London calling

Hey all. Sorry it's been a while. Been busy and kinda didn't think things would be interesting. I now have three hours to waste so here I am recapping and remembering my last four days in London.

Day 1- really busy day this was. Started my day with a trip to portabello road markets which were so amazing and full of things I wanted to buy. Keep in mind I needed to curb my spending by London due to lack of space. Didn't see any bed knobs like in bed knobs and broomsticks though. Then walked around Notting hill and photographed a random house with a blue from door like in the movie toting hill. Nt the actual building as that has now been painting with a black door. See my motivation for my London trip? Any themes you have noticed? Yes this was a trip partly drivipen by my love of movies. Next went to covent garden to look at the market and meet up with Chaz from my Asia tour and her friends for some pub fish n chips. I have to say only good meal I have eaten in London and will most likely got back there for another one tonight being my last night. Next was my small group tour through bucking am palace which was exquisit. They don't make buildings like they used to. Apparently the tour we did is like the one they do in summer, but in summer there are thousands of people with audio guides and everything is roped off. Where as we were even allowed to touch things :-). Was a real loser and bought a hand towel and fash washers with gold buckingham palace stitching and a diamond jubilee mug. Then got privately escorted through the front courtyard under the infamous balcony and out a gate just off the main gates. People out the front go crazy thinking you are someone special and take heaps of photos then get disappointed when they realize you are not 'someone'. Then head to see the lion king. Easily one of my favorite musicals ever! And that's saying something.

Day 2- this was my big tourist day. Went up the tower bridge, through the tower of London, over London bridge, into the London dungeon and toured around the globe theatre. Then attempted to hit Oxford street. Dumbest idea in the world. Went to h and m but was disappointed the dress I waited since Berlin to buy wasn't in store in England. Got overwhelmed and had an internal hissy fit and gave up on shopping. In the evening went to the hard rock for dinner and got my usual Tshirt. Yes that Tshirt number ummm four for the trip I think. (Venice, Prague, Amsterdam and London). Headed off to see totem by cirque du soleil at royal Albert hall. The hall is huge and really pretty. The show was awesome but admittedly not my favorite cirque show. Too much fluff and not enough gym centered tricks. Highlights we're Russian bar, frogs n the horizontal bars and the rings. Trapeze was also good but why they dressed them in yellow I have no idea. After the show caught up with Darren (head coach on the show) and met some of the performers back at his flat. Was really fun and they signed my program.

Day 3- travelled to a,Paton court palace and back to the time of Henry the eightieth. Palace was really cool even if not all of it is the original building. Later headed back to Oxford street and found primary. omg it is huge and way better than shops at home. If my suitcase wasn't already full I think I would have like two more suitcases full of clothes. Next time I come back to London I am bringing a suitcase filled with pillows, a pair of jeans a jumper and pjs. That's it. Yes very light travel next time. Headed to the rainforest cafe for dinner. Meal was a bit crappy but it was great to remember being there back in the day with the gym girls. Would have been more fun to take Isabel there. Show tonight was ghost the musical. Very similar to the movie along the story line and special effects were really really cool and clever. At first I was really sinical and didn't like it but by the end I grew to appreciate it. Not my type of musical but on a whole a very well put together show.

Day 4 (today)- begun the day near the palace again. Headed down the mall to trafalgar square going past Clarence house (home of Charles). Then headed past the horse guards and downing street to Westminster abbey. Inside there were so many tombs of people I didn't think would be in there. I mean the have a whole section dedicated to poets and writers. Favorite part of was stain glass windows and seeing sir isaacs tribute. Was good to picture the royal wedding too and realizing just how hard it would have been for people at the wedding to see it without tv screens. We definitely got the best view on tv (bar that of the important royals at the front). Then headed back for the changing of the guards at horse guards. Then to Lambeth palace ( where the knightbus squeezes between two red buses). Then spent like 30 mins walking along the Thames river near tower bridge trying to get a photo for my mm who complained about the sun in the set I got on day 2. Finally got one I think she will approve of lol. Then got a photo of leaden hall market aka diagonal alley. Couldn't find the pub the leaky cauldron was used as. Then off to Camden markets. Glad I didn't come here before I realized my lack of packing space coz I could have gone mental buying clothes and trinkets. Now hanging and resting in my hotel room until I see my last show of the trip - Matilda the musical. Must remember to get Andrew a program.

Happy times but ready to go he for a real meal with vegetables! Mum if you read this Kiev or roast with veggies and gravey please. Or out for Chinese with the babies.

Hope you have enjoyed my blog I realize it would have been better if I could add my pics here too. Cya

Sex drugs and rock n roll also mown as Amsterdam!

