Ready For The Diamond Jubilee Events?

As the anticipation hightens for the up coming Diamond Jubilee Events.  Here in London we are being encouraged to hold our own Jubilee lunches.  The weekend long celebrations will be held all over the Country.  Possible all over the World, particulary in Europe.  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year reign will be celebrated to the fullest.

My personal feelings is that Her Majesty will reign for many years to come. I anticipate that our Reigning Monarch will go down in Royal history as the longest reigning British Monarch of all time.  (hope I’m not wrong). Yes, exceeding that of Queen Victoria, who reigned between 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901.  A total of 63 years and 7 months.  Who incidently was the great great grand mother of our current reigning Queen.  (Think I got that right).  Can you imagine being around for the 70th year celebrations? What comes after Diamond? Platinum?

Maritime History For Diamond Jubilee Year.

The most recent celebrations attached to Greenwich is the re-opening and restoration of the Cutty Sark.  The Cutty Sark is a 143 year old ship. In it’s hayday, it carried tea from China, and castor oil to Australia.  It has been a famous South London Landmark since the 1950s, which incidently was opened by the Queen in 1957.  Last week, 55 years later, the Queen re-visited the location to attend the re-opening of the famous landmark attraction.  Now that’s what I call a true full circle historical event.

In May 2007 the ship caught fire and was almost completely destroyed. At the time of the fire, it was in the process of being restored.  Luckily most of the ship’s contents had already been moved and stored away. Five years and 50 million pounds later, she has been restored to her full glory. Now elevation approximately 12ft feet in the air, with an interative Museum underneath which spells out the history of the ship.

Greenwich has been re-named in honor of the Diamond Jubilee, Greenwich will be known as The Royal Borough of Greenwich.  Which will make it only the forth London Borough to carry such status.  It is fitting because Greenwich is a World Heritage Site known around the World. With strong maritime links, specificaly the Old Royal Naval College.  Which was at one time a retirement home for sailors.

Back To The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Events.

What will you be doing to celebrate the event?  I’m not totally sure myself, but I think Greenwich is going to be one of the events.  I know the area well, and I am looking forward to seeing the newly restored Cutty Sark.  Also, the biggest street party in the UK is being planned to take place in Greenwich. Not only as one of the Diamond Jubilee Events being held in London.  But also to celebrate their Royal Status.

Dates Of The Diamnd Jubilee Events – 2nd June 2012 – Tuesday 5th June 2012.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations take place on the first weekend in June. I can’t count the numerous events that will be going on.  But the central event being a huge concert taking place within the grounds of Buckingham Palace.  Artists appearing will be: Alfie Boe, Annie Lennox, Cliff Richard, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Jessie J, JLS, Jools Holland, Kylie Minogue, Lang Lang, Madness, Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder and Tom Jones.

Anyone deciding to fly to London to enjoy the festivities.  Can check out some cheap flights or late deals posted right here.  If you’re anywhere in Europe, a city break for the weekend could be a great idea.  Afterall, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is head of the commonwealth as well as 16 sovereign states.  Come along and join in the fun!

More details of other Diamond Jubilee Events highlighted in later posts.

Changing of the Guard Photo by: Cristal Reza.

Drive On The Right Hand Side Of The Road.

I live in the UK and we drive on the left hand side of the road.  I didn’t think that it would be so bad, to drive on the right hand side of the road.  Just the reverse of driving on the left right?  Well sort of.  When I first made a right turn into a sharp immediate right lane, it was a bit awkward. However, I perservered and made it back from the Shopping Mall.  I think I made the trip on three separate occassions within a week.

All in all, my experience of driving on the right hand side of the road is minimal.  And I don’t mind admitting I would be a bit nervous if I were to do it again any time soon.  What I found out (after the fact). Was that on US cars, the speedometers are in Kilometers (metric).  Coming from the UK and rather old school, I think in miles. On holiday in Arizona back in the 90s. I decided to show my bravado by asking my friend if I could drive her car again. Remember, I already had a few practice runs to the Shopping Mall, So I was feeling confident I could handle a longer journey.

There I Was behind the wheel, feeling kinda good.  We were dropping off another friend from Tempe to Pheonix.  I was doing it, driving on the freeway in Arizon.  Feeling confident and relaxed that I was driving in the US of A.  Suddenly cars were catching up to me and started blowing their horns at me and speeding past when they could.  I thought wow, didn’t think anywhere was worst the the UK for impatient drivers.  Until my passengers told me that I was driving too slow.

