Epic Europe Adventure

Home Again

cmccasker — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 11:18:00 GMT

Being home again is really quite sureal, its sometimes as if the last seven months didn't occur and the only proof of our travels are written in our photo's.

Just a moment ago i was just watching all our beautiful photo's come up on the screen of my laptop, and got me thinking of every place we have been as memories were triggered. These seem to be the only time these days i can really believe what i achieved.

Everything is back to normal here......like driving again, going to work having dinner with the family. I find it hard to express the enormity of being back when nothing has really changed, when i feel as if i have changed immensely.

Getting back to reality is never fun, but its expected and as much i hate it this is real life. One of the hardest things i had to do was saying goodbye to my amazing friends in London, i mean i know its not the last time i will see them but not being able to really txt or call them regularly is weird. Or even organizing a trip to the movies or a pint after work. Being back in Oz there doesn't seem to me as if i have the same amount of freedom. It was so easy to go out in London whereas here i find it difficult due to costs and lack of cheap transport, i think i was too spoilt in London. Its just a matter of having to get used everything again and i will once i have the freedom that money gives you on my next pay day. :) Hopefully in a few weeks i will feel truely at home again.

Anyway back in the swing of things!

Over and Out.

Ireland

cmccasker — Sun, 6 Feb 2011 00:23:00 GMT

It's hard to believe that we have been in Ireland now for 9 days they seemed to have blurred by with the consumption of Guinness and hearty Irish food. The culture is very similar to that of London but in actual fact Dublin is a lot more expensive than London especially in Temple Bar where we hung out. On our second day in Dublin we decided to take a guided tour of the countryside that was very rewarding. The first thing we noticed as we bumped along the country roads was the hills, as you imagine the Irish countryside you expect green rolling hills spotted with sheep and acres of willowy trees. But to our surprise the country was different, rather than green hills we enjoyed burnished gold grass scattered with pine forests. One element of the country landscape which lived up to my imagination thou was the thick fog which covered the hills. We visited and passed the film locations for Braveheart and P.S I Love You. One stop we made in the middle of nowhere and our guide jumper out of the bus and returned with a small black lump of dirt. In Ireland they call this "Boag" and the lands we were in is famous for it. This is simply a long lost forest that consists of roots and leaves, it's then cut away by the locals and used to burn in fires - it burns without creating flames and is used in pubs all throughout Ireland due to its aromatic smell and the heat it can provide. It reminded us of the smell of an outdoor campfire. Continuing to bump our way through the hills we visited the town of Glendalough and stopped off at the old monastery and from there was able to take a walk through to the upper lake in the Wicklow National Park. The walk was spectacular, it was so green and mystical you expected men to ride past you all dressed for Celtic battle and ladies in long gowns with flowers in their hair to be frolicking in between the trees. The lake was beautiful, tucked between the mountains it was like a small secret haven. After our walk we jumped aboard the bus and was taken to the small Town of Lara, and stopped for a stew and a lager. From there we drove along the coast past "Bono and Enya's" houses on our way back to Dublin. So far Ireland has been a beautiful and relaxing place, the people are so friendly and well worth a chat too. We are so close to finishing our trip now with London being our last stop, it will feel like coming home again and definitely will be sad to go. Anyway till my next post! :)

Chillin in London (literally)

cmccasker — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:29:00 GMT

All of a sudden London weather has just plummeted. We were cruising along in Autumn with sunny blue skies and warmish weather, but now all of a sudden London is living up to its reputation and giving us dark days and darker nights. The street are filled with people bustling umbrellas through the crowded streets with their coats and scarves drawn up to their chins as everyone attempts to battle the cold from chilling our bones.

Its amazing how somewhere can be dark all day long, its no wonder people don't like the winter. The wind whips through your layers like a tornado and chills you right through. It's a skill to be able to learn to dress to combat this weather.

But with winter comes the cosines of snuggling in bed, drinking hot tea and reading a good book as the rain slaps against the window - its such a small childish pleasure. It's funny but you understand why the londoners are so rude and grumpy when they have to deal with darkness and freezing weather for a large majority of their year. But to me it brilliant and refreshing, its invigorating to step out into the chilly weather and feel the wind turn my nose rosy pink, its such a reversal to the sun slapping and burning my skin on my home soil in Australia.

I'm still enjoying London weather and all. Only a couple weeks left in London and its a bit depressing to leave all my new friends behind. I love where i work as the people there just make it worthwhile to get out of bed. They are like my family away from home and it humbles and pleases me to be able to have met and worked with them. It's going to be very sad to say goodbye. Lots of plans in the next few weeks and with the arrival of our friends from Australia we will be doing alot more sightseeing.

