We hit Starbucks just a few blocks away at 645 this morning. What a treat to enjoy familiar bevies so far from home. Clean and pleasant Starbucks! By the way I can’t say that for the one by the Tower of London … The worst … Grounds in coffee and bathrooms a disgrace. Horrid experience …. So let’s get back to the wonderful day and the sights we enjoyed.

There are over 200,000 French speaking people in London. Looking up we see unique spires dotting the skies, picturesque roof tops with chimneys poking up, some roof gardens and even some gargoyles.

We want to return to the National History Museum, since 1887. We did not get back early enough today. Lucky for me it is near the super shop Harrods, where I will prefer to spend that few hours. I can skip most museums most happily. Lol.

St. Paul’s cathedral, people climb to top and have great view of the city of London. What an imposing sight!

Went through Westminster

Harrods is huge. I want to walk there. Apparently there is a spot with photo of Diana and Dodi that I would like to see. There is a dress code for entering this massive shopping Center.

Savoy world famous hotel and theatre in London and the first to have electricity in the city all those dark years ago …. Smile. And did you know that the interior of the Waldorf hotel was designed by the very same person who designed the inside of the Titanic? Interesting facts coming at me faster than I can record.

Trafalgar Square, looks authentic, red busses, statues, columns, phone booths, mailboxes and a large blue chicken? Lol. what is that about? We see it a few times and it is next to a huge sign of Canada … Perhaps the new embassy? But what does it have to do with the chicken/rooster? Am I the only curious one?

Twinings tea place here.

“Climb on the shoulders of giants” is a sign on the front door of Kings college.

Blue sky. Beautiful green parks, brown river Thames, enchanting bridges
Stunning architecture old hotels and brick and stone churches. Old trees over the roads, delightful bright flower boxes on window sills

Red double decker busses, red telephone booths and places boasting free wifi.

Met 4 men from Australia and they gave me some tips for Italian travels. Recommended Burrata cheese, fresh tomato, basil, balsamic vinegar…
Wine Barolo, chianti Classico,

Original Hard Rock Cafe. We rode the bus for about three hours straight and there was some duplication happening so we hopped off to see if we can get Tickets for a musical and a loo, and bevy and bite to eat. Stretching legs was good.

Convent garden used to be called when nuns from convent sold their garden produce there at the market, stopped for a quick trip to loo at Starbucks and then pie place for a Meantime, pale ale beer brewed in London and Battersea Steak and Stout pie for Steve. Side salad with spinach and roasted potatoes for Pam! Wow! Wonderful flavours and in a quaint hole in the wall place right in the market area, marble tables and wooden benches for chairs. Great prices … Whole dinner for two including bevies less than dinner in a pub next door at Punch and Judy’s ….
I can see a booth selling sangria that might be nice for me …. And it was! Smile.

Trafalgar sq… All places in London measure from the brass plaque behind the statue. Did you know the Romans built London 2000 years ago as a trading place … Still used for that today. Bank of England is imposing! Started 1694 and has its own museum inside! In 1666 the fire of London started from a bakery and destroyed 13,000 buildings. There is a monument to the fire at the spot of that bakery.

University of Economics we saw, attended by Pierre E Trudeau and Mik Jäger among a few other famous folks!

I can hear the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral at exactly four pm. As we were on the bus again situated right in front. What a sight and sound!

We walked two bridges across the Thames and down the boardwalk area on both sides for a few blocks.

We had fabulous Indian food for supper …. Great day!

Wish you were here

Pamela

We hit Starbucks just a few blocks away at 645 this morning. What a treat to enjoy familiar bevies so far from home. Clean and pleasant Starbucks! By the way I can’t say that for the one by the Tower of London … The worst … Grounds in coffee and bathrooms a disgrace. Horrid experience …. So let’s get back to the wonderful day and the sights we enjoyed.

There are over 200,000 French speaking people in London. Looking up we see unique spires dotting the skies, picturesque roof tops with chimneys poking up, some roof gardens and even some gargoyles.

We want to return to the National History Museum, since 1887. We did not get back early enough today. Lucky for me it is near the super shop Harrods, where I will prefer to spend that few hours. I can skip most museums most happily. Lol.

