The O2 Express

Yesterday saw me on the O2 Express, the new ride that takes you directly from the O2 pier to Waterloo pier in the space of 30 minutes. To my luck (I have something to write and complain about this morning) and the unlucky disposition of the O2 management, the express was an hour late on arrival. It had promised to make a show at 10:30am (my friend even called to check) and we were promised that the vessel would be there to whisk us away to Waterloo.

I was promptly there by ten (I'm one of those obnoxiously early arrivals who always gives time for the in cases of the World as they mostly happen to me I've come to realize). And with enough time to spare, bought my coffee and paper and trundled down to the pier to await my ride.

After a half hour delay, the pier controller announced the news that the express would not be arriving until 11:30am - that's an hour's delay. Luckily for them, it seemed that most of those waiting to board were in no real rush. So with nothing we could do about the situation, we all busied ourselves in the waiting room ( a neat heated waiting room - more like what you'd see at a doctor's clinic really- but this one overlooking the heap upon heap of scrap lying opposite the pier. Not very romantic.

Finally, at eleven thirty sharp, the Express pulled up to the pier and we boarded. What a beautiful clipper to be on. As with all things new, it still has a sparkle to it, and you think to yourself that there could be nothing better than this on the Thames right now. That is until you've visited the toilets.

It's just incredible. How could we be the first ride of the day out of the O2 and the toilets could manage to look so dirty? I mean filthy with caked things inside you'd rather not see really. There went my beautiful morning - hell, my entire day was ruined. Whether freshly soiled or left from the day before, the state of that toilet is a disgrace. Shame on them!

After recovering from that experience I just settled myself away from that sight and took in the all too familiar sights outside along the Thames. The Express is just what it promises. Fast. We were there in just under 30 minutes and there were no delays on the way back.

I probably will be using the O2 Express as it is convenient and on weekends and event nights it runs until really really late (see timetable here) which is quite remarkable. And with a few minor adjustments here and there, it should be the best sail on the Thames yet. Oh and by the way, if you're wondering, the toilet's disposition had not changed on the way back when I boarded the Express back to the O2. And that was at five in the afternoon. Shame on them!

The O2 Express is £4 for a single journey and £8 return, tickets can be purchased on board or online with Ticketmaster

The Beach at The O2

It's the summer break, and it's raining outside. What do you do? Well, think O2 this summer (well up until August 27). They've laid out tons of sand and made a sort of waterless oasis with fake palms, deck chairs and a bar that stocks cocktails, drinks and chocolates to the kids' delight. No UV rays to worry about, no weather forecast to dampen the mood, it's all indoors and there's no care in the world.

The kids all around me were eagerly participating in the pirate training carried out by pirate-clad friendly staff who do a really excellent job entertaining the young ones. There's also volley ball for the older ones (children up to the age of 14 are allowed inside I'm told). The whole area is dotted with spades, shovels, buckets, balls, even inflated dolphins here and there. This was a fully equipped beach minus the heat and waves and nobody seemed to care. To the kids this was their own piece of heaven. And did I mention that it was all FREE?

Junior was having the time of his life, bouncing from one activity to the other. He managed to make a shaker, dig for a treasure and paint his own silk pirate hat. He gleefully did about all he could do with the sand from building castles to literally burying his friends' legs in it. This was sand galore and it was several hours before I could coax him to leave. The only break he took was when the picnic was laid out and he hungrily and quickly gobbled it all down before he could miss any of the fun still in store (note: you can buy food on the premises but you can also pack your own lunch).

Us moms enjoyed it too. We just felt so at ease as the place was definitely set up with kids in mind. So there were no safety worries at all. Besides the doors were heavily watched by at least three staff members to ensure that no kids just wandered out of the premises unattended. So it was just great to lounge on the deck chairs, gossip and check from time to time what our kids were up to.

