Trip Report: P_M in UK—A Birth in Wales, a Death in York, and Life Lessons Learned
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:49 AM
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Trip Report: P_M in UK—A Birth in Wales, a Death in York, and Life Lessons Learned
Preface:
Hello Fodorites. I would like to share with your our adventure in the UK. For your reading convenience and pleasure, I will use the format of a book. I will index my sections so if one chapter doesn�t interest you, I welcome you to scroll down to a chapter that does. I hope you will all join me in the Chapter Seven, which I dedicate to a gentleman in York whom I met in the final minutes of his life on earth.
Acknowledgements:
So many Fodorites helped me plan this trip, I wish I could thank you all by name, but the list would be too long. So to name just a few: Thanks to Janis for her invaluable help in planning this trip. Thanks to Flannueruk for his great driving advice. Thanks to Patrick for his insight on car rental insurance, in addition to his usual wit and charm. And thanks to all Fodorites for being there for me every day to put a smile on my face.
Index:
Chapter One: Driving in the UK
Chapter Two: York/Yorkshire
Chapter Three: The Lake District
Chapter Four: Wales
Chapter Five: Birmingham and LGW area
Chapter Six: The British People
Chapter Seven: Life Lessons Learned
Chapter One: Driving in the UK:
As one could imagine, driving in the UK is quite a bit different from driving in the US. I have done it a few times before and it�s always scary on the first day, but after that it gets easier. My husband had not driven on the left before, so we agreed that I would do all of the driving and he would navigate. His driving is scary enough on the right, and if he had been driving on the left, I�m not sure I would be here today to write this report. So we were both very happy with this agreement.
I loved driving the motorways, (with the notable exception of M25) as it�s very similar to driving on the American Interstates. I was OK with the A roads, but the B roads were scary. For those who don�t know, the A roads are not motorways, but they are still decent roads, sometimes single carriageway (called one-lane in the US) and sometimes they are dual-carriageway (2-lane). But the B roads do not resemble anything I�ve seen in the US. They are very narrow and can be winding, and often you have to pull over and stop to let an oncoming car pass. It can be quite scary for those of us who are not used to B roads.
There were days when we did more driving than we probably should have, and that can be stressful in any country. The only thing I would have done differently in regards to driving would be to make a rule of not more than 4 hours/day driving. That�s just my rule, others will have a different tolerance. I am glad for the flexibility that having a car offers, so I recommend it to anyone who loves independent travel. I was quite impressed with the good signposting on all British roads, and I found the UK to be easy to navigate. I confess to a few wrong turns here and there, but I can blame that on my navigator, can�t I??
Hello Fodorites. I would like to share with your our adventure in the UK. For your reading convenience and pleasure, I will use the format of a book. I will index my sections so if one chapter doesn�t interest you, I welcome you to scroll down to a chapter that does. I hope you will all join me in the Chapter Seven, which I dedicate to a gentleman in York whom I met in the final minutes of his life on earth.
Acknowledgements:
So many Fodorites helped me plan this trip, I wish I could thank you all by name, but the list would be too long. So to name just a few: Thanks to Janis for her invaluable help in planning this trip. Thanks to Flannueruk for his great driving advice. Thanks to Patrick for his insight on car rental insurance, in addition to his usual wit and charm. And thanks to all Fodorites for being there for me every day to put a smile on my face.
Index:
Chapter One: Driving in the UK
Chapter Two: York/Yorkshire
Chapter Three: The Lake District
Chapter Four: Wales
Chapter Five: Birmingham and LGW area
Chapter Six: The British People
Chapter Seven: Life Lessons Learned
Chapter One: Driving in the UK:
As one could imagine, driving in the UK is quite a bit different from driving in the US. I have done it a few times before and it�s always scary on the first day, but after that it gets easier. My husband had not driven on the left before, so we agreed that I would do all of the driving and he would navigate. His driving is scary enough on the right, and if he had been driving on the left, I�m not sure I would be here today to write this report. So we were both very happy with this agreement.
I loved driving the motorways, (with the notable exception of M25) as it�s very similar to driving on the American Interstates. I was OK with the A roads, but the B roads were scary. For those who don�t know, the A roads are not motorways, but they are still decent roads, sometimes single carriageway (called one-lane in the US) and sometimes they are dual-carriageway (2-lane). But the B roads do not resemble anything I�ve seen in the US. They are very narrow and can be winding, and often you have to pull over and stop to let an oncoming car pass. It can be quite scary for those of us who are not used to B roads.
