Play by play on our experience in Heathrow Airport

Let's start off by giving a formal warning to anyone else that is making connecting flights through Heathrow airport: it will take you 45-60 minutes to get from one terminal to the next. Heathrow airport is a small city. We arrived in London thinking that we would have time to sit back and enjoy some tasty lunch before our connecting flight to Dublin.

We hopped on a bus that would take us from terminal 5 to terminal 1. Finding ourselves listening to bumpin' beats and a friendly conversation with the bus driver, lulling us into a sense of ease of making our connection. We waved goodbye, and tootled off towards the security gates, taking some candid photos throughout the airport along the way. 

Our slow saunter led us to customs, at which time Sarah realized that we has fifteen minutes until our gate closed. We panicked for a second, then figured there would be no problem. The guard laughed at us when we asked how far it was to our gate and replied telling us it would take 25-30 minutes. Challenge accepted.

We then proceeded to get an eye scan with red lasers for what felt like five minutes. Then we found ourselves in line for a security scan (since when do you have to go through security again for connecting flights). It was now five minutes until we had to be at our gate, so Renée asked the line up of people if we could budge ahead. They replied with "good luck," and let us pass. Once through the bag check, we figured we were golden and that our gate would be on the other side. Little did we know, there was yet another eye scan. Renée: "Sir, we have three minutes to make our flight! Do you know where the gates are?" Guard: "The faster you look at he flashing red light, the faster you will get out of here." In a frenzy, we stood for another five minute laser scan, then ran to the departures board. All Renée saw was: Dublin - 12:00 - Gates closing - Gate 84. We looked at each and starting running! 

Sarah trailed behind most of the run, due to her unwise choice of wearing flip flops over her sneakers. Have you ever wondered how many hallways you can jam pack into one terminal? We lost count after running through so many. We passed by a sign that read gates 80-100: 10 minutes. At that moment Sarah gave up secretly in her head. Renée led us up the wrong escalator so we had to double back and run down more hallways (Renée wanted to boast about her swish free throw of the gum into the rubbish bin mid stride down the hundredth hallway). We finally emerged at get 84 only to be told that we were too late. It was now 12:03. They looked at our boarding passes and told us that we weren't even flying with them. It was a different airline to Dublin. We searched frantically for a desk to flip, but none were to be found. 

At that moment, Renée's hope had grown two sizes. There was still a chance.  We looked at the gate sign once more and saw Dublin - 12:05 - Gate Closing - Gate 8. Renée's new found hope vanished as quickly as it appeared. Sarah threw in the towel, took off her flip flops and sat down for a cold one. Just kidding, she followed along slowly as Renee kept on trekking. "Renee, why are you walking so fast? We have nowhere to go!" Renee paused for a moment and then proceeded to sprint down an unmarked hallway. Sarah collected her back informing her that we had never been down that hallway in the first place. Renee was delirious, but still decided to take off sprinting once again. 

Somehow the next hallway was labeled gates 7-8. Why on earth are gate 7-8 randomly (and fortunately) located in the gates 70-100 section? We had finally arrived... or so we thought. We saw another guy sprinting by, so we used or last ounce of adrenaline to follow behind. Gates 8 A-F were insight. Not sure why there has to be so many gate 8's. The world was out to get us that day. Gasping for air and thirsty for some H2O, we approached the counter. We think we felt the clouds parting and heard the angel harps playing. The gate staff were letting us on. Not sure what we did in our past lives, but it must have been good. Sitting down in our seats was the best feeling in the world at that moment. Victory! 

Off to Dublin we were. 

Maybe we will have more luck with the Irish!

Renée and Sarah 

Renee tuckered after our flight! 

The tales of Edinburgh

Where to begin! From the moment we tumbled off the bus with our backpacks and various other trinkets onto the Edinburgh sidewalk, we knew we were in love. It has such a laid back, cool atmosphere. All of the modern buildings have been built in the same style as they were in the 1800's, so it felt like you were steeping back in time. The streets were always bustling, and we noticed immediately that there is about as many pubs and taverns as there are sushi restaurants in Vancouver. 