St. Paul’s cathedral, people climb to top and have great view of the city of London. What an imposing sight!

Went through Westminster

Harrods is huge. I want to walk there. Apparently there is a spot with photo of Diana and Dodi that I would like to see. There is a dress code for entering this massive shopping Center.

Savoy world famous hotel and theatre in London and the first to have electricity in the city all those dark years ago …. Smile. And did you know that the interior of the Waldorf hotel was designed by the very same person who designed the inside of the Titanic? Interesting facts coming at me faster than I can record.

Trafalgar Square, looks authentic, red busses, statues, columns, phone booths, mailboxes and a large blue chicken? Lol. what is that about? We see it a few times and it is next to a huge sign of Canada … Perhaps the new embassy? But what does it have to do with the chicken/rooster? Am I the only curious one?

Twinings tea place here.

“Climb on the shoulders of giants” is a sign on the front door of Kings college.

Blue sky. Beautiful green parks, brown river Thames, enchanting bridges
Stunning architecture old hotels and brick and stone churches. Old trees over the roads, delightful bright flower boxes on window sills

Red double decker busses, red telephone booths and places boasting free wifi.

Met 4 men from Australia and they gave me some tips for Italian travels. Recommended Burrata cheese, fresh tomato, basil, balsamic vinegar…
Wine Barolo, chianti Classico,

Original Hard Rock Cafe. We rode the bus for about three hours straight and there was some duplication happening so we hopped off to see if we can get Tickets for a musical and a loo, and bevy and bite to eat. Stretching legs was good.

Convent garden used to be called when nuns from convent sold their garden produce there at the market, stopped for a quick trip to loo at Starbucks and then pie place for a Meantime, pale ale beer brewed in London and Battersea Steak and Stout pie for Steve. Side salad with spinach and roasted potatoes for Pam! Wow! Wonderful flavours and in a quaint hole in the wall place right in the market area, marble tables and wooden benches for chairs. Great prices … Whole dinner for two including bevies less than dinner in a pub next door at Punch and Judy’s ….
I can see a booth selling sangria that might be nice for me …. And it was! Smile.

Trafalgar sq… All places in London measure from the brass plaque behind the statue. Did you know the Romans built London 2000 years ago as a trading place … Still used for that today. Bank of England is imposing! Started 1694 and has its own museum inside! In 1666 the fire of London started from a bakery and destroyed 13,000 buildings. There is a monument to the fire at the spot of that bakery.

University of Economics we saw, attended by Pierre E Trudeau and Mik Jäger among a few other famous folks!

I can hear the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral at exactly four pm. As we were on the bus again situated right in front. What a sight and sound!

We walked two bridges across the Thames and down the boardwalk area on both sides for a few blocks.

We had fabulous Indian food for supper …. Great day!

Wish you were here

Pamela

Now that I have unlimited email access, I want to keep writing! Ha ha. Tomorrow I trust that there will be great photos to send. Have passed a few Starbucks already and Steve has scouted out for early morning intake.

I have bought bottled water and am just now finishing up some red wine. Listening to the sounds of the city outside my small but adequate hotel room in this fabulous city of London UK.

Time to rest to be ready for the morning. Good night my friends and family …..

Great morning to you from London UK!
Warm, 22 degrees …. Looking for a great day to do the hop on bus.

Today up early and off to Starbucks for a real coffee …. Lol. In England mostly they offer tea or instant coffee. No gluten free stuff so I am now eating foods I brought with me … Healthy and easy or me. I saw gargoyles on a building across the way as we sat at the front window a Starbucks people watching. Lots of chimneys dot the roof tops in London….. I love the architecture! Pics to follow today ….

Breakfast included with hotel, cold cereal, milk, juice and white toast and jam. None of which I eat … :). It is fun to be around and learn about the culture. After my feasting for the past two weeks on luxury cruise, I am certain I won’t suffer as I search for French fries …. Ha ha! Some of them have a coating of flour so I still have to ask …. Interesting culture … I can see our roots!

More to follow.

