Author: kennedyfamilytravels

Today is London in a day. Literally we are trying to fit it all in before we leave London tomorrow. Hold on to your hats!

First up, the HMS Belfast which was Max’s request to see. On the walk over, which was only about a ten minute walk, we stopped at a food market to grab some breakfast. It was beautiful!

Seamus tried raw milk. It didn’t go well. He said he much preferred the watered down version we drink in the US. Not shocked as it was pretty thick to drink. At least we got him the pasteurized version🤣. I do love all the fun glass bottles we are served in for most places.

Back on our way, we headed to the Riverwalk and headed to the ship. It was sunny but still pretty breezy as we made our way down the walk.

Time for us to tour the HMS Belfast. Nine decks make up this ship that was in service over 25 years of service. I realized pretty quickly that I would have never survived the Navy. My purse barely made it through the holes to the steps. And every ladder has 9 million steps too. I can’t even imagine living like this with 1000 other people. This ship was at D-Day and in the Pacific. Pretty impressive!!

Next we headed up to the Tower Bridge to cross over to the Tower of London for our tour there. It was pretty crowded but a fun walk over the Thames.

Before our tour we stopped into Starbucks and took a moment to reset. Busy busy Starbucks for sure, but I added another ornament to my collection! Then we were off to the Tower tour!

I’ve done this tour multiple times and learn something every time. It focuses heavily on the people put to death here, including Henry’s wives like Ann Boleyn and Katherine of Aargon. Poor Lady Jane Grey’s story is horrible too. Guy Fawkes was tortured in the basement on the White Tower in the Gunpowder plot here as well. It’s a very dark history. Traitor’s Gate and Bloody Tower where the two young princes were murdered also highlighted this tour. After the tour we hit the Torture in the Tower display and then the Crown Jewels where someone was reprimanded for taking pictures 😬. The boys liked the White Tower display of all the knights and their armor from days of battle. Lots of steps and a loads of history.

Next came my fall from grace. Racing to the Tower underground station I may have hit a stone wrong and went flying. It was a slow motion fall. Right on my face. Somehow though I saved my camera and phone. Miracle. Unfortunately, my pants did not survive the fall. Oh well Seamus and I headed to Westminster and Big Ben while Joe and Max hit up the British Museum.

Evening Song was getting ready

Next we headed back to get ready for our Globe Experience of Much Ado About Nothing. It was an amazing experience and so well done. The acting was superb; we were plebeians and stood the performance for 10 euro but it was so good. I do love London and can’t wait to get back. It’s a great place!! The acting was amazing. We loved our performance!!

We started our day in Stirling bright and early heading for the trains back to Waverly Station in Edinburgh. This leg of the trip was relatively easy and quick. The morning was chilly and we grabbed breakfast at the station from WH Smiths. Then on to the train!

Once into Waverly Seamus and I hoofed it up 900 million steps to quickly get to the Royal Mile to do some last minute shopping. Remember this, it will be important later😳

Grabbing some breakfast at the station, we loaded up our luggage on the train to Kings Cross Station in London. The train was roomy and so much easier than flying. Just sit down and relax and watch all the sheep as you drive by or nap. Unfortunately we did not get a table seat, so the boys sat across the aisle from us. It was about a 4 1/2 hour trip down from Edinburgh to London. Not bad!

Finally we arrived at Kings Cross London and started to disembark from the train. It was chaotic and Joe had to go on a hunt to find our bags that had been moved. It’s amazing how many people use the trains. But it’s brilliant. Joe made a new friend getting off the train who led us straight to the taxi queue and to the front of the line. The boys and I had no idea what was going on 🤣

Now, about 6 hours later, I realize that the bag of our Edinburgh purchases was left behind on the train. Yep. Panic. Of course lost items doesn’t open until Monday at 9:00 am when we are set to be at the airport in Gatwick for our flight to Dublin. Fingers crossed they’ll find it and ship it to us🤞🤞

So we hopped in our cab, the original black cab of course, and headed to Bankside London and Hotel Mercure. Little did we know what was waiting around the bend. Literally 🤷‍♀️

As we sat at a light our cabbie says “Aye, well you’re in for a treat guys”. He wasn’t kidding. Next came a 7 minute naked bike ride through the streets of London. You just can’t make this up. The cabbie just kept repeating “Bloody hell!”, I giggled and took pictures and the boys. Well. The boys just laughed. Welcome to London!