Was a little worried about what I might find here but was really surprised by how much I liked it. It's not just about the drugs and red light district (funny that). Started the day with a bike tour and beware they have as many bikes as people in the city. then headed off on my own to see the Rijks museum home of many Rembrant and Vermeer painting. My favorite of which was the milkmaid (girl with a pearl earring is not here unfortunately it's in the Hague). Then went to the van gogh museum which funnily enough is nearly the shape of an ear. Lots of cool paintings. Wish starry night was there but apparently it's in new York (or if you watch notting hill julia roberts owns it and gives it away.) Got an imitation though.
Next went to the Anne frank house and museum which was really cool and reminded me of the book, which incidentally I have just started to read before I realized this was here.
Later went to the main square and came very close to buying a Louvie Vuitton wallet. Ended up buying a dress to wear tonight. Also some souvenirs.
End of tour party tonight followed by a canal cruise. LONG bus day tomorrow. Back to London via Brugge and Calais.

Night peeps

Berlin

So far Berlin is one of my favorite cities. I haven't liked to say any were my favorite because they are so different but I have enjoyed my day today. Had a walking tour with one of the most entertaining guides we have had on the tour so far. He through in lots of jokes and interesting stories. We saw the reinstag or German government building, German history museum, check point Charlie museum, jewish memorial, victims of socialism memorial and some other cool sites. Later went up a tv tower that was the highest point and got a good view of the city and the sun actually came out. Haven't see the sun since Florence.

Later went to see if I could see a movie in English but all the ones in English I had already seen. Nearly was tempted enough to see girl with the dragon tattoo in German but I figured the Americans had already buggered it up anyway. Went shopping instead. So much I wanted to buy and couldn't. Will have to wait until London.

Went to a flag shop today and bought a flag badge for every country I have visited (with the exception of Cambodia and Vanuatu). Hoping to combine them with a fabric map of the world and some form of photos to make a cool display.

Have given up quotes of the day as I keep forgetting them.

Cya all

Salzburg and Prague

In Salzburg the home of Mozart and scenes from the sound of music. Got here late due to road closures from the snow. Went ice skating in the city centre which was fun until it bucketed down with snow. Bit hard to skate when u can't see.

In Prague went to the main square with an astrological clock and some pretty churches. Also the main cathedral, castle and saw the changing of the guard. Got some babushkas which were cute. One shop even had afl ones (sorry mrs t no collingwood one you)

Walked up a massive tower at the castles cathederal. 287 steps with a meter width of room. 20 full 360 revolutions and a heart rate of 160 for th most awesome view I have ever seen.

Absolutely knackered from so much walking. We take the bus via Dresden tomorrow to Berlin.

Venice - the city that's sinking

Went off through Venice today. Had a quick gondola ride which was fun but freezing. It was -1 today. Bought some really cool masks. Saw a murano glass and lacemaking demonstration. had lunch at the hard rock as most of us were craving something that wasnt pizza or pasta. Is was great to have a nice juicy steak. Of course will most likely have pasta or pizza for dinner.

Went to a da Vinci exhibition which was all his inventions recreated. He was so had of his time it is insane.

Tomorrow off to Salzburg for one night then off to Prague which I believe will be my favorite city as I have heard it is beautiful.

Off to do some window shopping now.

Ciao

On the road again

This one will be short and boring so feel free to skip it.

Travelled from Rome to Venice today. No I haven't seen camels yet as we are staying slightly out of Venice. We had a transit driver today to give Colin a break so we had Alessandro. Young good looking Italian lol. Went to Verona to see Juliet's balcony. If u have seen letters to Juliet cut the balcony's courtyard in half and fill it with souvenir shops and crap and u have the balcony.

Bus ride was quite good. I am jealous of their roadhouses called auto grill. Best food ever!!!

Vatican city and Rome take 2

Early wake up this morning for our tour of Vatican city. The tour was really good and we went to St. peters basilica, the museum and Sistine chapel. Unfortunately was couldn't take photos in the Sistine chapel but it was so beautiful and intricate. I can't believe how much work went into it that long ago. The museum had lots of awesome artwork in it too.
Next we went off to the colosseum and the ruins around the forum. The ruins were so awesome, I really wanted to run through them where pele couldn't walk. The colosseum was massive and I was really impressed with the way it was made. You could almost close your eyes and picture things happening there.
Later got a bit lost trying to do some shopping. Ended up getting a cardigan from some really rude ladies, a Rome Tshirt and some pics. 
Tonight we will be having a toga party at the hostel bar. Should be fun.

Quote of the day: from our Vatican tour guide who seemed to be high on espresso or something "see what picture you got on your ticket, the pictures like to change. But not like in Harry potter they are not that cool."

