Monday, January 9, 2012

Sweet Home Chicago; or Elburn

Monday, January 9, 2012

Well, we made it!

Looks like we’ve caught up on our sleep; and all the laundry! We ALL had a wonderful time and we are so glad we were able to share our adventure. Sometimes it was a bit of a challenge getting on the computer after a long busy day, but always worth it. It was always a good morning to wake to an email from a wonderful friend from home. In a way, you came along.

Now that we are home and have clean clothes and have even seen some friends, the question is the same. What was the best part? Simply put, Afrika! A magical place!

No single word in the English language can grasp the beauty, awe and mystery of such a land. No way better to describe than just…………AFRIKA.

Until next time my friends. Thank you for keeping an eye on us!

Friday, January 6, 2012

The Beatles - Abbey Road

For those who know me well, I love the Beatles. They are not for everyone and I understand. However, this is what I really wanted to do in London. One last indulgence. Bear with, no caption necessary. Sure it will be familiar to you.

Love you all, hope to see you soon.

A little fact from the internet.............

"Abbey Road

First issued on 26th September, 1969 Abbey Road was the final Beatles album to be recorded but not their last to be released. Let It Be, though mainly recorded in January, 1969 was finally released in May, 1970 alongside the film of the same name."

Abbey Road Recording Studio - sorry its blurry

We love London!

Well, it's been quite a trip. London has been wonderful! We've seen a bunch and would like to see more, but, time has eluded us and we are USA bound in the a.m. They royal family and how London, England "works" is a bit complicated for the kids. Its tough to swallow something that is a "birthright" a "chance happening" as to your future. We loved the theatre, we went 2 out of 4 evenings. Both times, all were on their feet clapping and singing and laughing. What a great time! Tower of London, the Dungeon, the Eye, Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Abbey Road, riding the TUBE - we never did have fish and chips though! Maybe next time.

Looking forward to clean laundry and home cooked food! Woohoo!

Who doesn't love a pub?

Beautiful flowers! One of the best parts of Europe.

It's the little things!

Changing of the guard

Yes, machine guns! That Queen must be important

Mom, Dad; this one is for you!

Look familiar?

Mandarian Oriential London, across from Harrod's.
Beautiful building!

Rock of Ages

What was it about you ask? Sex, drugs, rock and roll with humor.
Worth every penny!

Speachless!

Trafalgar Square Lions with The National Gallery in background.

True London, and yes; there is a pay phone in there!

Pics for you - sorry for the delay

Trafalger Square with Olympic countdown clock in background!

Buckingham Palace Gates

You guessed it, London Bridge!

St. Paul's Cathedral - where Princess Di married that weenie Charles!

Engineering Marvel, truly!

Nosy Neighbors!

Top Spot. River Thames over Big Ben and Parliment. Sorry about the cloudy day! Welcome to London!

Artistic photo, you like?

The Bryan's, again.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

We Will Rock You!

The theatre last night was extra-ordinary! Fun fun fun was had by all. The children are now huge "Queen" fans! Going to try to hit theatre again tonite! Was just fabulous!

London Eye was super cool, more like a huge gondola than "ferris wheel". Off to Tower of London today and Harrod's. Stop by Buckingham Palace yesterday and yes, Queen mum was in residence!.

Maria and I are going to run off and "not shop".

Will attempt pictures later...........so busy!

Ciao for now
love us

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

United Kingdom

Good Morning from London

Safetly, we arrived in London last night. A short delay out of Cape Town, but all was good. We are in Trafalgar Square, walking distance to all good sights and sounds. After the Eye this morning, our plan is to hit the hot spots before the theatre tonite. We are jumping on the bus tour; Buckinham Palace, changing of the guard, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliment and the Tower of London.

Chinese for lunch - don't tell me.

Will send photos later. Enjoy the day!

Love us!

P.S. We already miss Afrika!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

December 31 and New Year’s Day

Hello to 2012!

We left Cape Town and Oscar the Seal and the very cool cruise ship, THE WORLD. Cape Town was lovely, and we are now in wine country, Franschhoek/Stellenbosch. Children do not belong here; where is our nanny, Hmmmmm? Just Kidding. So, we found the auto museum, pretty cool. Just like Napa, so beautiful; plus mountains. Wineries fantastic, grounds: breathtaking. Just like everything else in Afrika!

New Year’s Eve was hilarious! We were probably the youngest in the place. There was a singer/dj who thought we were on the Love Boat. So loud, and so bad! We thought MB was going to die laughing. The wait staff was even full of giggles. The entertainment did improve once Jeff and Maddie took over his karaoke lap top and mike. Thank heavens!

New Year’s Day held more hiking, we all need exercise, badly. The food and wine is out of this world and beyond cost effective. We cannot get over how inexpensive the food and drink is and it is all remarkably fresh and wholesome. And beautiful.

We are off to London 3 Jan. Will touch base then. We cannot believe our journey is in its last legs. It seems as if we have had many holidays in one; everyday seems to be two.

Enjoy the pictures, there are many. Love you all, be safe!