This is going to be another one of those months where I don't see my husband. Thank goodness I am not working it is hard enough to get it together.
I still can't get my name on Jason's bank account nor can I get the UK credit report required to get my name on the account-Experian can't verify my address without me registering to vote in the UK. Everytime they put my name and address into the computer, some random address in another city pops up. With all of Jason's travel this has become a huge burden as I can't sign checks to pay the bills. He is never here to sign them and can't spare the time to set it up as direct debit. On the fair side of things however, we talked to a British couple living in TO and they are have the same problem in the US. We have finally asked Amgen to intervene and 'recommend' or sponsor me on his account.
Jason's schedule for the next few weeks: Last night he drove to London so he could catch a 6am flight to Barcelona today. He will fly back tonight, staying in London as he has to work there tomorrow. Thursday he goes to Poland and will return Saturday and turn right around and fly to North Dakota for his grandmother's funeral. He will then stay in Montana until the 12th. From the June 12-17 he will work in TO. He returns to us on June 17 and Kaitlyn receives her First Holy Communion on June 18. He will then be with us for a mere 2 days before going to Barcelona again. That is 17 days without him, and only 3 checks signed before he left...
May 31, 2006
May 30, 2006
Scotland & York
Well we are back from our trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and York in England. We decided to come back a day early as Jason's schedule was starting to look to overwhelming.
May 26-28
Scotland was, well rainy to say the least. It was also everything I had imagined it to be. We took the kids out of school early on Friday and drove up after lunch, arriving after 8 (long drive!). Once we got past Newcastle, the drive and scenery improved greatly.
I book us on a bus tour of the Highlands & Loch Ness. We made several stops along the way and it was a great method to see the Highlands with little time on our hands as well as the compromised mobility of my dad. We saw misty hillsides, green rolling hills, lots of sheep. One of the most beautiful sights though were the hundreds of waterfalls and rivulets of water flowing down the hills and mountains to the rivers. The people were very friendly and love to tell stories (our bus driver included!)
After feeding the kids and leaving them with the grandparents, Jason & I went out on George Street (taxi driver tip). I felt overdressed in jeans and a sweater despite the biting chill in the air. Most of the girls were in shorts or jeans and camisoles with high heels. Girls in really short skirts and heels are known as Tarts.
Our first stop was a pub we were told to go to for a cheap round. It looked to be in an old bank with its high ceilings. It was quite loud inside, despite no music being played and most people were carrying around 1 drink in each hand.
After the pub we went into a dance club (its been awhile since we've been to one) I even got carded! The dance floor was good people watching. After a few songs a girl came up to me and wanted me to join her and her friend. Then they pulled Jason out. The Scots generally seemed like a fun loving society and want everyone to join them.
The next morning Jason had to interview someone who flew in from Singapore, so the rest of us had breakfast and packed up the car. After Jason finished we toured the castle and had lunch.
May 28-29
We arrived in York around 7-8, checked into our B&B and walked into town to have a quick look and wear out the kids. It didn't seem to have much to offer us, my dad was having a tough time walking, Jason was stressing about his travel schedule and we were waiting word on the imminent passing of Jason's grandmother. We decided to only give York 1 night.
After a full English breakfast, we packed up and drove into town. With the roof rack and topper we couldn't find a place to park, so Jason dropped us off and searched for a spot. It started raining (ya-I thought winter was done too, even put my sweaters away)so we waited for Jason in a coffee shop. After he found us we checked out the 'Minster.' The Minster is actually a medieval cathedral that was only saved destruction by Henry VIII because it didn't have a monastery. It is called a Minster because its purpose is to minister to the people-it was impressive. Jillian dropped her candle and melted down, so we decided to skip the castle, go straight to the National Rail Museum and then home.
The shuttle stop for the museum was right next to another church, this one Catholic. My dad surpised me by going in on his own and saying a prayer. Bit of an aside: Last week we went to our church here and told him if he wanted Sunday Roast he had to come with us, but he could wander around while we were in church. Well the clouds split open just as we got to church and he had to come in and sit through Mass. The homily was about loving one another no matter what and that the church doesn't turn people away after mistakes (despite what others believe of us Catholics). I think my dad thinks we set him up! Well, the Holy Spirit was. It worked, because he went in on his own and I don't think he has been into a church since walking me down the aisle. Anyway, it was a lovely simple church.
We got to the rail museum and it was free! What a museum it was--the best rail museum I've seen by far. Griffen was in heaven. There were some Royal Trains on display, Winston Churchill's funeral train, a cut open steam engine that showed how it worked and more. We got tired and ran out of time, so we will be back for a visit there.
We finished the day by going in the York Wheel, which is a bit like the London Eye. My parents claimed fear of heights and waited for us. I though I'd be able to handle the height and with the windows the claustrophobia shouldn't be a problem. Besides there is a panic button if you want out before your time is up. I was fine at first. Then we had to stop about halfway up to load more people in the pods. My leg started to shake uncontrollably, Griffen wouldn't sit down, Kaitlyn was laughing at me. But we were how many feet above ground? Just stopped midair, with the wind howling through the doors and the pod swinging ever so slightly my stomach started to churn a tiny bit. Then we went back down to let out some others who couldn't handle it. I decided to be brave and stick it out. Once everyone was loaded and we just went around without stopping I was find, but still had a tough time enjoying the view. Griffen and I decided that in the future, we will skip the London Eye and just wait for Jason and Kaitlyn below.
So now we are home once again
May 26-28
Scotland was, well rainy to say the least. It was also everything I had imagined it to be. We took the kids out of school early on Friday and drove up after lunch, arriving after 8 (long drive!). Once we got past Newcastle, the drive and scenery improved greatly.
I book us on a bus tour of the Highlands & Loch Ness. We made several stops along the way and it was a great method to see the Highlands with little time on our hands as well as the compromised mobility of my dad. We saw misty hillsides, green rolling hills, lots of sheep. One of the most beautiful sights though were the hundreds of waterfalls and rivulets of water flowing down the hills and mountains to the rivers. The people were very friendly and love to tell stories (our bus driver included!)
After feeding the kids and leaving them with the grandparents, Jason & I went out on George Street (taxi driver tip). I felt overdressed in jeans and a sweater despite the biting chill in the air. Most of the girls were in shorts or jeans and camisoles with high heels. Girls in really short skirts and heels are known as Tarts.
Our first stop was a pub we were told to go to for a cheap round. It looked to be in an old bank with its high ceilings. It was quite loud inside, despite no music being played and most people were carrying around 1 drink in each hand.
