The historic docks of Portsmouth have 11 exhibits to tour. We covered most of them on our first visit, but the tickets are good for a year, so we returned to finish.   At the docks we took a Harbor Ferry tour and saw the latest ship of the UK navy- an aircraft carrier.  Next … Continue reading English Day Trips 2- Portsmouth and Salisbury

Isle of Wight-  Osborne House and Victorian falconry. We had already taken a trip to the Isle of Wight, to the West Cowes. This time we went to East Cowes, to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer palace. Now that’s a place I wish would list on AirBnB. The dining room is in the Durbar Wing, … Continue reading English day trips- Osborne House and Winchester

The first stop in London should be the TKTS to get theater tickets. Luckily the line wasn’t long, since it was raining.  But I was prepared!  I bought that rain coat a few years back because standing in line at TKTS in New York in the rain, totally soaked the coat I had packed.  After … Continue reading Back to London 

Everyone said to visit Beaulieu (Bew-ley, even though it looks French.). We didn’t think we’d be that impressed with a car museum, but this was really something.  There was a large collection of race cars, motorcycles, and old vintage cars.  It all started with Lord Montague’s personal collection.  Also, on the grounds was a building … Continue reading Tourists again

Taco Bell! I finally found a country with a Taco Bell in the city center of Southampton. It’s so exciting to have it again after 3 months of going without it.   The Schengen area is made up of 26 countries who’ve agreed for easy border passing. Our visa allowed us to visit in that … Continue reading We had to move. 

We left the left sided streets of Ireland and flew into Copenhagen.  There I had the following conversation: Passport control officer at airport:  Where are you headed? Becky:  Um, where am I now? Officer: Copenhagen Becky:  Oh, that’s right.  I’m going to Sweden. And the officer let me go. Driving the rental car there on … Continue reading Sweden and Denmark 

European Solutions to Common Annoyances Occasionally a reader suggests that I offer a religious view on the division that entangles our nation. My response is that often our best spirituality can be found by unpacking its practical components. To that end, I’ve made some observations during my extended stay in Europe that might help defuse … Continue reading