The hotel is beautiful and in a perfect location for us. Highly recommend this place!

Next we headed out to grab some food. It was early evening and everyone was winding down. We walked down the Bankside Thames riverwalk and checked out all the shoppes and restaurants along the river. This is a beautiful place!

Tomorrow we will be up early to get it all in!!

Today was a massive travel day for the Kennedy Clan. Joe and I rushed down at 6:30 AM to Waverly Station to purchase our train tickets to Inverness and then on to London for tomorrow. Marvin tried to help us the night before, but today Davie was our very helpful agent that worked out all the details for us. Next we headed back up the hill, we’ve come to realize Scotland is a series of massive hills, to check out and head into the Highlands.

We found our way to Platform 16 and jumped on the train to Stirling. I have to say, the Brits did it right with their trains. This system would so benefit the US, but we’re clearly not willing to invest in this.

Off we went to Stirling, to leave our bags at the Stirling Highland Hotel for the day. When we got off the train, Joe and I had the feels of Derry in Stirling, just a bit rough. Now to get up to the hotel, it was much like climbing Mt. Everest, straight up. Which is really fun pulling your suitcase and other bags. But we finally made it up to drop the bags and continue up the hill, of course, to Stirling Castle.

Next we were off to Inverness on the train. This was about a 2 1/2 hour train ride and then we had to grab a bus out to Urquardt Castle on Loch Ness. To be clear, the last time Joe and I did this, about 25 years ago, we almost had to walk the 8 miles back into town. We were hoping to be a bit more prepared this time out😉. But then o, it is us! The trains are amazing: plenty of room, bring what you need, and relax. The scenery was beautiful as we headed higher into the Highlands. It rained on and off but no stress riding is the way to go!

Once into Inverness we found the bus station and booked our tickets. We were only going to have about 20 minutes out at the castle but it’s better than nothing! Our bus driver was clearly a former Formula 1 driver, and Seamus was queasy after this seat-gripping ride that included a ten year old with the foulest mouth ever. It took a lot of restraint to keep my teacher voice in check. He was simply awful. Now I know the Brits are much more liberal with the f word but this kid was off the charts!!! Finally we made it to Loch Ness! It’s very different today. First time here it was very wild and open. Now there’s lots of paths and buildings that do take a bit away from the experience, but it’s still amazing.

Now it was back on the bus to the train to the hotel. We were beat but saw quite a bit!

Today we slept in; way more than I expected! Jet lag hit us hard this trip. But it was needed. Seamus heard the many pipers out the front windows, but the rest of us were done. Finally we started our morning with Starbucks and I found one of my ornaments there too. I was way excited!

Next we were heading up to Edinburgh Castle for our tour. We purchased the Scottish Explorer pass which was a good deal for us to use in several spots! We had a 12:30 entry because we wanted to see the firing of the cannon at 1:00 for the boys. Unfortunately I didn’t have the email from them to get the pass but everyone was so nice it was easy to get it and go in to tour. Easy!

We love Edinburgh Castle and actually wanted to get married here. It’s definitely a highlight of the trip! The boys went off to explore and Joe and I found a Scottish Whiskey tasting to try. Little did we know a downpour started while we were tasting and shopping! It didn’t last long and we continued our touring of the Castle.

I forgot to mention we were able to wash clothes here, but, as usual, no dryers! So this was the scene for the day🤣🤣

Off to the castle we go to explore!

