Weekly Tip: Travelling

 

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

Oh the decisions you make when planning a trip.

1. What do I wear?  (Check.)
2. How many pairs of comfortable shoes will I need?  (Check.)
3. Do I have all those travel size liquids and gels?  (Check.)
4. Are all the last minute reservations made?  (Check.)
5. Will the suitcase be within the no charge weight limit?  (Check.)
6. Is my passport up to date?  (Yikes!)
   Mine had expired. Thank goodness for the express service.

I’m standing in the front right below.

Well, with all the above going on, a great guide book can relieve a lot of angst.  The one that we like the best is the Rick Steves’ guide. He has a guidebook for any European destination which is updated annually by him and his staff. His promise is to “get the most out of every day and every dollar.”  For more information you can go to www.ricksteves.com.

One of the highlights of our trip was seeing the Queen of England.  We arrived outside of Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, June 4, to see a large crowd of people and barricades everywhere.  I asked a woman what was happening; and she explained that there had been a mass in the Abbey to celebrate the Queen’s coronation sixty years earlier.  The Queen attended a luncheon in her honor after the mass; and she was expected to depart shortly.  We decided to wait and were so lucky that the royal cars drove right in front of us on the return trip to Buckingham palace.

Following the Queen, was the car carrying Charles and Camilla.

The people of Britain, Ireland and Scotland were so  warm and helpful to us as tourists. When we had quizzical looks on our faces while holding a map, someone always came to our rescue. We have decided to return that favor and to reach out to someone with a map and or a guidebook.

Cheerio for now!!