Geo: 52.1919, -1.707132:00-3:00Drove on to Stratford Upon AvonWe drove past the hotel and into the old town section to take the tour of Shakespeare's birthplace. There was a film presentation that I and a handful watched. Then we toured the 5-6 rooms and gardens. The rooms were very small and I even had to bend to get through some of the archways. They had on display a photocopy of the original windows where people as far back as the 1820's had etched words or their names into the glass. In the first sign-in book for visitors of 1812, the first 2 signers were from America! Then we were on our own to get back to the hotel which wasn't a bad walk. I walked around town taking pictures of the different buildings that struck my fancy. ... read more

Geo: 51.7523, -1.2558210:30-1:00 p.m.Thames ValleyOxford, EnglandAfter getting off the bus, we passed the Martyr's Memorial which commemorates the three Protestants burned at the stake in 1555 and 1556 on Broad Street (On Broad Street is a yellow brick cross in the pavement to mark the actual spot). We the headed towards Oxford University. Oxford University was founded in 1167 for English pupils who were kicked out of France by the king. Before then most wealthy parents sent their boys to Paris for quality education. I wasn't aware that Oxford University was made up of 36 individual and independent colleges. Unfortunately, the day that we arrived, they had an open day for prospective students and their parents, so many of the colleges were closed except to them, including Christ Church College. After the tour of the outside ... read more

Geo: 51.5002, -0.126236June 29, 2010London, EnglandI got up at 6:30 a.m. and began to sort through my things again to have a bag ready to take to the Laundromat when I got back after my Regal London tour this morning. I ate and then went downstairs to find rain!!! Remember I keep my curtains closed due to the dismal view, and I had not noticed it while in the dining room. It was already stopping, so it was nice and cool most of the morning. I met 2 women from Vancouver, Canada who are also on the same 26 day tour as me whole waiting for the morning tour. We chatted a bit then we went on a tour of looking left and right at many places that I have already seen. After two hours, we ... read more

Geo: 51.5002, -0.126236June 27, 20107:30 a.m.After waking up to 2 disturbing dreams (One where I was being attacked. When I began to hit back, I awoke to hitting the wall next to my bed. Then in the 2nd dream I lost my purse which had all of my information and money.), I finally woke up completely and decided to do a royal tour or my own and go see Buckingham Palace, the Queen's Gallery (which is next to Buckingham Palace), Westminster Abbey, and then if time Kensington Palace. After double checking to see if the continental breakfast from the day before wasn't charged to my bill (it wasn't), I headed off to the buffet. Once again same foods as the day before were offered. So I had cereal, bread, fried potatoes, and juice. Decided to use ... read more

Geo: 51.5002, -0.1262366:45 a.m.London, EnglandWe were awoken about 30 minutes before landing to freshen up. I used the toothbrush and toothpaste in the provided toiletry kit to freshen up in the restroom. I was given a hot wash cloth again to assist in freshening up (we got one before dinner). Landing was nice, and before long I was in line at customs. In and out in 20 minutes, met with a tour personnel who directed me to a waiting area for those of us who are part of tour groups. After speaking with a family of 3 who were from San Francisco while we waited for about 20 minutes, we got on a bus that was taking me to Thistle Marble Arch, and the others to their hotels. I am so glad I didn't drive, just ... read more