The Rail in London

Yes, I am back in London..........and, oh, how I love the train stations in England.  This one in Liverpool Station is clean and well-lit, and look at the architecture!  

Take a Sniff

Although dogs usually don't like bread, I do, because I not a usual dog.  These offerings were typical of the bakeries in London.  The English love their pastries, bread and biscuits (known in the U.S. as "cookies").

London Bridge?

No, that's not the London Bridge over the Thames (pronounced Tems) River.  Look at the following photo and learn this bridge's name!

A Closer Look

We are coming upon the Tower Bridge.  This is one of London's oldest bridges completed in 1894.

40,000 people cross this iconic structure everyday on foot, in cars, or on bikes and motorcycles. 

A New Paint Job for the Tower Bridge

When Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee, the bridge was painted red, white, and blue in her honor (before that it was green).  The drawbridge opens about 3 times everyday to let ships pass through as they sail the Thames River.  The two structures between the towers are pedestrian walkways.

Uh, Oh!

This is where you don't want to enter by boat.  It is part of the St. Thomas Tower next to the Tower Bridge (for which was named).  In London's past, if a subject was sent to the tower, and came through this entrance by boat, he or she was considered a traitor and usually never came out again.

                              

Local Sightseers

These young men in their prep school uniforms were on a field trip to St. Thomas Tower.  They were so well-behaved, but you can tell by their looks that they didn't know what to make of me!

And When Visiting London.......

One of the best ways to tour the capital of England is to take a boat down the Thames (remember, it's pronounced Tems).  I encourage you to visit.  If you take your grandma, she can get a senior discount on the trains and public transportation.  Just tell her to bring her passport to the station to get her discount card.  It's a minimal fee.  Mostly, tell her to relax and have fun!

The Ruins at the Rivermouth

Gabe Davies and Lauren McCrossen live in Tynemouth in northern England close to the Scottish border.  It's a surfing town, but you had better wear a very, very thick wetsuit, even in the summer.  There are ruins everywhere, everywhere.....forts, castles, monasteries, huts, churches.....the list goes on and on.

Brrrrrr.........Breathtaking

It was very cool and windy in June and I was shivering a little as I looked towards the River Tyne as it flowed out to the North Sea.  Make sure if you visit there in the summer, you bring a winter coat!

And off the Beach

Just steps to the water and surfing waves, Gabe and Lauren and their cocker spaniel, Coco, have a huge garden across from their apartment.  It's theirs to use.......rented from the Duke of Northumberland.  The Duke has property all over England.

Dear, Dear Sandy

Here I am with Mom and my very good friend, Sandy Kerr.  He leaves Tynemouth in the winter and comes to visit me on the North Shore of Oahu because he loves to surf.  He's in heaven when he's in Hawaii....the waves, the sun, and the warm trades put a smile on his face.

Oh, Goody!!!

Yum, Yum, Yum..........milkshakes, smoothies, AND dogs welcome.  This is my kind of shop!

Mom's Favorite Place to Be

Yep, there are flea markets and swap meets and farmers' markets all over the world.  And if there is one in a town where I am visiting with Mom, she will find it.  So.........here we are.  Mom's smart......she knows how to shop and get a bargain.  I guess that's from living in Hawaii for 40 years.  You'd better be a good shopper there, the cost of living is ridiculous!

Yummy, Yum...Mary's Cupcakes!

I love flea markets that serve up pastries, but I won't eat too many of these!  Promise!

Bargains Galore

So.....when visiting Tynemouth, make sure you make it over to the train station on Sundays and hit the flea market.

Put on Your Sunscreen

I am at a spectacular beach in Tynemouth called Longsands......it's sunny and cool, and absolutely gorgeous.  This stretch of sand is popular year round with all the locals and has been for generations.  It's a destination and it was my destination.  I have loved every minute of my adventure here in northeast England on the North Sea.

Northern England.....

I love flowers.  They make me happy.  I am in my friends' garden close to the Scottish border.

A River with Soul

The River Tyne has a long history........the headlands were settled during the Iron Age, it was occupied by the Romans, and has been used in recent years to transport coal from Newcastle to the sea. 

David and Moira, My Wonderful Hosts

I was so happy to make friends with this fabulous couple.  They took me all over their city of Newcastle upon Tyne to show me the sights. We are standing on a walkway above the River Tyne at Sage Gateshead, a spectacular concert hall.