Trip Report! My UK Super-Sampler Tour
May 25th, 2007, 07:10 PM
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Day 11: Tues, May 8th – Bath & Stonehenge
We had to leave our wonderful B&B today. We were the only guests this morning, and they made us such a great breakfast. I could totally get use to this kind of living!
We drove onwards to Bath today.
We got to Bath at about noon, and I immediately liked it. It really is a charming Georgian town with a calming river running through, and cute medieval streets. First thing we headed to were, The Roman Baths. These were so fascinating and I loved it. It’s set up really well, and has some super interesting artifacts. Because the main Bath is in its original structure, it’s very easy to imagine the Romans walking around here, sipping wine discussing Roman politics.….There is also a great audio guide, with inserts from Tim’s favorite writer Bill Bryson. After this we did some shopping, ate lunch, and toured the very pretty Abbey.
I wished we would have spent more time in Bath, but we had to get to Salisbury to check into our B&B. We stayed at Byways House (not half as nice as The Olive Branch).
We were able to explore a bit of the town before we had to head to our 7:30 appointment at STONEHENGE! I had booked a special access tour, where you are able to walk amongst the stones. We ended up getting there early, at 7pm, and the guard said we could go in early, and do our hour from 7 to 8. When we walked out to the Stones there was nobody else there. For the 1st half hour we had them all to ourselves. It was so amazing, just standing in the middle of the circle and getting to actually touch these ancient stones. It was SURREAL!! Standing right next to them, you can grasp what an accomplishment bringing these massive stones here really was. Just think of what motivation that must have taken! This was certainly a highlight of the whole trip
.
We had to leave our wonderful B&B today. We were the only guests this morning, and they made us such a great breakfast. I could totally get use to this kind of living!
We drove onwards to Bath today.
We got to Bath at about noon, and I immediately liked it. It really is a charming Georgian town with a calming river running through, and cute medieval streets. First thing we headed to were, The Roman Baths. These were so fascinating and I loved it. It’s set up really well, and has some super interesting artifacts. Because the main Bath is in its original structure, it’s very easy to imagine the Romans walking around here, sipping wine discussing Roman politics.….There is also a great audio guide, with inserts from Tim’s favorite writer Bill Bryson. After this we did some shopping, ate lunch, and toured the very pretty Abbey.
I wished we would have spent more time in Bath, but we had to get to Salisbury to check into our B&B. We stayed at Byways House (not half as nice as The Olive Branch).
We were able to explore a bit of the town before we had to head to our 7:30 appointment at STONEHENGE! I had booked a special access tour, where you are able to walk amongst the stones. We ended up getting there early, at 7pm, and the guard said we could go in early, and do our hour from 7 to 8. When we walked out to the Stones there was nobody else there. For the 1st half hour we had them all to ourselves. It was so amazing, just standing in the middle of the circle and getting to actually touch these ancient stones. It was SURREAL!! Standing right next to them, you can grasp what an accomplishment bringing these massive stones here really was. Just think of what motivation that must have taken! This was certainly a highlight of the whole trip
. 
May 25th, 2007, 07:13 PM
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Day 12: Wed, May 9th – No Salisbury Steak, But a look at the Magna Carta
First thing this morning we walked over to see the Cathedral. It was raining and gloomy pretty much all today. When we got to the Cathedral we joined a tour that was just starting. It was a really good tour, the guide was very efficient in explaining the building process and history. It ended in the Chapter house where the Magna Carta is located. It was so cool to see, very old, with tiny writing. This Cathedral is such an impressive structure.
We then headed back in Market Square. I thought there would be a farmers market, since it was Wednesday, but we never found it. I didn’t like Salisbury as much as I thought I would. It was kinda disappointing, because I had so been looking forward to Salisbury. I pictured it in my head to be like Canterbury, but it wasn’t at all. It’s actually very industrial and crowded. One of my favorite books is “Sarum” by Edward Rutherford. So, that is why I wanted to stay here.
