Monthly Archives: June 2012

Inspection of the HMS Warrior by Admiral Burrower

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This is Admiral Burrower, tiny hippo, reporting for the inspection of the HMS Warrior.

Ship soundly anchored in Portsmouth, UK.

Fancy Greek man still guards the front, er bow, of the ship.

Stern chaser gun with nicely polished track, accounted for.

Perhaps, we should check the velocity of the cannon at a later date

Rope ladder seems sturdy enough.

Hmm, glass over compass is foggy. Someone, see to this!

Net in place to catch cannon balls, check

These pointy thermoses for hot coco are an excellent addition to the boat.

Main mast looks good from here

Nicely lined up, well done, oh and more thermoses, excellent!

Hmm, very nice symmetry, I approve

Now if I just pull this back something should happen

Overall, I issue gold stars all around for the grand HMS Warrior!

Travel Tip #7: Five Rainy Day Ideas

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Travel Tip #7: Advice from a Purple Hippo

Rainy days

While traveling you are likely to experience some dreary weather.

This bunny is grumpy, don’t be the grumpy bunny

Rainy days can make even the most joyful of travelers a little grumpy. But don’t worry, there is plenty to do while you wait out the weather!

Here are five rainy day activities that are sure to brighten your mood:

#1 Build yourself a fort or castle.

This is a great opportunity to do something useful with all the new architectural information that you picked up while viewing those historic castles, see Travel Tip #6.

#2 Play a game of Jenga.

Jenga

Play Jenga alone or with a group of friends, it’s always a good time.

Easy does it…

Careful, careful now!

Quick, somebody catch it!

Oh bother.

#3 Visit the local bar and join in the pub quiz.

Pub quizzes are great for learning about different cultures and making new buddies, be sure to try the crisps.

#4 Go to the local shops

#5 Go out for cream tea.

Never mind that there is no tea in the picture, there are more important things to consume!

View more of my Travel Tips.

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee

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I am celebrating the Diamond Jubilee.

I have the fancy hat, the memorabilia, and some chocolate (for when I get peckish).

British Coins

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While traveling through the United Kingdom I have amassed a great deal of coinage.

Upon close examination,

I have discovered that…

I’M RICH!!!

Travel Tip #6: Don’t get Locked in the Castle

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Travel Tip #6: Advice from a Purple Hippo

It is important to be aware of closing times when visiting historic locations.

Exterior ruins of Huntly Castle situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

One can easily become enthralled to the point of distraction when visiting fascinating castles.

Arrow loop in Huntly Castle

While this is usualy a good thing, it can lead to disaster if one is not aware of the castle’s closing hour.

They are serious when they say closing time is at 5:30

When a castle closes they lock the two means of entrance and escape that the entire place has to offer.

This bright window may appear to be a way out, but the fall is much too long

You may see what appears to be an exit.

A glimmer of hope

But it never is, you will quickly learn that castles were built as defense structures, making exiting them quite difficult.

These iron bars were easy for me to slip through, but I could not leave my camera crew behind

Once you understand that there is no means of escape, you must phone the local police and inform them that you seem to have gotten yourself locked in the castle and could they please come let you out. When phoning the police it is also helpful to know the name of your prison, which is why Travel Tip #5 is so important.

Waiting, sheepishly

Once you have phoned the police, wait about an hour until they send someone to extract you.