So when Ryan started school it seemed that it would NEVER happen. However, my hubby is superb and saved his airline miles and hotel points just to take ME to Europe. No not just Paris but England & Scotland & FRANCE.
For months Ryan was saying it would happen but not until the passports came and things were booked did it seem like it may happen. I was still in denial though. A friend of mine said, "It won't seem real until you get on the plane". Even then it seemed unreal as we boarded our flight in Washington D.C. and sat in Business First Class- Ryan had a lot of points.
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| Seriously cushy! |
Although our flight was late leaving D.C. we still arrived in London at 8 am London time. With a fast pass through customs we were off to find the underground from Heathrow to Covent Garden to drop our bags at our hotel. I was a bit frustrated thinking that the delay with our flight was going to make us miss some of the things that we really wanted to see but NO! We dropped our bags at the hotel and hurried to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. Not only did we have time for that but to also see the band warming up and drills being done by other Guard members.
Waldorf Hilton, London, England, UK
After the changing of the guard we made our way back to the hotel to meet our dear friends, The Jones Family. We had not seen Jason and Angela in 9 years and we had never met there beautiful children. We had already planned a bus tour and we hopped on the double-decker bus and off we went! Seeing London from the top level of a bus and a boat ride down the Thames is seriously a must do!
We had a bite to eat at the tower of London and took a boat ride to the Houses of Parliament. Back on the bus we rode to the British Library to see the Magna Charta, Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and the Tyndall Bible. AMAZING! (We even saw a British TV Star that we enjoy outside of the library!)
Off we went to have taste of the "other" traditional food of London- Indian food! We love it and Jason and Angela had the perfect spot for us to have dinner! Kahn's was the name and yummy Indian was the game, mmmmm! After dinner we ad reservations for the London Eye. (Another not to be missed way to see London- especially at night!) After a long day it was off to bed for us.
2 June 2012
The good thing about how much Ryan travels is that we get perks at hotels like breakfast!
After a yummy breakfast we were off to Victoria Station to catch our bus to Stonehenge and Bath. Luckily I found a groupon, yes they are everywhere, and purchased a tour for Ryan and I to spend a day outside of the city.
Stonehenge was so interesting. It was a great experience to see this ancient site and to recognize the spectacular effort it took to erect these stones and the fact that the site is still here- all be it half of it's original size- was awe inspiring.
A bus ride through the English countryside was just what the doctor ordered after a long first day and go, go, going! A little nap, a view out of the top of yet another double-decker bus and BATH! What an great town! Another friend and some family members had recommended this stop on our trip and it didn't disappoint! We tasted Cornish pasties and the waters of Bath. We visited the Circus and the Roman Baths, we walked through town and learned about the oldest church in England- Bath Abbey!
3 June 2012
3 June 2012
After a full English breakfast we were off to church at the Hyde Park Chapel. A jam-packed meeting full of members of the church who were from all over the world and who had been all over the world. Located across the street from Hyde Park (where Pres. Hinkley taught), down the street from the Boy Scouts of England and next door to the Victoria and Albert Museum it was a great start to our last day in LONDON.
We then headed to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London to see the crown jewels and then to await the QUEEN with 2million of our closest British friends. It rained like crazy but it was great!
Afterwards we went to St. Paul's and then headed back to the hotel via Covent Garden. The paella at Covent Garden was great! At the hotel Jubilee Celebrations continued in the executive lounge. We had a great conversation with a couple from England and another couple from Glasgow, Scotland. Ironically enough we were headed to Edinburgh, Scotland in just a few hours.
Off to Euston Station to board the Caledonia Sleeper train to Edinburgh! Fall asleep in London wake up in SCOTLAND!
We walked through Princes' Street and visited the National Art Museum, so quiet and nice that it was FREE. We then found an amazing Scottish Seafood restaurant called, Fishers in the City. IT was so yummy and HUGE!!! I had muscles and Ryan ate the rest of the ocean.
We then headed to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London to see the crown jewels and then to await the QUEEN with 2million of our closest British friends. It rained like crazy but it was great!