There were days when we did more driving than we probably should have, and that can be stressful in any country. The only thing I would have done differently in regards to driving would be to make a rule of not more than 4 hours/day driving. That�s just my rule, others will have a different tolerance. I am glad for the flexibility that having a car offers, so I recommend it to anyone who loves independent travel. I was quite impressed with the good signposting on all British roads, and I found the UK to be easy to navigate. I confess to a few wrong turns here and there, but I can blame that on my navigator, can�t I??
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:54 AM
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Chapter Two: York/Yorkshire
After spending our first day near in Windsor, we drove to Blenheim Castle, then on to York. We were very impressed w/Blenhiem Castle, and the grounds were magnificent. We were lucky enough to see it on a sunny day, so we did some of the walking trails by the lake. We went on to York and arrived sometime around 6pm. We checked into the Burton Villa B&B, where a double room cost 54 GBP/night. It was a small, non-smoking B&B and the service was outstanding. It was a great value and I recommend it highly.
On our first night in York we did the Original Ghost Tour. We enjoy these tours, but that doesn’t mean we believe in ghosts. It’s fun to hear the stories, and you will learn a great deal about the history of the city on those tours. The next day we did a walking tour called Essential York where we walked around the city and along one section of the city wall. It was a fascinating tour and a great way to get an overview of the city. We spent the rest of the afternoon seeing York, and spent some time in York Minster. Later that night we did yet another ghost tour, but the style was completely different. The guy who ran this tour was not as theatrical as the guy on the original tour, but he kept us in stitches laughing.
The next day we drove to Rieveleaux Abbey (sp?) where we wandered the ruins and learned about life as a monk from the audio tour. Then we were off to Castle Howard. We were very impressed with both places, especially Castle Howard. Unfortunately it was quite rainy so we didn’t spend much time on the grounds. Later we made our way to Whitby and had fish and chips by the sea. They offer a Dracula tour in Whitby since Bram Stoker lived there, but we decided to pass on that. It just seemed too cheesy, even by our standards. The next day was a fantastic, sunny day so we visited Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. That place was a lot bigger than we had imagined and it took the better part of the day to see it all, but it was time well spent. There we met an American family living in England, and I must say I am jealous. I would love to spend a few years in England because it would take that long just to see everything.
I'll post more later....
After spending our first day near in Windsor, we drove to Blenheim Castle, then on to York. We were very impressed w/Blenhiem Castle, and the grounds were magnificent. We were lucky enough to see it on a sunny day, so we did some of the walking trails by the lake. We went on to York and arrived sometime around 6pm. We checked into the Burton Villa B&B, where a double room cost 54 GBP/night. It was a small, non-smoking B&B and the service was outstanding. It was a great value and I recommend it highly.
On our first night in York we did the Original Ghost Tour. We enjoy these tours, but that doesn’t mean we believe in ghosts. It’s fun to hear the stories, and you will learn a great deal about the history of the city on those tours. The next day we did a walking tour called Essential York where we walked around the city and along one section of the city wall. It was a fascinating tour and a great way to get an overview of the city. We spent the rest of the afternoon seeing York, and spent some time in York Minster. Later that night we did yet another ghost tour, but the style was completely different. The guy who ran this tour was not as theatrical as the guy on the original tour, but he kept us in stitches laughing.
The next day we drove to Rieveleaux Abbey (sp?) where we wandered the ruins and learned about life as a monk from the audio tour. Then we were off to Castle Howard. We were very impressed with both places, especially Castle Howard. Unfortunately it was quite rainy so we didn’t spend much time on the grounds. Later we made our way to Whitby and had fish and chips by the sea. They offer a Dracula tour in Whitby since Bram Stoker lived there, but we decided to pass on that. It just seemed too cheesy, even by our standards. The next day was a fantastic, sunny day so we visited Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. That place was a lot bigger than we had imagined and it took the better part of the day to see it all, but it was time well spent. There we met an American family living in England, and I must say I am jealous. I would love to spend a few years in England because it would take that long just to see everything.
I'll post more later....
