h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Anne Boleyn was a fascinating character, without doubt. She had her faults, but she wasn't afraid to see a goal and go for it. It's an interesting point for debate as to whether a male baby would have saved her in the long run. It's reckoned she miscarried two in the time after Elizabeth was born.

I've been to the Tower a couple of times, the last time was last autumn. It's a spectacular place that's so completely tied up with the Royal family and British history in general, not just because the Crown Jewels are kept there, but also because it was the place that a monarch traditionally stayed in the night before their coronation. I'm not sure when that tradition came to an end, though. The Yeoman Warder who did the tour we followed (the first time I've done one) was brilliant, and it's the only way to get into the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula before half past four in the afternoon, which is where Anne is buried (as is Katherine Howard and one or two others). Rudolph Hess was incarcerated there during the War, and even the Kray twins spent a bit of time locked up there during their National Service!

Westminster Abbey is also a favourite of mine. But then, I love Abbeys and Cathedrals in general. The fan vaulting in the Abbey Quire is spectacular (though the vaulting in Gloucester Cathedral Cloister is comparable), and it's quite weird to be able to wander around the Royal Tombs - and to see the coronation chair, though you can't see the Stone of Scone in it any more because we've given it back to Scotland at long blooming last. They've only been waiting six or seven hundred years or so...

I'd recommend Greenwich, though, because it's just about far enough out to fool you into thinking you're not in London - particularly if you go into the park from the Blackheath end where there's acres of rolling parkland dotted with fabulous blocks of Georgian houses. In fact, if you visit on a really sunny day, then you can even see a nasty brown pall of pollution over the rest of city if you stand at the viewpoint beside the Observatory.

I like visiting London, but I wouldn't want to live there. Much too big.

Thanks for recommending Greenwich. I liked my visit there, too...

::yawn:: Sorry-- tis but early morn here.

Were you there at one o'clock in the afternoon when the ball the mast on top of the observatory rises and then drops?

All the ships in the Port of London would have someone watching for that so they could all set their chronometers accurately to GMT before they left on their voyages to wherever around the world.

Back then, you could see it for miles, of course.

On that note, I really must get my photos developed!

I believe I wasn't there for that.

Yes!!! Get those photos developed!!!!

Saturday. I'll use the 1 Hour thingy at Boots while I'm having my eyes tested and opening bank accounts and stuff.

Sounds like a very good plan!!!

I did it! OK the hour took an hour and ten minutes, but all the piccies came out and look really good. (I lurve APS film).

If I had webspace I'd post 'em. Alas, although there's space on freeserve (which we use), I'm not the one who pays the subscription, and the last time I mentioned we get free webspace, the idea got a bit shot down.

Never mind. The sun was shining (lots) the sky was blue (very) and it was lovely and hot - even though it was mid September!

Ah well - now it's Salzburg, two and a half months and counting!

WOAH!!!! Off again, eh!??

For Christmas, no less!

It's actually worth dreaming of a White one this year, because I'll be in Austria and I might get one for a change!

There is a flip-side, though - I've got to sit through about three 'classical' (i.e. Mozart ) concerts during the week I'm away. I s'pose I might be lucky and get some Haydn as well.

We usually spend Christmas Day slumped around the television trying to digest a huge meal that's taken the entire morning to prepare (with Mum having to get up at 5am to make sure the oven switched on). This year, we'll be taking a leisurely ride around the Salzkammergut and returning to a posh meal in the evening instead. Much nicer.

Yes indeed!!! I believe that if you can get away for C-mas, you should!!!

From what I've been reading, it sounds like there've been all sorts of hassles for some.

Fortunately, I managed it at the third attempt, sorted my e-mails out and got back in (in goo, as well - thanks very much indeed) after only five minutes or so.

Phew.

Anyway - back to Christmas. You doing anything interesting, Dragonfly?

It took me a few more than three attempts to get back in to h2g2.

For C-mas, I'm going to work at Wal*Mart and stay home and spend it with my family. No biggie. This'll be the last of consecutive years in which I spend the holiday with my family. Next year, I plan to spend it in England. A real test.

Wow - that means you get to have Boxing day - and you'll get to hear lots and lots of Wizzard and Slade in every shop you visit! Sometimes simultaneously!

YAY!!!!

I'm excited.

'Oh, I wish it could be Christmas every daaaaaayyy, When the bells are ringing and the band begins to plaaaaaayyy!'

Or

'So here it is, merry Christmas, everybody's having fun. Look to the future now, it's only just beguuuuuunnnn!'

Mince pie, anyone? How about a Thornton's Continental Chocolate? While you eat it, let's watch the Christmas Day soap bonanza of angst, family upheaval and misery before sitting down to an entire evening of 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' over Turkey sandwiches!

Or, if you want, there's a repeat of a 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas special followed by back to back episodes of the Two Ronnies on BBC2!

Maybe I should ask for original and worthwhile television programming over the holiday for Christmas. Nah. Even Santa couldn't work that miracle. I think I'll go to Salzburg instead (gloat, gloat).

Ooh, what a cynic...

Ha ha ha... very descriptive!!!!

I aim to please.

And you do be do please well!!!

Urgh. We might have got an extra hour in bed on Sunday, but it always kicks me a bit when the clocks change.

And there was a flickering light at the rehearsal last night .

Never mind - the sun's shining (it's meant to be raining at the moment, perhaps it will rain later) and it's nearly time for my morning and toast. Good stuff.

Morning tea and toast sound GREAT!!!

What are you rehearsing!?? What sort of pieces!?? Is this for a concert, or a contest!??

The weather here has been unusually warm.... by about 15-20 degrees F warmer than the average for this time of year!!!

I need a stiff drink... my life's all busy!!!

I do get to fly out to London and see Ian again in four weeks!!! YAY!!!