After the pub we went into a dance club (its been awhile since we've been to one) I even got carded! The dance floor was good people watching. After a few songs a girl came up to me and wanted me to join her and her friend. Then they pulled Jason out. The Scots generally seemed like a fun loving society and want everyone to join them.
The next morning Jason had to interview someone who flew in from Singapore, so the rest of us had breakfast and packed up the car. After Jason finished we toured the castle and had lunch.
May 28-29
We arrived in York around 7-8, checked into our B&B and walked into town to have a quick look and wear out the kids. It didn't seem to have much to offer us, my dad was having a tough time walking, Jason was stressing about his travel schedule and we were waiting word on the imminent passing of Jason's grandmother. We decided to only give York 1 night.
After a full English breakfast, we packed up and drove into town. With the roof rack and topper we couldn't find a place to park, so Jason dropped us off and searched for a spot. It started raining (ya-I thought winter was done too, even put my sweaters away)so we waited for Jason in a coffee shop. After he found us we checked out the 'Minster.' The Minster is actually a medieval cathedral that was only saved destruction by Henry VIII because it didn't have a monastery. It is called a Minster because its purpose is to minister to the people-it was impressive. Jillian dropped her candle and melted down, so we decided to skip the castle, go straight to the National Rail Museum and then home.
The shuttle stop for the museum was right next to another church, this one Catholic. My dad surpised me by going in on his own and saying a prayer. Bit of an aside: Last week we went to our church here and told him if he wanted Sunday Roast he had to come with us, but he could wander around while we were in church. Well the clouds split open just as we got to church and he had to come in and sit through Mass. The homily was about loving one another no matter what and that the church doesn't turn people away after mistakes (despite what others believe of us Catholics). I think my dad thinks we set him up! Well, the Holy Spirit was. It worked, because he went in on his own and I don't think he has been into a church since walking me down the aisle. Anyway, it was a lovely simple church.
We got to the rail museum and it was free! What a museum it was--the best rail museum I've seen by far. Griffen was in heaven. There were some Royal Trains on display, Winston Churchill's funeral train, a cut open steam engine that showed how it worked and more. We got tired and ran out of time, so we will be back for a visit there.
We finished the day by going in the York Wheel, which is a bit like the London Eye. My parents claimed fear of heights and waited for us. I though I'd be able to handle the height and with the windows the claustrophobia shouldn't be a problem. Besides there is a panic button if you want out before your time is up. I was fine at first. Then we had to stop about halfway up to load more people in the pods. My leg started to shake uncontrollably, Griffen wouldn't sit down, Kaitlyn was laughing at me. But we were how many feet above ground? Just stopped midair, with the wind howling through the doors and the pod swinging ever so slightly my stomach started to churn a tiny bit. Then we went back down to let out some others who couldn't handle it. I decided to be brave and stick it out. Once everyone was loaded and we just went around without stopping I was find, but still had a tough time enjoying the view. Griffen and I decided that in the future, we will skip the London Eye and just wait for Jason and Kaitlyn below.
So now we are home once again
May 25, 2006
Hobnobs and Fingers
I wandered into the pantry to find something to munch on today. I was hoping a pack of Oreos would appear before my eyes or maybe some Trader Joes Tortilla chips. Nope-no such snack of that kind.
I did however find some Fingers and Hobnobs. Upon giggling at the names I found in the pantry, I decided to fill you in on all the snack names from the store. Once I started listing them I decided you also needed a description, what good is a name without a definition?
Hula Hoops: Potato rings that kids (and some adults)love to eat because it is fun to play with your food. It is like putting potato chip rings on your fingers-similar to putting olives on your finger tips on Thanksgiving.
Quavers:"The light potato snack," a cheese flavored thin curly shaped crisp (chip)
crisps: Potato chips, only they come in all sorts of strange flavors like beef & onion, ketchup, prawn cocktail, lamb & mint (yuck!!) or our favorite-Thai sweet chili.
Wotsits: Basically they are cheetos but also come in BBQ and twisted.
Jaffa Cakes: "Light sponge cakes with dark crackly chocolate and a zingy centre" The center is either blackcurrant or orange (think Trader Joes orange sticks with a cake middle).
Hobnobs: "Nobbly oaty biscuits" also sold with a chocolate layer.
Flapjacks: No, they are not pancakes. Flapjacks are a soft and very sweet cookie/bar made of oats, sugar, butter and honey.
Fingers: Made by Cadbury, crisp biscuits covered in chocolate and shaped like fingers of course!
See why I just want some Oreos?
I did however find some Fingers and Hobnobs. Upon giggling at the names I found in the pantry, I decided to fill you in on all the snack names from the store. Once I started listing them I decided you also needed a description, what good is a name without a definition?
Hula Hoops: Potato rings that kids (and some adults)love to eat because it is fun to play with your food. It is like putting potato chip rings on your fingers-similar to putting olives on your finger tips on Thanksgiving.
Quavers:"The light potato snack," a cheese flavored thin curly shaped crisp (chip)
crisps: Potato chips, only they come in all sorts of strange flavors like beef & onion, ketchup, prawn cocktail, lamb & mint (yuck!!) or our favorite-Thai sweet chili.
Wotsits: Basically they are cheetos but also come in BBQ and twisted.
Jaffa Cakes: "Light sponge cakes with dark crackly chocolate and a zingy centre" The center is either blackcurrant or orange (think Trader Joes orange sticks with a cake middle).
Hobnobs: "Nobbly oaty biscuits" also sold with a chocolate layer.
Flapjacks: No, they are not pancakes. Flapjacks are a soft and very sweet cookie/bar made of oats, sugar, butter and honey.
Fingers: Made by Cadbury, crisp biscuits covered in chocolate and shaped like fingers of course!
See why I just want some Oreos?
May 17, 2006
What did you see today?
I went on a 3 mile or so walk today. It started with my usual walk into Sawston, but instead of returning the same way thru the swarms of flying insects, Jillian & I found a footpath that went back into Whittlesford by the old Norman Church. Pictures sometomes speak louder than words and I just happened to bring the camera along. So here you go...remember you can click on the photo for a larger view.
May 16, 2006
Freedom & Rights
I read an article in the paper this last Sunday and then watched the follow up on BBC last night. It wrenched my heart and sickened me as well as opened my eyes to an attitude that seems to exist here.
The story is about a young married couple here in England. They had 3 young children under the age of 5. Their middle child got sick and was taking a long time to recover and seemed to not want to walk. The parents took him to their local GP and were told he was fine just let it run its course. Then his leg became swollen and hot to the touch-so they took him to a bigger hospital.
