Scotland

We have arrived safe and sound in Scotland! I am going to be hard pressed to decide which area is my favourite! I was sad to leave Wales but quickly grew to love the new scenery. We drove through the Lake District. I am a bit disappointed in what is happening to these beautiful spots because of tourism. The coach buses and people everywhere make it hard to see the landscape! Windemere on a Saturday was wall to wall people! I was glad to leave and just be on the winding roads (with Dad driving!) Scotland too has spectacular views. Our first stop was Gretna Green - where young lovers in the late 1700's/early 1800's would run to elope at the local blacksmith's shop. I have read so many books from the period mentioning Gretna Green that it was exciting to actually see it. The blacksmith's shop is still there and people are still getting married there!! There were two weddings in the space of an hour that we were there and there are weddings all day at 30 min. intervals!! I guess it's the Vegas/Niagara Falls of Scotland! But, it was interesting to see the sight and read the history.
Glasgow didn't get much attention but I am finding that the cities don't appeal as much as being in the countryside. Our goal today was to get to Paisley, Scotland (at one time twinned with my hometown Paisley, Ontario). After a few wrong turns in "not so nice" Glasgow streets, we found it. This is the church we pulled up beside. While taking pictures, a woman heading in asked Dad if he wanted a tour so took us in. Built 1163, it is a bit older than our Paisley and a magnificent building! It was Harvest Sunday so there were displays of fruit and vegetables and flowers to add to the scene. A nice way to start a Sunday morning!
On to Stirling to see Stirling Castle. A later construction than the ones we've seen so far (1530) but impressive all the same.
We wanted to get some sense of the mountains and highlands so went north from Stirling to Braemar and did a quick pass of Balmoral Castle. Closed for the season to tourists so I only got a picture of the gates but the countryside alone was worth the trip! We were diverted onto an estate road when an enormous flock of sheep took over the main road! Only in Scotland!!
We arrived in Aberdeen just after 6 and had a wonderful home-cooked meal with Liz and David and Martin and Rachel. Lots to see and do in the area and so little time!

More Sheep!

This one thought I was his mother! I was taking pictures when it "baaed" at me. To be friendly, I "baaed" back and he came to investigate! I wasn't sure how safe I would be so got back in the car. Here's his little face peering up over the car window!

I LOVE sheep!!

I have sworn off eating lamb since my time here! They are so cute - and all over the place! We drove up to Horseshoe Pass (13 000 ft above sea level) and there were sheep on the hills and all along the side of the road! There were even a few cases where one would wander down the MIDDLE of the road! There was a spot to pull off and I got out for some close up shots! Very friendly animals!

Llangollen Canal

Boy Bev's fast!! We only took and sent this photo a couple of hours ago!! We took a horse-drawn barge ride down the canal this afternoon. A lovely ride as you can see by the bridge. Our horse looked a little bored but I guess when you do this day in and day out it can get a bit routine!! When we stopped to turn the ropes around for the return trip, the horse kept walking! He went a bit farther down the path, had a bite of grass then wandered back to be retied!

We have had a Welsh afternoon tea (much like all the rest except we had whipped cream with our scones instead of clotted cream) and are going back to the B&B to pick up the car and head out to Horseshoe Pass - a recommended scenic site and slate quarry. Mom's souvenir request is a piece of slate?! That should pack well and add to their already heavy suitcases!!

Sheep!!

One of the few spots where we could actually pull off the road to get a picture of the sheep. This is a very small flock compared to some we've seen. In many cases, the white of sheep covers the green of the grass and you can see them for miles! I just put my camera on the "action" setting and snap away!!

Back again!

