Messages from London
Some final thoughts about London, the tour, and a poem
Ode to a London Tour
On a Sunday in May we met in a daze
Waiting for London us to amaze.
We came from far and from wide
Meeting with Jeanie, our new guide.
The first night we were excited to see the big city
We walked and rode around the area so pretty.
A palace, some churches, posh shops and a clock
We went by them all, famous or not.
“Use your elbows” Jeanie would say as we descended the tube bed
To emerge later, dazzled by the beauty overhead.
Hello Westminster, National Gallery, and Big Ben
Jeanie showed us them all through the crowd and the din.
On Tuesday we were out early for a treat
The Tower’s open and jewels without a lot of people to meet.
Afternoon tea was fun and “scrummy”
Then off to the museum to look for a mummy.
About food and history we learned in the East End
Then on to a bit of shopping Jeanie did us send.
“It’s magnificent” said she about St Paul’s so high
With Tom we craned our necks to see to the sky.
Every day on the mighty Tube we would travel
While Jeanie told us to “tread boldly” in her voice like gravel.
After days in the city off to the country we went
Not unlike Queen Elizabeth’s favorite bent.
In Windsor we saw things regal and quaint and pretty
It was a lovely time out of London, the big city.
Our final day we heard of Shakespeare and food
Then took off to follow our own specific mood.
Here’s to Jeanie our Welsh girl in Londontown
Quick with laughter, never a frown.
Like little duckies after you we did trail
Walking, tubing, busing, and by rail.
We learned with you talking softly in our ear
That big city London was nothing to fear.
As a woman in a flowered dress with yellow brelli would say:
“Thank you very much kind lady” and “Have a good day!”
I had been to London a couple years ago so I knew to expect big crowds, high energy, and unforgettable sights. It is a city of grandeur, tradition, and layer upon layer of history. But, to me London feels more like an International city than a British one. Not only were there camera toting tourists but many vendors and service providers spoke with an accent (and not the gentle British one!). London is a big melting pot and clearly welcomes peoples from the whole world.
My "bucket list" already had many checks on it but I wanted to get to see the neighborhoods and feel the pulse of the town. I happily explored different areas, both on my own and on the tour. Just like any big city, each locale had it's own look and flavor. What a feast!
I love the people of England! Partly because I can (mostly) understand what they are saying, partly because I feel a shared history and similarity with them, and partly because they are all so welcoming of Americans. This affection is one of the big reasons I returned to England. I came in contact with many extraordinary Brits from Jeanie and the other guides to the servers and vendors. Even when I ignorantly neglected to pay for the Tube ride in Greenwich, the attendant was very gracious with helping me out. The charm of the country makes me want to come back again and again. And, I will! I have booked a spot on the Villages of Southern England tour for Fall of 2018. I am excited to see more of the English countryside and beaches!
Message to Martha
And, that brings me to the subject of Rick Steves tours.....The guides just can't be beat and the amount of information communicated is exceptional. I find that traveling as a single I can find company if I want on an outing or explore on my own at will. My tour mates are always inclusive and the camaraderie exceptional. It is great to see a place not just through my eyes, but that of my new friends and is a spectacular way to travel the world!
As I mentioned, I wrote a poem that I read at the farewell dinner to summarize the tour. While I certainly am no poet and will never win any awards, I am including it here to gie you a suggestion of how the week went. Read on if you wish....