Hi, everyone!
It's been an absolute WHIRLWIND since we got here. Every day is a new adventure, and it's been totally wild.
At one point in Edinburgh, I went out to buy a wall adapter, and suddenly, I look up, and BAM.
Edinburgh a castle is right in front of me. Legitimately one of the most surreal experiences of my life (sine, you know... We don't have castles in the States. I'm not even sure Hearst Castle counts).
I ran around Greyfrair's cemetery twice. Surprisingly, I felt it most active whilst alone in the middle of the day than I felt it during the City of the Dead Double Dead tour (which included a trip in to the underground of the city--that tour alone will probably get its own post one of these days. If you're ever in Edinburgh, CHECK OUT THAT TOUR; total steal at £13... £11 if you still have your college ID three years after graduating...).
I've made a remarkable amount of "friends", which includes two fantastic girls from Cheltenham that I met whilst in a teeny tiny, standing-room-only section of a train from Bristol to London. In fact, most of the folks we've met on this trip have been more than polite and friendly, but they've been BEYOND helpful, especially people heading to the Tube--so so many of them have offered to help, if not just straight up grabbed bags and helped Mum get around.
Speaking of the Tube...
I dig it, man, seriously. I've still not quite gotten the hang of it well enough to be confident in traveling without asking for assistance, but I'm sure I'll have it in the next day or so. It's rad. I love it. And it's so fast! I'm constantly surprised how quickly we're getting around when using it.
A quick run down of the awesome things we've seen:
Edinburgh Castle, including the Scottish Crown Jewels
Greyfrair's Kirkyard (reportedly the most haunted cemetery in the country, and certainly one of the oldest at nearly 500 years old)
The National Scottish Museum
Millennium Park
THE ALL BLACKS WINNING A RUGBY MATCH, LIVE, IN CARDIFF (😍)
Tower of London, which includes the British Crown Jewels and the "Bloody Tower" where the "Little Princes" (Richard III's nephews that he "reportedly" had killed, but could possibly be cleared of, but the process will probably never happen, but that's a whole other story) not only were held captive, but were likely murdered AND rediscovered centuries later
Saw the outside of Shakespeare's Globe (and cried)
A small portion of the Victoria & Albert Museum
Drove by Parliament (and Big Ben! 😄), the Albert Monument, Hyde Park, Harrod's, St. Mary's, Piccadilly Circus...
Took some pictures at Trafalgar Square.
Jeez. And it's only Sunday!
The goal for tomorrow is the Globe tour & exhibition, the Old Operating Theatre, The Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey.
Oh. You know. Of course.
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH AS HAMLET (I don't care how poor the overall reviews have been, I'm so fucking excited, and I have been for over a year).
I'm also on a mission and a half to find an inexpensive manicurist to take off the shoddy fuckin' acryllic job I got in OC, because these things are peeling up, and they've turned BROWN. ICK.
But that'll likely have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday. I dunno. We have so much planned.
Oh. If you're still with me this far (and bless you if you are), in a rally weird way, the highlight so far for me may be the most intensely random reunion in the world.
10 years ago, I played rugby. As we all know, the Rugby World Cup is one of the major reasons we're here, along with thousands of others. So, in Starbucks just outside the Tower of London, there's a lady standing there, letting my mum known they've called her drink order. I stare and stare and state and ask the woman her name.
Turns out it's exactly who I think it is: Leslie, one of my old rugby coaches. Literally have not seen the woman in 10 years, and we run in to each other at a chain coffee joint in LONDON.
Why?
Because Rugby 😊
There was screaming and hugging and it rocked.
This trip rocks. And we still have so much left to live 😃
Catch you all soon, and, as ever, you can check out Insta (@kc_mariepandell) for some photographic evidence of my adventures with ShakesBear (who has also met some amazing people, and taken plenty of pictures with them).
All my love from across the pond,
KC
PS: Totally missing my Pops, pups, and kitty.
PPS: It's taking everything in my power to not hug every single dog I see.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Hey, guys!
So, it's our first full day in Edinburgh after what is probably the longest travel day in the history of all traveling I've ever done. I think Mum's a wee jet-legged (we just had breakfast about an hour ago, and she's out cold on the bed). I'm off to do a bit of bits and bobs type shopping, see a few of the local businesses, and as soon as I get back from that, we 'll be heading out to spend the better part of our day at Edinburgh castle. I may be doing one of the ghost tours tonight (Eeeeeee!!!)
Other than some travel business yesterday (cramped seats, watching Avengers: Age of Ultron on the flight for free, free drinks, which included the strongest gin & tonic I've ever had, two dudes taking our seats on the short flight because they didn't like theirs, etc) yesterday was fairly uneventful.
It turns out that our room in the most adorable hotel ever was up on the top floor. Which is fine. If the hotel wasn't Georgian and old and unequipped with an elevator. But they were so awesome, and though it took a bit of work, they were able to work things out and get us a room on the ground floor. So, we're sharing a small bed. But Mum doesn't have to walk up, like... Six flights of stairs. I bet the view from the room was awesome, though.