Afterwards we went to St. Paul's and then headed back to the hotel via Covent Garden. The paella at Covent Garden was great! At the hotel Jubilee Celebrations continued in the executive lounge. We had a great conversation with a couple from England and another couple from Glasgow, Scotland. Ironically enough we were headed to Edinburgh, Scotland in just a few hours.
Off to Euston Station to board the Caledonia Sleeper train to Edinburgh! Fall asleep in London wake up in SCOTLAND!
I got the top bunk ;)
4 June 2012
Ah, Scotland!!! But boy were we there early, 6:30 am and we were checking in the Hotel to drop our bags and you know what those lovely Scots did? They not only checked our bags but let us eat breakfast gratis! And then we took a nap in the lobby before we were off. First we found a car to rent for the next day and then headed to try to visit the Scotland's people museum to find dead people. (Later we would find out that the Museum was closed due to the Jubilee :( )
While looking for the museum we stopped and bought kilts. YES my hubby has a kilt coming any day now. After purchasing our kilts we headed up the Royal Mile to St. Giles Cathedral and eventually to Edinburgh Castle. It was unusually sunny and we loved every second of it!
We walked through Princes' Street and visited the National Art Museum, so quiet and nice that it was FREE. We then found an amazing Scottish Seafood restaurant called, Fishers in the City. IT was so yummy and HUGE!!! I had muscles and Ryan ate the rest of the ocean.
After our amazing dinner, and seeing that the sun had yet to go down, we meandered through Edinburgh and then found our way back to our hotel. What a lovely city!
Upon returning to our hotel we found that we had a corner SUITE- ahh! What a nice surprise! Again Ryan had a TON of points!
Upon returning to our hotel we found that we had a corner SUITE- ahh! What a nice surprise! Again Ryan had a TON of points!
Hilton Grosvenor, Edinburgh, Scotland
Room #1
Room #2
5 June 2012
Ryan made few requests but one was to go to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. SO we rented a car and we were off. With me in the driver's side with no steering wheel and Ryan driving on the wrong side of the road and no GPS. Although it was quite crazy and a bit dysfunctional, driving through Scotland was amazing!! The scenery is unreal and the beauty is unsurpassed and with another day of little rain it was a rare Scottish treat!
Apparently, long before golf, St. Andrews was a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over Europe. The ruins of the Cathedral as well as the Castle, situated right on the North Sea were amazing to see.
Next, we drove towards the Low Highlands and found a village called Comrie- I am moving here one day! This place was so picturesque with the river Eden flowing through town and so much charm it was beautiful.
Although our map was not world class we continued on and enjoyed getting lost together. On to Stirling- former capital of Scotland- Castle where BRAVEHEART & Robert the Bruce defended their homeland.
After a long day with an early morning ahead of us we spent a good 45 minutes trying to get to the car rental place but due to construction it was a bit of an adventure. We had a grand tour for our last night in Edinburgh.
6 June 2012
This would be our longest travel day other than flying. We had to catch a 5:45am train- luckily the station was just around the corner from our hotel. Our hotel again was stellar and provided us with a to-go breakfast which we munched on between naps on the train to Bolton, England. Why Bolton? Well Bolton was the nearest train stop to my ancestors home of Bury, England. We took a short cab ride to Bury and found St. Mary's church. On this spot my great-great grandfather was Christened and his parents were married here! The edifice has changed over the years but for over 1000 years a church has been on this spot. Just down the street from the church was Bury Castle. It is amazing to stand where my ancestors stood and be where they lived.
The church even has a little cafe where we had the best Scone I have ever tasted. Divine would not be an understatement.
After a long day with an early morning ahead of us we spent a good 45 minutes trying to get to the car rental place but due to construction it was a bit of an adventure. We had a grand tour for our last night in Edinburgh.
6 June 2012
This would be our longest travel day other than flying. We had to catch a 5:45am train- luckily the station was just around the corner from our hotel. Our hotel again was stellar and provided us with a to-go breakfast which we munched on between naps on the train to Bolton, England. Why Bolton? Well Bolton was the nearest train stop to my ancestors home of Bury, England. We took a short cab ride to Bury and found St. Mary's church. On this spot my great-great grandfather was Christened and his parents were married here! The edifice has changed over the years but for over 1000 years a church has been on this spot. Just down the street from the church was Bury Castle. It is amazing to stand where my ancestors stood and be where they lived.
