Been in the UK...no fear of guns here
Last edited Sun Jun 4, 2023, 01:43 AM - Edit history (1)
Hubby & i have been in central & south England for nearly 2 weeks now. We are going back to the States early next week. We've visit at least a dozen places, including cities Bath, London, Canterbury, Portsmouth, and a slew of towns. Parking is a chore and the narrow streets are a nightmare, so past couple days we've left the car parked and travelled by train which meant alot of walking at destinations. Today we did over roughly 10 miles in Portsmouth alone. Among the places we visited was a WW2 museum & memorial center called The D-Day Story. I had to stop myself from shedding tears early on during the narration of events & the displays. The Brits know how to do great remembrance of the war and its horrors inflicted upon their nation.
All in all we really enjoyed our travels here and found England beautiful and incredibly lush. Yes they love their gardens, their writers, and their freedom. I was very happy to see great support everywhere for the LGBTQ+ community, starting with lovely murals at the airport. At the town we stayed at in Surrey everywhere we found pride flags flown and rainbow colors, even at the church entrance. We saw tolerance and respect for people, and although they may be more reserved, the Brits are for the most part not Americans-hating.
Best of all, we felt safe in most places we went to. I was slightly more guarded in London, but other than that i wasn't fearful at all, especially of any gun violence.
Awesome was the amazing weather we've had all throughout the past couple weeks. With exception of a few sprinkles one morning here in Surrey, every day weather has been sun with low 50s - low 70s. There is no rush of crowds so i do feel it's the best time to do UK if you do come here. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and i don't recommend renting a car since driving on these tiny roads can be hazardous.
Happy Travels 
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hubby & i like it so much here we're pondering we'll put down some roots once he retires to live half the year here as a springboard to travel elsewhere in Europe. The kids can come to visit & travel w us should they choose. Just being amongst the lush green, undulating, breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the incredible architecture & the awe-inspiring historical surroundings everywhere makes me feel alive. Today we visited Charles Dickens' birthplace, and saw an amazing collection of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings and artifacts. In Bath i visited one of Jane Austen's homes she lived in. Jane is my favorite - an amazing feminist and writer. In Canterbury (Kent) we visited Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill, and of course, Chaucer (of Canterbury Tales fame). In London we saw Shakespeare's Globe theatre.
I also love the diversity of cultures here. With >300 languages spoken here, and hearing ppl from other countries who speak 3 or more languages i feel completely inadequate!
I look forward to returning again next year to again partake in more inspiration and wonderment. We'll probably do northern England & Scotland. 
BTW Happy Pride Month!
living half the yearthere in the UK as a "Springboard" to visit other countries!
Mahalo for all the descriptions of where you've been just today..
And, next year Scotland and Northern England.
How fun and educational!
Happy Pride Month to you, onetexan.
England's rebellious sibling. 
Psyched!
and have been so inspired by him to travel more in Europe. I hope you'll get great weather in Scotland as we're enjoying now in Surrey. Bring an all-weather jacket and plan to layer, but pack light as Rick has advised 
Boy voyage!
A great time for you and hubby!
unlike other EU countries who only allow max 90 days stay visa-free for Americans, the UK is quite generous with up to 6 months no visa required. Well worth the time & money
and have always wished to go back.
