A few weeks ago...

I had the pleasure of accompanying my husband on a business trip a few weeks back. He spends 1-2 weeks each month with his team in London. This was my 2nd time to tag along. Yes, we have been waiting over a year to hear if there is an International Relocation assignment in our future...so far, no such luck. The timing of this trip was perfect. We were already heading to Ohio for my 15 year High School Reunion ( Great time...but small turn out). I was pretty excited because I had to miss my 10th...traveling at 37 weeks of pregnancy never a good idea. My in-laws had already planned to keep the kids for a week at their house (they beg for this periodically since all the other grand kids are right around the corner, and we are 9 hours away). I had visions of dinners out, matinee movies watched, leisurely shopping...then Kevin realized that this was a week he needed to be in London. A few thousand frequent flyer miles later, I was on a plane across the Atlantic. The down side is he works pretty long hours while he is working there, so we don't truly have much quality time together....but it is still a nice getaway! I had serous thoughts of taking a day trip to Paris one of the days that I was there...but a few things got in my way...

1. I was chicken. I am a fairly adventurous girl. I have traveled in Latin America, Africa, Europe and extensively through out the US...I even spent the night in JFK by myself when I was 21...but I just wasn't up for a day in an unfamiliar city...where I speak not one word of the language (oui?) by myself. I believe I would like my husband to accompany me on my first trip to Paris.:)
2. A few days before we departed there was a fire in the Chunnel. No one was injured, but it seriously limited access for several days. By the time I was sure that maybe I really did want to go, I could not get a morning ticket out due to the restricted schedule. sad, yes, disappointed, yes...

So I did several things that I didn't have a chance to do on my previous visit.
1. Hampton Court Palace.
As a former history teacher I am a little embarrassed to say I am actually not a huge anglophile...I can hardly keep my Tutors straight from my Stuarts. I trace a little of it back to my college days...I had my absolutely least favorite professor for Western Civ.... and then again for History of the Middle Ages (why I even took the class actually escapes me...I am sure it must have satisfied about 27 different requirements, because the subject matter surely didn't draw me in!). I do really love all things royal. I am fascinated by the lifestyles and the linage. I was immediately hooked when I read the Other Boleyn Girl...so I spent about 5 hours roaming the halls, looking into the lives of Henry the 8th and William & Mary, reading the plaques, listening to the magnificent audio guided tours. It was a rainy, dreary day (but the only one I have had in the 12 total days I have spent in England), so I was unable to explore the gardens & maze.

2. London Walks
My husband downloaded these amazing London Walks into itunes several months ago. He rarely has the time to enjoy them, unless he is staying over the weekend. I love having the freedom to live for a week completely without a schedule...so I just pick a walk located near a museum or great high street. I loved the Southbank tour and the Westminster to Buckingham Palace through St. James. I highly recommend them!


3. Lots, and lots, and lots of shopping/looking. At least the exchange rate is a little better now, than it was back in February (simply because the pound and euro are struggling too). I picked up a few things for the kids...Mere loves Charile & Lola, and all the shops have cute stationery, stickers, etc. I love to browse through the very British & high-end Fortnum & Mason and Harrods (I could spend hours alone in the toy dept and children's clothing!).

4. I am currently completely caught up in the Outlander series (on 4 of 6...or is it 7). Did a little park bench reading on sunny afternoon.... dreaming of a large, kilting wearing Scot!