The church even has a little cafe where we had the best Scone I have ever tasted. Divine would not be an understatement.
After a cab ride back to Bolton Station we had a nice wait for our train back to London. While we enjoyed seeing the English countryside from our window I remembered that I had missed being able to see the British Museum while in London, despite several attempts. So I was crunching the numbers and realized that if Ryan didn't mind waiting for me at the station with all the bags I could take the tube and run to make it before closing time. It was on!
I made it! I even had some time to run through part of the Egyptian exhibits. Note to self- I gotta come back here! It was so astounding to understand the great significance of this artifact and to appreciate that had it not been brought here it could have easily been destroyed.
I made my way back to the train station with another check mark on my itinerary and ready go to PARIS! I found Ryan and we turned in our London metro pass to get some money back and then headed to King's Cross & St. Pancras station. What amazing architecture! What a great place to catch a train.
Even more cushy!
I made it! I even had some time to run through part of the Egyptian exhibits. Note to self- I gotta come back here! It was so astounding to understand the great significance of this artifact and to appreciate that had it not been brought here it could have easily been destroyed.
I made my way back to the train station with another check mark on my itinerary and ready go to PARIS! I found Ryan and we turned in our London metro pass to get some money back and then headed to King's Cross & St. Pancras station. What amazing architecture! What a great place to catch a train.
St. Pancras Train Station
We boarded our Eurostar train and headed to Paris on D-day.
Although it was late we got to our hotel after using my poor French skills and we were in one piece!
Once again we had a great room- thanks again to points!
Hilton Arc de Triomphe
Room
7 June 2012
We originally planned to rent a car and head to Normandy BUT with traffic and everything it seemed better to grab breakfast and go on the 9th instead.
So a yummy french breakfast was awaiting us and boy did we enjoy it.
With a full stomach we were off to get a pass for the museums that were on the docket. Again with my minimal french we were able to find the store on the Champs Elysees and purchase our passes and we were ready for another jam-packed day of sightseeing.
First, the Arc de Triomphe. Then we headed to the Louvre where we escaped a downpour and we were even locked in for a period of time.With three hours there it still was the minimum that we could do. Next, we visited Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chappelle. The beauty of these buildings was amazing. Although we could have hiked to the top of Notre Dame Ryan's arthritis in his ankles was unbearable so we went to Sainte Chappelle instead. AMAZING!
Next we visited the Musee d'Orsay and Ryan discovered his new favorite impressionist- Signac- while seeing Van Gogh & Degas and so much more. Last but NEVER least the Eiffel Tower. We hiked to the second floor and took the elevator to the top. What a feat of architectural genius.
As we were climbing down people were rushing past us and that is when we realized that the lights on the tower were flashing. It was beautiful.
Now that the sun had gone down after 11pm we headed to a cafe for dinner. Savory crepes! YUM!
As we caught a cab back to the hotel I received a compliment from our driver. He thought I was Belgian. I guess that my French ability was at least passable.
8 June 2012
Today VERSAILLES!
Our friends, The Jones Family, had already planned to be in France at the same time that we were going to be there so we decided to see Versailles with them. We ate our breakfast & caught our train & Jason met us at the gate- talk a bout timing!
I knew Versailles would be a long day and Ryan was a trooper with his feet in agony he walked the whole day until we all caught the tram back to the main palace.
I found it so interesting that there was nothing about where the servants, my people, would have been or how they lived. In Louisiana whenever we visited a plantation home we saw how EVERYONE lived. I think that would make Versailles and other places like it even more interesting.
After the palace we walked through town trying to find a place to eat but to no avail. So back to Paris we went.
After a long day I just wanted food and bed because tomorrow would be long as well.
9 June 2012
Normandy.