Jun 19th, 2005, 08:41 AM
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Hi, marcy and wren. Glad you're enjoying the report. Here's another chapter:
Chapter Three: The Lake District
We said our goodbyes to York and drove to Windermere. We didn’t make good time since the roads were narrow and the scenery along the way was so beautiful. Every place we saw could have been a postcard. But we finally arrived in Windermere and checked into the Ellerthwaite Lodge Hotel. We had a nice dinner at a place called Gibbys, then drinks at the hotel pub. The next day we walked to Bowness and bought an all-day ticket to cruise the lake and ride the steam train into the mountains. We enjoyed our boat ride and stopped in Lakeside to ride the steam train. It was a nice train ride, but I’m not sure I’d do it again as it was so brief. We eventually got back on the boat and sailed to Ambleside. That was a lovely town and if we ever return to the Lake District, I think we will stay in there. We spent the better part of the day in Ambleside, as we fed the swans, ate ice cream and scones by the water, and just soaked up the atmosphere. We took the last boat back to Windermere. Later that evening we went back to the hotel pub and met several British travelers. We all had some drinks, which led to a million laughs. I don’t remember exactly what was so funny, although I think a lot of political jokes were made. Mainly what I remember was spending at least 2-3 hours drinking and laughing about everything that came up. These types of memories are always among my favorite on any trip. The people you meet along the way can make the trip so memorable.
I'll try to get Chapter Four out this afternoon.
Chapter Three: The Lake District
We said our goodbyes to York and drove to Windermere. We didn’t make good time since the roads were narrow and the scenery along the way was so beautiful. Every place we saw could have been a postcard. But we finally arrived in Windermere and checked into the Ellerthwaite Lodge Hotel. We had a nice dinner at a place called Gibbys, then drinks at the hotel pub. The next day we walked to Bowness and bought an all-day ticket to cruise the lake and ride the steam train into the mountains. We enjoyed our boat ride and stopped in Lakeside to ride the steam train. It was a nice train ride, but I’m not sure I’d do it again as it was so brief. We eventually got back on the boat and sailed to Ambleside. That was a lovely town and if we ever return to the Lake District, I think we will stay in there. We spent the better part of the day in Ambleside, as we fed the swans, ate ice cream and scones by the water, and just soaked up the atmosphere. We took the last boat back to Windermere. Later that evening we went back to the hotel pub and met several British travelers. We all had some drinks, which led to a million laughs. I don’t remember exactly what was so funny, although I think a lot of political jokes were made. Mainly what I remember was spending at least 2-3 hours drinking and laughing about everything that came up. These types of memories are always among my favorite on any trip. The people you meet along the way can make the trip so memorable.
I'll try to get Chapter Four out this afternoon.
Jun 19th, 2005, 08:46 AM
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P_M
I can't recall, are you a resident of New York?
There's currently a wonderful exhibit at the Met. Museum of photographs from the 1850s and 1860s (the photographer's name escapes me at the moment) called All the Wide World, and the photographer took many photos of ruined cathedrrals and such in areas in the UK, including Yorkshire.
I can't recall, are you a resident of New York?
There's currently a wonderful exhibit at the Met. Museum of photographs from the 1850s and 1860s (the photographer's name escapes me at the moment) called All the Wide World, and the photographer took many photos of ruined cathedrrals and such in areas in the UK, including Yorkshire.
Jun 19th, 2005, 08:53 AM
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Hi, elaine. For the moment I am a resident of Austin, TX, but that will probably be changing soon due to some major turmoil at both my job and my husband's. We had no idea this was coming when we took this trip. It sounds like a great exhibit, but sadly, I won't be in NY anytime soon. 
Jun 19th, 2005, 10:06 AM
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Hi
here'a a link to the exhibit, photographer is Fenton. One of the photos is a picture of Rievauix Abbey which will enlarge if you click on it, but I just realized that it's probably not the same place you saw, spelling is quite different.
http://www.metmuseum.org/special/Fenton/images.asp
It's a great exhibit anyway.
here'a a link to the exhibit, photographer is Fenton. One of the photos is a picture of Rievauix Abbey which will enlarge if you click on it, but I just realized that it's probably not the same place you saw, spelling is quite different.
http://www.metmuseum.org/special/Fenton/images.asp
It's a great exhibit anyway.
Jun 19th, 2005, 10:18 AM
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Thank you all for your kind words. You have given my spirits a much-needed lift. Here's the next chapter:
Chapter Four: Wales
Wales was the high point of our trip!! It was all we ever dreamed it would be and more. We stayed 3 nights in Conwy at a B&B called Glan Heulog. Our room was in the back and didn’t have much of a view, but from the breakfast room there was a beautiful view of the city walls and the castle. It was only a short walk into the city and we were quite pleased with this location. On our first day in Conwy we visited the Conwy Castle, of course. The next day we visited Caernarfon Castle then Bodnant Gardens. We had been told that Bodnant gardens were the nicest in Wales, and I can see why. Over the next couple of days we did a lot of driving in the mountains, stopping for waterfalls, rivers, sheep, castles, etc. We visited some interesting towns such as Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, and many more. Our final night in Wales was spent in Llangollen, which is a peaceful town with a rushing river going through the center. We stayed at a 400-year-old guest house called the Four Poster Inn. That evening we had dinner and drinks on an outdoor deck at a pub by the river. We never saw a drop of rain in Wales, it was the most perfect weather you can imagine. I’m sure there was a lot we missed in Wales, but that’s OK because now we have a reason to go back.