This hospital took x-rays and said he most likely had a bone infection. After a night in the hospital staff started asking more questions and found that he had some metaphyseal (SP?) fractures to his leg. Basically they accused the parents of abuse. Upon hearing that the boy was also lactose intolerant and wouldn't eat solids, they accused them of neglect as well. Police investigated and social services was called.
Social Services told the parents they had to sign their kids over to them. The police found no cause for charging the parents and dropped their investigation. The parents told doctors that the mother's family had a history of brittle bone disease and could this cause the break? The doctors asked her if she had it which she replied-'I've never been diagnosed.' The Dr.'s wrote in their report that since the mother did not have brittle bone disease then categorically the son could not have it. This conclusion without a single DNA test on either the mother or child.
Social Services told the parents they had no rights in light of the abuse of their son and took all 3 children away. Family Court ruled that the children would be better off adopted. So all 3 children are now gone to separate families and adoption is not reversible in this country.
Can you believe it??!! The grandmother and 3 of the mother's siblings have brittle bone disease. The child was never tested! NEVER. The mother is now awaiting results of her DNA test and is pregnant with her fourth child. Social Services can take her baby away from her based on the ruling by Family Court.
I could not see this happening in the US. The people here seem to not really care about rights and freedoms or value families as a whole. The first thing a US Dr. Would have done is a DNA test. Can you imagine having your children taken away under these circumstances and know you can never have them back? It is almost barbaric. I don't hear much outrage about it all either.
The story is about a young married couple here in England. They had 3 young children under the age of 5. Their middle child got sick and was taking a long time to recover and seemed to not want to walk. The parents took him to their local GP and were told he was fine just let it run its course. Then his leg became swollen and hot to the touch-so they took him to a bigger hospital.
This hospital took x-rays and said he most likely had a bone infection. After a night in the hospital staff started asking more questions and found that he had some metaphyseal (SP?) fractures to his leg. Basically they accused the parents of abuse. Upon hearing that the boy was also lactose intolerant and wouldn't eat solids, they accused them of neglect as well. Police investigated and social services was called.
Social Services told the parents they had to sign their kids over to them. The police found no cause for charging the parents and dropped their investigation. The parents told doctors that the mother's family had a history of brittle bone disease and could this cause the break? The doctors asked her if she had it which she replied-'I've never been diagnosed.' The Dr.'s wrote in their report that since the mother did not have brittle bone disease then categorically the son could not have it. This conclusion without a single DNA test on either the mother or child.
Social Services told the parents they had no rights in light of the abuse of their son and took all 3 children away. Family Court ruled that the children would be better off adopted. So all 3 children are now gone to separate families and adoption is not reversible in this country.
Can you believe it??!! The grandmother and 3 of the mother's siblings have brittle bone disease. The child was never tested! NEVER. The mother is now awaiting results of her DNA test and is pregnant with her fourth child. Social Services can take her baby away from her based on the ruling by Family Court.
I could not see this happening in the US. The people here seem to not really care about rights and freedoms or value families as a whole. The first thing a US Dr. Would have done is a DNA test. Can you imagine having your children taken away under these circumstances and know you can never have them back? It is almost barbaric. I don't hear much outrage about it all either.
May 12, 2006
May 1
One last breakfast before we go-same place. This time we order croissants for the kids-after all their belly aching they decide all is good.
We check out of the hotel and to save money on taxi fare, Jason and Kaitlyn take the Metro to the train station while the rest of us take a taxi. Jason predicts he will arrive first. Our taxi driver is a grumpy man who scolds Jillian for playing with the window switch. Although his sour demeanor is off putting-he's good driver and with the lack of traffic we beat Jason and Kaitlyn to the train station. We have plenty of time before our train leaves, so Diane & I watch the luggage while the rest hunt down a picnic lunch for the train. We make it out of Paris without a hitch.
Once in London-Jason buys tickets for the train ride back to Whittlesford. While Jason & I knew the trains would be less frequent because its a bank holiday-we didn't predict they would be almost nonexistent. We found 1 train that was heading to Liverpool Station-once off the train, they closed the gates behind us and closed the line for some reason. I looked at the train departures and notice there are no trains going to Whittlesford. In fact there is a notice saying we have to take a train to Bishops Stortford and then get on a bus. Jason talk to an attendant who tells us to take the Stansted Express and we can catch a bus at the airport. So we hop on the train to the airport. Once at the airport we trek our way to the buses-where the attendant tells us we should've taken the train that went to Bishops Stortford not the one we took. Now we have to take a bus to Audley End and then take another one to our village train station-where we will then still have to call a taxi to get us to our house. Great.
The bus arrives and we hop on-its hot on the bus and the windows don't open, and it isn't driving on the motorway but on the smaller roads. We all feel a bit sick. After over 30 minutes we make it to Audley End. No other buses are there, but there are 2 taxis. We opt for the taxis instead of waiting for the bus. Good thing-the driver told us there was a couple at the train station that had been waiting for over 1.5 hours for a bus. What a way to end a weekend.
We check out of the hotel and to save money on taxi fare, Jason and Kaitlyn take the Metro to the train station while the rest of us take a taxi. Jason predicts he will arrive first. Our taxi driver is a grumpy man who scolds Jillian for playing with the window switch. Although his sour demeanor is off putting-he's good driver and with the lack of traffic we beat Jason and Kaitlyn to the train station. We have plenty of time before our train leaves, so Diane & I watch the luggage while the rest hunt down a picnic lunch for the train. We make it out of Paris without a hitch.
Once in London-Jason buys tickets for the train ride back to Whittlesford. While Jason & I knew the trains would be less frequent because its a bank holiday-we didn't predict they would be almost nonexistent. We found 1 train that was heading to Liverpool Station-once off the train, they closed the gates behind us and closed the line for some reason. I looked at the train departures and notice there are no trains going to Whittlesford. In fact there is a notice saying we have to take a train to Bishops Stortford and then get on a bus. Jason talk to an attendant who tells us to take the Stansted Express and we can catch a bus at the airport. So we hop on the train to the airport. Once at the airport we trek our way to the buses-where the attendant tells us we should've taken the train that went to Bishops Stortford not the one we took. Now we have to take a bus to Audley End and then take another one to our village train station-where we will then still have to call a taxi to get us to our house. Great.
The bus arrives and we hop on-its hot on the bus and the windows don't open, and it isn't driving on the motorway but on the smaller roads. We all feel a bit sick. After over 30 minutes we make it to Audley End. No other buses are there, but there are 2 taxis. We opt for the taxis instead of waiting for the bus. Good thing-the driver told us there was a couple at the train station that had been waiting for over 1.5 hours for a bus. What a way to end a weekend.
