Whether I'm Prepared For The Weather

I have been told that the one thing that I can be sure of is that if you don't like the weather in London, wait a few hours and it will change. And it is guaranteed that there will be RAIN, and lots of it. Weather can vary from anything cold enough for snow to lowish 50's F*. Possibly windy, possibly not. Probably more rain, possibly lots of it for about half the days of my visit. And possibly none at all. It might actually be spectacularly sunny, might be cloudy.

Most certainly any of the above may occur, so I am trying to be sure that I include adequate rain gear in my suitcase. And I don't want to bog down my suitcase with a bulky raincoat or rain boots. I took some time to look at what the natives utilize at times like these.

An umbrella is a must, so I have to dig out my little portable umbrella that I bought at an AWC specialty a many years ago. I don't even remember which national it was or why I actually bought an umbrella, but it is a very nice compact one that fits nicely into a purse and might actually be a conversation starter of sorts. So I have to go in search of my AWC umbrella soon

The next priority is outerwear. I really love to wear capes and hate the thought of a bulky coat. Traditional raincoats are too damned hot and they stink to high heaven when they are damp. I can't stand how they make me feel. I don't really have a waterproof cape, although I suppose you could consider my wool cape as waterproof. So off to the dry cleaner it needs to go so I can take it along.

It still remains to be seen whether or not I will take a hat and scarf. I despise wearing them as well. The temperature range during my visit is anywhere from 38* F to 52* F. So not freezing cold, not hot. On average there are 21 days with some sort of precipitation during the month. So rain shoes are a priority. This is very difficult for me as I am a dedicated Birkenstock wearer, but they aren't exactly ideal for watery walks. Of course, I will have my Isotoner Easy Touch gloves so that I can access my tablet any time I feel the need.

And I really hate the thought of taking heavy boots along. They just aren't comfortable enough for a long overnight flight and take up a helluva lot of room in a suitcase.Hence the footwear dilemma. I have rubber gardening type shoes, Crocs and some other rainproof shoes. None of which would be comfortable for walking around all day and sightseeing. So, what to do? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Me, I'd rather just kick it in my Birks!

So I am thinking I should pack the umbrella, wear the cloak on the plane (easily removed and placed on lap as a blanket, wear my Birks on the plane and pack some rubber shoes. No matter what I do I will probably  

regret not bringing something. 

I'd love to hear what any of you natives or regular London travelers pack routinely. I'm trying to make weight, you know! One carry on, one purse (camera bag), and one 55lb checked bag!

Math, Science, History...It's All Part Of The Mystery

One of the big things I am looking forward to is visiting all the great museums that are located throughout the countries of the trip. Some will be well known, some not as recognizable, but each will offer a unique opportunity for me to see some of the great artworks of all time.

In London -

Being a nurse most of my career, of course I am interested in visiting The Anesthesia Museum! Not exactly on every tourist's 'to do' list, but very enticing to me!

Of course, the Natural History Museum is a great draw. I cannot wait to see what it has to offer.

HUGE Sherlock Holmes fan here, so of course the museum that glorifies the great sleuth is on my agenda!

The British Museum is reknowned for it's many collections, but I am really anxious to visit the Egyptian presentation as I have a deep interest in ancient Egypt.

In Paris - 

Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Louvre.

And, of course, the Eiffel Tower! Since we are doing a quick one day train trip to Paris, these are the big highlights. And a few shoppes, I'm sure.

In Dublin - 

Have to find the Dublin Writers Museum because I think we all have the muse, the desire to write 'the great novel'. I am really looking forward to perusing this one!

The National Museum of Ireland is definitely on the agenda as my maternal heritage is very Irish and I am looking forward to learning more!

In Edinburgh - 

The National Scot Museum houses some of the great treasures of the Scottish realm.

The Edinburgh Museum Of Scotland is a more modern museum which contains great works of art.

In York -

The ruins outside the Yorkshire Museum tell a great tale of history of England.

And finally, the York Castle Museum contains the history of many of the major castles in Great Britain. I have such a fascination with castles, this is at the top of my "do" list.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

Not sure how close we will be getting to Cornwall, but if it is humanly possible, I DEFINITELY want to visit The Museum of Witchcraft. It is one of my major 'bucket list' destinations.

These are just a few of the major spots I plan to visit, and who knows what we may come across. I will share all my 'finds' with the blog followers as we move along on the trip of my lifetime!

Let's Talk About Crufts, Baby!

