Into The Woods @ Noel Coward Theatre

London, England

What I remember (in 2024)

On November 24 we flew into London to spend time with friends and family, as K&J are living in Maida Vale.  We stayed at Robbie & Linda's to start with.  

We went to a Premier League game at Highbury (mentioned in another post).  Otherwise it was the usual London tourist things.  We did have a night at Hayden's pub, where I finally met the man himself.  Saffa & Gretchen, The Kerns, The Creans, K&J and the Upcrofts were there as well.

As also posted, A & I flew to Graz for a couple of days.  

Upon coming back, we moved over to K&J's place and the big event on the back end was dinner at Brick Lane one night with the Kerns, Upcrofts, K&J, and Rohan.

A&I also went to see Chicago (also another post).

Chicago @ Adelphi Theatre, London

What I remember (in 2024)

A & I bought tickets from the 1/2 price tickets from Leicester Square.

Roxy was played by Linda Carter - the original Wonder Woman.

Chicago @ The Strand, London, England

Arsenal vs Blackburn @ Highbury, London

We spent the morning with the Upcrofts in Portobello Market, walking distance from their place.  WE found a pub later where we met Saffa, Gretchen, Kerns for a drink.  Then A, Rob, Kern & I caught the train out to Highbury to see Arsenal v Blackburn.

Kern had bought tickets off a workmate.  I couldn't believe we were 7 rows from the pitch, behind the goal, at the Arsenal end.  It was amazing.  We saw Fabregas and Henry give Arsenal a 2-0 lead before the break.  Before the game Robbie was warned not to say anything positive about   Blackburn, despite the fact there were 2 Aussies on the field, Lucas Neil and Brett Emerton, we were not at home at the local footy, and the English take their support seriously.  SO when he said he wished Blackburn scored to make it more interesting, we did the right thing...and turned our backs on him like he was a stranger.  He later said the guy behind him looked ready to kill.  He was warned.  Eventually we were rewarded with a beautiful Van Persie goal at our end in the 90th minute.  Arsenal 3-0 winners.  All 4 of us got to leave the stadium in 1 piece.

Arsenal 3 (Fabregas 4, Henry 45, Van Persie 90) defeated Blackburn 0

Crowd: 38,192

Arsenal

Jans Lehmann, Lauren, Kolo Toure, Kevin Campbell, Pascal Cygan, Robert Pires (Matthew Flamini 77), Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto Silva, Jose Antonio Reyes (Freddie Ljungberg 72), Dennis Bergkamp (Robin Van Persie 82), Thierry Henry.

Blackburn:

Brad Friedel, Lucas Neill, Ryan Nelsen, Andy Todd, Michael Gray, Brett Emerton (David Thompson 61), Steven Reid, Robbie Savage, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Shefki Kuqi (Paul Dickov 79), Craig Bellamy.

Bob, Me, ABH & Kern @ Highbury

7 Rows Behind The Goal @ Highbury

Kern, Bob, Me & ABH @ Highbury

We ended up in a pub near Highbury station, where we were joined by Tawnie, Linda & K&J.  From there we caught the tube to Angel where we had dinner at Carluccio's.  A quaint Italian restaurant, where we took up a huge table in the middle of everything.  All in all a fantastic day.

Dublin, Ireland & London, England

K & I, Camden Markets, London

K & I, Big Ben, London

Stonehenge, England

What I remember (in 2024)

A week after 9/11, K came over from Australia, much to mum's objection, to spend some time with us.  She was with us for a bit in Ealing Broadway, and we did all the touristy London things.  Then, on 28 September, she and I went over to Dublin, and stayed with the gang in Dun Laoghaire, where we wandered around for a few days.  When we got back, A left London to return to the US, so K and I rented a car and did a 2 night trip out to Oxford, stopping at Stonehenge.  I dropped her back at the airport, dropped off the rental car, and caught the train back up to Leeds to go back to the Walkabout.

Istanbul, Turkey to London, England

Buddy @ The Strand

Charlotte, NC to London, UK

Last June I gave up my seat on my Miami to Denver flight and was given a $400 credit.  We used it to fly to Charlotte on March 3 to spend 2 weeks with Amy's family in Celebration of Lynn's 60th birthday.  We stayed mostly in Charlotte, but did drive down to Charleston for a day.

