11 replies to this topic

[Becky]

Until we get our official photos from the photographer, I thought I'd fill you in on our honeymoon!

I should start by saying that there was a bit of a battle about where we should go - I had my heart set on Peru, Ian was desperate to go to California. Ian won, and to be honest I'm very glad he did! We had an amazing time!

We started off by flying to San Francisco - a completely beautiful city. I loved the whole vibe of the place - people are so friendly and chatty, it's fairly laid back, and everyone loves their food! Apparently it is second only to Paris for the number of places to eat, and we didn't see many chains. There were lots of independently run restaurants and cafes, and we loved nothing more than to just go for a wander and pick up something yummy for lunch. There was a sandwich shop near to where we were staying that was incredible!! Seriously, I don't know how they made their BLTs quite so yummy, but I'll be trying my hardest to recreate them at home!!

We rented a house in Potrero Hill which is south of the city centre, and we had a lovely view. Unfortunately Ian had mild tonsilitis while we were there, but we still managed to get out and about and see the sights. One day we got the bus to the harbour, and walked to the Golden Gate Bridge, and on another day we went to the Golden Gate Park which was gorgeous! We went at the perfect time of year, and everything was out in bloom. There was a Japanese Garden which was absolutely immaculate. And of course, what is a trip to San Francisco without a trip to see Alcatraz?!

Here are a small selection of the photos from San Francisco - enjoy!

The Golden Gate Bridge:




Our favourite coffee shop


Golden Gate Park




Take out pizza from a local restaurant!


Obligatory photo of a tram


Alcatraz Island


Attempted escape...


The view from our house at night


Next posts: Yosemite National Park, California Coast, and Las Vegas!

[Becky]

Next step, Yosemite National Park!

We drove there from San Francisco in our hire car, and the drive itself was gorgeous. It was a bit cloudy, but generally quite nice when we got there, so we were looking forward to doing some good walks while we were there. The weather forecast predicted a bit of rain, but we were well prepared.

Here is the view from our room - taken the day we arrived:


Here is the same view the next morning!!!!


Luckily it wasn't too cold, so the snow didn't last too long. However the wintry weather meant that lots of passes up into the mountain were still closed with winter snow We couldn't do some of the walks we wanted too, but we could still walk up to Yosemite Falls. We hiked up to the top of the first waterfall, which has a great view of the upper falls. Here are some pics:

Yosemite Falls


Hiking up - yes that is a mound of snow!




A well deserved hot chocolate after a long days hiking!


Here are some other photos of the valley






Our car!

[Becky]

After Yosemite, we drove to the Coast - first stop Monterey Bay.

Here's a picture of us next to the sea!


There is an amazing aquarium there - here is a photo of one of the tanks (check out the shoal of fish!!)


The view from our hotel


We ordered this pudding after seeing it arrive at another table - look at the look of joy on his face!!


After spending a couple of days in Monterey Bay, we were intending to drive down the coast on Highway 1. Unfortunately, part of the road collapsed into the sea on the morning we were due to leave! However, Ian had thankfully been reading the local news that morning so we avoided it. It was a shame that we couldn't do the route though, as it is meant to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Morro Bay was the next stop:




There was some amazing natural scenery nearby - check out these elephant seals and sea otters!






Hearst Castle was nearby - it was build by William Hearst (who had more money than sense) in 1920s, and he collected all sorts of european art and filled the castle with it. The building was designed to look like an Italian church, and inside there was all sorts - ceilings from manor houses, choir stalls, paintings, tapestries, etc!







Our final stop was Santa Barbara where we met with some friends. Check out the sign on the front of the London-style pub!

[Becky]

Last leg of our trip was a drive to Vegas! The best bit was definitely seeing the Grand Canyon.

Anyone got any ideas on how to pronounce this one?!


I ordered French Toast for breakfast one morning and look what turned up! I was so full I didn't need any lunch - and I didn't even eat it all!


View of the strip:


Trip to the Grand Canyon














We had such an amazing time! I hope you've enjoyed the photos

Now when can I go back??!

[iPrincess26]

Wow! It all looks absolutely amazing, glad you had a great time and not at all surprised you want to go back, looking forward to the wedding pics & report too!

[MrsBrown]

OMG I am so jealous!! This was our first choice of honeymoon, but we changed our mind as neither of us are the best drivers and we thought you would need a car! we did look into a tour but decided a tour with lots of other people was not very honeymoonyy!!

I am going to tell hubie how great yours looked and he might let us go for our first wedding anniversary! I just told him that and he said 25th anniversary maybe.. cant believe I am talking about being married 1 year already!!

So glad you had a great time x

[MrsC2Be]

Wow, looks amazing! I'd love to do that one day, I'm jealous glad you had a fab time and Ian recovered from the tonsilitis in time to enjoy it too

[Helen]

That looks awesome!

Peru for your anniversary than lol!

[MrsMay2011]

Wow. That definitely looks like the trip of a lifetime!

[Becky]

Yay I'm glad you all liked the photos!!

We had such a brilliant time - if any of you ever get the chance to go I'd definitely recommend it. The people are just so friendly over there! We really noticed a difference when we came back to the UK. And driving is a doddle there, especially with an automatic car.

[poppleminster]

WOW! All looks amazing and certainly some great memories to look back on. Stunning scenery. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[baishamiss]

wow. its so amazing. I cannot wait to my wedding and the honeymoon.