We have been blissfully disconnected from all things technological for the past few days but continue to be busy. I can't believe we have only been gone just over a couple of weeks. We have seen and done so much it feels like I've been here forever! I have even had some trouble remembering what day it is and what country I'm in...poor me!!
Wales is absolutely spectacular! We drove up the coast on Wednesday stopping at Harlech then Caernarfon Castles. The Snowdonia Mountains are incredible and there are huge flocks of sheep on every bit of grass and hillside! We went from being in the bottom of a valley to the very top of a mountain peak - so glad Dad was driving 'cause I wouldn't have been able to keep my eyes on the road!
Drove to the Isle of Anglesey yesterday and toured Beaumaris Castle then on to Conwy and the castle there. Amazing to see and many photos for my grade 4 medieval unit! I'll try to get the hundreds of photos down to something a little more manageable for them to sit through!! It does give a whole new perspective to the unit and the time period! While we were at Beaumaris, a group of school children arrived. I had a moment of longing for the Perth Road kids - until I watched them racing along the wall walks and jumping off the crumbling remains of walls!! They did eventually settle and had an art activity - sketching parts of the ruins! Can you imagine?! A field trip to a castle!
From Conwy we drove into Llandudno (learning Welsh and the Ll is pronounced - Cl...I'm getting a few snickers when I try to say place names!). It's a seaside resort with huge old Victorian hotels along the boardwalk. Had a quick bite to eat then went to a concert by the Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir. Dad's only request for our trip was to hear a Welsh choir so I was busy back in March surfing trying to find a concert that would be in the vicinity of where we were staying when we were there!! I'm so glad I found this one!! They won the Eistenfodd this year. (Don't have the spelling right so I'll have to do my "spell check" later!) It's a choir competition held in Llangollen (where we are staying) every summer! The voices were amazing - 100 men (most over 70, I think!!) and there were a few tears shed by us throughout the concert! They could fill the church with their sound or bring it down to a whisper. The chills I felt then were awe rather than cold!
For the final number, the audience joined them in "Guide Me O, Thou Great Jehovah"!! It is one of my favourite hymns and I quite enjoyed singing along with those voices! I think this has been a highlight of Dad's trip. He bought two CDs and we listened to them on the way back to our B&B. It was 47 miles but took us 1.25 hours!! We are averaging between 27-35 miles an hour with the narrow and winding roads. But, I am still glad to see the area remaining in it's natural state and not bowing to the pressure to widen roads for buses and demanding tourists!!
I am now at the Llangollen Public Library. Another perfect spring day and we are spending it in the town. We hope to take a ride on the horse drawn barge down the canal and visit the aqueduct. Plas Newydd is also in the area and has an interesting history of two women who "eloped" from Ireland in 1780 and spent the next 50 years in the centre of local Regency Society.
Tomorrow we head off to Glasgow then Aberdeen for a few days with our friends from Kingston (Liz, David, Rachel and Martin). While people have been incredibly friendly, it will be nice to see some familiar faces again!

Pembrokeshire Coast Trail

Another view from the top! Not sure if you can see the parking lot in the distance but it gives you some idea of how far up we were! There were surfers in the bay but they weren't having much luck getting out into the surf much less doing any surfing!!

Back in Wales

This is one of the views from the hiking trail at Whitesands Bay - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Another blustery day - Dad thought perhaps 90 K winds?!! Fortunately they were blowing OFF the bay or we might not be here to explain the photos! One couple we met had been on the other side of the bay in the morning and had nearly blown off the cliff!! A breathtaking view and a great walk!

Harlech again!!

I guess Harlech made a real impression on Dad! Lots of photos. The Welsh flag was flying proudly - and you can't appreciate castle life until you tour one on a brisk fall day! We still haven't had a day "ruined" by rain but the winds have cooled considerably and being among these old ruins has been chilly business!

More Harlech

Another view of Harlech Castle. I remember singing Men of Harlech with the Paisley Centennial Choir back in 1974 - didn't see any Men of Harlech here though!

Harlech Castle!

The first of the "true" castles we've visited - 4 in two days! What has amazed me has been the size. I knew castles were big but until you are standing at the base of one, it really doesn't hit home!! Incredible too the detail and construction - again without the use of modern tools and engineering! At the base of the hill is Ysgol Castell (Castle School)! I watched the kids in their uniforms out playing and wondered if they realize how lucky they are to be in such a wonderful setting!