April Showers
April 30
It is cold and rainy today. Good thing we hit the park yesterday. We decide to eat breakfast at the same place-only we tell the kids they cannot have McDonald's. Kaitlyn drinks her coffee and decides to get a sugar crepe on the street.
After breakfast-we notice a market has been set up under the train tracks on the corner-so we check it out. It is so crowded-we can hardly walk let alone maneuver a stroller. All around us is fresh fruit, seafood, cheese. The colors and smells are mind boggling. We could've eaten breakfast here. Griffen doesn't like all the smells and Kaitlyn just complains that she is hungry.
Diane & I spot a woman selling scarves-they are beautiful-and a good price too. I got some cheap ones for the girls and nice ones for me. The woman told Kaitlyn to pick out another for free. After that, we decide to buy food for lunch. We start off with some fresh bread, also getting some waffles for Griffen's breakfast (moody Kaitlyn turns them down), next some Brie and another cheese which we sampled and liked, off to the meat guy for some ham and then some strawberries for Jillian. No meal is complete without wine-so we head over the wine seller-who is also offering samples. He doesn't speak much English-but he is funny. The sample is called Domaine Martin-so of course we have to buy it. We end up with a nice red to age and a light red for lunch. The guy even throws in some cups as well. This market must have gone on for half a mile-way better than your typical tourist attraction.
We drop off all the goods in our hotel room and set off for Notre Dam. On the way we get Kaitlyn a crepe-which after buying she decides she doesn't want and begins to gag. This is now a common occurrence with her.
Once we arrive at Notre Dam we see 2 lines, one for tourists and one for Mass, which starts now. Good timing! We switch to the correct line and much to the dismay of the kids announce we are going to Mass. While the guards do a stellar job of catching people attempting to take pictures during Mass-it is still a bit distracting. During Mass I stop and think...in the last month we have been to Mass in Venice, Orvieto, Rome, and now Notre Dam. I also notice quite a few people wandering in that are rain soaked.
After Mass, we exit the church into a pretty good rain shower. The Metro station we want is a bit of a walk-we go into the first one we see and walk through underground to get to the one we want. Once back at the hotel-our picnic turns indoor but is just as good. Kaitlyn no longer gets to choose what to eat-she gets told or she goes hungry.
Eric, Jason and Griffen go out after lunch to the Picasso Museum, the girls watch a DVD while Diane & I read. The rain stops and we head out for a walk. Dinner is street food and we pack up for our trip back home tomorrow
It is cold and rainy today. Good thing we hit the park yesterday. We decide to eat breakfast at the same place-only we tell the kids they cannot have McDonald's. Kaitlyn drinks her coffee and decides to get a sugar crepe on the street.
After breakfast-we notice a market has been set up under the train tracks on the corner-so we check it out. It is so crowded-we can hardly walk let alone maneuver a stroller. All around us is fresh fruit, seafood, cheese. The colors and smells are mind boggling. We could've eaten breakfast here. Griffen doesn't like all the smells and Kaitlyn just complains that she is hungry.
Diane & I spot a woman selling scarves-they are beautiful-and a good price too. I got some cheap ones for the girls and nice ones for me. The woman told Kaitlyn to pick out another for free. After that, we decide to buy food for lunch. We start off with some fresh bread, also getting some waffles for Griffen's breakfast (moody Kaitlyn turns them down), next some Brie and another cheese which we sampled and liked, off to the meat guy for some ham and then some strawberries for Jillian. No meal is complete without wine-so we head over the wine seller-who is also offering samples. He doesn't speak much English-but he is funny. The sample is called Domaine Martin-so of course we have to buy it. We end up with a nice red to age and a light red for lunch. The guy even throws in some cups as well. This market must have gone on for half a mile-way better than your typical tourist attraction.
We drop off all the goods in our hotel room and set off for Notre Dam. On the way we get Kaitlyn a crepe-which after buying she decides she doesn't want and begins to gag. This is now a common occurrence with her.
Once we arrive at Notre Dam we see 2 lines, one for tourists and one for Mass, which starts now. Good timing! We switch to the correct line and much to the dismay of the kids announce we are going to Mass. While the guards do a stellar job of catching people attempting to take pictures during Mass-it is still a bit distracting. During Mass I stop and think...in the last month we have been to Mass in Venice, Orvieto, Rome, and now Notre Dam. I also notice quite a few people wandering in that are rain soaked.
After Mass, we exit the church into a pretty good rain shower. The Metro station we want is a bit of a walk-we go into the first one we see and walk through underground to get to the one we want. Once back at the hotel-our picnic turns indoor but is just as good. Kaitlyn no longer gets to choose what to eat-she gets told or she goes hungry.
Eric, Jason and Griffen go out after lunch to the Picasso Museum, the girls watch a DVD while Diane & I read. The rain stops and we head out for a walk. Dinner is street food and we pack up for our trip back home tomorrow
Springtime in Paris
April 29-
We had a delayed start Friday with a late lunch/early dinner at a cafe in the Rue Clare area. We decided that to beat the crowds and get a discount on price, we would visit the Louvre in the evening.
Eric's trip was made with a visit to the Mona Lisa. Kaitlyn got bored pretty quickly, but Griffen surprisingly took an interest in the art for a good 30 minutes. Somehow we got separated from Eric & Diane but had agreed on a meeting spot earlier. Turns out Diane forgot her cell phone and they tired of the museum before we did, ending up waiting the our spot almost an hour before us.
Breakfast at our hotel was an extra fee, so we opted for stopping at a local bar/restaurant instead. Fresh coffee, orange juice, croissant, bread with butter and jam. Kaitlyn got to enjoy a coffee while the other 2 had hot chocolate. Jillian munched on a croissant while the other 2 insisted on McDonald's. The food server got a kick out of Jillian's chocolate covered face and gave each of the kids a small piece of chocolate before we left.
After breakfast we split up-Jason and Eric took Griffen and Kaitlyn to the underground catacombs. Diane & I used claustrophobia as an excuse and set of with Jillian to the Luxembourg Gardens.
The catacombs are home to some 7 million bones (yuck!) Sometimes they are piled up haphazardly and at others they have actually been used artistically with patterns set along the walls. Ex-one layer of skulls, layer of arm bones, layer of legs etc. Apparently, the Les Halles district above ground was suffering from contamination of poor burials and mass graves in the churchyard cemeteries; bringing about sickness. Because the ground level in some church yards had risen 10-20 feet from the volume of the human remains in them, the bones were moved below ground.
