Traveling is a wonderful way to leave your worries and stress behind. I find it energizing and relaxing at the same time.
London
One of the most exciting, take that any way you like, moments was finding ourselves on a bus that took us too far out of London before we realized we'd missed our stop. The good news is that the bus driver told us how to get a free ride back, since we seemed like dopey US tourists! While on the bus, we passed this cute back yard garden with its own castle and gnomes... about an hour out of the city.
A Garden outside Brighton '06
After that detour, we went to the beautiful National Gallery.
National Gallery London
And at the end of the day, we did what most Londoners would do... and stopped by a Pub not far from my sister's flat for a pint and fish n chips.
After resting for a day in London, we took a bus to Oxford...our mission, visit Christ Church where many scenes were shot in the Harry Potter films.
Chirst Church Oxford '06
We got a quick bite to eat, and walked to the Church just as the doors were being closed for the day! We couldn't believe our luck. So we took a walk through the magnificent University, did a little shopping and headed back to London.
Oxford2 4_06
Oxford
Leeds
A bus tour took us to Leeds and Dover. We both fell in love with Leeds Castle. It was built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur as a Norman stronghold.
The last private owner of the castle was the Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie, a daughter of Almeric Paget, 1st Baron Queenborough, and his first wife, Pauline Payne Whitney, an American heiress. Lady Baillie bought the castle in 1926. She redecorated the interior. During the early part of
Leeds was used as a hospital where Lady Baillie and her daughters hosted burned Commonwealth airmen as part of their recovery. The castle was opened to the public in 1976.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle