This'll have to be quick because I'm now on the other side of the Atlantic and faced with the somewhat monumental task of moving our household and family across the country... in a few short weeks!
Monday of our last week -- met our friends at the train station and enjoyed a lovely evening with their jet-lagged and exhausted selves.
Tuesday -- beautiful weather for the second day in a row. The day included a cathedral tour, climbing-up-the-Tower, walking around town, card-playing... Evensong at the Cathedral followed by a yummy dinner at a Spanish restaurant in town.
Wednesday -- day trip to Lindisfarne (the "Holy Island"). Perfect weather. Really nice. Dinner tonight at a Thai restaurant.
Thursday -- the rains came down. Quiet day -- didn't do much, me just mainly getting ready to leave and the rest of us taking it easy, shopping, Chris finishing up his work. Our plans to visit a local 13th century manor house and gardens were scratched due to the weather. A Castle tour was on the itinerary but there were no guides... I guess the students weren't available, it being a graduation day for a lot of them. Early dinner at our flat. Some of us went to Evensong at the Cathedral.
Friday -- our friends departed for Edinburgh, we packed up and headed in the opposite direction, for London. Nice weather -- I took the Underground just a few stops to the National Gallery and enjoyed a few hours there, just me and my audioguide! Very much the perfect way to do an art museum, I've decided.
Saturday -- last "full English" breakfast and then off to Heathrow. Flight home was uneventful. I watched 3 movies.
So there it is. I would add photos but they are on my laptop and I'm too lazy to go get them. Not really, I'm not lazy, but I am prioritizing, and moving the photos is NOT on the top of my list.
Thanks for reading over these last few months!
Showing posts with label Trains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trains. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Day 68 (June 9): Durham (plus London to Exeter)
The girls and Chris left early this morning for London.
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| waiting for the train... |
So I get a few quiet days here, by myself!
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| there goes the absent-minded professor |
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| I'm pretty sure I've been dismissed |
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Day 64 (June 5): Back to Durham
Uneventful day, travelling back to Durham via train through the beauty that is much of Scotland.
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| crystal clear loch and reflected hills |
Day 63 (June 4): Train to Mallaig
This was our second trip on the "Harry Potter" train -- the Jacobite steam train that departs from Fort William and chugs its way through the Scottish Highlands to the "sleepy little port town" of Mallaig.
Once in Mallaig the girls and I took a little walk up into the hills above the town. It was a perfect day and a pleasant walk!
At the end of this trip we were pretty tired and eager to read and relax in our hotel room, watching a bit more of the Jubilee celebrations on TV.
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| the girls and Grandad in front of the First Class coach |
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| the train stops part way into the journey and we took a little walk to take this photo |
Once in Mallaig the girls and I took a little walk up into the hills above the town. It was a perfect day and a pleasant walk!
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| foxgloves grow wild everywhere |
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| pretty view of the town and the islands of Rum, Eigg, and a bit of Skye |
At the end of this trip we were pretty tired and eager to read and relax in our hotel room, watching a bit more of the Jubilee celebrations on TV.
Day 62 (June 3): Oban to Fort William
Sunday morning was bright and sunny, another beautiful crisp day! In the morning we took a walk up to McCaig's Tower, a "folly" built overlooking Oban harbour, and enjoyed the views.
Our train tour continued with a ride back to Crianlarich where we picked up the Fort William train. This part of the journey takes the traveller along lochs, around mountains and hills, over bridges and up into the Scottish Highlands. We arrived in Fort William, a rather humble loch-side town, in the late afternoon. The town is popular with backpackers, climbers, and walkers as it's the endpoint of the West Highland Way and is very close to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 4,409 ft.
We had a yummy dinner in a pub called the Grog and Gruel (I had an extremely yummy mushroom quesadilla) and then embarked on an impossibly long walk into Glen Nevis to see what we could see.
Our lodging for the night was rather humble as rooms were scarce in Fort William this weekend. I shared a bunk room with two pleasant Japanese students while everyone else was together in a four-person bunkroom next door. Shared bathrooms down the hall... I felt very backpacker-y and student-ish.
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| unfinished but interesting nonetheless |
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| looking to the left towards the ferry dock |
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| and to the right (St. Columba's Cathedral is that tower on the far right) |
Our train tour continued with a ride back to Crianlarich where we picked up the Fort William train. This part of the journey takes the traveller along lochs, around mountains and hills, over bridges and up into the Scottish Highlands. We arrived in Fort William, a rather humble loch-side town, in the late afternoon. The town is popular with backpackers, climbers, and walkers as it's the endpoint of the West Highland Way and is very close to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 4,409 ft.
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| before dinner we took a walk along the loch |
We had a yummy dinner in a pub called the Grog and Gruel (I had an extremely yummy mushroom quesadilla) and then embarked on an impossibly long walk into Glen Nevis to see what we could see.
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| Ben Nevis is behind this hill, not visible, and about twice as high, apparently |
Our lodging for the night was rather humble as rooms were scarce in Fort William this weekend. I shared a bunk room with two pleasant Japanese students while everyone else was together in a four-person bunkroom next door. Shared bathrooms down the hall... I felt very backpacker-y and student-ish.