Starlight Express @ Apollo Victoria

October

For my first weekend off in October (a Monday and Tuesday) Amy and I head down to Liverpool to take a look around. We get to see the Beatles Museum and the Tate Art Gallery both by the Mersey River. It is bitterly cold here and both off us are suffering from the flu. Amy leaves from Liverpool Airport to head to Spain for 3 - 4 weeks, while I went back to work.

I did manage to get to London for a night – mainly to pick up stuff I’d left at the Barnes’. That bus ride is a long one. I will take the train at every opportunity from now on. I did catch up with Saffa, Benno Jr, Andy White and Bert while down here. Had a great night out at Maxwell’s and Belushi’s.

September

Arrived in London on the 2nd and was fortunate enough to stay at Bert’s place. Not sure what I am going to do for work, as I need to get this hernia operation sorted out first. After seeing a doctor as soon as possible, he sorted me out with a referral to the British Hernia Center.

Had an interview for a job at the Walkabout Inn at Reading on the 6th. I was told that they were mainly looking for women but that Leeds were also looking for staff. I had an interview two days later with Jon Crook who offered me a job the next day. My start date is to be the 27th.

Some time after that I moved down to Barnesy’s at Kingston. They have a bigger place and wanted someone to house sit while they went to Spain for two weeks. I was more than happy to oblige. My only trip into the center of town was to spend a day wandering and to go to the Dali Museum. A great exhibition from my favorite artist. I’m pretty sure that some of the works were the part of a traveling exhibition in Florence I saw in 1998. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing his works of art. Pure genius! Afterwards I walked up to the National Portrait Gallery near Trafalgar Square. The gallery was displaying an exhibition of Australian photographers / personalities. A little bit of home in London.

Buckingham Palace, London

Houses Of Parliament, London

Dali Museum, London

Dali Musem & London Eye, London

On the 22nd I made my way up to Hendon to the British Hernia Center to have my problem resolved. The surgery took a couple of hours. I was under a local anesthetic and don’t remember any of the operation. The taxi back to Kingston was a bit blurry as well. The following two days saw me in pain and I was having trouble walking.

I delayed my trip to Leeds for two days to recover. I managed to catch a train to Leeds on the following Tuesday to start working the next day. I get to share a room with Pete and Fraser. The work is not too bad, but it will take a bit of get used to being on my feet for long periods of time. The aftermath / recovery from my operation is coming on nicely.

On the 29th Amy arrived from the USA. It is so good to see her again – can’t believe it has been seven weeks. She will stay in Leeds for a week before heading off for a trip to Spain.

New York, NY to London, England

As money is really low, I got up this morning and decided to catch the subway straight out to JFK.  I had ages to kill at the airport before my flight onto London and my next adventure was to begin – a 2 year visa to live and work in the UK.  At the airport I spent time reflecting on a great last 5 months, and looking forward to the future and hopefully more travels in Europe.

London, England

At nine am Reggae decided that the whole house should be awake, much to no one’s delight.

I struggled to get up, but managed a shower before Brett and Simone came around. The three of us, with Reggae and Bert, went back to yesterday’s café for another plate of fat. It was good to catch up with Brett before I head home tomorrow, even though it was only for an hour. While members of the house went their own way for the day, I caught the train to Hammersmith to meet with Kern, Luvo, Johnny, Karla and Jen for lunch at a pub on the Thames. I thought I was doing badly being 20 minutes late, but I had to wait another 40 minutes for the others to arrive.

We had a Sunday roast at this pub and then headed to another, Salvation, to watch Liverpool and Chelsea on TV.

After the game, Johnny and Kern went back to their new place (they moved in yesterday), while Luvo and I made the trek back to Streatham Hill.

We got home at seven pm and Bert had made dinner for everyone, with some leftovers for us.

The night was spent in, as all of the Castle had had a big weekend, and was overflowing with people. I can’t believe I’m going home tomorrow. It depresses me in some ways, but I’m excited in others. I can’t wait to surprise mum and Kelly.

London, England

I arrived in Victoria Station at eight am, and it’s cold for the second day in a row. I caught the train down to the Castle and manage to wake up most of the household, who’ve had a big night last night.

Kern, Lisa, Cousin Suze and I head out for a fry-up breakfast at a café just around the corner. Most people were up by the time we got back, and if not, I made sure it was time they were.

The day was a pretty lazy one, with not much happening until two pm, when Luvo, Creany, Kel, Dan (Creany & Kel’s friend) and I went up to Camden to go through the markets again. I wish I had heaps of money, because I would’ve spent a fortune here again.

