Great Britain 2024

Train from York to Stirling via Edinburgh was totally pleasant though a bit long — 3 hrs. 40 minutes. This is probably my longest train ride I will have on this journey. My travel companions for the Scotland portion of my trip arrived in Stirling a day ahead of me. By the time I joined them they were well-rested and ready to go! Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is quite old. It was the home of several Scottish kings and queens over the years. It sits high on a rocky mound which affords a clear view 360 degrees. Perfect for spotting the enemy from a distance.  Today’s view of the battlefield is still quite clear  a Royal residence This gives you some perspective on how high the castle sits The palace apartments are restored to their former elegance, as was the Great Hall and several other outbildings. The inner courtyard has many doors leading off to different areas of the castle. Most areas you can tour but they are not all accessible. The high stone steps and lack of handrails...

York Museum Starr Carr was an ancient settlement of people c. 11,000 years ago, after the receding of the last ice age. At that time, people speculate that Great Britain was still attached to the main continent of Europe by land, so people traveled back and forth. North Yorkshire is the place where evidence of this settlement and its people were found. According to the estimates these people long preceded the Picts or other documented tribes in the area. Dog was man’s best friend, even back then! Clear evidence puts dog ancestors living with the people. Many other types of animal bones were found as well, some which are not now found anywhere in the UK. The Yorkshire Museum has re-created settings for what this village may have looked like based on the remains unearthed. What I love best about this museum is the children’s track which provides lots of hands-on experiences for them.  Monet at the York Art Gallery I had not intended to visit the art gallery today as there are so man...

I will run out of superlatives to describe this minster. Quite amazing all the stained glass, the intricate wood carving and massive pipe organ; it inspires awe in all who enter.  Heavy solid wood door with wrought iron overlay So many of these beautiful windows Etched designs inside each tiny pane For me one of the coolest parts of this experience was the Undercroft Museum which takes you underneath the massive tower and exposes the foundations of a Roman fortress built in the 2nd century. That fortress grew over the years as the Romans added on up til the time they left Britain in the 400’s AD.   Roman fortress wall, walkway with drainage canal underneath After the Romans left, they surmise the Anglo-Saxons had a church on site. Artifacts have been unearthed but no evidence of their timber structures. Then came the Normans who built a much larger Gothic style church on the site and those remains were found in addition to many more artifacts. There is a neat display in the mu...

Crowded train from Birmingham to York, standing room only from some segments. I had a seat. Thankfully people yield their seats to “old people”. Ha! Never think of myself as old but there you have it! A very nice young man and his partner helped me with my bags all the way from the train to the Way Out. Wow! Such kind people! They just returned from a visit to Illinois. I just hope Americans are as kind to visitors as people are to me. I offered to buy them something to drink but they declined as they were off to see her supervisor in hospital. I offered to pray for them, they accepted my offer so we prayed in the crowded York pub and they thanked me. Such sweet encounters! I decided to reserve seats for my jaunt to Stirling on Thursday, seeing that these routes are very popular (commute for some I think). I was able to reserve a seat but couldn’t figure out how to upgrade my standard class Britrail pass to First Class. Oh well, I will survive the 3 1/2 hr. Trip to Stirling with only o...

Traveling from Moreton-in-Marsh by train, a delay and missed connection into Birmingham so my sweet friend just picked me up in Worcester-Shrub Hill.  What joy to actually get to meet Sarah in person! God is good! I got to meet her family: lovely husband and children, then later her parents came for BBQ. We did a nice walk to St. Peters church nearby. It’s a wonderful old church with churchyard full of flowers and old headstones. Stopped for a drink at The Bell, a very traditional British pub with a lawn bowling green, though no one was playing at the time.  After a totally yummy BBQ with lamb kebabs and proper English sausages, Sarah and I went to the evening service at her church. That was an uplifting time of praise and worship 🙌🏻. I slept like a babe snuggled down in a comfy bed with a light cool breeze. Thank you Lord for this amazing gift of friendships and hospitality. Up early Monday morning, said my goodbye to family as they headed to work and school. Sarah dropped ...

Another gorgeous Spring day in the Cotswolds! I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get any better than this. Blue sky, light breeze, in the high 60’s — simply perfect! I couldn’t find a connection to see Blenheim Palace that didn’t involve a couple hours on the bus each way, so I let that go and just wandered around town again. Today, Saturday, is much busier. Lots of tourists from all around UK and the rest of the world as well. I would say more from the European continent than elsewhere in the world. Where as London was heavy international with a lot of Middle Eastern, African and Asian visitors. Flexible Agenda I love having no agenda and being flexible to enjoy the moment. I feel quite sorry for those who pile off of tour busses and have an hour to look around, then back on the bus! Ugh! That is not my style of travel at all. Now I will admit having pre-arranged transportation and someone to carry your bags in/out would be nice. In spite of my small cabin-size roller bag and one carry-on, it...

