Rino and Beth's UK Adventure
Sunday, July 30, 2006
St. Julian's in Malta.
On Monday we took a day trip to Sicily. A van met us at our hotel at 5:30 AM (ouch). We then boarded a high speed ferry that arrived in Sicily within 90 minutes. We saw several cities (some from the distance) including Catania and Taormina. We also went to the top of Mt. Etna.
Below, a street sign for my friend, Don.
Taormina: A beautiful ancient city 206m above sea level facing the Mediterranean.
Our Malta trip - 9 days of relaxation, culture, food, and more relaxation... We're back from it now to face reality, but have fond memories of our trip.
Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean to the south of Sicily. It has about 400,000 people (and we were told there are 200,000 cars). The British lost their grip of the island in the 1960's or 1970's (depends who you ask there). The language of the island, Maltese, is a mix of Italian and Arabic. The country thrives on tourism (circa 25% of the GDP). The currency, the LM is very strong against the dollar (about 3 to 1). Despite that, the cost of food and entertainment was very affordable. As you'll see in some of the picts below, the water is crystal clear (clearer than the Caribbean), the sun ALWAYS shines (not even a trace of rain in the summer months), and the landscape is stunning. Of course, most of these facts came from a grumpy taxi driver that gave us a private tour (though we really could not prove him wrong).
As requested... we're posting many pictures.
Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean to the south of Sicily. It has about 400,000 people (and we were told there are 200,000 cars). The British lost their grip of the island in the 1960's or 1970's (depends who you ask there). The language of the island, Maltese, is a mix of Italian and Arabic. The country thrives on tourism (circa 25% of the GDP). The currency, the LM is very strong against the dollar (about 3 to 1). Despite that, the cost of food and entertainment was very affordable. As you'll see in some of the picts below, the water is crystal clear (clearer than the Caribbean), the sun ALWAYS shines (not even a trace of rain in the summer months), and the landscape is stunning. Of course, most of these facts came from a grumpy taxi driver that gave us a private tour (though we really could not prove him wrong).
As requested... we're posting many pictures.
1st - Our room... We got the upgrade of all upgrades - 2 large rooms with flat screen TVs - balcony right on the bay, 2 bathrooms - MUCH bigger than our flat in London.
Early evening out in the capital of Malta, Valletta.
Valletta at night - "A Fortress City with Baroque Riches"
A Maltese bus. Notice the Maltese people inside.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Off to Amsterdam... again...tomorrow for 1 day.
Then it's vacation ("Holiday") time starting on Friday in Malta!
We're staying at the Westin in Malta http://www.westinmalta.com/
We'll relax in the sun, and probably do a one day excursion to Sicily:
http://www.virtuferries.com/index.aspx?l=1&p=20
We can't wait!
Then it's vacation ("Holiday") time starting on Friday in Malta!
We're staying at the Westin in Malta http://www.westinmalta.com/
We'll relax in the sun, and probably do a one day excursion to Sicily:
http://www.virtuferries.com/index.aspx?l=1&p=20
We can't wait!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Thinking we could escape the heat last night, we decided to see a movie (or as they call it here, "cinema"). We decided to see Superman Returns. As we walked down to the theater (I know, it's theatre here), we joked that they would likely not have A/C. BUT IT WAS ONLY A JOKE.
We purchased our tickets (£17 for 2 people... but still cheaper than what they charge in Leicester Square). As we were purchasing our tickets, we were relieved to feel the comfort of A/C in the lobby...
BUT... upon leaving the lobby and going through two sets of doors, we were greated to a warm blast of stuffy air in the theater. When I went out to ask one of the attendants if the A/C was broken, he responded, "No mon, they got nooooo A/C in derrr.. they got a vent from dee outside, mon."
Well thanks.
The movie was good... but it was almost as hot as the tube inside.
Word of the day:
"Sat"
I've heard this used alot... instead of saying "I'm sitting in my seat," people say, "I'm sat in my seat."
We purchased our tickets (£17 for 2 people... but still cheaper than what they charge in Leicester Square). As we were purchasing our tickets, we were relieved to feel the comfort of A/C in the lobby...
BUT... upon leaving the lobby and going through two sets of doors, we were greated to a warm blast of stuffy air in the theater. When I went out to ask one of the attendants if the A/C was broken, he responded, "No mon, they got nooooo A/C in derrr.. they got a vent from dee outside, mon."
Well thanks.
The movie was good... but it was almost as hot as the tube inside.
Word of the day:
"Sat"
I've heard this used alot... instead of saying "I'm sitting in my seat," people say, "I'm sat in my seat."
Sunday, July 16, 2006
We had friends visit us this weekend who were in England for a wedding...
When we first arrived in London four months ago, we decided to save some of the "tourist" things for when visitors came. So this weekend was a perfect time to "fly" on the British Airways London Eye. http://www.ba-londoneye.com/
Friday, July 14, 2006
We finally had decent sleeping weather last night. That, combined with the fact that I finally had the time to pop out of work to get a haircut (and loose the mop) kept my nice and cool last night...
Only 1 week until Malta!
Word of the day:
"Shag"
I think we all know what that means.
Only 1 week until Malta!
Word of the day:
"Shag"
I think we all know what that means.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
We have already been here for 4 months! Wow does time fly...
Word of the day:
"Kit"
A large piece of machinery... While (whilst) traveling yesterday, one of my colleagues pointed to a 747 and said, "My, isn't that an amazing piece of kit."
Word of the day:
"Kit"
A large piece of machinery... While (whilst) traveling yesterday, one of my colleagues pointed to a 747 and said, "My, isn't that an amazing piece of kit."