Only drawback? Very small child next door is throwing a tantrum for second time in 12 hours, and the walls are a bit thin. Thank god for headphones)
Had supper at this cool little pub about a 10 minute's walk from our digs, called Platform 5. It was great, really well priced, the drinks were HELLA cheap (I got a double Sapphire & Tonic for about $8), and, of course, KC made friends with the cute bartender. Because no one is ever surprised that I can make friends wherever I go. Especially when talking to my people.
His name was Lewis (Louis? He wasn't wearing a name tag), by the way. I have a picture of him that'll be up on Instagram in a bit.
The hotel we're at is full of just THE best staff. They're so polite, knowledgable, and friendly, and they've been so accommodating and helpful. I will absolutely come stay here again the next time I'm in Edinburgh (I already know this won't be my last visit--I already love it, here).
I just wanted to give a quick update on us! We're safe, sound, and comfy.
Also, I was planning on being able to add pictures and videos to this blog, but I'm having a bit of a tough time. I'm on my iPad at the moment, and I need to give it a shot on my phone, to see if that alleviates the issues I'm having (I can get everything I need in terms of Internet capabilities, but for some reason, not my emails to myself...).
So, for now, you can check out my Insta (@kc_mariepandell) to keep up to date with our shenanigans in as close to real time as possible.
Oh.
Did I mention.
Not only is their public trasport far superior to SoCal's, but... They have wi-fi close to goddamn EVERYWHERE.
FREE wi-fi.
They even have it AT EDINBURGH CASTLE.
Like, what?
What is life?
I can barely get a connection at Starbucks back home...
Until later, folks!
❤️
KC
So, it's our first full day in Edinburgh after what is probably the longest travel day in the history of all traveling I've ever done. I think Mum's a wee jet-legged (we just had breakfast about an hour ago, and she's out cold on the bed). I'm off to do a bit of bits and bobs type shopping, see a few of the local businesses, and as soon as I get back from that, we 'll be heading out to spend the better part of our day at Edinburgh castle. I may be doing one of the ghost tours tonight (Eeeeeee!!!)
Other than some travel business yesterday (cramped seats, watching Avengers: Age of Ultron on the flight for free, free drinks, which included the strongest gin & tonic I've ever had, two dudes taking our seats on the short flight because they didn't like theirs, etc) yesterday was fairly uneventful.
It turns out that our room in the most adorable hotel ever was up on the top floor. Which is fine. If the hotel wasn't Georgian and old and unequipped with an elevator. But they were so awesome, and though it took a bit of work, they were able to work things out and get us a room on the ground floor. So, we're sharing a small bed. But Mum doesn't have to walk up, like... Six flights of stairs. I bet the view from the room was awesome, though.
Only drawback? Very small child next door is throwing a tantrum for second time in 12 hours, and the walls are a bit thin. Thank god for headphones)
Had supper at this cool little pub about a 10 minute's walk from our digs, called Platform 5. It was great, really well priced, the drinks were HELLA cheap (I got a double Sapphire & Tonic for about $8), and, of course, KC made friends with the cute bartender. Because no one is ever surprised that I can make friends wherever I go. Especially when talking to my people.
His name was Lewis (Louis? He wasn't wearing a name tag), by the way. I have a picture of him that'll be up on Instagram in a bit.
The hotel we're at is full of just THE best staff. They're so polite, knowledgable, and friendly, and they've been so accommodating and helpful. I will absolutely come stay here again the next time I'm in Edinburgh (I already know this won't be my last visit--I already love it, here).
I just wanted to give a quick update on us! We're safe, sound, and comfy.
Also, I was planning on being able to add pictures and videos to this blog, but I'm having a bit of a tough time. I'm on my iPad at the moment, and I need to give it a shot on my phone, to see if that alleviates the issues I'm having (I can get everything I need in terms of Internet capabilities, but for some reason, not my emails to myself...).
So, for now, you can check out my Insta (@kc_mariepandell) to keep up to date with our shenanigans in as close to real time as possible.
Oh.
Did I mention.
Not only is their public trasport far superior to SoCal's, but... They have wi-fi close to goddamn EVERYWHERE.
FREE wi-fi.
They even have it AT EDINBURGH CASTLE.
Like, what?
What is life?
I can barely get a connection at Starbucks back home...
Until later, folks!
❤️
KC
Friday, September 4, 2015
24 Days (And Some Change)
"Good company, good wine, good welcome
Can make good people."
-Guildford, Henry VIII i.iv.vi-vii
Hey, everyone!
I promised months ago that when we headed off for our trip, I would include information to a blog that will endeavor to bring all of you on our Dream Trip with us! I'm sure, eventually, I'll use this as a legitimate blog, but, for all intents and purposes, at present, this blog is serving to keep all of you lovely people who liked, shared, and donated to our fund in the loop of our journey!
As you can tell by the date, we're only a few weeks out from takeoff, and I'm so excited, I'm pretty sure I'm on the verge of crying.