My only point would be the coffee and the toilets. The bar as I mentioned stocks soft drinks and alcohol but it does not offer your handy cup of coffee or tea. As The Beach is situated at the far end of the O2 I had to walk the whole distance back to the entrance to buy my coffee at Starbucks. So a note to the wise: get your coffee at the doors before you head to the beach, or else you'll be dragging unwilling kids all across the O2 just for your java fix. And avoid the toilets beside the Beach like the plague (they stink), walk the small distance to the toilets by the cinema. You have been warned.

I've been told that the Beach caters to the young ones up until 5pm each day, and then it turns into a really funky bar with live music and all. So as soon as I visit it by night I'll tell you all about it. But for now, I've got to sign off as I've still got my little pirate trekking sand all around the house bouncing the beach ball they gave him there and waving his sword. We've had a great day at The Beach and it's still pouring rain outside.

The Tour de France In Greenwich!

Here comes the race. The starting point at the National Maritime Museum.
By six o'clock this morning the roads had been closed, the barricades set up as Greenwich residents woke up to what was promising to be a very exciting day indeed. Just by looking out the window, even the heavens seemed to be in high spirits as sunlight bathed the course which only in a few hours would welcome the wave of The Tour de France cyclists whooshing by for the first time in the tour's history.

And whoosh by they did. The crowd went wild, the kids waved their flags and the horns hooted all reflecting the wave of excitement that can only be created when groups of total strangers come together to cheer at an event. Nobody knew who the cyclists were nor did they really care. They were there because it was an event that was right there at their doorstep and they were insisting on making a day out of it with all the "Bonjour" and "Ca Va?" they could manage. The French were here and the British were ready to embrace it all.

Ten minutes and the race was over. Already a memory, but the festivities of the day were just beginning. Greenwich Town Centre had been transported into a French town for the day, a "Greenwich en fete", with warm crepes and bonbons for good measure. The red, blue and white decked the walls, the stalls and even the hairdos. Nothing escaped. From Trafalgar Road down to the Cutty Sark Gardens and Greenwich Pier, the town was speckled with one French performance after the other. But the main reason of this "Get Together" was always close to mind as spectators could keep up with the day's race by means of a giant outdoor screen at the Cutty Sark gardens. Greenwich was going all out on this one.

The Get Together organized by Greenwich Council was in full swing today, with the mayor listening to people's views at Talk Cafe at Cutty Sark Gardens.

The Red Giraffe parade took a good part of the morning as well as most of the afternoon. It had the kids and a good part of the adults following it as the Giraffe-clad acrobats masterfully maneuvered their way between the crowds. A task that by no means seemed simple. But the kids could just not get enough of them and eagerly raced to collect the confetti they sprayed about on their way (a thing that wasn't going down too well with the street cleaners). There were music performances, face painting stalls, cycling events and information as well as the covered Greenwich Market which seemed to be busier than ever today with all its quaint stalls and wonderful bargains.

It must have been a great day for the town shops, eateries and cafes as wandering past most of them you could not but notice the queues. This has been a test run for Greenwich Council as well as London as a whole for the 2012 Olympics. It is certain that the load will then be tougher and more organization needed, but if the organizers can guarantee the sun, they have nothing to worry about when it comes to the crowds. Just make sure there's enough ice cream to go around.

London's Dirtiest Beach Clean Up!

We weren't the only early risers that Sunday. Rowers were out and about enjoying the cool weather as well.

It's so annoying how lazy some people are. Look closely: A litter box right next to the benches and still some of us choose to litter the ground and benches. Shameful really!

Yesterday, The National Maritime Museum joined forces with Thames21 for a really good cause: Clearing up the Thames shoreline (well not all of it). Volunteers came in to help clear up the shore from plastic bags, shopping trolleys, old metal works, among other things from the North Side of the River Thames, The Greenwich bend in the Isle of Dogs (dubbed London's dirtiest Thames beach).