While in Conwy, we found a pub that had karaoke. I am not one to sing in front of an audience, as I do not like to inflict pain on others. But all of the singers were pretty bad, even by karaoke standards. So after a few glasses of wine I decided to give it a go. I sang “American Pie,” and DH said I actually sounded good. Much to my surprise, I got a stirring round of applause upon finishing. Perhaps they were applauding because I was getting off stage, or maybe I just sounded good compared with all the other bad singers. This was only my second time to karaoke, as I will never do it while sober. It was great fun, and we met some terrific people that night.
I mentioned in my title that we witnessed a birth in Wales. I know this isn’t very interesting to some people, but it was the birth of a baby lamb. We took the tram up the Great Orme in Llandudno and came upon a mother sheep just as her baby was entering this world. The new mom immediately started cleaning the baby. It took quite a while for her to finish cleaning him, and while she was doing this, he tried feebly to take his first steps. At first his little legs kept collapsing, but finally he stood and walked. We also saw him have his first meal. It was so adorable, it touched our hearts, and this is one of our fondest memories of the trip. Needless to say, I took way too many pics of the new baby, but I have no regrets.
Chapter Four: Wales
Wales was the high point of our trip!! It was all we ever dreamed it would be and more. We stayed 3 nights in Conwy at a B&B called Glan Heulog. Our room was in the back and didn’t have much of a view, but from the breakfast room there was a beautiful view of the city walls and the castle. It was only a short walk into the city and we were quite pleased with this location. On our first day in Conwy we visited the Conwy Castle, of course. The next day we visited Caernarfon Castle then Bodnant Gardens. We had been told that Bodnant gardens were the nicest in Wales, and I can see why. Over the next couple of days we did a lot of driving in the mountains, stopping for waterfalls, rivers, sheep, castles, etc. We visited some interesting towns such as Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, and many more. Our final night in Wales was spent in Llangollen, which is a peaceful town with a rushing river going through the center. We stayed at a 400-year-old guest house called the Four Poster Inn. That evening we had dinner and drinks on an outdoor deck at a pub by the river. We never saw a drop of rain in Wales, it was the most perfect weather you can imagine. I’m sure there was a lot we missed in Wales, but that’s OK because now we have a reason to go back.
While in Conwy, we found a pub that had karaoke. I am not one to sing in front of an audience, as I do not like to inflict pain on others. But all of the singers were pretty bad, even by karaoke standards. So after a few glasses of wine I decided to give it a go. I sang “American Pie,” and DH said I actually sounded good. Much to my surprise, I got a stirring round of applause upon finishing. Perhaps they were applauding because I was getting off stage, or maybe I just sounded good compared with all the other bad singers. This was only my second time to karaoke, as I will never do it while sober. It was great fun, and we met some terrific people that night.
I mentioned in my title that we witnessed a birth in Wales. I know this isn’t very interesting to some people, but it was the birth of a baby lamb. We took the tram up the Great Orme in Llandudno and came upon a mother sheep just as her baby was entering this world. The new mom immediately started cleaning the baby. It took quite a while for her to finish cleaning him, and while she was doing this, he tried feebly to take his first steps. At first his little legs kept collapsing, but finally he stood and walked. We also saw him have his first meal. It was so adorable, it touched our hearts, and this is one of our fondest memories of the trip. Needless to say, I took way too many pics of the new baby, but I have no regrets.
Jun 19th, 2005, 11:22 AM
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Hi PM, a beautiful and interesting trip report for sure. Continue please!! This is a good Sunday afternoon read. Best wishes to you and your husband. And may the future bring many joyous surprises.
Jun 19th, 2005, 01:42 PM
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i normally don't read these long reports but yours is great and should help many others after you.
tip-next time you are in the lake district (and you should return), do some "fellwalking". walking in the hills is amazing.
tip-next time you are in the lake district (and you should return), do some "fellwalking". walking in the hills is amazing.
