United Kingdom 1989
Editor’s Note: Our first overseas trip as a couple sure got us hooked on travel. We over prepared, obtaining about 50 lbs. of brochures and guidebooks. We drove a lot, covering too much of the country in 3 weeks (only 2 weeks outside of London). We were on a budget, and our choice of food and lodgings reflects that. But we lucked out with the weather and managed to have a great time, despite witnessing a robbery!
As with all of the older trips, these photos were digitized by taking digital photos of a projected slide, so the quality ain't the greatest. I'll be scanning them all at some point in the future. Click any photo to enlarge.
Day 1 – 9/16 – 9/17/89
Wow, what a day. We’ve done so much in the last 24 hours it’s time to take a breather.
Our trip began last night when Joyce and Bob drove us to Newark Airport. Our flight left on time – a 747 – it was only about 80% full. We tried to sleep most of the way but managed to get only about 2 ½ hours before we landed at Gatwick.
We priced a cab to Jill’s boss Ruth’s house, but it was too expensive. So we took a “coach” (bus) from Gatwick to Heathrow and then a cab from Heathrow. It was very efficient and on time – and for the first time ever our bags were nearly the first off the plane.
We arrived at Ruth’s – in the town of Hanwell – around 10 a.m. Since Ruth is in the States, we have the place to ourselves. We immediately took to bed for another 2 ½ hours of shuteye.
We got up and walked about 20 minutes to the nearest Tube station. After another 40 minutes or so, we walked up the stairs to the statue of Eros in Picadilly Circus – the statue of love!
Our first task was to find sustenance, so we got a typically British meal – deep dish pizza. Then we jumped on a double decker bus for an hour and a half tour of the city to get our bearings. We saw all the must-see sights, while ugly Americans furiously snapped photos through the windows. We’ll see the sights a little more in depth later in the week.
Since it was around 4:30 on Sunday by the time we were finished, we took in some outdoor sites. Weather was around 70 and cloudy. Walked down Picadilly through Green Park and into Hyde Park. Saw Speaker’s Corner – guys on soapboxes preaching and arguing with anyone who will listen. Unfortunately mostly religious arguments, which we weren’t interested in.
Our trip began last night when Joyce and Bob drove us to Newark Airport. Our flight left on time – a 747 – it was only about 80% full. We tried to sleep most of the way but managed to get only about 2 ½ hours before we landed at Gatwick.
We priced a cab to Jill’s boss Ruth’s house, but it was too expensive. So we took a “coach” (bus) from Gatwick to Heathrow and then a cab from Heathrow. It was very efficient and on time – and for the first time ever our bags were nearly the first off the plane.
We arrived at Ruth’s – in the town of Hanwell – around 10 a.m. Since Ruth is in the States, we have the place to ourselves. We immediately took to bed for another 2 ½ hours of shuteye.
We got up and walked about 20 minutes to the nearest Tube station. After another 40 minutes or so, we walked up the stairs to the statue of Eros in Picadilly Circus – the statue of love!
Our first task was to find sustenance, so we got a typically British meal – deep dish pizza. Then we jumped on a double decker bus for an hour and a half tour of the city to get our bearings. We saw all the must-see sights, while ugly Americans furiously snapped photos through the windows. We’ll see the sights a little more in depth later in the week.
Since it was around 4:30 on Sunday by the time we were finished, we took in some outdoor sites. Weather was around 70 and cloudy. Walked down Picadilly through Green Park and into Hyde Park. Saw Speaker’s Corner – guys on soapboxes preaching and arguing with anyone who will listen. Unfortunately mostly religious arguments, which we weren’t interested in.
Then back out of Hyde Park to the Hard Rock Café. They successfully created a New York atmosphere in London – down to the surly waitress and tourist-ripoff prices. From now on we will try to look for non-tourist, non-American places. The guitars of Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, etc. and Beatles memorabilia were cool, though.
Then a stroll through some back streets before catching the Tube back home. The Tube so far seems extremely reliable and fairly clean, but I was expecting more modern. Wooden floors in the cars, and a wooden escalator!
Got asked for directions by 3 other tourists, in the Siebenheller tradition (cheerfully provided.)
Now it’s 9 p.m. and we’re trying to watch the telly. I have trouble finding something worthwhile on 54 channels at home – there’s only 4 here!
Ruth lives in a row house that is narrow and tastefully furnished. It sure is great to have your own place!
Day 2 >>>
Then a stroll through some back streets before catching the Tube back home. The Tube so far seems extremely reliable and fairly clean, but I was expecting more modern. Wooden floors in the cars, and a wooden escalator!
Got asked for directions by 3 other tourists, in the Siebenheller tradition (cheerfully provided.)
Now it’s 9 p.m. and we’re trying to watch the telly. I have trouble finding something worthwhile on 54 channels at home – there’s only 4 here!
Ruth lives in a row house that is narrow and tastefully furnished. It sure is great to have your own place!
Day 2 >>>