Well, it was another beautiful day in London. Warm weather and the was sun shining. I decided to go for a walk around the city one final time. It was a great morning! After that, I caught the tube back to my hotel to pick up my bags and head to my final hotel. After about an hour and a half of trains and buses I finally made it to my hotel.
It's hard to believe that a month is already over and I will be heading home tomorrow. I have had the best time on this trip. I have seen so much of Great Britain and met some of its very kind people, I even survived driving over hear. I'm not goo to lie, there were some ups and downs along the way, but at the end of the day, I figured out how to solve problems and find the funny side of things. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime and I'm glad I did it! Traveling alone has its challenges, but you know something, it's also really fun. You never know who you'll meet along the way, and sometimes that stranger sitting next to you has a great story to tell or creates a situation where you end up with a great story to tell! 😉
Now, home to finish summer out home in Vermont! I can't wait to see my family, doggies and friends! See you all very soon!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Monday, July 17, 2017
Strolling Along the Southbank!
Today I decided to just walk and wander. I did have a little bit of a plan of where I was headed, but no real end goal, just taking in the sites, sun and fresh-ish air (it is a city after all). I started my journey stopping in at a little cafe called Exmouth. Let me tell you, baked goods galore and a tasty selection of simple breakfast items as well.
After that I was off. I've wanted to go for a walk along the Southbank for a while so that's where I headed. First stop to getting there, the Tower Bridge. An amazing structure it is. You can even take a tour of the top part and look down at the people below, I did not do that. After getting across the bridge I walked into Borough market. Full of street food vendors and little restaurants. The smell is incredible. I bookmarked that in the brain and decided to go back for lunch.
I finally made it to the Queens Walk where I passed a lot of interesting things. The first was the Tower bridge going up for a boat to go through. That was followed by the HMS Belfast. I did have a plan to go back to that, but forgot. Keep walking and you will pass the London Bridge and then Shakespeare'a Globe Theater and the Tate Modern. There is literally so much to see along this walk! I even found the ITV London Studios where they film This Morning and Loose Women! I did see a set up outside for filming, but I think they had already finished by the time I got there.
Eventually, I got to the Jubilee Bridge. It's really a neat looking bridge, with excellent views of the picturesque Big Ben and London Eye, a great photo op! Once across I made my way to Trafalgar Square. I finally got a shot of one of the lions! When Dad-o and I went they were gated off for a concert. Walking through there, inheaded on to the West End and Piccadilly Circus. I saw yet another Waterstones and couldn't resist. I ended up buying a few picture books, a David Williams book (I tell myself for the kids, but really I want to read it) and I couldn't resist, a copy of Nadiya Hussain's new cook book! That's right Granddad and Grandmim! Winner of the Great British Baking show! Oh, and best part... it's a signed copy!! Nadiya's British Food Adventure is all mine, I had to do it! Now... to find room in my suitcase. 😬
Tomorrow is my last full day in London and I think I might go back to the Southbank and visit some of the sites I skipped over today. This month has really flown!
After that I was off. I've wanted to go for a walk along the Southbank for a while so that's where I headed. First stop to getting there, the Tower Bridge. An amazing structure it is. You can even take a tour of the top part and look down at the people below, I did not do that. After getting across the bridge I walked into Borough market. Full of street food vendors and little restaurants. The smell is incredible. I bookmarked that in the brain and decided to go back for lunch.
I finally made it to the Queens Walk where I passed a lot of interesting things. The first was the Tower bridge going up for a boat to go through. That was followed by the HMS Belfast. I did have a plan to go back to that, but forgot. Keep walking and you will pass the London Bridge and then Shakespeare'a Globe Theater and the Tate Modern. There is literally so much to see along this walk! I even found the ITV London Studios where they film This Morning and Loose Women! I did see a set up outside for filming, but I think they had already finished by the time I got there.
