Our lives and travels
The day's itinerary included a visit to the Globe Theatre, exploring Shakespeare's legacy, followed by a stop at Borough Market for delicious food. Chris and Chantal then toured the Royal Observatory of Greenwich, significant for its Prime Meridian and timekeeping history. The day concluded with dinner at an artistic restaurant before heading home.
The journey from Isle of Skye to London included stops at Eilean Donan Castle, rich in history and intrigue, and Glencoe, site of a notorious massacre. Chantal sought connections to the MacNaughton clan near Dunderave Castle. After a stop in Langbank before, we finally arrived back in London.
The adventure to the Isle of Skye featured driving through stunning landscapes, encountering abundant sheep, and navigating challenging roads. Highlights included hikes at the Fairy Pools and Old Man Storr, visits to Dunvegan Castle and a local distillery, and moments of relaxation at our holiday home, enriched by seal sightings and cozy fires.
After a hearty breakfast, we explored Edinburgh's Old Town, marvelling at its unique topography and architecture along the Royal Mile. We visited notable sites like Adam Smith's Close and the Real Mary King's Close tour. We also enjoyed exceptional locally sourced coffee and learned about clan tartans, enriching our Scottish experience.
Chris and Chantal's journey from New Zealand to the UK highlights travel tips for comfort, emphasising the hidden costs of budget airlines versus standard ones. They faced inconsistent airport security regulations, particularly in Singapore, and found a shower at airport lounges transformative. They advise patience in navigating cultural differences during travel.
On the first conference day for Chantal, Chris explored Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, appreciating their tranquility and beauty. He witnessed a Buddhist ceremony at the nunnery before visiting Kowloon Walled City Park, rich in history. Later, he reunited with Chantal for a spicy noodle dinner, ending the day with ice cream.
Chantal attended a PhD Day at the conference in Hong Kong, while Chris explored vibrant areas like Sheung Wan and Mong Kok. They reunited to navigate the crowded Ladies Market, assessing its offerings and enjoying a quiet rooftop retreat.
After a high step count day, we opted for a relaxed morning at a local café before catching a Kabuki show at Ginza Kabuki-za. The Skylight performance depicted family life, and we also stumbled upon the impressive Big Cat Bang art installation. Finally, we visited teamLab Planets for an interactive art experience.
Welcome to Chris and Chantal's blog. We've created this site for our friends and family. We'll be blogging about our adventures in here as much as we can. We'll also try to upload photo's too so everyone can see our journey. You can comment on any post we make (and we'd love it if you … Continue reading Welcome
Chris and Chantal 