Day 60 (June 1): Durham to Oban
Our second Scotland sojourn began again at the Durham rail station -- this time we were to take the train all the way to Argyll and the Isles, to the coastal town of Oban. Our train ride involved a change in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and took us through mile after mile of beautiful mountains and Scottish lochs.
We had a yummy seafood dinner in a pub and watched some "Jubilee Weekend" TV in our room.
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| on the waterfront |
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| part of the little town of Oban |
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| the "Seafood Capital of Scotland" |
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| the sun does not go down up here until close to 11 pm and is up by 4 am |
We had a yummy seafood dinner in a pub and watched some "Jubilee Weekend" TV in our room.
Day 56 (May 28): Paris... and then back to Durham
To the Tower this morning. We had perfect weather and a very minimal wait for the stairs.
We still had energy and a few hours left in the city, so after buying some food in a small grocery and eating our lunch in our hotel's breakfast room, we walked a few blocks to the Pantheon -- a quite impressive and beautiful memorial to dead and famous French people. (Lots of 'em are buried in the crypt.)
In the late afternoon we made our way to the train station and caught our Eurostar train across the French countryside, under the Channel, and into London's Kings Cross station. Dinner was enjoyed there and then we got on our train back to Durham, arriving just after midnight.
Good trip overall, glad to have gone and glad to be back home again.
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| I can't understand why people wait hours for the lift when walking up the stairs just isn't that hard. |
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| view across the River |
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| Nutella crepe is what one needs when one has conquered the Tower |
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| blue sky and airplane trail |
We still had energy and a few hours left in the city, so after buying some food in a small grocery and eating our lunch in our hotel's breakfast room, we walked a few blocks to the Pantheon -- a quite impressive and beautiful memorial to dead and famous French people. (Lots of 'em are buried in the crypt.)
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| inside of the Pantheon |
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| we went up to the top of that dome and enjoyed more city views |
In the late afternoon we made our way to the train station and caught our Eurostar train across the French countryside, under the Channel, and into London's Kings Cross station. Dinner was enjoyed there and then we got on our train back to Durham, arriving just after midnight.
Good trip overall, glad to have gone and glad to be back home again.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Day 54 (May 26): Durham to Paris
Lots of transportation today -- walking to the Durham rail station, train to Newcastle, subway from the rail station to the airport, airplane over the Channel to France, metro from Charles de Gaulle airport to the center of Paris!
We just made the last boat ride of the day, getting a glimpse of the city and enjoying the beautiful sights.
We had dinner sitting outside Parisian-style, watching the passersby and enjoying a lovely meal.
We just made the last boat ride of the day, getting a glimpse of the city and enjoying the beautiful sights.
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| and then a river boat tour in the evening |
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| Paris is crowded and warm this weekend |
We had dinner sitting outside Parisian-style, watching the passersby and enjoying a lovely meal.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 50 (May 22): Durham
First thing this morning was to welcome the (almost weekly) Sainsbury's grocery delivery.
The high point of the day was to come, however: Grandad and Erin arriving this afternoon, coming up on the train from London -- directly after landing in Heathrow on the plane from North Carolina. A long trip for them! We're so happy to have them join us!
A bit of folderol ensued regarding Grandad's place of abode while in Durham but after a bit we got him "sorted" and he's checked in at a seemingly perfect inn about 20 minutes walk away over on the other side of town.
Adventures will continue on the morrow!
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| seriously could get used to this |
The high point of the day was to come, however: Grandad and Erin arriving this afternoon, coming up on the train from London -- directly after landing in Heathrow on the plane from North Carolina. A long trip for them! We're so happy to have them join us!
A bit of folderol ensued regarding Grandad's place of abode while in Durham but after a bit we got him "sorted" and he's checked in at a seemingly perfect inn about 20 minutes walk away over on the other side of town.
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| the folderol included some walking along the River in a different part of town |
Adventures will continue on the morrow!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Day 43 (May 15): Back to Durham
Our first venture into Scotland comes to an end today with an early morning train back to Durham.
[I must say I do enjoy travel by train. It's not particularly stressful, once you figure out the system and understand that you need to hang on to your ticket. It's not tiring, and there's usually something interesting to look at out the window, or if not you can read your book or use your laptop or have a tea or coffee and munch on digestive biscuits. It's especially nice when travelling with others to have seats together at a table.]
Rest of the day involved unpacking, starting laundry, catching up on email, etc.
[I must say I do enjoy travel by train. It's not particularly stressful, once you figure out the system and understand that you need to hang on to your ticket. It's not tiring, and there's usually something interesting to look at out the window, or if not you can read your book or use your laptop or have a tea or coffee and munch on digestive biscuits. It's especially nice when travelling with others to have seats together at a table.]
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| see that little building the middle of the photo? |
Rest of the day involved unpacking, starting laundry, catching up on email, etc.
Day 42 (May 14): Train to Mallaig
Woke up to much better weather today, which was greatly appreciated!
