Adventures in London: Issue 168

This week I spent it in the most magical place in the world...DISNEYWORLD!!! Normally, October takes me to NYC for Sir Kadin's birthay. This year, it brought us all to Disney to celebrate the little man's 4th birthday. Amazing...when did he become 4 years old? Blimey!!!Just yesterday he was in my arms. A little bundle of joy and now he has grown into a little man with the humour and attitude that would blow your mind.

Not only was this trip to visit with Bhai and family, but it also gave me the opportunity to see Harsh Aunti and Anil Uncle which meant the world. They were the second family that I grew up with, but moved away when I was 14 (??). I had not seen them in a good 7 years so being able to see them and spend some time with them meant the world.

Thursday Bhai and family arrived. We quickly checked in, freshened up and then raced to the first park. There is no rest when you are in Disney...seriously this place is massive. We headed to Epcot to start our adventure of Finding Nemo and his friends, Exploring our imaginations with Frigment and other rides. In the evening we went to the Flying Fish Cafe for a lush meal. The jetlag had certainly kicked in, but that did not stop me from destroying my dish.

You know I have to say, seeing Disney through the eyes of a toddler is just the most blessed thing ever. I first went to Disney when I was 13 and truly was in awe of the world of Disney, but this time seeing it through Kadin's eyes is just supreme...especially at the character brunch. To see his eyes light up when Goofy, Donald and Minnie came around was divine (as divine as the brunch buffet too. Think that is the first time I got my money's worth).

After the character it was off to the Magic Kingdom which can only be described as a city in itself. How do they do it. I am not going to lie...I embraced my inner kid and thoroughly enjoyed the thrills and rides. The waiting in line stuff was a little annoying, but such is life when you go to Disney ;-)

At night, we went back to Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for exclusive access to rides and trick o treating around the park. You never grow too old for trick o treating...dressed as nautical Mickey...I was ready for a fun evening ahead!!!

The parade was something that I will truly not forget (especially as that parade marked the last time Xavier worked properly). Did not know it at the time, but my flash was going to stop working the next day which sadden me completely as you can imagine.

On Saturday we went to Animal Kingdom and embarked on a 2 week safari (that was sadly cut short to 30 minutes). Seeing and photographing these animals was just lovely. I had no idea that my camera was not well (and I am pleased as that would have taken away from it), so I just fired away. I want to go on an actual safari. I cannot imagine what the real experience would be like...maybe that is one for 2012!

The rest of the trip was a little dampen for me since my camera was not working. I know I should not let it get to me, but my camera is everything. No mother likes to see her child sick. Back to the Disney trip. In the evening after a nap, we went to Hollywood Studio and had dinner in an in-door drive in theatre. It was wicked! You dined in actual cars...how do they think of these things?! By the time dinner was done, the park had closed, so being the crazy ones we are we raced over to the Magic Kingdom for some late night rides. The Buzz Lightyear

Space Ranger Spin ride is just AWESOME!!! Got a score of 575,300...BEAT THAT!

Disney was quite the interesting experience. It was nice to see the family and grand to explore the magical world of Disney through the eyes of Kadin. He has grown up into such a sweet young man (young young young man). Sadly, no one can stay in Never Never Land forever and it was time to return to London town. Must say, the glints and glamour of Disney is great and all, but there is nothing like home :-)

Hope you all are having fun in your magical lands!! Never forget, we are never too old to be kids. Embrace your inner Peter Pan!

xxx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 163

My colleagues back in New York would be shocked to hear that I have not only learnt to take holiday, but I have learnt to take ALL my holiday days. After the adventure of Morocco and the hectic schedule of New York...a relaxing week in Crete was just what the body needed. What more could you want from a holiday...sleeping, reading, snorkeling, eating and laying in the sun!!!! Not generally one for a beach holiday, I thoroughly enjoyed this week!

The first day was rather chill. Most of the day was spent reading by the sea, sleeping and eating...not really a bad way to kick things off. Breakfast at this place is just LUSH!!! Who would have thought, but I seriously cannot wait to wake up in the mornings for the full spread of breakfast. After an afternoon of sleeping and reading in the sun (and shockingly gusty winds)...it was off to town. We had no clue where we were going, but with the guidance of FourSquare and random walking we came across a gorgeous Greek restaurant with the most lovely vine leaves!! Complete yummy in my tummy ;-)

After another beautiful breakfast it was off to another day of relaxation. It was Hubb's birthday, so we spent the day eating, sleeping, eating and relaxing (not a bad way to spend one's birthday if you ask me). The day commenced with sitting by the sea reading (how I could totally get used to this), followed by wine tasting. I never associated Greece with wine, but must say the wines and cheeses that afternoon were absolutely lovely. After wine tasting...you guessed it...it was back to the sea to read some more. Then it was off to the spa (tough I know), for massages and mani/pedis. Post spa pampering and some swimming, it was back to the beach beds for some more reading (can you tell I was obsessed with my book? Was reading Games of Thrones in case you were wondering). From there it was a low key evening of free cocktails by the pool bar and dinner.

The next day we actually left the hotel grounds and went for a mini adventure to what I thought was going to be a very remote island. It was remote, but clearly hundreds of other got the secret memo!! It wasn't that bad. After walking through the sand to the other side of the island, we found beds and settled in! It was actually quite cool. We took a 1100 boat from the SW side of Crete and travelled 1h30 to the Island of Chrissi. Once we got there...that was it. No returning until at least 1600. It was a wicked day of reading in the sun, sleeping and snorkeling. Oh I could get used to this!

The next day was a pure adventure. To completely try something new we rented a shooter for the day and toured around the island. I was more than happy to ride along and take photos when possible, but Hubbs encouraged me to take the handle bars. Scared out of my wits at first.... I soon settled in and dare say I rather enjoyed the experience. The roads of Crete are quite windy with no shoulder and extreme drops (doesn't help when you are nervous about driving and take wide turns). Fear aside, it was WICKED and I would do it again in a heart beat. Glad I did not give up and had the encouragement to face my fears!

Did something else that I never thought I would do....woke up at 0630 on a holiday to watch the sunrise. I am NEVER (or rather rarely) awake at 0630, but this was so worth it! The sunrise was just divine and well worth experience. After an amazing breakfast...the day was spent reading in the sun (and wind) and snorkeling. I am rather enjoy this holiday. The swimming is great for my ankle. If I was more confident at swimming I would definitely keep this up when I return to London, but I know I won't.

We were going to leave without doing anything cultural, but we couldn't resist. Spinalonga Island was directly in front of our hotel and the view that we enjoyed everyday, how could we not take the boat over and tour the island. The island dates back to the 7th century, but it most remember as the leper island from 1903-1957. The island is unoccupied now and they have bombed the island as much as possible, but remains of the colony still exist. It is a beautiful island and rather moving. The ankle struggled with some of the climbing, but once it saw the views it knew it was worth it. If I brought my book, I would have camped up there and read. What a view...island of Crete on one side and the open blue waters on the other ;-)

As they say, all good things come to and end, but not before one last sunrise and breakfast!

Hope you all are well!

xx

T