This is Amy. Here's our travel update.
We were awoken to phone calls at 3:50am from American Airlines saying that our flight had been delayed and we needed to rebook connecting flights. So Tina has been busy talking to flight agents.
At this point our new flight status is: Leave London at 3:20pm. Arrive LAX at 7:40pm, Thursday.
We spend the night in LA, leave Friday evening at 5:05pm. Arrive in Boise on Alaska/Horizon at 11:55pm, Friday.
To my family:
I guess that means I will miss seeing Audrey and Nic and celebrating Dick's birthday 😕
I hope you are all well, including the dog. . . . .remember The Dog, Dick?
With good luck and by God's good grace, I'll be home Friday night.
xoxoxoxoxoAmy
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Good Morning. March 23, 2016, London
Today is our last day in England. We have a full day tour scheduled. Tina had a good night of sleep and is feeling better today. Thank goodness!
There's one more event yesterday that I should mention. We went to the Cheese factory called Neal Yard Farm. The cabbie dropped us off and we went in for some shopping. First, the aroma of sharp cheese smell hit us immediately as we entered the shop. Then, the counter lady gave us a sample taste of any cheese we picked out. She gave us tastes of cheddars, soft cheeses, and melting cheese. We were in heaven! We left with three bags of fantastic cheeses. Tina opened up her purchase of Stichlen Cheese for our cocktail hour in our room last night. Nancy needed to refrigerate her soft cheeses, when we asked about one a fabulous hotel worker brought a mini-reefer to our room!
This is Amy, continuing on Thursday, the 24th.
We had a lovely dinner at Anatolye, a Turkish restaurant across the street. Tina stayed in the room because of her cold, so we brought her some dinner. She slept much better that night and felt a bit better the next day.
There's one more event yesterday that I should mention. We went to the Cheese factory called Neal Yard Farm. The cabbie dropped us off and we went in for some shopping. First, the aroma of sharp cheese smell hit us immediately as we entered the shop. Then, the counter lady gave us a sample taste of any cheese we picked out. She gave us tastes of cheddars, soft cheeses, and melting cheese. We were in heaven! We left with three bags of fantastic cheeses. Tina opened up her purchase of Stichlen Cheese for our cocktail hour in our room last night. Nancy needed to refrigerate her soft cheeses, when we asked about one a fabulous hotel worker brought a mini-reefer to our room!
This is Amy, continuing on Thursday, the 24th.
We had a lovely dinner at Anatolye, a Turkish restaurant across the street. Tina stayed in the room because of her cold, so we brought her some dinner. She slept much better that night and felt a bit better the next day.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Evening of March 23, 2016, London
This is Nancy. It was marathon sightseeing in London today. We started our day with a mediocre breakfast and not enough coffee. The Limpsep Max finally took effect and Tina was ready for the marathon. We caught our bus a block away from our hotel. An obese American family got on the bus with us and we were all afraid that we were going to have to spend the day with them and their obnoxious ADHD 12 year old, but they left our tour when we got to the Victoria station and we joined the our actual tour group. Our guide, Margret???, hurried us onto the coach without an opportunity to use the WC. We took off into morning rush hour traffic.
Margret immediately began pointing out significant building after significant building at a rate that supercomputer could not remember. We finally made it to Trafalgar Square with the magnificent lions and public art. It was only hours later that I realized that we were basically traveling in circles after seeing the lion statues on three or four different occasions. We flew past Buckingham palace, Westminster Abbey, beautiful gardens, the MOST expensive real estate in the world, the Most expensive shops in the world and the WORST traffic in the world.
We were given the opportunity to finally get out of the coach for a lunch break, pee breaK, and about 45 minutes of free time. As we hiked up to watch the changing of the horse guards at THE palace, our guide Margret pointed out that the farmers were gathering close by for a demonstration march on parliment. We paid our 30 pence for a pee and marched up to watch the changing of the Queen's horse guards, which was spectacular.
