Sun part 2

The Reflections dining room, all meals are served here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  If you prefer a light meal in the Lounge (living room) they have for breakfast some pastries, scrambled eggs, potato cakes, yogurt, muselix, smoothie, meat and cheese with of course coffee and tea.  There is a really cool cappuccino machine that makes lattes, espresso, hot water for tea, hot chocolate.  For a light lunch they serve BLT's, soup, meat and cheese, pasta salads, salad.  Have not checked out the light dinner yet but will before we leave.

Their wine collection is extensive, plus the cool thing is if you are a beer or wine drinker they have selections from the town you are in that day !   They also have a 'midnight snack', tonight it's Goulash soup.  But I digress. 


The staff is very concerned with you not wanting for anything, if you don't like your selection no problem, they bring you something else.  The food has so far been so very tasty and appealing.  Absolutely no complaints.

Halibut atop veggies with cream sauce.

 



Chicken wrapped in bacon with glazed carrots and polenta
 

This is the rooftop deck for alfresco dining



 ok, you have to see this.  The pool, is enclosed so you can use it during the winter months.  There is a glass roof that they open in the spring and summer.

There is a little bar for drinks AND.....tatataaaa
the coolest thing is that they cover the pool at a certain point at night and pull down a screen for MOVIES !!!  Plus they have popcorn and drinks while watching.  I'll take a photo of it tonite when we watch our movie.

And if for whatever reason you are missing your ocean cruise towel animals, look no more.  Every night you get something special.

This is what we all call lovingly the "Living Room", for it is here that so much happens.  It's the main 'bar/lounge', plus this is where you can have a light breakfast, lunch, dinner.  Late night snack.  24 hour cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, tea machine.  There are daily newspapers put out for your information.  Every evening before dinner you get your "port talk" which tells you what's coming up for the next day.  But don't worry if you miss it, you will get a 'daily' in your room every night just like on an ocean cruise.  It's where everyone gathers after dinner to talk about their day, joke, play cards, board games or just relax.

I have to tell you our funny but not so funny story, I'll make it short.  Caitlin and I traveled on the same flight, but her luggage didn't make it from Amstedam onto the connecting flight to Budapest on the way over.  BIG problem haha.  So they said they would deliver it to the ship after the last flight came in at 11:00pm.

 Well don't think for one minute that Caitlin wasn't calling the airport directly at 11.  They assured her it would arrive.  We were in our robes by that time and after 30 more minutes they said it would be to the ship by 1am.  So we decided we needed to stay awake despite the jet lag so we went to the "Living Room' in our robes and slippers to get wine.  At 12:30pm we didn't think anyone would be up right???  NOT - there were about 10 people sitting and telling jokes.  So they immediately see us and yell "ROBE TIME"!  We laughed and explained our situation and they were like "come and sit with us we will keep you company till it gets here".  This is the type of people tat River Cruise, kind - friendly -  helpful.  ! 

I know I'm a couple days behind but there is just so much to see so tomorrow's post will be about our first day in Budapest......say tuned.

The Emerald Waterways Sun

 

This is what I saw when I opened my door to Stateroom P324, Panorama Balcony Suite. (180 square feet)  I am on the Emerald Waterways Sun, a most beautiful River Cruise Ship.   This is my first river cruise and I can honestly say not my last.

Sooooo different in so many ways from an Ocean Cruise Ship.  The first thing you will notice upon boarding is that the ship has 3 floors plus the 'roof top deck'.  It is extremely long weighing in at 443 feet.

The second thing you will notice is that ALL the staff speaks English amazingly well and they truly enjoy seeing you every day, they remember the things you say, what you like to drink, your habits, etc.

I found a robe and slippers on my bed for my use throughout the trip.  Quite a treat for me since I love robes.  There is ample storage space with the closet and two overly large drawers under the tv.  Also a makeup applying table with large mirror, hair dryer and two floor to ceiling mirrors for checking out how you look when you leave your room.  Also a mini bar, safe and umbrella in your closet.

The window you see is really cool, there is a button you push that brings it down from the top.  So if it is cold *which I'm traveling up the Danube in December so average temp is tops 40* but mostly in the 30's, you can leave it up and sit in your chairs enjoying the scenery. 

Beautiful reception area.  This ship is decorated in a very contemporary way so for those of you that like sleek lines and no wasted space this ship is for you. 

I think my only complaint on the room is the bathroom seems rather small.  And it is located next to the bed with a barn-style door that you slide across the wall to closet the bathroom off from the bedroom.  But it's not really an issue, my daughter Caitlin and I are great roomates and don't get in each others way.