I looked at the speedometer it was showing 55, “I’m doing 55 miles an hour”. They shouted “KILOMETERS”. “What the heck does that mean”, I said. They shouted, ( simutaneously), “YOU’RE DRIVING TOO SLOW”. I later found out that I was doing around 34 miles on a 55 mile a hour freeway. (or there abouts). Lesson learned, remember that the speedometer reads in kilmeters NOT miles when in the US in future.

Fast forward at least 10 years after my Arizona experience.  I decided to drive on the right hand side of the road again. It was in France and very fast, but I had no problems and was reasonabably comfortable doing it. Could have been because I was following someone else, but hey, I did it!

These Countries Drive On The Right Hand Side Of The Road.

United States, Canada, Italy, France, Egypt, South American, Belgium.

These Countries Drive On The Left Hand Side Of The Road.

United Kingdom, Ireland, Isle of Man, Malta and Cyprus, Thailand, Australia, Bahamas,  Singapore and New Zealand,

Now, let me just make this clear. Here in the UK, we drive of the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road.  For any of our US, Canadian, Itailian, French and other friends across the waters.  If you are thinking about visiting the UK during the Olympic Games, and thinking about driving.  It’s the LEFT hand side okay?  If you want to compare the prices of car hire, see our car hire information page for more details. while here.

It doesn’t really matter which side of the road we all drive on. So long as we drive safely. Just because the UK drives on the left.  Most other European Countries drive on the right hand side of the road.  (the wrong side, just kidding).

Car hire can be quite expensive if you don’t shop around, compare prices and get the best deal you can!

I would love to visit Los Angeles.

Any plans to visit Los Angeles?  It   is being highlighted this year in the tourism category.  Apparently, it is on track for setting a record  number of visitors from  around the world.  The Los Angeles tourist board are predicting that the city could see as much as 45 million vistors is year.  Los Angeles is the third most visited State in the USA.  The first being of course Orlando, (thank Disney for that), and then New York City.

I don’t know anyone living in Los Angeles, so when I go, it’s going to be a smart hotel or resort with courtesy cars and limousines.   (yeah right).  I don’t think I want to drive on the right hand side of the road, (no offence).  I have driven on the right side of the road in France, (weid), and a little when I was on holiday in Arizona.  For a week or long holiday, I think NOT.

The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, (formely LA INC).  Want to attracted more visitors from the business and convention world and more visitors from international holiday makers.  Hence the name change.

Horray For Hollywood.
One thing I know that I would be doing when I visit Los Angeles.  The studio tours.  Oh yes, I’m a lover of the old black & white movies.  LA is the birth place of big movies, with big stars and the lengendary 40s 50 & 60s movies stars of the day.  We have great movie stars today, in Hollywood, France, the UK and all over the World.  It’s just that the stars of yesteryear still hold strong in my heart when it comes to true classic movies.  Will there ever be another “Gone with the Wind”?  I doubt it, and what about “Casablanca”?  True classics in every sense of the word.  Oh and by the way, to any movie mogules etc reading this.  DO NOT REMAKE THESE MOVIES.  Some things are meant to be left alone, these two are among them!

A Few Popular Tourist Spots in Los Angeles.

Disneyland Park – 1313 S. Disneyland Drive Anaheim, CA, USA.
The theme park is located in Anaheim, California.  It is was the first of the Disney theme parks to be built, and is part of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Group.  Built in 1955, on a 160 acre plot of land.  Major features are Magic kingdom, Critter Country (formely Bear Country), and New Orleans Square which is a number of streets surrounded by restaurants and gift shops.  New Orleans Square also has the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and the luxury apartment the Disneyland Dream Suite.  The Park gets over 15 million visitors every year.  Second only to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida who get over 120 million visitors each year.

Universal Studios Hollywood – 100 Universal City Plz, Universal City, CA USA.
The well known famous movie studios also has a theme park on the grounds.  Featuring all kinds of interesting attractions, rides.  The studio tours will give you a peak into the behind the scenes action on the move lot.  There is a tour called “VIP Experience”, it cost $249 per person.  Children must be aged 5yrs and above.  The other attractions are; Front of Line Pass, this ticket includes priority seating for all shows and priority access to the attractions and rides; prices from $129.00 – $149.00.  If these tickets don’t appeal to you, you can book a Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free, this ticket will allow you to visit the tour a second time within a 30 day period, prices from $69.00  – $77.00.

