Trip Report Readers Chick Chat and Guy Gabbing Thread!

[Songbird76]

I just Airbnbed with two British guys for 9 nights in their flat. Only saved $350 vs the hotel I had but it was worth it.

I married a guy I met on the internet and we're still happily married after 21 years (last Thursday was our anniversary.) I'm not saying it's bad. I was making a point because she said she edited her post because her son had not approved of some of the things she said because she doesn't know us personally. Meanwhile, he just graduated from college and got a job and moved into an apartment with people he had never met nor talked to. I was pointing out that he wasn't really in a position to make statements about not talking to strangers when he just moved in with some.

 

[FutureCEO]

Jet lag no but post vacation depression yes. any Londoners want to hire me. I'll do anything. I do a semi trip report soon.

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday maybe the Bishop Museum with the Dolphins game in the afternoon

You mean Dolphins game in the morning

(Gary and my 39th Anniversary)

---

 

[FutureCEO]

I haven't forgot about a trip report. I had a wake/funeral right after I came home and then my aunt got me sick (cough, nose issues, no fever or aches) or it could be allergies for I mowed the grass and it effects me where I need to wear a mask now but I don't think so. Looking at my pictures now just to lighten them up a bit and I have dust in my new camera already. So annoying. At least I know it's under warranty.

I've been so cold this weekend, I've put the heat on for a bit.

 

[MinnieM123]

I haven't forgot about a trip report. I had a wake/funeral right after I came home and then my aunt got me sick (cough, nose issues, no fever or aches) or it could be allergies for I mowed the grass and it effects me where I need to wear a mask now but I don't think so. Looking at my pictures now just to lighten them up a bit and I have dust in my new camera already. So annoying. At least I know it's under warranty.

I've been so cold this weekend, I've put the heat on for a bit.

Sorry to hear that you there was a funeral, right after you returned home. Also, hope you feel better and it's maybe just a passing cold or allergies. We'll be happy to read your TR, whenever it's convenient for you to share.

 

[Tiggerish]

@MinnieM123 you are an antidote to the aggressive, unpleasant posting styles that are found in so many other threads and forums here.

Thank you for your sweet, friendly and supportive posts that cause many of my days to start with a smile. Your kindness is a goal that I aspire to.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

@MinnieM123 you are an antidote to the aggressive, unpleasant posting styles that are found in so many other threads and forums here.

Thank you for your sweet, friendly and supportive posts that cause many of my days to start with a smile. Your kindness is a goal that I aspire to.

I agree, @MinnieM123 has a great positive attitude and gives very wise advice.

 

[Darstarr]

@MinnieM123 you are an antidote to the aggressive, unpleasant posting styles that are found in so many other threads and forums here.

Thank you for your sweet, friendly and supportive posts that cause many of my days to start with a smile. Your kindness is a goal that I aspire to.

 

[MinnieM123]

@MinnieM123 you are an antidote to the aggressive, unpleasant posting styles that are found in so many other threads and forums here.

Thank you for your sweet, friendly and supportive posts that cause many of my days to start with a smile. Your kindness is a goal that I aspire to.

Wow. Thanks!

I agree, @MinnieM123 has a great positive attitude and gives very wise advice.

Wow. Thanks to you, too!!

Hey, "nice" comment! Thanks.

 

[FutureCEO]

London. I''ve been obsessed since college. What can I say. If every European city is going to be like this, I never want to go home.

Got to the airport. We made it to London on time even though we left 30 minutes late. Pilots are wizards. My first taste of plane food and it was horrible. And first bathroom on a plane (I hold it in for trips to Florida...3 hour ride) Watched Belfast on the plane, highly recommend. While every actor is good, the mom and the kid are magnificent. I had the isle seat near the window so unfortunately I couldn't see that much but I did see Wembley from the sky.

After we deboarded, off to passport control which god bless Heathrow for their amazing signs. My digital passport didn't work so off to the real person which took a few minutes. Breezed through customs and luggage for I had everything as a carry-on, went to the tube to Hammersmith where I was supposed to stay but nope. Got off at Hammersmith to change to the other Hammersmith tube station. Went into the open air and


Anyway, after geeking out, I went to my tube station to get to my tube stop and walk from there to the room. Which I cancelled my hotel stay.. But I stayed with two British guys in their extra bedroom. Lovely flat in a quiet neighborhood near Little Venice. My mom thinks I took a tour (like Collette or EF Education) but I just told her that because it made her happy. Not like I'm an adult or anything.

