Have you done any 'Solo Traveling' recently or ever?
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| Red Telephone Box |
You know...
Traveled alone.
Planned your own itinerary, decided which cities to visit, booked all hotels or Airbnbs, how long to stay in each town, searched train or bus connections, distances from city to city, where to stay, what to see and what to do in each place?
In the past, I have flown alone to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ireland, France and other countries. But I usually had plans to meet my husband or a friend upon arrival.
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| Doolin, Ireland - O'Connor's Pub |
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| Grasse, France - Perfume Capital |
I did travel 'SOLO' to India while living in Dubai and that was a real struggle. So many people crammed into small streets, exceedingly dirty, extremely chaotic, tons of small, yet loud motorbikes with 2-3 riders on each bike and tuk-tuks being pedaled everywhere.
I realized that I was not truly ready to navigate the cities I wanted to visit. Ended up hiring a car and driver to take me from Dehli to the other cities in the Golden Triangle - Jaipur and Agra. Quite the adventure!
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| Taj Mahal - Agra |
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| Barb at the Taj Mahal |
However, my August adventure to England was NOT originally intended to be a 'SOLO' travel experience
My dear friends, John and Francesca who winter in Naples, invited my husband and me to stay with them at their home in the UK.
Bill doesn't like to travel these days. So, he encouraged me to go without him. That sounded good! I can do that.
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| Big Ben, London |
The plan was to stay with my friends outside of Liverpool and make that my 'home base'.
Then, I would take a few 3 - 4 day solo jaunts via trains to towns that were a few hours away.
To Bath, York, Oxford, The Cotswolds.
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| Bath Abbey |
But, this well planned itinerary totally imploded about four days prior to my USA departure!
Another 'Misadventure' from the very beginning!
The 'Travel Cloud' always seems to be hanging over my head.
John, my host, had to have a serious emergency surgery only four days prior to my arrival. His daughter, Lindsay, called me saying that I should find other accommodations. Her dad would most likely be in the hospital for a long time given the severity of his medical issue.
Oh my goodness... I felt so terrible for John and Francesca. I told his daughter that I wished him good luck on his surgery and to let them know that I would be in touch to check on his progress.
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| Liverpool Station Trains |
Now I only had FOUR short days to coordinate a new itinerary and locate new accommodations.
Research museums, places of interest, investigate walking tours, schedule additional trains, etc.
Actually, I probably would NOT have visited Liverpool but for John and Francesca living in Bromborough, Wirral which is between Liverpool and North Wales.
But, my plane tickets, Airbnb reservations and tours were already booked. So, now I'm taking an entire trip alone or 'Solo', as it is now so eloquently named.
A vacation without a companion!
What could possibly go wrong?
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| London View from Sky Garden |
My good friend, Margery, has traveled solo for years and had great experiences.
I highly recommend that you take a Solo journey at least once in your lifetime.
You can do what you want, when you want, for how long you want. Also, you can change your mind and itinerary at any given moment.
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| Houses of Parliament |
It's quite the experience, but not always for the faint of heart. I dare say that you will learn a great deal about yourself and what you are capable of.
Not always smooth sailing, but gratifying at the end of each day.
** My blog about solo traveling will be in three parts. There are just so many stories and photos to share.
England
I felt as though my August journey to England was a 'walk through history', both literally and figuratively.
I mean, who hasn't seen Downtown Abbey?
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| Tower of London |
Cobblestone streets, walled cities, castles, cathedrals, minsters, abbeys, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, quaint pubs, William the Conqueror, kings, queens, and the friendly Brits with their charming accents and proper English.
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| Westminster Abbey, London |
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| Tower of London Bridge |
Liverpool
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| Beatles Statue |
So, I began my solo journey with six jam packed days in Liverpool and absolutely loved every minute!
Great city to visit. Walked everywhere!
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| Museum of Liverpool |
Several museums, cathedrals, shopping, music, pubs, and friendly, helpful Brits.