We were excited to find out that our hostel was located just off the royal mile. 

Our first day we toured around the city a bit, then enjoyed some drinks with our new Australian roommates, Emma and Jess. 

The next morning we planned to climb Arthur's seat despite the fog, however we decided to cancel those plans as soon as the lightening and thunder showers started. We finally put our jackets to good use! Instead we went on a walking tour, and even met another Renée. We didn't realize Edinburgh has such a gruesome history. We saw lots of the Harry Potter inspirations, and Renée was excited to get a picture with Thomas Riddle's grave. To warm up after the tour, we joined our Australian friends at an adorable tea room, Clarinda's. 

Later on when we were hanging out in the chill room, we met even more Australians and decided to join them on a pub crawl. We went to some pretty cool pubs with lots of good music, and even tried out some Irish dancing. Pub crawl night successful!

The next day we did some exploring (well Renée did, and Sarah caught some z's), had some great food: we went for dinner at Henderson's bistro, and thought it was really neat when the waiter had given us a hand drawn picture on  the receipt. It wasn't until later when we pulled it out, that we realized it was actually a portrait of Renee eating her soup. Not sure whether to be creeped out or impressed (Let's just say Sarah is happy it wasn't her portrait). Then we finished off our night in the chill room. 

The next day we went to the Edinburgh dungeon. We were shaking in our booties, as little wee ones were sucking on eye ball lollipops having the time of their lives. We survived even after walking around in the mirror maze for a good ten minutes. We went for lunch and then headed to the national museum of Scotland. Contrary to her initial belief, Sarah found out in the animal exhibit that llamas do not have humps. 

Following the learning experience, we decided to go on a quest up to Arthur's seat. Much to our dismay, the fog was so thick you couldn't even see higher than fifty meters. We felt like we were caught in a field of sheep; a white abyss. Hike up Arthur's seat, take one, unsuccessful.

Day five, our final day in Edinburgh, we knew we had to make it count. We woke up early, saw the sunshine, and headed straight for Arthur's seat.

Our new Russian fried Yulia joined us for the hike. It was a steep but beautiful hike with sites of Edinburgh stretching for miles at all angles. There was no actually seat at the top , but we sat regardless to enjoy the views.

Following the hike, we relaxed with a cup of tea at Clarinda's once again. Next we walked through Princes park to enjoy extra large seagulls (size of small labrador dogs) and views from below the Edinburgh castle. To finish off our last night, we went back to Whistle Binkies, the first stop in our pub crawl, to enjoy some live music. The bass player in the rock band look awfully similar to Renee's dad. She tried to take a stealth photo, but her cover was blown when the flash blared. The acoustic performer, was a lovely Scottish man, lovely enough to earn a tattoo spot on Sarah's arm, next to the existing tattoo of the lead singer from the Seattle yacht club. Pictures to follow (Sorry mom). 

All packed up and early out the door, we were on our way to Dublin Saturday morning. 

Airport story to follow (It's cray as fish fillet, so we thought it is worthy of its own blog post).

Renée and Sarah 

Aye, Oot on the branch, the fruit is gey ripe

Glasgow went by way too fast. Three nights introduced us to what the Scottish are all about. We like what we have seen so far. We can't get over how beautiful, lush, and green everything is. We had a quiet first night, but noticed a flyer at a local cafe for 'single's night' at the local Flying Duck pub for the following night. We decided that it would be a great opportunity to meet local lassies and lads. 

We woke up and went for a run to get a preview of the town before going out that day. We had the best surprise when we came back... A hot breakfast that consisted of foods other than cereal, yogurt and baguettes. It was our first time in 27 days that we had fresh eggs for breakfast. What a treat! 

