Viva Las Vegas

The rumour that the Americans just do everything bigger and better is no word of a lie!

Las Vegas is living proof!

Never in my dreams did I imagine it was going to be that big, that amazing. Hotels with 6000 bedrooms, replicas of actual European streets and landmarks inside hotels like Venetian and Caesars Palace. The Eiffel Tower in front of the Paris hotel is 1/2 the size of the one in France! There is little "rivers" on the 2nd floor of the Venetian with Gondolas and street markets. Just amazing, to name a few.

One of my favourite things in Las Vegas was the world famous Water Fountains outside the Bellagio Hotel. Click here for the one we saw, to the tune of "Luck be a Lady Tonight - Frank Sinatra"

Click here for my photo's of Sin City

The Big Apple

.........finally - my news on my trip to USA.

Spent about 48 hours in New York (that's excluding the 13 hours spent at La Guardia Airport departure lounge due to delayed flights...) and all I can say that it is absolutely amazing, and I'll be back!

We did it all!. Walked down 5th Avenue, through Central Park to Strawberry Fields, which is a section Yoko Ono conserved in memory of John Lennon. We went to China Town, took the long walk over Brooklyn Bridge, had proper Pizza at a little restaurant at Grand Central Station and up the Empire State building. (and that was Friday....)

On Saturday, in the worst ever weather, we went on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. After that, a quick walk past Ground Zero and Wall Street in the financial district of Manhattan. The off to the flat iron building, and met some work friends of mine for drinks at Time Square - which is just my most favourite place in the world!!

This city is ALIVE, and has such an energy. No wonder New Yorkers are hooked for life!!

Click here for ALL the photos!

Almost there

Less than a week now before I go to America!!

Can't wait!!

Viva Le France

Mom and Dad went over for a week's holiday in the Pas de Calais district in France. Leon, Elizma, Liam and me decided to join them. I only went for Saturday night, and Leon and Elizma stayed till Tuesday. We went across on the ferry from Dover to Calais, offering the most amazing views of the White Cliffs.

The cottage was a 2 hour drive from Calais. We met all the neighbours, went for walks in the local woods and village, had a braai on Saturday night and lunch in Arras on Sunday afternoon.

A short trip, but nonetheless, worthwhile. I won't start telling you about my joyous 3 hour journey back home on Sunday night, after hitting UK soil...... You've got to love UK traffic.

Click here for a few photos.....

Upcoming Travels

Just wanted to let you all know I am so excited about my upcoming travels.

My parents are going to France for a week in October, and I am going to join them for one night on the 11th. We are going over with the ferry from Dover to Calais, and then driving to a cottage we rented, in the Northern part of France, known as the Pas de Calais region. Leon, Elizma and Liam are also coming, so our first mini-family-holiday with Liam. This is the cottage:

Then, on the 24th of October, Willie and I fly off to spend 2 days in New York, before going to Las Vegas for 5 nights, and a day trip to the Grand Canyon. We fly back to spend Halloween in New York, and then back to the UK on the 1st of November.

For 2009 I am taking myself to Dubai for my 30th to see Carine, in Feb, and in Jun/Jul planning a 2 week trip in Africa. Looking to go to the Serengeti, the Ngoro Ngoro Crater and a week in Zanzibar. Anybody interested in joining, let me know. At the moment it's me and Willie........let me know.....

Dad's Handy Work

Look at my beautiful hedge in my garden. Thanks Dad!!!!!

Reading Festival 2008

Every year over the August Bank Holiday weekend (long weekend) the Reading Festival takes place in Reading, where I live. The Festival is very similar to the UK's Glastonbury Festival, the USA's Woodstock Festival and dare I say SA's Oppikoppi.

It's a music festival attracting (a record this year) of 80,000 people, some which camp on-site for 4 days. The bands playing are normally up and coming rock bands, with a few main acts. This year famous names included the Manic Street Preachers, The Ting Tings, The Fratellis, Metalicca and The Killers.

The festival organisers stay at our hotel, which is right next to the site. As I arranged all their accommodation, I managed to get 2 free tickets for the Saturday, when The Killers played.

Willie and I went in around 13h00, and spent the day with some of his colleagues who also attended. We had a nice spot near the Main stage (there are about 6 stages) and did loads of people watching. With it being a Rock Festival, there is a fair amount of "interesting characters" milling about.

At around 21h00 we made our way forward to get a good standing spot for The Killers, who played at 22h00. It was amazing!!!!!! I was a very big fan of their music before seeing them live, but now I am a devoted fan! A fantastic live show - they played all their hits and ended the show with some fireworks from the stage, and all these little white pieces of paper raining down. Click here for videos:

Mr Brightside

All these things that I have done (The Finale)

Look at how dumb-struck the Lead singer is at the end.....