Hollywood Walk of Fame – Hollywood Boulevard extending to Vine Street, CA, USA.
See the pink and gold 5 point mable stars that are placed all along a fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood.  The pink stars bear the name of the artist followed by the appropreiate a simbol.  If it’s a single the simbol is a gold disc.  If it’s an actor, the simbol is a gold classic movie camera on a tripod, for someone from the theater, the double masks (smiley & sad face).  For televison, a gold TV, and for radio an old fashioned radio mic.

If you are outside the US and want to visit Los Angeles, you can check out flights here.

You can visit Los Angeles via any of the major airlines, including British Airways and American Airlines.  But don’t forget to check out the cheap flight deals available.  Once there, you can shop in Beverly Hills, visit Disneyland and see the famous Hollywood Sign up close.

Photo by: Oreos.

Easter Break Is Here Again.

Have you got all your Easter Eggs in yet?  Don’t worry, if there is more than one Easter Egg to be had by a child.   It won’t matter too much if you haven’t got a chocolate egg. These days, many children get more than one egg.    Of course there are some kids who won’t get an Easter Egg.  So let’s spare a thought for them, and hope that next year, their Easter Break will be a better one!

For those fortunate kids who do get more than one egg.  Why not buy a toy, a book or a game.  Something for their DS or Nintendo thingamagig.  That will keep them occupied for hours over the Easter break.  Have you noticed how kids as young as 3 year olds, can navigate those games?  Amazing.
 

Will Your Easter Break Be Busy?

The Easter break is one of the busiest weekends of the year.  It is a great time to catch up with family and friends.  An idea time to get away for the Easter break.  If you are traveling on the road, leave early or expect the usual traffic jams.  If you prefer to stay home and fancy a short break just after Easter.  Check out some of the last minute deals available.  You will be going away, just as many will be coming home.  That’s a great time to travel, it has the added advantage of being less crowded.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your Easter Break, have fun and be safe.

Photo by: Paul Pasieczny.

Buckingham Palace Named Top Tourist Attraction.

In a recent YouGov Survey, almost one third of voters named Buckingham Palace the Top Tourist Attraction in Britain.  The Palace is definately the focus of some major celebrations this year.  The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being the big one.  It’s no wonder the voters think it’s the best landmark in the Country.  The Houses of Pariliament and Stonehenge were voted second best tourist attractions.

The UK does have many fun attractions, and many historical attractions.  With the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics in July.  There will be even more reason to take a trip to London.  If you are traveling to the UK this Summer get the lowdown on cheap flight offers.  If you want to see a little more than London, here are a  few other great sites in the UK.

Other Top Tourist Attraction Named In The Poll.

The Tower of London.
The White Cliffs of Dover.
Edinburgh Castle.
Windermere, (a town in Cumbria, Lake District).

I would also like to add Westminster Abbey, London; Windsor Abbey, Windsor; Grand Opera House, Belfast.  The Royal Albert Hall, London; Warwick Castle, Warwickshire; and Albert Dock, Liverpool.

My personal choice would be to visit the regenerated site of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, Belfast, Northern Ireland.  “Titanic Belfast”, is being completed in time for the 100th anniversary of it’s sinking, on 15 April 2012.  See the Jump into Ireland special offer.

The new 3D release of the movie Titanic (originally released in 1997).  Is now showing at cinemas, I remember quite a group of us went to see it back then.  I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, it was a good night out at the movies.

If you agree with the YouGov voters in naming Buckingham Palace Top Tourist Attraction.  Don’t forget the Palace is open for tours.

Buckingham Palace Top Tourist Attraction Tour Information.

EVENT: Buckingham Palace Tours.
LOCATION: Buckingham Palace.
DATES: 31st July – 7th October 2012.  Close a few days in Aug & Sept check.
OPENING TIMES: 09:45 – 6:00pm.
ADMISSION FEE:  Adults: £18.00; Students & over 60yrs £16.50; Children under 17yrs: £10.25; and free admission for children under 5ys.

Photo by:DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0.

The Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and  Sailing week is a very popular annual event among sailing enthusiast.  It takes place during the last week in April leading into May.  It is a five day event where you will find yourself wrapped up in  the excitment of a major water sports event.  You will see some of the worlds’ most exquisite yachts and sail boats.  The entries are usually beautifully designed yachts that specifically travel to Antigua to take part in the fun.  Sailors travel from all over the World to enjoy the competitive buzz that arises from this event.

