Another wonderful trip. This one, the eighth time in the UK and even in the off season, was probably the best yet. Transportation worked smoothly, food was great, weather for this time of the year was better than hoped for and since the £ had dropped ($.30 less than in 2015 not only due to Brexit but it was over-valued for too long), it made things much more affordable as did off-seasons rates. Improved internet makes planning and changing plans a breeze. But mostly it was the people I met that made this trip special. From Dunnet Head on the farthest north part of the island to London in the south, Wick on the east & Plockton on the west, the people were great. Those I needed to interact with were both friendly and helpful. I did not meet one surely or rude staffer at any of the more than a dozen places I laid my head. Just the opposite. And those I got to spend time with and learn to know a wee bit I will cherish as new friends like those in Wick and Tain, places I will try to return to just to clink glasses and laugh again. And with old friends it was like I had been there last week not a couple years.
I don’t believe now that Brexit will be the disaster that many expected. I think the result will be a stronger and more independent Britain with greater control of itself. And I believe that Nicola Sturgeons’ dream of having her face carved on Salisbury Crag like Mt Rushmore, as the leader of an independent Scotland is dead. The majority of people in Scotland and in England I spoke with on the subject seemed to prefer Union although, like anywhere there were a few haters. And personally I don’t think it is even possible for Scotland to go it alone and be as successful as it currently is. I don’t see the benefit that she claims from the EU and in fact, with Britain leaving, I will not be surprised if the EU is dramatically different in a few more years. The Euro, whilst a good idea originally, doesn’t seem to work in a union of 28 countries with many vastly different economies. And too many countries in the EU seem to have had western style democracy forced upon them rather than being something chosen. Many still look east. I’ll have to spend time on mainland Europe to see if I am correct or talking through my hat.
But enough of some dumb Yank’s opinion. Britain loves monuments so here are some of my favorites. Some known to all, other only familiar to historians and some unknown. One only appears statue-like.
So now I feel well on my way to my goal of having seen more of, and been to more of the UK than the average Brit. Ardnamurchan in the West, Dunnet Head to the north Penzance in the south. Uist and Arran. Isle of Wight. I still have a long way to go and that is a very good thing. Never been to T in the Park, or Orkney islands. Gigha, Islay and the other islands I’ve yet to see. A walk along the Thames for a few days. A boat ride on Lochcarron. Ullapool and Sheffield. Sandwood Bay and Lowescroft. Holyhead, Derry and the Giant’s Causeway. The pier in Brighton. The Lake District when the daffodils are blooming. Dartmoor or Romney Marsh. As I said a long way to go.
From the plane from Iceland where they don’t fool around with snow removal to Boston, over Greenland and Canada I think.
So what did all this cost? I keep good notes and like to see the expenses at the end so I can plan the next trip. This one was 36 days and the total cost was $3267 or £2596 which works out to $90.75/£72 per day.
Airfare with WOW airlines and check in baggage fees from Boston to Edinburgh and then London to Boston: $752/£597
Transportation: Trains, Buses and Tube: $297/£236
Hotels: $1866/£1483 (Often included food)
Food & beverages outside hotels: $284/£225
Entrance Fees to exhibits, castles etc: $67/£53
But now it’s time to take care of business. After spending nearly 50 of my 66 years in Massachusetts I removed my self back to place of my youth in Manchester, CT to help my parents. I had sold my house in Wareham where I had lived for 34 years having grown it from a wee cottage to way too much house.
But the sale left some sadness and bitterness that will probably keep me from the best part of Massachusetts for a very long time. Possibly for ever. So now I need to find a car and then a place to reside here in Connecticut. Something more akin to my original size cottage.
I hope people have enjoyed this trip and if you commented I have your email and will add you to the list of those I notify prior to traveling so you can follow along. Please share with anyone you think will enjoy Wandering With Me.
Until Next Time.
Slainte
Bill
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