St. Andrews to London: Day 9-10

Now we're hitting the last part of our trip. No! It can't possible be over all ready!  But wait, it's not over.

Our final morning in St. Andrews started off at 6am. That's right, this is what happens when you're on a trip with two men who love to golf. You head over to The Old Course. St. Andrews Links, that is. For those of you who don't know (don't worry, I was in the boat with you until I was told) this is where the British Open was played this year. Right about now, my brothers are reading this and envy is coming over their faces as they see the course that they dream of playing on some day. Did you know that if you're a student at St. Andrews you can pay just $200/year and play as much as you want?! It's almost worth it just to come for school so that you can play on the course all year.

We wanted to get a good look around before the first group teed off. We walked down the 18th hole, took some pics on the famous bridge, and then walked over to the beach to get our last glimpse of our visit in Scotland.

Now it was back to the Inn, pack the bags, and head back to the train station for our 7 hour train ride back to London. It wasn't until about 5 hours into the train ride that we realized there was FREE wifi on the train! What had we been missing out on?? Nothing :) We got some good reading time in, that's what.

Once we arrived in London, we checked into our last hotel for the trip and then went out for our last meal in England... Chipotle :) Ha! You think I'm joking... I'm not. This is a problem when you can't go more than a week without eating eat. It's official. We're obsessed. But hey, we went straight to a pub afterwards to watch the Manchester United vs. Newcastle United. It was a great game and a fabulous way to end our trip.

The next morning we got up bright and early to catch our flight back to the states via the Tube.

All in all this was a fantastic vacation. Busy, fun, and full of laughter and great times. We saw amazing sites and learned more about British history and are so incredibly blessed to have another English Adventure under our belt. Thanks, Jack! Until next time...

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London: Day 2

We started off our second day in London at one of the most delicious coffee shops in the world… Starbucks :)

After a quick fill in our stomachs, we got on the tour bus and made our way over to St. Paul’s cathedral.

We started off in the Crypt of the church where famous heroes of England are buried as well as tons of history telling the story of the wars that destroyed the church and then who rebuilt it. 

Then we headed upstairs to admire the ornate walls, windows, and ceiling. I had to sneak a few pictures because there are plenty of volunteers and signs saying “no cameras”. (But I think they should allow you to take pictures with no flash).

And of course we took advantage of hiking to the top of the church to see the views of London from the top of the dome. The 360 degree view was amazing!

Like I mentioned in my last post, there are tons of flowers covering almost all the windows of homes in the heart of London. This is a common snap shot of what you can find on the streets of London: tourists and businessman filling the streets with ornate follow arrangements decorating the buildings.

Now for our next stop of the day, we weren’t sure where it was located on a map, so we needed to head to an internet café in order to find the exact location. We were happy to know that it was only about one mile away from where we were. And yes, this was on our list of things to do while in London…

Eat at Chipotle! The first one in the UK just opened up a few months ago and so of course we had to visit. After chatting it up with the general manager, who moved here from the Chicago market, we enjoyed probably the BEST Chipotle burrito ever. They actually have a few different salsas and brown rice (instead of the normal white) and it really made it great! The general manager who is going to be opening their stores in France was also visiting (native from Austin). It made for a fun lunch and just proves that we cannot go a single week without eating Chipotle :)

After lunch we walked around town down the famous Oxford street (known for it’s shopping) and then walked by Hyde park. By this point I had asked JT to carry me the rest of the way, for fear my feet would fall off, but he declined. We finally made it to the Churchill War Rooms museum and I have to say it’s probably the best and most interactive museum I’ve ever been to. I really enjoyed learning the WWII history from the British perspective.

After a quick dinner at an Italian restaurant we headed back to the hotel around 10:30pm. By this point I can’t even feel my feet. But look at how beautiful Big Ben is in the evening! Yes, I’m easily distracted. JT’s solution for me at this point is: Don’t think about it. Okay!

Tomorrow morning we’re heading out bright and early to catch a train to Bath. Goodbye London!

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Sunday in London

Sunday started bright and early with plans to go to the Communion service in Westminster Abbey. After grabbing a quick breakfast, we enjoyed walking across the Westminster Bridge when there were very few tourists on it. We stopped just a moment to get this picture.

Getting up early in London has its perks. Westminster Abbey is closed to visitors on Sunday, but open to those who wish to attend worship services. The service was at 8am and we were one of 35 people to attend the service. This is either a testimony to the spiritual health of London or that locals are not early risers. I’m assuming the first is true.

 With the service revolving around the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we also recited Creeds and Scripture of the Christian faith. It gave us both a great understanding of where our faith has come from. We really enjoyed the service and afterwards we both said we really felt like we were worshipping the entire time, yet there wasn’t one ounce of music or lyrics sung. Makes you think twice about what worship means.

We especially liked the plea etched in stone on the outside of the church, right outside the main entrance.