It was loud but cool. The castle was very crowded but we were able to see everything we wanted. The boys ventured out on their own and found lots of interesting places and things to buy.

After touring we headed down the Royal Mile for some shopping before lunch at Pizza Hut. Lots of scarves and tartans in all the shoppes; the Harris tweed was a hot item to buy. We did not purchase any tweeds though. Maybe someday 😉

Next up, our Ghost Walk with the graveyards and haunted vaults under Edinburgh. Our guide was a great storyteller. Some of the tombstones in Greyfriar’s Kirk are thought to be the inspiration for JK Rowling’s character. Moody, MacGonagel, and Tom Riddle are all there! We saw Greyfriar Bobby, the dog who stayed by his owner’s grave for 14 years!! The vaults were creepy but lots of good stories. Darren, our guide, was very good at telling his tales and the boys seemed to really enjoy the tour.

Now comes the weird part of the night. Joe and I had run down to Waverly Station to get train tickets for tomorrow. The booth had closed so we headed back up to get dinner with the boys. We ended up at Bella Italia, just underneath our apartment. I sat down first with Seamus and then Joe and Max came in too. Max was wearing a Mason sweatshirt; after we ordered the guy next to us asked about his sweatshirt. Then I hear “Hayley? Is that you?!” I about fell out of my chair. Literally seated next to us in Edinburgh, Scotland was one of my first teaching partners in Mason, 28 years ago. I cannot make this up!! Cheri and I taught together for many years before she and our other friend, Kari, went down to 5th grade. We literally teach across the street from each other, but we wind up in Scotland at the same restaurant!!

We also had one of the best meals so far on the trip!

After this it was time to pack up and get ready to head to Stirling and Inverness tomorrow on the trains!

The land of the midnight sun didn’t disappoint; it stayed light and windy all night. Bright and early we started out for the airport to catch our flight to Dublin and then on to Edinburgh.

So a few weeks ago I was writing down our itinerary addresses and we realized that our original hotel that had been booked for Reykjavik had closed. Thankfully the Hotel Fron where we had stayed with the Hursts came through! Great little apartment we stayed in was perfect and the perfect location!

Off to the airport we went. Dropping off the car however brought around some obstacles however. The line for the shuttle back to the hotel took forever but thankfully we still had time. However almost everything is automated and done by you. We printed the bag tags, put them on, and sent them through the system. It’s frustrating for sure! But we figured it out, grabbed some sandwiches and ran to the gate. We made it no problem but no waiting around at all.

We were all exhausted by now so sleeping on the plane wasn’t too much to expect. It’s only a 2 hour flight into Dublin but the rest was much needed for everyone!

Landing in Dublin basically scared Seamus and me to death. We weren’t quite ready for the SMACK of the plane on the runway. We did laugh for about 10 minutes after due to our shock🤣🤣

Now this time our experience was much easier compared to last time. Todd and Dee may have ptsd after seeing some of the photos here😉. We walked up to Burger King to grab lunch where Joe had a totally new experience: Guinness at Burger King. Not even making this up! Yes, Joe was in heaven!

Ryanair. You just never know what will happen. This flight was uneventful though and we landed in Edinburgh about an hour later. Easy transition to the taxi stand and off to the Royal Mile to our airbnb!

Finally we made our way up the Royal Mile to Deacon Brody’s Tavern for dinner. We learned that under 18s can’t be out after 9:00. Oops. They still fed us🤪. The boys had brisket burgers and I had a stovie which was like beef stew. It was delicious! Then we headed back to do laundry and sleep finally!!

The flight into Iceland from Toronto was a bit bumpy but not terrible. No one slept very much so today was long. We did land early though, touching down about 6:00 am. The boys earned their first passport stamps entering Iceland even though it’s their 2nd country. The immigration officer was sweet and she welcomed the boys into her country!!

