July 20, 2013 UK

This morning we took the river bus (ferry)  to St. George's Wharf where we then walked to the smoke stacks that are on the cover of Pink Floyd's album Animals.  Edi is a huge Pink Floyd fan!

We took the tube to Earl's Court, so we could take a picture of the Tardis from Dr. Who for our nephew, Grey.  Dr. Who was no where in sight.

We had lunch in a traditional English Pub where a huge cricket match was on all screens - England vs. Australia.  England won :)  We then hopped on the tube again heading to Abbey Road.  We had to cross the road exactly where the Beatles crossed - from the cover of their album Abbey Road.  This was for Claire, our niece.  We even wrote her name on the wall in front of Abbey Road Studios.  Needless to say, she is a Beatles fan :)

 Our last attraction of the day was Buckingham Palace.  It is truly grand, and the guards really do not smile.  There were lots of reporters camped out across the street waiting for the announcement of the Royal Baby.

July 19, 2013 UK

Yesterday after Edi got out of training, we headed to London.  Our driver, Bob, was quite entertaining, so the two hour drive went by very quickly.  We checked into our hotel, The Ibis, which is clean, functional, and minimal.  We did a little walking around, had dinner at the hotel (because all of the restaurants were jammed), and pretty much called it a day.

Today, we got up early so we could be at The Globe Theatre when they opened. We toured the exhibition with an audio wand, then toured The Globe with a guide.  She was really good!  I can't believe I will not be teaching Shakespeare anymore!

After The Globe we headed to The London Eye. Thank heavens we ordered flexible fast track tickets last night, so we didn't have to wait in that long line!  It definitely was a bird's eye view of London.

We walked across London Bridge, by London Tower, down Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London started in 1666, St. Paul's Cathedral, Temple Church, Royal Courts, Somerset House Art Gallery.  Wierd thing about the Somerset Art Gallery...they had a short film exhibit about the egg house in Cayman Brac which we have been in!  We ended up in Trafalgar Square

A full day of sight seeing!  What will tomorrow bring?

July 17, 2013 UK

I did a bit of shopping today.  There is an IKEA right down from the hotel... I couldn't help myself; I had to go in!  I needed another book (I don't have a reader), so I went to Waterstone's and settled on Wicked by Gregory Maguire.  It was a beautiful day, so I grabbed my book and headed to the waterfront park.  I did a lot of people watching and a little reading :)  Some were swimming off this little pebble beach there, and a few were swimming off of the docks.  I imagine the water being very cold!  A huge barge came in...

We had dinner with several of Edi's colleagues at Banana Wharf in Ocean Village.  It was quite the global mix: two from the states, two from Ireland, and two from the UK.  It was a nice time.

July 16, 2013 UK

Today I toured Old Town.  It was a self-guided tour and was very educational.  I toured the Tudor House...

I also toured St. Michael's Church in Michael's Square...

It is incredible to see the walls and gates still standing that protected South Hampton so many years ago...

July 15, 2013 UK

United Kingdom
July 15, 2013

Edi had training today, so I spent the day wandering the streets of South Hampton.  I hit West Quay Mall; Above Bar Street, which is a street filled with shops and restaurants; I walked through Hogland Park, where people here are out enjoying this unusual splendid weather. I then picked up food at Mark and Spencer and headed to Mayflower Park to have myself a picnic.  I did a little bit of writing, reading, and people watching.  Below is a view from Mayflower Park.  It was a lovely afternoon!

UK July 14

United Kingdom
July 13 - 21, 2013

Saturday/Sunday, July 13/14
We arrived in South Hampton quite exhausted.  It seems we had a lot of wait time on this go round.  Long flight, long drive from airport...  After napping, we just had to walk to the wharf.  We were awarded with a beautiful sunset!

Daytona Beach
July 6 - 9, 2913

Our friends Lynn and Tony invited us to spend a few days with them in Daytona Beach.  We had great conversation, delicious food, and beautiful weather.  Lots of sunbathing and body surfing :)  I think the highlight for all of us was seeing a turtle come out of the ocean up to the beach to lay her eggs.  We saw her lay her eggs, cover the nest and swim back out to sea - incredible!

June 15 - 22, 2013
Bonaire

We had so much fun in Bonaire this year.  While diving we saw eels, lots of fish, beautiful coral, and a seahorse!

 On land we saw beautiful sunsets.

 We also went kayaking and snorkeling through the mangroves.  It was a fun adventure and educational as well.  I do love the island life :)