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.
On Sunday, we explored London's West End, enjoying the quiet streets. At the British Museum, we saw lots of old things. Lunch with friends at the Seven Stars featured a friendly cat. Later, Camden Town's vibrant markets and the unique stores captivated us before returning to our hotel.
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.
Today’s adventure included a visit to the National Museum of Scotland followed by a ghost tour in Edinburgh. After exploring the breathtaking museum, which featured exhibits like Dolly the sheep, we joined a lively ghost tour led by a humorous guide. The day concluded with a meal at Dunedin restaurant.
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.
On the third day of the trip, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast with our friend Kath and explored Manchester, guided by her. We visited Afflick's market, admired the city's beauty, and noted its bee-related symbolism. After a quick stop in Carlisle for lunch with Nikki, we drove to Edinburgh, amazed by the wind turbines along the way.
The holiday in the UK started with an early morning pick-up of a rental car. The first stops included Oxford and a brief exploration and Stratford-upon-Avon for lunch and a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. They missed the upcoming birthday celebrations but enjoyed the charming streets before heading to Manchester to visit a friend.
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.
After Chantal finishing the conference, Chris and Chantal explored Hong Kong, enjoying sunset views and traditional Chinese cuisine. Activities included visiting temples, shopping malls, and a cat café. They experienced mixed dining encounters, from delectable pastries to disappointing dim sum. Their exit included a visit to a Buddhist nunnery before returning home.
Chris and Chantal 