Next we needed to retrieve the car. Now we remembered it was a hot mess to get to the car, but this time they only let Joe go so the boys and I had donuts and pain au chocolat for breakfast. Then the boys walked outside and we realized it is COLD today. In the 30’s cold. Last time we were here it was in the 60s. Not. Today.

Once Joe returned with our Ford Kuga, we were ready to roll. First stop: volcano eruption!!!

So off we go, turning around and heading to Gullfoss Falls. Joe was exhausted so I drove for a bit. It’s easy driving and it started out beautiful, just breezy.

Rolling onto the 37 highway it started fine. Then the rain. Then the gusts of 60 mph winds. Then. It. Snowed. I’m not making this up. Snow. In June. Yes, I was white-knuckling it and never went over my 90 kilometers per hour. I was too scared. Luckily it just spit, but holy moly people. I was not ready.

It blew like the wicked wolf trying to blog down the pig’s brick house. It was, by far, the craziest wind I’ve seen. Finally we reached the geyser. I’ll let the video explain why we didn’t make it all the way out there🤦‍♀️

The winds had to be 70-80 mph; it literally stopped us in our tracks. By the time we reached the halfway point out to the geyser, none of us could feel our hands. The winds were pushing us down the path as we turned around to go back. It just was too much!!

We gave in and I went back to buy my first Icelandic Wool hat and gloves. They are pricey but so worth it since my fingers didn’t break off in the cold. Joe and I decided we’d head up to the falls and pray no one blew over the edge into the falls from the wind. Yeah. We’re crazy like that🥴

So off I go, just like a hobbit, on my adventure!

We headed back into Reykjavik and Hotel Fron. We have a 3 bedroom apartment and the kids love having their own space. We managed to find parking on the street, ironically right where we parked two years ago 🤪

Next we’re off to the Hallgrimskirja Church and the Bay to see what we have named as the fork. We visited the top and took some pictures and then hit the Reykjavík Fish and Chips for dinner. After Joe and I hit the shopping district for a bit and the found the best bar and band ever. It was a bookstore that is now a bar as well with the best band I’ve heard in a long time. Seriously these guys should have a record deal. While there Joe and I met a lady from Armagh Northern Ireland who is moving back home. We belted out some Bon Jovi and Four Non-Blondes together while enjoying some Viking beers tonight! Iceland is still light out but we’re loving it❤️❤️

Dinner was at Reykjavik Fish and Chips. So fresh and so good!

Ok on our way back Joe and I found a great band playing our music at a bookstore made into a bar. It’s amazing! The band was out of this world good. We met a lady from Northern Ireland and had a blast belting out some Journey. Now because we’re so far north it’s still light out! It’s been a great day but now on to Scotland!

So now it’s time to hit the hay as it’s 11:27. But this is how it looks outside 😳

Today we slept in a bit and Seamus and I sat out on the balcony watching our squirrel friend climb trees and fall out of them🤪.

Then we headed for downtown Toronto to see the Hockey Hall of Fame. Parking was not cheap and we felt like we may have been driving into the 7th level of Dante’s Inferno on the way down the garage drive, but we made it. Toronto seems to be a young town with tons of apartments and green spaces all around. After a quick lunch in the hopping food court we found the entrance to the Hall of Fame!

Now it was time to head to the airport. The roads were packed and it was stressful but we made it and we were one of the first in line!!! Then we had a quick dinner and time to load up to head to Iceland!!

It’s finally here! The big day! Honestly I didn’t sleep well because I was worried about missing my alarm for our 4 AM wake up to hit the road to Pasadena by 5:00 AM. According to Google, the drive should take 20 minutes. Oh Google, nice try🤣🤣

Actually the first 3/4 of the drive was clear and simple. Then it was time for our exit ramp; we had purchased parking beforehand to make things easier and to have a secure spot. So, we jockey into position to exit. Literally .8 of a mile from the exit ramp, and we stop. And stay stopped. For the next hour and 40 minutes. We couldn’t believe some of the “driving” taking place around us as I slowly started to lose my mind.

