regina aka mum Hi Bren ive been following you to Berlin and Dresden googling where you are staying .I was trying to work out where the Wall had been but could only find german info naturally.As kids we heard a lot about the bombing of Dresden and the implication was there wasnt much left so im amazed at the beautiful old buidings that are standing Thanks for the photos.Sunday night and everyones having a look at them.love Mum

Barry I like the way you travel Bren tks for keeping us in the loop, Baz

regina aka mum It seems you have found a very beautiful place to stay.I cant believe there are empty beaches .Are the buses local or tourist?How are you finding the language ,do you use your translater?? This lack of itinerary is very "Art of Travel" take care ,mum

Bren I did try some fish and chips they were okay, the fish batter is a bit more salty, tastes a bit different. I prefer Melbs. Will have to try some curry on the way back through hopefully! Have heard a lot of people say the best food in London is the ethnic food, not the traditional English stuff. I tried some Japanese which was really really good.

Bren Thanks for that Barry. Mum, I did see the building although I didn't get to see it up close, it really stands out on the skyline. Its like an elongated egg or something. I was thinking about how its constructed, I know eggs are meant to be pretty strong in compression I wonder if they used the egg shape to transmit the loads. I'm pretty sure I got a photo or two I can show when I get back.

Bren Haha yeah I thought the same thing Steph - I think at Harrods they're not so concerned about stealing as they are about losing their "upper class" exclusive image. I don't know how they survive though I didn't see anyone buying anything, it was mainly tourists just window shopping. Mum funnily enough I heard some Brits on the plane talking about that because it was happening the day we flew over. They were complaining that they shouldn't have to bail Portugal out, as they boarded a plane to Portugal for a holiday. "I mean what's Portugal ever done for us? Boy I'm really looking forward to this holiday!"

Michael Don't listen to Steph. Your phone is travelling very nicely. Saw you in Lisbon near the zoo and now in Lagos. Computers are too technical for some people! Hope you are enjoying the beach! Dad

steph hi bren..i think some of the blog was cut off, but good work with the pics here and on facebook, looks like ur having a great trip! the iphone tracker says you're still in euston street...im suspicious given ur recent photos haha

regina aka mum Its great how you are finding your way around "cutting through Hyde Park".I got your message about new phone so I guess you'll be in Lisbon now .The news is talking about some big decision in Lisbon today about the type of loan they will be forced to take out to repay German banks(billions)but apparently Lisbon is the most wealthy city in PortugalL so I hope you can spend some tourist eiros to help them out.

steph haha this makes me laugh, i like the honesty about the dull aspects of the tour with the stamps! and wouldnt carrying your backpack in your hand make it easier to steal things...? just a thought... good to see your enjoying yourself, i know u made some excuse about this thing only allowing one pic at a time but i hear facebook allows more..HINT HINT!! :) take care gilbert!!

regina aka mum Hi Bren .while you;re ticking boxes the name of that building we talked about is called st mary axe, but is also known as te faberge egg or the gherkin.I hope you get to see it..love mum

Barry Have just read this to your nanna, She sends her love Baz

Barry Maybe the curry!

Michael Great to hear you are set up and getting around. Make sure you try the English fish and chips (not sure about the burgers)

regina So glad you're there..oops sorry about the one star rating,I made a mistake,its 5 star for sure