Sunday 22 May
We were up early to catch the plane. Met up with another Aussie couple who were also on their way home to Sydney, so their plane a tad earlier than ours. The flight over our big brown land showed us just how large this country is. Out of the 7 and half hour flight from K.L. half was over Australia. As Wayne put it to us on our return, now we know why it takes so long for him to travel from Darwin to Townsville!!! Pity we could not see the inland lakes which have filled this year, as plenty of evidence of the channels which no doubt run to the lakes.
Arrived back in Brisbane, and in spite of our wonderful holiday and meeting up with so many lovely friends and relations, it was good to touch down on home soil.
Glenn was there to meet us and take us back to their home - we had a 'wee sherree' to complete the wonderful trip. Many many thanks to all the fabulous people we stayed with ,and those we swapped yarns over tea/drinks etc. - you will be hearing from us shortly, when we have come back down to earth. I start work again on 1st June, and blow me down if the phone is already ringing!

Saturday 21 May
We have lost a day and arrived in K L at 5.5pm - while we are still in morning mode. Bit of mirth with the locals when they were greeted with 'good morning' at 6pm. The Pan Pacific is a very nice hotel right next to the airport. We arrived in a buggy from the airport like Lord and Lady muck. Short call from Wayne but comms not clear. Early night as we have an early start for Brisbane, where we arrive on Sunday night and get back to the real world.

Friday 20th May
Grey damp day as we pack up to leave Maarten & Jenny, for Heathrow and home via K.L.
The weaqther matches the mood - it has all come to an end and so many happy memories and meeting super rellies and friends along the way. Jenny & Maarten joined us on the bus to the Dublin airport. We booked our luggage in had a bite to eat then proceeded to security. Jen & Maarten left to return home.
From here on things not so good. Going through security to board our Aer Lingus flight had sevral items taken away then as we were boarding my small case deemed to be too wide to fit their set standard. The fact that many many more items being taken on board were heaps bigger -left a sour taste. Rich thinks they picked on a grey haired old lady.!!! The case was taken and put in the hold.
Following all that we had to pay 2 pounds for 350 ml water on the plane! No more Aer Lingus!!
Arrived Heathrow and collected our bags and caught the train to terminal 4. Went through the security scene again and was asked if I had any fluid in bottles - I advised them that Aer Lingus had already taken them - it brought a smile. No problem with the same little case and Air Malaysia although thy had squaked in Brisbane! One would think they should set a standard size for all so the travelling public are aware of uniform regulations.
Not much time to idle before falling onto the Air Malaysia 747 - pretty empty so flight of 12 hours quite pleasant.

Thursday 19th May
No blog from our notebook as the USB stick has run out so will use Maartens. Decided to go for a drive into the country. Passed through Clane - huge estate housing - saw the ruins of Clane!!
Would appear to be a horsey area of the country with a really quite impressive stud farm in the immediate vicinity. We saw the canals in Sellins. In Naas a biggish village. Went through Balleymore Eustace and through Wicklow Gap to Holywood. The driver and 'satnav' now confused. Lady in her car behind witnessed this indecision and came alongside and passed on correct directions!!!! Beautiful scenery all the way to Wicklow Mountain National park - through Wicklow Gap where we stopped and contemplated the surrounding hills. On to to monastic city at Glendalough. Tea and scones after negotiating yet again, through the chattering masses.
Carrried on to Rathdrum heading for Vale of Avoca. We arrived at the meeting of the waters which was immortalised by Thomas Moore's poem. This is the confluence of two rivers which must be impressive when the rivers are full.
We had lunch and then decided to head home on the N11 highway via Dublin. Haven't seen her majesty all day!!

Wednesday 18th MayLate start, more chatter and laughs - went on a scenic drive 'around the corner'. Stopped off at a pub for lunch Fureys- lovely. Returned home. Weather pretty cold and windy and spent time in their conservatory. Spoke to Dave and Moira Chalmers in the Cape.
Much chatter and laughter - bed midnight again.

Tuesday 17th May
On our way to Ireland, so far so good and no cancellation due to the Queen ariving in Dublin ariving before us.! We have been people watching at Edinburgh airport/fascinating. Must be a golf event taking place as golfers arriving and climbing onto buses. Flight Aer Lingus only 40 mins. to Dublin and the Queen had been and gone. Cops etc. dispersing. Maarten was there to us and we caught the bus back to Enfield close to where they live and then drove to Longwood and to their lovely home. So good to see them both and Jenny hasn't changed a scrap - talked and laughed until midnight.

