The Texas Trio Tour England
Jul 22nd, 2016, 12:26 PM
#24
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Thanks for all the comments!
I am competing with "Family of Four, 4 Countries"! We are neck and neck!
Day 3: Monday June 27, 2016...Off with their heads!
We had spent the last two days walking around the city and to all the sights. It was time to give our feet a break and try out the tube.
After breakfast we headed to Westminster Station. Got our tickets and took the tube to Tower Hill. Approaching the station...mind the gap!
We exited the station and walked up the hill to the Tower of London. We encountered our first long line. We did arrive a little later than we planned...around 10:30! The ticket line wasn't too long but it was slow. Another long line formed to get into the tower, but, surprisingly, it moved rather quickly! Upon entering there was a group gathered for the beefeater tour. It was 11:15 and the tour began in 15 minutes so we decided to wait.
Our beefeater was wonderful! Funny and brought the history to life! We really enjoyed the tour then set off on our own. We did not realize how expansive the Tower of London really is!
After our tour we decided to the line over w/ for the Crown Jewels. It too moved quickly for how long the line was! The Crown Jewels...all I can say is...WOW!!! Amazing!
One thing that surprised me and only slightly bothered me were the school groups. I was surprised with the gory history of the tower that such young kids were touring! I know history is important and has to be taught but these kids were younger than 10! The school groups took up a lot of space and being too young to understand what was being seen...I thought, what's the point?
Before going on the trip I didn't think the sights would take as long but you don't know until you are actually there. We were at the Tower until almost 2 o'clock! We were just taking in all of that history! We also took pictures of Tower Bridge and I also took a rest and ate some salted caramel ice cream!
We walked back to Tower Hill station and Dad admired the London Wall...the remnant of the Roman wall.
We were beat after all the walking and activity since we arrived. It was too late in the afternoon to tour St Paul's, which unfortunately we did miss, and we didn't have the energy. We headed back to the hotel for a rest.
As early evening set in, we ventured out for dinner. We walked the path that had become very familiar. Leave the hotel...over the bridge overlooking the eye and Big Ben. We headed in the direction that would eventually lead to Trafalgar Square and found a pub. Can't remember the name but it was a Taylor Walker pub which I noticed on the menu. Our favorite pub across from the British Museum was also a Taylor Walker.
Dad had a pot pie, I had fish & chips, and DH had another burger w/ a fried egg. DH really likes burgers! I really love the chips! I had plenty on the trip!
We walked back on a different route. Big Ben and the Eye were lit up and glowing! Never tire of seeing it! And the sun sets on another day...
I am competing with "Family of Four, 4 Countries"! We are neck and neck!
Day 3: Monday June 27, 2016...Off with their heads!
We had spent the last two days walking around the city and to all the sights. It was time to give our feet a break and try out the tube.
After breakfast we headed to Westminster Station. Got our tickets and took the tube to Tower Hill. Approaching the station...mind the gap!
We exited the station and walked up the hill to the Tower of London. We encountered our first long line. We did arrive a little later than we planned...around 10:30! The ticket line wasn't too long but it was slow. Another long line formed to get into the tower, but, surprisingly, it moved rather quickly! Upon entering there was a group gathered for the beefeater tour. It was 11:15 and the tour began in 15 minutes so we decided to wait.
Our beefeater was wonderful! Funny and brought the history to life! We really enjoyed the tour then set off on our own. We did not realize how expansive the Tower of London really is!
After our tour we decided to the line over w/ for the Crown Jewels. It too moved quickly for how long the line was! The Crown Jewels...all I can say is...WOW!!! Amazing!
One thing that surprised me and only slightly bothered me were the school groups. I was surprised with the gory history of the tower that such young kids were touring! I know history is important and has to be taught but these kids were younger than 10! The school groups took up a lot of space and being too young to understand what was being seen...I thought, what's the point?
Before going on the trip I didn't think the sights would take as long but you don't know until you are actually there. We were at the Tower until almost 2 o'clock! We were just taking in all of that history! We also took pictures of Tower Bridge and I also took a rest and ate some salted caramel ice cream!
We walked back to Tower Hill station and Dad admired the London Wall...the remnant of the Roman wall.
We were beat after all the walking and activity since we arrived. It was too late in the afternoon to tour St Paul's, which unfortunately we did miss, and we didn't have the energy. We headed back to the hotel for a rest.
As early evening set in, we ventured out for dinner. We walked the path that had become very familiar. Leave the hotel...over the bridge overlooking the eye and Big Ben. We headed in the direction that would eventually lead to Trafalgar Square and found a pub. Can't remember the name but it was a Taylor Walker pub which I noticed on the menu. Our favorite pub across from the British Museum was also a Taylor Walker.