Jun 19th, 2005, 01:51 PM
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Hi, all. I had to go out for a while, but now I'm back. Here's a bit more:
Chapter Five: Birmingham and LGW area
After saying a sad goodbye to Wales, we drove to Birmingham to see some friends. We had never visited that city, and I must say I was quite impressed. The central area was a lot nicer than I would have expected, and we had a great dinner with our friends near the canal. Later we went on to a pub where the guys played a few games of pool while the ladies caught up with the events of our lives since we last saw each other. Eventually the guys talked us into playing, and I think we made a good showing. It was such a fun time. We spent the night at their house and left late the next morning. The couple we visited will be married next year, and we were planning to attend the wedding. But as I mentioned earlier, we have just learned that some job changes and a possible move to another city are on the horizon. Therefore, I don’t think we can make the wedding, but we will certainly be there in spirit.
We made the short drive from Birmingham to Warwick Castle. There were about ten trillion school children visiting the castle that day. I think it’s great that British kids can see places like Warwick Castle as part of their education. My most memorable school trips were to places like the Texas State Capitol and the El Galindo Tortilla Factory. The State Capitol was educational, but we could have done without the Tortilla Factory. Sorry to digress, back to Warwick. It took most of the afternoon to see the castle and the grounds, but it was time well spent. I would venture to say it was the most impressive castle I’ve ever seen, and I highly recommend it to any visitor.
We went on to the LGW area, turned in the rental car, and took the free shuttle to the Gatwick Belmont. That B&B was OK, but not as nice as Gable End Guest house where we have stayed previously. But the Belmont served its purpose. The airport shuttle was fast and on time and the room was adequate, so no complaints.
More to come....
Chapter Five: Birmingham and LGW area
After saying a sad goodbye to Wales, we drove to Birmingham to see some friends. We had never visited that city, and I must say I was quite impressed. The central area was a lot nicer than I would have expected, and we had a great dinner with our friends near the canal. Later we went on to a pub where the guys played a few games of pool while the ladies caught up with the events of our lives since we last saw each other. Eventually the guys talked us into playing, and I think we made a good showing. It was such a fun time. We spent the night at their house and left late the next morning. The couple we visited will be married next year, and we were planning to attend the wedding. But as I mentioned earlier, we have just learned that some job changes and a possible move to another city are on the horizon. Therefore, I don’t think we can make the wedding, but we will certainly be there in spirit.
We made the short drive from Birmingham to Warwick Castle. There were about ten trillion school children visiting the castle that day. I think it’s great that British kids can see places like Warwick Castle as part of their education. My most memorable school trips were to places like the Texas State Capitol and the El Galindo Tortilla Factory. The State Capitol was educational, but we could have done without the Tortilla Factory. Sorry to digress, back to Warwick. It took most of the afternoon to see the castle and the grounds, but it was time well spent. I would venture to say it was the most impressive castle I’ve ever seen, and I highly recommend it to any visitor.
We went on to the LGW area, turned in the rental car, and took the free shuttle to the Gatwick Belmont. That B&B was OK, but not as nice as Gable End Guest house where we have stayed previously. But the Belmont served its purpose. The airport shuttle was fast and on time and the room was adequate, so no complaints.
More to come....
Jun 19th, 2005, 02:06 PM
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Chapter Six: The British people
I have always had a fondness for the British people, and that is stronger than ever. Some Americans have this weird idea that everyone in the world hates us, but I just don’t feel that. I keep telling these people that the rest of the world is smart enough not to blame us for political situations over which we have no control. People will judge you for the person you are. We met so many nice people on this journey. I cannot remember a single rude person in 2 weeks. Maybe I notice these things more than I used to, but in many situations the British seemed glad to meet us and were very welcoming. Whenever we stopped for directions, (and that was often) they were only too happy to help. A few times we looked like confused tourists so people approached us to offer help. So if any British are reading this, let me say thank you for your kindness. But most of all, thanks for getting out of my way when I did dumb things while driving. Heehee....
I have always had a fondness for the British people, and that is stronger than ever. Some Americans have this weird idea that everyone in the world hates us, but I just don’t feel that. I keep telling these people that the rest of the world is smart enough not to blame us for political situations over which we have no control. People will judge you for the person you are. We met so many nice people on this journey. I cannot remember a single rude person in 2 weeks. Maybe I notice these things more than I used to, but in many situations the British seemed glad to meet us and were very welcoming. Whenever we stopped for directions, (and that was often) they were only too happy to help. A few times we looked like confused tourists so people approached us to offer help. So if any British are reading this, let me say thank you for your kindness. But most of all, thanks for getting out of my way when I did dumb things while driving. Heehee....