Whimsy ChiChi always in search of a good cause, set out with the volunteers. We all do different things for different reasons. My reason was to find out what all this was about, have fun, meet new people and just do something good on a Sunday morning (oh, and come back with something for my blog). After some delays with registration, the heath talk and signing up, we were told to rummage through the boxes of Wellies that the Thames21 supplied along with gloves.

Thames21 are a very organized lot, I must admit. The boots were arranged by size in boxes. From sizes 3 to 12 and gloves from small to large, there was something to suit everyone. Shovels and forks and garbage bags handed out we were ready to go. And off we went.

Did I mention that this was my first time doing something of the sort? Having traded my Sunday Guccis for wellies, and my Chanel handbag for a rucksack on my back (something I rarely do) I trudged along with the others. When I first stepped on the shore, it felt like being a kid again playing in mud and sloshing in the dirt. A fleeting childhood memory came to my mind and I found that I was actually excited to start.

Fantastic: If you look closely you can make out the outlines of a sunken boat.

Once on the shore, we start digging up for plastic bags, a really physically hard task. I dug, pulled and tugged at several. Fell into the muck twice and literally got stuck in the mud twice (where I luckily had the Thames21 guys on hand to help). Once you unearthed one of the damn things, another seemed to pop up. It dawned on me how much work really needed to be done and how much people litter. We throw away the oddest things.

Thanks to the work of Thames21 (since 1994), that the River Thames has actually become cleaner and safer for wildlife.

According to their website (http://www.thames21.org.uk), this charity has managed to remove hundreds of tonnes of litter from London's rivers and canals. Matthew Loveday, River Programmes Coordinator has said about the foreshore we cleaned up yesterday, 'This is one of London's dirtiest Thames beaches and last year, Thames21 kicked off a campaign to clean up Thames grot spots with a five day clean up. We removed 10 tonnes of litter, including around 25,000 plastic bags. We are now running regular clean ups on this site and levels of litter are gradually decreasing, although more work needs to be done. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers like the Museum, we are making real progress in the bid to restore this Thames beach to health".

Treasures of the day

We were there for two and a half hours. By then I was sweating, tired, covered in grit and grime and totally happy and proud of myself. I had learnt a lot and watched what people can do when they come together for a cause. The atmosphere was friendly, organized, upbeat and everyone was there to make a day of it. Something more of us should do. Unfortunately, I can't report unearthing any treasures on the day (although one group did report two handguns that they'd found) but I did end up with part of an old clay pipe and a piece of China. Not bad for a beginner I think.

Luckily we were given brushes to clean our wellies in the Thames followed by washing buckets with detergent to wash away the grime from our hands.

There are many ways you can help Thames21 which you can find on their website or by E-mail: info@thames21.org.uk or Tel: 020 7248 7171

Travel Feature: Legoland Windsor

Only an hour and a half drive away from Greenwich (on a good day) Legoland Windsor is a promised land for funfair lovers. However, for someone who goes all queasy at the mere introduction of rides and funfairs in the same sentence and has since the age of ten boycotted them, I assured myself I was only there for the Lego and the ice-cream. However, being there as an adult, and a mother of a very enthusiastic phobia-free child proved to be an insightful journey of self-re-discovery.

We had bought our tickets online, and this served us well on two counts: you get to just walk in avoiding all box office queues, and you get to come back a second time FOR FREE. Mind you the ticket isn't cheap. We did pay close to eighty pounds for two adults and one child which includes going on as many rides as you want and as many times as you can. But it does not include the food and beverages which you pay for. Another option is to pack your own lunch as there are great well-equipped picnic spots.

The first impression you get as you walk through the iron gates is a stunning lasting one. You are met with the most amazing view of Windsor Castle perched regally at the top of the facing mountain and one of the most gorgeous landscapes I've witnessed. We were lucky it was a bright sunny day, and the horizon just seemed to go on forever. With a pound inserted in a tiny slot, you get to see it up close and personal. I scanned the sight underneath me of the park awaiting us and spotted the dreaded roller coaster. A small shiver, a gulp, and braving a smile, I decided to make the most of the day.

