Posts Tagged ‘Travel’

Guy Fawkes Day (Bonfire Night)

Posted in London, United Kingdom, tagged , , , , , on Monday, 5 November, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Remember, Remember The Fifth of November

The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

I know of No Reason Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should Ever Be Forgot

Today is Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night. It celebrates the thwarting of the “Gunpowder Plot” which was an attempt to blow up King James I and the House of Lords in 1605.  To learn more about the plot, John and I went on the London Walks: Gunpowder, Treason and Plot: On the Trail of Guy Fawkes.

We got a large dose of history regarding the animosity between the Catholics and the Protestants. Our tour guide, Hilary gave us a balanced overview of the circumstances leading up to the plot. After listening what the Catholics were subjected to, it’s not surprising such a plot was hatched (supposedly in a pub over a beer). 

I did walk away thanking God for living in a country where I’m free to attend whichever religious service I prefer ~ or not attending any services should I choose not to.  Back in the late 1500s and early 1600s, not attending a protestant service resulted in a large fine (which could easily bankrupt a person). Sadly, when the Catholics were in power, you were burned at the stake if you didn’t go to mass.

I learned a lot and was glad I braved the cold and rain to partake in this once a year tour. Here are a few of the photos from the tour:

Cromwell Statue in front of House of Parliament

Westminster Abbey entrance

Horse Guards

Angel on Westminster Abbey

John along the walk

Angel

Westminster Abbey Courtyard

St James Park

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UK Day Trip #2: The Making of Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Movie Studio Tour

Posted in Day Trip from London, Favorite Girl, London, Travel, Travels, tagged , , , on Sunday, 28 October, 2012| 4 Comments »

As a huge fan and aficionado of all things Harry Potter, Logan loved The Making of Harry Potter tour.

Our adventure to The Making of Harry Potter began when Logan and I caught the 9:05 am train to Watford Junction then took the studio shuttle bus (£2 RT) to Leavesden where the movie lot is located. The train ride from London takes about 20 minutes. The shuttle bus stop is out the front entrance of the Watford Junction train station and to the left. The shuttle ride was about 15 minutes (including wait time).

Tickets for the tour must be purchased online but can be picked up at will-call if there’s not enough time to receive them in the mail.  Adults are £28 and children (5 to 15) are £21 but I purchased the souvenir book and the audio guide for Logan so her ticket was £30.75.  As you enter the building, there’s a cafe and a Starbucks. Backpacks/large bags are not allowed on the tour so there’s a coat/bag check as well.  At your scheduled time,  you queue up and they let about 40 people in at a time.  I would highly recommend going on the first tour of the day so there’s no one in front of you.  We were on the 10:30  tour and it was crowded overrun with kids on bus tours. Give yourself about three hours for the tour.

A brief (maybe 5 minutes) movie is shown with Daniel, Emma and Rupert explaining what it was like on set as well as what to expect during the tour. I liked that they acknowledged the thousands of cast and crew, from the hair & make-up crew to the other actors. It was heartfelt and, since it was such a large part of their formative years, it was probably a good way to end their time at “Hogwarts.”   If you go, sit in the front row so you’ll be the first one into the Great Hall and have your camera ready. You’ll be able to take a photo without anyone else in it ~ as long as you’re fast!

Once the movie ends, the screen lifts to reveal the gates into the Hogwarts’ Great Hall

The actual jersey Rob Pattinson wore:

They only let one group at a time into the Great Hall so you’ll only have about 5-10 minutes to look around and take photos before they shoo you out.

Then it’s onto the “museum” with all the original costumes, props, sets, etc. The sets include Gryffindor Common Room, the boys dorm room, Hagrid’s Hut, Dumbledore’s office, the Potions room and parts of the vast Ministry of Magic (including Voldemort’s Magic is Might statue).

There was so much to see and Logan took a little longer since she had the audio guide.  I sat and relaxed on the bench with the other “older folks” but I throughly enjoyed watching the younger kids eyes light up when they saw an item they recognized.