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| Black Cab in the UK |
Art everywhere, including the quirky 'Super Lambananas' which are huge statues that are a cross between a lamb and a banana.
Who knew?
There are 125 of these colorful, adorable Lambananas across Liverpool.
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| Super Lambananas |
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| Super Lambananas |
World War II history abounds in Liverpool including the Western Approaches Museum which was fascinating.
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| Bollards and Black Cabs |
Liverpool was one of the largest and most important European ports from the mid-1800s on, but particularly significant during World War II.
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| White Star Line Building (Built the Titanic) |
Royal Albert Dock
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| Royal Albert Dock |
I was so intrigued with the history of the Royal Albert Dock. Most impressive with its restored red brick and iron Victorian buildings built in a large square on the river.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Britain's largest group of listed Grade 1 buildings.
A Grade 1 building in the UK is a building of exceptional national, architectural, or historical significance. Grade 1 buildings are rare, making up only 2.5% of all listed buildings in the United Kingdom.
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| Houseboats at Royal Albert Dock |
This important landmark is named after Prince Albert who was the husband of Queen Victoria.
Liverpool's docks dominated global trade by the early 19th century. When it opened in 1846, Albert Dock changed the way the docks worked here forever.
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| Built in 1846 |
It was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick, granite and sandstone with no structural wood.
Its iconic cast iron columns measure four feet in diameter and are 25 feet high.
Albert Dock has five blocks of 5-story warehouses that are built from more than 23 million bricks.
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| The Pump House |
Therefore, the warehouses were fireproof and secure.
Traders could do deals before their import taxes were due.
Hydraulic cranes hauled heavy cargoes across the flagstones.
The speed with which ships unloaded and turned around was cut in half.
Its waters stretched the size of three football pitches.
Construction would cost the equivalent of 43 million dollars today.
Royal Albert Dock was the world's first enclosed commercial wet dock when it opened.
Before it opened, there were only limited times when it was safe to load or unload ships in Liverpool, due to the huge tidal range of the River Mersey.
It finally closed to commercial traffic along with the other Royal Docks in 1981.
Albert Dock is now one of the most visited multi-use tourist attractions in the UK outside of London.
Lovely shops, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, and a very pretty, traditional Victorian Carousel.
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| Carousel at Royal Albert Dock |
Who doesn't love to ride a carousel?
I enjoyed a ride on this historic, colorful carousel.
Remember, you are never too old to ride a carousel when you're young at heart!
I ride every carousel that I find. And, I do search every city for them as I travel.
Most European carousels are over 100 years old with hand carved animals and carriages.
Many are two stories high or double-deckers.
The Wheel
The Wheel of Liverpool is 196 feet tall and located on the waterfront. One of the city's most iconic landmarks.
It has 42 climate-controlled capsules which can hold eight passengers.
One of the capsules is a luxury VIP capsule with a glass floor, leather interior and the option to order chocolates and sparkling wine.
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| The Wheel at Albert Dock |
I'm not a big fan of heights (remember my blog about Zip Lining in Costa Rica when I discovered I was afraid of heights?)
So I stayed on the ground and enjoyed a carousel ride.
Do you know the 1965 song by Gerry & The Pacemakers,"Ferry Cross the Mersey"?
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| Mersey Ferries Building |
Yep, I also took the ferry across the River Mersey. When in Rome...
The Beatles
Have you heard of the Beatles? Right!
Beatles Story Museum was super interesting.
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| Penny Lane |
Talk about going down memory lane. I grew up singing and dancing to the Beatles in the 60s.
Yaa, yaa, yaa...
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| Strawberry Fields Gate |
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Yes, of course I took the Beatles Bus Tour visiting Strawberry Fields Gate, Penny Lane, the homes of John, Ringo and George.
I'm a tourist and a Beatles fan.
