Apologies... and the fini of this particular London Adventure

Apologies... because the last day didn't get posted (Globe Theatre, Borough Market, final discoveries, going away final meal) but it got a bit crazy... and I'm talking technical issues basically.


Don't get me wrong... I am an American, and proud of this. I suspect that if you cut me I would bleed red, white, and blue blood. But I also have a incredibly strong love, appreciation, and connection to this land - be it England, Wales, Scotland, or Ireland. Had I the financial ability I would live 6 months of the year here and 6 months in the states. (probably in 2 month time frames because being separated from family would be wrenching otherwise - love each and every one fiercely). Having the time and funds to explore here would be brilliant! One could argue that our heritage plays a role. That would be a - yes.


But since this not about to happen, I will have to content myself with occasional jaunts here. Had to leave the hotel early because my flight time was changed so I missed the Farewell breakfast. Ah well, that's another story. Think I will just have to return and stay longer at the end of the tour... maybe take a jaunt over to Wales and Cornwall and/or a quiet drive down to Canterbury and Dover. But return I will as long as I have funds, stamina, health - I think that's all that's necessary because the desire is definitely there.

I am planting little England seeds into the family in hopes that at least one person will decide to begin saving for this trip now. Returning in 2-3 years max - gotta get my England fix.

Why am I so nutsy about the UK, especially London? History folks, history and heritage. This is the land we sprung from family... at least 85% according to my ancestry calculations. Perhaps because it was the first European country I went to on my 2+ month, self designed tour those many years ago. My favorite comment back then was... wonder what that is? and wonder where I'm at? Truth. Perhaps that's also why I planned a day of wandering and discovering - my day off in the midst of a tour. Well worth it. Loved the (expensive) rickshaw return from the London Eye to the hotel.

One of my personal goals for this trip was to break out of the routine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with routine since it does give structure, but every once in awhile you need to shake it up, do something totally different. This adds a better perspective to what you are doing... and why. I did and I have. Same quirky person... and yet... Never assume that the person you are with is the same right now as they were yesterday. They may be and then... maybe not. If you don't assume, you may discover a surprise in those who populate your world. Always let it grow. Atrophy in any area of our lives is a killer, and I think boring. Don't do boring.

Thanks for joining in on my London Adventure. Hope it brought you some smiles and some new understandings. 
Celebrate life, especially yours!    🙌

Thursday - May 25 -

🙋

Day 5: Historic Windsor Castle – MAY 25, Thursday

On my own. A great experience that I've had so decided I'd use the day for further exploration. 

As I had stated before. Windsor is not to be missed. Well worth it. And the doll house collecting is amazing. However, been there and want a day to do my own discovering. Pluses and minuses to doing this. Pluses are that you can do some discovering of those things and places not included. Minuses are that you eliminate a day in the tour. Had I not been to Windsor I would have gone.

Some unrelated thought and observations...
  * 24 people in the tour group. An older group on the whole, at least compared to the last tour.
  * Already have whinged on about the tour guide so no more.
  * Some alpha chauvinist from a previous century -2- who don't know anything and try to trip Tom up (not gonna happen)
  * Weather has been WONDERFUL. Nicer and easier to be on a tour in good weather.
  * Traffic is on-going, 24/7. Not certain this city sleeps. BUT, horn honking rarely occurs, except as a warning. Fascinating. Actually they are most accommodating to let others go ahead. Most gracious.

Tomorrow is the last day of the tour... not ready for this. If you ever have the opportunity... come discover London. Well worth it. However, don't rely on your own understanding... go on a Rick Steve's tour - you do get more than you play for. (End of remunerated commercial.)

As for today... how fun. Did not rush, just wandered and discovered. Actually, the only item on my to do list was the Eye. Yes, I know it's touristy and glitzy but don't discount touristy and glitzy - it does have something to offer. Wandered south from Mayfair through to Buckingham Palace. And then veered east till I reached Westminster bridge and onward to Big Ben. Then I was on familiar ground. Got to the Eye with ease and returned by rickshaw. What a trip!

Some pics

The view from the top is fantastic! But ohhh the queues to get there. From starting at the beginning it took a good hour before I could get on the cocoon. As much as I totally detest lines, queues, and snarky lines - totally worth the price.

Houses of Parliament. Flags at half staff due to the terror in Manchester. And they closed the building, drat, in case of another incident.

  Big Ben. You do remember that this isn't the building - yes. Bell Tower is the name of the building.