We needed to get a move on and thought we could just walk through some are arches to grab a sandwich and take advantage of our 30 or so remaining minutes of free time. Amy took the lead. She successfully made it through the arches. Little did we know that this was an ultra secure area and as Tina and I stepped off the curb and a Royal Commando bellowed at Tina and I to "STOP, DON'T MOVE" waving his machine gun at us. We froze. Amy missed the command from the commando. She kept waving us on to hurry up. Neither Tina or I were inclined to make a move. Moments later the Queen's horses came stampeding through the arches. After the horses passed, we were finally free to move on.
We grabbed a sandwich and decided hike back to Westminster Abbey to get a closer look. We had about 30 minutes to get the job done and get back to the coach to head out to St. Paul's. To be continued...
This is Amy.
Continuing on with the story in a nutshell . . . .
We were late getting back to the waiting bus from Westminister, and streets were blocked off for a protest march by farmers, with all the chaos going on, I hurried ahead to hold the bus, but they wouldn't wait. I got off to meet up with Tina & Nancy who were waylaid behind the protesters. We walked & took a cab to St. Paul's and met up with our group there and continued the tour. We also toured The Tower of London.
After this exciting adventure we were expecting a relaxing ride back to our hotel, but no, we were dropped off and had to navigate our way back at rush hour. Our phones were dead, so no Google navigation services.😟
We got back around 7pm, exhausted and with sore feet. We found a buffet dinner place in our hotel, and after a few glasses of wine, and some laughs about our day we were recovered.
Margret immediately began pointing out significant building after significant building at a rate that supercomputer could not remember. We finally made it to Trafalgar Square with the magnificent lions and public art. It was only hours later that I realized that we were basically traveling in circles after seeing the lion statues on three or four different occasions. We flew past Buckingham palace, Westminster Abbey, beautiful gardens, the MOST expensive real estate in the world, the Most expensive shops in the world and the WORST traffic in the world.
We were given the opportunity to finally get out of the coach for a lunch break, pee breaK, and about 45 minutes of free time. As we hiked up to watch the changing of the horse guards at THE palace, our guide Margret pointed out that the farmers were gathering close by for a demonstration march on parliment. We paid our 30 pence for a pee and marched up to watch the changing of the Queen's horse guards, which was spectacular.
We needed to get a move on and thought we could just walk through some are arches to grab a sandwich and take advantage of our 30 or so remaining minutes of free time. Amy took the lead. She successfully made it through the arches. Little did we know that this was an ultra secure area and as Tina and I stepped off the curb and a Royal Commando bellowed at Tina and I to "STOP, DON'T MOVE" waving his machine gun at us. We froze. Amy missed the command from the commando. She kept waving us on to hurry up. Neither Tina or I were inclined to make a move. Moments later the Queen's horses came stampeding through the arches. After the horses passed, we were finally free to move on.
We grabbed a sandwich and decided hike back to Westminster Abbey to get a closer look. We had about 30 minutes to get the job done and get back to the coach to head out to St. Paul's. To be continued...
This is Amy.
Continuing on with the story in a nutshell . . . .
We were late getting back to the waiting bus from Westminister, and streets were blocked off for a protest march by farmers, with all the chaos going on, I hurried ahead to hold the bus, but they wouldn't wait. I got off to meet up with Tina & Nancy who were waylaid behind the protesters. We walked & took a cab to St. Paul's and met up with our group there and continued the tour. We also toured The Tower of London.
After this exciting adventure we were expecting a relaxing ride back to our hotel, but no, we were dropped off and had to navigate our way back at rush hour. Our phones were dead, so no Google navigation services.😟
We got back around 7pm, exhausted and with sore feet. We found a buffet dinner place in our hotel, and after a few glasses of wine, and some laughs about our day we were recovered.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016, London
Good Evening from London
This is Amy.
We've had another wonderful, amazing day in England. Although, we've had fitful nights of half awake/sleep we managed to stay awake all day for our tour with Steve the cabbie. He took us to as many sites as he could navigate in the heavy traffic of narrow streets. We went to Abbey Road Studios, where we signed the white-washed wall in front with "Love you Paul!" 6o's Beatles messages, crossed Abbey Road in the crosswalk like on the Abbey Road Beatles album and bought souvenirs in the shop. On the way to the next amazing place, Steve drove us by Paul McCartney's current house marked with a street side wooden gate and stopped in front to tell us a story about how he has seen Paul pull into the gated drive, unload his car of groceries and turn around and wave before he goes into his house! We all said "WOW!" Steve said he likes to hear wows!