From the first time I heard about Crufts, I have wanted to attend. Over the years I have gained many friends abroad and they have all often invited me to come on over and go to the big show. It has been on my BIG 'bucket list' for many years and I wanted to combine the trip to Ireland, England and Scotland with Crufts. Everyone was giving me a really hard time about taking my big vacation in March, 'too cold', 'too wet', 'too gray',  etc. etc. etc. But knowing I would probably only get one shot to make this kind of trip, I was committed to go during Crufts, even if I could only get one day to view the spectacle.

Lately, I have heard all the criticism surrounding Crufts, and how the British are going after small breeders and trying to be more "PETA-like" in their approach to purebred dogs. Yes, I have read it all, seen it all and am aware of what the general public believes is going on in the world of dogs. It is happening in the US, too! But that hasn't stopped me from attending Westminster, Eukanuba or any of the other major shows in this country. So I am not going to let any of this stop me from reaching my 'bucket list' goal. I am going to Crufts for the dogs and the shopping, not for any political or social statement...

 

Crufts is the largest annual dog show in the world, as declared by Guinness World Records, and lasts four days. It is held every March in the city of Birmingham, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

 

Crufts was named after its founder, Charles Cruft, who worked as general manager for a dog biscuit manufacturer, travelling to dog shows both in the United Kingdom and internationally, which allowed him to establish contacts and understand the need for higher standards for dog shows. In 1886, Cruft's first dog show, billed as the "First Great Terrier Show", had 57 classes and 600 entries. The first show named "Crufts"—"Cruft's Greatest Dog Show.

 

It was at the Centenary celebrations in 1991 that Crufts was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest dog show with 22,973 dogs being exhibited in conformation classes that year. Including agility and other events, it is estimated that an average 28,000 dogs take part in Crufts each year, with an estimated 160,000 human visitors attending the show.

Crufts is not an open competition; dogs must have qualified throughout the previous year by successfully competing (gaining a top-3 place in their class) at a Kennel Club licensed Championship show where Challenge Certificates are awarded. Dogs can become qualified for life upon attaining their Kennel Club Stud Book Number.

There is also a section known as Discover Dogs, where visitors can see almost every breed recognised by the Kennel Club on view, and discuss each breed with knowledgeable owners.
Crufts also holds special shows and demonstrations, where specially trained dogs may perform in front of an audience.

 

In 2010 The Kennel Club released Crufts Vintage iPhone app, with more than 100 vintage photographs from the Kennel Club archives and in August 2011 the Crufts Best Match app, which is a Trump Card style game, available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.

So, with no remorse and no agenda, I plan to attend Crufts, visit with friends, see over 10,000 gorgeous dogs and SHOP TIL I DROP!

Little Local Shoppes!

One thing I love to do when I travel is go off the grid of the tourist and find the small, artsy and different shoppes to look for trinkets. I love flea markets, antique markets, farmer's markets and the like. I am always on the look out for anything sighthound related such as pins, books and artworks. So I am really looking forward to finding the hidden gems on our trip to Europe. A few I am aware of, but I hope we stumble into some great unknowns while wandering!

One store on my priority list is the esoteric and eclectic Watkin's Books. Renowned for it's new, second-hand and antiquarian titles in the Mind, Body, Spirit field. Established in 1893, Watkin's Books was so far ahead of it's time. I am really anticipating my visit there. Just have to keep telling myself that books are heavy and hard to pack or I will really go nuts there!

Another shoppe on the very top of my list is The Greyhound and Whippet Shoppe. However, I am currently trying to find out if it is still in business because I can't find hardly anything about it on the internet. So will keep working on that one.
Next for me is The Witch Ball, which is a wicca supply shoppe that has many and varied items that differ from those in the States. I can't wait to peruse their selection of oils, incense and other fun things to use!

Gonna put on my walkin' shoes to go to the HUGE Portobello Road Antique Market area to browse the shoppes for that 'just right' item to commemorate my trip abroad. I LOVE strolling through the booths at this type of establishment and analyzing the pieces! I plan to shop 'til I drop!

From there it's off to another HUGE antique market that all my friends have said is a 'don't miss'! Gray's Antique Market was established by Bennie Gray in 1977. Situated within a beautiful Nineteenth century terracotta building in the heart of London's West End, Grays is at the epicentre of the art and antique dealing world. I am also told that this is THE place to look for antique and estate jewelry! AWESOME!
GRAYS IS A NINETEENTH CENTURY LANDMARK RESCUED AND RESTORED

No trip to London is complete without making a trip to the world's largest department store, Harrod's. It would be like going to New York City without making a short stop at Macy's!
The store occupies a 5-acre (20,000 m²) site and has over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of selling space in over 330 departments. I generally do not shop in the mainstream, but I must at least go there for a snack!