Cwm Bach, Dinas Cross, Wales

This is our lovely little cottage in Wales (just north of Fishguard)! It's the first of our Rural Retreat rentals. It is called Cwm Bach (Little Valley) and sits at the top of a hill. The French doors from the living room look out over the harbour and the hills and fields. Some gorgeous sunsets! Literally outside the front door ( to the side) are trails up into the hills with even more spectacular views! Inside, the floors are slate and the original beams and plaster walls have been preserved. Cozy bedrooms with thick duvets - very peaceful nights!!
AND, there is a goat who watches our approach from the hill along the very steep and rugged driveway!

Ferry to Wales!

This is the boarding of the ferry back to Wales. I was a little apprehensive since we still had overcast skies and rain off and on. But, the crossing was MUCH better than the first time!! Celine was still singing but it didn't seem quite so ominous!!

Fields of Ireland

I can't get over how green it is everywhere - and so many different shades and tones of green. Oh to be an artist and have the paints and easel set up. The other common sight is the stone - fences (in the fields and around homes), houses, walls etc. Mom had BIG plans for the garden fence in Paisley!

Dingle, Ireland!!

I left Dublin on much friendlier terms than when I arrived but it was love at first sight with Dingle - despite several hours of white knuckle driving!! I have adjusted to the right hand drive, the manual shifting and even the roundabouts but the narrow, winding roads are still terrifying!! It's beautiful countryside through quaint little villages but there are no shoulders and hedgerows (fushia in this area) grow right up to the edge of the road! The lanes are narrow and all is well until a car (OR TRANSPORT TRUCK!!!) approaches from the opposite direction. The choice then is to go right and brush the hedgerow or stay your course and chance being clipped by the oncoming vehicle! I took the hedgerow a few times yesterday - much to Mom and Dad's distress!! KEEP RIGHT! is the commonly used phrase on our driving days!! AND, the speed limit along these lovely little roads?!! 100 kph?!!!!
We had dinner at the pub which was followed by live entertainment - good Irish music! The stress of the driving melted away very quickly - good food and good music!
We had a full Irish breakfast this morning and headed out on the Slea Head Drive. We saw the beehive huts - dating back to 400 AD! Christian monks from Europe escaped here to preserve literacy and lived in similar huts around the area. Quite amazing!
Also amazing is how low-key tourism is at these sights. Small, often worn signs alert you to some significant site and a little, often rundown shack is set on the edge of the road to take a couple of Euro so you can walk through a farmer's field to see the sights - no grand markers, no glossy brochures and very few tourists!!!
At one point on our tour, some sheep entered the roadway and the farmer and his dog herded them down the road to a nearby field!
I have always heard that Ireland is green but you have to see it to truly believe it! So many shades of green and lush, lush landscape!! The colours and textures are truly amazing. I'm finding I need a thesaurus to get some different adjectives - spectacular, magnificent, awesome...have been used so often on this trip!
And the weather has been glorious! We had rain when we left Dublin yesterday and a brief shower when we arrived at Rock of Cashel. But it cleared and was beautiful, sunny and warm. Today has been sunny with a wonderful brisk wind. The clouds are low and often covering the mountains.
We drove on to Gallarus Oratory - a dry rubble masonary building about 1300 years old!!It was built by early Christians and was another example of lasting architecture without the use of machines etc.!
We have the afternoon to wander the shops of Dingle. The whole area reminds me of Cape Breton, Newfoundland and St. Pierre - the pastel or brightly coloured houses and shops, the craggy coast and the fields and hills. I will be truly sad to leave tomorrow - especially since it means another ferry trip!! Hopefully the winds will be with us this time!!

St. Stephen's Green

9 hectacres of treed and fenced green space in the middle of Dublin!! Flowerbeds and fountains and peace and quiet away from the hussle and bustle!

THIS is Dingle!