Eventually, I got to the Jubilee Bridge. It's really a neat looking bridge, with excellent views of the picturesque Big Ben and London Eye, a great photo op! Once across I made my way to Trafalgar Square. I finally got a shot of one of the lions! When Dad-o and I went they were gated off for a concert. Walking through there, inheaded on to the West End and Piccadilly Circus. I saw yet another Waterstones and couldn't resist. I ended up buying a few picture books, a David Williams book (I tell myself for the kids, but really I want to read it) and I couldn't resist, a copy of Nadiya Hussain's new cook book! That's right Granddad and Grandmim! Winner of the Great British Baking show! Oh, and best part... it's a signed copy!! Nadiya's British Food Adventure is all mine, I had to do it! Now... to find room in my suitcase. 😬
Tomorrow is my last full day in London and I think I might go back to the Southbank and visit some of the sites I skipped over today. This month has really flown!
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Wandering Around London
Well, I started my day visiting 3 different museums. The first was the Natural History Museum, all about earthquakes, volcanoes and how the earth was forms. They even had an earthquake simulator! Next it was off to the Musseum of Science, which focused on the history of communication technology and robots! Yes indeed, robots robots everywhere! Then I hopped on the tube and went to the Museum of London. I think this had the coolest set up, I love walking through exhibits that are set up like the houses, shops or streets from the time. You feel like you're there. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on the museums though.
My real excitement for the day was the walking around. You see, from tube stop to museums you sometimes have to walk a bit, and if you use google maps it's pretty easy. Unless, your me, and you don't exactly take the slight right or you space out and miss a turn. In that case, you find yourself in front of beautiful buildings with amazing metal work archaways, or churches with the sweetest gardens you've ever seen, or, in a hidden little park with a terrific garden and gigantic tree! I also found another old wall randomly in the middle of the city. Getting "lost" can be great sometimes!
After that I headed back to Ols Spitafields Market for some lunch. Can't beat delicious street food. I was going to go for some Turkish food today, but unfortunately the line was quite long and people were getting very pushy. Not to worry though, I stumbled upon the London Bagel Company, on the street just outside the market. I got a burger on a bagel and took it back to my little courtyard/ garden park to watch Wimbledon again. It was a packed crowd today, all rooting for Federer, although they did show some sympathy for the other guy. The people were clapping and cheering and having a ball! I sat enjoying the moment and my burger. I know, I know, of all the options a burger?!? But let me tell you! This was one of the tastiest burgers I have ever had! I don't know what they did to the meat, but man!! Mmmmm!
Of course, after the match, I had to sit around and wait to find out who the new Doctor Who is going to be, and of course the shock of the crowd that they actually did decided on a woman! Yay! Should be very good!
Walked around a little more after that before going back to my room. Missing everyone back home, especially Sully boy! Can't wait to see the family Wednesday and get some puppy snuggles!!
My real excitement for the day was the walking around. You see, from tube stop to museums you sometimes have to walk a bit, and if you use google maps it's pretty easy. Unless, your me, and you don't exactly take the slight right or you space out and miss a turn. In that case, you find yourself in front of beautiful buildings with amazing metal work archaways, or churches with the sweetest gardens you've ever seen, or, in a hidden little park with a terrific garden and gigantic tree! I also found another old wall randomly in the middle of the city. Getting "lost" can be great sometimes!
After that I headed back to Ols Spitafields Market for some lunch. Can't beat delicious street food. I was going to go for some Turkish food today, but unfortunately the line was quite long and people were getting very pushy. Not to worry though, I stumbled upon the London Bagel Company, on the street just outside the market. I got a burger on a bagel and took it back to my little courtyard/ garden park to watch Wimbledon again. It was a packed crowd today, all rooting for Federer, although they did show some sympathy for the other guy. The people were clapping and cheering and having a ball! I sat enjoying the moment and my burger. I know, I know, of all the options a burger?!? But let me tell you! This was one of the tastiest burgers I have ever had! I don't know what they did to the meat, but man!! Mmmmm!