Can't leave out the OUTSTANDING shopping venue at Crufts, Britains dog show gem! I have heard the vendor booths are amazing and the venue is HUGE! Gotta save lots of sheckels for this!

Once I get to Ireland I have STRICT orders from my sister that her souvenier is to come from Waterford Crystal! Since I have a tendency to break delicate, shiny things, I'm not really into this myself, but she will get her wish!

Once in Dublin, the list continues on. One of my MAJOR food weaknesses is cheese, and I am really looking forward to tasting many new varieties when I venture into Sheridan's Cheesemongers! Just the name makes my mouth water...I suppose you could call me a 'cheesemonger'!

Back to the local farmer's markets, Dublin boasts a huge one called Moore Street Market. I can't wait to see the lovely fare here!

Being a huge fan of wacky, different and interesting things, I have been told that I should go down to Francis Street Market, which is a variety of antiques, uniques and art dealers of every hue! Sounds like a great time to me!

I am told that in Edinburgh, Scotland, the 'must do' shopping experience is called The Royal Mile.
The Royal Mile is a succession of streets which form the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city.
As the name suggests, the Royal Mile is approximately one Scots mile long, and runs between two foci of history in Scotland, from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Castle Rock down to Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Old Town's busiest tourist street, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town.

When in York, UK, I plan to go to Red House Antiques, which supposedly has one of the greatest collections of kitzy items in the area. Once again, I will love perusing the offerings here!!

 

Of course, I'm sure I will be able to find many gems while wandering the streets of these wonderful towns! No bookstore or antique shoppe is safe from me! Also any interesting pet shops or wicca-related are fair game! I'll keep saving my money so I can shop, shop, shop!!!

 

 

Thinking about FOOD!!

I suppose the best place to start is breakfast, and I keep hearing all about the "traditional English breakfast" that tends to be served in the UK. Being an American, we have such a huge selection of items for breakfast, I can't imagine what would be considered the "traditional American breakfast".
So I am setting out to explore some of what can be expected when we go on vacation.
The Traditional English Breakfast consists of some of the usual items and some unusual items:

grilled rashers of bacon

fried eggs

grilled tomatoes

fried or grilled pork sausages

baked beans

Optional items include grilled mushrooms, black pudding, white pudding and fried bread. Tomato ketchup is very optional!
Baked beans for breakfast? Not so sure about that! What a HUGE meal for breakfast! I don't think I could stomach it....I think I'll stick with scones and coffee!

Moving on to some more of the foods we might encounter on our trip. Of course, when you say Scottish, you think Haggis! What the hell is that? According to Wikipedia - "Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach and simmered for approximately three hours. Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a sausage casing rather than an actual stomach.".
 I think I'll pass on this one too....I HAVE actually tasted it at a Highland Games....and, well, unless there are a LOT of restrooms along the way, I just don't have the time for Haggis!

Most likely, my 'go to' lunch a few days will be fish and chips! Now THAT is something I can sink my teeth into. At many great pubs the fish is beer batter dipped and fried, served with traditional chips, better known here as french fries. Looks delicious!

Another well regarded staple is meat pies. Let's see, crusty with something yummy in it? I'm all for that. I will certainly take a stab (literally) at some meat pies on the trip. Sounds like some comfort food to me!

Another very common food in the UK is sausages or bangers, and they are served with nearly every meal! I am not a huge fan of them, so I don't think I will indulge too many times in bangers. But I DO love the name...and I adore the group Wicked Tinkers, who have an album titled "Bangers For Breakfast". I think I'll stick to the musical ones.

A huge favorite Scottish treat is Bannocks, or oatcakes. I learned to love these in my many visits to Nova Scotia (New Scotland, go figure!). They are so delicious and filling, very simple and natural. SOMETIMES, though, I do the American cheat and put Philadelphia Cream Cheese on them! YUM!

Another delicious staple is scones! As I mentioned before, these will most likely be my breakfast every morning with tea or coffee! They come in SO many varieties and flavors that I will be able to vary my morning meal! Some people think scones are too dry, but they make great dunkers and munchers! LOVE SCONES!

Scotland is also famous for it's beef. Since I don't eat much of it, I will just admire it! Oops, wrong photo!

One of the things I am looking forward to is the traditional Scottish black bun. Black Bun is a very rich fruit cake, made with raisins, currants, finely-chopped peel, chopped almonds and brown sugar with the addition of cinnamon and ginger. It takes its name from the very dark colour. Looks and sounds delicious!

One of the major staples in Irish food is the potato, and it is used in a huge variety of ways that many Americans may have never imagined. I think this graphic tells it all....

