Help me plan Shirley's trip to England
Apr 2nd, 2011, 05:26 AM
#41
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I don't know whether to continue with this thread or start another with specific questions. I'll start with asking questions here and if I don't get responses, I'll start a new thread!
My MIL now has a couple of spots on her brain and will have radiation treatments 5 days a week for the next three weeks. The radiologist thinks it is good timing for the trip as she will then have two weeks at the end before we go. So, both drs are still supporting the trip, so until someone says otherwise, I'm assuming it is a go.
I am trying to plan so that everything is flexible, and I have got to be concerned about her fatigue level. In London, I am trying to have alternatives to the tons of walking I normally do. Here's what I have
I bought tickets for the original bus tour, so we could do lots of riding around. she would at least be able to see everything, even from the top of the bus. The tickets include a river cruise, so I thought that was another good thing. I also thought of the London Eye. I wonder about the canal cruises. Has anyone done those? That may be another alternative.
As always, I would be pleased to hear your suggestions.
My MIL now has a couple of spots on her brain and will have radiation treatments 5 days a week for the next three weeks. The radiologist thinks it is good timing for the trip as she will then have two weeks at the end before we go. So, both drs are still supporting the trip, so until someone says otherwise, I'm assuming it is a go.
I am trying to plan so that everything is flexible, and I have got to be concerned about her fatigue level. In London, I am trying to have alternatives to the tons of walking I normally do. Here's what I have
I bought tickets for the original bus tour, so we could do lots of riding around. she would at least be able to see everything, even from the top of the bus. The tickets include a river cruise, so I thought that was another good thing. I also thought of the London Eye. I wonder about the canal cruises. Has anyone done those? That may be another alternative.
As always, I would be pleased to hear your suggestions.
Apr 2nd, 2011, 06:30 AM
#42
Yes, the canal cruise is a great idea - I really enjoyed it. Also, you don't just have the HOHO bus as an option - London has lots of double-decker buses (covered so you don't have to worry about the weather) which give you great views - I especially like being able to see the upper stories of the buildings (usually the most interesting) without craning my neck.
www.tfl.gov.uk is really useful for planning trips. You could start with http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...on-bus-map.pdf Riding buses should be less stressful than the tube, but avoid the rush hours. All the bus stops now seem to have helpful maps and diagrams, and a number have electronic boards showing arrival times. You are getting Oyster cards, right?
www.tfl.gov.uk is really useful for planning trips. You could start with http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...on-bus-map.pdf Riding buses should be less stressful than the tube, but avoid the rush hours. All the bus stops now seem to have helpful maps and diagrams, and a number have electronic boards showing arrival times. You are getting Oyster cards, right?
Apr 2nd, 2011, 07:03 AM
#43
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Since your MIL is a Christie/Miss Marple fan, she might like to see Brown's Hotel in London which was the model for Bertram's Hotel (a Miss M story). Agatha Christie often stayed there. you can get a traditional English tea --very expensive
Apr 2nd, 2011, 04:14 PM
#45
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Thank you for the feedback on the canal cruise thursdayd, I will plan on it. Thanks for the links as well. Yes, I was planning on getting Oyster cards. I love the efficiency of the Underground, but you have a point about buses maybe being less stressful for her. Thanks for that.
vttraveler, thank you for that tip! That sounds perfect, I will look into it. I know it is expensive, but a once in a lifetime experience. Sometimes you just have to splurge!
Thank you irishface.
vttraveler, thank you for that tip! That sounds perfect, I will look into it. I know it is expensive, but a once in a lifetime experience. Sometimes you just have to splurge!
Thank you irishface.
Apr 2nd, 2011, 04:46 PM
#46
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When my daughter and I travelled with my elderly aunt, she was initially game to try public transportation. As her energy level lessened, we ended up taking more taxis in London which were very easy to locate and relatively inexpensive when we compared the cost for three on public transportation. The stairs for the underground and even hopping on and off the buses started to be a bit wearing. In hindsight, I wish we had taken more taxis earlier in the trip.
Apr 2nd, 2011, 04:47 PM
#47
If you want a traditional English tea the Orangery in Kensington Gardens (http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPala.../Orangery.aspx )will be cheaper than a hotel and also atmospheric. Since I only want the scone and clotted cream I go to the V&A (my favorite museum) where the cafeteria is a sight in itself (http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/26472-popup.html ).
Apr 2nd, 2011, 04:57 PM
#48
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thursdayd, my MIL is a huge Agatha Christie fan (this has formed most of her impression of England! 
) so I think that is why vttraveler suggested Brown's Hotel--because of the connection.
) so I think that is why vttraveler suggested Brown's Hotel--because of the connection.
Apr 3rd, 2011, 10:15 AM
#51
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Orangerie does a lovely lunch and save room for dessert. The washrooms are located outside. If you go out the door turn to your left kind of tucked in behind a bush. You'll need a key. This was our favourite meal in the U.K. (2nd was lunch on the Royal Yacht Britannia up in Edinburgh). Try to include this in your itinerary if possible.
Apr 10th, 2011, 08:54 PM
#52
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I'm sorry about not posting in reply earlier. My MIL has taken a series of bad turns. Right now she is surprising the drs by, well frankly, still being with us. Yesterday they were talking about her going home in a few days if she kept progressing as she had been, but today showed no real improvement.
Out of pure stubbornness or misguided hope, I have not yet canceled the airline tickets and other reservations. But, realistically, it's not going to happen, at least in May.
I again thank all of you. Even the idea of the trip, and the links I sent her, Have given her a little thrill.
Out of pure stubbornness or misguided hope, I have not yet canceled the airline tickets and other reservations. But, realistically, it's not going to happen, at least in May.
I again thank all of you. Even the idea of the trip, and the links I sent her, Have given her a little thrill.