Peeling myself away from the scenery wasn't an easy task but unavoidable with a four-year-old wildly jumping up and down wanting to see it all and do it all. Mr. ChiChi junior had just found one of many large scale Lego dinosaurs. Made of thousands of pieces of Lego, this model proved a simple one as compared to those found in the section of the park appropriately dubbed MINI LAND; A city made entirely of Lego. The extensive work put into that city is tremendous. The laborious work of creating it all from blocks of all sizes and pieces leaves one gaping. I wanted to fast forward the entire day, skip the dreaded rides and just sit on a floor somewhere and get building. I was there for the Lego anyway wasn't I? Yeah, right.

We took the Train Hill down to our first destination, KNIGHT'S KINGDOM, where we embarked on the SPINNING SPIDER, a new attraction at the park in which you sit in barrels that go round and round as fast as you want them to with a huge Lego spider perched on top of you. Dizzy and checking I still had all my limbs attached in place, I was allowed to catch my breath after it as ChiChi Junior unfizzled by the ride had found the RAT TRAP, a place for young kids to explore on their own, a play area with slides and tunnels. A safe place for the kids, a resting place for the adults, and a smoking area for those who need it.

Then it was time for the PIRATE FALLS. This has always been the second dreaded ride on my dread list right after roller coasters. Thankfully we didn't get to try the JUNGLE COASTER which seemed like where the real thrill was (according to Mr. ChiChi) as Junior was too young for it (There must be an angel out there). The ride started out very easy until it started its climb on a steep incline. By this time Junior was somewhat anxiously asking what came next and I had to explain lightheartedly that we were about to slide down the slope on the other end assuring him it would be fun. Always with my brave smile plastered on. I couldn't believe I was actually going to do this.

He must have been reassured by my tone of voice as well as his father's as he was now excitedly willing the boat to get to the top quickly. Once there, my heart jumping out of my mouth, I just closed my eyes as our boat wildly slid downward to the awaiting water. We hit it with a splash, totally soaked. The drop to my utter amazement was not too bad and was quickly, even abruptly over, to my disappointment. Could it be that I actually enjoyed it? Things were beginning to take on a new light.

I had survived it and by the wild laughter and clapping of ChiChi Junior I suppose he did too. I breathed a sigh of relief that it was first over and that I had not failed as role model. Had I opted not to try it with him, I would have planted the first seeds of acquired fear that we accumulate along the years initially from the reactions of others (usually our mothers). For the time being, my darling was fine and I had contributed to his happiness. An overwhelming feeling of joy swept over me, which the rush from the ride just enhanced. The day was going splendidly.

All worked up now, it was one thing after another stopping only briefly for lunch and snacks. The DRAGON'S APPRENTICE, a mini version of the more advanced ride THE DRAGON, the FERRIS WHEEL, ice-cream break, DRIVING SCHOOL (where kids get a mock licence), hot dog break, LEGO CITY which are mainly dark lit rooms made up entirely of Lego-made characters, from Lego rabbits (in the Magic Theatre), to Lego Mummies (in the Orient Expedition) ending with Lego parrots and alligators (in the Explorer's Institute) among others. Some of the characters combine Lego design and robotic engineering (i.e: they move and talk). Could be a bit overwhelming for young ones. We also caught the City Harbour Adventurers' Show "the Secret of Scorpion Palace", a show that should not be missed. Splashing of the audience is involved. And like so the day proceeded.

There was so much to do and so little time and there will still be a lot more things to try next visit, but by the end of this day we were over tired, over fed, and overjoyed. It had been a successful day out. I, personally, had managed to conquer some of my phobias and have a good time at it too. With what remained of our cotton candy, and two fresh boxes of new Lego, we were ready to head back home. Junior was happily dozing off as the gates of Legoland faded behind us.

For more info, visit www.LEGOLAND.co.uk