Visit Me At Here, There, Everywhere

5.5 Days in England (Road Trip 2)

September 20, 2013

Last day in England! This day, we ventured to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and visited the Roman Baths in Bath.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace offers a tour of the house he grew up in.

Look at this cute little cot where baby Shakespeare slept (or not).

The highlight for me was the courtyard performances of Shakespearean actors upon request.

I could have sat there all day listening to them. But, I did not want to miss the Avon River Boat Tour.

From Stratford-upon-Avon, we drove to Bath to see the highly popular Roman Baths which was constructed in honor of the goddess Sulis Minerva.

Preservation of this popular attraction reportedly cost £7M.

Based on the over a million visitors that come to see it each year, the expense is all worth it.

It was a wonderful week in England. I hope to go back to see more of this country that’s so rich in history.

The State House: Augusta, Maine

October 18, 2013

Our revisits continue with the goal of having hubby’s The Capitol Collection booklet stamped. I had forgotten the charm of Maine’s State House. It sits on a hill which makes it quite imposing.

There is a simplicity to it that draws the eyes towards the exhibits without the distraction that sometimes elaborate architecture brings.

 love this staircase with a huge painting of George Washington greeting visitors on the landing.

Even lovelier viewed from the second floor.

In Capitol visits, it is a must to see where the House of Representatives convene.

And where the Senate meet.

Hubby likes to take a picture of the dome of each Capitol we visit. I totally understand why. Domes are fascinating. Don’t you think so? He would have enjoyed going up, but it was off limits.

Have I mentioned the view? I could sit all day looking at this and be inspired. Sometimes, all we have to do is Look Outside. 😉

It was fun revisiting Maine’s State House and remembering what we did the first time we came.

Mission accomplished!

When in Maine

It would be a crime to skip either a lobster dinner or a lobster roll. Which is why, hubby and I headed to Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery.

We were seated by the window which gave us a view of boats moored at the other side.

Like last night, hubby and I set aside ‘healthy’ eating for an authentic dining experience in Maine.

It’s not all bad. We had some salad. 

I tell you, folks! There’s no lobster like Maine lobster.

So, when in Maine...

Connecticut State Capitol: A Revisit

October 17, 2013

Hubby and I have a goal. To visit the capitols of the 50 states of the United States of America. We had been to a few and we had been to visit Connecticut’s State Capitol in 2011. That was before he found out about this:

Yes, folks! A booklet to record your visit to the State Capitols of the USA. The Visitor Information Centers of each Capitol have a special stamp for the booklet. Needless to say, as soon as hubby got his booklet, we absolutely have to go back. So, here we are at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford.

One of the featured bronze statues in the Capitol is the Genius of Connecticut sculpted by Randolph Rogers in 1877. She is the symbolic protector of Connecticut. The statue once crowned the Capitol dome.

Those who are familiar with High Victorian Gothic style (I’m not) could immediately tell the architectural design.

Connecticut’s State Capitol was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971. It’s a beautiful structure. I did not mind coming back to get hubby’s booklet stamped.

The Diner Experience

Hubby and I are in New Hampshire. We are hitting New England over the weekend to visit National Historic Sites and National Parks. But that is for tomorrow. Tonight, we decided to have an authentic American dining experience (and clog our arteries, said dear hubby). When in New Hampshire, there’s no place to go but The Red Arrow Diner.

The walls of this All American Diner is lined up with pictures of famous people who dropped by to eat, including Hillary Clinton and US President Barack Obama. Hubby sat where a famous actor once did.

Voted as One of the US’s Top Diners, The Red Arrow had been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Dive-ins, and Dives. The menu tells diners they are open 24 hours. They serve breakfast and lunch all day.

I had meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and mac n cheese. You cannot get more American than that!

While hubby ordered burger steak, fries, and beans.

American servings are large which makes it a challenge to finish what’s on the plate. Hubby did not finish his plate, too. Oh, well! The food was good, make no mistake.
I’m glad we took the time to experience dining at The Red Arrow.

5.5 Days in England (Road Trip 1)

This was a very exciting day! Hubby and I ventured out of London in a rental car. Stick shift, baby!!

It's been a long time since hubby had driven a stick shift, so it was a bumpy ride at first in the cute little red car that we rented. 

The roundabouts were a challenge, let me tell you! But, thanks to Google Maps, we got to our destinations.
Where did we go? First stop was Stonehenge! I have always wanted to see this structure. 

The ingenuity of the people who put this up awes me. Not quite, as tall as I thought, the Stonehenge still amazed me. I am so glad I had the chance to stand a few feet from it.
Next stop, Salisbury Cathedral! 

We did the Tower Tour in this impressive place of worship. The engineering work and foresight of the people who built this blow my mind. Geniuses, that's what they are. The view from this church with the tallest spire in England as recorded on the Guinness Book of Records took my breath away.

Once again, all the aches and pain on my bad knee was relieved by the breathtaking view from a tower. ☺️

Philippine Tricycles

Have you ever seen a tricycle? Ridden in one? This three-wheeled motorized cycle is ubiquitous in the Philippines. Used as public utility vehicles, a visit to small cities and rural areas would show that tricycles are effective means of transport for Filipinos. Do not be surprised to see a tricycle with more than half a dozen passengers on board. Two could sit behind the driver and six in the side car. There could be one or two standing, holding on at the side. The tricycle could handle dirt, pebbled, and rocky roads. Venture a little bit outside the city when you visit the Philippines and get on a tricycle. A ride in one is a thrilling experience.