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
RANDOM THOUGHTS...
- We live in an amazing world. RIno and I were able to eat Mexican Food, in Holland, while watching Italy and France battle for World Cup Bragging rights. Besides, it's always fun to watch grown men behave like children (pic 1).
- READ DRUG LABELS. Yes, that's right. I had a headache yesterday, so I quickly popped 2 Advil and went on with my day. About an hour later I was overcome with exhaustion. I thought I was getting sick. I quickly fell asleep for about an hour. Upon waking up it dawned on me that I might have taken the wrong medicine. Yup... Tylenol PM. So I tried to decrease the effects by drinking 3 cups of coffee. I'd suggest not trying it. (pic 2)
- Word for the day: Lollipop Ladies
Meaning: school crossing guards
Monday, July 10, 2006
We had a blast in Amsterdam.. the weather was great, it's a very easy city to get to from London, and there was plenty to do. Yes, we walked through the RLD as night. We've never seen so many tourists in one area... most of them were not window shopping.
We made it to the front of Anne Frank's House, though decided not to wait on the line that went around the block. We went to the Vincent Van Gogh museum which was quite interesting. The museum is well laid-out and takes you through his life and the various stages of style he went through. Unfortunately, he became ill with a chronic disease at a young age and eventually took his own life.
The trip was spontaneously induced by the fact that I had a meeting in Amsterdam today for work.... so we decided to make a weekend of it... I have the luxury of going back again just for the day on Wednesday... I can't wait to wake up for the 6:35AM flight!
Some pics below:
The "Seven Bridges" as viewed from a river cruise went took.
A sign pointing to the Anne Frank Huis (I think that meant house)...
Another sign pointing to the Homo-Monument. Not sure if they meant Homo-Sapien?
We made it to the front of Anne Frank's House, though decided not to wait on the line that went around the block. We went to the Vincent Van Gogh museum which was quite interesting. The museum is well laid-out and takes you through his life and the various stages of style he went through. Unfortunately, he became ill with a chronic disease at a young age and eventually took his own life.
The trip was spontaneously induced by the fact that I had a meeting in Amsterdam today for work.... so we decided to make a weekend of it... I have the luxury of going back again just for the day on Wednesday... I can't wait to wake up for the 6:35AM flight!
Some pics below:
The "Seven Bridges" as viewed from a river cruise went took.
A sign pointing to the Anne Frank Huis (I think that meant house)...
Another sign pointing to the Homo-Monument. Not sure if they meant Homo-Sapien?
Friday, July 07, 2006
7/7 - A sad day in this country's history. People on the tube this morning were visibly upset, and also maintained a cautious eye on everyone getting on.
Word of the day:
"Carriage"
A subway or railroad car
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I miss going to Yankees games in the summer... Football just does not cut it for me....
Word of the day:
"Marquee"
A Tent
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Word of the day (it goes with the picture):
"Punting"
Cambridge's version of what goes on in Venice... only without the striped shirts
"Punting"
Cambridge's version of what goes on in Venice... only without the striped shirts
Monday, July 03, 2006
We went to Cambridge on Sunday... http://www.cam.ac.uk/
I must say, the academics know how to do it right.
It was more picturesqe than we could have imagined.
Beth and I are in front of the Trinity campus. http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/
I must say, the academics know how to do it right.
It was more picturesqe than we could have imagined.
Beth and I are in front of the Trinity campus. http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/
Saturday, July 01, 2006
IT WAS THE SIGN'S FAULT!!! IT MADE ENGLAND LOSE!
We went to down to Brighton again today to sit at the beach and do nothing.
Towards the end of the day, we found a pub in Brighton and watched the England-Portugal match. It was quite an experience... There was a lot of spirit at the pub - particularly led by three 12 year olds who were drunk out of their mind and becoming obnoxious... It wasn't long before they were shown the door. Anyway... as you may know, England lost during the penalty shootout. As we were leaving and walking down one of the alleys from the pub, the same three 12 year olds were beating the heck out of a sign for one of the local restaurants. Coincidentally, we decided to eat there Al Fresco. About 15 minutes later... another fool decided to also take out his frustrations on the same poor sign. It was clear... England lost because of that sign.
Word of the day:
"Pudding"
Aside from biscuit (see June 26), all other deserts seemed to be called pudding.
We went to down to Brighton again today to sit at the beach and do nothing.
Towards the end of the day, we found a pub in Brighton and watched the England-Portugal match. It was quite an experience... There was a lot of spirit at the pub - particularly led by three 12 year olds who were drunk out of their mind and becoming obnoxious... It wasn't long before they were shown the door. Anyway... as you may know, England lost during the penalty shootout. As we were leaving and walking down one of the alleys from the pub, the same three 12 year olds were beating the heck out of a sign for one of the local restaurants. Coincidentally, we decided to eat there Al Fresco. About 15 minutes later... another fool decided to also take out his frustrations on the same poor sign. It was clear... England lost because of that sign.
Word of the day:
"Pudding"
Aside from biscuit (see June 26), all other deserts seemed to be called pudding.
Time in London
Links
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Previous Posts
- This past weekend's highlights were: - Friday nig...
- We spent last weekend enjoying the sites of London...
- Last of the Italy Pics See below for pics from Ama...
- PositanoAs promised - more pics of our Italy trip....
- Back from Italia We're back... since last writing ...
- Happy Easter from Roma Mozzarella, pasta, Chianti,...
- Tomorrow we're off to Rome... we'll be there on Ea...
- Nothing much to say the last few days except for W...
- UK Living Some household things common in the UK:...
- Weekend in Bath We've been here before - for abou...
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