I met a man who was in World War II. He is 89 years old (as old as my grandfather would be) and is the last surviving test pilots for the SPITFIRE airplane. If you know British Air Force history, you have heard of the Spitfire.
On the right are two photos. One of Peter Ayerst, Stacey and I and the other of a Spitfire plane. He was a fascinating man with a book written about him called Spirit of the Blue, by Hugh Thomas - which Peter signed for Joe. What an amazing man and story. We were very lucky to meet him!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Last Day, but a Great Day
Today Stacey and I traveled north to meet up with Barb (from Eisenhower). She anxiously waited for us at the station and was our tour guide (and driver - wonderful driver) through the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds is a range of hills in east-central England, and is often referred to as the "Heart of England." The buildings are made of cotswold stone - a yellow colitic limestone. This part of the country was beautiful with rolling hills and farmland. The churches and towns where quaint and sweet.
We stopped in three places; Chipping Campden, Broadway, and Burton-on-the-Water. I had my first "English" tea time with tea with cream and a scone. We sat by a small river and watched the Morris Men perform (see picture). After getting up close to the performance, one of the Morris men (the one 'passing the hat') wanted to make sure we had a proper welcome. He gave us each a kiss on the cheek saying it was for fertility. Then, the three of us- being the lucky ladies we are, got another kiss from him! I think he had a bit of whiskey before we met him today.
Barb was a wonderful guide, and it was so fun to see her in her 'home' country. Who else from my school will be able to say they had tea with Barb in the Cotswolds?
Well my friends, the time has come. It is my last night, and I need to go to bed. I hope you enjoyed my little journey through London - but wait - don't fret... I will continue my blog next week...but where in the world will I be??
The Cotswolds is a range of hills in east-central England, and is often referred to as the "Heart of England." The buildings are made of cotswold stone - a yellow colitic limestone. This part of the country was beautiful with rolling hills and farmland. The churches and towns where quaint and sweet.
We stopped in three places; Chipping Campden, Broadway, and Burton-on-the-Water. I had my first "English" tea time with tea with cream and a scone. We sat by a small river and watched the Morris Men perform (see picture). After getting up close to the performance, one of the Morris men (the one 'passing the hat') wanted to make sure we had a proper welcome. He gave us each a kiss on the cheek saying it was for fertility. Then, the three of us- being the lucky ladies we are, got another kiss from him! I think he had a bit of whiskey before we met him today.
Barb was a wonderful guide, and it was so fun to see her in her 'home' country. Who else from my school will be able to say they had tea with Barb in the Cotswolds?
Well my friends, the time has come. It is my last night, and I need to go to bed. I hope you enjoyed my little journey through London - but wait - don't fret... I will continue my blog next week...but where in the world will I be??
Friday, July 17, 2009
St. Paul's Cathedral, Imperial War Museum and Chartwell
Hiya,
Today was another busy day in the big city and little country. I was a rockstar with the tube today - finding my way from one end of London to the other in 2 hours time (I didn't have much time to explore today).
I started north of the Thames at St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a beauty of a church. Princess Di was married there, and they had Winston Churchill's funeral there too.
Next I went to the Imperial War Museum. It was great. They had tons of things that Joe would love to see and read. I spent most my time in the Holocaust exhibit - which was very, very well done. I look forward to seeing the one in D.C. next week.
THEN, I hit a place recommended by Mandy called Wagamama for noodles. Yum! From there I met Stacey and her boss Steve, and the three of us drove to Chartwell - where the home of Winston Churchill stands. It was a 'country' estate with gardens, and gardens and more gardens. I learned that he wrote books, painted, was a family man, politician and also made a brick wall around his house! Very interesting man - I want to read a biography about his life.
Stacey's boss made Bangers and Mash for us tonight at his house. It is sausages, mashed potatoes and gravy sauce with lots of onions. It was delicious with the onions picked out. Very traditional.