Diane & I walked around the park-looking at all it had to offer the kids, until Jillian fell asleep at which time we wandered over to a cafe with tables in the sun for a nice bottle of wine. About half-way through the wine Jason called to see where we were-I described our location, raised my hand and he found us. We ordered the kids some Orangina, soda for Eric and coffee for Jason. I told Jason how to get to the park and all 3 kids left with dad and grandpa while Diane & I went shopping.
After a bit-they urge to pee hit us-so find a bathroom. Diane spied a McDonald's--we walked in like we owned the place and went straight for the back, where a key pad was awaiting a code to enter. Luckily everyone exiting just held the door open for those entering and we had a free toilet.
After finding a pair of sandals that I liked but were too much, we went looking for a better price. First we found a nice little bakery with mini quiches for lunch-which they warmed up for us. Outside a shop a beggar approached Diane-she pointed out a penny on the ground for him. Go ahead laugh-it was funny to us with a bottle of wine still in us.
Eventually I found a really cute pair of sandals, and a belt. Never shop with Diane, she is really good at talking you into buying something for yourself.
Meanwhile at the park...Luxembourg Gardens are beautiful. There are park benches and flowers everywhere, a pond with rental sailboats for the kids to push across, pony rides, a carousel and a great park. You had to pay to enter the play area-but as a result it was exceptionally clean and well maintained. The area was pretty much all locals-so the kids befriended some French kids and played with them the whole time. They had a blast.
We stopped off at the Eiffel Tower on the way home-it was way too crowded-so we just enjoyed the view from below. However-typical Kaitlyn and Griffen had to find a toilet. Grandma took Kaitlyn and Jason took Griffen. As it is every where in the world-long line for women, no line for men. As Jason was helping out Griffen, Diane appears out of nowhere with Kaitlyn. Jason yells "What the hell are you doing mom, this is the men's!?" Diane, not knowing any French thought Monsieurs meant women. The others ladies in line took pity on her and let her to the front of the line.
The kids had take out for dinner, grandparents watched the kids and Jason & I went out to a place across from the hotel with a French only menu. We picked out something that sounded safe and crossed our fingers. Jason ended up with an open face ham & cheese sandwich on a bed of salad and a plum. I think the guys next to us were laughing at him-he has gotten used to eating English style and used his fork and knife instead of picking the sandwich up. I had a yummy salad with serrano ham. I stress the salad because for some reason lettuce is hard to come by in England and if you do find it, its not very fresh looking.
We had a delayed start Friday with a late lunch/early dinner at a cafe in the Rue Clare area. We decided that to beat the crowds and get a discount on price, we would visit the Louvre in the evening.
Eric's trip was made with a visit to the Mona Lisa. Kaitlyn got bored pretty quickly, but Griffen surprisingly took an interest in the art for a good 30 minutes. Somehow we got separated from Eric & Diane but had agreed on a meeting spot earlier. Turns out Diane forgot her cell phone and they tired of the museum before we did, ending up waiting the our spot almost an hour before us.
Breakfast at our hotel was an extra fee, so we opted for stopping at a local bar/restaurant instead. Fresh coffee, orange juice, croissant, bread with butter and jam. Kaitlyn got to enjoy a coffee while the other 2 had hot chocolate. Jillian munched on a croissant while the other 2 insisted on McDonald's. The food server got a kick out of Jillian's chocolate covered face and gave each of the kids a small piece of chocolate before we left.
After breakfast we split up-Jason and Eric took Griffen and Kaitlyn to the underground catacombs. Diane & I used claustrophobia as an excuse and set of with Jillian to the Luxembourg Gardens.
The catacombs are home to some 7 million bones (yuck!) Sometimes they are piled up haphazardly and at others they have actually been used artistically with patterns set along the walls. Ex-one layer of skulls, layer of arm bones, layer of legs etc. Apparently, the Les Halles district above ground was suffering from contamination of poor burials and mass graves in the churchyard cemeteries; bringing about sickness. Because the ground level in some church yards had risen 10-20 feet from the volume of the human remains in them, the bones were moved below ground.
Diane & I walked around the park-looking at all it had to offer the kids, until Jillian fell asleep at which time we wandered over to a cafe with tables in the sun for a nice bottle of wine. About half-way through the wine Jason called to see where we were-I described our location, raised my hand and he found us. We ordered the kids some Orangina, soda for Eric and coffee for Jason. I told Jason how to get to the park and all 3 kids left with dad and grandpa while Diane & I went shopping.
After a bit-they urge to pee hit us-so find a bathroom. Diane spied a McDonald's--we walked in like we owned the place and went straight for the back, where a key pad was awaiting a code to enter. Luckily everyone exiting just held the door open for those entering and we had a free toilet.
After finding a pair of sandals that I liked but were too much, we went looking for a better price. First we found a nice little bakery with mini quiches for lunch-which they warmed up for us. Outside a shop a beggar approached Diane-she pointed out a penny on the ground for him. Go ahead laugh-it was funny to us with a bottle of wine still in us.
Eventually I found a really cute pair of sandals, and a belt. Never shop with Diane, she is really good at talking you into buying something for yourself.
Meanwhile at the park...Luxembourg Gardens are beautiful. There are park benches and flowers everywhere, a pond with rental sailboats for the kids to push across, pony rides, a carousel and a great park. You had to pay to enter the play area-but as a result it was exceptionally clean and well maintained. The area was pretty much all locals-so the kids befriended some French kids and played with them the whole time. They had a blast.
We stopped off at the Eiffel Tower on the way home-it was way too crowded-so we just enjoyed the view from below. However-typical Kaitlyn and Griffen had to find a toilet. Grandma took Kaitlyn and Jason took Griffen. As it is every where in the world-long line for women, no line for men. As Jason was helping out Griffen, Diane appears out of nowhere with Kaitlyn. Jason yells "What the hell are you doing mom, this is the men's!?" Diane, not knowing any French thought Monsieurs meant women. The others ladies in line took pity on her and let her to the front of the line.
The kids had take out for dinner, grandparents watched the kids and Jason & I went out to a place across from the hotel with a French only menu. We picked out something that sounded safe and crossed our fingers. Jason ended up with an open face ham & cheese sandwich on a bed of salad and a plum. I think the guys next to us were laughing at him-he has gotten used to eating English style and used his fork and knife instead of picking the sandwich up. I had a yummy salad with serrano ham. I stress the salad because for some reason lettuce is hard to come by in England and if you do find it, its not very fresh looking.
May 3, 2006
Where is my taxi?
Friday morning (April 28), we had a full English breakfast at the hotel (bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans, sausage, tomatoes and toast). The receptionist said it wouldn't be a problem to catch a taxi in front of the hotel (our Eurostar train left from Waterloo station), so we grabbed our suitcases and set off.