My friend was still working so meant my friend after and hung out until about 8. Which was when I guess jet lag kicked in which is kinda normal because it's night time.

This last picture is part of the queue of the Queen in Southbank. Police from everywhere in the country. CCTV everywhere (even without the Queen). I felt safer walking at night than I would in NYC or DC. Some might complain about civil liberties but if you have nothing to hide, then it won't effect you.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

I've really enjoyed catching up on all the posts. They make me happy and are a fun read.
We've had company for 2 solid weeks, but it was fun but very tiring. I hope we don't do back to back visits next year! It was my brother and girlfriend one week and then my sisterinlaw the next.
Now, my 95 y/o mother has covid. She is in remarkable health for her age - takes no prescription meds, lives alone in a seniors apartment, loves to go to the store and out to shop. She had the shots and boosters, so she is starting to feel normal again, after only 4 days! Thank God that it did not go into her lungs. I guess the new strain starts with head cold like symptoms and progresses.
Anyway, I've been pretty busy, to say the least, but it's a nice excape to catch with you guys. Love this thread

 

[FutureCEO]

Days 2 -10 London

I went to the biggest museum I've ever seen: Victoria and Albert museum. It was massive and confusing sometimes to get around. I spent 3 hours plus a good lunch in the courtyard (yeah for Earl Grey scones) but you can easily spend more plus I skipped an entire Asia section. I did that after spending 30 minutes in the Natural History museum. It was just wasn't how I thought it would be. Focused on rocks and gems more than other stuff. British Museum was nice. I'm mean I would have probably liked it more had it not been so confusing to get around.

Imperial War Museum was another 2.5 - 3 hour museum. I spent two hours on the first two floors alone. WW1 and random war artifacts plus a section on the holocaust. The rest of the museum was nothing special. Work was being done on one floor and the top floor was someone I never heard of. Queen E had a specially section for the jubilee.

Churchill War Rooms even though you had to pay was amazing. First part was the offices and the downstairs where people slept. Second part was a Churchill museum which actually did say Churchill was a not a great politician which was surprising. The last section was more offices and sleeping areas, map rooms. Hallways were big enough for one person.

The tube was wicked easy compared to NYC. Massive though. Some times it took a few minutes walking just to transfer between lines. It was a 10 - -15 minute walk to 3 tube lines where I was staying and after a few days I got there without GPS use. Food was good outside of one meal that I remember. That was a day where I didn't know what to go for food though. I went to Covent Garden and Soho mostly for food including a great pizza place (better than Via Napoli without the price). I couldn't bought my whole Swedish bakery. Only bought two things though and that was my lunch. For the most part, I just picked a neighborhood to start and wandered around.

I loved my plane coming home. Double decker. Watched Downton Abbey 2 and half of the last Spiderman. Flight left late and came home early. However, had a really great sandwich from the UK. Kinda of like a better hot pocket. Customs was really nothing. Just told the guy, I had chocolate (cheap compared to here but so much better) and then moved on.

London was packed though and still packed after the funeral.


I'll do pics in another post. On my work computer.

 

[MinnieM123]

Days 2 -10 London

I went to the biggest museum I've ever seen: Victoria and Albert museum. It was massive and confusing sometimes to get around. I spent 3 hours plus a good lunch in the courtyard (yeah for Earl Grey scones) but you can easily spend more plus I skipped an entire Asia section. I did that after spending 30 minutes in the Natural History museum. It was just wasn't how I thought it would be. Focused on rocks and gems more than other stuff. British Museum was nice. I'm mean I would have probably liked it more had it not been so confusing to get around.

Imperial War Museum was another 2.5 - 3 hour museum. I spent two hours on the first two floors alone. WW1 and random war artifacts plus a section on the holocaust. The rest of the museum was nothing special. Work was being done on one floor and the top floor was someone I never heard of. Queen E had a specially section for the jubilee.