The Cavern Club
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| The Cavern Quarter |
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| Beatles were the House Band |
But, the most FUN I had was singing and dancing to live music at The Cavern Club.
John, Paul, Ringo and George!
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| Brick Walls & Domed Ceilings |
1961 - 1963
This is the venue where the Beatles were the 'House Band' for about two years before making it really big on the Ed Sullivan TV Show on February 9, 1964.
I was a Freshman in high school and I remember that show like it was yesterday.
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| Fun at The Cavern |
The Cavern Club really is a 'cavern' about two floors below street level.
It's quite dark with brick walls, concrete floors and domed vaulted ceilings also made bricks.
Unusual and sort of hidden away near Castle and Button Street.
There is a cover charge, but the place was packed with music lovers wall-to-wall. There were two different venues down there and several bars.
So much history and memorabilia surrounding you.
People of all ages were singing along and dancing.
I had an interesting conversation with a cute 15-year-old British boy who knew ALL of the words to every single Beatles song that was performed!
How did he know all of the words?
Well, he was there with his grandfather who grew up in Liverpool and was a huge Beatles fan. So now his grandson is also a big fan!
Gotta love that generational thing!
The Three Graces
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| The Three Graces |
Most impressive were "The Three Graces" which are three historic buildings built between 1904 - 1914 on the River Mersey.
Important because they are among the very few buildings in Liverpool to survive the World War II bombings by the Germans.
The Three Graces are The Royal Liver Company Building, the Cunard Building (ocean liners), and the Port of Liverpool Building. (Pronounced live-er, like alive).
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| Royal Liver Building |
They were nearly the only structures NOT bombed during the World War II air raids on Liverpool.
Why weren't they bombed?
Because these three buildings were the tallest structures in Liverpool and built on the River Mersey.
This gave the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) a strategic landmark from which to bomb the rest of Liverpool during heavy rain or fog.
Liverpool was attacked relentlessly for the duration of the war.
The Port of Liverpool had always been the United Kingdom's main link with North America.
Liverpool proved to be a key part in the British participation in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Scouse and Ma Boyle's Alehouse
Have you ever eaten 'Scouse'? I did and loved it!
After an impressive walking tour of Liverpool, I went for lunch at Ma Boyle's Alehouse with an interesting couple from Oxford, Gary and Viv.
He's a retired history professor and continues to have fun, plus earn additional income by giving historical presentations on cruise ships.
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| Barb, Viv & Gary |
Gary is paid a small stipend for his presentations. But, more importantly, he and his wife travel FREE on the cruises.
Nice work if you can get it! Right?
Free food, free lodging and a wee income! They are rarely home because they love to travel. Who wouldn't? Sign me up!
Ma Boyle's is an historic pub and eatery dating back to 1860!
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| St. Nicholas Church |
It's near the waterfront located in a hidden alley next to St. Nicholas Church (1359).
Hard to find unless you know it's there.
Let me tell you about Scouse or Lobskause... This dish was brought to Liverpool by Scandinavian sailors.
The people of Liverpool ate it and loved it. Then, they began making it and shortened the name to scouse (rhymes with mouse).
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| Scouse |
This dish is a meat pie with lamb or beef with vegetables and topped with a puff pastry.
Some say it's similar to Irish Cottage Pie or a Steak and Guinness Pie which I also love.
I say it's 'delicious'. I'm a Scouse fan now!
Western Approaches Museum
I was totally intrigued with the Western Approaches Museum. Why so excited about a museum?
First, it was NOT originally a museum.
Second, it survived World War II in a city that was constantly under bombardment.
The museum was a large underground wartime bunker that served as ONE of Churchill's secret sites during WWII.
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| Convoy Escorts Board |
Churchill and his cabinet plotted to protect Britain's sea supply routes and aid the Allied victory from this place.
But, the most important underground bunker was in London - The Churchill War Rooms (more on this later).