Really looking forward to trying all kinds of new things and enjoying meals and fun times! Can't wait for that Scottish black bun, though!
Hope you are enjoying the my preparations for the BIG BUCKET LIST trip! I know I am!

Take A Look At Accomodations

We have completed our hotel arrangements for the entire trip and I am very excited that we are staying mostly in more local hotels rather than the big chains. I was told that we should stay at the major chains because they cater more to the American tourist, but I prefer the feel of locally owned and operated businesses. And the word is that the rooms are very small in these areas compared to what we Yanks are used to. But the way I see it, the room is where you sleep and take a shower. If you don't plan on getting out and seeing the places you visit, then what is the point of going at all?
I have a feeling Kim and I will be tripping over each other at times, but we are going to have a fantastic vacation!

When we first roll into London, we are staying at the Luna Simone Hotel. This hotel is ranked 5 stars on TripAdvisor and 4 stars on Travelocity as well as being highly recommended by the renowned Rick Steves. By stating that I found the hotel in Rick Steves' London Guidebook, we immediately got a 10% discount on our reservation, making it less than $200 per night, which is very good for this well regarded accomodation. And when I made the reservation, I expressed my concern about getting into London early in the morning and not being able to check in until 2pm. I got a wonderful email back from the proprietors telling me to come to the hotel and we could leave our bags and get a bite to eat before doing some sightseeing and that our baggage would be taken to our room for us! Now that is service!
So here is the wonderfully anticipated Luna Simone Hotel!

When we make our move down to Birmingham for Crufts, it was highly recommended by many friends and previous Crufts attendees to stay at the Crowne Plaza, Birmingham Center, for it's easy access to the Crufts venue. I looked into several of the hotels with more 'local flavor' but for accessibility and convenience, we elected to stay here. Perhaps if we would return to Crufts one day, we will try to support more of a local venue.
The Crowne Plaza, B'ham!

After our whirlwind fun and shopping at what is regarded as the greatest dog show shopping experience on the planet and seeing some gorgeous dogs, we will return to London to join the AAA tour of Britain and Ireland. We will meet up with our group at the Park Plaza Riverbank located on the scenic south side of the Thames with beautiful views of London. We will be there for 3 days with the tour group. I'll be typing a day to day preview soon!

For your viewing pleasure, the Park Plaza Riverbank in London!

After finishing up in London we are off to visit Bath and Stonehenge before moving to our next location in Cardiff, England. We will spend one night at the Parc Hotel in Cardiff just prior to our move to Ireland! Really looking forward to that part of the trip! FINALLY going there, Grandma!

So here is a view of the Parc Hotel, Cardiff, United Kingdom!

 

Hopefully feeling rested and refreshed, we will be taking a ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland and motoring to Waterford, home of Waterford Crystal (where my sister says her souvenier is to come from!). We will be staying at the Granville Hotel, which I am told is a marvelous "old world" hotel located right on the waterfront! Really looking forward to this grand mans!
The Granville Hotel, Waterford, Ireland!

From Waterford we move on to the Ring of Kerry and all the lovely views and sights along the way. We will be staying at the Killarney Avenue Hotel just outside the entrance to Killarney National Park following a full day of just being tourists! Hope the beds are comfy!
The Killarney Avenue Hotel, Kerry, Southwest Ireland!

From there we will be spending a day at a working Irish dairy farm before moving on to the big kahuna of Dublin. I am SO looking forward to this part of the tour and was pleasantly suprised when I discovered that based on the tour itinerary, we would be in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day! WOOT!
While in Dublin we will be based at the Burlington Hotel. Won't be much sleeping going on in Dublin, I think!
The Burlington Hotel, Dublin, Ireland!

After we recover from all the fun in Dublin, we will be taking the ferry back across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales and on to Chester, to get rested up for even more fun!
The Village Hotel, St. Davids, Chester, Wales!

We will be taking a wonderful scenic ride through England's scenic lake district, where I will probably go photo crazy. Then on to Scotland, where we will be staying in the capital of Edinburgh, residing for a few days at the Apex City Hotel in downtown.
The Apex City Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland!

After exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer, we will head south again through the British countryside to York. In York we will be going "all Yankee" and staying at the Marriott York, which I have been told has wonderful views of the York Racecourse. Looking forward to that definitely!
The Marriott York, York, United Kingdom!

From York we will head to Coventry, then Stratford-Upon-Avon for our final tour stop of this dream vacation. We will be staying at the quaint Walton Hotel for a quiet end to our trip.

Back to London for our final night in Europe before we head on back to the States! I hope you have enjoyed my 'Accomodations Tour' and will continue to follow me as I prepare for my trip of a lifetime!