We then drove out to “Old Sarum”. There are good views of the city from here, but it was raining so hard, we didn’t stay here that long. After this, we drove back to Stonehenge because I wanted to visit the store, which was already closed the night before. Sooooo glad we did the special access. There were busloads of tour groups there, all vying for the best view of the stones, some 30ft. away.
We didn’t feel like going back and hanging out in Salisbury, so we drove out to Avebury. Avebury is such a cute town! It kept raining on and off. So, we would dash into a shop when it was raining and then walk back out to the stones when it was clear. There were lots of sheep here, just sleeping against the Stones. They didn’t care about us being around at all, must be use to people. This was a great stop, I’m glad we came.
We then had our last pub meal (thankfully – I was just tired of pub food at this point) at The Churchill Arms.....Tomorrow back to London
Hotel: Byways House – C+
It was hard to go from The Olive Branch to here. Decent enough, but not really nice. I didn’t like the location. And the bed, again, was hard and uncomfortable.
First thing this morning we walked over to see the Cathedral. It was raining and gloomy pretty much all today. When we got to the Cathedral we joined a tour that was just starting. It was a really good tour, the guide was very efficient in explaining the building process and history. It ended in the Chapter house where the Magna Carta is located. It was so cool to see, very old, with tiny writing. This Cathedral is such an impressive structure.
We then headed back in Market Square. I thought there would be a farmers market, since it was Wednesday, but we never found it. I didn’t like Salisbury as much as I thought I would. It was kinda disappointing, because I had so been looking forward to Salisbury. I pictured it in my head to be like Canterbury, but it wasn’t at all. It’s actually very industrial and crowded. One of my favorite books is “Sarum” by Edward Rutherford. So, that is why I wanted to stay here.
We then drove out to “Old Sarum”. There are good views of the city from here, but it was raining so hard, we didn’t stay here that long. After this, we drove back to Stonehenge because I wanted to visit the store, which was already closed the night before. Sooooo glad we did the special access. There were busloads of tour groups there, all vying for the best view of the stones, some 30ft. away.
We didn’t feel like going back and hanging out in Salisbury, so we drove out to Avebury. Avebury is such a cute town! It kept raining on and off. So, we would dash into a shop when it was raining and then walk back out to the stones when it was clear. There were lots of sheep here, just sleeping against the Stones. They didn’t care about us being around at all, must be use to people. This was a great stop, I’m glad we came.
We then had our last pub meal (thankfully – I was just tired of pub food at this point) at The Churchill Arms.....Tomorrow back to London
Hotel: Byways House – C+
It was hard to go from The Olive Branch to here. Decent enough, but not really nice. I didn’t like the location. And the bed, again, was hard and uncomfortable.
May 27th, 2007, 08:22 PM
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Day 13: Thurs, May 10th – The Play’s The Thing
Today we said goodbye to the Countryside, and headed back to London. We turned in the car, and got an early 9am train. It’s only an hour ride, so we got to our Hotel too early to get a room. We left our luggage at the Hotel (The Sheraton Park Lane in Mayfair) and headed straight out to explore. We took the Tube to King’s Cross Station, immediately looked for Platform 9 ¾, and ofcourse, took the usual silly photos.
From here it was one stop to The British Museum. I’ve wanted to go here for so long. The collection is amazing. It really is the World’s attic. We spent a good 4 hours looking through the Egypt, Rome, Greece, and early European collections and still probably only saw a quarter of the collection. Our feet were very tired after this. So, when we finally got back to our hotel we just crashed. That museum takes a lot out of you!
We got back up just in time to grab a quick dinner and make our 7:30 play time for “Othello” at The Globe. I had bought my tickets by phone a few weeks back, and the seats were great. Right in the middle of the Stage, and covered, which was a good thing because it was sprinkling. The show was so good. There is nothing like Shakespeare being performed by proper actors. Another Highlight!!