Churchill War Rooms even though you had to pay was amazing. First part was the offices and the downstairs where people slept. Second part was a Churchill museum which actually did say Churchill was a not a great politician which was surprising. The last section was more offices and sleeping areas, map rooms. Hallways were big enough for one person.

The tube was wicked easy compared to NYC. Massive though. Some times it took a few minutes walking just to transfer between lines. It was a 10 - -15 minute walk to 3 tube lines where I was staying and after a few days I got there without GPS use. Food was good outside of one meal that I remember. That was a day where I didn't know what to go for food though. I went to Covent Garden and Soho mostly for food including a great pizza place (better than Via Napoli without the price). I couldn't bought my whole Swedish bakery. Only bought two things though and that was my lunch. For the most part, I just picked a neighborhood to start and wandered around.

I loved my plane coming home. Double decker. Watched Downton Abbey 2 and half of the last Spiderman. Flight left late and came home early. However, had a really great sandwich from the UK. Kinda of like a better hot pocket. Customs was really nothing. Just told the guy, I had chocolate (cheap compared to here but so much better) and then moved on.

London was packed though and still packed after the funeral.


I'll do pics in another post. On my work computer.

Fascinating! Glad you got to experience London, ,museums, and the tube. Looking forward to some of your pictures, at your convenience.

 

[MickeyCB]

You mean Dolphins game in the morning

Better than the Steeler game at 7am on Sunday morning!

Love the sarcasm, it's appropriate 39 years in!
Oh wait, you meant this?!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Days 2 -10 London

I went to the biggest museum I've ever seen: Victoria and Albert museum. It was massive and confusing sometimes to get around. I spent 3 hours plus a good lunch in the courtyard (yeah for Earl Grey scones) but you can easily spend more plus I skipped an entire Asia section. I did that after spending 30 minutes in the Natural History museum. It was just wasn't how I thought it would be. Focused on rocks and gems more than other stuff. British Museum was nice. I'm mean I would have probably liked it more had it not been so confusing to get around.

Imperial War Museum was another 2.5 - 3 hour museum. I spent two hours on the first two floors alone. WW1 and random war artifacts plus a section on the holocaust. The rest of the museum was nothing special. Work was being done on one floor and the top floor was someone I never heard of. Queen E had a specially section for the jubilee.

Churchill War Rooms even though you had to pay was amazing. First part was the offices and the downstairs where people slept. Second part was a Churchill museum which actually did say Churchill was a not a great politician which was surprising. The last section was more offices and sleeping areas, map rooms. Hallways were big enough for one person.

The tube was wicked easy compared to NYC. Massive though. Some times it took a few minutes walking just to transfer between lines. It was a 10 - -15 minute walk to 3 tube lines where I was staying and after a few days I got there without GPS use. Food was good outside of one meal that I remember. That was a day where I didn't know what to go for food though. I went to Covent Garden and Soho mostly for food including a great pizza place (better than Via Napoli without the price). I couldn't bought my whole Swedish bakery. Only bought two things though and that was my lunch. For the most part, I just picked a neighborhood to start and wandered around.

I loved my plane coming home. Double decker. Watched Downton Abbey 2 and half of the last Spiderman. Flight left late and came home early. However, had a really great sandwich from the UK. Kinda of like a better hot pocket. Customs was really nothing. Just told the guy, I had chocolate (cheap compared to here but so much better) and then moved on.

London was packed though and still packed after the funeral.


I'll do pics in another post. On my work computer.

I didn't make it to the Victoria & Albert or Imperial War Museum but I did go to the Churchill War rooms and I really enjoyed that. I thought the tube in London was very easy to use too.

 

[Tiggerish]

I didn't make it to the Victoria & Albert or Imperial War Museum but I did go to the Churchill War rooms and I really enjoyed that. I thought the tube in London was very easy to use too.

I saw ZERO museums when I was in London. I went with my brother, who'd visited there a lot. He liked the Tube. IMO, there was so much walking done underground, when we could have walked the same distance ABOVEGROUND and SEEN SOME SIGHTS while getting from Tube to Tube, but that would've cost a few cents more. He was a cheapskate.

