Brasov, Romania

Once we eventually got to Brasov (only an hour late), and found our way to our hotel, we were very surprised to realise the actual size of the place. We were expecting a relatively small village, nothing particular big, but Brasov has turned out to be a city that was definitely bigger than Wagga, and maybe even Canberra size. This is really hammered home once you get up on top of the hill, to the “Hollywood” sign and look down at everything.

Utrecht and Anne Frank

We had originally planned to go to Muidersloot on one of our days, but it seemed a bit of a hassle to get there, and only see a castle. Hassle vs reward and all that. So instead, we went to Utrecht on a whim.

Mini-Europe

For our last day in Belgium, we jumped on a tram, and headed out through the northern suburbs to Heysel, where the Expo centre, Atomium, The Waterpark, and MiniEurope is located. MiniEurope is kind of like Cockington Green in Canberra – everything is 1:25 scale, so it’s still kinda big in some situations.

What a Load of Blarney..

Today was Cork Day 1 (or 2, depending on how you look at it) and we had decided to go to the Blarney Castle. So we hopped on a bus, for the half hour or so trip from Cork, and headed on our merry way.

Dublin Day 1

So after the debacle with the Ferry from IOM to Dublin, we ended up needing to catch a flight. The price wasn't tooo bad really, and we intend to claim on our travel insurance. The flight itself though, was quite rough. Especially rough, when we were in a little ATR42 plane.

So we're now in Dublin anyway, which is good.

Isle Of Man Steam Train & Castle Rushen

As part of our trip to the Isle of Man, we caught the Steam Train from the capital Douglas, down to Castletown. The purpose of this trip was partly to see some of the scenery on the island, and visit Castle Rushen, but also just to ride on a steam train.. cause you see, we're just little kids at heart.

Another day...

Not only was I unsuccessful in my attempt for the job, but it also turns out the ferries in both directions (to Dublin, and to Liverpool) are both canceled today...

The Sefton Hotel...

We've been on the Isle of Man for a few days now, and had a pretty good time. Rather than make massive, long War&Peace entries, I'm going to make several smaller posts, about various things.
In keeping with what I plan on some of the blog theme to be, these posts may be reviews on attractions, establishments, foods, drinks, or anything like that.

This particular one, is about the Sefton Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man. We were very impressed.

Quick Picks...

Videos from our train trip down to Castletown, Isle of Man... See below the line.

Up to Liverpool...

So as part of our Isle of Man trip, we have caught a Virgin Train from London Euston to Liverpool. Unfortunately, our train ticket was very specific that it wasn't valid on any other service but Virgin Trains. More unfortunately for us, within 3 minutes of the journey starting, the train plunged into a tunnel. I am of the opinion that we should then have gotten off the train.
Tish boom... :P

The Irony...

never ceases. This week-end is, obviously, the Easter weekend. And we'd planned to go away, up to the Isle Of Man, and then over to Belfast, and then around Ireland. I'll tell you more about this in future posts, however we haven't really planned much beyond the IOM transport and accommodation, which is possibly a good thing....

Booking Trains...

Those aware of our plans (in so far as we have them) will be aware that in late May, we're flying BA to Rome, staying a night in Rome, then getting an overnight train from Rome to Venice, to board our cruise. (Choose the 7 day, Greek Isles cruise). Then we're staying a couple of nights in Venice, hiring a car, and driving around Northern Italy for 8 days, before flying back again in early June. This trip is both our honeymoon, and our 3 year anniversary, so we're pretty excited.

Camden Market...

Today being Saturday, we decided we needed to do something..... see London and all of that. Rhiannon has been at work, pretty heavily limiting our time to do things during the week...

The London Pass

Ok so, London is an expensive city. There's no doubting that. Here's a few prices for amusements and touristy things - per person. And remember to convert backwards, at a rate of about 1:1.6...

The West End is AWESOME!!!

As we found out early in the week... the area around Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar square, etc is just amazing! The buildings all look like palaces. They are absolutely magnificent and they just seem to go on forever, one after another. There are really cool fountains and at night the whole area gets lit up... kinda like times square. Very cool.

We went back last night to go to the theatre. Saw 'Waiting for Godot', which was fantastic. Ian McKellen (you know... Gandalf, etc) and Roger Rees (he was the Sheriff in 'Men in Tights') were hilarious! So glad Andy found out this was on. And walking around the west again had me almost squealing "I love it here!" :D