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!

BOOKED IT!

After posting about looking for flights, I started on my daily flight search, watching and waiting for the right flight at the right price to come along. And I found it!! Found a nice round trip airfare for less than $800 per person on ORBITZ! So you know I had to book it!

We will be heading out from Pittsburgh on March 2, 2013 via Air Canada, stopping in Toronto to get on the BIG 767 Lufthansa to head on to London.

We return home doing the opposite three weeks later starting out at Heathrow getting onto the Lufthansa 767 to Toronto, then Pittsburgh.

Booking the flight makes it so real now. I am getting so excited! I am counting down the days to takeoff!! The "bucket list" trip is becoming a reality!

First Things First..........ZEE PLANE!

One of the major arrangements that must be made for a trip such as this is transportation. I thoroughly enjoy flying so I am very familiar with most of the major airports and airlines in the US and Canada. So as I began perusing flight options for the big trip, I knew which airlines I would rule out immediately, which ones were possibilities and which ones were preferred.
Some of the flight itineraries were just plain crazy, such as flying from Pittsburgh to Dallas to London or Pittsburgh to Chicago to London. Why go backwards or in a totally different direction?
I realize these airlines have 'hubs' which switch to international flights, but I don't plan on wasting any more time in the air or layovers than is absolutely necessary.

Our starting point will be Pittsburgh International Airport, which is just 70 miles away, an easy hour's drive from my house. I know this airport very well and don't need to go running frantically like a frightened rabbit to locate my gate. It is very easy to negotiate and makes me feel more relaxed when I am traveling. LOVE my 'base' airport!!
So the options I prefer are to fly to JFK, Philadelphia or Toronto, then on to London. Of course, there are two different airports to consider in London, Heathrow or Gatwick, so have been trying to familiarize myself with both of these as well.

My travel agent, Mikki, who I adore, told me to wait until after the Olympics and ParaOlympics in London were over before making the flight reservations because the price would come down once

the activity settled down, so I am taking her advice and waiting a bit. The ParaOlympics has just

concluded, so I will now do the serious flight search and book our flight within the next week or so.

I have noted that prices are going down, so that is a good thing

 

Can't wait to get on ZEE PLANE!!!

 

Preparations Have Begun!

Ever since my diagnosis of breast cancer in 1997, I have had a strong desire to visit Ireland and Scotland. I put together a 'bucket list' at that time when the doctors told me I would probably not see my 40th birthday. I was just 38 years old at the time and figured I had to get my ducks in a row FAST! Fortunately, their morbid prediction did not come true, and I am still alive, and have completed everything on that 'bucket list' but one. And that is to travel to Ireland and Scotland.

My maternal grandmother was from Ireland and I was very close to her as she was one of the main characters in my young life. She was funny, talented and creative beyond imagination. She was a great cook, quilted and sewed, and still had time for her grandchildren. Cecelia Bernadette McCarthy Hughes was a force to be reckoned with, wrapped up in a petite, chain smoking package. I still find myself quoting her at times and laughing at many things in my memory of her.

So when I decided that I would not be attending the major national specialties of my two dog breeds (did I mention that I have shown dogs for many years) due to distance, I did the math and figured that I would easily spend approximately the same amount of money to attend those two shows as it would take to go on my big trip. FINALLY, that dream would come true!

I decided to do a combination of things, including attending the huge dog show in England known as Crufts, as part of the trip, so the month of March 2013, was chosen. I did a lot of research and homework and made a list of the must-do things when I went.

As I started putting an itinerary together and picking the brains of my much-traveled friends, I determined that it would be more cost-effective to find a tour that would cover the areas I wanted to visit and give 'free days' to explore on our own. After months of examining trips, I found the perfect excursion for me....a AAA tour called Exploring Britain and Ireland, which was a 13 day tour. It started the day AFTER I planned to finish up at Crufts, so it could not have been better timing! I would fly over to England a week before the tour, visit those kitzy shoppes in London that were on my list, go to Birmingham for Crufts and then meet the tour back in London. PERFECT!

I re-connected with an old acquaintance who also was interested in this trip, and we decided to do it together. So the new "Thelma and Louise" (with a different ending, of course) came to be....look out Europe...here we come!
The Bucket List Trip!