Roma

Today we had a quick stop at a small town called Ovietto famous for being built on top of a volcano. Had a beautiful church on the top of the mountain with an excellent view.

Then drove two more hours to Rome. It is so beautiful and amazing. We did a four hour walking tour which included the Spanish steps, piazza navona, Trevino fountain, colosseum and many other things. I couldn't believe how huge the Trevi fountain is!! (forgive the spelling mistakes it's partly auto corrects fault.

Tomorrow doing a tour of the Vatican and more of Rome's sites.

Ciao
Stacey 

Florence

Today was a free day in Florence. Started with a guided walk of the main sites to take pretty pictures. Then went to a small restaurant and had amazing calzone pizza. Most places we're shut due to new years day which totally sucked. Lucky Florence is pretty and the architecture is cool. Tomorrow we head to Rome. We have a four hour walking tour, the next day is a three hour tour of the Vatican and then we are on our own.

Check out my photos on Facebook for pics that go with this.

Stacey

Quotes I have missed since starting them.
Keisha: we are taking a ferry to France. How did you know that. Me: I read my itinerary?

Me: it's like snowing, snowing. ( when I realized it was not rain but snow hitting the windshield.

Me: hehe I made a snow fridge for my coke.

Switzerland and Pisa

Today we were in Switzerland hoping to go up to Jungfraujoch the highest accessible point in Europe. Unfortunately it was a white out due to heavy snow falls and all the trains were cancelled. Instead we took a gondola and train up to murren where we hired sleds to go down the run. It was quite scary as I was crap at steering and stopping. Most times I crashed to stop, once going into a pile of snow above my head. Was fun though.
After that went back to town and had a look around. Had some awesome pizza with like a pita bread base that I ate all of. Then to the swatch watch shop where I got a watch and some Swiss army knives.
Later returned to the camp base to defrost in a hot shower and watch a movie before dinner. Tonight for dinner we will be having fondue. Yum.


Ok fondue was Yuk. Went to Pisa to hold up the leaning tower. Was so cool. Wish it wasn't getting dark.

Paris - bonjour

So this website isn't really compatible with my iPad so sorry no photos going up here and having trouble changing text size etc.

Anyway back to the trip, took the ferry from Dover to Calais which was not too rough and thought the Dover cliffs were beautiful. Was a little bit sick from jet lag on first day so missed the city night tour on the bus and therefore didn't get to see the Arc de Triomphe :-(
Only had one full day to see the sites. Went to the very top of the Eiffel tower which was fun. Very foggy and cold but the view was amazing.
Next moved on to a river cruise down the Seine to check out the main sites along the river. Then the Louvre which you need about a week to get through and it is really hard to navigate how to get out. Saw the Venus de milo and Mona Lisa (got right up to the barrier and got an awesome photo.) went to see a painting by Vermeer but after thirty minutes changing floors and walking from one side to the other found that it was being refurbished. (sigh).
Later went to the Notre Dame cathedral and saw a mass. Couldn't understand a word but the singing was really pretty and it was somewhere warmer to sit and wait for tour to go to dinner. It has some amazing architecture. Still feeling a bit ick but slowly getting over the jetlag and tiredness.

Today I have a 10 hour bus trip to Switzerland where it is fore at for -12degrees ick. Could be problematic as it takes an hour to put chains on the bus tires depending on the weather.
Hotel I stayed at in Paris is really good for the rating but is a little far out of town. (hotel b and b if you are interested.)

gotta go.
Au revouir
Stacey

Planes, trains and strikes.

25/26 of December 2011
Quote of the day (yes Pete I am copying your cool idea) -
"ladies and gents I will be dimming the cabin lights for take off to enhance the appearance of our flight crew."

First leg from Melbourne to hong kong was really bumpy and crowded with people wishing to tackle boxing day sales. 8 1/2 hours in total, eyes closed the whole time and No sleep despite taking off at midnight after an eventful Christmas day. Lucky there were two really cute and spunky babies who after their long nap kept us entertained. Only positive of this flight was the awesome roast chicken dinner.

Didn't get to see much of Hong Kong airport as we basically were lined up through security checks in transit and then got straight on the plane again.


Second leg is so far a bit better. Got some sleep in hourish stints here and there. Helped that I have two seats of the row to myself. Lucky person behind me got a row of four and has basically been passed out the whole time. Watching the on screen map has been some what fun and some what depressing as it helps be know when to get up to look out the window, but the countdown timer appears to be faulty. What feels like an hour has only been fifteen minutes. Hence I am killing time by prewriting this ready for when I get to the hostel.
Saw some amazing views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. Unfortunately no Everest. Hoping to see some of the Swiss Alps later. So far it is six hours to go (just over half way) and we are only just reaching the middle east, no where near the western point of Russia.
Well that's it for now. Hopefully my ears can stand another hour of headphones so I can watch another movie.
Au revouir
Stacey


Have since seen the palace, big Ben and Westminster abbey.

