Another great day at The Outpost. The sun is shining, the boys aren't fighting, the laundry is done, and no one called me a "bitch" at soccer last night. I'd feel selfish asking for more.
The VP and I have been busy planning for our big vacation this summer. The Grand Lodge of Minnesota has organized a trip to England and Scotland to tour some historic Masonic sites. There will be some free time to explore, so I'm looking for suggestions. I know we'll be hitting the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum. The VP and I want to see The Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill's Museum. Another friend recommended going to see Warwick Castle.
Any other must-see? Please don't mention that giant ferris wheel that sits on the Thames. I would vomit.
In addition to England/Scotland, The VP and I are going to pop over to Paris for a day or two. I really want to go see The Lourve and Notre Dame. Better remember to pack my GWB '04 t-shirt.
Of course all this planning is for naught if we don't get The Governor potty-trained by the time we leave. Both sets of grandparents are going to help out watching the boys, but I've heard rumors that the deal is off if diapers are involved.
Speak of the devil...here he comes announcing his good intentions to use the toilet for Number Two. Yeah, kid. I've heard that before. Our routine is to drop the pants, sit on the chair, wait four seconds, and then have him declare "I don't have any." And we'll do this three more times before he decides to go hide in a corner and fill his pants.
Look, son, I'm blogging. Can't you just go into the kitchen and duck behind the table? I'll be with you in a minute.
Posted by Cathy at March 21, 2005 12:10 PMWho were you playing?
Good to have you back, by the way!
I can't remember the team name; they wore blue shirts. The guy who was upset with me was a short Asian guy. They also had a couple of really, really big hulkin' guys and another short guy who was very good - looked a bit like Little Ricky.
Posted by: Cathy at March 21, 2005 02:00 PMYou must stop by the Imperial War Museum. Plan on half a day minimum.
Posted by: the elder at March 21, 2005 02:48 PMK & I took a boat tour on the Thames. There was a narrative on the history of the area that was quite good. We got on right next to the giant ferris wheel and off at the Tower of London (which we then toured).
Also, you must drag the VP to high tea at the Ritz. I know he would just love that experience.
Posted by: Nana at March 21, 2005 07:00 PMWhile in Paris, visit all the sidewalk cafes that you possibly can and take note of how the waiters behave. You will be evil in no time.
Posted by: Sisyphus at March 21, 2005 07:02 PMAlthough I have never been there myself(sigh) Doug went to England during the college years and he really liked the Jack the Ripper tour.
Posted by: Ellen at March 21, 2005 10:33 PMHow exciting! Don't forget your camera cause I'm sure most of us are expecting some pics - especially you in your GWB '04 shirt!
Posted by: yayaempress at March 22, 2005 03:19 PMBoo, hiss London. Boo, hiss France.
Seriously, I don't know much about London. I have always regarded it as a hell-hole. You must do dinner in Montmatre though. Exquisite.
As for England in general, the Lakes and North Wales are a must.
Posted by: Andy at March 24, 2005 10:33 AMKathy;
I lived in Brussels for two years when I worked for The Wall Street Journal and highly recommend the walking tours in London; especially the Jack the Ripper walking tour (I'm not making this up). Just look for the white London Walks brochures (there are imposters) in any hotel lobby our tourist stand. The Jack tour meets at the Tower Hill tube station (near the Tower of London) about 6 p.m. There's a great little pub up the alley -- McDaid's. Will remind you of Keegan's.
The tour visits four of the five murder sites. And, it ends near Brick Lane, the Indian Row of east London. If you want good Indian food, this is the place.
Call me and I'll give you some other tips.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Yost at March 25, 2005 03:39 PMUnfortunately, you've missed the World Marbles Championship at the Greyhound Pub in Tinsley Green.
Posted by: aelfheld at March 26, 2005 08:27 AMSince everyone is giving their 2 cents on England, I thought I would help you out with Scotland. Edinburgh is a must. They have great ghost tours and I loved Edinburgh castle (they have the first pet cemetry there)! The west coast is breath-taking. The Hebride Islands are a lot of fun too.
Posted by: Deann P at April 4, 2005 04:42 PMIf you get the chance while travelling from London to Paris, stop in Dover (right by the Chunnel). Under Dover Castle, there are incredible tunnels dug into the cliffs with war rooms, hospital, etc. overlooking the Channel. Adm. Ramsey and others watched the evacuation of Dunkirk from the windows in the cliffs. It's fantastic.
Posted by: Nancy at April 5, 2005 09:24 PM