The long awaited trip report! LIVE so that you can comment along the way!
Jun 27th, 2013, 05:07 AM
#122
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Oh sorry, millie2112, I thought you were defending Claire's ability to do this trip on her own - sorry! I read your post a second time, and I see we're on the same page here.
Right, the immediate dramas of missing flights and being robbed in her first days - too much. Curious to see how this all plays out though...
Right, the immediate dramas of missing flights and being robbed in her first days - too much. Curious to see how this all plays out though...
Jun 27th, 2013, 07:31 AM
#123
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Claire, please know that for every one (1) who posts on this thread, there probably are 100 or more who are following with interest, charmed by your good nature and spirit of adventure.
The posters don't speak for all the readers.
Hope all goes well for your family.
The posters don't speak for all the readers.
Hope all goes well for your family.
Jun 27th, 2013, 02:20 PM
#130
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Claire, glad to hear good news. Now go back up that phone and find a better place for it.
I think... what gets lost in all this... is that there are different ways to travel. Claire's style doesn't work for me - I am extremely detail oriented and have a "destination" every day along with a mental list of what else in the area we could do if time permits. (Although time rarely permits since we usually end up in a cafe with a plate of fries, a cup of tea, or a bowl of ice cream depending on the time of day or weather!) Others are more free flowing - and that works for them. Sounds like the family is enjoying themselves on their style.
While I would do things differently, I have to commend her for coming back here for more flogging. It really is brutal sometimes. I swear there are people gleefully chortling when they read she had a problem.
Claire, keep coming back and posting.
I think... what gets lost in all this... is that there are different ways to travel. Claire's style doesn't work for me - I am extremely detail oriented and have a "destination" every day along with a mental list of what else in the area we could do if time permits. (Although time rarely permits since we usually end up in a cafe with a plate of fries, a cup of tea, or a bowl of ice cream depending on the time of day or weather!) Others are more free flowing - and that works for them. Sounds like the family is enjoying themselves on their style.
While I would do things differently, I have to commend her for coming back here for more flogging. It really is brutal sometimes. I swear there are people gleefully chortling when they read she had a problem.
Claire, keep coming back and posting.
Jun 27th, 2013, 02:35 PM
#132
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<b>>>>>></b><i>Just to keep u in the loop ... I have my phone!!! </i>
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What?! In a day and 1/2 you got back your stolen (or replacement) phone? Heck, I wasn't even able to do that here in the States. Amazing!
Wow, You *do* lead a charmed life!
Hope to hear more soon.
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What?! In a day and 1/2 you got back your stolen (or replacement) phone? Heck, I wasn't even able to do that here in the States. Amazing!
Wow, You *do* lead a charmed life!
Hope to hear more soon.
Jun 27th, 2013, 02:42 PM
#133
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Day 5
What a day!
Today we took the very long drive to Drayton Manor Park for the kids to go to Thomas Land!
It was such a wonderful day and the 3 hrs flew by! I really am so pleased that we took the time to do something for the kids. The smile on my sons face was just what I needed after yesterday.
We could of done taxi,train,taxi but we decided to go with a private driver for the day.
He was wonderful! So much so that I will get his details and post them here for future people wanting to do a similar trip.
Since our children are great car sleepers we decided . . In our Aussie wisdom to also squeeze in Stonehenge ...after our long day out.
Our driver explained that it would take another 2hrs of driving but he was happy enough to do it ....mind you ..omg...the traffic!!!! Far out! It took forever and it started to rain so after all that we literally just drove by took the photo and left.
As it was approaching 7:30 for us getting back to London we decided to go to Westfield for some easy dinner and a quick shop since we are leaving tomorrow.
Now after reporting my phone with the police . .notifying the phone company in Australia and going through all the emotions of feeling like I just couldn't believe it happened when I really thought I was being so careful! My phone was by my bed when I got back to my room.
So it would seem my 2 yr old was my pickpocketer! Part of me feels relieved the other is feeling foolish. But at least I wasn't robbed! Just bumped with a lost shoe! Not sure what happens now. Will call the phone company and police in the morning to see if I can reset up my phone. It's a shame I lost the site seeing photos as i deleted the phones data remotely ..my fingers crossed that since the phone hasn't been turned on they might be able to stop this process . Will let you know.
So today has been a great day. I have loved my time in London and how we have done it. I do feel bad that I haven't taken my son on the tube as he loves trains so much . . But we might do so tomorrow ... Just he and I ...leave my daughter and belongings with my mum ... Just to be extra safe!
My tips or what worked for me... The hotel has been sensational! Can not fault it in anyway ... I guess if you wanted a free/included hot breakfast you might feel disappointed ..but I was happy with what they offered.
We enjoyed the HOHO with the kids ...they enjoyed it and they were also able to have a sleep while we got to site see.
If you are going to the tourist sites/streets do not have anything that you don't want lost anywhere but your money belt. Even though I wasn't robbed I could of been very easily even though I was being careful! A good wake up call!
A treat ...go to harrods towards the closing time and choose some nibbles to have as your take away dinner ... The amazing feast we got for 20pounds was just sooo good!
When in harrods go to the fourth floor and let your kids eat at the Disney cafe ....they get cute Mickey Mouse ears included and you can do a quick tag powershop while the kids watch disney stuff etc.
Take the time to hang out in Hyde Park if it is a nice day. Don't rush it ... I'll never forget the kids laughter.
