Sorry for the break in reporting. Been working on dining room remodel and busy sorting, disposing and relocating a myriad of objects and several hours and days cleaning wallpaper glue off four walls! Now repainted awaiting the new floor installation. Fingers crossed things stay on schedule.
Ok on with the trip. I have definitely been in big cities in the US before and even 10 days in France, however I will say to fellow travelers knowing the transportation system and options and understanding the money goes a long way. I often had to, pardon me Blanch of "Glass Menagerie", "rely on the kindness of strangers" to get me what I needed. Although we had beautiful weather, the norm kicked in with some gloom and rain. However it never lasted that long and when on a tour, one just throws a water-proof jacket on and keeps the agenda. I did finally understand that "we are on an island" buffeted by the North Atlantic and the Gulf Stream - two extremes. So the usual weather was gloomy morning, sunny daytime and cool and sometimes rainy nights. No big deal and as I hate extreme heat, I was physically quite happy. Though when it hit the high 70's the last couple of days, the Brits literally melt from the extreme heat. And as stated before they don't really believe in air-conditioning, it led to some sticky nights.
Our stops this day included Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Remember the ABCs (another bloody church/castle). A rainy day but a fun walk about town. Uphill both ways oddly enough. There was this interesting street that was so narrow it was a literal shock when a van managed to drive up the road as pedestrians/tourists covered the entire street. Common occurrence; people give way; no rush and everyone's cool. We also had another experience with the banks there as again we were denied entrance to the inner sanctum although the lobby was staffed by professional looking people in uniform who helpfully guided me through the ATM procedure at an extreme cost to me for foreign exchange rate (expected) and foreign transaction fee (surprise). As I was promised no transaction fees if I used the sister bank Barclay's there was a bit of sticker shock but I had no choice if I wanted my cash. Did get those fees refunded when I got back to the States though.
As it was raining...enjoyed an indoor flea market/garage sale/mall that covered a few blocks. They are big on indoor flea market/garage sale/malls there all of which have been "in existence in that spot for 800 years. Anyway, I got a set of marking pens for a pound and a delicious looking lemon bar for about three. Unfortunately the lemon bar was mostly "scone-like" with very little lemon. They do love their flour and water concoctions over there, and they do fill you up.
We stopped at a little pub in Newcastle for lunch I believe which was called
We are in England after all. This is where I enjoyed my "Newkie" brew in a pint size. Really need to mind your "Ps & Qs" when drinking in the U.K. lol. Fortunately I'm not driving. Before lunch we stopped to see a bit of Hadrian's Wall which at one point girdled the narrowest part of England from the Channel to the Atlantic. As with most walls, they become ineffective as you can go over, under or around eventually (hint hint) unless they are staffed every mile or so with heavily armed soldiers. There's very little left at least in this area as the local people needed materials for fences and pens etc. Upon looking around they noted these finely hewed stones just sitting there for the asking, or the taking probably. So Hadrian's Wall actually shows up as the outdoor decor around most of the local farms and houses.
We continued our trip north to Scotland passing golden fields of canola flowers as far as the eye could see. Next chapter will begin with our entry into beautiful Scotland. However as we left northern England we passed a pub that said "Last Pub in England". And of course when we turned around and looked back it proclaimed "First Pub in England" . Take your claim to fame where you can. Love the British sense of humor. To be continued...
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