Late train from Bath, delays and missed connection but, I am getting used to that. Train was very crowded because the strikes shut down a major segment from London and backed up everything. Hired a car from Moreton-in-Marsh train station to Stow on the Wold. 20GBP seems pretty expensive but what are you going to do?  At last I am checked in to a really lovely ground floor room in The Park. This is a neighborhood very close to the town center so walking is easy. A quick dinner and I am ready for relaxation and early bed.  Day 2 Easy morning enjoying a coffee in my room and my excellent garden view. It faces east so the bright sun greets me and I am happy!  Walk to a nice bakery for a breakfast sandwich and a cinnamon roll for later. Yum! Then a walk about town to all the small shops. Picked up some cheese and crackers and Wild Boar pate for an afternoon meal. Visited a drugstore to replenish some health and beauty aids, and another little Farm shop where I had some freshl...

With a late train this afternoon, I packed my suitcase and left it at the hotel to retrieve later. Off walking to see the Circus and the Royal Crescent, both architectural wonders from the 19th century. But first a stop at WH Smith’s, the local stationer and post office. I am sending home a package of some of the books I bought, not much really but even a few pounds difference is huge when trying to get these bags around. So after waiting at least 20 minutes in line, I mailed the package and just as I was finishing, they closed the post office suddenly. Some kind of repair — electrical? Computer? Who knows? But those poor people standing in line got sent away since they said they don’t know when they will reopen. Clearly the Lord is watching out for me! I am walking along the high street called Union and meet up with a woman who works for Alzheimer’s fund raising. We had a nice talk. She noticed my cross necklace and asked if I am a Christian. She says she knows because I have a glow a...

The architecture here is really nice, old sandstone buildings, many dating back 1000+ years. Originally this was a leisure town for the Roman Legions that were stationed here. They built the famous bath and temple which I will see tomorrow. The River Avon flows through town and used to be quite a source of fish and used for transport. Not so much anymore as it doesn’t run like it used to. Still I saw private boats moored along the way and some lovely homes and gardens along the river. Near a small shopping area I noticed a homeless man: dirty, scraggling hair, probably drunk and with a pile of his belongings next to him. He wasn’t causing any problems just talking to himself a lot and greeting some that went by. When I walked by he said “you’re alright”.  I don’t look awasy as some do, but look people in the eyes and smile and greet them. So I took this to mean he appreciated that. After I ate my lunch at a cafe nearby, I had half a pizza leftover; no such thing as a slice here and...

Another beautiful day! The locals are so happy! Everyone is talking about the nice weather. This is a good day for walking. I will say Bath has bus routes everywhere around and they run constantly but I opted to burn off a few calories and stretch out the kinds from yesterday’s exicitng train ride. The Apple Maps walking routes seem to be pretty reliable but of course, I deviate to see other things. That is what it means to be a happy wanderer. First stop is at the Church of St. John the Evangelist. Of course, we just completed studying the Gospel of John in BSF, so I have to top here! A very beautiful old church situation overlooking the River Avon, it has high ceilings, lovely stained glass and that smell of old wood and what? A pleasent smell that I find in many old churches.  I stopped for a bit and prayed then looked over the fence to the river. Just at the end of the cul de sac and over the fende is a hidden garden. It must be accessed from one of the townhomes across the roa...

Getting here - My first train Taxi to the train station — not going to carry my bags through the Underground! The rail attendants in London were great! London St. Pancras/ Kings Cross is huge snd crazy! I requested passenger assist (there is an app for that) as I had no idea how easy it would be to get on/off the train with my bags or how far I would have to walk. I am so glad I did that! While in the Passenger Assist Lounge waiting on the train, I got to visit with two women who were also traveling solo and needing assistance. One is almost blind and the other has so many conditions I can’t remember them all (she told me but wow!) Anyway the Lord gave me an opportunity to encourage both of them as we sat together. When the time came, they took us out to the train in a motorized cart (as in the airports) and helped me get seated and stow my luggage. Whew! They said they would call ahead to Bath and make sure someone would meet me there. The trip to Bath is about 90 minutes with only a ...

My last day in London. Sigh! I actually hate to leave as I am just now getting confident in the transporation and it is a beautiful, sunny day! After the British library, I got packed up as much as I can. The hotel did a little bit of laundry for me. I went next door to the Portman Pub, happily right next to my hotel. I ate here many times during the last week and know all the staff by name and they know me. It kind of feels that that TV show Cheers! When I walk in they say “Hi Jenny, we have your table for you!”  Such lovely people, Elisha, Stephan and Erin! They made me feel totally welcome. I see why pubs are the English hangouts: all ages, great company, good food, and something for everyone. Now to ready for tonight’s VERY Late BSF meeings! This is Sharing Day and I won’t miss it for anything. The fellowship of my OLM (leader group) and my ODG (discussion group) is so important to me. For some of us we have journeyed life together for many years, albeit virtually, it is a bond...

