Go Know!

Have a seat

London, England As it was a Saturday, I took that into consideration when thinking about where to go today. I settled on the Victoria and Albert Museum, which may seem odd. But I calculated that the V&A is always busy, so what difference would a Saturday make? Plus, children-driven decisions would probably result in visits to the Natural History Museum instead.

I was right on both counts, but I neglected to take one factor into consideration, which was getting there and back. I have never had to queue for five minutes just to tap my Oyster card. Whew. And once on the trains, no one gave me a seat!!!!

The Power and the Glory

London, England I ventured into a new area today, with great results. The Battersea Power Station doesn’t sound like it would be a particularly tasty destination, but all I can say is Wow!

An afternoon with the Queen

London, England Ever since the internet became aware of my pending trip to London, I have been bombarded with suggestions and “Best” lists of things to visit.

One of the many things that did manage to intrique me was a promotion for a film of the National Theatre 2013 production of “The Audience,” starring Helen Mirren, and written by Peter Morgan.

It offered things I love – a dramatisation of Queen Elizabeth, Helen Mirren, a three-hour rest in a cozy movie theatre seat, and maybe popcorn.

Calling on the Egyptians

London, England In a new, very leisurely, touristy way, I ambled over to the British Museum in late morning. What a weird sensation to not have to conform to a schedule or meet a reservation. Not all days here will be like this one, but it was a delightful sensation.

It is a very lovely and mild day in London, and the museum was packed. There were mobs of cute school children in their distinctive uniforms, and lots of tourists in their non-distinctive garb.

Getting Settled

London, England I had a great trip getting here – a bulkhead seat on the aisle, with an empty seat next to me. If one is forced to fly economy, it just doesn’t get any better.

I dropped my bags at the flat I am renting and wandered around my new neighborhood. It seems to have all the conveniences one would require — a Boots for any drugstore needs, a big Tesco Express for groceries, the inevitable Pret A Manger for sandwiches, Chipolte and KFC. What more could I ask for? It was surprising to see a West Elm store airlifted from the US, but it is indeed here.

A tale of two journeys

New York, NY Frequent readers will have sensed that it must be time for us to dust off the suitcases, and you would be correct.

However, this trip takes a different form than our past adventures, in that we are dividing forces and covering more territory this time.

Don had a craving to visit Southeast Asia and China. Me? I’m just not a fan of heat, humidity, dengue fever and mosquitos in general, and any countries ruled by Communists.

Don tells all

New York, New York Here it is: the cost of 25 nights (26 days) of our trip in the U.K.

Our nearly one-month trip to the UK – from London to Edinburgh – was a particularly good trip. The weather was great and we got to revisit some places we hadn’t been in fifty years and some places new to us. (Plus, we got to visit dear friends. I’m careful not to say OLD friends, because that might be interpreted incorrectly.)