 

 

Also in the room are two 'receivers' that have an ear piece attached to them, you take them with you on every excursion, set it to the channel your guide tells you and voila, you can hear your guide with no need for shouting.

 The shower is adequate size with a trench drain instead of one in the middle of the floor.  The water is perfect with good pressure.  And the towels are fluffy, there is also storage under the sink by way of a drawer that slides out.  Toilets are typical cruise ship style.








FOOD AND DINING NEXT.....................

The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, London

Although my stay at the Doubletree was nice enough I had always wanted to stay at the Rubens Hotel.  It was not available when I originally made my reservations, but on a whim I called the morning of my last two days in town and they had availability.  No need to ask me twice, I jumped on it.

Situated on Buckingham Palace Road, founded in 1912 the building had housed many shops since 1703.  Red Carnation Hotels purchased it in 1997 and spent much time and money refurbishing it and elevating it's status to a 4-Star hotel.  It beautifully combines old world charm with modern luxury.  The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful.  They remember you!

This is Nathan.  He stands at the ready all hours of the day and night it seems like.  He always has a smile and a good morning (or good afternoon).  He will get you a car, give you directions, help you with luggage and even ask you how your day was.

 I was given room 340 which is a "twin" room perfect for one person.

My camera does not do this hotel justice.  The walls are covered in gray soft fabric.  On the desk sits a maroon  leather bound guest services book complete with stationery and pen.  When was the last time you found 8 1/2 x 11 paper in your room.






The remote for the tv was in a plastic wrapper stating it was sanitized for my pleasure.  Three bottles of the cleanest most delicious water and glasses were also placed next to the desk for my enjoyment.

And of course tea making objects as well as safe AND even a bag for laundry if you chose.  A shoe shine kit, needle and thread rounded out this very efficient closet.

The bathroom was reminiscent of 1920's era, wood everywhere and soft fluffy towels.  There was even a robe on the back of the door.  The toiletries were top notch.


Also in the bathroom every morning was a fresh live red carnation.

This is what you see when you step out of the elevators.  Oops I meant "lift".  My friend Charina had me laughing the entire time we were here, we get in the "lift" and she says "what do they call it when we are going down?  it isn't truly lifting us then is it, so it should be called a downer".





It has two restaurants, separate lounge, two bars, a Champagne bar and 24 hour room service, yes you read it here 24 hour room service.  I am truly in heaven.  And let us not forget afternoon tea with pastries.

There are 143 guest rooms, 8 Royal rooms, 10 Suites and 2 apartments. And guess what else......Pet Friendly.  Yes you can bring Fido.  Upon check in you will receive a pet welcome basket with toy, snack and clean up bags.  In your room will be a doggie bed, bowls for food and water, floor mat and a doggie sleeping please do not disturb sign for your door.  They have a pet concierge and will give you doggie turn down service in the evening. Vet services, dog walking, dog sitting, robes, maps of parks, everything you can want for your little family member.

Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

Ahhh a most beautiful sight wouldn't you agree?  THIS is Tower Bridge, not to be confused with London Bridge.

This beauty was built in 1886 to 1894, she crosses the River Thames near the Tower of London.  You can cross by car and foot.  There is now even a tour you can take explaining many aspects of her construction.  A bridge committee was formed in 1877 and over 50 designs were submitted.  Since traffic was becoming a concern and the London Bridge had a hard time handling the influx of residents a new bridge was in order.  But it couldn't be just any bridge, one with accessibility for tall masted ships needing to reach the port in London between the "old" bridge and the Tower of London.

432 construction workers were employed to build the bridge.  The bridge was officially opened by The Prince of Wales (who was the future King Edward VII) on June 30, 1894.

This shot was taken from the Hop On Bus.

The Tower of London 

Quite the fortress.

On the North bank of the River Thames in Central London was built a luxury palace for William the Conqueror.  But it's history also shows us that more devious things went on here.  We may think of it only as a prison (from 1100 to 1952)  holding area complete with trials and beheading.  Towards the end of 1078 this majestic compound was founded.  A grand palace in its early days, became a much resented symbol of oppression by the country's ruling elite.  Truly though for all of what we think of as it's bloody history, only seven people were actually executed here before the 20th century World Wars. More executions - namely 112 of them over a 400 year period were more commonly held north of the castle on Tower Hill. 

Monarchs would spend the night here before proceeding to Westminster Abby for their coronation.  During the reign of King John around 1200 animals were kept here as a symbol of power and as entertainment for the royal court, the inhabitants included  Elephants, Tigers, Kangaroos, and Monkeys.  Oh and Ravens, let us not forget the Ravens.  History goes that the Ravens originally protected the Crown and the Tower, and that if at any point they fly away the monarchy will dissolve.  Really?  So for superstition sake the current Raven population (about 7) have their wings clipped.

