Hi Marge,<BR><BR>I didn't want to have to wrangle my luggage to Paddington Station to catch the Heathrow Express (although we did use it coming in.) Hotelink picked us up at the hotel and dropped us at our terminal, much less hassle.<BR><BR>Patti

Sorry my city Newcastle wasn't good enough for you. Actually the people of Newcastle are known to be extremely warm, friendly, ...shame you didn't bother with them...we won't welcome you back. Can't stand tourists who gawp and want pretty little villages all over the place, that's not life.

Patti, I really enjoyed your trip report. Brought back memories of my feelings the first time I "did" London. I'd forgotten how emotional I got at the British Library--exactly as you reported--where to look first? Did you see Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales? Amazing! I've also enjoyed many good noodle dishes at Jenny Lo's--excellent!<BR><BR>Your train trip fascinated me--I'd like to do a similar one so I'm keeping your report. I'm also going to look into your recommended B&B for York for an October trip.<BR><BR>Thanks so much--great job!<BR>

Hi Mel, <BR>Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad the report will be helpful to you. The Bronte House in York was lovely, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Please write if I can answer any questions.<BR><BR>Geordie Lad--I apologize if I've caused offense. I'm sure your city and its people have much to offer. I do realize that factories and power plants are a necessary part of civilization and that not every place can be picture postcard pretty. I hope if I decide to come back you'll give me another chance. :-)<BR><BR>Patti

Patti-<BR><BR>Hi, it sounds like you had a great time. We just returned at the end of June from London. I wish we could have spent more time there but it was at the end of our trip as well. Did the Tower for the jewels and the hop on/off tours. We also did the Stonehenge special access. Our guide was David and it was absolutely great. I am sure it would not have been the same to just see from a distance. Although we did not see the guard ceremony while on the way to meet up for the tour we saw the procession down 'the mall' which was really cool. Then we proceeded to have lunch at the Duke of York prior to the tour.

So nice to read positive comments about my home town...makes me feel all warm inside! I guess it's easy to dismiss somewhere you know nothing about.

Patti:<BR><BR>Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I'm going to London myself later this year and your trip report had a lot of good information in it.<BR><BR>What I don't get is why people are cracking on you for mentioning you didn't think a particular place is all that beautiful. You're on vacation, after all. I mean, I live in a very average, not at all beautiful or interesting, town in central california. People from all over the world pass through here all the time on their way to much more beautiful and interesting tourist destinations along the CA coast. I'm sure they think my town is, comparatively, ugly and boring. So what? I really don't give a flip. You ultra-sensitive Brits need to relax! Go have a cup of tea or watch a Monty Python marathon or something . . .<BR><BR>

Hi don't,<BR><BR>Thanks for your support. I AM truly sorry I made that negative remark. It's funny that it's seven months later and this rears its ugly head yet again! Guess I should have taken mom's advice--if you can't say something nice...don't say anything.

Hello Patti, you must be the same Patti who recommended the Bronte guest house.. I had made a reservation there, but then got a response that they couldn't accomidate our request as they were booked up. <BR>However! Just loved your trip report,sounds like you had an amazing time. I am counting the days until we leave.. for our London, Paris York jaunt. Thanks again for posting.

Hi Thyra,<BR><BR>Here's one little tip if you have your heart set on the Bronte Guest House--they have one inside room, I think it's a double--the window looks into the hall, and they can't rent it over the phone--you have to rent it in person. It might be worth your while to go check it out when you get to York. <BR><BR>As a second choice I would recommend the other place we stayed--the Carlton House. As I mentioned in my report, the public rooms were absolutely beautiful and our room was big, although the bathroom was small. Another option for you...<BR><BR>You'll love York, I think. It was one of my favorites!<BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>Patti