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| Switchboard |
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| Secure Phone Booth |
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| Bedroom in Bunker |
British Music Experience
The British Music Experience at the Cunard Building was another awesome walk down memory lane.
This was one of my favorite museums in all of the UK. I stayed for about 3.5 hours and still could not get enough.
From the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bowie to The Spice Girls, Oasis, and Adele...
This exhibit charts the beginnings, rise and influence of British pop music from 1945 to present day.
Musicians had donated their instruments, clothing worn onstage, vinyl records, hats, photos, and more.
There were interactive zones, audio visual experiences and hologram performances which I totally loved.
The "British Invasion" of the 1960s and pioneers of various rock groups throughout the following decades included the most interesting memorabilia.
Items showcased from the Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Queen, The Kings, The Animals, Petula Clark, Elton John, The Sex Pistols, The Cure and so many more.
You can get 'hands-on' in the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio by learning to play guitar, drums or keyboards or dance your way through the eras in the Dance the Decades studio, which I did!
Girl Power! 'Spice Girls at 30' - Documentary tells the story of the most important girl group in British history through their own extraordinary collection of outfits, many of which were handmade by international designers.
The Spice Girls debut single 'Wannabe' topped the charts in 31 countries in 1996. They sold 80 million records and had nine UK Number One singles.
This exhibition celebrates the story of how Sporty, Baby, Scary, Ginger and Posh became one of the most successful girl groups ever!
The Beatles Story Museum
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| Paul at The Cavern |
Another great museum that brought back so many special memories for me from the 1960s.
The Beatles memorable melodies and lyrics were such an important part of my teenage years.
They conquered Liverpool, then the world.
Located at Royal Albert Dock, the Beatles Story takes you on an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world's greatest band.
The museum has an incredible collection of photos and memorabilia from the Fab Four.
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| John Lennon's White Piano (Replica) |
The band's original instruments, a replica of John Lennon's New York white room and white piano on which he recorded 'Imagine'.
Ringo's drum kit, rare album sleeves, photography and original hand-written lyrics.
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| John Lennon's White Room |
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| Photo - John Lennon Recording 'Imagine' |
Doctor Duncan's Pub
Dating back to 1901 in St. John's Lane and named after Dr. William Henry Duncan.
Doctor Duncan played a key role in making public health a priority during these times. He was Liverpool's first ever Medical Officer of Health.
In honour of its namesake, it houses an authentic Victorian pharmacy cabinet.
The pub offers a great selection of real ale, craft beer, music and great pub food.
Doctor Duncan's also has several small 'Snugs' which are small, quiet, intimate rooms to have a pint with your mates or snuggle with your special friend.
Dinner, wine and 'People Watching' - my favorite things to do at Doctor Duncan's Pub at Queen Square which was near my Airbnb in Liverpool.
Doctor Duncan's is well known for its elaborate Minton tiled interior.
These tiles were manufactured by the Minton Tile Company (founded 1793) in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Beautiful colorful tile which covers the walls, floors and the fireplace hearth.
This building was originally constructed for the Pearl Insurance Company in 1901.
Richly patterned and colored Minton tiled floors can be found in the US Capitol and at one of the Smithsonian's buildings.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
I was mesmerized by the beauty and vast size of the longest cathedral in the world (207 yards) and the 5th largest. This cathedral is built with red sandstone and a copper roof.
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| The High Altar |
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| Organ Pipes |
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| Lady Chapel |
The Cathedral has a center tower with a Carillon containing 2,500 bells, plus a pipe organ with 10,000 pipes, making it one of the largest in the world.
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| Lady Chapel |
This magnificent cathedral was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott (1904-1978).
Guess what else Giles Gilbert Scott designed?
Have you seen that iconic British red telephone box?
He designed the red telephone box!
This piece of history was created in 1935. It is also known as the K6 which stands for Kiosk No. 6.
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Bombed Out Chuch
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| St. Luke's Church, Liverpool |
There is no roof ...
There are no windows ...
There are no doors or pews ...