Scary Death Eaters…

Death Eaters Masks

Ron’s bed

Dealthy Hallows costumes

There was also a small outside lot including the Weasley car, the bridge, Privet Drive and the house in Godric’s Hallow

Half way through the tour, there’s a green screen photo session where you can ride either in the Weasley car

…and flying through London on a broom

A fitting end to the tour is the room with shelves with thousands wand boxes (a la Olivander’s Wand Shop) with the name of a cast or crew member on each box ~ a “credits” roll.  Really a nice touch and nod to all those involved in making the magic happen.

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UK Daytrip #1: Cambridge

Posted in Travels, United Kingdom, tagged , , , on Saturday, 13 October, 2012| 2 Comments »

We ventured out of the city today and into the beautiful UK countryside.  We purchased a Family Rail discount card for £28 and the roundtrip tickets for the three of us to Cambridge cost £29.

The train ride was about 45 minutes and we arrived at 10 am to a chilly but, thankfully, sunny day in Cambridge.  We decided to catch the “hop on, hop off” tour bus so we could get an overview of the town. Cambridge has long and interesting history and here’s what I know:

  • Population ~ approximately 120K
  • It’s on the Cam River
  • The Romans came through and took over in 40AD
  • The first college was Peterhouse, which was founded in 1284. There are now 31 colleges which make up the University of Cambridge
  • The first Women’s colleges were founded in the late 1800’s but degrees weren’t awarded to women until 1948.
  • There are still 3 all-female colleges, but no all-male colleges.
  • Some famous alumnus: Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Crick & Watson who discovered the structure of DNA, Lord Byron, and so on.  Ah, to be in the shadows of geniuses
  • “Punting” refers to the flat-bottomed boats that are pushed along with a pole

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (also known as the Round Church) was built in 1130 and is one of only 4 round churches still in existence in the UK.

The Cambridge American Cemetery is situated on 30.5 acres donated by the University of Cambridge.  There are 3,812 remains of American service members from WWII who are buried in the cemetery.

Here are some photos from our bus tour:

  

We ended our day with a tour of Kings College Chapel which is AMAZING!  Henry VI began the building of the Chapel in 1446 but it wasn’t finished until the time of Henry VIII.  There are 26 gorgeous stained glass windows:

and the ceiling:

Here’s where an entrance way has been worn over the 400 + years:

Outside at Kings College:

And once again, we’ve gone somewhere with so much more to see and do.  We’ll have to plan a return trip to Cambridge when the weather is warm and we can go punting!

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Something Along the Way…

Posted in Favorite Girl, London, tagged , , , on Monday, 8 October, 2012| 2 Comments »

When in London, it’s best to factor in extra time when venturing out because, more often than not, there’s a place along the way that’s just as interesting as your final destination. Since John was knee-deep in homework yesterday, Logan and I decided to leave him to study hard while we checked out a pop-up store located on Brick Lane in East London ~ the pop-up, American Apparel Factory Outlet, will be open until 14 October.

Due to the repairs and closures of several tube lines, it was a challenge getting to Liverpool Station, but once we emerged from the station and headed toward Brick Lane, we could feel the change in the atmosphere.  East London is historic, culturally diverse and, as Logan would say, “so hipster.”

After purchasing a few items at American Apparel, we headed over to Old Spitalfields Market for more shopping and lunch. Spitalfields is derived from St Mary’s Spital (Spital is the old world name for a Hospital).