We walked down to Benno & Jane’s as they are having a house warming party tonight. We picked up some dinner and beers on the way, as the Hawaiian party kicked off at eight pm. The house was packed with about 60 people in their small 2-bedroom flat that they share with at Kiwi, Quinton. The party was great – the place was literally jumping, and I met a ton of new people.

Me, Camden, London, England

Me & Luvo, Camden, London, England

Johnny, Me, Simon, Luvo & Karla, Camden, London, England

Kern, Camden, London, England

Benno, Camden, London, England

Karla & Me, Camden, London, England

It wasn’t until 4.30 am that we decided to go home (and we left a dozen people there). Luke, Karla, Luvo and I caught a cab back to Streatham Hill, and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England

I left my backpack at the hostel to do a day’s sightseeing before heading back to London. First stop was the bus station to book on the 10.30 pm bus tonight. No problems there.

I went to the tourist office in order to plan my day. I started by getting on the Edinburgh Tour Bus, which takes you around the city allowing you to get off whenever, to look around. The bus started at the Walter Scott Monument, which couldn’t be seen due to restoration works (Scotland’s contribution to the growing European Scaffolding Plague). The bus went down to Prince Street (the main shopping street), and then into the old town.

My first stop was Edinburgh Castle. This 12th century castle is situated on an extinct volcano and gives great views over the city. There are numerous old buildings within the castle, and the free audio guide gave many insights into Edinburgh and the Castle’s history. Today the sight is used as headquarters for the Scottish Army, and also houses Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

After two hours in the castle, I got back on the bus, which headed down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace. This palace is used by the Queen when she visits Scotland. I walked around the outside of the grounds as it was too expensive to go in.

I got back on the bus and stayed with it as it drove around the new town, before stopping again in Princes Street. I got off here to go to the National Gallery. This gallery was filled with a variety of paintings by Scottish artists.

After walking around the gallery for a while I opted to wander around the streets, just looking around, it was 5.30 pm and most shops and sights were closed. I sat in Princes Street Gardens for a while, writing in my diary, before going for a baked potato for dinner.

I then went back to the Tron Hostel to get my stuff, before going to the bus station. The bus was half an hour late getting into Edinburgh, and was packed. I was squashed into my seat and tried desperately, to get some sleep, but was kept awake by pissed Newcastle supporters who didn’t shut up until they were threatened with removal by the bus driver. This was when we were in Leeds at 3.30 am, at which time everyone was ready to kill them. I slept on and off the rest of the way to London.

London, England

We decide to head up to Camden Markets today. The tube ride is a long one and when we get out of the station, I’m amazed by how many people are around.

We decide to meet up at 2.30 pm, so we can go our own ways.

The markets are shops either side of Camden High Street and then two lots of stalls – one behind the pub (which is massive) and a smaller bunch next to the canal. It took me an hour and a half just to walk up one side of the street, having stopped in heaps of record, book and clothing stalls. By the time we had all met up, it was decided that we all needed time looking around. It was here that I bumped into Helen and Sarah, who we met through Eurobus in La Rochelle. They did both the southern and northern circuits before coming back to London, where they are now working.

After a good chat with them I kept walking though the markets as it was decided we’d meet up again at Dingwall’s (the pub where Benno works) at four pm.

A chicken curry lunch kept me going while I wished I had more money for the million things I wanted. There were some great t-shirts, and CD and video bootlegs that I would’ve killed for. In the end I settled for a Melvins shirt and Nick Cave’s biography.

Before I knew it, it was four pm, so I went and met everyone at the pub, including Jane and Benno, who I haven’t seen in nearly a year. Benno has to work tonight, but he has organized for us to come back to his pub tonight to see a comedy show for free.

After a couple of drinks, a few people decided to head home. Cam and I go back with Jane to suss out her and Benno’s new place.

We were there for about an hour and met up with Creany before going back to Dingwalls at seven pm. Our names were on the door, so we saved £10, walked in and saw Benno hard at work.

The show was great. There were five acts and a compare, and all were hilarious. The show ended at around 10.30pm and while the others prepared for a night of clubbing, I headed back to the Castle with my free Guinness and glass that were given as we walked out the door.

London, England

Today is another extremely lazy day.

At 11 am, Suzy, Lucas, Cam and I caught a bus down to Brixton, where we went to the library to use the internet. We were there for an hour before walking down to the markets and taking a stroll through. I think I’m coming down with a cold (perfect!), so after buying some fruit we just catch the bus home.

