The Texas Trio Tour England
Jul 21st, 2016, 05:38 AM
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The Texas Trio Tour England
Travel Day: Friday June 24, 2016...The day has finally arrived!
Mom dropped off the Texas Trio at the airport. We are going to England! Dad had miles to use for his ticket so we are flying United. Our flight was Austin/Houston and Houston to London. The one, and only time, DH & I have traveled international was 8 years ago on our trip to Paris. I was surprised that the tv screens on the back of the seats offered free movies/tv shows/games! We had plenty to entertain us for the 9 hour flight!
Day 1: Saturday June 25, 2016...Hello, London!
We landed at 6:15 am. I had read many warnings about how long customs would take. We showed up to a short line and got through in 15 minutes…guess we got lucky! Got our luggage then met our JustAirports driver. I am so happy I booked with them!
He drove us to our hotel…the Marriott County Hall. My Dad went to the front desk to check in then our bags were placed in storage. Off we go…the city is ours!
We set out in search of breakfast. It was almost 8am on a Saturday morning so the streets were quiet. We walk across the bridge while gawking at Big Ben. We didn’t notice anything open…we wanted a café of some sort to have our first English breakfast. We continued walking past Westminster Abbey and down Victoria St. Our first breakfast was…McDonald’s!
Mom dropped off the Texas Trio at the airport. We are going to England! Dad had miles to use for his ticket so we are flying United. Our flight was Austin/Houston and Houston to London. The one, and only time, DH & I have traveled international was 8 years ago on our trip to Paris. I was surprised that the tv screens on the back of the seats offered free movies/tv shows/games! We had plenty to entertain us for the 9 hour flight!
Day 1: Saturday June 25, 2016...Hello, London!
We landed at 6:15 am. I had read many warnings about how long customs would take. We showed up to a short line and got through in 15 minutes…guess we got lucky! Got our luggage then met our JustAirports driver. I am so happy I booked with them!
He drove us to our hotel…the Marriott County Hall. My Dad went to the front desk to check in then our bags were placed in storage. Off we go…the city is ours!
We set out in search of breakfast. It was almost 8am on a Saturday morning so the streets were quiet. We walk across the bridge while gawking at Big Ben. We didn’t notice anything open…we wanted a café of some sort to have our first English breakfast. We continued walking past Westminster Abbey and down Victoria St. Our first breakfast was…McDonald’s!
Jul 21st, 2016, 05:43 AM
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We, myself, DH & my Dad, are the Texas Trio. We have been planning this trip since 2013 and we finally made it happen!
I frequent the Hawaii board and anyone from that board reading knows how much I love Kauai! DH & I have been going to Kauai for the last five years. I had to give up my time on Kauai to go to England but I wouldn't trade these 10 priceless days w/ my Dad for anything!
I frequent the Hawaii board and anyone from that board reading knows how much I love Kauai! DH & I have been going to Kauai for the last five years. I had to give up my time on Kauai to go to England but I wouldn't trade these 10 priceless days w/ my Dad for anything!
.
Jul 21st, 2016, 05:58 AM
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After a quick breakfast, we decide to hit the ground running and check off a sight from our list. We walked back and got in line for a tour of Westminster Abbey. We only waited in line for 15 minutes but it was crowded when we got inside. We used the audio guide and visited the points of interest. The Abbey was beautiful and so rich in history!
Jul 21st, 2016, 06:00 AM
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I was beginning to feel the time difference…I should have been in bed but I rallied! We decided to walk and take it all in. We found ourselves at St James Park. We decided to see Buckingham Palace but didn’t realize the time. We got caught up in a massive crowd and were herded like cattle because the changing of the guard had just ended. Once we made it through the crowd, we got some good pictures of Buckingham.
By now, it was time for a rest! My Dad travels a lot for work so he has built up airline miles and hotel points. We were upgraded to a view room…we had a view of Big Ben and the Thames! I am quite the heavy sleeper, as well as DH, but my Dad woke up every morning to the chimes of Big Ben!
