FANTASTIC NEWS!

[Eagle]

I wanted to share some great news (at least it's great news for me!) -- not sure if this is the right section to Post it in?

I've been planning an extended trip to Europe for several years, but didn't think I'd be able to go anywhere until at least Fall 2005, due mostly to a lack of funds (and a few other "complications").

However, due to circumstances that became apparent last Friday afternoon I felt it was important to make a trip happen now. Consequently, I will be leaving the sunny Okanagan this Sunday to visit two of my Sons in the U.K.!

It was a monumental task to put this all together in four days. Thankfully my colleagues at work were enormously accomodating, which was the most important factor in allowing this trip to happen (took the entire weekend to get that sorted out!). Fortunately I had a lot of the other items already in place (Backpack seems to be about half packed most of the time anyway).

Although it's only a short trip this time (about two weeks) and not the big trip I had planned, at least it's a trip to Europe and I'm really looking forward to it!!! At this point, there's lots of excitement and a bit of apprehension also. The worst part is the "waiting", working these last few days and getting all the details out of the way.

I'm going to be "winging it" to a certain extent on this trip -- not usual for me, as I usually plan quite extensively (my Son would be proud of me, as he never plans trips and thinks I'm foolish to do any planning). I've only got air fare and car rental booked at this point (I'm sure driving on the "other" side of the road is going to be a real treat!). I'll decide on lodging after I talk to my Sons, as I don't yet know which city is most convenient to where they are located. I already had lots of touring and sightseeing worked out for various parts of the U.K., so I'll use that to make sure I don't waste any time.

One nice side benefit of this trip is that it will be a great "test run" to fine tune some of the details I had worked out for the longer trip. I'm sure it will add lots of great info. to my travel knowledge. I'm perpetually "tweaking" and improving my packing and other travel stuff. It will also be a good time to find out the costs of Cell Phone roaming (I had hoped to use a UK SIM card, but the unlock codes haven't been delivered for my phone yet, so I'll have to rely on roaming).

The various arrangements are falling into place one-by-one, so I'll be ready by Sunday! The last item of Tilley travel clothing should be delivered by FedEx tomorrow! I haven't got the portable storage in place for my Digital Camera yet, but I'll have to "wing it" with that also -- should be OK with the CF cards I've got as it's only two weeks -- I'll have 35mm "backup" also.

One interesting point -- I found out today somewhat by chance that it's wise to notify the Credit Card people of impending travel. They told me that their security people might have "locked" my cards if they saw purchases coming in from a drastically different location -- they have now added appropriate notations to their computers so hopefully I won't have any problems.

Since this Board is mostly concerned with European travel, I thought I'd share my news. If the Internet Cafes are conveniently located and not too expensive, I'll try to check the Board during the trip.

Cheers!!!

[Michelle]

Great news!!!

Too bad you don't have a GFE Gary to take along with you to share the experience with!!

Bon Voyage!

[WillTravel]

That's great Eagle! I once did a trip to the UK with about two days notice (hard to imagine given my personality, I know), because I got an unexpected break in my schedule. It worked out perfectly fine.

[LHR02]

Eagle, that is indeed FANTASTIC NEWS! (Quick Kim....o'night Gary so he can go along too! ) And there is nothing wrong with winging it......as you say, you've already done a great deal of research so you may not have every single site/day planned out but you already have a good idea where you want to go. Add to that you are going to get to see and visit with your sons! How exciting this is. As has been discussed several times on this site, yep, one should surely notify the CC companies if going overseas, but likewise your bank if you will be using your debit card! Golly....I am so envious. Have a terrific trip and hop on now and then if you've time. If nothing else, we'll be expecting some great pics when you return! Have fun and be safe.

ging

[LHR02]

WT!!! I am stunned. A trip with 2 days notice? You must have been a total wreck! ;D

[Kim]

Holy crap Eagle, that's awesome!!!

I know how long you've been wanting to go for! I can't wait to see the pictures when you return. Have a fantastic time!!!!

Kim

[jennifer]

I'm knawing myself with envy!
Lucky lucky you!


Have a great time and keep us posted while there or on the way back!

xoxox
Jen

[Eagle]

Thank you all for your kind words and good wishes! I'm still having a hard time believing this is actually happening. It will probably sink in when I leave for the Airport in a few hours. I've been busy all day getting all those last minute details out of the way (they seem to never end!).

I've been sitting here "scheming" to find some way I could get to Italy for a few days, as that is the place I most want to visit. I was also wondering whether a quick trip to Normandy on 6 June would be possible, but it's going to be so hectic there that day it would probably be best to stay away. Not enough time in two weeks to do everything, and I should probably spend the time with my Sons (BTW, I still haven't told them I'm coming!).

I'm still not sure where I'm staying, so not sure how much access I'll have to the net. I'll "stop by" for a chat if I can. This will also be my first trip with a Digital Camera, so hopefully I'll get some good shots.

Cheers!!!

[KEN Eagle]

A quick update on the trip (wasn't sure which area to post this, so thought I'd add it to the original).

Since arriving in England, things have been a bit of a "blur". Rick Steves is right, travel is "accelerted living"!!! I decided to rent a car, so I feel a bit spoiled as it sure makes getting around a lot easier. I was a little concerned about driving on "the other" side of the road, but after about 10 minutes it seemed to fall into place. Driving in the smaller towns requires lots of concentration though.