The "tree" musicians who entertained us at the pub last night!! We could still hear the music when we finally succumbed to exhaustion and returned to our room but it was a great way to fall asleep!

Rock of Cashel

The approach to this site is truly breathtaking! It stands high on a hill surrounded by lush, green countryside! The site is mostly ruins but they are in the process of restoring what they can. The chapel has some wall and ceiling paintings dating back to 1135!

Countryside as seen from the Rock of Cashel

Dublin!

Cead mile Failte! We survived the "Titanic" crossing but what an ordeal - and we had to pay for it!!! I was proud of myself though 'cause big, strong macho men were using numerous "sick" bags and I managed to keep my breakfast down!!! One of the stewards told us they cancel crossings when the waves are 3.5 m. high but they were "only" 3 m yesterday!!! We could hear pans and dishes crashing in the snack bar area every time we rose and fell on one of those waves! The songs (Theme from The Titanic and "I Will Go Down with this Ship") certainly provided some comic relief for the passengers!!
It's been quite the time for adventures the past couple of days. I drove for the first time when we left Heathrow. Right hand drive on the left side of the road in a manual transmission car with the stick shift on the left and trying to remember to use the clutch PLUS dealing with ROUNDABOUTS?!!!! Does anybody know what the purpose of those things are...except to stress out tourists?!!!
I did enjoy the M4 and got the hang of the driving - eventually found 3rd and 4th gear too!! Seemed to go straight from 2nd to 5th for much of the drive!! We also couldn't find reverse so had to rely on gravity to get turned around at one point!!
Our drive through Wales was lovely - looking forward to our 6 days there - and, despite some rain yesterday (our first since we arrived), Ireland is very pretty too. I wasn't terribly impressed with Dublin when we first arrived - NO STREET SIGNS?!!!! We drove around for an hour and a half looking for a sign so we'd know where we were ('cause the highways weren't marked on the city maps) to find our hotel!!! We did finally find some signs high on the second storey of buildings but many of them were worn and hard to read. A kind "local" got us on our way and we arrived safely - and exhausted!!
We are staying at The Harcourt Hotel - with a connection with George Bernard Shaw (don't have my "notes" with me but his portrait is in the lobby. The ceilings in our room are 14 feet tall with very ornate crown molding and a gorgeous crystal chandelier in a leaf motif medallion in the centre of the room! The DART tram goes by frequently and rings it's bell so that adds a bit to the charm! The hotel is on another great Georgian street and I have started my series of Georgian doors in Dublin!
The weather has been good today - a brief shower just now but it ended quickly and the sun is back out. We have been to St. Patrick's Cathedral and got fish and chips from Leo Burdock's to eat in front of Christchurch Cathedral. We've seen Dublin Castle and are headed down to Temple Bar and Trinity College then will do some shopping on Grafton Street!!
We head to Dingle tomorrow via Cashel and Tipperary. I have loved seeing London and Dublin but I really am a country girl at heart and am looking forward to green, open spaces!

Message from Kim via Bev

The phone rang bright and early this morning--around 7:10 Sault Ste. Marie time. I was surprised to hear Kim's voice on the other end and then a little concerned as I wondered what would prompt a call so early in the day. They were en route to Ireland via ferry and were in VERY rough seas--SO rough, in fact that they were ALL in need of Gravol but, unfortunately, were not permitted to return to their car to get to their supply. They were somewhat nervous as one of the songs that was playing on the loudspeaker was the theme from the movie "Titanic" ("My Heart Will Go On"). Later on, they heard "I Will Go Down with the Ship". I think Mom was starting to feel that the end was near as SHE began singing "Nearer My God to Thee"! Despite the concern over the rocking and rolling of the ferry and the VERY high waves, they all seemed to be in good humour. I had a message on my phone about an hour later saying that they had arrived safely and would attempt to find an internet cafe in the next few days to update us all with regards to their travels in Ireland.

