Each week I post a few of my personal travel photos to inspire your travel dreams. This week I chose my favourite shots of Bruges (Brugge in Flemish):
A Day at the Dutch TT
Posted on July 5, 2007 ·
Only two Tourist Trophies have survived as major motorcycle racing events and the Dutch TT is the last to host a round of the World Championship. (Isle of Man is the other event)
We took the train from Amsterdam, changing at Amersfoort with hundreds of fellow enthusiasts, and arrived at Assen two and half hours latter. Five Euros for a bus ride that got us within walking distance of the track, and funnelled us toothpaste through the narrow gates into the famous Assen track.
The leather clad cosmopolitan crowd from around the world but for many they became Italian for the MotoGP, cheering wildly for their hero Valentino Rossi, The Doctor and seven time World Champion. Luminescent yellow shirts emblazoned with his face and number filled the stands. Rossi has become the face of MotoGP but is it healthy for the sport to be nominated by one talented individual? Casey Stoner, current leader in the Championship, only existed to be beaten for many fans even his Italian mount winning him few converts.
Unlike Australian GP events, every vantage point is ticketed and you view all the races from your preassigned section. I chose poorly, sitting too low and blocking my camera angles with high fences with much of the track out of sight. Thankfully, a big video screen kept us involved with the action.
The crowd ploughed through piles of fries and gallons of beer and other drinks but when you need to go fulfil nature’s plan, the facilities were lacking. Men spread across the treeline returning to nature the moisture they absorbed. The lesson, do not ly on the grass under the trees in Holland, some may have been there before you.
Racing complete, the crowd (except Aussies) happy that Rossi beat the upstart Australian crushed towards the exits, the steady stream of fans whisked away for another year. Assen is a great event but limited to one day, I missed the comraderie of camping at the track like I do at Phillip Island. Next time I’ll bring a tent, my lady and a bike.
What should I do in London, England?
Posted on July 4, 2007 ·
London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world, and the air is filled with the languages of the world as you wander its many great buildings and museums. It is the one city we all list as a must visit whenever we venture to Europe, and the kids feel at home returning to their old haunts. Why do we love it? Here is a few reasons from this trip:
Food
Soho Spice is a fantastic Indian restaurant in central London, and meals come complete with daal, naan bread and rice (extra in many restaurants here). (Average meal price – £12)
A couple of doors down the street is Busaba Eat Thai, share a communal table with fellow Thai food lovers and enjoy good curries and noodles. (Average meal price – £7)
Bagel Street, across the street from our hotel, provided a filling breakfast and nice cup of tea for only £2.10.
A quiet ale and cottage pie at The Lord Moon in the Mall pub near Whitehall, nothing fancy but a good friendly atmosphere.
Traveller Hint: Water is only free from the tap, ask for tap water or you will receive bottled water.
Big Events
The girls always take in a West End show, and this year went to the Dominion for We will Rock You. They always come home happy and ears filled by the tunes, eyes wide from the spectacle. Buy your tickets from TKTS in Leicester Square on the day; unless you must see the latest smash hit the good shows are all available.
Thumping drumlines, screaming guitars and strong rock vocals blasted from the stage as the boys sat amazed at the stamina of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend relived their success with The Who. Keith Moon and John Entwhistle departed this earth but their spirit evoked memories from the stage. Performing for their home crowd, The Who (Duet) becomes one with their fans, everyone singing in unison with their greatest hits.
The crowd gathered at the gate full of well wishes while across the street loathing vilification of the old and new leaders as Tony Blair handed Prime Ministerial power to his Labour rival Gordon Brown. We stood near the well-wishers to watch the new Prime Minister arrive from Buckingham Palace to greet the press move into Number 10. History does not always happen when you are in London but when it does you have to take a peek.
Traveller Hint: Historic moments can quickly become tragic, stay on the fringe of the crowd and never come between the protagonists. Follow all police instructions, and leave before tensions turn to violence.