Then we went to the Globe Theatre on the Thames. It was a beautiful sunny day and there were many people all over outside on the river banks enjoying the sunshine. There were also many students touring the Globe Theatre inside, which made it a crowded place to shop for the Shakepeare gifts, but we managed ok. I attracted a lot of attention with the 5th grade kids when I put on a large "Rat from the Plague" puppet and attacked Nancy's shoulder with it. Soon they were all grabbing the rat puppets and squealing !
We also went down to the Camdin Marketplace and wandered around. It used to be the old (200-400 years ago) horse stalls. The brick stalls and tunnels are still there, just the market stands are in their place. We drove by Buckingham Palace, the Royal Courts of Justice (Nancy got some good pictures of that, but the public cannot go inside). Then we told our driver that we like arts and museums. So he took us into the free, Sir Wallace Collection which is a fantastic museum in his mansion home. We walked through rooms of weapons, armour, paintings and furnishings. It was more than an hour before we left, again with gifts from the shop. (Steve is really helping his local economy!). Don't miss the video of Tina in the suit of armour.
We did a ton more of touristing, but I'm getting really sleepy now, and Tina is sleeping too. So, maybe I'll get some sleep! Signing off for now from the Imperial Hotel in London.
Xoxoxoxoxoxox to my family and Willy.
This is Amy.
We've had another wonderful, amazing day in England. Although, we've had fitful nights of half awake/sleep we managed to stay awake all day for our tour with Steve the cabbie. He took us to as many sites as he could navigate in the heavy traffic of narrow streets. We went to Abbey Road Studios, where we signed the white-washed wall in front with "Love you Paul!" 6o's Beatles messages, crossed Abbey Road in the crosswalk like on the Abbey Road Beatles album and bought souvenirs in the shop. On the way to the next amazing place, Steve drove us by Paul McCartney's current house marked with a street side wooden gate and stopped in front to tell us a story about how he has seen Paul pull into the gated drive, unload his car of groceries and turn around and wave before he goes into his house! We all said "WOW!" Steve said he likes to hear wows!
Then we went to the Globe Theatre on the Thames. It was a beautiful sunny day and there were many people all over outside on the river banks enjoying the sunshine. There were also many students touring the Globe Theatre inside, which made it a crowded place to shop for the Shakepeare gifts, but we managed ok. I attracted a lot of attention with the 5th grade kids when I put on a large "Rat from the Plague" puppet and attacked Nancy's shoulder with it. Soon they were all grabbing the rat puppets and squealing !
We also went down to the Camdin Marketplace and wandered around. It used to be the old (200-400 years ago) horse stalls. The brick stalls and tunnels are still there, just the market stands are in their place. We drove by Buckingham Palace, the Royal Courts of Justice (Nancy got some good pictures of that, but the public cannot go inside). Then we told our driver that we like arts and museums. So he took us into the free, Sir Wallace Collection which is a fantastic museum in his mansion home. We walked through rooms of weapons, armour, paintings and furnishings. It was more than an hour before we left, again with gifts from the shop. (Steve is really helping his local economy!). Don't miss the video of Tina in the suit of armour.
We did a ton more of touristing, but I'm getting really sleepy now, and Tina is sleeping too. So, maybe I'll get some sleep! Signing off for now from the Imperial Hotel in London.