Now we are getting ready to meet Barb tomorrow. Barb is one of our office assistants at Eisenhower. She is north of London, so our journey begins at 7 AM and takes about 2 hours. We will be exploring more of the Cotswolds (more of the countryside of England).
Only one more full day here! I will be home before you know it!!
Love!
Today was another busy day in the big city and little country. I was a rockstar with the tube today - finding my way from one end of London to the other in 2 hours time (I didn't have much time to explore today).
I started north of the Thames at St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a beauty of a church. Princess Di was married there, and they had Winston Churchill's funeral there too.
Next I went to the Imperial War Museum. It was great. They had tons of things that Joe would love to see and read. I spent most my time in the Holocaust exhibit - which was very, very well done. I look forward to seeing the one in D.C. next week.
THEN, I hit a place recommended by Mandy called Wagamama for noodles. Yum! From there I met Stacey and her boss Steve, and the three of us drove to Chartwell - where the home of Winston Churchill stands. It was a 'country' estate with gardens, and gardens and more gardens. I learned that he wrote books, painted, was a family man, politician and also made a brick wall around his house! Very interesting man - I want to read a biography about his life.
Stacey's boss made Bangers and Mash for us tonight at his house. It is sausages, mashed potatoes and gravy sauce with lots of onions. It was delicious with the onions picked out. Very traditional.
Now we are getting ready to meet Barb tomorrow. Barb is one of our office assistants at Eisenhower. She is north of London, so our journey begins at 7 AM and takes about 2 hours. We will be exploring more of the Cotswolds (more of the countryside of England).
Only one more full day here! I will be home before you know it!!
Love!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday
I don't want to disappoint everyone who are reading this (my mom and Joe), but it is late and I need to sleep for tomorrow - s0 just a few things:
Today I went to Southampton and saw a few cool things. I didn't know this, but the Mayflower actually took off from there!
I had a GREAT night tonight. I met someone (but can't say who right now because it is a surprise for Joe), but the person was great and we had the best chat.
Now I have to get ready to visit some museums tomorrow and some other stuff I hadn't planned until tonight after this chat with this person. I realize this doesn't make sense. It isn't some famous person like Madonna or David Beckham, but it is someone Joe will find fascinating and I don't want to ruin the surprise.
So good night everyone. I will write more tomorrow!
Today I went to Southampton and saw a few cool things. I didn't know this, but the Mayflower actually took off from there!
I had a GREAT night tonight. I met someone (but can't say who right now because it is a surprise for Joe), but the person was great and we had the best chat.
Now I have to get ready to visit some museums tomorrow and some other stuff I hadn't planned until tonight after this chat with this person. I realize this doesn't make sense. It isn't some famous person like Madonna or David Beckham, but it is someone Joe will find fascinating and I don't want to ruin the surprise.
So good night everyone. I will write more tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Too tired to think right now....
This is a short post, but with more pictures.
I am SUPER tired today. I walked, and walked, and walked - and at one point walked in a circle without even trying! I felt like Chevy Chase in European Vacation because I found myself at the same point I started. I was trying to find Harrods. I took a cab and found out I was headed in the opposite direction!
So, today you will see Buckingham Palace (again, just as crowded), a funny street sign - I have no idea what it means, my first (and only) FISH AND CHIPS, and Stacey's huge sardine from her mixed fish platter. Joe - you would have been salivating! By the way, she didn't really bite the head off or any of it for that matter!
Tomorrow we head down to Southampton - this is where the Titanic started its voyage and where many ships docked for D-Day.
I am SUPER tired today. I walked, and walked, and walked - and at one point walked in a circle without even trying! I felt like Chevy Chase in European Vacation because I found myself at the same point I started. I was trying to find Harrods. I took a cab and found out I was headed in the opposite direction!
So, today you will see Buckingham Palace (again, just as crowded), a funny street sign - I have no idea what it means, my first (and only) FISH AND CHIPS, and Stacey's huge sardine from her mixed fish platter. Joe - you would have been salivating! By the way, she didn't really bite the head off or any of it for that matter!