Anyway that was a small update from London,

Cheerio,

Claire xx

Visting the Country

cmccasker — Mon, 6 Sep 2010 22:14:00 GMT

Traveling into the country from London is such a simple and ideal way to spend the day.

One Monday when the skies were gray but the heat still lingering i caught a train into Cambridge, an hour's north of London. As the train made its way up towards Cambridge, the change of the scenery was a huge shock to me. From concrete buildings, to small cottages to green rolling hills which all blurred together as we sped by. In no time at all we were in our destination, jumping on a bus from the station i stared open eyed as we made our way to the city center of the famous University town. The first major shock of many that day was the silence, i have never been in a place where its so quiet you can hear your footsteps as you walk on the cobbled stones or the wind as it whirls by. The only sounds are that of the occasional bike whirring by.

Walking through i made my way towards Kings College, where there chapel is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, with its splendid Gothic architecture which dates back to the Tudor times, when King Henry the eighth ruled. His mark is written all over the chapel, in particular his initials and that of his second wife Anne Boleyn. Henry gifted the church with the huge black organ which has the most intricate and captivating carvings. When Kings wished to gift their wives they went all out. After leaving the church again i enjoyed the quiet as i made my way down to the backs, which is known for its canal and green hills where students picnic. After which i wondered through the town and made the most of my day in Cambridge.

Still Lovin London

cmccasker — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:17:00 GMT

Every Morning i wake up and look out the window and feel happy. London is continuing to surprise me, every building here holds so much history i get a goofy smile on my face as i walk down the street ( even if i have seen the same building twice a day). We have got into a good routine now with both of us working and seeing as much as we can on our days off. For me work is loads of fun, i'm working with a great load of people. Going to work is a pleasure because they make you feel so welcome and are always interested in what you are up to. Although the two hours set up of polishing silver, glasses and set up of over 200 places isn't all that great.

Service on the Thames River Restaurant (Bateau) is fast paced with a set menu and an elite selection in beer and wine to whett any appetite. Another bonus to working as a waitress is the tips. In general you usually manage about 20 people and on average get £10-£25 pounds a service, it surprised me so much how guests tip you. On my days off i love catching a train to piccadilly or leicester square because from there you can walk to all the best parts of london. Tomorrow i might walk across the road to the natural history and V & A Museums. We will see where the day will take me!

Last night Gabs and I had a great time at London's Palladium Theatre. We saw Sister Act, it was a wonderfully colourful and funny performance. The standard in London's Musical Theatre is beyond any imagination and is such a special treat. I think that now we have seen one we will have to see them all especially if we can get £20 tickets!! (Generally you can).

Anyway signing off from London

xxxxxxxxxxx

London Town

cmccasker — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:23:00 GMT

Who would have thought, how hard it could be to get used to a new town. Get yourself settled and happy. I don't think we have reached this yet, and are only just holding onto our sanity in regards mostly to accommodation. You can't have everything, good location, price and people. We hit the jackpot in our first hostel and the others since haven't yet been as good. London is a beautiful if expensive city and it seems all I do is spend money! £££££ Starting work on Thursday will be good for me, i want feel as lost and out of place when Gabby is at work. Oh well I'm just having a bad couple of days, and I'm sure it will pick up soon. Work will be great - getting on the river thames and seeing the sights from the water is such a treat which i will be able to experience everyday.

Between when i last wrote in the journal, we have seen a lot more. Visited the Queen at her home and witnessed the beautiful changing of the guard ceremony. What a beautiful day we had, we joined the endless amounts of people to bear witness to this slice of history which we still appreciate in our modern times. We somehow found ourselves in the Westend and again were amazed by all the talent awaiting us behind the doors of every theater.

The following day we got in with the crowds to tower over London on the famous London Eye. It's amazing to see how close all the main monuments are actually so close and central, that sort of gets lost when you go underground in the tube system.

The following day we got to the London Bridge, standing so tall over the Thames River, walking across was great fun and we had some great photo opportunities.

The next day we made our way to Southwark to get a good look at the Globe Theater and to witness the many amazing artists housed in the Tate Modern.

After which Gabby had to begin work and i still had the opportunity to visit all the sights in London. On my first day alone i visited Harrods, with its designer clothing and prices that would blow any wallet apart - I enjoyed seeing all the people with their noses in the air shopping for the perfect Burbury Scarf and Louis Vuitton Bag. From there I walked to Hyde Park and sat and enjoyed the sunlight with my little friends the squirrels which make there home in the Royal Park.

The next day I had to myself i paid a visit to the Camden Markets. Such an alternative little spot which would cater to one's desire for a piercing or a tattoo. The markets are filled an array of nick nacks and peoples arts and crafts, there also have an area of antiques and vintage clothing. A beautiful set up in a wonderfully upbeat and cool town. Since then we have taken it easy in trying to find a place to stay and finding a job! I'm sure we will start to see some more sights soon.