Only the stark, skeletal structure that made a chilling and lasting impression on me.
I walked through the silent, empty, charred remains picturing weddings, christenings, Easter, Christmas, and Sunday services here.
Happier times...
Then, I sat silently on a bench in the garden, next to the quiet, hideous church which reminds us all about the horrors of war.
St. Luke's bombed out church from World War II is still standing in a vibrant neighborhood.
It has been kept like this as a memorial to over 1,900 people who were killed in one week alone during the 'The May Blitz' of 1941.
Originally a small neighborhood parish church from the 1800s. Now, it stands as a war memorial and managed event space.
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| St. Luke's Church |
There is also a commemorative sculpture in the yard named 'All Together Now' designed by artist Andy Edwards as a way to pay respects to the soldiers of World War I (1914-1918) honoring the famous 'Christmas Truce' which is a fascinating true story.
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| 'All Together Now' |
The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a brief, unofficial and impromptu cease-fire that took place during World War I on December 24-25 along the Western Front in Europe.
Soldiers from both sides put down their weapons and engaged in their own impromptu activities, including exchanging gifts, taking photos, playing football, burying casualties and repairing trenches.
The Germans placed candles on their trenches and sang Christmas carols.
The British responded by singing their own carols.
Over 100,000 soldiers were involved.
It was not sanctioned by commanders on either side.
This was not total as fighting continued elsewhere.
The garden surrounding the church is now a wine garden and a managed event area to help support the church grounds and keep the memory alive.
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| Wine Garden & Event Area |
Philharmonic Dining Rooms
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| Philharmonic Dining Rooms |
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| Circular Bar in Entrance |
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| Beer Pulls at the Bar |
John Lennon's favorite neighborhood pub to sit with his mates and have a pint.
However, after becoming a famous 'Beatle', he said that he simply could not go to the pub without being deluged by fans and missed it terribly.
The difficult part of being famous that we cannot imagine.
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I had an incredibly delicious lunch of Steak and Guinness Pie.
I sat next to the stained glass windows with the sun streaming through and savored every moment of this iconic pub.
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| Stained Glass Windows |
I totally understand why this was John Lennon's favorite pub.
Cozy rooms, stunning circular bar and an iconic Gentlemen's Loo which I did not see.
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| Beautiful Interior Hall |
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| Huge Main Dining Room |
The Philharmonic is the most charming, refined and handsome pub I have ever seen anywhere.
And mind you, I walk into almost every pub I see.
It's hard to count the number of pubs I visited in Ireland, Germany, England, Austria, Croatia and other countries.
They are all unique in their own way.
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| Small Snug for Dining Privately |
But, they all have hearty pub food, flavorful ales and perfect pints.
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| Friendly Barkeep |
But, the best part were the friendly barkeeps and customers, many of whom I have had such interesting conversations.
The Philharmonic is exceptional by anyone's standards. The most ornate pub in England built between 1898 and 1900 for the brewer, Robert Cain, by a local architect.
This flamboyant pub is a true showpiece built in the style of a gentleman's club.
The exterior is eclectic with stunning metal gates which are among the finest Art Nouveau work in Britain.
However, the interior is just as impressive. An ornate Victorian pub with wood paneling, rich tiling, leather sofas, stained glass windows and chandeliers.
Locally known as The Phil, it is spread over five floors with each of the rooms beautifully decorated with a musical theme.
They also have a famous gent's toilet which I did NOT see because it was occupied.
But the ladies toilets were quite elegant.
This pub is also part of Liverpool's rich musical history.
Buddy Holly performed here, as did Paul McCartney.
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| Metropolitan Cathedral at End of Street Also called Paddy's Wigwam |
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is across the street.
Last Day in Liverpool
My last day in Liverpool was spent with my good friends, John and Francesca. He was out of the hospital and feeling much better. I took a short train ride out to his beautiful home in the Wirral.