Ciao tutti

Pamela

I found this in my search …. It is on my list of “must do’s”

With an encyclopedic assortment of luxury brands, this Knightsbridge institution has more than 300 departments and 20 restaurants, all spread over 1 million square feet on a 5-acre site. If you approach Harrods as a tourist attraction rather than as a fashion hunting ground, you won’t be disappointed. Focus on the spectacular food halls, the huge ground-floor perfumery, the revamped toy and technology departments, the excellent Urban Retreat spa, and the Vegas-like Egyptian Room. At the bottom of the nearby Egyptian escalator, there’s a bronze statue depicting the late Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, son of the former owner, dancing beneath the wings of an albatross. Nevertheless, standards of taste are enforced with a customer dress code (no shorts, ripped jeans, or flip-flops). Be prepared to brave the crowds (avoid visiting on a Saturday if you can), and be prepared to pay if you want to use the bathroom on some floors(!). http://www.harrods.com. Tube: Knightsbridge.

We finally left from the ship and had a very smooth disembarkation about nine am. We had gained another hour last evening so felt rested and ready for this transition day. Packed, breakfasted, and dressed, we join fellow passengers in a coach to Victoria Station in downtown London. Pretty exciting!

The sun continues to shine on us during this trip. It is warm and very comfortable to travel this time of year.

We drive through Southampton and notice all the familiar spots, the rock wall, the Holiday Inn, and other landmarks that we had noted just two weeks ago when we stayed and walked prior to embarking on the ship.

Out of the city we are on a major freeway and rolling hills in the distance remind me of some photos of Tuscany … Green, some trees scattered here and there. Traffic was around, but it is Sunday and we really had very few stops. As we began to enter the area around London I started to notice the place names made popular by the movies such as My Fair Lady, Notting Hill, Mary Poppins, Love Actually, Harry Potter to name a few. I am sure more will come to mind.

Glimpses of the Thames, and bridges that cross her.

We arrive at the very busy station and hail a delightful black cab with room for luggage beside the driver! He, of course drives on the other side of the car than we are used to. We fit three of us in and in a few short minutes we are in South Kensington area at our small quaint boutique hotel. It reminds me of my stay in Paris … Same very small bedroom and larger bathroom.

We head out for a stroll and notice immediately,that the private square park across the road fenced in, is so like that one in Notting Hill movie … Perhaps it is the same park? Sweet. We find a street dotted with English pubs and little shops for groceries and hair salons … Busy with busses and pedestrians. We wander some more. After sorting luggage and a quick return to the hotel, we head out for an Olde English Pub dinner…

We are planning out with maps where we will venture tomorrow. We also hope to get tickets for a musical show and hop on hop off ride to orient us to the big attractions in the city.

Many of our friends from the cruise are popping up on fb as new friends, and soon I hope to hear from all of them by email.

Missing our dinner companions tonight ….. We became close in that two weeks of dining and hanging out as a group of ten.

Here is a preliminary list of a few of the places we will look out for tomorrow.

Time to sip our newly purchased bottle of red wine.

Ciao tutti,

Natural history museum
Big Ben
Tower and bridge
Bucking ham Palaces / change of guard
Queen and royal family
Notting hill
Hyde park, speakers corner
Globe theatreShakespeareTatemodern
Westminster abbey
London eye Ferris wheel
National gallery
Tottenham court rd
Covent garden piazza
St. Paul cathedral
Old billings gate market? Waterfront
Soho square
Camden market
Portobello rd

Because of the cloud delay this morning, we are now in possession of the tender ticket 21. They are loading 9 and 10 so far. Lol. How do we spend our time in queue? It is always a choice, isn’t it? Of course it is. Let life keep driving my bus, and or I can step up, grab the wheel and the fuel, and drive myself?

I am looking at a few of the books I have purchased in the past on my iPhone/iPad and notice I am always in possession of inspiration from my mentors. I can listen to audible version or let my eyes glance for wisdom in the printed word. Here goes ….

1. What is my existing culture? if and in what way does my way of life support and or violate my values and what it would take to become more congruent? … What steps am I taking now and what further ones will I put into practice?

2. When am I an opinion leader? Describe how this keeps me from further developing my own sharper sense of moral responsibility? What must I do to be the leader that I would follow? How do I continue to stand out in front?

