Day 20: Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) It must be a pattern that I disclose my initial skepticism to my readers. Last year, Hannah, once again, caroused me into another of her shows: Downton Abbey. I rushed headlong into it, though. The show was so incredibly well done and raptly drew my attention that we binge … Continue reading UK Road Trip Week 3: Part 2 High Tea at Downton Abbey and Butterbeer at Hogwarts
Day 14: Isle of Skye and Highland Games The Isle of Skye came highly recommended; the island and the entire journey to it did not disappoint. I have often heard Ireland called the “Emerald Isle” but Scotland could very well have it beat. As valleys rose to mountains at sharp angles, my mind took me … Continue reading UK Roadtrip: Week 3 Part 1
Day 7 & 8: Cotswolds & Gloucester Our adventures through the Cotswolds began with rain and occasional pockets of fog permeating the forest floor. The drive was continuously harrowing as one lane roads at time looked like walking paths. Walls of grey stacked stones paralleled the narrow roads as we careened down them at 50 … Continue reading UK Roadtrip Week 2
After Ireland we spent three weeks back in the UK with a rental car. Having a car was a first for us on this trip; it gave us freedom to explore hard to reach places but also stressed us out way more than any bus, train, or plane we've been on. But all's well that … Continue reading UK Roadtrip Week 1
The first day or two were foggy and cold with some occasional rain. At this point, it was late June in the UK, but we were still wearing our puffer jackets, while it was 100+ back home in Houston (40+ Celsius). The damp weather can make it slightly more difficult to enjoy landmarks, views, and … Continue reading Two Harry Potter Nerds and the Quest of Edinburgh, UK
The initial reason we chose Aberdeen was cheap direct flights from Stavanger via Wideroe Airlines. We walked out onto the tarmac to a small propeller plane. I had ridden in one before, but it was not confidence instilling that time, either. The flight was about 30% full, and they asked if anyone could move to … Continue reading Aberdeen, UK: Land of Grey and Seas of Oil
It's A Ritch Life 