Today is mum’s birthday, so I called her late last night and caught her before she headed off to work. She seems well, and tells me that Kelly has only one week left of school – God I feel old!

When we get back to the Castle, Jen and Karla are there, returning from Greece. Everyone stays at the house talking travel until it’s time for everyone to leave for their flights to Munich.

This leaves only four of us and I decide to get a pizza for dinner and once again spend the evening in with everyone in front of the box, chilling.

London, England

Once again, nothing was planned for today. It’s as though this week is our holiday within our travels.

I did, however, get my act together enough to book a trip around Scotland with Haggis Backpackers. It’s a hop-on-hop-off service as well – so it will be my own mini-Eurobus.

When I get to town, I also purchase my return ticket to Edinburgh on the bus, which will leave on Sunday night from Victoria.

I head to Leicester Square, where I spend my time looking through record stores and book shops on Charing Cross Road.

I want to head to Trafalgar Square to go to the National Museum, but I’m not sure how to get there. Besides, I said I would meet Reggae for lunch, so I got back on the tube to make my way to London Bridge.

We met up at noon, and Cousin Suze, Lisa, Cam, Bert and Reggae were there, as well as a few of Reggae’s work mates (including Duncan from Sidcup). After a couple of drinks, the locals headed back to work while us tourists decided to head on home.

We stopped for some take away in Streatham Hill for a late lunch before settling in for an afternoon of television watching.

Tonight, Lisa and Cousin Suze took charge of dinner, cooking everyone spaghetti bolognaise. Tonight no one could be bothered doing anything so we all stayed at home. Luke, Kern and Beck arrived back today from their adventures in Egypt, so it was good to catch up with them, as they head off to Octoberfest in Munich tomorrow.

London, England

After a fairly good sleep in this morning (we are sharing a room with Cousin Suze and Lisa) we don’t get up to too much as most of Roberta’s time is spent making sure everything is alright with her backpack.

We do, however, go out for lunch at The Genevieve again, after Monday’s great meal. Today, unfortunately is another story, as the food is terrible and not properly cooked.

After lunch we keep heading west on the main road of Streatham Hill just looking at the shops. Roberta picks up a couple of things for her flight before we head home.

At three pm we start our long journey out to Heathrow. We catch a BritRail to Victoria, where we change for the 20-odd stop Tube ride to Heathrow. Check-in is no problem, and we only had time for a coffee and coke before Roberta disappeared into customs before boarding her flight.

No point in me hanging around any longer, so I got back on the train to make my way back to Streatham Hill. I arrived home at around the same time as Roberta’s flight actually took off.

Tonight is Cousin Suze’s 28th birthday, so we have a mini celebration for her i.e., balloons, streamers and cake. Meanwhile, Bert Petic cooked up a storm for us.

After dinner Cam, Bert and I headed down to Big Hand Moe’s to have a couple of beers to end the night off.

London, England

We decide that today we’ll make the most of our free tickets.

We catch three trains to get to Baker Street Station, where we walk straight into Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum (no queues again).

The first room is full of all sorts of celebrities including Dame Edna, Eric Cantona, Terry Venables and Brad Pitt. These are great, and some are actually eerily too good.

The museum then has theme rooms. Its first one is actors i.e., W. C. Fields, Sly Stallone, then a music room (Michael Jackson, Cher, etc.) before explaining the House of Horrors. This shows some infamous criminals and explains about how executions had been carried out. Pretty gruesome! It also shows how Madame Tussaud got her start. During the French Revolution she had to make death masks for royalty that was executed. When the war finished, she immigrated to England and started doing face masks and started her museum.

The next room is that of past and present royalty, as well as political and religious leaders. These include the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, the current Royal Family and our own John Howard.

The last part of the exhibition is a ride which takes you through the history of London. When we finished, we headed out and got some lunch before going to the Planetarium.

The Planetarium was basically a half hour movie, shown on the domed roof, that talked about the starts, solar systems, the sun, planets and their moons. Although it was really interesting, I’m glad we didn’t pay to get in.

We jumped on the tube when we left and headed out to St John’s Wood. This is only a couple of blocks from Abbey Road Studios made famous by The Beatles. After Roberta signed her name on the wall, I got a photo of her crossing the road – just like the album cover. That was enough for us for the day, so we headed back to The Castle.

We had a take away dinner before Roberta, Kelly, Beck and I went to a local pub (Big Hand Moe’s) for a goodbye drink, as Roberta is leaving tomorrow. We stayed until closing.