Of course, after the match, I had to sit around and wait to find out who the new Doctor Who is going to be, and of course the shock of the crowd that they actually did decided on a woman! Yay! Should be very good!
Walked around a little more after that before going back to my room. Missing everyone back home, especially Sully boy! Can't wait to see the family Wednesday and get some puppy snuggles!!
Saturday, July 15, 2017
London I'm back!
Another train ride and I made it to London for the last leg of my journey. After settling into my hipster hostel, I headed out on the town... well, at least up the road. Old Spittafields Market was the destination. It's a great place to go for shopping, unique vendors mixed with high street shops, and best of all... street food! That's right folks food from every corner of the earth.
Me? Well, I settled on a naan lamb wrap, delicious! I walked around for a bit and decided to take my wrap to go. Walking down the street I came to a courtyard where they were playing non other than the Wimbledon mens doubles match! I decided it was the perfect spot to enjoy my wrap and it was. Sitting in a courtyard full of people excited about a tennis match is quite an experience!
After that it was back to the hostel, where I currently sit at the bar. Quite a mixed crowd of people. I am however, sadly, one of the oldest people in the bar. An odd feeling for me, but I'll get over it. There's everyone from Anime characters to kids who I know are 18 but look 12. I feel old haha. I suppose it was bound to happen one of these days, I just haven't gotten used to it yet. On the bright side, they are playing, basically, every song from my U.K. Trip 2017 playlist, so maybe I'm not that old. 😉
Well, that's all for today. Tomorrow I'm going to do some more exploring different parts of London.
I almost forgot! I finished my book today, "Alone on a Wide Wide Sea." I highly recommend it!! A great ending, real emotional rollercoaster! Perfect for the adventurer and family lover in all of us!
Me? Well, I settled on a naan lamb wrap, delicious! I walked around for a bit and decided to take my wrap to go. Walking down the street I came to a courtyard where they were playing non other than the Wimbledon mens doubles match! I decided it was the perfect spot to enjoy my wrap and it was. Sitting in a courtyard full of people excited about a tennis match is quite an experience!
After that it was back to the hostel, where I currently sit at the bar. Quite a mixed crowd of people. I am however, sadly, one of the oldest people in the bar. An odd feeling for me, but I'll get over it. There's everyone from Anime characters to kids who I know are 18 but look 12. I feel old haha. I suppose it was bound to happen one of these days, I just haven't gotten used to it yet. On the bright side, they are playing, basically, every song from my U.K. Trip 2017 playlist, so maybe I'm not that old. 😉
Well, that's all for today. Tomorrow I'm going to do some more exploring different parts of London.
I almost forgot! I finished my book today, "Alone on a Wide Wide Sea." I highly recommend it!! A great ending, real emotional rollercoaster! Perfect for the adventurer and family lover in all of us!
Friday, July 14, 2017
New City, Newcastle!
So I had a final breakfast with my friends at Garland's Guest House and said farewell to Bill and Ian, what a great place to stay! I highly recommend it if you're ever in Edinburgh. Then it was off to the train station.
The train ride was beautiful, so much to see along the way. I lucked out at my assigned table seat, only one other person showed up! So we each had our own side of the table and room to stretch out and read. Turns out he was an optometrist going for a weekend in London, and for the first time, I met a non American, who, a. actually knew where Vermont is, and even better, b. has been to Vermont! We had a lovely chat about Vermont and the U.K., places we've been and life in general. Then we each got back to our reading.
My book is really great, it's quite emotional, I had a few tears while reading it, which is awkward in public.... but, what are you gonna do, when the writer does a great job you can't help it. The man in the story has finished his part of the story and the daughter has taken over. I guess I feel a particular connection to her side of the story because she's sailing across the world by herself. She's on an adventure, a journey to find her aunt. I'm on my own adventure, not sailing of course, but it's definitely been fun and challenging in its own way. I'm not freezing cold getting battered by the sea, but like her, I'm seeing the world and learning a lot, about the places I visit and myself. I'm at that stage in the book where I don't really want to put it down.