I did see quite a few department stores, many of which had great food. I had champagne & oysters in Selfridge's food hall. My brother treated me to a beautiful steak at lunchtime in Harrod's food hall (then we visited the memorial to Dodi & Di).
I visited John Lewis (no food, but Clinique counter!) too. I loved London.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I saw ZERO museums when I was in London. I went with my brother, who'd visited there a lot. He liked the Tube. IMO, there was so much walking done underground, when we could have walked the same distance ABOVEGROUND and SEEN SOME SIGHTS while getting from Tube to Tube, but that would've cost a few cents more. He was a cheapskate.

I did see quite a few department stores, many of which had great food. I had champagne & oysters in Selfridge's food hall. My brother treated me to a beautiful steak at lunchtime in Harrod's food hall (then we visited the memorial to Dodi & Di).
I visited John Lewis (no food, but Clinique counter!) too. I loved London.

We did plenty of walking above ground too. . The only department store we went to was Harrods, but didn’t spend too much time there. I bought some branded candy and a little purse for my niece and some laudree macarons there. We had eaten that brand of macarons in Paris so we were happy to see them in London.
We visited a lot of pubs, I lived that part of London!

 

[Tiggerish]

Waitaminit, I'm wrong...I did see one museum in London, it's just that I've wiped it from memory.

The Tate Modern.

Holy MOG. It was awful. My brother, the NYPD sergeant, somehow appreciated it, but I absolutely could not stand anything in the building except the Monet. Garden, I think it was.

but then we left the Tate Modern and walked to the left, and I sighted the replica of The Globe Theatre and I was in heaven. Wait a couple minutes, it takes two pictures to get there. And I apologize for my really very, very bad "writing" skills. The notations on the first photo say, "Tate Modern", then Historic House, then Surprise!, and the Surprise to me was the second picture, Shakespeare's Globe. I was much more excited to see that, than anything I'd seen in the Tate Modern.

 

[FutureCEO]

We did plenty of walking above ground too. . The only department store we went to was Harrods, but didn’t spend too much time there. I bought some branded candy and a little purse for my niece and some laudree macarons there. We had eaten that brand of macarons in Paris so we were happy to see them in London.
We visited a lot of pubs, I lived that part of London!

The only department store I went into was Liberty and saw clothes I wanted but way too expensive.

 

[Songbird76]

Waitaminit, I'm wrong...I did see one museum in London, it's just that I've wiped it from memory.

The Tate Modern.

Holy MOG. It was awful. My brother, the NYPD sergeant, somehow appreciated it, but I absolutely could not stand anything in the building except the Monet. Garden, I think it was.

but then we left the Tate Modern and walked to the left, and I sighted the replica of The Globe Theatre and I was in heaven. Wait a couple minutes, it takes two pictures to get there. And I apologize for my really very, very bad "writing" skills. The notations on the first photo say, "Tate Modern", then Historic House, then Surprise!, and the Surprise to me was the second picture, Shakespeare's Globe. I was much more excited to see that, than anything I'd seen in the Tate Modern.

View attachment 672253View attachment 672254

I didn't see any museums when I was in London. My friend and I literally just walked through the city to see certain sites, mostly connected to Harry Potter, since we are both fans. We went to Platform 9 and 3/4, a few other places mentioned in the books, and places where things were filmed. We also went and saw the outside of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. We didn't actually see the changing of the guard, just took pictures of the square there and the palace and then moved on.

When I was in high school, our English teacher was also our speech coach and my brother and I were both on the speech team and as it was a tiny school, the team was small. We spent many a weekend with the English teacher....she was sort of like a second mom to us. So in the Summer, we'd go in to help her set up her classroom for the next year, and just hang out. She had gotten this model of the globe theater and it was huge and it was like....posterboard. You had to punch out all the little pieces from the sheets of cardboard and then find where the tabs fit together and glue them all....it was a huge undertaking that she didn't particularly want to undertake. So she told us if we would put it together for her, she would owe us a plus or minus on a quarter grade at some point in the year....so if we got an A, she'd owe us an A plus. If we got a B+ she'd owe us an A-. We were both pretty much straight A students anyway, so it was never going to make a HUGE difference, but it was really cool. That thing was SO hard to put together. It took us several days, but we did it, and she had that displayed in her room years later when we'd come visit from college for the holidays. Totally worth it!