The market is huge with many vendors but it’s not a farmers market, it’s a flea market as well as having permanent restaurants and shops. Since it was lunchtime, we opted for food ~ Logan had a freshly squeezed strawberry/orange juice (so yummy) and then we found “Rainforest Creations” ~ an all-vegan food stall. Very yummy, very healthy. Next time, we’ll indulge and visit the Curry Capital:

We plan on returning soon, and on a Saturday, to explore more of the clothes stalls ~ which include vintage, homemade and designer clothes.  The stock varies weekly so there’s always something new to see (& buy). On the following dates, affordable art work is for sale:

11 – 14 October
01  – 04 November
22  – 25 November
29 November – 02 December
06 – 09 December
13 – 16 December
20 – 23 December

I’m so glad we ventured into East London but realize we’ve only grazed the surface.  I’m already planning a return trip…

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Wigmore Hall

Posted in Favorite Girl, London, tagged , , , , , , on Sunday, 7 October, 2012| Leave a Comment »

We attended a concert at Wigmore Hall last night.

It featured Rosalind Ventris (Viola) and Lara-Dodds Eden (Piano).  Just the two of them.  They played a new work  from Edwin Roxburgh and last night was the world premiere.  Personally, I thought it sounded like a soundtrack to a scary 60’s thriller ~ it was very edgy with lots of high-pitched, dark (dare I say creepy) notes on the viola and pounding of the keys on the piano. Logan loved it!  As a viola player herself, her perspective is a lot different from mine. She appreciates the technical aspect of the music.  The other three pieces were Schumann (Marchenbilder Op 113), Hindemith (Viola Sonata Op 11 No.4 and Rachmaninov (Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. 19 arr. Vadim Borisovsky).  All traditional and soothing to my senses.

Wigmore Hall was built in 1901, in Renaissance style (using alabaster and marble for the walls, flooring and stairway). The original owners were the German Piano company Bechstein. It was next door to their piano showrooms and was built for recitals. During WWI, and with hostility toward German companies, the entire Bechstein company was sold to Debenhams for a song (pun intended).

Today, there are concerts daily ~ some in the evening but also ones in the mornings and afternoons. I’ve been pouring over the October and November schedules to see which ones I’d like to attend next.  Logan has already picked out the Bach Cello Suites concert. If you go, there is a bar and restaurant so it’s a nice place to meet up with friends and have a drink or a bite to eat prior to the concert.

They also have learning events which reach out to young children with interactive music workshops such as the “Toddler Bop” for 1 -2 year olds, family days for 6+ year olds and “For Crying Out Loud” for up to one year olds. How fun is that…wish I’d had something like this to take Logan to when she was so young.  I did play classical music for her as much as possible. At first, I didn’t think it made a difference but then I noticed she cried whenever I played Tchaikovsky but was happy as could be with Bach and Beethoven.  That’s when I was convinced babies truly are sponges and everything in their environment affects them.

This gem of a place, located in Marylebone near the Bond Street tube station, is about four blocks from our flat. Have I mentioned how much I love the location of our new home?!  If you’re a chamber music fan, check out the schedule of upcoming concerts, you won’t be disappointed!

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The Wallace Collection

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , , , , on Saturday, 6 October, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The other day, a few expats and I spent some time at the Wallace Collection located in the Hertford House at Manchester Square in Marylebone, London.

The Hertford House ~ Wallace Collection

First off, the house itself is gorgeous! I was overwhelmed upon walking in (there are three floors and twenty-nine galleries), and after a light lunch in the museum cafe, we went on a tour with an engaging and informative guide.  She has a passion for the Wallace Collection but specifically paintings and furniture from France.

Although the 3rd and 4th Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace (illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess) were instrumental in acquiring the vast collection, it was the 4th Marquess who is considered one the greatest collectors of the 19th century.  When his son, Richard Wallace died in 1890, his widow lived at Hertford house until her death in 1897.  In her will, and at the bequest of her late husband, the collection and house was converted into a public museum.  It opened to the public in 1900.

According to our tour guide, the stipulation in the will regarding the collection is it must stay “as is” ~ nothing added, nothing removed.  None of the items can be loaned to other museums, this is the only place you’ll see it.  They must have a vast storage area because the galleries change out periodically for certain events and specific tours.   For example each month, a great work is highlighted as the “treasure of the month” and there are scheduled talks about the piece.

