Well, as Bokonon said, “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God”. So as a result of the usual mix of misconceptions and coincidences, we’ve got the house-sitter to stay in the house when we’re gone, and the ladies and I are going to England. The ladies, in this case, are my gorgeous ex-fiancée and our daughter, she’s 21. They’ve been to England before, but I’ve always travelled in the third world, never made it to the land of my ancestors, or at least some of them.
In any case, here’s the current travel plan, subject as always to time, as in “time yet for a hundred indecisions. And for a hundred visions and revisions. Before the taking of a toast and tea.”
We arrive in London on Monday the second of September, and we’ll be there for four days, ’til Thursday. Then a week or so to drive up the west coast of the island, and another week or so to go across and drive down the east coast.
Anyhow, that’s the scheme. If you happen to live along that route and wanted to say hi, post your town and where it’s near, maybe a few words about yourself. If we happen to go by there, all I can say is we MAY get in touch … or not. Heck, once I get to London, I may never make it out of the city much, who knows? I just attempt to follow the dancing lessons, but it’s generally not as simple as when you have the dance steps painted on the floor …
Best to all,
w.
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Good luck and have fun! 🙂
If you are stuck in London, then you must do all the “touristy” things, like famous squares, museums, and a play or two. But to really enjoy England, get to the countryside–at least 40 miles from a major city.
(Don’t forget to drive on the wrong side of the road!)
I was in England once. The two biggest problems I had driving were
1) Getting into the proper lane after a turn
2) I kept driving too far left, e.g. off the pavement, into the curb, etc.
Rotaries were not a problem – the international road signs have a gap where you shouldn’t turn, and that was an appreciated first reminder.
Everyone says go to Stonehenge. Yes, famous, but try Avebury, more off the beaten path but larger.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury
While in London, just down the road from where Karl Marx lived, is a pub locally known as Frenchy’s. It is the only pub in England that doesn’t serve beer. Well, it will if you absolutely insist, but wine is the preferred beverage. Across the road is an 18th century Huguenot church which maybe provides a clue. During WWII, it was home to the Free French armed forces. Be prepared for photos and speeches of Charles de Gaul on the walls. Also remember that Voltaire was exiled in London around the 18th century; his “Letters from London” are an essential read.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Street
Enjoy!
I live and work in London. Will try to send an email.
Remember those books by that English veterinarian, James Herriot? Not that I’d presume to offer any suggestions about the Yorkshire dales, or anything.
London, they say, still has fab music stores with all the latest…
See you when you get back! (more or less)
Well what a shame. I am on the west coast, in a place called Manchester. I have a spare room or two, but I fly out to SA on Wednesday for a month.
As a British ex soldier I would have enjoyed teaching a yank ex-sailor how to drink 🙂
Nor does the Autumn leaf.
Yet it must.
Geran is right, come to Galleywood south of Chelmsford Essex, I’m a middle Englander and moved down here last year and didn’t know anyone, the people here are the friendliest folk in the London area – P.S. Thank you for all your posts on WUWT over the years and keep them going – Our pub is good too 😀
About driving in the UK. It’s not so difficult as the driver position is also on the opposite side. There are two problems:
1: On leaving the airport car rental, you have to consciously think where you need to go at the lights. “I need to go OVER THERE”
2: If you are accustomed to driving a manual in North America, then occasionally, you will accidently open the right-side door. Do NOT PANIC.
Enjoy your holiday, Willis!!
…and please report back to us after doing some super sleuthing around the University of East Anglia…
Like any country, there are many different things to see and do, depending on what interests you. Museums, shows, historical buildings, scenery – there are far too many topics you could cover. What is it you want to get out of the visit?
By the way, if you drive up the west coast from London, and then drive back down the east coast, you will miss out on the entire West Country – Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Quite a distinctively different part of the country, and well worth a visit…
If you want real country, come to Scotland. I’ll be in Edinburgh till 19 September.
http://www.rmg.co.uk/harrison
I would think that a sailor, you would appreciate visiting Flamsteed House which houses the works of John Harrison, a fellow yorkshireman of humble stock, who solved the problem of longtitude.
Some details above.
If you drive up thw west coast far enough, you will come to the lake district and you may well not want to leave, EVER.
Enjoy your travels.
@Ric Werme, my problem when jumping back and forth between USA, Japan and Malaysia wasn’t staying in the correct lane (at last if the road wasn’t empty).
My problem for the 1st week was signalling with the windshield wipers. I found this problem of activating windshield wipers instead of turn signal was very common with other USA expats living in Japan.
History around every corner.
If you plan on doing some of the heritage sites, it may be worth getting an annual pass (you end up saving a great deal if you do several sites). Driving is pricey (petrol is expensive) but most things are not that far apart. Recommend Snowdonia and Conwy Castle in Wales, the Lake District in West England (especially for Beatrix Potter fans). If you drop down through Yorkshire, the Yorkshire dales, visit the Bronte Parsonage and have some fish and chips (Harry Ramsdens is good, otherwise most any corner “chippy” will do). York Minster and the wall of York (nice walk if you have the time for some or all).
Enjoy and keep safe!
Willis,
Looks like you’ll be passing through Norwich (via the A47 Motorway) on the east coast leg of your journey. If you get a chance, please stop by the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit and say Hi from all of us at WUWT to Phil Jones, Keith Briffa, and Tim Osborn.
Thanks.
Driving is indeed pricey in our green and pleasant land, but don’t forget our gallons are much bigger than yours 😉
Do drop in to Piccadilly Circus – I’m easy to spot!
@Lord Galleywood. It wouldn’t happen to be the Groom, would it?
Pointman
Best memory: Singing at Coventry Cathedral and its ministry of reconciliation after being firebombed. Burned beams and nails into reconciliation crosses.
I lived in Scotland for a few years and getting used to the driving was easy. I rode a motorcycle at the time, but even without the driver offset hint getting used to driving on the right was no problem. I did save my Dad’s life about a dozen times when my parents came to visit. Always stepping out into the road and looking to the right!
Don’t let Evil Big Oil cancel your return flight.
/sarc
Be careful crossing the road. Look the OTHER way. Be especially careful crossing the road at intersections where cars may come at you from directions you did not expect. And when you make eye contact with the driver of a car to look for intentions watch out. You are probably staring strangely at the front seat passenger instead.
West Wales
Also just done a piece about my area – Dylan Thomas country – http://drawingandillusion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/young-families-at-wisemans-bridge.html
You are welcome to stay as we have a largish country house with plenty of room or guests. I cannot talk about science but I can about art, if you are passing this way – I have engagements this coming week Friday to Monday from Tuesday onwards it would be a pleasure to see you if you are coming in this direction.