After a short nap, we decided to venture out again. We walked along the Thames. It was a busy afternoon along the river. People in line for the London eye; vendors with food and ice cream; people just milling around and enjoying the sunshine. We ended up walking the length of this area of the Thames and found ourselves at Blackfriar Pub. DH & my Dad had their first pint at the pub! We relaxed our weary feet and enjoyed the pub atmosphere. It was time to walk back and search for dinner. Along our walk we smelled some delicious hamburgers! We had hamburgers and fries along the Thames.
We made it back to the hotel and tried to stay awake as long as possible. We had an adventurous first day and our bodies gave in to the travel and lack of sleep! Lights out at 8:30 pm but it’s only the beginning!
By now, it was time for a rest! My Dad travels a lot for work so he has built up airline miles and hotel points. We were upgraded to a view room…we had a view of Big Ben and the Thames! I am quite the heavy sleeper, as well as DH, but my Dad woke up every morning to the chimes of Big Ben!
After a short nap, we decided to venture out again. We walked along the Thames. It was a busy afternoon along the river. People in line for the London eye; vendors with food and ice cream; people just milling around and enjoying the sunshine. We ended up walking the length of this area of the Thames and found ourselves at Blackfriar Pub. DH & my Dad had their first pint at the pub! We relaxed our weary feet and enjoyed the pub atmosphere. It was time to walk back and search for dinner. Along our walk we smelled some delicious hamburgers! We had hamburgers and fries along the Thames.
We made it back to the hotel and tried to stay awake as long as possible. We had an adventurous first day and our bodies gave in to the travel and lack of sleep! Lights out at 8:30 pm but it’s only the beginning!
Jul 21st, 2016, 06:48 AM
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Hope DH and Dad enjoyed their first pint, not to everyone's taste. I'm just hoping the beer on Kauai is going to be as good! Wondering if your trip is going to take in the best bits of the UK (the North)?
Jul 21st, 2016, 08:21 AM
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They did enjoy their pint although I don't know the name of it. I do know the name of a particular ale they discover and loved but I will hold you in suspense!
Our "tour" included: London, Salisbury, and Bath.
Have a great trip to the Hawaiian islands! That's where my heart is! DH would tell you to try the Kona Brewing Co ales and lagers!
Our "tour" included: London, Salisbury, and Bath.
Have a great trip to the Hawaiian islands! That's where my heart is! DH would tell you to try the Kona Brewing Co ales and lagers!
Jul 21st, 2016, 12:50 PM
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Before continuing, I am happy to report that we adjusted to the time difference.
I was a little worried before we left because, on our trip to Paris, DH & I never adjusted. Arrival day in Paris we felt so horrible from the lack of sleep, we took a 3 hr nap that we could barely get up from. The whole week we couldn't fall asleep so we were up really late and slept late in the mornings.
This trip to England, I realized how crucial it is to stay up as long as possible. We rallied through and it really worked!
I was a little worried before we left because, on our trip to Paris, DH & I never adjusted. Arrival day in Paris we felt so horrible from the lack of sleep, we took a 3 hr nap that we could barely get up from. The whole week we couldn't fall asleep so we were up really late and slept late in the mornings.
This trip to England, I realized how crucial it is to stay up as long as possible. We rallied through and it really worked!
Jul 21st, 2016, 01:36 PM
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Day 2: Sunday June 26, 2016...Rich with history!
Awoke to the chimes of Big Ben...well Dad did! Breakfast at the Marriott was free because of Dad's member status. It was in the library room of the hotel and not what I was expecting! The room had lovely wooden bookshelves, windows w/ views of Big Ben and the Thames! Also, tables adorned with linen tablecloths. The spread was a European breakfast...meats, cheeses, croissants, fruits, and cereals. We filled up on breakfast each day so we were able to skip lunch. We got an afternoon snack, usually ice cream, and were set until dinner!
After, breakfast we walked to the Churchill War Rooms. It was around 10:30 am and there was a very short line! About 5-10 minutes and we were in. This was an amazing museum and we loved it!! I never really knew much about Churchill and I learned so much! Seeing those rooms where all of these people lived and worked during the war surreal. We spent over two hours taking it all in!
We walked out at almost 1pm to see a long line! One guy stopped us and asked if it was worth the wait, we said definitely! We continued on past Whitehall and saw a few guards posted including one on horseback! So foreign to see!