“May God grant to the Living – Grace

To the Departed – Rest

To the Church and the World – Peace  and Concord

And to us Sinners – Enternal Life”

Then we headed back to the hotel to meet up with Jack and then headed out for a day of bus touring and walking to see the sights of London.  Our first journey was down the Thames river on a boat which took us to London Tower. I was expecting to see a Tower, not a multiple fortress landmark. 

Once inside, we received a great tour from one of the Beefeaters and then made our way inside one of the towers to see the Crown Jewels. While waiting in line, we actually got to see the changing of the guards.

Did you know there’s a scepter with a 530 carat diamond in the middle?? Needless to say, I was speechless.

And for those of you who have read our previous travel blogs… can find who’s in this picture??

SNUGS!! Of course he joined us on yet another English Adventure. Please keep your eye out for any further photos that he might sneak in to.

Now it was on to the tour bus and over to Buckingham Palace. We didn’t get the chance to go in, but we did manage to take a picture outside… along with the other thousand people there.

 A quick rest in a park right next to the Palace. The trees here are beautiful and unlike any I’ve ever seen. Almost a cross between large oak trees and ivy. The branches almost hang down like willow trees.

Mom, this picture is for you. There are beautiful window-boxes everywhere. Every time I see one I think of you and how much you would enjoy seeing all the colors and designs.

Driving by the famous Hyde Park shows us the famous “Speakers Corner” where there is freedom of speech and large groups will gather round to debate and challenge the speakers. Reminded both JT and I of our college campus.

The famous Trafalgar Square has beautiful fountains and monuments. The suns starting to go down at this point and feet are starting to hurt. On our way to find a spot for dinner, we pass through West End, where all the famous plays and feature films are premiered. This place is buzzing with excitement and people. We even had time to make a few phone calls… or just take a famous phone booth picture.

We found a great pizzeria to eat at… mind you this was now 9pm and we were so hungry and tired. Only about 1.5 miles walk back to the hotel and we were out by 10:30pm. Tomorrow… more sight seeing and…. Walking… boy our feet are starting to hurt.

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Hello London

Yesterday we left our home in Dallas to go abroad for 10 days. Destination: the United Kingdom. We arrived at the airport, checked our bags and then headed over to the security line. “Passport and boarding pass, please”, said the man that stood before the security check point. He looked at our tickets, and then in an upbeat tone said, “Business Class is this line over here”. WHAT?! Business Class?? What does this mean??

Quickly, JT and I smiled and politely walked quietly to the front of the line and made our way to our gate. Holy Smokes! We weren’t expecting this at all! Of course, my mind starts wandering and imagining what it’s going to be like on the plane.

We had about one hour to kill before we started to board, but once we looked at the gate, we quickly noticed that there was going to be a delay… 7:45pm turned into 8:25… 9:10… too bad JT and I took “sleepy time” pills right before we got to the gate. We knew that about one hour after taking the pills we would be out like a light. So now we were walking around the terminal, trying to hold our eyes open in fear of missing our flight or a possible gate change.

Boarding came around 9:15 and we walked down the ramp anxiously awaiting what would be “Business Class”. We knew it wasn’t first class and we knew it wasn’t coach. We see the seating area and smile like kids getting to go to Disney World for the first time and wait in anticipation while other passengers stow their luggage and children. Right then, a woman in front of us turns around and says, “Don’t you just hate it that they (American Airlines), make you walk through the business class to just send you right back to coach?” Needless to say, we waited for her to get past the section before we put our stuff down.  

I don’t think I can describe to you how wonderful this was. THE ENTIRE SEAT RECLINES! It seriously lays back into a bed and props your feet up. I felt like I was onboard a Brookstone plane. (I love that store).  Pam, our flight attendant for the trip, quickly came by to offer us orange juice, water, or champagne. WHAT?! Where am I? There’s a TV in front of me with on demand movies, tv shows, and video games. A quilt for a blanket and a full sized pillow for my head. Now that I’m seriously almost knocked out for the flight, I push a button that says “Zzzz” and within 5 seconds, my entire chair is reclined out into “sleeping position”. Woah!

 No, I didn't take a picture of myself for fear of causing a scene :) So this internet one will have to do...

The pilot comes on the air and notifies us that there is a mechanical issue and as soon as it’s prepared, we’ll be on our way…finally at 11:00 we take off.

After stellar service and a restful nights sleep, we arrived in London just a few shorts hours ago. Bags and all we headed to the Tube (subway) and went straight into London. And what’s the first thing we see when we come up to street level? Westminster Abbey & Big Ben. Wow. What a welcoming sight to see! And England also welcomed us with a light rain and overcast skies.

A short walk to our hotel and now we’re resting a few minutes before heading out to grab a bite to eat and manage our jet lag.

Internet it is sparse, but we will continue to write blogs as we go. Thanks for joining us on our trip!  

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