News: Heathrow expansion

On Thursday, the UK gave permission to build a third runway at Heathrow.  Why is this such big news?  Lots of people are protesting this expansion.  According to one blogger for Tripso, “The development of the runway, additional terminal and extra roads at Heathrow will lead to ‘the destruction of more than 700 homes, a 500-year-old pub and a school.’”

Destination Friday: Edinburgh

Let’s look at Edinburgh (EH-din-bur-uh) today. I got to visit the town, Scotland’s second largest city, back in 2000 and loved it. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, the seat of the Scottish Parliament, and (at least according to Wiki) the second most visited tourist destination in the UK (after London).

Destination “Friday”: The Lake District

The Lake District is a rural area in northwest England and this week’s destination as part of my UK series. The area is famous for its lakes and mountains as well as its associations with famous literary types such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. It’s the perfect place for taking long walks and relaxing.

Destination Friday: Cambridge

Cambridge, long an important university town in England, has inspired the likes of Darwin, Newton, Steven Hawking, and many of the Monty Python gang.  It’s a gorgeous little town steeped in history and tradition.  I really enjoyed my visit back in 2001, so it’s my pick for this Destination Friday. 

      

Destination Friday: Oxford

Destination Friday continues the UK series (not too much longer – I swear!) in Oxford this week.  I loved visiting Oxford.  As the oldest university city in England, the place is beautiful and steeped in history.

Destination Friday: Warwick Castle

When visiting in 2005, I gave my husband several options for a day trip.  His request was that he wanted to see a really good castle (in addition to Windsor).  I figured that ruled out Brighton Palace, I decided Leeds might appeal more to girls, and I wanted to go somewhere I hadn’t been before.  In prowling the TripAdvisor forums, I learned about Warwick Castle.

 

Destination Friday: More about eating in London

Yes, the UK series of Destination Friday is still going on!  My friend asked for some more info about eating in London, so today I’m sharing a bit more detail about my experiences (at least the ones I can remember!).  Unfortunately, I was extremely poor and picky when I was there in 2000, so I mostly ate pb&j in my room with the occasional trip to McDonald’s and Deep Pan Pizza.  I was a lot more interested in food when I visited in 2005, but I still wasn’t quite as interested in food then as I am now.  I did at least do a little research before my fourth visit to the country.

Destination Friday: Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Kent is my favorite castle in England.  It’s unbelievably picturesque.  If you have the chance to visit, go for it!

Destination Friday: Windsor, Stonehenge, & Salisbury

 

   

When my mom and another teacher were planning what was to be my first Europe trip back in high school, my mom asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to do or see.  “I have to see Stonehenge!”  As part of that trip, our entire group ended up doing a day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Salisbury.  I liked the combination so much that I booked it again when my husband and I went back (through Evan Evans) with some friends in 2005.

Destination Friday: Brighton

My day trip to Brighton with my classmates back in 2000 was one of my favorite day trips.  (Okay, I’ll be honest - they’re ALL my favorite day trips.)  Brighton is on the south coast and is one of the largest and most notable settlements by the sea in the UK.  It became a health resort during the 18th century, and it’s still popular with travelers today.