Talk soon,

Signing out from London Town,

Claire xx

London, i'm here!

cmccasker — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Well, Well, Well we have finally made it into London Town with its bustling streets. After a long flight we chilled out on our first day here in London. Our second day here began nice and early (due to our body clocks being out of whack), we jumped on the train and headed into Oxford St, for some light shopping on the famous strip. Topshop by the way is AMAZING. After which we jumped on a double Decker bus and made our way to Westminster via the busy streets of Regent and Piccadilly Circus with its huge advertisments. It make so much sense to have double Decker buses in London because of the mere height of everything you need that extra leverage to see it all.

After jumping off the bus we could just witness Big Ben peaking through the roof of the shop and as we made our way around the corner we came face to face with the most beautiful building in London with its golden hue and soaring heights and as the bells rang signaling 1pm we sighed in absolute bliss. We made our way to the bridge where we could get the full view.

After visiting Parliament we made our way across the road to see the Gothic building known to all as Westminster Abbey with its scaling heights and extensive grounds - it really is the most amazing piece of history where every stone, candle stick and tombs holds the an extensive history dating back to the 10th century. It was AMAZING to think of all the Queens and Kings who have been coronated there or who were laid to rest. It's a bursting vault of history, life and death. We spend a couple of hours exploring here and after wards we headed back to regent st for some lunch in a sidewalk cafe. We enjoyed fish and chips and gabs had some pizza.

We headed then to the underground jumped on the train and to our hostel.

Wonderful first day here!!

On the home Stretch.........

cmccasker — Fri, 2 Jul 2010 12:13:00 GMT

Just weeks away......

It's amazing how time has flown since I last wrote in this blog, it felt like yesterday that I was exclaiming about our trip being 11 weeks away. Since then we have been through formals and break ups and working working working for the likes of Gabby and Me. In truth our trip is 23 days away - less that a month and its staring to feel real. It's become so hard to fathom the date actually coming, so we have just imagined it be all a dream when in reality its been hiding patiently around the corner.

We have began the slow process of organising accommodation for our travels through Europe and it seems so hard to find a place which appeals to all in price, looks and location. We have settled the most important of accommodation being New Years and Christmas - but its so hard to place our selves in each town and village to make arrangements for accommodation. I know I still want the spontaneity that comes with just deciding on the spot that we want to visit a small town on the coast of Italy. Or seeing a sign for a beautiful coastal town in Spain and jumping on the train and spending time there. I'm hoping everyone shares my feelings.

Pressures and nerves are tingling as we finally await the departure date, preparations, finalities and goodbyes will soon be made - and the excitement and dreams will start appearing from behind the corner they have been hiding behind for so long.

The home stretch is finally here.

Still Counting.....

cmccasker — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:22:00 GMT

11 WEEKS, 73 DAYS!

Hi there,

So we are still on the countdown until we jet off and the anticipation is still burning hot. Gabs and I have had many conversations about the dreams we have regarding our trip and premonitions and things we wish to do when we first arrive in London. We are 11 weeks away (73 days), it doesn't sound like long but when you have nothing to do but work work work time just drags on. We are both steadily earning money to fund our adventure and at the moment between work and having no social life our trip is all we think about. Our working visa's have now been approved, our flights and top deck tour booked our accommodation booked for the first few weeks - so there isn't all that much left to do.

In recent weeks with the decrease in Melbourne usually sunny weather we are heading into a deep and cold winter which only reiterates the harsh reality that is the LONDON WINTER. As i walk to work with the cold breeze freezing my nose pink, i keep thinking how am i going to survive the cold that is renowned by Great Britain. I have even resorted to wearing thermals to work !!

The next few weeks will go fast with all of Madeleine's commitments (Formal, Performance) which is exciting. It's a shame that i will miss alot of Maddie's year 12 moments, but i will always be there supporting here even if this time it will be in the background instead of the fore front.

All is good and it won't be long till you read here...."We're in London, Oh what a magical place this is!"

Photos: General Pictures

cmccasker — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:53:00 GMT

The Countdown

cmccasker — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:45:00 GMT

4.5 MONTHS! 18 WEEKS! 132 DAYS!

It is so close and yet so far, until Gabby and i jet off on the trip of a lifetime a trip that we will still be gossiping about as old ladies. Who better to go with than my best friend gabs, friends since primary school and the bond just gets stronger. We are a good balance us two - gabby always fun and lively ready for a laugh, and i am super organised and keep on top of everything (sometimes too serious) but gabby knows how to infiltrate my barrier (god bless otherwise I'd turn into an old shrew).

The next few months are fueled with anticipation for the adventures ahead - busy working our tails off in our jobs to earn the dosh. Flights booked preparations made.

Let the wait, anticipation, excitement and fun begin.