Xoxoxoxoxoxox to my family and Willy.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
March 20, 2016 Sunday. Stratford~upon~Avon
Greetings from the Motherland,
This is Tina. This day has lent itself to quite a bit of introspection. This is the world in which I live with my students everyday, and I have been in awe with every step I have taken.....except of course when in proximity of the ghastly bus that chauffeured us from each enriched, historical landmark. Shakespeare would appreciate the irony, right? Our first stop was Shakespeare's birthplace. Before arriving I secretly hoped to be struck by whatever muse might meet me, but I was too giddy to be in the place that I forgot all about the summoning I had planned. Walking through the modest living space made me feel like a spoiled child with my running water and my closets....it was just too much to take in. We then made our way to Holy Trinity Church. Walking up the path, knowing Shakespeare was buried inside, brought tears to my eyes. I know that's corny, but that's just how I roll. The pictures don't do justice to the weight of it all. Shakespeare thought well enough to have his bones and the bones of his family buried in the church, because in his day, after about twenty years, bones in a graveyard would be unearthed and then a variety of vulgar things may have had their way with his remains. Leaving the church was difficult, though the busses seem to be on some blasted schedule that keeps them running ritually. Our next visit was to Anne Hathaway's cottage did not disappoint. The garden was nearly in bloom, but many of the recent frigid days have stunted their coming out of hiding. I can imagine though, the fragrant air must have contributed to the wooing....We did hear after all that Anne was with child when their rushed marriage happened.
At dinner we truly thought about taking root here. Okay, not seriously, but it's really nice to see how the British appreciate history, culture, learning, architecture, and the arts. And what do we have? Vulgar Trump regurgitating rants at the pulpit. But let's be optimistic.
An overwhelming day to say the least. We are excited to see London and find some famous pub so we can delight in some fish-n-chips and maybe the allusive Spotted Dick which I hear is a culinary delight. So far, we haven't spotted it on any menu though Amy said it's just playing hard to get. We will be on the lookout.....
This is Tina. This day has lent itself to quite a bit of introspection. This is the world in which I live with my students everyday, and I have been in awe with every step I have taken.....except of course when in proximity of the ghastly bus that chauffeured us from each enriched, historical landmark. Shakespeare would appreciate the irony, right? Our first stop was Shakespeare's birthplace. Before arriving I secretly hoped to be struck by whatever muse might meet me, but I was too giddy to be in the place that I forgot all about the summoning I had planned. Walking through the modest living space made me feel like a spoiled child with my running water and my closets....it was just too much to take in. We then made our way to Holy Trinity Church. Walking up the path, knowing Shakespeare was buried inside, brought tears to my eyes. I know that's corny, but that's just how I roll. The pictures don't do justice to the weight of it all. Shakespeare thought well enough to have his bones and the bones of his family buried in the church, because in his day, after about twenty years, bones in a graveyard would be unearthed and then a variety of vulgar things may have had their way with his remains. Leaving the church was difficult, though the busses seem to be on some blasted schedule that keeps them running ritually. Our next visit was to Anne Hathaway's cottage did not disappoint. The garden was nearly in bloom, but many of the recent frigid days have stunted their coming out of hiding. I can imagine though, the fragrant air must have contributed to the wooing....We did hear after all that Anne was with child when their rushed marriage happened.
At dinner we truly thought about taking root here. Okay, not seriously, but it's really nice to see how the British appreciate history, culture, learning, architecture, and the arts. And what do we have? Vulgar Trump regurgitating rants at the pulpit. But let's be optimistic.
An overwhelming day to say the least. We are excited to see London and find some famous pub so we can delight in some fish-n-chips and maybe the allusive Spotted Dick which I hear is a culinary delight. So far, we haven't spotted it on any menu though Amy said it's just playing hard to get. We will be on the lookout.....
Sunday, March 20. Stratford-Upon-Avon
Good Morning once again from jolly ol'England:
This is Amy.
We were just discussing our trip so far at breakfast this morning and we all agreed that the people are so nice and friendly, and that we've had fantastic meals. We're feeling pretty happy with our excursion at this point.
Yesterday, we were driven to Stratford by a very friendly Parkitani who cheerfully drove us any which way in the countryside once he mentioned a place, example; Have you seen Warwicke Castle? He recommended a town beyond Stratford called Royal Leamington Spa where there is a lot of shopping opportunity. We took his advice, since we couldn't check into the hotel.
We spent the bulk of our day walking up and down the streets full of shops, went into a mall and had a fabulous lunch at a French restaurant named Cafe' Rouge. Nancy had lobster bisque and a pie of snails and mushrooms. I had Salade Nicoise and shared a bread board. Tina chose an anti pasta board with hummus, bread, olives, salami, prosciutto and chutney, plus a sandwich and fries. Her sandwich was interesting because it was ham on the inside and the cheese was grilled on the outside!
