Traveler Explores London, 5/29-5/31, 2009

Back in London for more book signings and Tony's art show, we had time to do some sight seeing...

We went out for a walk near the Hotel and came across this plaque in the "round about"...

This is the actual site of the Tyburn Tree, a tree that was used as a Gallows for public hangings! People used to line up to watch condemned prisoners be executed right here. Now thousands of people walk over this spot every day without a thought...

Off to the Museum of London, we explored the remains of the old Roman Wall that once surrounded what is now known as London. The Wall's construction was begun in the 2nd Century...

It would be hard to climb over this wall!

It's amazing that parts of it still stand throughout London...

It looks so peaceful now, but it was built to keep the Barbarians out. I wonder if I would have been thought of as a Barbarian?

The Girls brought me to Westminster Abbey, what an incredible place. I was not allowed to take photos inside but I did see the tombs of Queen Elizabeth, Bloody Mary, and Mary Queen of Scots among many, many others. It is a beautiful place, but kind of sad too...

On the drive back to the hotel, we stopped by Tony's old house in Chester Square! Tony lived in London in the 70's and loved it...

The next day, it was off to the British Museum. The Girls NEVER let me rest, we are always on the move. Her is the actual Rosetta Stone!

Here is a hoard of gold coins that we buried during the War of the Roses in the mid 15th century. A Lancaster Supporter buried these coins after a battle and never returned to retrieve them. I wonder what happened to him...

Here is the Sword of State of King Edward IV and his brother, King Richard III...

On our final day, we walked across Tower Bridge. First we had to walk up many stairs, the Girls almost died on the way up...

But the view was worth it! I can see all of London from up here!

Wow!

Later that afternoon, we walked to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park. Every Sunday people gather hear to listen to people speak. It's quite amazing and fun to listen to!

I loved this guy's hat...

Well, my trip is over. I am off to pack and get a good night sleep for the long flight home. Another successful trip and I learned a lot.

But, I am already dreaming of the adventures to come...

Traveler in Wales, 5/25-27 2009

Well, the Girls whisked me away from London and drove me out to the countryside of Wales. It was so beautiful, I loved the drive!

Hey, not so fast, it's so green out there! Can't we stop for a snack?

This is the Wye River. We were headed to Hay-on-Wye, a small town on the river. The Wye River Valley is considered "an area of outstanding beauty", and it really is.

Here we are at Hay-on-Wye! Hey everyone! I'm hungry, now where is all the hay?

This is our hotel, the Swan. We came to Hay-on-Wye for a book festival for Tony's book. He had a big book signing. Did you know Hay-on-Wye is also known as the Town of Books...

This is our room, it used to be the coach house and stables! I felt right at home and so did the Girls...

This mound is actually an ancient moat area from an old castle that was right here in Hay-0n-Wye a thousand years ago! I can see this from our hotel room window!

We had a day off, so we headed out to see the sights! Most of the country roads have old hedges growing. They use hedges like we use fencing...

Sally and I particularly wanted to see the wild ponies that run free in this part of the country!Believe it, or not, these are actual Welsh Ponies! Sally was so excited and wanted to catch a few to take home, I convinced her it was better to see them in their natural habitat...

This is a family band with a stallion (the black pony in the center) and some mares with newborn foals! They were so cute!

What a beautiful place for these wild ponies to live!

This truly is a gorgeous area, it looks like a postcard.

After the ponies, it was off to see more sites. This is Tinturn Abbey, which was built in 1131! Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote his poem, Tears, Idle Tears, in honor of this place.

Tears, idle tears,

I know not what they mean,

Tears from the depth of some divine despair

Rise in the heart,

and gather to the eyes,

In looking on the happy autumn-fields,

And thinking of the days that are no more.

The next place was my favorite! Chepstow Castle, constructed in 1067! This place is huge! Chepstow is the southern most castle on the English/Welsh border. William the Conqueror built part of the castle, he's the same guy who built the White Tower in the Tower of London. Those of you who read my blog know that I have already been there...

Now, this is what a castle should look like!

Here is the bathroom, the seats have holes in them that drop down to the river way, way down there! I was afraid I was going to fall in but Jill kept a strong grip on me...

The castle is way up on a cliff overlooking the Wye River.

I love the old windows...

This was a tower that originally had three stories.

I used caution going up the winding stairs, after all wouldn't want to get hurt!

Here is a chamber with a fireplace and painted plaster still on the walls.

This old door has holes for muskets and pistols to shoot through during the English Revolution. This castle was attacked many times over the centuries.

It has many parts to it with plenty of open ground in courtyards.

This was once the area where the King stayed. The windows up at the very top were the King's Chambers and bedroom.

More beautiful windows overlooking the cliff and the river...

Just like in Lord Tennyson's poem, I too think of the days that are no more...

Traveler in London 5/21/09

Here I am in Jolly Old London Town again. I love it here!

The Girls brought me to Old Hallows Church this morning. This is the site of the oldest Church in London. There was a Saxon Church here as early as 675 A.D.! That is old! It was also built on the site of a Roman building and is also known as All Hallows Barking...

I went inside and looked around...

I stopped for a minute to listen to the organ being played...

Then it was down into the Crypt to see the older ruins underneath the present church. You know me, always looking for something weird to look at!

This is part of a Roman tiled floor which dates from the 2nd Century! Wow!

It's still in pretty good shape, amazing! It is thought that this was the floor of a home...

Here is a model of Roman Londinium, as London was known in those days...

Here is a Roman roofing tile with a dog print in it! A Roman dog must have wandered across the tile when it was still wet. The Girls told me that the Ranch dogs did the very same thing last week when the wash rack cement was being poured. I guess dogs haven't changed very much...

It's kind of creepy down here...
A Saxon Cross which was uncovered at the site...

After All Hallows, the Girls brought me back to The Tower of London, my favorite place to visit in all of London! Here is the White Tower built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.

As always, Sally and I fooled around...

The Girls have planned a busy trip for me over the next 10 days. First London, then Wales, Belfast and back to London. They sure keep me busy, but I like it!