Day 14: Fri, May 11th – Mind The Gap
It has arrived – the last day. We got up early today so we could get to The Tower of London right when they opened. This was a good idea because there was hardly anybody there when we arrived. The first thing we did was head straight for The Crown Jewels, where we got to go round the conveyor belt several times, checking out the jewels to our leisure. I especially liked Queen Victoria’s tiny diamond crown, and The Queen Mother’s diamond crown. Then we took a Beefeater tour. The crowds were starting to arrive now, and our tour was pretty crowded. This really is a fun tour. Our guide was very funny. Afterwards we toured ‘The White Tower’, where we saw lots of artillery and Henry VIII’s, um, famous Suit of Armor.
We then headed over to Westminster Abbey for a quick look around. We’ve both been here before. But, it felt as though it’s changed. It’s more structured. They have everything marked, and you have to follow a certain path. It’s still, ofcourse, a highlight of London.
I have to note here. I dislike public transportation in general. Being from LA, it’s a very alien thing to me. But, London’s underground has one of the best systems I’ve ever seen. It’s very easy to understand, and everything is marked for the tourists needs….Plus it has that sweet British voice reminding you to “Mind the Gap between the platform and train…Please Alight here for Piccadilly line, concluding at Cockfosters”.
Afterwards we headed to Harrods. It has a classic department store feel to it, which I liked. We spent a few hours here roaming through their jewelry and home sections, and many Harrods merchandise stores. We also took tea here. A fitting last day to out Great Britain tour.
Hotel: The Sheraton Park Lane – A-
A great location, a short distance from a tube stop. Right next door to the Hard Rock. Decent shower and bathroom. Comfotable bed.
Today we said goodbye to the Countryside, and headed back to London. We turned in the car, and got an early 9am train. It’s only an hour ride, so we got to our Hotel too early to get a room. We left our luggage at the Hotel (The Sheraton Park Lane in Mayfair) and headed straight out to explore. We took the Tube to King’s Cross Station, immediately looked for Platform 9 ¾, and ofcourse, took the usual silly photos.
From here it was one stop to The British Museum. I’ve wanted to go here for so long. The collection is amazing. It really is the World’s attic. We spent a good 4 hours looking through the Egypt, Rome, Greece, and early European collections and still probably only saw a quarter of the collection. Our feet were very tired after this. So, when we finally got back to our hotel we just crashed. That museum takes a lot out of you!
We got back up just in time to grab a quick dinner and make our 7:30 play time for “Othello” at The Globe. I had bought my tickets by phone a few weeks back, and the seats were great. Right in the middle of the Stage, and covered, which was a good thing because it was sprinkling. The show was so good. There is nothing like Shakespeare being performed by proper actors. Another Highlight!!
Day 14: Fri, May 11th – Mind The Gap
It has arrived – the last day. We got up early today so we could get to The Tower of London right when they opened. This was a good idea because there was hardly anybody there when we arrived. The first thing we did was head straight for The Crown Jewels, where we got to go round the conveyor belt several times, checking out the jewels to our leisure. I especially liked Queen Victoria’s tiny diamond crown, and The Queen Mother’s diamond crown. Then we took a Beefeater tour. The crowds were starting to arrive now, and our tour was pretty crowded. This really is a fun tour. Our guide was very funny. Afterwards we toured ‘The White Tower’, where we saw lots of artillery and Henry VIII’s, um, famous Suit of Armor.
We then headed over to Westminster Abbey for a quick look around. We’ve both been here before. But, it felt as though it’s changed. It’s more structured. They have everything marked, and you have to follow a certain path. It’s still, ofcourse, a highlight of London.
I have to note here. I dislike public transportation in general. Being from LA, it’s a very alien thing to me. But, London’s underground has one of the best systems I’ve ever seen. It’s very easy to understand, and everything is marked for the tourists needs….Plus it has that sweet British voice reminding you to “Mind the Gap between the platform and train…Please Alight here for Piccadilly line, concluding at Cockfosters”.
Afterwards we headed to Harrods. It has a classic department store feel to it, which I liked. We spent a few hours here roaming through their jewelry and home sections, and many Harrods merchandise stores. We also took tea here. A fitting last day to out Great Britain tour.
Hotel: The Sheraton Park Lane – A-
A great location, a short distance from a tube stop. Right next door to the Hard Rock. Decent shower and bathroom. Comfotable bed.