The Globe

Our final pedometer count for yesterday was 12.44 km...and my legs and feet and back confirm it!! Thank goodness today is spent driving!!
The Globe was a real experience - certainly not Stratford!! We were "herded" into the yard and an actor came out to provide an opportunity for some heckling!! The play was much bawdier than I recall with lots of interludes (musical and comedic) for the peasants!! The open air was wonderful but I kept getting jolted back to the present when a plane flew overhead!! Characters came through the yard and several times walked right past us - that was cool!! One "woman" in period costume kept wandering by - and "she" winked at me?"!!!
A wonderful walk across the Millenium Bridge with lovely views of St. Pauls and the Thames. We all slept well!

In Search of the Hogwarts Express

Where in the WORLD is Auntie Kim? Our kids were THRILLED to get a photo from her at Platform 9 3/4 and, as devout Harry Potter fans, are EXTREMELY envious of her! They wonder when she will be having tea with J. K. Rowling!

NOTE FROM AUNTIE KIM!!!! There's lots to see and do...and buy...here that I have decided to look for some supply teaching work!! I heard there was a position at Hogwart's - librarian!! Didn't have much luck getting my trolley through though!!

Final Day in London!

Lots to get crossed of the list today and man, did we fly!! We've walked 8.6 km so far and still have another excursion before the day is done!!
We started our day "tubing it" up to Notting Hill Gate - didn't see Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts though!!! Walked up Portobello Road to the market and picked up some food for lunch and to eat on our trip to Wales tomorrow.
On to King's Cross and a highlight for me - Harry Potter's trolley at Platform 9 3/4!! Dad is trying to get a photo out but has been having some technical difficulties. It will probably be the only photo of me you see for this entire trip so it's a special one!! The movies had been filmed there but the trolley doesn't seem to be a huge tourist attraction...YET!!!
Back to the hotel for some lunch and to drop off our items before our "audience" at Buckingham Palace! When I woke up this morning, I couldn't figure out why my neck was so stiff. I figured it out when we entered the first room. I have spent the past 5 days looking up much of the time! The ceilings are pieces of art all on their own!! So ornate and spectacular!
Buckingham Palace is another piece of history with many antiques and original artworks. The silk wall coverings made me just want to reach out and touch...but not allowed!!! In the ballroom, the chandeliers were spectacular!! Each one had 9000 pieces of lead crystal and 120 lights! I'd love to attend a party there!!!
These tourist places all have audio tours now and the palace one was quite well done. As we were ready to climb the main staircase, the most majestic music began to play in my ears!!! Despite my casual dress, I felt quite regal as I ascended!!! The music certainly added to the experience!!
The tour ended in the gardens and the gift shop!!! A few £ dropped there!! We wandered the pathway back off the estate - stopping for some "Buckingham Palace Ice Cream" along the way?!! The Queen is certainly doing all she can to make money for the upkeep of the palace!
It was overcast and quite brisk today so ice cream wasn't really something we were in need of but it was an experience to sit on a bench on the Queen's estate and eat "her" ice cream!!!
Back to the hotel for a bit of a rest before we head out to The Globe! I got tickets for The Merchant of Venice and we will be standing in the yard - where the peasants would have been!! Apparently people come and go at will so I'm hoping it won't be a late night.
We head out tomorrow morning to Heathrow to pick up our rental car then on to Wales for the night. I may be doing my first driving in Britain tomorrow - send up some prayers!!!

Photo

Yesterday's photo was a little number we saw while wandering yesterday. A Lotus - I'm hoping our rental car will be like this...only red!! "Just" £459 000...!!!