 And this St. James Park - peaceful. It where the Royals live.

Wednesday - May 24 -

🙋

Day 4: East London and St. Paul's – MAY 24, Wednesday

Today we'll venture out to the culturally diverse East End of London, where we‘ll find our lunch on a food tour. The tour will guide us through the history of the East End, tasting the influence of cultures along the way — from a traditional English bacon butty, to Indian curries and Jewish beef brisket. Once we have had our fill, we'll continue on to England's national church — Christopher Wren's majestically domed St. Paul's Cathedral — and hear how local "fire watcher" volunteers saved this symbol of British resolve during the bombing raids of World War II. Your evening is free for the theater, or consider staying near St. Paul's to hear the evensong. Walking: strenuous.

You did see the words - food tour? I mean... how lovely is this! Another word for this is eating your way through London! East end actually. Steve's has only been doing this - 2nd year. No... not full meals, taste folks, taste but it does fill you up. First was a bacon sandwich. Bacon in England is more like our ham or Canadian bacon - not our version of bacon. Next was bread pudding... sheer decadence. It originated as the poor ppl's pudding.

Fish and chips. Quite good. Have to use malt vinegar on the chips. If I understand this correctly, it would be mayo in Scotland.

The best cheddar and stilton I've ever tasted. But no overseas yet. Did you know that only in a certain part of England, Cheddar to be precise, can label their cheese as 'cheddar'? True.

St. Paul's. What an amazing Wren creation. Seeing this building still standing after all the bombing is what gave heart to the British people in WWII. There were over a 100 people who stood guard on the top of the dome to knock off the bombs, etc. And keep the building safe from fire, mostly at night.

Well there's more but today has been another amazing day.


   

 ,

Tuesday - May 23 -

🙋

Day 3: The Tower and The City – MAY 23, Tuesday

This morning we'll head out early to witness the opening ceremony at the medieval Tower of London. Our early arrival will leave us first in line to join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a close-up look at the UK's magnificent collection of Crown Jewels. After lunch, we'll continue on a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers. We'll rest our feet while enjoying a quintessential English experience: afternoon tea, before you're set free to explore the treasure-packed British Museum. This evening is free and perfect for the theater (book a popular show in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Walking: strenuous.

MY highlight is the high tea. Missed it on the last trip, not gonna on this one.

The Tower is fascinating. When William the conqueror ( referred to as ' the Qatar's because he was illegitimate ) came from Normandy he did conquer in short order. Next he determined that he needed a castle and had The Tower built. Oddly enough he never did spend any time there. . His son, thoroughly disliked, did for a short while but the staff devised a plan of no fires set in the castle and since it was beginning winter, the son moved out in quick order.

Of no particular flow with this other than it reminded me of the wealth of knowledge of Tom, our guide. He is also an MBE - Member of the British Empire (one step lower than a OBE)... vestiture and the whole nine yards. He doesn't let others know about that, typical British reticence. I found out by chance on my first trip. This time I found out the why. It seems that my tour guide was involved with determining the structure, qualifications, etc. of those who become tour guides in London. Not shabby.

Picture time

This is the Tower of London. Only the upper crust were housed here before being beheaded - Ann Boylen, Catherine Howard,Sir Walter Raleigh, the 2nd highest ranking officer in Germany, Hess. As an aside, Henry VIII is reputed to have executed 48,000 people.

This is a Beefeater Yeoman. To attain this position you have to have served 15 years in a branch of the service. No officers, only non com's but they must have attained Seargent Major.

Monday - May 22 -

🙋

Day 2: Whitehall and Westminster – MAY 22, Monday

After a morning walk through Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the National Gallery's masterpieces, including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Turner, and the Impressionists. After lunch, we'll continue with a history-laced walking tour along Whitehall — from the Renaissance-inspired Banqueting House, past Downing Street, to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament — all punctuated by the smartly dressed, stony-faced Horse Guards. We'll finish our day together with a tour of the majestic Westminster Abbey, where England's kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066. The rest of your afternoon is free for the nearby Churchill War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament, or a Thames River cruise. Walking: strenuous.

An absolutely marvelous day! 

Thumbs up! Unusual sculpture - but you can also see the London Eye in the background.

Horse and soldier on guard. They are rotated out every hour. This one was at the end of his time m e so he was getting a bit frisky.

In case you wondered... this is the Queens flagpole marker Getting ready to celebrate the Queen's birthday. It really isn't her birthday, as that occurred in April. It seems that it was decreed years ago (forgot which King) that the public celebration of King or Queen is always the 6th of June. This way her/his royal subjects can express their feelings.