The museum also has scheduled Exhibitions, Conservation Displays, Special Talks, Study Events, Adult Art Classes, Youth Activities & Family Workshops.  I’m bummed I missed out on the French Wine Tasting event which was in September but plan to make up for loss time with as many other events as I can.  I am completely amazed by the sheer size of the collection and can imagine I’ll be spending many rainy days exploring the galleries.

For any one with children, there’s a “Takeover Day” on 23 November 2012 (Friday) ~ students from St Vincent’s Primary school will take charge of the museum, from the front of the house to leading groups on an interactive tour.  I think visiting children would find it more interesting coming from their peers.

On a side note, I saw a photo of the museum art pieces being evacuated before the Blitz and, thankfully, the house itself was spared during the bombing of London. Whew…

If you decide to visit, the museum entrance is free of charge as are the daily tours. There are fees and reservations required for certain events and talks.  The museum is open everyday except 24, 25 and 26 December.  For more specific information, click here.

If you go, look for me there since I plan to spend a lot of time in the galleries while living here.  How could I not, it’s an easy 10 minute walk from our flat.

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Birthday in London

Posted in Birthdays, London, Travel, tagged , , , , on Sunday, 30 September, 2012| 1 Comment »

Thoroughly enjoyed my birthday yesterday.  Since we feel like we’re living in the days of wine and roses here in London,  John got real wine (my favorite: Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and red roses for me:

If you squint and look very closely at the photo, those are tickets from Logan to “Billy Elliott” at the Victoria Palace Theater ~ which I can’t rave enough about.  I’m in awe of the actors since it’s a demanding musical but especially the kids.  The amount of talent is amazing.  Loved the story line, the cast enthusiasm, the songs, the dances and, on the practical side, it was 15 minutes door to door (on the tube).  Did I mention I love living in London?!

  

What made this year even more special is I usually don’t celebrate much for the “big day”  At first,  it was because my dad died on my 25th birthday. For years, I didn’t celebrate at all.  But once Logan was old enough to understand birthdays, she’s made it her mission to make sure I enjoyed mine.  But even with the best of intentions, events sometime overtake the day. Last year, in early September, we had two tropical storms and an earthquake hit the Northern Virginia area, causing water to seep into our basement.  We decided to waterproof it completely which meant on my birthday, I was listening to the sound of jack hammers tearing up the basement floor:

This year, I only had sweet sounds to listen to and my favorite was John and Logan singing “Happy Birthday” while I blew out the candles on my chocolate macaroons (goodbye cupcakes, hello macaroons) ~ doesn’t get better than that.

Now about the age thing, I’ve decided to start counting backwards!!

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A Royal Day Out at Buckingham Palace

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , , , on Sunday, 16 September, 2012| 4 Comments »

Decided we better visit Buckingham Palace, official residence of Queen Elizabeth, while the State Rooms are still open to the public. They will close on 7 October until next summer.  In addition to the State Rooms, the tour included the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery.

We started off with The Gallery ~ the largest exhibition of anatomical drawings by Leonardo Di Vinci.  I’ve seen Di Vinci’s artistic work including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper amongst others but I didn’t realize he pioneered the understanding of human anatomy.  Unfortunately, the drawings on display at the Gallery were unpublished, due to his death in 1519, until 400 years later.  What a loss. It was fascinating to see all he accomplished regarding anatomy drawings even BEFORE he did an actual autopsy.  Such a prolific amount of work ~

Next stop was a visit to the Royal Mews which is responsible for any road travel for the Queen and members of the royal family ~ the mews includes carriages, the Rolls Royce and, of course, horses.  The staff of the mews and their families live on the second floor of the building.

The Gold State Coach ~ it’s been used for every coronation since George IV and it takes 8 draft horses to pull it.