Sunday

In a city full of awe inspiring cathedrals and abbeys, it seemed fitting to attend services today. We had planned to start at St. Paul's but the service was just ending when we arrived. It was for the best though as the organist began to "practice" (not that he sounded like he needed it!!). After the noise and chaos that seems to be London, it was calming and restful to sit in that magnificent building listening to the music fill the space. Much better than listening to someone talk to me for an hour!!
Feeling revived and ready to face another day, we headed to the Churchill Museum and War Cabinet Rooms. Again, the history in those four walls was incredible. They have recreated some rooms while others are just as they were during those crucial times of the war. We could listen to Churchill's speeches and follow his life.
Up to Hyde Park and Speakers' Corner - what a change of pace THAT was!!! Some very "eccentric" characters ranting about this and that! Some religious zealots, a couple of socialists and a Muslim all expounding on their topic of choice. One man wore a sign saying "Now is the time. Listen to me. I know everything!" Sounds like a few people I know!!! We had a picnic lunch in Hyde Park and, for the first time, I had to put on a jacket - windy with a brisk breeze. But we were in London - how could I complain!!
We had taken cabs to our first two stops this morning but were feeling a bit braver and decided to tackle the Tube. It really isn't hard - provided one knows where one wants to go, which line goes there and what transfers need to be made!! I still prefer the luxury (and surprising economy) of those lovely little black cabs!!
We did make it up to Speakers' Corner then back down to Westminster to see the Parliament Buildings and Big Ben (still silent unfortunately but impressive all the same). We attended evensong at Westminster Abbey. After all the weddings and funerals I have watched on TV from there, it was quite moving to actually be in the space. Whatever your beliefs, it is a magnificent place to worship or just sit and reflect or regroup. We sat right beside the choir and had a marvelous view of the choirboys - so angelic and their voices so clear and pure! We were facing the south and an enormous stained glass "rose"window! To our right was the ornate and very gilded high altar. But the highlight for me (and Mom and Dad too, I think) was singing the hymns. To have your voice join that of the choir and be accompanied by the thundering organ - all stops out sends chills up and down your spine!!! It brought tears to my eyes! AND, I think my voice has never sounded better!! Truly an experience of a lifetime!!
We are back at the hotel to regroup before dinner.
Tomorrow morning is Portobello Market then a tour of Buckingham Palace. I would like to go back to Westminster for a tour - so much to see that couldn't be done today (not open to "tourists" on Sunday). We have tickets in the yard for The Merchant of Venice at the Globe tomorrow night and so ends our time in London! It's been a whirlwind and I'm looking forward to the countryside and Wales on Tuesday!!

WAY back in time!!!

It's been another long (over 300 miles travelled) but fascinating day! We started our tour at Salisbury Cathedral (800 years old). As we walked up to the cathedral, we could hear singing! Lovely! The choir was practicing and somehow the music sounded even better inside such a magnificent structure!! We were given 30 minutes to "do" the cathedral (this is why I don't like tours!!!). I could have spent 30 minutes on one exterior wall alone!! It felt so wrong to rush through but there just wasn't time to see it all and I really wanted to get to the Chapter House to see an original of the Magna Carta (and to the shop to buy a copy for school!!!). I have enjoyed Edward Rutherford's book "Sarum" so this brought the book to life for me. We drove past Old Sarum on our way to Stonehenge and saw several burial mounds.

Stonehenge is also unfortunately for the tourists. PEOPLE everywhere along with cars, buses and traffic up and down the neighbouring roads. I was glad to hear that this will change in the future. I managed to get "a few" shots without people and found spots where I could let the enormity of this feat truly sink in. I hope I don't offend anyone but I just don't get this tremendous need people seem to have to get their photos taken in front of these monuments?! I like the purity!

The drive from Stonehenge to Bath was gorgeous! Winding roads up and down through green or golden hills and fields and through quaint little villages with stone houses with thatched roofs! Truly British countryside, in my mind!!

I had initially booked the tour for the first two stops and Bath was a bonus. I was surprised by Bath and captivated. When I was a teenager, my grandmother (and Aunt Kate?) introduced me to an author who set many of her stories in Georgian bath. It is a wonderful city. So much interesting architecture and history!! We toured the Roman Baths and drank....Roman bath water?!!! I actually thought it tasted better than my own tap water at home!!! We'll see what effects it has on me!! My feet don't hurt tonight so maybe that is one!

