Queens and Castles

Losing track of what we are doing and what we did…  So, the Queen called back and decided not to come into town after all, enjoying her stay in Scotland too much.  But she did say to stop by the house and visit with the staff, spend the afternoon wandering the castle and enjoying the garden.  So we did.  The outside of the Palace itself is not that impressive, but inside is another matter.  Rather then bore you with the details, I will just say that it is good to be Queen.  And to think, she prefers Windsor Castle?  I can’t imagine how nice that place is.  Plus, it is outside of London.

Walking home, we decided to eat across the street at Coco Momo. Nice ending to a another long, busy day.  No tables outside, so ate in the restaurant area, with a waiter from Chicago. As we ended our meal, the table next to us filled with a family from Toronto.  Small world, indeed.

Wednesday morning, up early and off to meet a tour bus down the street for a 7:40 pick up to Stonehenge, followed by a couple of hours in Bath, the legendary town south of London.  Home of Johnny Depp, Jane Seymour, among others (had heard the Johnny lived in the south of France.  Why then would his children be enrolled in school in Bath?).

Arriving early (I travel with Cathy, enough said), the Hotel clerk at our pick up spot said the tour bus usually arrives sometime between 7:40 and 8:00 AM.  We had plenty of time for a quick breakfast at their restaurant, it was only 7:15.  Well, a funny thing happened while waiting for the bus - as soon as the breakfast was served, I noticed a bus parked out front. 

But wait, it is only 7:30.  So we wolfed down two perfectly cooked eggs, wrapped our toast in napkins, and ran off to the bus.  The hotel wait-staff could not have been more helpful, so thank you, whoever you are…

Stonehenge was interesting.  We had perfect weather,  which made it much nicer.  I have been told that viewing it in the rain is not that much fun, right Linda & Shannon?

Nice blossom's; new to me.

Nice ride to the location, as well.  Tour guide was OK, just talked a little too much, with corny jokes.  Now we are off to Bath.  We are behind schedule, thanks to the tour company, the guide, and the group.  We should have dumped them right away - hindsight.

So our trip to Bath was quick - but a beautiful location - we see why people love it.  Nice walk about town and a nice lunch, followed by another nice ride back into London. The English country side is beautiful, and very familiar.

Back in time to answer a Skype call from Linda - Carolyn out strolling with Bennett.  After a bit Carolyn returned.  Dinner was discussed and we decided dinner across the street at Med Kitchen.  Just the two of us.  Hugh out with a work function and Carolyn preferring to stay home with Bennett.  I don’t blame her, we are the ones on vacation, so we can sleep on the plane ride home.