Followers

Sunday 12 August 2007

Our Christmas present..................

MWM and I are going to be enjoying our Christmas 2006 present to ourselves this coming week. I know that might sound strange, but last Christmas we both decided that as there was nothing either of us really wanted for a present, we would save the money we would have spent, add to it when we could, and have a weekend away somewhere later in the year.


So, we have booked three nights in London leaving tomorrow and returning home on Thursday. We decided to stay in Kew because

(a) MWM wants to research something to do with the family tree at The National Archives.

(b) We want to see Kew Gardens

(c) We want to go to Hampton Court

(d) We want to go to the Tower of London


We have booked 1st class rail tickets with Virgin Rail, from Manchester Piccadilly to Euston, London, for only £61 each return (because we are travelling off peak ie 11 a.m), and found a 3-room self-contained suite, small conservatory, independent entrance, B&B accomodation in Kew for three nights for £60 per night.


I also found a website that gives you vouchers enabling a second adult to pay half price entry to the places we want to visit if you are travelling to London by train, all you have to do is print off the vouchers and present them with your train tickets when you arrive at the venue to pay!


We also decided that whilst we're visiting the Tower of London we would stay in the centre of London and take in a show and a meal. We've booked dinner and a show - dinner at Porter's Restaurant and "We will rock you" at the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road - for £37.50 each, and the seats are top prices seats which are anything up to £55.00 each.


We heard on the news yesterday that whilst in London we will not hear Big Ben - apparently it will be silent because it is having essential maintenance - I was looking forward to hearing the chimes.




Of course the trusty camera will be with me, so you can expect photographs when I get back. Be good whilst I'm away.

45 comments:

Dumdad said...

Have a great time.

We went to Hampton Court when we were in the UK a few weeks back. Check out the kitchens (the kids were fascinated) and the Royal tennis court and the Maze and, oh, everything.

Look forward to seeing your pix...

Lo Kelween said...

that's so cool you have been busy these few months ya? enjoy your trip and yes, we are hoping more new astounishing photos! :)

buffalodick said...

Have ANOTHER good time!

Flowerpot said...

have a wonderful time, Ak. Sounds like a good trip.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

that sounds perfectly lovely. sarge and i did a similar trip in 1976, the Tower of London and the gardens. what fun we had!

smiles, bee

la bellina mammina said...

What a great idea for a christmas present. Have a good vacation Akela!

RUTH said...

Have a really wonderful time...sounds like you've some great visits planned. Thanks for the tip of the cut price ticket website...it could come in handy for Manda & co. Enjoy every moment of your Christmas Present
Rx

Anonymous said...

Afternoon Akelamalu~

You are SOOOOO wise to spend the money on TRAVEL...it's the gift that keeps on giving!

I always said that if I was "extremely wealthy"...I would never have a home...I would just travel constantly and visit the world that we are ALL a part of...but so seldom get to see.

Have a glorious time...you deserve it!

Travel well,
Ron

P.S. I quess even Big Ben needs a "tune up" now and then...BONGGGG!

Linda said...

Oh I am so jealous! I would love to go to London and see The Tower and all those other lovely sites you mentioned.

Have a wonderful time and I am really looking forward to the pictures as that's probably the closest I'm ever going to come to seeing London.

Akelamalu said...

I'm really looking forward to Hampton Court dumdad, though MWM said he's going to try to lose me in the Maze! In his dreams. :)

Akelamalu said...

Yes Elween we have been busy - I'm making up for all the years I haven't been able to walk very far. :)

Akelamalu said...

I'll try Buffalodickdy, I will really try. ((wink))

Akelamalu said...

Thanks flowerpot we are so looking forward to it.

Akelamalu said...

Beeit's amazing that even though I have been to London twice I never got to see the sights!

Akelamalu said...

I thought you were in Australia Bella?

Akelamalu said...

The weather forecast isn't all that good but we plan to enjoy every minute Ruth x

Akelamalu said...

I'd do the same as you Ron if we were loaded - travel, travel, travel!

Akelamalu said...