Continuing on, we found ourselves in Trafalgar Square. It was beautiful sunny day so we sat by the fountain taking it all in!
Next stop, the British Museum. It didn't seem far on the map and I guess it's really not but my feet thought so!
We got to the British Museum around 1:30 so we had 4 hours until closing. Again, no line to wait in. I can't believe this museum is free! We saw a lot in those 4 hours! What can I say? Such an amazing museum...so much time and history. Sometimes you can't believe what you are seeing! We had a wonderful time exploring the museum!
Closing time came and we thought we would rest our weary feet with a pint for DH & my Dad. We eyed a pub across the street from the museum. It just so happens to be called Museum Tavern. It was a great decision...they not only had a few pints but we stayed for dinner.
This is where Dad & DH discovered their love of...Old Peculier! This beer hails from York and the barkeep said people come from all over London to get this beer! Dad & DH, both, like amber and golden ales/lagers and this one was a bit dark but they loved it! We were enjoying this pub, the atmosphere and the friendly barkeep that we stayed for the Sunday roast.
Dad and I had the Sunday roast and DH had a burger with a fried egg on it. He said it was the best burger he has ever had and now wants a fried egg on every burger!
Full bellies and sore feet...we took a taxi back to the hotel!
Since we were in bed early the night before from traveling we didn't see Big Ben lit up. It was beautiful! We walked down to get some pictures.
Such a busy and full day...we slept well!
Awoke to the chimes of Big Ben...well Dad did! Breakfast at the Marriott was free because of Dad's member status. It was in the library room of the hotel and not what I was expecting! The room had lovely wooden bookshelves, windows w/ views of Big Ben and the Thames! Also, tables adorned with linen tablecloths. The spread was a European breakfast...meats, cheeses, croissants, fruits, and cereals. We filled up on breakfast each day so we were able to skip lunch. We got an afternoon snack, usually ice cream, and were set until dinner!
After, breakfast we walked to the Churchill War Rooms. It was around 10:30 am and there was a very short line! About 5-10 minutes and we were in. This was an amazing museum and we loved it!! I never really knew much about Churchill and I learned so much! Seeing those rooms where all of these people lived and worked during the war surreal. We spent over two hours taking it all in!
We walked out at almost 1pm to see a long line! One guy stopped us and asked if it was worth the wait, we said definitely! We continued on past Whitehall and saw a few guards posted including one on horseback! So foreign to see!
Continuing on, we found ourselves in Trafalgar Square. It was beautiful sunny day so we sat by the fountain taking it all in!
Next stop, the British Museum. It didn't seem far on the map and I guess it's really not but my feet thought so!
We got to the British Museum around 1:30 so we had 4 hours until closing. Again, no line to wait in. I can't believe this museum is free! We saw a lot in those 4 hours! What can I say? Such an amazing museum...so much time and history. Sometimes you can't believe what you are seeing! We had a wonderful time exploring the museum!
Closing time came and we thought we would rest our weary feet with a pint for DH & my Dad. We eyed a pub across the street from the museum. It just so happens to be called Museum Tavern. It was a great decision...they not only had a few pints but we stayed for dinner.
This is where Dad & DH discovered their love of...Old Peculier! This beer hails from York and the barkeep said people come from all over London to get this beer! Dad & DH, both, like amber and golden ales/lagers and this one was a bit dark but they loved it! We were enjoying this pub, the atmosphere and the friendly barkeep that we stayed for the Sunday roast.
Dad and I had the Sunday roast and DH had a burger with a fried egg on it. He said it was the best burger he has ever had and now wants a fried egg on every burger!
Full bellies and sore feet...we took a taxi back to the hotel!
Since we were in bed early the night before from traveling we didn't see Big Ben lit up. It was beautiful! We walked down to get some pictures.
Such a busy and full day...we slept well!
Jul 21st, 2016, 11:15 PM
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"This is where Dad & DH discovered their love of...Old Peculier!"
Yes, one of my favourites as well, it's actually brewed in Masham:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theakston_Brewery
Yes, one of my favourites as well, it's actually brewed in Masham:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theakston_Brewery
