Quaint and gigantic - YES!
Trip Start
Jul 18, 2007
1
4
11
Trip End
Aug 09, 2007
St. Albans, United Kingdom
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Yesterday, we visited St. Alban - a gorgeous little town in the Heartland of England.
It's main draw is its cathedral - it has the second longest nave in the country. Very interesting
history and absolutely fascinating to see. Nearby are unbelievable parklands over what used to be a Roman city called Veralumium. Now a wonderful place for families to picnic and enjoy the sun (on the rare occasions that it shines!!!!!) Ron also enjoyed a Roman museum there, while I went on a little sidetrip to the Queen's Royal Rose Test Garden. I have to say that Oregon's "Oregon Gardens" are just as nice, if not nicer.
Today, we visited Windsor Castle. OMG! We had never even imagined a place so big and grand. The queen was there today (but we never saw her) - but we did watch and enjoy the changing of the guard. I have to say that the "pomp" of the Guards is somewhat amusing to this old American - but seems to be quite serious for the British:) The state apartments defy
description - and no photography was allowed inside, so we bought the official guidebook.
Suffice it to say: gold, silver, glitz, ancient, every square inch of space enhanced in some way, pomp and circumstance - oh my!!
Mary - sorry to say, I have used the rain slicker almost every day so far!!! THanks for thinking of them.
Sal - the fanny pack is hanging on me daily. The weight of the water is onerous at times, but we couldn't do without it!
Mom - you would be proud of how we have the rail and underground systems down pat.
Sarah - yes, I am singing every day.
Min - hope your first concert went well.
M&H - thanks for your "home safe" message:)
The rain continues and more flooding is forecast. We go into London tomorrow and will check with our only scheduled bus tour company to see if that tour needs to be rescheduled because we believe it goes directly into the flood zone. That is our trip to the Cotswolds.
Comments
flooding!!
Susie....our newscasts say the worst flooding in 100 years? So glad you're seeing all the historic stuff in London.I swear it didn't rain..much...when we were there.
Mom
Sue & Ron
Jim and I have been so concerned about your trip and the rain. We have read your comments and seems like you are having a fine time in spite of it. Of course, you would! Hope you continue to be enthralled. Stay dry. We love the comments!
Harriet and Jim
Thanks
You're travelogue is great. Almost feel as if I am there. Just don't have to wear a rain slicker! Thanks. Love -
Pomp & Circumstance (& Expense)
I have to agree with your comment, Sue. I think that the UK spends a tremendous amount of money maintaining the pomp of the royalty, when that family is already one of the most wealthy families in the entire world. Perhaps that only added to the upset with the royal family after Diana's death.
Sounds like the worst flooding is to the south of you, though it's bound to be a bit soggy wherever you go outside of London. Hope you are able to see most of what you have planned, though perhaps in a different order.
I loved the British Museum, and I spent a couple of half-days there. But I've been to museums with the all-time king of museums, Mr. Ronald D. Tenison. How on earth do you drag that man out of the museum at the end of the day, when there is still so much to see???
Rob
Just now got the info from mom about your blog. I've read up through 7-23 and am looking forward to more! The pictures look good. Jan and I would love the sites and museums. Hope things are drying out for you. Here it has not be below 98 degrees for the month of July. Rob