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It was a funny thing when I was in London the first time, two years ago. All of the announcements about "Mind the gap." coming on all the time in the Tube were amuzing to say the least. I saw the gap and didn't really think much about it as I hopped from one platform to another, barely able to find my way around.       Two years later, the gap remains of course, but I've noticed it quite a bit more. For one thing, it's quite a gap in some places, rising or dropping nearly eight inches. Obviously in an ancient subway system like this, it makes some sense that you'll have a difference of gappage as new stations are added and new trains brought in to service, but what amazes me is that I was seeing such a huge gap at stations that were new on trains that were new. Maybe they try and match the old stations as close as the can, but then I was in an old train at an old station and while the height gap wasn't such a problem, the gap between train and platform was enormous.       I'm not 100% sure where they're going with all of this and I suppose that's where the joke comes in. In some ways I guess I appreciate it despite the fact it makes many of the stations off limits to anyone with the slightlest of mobility handicaps. Of course, the Bart seems pretty mundane with its matching platforms and trains once you get home.

The English language has developed quite a lot over the last thousand years or so, only to come to one word which describes the Regent Palace Hotel in London on Glass House Street and that word is "shithole". Essentially, the only resaon to stay in this hotel is due to its proximity to everything that is for the tourist in London. It is literally right on Picadilly Circus, which is good and bad. It's good because there are countless theatres, museums, and sights within a ten minute walk. It's bad because Picadilly is freakin' noisy. It's also bad because the Picadilly Tube is probably one of the most popular and you're going to be jostling your way through a lot of folks to get in and out of the tube.       Now, the rooms seem to run from sorta decent to downright crap. My first room was of the later. If you stepped certain places in the shower, this black stuff would flake out of it. Also the shower, toilet and what they call a "private bath" is something of a joke since it is the size of an airplane bathroom and has literally been wedged in to the room.       After complete fear of our first room (we didn't even want to take off our shoes) we asked if we could be moved. It turns out of you ask for something quiet on one of the higher floors, it gets a little better, but only slighty. The rooms are still pretty grungy, although by European standards I suppose they're liveable, especially since you won't be spending much time in them as I'd assume you'd be bopping around London. The sheets are clean, but the covers are worn and funky to say the least.       Overall, I'd say this is the place you want to stay if you're looking for something somewhat affordable (which there really isn't in London), want to be near the center of town, and don't mind the experience of riding in an elevator that feels like being in a milk carton bouncing down an aluminum roof gutter. If you want something more quiet, cleaner and better for your money, stay out in Notting Hill. If you do insist on staying at this dump, as for a room in the "Well Area". Those are apparently the better rooms, but that is a relative thing.

There's nothing like finding your long-lost relatives up in the middle of nowhere in the hinterlands of the Zagorje of Croatia. There's really nothing wrong with the area and it is in fact quite beautiful, but it's not a place you'd stumble upon lightly and this hill where my family is from is not a place where you'd just drop in the say hello, since it is very far removed from even the small town of Visnjica where it is something of far removed village of. At some point, I'll get pictures of the area up in my photos section.       One fun thing though was that it wasn't just me and my family visiting some people who live on the side of a hill. It was all of us sitting on that hill, getting drunk on some of the best white wine I've ever had. I don't really know what kind of wine it actually is, but it is a truly great varietal. Of course, I was then saddled when three or so liters to take back home, which is going to prove a problem on the flight back since Virgin Atlantic has limited carry on to 12 pounds these days, but I'll figure out some way I'm sure. Of yeah, ifyou are given the chance to try travarica, be warned, it's insanely strong--something akin to Tequila with a bit more punch.