Today's activity involved another train ride -- this time it's "The Jacobite" steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, a small port town on the far western coast of Scotland.
Back to Fort William for the evening. I took a nice long walk around town before bed.
Today's activity involved another train ride -- this time it's "The Jacobite" steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, a small port town on the far western coast of Scotland.
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| crossing over the Glenfinnan aqueduct on the train |
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| another lovely train ride with beautiful scenery |
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| the North Atlantic |
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| there were lots of fishing boats in Mallaig |
Back to Fort William for the evening. I took a nice long walk around town before bed.
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| the town isn't much to look at but it is set in a nice spot |
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 40 (May 12): Edinburgh... and to Fort William
Woke up to beautiful weather on Saturday. I went out and took a few photos.
Since the weather was cooperating, after breakfast we decided to hike up Arthur's Seat that morning.
Then we got on a city bus to the Ocean Terminal where HMY Britannia is docked and took a tour.
Our day was not yet over... back to the station for our evening train which would take us from Edinburgh to Glasgow and then across the southern Highlands to Fort William.
And finally, bed.
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| Edinburgh homes near the Castle |
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| view of the New Town from the top of the Royal Mile |
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| looking down the Royal Mile in the early morning |
Since the weather was cooperating, after breakfast we decided to hike up Arthur's Seat that morning.
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| very fun walk and amazing views of the city and surrounds |
Then we got on a city bus to the Ocean Terminal where HMY Britannia is docked and took a tour.
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| really worth the steep entrance fee |
Our day was not yet over... back to the station for our evening train which would take us from Edinburgh to Glasgow and then across the southern Highlands to Fort William.
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| a lot of amazing scenery on this train ride |
And finally, bed.
Day 39 (May 11): Durham to Edinburgh
Fairly early departure on the train to Edinburgh, arrival mid-morning. Weather somewhat rainy but not too dismal. Checked in to our hotel and left our luggage, headed straight to the Castle.
After the Castle we walked down the Royal Mile, stopping to visit St. Giles Cathedral.
Rest in our hotel room and dinner and then another short walk down the rest of the Royal Mile to the bottom of the hill where Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament building is.
We had fun watching American Idol on the TV in our hotel room -- since we don't usually have TV and don't usually watch American Idol.
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| Robert Bruce and William Wallace are in the alcoves |
After the Castle we walked down the Royal Mile, stopping to visit St. Giles Cathedral.
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| back of St. Giles Cathedral and statue of Adam Smith |
Rest in our hotel room and dinner and then another short walk down the rest of the Royal Mile to the bottom of the hill where Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament building is.
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| very interesting building/complex |
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| words from I Cor 13 carved into stone on the ground inside the Parliament building |
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| the sky outside our hotel room that night gave me hope about the next day's weather |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day 33: Durham
Today Zachary arrived from London and has joined us here in Durham for a few weeks. It was an adventure this morning involving a few extra trips to/from the rail station and a missed stop and an extra train trip... but I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say we are all here now, walks have been taken, cows have been visited, sunshine has been appreciated, several meals have been eaten, lots of conversation and laughter has occurred, and some Dr. Who is being watched even as I speak/type.
All is well.
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| the train comes into Durham from the south on this bridge |
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| skies were blue much of today |
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| Caroline the cow-whisperer |
All is well.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Day 26: Durham & Beamish Open Air Museum
The rain stayed away again today. We took advantage of the good weather, walked to the bus station, and rode the bus to the Beamish Open Air Museum. The weather cooperated and stayed really nice all day!
The museum is divided into different sections, each representing an era in North of England's history: a Georgian period gentleman farmer's "estate", a railway station with steam trains, 1913 Edwardian market town, early 1900s mining village and colliery, and an early 20th century farm. There are fields and meadows in between and period buses and trams to take you from one part to another. We didn't visit everything today since our ticket is good for future visits and we expect to go back.
What was most impressive from today's visit was when Caroline and I entered a mine and walked down a ways and saw the working conditions of the coal miners who worked here in the North East of England. The Mahogany drift mine here was opened in 1850 and was worked for over 100 years.
I can't tell you how happy I was to get out of there and we were only down there for 10 minutes at the most. Amazing what those miners did for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
The museum is divided into different sections, each representing an era in North of England's history: a Georgian period gentleman farmer's "estate", a railway station with steam trains, 1913 Edwardian market town, early 1900s mining village and colliery, and an early 20th century farm. There are fields and meadows in between and period buses and trams to take you from one part to another. We didn't visit everything today since our ticket is good for future visits and we expect to go back.
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| we rode this steam train |
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| garden at the Georgian-era gentleman's farm |
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| view of the "Pit Village" and Colliery |
What was most impressive from today's visit was when Caroline and I entered a mine and walked down a ways and saw the working conditions of the coal miners who worked here in the North East of England. The Mahogany drift mine here was opened in 1850 and was worked for over 100 years.
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| this mine originally went down 1.5 miles and 5 miles in each direction |
I can't tell you how happy I was to get out of there and we were only down there for 10 minutes at the most. Amazing what those miners did for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
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