Tina breaking in here....We had a wonderful day of shopping despite the Black Plague I have been carrying around for the last few days. We met a delightful mother and son who own a little pastry shop called The Larder. We entered the shop to grab a bit of hot tea and figure out how to hail a taxi from our location. The son gladly phoned a taxi for us and the jolly mother chimed in asking where we were from, and we learned her daughter frequents our side of the country. We "will certainly remember The Larder" fondly. As a matter of fact, everyone we have met has treated us fondly. There was even a couple that came in late (like literally two minutes) to Hamlet (the title should be italized, but how to that on this is a mystery to me) last night--the nerve they had! When intermission came they apoligized profusely. We realized the usher must have wished to humiluate them because rather than show them to a door with easy access to their seats, she forced them to enter the row of seats on the far end. Everyone in the row had to stand to allow them to pass....certainly a WALK OF SHAME they soon won't forget. Everyone around the couple's location jested with them about their mishap and all was quite forgiven. The play was AMAZING! We watched Hamlet in Stratford Upon Avon--Shakespeare's birthplace. It just doesn't get any better than that. We had a lovely snack of calamari and an assortment of grilled vegetables after the show. This trip to the Motherland has been an absolute dream. Again, people have been so kind. Before the show, we were enjoying a cocktail down in the bar where there was a wedding party celebrating and families were having dinner. The picture of us sitting in the bar was taken by a young man having dinner with his wife and little boy. Tristan is one of the cutest 22 month old boys we have ever seen. He was running back and forth, stopping long enough to show us some up-to-date dance moves and give us a high-five.
This is Amy.
We were just discussing our trip so far at breakfast this morning and we all agreed that the people are so nice and friendly, and that we've had fantastic meals. We're feeling pretty happy with our excursion at this point.
Yesterday, we were driven to Stratford by a very friendly Parkitani who cheerfully drove us any which way in the countryside once he mentioned a place, example; Have you seen Warwicke Castle? He recommended a town beyond Stratford called Royal Leamington Spa where there is a lot of shopping opportunity. We took his advice, since we couldn't check into the hotel.
We spent the bulk of our day walking up and down the streets full of shops, went into a mall and had a fabulous lunch at a French restaurant named Cafe' Rouge. Nancy had lobster bisque and a pie of snails and mushrooms. I had Salade Nicoise and shared a bread board. Tina chose an anti pasta board with hummus, bread, olives, salami, prosciutto and chutney, plus a sandwich and fries. Her sandwich was interesting because it was ham on the inside and the cheese was grilled on the outside!
Tina breaking in here....We had a wonderful day of shopping despite the Black Plague I have been carrying around for the last few days. We met a delightful mother and son who own a little pastry shop called The Larder. We entered the shop to grab a bit of hot tea and figure out how to hail a taxi from our location. The son gladly phoned a taxi for us and the jolly mother chimed in asking where we were from, and we learned her daughter frequents our side of the country. We "will certainly remember The Larder" fondly. As a matter of fact, everyone we have met has treated us fondly. There was even a couple that came in late (like literally two minutes) to Hamlet (the title should be italized, but how to that on this is a mystery to me) last night--the nerve they had! When intermission came they apoligized profusely. We realized the usher must have wished to humiluate them because rather than show them to a door with easy access to their seats, she forced them to enter the row of seats on the far end. Everyone in the row had to stand to allow them to pass....certainly a WALK OF SHAME they soon won't forget. Everyone around the couple's location jested with them about their mishap and all was quite forgiven. The play was AMAZING! We watched Hamlet in Stratford Upon Avon--Shakespeare's birthplace. It just doesn't get any better than that. We had a lovely snack of calamari and an assortment of grilled vegetables after the show. This trip to the Motherland has been an absolute dream. Again, people have been so kind. Before the show, we were enjoying a cocktail down in the bar where there was a wedding party celebrating and families were having dinner. The picture of us sitting in the bar was taken by a young man having dinner with his wife and little boy. Tristan is one of the cutest 22 month old boys we have ever seen. He was running back and forth, stopping long enough to show us some up-to-date dance moves and give us a high-five.