Tomorrow we head down to Southampton - this is where the Titanic started its voyage and where many ships docked for D-Day.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Lacock, Bath and Stonehenge
I went on a great tour today to Lacock, Bath and Stonehenge! The tour had an amazing guide who knew so much history - I could barely follow....
Lacock is a small town in the Cotswolds area. Some areas are thatched roofed and other areas are limestone. This particular town had limestone roofs. I have a picture of a thatched roof - which costs from 15,000 to 25,000 pounds to replace which I will post later. Right now you will see a picture of a English cat that lived in Lacock (no English accent that I could hear).
Bath was an amazing place. There are about 65,000 people living there, with about 20% working in the tourist industry. For the history of Bath, click here: The History of Bath.
Built on a hill, the bus took us up and up through the winding road to the very top, where the very affluent lived when they used the baths for healing. The museum was very informational, and the baths were beautiful (see picture). However, you were not allowed to touch the bath water because it is full of algae.
Last stop of the day was Stonehenge. Again, the tour guide was full of information about Stonehenge - who and possible whys it was created. There was a eerie silence around the site, people just taking it all in. I took a ton of pictures, but will only post one. It is spectacular because it is out in the middle of nowhere (but both highways border it, so there is a constant flow of traffic around it).
I got home earlier than expected, so I had to wait for Stacey since she had the keys. I went to the local pub - the Oakhill again. I ordered a pint and sat to read the newspaper. Well, it didn't take a few locals long to know I wasn't from here, so I was invited (by a note) over to join them. Their ages ranged from 30 to 63 years of age - all typical Brits you would see in a pub from 5:00 on.... I enjoyed chatting with them, and Stacey and I will be going there on Thursday to hang out again. It is too fun to hear them talk and try to figure out what they are saying. I also like asking them questions, like - "Why don't you tip bartenders?" etc.
Time for bed! I am not sure what time it is, but I know I am tired. Tomorrow is possibly Harrods, Oxford Street, Tate Modern and back to Camden Market later with Stacey.
Love to all.
Lacock is a small town in the Cotswolds area. Some areas are thatched roofed and other areas are limestone. This particular town had limestone roofs. I have a picture of a thatched roof - which costs from 15,000 to 25,000 pounds to replace which I will post later. Right now you will see a picture of a English cat that lived in Lacock (no English accent that I could hear).
Bath was an amazing place. There are about 65,000 people living there, with about 20% working in the tourist industry. For the history of Bath, click here: The History of Bath.
Built on a hill, the bus took us up and up through the winding road to the very top, where the very affluent lived when they used the baths for healing. The museum was very informational, and the baths were beautiful (see picture). However, you were not allowed to touch the bath water because it is full of algae.
Last stop of the day was Stonehenge. Again, the tour guide was full of information about Stonehenge - who and possible whys it was created. There was a eerie silence around the site, people just taking it all in. I took a ton of pictures, but will only post one. It is spectacular because it is out in the middle of nowhere (but both highways border it, so there is a constant flow of traffic around it).
I got home earlier than expected, so I had to wait for Stacey since she had the keys. I went to the local pub - the Oakhill again. I ordered a pint and sat to read the newspaper. Well, it didn't take a few locals long to know I wasn't from here, so I was invited (by a note) over to join them. Their ages ranged from 30 to 63 years of age - all typical Brits you would see in a pub from 5:00 on.... I enjoyed chatting with them, and Stacey and I will be going there on Thursday to hang out again. It is too fun to hear them talk and try to figure out what they are saying. I also like asking them questions, like - "Why don't you tip bartenders?" etc.
Time for bed! I am not sure what time it is, but I know I am tired. Tomorrow is possibly Harrods, Oxford Street, Tate Modern and back to Camden Market later with Stacey.