Similar types of values questions popped up in the current page of the first book I opened this morning. Here are my thoughts …. My existing culture includes how I eat, what I say, what messages I receive. How I spend every moment of my waking day is my politics. Each choice I make for spending is a dollar toward my belief system. How will I sharpen these behaviours to match my values? How I spend my time, my money and what foods I eat, choices I make …. I can take steps to be more mindful. A few strategies include taking a deep breath before I make a choice. Followed by writing down decisions I make in a little book or my iPhone so there is an accountability to myself. And follow up with a review and perhaps setting goals to revise.

Three columns: 1. plans / choices I make for myself 2. Food I eat. 3. Money I spend

My creativity in the form of writing and painting, quilting and travel stand out as needing my attention in order for me to stand out as a leader. Walking and other forms of fitness, eating healthy, are important to me and my life goals. Not engaging in television programs including the so called news …. I keep up on relevant happenings and am able to stay positive and upbeat.

Keeping a vision board current with indicators of what I now believe would be my lifetime highest and best. Of course regular and constant revisions are necessary as how would I ever know what I a truly capable of, from here. Revisions, clear the focus and continuously taking steps in that general direction, re calibrating and re focus, more steps. Write it, paint it, quilt it, weave the stories of success and dreams of the future. Continuous reflection and refocus, revision, repeat.

To do this climb of My Everest is best achieved in partnership with a team, who can witness, challenge when necessary, and help me truly see the potential that I sometimes can’t see from my stand.

World travel, world peace, support for women everywhere and personal growth are cornerstones to my daily practice. Mindfulness is key.

Hi Pam:

I wanted to share this Blog post with you.

The people in our day to day live’s really do make a difference. This is a post about the difference my dear friend Pam makes in my life. Pam recently left town for one of her many travel adventures. She has left town many times before, but somehow this time seemed different.

Pam had only been gone a few days and I seemed to get stuck in my head, lost in translation, falling back into old habits – all that stuff. I even forgot to “Put My Oxygen Mask On First”. The day after she left I poured all of my energy into my job and when I left work that day I realized I had no energy left. I worked hard – not smart!

I read some of Pam’s “Travel Blogs” and they inspired me. They helped me get out of my head and to focus on the fact that thoughts do become things.

I also learned from this experience how important it is to chose the right person in your life to share your experiences with. Not everyone in my life that is close to me can relate to my experience. They do not see the world the way I do, they may not have the skills to listen and they may not know how to be a coach or mentor.

Pam and I have been on a journey this last year – a journey we call “The Climb”. It is a process we both find very rewarding and one that we find is evolving. We are both focused on being our authentic selves and becoming our highest and best. We are each other’s coach and mentor. We inspire each other to be all we can be. When we take a courageous step, do something outside our comfort zone or change an old habit we witness the process and the progress each other has made.

It reminded me of a great line from the movie As Good As It Gets – The Actor Jack Nicholson says to Helen Hunt – “You Make Me Want to Be A Better Man”. I have to say to my friend Pam – “You make me want to be a better women” – “a better human being” – “a better Debbie Rachar”.

Who will you inspire to “Be a Better Person?”

I love you, I’m sorry, please forgive me Thank you

Can hardly wait to spend 2-1/2 weeks with you. Woo Hoo. You are the best!

Ciao
Deb

It’s disembarkation day

Yesterday was low key, packing, having tea, and wandering around this now very familiar ship and of course, eating! Lol.

We had a lovely final dinner and passing on tips to the service staff. The whole table was in a good space and we went to the show and heard he opera singer Ben sing some amazing songs… Some of good bye. Then we all went to the pub for trivia contest and sing along with piano guy. It has become a regular routine and we love it.

Then hugs all around, and good byes for now. I sure have enjoyed our new friends and know we will see each other again.

In the meantime have been dealing with issues back home, offer on condo, that required several internet sign ons. We are not accepting it after all …. Very much appreciate the internet!

We are packed and our luggage put out and now in some holding place in Southampton. We purchased a transfer and will be dropped off at London’s central train station and we can cab it from there to our hotel. Thanks Jane for the tips.

Time now for breakfast and waiting in the queue for our disembarkation, brown one, at 830 am. In fact we gained another hour last night … Extra sleep is always appreciated!

Ciao for now, will write more about London soon! We have a list of places to see while here and just being open to explore this historic city. Wooooo hooooo.

Ciao Bella’s and so on,

Love and with you were here,

Pamela
Xoxox

London: to see

Natural history museum
Big Ben
Tower and bridge
Bucking ham Palaces / change of guard
Queen and royal family
Notting hill
Hyde park, speakers corner
Globe theatreShakespeareTatemodern
Westminster abbey
London eye Ferris wheel
National gallery
Tottenham court rd
Covent garden piazza
St. Paul cathedral
Old billings gate market? Waterfront
Soho square

Paris?

Beautiful. Hot sunny.

We meet a couple in the queue from just outside Kentville Nova Scotia … We shared a cab out from Skagen to Grenen so see the sea times two. Sandy beach all reclaimed from the ocean floor. Wow…. Amazing place. And so far we have driven to where we get on sandorman tractor to take us even farther out into the wild. Sand and wind has reclaimed the land and continues to do so. Clean and green, with miles of sand. Long grasses poking through. We are where the ocean once was.

Here we go: An adventure, no trees. Cars can’t come out here to this area of the beach. This pivotal place.

After an hour of frolicking, photo taking and standing in two seas, we catch the tractor pulled wagon back to the info booth and taxis are waiting.

We get dropped off in the town centrum and exploration continued through artistic shops, and other local fares. Very nice, sunny and warm. Beautiful and calm.

Formal dining evening where lobster was served. I have enjoyed the special meals I received on this cruise. Eduardo, my head waiter was very attentive to my needs and requests and he was very kind as well to the entire table.

After dinner I had an invite to the Captains reception and we had a nice chat and visit with a few familiar guests. Then we met up with our table mates for the evening show, a juggler comedian …. Followed by a meetup in the Golden Lion Pub where we played a group game with laughter. The ten from our dining table, divided in to two groups.

And then dancing in Hemispheres night club to the ship’s band Synergy. Our last night with them. Bed time and the last day at sea tomorrow.

Lovely cruise, exotic ports of call, with fantastic weather and great new friends.

All the best, ciao tutti

Pamela

Good morning my friends and family,

Today is Queen Victoria maiden stop in Skagan Denmark. We awoke in a dense cloud. The Captain says there is a lovely sun up there, we could not see the end of the ship and he said the tender boat operators could not see their hands in front of them. We are waiting to hear an announcement for disembarkation, a bit later.

There is sun sparkling off the water, as we sit on the lido deck, eating our buffet breakfast and watching the cloud. No fluffy white clouds above us, only beautiful clear blue, as the fog lifts.

People who have booked tours with Cunard will be ok with delay however those who arranged private tours, perhaps not so patient. Another little risk involved when booking independently of the cruiseline, although it does not happen much.

We have no organized tours but might love to walk beaches and even out to the tip of Jutland Peninsula of Denmark, an archipelago of 400 islands. This is Denmarks northernmost town with North Sea off the west coast and Baltic Sea to the east. Apparently this land attracts artists …. Like Victoria BC, Canada, where I live! Two million tourists a year come here. It boasts a soft sandy coastline and bucolic scenery, and ambiance to inspire artists and beach goers. Little boutique stores line the streets.

This is our first tender on this cruise and our last port of call in the full 14 nights on the Queen Victoria here in the Baltic area of the world. The only country that borders this country is Germany. Greenland and Faroe Islands are part of Denmark kingdom. We are 647 nautical miles from disembarkation in Southampton.

Grenen is at the very tip of Denmark, and only an hours walk from Skagen. It is possible to stand there, with a foot in two seas. Not sure if we will make the trek. Apparently not an area safe for swimmers due to colliding seas and swirling waves. The views are supposed to be breathtaking and I would be interested in that inspiration if it is possible for us today.

We will venture to the towns old quarter, which promises picturesque and colourful red roofed cottages and homes, near fishing boats in the marina. There is an eagle sanctuary here and has been for some thirty years.

Well, stay tuned for how the day unfolds as the dense Skagen cloud lifts and finds us enjoying this wonderfully rich port of call.

Ciao tutti,
ti amo

Pamela
Xoxoxo

Wish you were here!