Dad and Joe Visit the UK! (Warning: a LONG entry)

Hey there mates,
Things are good this side of the ocean, especially because I got to see my two most important boys last week. Dad and Joe came out to York first, and then we did a whirwind tour down to London, back up to Edinburgh, then back down to York...all in just 6 days!

FIRST, YORK:
Their flight got into York very early, so then there was the challenge of staying awake all day to fight off jetlag. Dad assured me they'd had some sleep on the plane, and they'd be fine. So, after a quick unpacking session at my house, we went off to Betty's, York's fanciest tearoom, to meet Alison for a treat. This was the first time I had been to Betty's, as it is rather pricey for tea and cakes, but lucky for me, this time it was on Dad. I ordered my favorite, plain scones with clotted cream and jam, and an amazing coffee. (I realize clotted cream sounds gross, but until you've tried it for yourself, don't judge. Believe me, this is one of the better ideas the English have had when it comes to cuisine). I started to worry a bit at Betty's-- as Alison and I gabbed on and on, I noticed Dad starting to drift off a bit. Well, more than a bit. Sleep was not in my schedule for the day; we were supposed to walk on the medieval walls, and climb up the approximately 300 stairs to the top of York Minster. Not to mention we were meeting my friends for dinner at 6:30. As is his way, Dad pretended he was fine and not that sleepy really, so we trudged on. I took them to the Museum Gardens, throgh the main squares and along some of my favorite streets. We did walk along the walls for a bit, peering over at the houses and gardens behind the Minster. Dad said the skyline reminded him of Mary Poppins. We went to the bookshop and they got to meet Tim, Philippa AND Sam! Sam was in top form and kept us all entertained. I think Dad really liked the shop...though I wouldn't have expected anything else. Then, we did go to the Minster--AND we all made it to the top. It is one heck of a calf workout, let me tell you. The stairwell is made for tiny people; if you were claustrophobic, you'd want to avoid it. There is actually one bit before you get to the top where you cross the building OUTSIDE on a ramp...I was worried about how I'd do here, what with my fear of heights and all, but I was actually okay. Once we reached the top (at which point I thought Joe might kill me for making him do this after 36 hours of travel), it really was an amazing view. It is York in 360 degrees. It is difficult to explain just how different this English city looks from anything we have in the States-- you just have to see it for yourself. We also walked around the inside of the Minster, of course, which is very impressive in all of its detail and gothic design-- not that I know anything about architecture. I am, however, always amazed when I walk around inside these old european buildings--just at the sheer patience people had, to begin a project they knew would never be finished in their lifetime, and for a long time after. That just wouldn't happen today, with so much emphasis on the individual and getting credit...Okay, so after the Minster, it was pretty clear that, despite my best judgement, the boys were going to need a nap before dinner. We went to my room, and Joe crashed on my bed. Meanwhile, Dad turned down my offer to fold out the bed I had gotten for him, and said he'd just 'hang out' while I unpacked the things he had brought me from home. So, yeah, that lasted about two seconds. He fell asleep, only to wake up about every half hour to ask when we had to leave. Then he'd say, 'Okay, i'll be raring to go by then.' Then he'd fall back asleep. :) We did, however, make it to dinner. We met Tana and Stu and Alison at El Piano, a vegetarian tapas restaurant. (Anthony and Shannon were already in Ireland for Spring Break). Dinner was good, and I was glad they were able to meet some of my important people here. After dinner, everyone came back to the house kitchen for a tea and biscuit (cookie for you UK novices) party, where Dad and Joe learned the joy that is McVities caramel biscuits. After that, it was a well-deserved sleep. The next day, while I worked at the shop, the boys went to Liverpool to the Beatles Museum. That night, I made dinner for us all and after, we went to a pub (The Black Swan) with Alison. The pub was built in the 15th century or something crazy like that-- it was your usual smoke-filled atmosphere, so we didn't stay too long. Instead, we went back to my place for more tea and biscuits (come on, how English is this holiday??) and a dvd watching session of my favorite UK show, 'Little Britain.' It is soo good, I am sure it will be on BBC America soon, so look out for it.