Love to all.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Big Bus Company
Toot, toot. I did the double decker bus tour today!
I slept in today and made it into central London by noon. Here's the thing about London's travel system:
You have the tube. That is just like the subway.
You have the tram. This is above ground, a bit slower, and is usually on the outside of the central part taking you into the city.
You have the train. This reminds me of the train between Milwaukee and Chicago, although it travels to many more places and from more places than that.
You have the bus. Just like you think, except there are double decker buses.
I took the train from Beckenham Junction to Victoria Station. One shot deal for my first time navigating it on my own. And it went very smoothly, thank you.
The bus I did was a tour bus, like in New York, that takes you to major places. You can get on and off at your leisure. The first one I got on, I couldn't really understand the British guide, but that bus was done with its route. So I got on another one and went to the second level. It was great.
They pointed out places to shop, where people live/lived, beautiful hotels, and historical places. The stop I decided to make was to visit Westminster Abbey. I didn't realize it cost money, but it was pretty reasonable. You also were not allowed to take pictures inside, so I can only show you the outside.
Many past kings and queens are entombed or memorialized in the Abbey, along with some poets, writers, and scientists - like Darwin! The architecture is amazing for something built so long ago. I was in awe. The tour had a nice hand held device that gave you information and sometimes provided music - like a men's choir or an organ. Very fitting for the place.
Before heading back on the bus, I needed to eat (motion sickness), so I decided on a pub called Fuller's Ale and Pie. Sallmann women - you would be proud of me because I ordered something out of the ordinary for myself! I tried one of their 'pies.' It was a sweet potato, spinach and mushroom all in a small flaky pie (see picture). (Yes. I picked out the mushrooms).
After lunch, I got back on the bus for the rest of the tour. I made sure to take note of places I wanted to make my way back to later this week.
Stacey and I just ordered a pizza and will be eating "take away" tonight. I am trying the English version of the Joe Sallmann (Sr.) pizza - sausage and black olives. I'll let you know how it tastes!
Peace.
Sarah
I slept in today and made it into central London by noon. Here's the thing about London's travel system:
You have the tube. That is just like the subway.
You have the tram. This is above ground, a bit slower, and is usually on the outside of the central part taking you into the city.
You have the train. This reminds me of the train between Milwaukee and Chicago, although it travels to many more places and from more places than that.
You have the bus. Just like you think, except there are double decker buses.
I took the train from Beckenham Junction to Victoria Station. One shot deal for my first time navigating it on my own. And it went very smoothly, thank you.
The bus I did was a tour bus, like in New York, that takes you to major places. You can get on and off at your leisure. The first one I got on, I couldn't really understand the British guide, but that bus was done with its route. So I got on another one and went to the second level. It was great.
They pointed out places to shop, where people live/lived, beautiful hotels, and historical places. The stop I decided to make was to visit Westminster Abbey. I didn't realize it cost money, but it was pretty reasonable. You also were not allowed to take pictures inside, so I can only show you the outside.
Many past kings and queens are entombed or memorialized in the Abbey, along with some poets, writers, and scientists - like Darwin! The architecture is amazing for something built so long ago. I was in awe. The tour had a nice hand held device that gave you information and sometimes provided music - like a men's choir or an organ. Very fitting for the place.
Before heading back on the bus, I needed to eat (motion sickness), so I decided on a pub called Fuller's Ale and Pie. Sallmann women - you would be proud of me because I ordered something out of the ordinary for myself! I tried one of their 'pies.' It was a sweet potato, spinach and mushroom all in a small flaky pie (see picture). (Yes. I picked out the mushrooms).
After lunch, I got back on the bus for the rest of the tour. I made sure to take note of places I wanted to make my way back to later this week.
Stacey and I just ordered a pizza and will be eating "take away" tonight. I am trying the English version of the Joe Sallmann (Sr.) pizza - sausage and black olives. I'll let you know how it tastes!
Peace.
Sarah
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