Tuesday 17th May


Woken up to brighter skies - isn't it always the way just as one is leaving....


The news for the day - had an email from the Biegels last night to say there could be chaos in Dublin due to the Queen visiting, so we will just play things as they happen. They do not know if they will be at the airport, as the Queen arrives just before us!!


This morning we have learned of two bombs overnight - oh dear haven't we endured all this stuff before. However, the event will not stop us from visiting Ireland and these 'thugs' or whatever one wants to call them, are not going to deter us. We have an extremely good signal up on the 7th floor, so thought would drop a message on the blog in case we do not get through tonight. I am also wondering if our UK USB will operate in Ireland, so if there are no comms for the next couple of days - listen in for when we get back to Heathrow, as we have about a 5 hour wait before catching the plane to KL. The trip fast approaching the end....... what memories and wonderful people we have met in the last 6 weeks. Catch you later.

Monday 16th May
Heres tae us,
Wha's like us,
Damn few,
And there a' deid.

Thanks Dave and also thanks to you all for your comments. Rich's Mum often related that ditty in your comments.
The weather has changed and our luck with it.Grey, drizzly and cold today. Packed up to move out of Livingston into Edinburgh. Richard took the car to the carwash - must admit it was dirty. Found our way into Edinburgh - oh dear also discovered that we should not have been driving in the bus/tram lane!! We were hooted at by a bus driver but we got there first! Arrived at Hertz and the car was inspected and they decided to charge us 137 pounds for a damaged tyre which had a bulge in it. It is a faulty product. Richard advised the inspector that he had been in the tyre industry for 30 years. We will claim it from our insurance but we know that Hertz will submit that tyre to the manufacturer for a claim on a faulty product, which will be replaced but Hertz are still double dipping!!
Met up with Anne McFeeters and Jean Stewart for lunch at the Royal (excuse me). Much chatter photos taken and others identified and they had a quick read of the book.
Then later on in the afternoon for a post office to send some books and things accumulated on this trip back home. Both suitcases are overweight. Several people doing the same thing - all to Oz ! We have been out and about looking for a bookshop, even a 2nd hand bookshop been through two shopping centres and round and about - zilch! Puzzling. We catch the plane tomorrow for Dublin.

Sunday 15th May
Woke up to cold and grey skies - but no rain. We set off to go where the car led us. The Forth road bridge over the Firth of Forth, which whilst being an impressive structure has an exceedingly rough road surface. We stopped at the bridge and walked back for a photo. We motored on choosing not to go to St. Andrews preferring the Highlands instead. The "satnav" was dysfunctional today, due to Croft Original (sherry). However we managed to find out way through Kinross and other small villages all the way up and into Tay Forest Park. Here we appeared to wander around in a square for some hours, due to a cycling event being held in the area, resulting in a number of road closures. We had a bite to eat at Queens View before deciding to head back via Tummel Bridge as the weather was closing in.
We were able to see the magnificent scenery we have heard so much about. Even saw some long haired cows!! And so our time in Scotland draws to a close. It woulod have been great to have had more time. Tomorrow we hand the car back and meet more rellies for coffee in Edinburgh.

Sat. 14th cont...
Jean Deas Hunter is now considered the matriarch of the family.
We gathered at the Tudor Hotel in Airdrie for dinner. There we met Kenneth and Janis Burton.Janis is a grandaughter of Archibald Stewart and her mother Janet was born in Rhodesia. We also met Linda and Jim Rennie who had travelled up from Largs in Ayrshire to meet us. Linda is the daughter of Jean & Jimmy Brabson and grandaughter of Mary Stewart Malcolm Donald. Mary was a sister to Jock Stewart. We met Margaret Aitken nee Urquart the great granddaughter of Mary Stewart. We were formally introduced to the family group and made most welcome by Margaret Reed. We found the experience and the evening humbling with some emotion, to be made so welcome and presented with a Scottish "quaich" - a cup of welcome and farewell. Traditionally this orginated in the Scottish highlands, is a shallow drinking bowl with two handles. Today made of pewter and silver - which is filled with scotch whiskey and passed around. We also received an album which included a number of Stewarts old and new with a few gems amongst them. There was alsoa gift of clotted cream fudge together with a picture of Jean Brabson nee Donald who died at the age of 90 in 2010.
Richard passed around Jock Stewart's family book and David has agreed to copy the disk for other members of the family. We now have a few more email addresses in order to keep in touch. The dinner ended with a creditable rendition of Auld lang syne. Some of us retired to Nancy and Ronnie's home for another coffee and chat before David and Margaret returned us to the hotel in Livingston. A most memorable and enjoyable day - thanks to all.