Friday, March 18, 2016
From Oxford, March 18, 2016, evening
We left Tina in bed half alive at 10 a.m. Met Steve, the hippie, biker, Phd historian, librarian, and apparently jack of all trades in the lobby of the hotel. A little review of our walking tour from yesterday, we arrive at the Bodleian library. Yesterday we learned it was new, cost a lot of money and where the bathrooms(toilets or WC) were located.
Today we learned the floors were a special limestone with special fossils visible every few feet. We also learned, and saw, one of the very few original copies of the Magna Carta, drafts of Through the Looking Glass, likely edited by Tolkien. (They were buddies), a partial first draft of Frankenstein, edited by Shelley's husband......The library is a repository, saved all the treasures of England in its basement due to Churchill's handshake with Hitler and so much more information it was an intellectual overload for my small brain.
We then bike toured the city of Oxford, again received more history, facts and anecdotes...than are humanly possible to retain under the circumstances. Amy was very attentive and she is now my repository of 1000 or so years of English history and she will soon be giving lectures for the Gem County historical society.
We finally made out of the city, espresso at the Trout circa 1263 or so, visited the park where Carroll too Alice for the picnic and setting for the story. He may have had some impure thoughts concerning the child according to yesterday's guide.
Returned to the hotel and Tina was almost cured. Back to the library for our favorite English teacher, a snack and and a drink at a college town-type pub and an excellent dinner at a Jamie Oliver, celebrity chef restaurant. We have had nothing but excellent food so far, except for the traditional English breakfast. Nancy
Today we learned the floors were a special limestone with special fossils visible every few feet. We also learned, and saw, one of the very few original copies of the Magna Carta, drafts of Through the Looking Glass, likely edited by Tolkien. (They were buddies), a partial first draft of Frankenstein, edited by Shelley's husband......The library is a repository, saved all the treasures of England in its basement due to Churchill's handshake with Hitler and so much more information it was an intellectual overload for my small brain.
We then bike toured the city of Oxford, again received more history, facts and anecdotes...than are humanly possible to retain under the circumstances. Amy was very attentive and she is now my repository of 1000 or so years of English history and she will soon be giving lectures for the Gem County historical society.
We finally made out of the city, espresso at the Trout circa 1263 or so, visited the park where Carroll too Alice for the picnic and setting for the story. He may have had some impure thoughts concerning the child according to yesterday's guide.
Returned to the hotel and Tina was almost cured. Back to the library for our favorite English teacher, a snack and and a drink at a college town-type pub and an excellent dinner at a Jamie Oliver, celebrity chef restaurant. We have had nothing but excellent food so far, except for the traditional English breakfast. Nancy
Day 3; Oxford
Good Morning from Oxford,
March 18, 2016
We've all had a restful night despite the loud partying outside our windows last night at a local bar for St. Patrick's day. However, Tina is a bit under the weather and plans to stay inside today and forego the scheduled bike excursion.
Yesterday we all spent a wonderful day touristing around Oxford with our guide Brian. We walked around many of the Oxford colleges and learned how they started individually and then blended into one university named Oxford. Each college has a library, living quarters, dining hall and a chapel. We toured Christ Church college started by Henry VIII, when he threw out the Catholics. I'll add some pictures below of it. The dining hall was in the Harry Potter films.
In the afternoon we left Oxford with another guide named Martin and drove out to the Cotswold area. We chatted in the car about the British TV shows filmed in the area such as "Midsummer Mystery" and "Downton". We stopped for lunch at a quaint cottage restaurant, each of had a delicious English lunch. I had Beef Pie, Nancy had Fish and Chips and Tina had a vegetable sandwich with "hand cut Fries". Martin had a sandwich with "Skinny Fries", (like McDonald's).
We toured Bampton, where Downton filmed the village scenes. Below are some pictures of the Hospital entrance, Mrs. Crawley's house and the Church where three Downton weddings were held.
----Amy----- P.s. Pictures will come later
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Get Blogging!
England (and English) enthusiasts! Post your adventure updates and photos here so we can all stay in the loop! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)