A day in Dublin 2009
We left Bray and jumped on a Double Decker bus towards Dublin. I was kinda excited because Ireland has been pretty much country and rural (which is gorgeous and scenic), but I really wanted to see Dublin.
Author: Roger
The Spire of Dublin 2009
When we finally spent a day in Dublin, one of the things you will see is the Spire of Dublin or Monument of Light. Its a really tall Steel Spike. When I arrived to it, some of the local people there had inappropriate names for it LOL. None of my business. It is pretty nice though and I took pictures of it from a distance to upclose.
Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland 2009
After leaving Giant’s Causeway, we made a quick stop by Dunluce Castle. Took a few pictures and enjoyed the historic site.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland 2009
Giant’s Causeway are natural volcanic stone columns. Located in Northern Ireland, it is amazing to see in person.
When we went, it was overcast, so we didn’t think we were gonna have a good time. The sun broke through and it made for some great photos.
The rock formations, the hills, the sun, the clouds and ocean… it was pretty cool to see in person.
Just like the drive to Cliffs of Moher, it was a good 4hr drive.
Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall, Ireland 2009
One of the first places we checked out in Ireland was Powerscourt Estate. Besides the Castle, there is also Ireland’s highest waterfall. The garden is a great for a good stroll and taking pictures.
Ate Joanne and Ellen were living in Ireland and we were able to visit and stay with them.
Harry Potter’s Platform 9 3/4 , London 2009
Harry Potter was a great series and when we heard about the Platform, we had to visit! Tiffany took us to the station and we were able to find it.
There wasn’t a huge crowd or anyone else, so we were able to play around!
Tower Bridge and Big Ben at night 2009
The 2nd night in London, Jasmin’s family took us to Tower Bridge area at night.
I was new to my DSLR and I didn’t have a tripod, so I tried my best to keep steady… But it was a good lesson in night photography for me.
London Eye and Tower Bridge are super gorgeous at night!
Stonehenge, Wales 2009
The last of our 3 day trip to London/Wales.
This was a must for me. There was some initial push back about it, but I was like, “when am I ever gonna see Stonehenge?” The plan was we would wake up early and Tito Ted would drive us there.
We woke up early and waited and waited… til about 12 noon. Tito Ted rolls up and starts to take us there. ( I am still bewildered to this day what happened!)
It felt like it took more than an hour to get out that way.
Finally we get there and I couldn’t believe it!!! It was light rain, so we had to wear the cheapo poncho coat they sold for $ there!
London UK pt 2
We stayed with Jasmin’s family and went to go do some more exploring the next day. Tiffany (Jasmin’s cousin) was our tour guide. We had so much we wanted to do. So we wanted to see the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Harry Potter’s train entrance and a couple other things.
There was light showers that day, but we jumped on the Underground and emerged near Tower Bridge.
We did the tour as well. I enjoyed it. It was packed and I can’t remember if I took pictures inside as I can’t find them.
We then went to see Tower of London.
We then jumped on the Tube.
Of course Jasmin had to go to here favorite place!
Later that night, we were able to get to Abbey Row!!!
London UK 2009 pt1
While this was awhile back, I love looking back at that time when not everything was as the tip of your fingers (cell phone) and you have to learn your way around.
We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived, but we covered a lot of the first day.
- London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- The Mall
- Admiralty Arch
- Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Fountains and Lions
- Piccadilly Square
We were staying in Ireland primarily for our vacation, but we decided to go to London to meet with Jasmin’s aunt. So we flew into Gatwick airport and jumped on the Gatwick Express (train) to London Victoria.
Once we arrived to Victoria station, we were trying to figure out what to do with our luggage. Jasmin asked if we could store our luggage we were able to.
Victoria station is near many of the known landmarks. Once you get out of Victoria station, they are within a mile (Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey…etc). So we headed towards that direction.
We first stopped by the London Eye and paid for the tickets to go up. I took some pictures while up there. It is nice and gives great views on a nice day.
It was a nice start off to our trip here. We decided to go back over the Westminster Bridge and take pictures of Big Ben and go to Westminster Abbey.
After that, right next to Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. I believe when we went, they said we couldn’t take pictures and I had my digital SLR, so I don’t think I took pictures inside. Westminster Abbey has some very famous people buried there. We spent a couple hours here.
We walked to Buckingham Palace. It was busy and the coolest thing was that this was the first time I heard soo many languages in one place! Culture!!!!
We watched the guards and took pictures.
Then we walked the mall all the way to Trafalgar Square. By this time Jasmin was tired of walking, so we took a break.
When we got closer, you can see Admiralty Arch.
After using the bathroom and paying for it (first time paying to pee), we walked around. Seen some famous red phone booths, so we took pictures in them!
We walked a bit further on Haymarket st and got to Piccadilly Square.
We then walked up Regent Street a bit. This was famous for having the high end designer stores.
At the end, we had to get back, so we paid a pedicab.
We headed back to near Big Ben. On the way I saw this statue:
It was getting dark. Jasmin’s London family were busy with a local fair, so we had to wait til it was over and they would get us.
Finally, Jasmin’s aunt called and said to meet us at a station, so we bought an Underground pass and jumped on the train (forgot which station we went to).