AND ON TO LONDON!
The next morning, we took the train down to London. After we checked in at the hotel, we went to the Tate Modern. They have a pretty good collection, and I love most modern art, although with some minimalism I could pretty much walk past it and not know it was part of the exhibit. Joe liked one painting that was just blue, not for the painting, but for the explanation; the artist had said he didn't think painting should be about personal expression. Gave Joe a good laugh. We all bought souvenirs, then set out to cross the New Milennium Bridge, or as Philippa calls it, 'the wobbly bridge.' We walked over to St. Paul's Cathedral, then from there took a cab over to Covent Garden, a very cool area of town. We tried to be patient enough to watch a street performer ride his unicylce, but got bored of his buildup. We walked through the market, down to Leicester Square, then had some dinner. All in all, it was a lot to pack into what was, in all fairness, only a half day. The next day, I made the boys order an Engilsh Breakfast--which did not go over well. I enjoy the vegetarian english breakfast, but it's a bit weird for a first-timer. It is toast, baked beans, fried egg, mushrooms, and (I always ask NOT to have this) a fried tomato, with tea or coffee. Dad's was this plus bacon and sausage, neither of which are actually what we know of as bacon or sausage back home---more like ham and a deep fried hot dog. Mmm, mmm, huh? So, after punishing them at breakfast, we went on one of those ultra-touristy open-top double-decker bus tours. Now, I have always been a skeptic about these things-- in Edinburgh, Becky used to yell 'Helloooo tourists!!' as the buses would pass. But let me tell you, it is a great way to see the city if you don't have a lot of time. They take you to all the sights, you hop off the bus when you want, and after you take your pictures, another bus comes by and you hop on. Genius. We saw everything but Buckingham Palace, which I guess we'll save for next time. I think the Tower Bridge is especially cool... according to the tour audio, 'the most famous bridge in the world.' Don't know about that, but I liked it. We left the tour at the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey to cross the river and go to the London Eye. This was built for the new millenium, and is basically a GIANT ferris wheel, but instead of seats, there are these glass 'capsules,' egg-shaped compartments that fit about 25 people. The Eye takes 28 minutes for one rotation, and from it, you can see some absolutely INCREDIBLE views of London from above. On our way to the Eye, we saw that they were having a Dali exhibit at one of the smaller museums, so we stopped in and saw that too. Aren't we impulsive? After, we had ice cream cones and finished up the bus tour, going by Trafalgar Square. Then, we left the tour to go to Soho. We went and looked in the record shops and walked along the market stalls. Then we went back to Covent Garden again, and Joe bought a Beatles record from the market. We watched a string quartet perform, had some yummy soup and bread in a small cafe... then it was off to the THEATER! Dad had bought tickets to The Producers, which was playing at Drury Lane on the West End. When we walked up the stairs, I was almost positive that it was the same theater that Jude Law and Julia Roberts go to in 'Closer.' It's really beautiful inside. The show was hilarious, and so over the top. During intermission, they serve ice cream, so dad and I joined in on that tradition. Over the next couple of days, if I wanted to make Dad laugh, I'd just say 'Ula like Bloooom!' Though my favorite number was probably 'keep it gay.' So p.c. that Mel Brooks. Anyway, I think we'd all recommend it.

AND A FOUR HOUR TRAIN RIDE...
The next day, we took an early train up to Edinburgh. We stayed in a hotel literally steps away from the Royal Mile. We got to visit with Mia, do some shopping, see the Princes Street Gardens blooming with daffodils, and more than anything, just see the city again. That night, we went on a Ghost Tour, which takes you underground into York's vaults...they completely creep me out. I had been on a ghost tour when I lived in Scotland, and that one was slightly scarier, but I think we all still had a good time. The next day we went to the National Museum of Modern Art and saw an exhibit of Andy Warhol's self-portraits. It was cool to see it all in one place. I think I could see the wheels turning in Joe's head-- for those of you who don't know, he does some really amazing things with stencils (that he makes) and paint these days... very Warhol. He's got quite the talent. After the museum, we walked around a bit more before meeting Mia for an early dinner at The Last Drop. I took Dad there when he visited the last time, and the Haggis made him feel sick-- this time, he avoided it, though what he ordered was full of such meaty goodness that I could hardly look at it. :) We had a nice visit with Mia, though I think the boys could hardly keep up with her train of thought! It was so good to have them all with me at once!! After dinner, the three of us went to a little french chocolate cafe and had incredibly rich hot chocolate, chocolate mousse, and vanilla cheescake. If that sounds too rich to you, you're completely right, because we didn't finish it, not nearly. Then, we caught the train back to York, and were so tired once we got home we all completely crashed. The boys were leaving at five something in the morning! Saying goodbye at the taxi was not fun. It was so wonderful to have them here. You would imagine that over the last 5 years, I've said so many goodbyes...they should be getting easier. But instead, I think they are only getting harder. It was a great trip though, one I won't forget anytime soon. They got back home just fine-- though I am still waiting on Joe to send me his pictures. I have almost none from their time in York. I'll post what I have though... and I also added pictures to the last two entries. My digital camera is back and working now...*sigh of relief* Now, I have to go and work on my ESSAYS! Two of them due at the end of April, then it's dissertation time!!!

Congratulations if you made it to the end of this one. I guess I'm into details today... Take care!

Love,
Ry

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