A Collection of Daily Wisdom by Dennis Sylvester Hurd since September 2003.

I felt lighter upon our return to Canada. I don't mean physically, although it would be nice to weigh about twenty kilos less. Europe is interesting and one big reason why is the history. Everywhere you turn, there's a historical building or monument. This makes a trip great for tourists. It seems as if the majority of things by which one is surrounded are old. Sometimes, they're ancient.

I wonder how this affects the young people growing up there. I first remember feeling sorry for kids kicking around a soccer ball in Florence Italy when I travelled there in the 1980's. They were having fun but were confined in the large open space of an ancient plaza. It would just seem to me to be a burden living amongst all the past. Mind you, it's not past from a book, it's past right in their faces, everyday.

I am writing this entry in one of the first cities in British Columbia but I'd be hard pressed to find a civic structure that is 120 years old. Maybe that's why I feel lighter in Canada than I did during the recent trip.

Labels: Eurotrip 2005, feelings

I don't know which was better: trying to catch up with events to be blogged, or trying to think of something to blog about. I said I'd comment on the recent three weeks in Europe. So, I probably should pick my favourite place. I'm not sure I can do that though.

The trip contained many have to see sights and sites. Probably the elevator from the second platform to the top of the Eiffel Tower would make the cut. But travelling is more than the things you can take a picture of. It's the little things that broaden perspectives. One sees more out there, so there's more to which one can relate. An example is how Jay and I can now refer to something using personalized jargon.



We were quite impressed by London's Underground system. Yet, we felt the line we needed to take to the place where we stayed for five nights was the most neglected tube line. Compared to the other, more beautifully-designed and better-maintained lines, the District Line seemed a bit overlooked. The trains were slower and older. The stations dirtier and less modern.

So, now when say something is like the 'District Line' we are trying to suggest it deserves more attention than it is receiving.

Labels: blogging, London

I may spend a few days discussing our recent trip to Western Europe. I will add just a little theme, thought, or idea prompted by the travels. Yet on this first opportunity, I would love to offer thanks.

I am very grateful to people who left open unsecured, WiFi access for me during my trip to Europe. With the small amount of bandwidth offered me, I was able to upload a photo to Flickr, check email, and add an entry here each day.

Carrying around a notebook computer is useful as long as access to the Internet is possible. With the spotty coverage of 'pay for' options, public access to personal broadband was a Godsend. This situation has forced me reconsider how I've set up my wireless router. I may go ahead and make it public. There are system logs, so if I find a neighbour abusing my generosity, I can add WEP again.

I might suggest that if you live near a park, budget hotel, or public area, sharing a little of your fixed cost Internet might make visitors to your area very happy!

Labels: Flickr

This was taken this morning on the Gatwick Express out of Victoria Station in London. It's now 5:04 and this is being posted from western Canada. There have been eight extra hours to the day though.

Labels: Eurotrip 2005

It's our last day in London and the final day of our trip. It doesn't seem possible that we've been away almost three weeks. Tomorrow, we'll get up around 5:00 am so we can get to Victoria Station early enough to catch the Gatwick Express to the airport. Then, it'll be 10 hours home because, unlike our flight out, this stops in Calgary.

Today, we had a few more things on the list to do. We started by finding Harrod's and walking around the floors pretending we were like the people stupid enough to waste their money on items with impressive brand names. I picked up a single set of sheets that boasted a price of 195 Pounds. Since that is nearly Canadian $450, they never be on any bed that I sleep on.

As we were looking for a Tube station, we happened by the Victoria and Albert Museum. It was a great because of such an eclectic collection of objects and arts. Modern shows are included to keep things up to date. The best thing is that the admission is free. We've spent a Queen's random to see her stuff on this stay.

We also walked darned near all around Hyde Park. It probably was only a few miles but it seemed at least 300. We saw a tiny little sign pointing to the Princess Diana Memorial. It's surely not an attraction set up for ready attraction. We ended up getting around to Piccadilly Circus for lunch at around 3 o'clock.

Although we popped back to our area which is one stop past Ravenscourt, we plan to go back downtown this evening just to see the Parliament area of the Thames at night.

Labels: Eurotrip 2005, London

Although I had no desire to get out of bed this morning, by the end of the day I had conquered my flu. After breakfast in our 'hospital' accommodations, we went downtown by Underground. I mention hospital not because of any reference to my own health. I mentioned that we were staying at Globetrotter Inn, a semi-hostel for people of all ages. Well before the middle of the last century the building was a center for local community health care. After a lot of refits, it makes a perfect residence away from home.

First, we went near the Tower Bridge and walked about.

After, while walking near Leicester Square we couldn't help but notice all the places selling show tickets, all seemingly at half price! We went right to the real TCKTS and decided on the evening showing of Chicago, the Musical.

I was rather tired so after a really late lunch we went back to the Globetrotter and I slept for a few hours.

Feeling much better after the sleep,we went back to Charing Cross and were there well in advance of the 8:00 pm show. It was marvelous. You'll never guess who played the role of the prison warden; it was Lynda Carter! Wonder Woman looked wonderful after all these years. We made some soup in our hostel kitchen after getting back at 11:20. I'll be dreaming about and all that jazz ... all night.

Labels: Eurotrip 2005, London, musical theatre

The first thing I noticed this morning was how sore my throat was. I guess while travelling around, in close quarters, someone has provided me with a virus to fight. That's not a souvenir that one likes collecting when abroad. The next irritant was it looked dark and cloudy.

Still, we jumped back to a tube train to Buckingham Palace. Although, we wandered by yesterday, today we went in for closer inspection. The State Rooms are open to the public for eight weeks of the summer. They close on the 27th so we made it just in time. Handheld electronic devices have really helped the museum and tour business. We were turned to English from the multitude of those offered, and proceeded to tour the palace. If proceeding at a snail's pace it's easy to follow along. Pause buttons make it possible to linger any place along the way. There were many objects where one could interrupt the audio commentary and by pressing the number mentioned hear auxiliary clips and explanations. Not only are these systems more complete and accessible, they are much cheaper than hiring tour guides. Even though, the Palace seemed stuffed to the gills with staff to ensure no one got out of line.

The sun had come out with puffy white clouds floating in it. As we are still on our passes, we jumped in and out of the Underground a lot today; once, to eat at Earl's Court. Another time, we simply wanted to check out the location of the Tower of London before going there tomorrow.

I'm early here resting. Jay's still checking out the scene.

Labels: Eurotrip 2005, London