Actual bed chamber.  As posh as it looks I'm certain the bed was uncomfortable at best, and it was cold and dark in the winter and hot as......in the summer months.

                                                                                                     
Creepy stairs


                                      

    Chapel

                                                                             Model of the layout.

Annnnnd now for the creepy dirty stuff you wanted to know.  Did I feel a presence while inside?  Yes, the presence of a few hundred people all jockeying for a position to take photos.  Although I didn't feel any souls following me it was to say the least a very creepy site.

This is the Traitor's Gate - during the Tudor rule (you were wondering when Henry's name was going to come up weren't you) prisoners came to the Tower on a barge down the Thames going under London Bridge.  When people were executed they would display the heads on spikes on London Bridge.  Intimidated much?  Unfortunate Queen Anne Boleyn came to the tower thru this gate.  Bet she wasn't feeling the love was she?

This is the Bloody Tower, which was originally named the Garden Tower as it overlooked the beauty outside on the parade grounds of the royal residence.  But this tower became infamous because of the mysterious murder of the two young Princes being Edward V and his brother Richard the Duke of York. It doesn't matter who did the dastardly deed the fact remains that the boys were killed in this tower where they were being held on "order of protection" by their Uncle.  Yeah right, we know how this story ended because of rivalry for the crown.  Growing up I always wanted to be a Queen. Oh just picture it now, the dresses, the china, the crystal, the parties.  Things girls aspire have and be.  But then I started reading, reading A LOT about the monarchy, the succession, and I came to realize that literally everyone wanted to kill you so they could sit on the throne. 

                                                    

Didn't totally change my mind about it though.  I sit on my own throne in my own kingdom as Queen of my family.  Nobody and I mean NOBODY will ever usurp Queen Beth.

The wife of Henry VIII for only 3 years, Queen Anne Boleyn was beheaded in the Tower of London for treason.  Her remains were lovingly prepared by her ladies in waiting and buried in the floor in front of the High Alter within the Chapel of St Peter’s ad Vincula adjacent to the site of execution.

A memorial sculpture pictured at right is situated directly on the spot of her execution.   This was placed here in September 2006 noting the 10 persons including Queens, Nobles and a couple Scottish Soldiers who were executed here.


And let us not forget the Crown Jewels.  Yes the Tower of London holds some of the most beautiful of crowns, swords, scepters, rings, also known as Regalia, there are even bracelets and robes.  Many of these items are used even in present day. Since the early 14th Century the jewels have been housed here when Westminster Abby was found to be unsafe.

View of Tower Bridge from London Bridge

On a side note, directly outside the walls is of course a shopping area with food and souvenirs.  Also rest room facilities. Now in London you have to pay to potty, it's like .50 but still c'mon.

Inside I couldn't help but think.....oh look just like a cruise ship everyone has their own port hole. 

Victoria Station and the Hop On Hop Off Bus

 London Victoria Station:
Isn't she just grand?????  Another thing I learned in my travels abroad is just how convenient and fun train stations can be.  Not only are they central for coming and going but they are full of shops and eateries.  Good enough for a quick morning Starbucks treat or a dinner the food options are plentiful.  In this station also is an upstairs shopping area. 

 There is a drug store, currency exchange, flower stall, news stands and other services.  An entrance to the underground affectionately called the "tube" and at the rear of the train station is an attached motor coach station where you can get a bus for a day trip outside the city.  Also in the front is a hub for the local buses.

Inside Victoria Station

There is a cool thing I like to do whenever I'm in a new city - look for the "hop-on hop-off bus".  It's a marvelous tool for seeing the highlights while completely comfy.  I opted for the Big Bus London tour which has about 43 stops.  I take the whole circle tour and then on the second pass I simply hop off, visit what I want and then wait no more than 20 minutes for the next bus and get ready for the next stop I want to see.

For only $30 Pounds it was well worth it.  This particular bus gave me headphones which I plugged in to a little box at my seat and had commentary for every point of interest.  You keep your headphones for the day (they are really ear buds but work fine).

This is a shot from my seat on the second level of the bus.  No this is not the London Eye, just a little ferris wheel I thought was cute.  I specifically wanted you to see that the bus is very large.

                                                                 A view of Big Ben from the bus.

A view of the London Eye from the bus.


You all are asking the question aren't you.....did I ride the Eye?  No.  Didn't want to wait "in the Queue".   I'm not afraid of heights though, just was not enough time to do it.


Below another view from the Bus.