How was your trip???? Did you post the details already?

Sounds like an amazing trip Linda! Thank you so much for sharing the details : )

quote:

Originally posted by johnbol:
Since my cousin was busy with the production, this was the night I allowed Trey his pizza - which was different from here, of course. I had one with something called Rocket on it - I think it was like basil - it was pretty good.
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"Rocket" is British for arugula. I learned that from Jamie Oliver!

Sounds like you had a great time.

Linda!! Thanks for the update!!! What a great trip!

quote:

Originally posted by johnbol:
...I allowed Trey his pizza - which was different from here, of course. I had one with something called Rocket on it - I think it was like basil - it was pretty good.

Rocket is arugela.

I have family in Bakewell. I really want to get there next summer. I've never been.

Bee,

Thanks for asking! Life has been rather hectic since we got back, so I've been lurking rather than posting.

When we got to my cousins in NYC, we found out that we could only take 13# of luggage as carry on. Since I planned to only take carry on - this took some restructuring of both our luggages.

What a beautiful country. And the people were wonderful - both the group we went with and the people of Buxton.

We visited Chester after the all night plane trip and had a 2-1/2 hour walking tour - which included an archaeological dig of Roman ruins. The oddest part about this was being dropped off in this town before 8 a.m. and told to get breakfast on our own. Anyone want to guess what's open in Chester, England before 8 a.m? None of us wanted to eat a McDonald's. We kept walking until we found an Italian Cafe open.

The hotel room was o.k., but the bath was luxurious - had a deep claw foot tub separate from the shower stall (no bidet, which I was expecting - Hey! I've never been to Europe before).

Wednesday we investigated Buxton - in fact, Trey suggested we go to the used book store. Whom am I to turn down such a request. We also found several thrift stores - it seems that each "disease" has a thrift store to fund itself. I think I hit them all - BUT - surprise, surprise, I didn't buy anything until the last day - more about that later.

My cousin is much more cosmopolitan than my son, so I had to prepare him that it wasn't going to be pizza every night. To my astonishment, he agreed to try new foods. We did this wisely by visiting the restaurants' front window where the menu was posted and deciding ahead of time what he might eat. On Wednesday we both experience our first Indian food and on Friday we had our first Thai food. Both were delicious - according to both of us.

I ate a full English breakfast each day - and no lunch (trying to conserve on funds - but I think that worked against the weight). But I walked A LOT. Of course, I also had more alcohol than I do at home - after all, I wasn't driving! And this only means about 1 or 2 glasses of wine most nights.

Thursday I helped with the costumes for the production (The Grand Duke by Gilbert & Sullivan). It was another way to let the group know how much I appreciated their company and support on the trip. We went to the dress rehearsal in the afternoon - and Trey was tapping along with the music. Since my cousin was busy with the production, this was the night I allowed Trey his pizza - which was different from here, of course. I had one with something called Rocket on it - I think it was like basil - it was pretty good.

The Opera House in Buxton is BEAUTIFUL - I'll post some pictures later.

Friday we visited Chatsworth Hall - home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Possibly better known as "Wemberly" in both the A&E Pride and Prejudice and a movie coming out soon starring Kiera Knightly. The home had 5 libraries, but we were only allowed in one. The estate also included 105 acres including a hedge maze which Trey absolutely loved.

Oh, and our driver (21 of us got together and hired 3 cars to take us there) went back to Bakewell while we were visiting the estate and picked up a "famous" Bakewell pudding (tart) for each of us. THEY WERE DELICIOUS. Kind of custard with some cherry in the middle.

On our last day, we hiked to Poole's Cavern - just the two of us. Even though the weather was in the 60s and 70s (way better than the yuck we left behind) I kept experiencing "personal summers". This was the most comfortable I was all week. Others were wearing long sleeves and jackets. I was warm in my jeans!

After the cavern we came back to town and went through town once more. The first thing we came across was that same used book store we had visited the first day. The store had baskets throughout with free books. I had found 3 I would have liked, but was concerned about the weight getting home. Well, now the basket was on the street. They came out to get me. I brought the three books home - one is about Gertrude Lawrence by her husband.

We went further into town and I found a thrift shop I had not been in. I went in and found a book I didn't know existed by an author I collect - Raymond Briggs. He does fabulous picture books. It was only 25 pence (less than 50 cents). So I found room for that.

We were supposed to leave Sunday at 10 a.m. and arrived at the airport at 7. We were told there was a delay and given vouchers for breakfast (6 pounds). I spent 5.99 - with a tuna sandwich, coffee, fruit, and something for later. Here, I just wanted coffee and they put milk in it!!!! The attendant looked at me oddly, but re-made my cup.

We started playing cards in the restaurant - others in the group found places to sleep. At noon, we were told there would be an announcement at 1 p.m. At 1 we were given a lunch Mr. Fussy (Trey) didn't find a sandwich which met his desires, no did I, so we went back to the counter and given vouchers for a hot lunch (7.50 pounds). Trey still didn't see anything, but I noticed "kids meal". I asked and it was pizza! I had Steak and Kidney pie. It wasn't until I was enjoying it that one of my table mates commented about eating beef in England. I forgot. I hope I can still give blood.

We finally took off about 5:30 p.m. arriving at JFK about 9 p.m. We left my cousin's about 10 a.m. Monday and drove through until we hit home. Our own beds felt very good that night.

We want to go back! I'll let you know when I get pictures posted.

I forgot to say that Trey's bag was more than twice what carry-on allowed, so we checked it coming home. But this business with the luggage has given me the title for my book about this trip: Getting to England on 13 pounds