Dublin- Day One 10/25/08

Well, we had one day on the Emerald Isle. Tony did the biggest television show here in Dublin and some interviews. Then it's back home to Vegas early Sunday morning...

Tony's book has hit #18 on the New York Times Bestseller List for next week!

Did you know that there are many traditions and superstitions about horses in Ireland? For example, to keep Faeries from spiriting a favorite horse away into the forest, one should tie a red ribbon or a twig of Rowen to it's mane. Or one can spit on the horse before releasing it into the field! After selling a horse, the seller should always keep the horse's halter for good luck. A very old way of judging a good horse is as follows, " Three traits of a Bull- bold walk, strong neck, and hard hoof. Three traits of the Hare- light ear, slanting eye, and quick turn. Three traits of a Woman- broad breast, slender waist, and short back"!

Well, this morning, we caught the train at Sandy Mount station...

We headed out of the city...

We walked into the Irish forest...

And arrived at Malahide Castle! This is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, it was built in 1185 and inhabited by the Talbot Family all the way until 1975! In 1174, Richard Talbot, a Knight who came to Ireland with Henry II, was granted the land where the castle was eventually built.
Of course, I had to dress for the occasion. We went inside for a tour, but we weren't allowed to take photos.

Jill and I braved the cold wind to look for leprechauns...

Traveler comes to a realization...

As the followers of this Blog know, Traveler has been having some issues with Sally lately. She has dropped him twice and he was becoming very concerned and upset.

However, once he took a long look back over the past few months, and all of the adventures that he and Sally have been on around the world, he realized that he was being too hard on her. After all, she can't help it if she drops things.

Travler and Jill made this music video to show Sally his true feelings...

Please turn up your volume and enjoy.

London- The Last Day 10/23/08

Our last day in London was a very busy one! We started off doing some Telly...
Here I am with Daniel Craig (the new James Bond), Grace Jones, and of course, my pal, Tony.

And here we are with Boy George... I sure get around, don't I?

Afterwards, the girls brought me on an outing... As usual, I kept a close eye on Sally for any sign of her shenanigans.


I watched her take a photo of Tower Bridge...

Here she is by a Roman wall built around the ancient city of Londinium. There are a few wall remnants left...
This is all that remains of one of the ancient gates to London. It's amazing!


But, here I am at last, back at The Tower of London. Ready to exact my revenge on Sally...

In order to fit in with the area, the girls bought me this suit of armor.

I visited the White Tower, originally built in 1080 AD by William the Conqueror.

Here is his suit of armor...

This suit belonged to King Henry VIII. Um, looks like this guy had some problemos, if you know what I mean?

Here are some weapons. Look at the second one, it's called the Spanish Morning Star. That would hurt!

These were projectiles used by the Spanish Armada!

Here is the chopping block and axe that was used to behead the Earl of Essex, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth who was found guilty of treason.

Step a little closer, Sally. Would you like to lay your head down for a minute, you look tired...

This chapel in the White Tower dates from 1120 and is called St. John's Chapel.

A change of outfit and I am back outside helping the guards...

But then Sally bought me this outfit, I was a little concerned but I didn't want to make her mad...

Here is the spot where Ann Boleyn was beheaded...

On to the Bloody Tower, where Sir Walter Raleigh was held for 13 years. He made his cell more comfortable for himself and his family who stayed in the Tower with him.

While imprisoned, he wrote The History of the World. Here is a one of the first copies ever printed.
We checked out the exhibit about the two young princes who it is believed were murdered in the Bloody Tower by Richard III in 1483. They stood between him and the English throne, so they "disappeared" and were never seen again. In 1674, the skeletal remains of two young boys were found buried under a staircase in the White Tower. It is believed that they are the remains of the young prices. A very sad story which gave the Tower it's name.

But, the really scary part was the Torture Chamber!

This is the Scavenger's Daughter, a device that was clamped on a kneeling prisioner causing immense pain and suffering. Now, where did Sally get to?

Ah ha! The Rack! Sally is short, so this might actually help her...

Prisoners were hung by their wrists with these Manacles... Oh Sally, come here my dear!

Step right this way, dear Sally, I have something fun to show you...

London- Day Four 10/21/08

It's been a super busy two days in London! The girls have been running me ragged...

Last night, Tony and I signed his book at Costco. (FYI: For my Vegas fans- Tony and I will be signing at the Summerlin Costco in Las Vegas on November 2nd.)

There was a huge line and it took a long time to get them all signed.

We signed a Some Like it Hot poster...

The next morning, the girls and I walked to see the Marble Arch and the Tyburn area. Marble Arch was once used as a gate to Buckingham Palace, but was moved to this area in 1851. At first only the royal family and their guards could pass through the arch, but now anyone can. Tyburn was the area where execuations took place for 600 years! The gallows once stood near where the arch is today.
The girls bought me this jaunty cap on the way. I think it looks smashing!

Next stop, Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.

On Sundays, citizens can speak out against anything or anyone that they want to. It is believed that this developed out of the time of the Tyburn executions when the condemned were allowed to speak before they died.
I gave a speech about horse slaughter and about Sally's reckless treatment of me.

Right after my speech and there she is picking up leaves from the park to take home... Have a care, Butterfingers!

I even watched her chase innocent pigeons. Just you wait little Sally, just you wait...

Later, it was on to Harrods!

I was greeted by the staff who were so happy to see me again! They must have remembered me from my last visit...Even the security was glad to see me, 'ello old chums!

A bagpiper escorted Tony and me into the book signing. What an entrance!

Then the Paparazzi took photos of us...

I was given another new hat for the occasion. A real guard's hat!

I paused at a statue of Diana and Dodi. Dodi was a very close friend of Tony's...

I met Beanie, a long time fan of my blog and several other people asked the Girls if I was there. Brilliant! I am always happy to meet my friends from around the world.

Off to shop, I just love going up the Egyptian Escalators, I feel like a Pharoah...

That evening we did another BBC televison show and some radio interviews for Australia. Tomorrow, more of the same! Now, I am off to watch a little telly and then get a good night sleep...

London- Day Two 10/19/08

We left the hotel early this morning for the two hour drive to today's event.

I did a little back seat driving...

But, I kept a wary eye on Sally. She tried to look innocent as she read the newspaper, but I knew better. We arrived at the Cheltenham Literary Festival- a Book Fair! This is a very important book event for authors to come and speak to reading fans. It has been held for the last 70 years and goes on for two weeks. Today was the last day and Tony was the big attraction. Cheltenham is what is called a "Regency Town" and is in Gloucestershire. Blimey, it's hard to pronounce these names!

Still worried about Sally and her careless ways, I wanted to stick close to Jill.

I hung out and watched the photographs go nuts on Tony. Keep the distance there buddy!
I helped with the autographs...Tony even signed a car that was used in the television show, The Presuaders. Roger Moore had also signed it.
Then Tony gave a talk about his life in the movies and then answered questions from the audience. it was a sold out crowd of 1000! I waited backstage as Sally was sitting in the front row in the audience...

There she is. How did she get the job of helping Tony with signing books? Be careful you don't drop the books!

Since my job was being done by "you know who", I visited with some long time fans from Germany...

Back in the dressing room, Sally showed her narcissistic side...

Then she tried to tempt me with wine! Sally you are incorrigible ! I may not have had my chance at revenge today, but tomorrow is another day! I heard my girls are planning a visit to The Tower of London, perhaps I will find my chance there...

Yes, that is it, now all I need to do is wait and watch for my opportunity... I'll stay close to Jill for now...

It was a great success today, Tony signed over 500 books. Tomorrow it's radio and then another book signing.

Toodle-Loo!