Now the roads closed at 6 AM. Lucky for us, we didn’t need to cross the parade route to get to our spot. Finally we pulled into the garage and found our spot at about 7:30 AM. We had about 30 minutes to find our seats and get in them.

We found the seats easy enough, but the line to get up there, oh my. One of Seamus’s buddies’ mom found us in line and helped us get to our seats just as they closed off the parade route! Whew! We made it!!

Now, California is supposed to be warm. It was quite chilly but we came prepared and you are pretty stuffed into the seats, so it wasn’t bad. Thank goodness! The KTLA tv station was directly above us, and tv corner just to our left. We were at the beginning of the parade while everyone was fresh!! One of the drum majors’ mom was next to me and kept me on track with floats and when Mason would be coming down Colorado Avenue!

After making it back in 20 minutes, it was nap time! We had one more event that I will save for the last post!! It was such an amazing opportunity to watch Seamus and the MHS marching band make their way down Colorado Avenue in the 2024 Rose Bowl parade! Michigan came out with the OT win over Alabama and will play next week in the National Championship against Washington!!!

Disneyland was the focus of today’s travels; we came, we saw, and we conquered most of our objectives for the day!

Getting into the parks took a hot minute, and when we made it to the trams to ride into the park, I was able to load the GeniePlus service, which helped us get onto more rides!

Rain had fallen most of the morning, but the clouds were lifting as we entered the park. The numbers weren’t crazy so it was pretty simple once we reached the gates.

Max chose to ride a Star Wars ride first and we were able to get on pretty fast!

After riding we grabbed some lunch at PizzaPlanet before staking our place for the parade to see Seamus march through Disneyland!

Next up: watching Seamus and the Mason band march through Disneyland as their last performance before the big parade. Luckily we lined up next to Seamus’s buddies’ families, and we all watched the kids march from Its a Small World up the Main Street to the big Christmas tree at the beginning of the park. They did a great job and miraculously we ended up on the side with Seamus marching. Max videoed with my phone and I took pictures with my good camera, so those will be added later. It was a great performance!!

Once the band marched on through Disney, Max, Joe, and I headed onto the next ride. We hit up The Jungle Cruise due to the shorter line time. Now, let’s be clear, unless you had the Lightning Lane pass, no line was short🤣🤣. Lucky for us, we had been warned! This park originally opened in 1955, and I think Jungle Cruise may be one of the original rides from that era. We had a fun boat driver and managed to stay mostly dry!

Now we were off to Star Wars area to ride Smugglers Bay. Of course we spent a lot of our time here!

After catching up with Seamus and checking out lightsabers for a bit, we decided to head for the California Adventure Park. Unfortunately we did not get to ride the Avengers rides we wanted to ride, but we did see quite a bit. The Cars land was amazing. I really enjoyed it. On the way we explored the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse too!

Now it was time to head back to the other park and finish up some rides and eat!! The important stuff. It stayed busy the whole time but definitely cooled off in the evening. I was cold waiting outside at the Haunted Mansion—which was redone for The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was really neat!

Today was a slow transition day for us; definitely needed. We moved from Seal Beach up to Sherman Oaks to be closer to Pasadena and the parade. Nice hotel, just not a great area.

On the way there we stopped and explored the LaBrea Tar Pits in LA. Really cool experience and we learned a little too.

Meanwhile Seamus and his buddies were hanging out at Universal Studios all day. Amazingly I did receive a few pictures!!

Next we headed to the Galleria in Sherman Oaks to watch the Bengals play. The food and service were good, the game, not so much. Once done there Joe and I literally ran across the street to Target. We had our first experience with the cart mover to the 2nd story of Target. Yes. Yes we are easily amused 🤣🤣

The rest of the evening we decided to stay in and just hang out to prepare for tomorrow’s big parade. Happy New Year!!