Pumped after our breakfast of champions, we set out for the day. We explored around the local shops, walked along the canal, and attempted to visit Green Park, but it was overrun by a few thousand wee kidlets.

Instead we went to seek a heritage market, but immediately left when we realized we were in the ghetto and surrounded by scary Scotsman. Market unsuccessful! 

We consumed a delicious lunch at a Brazilian restaurant (Although we're not sure a margherita pizza is really authentic Brazilian food). 

We headed back to the hostel to get ready for the anticipated 'single's night,' chilled wine in hand. As we were looking up directions to the place, we found out that 'single's night' wasn't the single's night that we had thought. Instead it was #1 hit singles. Night out unsuccessful! I guess we didn't need to buy the wine chilled. Instead we decided we would spend our night doing what we do every night... Play Quiddler (we will leave taking over the world to Pinky and the Brain). 

Eager beaver to get breakfast this morning, we skipped our one day routine of running. We had read up on Loch Lomomd previously, and decided we would go there for the day. We were confused when the bus driver dropped us off at what appeared to be a deserted highway. Unsure of what to do, we just started walking. We came across Luss, "a town," aka a street lined with wee little houses right on Loch Lomond. 

It was absolutely beautiful and the sun ended up coming out for the afternoon. We sat at the beach for a few hours, along with all of the locals and their kidlets. Loch Lomomd was filled with boats, seadoos, and various birds, including ducks, swans, and gulls. A day that started out grey and filled with uncertainty, turned out to be yet another great day. Loch Lomomd successful! 

We head out early tomorrow morning for Edinburgh, which we are very excited for, as we have heard nothing but awesome things about the city. 

Still no flying kilts. Lets hope that trend continues.

Renee and Sarah

2 days dedicated to The Beatles

We are both still buzzing with excitement after the past 2 days in Liverpool. We arrived in our national express chariot, and headed down to the water after dropping off our bags. We quickly realized that it was the same dock that the Titanic had set sail from in 1912, after noticing all of the model ships in the bay outside the maritime museum.

Our first stop was the Beatles gift shop/entry to the Beatles museum. We managed to cash in on the student discount and bought the "ultimate tour," including a Fab4D movie, an Elvis exhibit, as he had a significant influence on the Beatles, and lastly, the Beatles experience exhibit, that we decided we would save for another day. 

We decided to sit front and center for the Fab4D movie.. We had no idea what was in store. We won't spoil the plot, but we will warn you that a bathing suit and goggles is most definitely required if you ever get the opportunity to go.

On our way back to the hostel, we went to The Grapes, which is the pub that the Beatles would eat and drink at between sets at the Cavern, back in the day. We were more excited than a five year old kid let loose in a candy store (or Renee in a tea shop), because we got to sit in the exact booth that the Beatles sat in. 

We finished off the afternoon walking around the nearby shops.

The next day, we woke up bright and early, and headed for Albert Dock. We spent three hours in the Beatles experience exhibit.. It was unreal! It took you through the birth of the Beatles up until the breakup. 

We took a 10 minute intermission on the promenade to listen to some Beatles tunes, before heading into the Elvis Exhibit.

With our upper lips perked and our knees ready to quiver, we indulged ourselves in the history of the king of Rock and Roll. We also had the opportunity to see the hidden Beatles gallery comprised of photos that had since been lost in the photographers attic for over fifty years. We would have purchased a few prints, but the going rate started at £900.

We went to an Irish pub for lunch, before embarking on a quest to find the streets named after the Beatles. The neighbourhood was a bit dodgy, but we finally found them.

We figured that after spending 2 days dedicated to the Beatles, that we would finish it off at the Cavern where it all began. We just so happened to go the one night of the week that the Beatles cover band plays. It gave us chills how much they sounded and looked like the Beatles. It felt like we were transported through time, hanging out in the sweaty Cavern, listening to great music. We also got to listen to a local band, the Seattle yacht club. They were very entertaining, and Sarah has decided to get a tattoo of the lead singer on her arm (just kidding, mom).