After a bit of research I located Hinde Methodist Church just a few blocks from the hotel. I definitely want walking distance in case of rain. This is a beautiful old church with high ceiings, wonderful stained glass windows, hardwood pews and balastrades, and a pipe organ. Not your typical modern church!  A very nice lady sat by me and said she knew I was a guest and wanted to sit their so she could show me how they take communion. Turns out the row where I sat near the front is the first to go forward and take communion at the rail of the altar. That was so thoughtful of her! The service was very formal, far more formal than Methodist services I’ve attended in the US. The minister asked the audience, “what is happening next week?” There were a few murmurs but no one really said much. Eurovision finale! Now I have no idea what that is but after a bit I gather it is a TV programme here. I will have to look it up and see what it is about! Communion was taken at the end after the ser...

What better to do on a rainy day than go to the library! It is Monday, 6 May and a Bank Holiday in England. So all the students are out of school. Some shops close, many have reduced hours. Still I was surprised by the hugh line at the entrance fo the library. I thought there must be something special going on but one of the students in line told me they all go there to study! Wow! I am impressed! Sure enough by the time I got in and looked around the museum was packed with students and their laptops lining the walls, every space taken. I’m not sure that would happen in the US. The Treasures Gallery here has many original manuscripts: original Shakespeare portfolios, Jane Austen, and many other important British authors. Also, the draft and revised Magna Carta is here — very hard to read both the handwriting and the old English but still very cool. The Reading Room was closed so I didn’t get to check out a couple volumes relating to any ancestry search. Bank Holiday strikes again! This...

Churchill War Rooms  Today was a long and tiring day of walking! I nervously used the Tube for the first time to get to Westminster. Marble Arch station to Bond, then transfer to the Jubilee Line. There were plenty of employees to help me find my way so I didn’t get lost but, lots of walking to get to the station and then once at the transfer point many levels and long passageways to reach the other line. Whew!  The underground is really fast and they don’t allow much time to get on/off. Not really handicapped friendly I’d say. There were lifts at the Bond station where you transfer but mostly steps everywhere.  It is raining, cold and windy. Glad I had my London Fog trench coat with hood and layers! It reminds me of Seattle weather, just overcast and rain off and on all day.  Churchill War Rooms were quite interesting. I spent 3 hours there. Lighting is dim and with so many people I didn’t take many photos.  The British government used the basement war rooms fo...

Life in the Roman Legion special exhibition is fascinating. It was a harsh life that required hours of hard training and singular devotion to the Emperor. Punishments were brutal for any violations or disobedience. Still for many it was a way out of poverty and a way to earn citizenship. The exhibit is constructed around the life of one man following his entry into the marines (the lowliest and least valued of the services), and his climb from one rank to another over the years.  I only took one photo from the exhibit: showing the hierarchy of ranks in the Roman army. It brought to mind the story of Jesus healing the Centurion’s servant in the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13: “ When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Jesus said to him, “Shall I come ...

What a nice library/archive! And very helpful staff! Chose to book a Bolt driver (similar to Uber) to get to the SOG location. It is on Wharf Road but not along the Thames where there are other Wharf roads but this is up north in the Pentonville neighborhood.  So right away I learned when you order a Bolt driver, be sure and get the correct Wharf Road! He was taking me south of the Thames and I said, “No, No!” We got it straightened out but had to cancel the trip in the system and then he just took me there. Very nice man, Efosa from Nigeria. I found some additional information on my ancestor Michael Gilbert. He and his son, Michael (2) were both viccars/priests in the Anglican church and lived in Yorkshire. Both went to Cambridge, King’s College. Son of Michael (2) is Garvis (spelled several different ways in the records) and he is actually the immigrant ancestor who settled in Maryland. More to come as I research futher! Still hoping I can locate their village church in Aldobroug...

 Kudos to Heathrow! May 1, 2024 This is a huge airport but very well run. It was clean, very well organized, signage was good, security was good and I managed to breeze through immigration and didn’t have any customs stop at all. They take my word that I don’t have anything to declare. Actually, because I got through so quickly, I was early for my pick up appointment! So I ended up waiting for about an hour. At the Arrivals Hall there are lots of people standing around with signs showing people’s name they are picking up or meeting. After a bit of confusion my driver found me and off we went!  It was quite expensive to have a driver but I was really glad as I was so tired from the trip and the idea of having to carry my luggage over to the train and was too much. Plus the train/tube stops about 4 blocks from my hotel, so I would have to carry them all the way or still get a taxi or driver. On the return trip I may do it differently. If I decide to get a driver for the return, ...

 Overview This is a trip of my dreams, and four years in the planning! Originally the plan was to travel in Spring 2020 and include Ireland in the itinerary. Well, we all know what happened in 2020, so the whole trip got postponed. Ireland was a stand alone trip in 2022, and I'm glad it was. Seeing each area in more depth and at a slower pace definitely fits my preferred style of travel. This trip is just England and Scotland and only parts of it. Five weeks of travel will not begin to see all I would like to see, so I had to let go of several places although it was hard to decide priorities. I will return in future! The general route for the trip was settled several months ago. Lodging was booked earlier this year. Filling in the sites within the general route is still going on! Since I like to travel flexibly, there are very few solid appointments at any location.  Trip route The adventure begins departing Kansas City, flying to Chicago and then catch the overnight internati...