Dad had a pot pie, I had fish & chips, and DH had another burger w/ a fried egg. DH really likes burgers! I really love the chips! I had plenty on the trip!
We walked back on a different route. Big Ben and the Eye were lit up and glowing! Never tire of seeing it! And the sun sets on another day...
Jul 22nd, 2016, 01:09 PM
#25
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Day 4: Tuesday June 28, 2016...Tube hopping and bidding farewell to London!
Today is our last day in London.
Tomorrow we are beginning our journey of the countryside so we thought it would be easier to be near our rental car pick up. After spending today in London, we moved to a Marriott near Heathrow so Dad can get the car tomorrow morning.
Today our goal was the British Library and a few odds & ends. We studied the map of the tube and had a plan in place. We had spent so much time on our feet that we needed to take advantage of the tube.
The tube is great but you don't get to see the city...walking, you can take in the city and sights but your feet take a beating!
Our first day, after visiting the Abbey, the gift shop was crowded. I wanted to browse w/o the crowd so we headed there first. We got a few things including an adorable onesie for my 8 mo old niece!
We take the tube from Westminster to Tower Hill because the day before I passed up a teapot at the Tower of London gift shop. I collect teapots and needed one from England!
Back on the tube to the British Library. I can't believe this is free! We walked right in and headed to the Treasures Collection. What else can I say to describe all of this? Just amazing! It's before my time but I loved the Beatles memorabilia!
After the library, DH & I sat on a bench while Dad walked to the British Museum to pick up a souvenir he had seen during our visit a few days ago. You think we would learn our lesson to buy when we see it! When Dad returned, we grabbed a quick lunch at McDonalds. We needed something cheap, quick, and American!
Back on the tube, we headed to Paddington Station. I wanted to get a bear for my Mom and Dad wanted to get one for my niece/his granddaughter. We did see the bears elsewhere but it had to be from Paddington!
We definitely got use out of the tube! One more tube ride from Paddington to St James. Few more pics of us three at Buckingham then a taxi ride back to the hotel.
We got our luggage from storage then one last walk over the bridge. It was now lightly raining and very crowded! One last quick glance at Big Ben then we head into Westminster Station for our trek to Heathrow. The tube was so crowded!!! It was rush hour! We had to stand until 5 stops from Heathrow!
Got a taxi to the hotel and had pizza delivered. We reminisced on our whirlwind days in London!
Lights out...tomorrow our journey will take us to the countryside! Also, driving on the wrong side of the car and road...what an adventure that was!
Today is our last day in London.
Tomorrow we are beginning our journey of the countryside so we thought it would be easier to be near our rental car pick up. After spending today in London, we moved to a Marriott near Heathrow so Dad can get the car tomorrow morning.
Today our goal was the British Library and a few odds & ends. We studied the map of the tube and had a plan in place. We had spent so much time on our feet that we needed to take advantage of the tube.
The tube is great but you don't get to see the city...walking, you can take in the city and sights but your feet take a beating!
Our first day, after visiting the Abbey, the gift shop was crowded. I wanted to browse w/o the crowd so we headed there first. We got a few things including an adorable onesie for my 8 mo old niece!
We take the tube from Westminster to Tower Hill because the day before I passed up a teapot at the Tower of London gift shop. I collect teapots and needed one from England!
Back on the tube to the British Library. I can't believe this is free! We walked right in and headed to the Treasures Collection. What else can I say to describe all of this? Just amazing! It's before my time but I loved the Beatles memorabilia!
After the library, DH & I sat on a bench while Dad walked to the British Museum to pick up a souvenir he had seen during our visit a few days ago. You think we would learn our lesson to buy when we see it! When Dad returned, we grabbed a quick lunch at McDonalds. We needed something cheap, quick, and American!
Back on the tube, we headed to Paddington Station. I wanted to get a bear for my Mom and Dad wanted to get one for my niece/his granddaughter. We did see the bears elsewhere but it had to be from Paddington!
We definitely got use out of the tube! One more tube ride from Paddington to St James. Few more pics of us three at Buckingham then a taxi ride back to the hotel.
We got our luggage from storage then one last walk over the bridge. It was now lightly raining and very crowded! One last quick glance at Big Ben then we head into Westminster Station for our trek to Heathrow. The tube was so crowded!!! It was rush hour! We had to stand until 5 stops from Heathrow!
Got a taxi to the hotel and had pizza delivered. We reminisced on our whirlwind days in London!