Within 5 minutes we spot a taxi dropping someone off, so we put Diane, Eric and Kaitlyn in and tell them we'll meet them at the train station. Jason and I do not have much luck flagging a taxi ourselves. In fact they are all full. A kind taxi driver directs us over to the taxi queue by the bus station. Guess what-there are no taxis there either. After about 25 minutes we are getting a little bit panicked, so Jason calls the hotel and asks them to call a taxi for us.
A few minutes later a taxi pulls up (not sure if it is the one the hotel called) and the driver jumps out saying, one minute please. Jason pleads with him to not take a break as our train to Paris is leaving in about 30 minutes and we are supposed to be checking in right now. He takes pity on us. On the way there-he tells us he's been working since 5:30 am and was just on his way in for a coffee. Jason told him we'd buy his coffee if he got us to the station on time.
As we are driving in Friday Morning traffic, Jason calls his parents telling them to go to the EuroStar ticket counter and see if we can still get on the train. We didn't know that there is a separate drop-off for EuroStar than the rest of the train station. Jason also decides to call EuroStar itself...as long as we get there before the train leaves we should be fine, if not there is another one in an hour-we just won't all be seated together.
Our driver drops us off at the correct entrance-we give him a large tip and we run into the station and jump in line with Jason's parents and Kaitlyn. As we are waiting to go through security, Kaitlyn tells us that her and Grandpa got lost from Grandma and they just found each other.
A security guard asks if anyone in line is going on the 11:10 to Paris (which leaves in 10 minutes) and we raise our hands. He opens up another line for us and we sail through to get our passports stamped and then through to the security check. We sit down and about 2 minutes later the train starts to close up for departure. That was a close one!
We enjoyed a pleasant train ride to Paris. I did fine except for the last 10 minutes thru the chunnel. The thought of being underwater in a train tunnel for 25 minutes is just a bit too much for me.
Once off the train we get a bit of money and search for more taxis. This time Jason goes with Eric and Griffen and I am with Diane and the 2 girls. I had to try to explain to my driver where our hotel was (rusty High School French) and we set off. Traffic is horrendous! After 20 minutes our fare was already at €10. I also noticed that our driver is ready while driving. The French are almost worse than the Italians...there are no lanes you just drive where you can fit. Picture a oneway road the width of a typical 4 lane US road...now have at least 7 cars across all trying to get somewhere. Diane was convinced that our driver didn't know where he was going or that he was trying to rip us off by taking an off route.
Although Jason left after us, he made it to the hotel about 5 minutes before us-same fare though.
Check-in, clean-up and off to explore Paris....
Within 5 minutes we spot a taxi dropping someone off, so we put Diane, Eric and Kaitlyn in and tell them we'll meet them at the train station. Jason and I do not have much luck flagging a taxi ourselves. In fact they are all full. A kind taxi driver directs us over to the taxi queue by the bus station. Guess what-there are no taxis there either. After about 25 minutes we are getting a little bit panicked, so Jason calls the hotel and asks them to call a taxi for us.
A few minutes later a taxi pulls up (not sure if it is the one the hotel called) and the driver jumps out saying, one minute please. Jason pleads with him to not take a break as our train to Paris is leaving in about 30 minutes and we are supposed to be checking in right now. He takes pity on us. On the way there-he tells us he's been working since 5:30 am and was just on his way in for a coffee. Jason told him we'd buy his coffee if he got us to the station on time.
As we are driving in Friday Morning traffic, Jason calls his parents telling them to go to the EuroStar ticket counter and see if we can still get on the train. We didn't know that there is a separate drop-off for EuroStar than the rest of the train station. Jason also decides to call EuroStar itself...as long as we get there before the train leaves we should be fine, if not there is another one in an hour-we just won't all be seated together.
Our driver drops us off at the correct entrance-we give him a large tip and we run into the station and jump in line with Jason's parents and Kaitlyn. As we are waiting to go through security, Kaitlyn tells us that her and Grandpa got lost from Grandma and they just found each other.
A security guard asks if anyone in line is going on the 11:10 to Paris (which leaves in 10 minutes) and we raise our hands. He opens up another line for us and we sail through to get our passports stamped and then through to the security check. We sit down and about 2 minutes later the train starts to close up for departure. That was a close one!
We enjoyed a pleasant train ride to Paris. I did fine except for the last 10 minutes thru the chunnel. The thought of being underwater in a train tunnel for 25 minutes is just a bit too much for me.
Once off the train we get a bit of money and search for more taxis. This time Jason goes with Eric and Griffen and I am with Diane and the 2 girls. I had to try to explain to my driver where our hotel was (rusty High School French) and we set off. Traffic is horrendous! After 20 minutes our fare was already at €10. I also noticed that our driver is ready while driving. The French are almost worse than the Italians...there are no lanes you just drive where you can fit. Picture a oneway road the width of a typical 4 lane US road...now have at least 7 cars across all trying to get somewhere. Diane was convinced that our driver didn't know where he was going or that he was trying to rip us off by taking an off route.
Although Jason left after us, he made it to the hotel about 5 minutes before us-same fare though.
Check-in, clean-up and off to explore Paris....
Which way do we go George?
I took Diane and Eric back into Cambridge today (April 27) to get a few things. Driving next to all the bikers and very narrow roads unnerves me too much so I just drive to the Park & Ride and take the bus in.
After Cambridge, I drove back to Whittlesford-the train station to be exact to pick up a friend of Eric's, Wolf. Eric knows Wolf through the HAM, he's from Germany and upon hearing that Eric was going to be so close, he flew in for a quick visit. They hadn't seen each other since the late 90's, so it was nice for them.
I spent most of the afternoon getting ready-it takes a while to pack light for 4 people. Jason came home from work early, had 2 conference calls then a taxi arrived to take us to the train station. Wolf rode with us until his airport stop while we went on to London, Liverpool. We fed the kids Burger King in the station-which was quite crowded. Turns out all the trains were delayed b/c someone died on the tracks.
The kids are now pro's at using tickets for the Tube and pulling their own suitcases. Jason reserved a room that was supposed to be a 10 minute walk from the station-but we walked the wrong direction. Ten minutes turned into twenty, but we eventually got there settled down for the night.
After Cambridge, I drove back to Whittlesford-the train station to be exact to pick up a friend of Eric's, Wolf. Eric knows Wolf through the HAM, he's from Germany and upon hearing that Eric was going to be so close, he flew in for a quick visit. They hadn't seen each other since the late 90's, so it was nice for them.
