Momma Duff

Leaving England; Saturday, this day is about getting myself from London to an inn located in Horley, a small town 5 minutes from Gatwick airport. I took a cab from the hotel to Victoria station, a main hub, so a very busy place, you want to make sure you are queing (waiting in line)for the right tickets, you would hate to be in the tube que if you want train tickets. Lucky for me my cab driver directed me, it pays to tip. It's a nice relaxing ride to Horley and the inn was just a ten minute walk from the train station but when you have a lot of luggage a cab is necessary. Horley is likely the size of Palmerston, so not too big, be prepared to wait a few minutes for the cab. ... read more

Thursday, I slept in, after getting up at six or earlier for the last two weeks I figured it would be okay. I bought a hop on, hop off bus tour ticket, it was good for 24 hours and the routes include all the major attractions. You also get earbuds so you can follow along with a commentary of what you are seeing and the history of what you are seeing. Many of the museums and galleries don't charge any entrance fees, they are free to the public. I visited the British Museum, that took most of the afternoon and I could have spent more time there. In the entry you could create a small mosaic that would be added to a larger design to be added to the museum.... read more

Day 13, we left Edinburgh and stopped at a cute medieval town, Alnwick, home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column. We got a quick look at a part of Hadrian's Wall in route to York. Later on we arrived in York, the city still has the medieval walls surrounding it. A walking orientation included a stroll through the Shambles, another name for a collection of shops in a village setting, it was like stepping back in time. A cute word they use for alley, sniggleways. York is known as a haunted city. At the end of our day we enjoyed a farewell dinner, it was the last dinner we were all together. I have met a number of fun and interesting people,it's kind of weird to think I may never seen any of ... read more

Today we're off on a local sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, the tour should include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal mile, Holyrood House in the shadow of Arthurs Seat and the new Scottish parliament buildings. Tonight we will go to a Scottish show for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. I've been forewarned this will be the night I'll be trying hagis. It's been hard to find free wifi so I may not be able to post until we return to London on Wednesday night. The usual cost is around 10 pounds for 24 hours, stay tuned.... read more

It was another glorious day, around 17 degrees. I didn't realize that the daylight hours are extended here, I think it was only dark for about three hours last night. Good thing the curtains blocked the sunlight; I understand it was shining brightly at 4 in the morning. Anyways, today we traveled through the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Skye. I even saw the loch ness monster today and I had my picture taken with her. We visited the Clan Donald Centre, this is an excellent place to discover the history of the kingdom of the Isles and trace your genealogy. They also have spectacular gardens and today there was a local craftsmen show. A lot of driving and scenery today but far from boring, our travel director, Rachel is ... read more