I'm in Northeast England right now, in the Catterick / Darlington area. I visited Eden Camp yesterday (www.edencamp.co.uk, if you want to have a look), which was extremely interesting for me as I like military history. I was hoping to visit the North York Moors Railway (I'm also a"Heartbeat" fan), but that will have to wait for a day or so as I have some activities planned with my Sons. I also plan to get down to the York area for a few days. Everyone I've talked to says that's a "must see"! Hope to get to at least one Castle too.

Only have a few minutes in the Cafe today. I'll try and send another note in a day or two.

Cheers & Happy Travels to all!!!

[LHR02]

Kim will probably move this to the on the road forum...but for now it is fine just here. So good to hear from you and know your trip is going so well. England in the spring...what could be better! Do go to York...I so loved it. And a suggestion, if there try to get over to the minster at 1700 hrs or thereabouts. They have evensong there I believe every evening and even if you don't stay for the entire ceremony....it is so beautiful! The music, the choir, floating over and around you...Ken, it is magical! One other suggestion for York, give an hour or two to the National Railway Museum...I know, sounds horrid but I had the best time there!! Go into the 'warehouse' section of the museum and check out all the signs and assorted stuff they have cataloged and stored there. Great fun.

Be safe, have a wonderful trip...god, I am so envious! ;D

ging

[uktrail]

Catterick area? The best castle in England, and one of the most attractive small towns, is at Richmond, just 4 miles from Catterick. Hope you've made it there!

(I grew up in Richmond, and could see the Castle from my landing window).

[LHR02]

Which castle Peter??? I did not make it to that area on previous trips and wondering now what I missed!

[Eagle]

GING,
Thanks for the tips on the 17:00 service at the Minster. I'm probably going to be there a few days, so I'll definetly attend one of those! This whole trip has been kind of a "magical moment" for me, so that would be a perfect way to spend an evening.

Thanks also for the info on the Railway Museum -- believe it or not, I would probably really enjoy that (guys normally like that hardware stuff anyway).

UKTRAIL,

The best Castle in England? Are you referring to Richmond Castle? I toured through there the other day. It was pouring rain, but I had a great time. I also really enjoyed the Green Howards Regimental Museum. They have some awesome displays, and an excellent collection of artifacts covering the whole history of the Regiment. I hope to get down to Winchester and see the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Museum also. I've been in Richmond half a dozen times so far, and just came from there a little while ago (I'm in Darlington at the moment).

I was going to stop at Castle Howard yesterday when I came back from touring the North York Moors Steam Railway, but I was so "bagged" by that time of the day, I just didn't have the energy to do any more touring. I really enjoyed touring the Moors on the train, and spent several hours in the town of Goathland (which is the fictional Aidensfield on the British TV series "Heartbeat", which is on Knowledge Network in B.C. on Saturday nights). It seems to have become a bit of a tourist trap, but was still an enjoyable stop.

I'm staying in Catterick Village as I want to be close to my Son as he's posted in the area. I found an awesome B&B which was lucky as there's not a lot of accomodation in the Village. I stayed in a Travelodge at Scotch Corner for a few nights, until I figured out the local area a bit. If anyone is travelling in this area, I can certainly give you some tips (and the location of an interesting Pub in Scotch Corner).

I've found that it's a real bonus to have a Car, as it sure makes it a lot easier to get around to all these sites in a timely manner. As this is such a short trip, I don't want to waste ANY time at all waiting on public transportation. On my next trip to Europe I'm sure I'll be using a Railpass and Coaches, as the time factor won't be so much of a problem. Also, in some places a Car would be more of a hindrance, so public transportation is a better way to go.


The other thing that I've found to be a really useful accessory is a Cell phone. Mine isn't "unlocked" yet, but this is a bit of a fact finding mission, so at least I'll find out what type of charges there are for roaming (the company that I ordered the unlock codes from, wasn't able to deliver them in time prior to my trip). Next time I'm here, the phone will definetely be unlocked, so that I can use Euro. SIM cards.

Sorry about the mixup with my previous Posting. The goofy Computer I was using kept logging me out of this site. It certainly wasn't behaving like any other Computer I've ever used.

Well, time to track down my Boys -- they've disappeared into one of the Malls in Darlington. Hopefully I'll get chance to post another note before I have to come home (someone I was talking to yesterday made reference to having to be "pushed onto the plane to return home" -- I'm sure that will be the situation in my case!!!).

Cheers to all!!!

[WillTravel]

Eagle, I see from a posting elsewhere you are back! Welcome back, of course .

You mentioned you took a charter flight. Which one, and how did you find it? Any problems with delays?

[Eagle]

WILLTRAVEL,

Thanks for the "Welcome Home" note! Regarding my charter flight, the travel agent booked my flight with Thomas Cook (until then, I didn't know they operated an airline). The flight was perfect, no delays except for a longer than normal stopover in Calgary -- they had apparently overbooked the flight, so they had to sort that out. However, even though we left Calgary behind schedule, they made the time up in the air and we arrived in Manchester EARLY.

Of course, as it was a charter we were packed in like Sardines. My legs were getting somewhat uncomfortable, but I guess that's about normal for charter flights. I had an aisle seat on the way over, and a window seat on the way home, but my legs were sore either way.

When I arrived back in Vancouver, I was supposed to have about a seven hour wait until I could catch my connecting flight to Kelowna. However, I was fortunate to get on "standby" on an earlier Jazz flight so I was only in Vancouver a short time. It was DEFINETELY a bonus to get home early, as I was REALLY tired!

Overall, everything was perfect. The flights went like clockwork. The car rental was even better than arranged, as I was upgraded to the next size car at no extra charge due to a shortage of the model I originally booked. I had a great time (only sorry it had to end so quickly)!!! Time to start planning the next trip!!!

Thanks again for your note. Cheers!!!