annhig

thanks for the round-up, Kwaussie. sorry that your trip home was such a [not-quite] disaster.

however it makes me feel pleased that when considering our trip to Cuba next Jan, we've chosen direct flights on Virgin, rather than options requiring connections through CDG or Schiphol.

and it's nice to hear that we're a friendly bunch. our german visitors always say that too, usually with an air of surprise, I don't know why!

bilboburgler

"In the process I ran smack bang into a metal bollard, rendering me speechless with pain"

Been there

Glad we try to be friendly

texasbookworm

Well done in all ways; your labors here in this Trip Report are much appreciated for your insights, tips, and excellent composition (and for either proofreading carefully or having internalized great skills in mechanics and grammar! Or maybe both, since both skills are needed by us "English" teachers, right? ha)

I've had one similar experience on a return flight, getting the hotel voucher, etc.; I empathize with how much of a downer that is after a great time!

(For future travels--the great state of Texas has much to offer, too, from cities to beaches, canyons and wild flowers in the spring, and my favorite US city--San Antonio. Just a thought!)

kovsie

Have just read through your TR in one sitting. Thanks for posting, thanks for the detail, and thanks for the Voting Games at the end!

thursdaysd

Great TR (and great trip), thanks! Sorry you missed the V&A, it's my favorite museum, but a great excuse to go back.

Hooameye

"and it's nice to hear that we're a friendly bunch. our german visitors always say that too, usually with an air of surprise, I don't know why!"

Probably the dreaded stereo typing, I've read a few times that we are supposed to be "stand offish" and "stuffed shirts" (whatever that means), not forgetting that we all have bad teeth and our food is terrible.

Kwaussie

Thanks all.
Janis - your help was invaluable both during the planning stage of this trip and while we are on the road. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.
Texasbookworm - We've been to Texas and looooved it. Go to my profile or blog to see that trip report. We only had one day in San Antonio but it was beautiful. Good luck with your school trip. I'm looking forward to reading about it.

texasbookworm

K--I took a gander at your USA trip report--you sure did cover a lot of ground! But there are still some Texas parts left for a future visit! And you didn't get to the prettiest parts of the US--the Smokies/East Tennessee--and maybe you can someday see where the ORIGINAL UT and BIG ORANGE are from--the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Go, Vols! Ha!

I will definitely be posting a 2-part TR--one part about DD and me in London (we leave in 7 weeks--not that I'm counting down the days or anything!) and one part about the 9 days with my students who will be joining us in London. Two rather different trips, I predict!

And you said you'd be posting some comments on Swiss education, so I'll check your blog? for that sometime; I imagine you have lots to settle back into now!

janisj

If I had really helped I would have warned you about the Nessie Centre/Drumnadrochit

Too bad about your trip home. Now you need to start planning your return trip to London (and Cornwall)

Pocket

Just read the whole report with great interest, as we leave with our 8 & 9 year old in two weeks for a 6 week holiday, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy & Versailles. It has put me in such a good mood. I love reading trip reports from other Aussies. Well done!!

ileen

You have written a wonderful trip report. I enjoyed all parts of it as it brought back memories of my own trips to various places.

Soon we are heading to Scotland and would like to find out if you were able to find some unique souvenirs there. With global marketing it seems we can find everything everywhere. But still I like to purchase a small, unique item.

Would love to hear about some of your shopping if you did any. I buy very little anyways, so always curious as to what others buy since all of us are now traveling with lighter luggage.

Now back home, hope you are relaxing and planning your next trip. Have a great day.

love_travel_Aus

Kwaussie - loved reading your energetic and positive trip report.
I really felt the cold for you in parts and love the way you bounce back when things don't quite go as planned.
Also now enjoying reading your blog.
It's been a long time since we first traveled to UK and Europe with our then 7,11 and 14 year olds - and they still love travel and want to plan all the time and even enjoy some trips with us!
(Well that first time as a group of 5 was in 1996!)
Enjoy a relax before term time starts again and enjoy planning for future trips.

Kwaussie

Such lovely feedback - thanks!
janis - I think I had to experience the Nessie centre to believe it! Cornwall most definitely the starting place for our next UK trip.

ileen- I love to shop but was severely restricted on this trip by the poor Aussie dollar. The only lasting souvenirs I bought home from Scotland were a beautiful shell I found opposite our cottage in Balmacara and a lovely, hand knitted beanie that I bought at a craft market on the Isle of Skye. The only real shopping we did was in Switzerland. We both bought swiss watches and swiss army knives for presents for our kids at home ( and lots of swiss chocolate!)

Pocket- I'm very envious of your trip! I was sad we didn't get to Ireland this time. I hope you have a wonderful time.

love_travel - How good is it to have all your kids with you on a trip! Ours are very spread out in age (30, 23 & 11) but I'm hoping they'll all ( including partners and grandchildren) join us for a big trip for a big birthday of mine in a couple of years ;-)

Mamaw

Love love the TR. If you come to Canada, don't forget their neighbor, Detroit.The Motorcity. Your son would love it.