But, I diverge, I'm reading, getting misty eyed on a train sitting next to the optometrist and a couple of others. I don't think he minded, and the couple across from us was too busy having their picnic, complete with ice for their gin and tonics, and sliced limes! They were prepared!
The train pulled in to Newcastle and I said farewell to the optometrist. Newcastle is a cool little place. I dropped my stuff off at my hotel with the front desk man who was very entertaining! Then I headed out for the afternoon to see some of the city. Beautiful churches, fabulous architecture, of course they have great shops, but what I found really cool was the castle wall that is around parts of the city. It was built in the 13th century, to protect the city from invasions during times of conflict. Now, this wall and the towers, sit blended in to the city. It's really cool, your walking around with brand new sky scrapers, older buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants, and then boom! Ancient fortress wall!
I also saw the Newcastle United football stadium and China town. I'm discovering more and more on this trip places I want to come back and visit and things I want to do the next time I come. I feel like that's the weird part of vacation, you're always planning the next one, but in this case, I'm very excited! It definitely won't be as long, I don't think I'll have the money for that, but I definitely have a list of things I want to do and places I want to spend more time in. Anybody up for an adventure? Grandmim and Granddad, we are definitely going to work on a Cornwall visit!! 👍🏻😊💕
Tomorrow I'm off to London and London's Kings Cross Station! Platform 9️⃣3/4 here I come!!
The train ride was beautiful, so much to see along the way. I lucked out at my assigned table seat, only one other person showed up! So we each had our own side of the table and room to stretch out and read. Turns out he was an optometrist going for a weekend in London, and for the first time, I met a non American, who, a. actually knew where Vermont is, and even better, b. has been to Vermont! We had a lovely chat about Vermont and the U.K., places we've been and life in general. Then we each got back to our reading.
My book is really great, it's quite emotional, I had a few tears while reading it, which is awkward in public.... but, what are you gonna do, when the writer does a great job you can't help it. The man in the story has finished his part of the story and the daughter has taken over. I guess I feel a particular connection to her side of the story because she's sailing across the world by herself. She's on an adventure, a journey to find her aunt. I'm on my own adventure, not sailing of course, but it's definitely been fun and challenging in its own way. I'm not freezing cold getting battered by the sea, but like her, I'm seeing the world and learning a lot, about the places I visit and myself. I'm at that stage in the book where I don't really want to put it down.
But, I diverge, I'm reading, getting misty eyed on a train sitting next to the optometrist and a couple of others. I don't think he minded, and the couple across from us was too busy having their picnic, complete with ice for their gin and tonics, and sliced limes! They were prepared!
The train pulled in to Newcastle and I said farewell to the optometrist. Newcastle is a cool little place. I dropped my stuff off at my hotel with the front desk man who was very entertaining! Then I headed out for the afternoon to see some of the city. Beautiful churches, fabulous architecture, of course they have great shops, but what I found really cool was the castle wall that is around parts of the city. It was built in the 13th century, to protect the city from invasions during times of conflict. Now, this wall and the towers, sit blended in to the city. It's really cool, your walking around with brand new sky scrapers, older buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants, and then boom! Ancient fortress wall!
I also saw the Newcastle United football stadium and China town. I'm discovering more and more on this trip places I want to come back and visit and things I want to do the next time I come. I feel like that's the weird part of vacation, you're always planning the next one, but in this case, I'm very excited! It definitely won't be as long, I don't think I'll have the money for that, but I definitely have a list of things I want to do and places I want to spend more time in. Anybody up for an adventure? Grandmim and Granddad, we are definitely going to work on a Cornwall visit!! 👍🏻😊💕
Tomorrow I'm off to London and London's Kings Cross Station! Platform 9️⃣3/4 here I come!!
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Tourists in Tiny Areas = Escape Quickly!
