Covent Garden, Britsh Museum and Lions!! 27-8-10

Covent Garden

Today was very overcast and threatening rain so we had a "quiet" day and only walked 7 hours!!!! Cant believe I'm walking so far---fitness level has increased so much!! So we went to Covent Garden and saw the market here as well as an opera singer busking in the cafe!!  WE then walked to the  British Museum and spent some time here viewing the Egyptian Exhibition and a special African one, Loved it here so much but by this time our feet were "giving out" so we headed back to our Hotel.

British Museum

Tonight we went to see the show "The Lion King". Just loved this show and would have loved to have all my grandchildren and David. Music and costumes were so spectacular. Lovely old theatre too. A great night!! Only an  hours walk both ways too---see where the 7 hours walking adds up!!!

Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre London

The Lakes District tour 26-8-10

We left very early for a train ride from London to the Lakes District --about 3 hours. We were met at Oxenholme by a man from Mountain Goat Tours and headed in a minibus for a tour of Cumbria and the lakes area. On board were Chinese, Japanese, Americans and two little Taswegans!!

Cumbrian Mountains

What beautiful country this is. It's been an inspiration for poets such as Wordsworth, artists and of course Beatrice Potter. We went to Beatrice Potters house, "Hilltop" 17th century house. It was just as depicted in the Film "Miss. Potter".

Beatrice Potters house.

Shelley would love it here--your favourite children's books!! The garden was so pretty and the basis for most of her stories as was the house.

We travelled to Haweshead---named after a Viking chief. Many Viking words are used in this area such as "mere" meaning water and "tarn" teardrop. We then went on a little ferry boat on Coniston Water. This is the lake where Donald Campbell crashed hs boat Bluebird and was killed. This was such a pretty lake with many yachts, canoes and many little boats. We let the ferry at John Ruskins house---a huge house and garden overlooking the lake. We finished our tour with "Cream tea" at the house Beatrice gave her mother

London and St.Pauls 25-8-10

Brenda and Sue in London's rain on the steps of St. Pauls.

Today we travelled by train to London--2 hours. We are back at the Thanet Hotel by on the 1st floor---thank you Lord!!! It is pouring with rain but we left our bags and walked to St. Paul's Cathedral---a 3 three hour round walk and in the rain!! We passed Fleet Street and walked on but it wasnt cold---just wet!!
We went into St. Pauls and spent a couple of hours in this beautiful Cathedral. We went in the crypt and saw Nelson's tomb and Sir Christopher Wren's. William Blake there too and lots more. I love the domed ceiling and had to stand directly under it to see the smaller top dome---amazing architecture!!

I loved this room in the crypt that was called "The Eye of St.Paul's". You satnd in this room and there is a projection that shows the time-line of St. Pauls. The gReat fire of London goes around all the walls. Then it takes you up to the whispering gallery and moves around---bit scary for me and my height problem but THEN it went up to the Golden Gallery-----this goes around the OUTSIDE of the Dome!!! I shut my eyes at first but when I peeped it was the most mgnificent view of London 360o !! Then it was back to the Hotel in the rain---bit wet but a good walk!!

York and the Railway Museum

 Toady we had rain for some/most of the day so I headed to the Jorvic Viking Centre. This was a great place and I would have loved to take my grandsons with me!! This is the result of excavations by archaeologists from 1976-1981. Many artefact's were uncovered and this centre shows life as it was then. You walk over a glass floor where excavations have taken place and see an old shoe bones etc!! David you would love this!!!

Rainy day at the Art gallery York

I then headed off to the Railway Museum. Now young Oliver this is heaven for you!!! All the trains you love are here and more!!! I think all my grandchildren would love it really and it was fun to while away time among the old engines. The Royal Train even had a bath and of course a full size bed!! They really rough it when they travel!!

I finished my day in York with a walk around the river path as the sun came out at last for a while.For Oliver!!!

York 23-8-10

We arrived in York yesterday and strolled through the city and a beautiful walk along the river near our B&B. We open the front gate and we are on the River Walk!! There are Narrow boats on the Ouse River and they are so picturesque---a glimpse of the old way of life on the river. people used to live on these boats and raise their families as they travelled through the lochs.

People enjoying the sun in park in York.

It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday in York but today it has been raining hard so most photos will be from yesterday!!

 Tudor building York

This is a charming city with many beautiful Tudor buildings and lovely flowers in pots everywhere. We visited The Art Gallery in York and saw a very good Exhibition on China called "Journey to the East"---great for a rainy day!

We love the ancient city wall around the city. Many of the old city gates are still standing! A beautiful old city!!

To York 22-8-10

Tartan  in the Mill being checked for faultsA Close on the Royal Mile Edinburgh

Today we travelled to York by train. Last night it rained so hard and we felt sorry for those lining up to see the Tattoo. Two sessions last night who had heavy rain!! Weren't we lucky to have a lovely mild night. Before we left Edinburgh we had a lovely wandering day and walked up to the Royal Mile and many miles beyond!! We went through a Tartan Weaving mill.So hard not to buy a beautiful tartan rug but they just wouldn't work with the heat of Italy!
I loved the many little lanes on the Royal Mile that are known as a "Close".

The National Art Gallery Edinburgh

Street performer Edinburgh

I would like to paint these as they reek of history--days gone by---horse and carts etc. I have done many little paintings when I felt inspired with our travels. I like the "inspiration of the moment type" paintings!! A good record of our trip. Tonight we are in York---tell you more after a sleep and heaps more walking!!----not together I hope!!!

Edinburgh Tattoo 20-8-10

Walk around the river in Edinburgh.

 Edinburgh is packed with tourists for the Tattoo and Festivale. We had a good day wandering the city yesterday. Brenda went to the Museum and I went to the Art Gallery to see "The Impressionists Garden" Exhibition. This was the best exhibition with Monet's waterlillies Gaugin etc etc.
We walked around the river yesterday and it was very peaceful --away from the maddening crowds!

Great seats!!

Then we were back in them last night for the Tattoo. Crowds were packed along the Royal Mile----you had to wait for ages to get in but it was worth all the crowds and waiting!!The First Minister of Scotland spoke to me as he went to his box-----bit of a surprise!!

Massed pipe bands!!

It was just a night to remember--words are not enough for me!! Bit tearful in places as I loved it so much!! The bagpipes sure do stir the soul!! So I'll leave you with a photo!!