Sunday - May 21 -

🙋

MAY 21, Sunday

We'll meet at our hotel in central London at 3 p.m. this afternoon to get acquainted. Then we'll set off on a neighborhood walk and Underground/Tube orientation, before stepping aboard our very own vintage double-decker bus for a panoramic tour of "The Old Smoke" (London). We'll finish the evening with a "Welcome to London" dinner together. Sleep in London (6 nights). Walking: moderate.

Thought I might remind you of the schedule for each day. If it isn't helpful - tough. I'm going to do it anyway.

Leisurely morning- good breakfast, ambling walk, and now relaxing until the 3pm tour start. And now it's some 7+ hours later. From 3 on it's been non-stop, then again isn't this what one expects. I have to say that the double decker (red) tour bus tour is a great start. We were all over central London but it was difficult to take pitches, tho' the one of Big Ben, albeit without the top, wasn't bad. 

Checked the weather and sunshine and mid 70's are the order of the week. Not bad, The 'meet, introduce, and greet' time was interesting. An older crowd than the last time. Our meal was fun. Greek (?) And we had 5 limited number of main course to choose from so the waitresses he us hold up our hand for the one we wanted. Fortunately the group's culinary tastes were such that no bartering was needed.

Tom, tour guide/leader, is really remarkable. The history that he knows and some of it little known is incredible. If I appreciated him the last time - doubly so now. Quick story. As you know Queen Victoria was totally in love with Albert, her husband. And just as devastated when he died. She had he statute of him created. At the unveiling, she looked at the statute from a variety of angles but never said a word and left. Needless to say, the sculptor didn't know what to say. The next day Victoria summoned the man and knighted him on the spot. Is that not a neat footnote to history you probably didn't know? Tom has story after story. I think this will be a rich week. Oh... he's also a barrister but doesn't practice. A consummate tour guide.

This will be picture-less and short. Tomorrow is an incredibly packed day.

Saturday - May 20 - ARRIVAL

🙋  

Here. I'm HERE!!! Had to leave from Dubuque last night at 4pm in order to get here by 9am Saturday. I did want to have a full day of just relaxing into the tour and seeing anything that comes within sight that probably won't be part of the Sunday through breakfast Saturday time.  😁

Flight. I love to fly... I really do. I fell in love with flying the first time I got into a plane and that one was a teeny tiny one and goodness was it noisy. I have many airports that I still enjoy flying in/out of and O'Hare has to rank right up there. Must admit I enjoy starting the flying at a smaller airport with less stress (and noise) so Dubuque or LaCrosse are ideal. 

There ...
is as far as I got, in a slight disagreement with the internet service and was too tired to continue. Bed kept beckoning so I gave in. It turned out to be a lovely sleep.

Now it's Sunday morning and I am bathed and full of an English breakfast - won't need to eat till supper. For those of you unfamiliar with a full English breakfast, it consists of: eggs (at least 2 ways), bacon (our ham), sausages, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, pastry, toast. Try going away hungry... just try.

In case you might be wondering about finances,,, the pound is stronger against the dollar. Thankfully, it's better now than the last time I was here. Today it takes $1.29 to equal 1£. Before it took about $1.59ish. 

From the outside there is nothing to distinguish the hotel, but once inside... it could be an upscale Holiday Inn, Fairfield, etc. Nicely appointed and all the amenities. Did I say that breakfast is included? Nicely enuf I will be in the room by myself throughout - spread out time. I tend to judge where I stay by the towels. Silly, not so much. The thicker the towel the better the care - never seems to let m down.

quintessential tea

Yesterday was fascinating in that the Lord had placed Angels in my path to successfully get me here with the least amount of stress. First, when I deplaned you have to go through customs for entry. Had forgotten about the incredible snake line that would take over an hour to go through. A porter(? - not sure of his position) came up to me to ask if I needed assistance (never refuse) and (short version) took me to the head of the line, escorted me first to claim my baggage and to send me on to where I could connect with the underground (Tube). Next a young ticket man showed me how to actually get the silly thing and get to my area.  Almost lastly, once at my stop a lady tried to give me directions to my hotel (only 2 blocks off). Once at the hotel, the clerk went out of her way to get me a room that I wouldn't need to change for the tour group and to make it for me only. Great beginning

Now off to do some wandering. Temps will get into the mid 60's today Tour begins at 3.