Portsmouth Historic Dockyard...and a romantic dinner...

HMS Victory

In order to avoid another slow and boring weekend, Matt and I decided to take a small road trip this past Saturday. In our usual fashion, we slept in for a bit, ate breakfast and then pondered where to go. We searched the internet for a few ideas and decided on Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Portsmouth is south of London and about a 2-hour drive from where we live. We arrived around 2:00pm and had time to tour two battleships and walk around for a while before things closed around 5:00pm. It is pretty cool to see inside the ships and try to imagine what life would have been like living and working on them for months at a time.

We stopped into the Visitor Centre to see if they could recommend a seafood restaurant in the area. They directed us to Lemon Sole, about a 15-minute walk from the dockyard into Old Portsmouth. What a great recommendation it was! We arrived at 5:30 just as it was opening and were the only customers there for at least an hour. It seemed a little weird at first, but then it was very nice to be on our own. It was a lovely romantic dinner! The owner greeted us and informed us how the restaurant operates. You go to the fish counter and pick out your fresh fish, as well as your starters, bread, etc. We chose the dinner for two "A Fish Love Affair" - a trio of fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish), accompanied by mussels, tiger prawns, and calamari, finished in a cream based mixed herb sauce, served with mixed salad and assorted bread. We were given a special offer at the visitor centre that awarded us with a free bottle of wine from the restaurant, which wasn't so hard to finish because it was so delicious. (They have an extensive selection of wines from all over the world.) What a treat! It was one of the best meals I've ever had, if not the best! I'd really have to think about what might have been better. Although we were quite full from dinner, I just couldn't resist a dessert. Matt and I shared an apple & blueberry crumble which topped the evening off well. The service was even great, so no complaints the whole evening. If we didn't live so far away, I'd probably eat there regularly. (Which would probably not be good for our bank account!) Maybe we'll make a special trip later this year.

More pictures here!

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/amber.biviano/PortsmouthHistoricDockyard

Congratulations, Sailor!

Mom, Dad, Tony, Bridget, Sarah

Matt's brother Tony graduated from Navy boot camp on January 11th!!! He is now living in Connecticut for schooling to be a Machinist Mate. Good luck and best wishes! We are so proud of you!

The DiPippa Boys

Christmas 2007 - Justin, Tino, Zachary

Introducing you to my nephews! Well, really they are my cousin Chaily's sons, making them my cousins, but they are like my nephews because she is like a sister to me. Most of my life I have been an only child and my cousins Chaily and Malissa were all the only siblings I had. Spending summers with my grandmother, and extended family, in Pittsburgh meant that I got to spend a lot of time with them as well. In fact, they lived with us one summer while we were in Georgia and Chaily lived with us for a while in high school in South Carolina. She was there for me a lot during those crazy middle school and high school years. I was sad when she moved back to Pittsburgh, but in the end it all worked out for her. She is now married with three wonderful boys and a loving husband!

Malissa and Chaily (2005)

In college, Matt and I would babysit Tino when we were visiting during school holidays. In 2001, Chaily was supposed to be in our wedding but found out she was expecting around that time. Justin came early (Jan) and unfortunately was found to have cerebral palsy, among other medical conditions he's living with today. Just months after Justin's birth Chaily found out she was pregnant again. Zach arrived in December 2001. In 2002 Matt and I were honored to be asked to be Zach's godparents.

With our godson, Zach (Dec 2006)


Justin and Tino in their pool

These boys are very important to us. In essence, they are the first nephews we have since Matt's siblings don't have children yet. I am very sad that we don't get to see them very often. We've been lucky enough so far to take a trip at least once a year, but that is not enough for me. At least they are at the age that they remember me, though, because when they were younger they would not remember who I was from one visit to the next. They are growing up so fast and I feel that I miss out on a lot. Thankfully Chaily and I still have a great relationship and she keeps me updated with pictures and phone calls. She now homeschools the boys and has told me they enjoy reading my blog and seeing pictures of Europe. Hopefully they'll get a kick out of seeing their faces on my page!

Daddy Adrian with the boys @ Steeler Training Camp

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Matt and I were able to continue our New Year's Eve tradition and have dinner at an Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse. We didn't necessarily intend to start this tradition, but it was such a joy that we decided to do it each year. This NYE we took a train into London to dine at Benihana. The meal was superb - with shrimp, chicken, steak, and lobster! The Exclusive Chocolate Cake was one of the best I've ever had! Although, Matt was a little upset that they did not offer fried rice, as the menu was pre-set for the evening. We returned home to watch the celebration on television. There was a magnificent fireworks display at the London Eye downtown, one of the best I've ever seen. It was awesome on television and I bet even more spectacular live. However, I was glad to be home snuggled on the couch for my new year snog (that's British for just a kiss, for all of you dirty minds out there) with Matt. Some of our neighbors celebrated with fireworks as well, but it was pretty calm around here other than that.

