This is the year!

I am back on track for a visit to the olde country.  Yes, airfares went down an amazing $200 recently, and I snapped up a ticket.

I'm scared, but hopeful that this will be a brilliant year for travel. 

So, what's on the agenda?  Well, the royal wedding for one.  I originally thought that I would grab my souvenirs and depart London the day of the wedding, but the more I look at it, the more I think I may want to just base in London this time.  Of course, a small return to the Lake District would be fun... but, I can always check the weather while I'm over there to see if I want to make the trip or not.  Spontaneous?  Me???  That could be dangerous!

:)

Thing is, I've never really toured the south.  I think it might be fun to check out Oxford, the Cotswolds, Bournemouth, Colchester, and other southern towns.  Who knows - I may even get to one of the surrounding British Isles this trip.  Now that would be a coup!

I just read that there will be a commemorative Oyster (subway) card for the wedding (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11914982).  What *will* they think of next?  How about a commemorative coin?  http://www.royalmint.com/store/WorldBase/PWKEBP.aspx.  One where the gorgeous Kate resembles Janis Joplin.

Stamps, mugs, what else are we in for?  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8264737/Royal-Wedding-Stanley-Gibbons-predicts-boost-from-stamps-and-mugs.html

Perhaps all our shopoholicism will result in a boost for the English economy.  However, my pocketbook is already squeaking.  Will work for souvenirs!

God Bless.

My top ten small towns in the UK

1. Keswick

Why?

• Derwentwater and other lakes in vicinity
• Awesome B&B (Goodwin House)
• Vicinity of many sights (Beatrix Potter museum, William Wordsworth's house, etc.)
• Amazing hiking

2. Kilburn

Why?

• White Horse Cliff
• Sutton Bank - Yorkshire Moors National Park
• Robert Thompson Woodworker

3. Knaresborough

Why?

• Market Day
• Castle
• Viaduct
• Mother Shipton's Cave

4. Ripon

Why?

• Market Day
• Ripon Cathedral
• Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey (vicinity)

5. Hawes

Why?

• Ropemakers museum
• Wensleydale Cheese factory/tour
• Beautiful countryside

6. Conwy, Wales

Why?

• Castle ruins
• Vicinity of Llandudno
• Lewis Carrol/Alice in Wonderland Museum
• The Great Orm

7. Pitlochery, Scotland

Why?

• Quaint town with lots of shops
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Beautiful countryside

8. Cromer

Why?

• Beach
• RNLI Museum
• Norwich Castle (vicinity)

9. Bath

Why?

• Quaint old town with shops.
• Roman Baths
• Vicinity of Stonehenge

10. Greenwich

Why?

• Greenwich mean time line
• Cutty Sark
• Lovely indoor market
• Quaint yet still on the London Oystercard zones