I decided today that I much prefer going to places that are out of the way of big cities, there were a lot of people at The Edinburgh Castle today and it was a bit overwhelming... loud, people too close in my personal bubble, and my word the selfie sticks!
That being said, I did really enjoy a few things at the castle. The first was the brief, but informative tour. I never knew any of the history I found out today, from William Wallace to Mary Queen of Scots, and King James VI of Scotland who is also King James I of England. It was really great and the guide was very entertaining. I also, obviously, appreciated the architecture work here, I never will get over the scale of these buildings and just how old they are. Last, the views! I mean, wow! You could see the entire city (useful for a fortress like this one), all the way to the ocean.
I did see the Crown Jewels and the Coronation stone and a few other things, but then decided to hightail it out of there. I walked a bit down the Royal Mile but then escaped down a side street. My next stop was the Scottish National Gallery, which contains paintings and sculpture from a number of famous Scottish Artists. One in particular that stuck out was Revd Dr Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch. Why you may ask? Well, it's a painting that I've seen a lot growing up at my Grandmim and Granddad's house. I actually really just stopped here to see that, I knew it was there because it's on the gigantic banners hanging outside the museum, not to mention all over everything you can imagine in the gift shop. They have a large Sir Henry Rayburn exhibit right now.
After that I decided to just walk, we'll walk and stop in a few shops. I'd been out and in the sun for most of the day so I decided to head back to the hotel to rest a bit. After that I went to a lovely little Italian Restaurant for dinner, yum!
Tomorrow I have an early train to Newcastle for a little exploring!
That being said, I did really enjoy a few things at the castle. The first was the brief, but informative tour. I never knew any of the history I found out today, from William Wallace to Mary Queen of Scots, and King James VI of Scotland who is also King James I of England. It was really great and the guide was very entertaining. I also, obviously, appreciated the architecture work here, I never will get over the scale of these buildings and just how old they are. Last, the views! I mean, wow! You could see the entire city (useful for a fortress like this one), all the way to the ocean.
I did see the Crown Jewels and the Coronation stone and a few other things, but then decided to hightail it out of there. I walked a bit down the Royal Mile but then escaped down a side street. My next stop was the Scottish National Gallery, which contains paintings and sculpture from a number of famous Scottish Artists. One in particular that stuck out was Revd Dr Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch. Why you may ask? Well, it's a painting that I've seen a lot growing up at my Grandmim and Granddad's house. I actually really just stopped here to see that, I knew it was there because it's on the gigantic banners hanging outside the museum, not to mention all over everything you can imagine in the gift shop. They have a large Sir Henry Rayburn exhibit right now.
After that I decided to just walk, we'll walk and stop in a few shops. I'd been out and in the sun for most of the day so I decided to head back to the hotel to rest a bit. After that I went to a lovely little Italian Restaurant for dinner, yum!
Tomorrow I have an early train to Newcastle for a little exploring!
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
I survived nearly a months worth of driving in the U.K.!
Well, if you haven't already figured it out from the blog title, I survived driving around the U.K. for nearly a month and the car is safely home at the Edinburgh airport! Few! That said, we did have one final adventure today, me and my hybrid station wagon.
Before we were off it was breakfast at the guest house. I sat with a lovely couple from... Boston! Yup, practically neighbors! We also sat with a young girl and her mother who were German and their dog Amy joined us, but they didn't really speak much English. I had a full English, or maybe Scottish, and although I'm not usually a breakfast person, it was really good! Then it was time to get in the car and hit the road!
My first stop was Falkland Palace! It's set in a tiny village that is really just beautiful, full of old stone houses and beautiful gardens, with a picturesque hillside in the background. The casket was very busy, there was a bus to our of older folks. They were a Jewish tour group from New York. I compare many of the members of this tour to Jerry and George's parents in Seinfeld, and Janice from friends... I'm sure you get the idea. They were all quite loud about their complaints with the castle, "oh my goodness, there are so many stairs..." or, "oh that castle was meh, we should have spent more time in the garden..." The best was in the gift shop when they all proceeded to buy pencils, presumably for the grandkids, and couldn't use their credit cards because the purchase was too small. Immediately, "well do you take American money?" I died laughing every time one of them went up, it was like Groundhog's Day.