Logan and I in front of the Mews Living Quarters (second floor):

Lastly, we visited the State Rooms ~ of course, they are impressive with paintings (Reubens, Rembrandt,etc), sculptures (my favorite is the Mars & Venus by Canova), porcelain and English & French furniture.  I also loved seeing all the portraits of past royalty.  I especially liked the one of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children.  Another bonus of going this year is a special Jubilee celebration display of the Queen’s diamonds.  Lots of bling to be seen. Photos are not allowed indoors but we snapped a few outside from the gardens.

I’m glad we did the tour but, wow, it was so crowded with the hordes of tourists.  I’m saving some of the other touristy places for the winter with the hopes it’ll be less crowded.  At least that’s how it is in DC.  Our list of things to do and see in London is long but I also have a list of things we won’t be doing while we’re here including Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and this:

London Duck Tour

Never had to keep a “not to do” list but with so many choices, it’s good to narrow the field a bit.  Thankfully, I found a great London blog called London Unveiled which suggests some very good off the beaten track options.

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Keys to the Flat

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , on Friday, 31 August, 2012| 2 Comments »

Where thou art – that – is Home.  ~Emily Dickinson

Forty six days after we moved out of our home in Virginia, having traveled through eight states & visiting with many friends, we finally have our keys to the London flat. As an Army wife, I chose this rambling lifestyle and truly believe we carry “home” in our hearts.  Whether we’re going to be somewhere for 6 months or 6 years, we hit the ground running with each move.

I’ve known Army spouses who give themselves 48 hours from the time the moving truck drives away to get their house organized & decorated, including the drapes.  Our household goods (furniture, etc)  will be delivered on Monday. Can’t imagine I’ll have everything done in 48 hours but maybe a week! If the weather is nice, it’ll be a lot longer.  I know better than to spend a nice day indoors!

The flat is pretty much a blank canvas:

Kitchen ~ lots of counterspace

This isn’t a lifestyle for the faint of heart but the rewards of living in so many different places and getting to meet so many different people, is truly a blessing.  It may be only 11 months in London, but my home will be a soft place to land and always open to family and friends.

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Out with London Walks

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , , , , on Wednesday, 29 August, 2012| 3 Comments »

We got a chance to meet the previous tenant of our new London flat and she was kind enough to give us her London Binder which she created and filled with brochures from all over London and beyond.  Having lived in London for 5 years, she accumulated a lot of brochures!!  I came across a London Walks brochure from 2007 ~ a bit dated but it at least had all the pertinent information for us to find them online.  And I’m so glad we did since we went on two walks this weekend and enjoyed both a lot.

On Saturday, we joined in on the “Ghosts of the Old City” walk which started at 7:45 pm at the Queen Anne Statue at St Paul’s Cathedral.

There was a slight drizzle while we waited at St Paul’s Cathedral ~ the rain and impending darkness added to the “scary” side of the ghost stories.

Our guide, did a great job and even broke into a song or two along the way.  The stories were interesting but the only place I felt really uncomfortable was the St Bartholomew the Great church’s graveyard.   The church was originally founded as an Augustinian priory in 1123 and has been the location for several movies including the 4th wedding in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Shakespeare in Love, The Other Boleyn Girl, and The End of the Affair.  I checked more on its history and it turns out, there were numerous executions (burnings) there during the time of Mary Tutor.

On Sunday, we decided to lighten it up and went on the “Harry Potter Film Locations in the City” walk.  Very enjoyable and the walk included more than just Harry Potter references. I was especially thrilled when our guide, Richard Walker, pointed out Bridget Jones locations along the way, including the ending scene where Bridget kisses Darcy in the snow.  So romantic.

We will no doubt go on many more walks during our year here.  There’s so many interesting ones ~ and it’s so nice to get the history from very talented and knowledgeable guides.  I’m so impressed with both of the guides we’ve had so far. London Walks has guided tours everyday so there are lots of choices.  Most walks are about two hours and cost £9 unless you get a frequent walker card which costs £2 pounds.  With the discount card, the walks are £7. The discount card is worth it with just two walks.  No reservations ~ just show up by the start time.  More information available at the London Walks website http://www.walks.com/

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