Sights and Museums
A lobster phone, supervised cartoon frames and melting clocks defining visions from the Tate Modern collection, and a must see for any visitor to London. Stroll down the South Bank; visit the Tate Modern before crossing the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral for an afternoon of fun and education.
The Wallace Collection includes paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and Van der Velde; armour and arms of the finest quality (more accessible than those at the Tower of London) and many more fine art examples. Free entry and three pounds for a good audio guide but the artifacts are also well marked if your budget is tight.
Star Wars: The Exhibition is a pricey (16 pounds for adults) but contains a wide variety of items from this iconic movie series. Original costumes, full size vehicles (a Naboo N-1 starfighter, most impressive) and concept drawings and models filled the rooms. Check out the Jedi School and watch young Padiwons fight evil for the first time.
Traveller Hint: Many of the best museums are free in London making the informative audio guides good value to improve your experience.
Accomodation
At Premier Travel Inn – London County Hall you can get a central London address (across the Thames from Westminster) for £99, and only a short walk to Waterloo Station. Two children under 16 stay free in a family room.
Traveller Hint: A Bed and Breakfast is probably better value for a couple, check your guidebook.
British Airways – World Traveller Plus
Posted on June 27, 2007 ·
The direct flight from Seattle to London with British Airways is the quickest and easiest route to the UK but their economy seating is amongst the worst I’ve endured over the last eight years. Unable to afford Business Class seating, we decided to try British Airways’ World Traveller Plus class offering more comfort at an affordable price.
The only difference between World Traveller and World Traveller Plus is the seat, all World Travellers receive the same meal service and access the same bathroom facilities. Nine hours is a long time in any seat, and the wider World Traveller Plus seat with more legroom made the flight more bearable and I managed to get some sleep for a change, arriving ready to face the day. They also have a power outlet for someone who needs to out in nine hours work during the trip.
Is World Traveller Plus worth the extra cost?
For a larger framed individual, World Traveller Plus provides the wider seat and additional legroom you always need and is affordable luxury for even a budget traveller. For me, I’d save the money for a splurge at my destination or break a longer journey halfway. For the same cost, we could have spent two days in New York enroute and arrived just as refreshed because the flights are shorter.
Related link: SeatGuru
Marriott Residence Inn on Lake Union, Seattle
Posted on June 26, 2007 ·
Even the budget traveller enjoys the occasional splurge, and Marriott Residence Inns always provide a high standard of service and amenities when we go upmarket for a hotel.
The Marriott Residence Inn on Lake Union became our home for the last few days in Seattle, and provided us a nice refuge after completing the daily chores associated with moving. The two bedroom apartment had a view over Lake Union where we could watch the float planes landing on her calm waters or catch a glimpse of the yachts moored along the piers. The beds are wonderful, pillow-top mattresses that envelope you like a bosomy aunt, and it took effort to climb out each morning to greet the day. A separate lounge area and kitchenette provide a place to entertain guests privately without having them in your bedroom.
A basic gym, sauna and pool keeps the health conscious happy but I’d recommend running around Lake Union to explore the local area. There is also a guest laundry and a free shuttle that lets you leave the car in the hotel garage. My only gripe, when I pay a premium room rate, parking should be complimentary not an extra $19 per day.
A range of dining options are only minutes walk away offering food at family friendly prices or fine dining for your special occasion at local favourite Chandler’s Crab House or Bonefish Grill. On Wednesday, Marriott hosts guests at a free dinner catered by a local restaurant including beer and wine for your table. A basic set menu is provided but you cannot beat the value, and it helps to offset the cost of your little splurge.
The breakfast buffet is amongst the best offered by a hotel, a range of cereals, pastries and fruit accompanied by your choice of beverages to please most tastes. Cook yourself a waffle, a popular choice, to enjoy with your coffee after a bowl of oatmeal then grab some fruit to get your through the morning. This hearty breakfast can keep you going all day with only a light snack for lunch.