I spent most of the afternoon getting ready-it takes a while to pack light for 4 people. Jason came home from work early, had 2 conference calls then a taxi arrived to take us to the train station. Wolf rode with us until his airport stop while we went on to London, Liverpool. We fed the kids Burger King in the station-which was quite crowded. Turns out all the trains were delayed b/c someone died on the tracks.
The kids are now pro's at using tickets for the Tube and pulling their own suitcases. Jason reserved a room that was supposed to be a 10 minute walk from the station-but we walked the wrong direction. Ten minutes turned into twenty, but we eventually got there settled down for the night.
April 24-26; Breda, Netherlands
Jason had to leave for business yet again, this time Breda, Netherlands. I took advantage of free babysitters and free hotel and joined him Tuesday night. He knew in advance I might be along, so he reserved a room in one of the nicer hotels.
After I arrived, we had a cheap dinner followed by an expensive dessert. If you end the meal with a nice expensive dessert-you can trick your brain into thinking the whole meal was expensive! HA HA. It was nice to be on our own-with all his travel I hardly see him anymore. I am practically a single mom most weeks-to the point where Jason is in the way when he is here.
While Jason had meetings all day Wednesday, I wandered the pedestrian only shopping area. It was nice just to pop into shops without small distractions. While looking into the shops, I noticed that the clothing prices were quite a bit cheaper than the UK. So I had to buy a few things.
I sat down for lunch outside at a cafe and read my book for a while followed by some people watching. I bought some stroopwaffels and fresh roasted nuts for the kids. Stroopwaffles are 2 thin waffles with caramel smooshed in between. They taste great with coffee or tea.
I spent my last 1.5 hours sitting on a bench outside a church watching people. Its nice to know I don't stand out-I had at least 5 people approach me speaking a Dutch. I don't know one ounce of Dutch.
The kids were waiting up for us when we got home. We put them to bed an mentally packed for Paris.
After I arrived, we had a cheap dinner followed by an expensive dessert. If you end the meal with a nice expensive dessert-you can trick your brain into thinking the whole meal was expensive! HA HA. It was nice to be on our own-with all his travel I hardly see him anymore. I am practically a single mom most weeks-to the point where Jason is in the way when he is here.
While Jason had meetings all day Wednesday, I wandered the pedestrian only shopping area. It was nice just to pop into shops without small distractions. While looking into the shops, I noticed that the clothing prices were quite a bit cheaper than the UK. So I had to buy a few things.
I sat down for lunch outside at a cafe and read my book for a while followed by some people watching. I bought some stroopwaffels and fresh roasted nuts for the kids. Stroopwaffles are 2 thin waffles with caramel smooshed in between. They taste great with coffee or tea.
I spent my last 1.5 hours sitting on a bench outside a church watching people. Its nice to know I don't stand out-I had at least 5 people approach me speaking a Dutch. I don't know one ounce of Dutch.
The kids were waiting up for us when we got home. We put them to bed an mentally packed for Paris.
April 22
I am so far behind on my posts, that I have to date them so I know where I am! Jason was in TO all week, returning Friday night. The kids went back to school on Wed., and now here we are on Saturday.
Jason's parents arrived today. It was a bit of a fiasco. We usually fly into Heathrow with Virgin. They flew into Gatwick-which we are unfamiliar with. Jason and Griffen took the train-just to see how it worked out. They bought tickets for the first leg online.
To buy return tickets, both Jason and his parents tried to bypass the service line by using the self-serve machine, to no avail. The UK and the rest of Europe has found a way to combat credit card fraud-using chip and pin cards (some US companies use them under the name Smart card). That means your card has a little chip in it and to complete the transaction you need to input a 4-digit pin. We all have US credit cards (they must not care about fraud) and the machine required chip & pin. Luckily Jason has a UK debit card (of which I still don't have access to). It will be interesting to see how tourist season plays out; those without chip & pin had a nice long line to stand in for a human to help.
After letting Eric, Diane & Jason nap away some jet lag, we drove into Cambridge for dinner. Since the evening was so nice, we took a stroll to the river. It is now light until well after 8 pm here.
The punters (a bit like the gondolas in Italy) were out in mild force with a few pulled over to the riverbank to enjoy wine or beer. We passed a lively little square with a bar and lots of college students.
On our return upriver-I noticed a commotion in the square. A naked man. He was probably college age. The naked guy was climbing up a pole to the top of an awning. This just as Jason was telling Eric & Diane what a nice family area this was.
The kids had a great laugh as naked guy flaunted himself before taking a leap into the river. We took the opportunity to point out how drinking too much alcohol makes you do stupid things.
Jason's parents arrived today. It was a bit of a fiasco. We usually fly into Heathrow with Virgin. They flew into Gatwick-which we are unfamiliar with. Jason and Griffen took the train-just to see how it worked out. They bought tickets for the first leg online.
To buy return tickets, both Jason and his parents tried to bypass the service line by using the self-serve machine, to no avail. The UK and the rest of Europe has found a way to combat credit card fraud-using chip and pin cards (some US companies use them under the name Smart card). That means your card has a little chip in it and to complete the transaction you need to input a 4-digit pin. We all have US credit cards (they must not care about fraud) and the machine required chip & pin. Luckily Jason has a UK debit card (of which I still don't have access to). It will be interesting to see how tourist season plays out; those without chip & pin had a nice long line to stand in for a human to help.
After letting Eric, Diane & Jason nap away some jet lag, we drove into Cambridge for dinner. Since the evening was so nice, we took a stroll to the river. It is now light until well after 8 pm here.
The punters (a bit like the gondolas in Italy) were out in mild force with a few pulled over to the riverbank to enjoy wine or beer. We passed a lively little square with a bar and lots of college students.
On our return upriver-I noticed a commotion in the square. A naked man. He was probably college age. The naked guy was climbing up a pole to the top of an awning. This just as Jason was telling Eric & Diane what a nice family area this was.
The kids had a great laugh as naked guy flaunted himself before taking a leap into the river. We took the opportunity to point out how drinking too much alcohol makes you do stupid things.
April 16, Easter Sunday in Rome
Last night after we got back to Orvieto, we checked the train schedule only to find out that we would have to leave Orvieto at 4 am or 7:30 am, which would get us to Rome too late. Jason was ready to throw the towel in-but we had a good think for a better solution. Our flight back in England was out of Rome and we were staying at a hotel outside of Rome for Sunday night. Jason called the hotel to see if we could park our car there and catch a taxi to the Vatican. No problem.
