London England

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Buckingham Palace

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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Photos

we are staying in another small room
but so comfortable

room view
the smallest shower

View from window
into a court yard

Staircase to our room
third floor, but like our host said "no one walking above our room". see Keith on the first floor?

Cheers to David
our friendly hotel owner/entertainer

Ebury Wine Bar
next door to the hotel and wonderful food! We met a couple from Alabama here. We heard many languages but not many southern accents!

Look Right and Left
thank goodness these were at the busiest corners! It's dangerous, being disoriented when it comes to traffic!

Checking the Map
he's always making the most of our time

Mozart' plaque down the street from our hotel
these plaques can be applied for if the resident was born one hundred years ago or died twenty years ago

London Eye
closed for maintanence

Comments

[Katie]

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. :)

[Brenda]

So glad you are enjoying all your time together. Pete, you have become quite a witer. I am impressed. Keith, keep looking out for her. Amy almost got hit by a car in London too for the same reason. Keep having fun and keep us informed. Brenda

[Keith and Pete]

thanks for the compliment. we thought about your visit while we were there, and yes those markings on the pavement have saved many a tourist!