We bid farewell to the Beatles this morning to catch a bus to Manchester, and then on to Glasgow. We didn't see much of Manchester, but it looked lovely from the bus station window. 

Scotland is exactly what we expected, lush rolling green hills, freckled with sheep and cows. The countryside is where we will stay put for a week! 

We plan to pick up on some Scottish lingo whilst here. So far we have learned "Awa' an bile yer heid," meaning "get lost," in case we meet some hooligans at the local pub tomorrow night. We plan to meet Nessie (The lochness monster) on Sunday, after covering the city of Glasgow on Saturday. 

Let's hope that the winds stay at ease, so that we don't get any unwanted kilt flipage from the local lads.

Renee and Sarah

Six days in the land of royalty.. our home away from home

We are en route to Liverpool, so we thought we'd fill you all in on our time in London. We had a warm welcome from Renee's family living in London. They generously had us in their home for 4 of the nights, providing us with laundry facilities, a cozy bed, and some local expertise. Thank you again Tanya and Hamish for making our time in London that much better! We can't thank you enough.

On our first night, we had the pleasure of making our first home cooked meal of the trip.  

The second day we headed straight for Camden market, but found out that we were the early birds and we did not get the worm. The shops were just opening up, so we decided that we would come back another time. We had arrangements to meet up with our American friends, Andrew and Tyler, that we met in Paris, to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. We didn't realized what a spectacle it was..the place was roving with people kept in order by the cavalry police. We could only manage to see the tips of the black furry hats over the rest of the people, but we were able to see the guards marching in with the band. What a cool experience! 

Afterwards, we moseyed for some take-out lunch in Green park. Next we headed to the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, then off to  London bridge, which was not as impressive as we thought it would be. Before saying goodbye, we hit up Tower Bridge, and then headed home to get ready for a night out in Soho with Tanya and her friends. 

We really enjoyed it and found it very classy that you could enjoy your beverage of choice outside on the sidewalk of the pub. We also loved the pitstop on the way home for some delicious bagels. 

Saturday morning we managed to wake up early and roll on over to Camden market. What a maze that was.. The market goes on and on forever with a variety of food, clothing, and souvenir shops. On our way home, we stopped by platform 9 3/4 at kings cross.

That night we headed to a local Pakistan restaurant, which was unreal! We will go back next time we are in London. Following dinner, we got a free impromptu walking tour of London from Tanya and Hamish. We weren't dressed "smart" enough to go to the top of a posh sushi bar to overlook the city. Next time we will make sure we are clad in our fancy attire. 

Sunday we woke up to a pancake breakfast from chef Hamish and sous-chefette Tanya (Ramsay's in the making). 

We were energized and ready to go for the all day Wireless festival at Queen Elizabeth park. We got our arms bedazzled with festival flowers and stocked up on a lifetime supply of free tic tacs. We saw many talented artists (2 chainz, A$AP rocky, the Rizzle kicks, A Tribe called Quest, and Nas), but couldn't wait for the final act when Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake would share the stage. We got pretty close to the stage, but were squished like sardines, so we decided to get out of the crowd a bit (as soon as we left, one of the girls we had been standing with was being carried out on a stretcher - we knew we had made the right decision). The concert was incredible and even had a guest appearance. Rihanna just so happened to show up for one song with Jay-Z. Get ready Vancouver, you're in for a treat! 

Monday, we went to the mall for some shopping, checked in to our hostel (sadly left Tanya and Hamish's), and then went on a quest for Banksy street art. 

No sheep were counted that night, due to one roommate snoring (If you have ever heard a freight train rolling through a station, take it up about ten decibels), and another with a hearty cough. Sarah finally put her ear plugs to good use, and provided everyone else in the room with a pair (Thanks pops!) 

