Day 7 & Day 8...
Bruges was just as great the 2nd time around. We went to the fish market, brought some lace and chocolate. I am constantly reminded of the movie Austin Powers when Dr Evil gives the chocolate to Mini MeWe.... "It's from Bruges.. That's in Belgium". ha ha

We spent the whole day walking around the canals, discovering the hidden treasures that this town has to offer. We finally bought a painting from a local artist and can't wait to get home and frame it.

Hard to believe that the trip is over. We had planned to take a car to the airport this afternoon but they said it was going to be £45. That is about $90. Wow!!!! Looks like to are back to the underground.

Dad, I will call you once we land and get through security. I believe that we land at about 6:20 or 6:40pm or so...

Thanks to all for sharing our trip with us. It has been a wonderful time. And, yes, now back to the reality of work, bills, and the traffic from Huntley. Ha ha

See you all soon.

DAY 6...
Belgium. We were up nice and early this morning to catch the Eurostar to Brussels. A nice smooth hours later we had arrived. From there it was off to the hotel to check in and drop our bags, then off to Bruges (Brugge). Pronounced with a Brooooo.

Anyway, this could be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It is called the Venice of the north because of its many canals. The streets are narrow and all cobblestone. There are chocolatiers and lace makers everywhere. I wish I could upload pictures now but this PC here in the hotel will not allow it. Most likely I will be able to share them from London tomorrow night.

Tomorrow was supposed to be all day in Brussels before heading back to London in the evening. However we liked Bruges so much that we are headed back for another day there. Lots more to see.

Can't believe that we only have one more full day left before coming home. It has been a great trip. Thanks to those that have been visiting regularly. And also to those hundreds of you sending your e-mails. Sorry that we cannot get to them all during the trip. (Not really, but it did make this blog sound really popular).

Day 4 & 5
Back in London tonight after a wonderful 2 days in Bedford. Stories to come but I only have a few minutes on the PC here in the lobby. Belgium tomorrow. Things are just wonderful here. A bit of rain last night but that has been about it. May rain tomorrow. Not sure..

DAY 3
Sunday was a relaxing day spent in London, although we did do our fair share of walking. After breakfast we took a short ride on the tube from Paddington station to the Embankment. From there we walked over to the Thames festival. For those keeping score at home, Steve ate his 2nd Flake 99 of the trip here. The fest was huge with a market type of atmosphere. The highlight was when Cathy got to meet Jack Sparrow of the Pirates movies.. ha ha
From there is was off to Trafalgar Square and eventually the Lyceum Theatre to see the Lion King. Wow!! What can we say about the Lion King! Great show!! Great voices! Great costumes! I'd see it again and again.. ha ha.
After the play, we headed to Picadilly and Lillywhites to check out the latest in sports fashion. We remember better deals last time we were here, but we still managed to pick up a few shirts.
People were wondering what we eat and what a traditional meal looks like. So here you go. We went to The Sherlock Holmes Pub and Restaurant for supper. The picture above it Toad in the Hole. Yorkshire Pudding with Sausage, New Potatos, and other Veggies. Yum-O. Although if you know Steve, he went nowhere near that green stuff.. ha ha. This marks the last day in the Paddington area of London. We have really enjoyed it here. It is a great location to be based during your stay here.
Today we are off to see Uncle Eric in Bedford. The plan is to pick up some Fish n Chips along with a milkshake on the way up to his place. Looking forward to spending some time with him.
As of now, we are unsure if we will have internet access in Bedford. Keep checking back for updates. Gotta love the internet cafes!!!!! Why didn't I think of that.

Day 2 Cotswolds & Oxford

This day started with a train trip to the Moreton-in-Marsh, then a bus ride to the quaint Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-water. Lastly we then took a short unplanned trip to Oxford.

A very relaxing day was spent in the countryside and walking along the river here in this town. We also enjoyed afternoon tea at Small Talk Tea. We will definitely be coming back to this beautiful town and will most likely spend a night here next time.

We then took the train back to Oxford. Hopped off and walked to the Town Centre. Cathy did some quick shopping at Marks & Spencers. From there it was off to Christ Church College. One of the most famous of colleges within Oxford University. For those of you familiar with the Stanford story, Steve and Cathy can now say that they did indeed go to Oxford when asked.

Oh, we forgot to mention that Friday's train ride to Warwick took us right by Wembly Stadium. That is pretty much heaven on earth to football fans!!! Come on England!!!

Today is Picadilly, the Thames festival and then off to the Theatre. LION KING.

DAY 1 WARWICK CASTLE....
Well the first day was great. As soon as we landed we hit the ground running. Got to the Hilton at about 7am, left our bags there. Then it was off to Warwick Castle. This is widely thought to be one of the best preserved castles in Europe. The biggest thrill was when Steve was picked to power the Trebuchet (A medieval weapon used to hurl large objects at buildings, causing mass destruction). See the pics

ONE DAY TO GO...
Well we are just one day away from the big trip.
We are just a wee bit excited.
Hope that we can find an internet cafe or somewhere to provide updates throughout the trip.

THEATER TICKETS
Lion King Tickets have been purchased. For those who do not know the birthday story, we will have to tell you sometime. Anyway, we are going on Sunday, September 16th. The performance will be at the Lyceum Theater in London

Trip Itinerary Change

Take a look at the revised Itinerary. We are trying to buy our first home. With that in mind we have scaled back the trip. We are still going to England but Venice is no more. Not to worry. We are just so excited about the possibility of becoming home owners.

Trip Preparation

Today is March 17th and we have just created this blogspot in anticipation of our trip to Europe this September. We created this spot so that family and friends could follow and enjoy our trip with us as it happens.