Great Week with Pam

I finally have a moment to catch my breath since returning from England and make a post to the blog--sorry for the delay What a fun time. It was cool to spend a week with Pam! Let me just say first that the plane ride is horrible. I feel for Deb’s husband having to make the trip with his children, hat’s off to you sir. With that said, the rest of my trip was great.

We spent the first couple of days in Leeds--nice town. Pam took me to the old Abbey. We walked from Pam’s ‘flat’ to the Abbey. I found it very interesting to see the neighborhoods on the way.

Now mind you this wasn’t a short walk. We intended to ride a bus, but the exercise in patience proved to be too much for us at the bus stops. Luckily, we spotted an oasis named West End House--very nice pub. From there it was a short walk to the Abbey. The Abbey was a little awe inspiring considering its age and history. It was a beautiful sunny spring day.

The next day we spent wandering around the shopping district. The architecture was so fascinating and varied. I liked the arcades and narrow alleys. Pam showed me the office and the walk she takes every day. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of her routine. Lots of pubs to check out too. The beer was sure good!

Spooky Gothic Hospital across from Jim's favorite Pub in Leeds

As you can see a very Beautiful scene in the shopping district of Leeds
Everytime I see it I think it looks like a painting and not real.

London was a blast. When we got to our hotel we learned it was Jimmy Hendrix’s first home in England. It was great that Carole was able to go with us too. Pam and I sure enjoyed her company. This was a quick trip though and there is a lot of London to see. We took a bus tour that went all around London. Parliament and Westminster Abbey are simply amazing. We also managed a tour of the Tower of London. It was a lot to take in.

Tower of London (Not really a tower!)

We spent a day in York, a 20 minute train ride from Leeds. Originally it was built by the Romans around 71 AD. The part of York inside the old city walls was like a Harry Potter set. Lots of fun shops, great restaurants and pubs. Good food. I like Steak & Ale Pie.

Then off to Edinburgh, Scotland. We stayed 2 nights at the MacDonald Roxburghe hotel--nice. They have a beautiful park at the base of the massive volcanic rock the castle sits on. There are spectacular views from the park of the castle and medieval buildings close to it. On the day of the royal wedding, we decide to tour Edinburgh Castle during the wedding hoping to avoid some crowds. That worked out nicely. I really liked the medieval section of the city. The architecture was great and the shops were fun. Anybody want a kilt, they have plenty and cashmere too?

Isn't this great!  This guy was at the right place at the right time!

We actually walked up that!  There was a path, we aren't rock climbers!

Royal Mile



Alas, it was time to return to the states. Sure went fast!

Cheers!