In my wanders, I’m not and never have been a country counter. Though I am often asked how many places I’ve visited, I never have an answer. I always say I will go back to count later, genuinely intend to, yet for some reason never do. Someone even recently sat down with me and went through my “list,” and I STILL can’t say what we determined the final count was.
Yes, I LOVE to visit different places and have new experiences that aid and contribute to my growth. But, the feel and energy of a place is just as (and possibly even more) important to me. I WILL (and do) go back to places again and again that feel right, to experiences that are enriching and to countries where connections (with nature, energetics and/or people) have filled my cup. The UK is shaping up to be one of those places that just feels right (for various reasons) to continue to return to.
When B-Rod and I left last year, we knew that we’d be back again to go narrow boating. So, even though we knew ahead of time what we were going to do, because B had to wait to find out about his training schedule, we STILL weren’t able to book our boat and make more solid plans until the last minute!
On a Wednesday, we decided on a route we would travel and booked our boat. The very next day, we both hopped on flights – B to go for training, and me to go for a few days head start because there are other things/people besides the narrow boat that pull me back to the UK.
I landed in London at a fairly decent time, so I headed to what would be my home base for the next couple of days and set off to wander in Hyde Park which happened to be right by my place.
In my wanders, I came across Kensington Palace.
A highlight of which was The Sunken Garden
And even though I didn’t end up going inside, it felt very British to have Cream Tea at the palace (AND that this was my first dining experience in London)
While walking around the next day, I noticed not only crowds of people, but also sporadic clusters of what I assumed were soldiers on horseback, heading in the same direction. I followed along to see what was happening.
Turns out I had stumbled upon Trooping the Colour, a “ceremonial event performed every year . . . to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign.” The event’s date is chosen for the weather, and not for when the monarch’s birthday actually is (the current King’s b-day is in November).
It wasn’t lost on me how this event (celebrating the birthday of a king on a day that wasn’t his birthday) along with an event happening across the pond on the exact same day (of a man who is NOT a king forcing others to celebrate his actual birthday as if he is 🙄) is a very simple illustration of the strangeness of the times we live in!
After my royal sighting, I made my way to Brighton where I got to take in some sea air! I LOVE how easy and convenient the trains in the UK are.
Though it was great to be by the beach, I had made my way there specifically to visit my friend “L” A few weeks ago, I had spontaneously found something I knew she would dig. I was super extra excited when things and timing worked out for both of us, and I actually had the opportunity to hand deliver it to her! ❤️
We caught up, had deep chats, laughed, wandered and of course we jumped!
It was definitely a cup filling afternoon of reconnection and fun. Thanks L! I ❤️ you!
The next day, my lovely friend, “J” generously offered to take me adventuring. She took me to the castle in her cute, small town which had a view over the surrounding area.
We were so excited to see each other and that we were both able to make this day happen on short notice, that a jump shot happened immediately! 😆
We drove through market towns, among the rolling hills of the green countryside, and stopped at a beautiful (yet with slightly creepy vibes) country estate which has ruins of a Roman villa and mosaic dating back to 60AD!!!!!!!
The last time J and I had adventured together, she had taken me to Avebury. It had been one of the highlights of my time in the UK. When she asked if I wanted to return there, I was all in!! We spent the second half of our time together here wandering to a few different areas we hadn’t visited together last time, having a picnic, having some meaningful conversations and simply taking in the amazing energy of the place. I could return to Avebury and simply be amongst these rocks again and again and again!
Thanks for the AMAZING day J!! I can’t wait to adventure with you again soon! ❤️
While J & I were out adventuring, B-Rod had landed in the UK and was making his way towards Bath. The last time I had adventured with J, she had taken me to Bath where we spent a bit of time, and I determined that I would come back to explore more. Now was the time, so I designated it as the place where B & I would meet.
“As the only city in the UK to be a designated World Heritage Site in its entirety” Bath didn’t disappoint! Such an interesting city to simply wander around!
A couple highlights were definitely the Roman Baths which have been around since 70AD!!!!! 😮
As well as Sally Lunn’s (thanks for the introduction last time around J!) where I got the cinnamon bath bun again while B-Rod tried the lemon curd . . . both mouth wateringly delicious!!!
After a couple nights in Bath, it was time to hit the road for our next place.
We hopped a train, then a bus, then another train and made our way into Wales for a very brief moment.
We were actually set to pick our narrow boat up from a place in Wales, but as the pick up location is in a very small town, accommodation to stay overnight was limited. So, we stayed two train stops down in England at a place called Shrewsbury. Not only was this city named as one of the “Happiest Places to Live” by The Guardian, I found an old church that had been converted into a pub and accommodation for us to stay at. Even B-Rod agreed it was cool and decided it was ok to step foot into 😝
Shrewsbury was a very cool town and great to walk around.
We ended our day in Shrewsbury by welcoming our friend J-Rodg who had landed in London earlier that day. After joining us for a few days on the narrow boat last year, she was hooked and jumped at the chance to join us for a part of our cruising again this year!
I think we’re all pretty excited that tomorrow’s the day we step foot on our next boat. I wonder what ‘er name will be this year?!