Archive for May, 2012

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 all drive safely.  Just because the UK drives on the left, and Most other European Countries drive on the right hand side of the road.  (the wrong side, just kidding).  It doesn’t mean you have to drive at all if you visit the UK.  You could also visit a number of different cities, via one of the many travel tours available across the Country.

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