Off to Pompeii today :) Took the train from Rome to Salerno - their trains are nice, comfy and at least this route at this time isn't crowded at all. I had four seats to myself :) I loved watching the scenery. My camera was at the bottom of my overstuffed purse so I didn't really take photos, but I enjoyed watching the hills roll by, seeing the vineyards and mountains. Going along the coast was stunning as well - all the colourful buildings perched on the mountainside... that's the only thing I contemplated getting my camera out for. I appreciate their curtness in their English messages haha. In Naples there was a long announcement in Italian followed by "We are leaving shortly. If you want to get off the train, get off now." Speaking of ... read more

Sooooooo lazy this morning. I didn't bring my hiking boots and I can totally feel my walking from yesterday. My sad back. Anyway, once I got going - I got going. I started at the Colosseum which was a must see for me. While waiting for my entrance time, I somehow found myself in a German walking tour..? I love hearing other languages. I booked the Underground and Third Ring Tour so I had access to those two areas which are otherwise off limits. Really glad I paid extra for that because that's what made the visit amazing because to be honest, the outside is far more impressive than the inside... I mean still worth the visit, but inside it's kind of like any old ruin. Any old ruin with 2,999 of your new friends that ... read more

Left straight from work yesterday - what a great feeling let me tell you. I had fun at the bus station - I like when their drivers and security people are up for some laughs. They were teasing people about all sorts of things (including putting kids in the storage bins) and it was just a fun atmosphere which isn't something I think I have ever said about Greyhound lol. One of the guys started teasing me about my luggage - I was the only one going to the airport without massive bag. I have my packing down to a T thank you. The flight was ok out of Montreal - I saw two of my students at the airport which was amusing. I might not have found it as amusing if we were on the ... read more

So, yesterday after all my years of coming to England I finally bit the bullet (the cost) and went to see Stonehenge. I'm glad I didn't have my own car because the lineup to get in if you don't have a group ticket is insane. So yes. Stonehenge. Very pretty. I would love to do the solstice or a sunrise/sunset because in terms of photography it would just be lovely. Oh well. I then went to Old Sarum - the remnants of the oldest settlement in the area. It was ok. It was included in my bus ticket to Stonehenge so in that regard it was worth it. They were doing some kind of "knight training" for children lol so that was kind of cute. There was like an egg hunt, these bow and arrows and ... read more

Ok crazy busy day today. Started at Westminster Abbey today - ok so it really is spectacular inside and in a way it's good that you can't take photos because I hate to imagine people in there w cameras... it's hard enough to navigate the crowds without them. The audio guide was pretty good - not too long at each station. It was narrated by Jeremy Irons which just makes everything better too. The church itself is probably the nicest I've been to in terms of statues, monuments and tombs... which I mean would make sense. The rest of the church was ok. It's also cool to stand there and know you're in the same spot all the monarchs have been... weddings, funerals, coronations, etc. (Sidenote: I got there at 9:25. It opens at 9:30. The ... read more