Ballymena in the Sun

It was another great day in Ballymena today. Lots of rain, some clouds, a little drizzle, and then a brilliant sun after work. It couldn't be more Irish. You see the Irish get all the weather off the ocean and it tends to be wet. It makes the place look lush but it can be a drag after a while. Here is where I am for those of you who don't know.

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I had a big day at work and followed it up with a quick supper in the hotel. After that a walk around town. You see, for all my visits to Northern Ireland I haven't really seen the town in daylight. I always seem to be here in the off-season: fall or winter. Now that the days are longer here is a very little taste of what it looks like.

Also here is my car while I'm here.

Yes, it's an Audi. You see, I've always wanted an Audi, so here was my big chance. It didn't cost anymore but as the lady at the car rental place said:"I think you'll be pleased." I was.

This, on the other hand, is not my car, but it is a cool ride nonetheless.

For a real cool mini-pick up check out the Austin Mini entry here at Wikipedia.

A Good Deed

England is full of Frenchmen (and women). They were on the subway, on the train, on the streets, and especially in the airport. Sure enough there was a couple in front of me the other night as I tried to check in my bags for my flight to Belfast. Off all things they were carrying on two flats of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I suppose I should have asked them where they got them (I though Krispy Kreme was a US thing, but apparently they have stores in the UK to0) but that's not the point.

The point is that airline and transportation authority rules restrict liquids and gels in the cabin. So the question is where does a jelly or creme filled doughnut fall? Well apparently it's OK. I translated for this young couple who didn't speak any English first at the check in desk and then at security. That's where I left them. In the end I saw the fellow in the departures area holding his flat of doughnuts. I guess things aren't as strict here in the UK as back in the USA. I don't think that would have flown (excuse the pun) back at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey, then again the Americans do like their doughnuts.

On another note did you know Tim Hortons is also in the UK? Yep, they have outlets in Ireland and Scotland (even in Ballymena, where I am). Who knows where else? The Internet isn't very good at locating them, but I've seen them with my own eyes.

Another Day In London

I seem to have the jet lag mostly behind me..for now.

Yesterday was a big day with lots of trains and subways. We headed into London with Rob and the gang. First stop was the Michelin building, or Michelin House, at the corner of Pelham Street and Sloane Avenue in Chelsae. It was a neat spot. The building is no longer owned by Michelin but has an interesting past. It now houses several very good restaurants (including one called Bibendum) and some other commercial space. We didn't eat there but kept on our way to Camden Town Market.

Note in the picture of the lobster and Aidan, the little crustaceans still have their elastics on. I can't believe they don't know how to cook lobster. It was 11 pounds sterling for a lobster. Include the exchange rate and the size of them and it looks like about $15 a pound. Pretty pricey.

The market was impressive. There were shops in all sorts of nooks and crannies. We spent a good three hours milling about, in and out of the rain, looking into everything from clothing stores to antique stores. The food market was very good. We ate Indian, Chinese, and I had food from the Alps. Specifically I had raclette and tartiflete (which is much like truffade). The boys in the booth were legit and not just locals posing as Frenchman or Swiss. It was very good. The market also has an area called The Stables which was neat since the whole area had been stables in the past. Here are some pictures of it as well.

Today we hung out around the house and went out to Black Heath for a run around the heath (or common). It was nice and sunny, eventually, and we played baseball, soccer, Frisbee, and tried to fly a kit. There wasn't enough wind. We also hit the local market. It was great. The bread, fish, meats, sausages, and produce all looked amazing. I think I could live there, but Michelin doesn't have a plant in London yet. This afternoon it was more trains to get to Gatwick airport and then Belfast. Now I'm in Ballymena and headed to bed. Work tomorrow and hopefully some poking around tomorrow night.

My Latest Trip to the UK

I've decided to do a little more blogging, especially while I'm travelling. If I can find the time it's a good way to tell everyone what I'm up to. Anyway, here goes...

I Left Geenville this morning at an ungodly hour. That's a few days in a row I've been up just after 5. I wouldn't complain but I was up late packing and getting ready. On Thursday part of the issue was my volleyball league. It was worth it in the end. We won the whole league. I also made some new friends playing with this team who will likely let me play with them again.

Jane also came out for some of the volleyball with Isabelle, which was nice. I'm away for a little while and I won't get to see them much. Add to that the fact that this week has been totally crazy with late days for me and lots of activities for everybody, and it feels like we haven't seen much of each other lately (or maybe it's just me).

Back to today...the flights were good. In fact both the Greenville to Newark leg and the Newark to Heathrow flight were only about one third full. I got some prime seats too. A bulkhead row by myself meant lots of legroom and space to do some work and catch up on my email. Sneak in a nap and a movie and before you know it you're in the UK.

Arriving at Heathrow was a little hairy with practically zero visibility and some gusty winds. Once down we were met by the police at the gate who escorted a young lady off. It looked like someone tipped them off or something. Nothing ever seems to go smoothly.

A quick trip through customs, got my bag, and I'm off to Greenwich on the tube to find Rob, Michelle, Aidan, and little Kathleen (although she is not so little anymore).

Tomorrow is a trip into London and likely out for Indian food later. By then I should have pictures to post. In the meantime I leave you with Dave Carroll. I didn't fly United this time but Dave has a story to tell if you haven't heard it before. It's a good one. You can find out more here if you're interested.

The Mission Inn

The two fellows below are Joseph and Napoleon. They are the birds in residence at the Mission Inn where we stayed our last few nights in California. They are terribly loud and sometimes obnoxious. They do talk a little, but mostly just say "Hello!"

They are located just outside the main entrance, a short walk behind the the walkway you see below. The Mission Inn has a long history and has had some notable guests. Everyone from Ronald Reagan to Ozzie Osbourne has stayed there. Richard Nixon and his wife Pat were even married in one of the chapels.

This is what the entrance looked like from the street.

Inside the first courtyard it was very pretty. Everything was lush and green, with palms standing over the pool and the restaurants.

This is one of the patios for the restaurant. The hotel had some great balconies and walkways which gave a great view of the hotel and the courtyards.

There was a great religious influence all around. It certainly felt like a monastery in some places.

The inn has several towers.

The chapels had some very nice architectural points, including this stained glass window.

The pool below and the street behind it. It was a little cool but it didn't stop Isabelle from going in and staying a while.

Below is one of the chapels.

This is another view of the courtyard. There were also a few conference rooms and large ballrooms. One room on the way to our room had an old brass sign that read: Bride's Dressing Room. I suspect there are lots of weddings held here every year.

The clock was interesting. It had a rotating mechanism with life sized figures and animals which turned with the hours. You can see one of the figures in gray playing the violin.

Finally, a view from the top deck.

From the looks of this picture we could have been in Italy or Spain. Anyway, that concludes my recap of the trip to California. Like I said before, I think I need to go back and see the rest of it now: San Fransisco, Yosemite, the Sierra Nevadas, Big Sur, the giant redwoods....