Photos!

Thanks to Bev (my sister) for getting some photos online for me! Dad took them on their phone (my international phone will take photos but won't send them anywhere?! Go figure!!! The first photo SHOULD be a view of "the street where we live" but I see we got the shot of my niece's favourite store instead!! Windsor Castle is the next one and the final shot of the library is from Leeds Castle - and how I plan to redecorate a room in my house when I get back!!! Over 3000 books there!!

On and On and On!!!

Today was Leeds Castle in Kent, the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral. Those of you who know me can make your own predictions as to how many photos I took!!! Hint: It's more than yesterday...but I haven't done the math yet!!!
Walking up to Leeds Castle was like stepping straight into the picture I have had as part of my medieval unit for the past few years!!! It is even more beautiful "in person"!! There had been some clouds when we left London in the morning but it had cleared by the time we arrived and the castle was reflected in the "moat" at many angles and shining through the windows inside. It was a home up until 1974 so isn't decorated in a true medieval fashion so I spent most of my time outside or shooting the architecture inside. (Still the teacher!! I even picked up a few more books for my unit next year!!)
The fan belt on the bus broke so, rather than heading away and eating in Canterbury, we ate at Leeds while the bus got fixed. We had a lovely lunch under a HUGE catalpa tree in a courtyard.
The White Cliffs of Dover had more civilization around the spot where we stopped but they are impressive none the less! Mom sang the song while I took umpteen shots!! The Dover castle is also a sight to see!
Lovely countryside on the way to Canterbury. Even saw some oastler houses (hope that's the name - my notes are upstairs!!). I was not prepared for the enormity and elegance of Canterbury Cathedral. I'm sure I could have spent all day there and still not seen or photographed all the geometry or intricate designs that make up the cathedral. And to think it was built without cranes, power drills and the like! Truly a wonder!!
I am not a huge fan of tours - don't like to be told what to do and when - but I have enjoyed these past two days. It is a treat not to have to keep one's eyes on the road and be able to sit back and enjoy the countryside. And our guides have been very knowledgeable. A lot of history!
AND just driving through London....everyone is insane!! Motorcyclists come racing up BETWEEN lanes or move to the curb if it's going to slow. People race around corners and traffic circles and pedestrians walk wherever and whenever they want! We learned very quickly NOT to follow the crowds here!!
Tomorrow is Stonehenge, Bath and Salisbury! Any predictions as to the number of photos I take?!! I may need to buy another card for my camera!
Enjoy your weekends - I'll enjoy mine!!

Harrod's!

From pure opulence to pure decadence!! We had the bus drop us off at Harrod's. It was on the day 1 itinerary but "someone" (i.e. ME) planned WAY more than was possible!! This worked well. We entered the store past security guards who asked us to hold our daypacks by the strap rather than wear them over the shoulders. I wasn't about to say no - or question it!!! We'd had to go through security at Windsor Castle - bags through the xray and us through the scanner - so it's a big deal here. We've seen police carrying machine guns, there aren't garbage pails in Victoria Station (or others I imagine) because of the threat of bombs and a woman from Texas we met yesterday said she was reprimanded for taking a picture of the tracks at Vic Station?!
We entered the store to displays of Dolce and Gabbano, Dior, Louis Vitton, Guicci - I suddenly felt like a peasant!! It really is an experience to wander through the store - even if you can't afford anything! The food court itself has everything you could think of - and more!!! Scottish Marinated Beef fillet for 44 pounds - or, if you are a bit more "flush", you can get a kg. of smoked wild salmon for 105 pounds or Wagyn sirloin for 126 pounds!!!! Double that and add a wee bit more and you have Cdn dollars!!! Even getting fish and chips at a counter diner would cost 18 pounds?!!
I'm not sure who can afford to shop here but people obviously do. The place was packed even at 7 p.m. - mostly tourists like us although I did see some people who looked like they "belonged"!!! Went to look at the kids' clothes - 495 pounds for a jacket for a 6 month old, 295 pounds for a dress and a "mere" 30 pounds for a tiny pair of infant shoes?!!!
I did find some things - an AMAZING CHILDREN'S BOOK STORE!!!! I can't go completely cold turkey and found two books for school...plus some other things for gifts and souvenirs.
On the ground floor was a very simple and refined memorial to Diana and Dodi - book of remembrance and a statue.
Took a black cab home! COOL!! I sat on the jumper seat and felt truly British!! Time's up and must get some breakfast! BIG day today!! Stay tuned!