Now waiting to board the ferry to France.

Can't put photos on here so check outnfacebook.

1 more sleep!

I am off on my trip tomorrow and wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Managed to pack everything I had on the list with some extras.

The countdown is well and truely underway.

So there are officially 8 days until I leave for Europe and I am starting to get very excited / anxious about the journey. Anxious mainly about how am I going to get things done, particularly the last 4 days at school. Also about what to pack and what to leave behind. Lots of what ifs I cannot control and need to just get over and let go of. 

What do I have planned for my trip?
I'll be heading off on Christmas night to London via Hong Kong on the longest flight I've been on (25 hours). After one night in London I'll kick off my tour with Top Deck which goes to Paris, Swiss Alps, Flornece, Rome, Venice, Salzburg, Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam. Phew. All in 18 days. Then on to London for 5 more days before heading home. Its fast but time in the holidays is limited and I will try and go back again if I miss things. 

Fingers crossed my packing decisions go well. Check back for photos and updates from my trip :-)

Advent time

So it's that time of year when I'm busy again and avoiding doing real work (coz really I shouldnt be doing real work at home). So I finally got around to making an advent calendar. Most of it is paper, little bit of paint and some other pretty bits.

 Full view

 

Thats the last of the scrapping for now. The next month will be about my travels :-)

Christmas countdown - 9 days!

Scrapping Stress relief

So over the past week I have come to the realisation that the more my class play up because the year is coming to a close, the more I throw myself into my scrapping projects. Productive yes, helping me get to bed early no. 
Main focus of my projects has been to complete Christmas cards. I have also created a hanger and count down tree. I am now working on the kaiser craft advent calendar. I am also totally in love with the silly season paper from kaiser craft.

Here they are below:

 Gift card box

 

 

 Thats it for now. Cya

She flys through the air with the greatest of ease.

 So the 13th of November I had my very first go at trapeze. It was SOOOO much fun and I will definately do it again. My gymnastics definately came in handy because I picked things up really quickly. A special thanks to Meghan for inviting my along to her birthday and Australian Trapeze for teaching us cool tricks.

See my catch and return below :-)           

Victorian Championships 2011

So today I competed in my first Victorian Championships in 10 years. It was pretty nerveracking at the beginning but then I got into it. Managed to stay on beam YEAH. My scores were 10 on Vault, 9.5 on Bars, 11.5 on Beam and 11.2 on Floor. Came 18th AA. Lots of room for improvement next year but a great first year back.

Off the page scrapbooking

Have had a very productive week scrapbooking getting ready for Christmas and avoiding writing reports. My projects have included making accordian albums for my students Christmas presents, a princess jewelery drawer set for my niece and a bookend drwer set for a special little girl who I will talk about more near the photo.

 

  Princess Drawer Set by Kaiser Craft

 This first picture is of the Christmas present for my niece who recently turnd 5. She may be a bit young for it but fingers crossed. She loves butterflies and fairies so the Magic Happens paper by Kaiser Craft was perfect. The Airy Fairy would probably work too.  First I covered the drawers and wood with the patterned paper and then inked the edges with the green. (Should have painted it prior to paper sticking). Then I cut out pictures and added diamentes. There are more butterflies cut out and taped to the sides, bits of kindy glitz and other things too. 

Bookend drawer set by Kaiser Craft

This project just started out as something random to pass on to whoever. I start with a base of lilac paint and then covered the side of the wood pieces with the same paper as above. Then I did the boxes, added rub ons and embelishments. On the top it has "little princess, make a wish". When wondering who to pass it onto this rub on sparked a though. A friend of mines daughter recently was in an accident which caused her to have burns to more than 50% of her body. The poor little thing is only 6/7yo and has been in hopsital for 2 months, with many surgeries to go and wont be out of hospital for at least 3 more months. Originally I was unsure of how I could help or make this darling little girl feel loved and hopeful so in the get well card I wrote that I hoped it could be a place where she could keep things that were special to her close by in her hospital room. I can't wait to hear about when she receives it.

Thats it for this one. Hoping to add more finished projects soon.

Welcome

Hi and welcome to my first ever blog. I am not entirely sure what I'll be focusing on here, but it will hopefully be a mixture of scrapbooking, travel and everyday life. I am heading off to Europe over the holidays so this will be the main place I'll post about where I have been and photos I have taken. 

Keep an eye out for new posts coming soon.

Cheers

Short_girl88