Our last picture in 2007

The tradition began when we first moved to Denver in December 2001. We moved the week of Christmas and were on our own for the holidays in a new town. We decided to venture out for dinner on NYE and came across an hibachi (style of cooking using a special grill) restaurant. We waited a long time that evening but it was well worth it. The next year we entertained Matt's brother's who were visiting, so missed out on the dinner. But, when NYE 2003 rolled around we thought of the restaurant again. It is not just eating out but a dining experience. It is nice to go out for a special dinner and then return home to ring in the new year. We usually stay clear of the bars and downtown scene and prefer to celebrate quietly in the comfort of our own home. It may sound boring to some, but it is just right for us. I am glad we were able to continue this tradition in London. I can say that it is one experience that will always put a smile on my face. If you haven't tried it yet, I definitely recommend you find a restaurant in your area!

Christmas Travel

Matt and I hit the road this Christmas and headed for northern England to the Lake District. The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a rural area in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes and its mountains (or fells), and its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. It was about a 6-hour drive from our place, including stops for Cheyenne and grabbing a bite to eat. We stayed in a bed & breakfast (Greystoke House) in Keswick, about 5 minutes walk from the small town centre. We stayed three nights in Keswick (24-26 Dec) and enjoyed daily drives, short walks, and a boat trip while there. The place was very quiet around the holidays and everything was closed on Christmas Day. In fact, we had to drive about 30 miles away just to get to a gas station/rest stop that was open. Our Christmas dinner consisted of lunchables, Pringles and candy bars! Not ideal, but what a story to tell! It was a very peaceful and relaxing holiday.

Album http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/Holidays2007

Before heading back to Basildon, we paid a visit to Matt's boss in Bruton. Bruton is in the Somerset/Bath area, which is south of the Lake District and west of London. So, another long drive for us but no matter because we enjoy our road trips. We stayed with the Saunders family - Mark, Barbara, Theo, and Anna - for two nights. (Thank you for your hospitality!) They treated us to wonderful dinners, traditional English tea breaks throughout the day, a short trip to Exeter, and a fabulous game of Pictionary. Cheyenne enjoyed getting to know their whippet Tiger. Tiger took a bit of warming up, but all was well in the end. Unfortunately on one of our walks Cheyenne was attacked by another small dog, but she came out fine. I think I was more affected by it than she was. Sadly, we had to head back home on Saturday morning. It was nice to get out of town and see more of the English countryside, of which there is a lot. We hope you all enjoyed your holiday celebrations as well!

Cheyenne and her new friend Tiger

YO! Sushi

Today Matt and I had a new dining experience. In fact it is quite a cool, yet simple concept. It is a Sushi Bar but there are also other dishes on the menu. The fun part is that all of the food revolves around the restaurant in dishes on a conveyor belt. The color of the bowl/dish indicates a particular price, so you have to be careful of what you pick up because it could get kind of pricey. I think there might be a few of these places in the US, but none that I've ever come across myself. Obviously it doesn't take much to excite me. I love to try new restaurants!

Thanksgiving in Paris!

Yes, that is right. I spent Thanksgiving in Paris with my Mom! My Mother visited us the week of Thanksgiving (and my birthday), which was her first trip overseas. I was so excited to share that milestone with her! Also, she has always wanted to go to Paris since taking french in high school. Unfortunately at the time her family could not afford to send her with the french class for study abroad. Matt bought us train tickets and offered his Hilton points for our stay (as my birthday gift). It was quite a short trip for us. We took the new Eurostar from London's St Pancras station about 8:30am Thanksgiving Day. Upon arriving in Paris we were told that the train workers were on strike and we wouldn't get very far on the subway. That turned out to be a good thing b/c we would have missed a lot of the city if we would have stayed underground. Despite having to walk several miles to the other side of the city to our hotel, we had a fabulous time taking in all there was to see. We didn't have time to go into any museums or other important buildings, but we did enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, an evening boat cruise on the Seine River, and a casual dinner in a french restaurant. We were laughing all the way back to the hotel because of the price of our dinner. While most of the items were reasonably priced, my soda cost 8 euros (which is about $12 USD)! That was a shock. We stayed at the Paris Hilton Eiffel Tower. As you will see from our pictures, we had a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from our room! What a dream come true for my Mom and a lovely time for us to share. We had to leave the next morning, but will cherish our Mother/Daughter time together in the city.