Saturday 14th May
Woke up to a sunny day but cold wind. Had a call from Glenn from our house - thank you Glenn, we turned 45 today!
David and Margaret Reed collected us. Margaret is the grandaughter of Archibald Stewart brother of Jock Stewart. They took us up to the New Monkland cemetry to view a Stewart grave in which amongst others are interred the remains of
Archibald Stewart. We had a drive around Airdrie looking at the old and new before arriving at Jean & Harry Hunter's home. Jean is the daughter of Bella Stewart who married Joe Deas. Bella was a sister of Jock Stewart. Jean & Harry have been married 62 years. Much chatter and photos taken and looked at, plus a lovely tea, before we moved on.
Nancy and Ronnie McKinnon and Jean Kelty (Nancy's twin) were waiting for us. Nancy and Jean are Margaret's elder sisters. More chatter laughs and a wee drop of sherry/wine and more photos looked at and taken. We have always known how canny the Scots are, but learnt from David a Yorkshireman, that in fact it was those from Yorkshire who taught the Scots to be "tighter than tight as"!! cont....

Friday 13th May
The day continued for us down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, where my Dad received his investiture of the VC by King George V1 in 1945. It would appear that it was likely to have taken place in the Great Hall. We had a most interesting walk through the entrance to this Palace which included the various State rooms, sleeping quarters etc. The age of the Palace is very old and has creeking floorboards and obviously worn steps etc. The Abbey knave is still intact, but the main roof of the building has collapsed and never been repaired. We walked through the gardens which are truly lovely. We imagined how many little 'royalty' had climbed the various trees and played in the garden. We left the Holyrood Palace after a good look around and made our way back up the royal mile and had a look in various shops etc. Made our way back to the train station and caught the train back to Livingston and then a taxi back to the hotel.
Tomorrow we will be meeting a big group of rellies and no doubt much talking.

Friday 13th May
Caught a train to Edinburgh and blow me down a phone call in a taxi from Wayne. Thank you Wayne. Made our way from the station - Edinburgh very old. Visited Edinburgh Castle where the Tattoo is held each year. Outside there is new construction of stands in progress - to be opened in 2012 - for the Games we guess. Pics taken all over - Argyle Battery 18lb balls. Wandered along to the Scottish war memorial . This is a shrine to those who gave their lives in conflicts from World War 1 onwards. It is a memorable and moving place to visit and one wonders at the futility of war. We als0 covered the Crown Jewels of Scotland where the nation's treasures are kept including the 'stone of destiny'. This made up for the ones we did not see in London.
We stopped in the great hall and were able to see the magnificent and original hammerbeam roof in this hall which dates back to medival times. We took in the prisons of war exhibition.

Thursday 12th May
Looked out the windows of our 'castle' this morning - some 'wabbits' feasting on the lawn and we could see the Solway of Firth - an inlet of sandy looking water. Passed through Dumfries where the Stewart Seniors once lived - very old stone houses and we tried to imagine where they may have lived, walked etc. This is Robbie Burns territory and saw a signpost to the museum. Driving through Ayrshire District on the way to Ayr (significant to the Norton girls as we were raised in the Ayrshire District in Rhodesia). Coal mining in the area, but no longer the stuff of 'underground' just opencast where the side of the mountains are dug, then later re-aforested.
We had a wonderful welcome from Tom and Betty Barry (c0usins of Mum H). Glenn had seen them in the 1995/6 and they remembered him. Also fond memories of Moira and Bill Picken!!Chatter was endless and when it was time to go, we are glad we made the effort. Fabulous tea put on for us and Rich got to speak to Maureen their daughter and also Aunt Bette another elderly rellie! I am sure it made her day, as she has not been very well. We took the back roads to Livingston where we will be 'stationed' for our time in Edinburgh. Rain on and off the whole way and biting cold (Scotland here we come). We arrived about 3pm after having taken a couple more roundabouts than necessary and we are still married - not in the divorce courts yet!! Just off to have a sherry in the bar and some supper, so an early night as we are heading to Edinburgh tomorrow.