Next, I was off to Kellies Castle and Garden. Another beautiful home, which was really interesting because originally it consisted of only one tower. Over the years, the different generations of owners added another tower, added to the towers that were there and eventually built the main building that connected them. The family that lived in this castle were painters and big art fans, so there was an entire painting room and paintings done by them throughout. It was nice because as you went room to room there was a guide from the national trust to tell you about the room and show you a hidden secret. I even got a chance to go up a hidden stairwell!
After that I toured the garden, I really wish I had a green thumb and patience because these gardens are inspiring. I suppose having a team of gardeners would help too... This garden was particularly magnificent because in addition to the beautiful landscaping with shrubs, trees and flowers, they also had a huge vegetable, fruit and herb garden. It not only looked good, it smelled wonderful too.
It was getting late in the day so I decided to head back. Originally I had planned to drop the car off tomorrow, but a last minute change in plans and I found my way to The Edinburgh airport where I said farewell to my beautiful hybrid wagon. I really became fond of her these last three weeks, it will be weird to not have a car. Next, I jumped on a tram, and headed back to Princess Street. I walked around the city center for a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed back towards the guest house. It was so nice out I decided to go sit and read in the park near my house. A great way to spend an evening.
Tomorrow I will do the Edinburgh touristy things, the castle, museums and more, 6 more days and so much to do!
Before we were off it was breakfast at the guest house. I sat with a lovely couple from... Boston! Yup, practically neighbors! We also sat with a young girl and her mother who were German and their dog Amy joined us, but they didn't really speak much English. I had a full English, or maybe Scottish, and although I'm not usually a breakfast person, it was really good! Then it was time to get in the car and hit the road!
My first stop was Falkland Palace! It's set in a tiny village that is really just beautiful, full of old stone houses and beautiful gardens, with a picturesque hillside in the background. The casket was very busy, there was a bus to our of older folks. They were a Jewish tour group from New York. I compare many of the members of this tour to Jerry and George's parents in Seinfeld, and Janice from friends... I'm sure you get the idea. They were all quite loud about their complaints with the castle, "oh my goodness, there are so many stairs..." or, "oh that castle was meh, we should have spent more time in the garden..." The best was in the gift shop when they all proceeded to buy pencils, presumably for the grandkids, and couldn't use their credit cards because the purchase was too small. Immediately, "well do you take American money?" I died laughing every time one of them went up, it was like Groundhog's Day.
Next, I was off to Kellies Castle and Garden. Another beautiful home, which was really interesting because originally it consisted of only one tower. Over the years, the different generations of owners added another tower, added to the towers that were there and eventually built the main building that connected them. The family that lived in this castle were painters and big art fans, so there was an entire painting room and paintings done by them throughout. It was nice because as you went room to room there was a guide from the national trust to tell you about the room and show you a hidden secret. I even got a chance to go up a hidden stairwell!
After that I toured the garden, I really wish I had a green thumb and patience because these gardens are inspiring. I suppose having a team of gardeners would help too... This garden was particularly magnificent because in addition to the beautiful landscaping with shrubs, trees and flowers, they also had a huge vegetable, fruit and herb garden. It not only looked good, it smelled wonderful too.
It was getting late in the day so I decided to head back. Originally I had planned to drop the car off tomorrow, but a last minute change in plans and I found my way to The Edinburgh airport where I said farewell to my beautiful hybrid wagon. I really became fond of her these last three weeks, it will be weird to not have a car. Next, I jumped on a tram, and headed back to Princess Street. I walked around the city center for a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed back towards the guest house. It was so nice out I decided to go sit and read in the park near my house. A great way to spend an evening.
Tomorrow I will do the Edinburgh touristy things, the castle, museums and more, 6 more days and so much to do!
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