As soon as I heard about Mont St. Michel I was more than ready to see this astounding place. Although the car rental was astronomical and the tolls equally so it was well worth the drive to visit. The French countryside was gorgeous and being able to stand on Omaha beach and visit the cemetery where so many US serviceman rest was an honor. Seeing that the French people still honor the memory of my countrymen that laid down their lives for the was a great blessing. Above all being there with Ryan was great!
As we drove through this beautiful part of the world we snacked on yummy pastries and tart au Normandie. Yummy and fun! Every town should have multiple pastry shops.
Back to Paris we went and we tried to get to Sacre Couer but seeing as though there was no parking and it sits above the Red Light District- not my cup of tea- we headed back to the hotel and got a bite to eat in the executive lounge. We would spend a lot of time here on Sunday as we caught up in corresponding with our children.
8 June 2012
Today VERSAILLES!
Our friends, The Jones Family, had already planned to be in France at the same time that we were going to be there so we decided to see Versailles with them. We ate our breakfast & caught our train & Jason met us at the gate- talk a bout timing!
I knew Versailles would be a long day and Ryan was a trooper with his feet in agony he walked the whole day until we all caught the tram back to the main palace.
I found it so interesting that there was nothing about where the servants, my people, would have been or how they lived. In Louisiana whenever we visited a plantation home we saw how EVERYONE lived. I think that would make Versailles and other places like it even more interesting.
After the palace we walked through town trying to find a place to eat but to no avail. So back to Paris we went.
After a long day I just wanted food and bed because tomorrow would be long as well.
9 June 2012
Normandy.
As soon as I heard about Mont St. Michel I was more than ready to see this astounding place. Although the car rental was astronomical and the tolls equally so it was well worth the drive to visit. The French countryside was gorgeous and being able to stand on Omaha beach and visit the cemetery where so many US serviceman rest was an honor. Seeing that the French people still honor the memory of my countrymen that laid down their lives for the was a great blessing. Above all being there with Ryan was great!
As we drove through this beautiful part of the world we snacked on yummy pastries and tart au Normandie. Yummy and fun! Every town should have multiple pastry shops.
Back to Paris we went and we tried to get to Sacre Couer but seeing as though there was no parking and it sits above the Red Light District- not my cup of tea- we headed back to the hotel and got a bite to eat in the executive lounge. We would spend a lot of time here on Sunday as we caught up in corresponding with our children.
Executive Lounge
10 June 2012
Off to church. So we tole our friends, the Joneses, that we would meet them at church on Sunday. Well as we all waited for church to start with 50 or so other tourists and business people we finally found out that church was being held in Versailles. So what do you do when you can't get to church? Well you sing a hymn and head off to find the best ice cream your mouth will ever enjoy. EVER!!!
Oh Berthillion, how you have spoiled me. The Isle St. Louis in the Siene just south of Notre Dame was a little piece of heaven and allowed us to fill our tummies with french yumminess. The pasty and cheese and ice cream and bread. Ooo la la. YUM!
After a tour of Isle St. Louis we left our friends, headed back to our hotel and napped. We needed it. We were pooped. When we woke up we spent hours in the Executive lounge loading our pictures for our kids to see before we flew back to the states.
We decided to take one more trip down to see the Eiffel tower. This time from a distance. Our time in Paris was just about done.
11 June 2012
All packed and ready to go. One last breakfast. One last train ride and one last surprise up Ryan's sleeve!
GLOBAL first class!! We each had our own seat with enough storage compartments to fit our small children in. Meals as good as any restaurant and the nicest flight attendant ever.
We decided to take one more trip down to see the Eiffel tower. This time from a distance. Our time in Paris was just about done.
11 June 2012
All packed and ready to go. One last breakfast. One last train ride and one last surprise up Ryan's sleeve!
GLOBAL first class!! We each had our own seat with enough storage compartments to fit our small children in. Meals as good as any restaurant and the nicest flight attendant ever.
Even more cushy!
Once back in Washington D.C. we got through customs- luckily I remembered to throw out the produce that I had and the huge water bottle. We were on our way home to our kids and our normal crazy life.
I will admit that I did start to miss them but it sure is loud when you go from two adults to + four children.
I am so grateful for an amazing husband who works so very hard to give me the opportunity to travel with him and have my dreams come true!
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