Wednesday 11th May

We spent the night at Cleesthorpes which is a seaside town just about in the mouth of the Humber River. Across the other side is Kingstone Upon Hull which is a port which ferries cargo to Europe, Rotterdam etc. We went across the Humber Bridge for a toll of 2.70. A most impressive steel structure with a fantastic view of the river and both banks. We travelled up the coast and through Scarborough which appears to be a city on the move. It is obviously a holiday venue with plenty of holiday accommodation in all directions, caravan parks and much building is taking place. Stopped at a tearoom/restuarant and farm run by disabled people - very good. By now we were driving west again towards Thirsk. Some village names are amusing - Scotch Corner!
Some villages built entirely with rock/sandstone bricks -ye olde England. Going through a couple of these villages no one in sight - not sure if the cold kept them inside, or perhaps commute to work elsewhere.
Somehow "satnav' (me) found ourselves further over in the country than we should have been - must have missed a turnoff!!!! However we came via Penrith on the M6 and came off at
Gretna green in Scotland. We have a gem of a photo of the famous Marriage House which claims it has registered 10,000 marriages since 1830 - in that figure is Rich's grandparents in 1909 - 102 years ago. We share the same anniversary in a few days time. On our way to Dumfries we have stopped for the night at a hotel - very old but huge rooms, and must have been quite something in its day. Shades of Glen Bogle! The countryside we have travelled through has been quite magnificent with its rolling hills through north York moors, the variations in colours and the neatness of little paddocks which suggest an orderliness by the farmers. So peaceful and green - quite lovely. Tomorrow we hope to reach Ayr and meet with more rellies - Glenn met them in 1996.

Tuesday 10th May
We left Don & Fiona - headed for Leek and ambling through the countryside - so pretty rolling hills and green fields. We are also passed the highest point in England near Buxton in Derbyshire. Buxton quite large and has a very high viaduct/very old stone work on edge of town. The builders must have been resourceful in raising these stone bricks so high. All the little stone walls that form fences have been here for so long. The Derbyshire dales in and around Peak National Park - so pretty. Passed a wind farm outside Worksop. Entered Robin Hood country at lunch time. From there we passed through Gainsborough, and coulden't find a loo and crossed out legs and headed for Scunthorpe!!!! A common problem in thus country.
Joined the M180/181 and continued on to Grimbsy and continued through to Cleethorpe where we are spending the night in a very pleasant hotel.

Monday 9th May
We left Hagley and drove through Worcestershire - lovely green landscape, hedgerows and lovely trees. We went through Shropshire next and green/gold fields. We have learnt that the gold fields are rape seed oil not canola. Bridgenorth is on the Severn River - we visited the steam railway like the rattler on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Did not find the cog train, but moved on to Shrewsbury - raining! Drove to Ironbridge Gorge museum - too many to see - part of the industrial revolution way back when! Bypassed Shrewsbury and headed to Oswestry in Wales. Rained all the way crossed back into Cheshire and then finally made it around another round about and reached Don & Fiona Seed (Rich's cousin) in Biddulph and their daughter Debbie and husband Chris and Danielle joined us for dinner and much laughter and reminisces over a lost cause - Zimbabwe.Another late night of chatter.

Sunday 8th May
We woke up to a call from Glenn which was great. Had forgotten that it was Mother' Day in Oz, and also found a message from Wayne - thank you both for the wishes.
We had a morning walk with Liz and the dog through fields and woods - really lovely and no rain!
We left for Harbonnne which is a suburb of Birmingham to meet the other members of Liz's family, of the McLeod descendants. We were so priviledged as John and Shelia had travelled for 3 hours from Wales, just to meet us. Unfortunately Graham and his wife Penelope were away in France, but we met all the others. David & Sue Macfarlane whoswe house we were in, Francis & Angela Macfarlane where4 not there, but Douglas Macfarlane was there. Also there were was Jane Macfarlane and husband Adam Overland. Liz has found a photo of her grandmother, who is the sister of Rich's grandmother - what an incredible likeness. We had a lovely day and beautiful BBQ (yep in England) where Sue and & David did us proud. Also met one of Liz's sons
Andrew Tew and wife Alice and their two little fellows. When we left Harbonne to come home Liz took us into the heart of Birmingham to change our preconceived ideas of Birmingham being a 'dirty immigrant trouble spot'. We saw the Brindley Place, cancal network, the symphony hall, Hall of memory, Victoria Square, science museum and they are all very impressive - and has changed our perspective of this city. Of course 'those areas' are here, but also in many other cities. There is a huge and I mean huge new hospital The Queen Elizabeth, which takes the trauma cases from the armed forces. Saw several choppers coming in to bring cases. When we got home Liz and Rich spent sometime going through old photos and found some gems of Grandmum Stewart and her visits back to Scotland, and also her sister Isabella (liz's grandmother) amongst many others. We have been so warmly welcomed and are so appreciative of the warm hospitality and extreme kindness by Liz. Tomorrow we head out for the Seeds in Staffordshire.

