to brave the freezing cold temperature and had a paddle in the ocean.  It was a feat to get to the water as we had quite a bit of rock to walk over to get there!

Then we headed to the famous Brighton Pier.  What a place!  Lots of rides and food.  Can recommend this spot ..... we had a heap of fun!

We have arrived

Had issues getting off the plane this morning, thought we were going to have to use the emergency slide to disembark.

Caught the shuttle bus to collect our "hire car", but drove away in a "small coach".

We went via windsor Castle, Royal Ascot Racetrackbefore ending up at Lingfield. Went to an Old English pub for lunch where we sampled the local beer "Larkin's Bitter". It would have been better had it been cold.A short drive away we went through Hever Castle "Anne Bolyen & Henry VIII".

Who's Missing

After taking one for team & sitting apart from Paul, my headphones didn't work. Four sets later with help from a few hosties they worked out the connection had shorted out & I wasn't able to use to have sound for the entire flight.

I did ask could we be upgraded, but when I said there was six of us they said no. 

They did however offer for me to sit in the Business Lounge & watch movies. Ruthy & Jasmin came along, as well as a hostie stopped by to get in a photo with us.

The Pilot also stopped for a photo on his way through.

We have arrived safely in Dubai, showered & are ready for the next flight to London.

P.s I forgot to mention Qantas also gave me a duty free voucher for $250. So Paul got a watch & I got perfume.

We're off

Two photos - been criticised in the paste for too much writing and not enough photos so off to a good start. First one just before we left brisbane airport and the second speaks for itself - they have already started on champas and chardys. I am taking particular care with my spelung this time to eradcat previous critisism. Well that's it from the first blogster on the This is us tour. 

This is Us

We are taking a couple of extras friends this time to experience Europe. One of our newbies is very eager & has packed already, whilst the other is needing two suitcases to fit everything. 

Ruthy, Jaz & Kaz are looking forward to the shopping while Cummo, Larks & Rousey are looking forward to tasting every imaginable beer in Europe.