Somewhere In Time!

I was so exhausted when I finally fell asleep last night that my last thought was "Will I be able to do 5 weeks of this?!!" Amazing what a good night's sleep and adrenaline do!! I was expecting Runneymede to be the highlight of today's excursion but was VERY wrong. Windsor Castle is not just another of the Queen's homes - it is saturated with history. British history has always fascinated me and I will admit to some tears of awe as I stood in rooms that Charles II had had decorated or where Henry VIII had dined. The armour and original paintings from centuries ago took my breath away! And, I was pleased to know that Teacher Kim still lives inside me - I kept thinking how much my class would enjoy the castle...then quickly imagined TAKING a class on a field trip there!!!
I had asked our guide if we would be stopping at Runnymede and she looked at me as if I were a bit insane. "It's just a field!" she said. Perhaps, but I still saw the tents and King John and all the various lords and their pages gathered around the parchment!!
On to Hampton Court Palace Gardens and a "tea" that included a scone, clotted tea and jam - how refined! Even the sandwiches were classy - egg and watercress etc.! The gardens were glorious - even this late in the season. We wandered and were amazed to see GOLDEN ROD displayed proudly in one of the beds?!
Our "takeaway" dinner is waiting and my time is up for today. Leeds Castle, Dover and Canterbury are tomorrow so there will be more!!! I took 130 photos today - and fortunately they weren't allowed inside the castle!! Tomorrow should be even better! Who's coming to my slide show!!

LONDON ENGLAND!!

Hi all! I have 10 minutes online to capture an incredibly overwhelming and often emotional day!! Arrived at Gatwick at 7:30 a.m. (London time) after a 2 hour delay in Toronto, turbulence over the Atlantic (nothing like West Jet though!) and not being able to sleep!! BUT, I saw the sunrise over Ireland - can't beat that!! Checked into the hotel by 10:30 - a lovely place with a little balcony that overlooks a street straight out of My Fair Lady (Georgian townhouses)..."On the Street Where You Live"! Window boxes overflowing with pansies and geraniums etc.! The whole city is street after street of amazing architecture and history! Walked up to Buckingham Palace - THAT was an real awe inspiring moment - all these years I'd seen it on TV?! Arrived just in time to see the Changing of the Guard! I've loved A.A. Milne's poem since I was a child and so this was a moment! Great music and pageantry - didn't see much of the actual changing...all those tourists?!!!
Got some souvenir and Christmas shopping crossed off the list and started to figure out London transit - told that buses are the way to go. After many false starts, ended up on Oxford Street and in Topshop!! So many familiar, high end shops to brouse!! Rode a double decker home past other familiar sights and streets. Almost too much for my sleep deprived brain to handle!! Tried to nap but it just isn't happening! 27 hours and counting!! Birthday dinner tonight at The Rubens - just down from Buckingham Palace - check out The Old Masters Carvery menu!!!
"Sleep in" in the morning then off to Windsor Castle. My whole body aches from all the walking today (and dragging WAY too much luggage with me!!) so it will be nice to sit on a bus for awhile!! I'll keep you posted and work on getting some photos out?

Experimenting!

While everyone is labouring at work, I am trying to figure out how to get pictures onto my blog! I'm going to try using Picasa Photo Albums and have added a link. Once you get to the site, you'll have to click on "My Photos". Hope it works!!

I'm packed and ready to go!! Hopefully I'll have a new post by this time next week!!