Lights out...tomorrow our journey will take us to the countryside! Also, driving on the wrong side of the car and road...what an adventure that was!
Jul 22nd, 2016, 01:21 PM
#27
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Beefeaters is there nickname. Our guide briefly talked about it during the tour. You can use both...although they may not care for beefeater but our guide didn't say if he did or not.
Jul 22nd, 2016, 02:29 PM
#28
" I was surprised with the gory history of the tower that such young kids were touring! " - read any fairy stories lately?
"The tube is great but you don't get to see the city...walking, you can take in the city and sights but your feet take a beating! " - the answer is buses. They used to be really confusing, but London Transport has done a great job with online maps and strip maps at bus stops. Plus, with a maps app on a smart phone they are super simple. Sit upstairs and admire the view.
"The tube is great but you don't get to see the city...walking, you can take in the city and sights but your feet take a beating! " - the answer is buses. They used to be really confusing, but London Transport has done a great job with online maps and strip maps at bus stops. Plus, with a maps app on a smart phone they are super simple. Sit upstairs and admire the view.
Jul 22nd, 2016, 03:20 PM
#30
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Enjoying your trip report. We were in London in May and as Thursdaysd suggested we took advantage of buses as well as the Tube and taxis. Loved being able to view some of the landmarks as we traveled.
I look forward to reading your adventures in the countryside and driving on the left.
I look forward to reading your adventures in the countryside and driving on the left.
Jul 23rd, 2016, 12:09 AM
#31
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It took me years before I realised the short distance between tube stations, what a revelation it was.
I'm surprised at your surprise about gory stories; kids love them. It explains the appeal of Horrid Histories - the bloodier the better. Never heard of pot pie - wasn't it a pork pie?
I'm surprised at your surprise about gory stories; kids love them. It explains the appeal of Horrid Histories - the bloodier the better. Never heard of pot pie - wasn't it a pork pie?
Jul 23rd, 2016, 01:58 AM
#33
steve - a pot pie [so I have learnt from the WFD thread in the lounge] is what you and I would call a pie - stewed beef or chicken for example on the bottom, pastry on the top. Why americans call it a pot pie remains a bit of a mystery.
Jul 23rd, 2016, 07:20 AM
#36
Generally in the States (though there are regional exceptions) a savory pie is called a pot pie, or chicken pot pie, or fish pie or whatever.
Just plain 'pie' is understood to mean a dessert/sweet pie
Just plain 'pie' is understood to mean a dessert/sweet pie
Jul 23rd, 2016, 10:00 AM
#38
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>>Why americans call it a pot pie remains a bit of a mystery.<<
Because it's contained in a pot, rather than a pastry case. Whereas in British English we can use pie for just a dish with a pastry top or the whole thing encased in pastry
What janisj describes might be what you or I would call a tart, or (if covered) a pie.
Just as I assume what that irritating song refers to as "pizza pie" is more like a tart than a pizza as the Italians would understand it.
Just to confuse the issue more.
Because it's contained in a pot, rather than a pastry case. Whereas in British English we can use pie for just a dish with a pastry top or the whole thing encased in pastry
What janisj describes might be what you or I would call a tart, or (if covered) a pie.
Just as I assume what that irritating song refers to as "pizza pie" is more like a tart than a pizza as the Italians would understand it.
Just to confuse the issue more.
Jul 23rd, 2016, 11:33 AM
#39
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"what that irritating song refers to as "pizza pie" is more like a tart than a pizza "
"Pizza pie" is often simply synonymous with pizza. How the term came into American, and whether its deep-dish use in Chicago refers to a tart-style dish that really did originate somewhere in Italy, I leave to locals to advise.
But I've certainly heard Americans use the term as simply another way of describing ordinary pizzas.
"Pizza pie" is often simply synonymous with pizza. How the term came into American, and whether its deep-dish use in Chicago refers to a tart-style dish that really did originate somewhere in Italy, I leave to locals to advise.
But I've certainly heard Americans use the term as simply another way of describing ordinary pizzas.
Jul 23rd, 2016, 01:04 PM
#40
>>Just as I assume what that irritating song refers to as "pizza pie" is more like a tart than a pizza as the Italians would understand it. <<
nope
- a pizza pie is just a plain old pizza. Pizza is another regional thing in the states. Most places just call them pizza, some call them pizza pies . . . but in some places they are just called 'pies' . . .
confusing enough?
nope
- a pizza pie is just a plain old pizza. Pizza is another regional thing in the states. Most places just call them pizza, some call them pizza pies . . . but in some places they are just called 'pies' . . .confusing enough?
