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Published: January 19th 2008
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Our next trip took us to the United Kingdom, first to England, and after a few days up to Scotland, where Keith would be attending a meeting. Even though the sky was overcast with some wind, it was good for walking to museums and the theatre. We carried the umbrella, our "brolly", but only needed it one evening. It wasn't until later in the day, after talking with the taxi driver and the desk clerk at the hotel that we could put our finger on one of the reasons we were already enjoying ourselves - we spoke the same language. Although the British do have a more flowery way of speaking!
As usual Keith had planned our days to get the most of our short time in London, he went over the Plan while we had a great meal at the restuarant next door to our hotel, and then we were off! We were situated near the Queen's residence. She wasn't at home, her flag wasn't flying, so we walked on towards the river Thames. Even though we knew what we would be seeing, we were "gobsmacked", awestruck, by the sights! The National Museum was about to close for
the day, but we stepped in for a quick look at Cezanne's Bathers, Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Renoir's Boating on the Seine, Manet's Waitress, and Monet's Water Lily Pond. I love just writing their names! I now have a new favorite, a still life Van Gogh painted of crabs. More wandering and people watching, getting our bearings, and we found that we could make it to Apollo Theatre in time for a show. More on that in another blog entry.
We have come to realize that as we travel in another country, we are always just a little off balance. In Poland it usually is the fact the language is such a barrier. In the United Kingdom we understood everything except the traffic. Amazing how second nature it is for us to look to the left when crossing the street. Even when you know cars will be flying at you from the right! Thank goodness Keith has quick reaction to his wife stepping in front of cars!
Keith has a favorite guide book to go by and again it led us to a great little place to stay. During breakfast the owner pops in and out keeping everyone
entertained with his life's stories. He's lots of fun! And very helpful with any questions we had, a fabulous host. That should suffice for the 20 pence he passed to Keith for mentioning him!
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Katie
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Things we take for granted...
I bet it was so nice to speak the same language as the Brits...I take that for granted. Did you learn about your hotel from that guy who hosts that travel show we watched when I was visiting? Steve something? I can't remember his name. I am also glad that Daddy looked right and kept you from getting hit by a car. :)