• Kate Williams
  • Kate Williams

The Oldies Trip

A 35-day adventure by Kate Read more
  • Bye Bye Bath

    October 10, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Well boarded the train at Bath Spa to Paddington into London. Our accommodation in Bath was somewhat 'Faulty Towers' complete with characters. Our meals got mixed up with other tables, and just as I was about to take a bite, Manuel appeared with his shirt hanging out he swiftly whisked the meal away from me. In the distance, I'm sure I heard - Baasssil! It has been hilarious 😂 We have laughed every night in this quirky little motel.Read more

  • Westminster Abbey and a walk around.

    October 11, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Our air bnb is fabulous. Two underground railways next to us but no noise. A "stones throw" from the Tower of London, we decided to explore the neighbourhood and then went to Westminster Abbey. There are 30 British Monarchs entombed in Westminster Abbey. I really wanted to see Edward the Confessor (King). His tomb is of limits to the public. However, if you wanted to say a prayer 🙏 you could enter with a priest into the area where the tomb is. So off we went up the stairs, placed on seats right in front of the Edward the Confessors 1066 tomb. Over to my left was King Henry 111 tomb. There was only 4 other people in this area. It was incredible, and even more incredible, we didn't burst into flames 🔥
    We also saw Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth 1 tombs and so much more. Lovely little chapel, the Phx Chamber, oldest part of Westminster. Back on the tube, a quick pint and home 🏡
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  • Ales and a big walk

    October 12, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Meet up with Des, Maria & Charlie. Lovely lunch of traditional London meat pies. ( I had fish 🐟 🥧 - yummy) at The Barrow Boy and Banker. An old bank pub that still has its original fittings. A walk through the Borough Market, a bit like our Vic Market, but on a grand scale and a lot better, was very crowded. Next stop Leicester Square and Convent Garden 💐 Finished the day with a ale at The Dickens Inn at Katharine Doc. Thanks to our tour guides " The Wellers"Read more

  • On the Buses

    October 13, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Quiet day today. Boarded The Top View Bus 🚌 for a 3 hour trip around London. Went past Bulgravia the most expensive area to live in London. Margaret Thatcher lived in this area. There are strict guidelines on the appearances of your residence. The exterior must be painted every 4 years and in an exact colour, so they all look the same. There is no backyard, and residence's are granted access to various parks exclusively for them via a "keylock." Hoped off and visited St Paul's Cathedral not as spectacular as some that we have seen. Back to the air bnb, home cooked meal and early night 🌙 😴Read more

  • The White Tower

    October 14, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Early start with Miranda, our blue badge tour guide, for a tour of The Tower of London. Forecast, 🌧 but we didn't care. The White Tower, as it is known, was built in 1078 by William the Conquer after the Battle of Hastings. Saw the impressive Crown Jewels 👑 no photos allowed. The Cullinan Diamond discovered 1905 in South Africa is the largest ever found in the world 🌎 A whopping 3106 carrots. Spilt into two pieces, one piece into the Royal Spectra and the other into the Imperial Crown. Despite all of that, I loved the Raven birds that live at the Tower, much bigger than I thought. We saw Henry V111 armour, imperial gifts, weapons, and too much more to mention.Read more

  • Howzat

    October 15, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Well, today has been one of the highlights for me. I was like a kid in a candy 🍬 shop! I love my test cricket 🏏
    2 hour tour with James and Brenda - fabulous! Sad seeing Shane Warne's painting. Apparently, the picture of the Queen was in that spot on the wall. They shifted her the next floor below and put Shane there! 'Death of The Ashes' newspaper article, Victor Trumper pads, Creig's World Cup jumper. It goes on and on and, of course, the famous Ashes Bottle. Went to the players' dressing rooms, The Long Room (setting up for function tonight) The bar, if only those walls could talk what a tale they would tell!Out onto to balcony were Shane did his famous dance, then up into the actual broadcasting media room. Could have spent all day there!Read more

  • Henley on Thames

    October 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Nice lunch in 16th century coach inn in Henley on Thames now converted into pub. The Royal Regatta takes place annually and commenced in 1839 due to that part of the Thames being a suitable stretch of water.Read more

  • Windsor

    October 18, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Off to Windsor today. Nice village with a big castle and a morning tea to die for, Victorian Sponge with a cup of tea.🍵Bit of a road trip, some sightseeing and the pub for tea.

  • Ciao

    October 20, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Goodbye to Pints🍺🥧 and Pies. Ciao to wine 🍷, pasta, and pizza 🍕 Early start so early night 🌙 😴.
    Micol, you're on SOS duty since you speak 🇮🇹😁

  • Aqueducts and Gladiators

    October 21, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Three hour guided tour of the Colessum [69 AD) Palatine Hill ( 27BC - 14AD) and the Roman Forum where the Emperors and Sentors ruled. Much of the Roman Forum is still standing today. The building with one single window is where the Senators lived
    We were lucky enough to see ruins of where Romulus and Remus lived, as they have recently excavated this site. I was expecting the Colessum to be impressive, and it was, but Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum were truly something to behold and an experience I will never forget! Take note of the map. Red, which shows the Roman Empire 117AD
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  • All things Catholic

    October 22, 2024 in Vatican City ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Day spent at the independent state "The Vatican" skip the line tickets worth every cent. Saw the Vatican Museum, St Peter's Bascilla, Sistine Chapel(no photos allowed), St Peter's Square . The Vatican has the largest amount of gold bullion in the world. Didn't really think much of St Peter's Bascilla or St Peter's Square. Enjoyed hearing about Michael Angelo's life and the painting of the Sistine Chapel. After we left the world of opulence, we passed all of the homeless beggars, some of which were missing limbs. Go figure 🤔Read more

  • Engineering Wonder

    October 24, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Well, the Pantheon didn't disappoint. Once again, skip the line tickets a winner! The mathematical genius needed to construct the dome is mind-boggling, considering no technology like today. A little lunch in the square and a photo with a genie. What a day!Read more

  • Museo di Roma

    October 24, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    On our way home, we discovered a little museum, and it was well worth making to stop. Books 📚 📖 dating back to the 17th century depicting mathematical equations, physics formulas, and biology drawings. It is absolutely fascinating! Beautiful paintings and a 17th-century carriage in the entrance, and we had the whole place to ourselves, no crowds! Had a nice lasagne for tea and a glass of wine - bed 🛌 😴Read more

  • Friars and their Crypt

    October 25, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Today, we visited the Convent di Cappuccini, which is where the Order of Capunchin Friars have their crypts. This order of Friars broke away from the traditional Catholic Church ⛪️ and was formed in 1206. They were a very humble group that served the poor and the society around them. There are over 4000 Friars buried there, as well as mummies on display. Ten thousand bones make up the decorative crypts. The photos don't depict the details of the crypts. It was an excellent tour and experience.Read more

  • Goodbye Europe & England

    October 27, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    It's time to head home 🏡 to the lucky country.🇦🇺 It's been adventure and was fantastic. Land of Oz can't wait to see you. 🏊‍♀️🏌🐨🌾🦜🦘🏏🌞🌞🌅❤️

    Trip end
    October 27, 2024