This annual event is popular with celebrities and the rich and famous.  Don’t be too suprise if you spot the odd A-List celeb enjoying the activities.  The Regatta will be a blast this year, as it is celebtating it’s 45th year.  A seperate 1 day event is the World Round Antigua Race.  It will take place the day before the Regatta starts, on 28th April 2012.  It is a 50 mile race open to all yachts.  This will be an exciting kick-off to the start of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing week.

Aside from the activities and glamour of the event.  The closest beach is Pigeon Beach, which is just a few minutes away.  There you will find nearby boutiques, cafes, a shopping centre and Restaurants.  There will be lots to do and lots of fun to be had all week long.

If you are a sailing or yachting enthusiast, this would be the perfect event for you to experience.  There is expected to be more than 100 boats and yachts entered into the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing week.  If you have your own boat or yacht, one more entry, I’m sure would be welcomed.  If you want to enter into the World Round Antigua Race and win, you will have beat a time of 4hrs, 37 min, 43 seconds, which is the record.  Think you could beat that?  Sail over across the Caribbean Sea and stop over at Antigua for this fabulous event.

Details Of Events.

Event: Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing week.
Dates: Sunday 29th April 2012 – Friday 4th May 2012.
Location: Nelson’s Dockyard Marina in English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour Marina, Antigua W.I.

Event: The World Round Antigua Race.
Date: Saturday 28th April 2012.
Location: Falmouth Harbour Marina, Antigua W.I.

More things to do in Antigua.

Photo by: John Nyberg.

The Cheltenham Festival starts today.

For those of you unfamiliar with horse racing, the Cheltenham Festival.  It is a great racing event held in the UK.  Essentially, it is the second biggest meet of  the National Hunt racing season, (Jump courses).  The Grand National being the first.  The best trained horses are entered into the races and the challenge of getting a winner is on.

I’m a little bit of a fan of the races, and I do love horses.  Takes me back to when I used to ride.  One of my earliest memories of learning about this exciting racing event, was through a movie.  It was called “The yellow Rolls Royce”.  Made in 1964, it was one of those multiple story movies, with a yellow rolls royce being the continuing link.  It starred Rex Harrison, Ingrid Bergman, Omar Sheriff, Shirley MacLaine, Joyce Grenfell and others.  The Rex Harrison story centered around his wife having an affair with a collegue, and his hopes to bring home the Gold cup.

Getting back to the 2012.  The Cheltenham Festival is called the jewel in the crown of racing, because it is the start of the JUMP season.  The horses jump hurdles around the course, a big prize money pay out and of course the prestigious Gold Cup for the winner.  This could be a very exciting day out for you and a group of friends.  Definitely worth taking a day off work, you never know.  You just might pick a winner.

The Itenary.

This is an exciting four day event, it runs from today (Tuesday 13th March 2012), to Friday 16th March 2012.  Each day has it’s own special theme, ending with the big race that earns the winner the gold cup.  If you want to know more about the whole event just visit the official website to get a full run down of each day’s activities.  In brief, it shapes up like this.

Tuesday 13th March 2012 – Know as Champion Day.  
This is where it all begins, thier under starters orders (as is sometimes said).  The gun is fired, the horse burst out of the starter cage and there off..  The crowd roars as the horses take their first strides and build up to into full gallop.

Wednesday 14th March 2012 – Ladies Day.
Tomorrow is Ladies Day. Get those hats out ladies and shine in the promised sunshine.  Watch the news tomorrow and you will get a mini fashion show.  Bright angled coloured hats, wide brimmed, a maybe a tower or two.

Thursday 15th March 2012 – St Patrick’s day.
On St Patrick’s day, this is the day of the World Hurdle race.  It is a three mile raced with twelve hurdles to jump.  It is only for horses that are four years old or above.  The grassed acreage of the racecourse supplies the traditional green for St Patrick’s day and  Labrookes state to give the best betting odds on all bets.

Friday 16th March 2012 – Gold Cup Day.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup Day is the highlight of the Cheltenham festival. The presentation of the Gold Cup to the winner and a big money prize to the owner of the winning horse.  The race for the gold cup is the biggest of seven races on the day, so there is plenty of action and lots of excitment to enjoy.

Unfortunately, tickets for Friday’s Gold Cup Day are all sold out.  However, tickets are still available on the day for all the other days.  From London Trains run from Paddington Station.  The gates open at 10:30am for a full day of great racing.

Photo by: lhourahane.

See The Great Works of Picasso.

If you are an art enthusiast then you may be interested in the great works of Picasso.  The Tate Britain is showcasing over 50 pieces of Pablo Picasso’s beautiful works.  This is a major exhibition that is running for a full 5 months.  It focuses on Picasso’s connection to Britain, going back to his first visit to London in 1919.

