London - Day 1

We got the tube to Southbank and then walked to Trafalgar Square and visited the National Museum.

Along the way we asked directions and chatted to locals (the policemen outside Downing Street are possibly the friendliest policemen in the world!)

Afterwards we made our way to Downing Street where we saw the changing of the Cavalry by chance.

From there it was a lovely walk along Birdcage and on to a park which took us to Buckingham Palace.  The changing of the Guards was not taking place today as the Navy were (very unusually) on duty.

The palace was amazing, particularly the special exhibition about the Queens Coronation.  The Queen's dress was the highlight of the exhibit and was stunning - an incredible creation that has to be seen to be believed!

We then went to Knightsbridge to visit Harrods.  This department store is quite something - in particular the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed.

It was about 32 degrees celcius in London so we were very hot and sweaty after our day so we went home and showered before dinner in Shake Shack, Covent Garden. This place has only opened so there was a large queue outside - but it was worth the wait!

We have been getting the Tube everywhere which we just love!

Twins go on a trip

Our bags are packed and we are ready to go!

London baby!!

We are flying with Ryanair (grr) so it is hand luggage only.  I've packed a strange assortment of clothes but sure I can always go shopping in London if I need anything.

It's my twin sister and I who are taking the trip.  We are visiting our cousin Kasey.

We are just on our way to Dublin Airport. I'll post over the next few days about all that we are seeing, doing, eating, drinking!!

Here I am waiting to get on the plane - will we get to sit beside each other??!!

Rained out Sunday

We were up early on Sunday and went for coffee & pastries in Nick's Coffee.  We then walked in to the city and cycled back home on a Dublin Bike.  We got the best of the day as the weather changed and it began to lash rain.

With the rain pounding down we decided the afternoon would be best spent in the cinema.  We went to see "Beyond the Candelabra" the story of Liberace's love affair with Scott Thorson.  Michael Douglas was really excellent as Liberace - such a pity this movie is not eligible for Oscar nomination as it was made by HBO as it seems it was too gay for any other film makers.  

Matt Damon was also brilliant.  He was surprisingly believable as Liberace's 18yr old lover.

Weekend catch up

On Saturday we had breakfast in the Fumbally Cafe.  We went for the eggs as usual and they were as good as always.

After breakfast we dropped the dog home and went back in to the city.  Ciaran went to Jack's Barbers on Montague Street, just off Camden Street. I sauntered up Camden street and checked out a few shops while Ciaran was getting his hair done.

How pretty are these flowers which were on sale from a stall on the street.

I popped in to this health store 

and got some Belgian chocolate covered pumpkin seeds (they were not too nice) and a Salt of the Earth natural deodorant - I'll report back whether it is effective.

Shout - The Musical

Last night I went to see "Shout" in the Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street.

It is a super show which follows the lives of 5 women in London in the 1960's through the music of the time.

There was lots of Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and a fantastic rendition of Mary Hopkins "Those were the days'.  By the end of the show we were dancing in the aisles!!

I cycled in to the city wearing high wedge sandals and a short skirt - not really the best clothes for cycling.  When I left and cycled home near midnight I was a little bit scared as there were lots of drunk people stepping out in front if me and too much taxi traffic.  I think walking will be safer in future.

I think Shout is open for another week - if you get the opportunity, do go!

Demise of the DVD stores

Do you still rent films from the traditional DVD store?

Over the past few years with the advent of movies that are downloaded to your computer or streaming websites, DVD shops have begun to struggle.

Chartbusters closed a few years ago in Ireland and Xtravision are currently closing many of their stores.

We used to rent DVDs but last night we bought one directly on our TV from our service provider UPC.  For €5 we didn't have to move from our couch and we were instantly able to play Denzel Washington's movie "Flight" which we now have for another 48hrs (this is a great movie btw).

UPC also offer TV box sets on Demand.  We watch the Good Wife and Blue Bloods like this.

In other news, did you hear the Plague is back???  

Also known as the Black Death this fatal disease has been found in a squirrel Californian park.  

When I was a child my twin sister and I would scare ourself before bedtime by reading a book we had that had a story about the Black Death in it - the pictures were terrifying!!! 

Seeds of Deception

I watched the true movie Seeds of Deception based on the true story of Dr. Cesil Jacobsen

Have you ever heard of this doctor?  He used his own "product" to inseminate numerous of his patients in the 1980's who went on to become pregnant and carry his babies. SHOCKING!!

The film stars Melissa Gilbert who is always in these type of movies of late.  This is some story and nearly unbelievable - incredible that it actually happened.