The Wirral is a 30 mile long and 7 mile wide peninsula in northwest England that's part of the counties of Merseyside, Cheshire, and Flintshire. So beautiful!
It's located between the River Mersey and the River Dee with the Irish Sea to the west and Liverpool Bay to the north.
First things first though, let's enjoy delicious English scones and jam with tea and conversation at John's home.
Then a tour of John's huge country home tucked away down a gated, private lane bordered by flowers and shrubs.
Very English...
But most impressive is that John designed and built this fabulous 4,500 square foot house on his own.
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| Beautiful Wood Double Staircase |
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| The Orangery! |
My favorite room was the very large, lovely, sun filled Orangery.
The Brits have such an elegant way with words, don't they?
Take that Property Brothers!
I was also impressed with his covered, outdoor seating/living area complete with a fireplace on his massive green lawn which was totally fenced and private.
And yes, he designed and built this also.
It is heated, lighted, has a big screen TV and super comfy.
Fortunately, he was feeling well enough to drive us all over the Bromborough, Merseyside area where he had grown up.
He showed us his childhood home, his school, other houses where he had lived, and the beach where he swam and played with his friends every summer as they rode their bikes everywhere.
Port Sunlight
We also drove through the charming village of Port Sunlight in the Wirral.
William Lever, the founder of Lever Brothers, built this village (1888-1914) to provide homes for his soap factory workers because he was passionate about the welfare of his workers.
This community includes 900 Grade II listed buildings, the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Christ Church, and two schools.
The Lever brothers also built a hospital, a gymnasium, heated outdoor swimming pool, various clubs and bowling greens.
Port Sunlight is considered an example of early urban planning in the UK with high architectural standards, many community facilities, and the Gladstone Theatre.
All residents of Port Sunlight were employees of Unilever or their families until the 1980s when these charming houses were first sold privately.
The Port Sunlight name was derived from Lever Brothers' most popular brand of cleaning agent: Sunlight.
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| Port Sunlight Headquarters |
Other well known dish detergents which were made here: Wisk, Surf, and "All" laundry detergents; as well as Caress, Dove, Lifebuoy, and Lever 2000 soaps.
This planned community reminded me of the Kohler model company town in Wisconsin. Industrialist Walter Kohler, Sr. developed a substantial garden city adjacent to his factory in 1900. The village was later incorporated as the Village of Kohler.
The Red Fox
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| The Red Fox |
A delicious farewell dinner with John and Francesca at The Red Fox in Thorton Hough.
Picturesque extensive grounds, roaring fires, and several intimate nooks and crannies to nestle away in if you're so inclined.
Again, so delightfully British.
The Red Fox was an incredibly large, classic old brick and sandstone home built in the 2nd half of the 19th century.
Hearty British classics, pub food and cask beers.
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| Tap Handles |
Again, there was a typical British bar, dark wood paneling, and wall sconces.
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| John |
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| Beer Pulls |
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| Beer Mat on the Bar |
A stunning, enormous round table which could seat about 12 guests in the center of the room.
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| John, Francesca and Barb |
Curious Encounters
However, as I continued my solo journey, there were some surprising and curious encounters along the way that reminded me of my late daughter.
Laura also loved to travel. She told me that she had always wanted to go to Ireland and England.
But, working full-time, raising her daughter and living on a farm with horses, dogs, cats and bunnies, she never had the time or money.
Laura passed away unexpectedly in March 2024.
York
I have never seen a carousel that I did not want to ride.
Loved riding them in Paris, Florence, Split (Croatia) and other towns.
When was the last time you rode a carousel?
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| York |
So, I came upon the most exquisite 125-year-old carousel in York after wandering through narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Being a kid at heart, I paid my 3 Pounds and hopped on a beautiful horse.
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| Victorian Carousel in York |
There are usually three horses abreast on carousels and a few chariots.
I always ride on the outside horse.
But today, for some strange reason, I rode the middle horse.