Tuesday was our final full day, so we had lots of ground to cover. We hit up Abbey road to start (Where Renee accidentally kicked another innocent bystander during her gleeful leaping photo - picture to follow). 

We sat and watched other tourists and became very entertained by the one family that crossed Abbey road for a picture about 20 times, with every combination and permutation possible.

Next, we stopped through Hyde park... Not sure what the hype was all about. Maybe we didn't give it a fair chance (and our standards were pretty high after visiting Versailles). 

We had a candid photo op with a good pal Winston Churchill; we just so happened to pass by him on a park bench.

Stumbled upon Drury Lane.. You know the muffin man? He was nowhere to be found. We didn't seem to find any muffins either. Our childhood dreams were shattered! 

We walked by the Wolverine premiere in Leicester Square, but unfortunately we are too early to see  Mr. Jackman himself. 

We went to London Tower to see the beefeaters, but we only got to see the back of one. We moved on to finish our Banksy tour, after touring all over London for one specific piece. 

That night we met up with Paul and Carl (aka Cahl), Renee's friends from London, for a chill drink and some laughs at the Big Chill House bar. A great way to finish off our time in London. 

Now we are currently on our way to Liverpool, where we are going to visit the Beatles museum, the Cavern pub, where the Beatles used to perform, and Grapes, the pub they would drink at between sets (insert excited squeal here). 

Stay tuned for updates on the second half of our journey. 

Tata for now,

Renee and Sarah 

A walk around the pond with Jay-Z

Today we leave for London! We had a great time in Paris, but we are looking forward to the Uk for a change in language, for our french vocab was not up to the standard it should be. When we last wrote, we were on our way to the Eiffel Tower with cheap French wine and desserts. The desserts were incredible, despite being jostled in the box en route to our destination. We did what we do best, eat and people watch.

We left soon after it turned to twilight because of the big day ahead (And because of Sarah wearing more wine than she actually drank). 

We woke up early on Tuesday to head to the train to Versailles. We just so happened to go on the day of musical gardens. We felt like royalty as we trounced around the gardens listening to classical French music.

The Gardens were much more vast that we had expected. Every tree and shrub was perfectly groomed (although we did notice a few stray twigs.. Someone must be slacking!), the pond was huge (we'll get to that in a second), and the ridiculous amount of acreage that kept on going like the energizer bunny (you can imagine the conversation King Louis had with his gardener.. "My, your highness, what shall we do with all this space?" He replies, "Aye, throw in another grove and perhaps another dome.. and put up another statue of a long lost relative.")

Despite the prior and frequent warnings that our gal pal Tess told us about walking around the seemingly petit pond, we decided: challenge accepted. To make the time go by faster we decided to test drive Jay-Z's new album (as we were out of earshot of the musical gardens.. We should have known then just how far we'd have to trek). About half way around the first side, we realized just how far it really was, but we knew we had already committed. We made it to the opposite side with just enough energy for a jumping photo, with the castle appearing as a small green pea on the horizon. We made our way back, chowed down on a pizza, which was enough to top up the tanks to finish off the rest of the gardens. Needless to say, we had a long nap when we got home after enduring the hottest and muggiest train ride in Paris yet. 

To finish off the great day, we played a good ole' match of quiddler with our Australian roommates. 

Our last full day in Paris, we decided to hit up an underground mall, and do things the Paris way..shop! We visited Lover's bridge in the heart of paris, although we quickly realized that there are at least three. There are so many locks on the sides that it is literally falling apart in places. We contemplated leaving a lock of our own, but we know that a lock on lover's bridge is not strong enough for a love such as ours (That.. and we couldn't find 5 euros to purchase a lock).

Today we leave Paris, but before we headed for our Chunnel, we walked to the Moulin Rouge for a photo op.

We are just about to board and leave the land of wine and baguette for the land of bangers and mash.. and an odd pint or two.

Thanks Paris, it's been a slice.. of quiche!

London, show us whatchu got!