If you plan to visit London between now and mid July.  This is an exhibiton not to be missed.  I plan on visiting the Tate Britain myself in late Spring, so I will return to the subject and share my own views.  There is a Tate gallery shop as well as a Café, where you can have lunch or tea.  It opens at 10:00am everyday, and serves breakfast at the weekends.

This year, London is the center of two major events; the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. With the Picasso exhibition, I would say there are now three major events in London.   If you are based outside the UK, check AA or BA for flights to London.

The exhibition’s theme is Picasso’s love of the of the UK and his influence on British artists and culture.  It will showcase over 100 works of art, including the works of British artists who were influenced by Picasso.  They include exhibits by Ben Nicholson, David Hockney, Duncan Grant and others.

I know many of you art lovers would visit London, for this exhibition alone.  The 1937 “Weeping Woman” and the earlier 1925 “The Three Dancers”, will be among the great works of Picasso on show.  The Tate Britian is based in London and more details are below.  If you want further details about this exhibition visit the Tate Britain website.

Great Works of Picasso Exhibition Details.

EXHIBITION: Picasso and Modern British Art.
LOCATION: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
DATES: 15th February 2012 – 15th July 2012.
OPENING TIMES: 10:00am – 6:00pm.
ADMISSION FEE: £14.00; free for Tate Members & children under 12 with an adult.

Picasso’s works were not just great, they were vast.  Hundreds of paintings, pieces of art, sculptures and drawings exsists today, so that we may enjoy them.  I’ll be viewing this exhibition in the Summer.

For more information about major exhibitions at the Tate Britain  Visit the official website.

Best Time For A Holiday In The Sun.

It feels good thinking about taking a holiday in the sun.  This time of year, is one the best times for a nice relaxing sun baked break.  The thought of sharp crisp winds and snowy icy grounds, doesn’t really compare to the thought of,  clear blue green seas, white sandy beaches and the bright hot sun.  (At least not to me).

I even read an article this week which stated that a holiday in the sun could help with your immume system.  It seems your vitamin D levels within your immune system helps to protection against infections, flu’s and colds.  Apparently, the levels decrease in the Winter due to lack of sun.  Of course it may be slightly different for everyone,  each of us having unique immune systems of our own. But, there does tend to be more colds and flus around during the Winter months, don’t you think?

If you’re a Winter hater, (like I am), then taking a holiday in the sun between December and March would be a great idea.  Alternatively, you could slip down to the local chemist or health food store and buy some vitamin D supplement.  Better yet, some cod liver oil capsuls (don’t bite into them though – taste awful).

A Few Sunny Holiday Destintions.

If you feel like boosting your vitamin D levels via a holiday.  Here are a few great destinations; Portugal, Greece, Spain, or Turkey.  If you’re thinking about Worldwide, then the Caribbean, Mexico or the USA.  Perhaps you’d like to travel even further still, if so, there’s Asia, Australia or Egypt to consider.

If you had the choice which would you go for?  A holiday in the sun or vitamin D supplements.  Such tough choices.  If you choose the holiday, good for you.  This time of year is the perfect time to choose your holiday int the sun and break away from the norm.  Here are some special offers we stumble upon.  This time of year is a great time to pick up some very attractive last minute deals. 

can check out low cost holidays or Opodo for affordable package deals, or expedia or lastminute.com for quick cheap getaways.

Photo By: John evans.

Once again we are  heading towards St. Valentine’s Day.  The radio adverts for dating sites are driving me nuts, the shops are full of cards and candy and the weather is too bleak to mention.   I’m thinking, a good enough valentines gift would be to stay in the warm, wrapped up under duvet with partner, popcorn, drinks and chocolates.

But alas, St.Valentine’s Day  is just another one of those commerically pressurized times of the year when.  If you’re loved up, what do you do this year?   Are chocolates & roses enough?  Would a weekend trip away do the trick?  Are you dreading going to work the next day.   You know you’ll going to have to listen to how wonderful an evening it was from one of your work colleagues.   Shouldn’t romance be in the air all year round?

Well, whatever you’re thinking of doing, try to remember that it is the thought behind the deed that counts.  Not how BIG or how MUCH the gift cost!

If travel is on your mind this St.Valentine’s Day.   Expedia and lastminute.com have some specials deals on right now.  Cancun, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New York, Paris and Venice are all very popular romantic destinations.

Happy St.Valentine’s Day.  ENJOY!!

Image By:Bharatha Kumar