You never know Linda you may get to London one day. In the meantime I'll try to get some good photos to share with you. x

Pam said...

sounds like great fun...my dream trip is to do europe with just my kids. someday, i guess. lol but how wise of you and your husband to save up for a trip..lovely xmas present. steve and i can't travel anywhere by ourselves unless my girls are visiting their dad. our last trip was to hawaii in april...i think next year, since we haven't taken a family trip in 2 years (and the kids have been complaining), we'll do a family trip instead of a 'just us' trip. have a great time and i can't wait to see the pics :)

Pig in the Kitchen said...

Bon voyage Akelamalu, have a lovely time!
Pigx

HAR said...

I want your life:)

the rotten correspondent said...

I agree with har. Do you need a lodger??

Akelamalu said...

Oh I'd love to go to Hawaai ciara but it's just out of reach for us at the moment, I suppose as Europe is for you?

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Pig :)

Akelamalu said...

Har and rotten correspondent I suppose it does seem that all we do is travel. That's so at the moment but only because I'm making up for lost time! Things will settle down A LOT once I'm back at work in September.

la bellina mammina said...

As you know now Akela, I got back last night!! Can't resist visiting your blog ;-)

Shaz said...

Sounds like a well planned trip with a ew bargains thrown in to boot, go enjoy x x x

CS said...

SOunds like a great trip. I have only been to London once, when I was 18, but vividly remember the creeoy Tower of London!

CG said...

What a wonderful idea!! I hope you both have a fantastic time :)

Smalltown RN said...

oh that all sounds so lovely....I hope you both have a fabulous and relaxing time....cheers!

Barb said...

Happy Travels!!!! The Tower Of London.. bring home pictures!

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Totally figures that Big Ben would have maintenance while you're there. They had a piece about it on the Canadian news last night. Oh, well - I'm sure it will still look incredible. Have fun. Be sure to sing each other a few Christmas songs while you're there...

Ali said...

Finally found my way over from Paulines.. I get there eventually!!

Hope you have a fantastic trip into the city. If you get a chance to watch Tower Bridge opening whilst you are at the Tower of London, it is an truly awesome sight.

Can't wait to see your photo's.

Jenny! said...

Have a great time...I loved London when I went!

Anonymous said...

Wow... That sounds fun! Take care!

Gledwood said...

Bloody hell £61 still sounds a lot offpeak but train fairs have skyrocketed haven't they I bet the "normal" fair is £130 or more.....

ANYWAY ... Just wanted to say I hope you have a great time there!!

Cream said...

Sounds like a great break, Akela. You'll have to report on Porter's meal.

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

wow!!
thats so great, we've once been in London (18 years ago) we went by boat...and I still remember the very beautiful Christmas shop-windows and that special shop named with a H ( can't remember the name.There was also a park and the double red coloured buses.... The underground , well I realy hope you'll have a very good time there, make some photo's????? I would like to see some of London!!!

Greetings from JoAnn

(I posted some pic's of my holiday in France and Spain, so look and see...)

Around My Kitchen Table said...

What a brilliant Christmas present! The dearly beloved and I usually buy something we both want for Christmas rather than get each other presents but it's usually something boring like a new chair!

Paul Champagne said...

O-kay ... your photo assignment is:

To get a picture of one of the Beefeaters guarding Buckingham Palace ... with a smile on his face (I was going to say laughing ... but then thought baby steps).

Dx said...

Sounds like a great alternative Chrsitmas. Hope you had a fantastic time - and that the snow stayed away.

Akelamalu said...

Just got back this afternoon - had a wonderful time, which I will report on in the next few days.

Thanks you all for reading and commenting whilst I've been away. I will get round to visiting and catching up as soon as I can. :)

Barb said...

Please drop by and read about My Linky Love Dream. (If you can still find it when you get home.)

Catch said...

Sounds like a wonderful time!!! I am looking forward to the pictures you take!!!! Hugs!

mrsnesbitt said...

Hey, I was so chuffed to read Pauline's blog and hear you helped her stay on track! I thoought..Hey I know this woman! Great stuff.

Thanks for the tipe re London! It is really good to think we may be able to go and bag some bargains. We went last year and believe me it cost more than you spent.....great stuff!