Sat. 7th May
We left Woking with a few detours....... packed up and tidied room for the next guests. Sad to farewells as we left Rosalie as we headed for Hagley. Lovely countryside and realised on the way back from Newberry yesterday, that we had been close to Ascot Race course and Windsor, without knowing!! Had a few more detours but managed to find our way into Oxford, the seat of learning. Had a walk around the city and obviously students digs - interesting. We arrived at Hagley late afternoon to be met by Liz Tew, who is one of the many cousins Rich has here. Liz's grandmother and Rich's grandmother were sisters! We have been for a drive in and around the little villages in the area - very quaint. Went to tudor house called Harrington Hall, which is surrounded by a moat and was built in the 1500's now owned by the Catholic church. People who lived in the house a long time ago were involved in the infamous Guy Fawkes plot to blow up Westminister - needless to say they were captured and ...............
Liz has told us about the coracle boats only found in this area, made out of oak and circular in shape. Needless to say they required a special way of paddling or else proceeded in a circular motion!! We popped down to one of the local pubs and had a drink and came home for supper.

Friday 6th May
Did a bit on the blog this morning and checked for emails. Left Woking and headed for Newberry. Discovered that Windsor Castle and Ascot racecourse not far from here. The area the seat of all things happening as Farnborough airbase and Aldershot army base in the region too. We were given instructions on how to get to Newberry but still managed to make a few detours. Alan and Sue still the and Alan still full of nonsense. Had lots of chatter and laughter. We visited the Newberry Cathedral with those beautiful leadlight windows - all these buildings have such elaborate work and when one thinks of how many years ago it was done - how did they do it? The cathedral dates back to Cromwell's era - that is old 400 years plus!!
We watched how the loch system on a canal operates, as a small boat was moving along the waterway, and gave us a showing. Quite a remarkable system and it operates all over England in the various waterways.
We had lunch at a pub where Joanne znd her daughter Kayla joined us. Long time since we saw Jo. Unfortunately we did not see Mark but managed a quick word with his son Jake who is now way over my head at 14 years old. We saw him as a tiny baby in Zim. Unfortunately we had to leave Newberry earlier as we had a date back in Woking. We have so enjoyed meeting up with old friends and IF there was to be another trip longer time must be put aside for old friends.

Thursday 5th May
We had a lovely day with the Chalmers clan in Basingstoke - only took a couple of wrong turns and arrived at Val's dear little flat and as we knocked on the door. No reply and an elderly lady nextdoor advised that 'the mother lived next door' so we knocked on the other door!!! Val is looking very well and of course we chattered ALL day - that did include Rich as well! Myles came in joined us for a while, but had work to do. We had a lovely lunch and later in the afternoon young Cooper arrived home from 'school' and later we all went to a fish and chip place for supper and Jenny and Phil joined us along with Wendi and Myles of course. We had a lovely evening (Myles we will sort you out sometime!!) and thoroughly enjoyed seeing them all after many years. Jenny & Phil took us out of the local road system and put us on the M3 and we sailed home thinking this is 'ease peasy' stuff, until we took a wrong turn in Woking!! Sorted it out and this morning we go to Kitchings - went half way there yesterday, so know the way!

Thanks for all the comments re the blog - we have had a few problems as the 'stick' ran out of money in Paris so had to go to Vodofone in Guildford and get extra funds added. Phone ran out and very frustrating as Rich had to phone Australia in the end.

