Churchill, Big Ben, and The Washington Post

We were in England for a long weekend about 2 weeks ago. For some reason, the short trip is still vivid in my mind. Coincidentally, the Washington Post is having a Travel Photo Contest now. Although we did not get to see a lot of London, we did take a whirlwind tour of the city during the Queen's Jubilee. I've always liked Churchill and we came across his daunting, larger than life statue, eclipsing Big Bend- at least from my angle. Although the city was filled with travelers, you would never know it by looking at the photo. I was snapping photos with my IPhone as we ran along, and this one just appeared interesting in its dimensions. I'm sure it won't make the cut, but it is always fun to enter these contests. I would never have dreamed that my Tilley the Pooch was a winner in the New Yorker Eustace Tilley Contest earlier this year. I do remember entering some photo contests in Milwaukee, and also entered a AAA Safety poster contest when I was about 12 years old in Florida (and won!). I suppose if you like to draw, take photos, and create things it goes along with the territory regardless of where you live. The technology today just makes it so much easier!

The Washington Post website

Churchill larger than life dwarfing Big Ben

The Headlines

It was a very gloomy and rainy day. I was not expecting anything else.
We thought the reason the British searched and found new colonies was
to get away from the rain and cold. That I can surely believe and is
how I felt when living in Milwaukee. That it why I love the heat and
humidity and sunshine in Washington. We did not see the flotilla down
the Thames, but did see a bit of the countryside. I love the small
villages scattered about the winding roads and rotaries. The
celebration reminds me of Obama's inauguration. It's great to
experience these once in a life time occasions. But I still prefer the
sunshine.

Preparing For the Jubilee

In a way it feels a lot like home. London reminds me of Boston, which
is where we are from originally. All the things and places I've heard
and read about are everywhere from the double decker buses to 10
Downing Street. We have such wonderful hosts that it makes for such a
wonderful trip. All these sights and places take a back seat to the
conversation and warmth we receive. The sun actually peeked out today,
which may have been the most unusual sight. It is a treat to visit any
country with friends who can share things most tourists simply don't
experience. The city is brimming with excitement for the Queen's
Jubilee, but for us, it is simply in the background.

London

After a six + hour flight from Dulles to Heathrow we arrived in London
to visit a friend of my husband. The reports about long waits in the
passport check area are correct, but could have been worse. This
journey incidentally coincides with the Queen's Jubilee celebration.
As a lover of history, Jane Austin, and Masterpiece Classic this will
be interesting. It is the first foreign land I've been to where I can
understand the conversation and did not have to worry about connecting
flights. Once out of the luggage pick up area there was a guest sign
in book to write a note to the Queen and get a little flag to wave
during the festivities. It was not raining and the sun peeked out. It
is odd driving on the left side of the road. There are signs all about
for the upcoming Olympics. We met a wonderful family and are looking
forward to the next few days. How does London compare to DC? I'm not
sure yet but the weather is a good place to start.