On top of the O2 Arena

The climb over the O2 Arena in London is yet another fun attraction set in place for the 2012 Olympic games.  It was fun to see this being built in the last month so I took the climb yesterday with a group of 15 and I loved it.  I'm comfortable in high places like this but the staff were very helpful with a few nervous climbers.  The walkway is a flexible rubber material with built in cleats on the steep areas.  It is a 30 % grade starting out so it is quite steep and flexes a lot. Safety is of course taken very serious so there is a short ground school before gearing up.  Everyone wears a waterproof suit as there is always a chance of rain and wind in this country.  Proper shoes are provided if needed for good traction.  Harnesses are worn with a safety line that is always attached on the climb and descent.  On the top at 54 meters high, you are unclipped in a safe area where photos and videos can be taken.  All my friends are in low places so it's nice to get up in the clouds and meet a few of those uppity people.  At a cost of 22 pounds it was a fun couple of hours well spent I would say.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty played here in London at the Royal Albert Hall last night to a full house.  He was here 13 years ago and is just starting his first European tour in 20 years.  Like a few really great people, Petty and I were both born in 1950.  He formed the Heartbreakers in the mid 70's and has rocked the world with his many hits.  The back up band was Jonathan Wilson also from the US so it was an all American show.  I went to the concert in Central London with 3 mates.  Here is a good picture of the Royal Albert Hall inside and out, and a shot of my mate Lloyd who got the show tickets.  Thanks to Lloyd.  With so many commitments in our lives Julie and I sometimes have to split up so we can attempt to attend them all.  We flipped a coin.... I got the concert and Julie got the late night conference call from work.  We both apologise for missing some of these events and only hope everyone will understand.

Dubrovnik Islands

This was a 3 island day cruise were we toured Dubrovnik's most beautiful islands.  These are called the Elafiti, or Deer islands where it is said that the acient Greeks hunted deer.  These Islands don't have many full time residents any more as schools and doctors are all on the mainland.  We were treated to yet another great fresh fish BBQ lunch along with live music on the old Galleon ship.  There was plenty of shore time even with some rare sandy beaches, (bottom 2 pics).  As always we met some fun people who we will meet up with again in London.  You just can't pass up these side trips.

Old Town Dubrovnik

This is a view of the Old Town from a cable car ride high above.  The Old Town, Dubrovnik was totally wiped out by an earthquake in 1667, killing over 5,000 people.  The city was rebuilt but then again was all but destroyed during the Croatian war of Independence 20 years ago.  We walked around the old city on the high castle wall then spent plenty of time in the city itself.  Thousands of tourists visit here every week with cruise ships stopping here daily.  I am getting another drink here from a fountain of youth like I do where ever I find one,  I think it has helped so I always fill my water bottle and sneak some in Julie's tea.  The lower 2 pics are taken from the top of the city fortress wall.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Last week Julie and I spent the week in Dubrovnik, Croatia.  This coastal city is on the Adriatic Sea coast just to the East of Italy.  Our flight was a bit over 2 hours out of London Gatwick Airport, then a short taxi ride got us to the Importanne Resort where we spent the week.  Accommodations were great, lots of fresh seafood on the menu and sun every day made for a fine holiday.  This port city is popular for Mediterranean cruise ships to stop as the Old city of Dubrovnik has so much history.  We were swimming in the warm sea every hour of each day.  It was a good break from the dreary wet UK weather.

Diamond Jubilee

In 1952 at age 26, Queen Elizabeth II began her 60 year reign as Queen of England. (lower photo)  Since then there have been 12 British Prime Ministers and 12 US Presidents, beginning with Winston Churchill and Harry Truman.  This weekend the country set aside 4 days to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with big events as the Epsom Derby, The Thames Pageant, the concert at Buckingham Palace and countless smaller events.  Over a million people took part in the festivities with little regard to some dreadful UK weather.  We were here in 2007 when the Queen and Prince Phillip celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary.  Now we are so lucky to still be here and help our British friends celebrate this Diamond Jubilee.  What an amazing lady at 86 years old still doing her job well.  God save the Queen!

Epsom Derby

Saturday we joined several of out UK mates at the Epsom Downs Racecourse for the annual Derby.  The first race was held here in 1661 and has been England's most attended sporting event next to UK football.  The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne this year and has never missed a Derby race during her reign.  I just returned after 2 months working in the US on Friday, and had to fight off the jet lag.  It warmed my heart that the Queen would postpone the derby until my return, so I had to go.  As usual Julie kept the bookies busy placing her bets and picking winners in 5 of the 7 races.  I'm not any good at picking the winners but I do a great job of carrying her winnings home.