It's been an insane year and an half up to this point, and there was definitely a portion of time where it looked like we may not actually make it on the plane. But, so it seems, Fate has other plans for us, and somehow, every single road block thus far has been absolutely burnt to the ground. Seems to me this trip is meant to happen much more than I ever expected.
As of two days ago, we're totally in the home stretch. Our flights & accommodations are completely booked for every leg of the tour (FINALLY. I am so deeply indebted to the person who made the London accommodations possible). I have luggage, I have a fancy new coat & fluffy beanie that I got basically dirt cheap en route. I have Rugby World Cup tickets, passports, and ticket confirmations (for the things we'll pick up at Box Office) in my hot little hand. Next week, we'll be buying our train passes, travel cards, and tying up all of our loose ends.
I've signed up to earn SkyMiles practically every where and every which way I possibly can, and if I'm right, I'm racking up a pretty piece worth of them.
Basically, I'm stoked as all hell.
This is that trip I've been spending my whole life dreaming of, and Christ knows that if I've been dreaming of it for 26 years, Mum has been dreaming of it twice as long.
We all know (though, perhaps, some of you don't) that I'm impressively long-winded, so from this point on, I will try to keep these posts brief.
Operative word being "try".
I'll be including pictures, links, and audio as I can. I'm planning on doing my damnedest to make this as immersive of an experience as possible. I will be attempting to update every single day, but I can't make any promises; we have SO MUCH GOING ON.
How much?
So much.
Unless anything of note happens in the next 3.5 weeks, this will likely be the only correspondence until wheels up, but with me, who knows?
I may surprise even myself.
I just wanted to settle up the blog, start getting people invited, and introduce myself to you folks at home that may not know me well, if at all (stranger things have happened).
So please, please, PLEASE. Feel free to come back, stay updated, and hold on tight. I just updated our itinerary the other day, and it is going to be a crazy, crazy trip full of history, theatre, castles, graveyards, food, fun, and more walking than I think I'll ever have done in my entire life.
Not to mention a few hours with the incomparable Benedict Cumberbatch as he tackles one of my favourite plays, and one of my favourite characters: HAMLET.
And a few hours screaming my voice out watching the New Zealand All Blacks dominate the rugby pitch.
SO!
I cordially invite you all to experience this journey with us!
❤️
KC Marie
Can make good people."
-Guildford, Henry VIII i.iv.vi-vii
Hey, everyone!
I promised months ago that when we headed off for our trip, I would include information to a blog that will endeavor to bring all of you on our Dream Trip with us! I'm sure, eventually, I'll use this as a legitimate blog, but, for all intents and purposes, at present, this blog is serving to keep all of you lovely people who liked, shared, and donated to our fund in the loop of our journey!
As you can tell by the date, we're only a few weeks out from takeoff, and I'm so excited, I'm pretty sure I'm on the verge of crying.
It's been an insane year and an half up to this point, and there was definitely a portion of time where it looked like we may not actually make it on the plane. But, so it seems, Fate has other plans for us, and somehow, every single road block thus far has been absolutely burnt to the ground. Seems to me this trip is meant to happen much more than I ever expected.
As of two days ago, we're totally in the home stretch. Our flights & accommodations are completely booked for every leg of the tour (FINALLY. I am so deeply indebted to the person who made the London accommodations possible). I have luggage, I have a fancy new coat & fluffy beanie that I got basically dirt cheap en route. I have Rugby World Cup tickets, passports, and ticket confirmations (for the things we'll pick up at Box Office) in my hot little hand. Next week, we'll be buying our train passes, travel cards, and tying up all of our loose ends.
I've signed up to earn SkyMiles practically every where and every which way I possibly can, and if I'm right, I'm racking up a pretty piece worth of them.
Basically, I'm stoked as all hell.
This is that trip I've been spending my whole life dreaming of, and Christ knows that if I've been dreaming of it for 26 years, Mum has been dreaming of it twice as long.
We all know (though, perhaps, some of you don't) that I'm impressively long-winded, so from this point on, I will try to keep these posts brief.
Operative word being "try".
I'll be including pictures, links, and audio as I can. I'm planning on doing my damnedest to make this as immersive of an experience as possible. I will be attempting to update every single day, but I can't make any promises; we have SO MUCH GOING ON.
How much?
So much.
Unless anything of note happens in the next 3.5 weeks, this will likely be the only correspondence until wheels up, but with me, who knows?
I may surprise even myself.
I just wanted to settle up the blog, start getting people invited, and introduce myself to you folks at home that may not know me well, if at all (stranger things have happened).
So please, please, PLEASE. Feel free to come back, stay updated, and hold on tight. I just updated our itinerary the other day, and it is going to be a crazy, crazy trip full of history, theatre, castles, graveyards, food, fun, and more walking than I think I'll ever have done in my entire life.
Not to mention a few hours with the incomparable Benedict Cumberbatch as he tackles one of my favourite plays, and one of my favourite characters: HAMLET.
And a few hours screaming my voice out watching the New Zealand All Blacks dominate the rugby pitch.
SO!
I cordially invite you all to experience this journey with us!
❤️
KC Marie
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