If you can afford it ...use the black taxi system...we have used it so much and found it so easy and stress free. I'm not sure what a tube ride cost but we spent on average 10pounds using the black taxis each day ... We would walk first and taxi home ...if needed.
This is my second time in London and I really thought it would say it would be my last but once again I feel like I could of stayed another week ... If I could afford it! Have loved it.
Night all ...not sure how ill go the following week as we are off to France.
What a day!
Today we took the very long drive to Drayton Manor Park for the kids to go to Thomas Land!
It was such a wonderful day and the 3 hrs flew by! I really am so pleased that we took the time to do something for the kids. The smile on my sons face was just what I needed after yesterday.
We could of done taxi,train,taxi but we decided to go with a private driver for the day.
He was wonderful! So much so that I will get his details and post them here for future people wanting to do a similar trip.
Since our children are great car sleepers we decided . . In our Aussie wisdom to also squeeze in Stonehenge ...after our long day out.
Our driver explained that it would take another 2hrs of driving but he was happy enough to do it ....mind you ..omg...the traffic!!!! Far out! It took forever and it started to rain so after all that we literally just drove by took the photo and left.
As it was approaching 7:30 for us getting back to London we decided to go to Westfield for some easy dinner and a quick shop since we are leaving tomorrow.
Now after reporting my phone with the police . .notifying the phone company in Australia and going through all the emotions of feeling like I just couldn't believe it happened when I really thought I was being so careful! My phone was by my bed when I got back to my room.
So it would seem my 2 yr old was my pickpocketer! Part of me feels relieved the other is feeling foolish. But at least I wasn't robbed! Just bumped with a lost shoe! Not sure what happens now. Will call the phone company and police in the morning to see if I can reset up my phone. It's a shame I lost the site seeing photos as i deleted the phones data remotely ..my fingers crossed that since the phone hasn't been turned on they might be able to stop this process . Will let you know.
So today has been a great day. I have loved my time in London and how we have done it. I do feel bad that I haven't taken my son on the tube as he loves trains so much . . But we might do so tomorrow ... Just he and I ...leave my daughter and belongings with my mum ... Just to be extra safe!
My tips or what worked for me... The hotel has been sensational! Can not fault it in anyway ... I guess if you wanted a free/included hot breakfast you might feel disappointed ..but I was happy with what they offered.
We enjoyed the HOHO with the kids ...they enjoyed it and they were also able to have a sleep while we got to site see.
If you are going to the tourist sites/streets do not have anything that you don't want lost anywhere but your money belt. Even though I wasn't robbed I could of been very easily even though I was being careful! A good wake up call!
A treat ...go to harrods towards the closing time and choose some nibbles to have as your take away dinner ... The amazing feast we got for 20pounds was just sooo good!
When in harrods go to the fourth floor and let your kids eat at the Disney cafe ....they get cute Mickey Mouse ears included and you can do a quick tag powershop while the kids watch disney stuff etc.
Take the time to hang out in Hyde Park if it is a nice day. Don't rush it ... I'll never forget the kids laughter.
If you can afford it ...use the black taxi system...we have used it so much and found it so easy and stress free. I'm not sure what a tube ride cost but we spent on average 10pounds using the black taxis each day ... We would walk first and taxi home ...if needed.
This is my second time in London and I really thought it would say it would be my last but once again I feel like I could of stayed another week ... If I could afford it! Have loved it.
Night all ...not sure how ill go the following week as we are off to France.
Jun 27th, 2013, 05:24 PM
#135
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<b>>>>></b>I feel like I could of stayed another week ... If I could afford it!
I'm so, so, so confused.
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<b>>>>>></b>So it would seem my 2 yr old was my pickpocketer!
You didn't see the 2 year old with the phone/playing with the phone the whole time after she took it? She was on your hip!!
This has been amusing, but ...
I'm so, so, so confused.
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<b>>>>>></b>So it would seem my 2 yr old was my pickpocketer!
You didn't see the 2 year old with the phone/playing with the phone the whole time after she took it? She was on your hip!!
This has been amusing, but ...
Jun 27th, 2013, 05:58 PM
#138
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When you go on a public forum you have rather signed off the right to be huffed at anyone making comments on the public statements you make, .. and frankly no one has actually been rude. Rude would be labelling behaviour negatively, its not really rude to express shock, or confusion.. and most of evil posters have merely expressed shock, surprise and bewilderment. It is a confusing thread to follow.
I note that the style of travel is different then mine, which is fine, but it seems to lead to a lot of "adventures".. perhaps not all the best type ( like having to pay for 4 last minute tickets, that's an unexpected surprise that most of us would do anything to avoid!)
Claire and family seem to be having fun ,, and that's all that really matters.. this certainly wouldn't be the type of trip report that one would use as a "how to " model, but that's not really the point of most trip reports anyways. It is entertaining to read, and that is an important thing at least!
I note that the style of travel is different then mine, which is fine, but it seems to lead to a lot of "adventures".. perhaps not all the best type ( like having to pay for 4 last minute tickets, that's an unexpected surprise that most of us would do anything to avoid!)
Claire and family seem to be having fun ,, and that's all that really matters.. this certainly wouldn't be the type of trip report that one would use as a "how to " model, but that's not really the point of most trip reports anyways. It is entertaining to read, and that is an important thing at least!
Jun 27th, 2013, 06:26 PM
#140
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I don't understand WHERE the cell phone was from the time it went 'missing' until it showed up on the bed the next day. Even immediately after it went 'missing' where was it? How did your two year old have control of it for 24 hrs without your seeing it at some point? This is very strange indeed.