Wednesday 4 May
Slept in today - must have been the Montegridolfo red, we had with Sally & Phil last night!!! Had a lovely evening with them - plenty laughs and memories of the old country. Rosalee been here 12 years now. My voice just about gone and concerned there are still many more days of chattering!!! Val phoned this morning and I couldn't talk to her......... Had a trip around Woking and a really nice shopping centre, then Rosalee took us down the road/side streets etc. which will take us to Chalmers at Basingstoke tomorrow. Could be an interesting exercise.
Rosalee & I still chattering - out for a pub supper and really enjoyed that. We have been able to get work done on the blog by sitting in the communal lounge -no comms in our room or Rosalee's place so have provided some intertainment for the older residents!!

Tuesday 3rd May
Had a coughing night, so hope I did not disturb any of the older residents! We rose early to make contact with our illustrious bank in Oz, as they have locked our account, which has cost us 3 phone calls to unlock it, but some 'chilly' told me that because we have had trouble getting in, we have to re-register all over again. The phone was slammed down with a curse!! Have managed to unlock by talking to a phone, so have moved money across in case the same thing happens again. Boy is NAB going to hear all about this when we get back!!!!
This morning we went to Guildford by train to pick up the car hire - well only got on the wrong road 'maybe twice'!!! We found we were on the way back to London, so stopped at a garage and the fellow was so helpful and he put uson the right road. Teh heh - I can see what is going to happen as we travel north............
Rosalee has gone on a 3UAE excursion which had been organised long ago, so we have had a quiet day sorting out 'top up of the internet' plus the phone. Done some washing but we feel we cannot hog the machine, while the old people who live here, would like to use it, so will have another go tomorrow!!

Monday 2 May
We tried going on line last night to be told our internet had run out!!! So we have topped up in Guildford. We were up early to catch the Eurostar train thru the chunnel to London. Climbed aboard the "I spid" train" and travelled through pretty countryside in France and then through the chunnel which took 25 mins, and suddenly we were in UK. The arrival at the station was close to where we stayed in Russell square. I remained in the station with our baggage and Rich opted to walk to our hotel and collect the other suitcases, and caught a taxi back to the station - bladdy freezing wind!! We noticed once more an abundounce of police and security people lurking around, and wondered what was up. We have learnt that the "chief of terror" has been dissolved. Spoke to my cousin's son who is in the Brit army and he reckons it is fact, he hasn't been able to slip out of this attack!! I wonder. Had a quiet dinner with Rosalee, who has a lovely little home, and it was good to see her after quite a while. Sally her daughter and Phil are coming over tonight so it will be good to see her after many many years. We have a small room which is for guests in what is probably a retirement home, but goes by another name.

Sunday 1 May
Woke yo ti blue sksies and not quite such a heavy head. Rich almost clear now and passed his germs on to me!
Had a look at the Arc de triomphe which is the centre of 13 roads meeting - traffic is horrendous as going around a circloe and trying to get off........ We went underground to reach the actual Arc, and found recent flowers had been laid - can only think it was Anzac day.
Found our way to Eiffel Tower - whow even though it was early the 'chattering masses' were then. We stood in a queue for over an hour and estimated we would need another 4 hours toreach the ticket office, and the top of the tower was closed, due to excess people, so we gave the venture a miss, and we did not want to spend all day queueing having only one day in Paris. We took a cruise down the River Seine and saw all the interesting buildings etc. plus various sites Notre Dame, very pleasant seeing buildings and history. Most galleries and museums were closed due to it being Sunday, so bad timing on our part. Wandered back alongside the river and into Champs Elysees - cops everywhere in large numbers, and we wondered what was going on.
Called in to have a look at the Grand Palais - thinking it was a tour of the building - ha ha there was some literary exhibition on. The French had the last laugh on us!

Saturday 30th April
Walked to station to catch train to Geneva and connection to Paris. The trip to Geneva very pretty and we are impressed with trains in Europe. They leave on time - stations vast but these old gits are getting to know the system. Geneva we stopped for an hour before changing trains - had lunch and a bit of a walk around. Very dirty and unkempt in station area and people - oh so cosmo!!! We are on the "I spid" train to Paris. We both cracked up laughing and thought of Peter Sellers and his inspector le Cleus! The trip although fast, seemed to take ages - probably because we joined a long queue to get a taxi to the hotel on arrival in Paris. The hotel okay - small but fairly central and just off the Champs Elysees (sp) and close to the Arc de Triomphe etoile. We had a taxi driver "no specki English" so god knows how long it took from the station and we'll never know how many deviations he took!!