We woke the kids up and were out the door by around 6. The kids fell asleep in the car for the 1.5 hour drive to our hotel. The hotel called us a taxi and we arrived at St. Peters just as the gates were being opened. You could just feel a sense of excitement in the air. As we were walking to some seats, a young nun turned to us and said, "You have a beautiful family. Happy Easter!"
We found some seats-just about 20 or so rows from the front! I think you could have gotten in without tickets-they were not really checking them. Now-we just have to sit here and keep the kids entertained for 2 hours before mass starts. There is so much going on around us that it was easier than it sounds. We packed some crackers and water as well as coloring books.
There were flags from other countries waving in the calm breeze. The sun was shining-it really was a beautiful morning. We have Germans in front of us, Americans next to us and Italians behind us. Somewhere from behind us some nuns are playing guitars and leading a group in song. We stood up on our chairs and look behind us-there are people as far as you can see.
Jason ran Griffen to the bathroom about 10 and Jillian started to get restless. I walked to the back of our section of seats and see the guards starting to close off the wooden barriers and clearing a walk way. Some sort of military band starts up and walks through the aisles. I found my way back to my seat, just in time for the bells to start ringing. Everyone stands on their chairs in anticipation, and you can see German flags waving everywhere. Then we see him.
The pope walks right by us-we can see him-we are only 8 chairs away from the aisle. Griffen looks up at the giant TV screen and yells, "Mommy, the pope wears glasses like me!" The joy on his face was priceless.
Mass started with the pope venerating the cross. Most of the mass was in Latin-imagine hearing 100,000+people singing the Gloria in Latin. Bone chilling. It made me want to cry, as I looked around, I wasn't the only one brought to tears.
The first reading was in Italian, second in English and the Gospel was sung, in Latin. Just as the priest was preparing to read the Gospel-you could almost hear a pin drop. Imagine that-silence in St. Peters Square with all those people. Jason said he has always wondered why the Latin is sung in that tone of voice (you know the one?) We now know why. Once the priest starting to sing the Gospel, you could hear is echo throughout the square-it was in harmony with his voice. I wish I could convey the thrill of this experience-but I think you have to do it yourself-my words can only describe so much.
Another sight to see was the hundreds of priests that walked down the steps for communion. Jason took a picture-but it was amazing to see. After mass was finished, the kids sighed with relied, only for us to tell them they had to wait a bit more because the Pope was going to come to the window and give his Easter Blessing.
As the crowd anxiously awaited the curtain to pull back, we could hear several different groups in multiple languages singing Happy Birthday. Today was the Pope's birthday. After Pope Benedict's blessing and message he proceeded to say, "Christ is Risen, Christ is resurrected," in every possible language. It all ended with the bells ringing a good 20 minutes solid. None too soon for Griffen.
We rewarded the kids for their patience and good behavior with a visit to the park. We found a nice family park, Villa Borghese. We had sandwiches and chips from a vendor and then rented a bike built for 4. That was a hoot. The kids couldn't reach the petals, so it was just Jason & I and there were a few hills to manage. At on point we saw someone else being pushed up the hill, so Jason said, "Lets pass them." We put our spinning legs to use and passed them, with Jillian riding in a front basket, Kaitlyn & Griffen in the back laughing away; they were younger than us too. A great way to end our vacation...back to England tomorrow and Jason flies to Thousand Oaks on Tuesday.
We woke the kids up and were out the door by around 6. The kids fell asleep in the car for the 1.5 hour drive to our hotel. The hotel called us a taxi and we arrived at St. Peters just as the gates were being opened. You could just feel a sense of excitement in the air. As we were walking to some seats, a young nun turned to us and said, "You have a beautiful family. Happy Easter!"
We found some seats-just about 20 or so rows from the front! I think you could have gotten in without tickets-they were not really checking them. Now-we just have to sit here and keep the kids entertained for 2 hours before mass starts. There is so much going on around us that it was easier than it sounds. We packed some crackers and water as well as coloring books.
There were flags from other countries waving in the calm breeze. The sun was shining-it really was a beautiful morning. We have Germans in front of us, Americans next to us and Italians behind us. Somewhere from behind us some nuns are playing guitars and leading a group in song. We stood up on our chairs and look behind us-there are people as far as you can see.
Jason ran Griffen to the bathroom about 10 and Jillian started to get restless. I walked to the back of our section of seats and see the guards starting to close off the wooden barriers and clearing a walk way. Some sort of military band starts up and walks through the aisles. I found my way back to my seat, just in time for the bells to start ringing. Everyone stands on their chairs in anticipation, and you can see German flags waving everywhere. Then we see him.
The pope walks right by us-we can see him-we are only 8 chairs away from the aisle. Griffen looks up at the giant TV screen and yells, "Mommy, the pope wears glasses like me!" The joy on his face was priceless.
Mass started with the pope venerating the cross. Most of the mass was in Latin-imagine hearing 100,000+people singing the Gloria in Latin. Bone chilling. It made me want to cry, as I looked around, I wasn't the only one brought to tears.
The first reading was in Italian, second in English and the Gospel was sung, in Latin. Just as the priest was preparing to read the Gospel-you could almost hear a pin drop. Imagine that-silence in St. Peters Square with all those people. Jason said he has always wondered why the Latin is sung in that tone of voice (you know the one?) We now know why. Once the priest starting to sing the Gospel, you could hear is echo throughout the square-it was in harmony with his voice. I wish I could convey the thrill of this experience-but I think you have to do it yourself-my words can only describe so much.
Another sight to see was the hundreds of priests that walked down the steps for communion. Jason took a picture-but it was amazing to see. After mass was finished, the kids sighed with relied, only for us to tell them they had to wait a bit more because the Pope was going to come to the window and give his Easter Blessing.
As the crowd anxiously awaited the curtain to pull back, we could hear several different groups in multiple languages singing Happy Birthday. Today was the Pope's birthday. After Pope Benedict's blessing and message he proceeded to say, "Christ is Risen, Christ is resurrected," in every possible language. It all ended with the bells ringing a good 20 minutes solid. None too soon for Griffen.
We rewarded the kids for their patience and good behavior with a visit to the park. We found a nice family park, Villa Borghese. We had sandwiches and chips from a vendor and then rented a bike built for 4. That was a hoot. The kids couldn't reach the petals, so it was just Jason & I and there were a few hills to manage. At on point we saw someone else being pushed up the hill, so Jason said, "Lets pass them." We put our spinning legs to use and passed them, with Jillian riding in a front basket, Kaitlyn & Griffen in the back laughing away; they were younger than us too. A great way to end our vacation...back to England tomorrow and Jason flies to Thousand Oaks on Tuesday.
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