Enjoy the rest of my photos at

http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/November2007!

Paris is definitely the City of Lights and the City of Romance. I hope to go back there with Matt to take advantage of all that the city has to offer. I would like to climb the Eiffel Tower for its incredible view, take a romantice boat cruise, and tour one or two of the museums. I would also like to take a day trip to Versailles to view the Palace. Matt isn't up for the museums, but would be happy hanging out at a cafe watching passers-by while I get a 'bit of culture'.

During my Mom's visit, we also took a bus tour of London, went shopping in a few of the local malls, and had a delicious Italian dinner at the coast for my birthday! I can't explain how happy I am that she was able to visit and make this trip of a lifetime!

Our little family, on my Birthday!

Kurt's Visit

In November Matt and I were blessed to have two guests visit us, in back-to-back weeks. Kurt, Matt's friend from grad school, arrived on Monday 12 November. We didn't really get to say goodbye to Kurt before we left Denver, so it was nice that he could come for a visit. He took it easy on the first day and then on the second day I joined him in London for a bit of sightseeing. I think he needed the day after that to recover from the jetlag, as he slept for most of the day. On Friday and Saturday of that week, all three of us went to London both days. One of the highlights of those days was a traditional English Tea in Fortnum & Masons (one of the first department stores, established in 1707). My how time flies when you are having fun. His visit came to an end that Sunday. We went to one airport to pick up my Mom that morning and then we dropped Kurt off at a hotel near another airport. He was going to get another day out in London before flying out the next day. Thanks for the good times, Kurt! See you when we return to Denver!

A Polish Day in London

As Matt previously mentioned, he has been traveling to Poland for several months now. Well, since mid-October the new Polish employees have been traveling back and forth between England and Poland for training. During the first weekend they had to stay in England (3-4 Nov), they were treated to a day in London. For a lot of them, this training travel was the first time they've been out of Poland much less into the great city of London. Matt and I had the pleasure of escorting them into London that Saturday. There were 22 of us altogether! Thanks to GroupSave discounts, we were able to take the train into town for a reasonable price. Our first stop was the Tower of London. Once we got through the entrance gates everyone went their separate ways. Matt and I decided to take a guided tour, since we've previously been to the Tower on our own.

After lunch, we all met back up in front of the Tower to head to our next attraction. We had tickets for the London Eye and were able to get all of us in one capsule. This gave us awesome views of London in all directions. I hear it is equally fascinating, if not more, at night when the city is lit up. Following our ride on the Eye, we split up again for the rest of the evening. Matt and I joined a few fellows for walks through the Westminster area and Leicester Square before stopping at a Chinese buffet in Soho. On the way back to the train to return home we stopped at a jolly good pub. What a wonderful day!

Even though I've only met the group on a few occasions, I feel a connection with them. We are both in a new country learning the culture and how to "survive" away from home. They are a rather young group (around my age) and are very friendly and fun-loving. Every weekend they are in town, I ask Matt if the group has any plans in hopes of joining them again. This past weekend I met a handful of them in the town centre for a bit of shopping before a late lunch. I will truly miss the group when they return to Poland for good (later this month). Many of them continue to ask when I will join Matt on one of his trips to Poland and ensure me they will take good care of me once I am there. I do hope I can join Matt after the first of the year. I look forward to visiting the Tri-City (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia) area in Poland and seeing my new friends again!

Rubbing elbows with the Stars!

Matt and I got to mingle with the Stars...at Madame Tussaud's in London! After waiting an hour to purchase tickets, we were finally admitted into the "grand attraction". It was very crowded, but we tried not to let that stop us from getting up close and personal with some of our favorite actors and personalities. The figures were amazingly life-like. Everyone seems much taller on television so it was surprising to stand next to some of the actors. Ha, some of the figures looked much better than the real-life versions we see on tv! I had a bit of trouble immediately recognizing a few because they appear much different. Overall it was a very cool experience - not only feeling like you were really with these people but also seeing the result of the great talent and skills that are put into creating the figures. The staging ranged from figures in the middle of your walking path to arranged areas for particular personalities. There were hundreds of figures, I wish I could tell you about them all and show pictures. But, the pictures don't do enough justice. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Madame Tussaud's (Las Vegas, New York, D.C.) I highly recommend it. It is generally a bit expensive, but quite an experience.

Please enjoy the slideshow of some of the famous faces we encountered at Madame Tussaud's!