There I was... totally captivated by the calliope music.
Riding up and down, holding on to the brass pole in the saddle of my center horse when I happened to look over to my right.
I had no idea that the horses on this carousel had names.
I can't remember ever riding a carousel with horses that were named. Perhaps, but I never noticed.
I was riding next to 'Laura'.
A horse named Laura.
Yes, my daughter's name.
Imagine my surprise!
Laura loved horses. She was an excellent rider and rode from the age of two.
I bought her very first horse when she was nine years old.
Coincidence?
Bath
I took a train from Liverpool to Bath on Friday, August 16, and stayed with my friend, Megan. We met in Dubai when we worked together and had kept in touch through the years.
But, we had not seen one another for 16 years. So, I was super excited to see her again after all those years.
We immediately picked up our conversation about our lives, husbands and kids.
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| Megan! |
She lives in a lovely two-story flat about six blocks from the center of Bath. Great neighborhood too.
Also, nearby is the Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon across from the Bath Abbey.
Therefore, she doesn't need a car and walks everywhere.
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| Pulteney Bridge over River Avon |
We began walking to go to dinner on a nearby street with the most beautiful Georgian architecture. Homes were built with the local, golden-colored Bath stone.
I happened to notice one of the first places we passed was the 'Laura Chapel'.
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| Laura Chapel is on this Street |
It was a small, white stone chapel with an arched entryway nestled between lovely apartments. 'Laura Chapel' was engraved in the archway above the walkway.
How curious was that?
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| Laura Chapel |
A block later, I saw an overly large round fountain in a roundabout with soap bubbles flowing over the sides and floating through the air. Funny, but rather haunting.
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Perhaps some teenagers had some fun with dish detergent and pulled a prank.
But, it was quite pretty.
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| Bubbles in Fountain |
"Does this fountain have a name?", I asked Megan.
She replied, "Laura Fountain".
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| Laura Fountain, Bath |
Seriously? A "Bubble Bath" was one of Laura's favorite things to do.
Here I am in Bath - looking at the bubbles.
Did I mention that today, August 16, would have been my daughter's 56th birthday?
Talk about synchronicity...
London - National Portrait Gallery
I visited the National Portrait Gallery in Mayfair, London with my new friend from Australia, Jen.
It was an amazing museum. Better than I had expected. Not to be missed.
There was a special exhibit showcasing the best contemporary portrait paintings of 2024. The competition had attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries.
One award winning painting caught my eye immediately. It was a poignant depiction of the artist's mother enveloped in a bright red blanket as she slept after her chemotherapy treatment.
The artist was facing her grief head on because the painting was showing death and dying.
Title of the painting: I'll Never Not Miss You
Artist's name: Laura Carey
Serendipity?
Lyric Theatre
Also, while in London, I went to the Lyric Theatre in the West End to see Hadestown.
This musical takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories.
Fabulous live jazz band, singing and dancing.
My seat was in the mezzanine 3rd row and was great, until it wasn't.
A sizable man, about six feet tall, with an enormous head, full head of hair, plus a bushy beard, sat...
Well, you know. Right in front of me.
I moved left in my seat, I moved right, I squirmed, I sat on the edge of my seat...
All in vain as I tried to see over and around this guy's massive head.
How much did I pay for this ticket? Oh, yeah... a lot.
Intermission.
The lovely young lady sitting next to me offered her seat to me for the remainder of the play so I could see the stage better. How nice was that?
She had watched me struggle during the first act desperately trying to see the stage/actors over and around the man's big head.
She was almost 6' tall, so she could see over him.
Then, I introduced myself and asked what her good name was as we shook hands.
"Laura", she replied.
And all the while, I thought I was 'Solo Traveling'.
Turns out that my daughter, Laura, had been with me in spirit the entire time.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved,
Still missed,
And very dear.
- Alex MacLean
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| Laura |
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| Laura |
I miss her more every day.
