Summer's Comin'

Getting prepared to hit the road, or should I say rails, again this summer.  (Can you spot me?)  My favorite way to travel, bar none!  Well, for short distances...my bike takes first place!

Hmmmm. Passenger or Freight?

There are two kinds of trains.  One carries freight like cars, coal, cows, and cabbage. This car is a box car on a freight train.  The other kind of train is a passenger train which, of course, carries people.  There are tourist trains (which carry passangers and little dogs) like the Canadian train, the Rocky Mountaineer.  Check it out at www.rockymountaineer.com and book your seat!

My Favorite Mainland City

Riding the rails into and out of Washington, D.C., is exciting! Take the Amtrak to the Nation's Capital and you'll love the experience.  You can hop right off the train at Union Station and onto the Metro, the city's subway.  It takes you almost anywhere...the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery (my favorite,) Air and Space Museum, Eastern Market, etc. And many museums are free!

Oh, the Peaches and the Flowers!

As I said, there is lots to do in Washington, D.C.  I am making my plans to be at the Eastern Market behind the Capitol this summer.  I'll visit the peach man and the flower lady for sure.  Then I'll have Sunday breakfast at an outdoor cafe and people watch!  Knowing me, I'll probably chat with a few people, too.

Whew, Back in London Town

It was a long ride from Paris on the Eurostar to London, but here I am.  Be advised...sometimes crossing borders can take awhile.  Just chat up the fellow in line behind you and time will pass more quickly.

Ahhh....the Farmers' Market at the Ally Pally

The bread, oh, the bread.  One of the most wonderful delights of traveling in Europe, especially in London, is the "Staff of Life."  I love the dark bread the best!

More Bread, Please

Yes, just pass me some Irish butter and I'll be in heaven!  This Farmers' Market in north London is near the Alexandra Palace. Built in 1873 and called the People's Palace, it's purpose was to serve the citizens as a public center of recreation, education, entertainment.

Everyone's Always so Friendly

Visiting farmers' markets is one of my favorite pastimes when I travel.  I make new friends and learn about the neighborhoods.  I love talking and listening to the growers, bakers, herbalists, artists, chefs, and locals.  The interactions make my brain grow and I become more open-minded.

And I Bid you Farewell

Saying goodbye to the Ally Pally Farmers' Market.  When you are visiting London, there are so many absolutely wonderful places to visit and this market is just one of them!