Thanks Stella! (hey on a different note, is there a market at Union Square on Wednesday? May pop in)
Millie, yes, I thought the Astral Tour was worth it. We had David as our guide and he was interesting and very funny (a bit irreverant but I like that). We stopped at one rest area once out of London where everyone purchased some snacks and sandwiches (since there's no dinner on this tour). Then off to Avebury where we had a bit more than an hour (about 90 minutes) to explore. From there we went to Kennet Long Barrow (large hill 1/2 mile up and down) that contains a neolithic burial site - pretty cool. Lastly we went to Stonehenge.
We got there just as they were closing down (so quick into the stores to buy our chatchkis), then waited for them to clear the site. Once that was done, the guard let us in; our bus (16 people) and another from Astral (another 16) were the only ones there. They asked us to not rush up to the stones but to give everyone time to take plenty of pictures without anyone in the way, which everyone did. Then we all went up to the stones, wandered around for a while as the sunset. David then gave a talk for about 15 minutes on the history and construction. We had a few more minutes to walk around and then back on the bus for the 90 minute (or so) ride back into London. Becky said it was the highlight of her trip.
We did do tea at the Ritz on Monday - very posh; worth it I cannot say. Probably not I'd guess. We gave them two dings, one b/c they didn't provide Becky with her own strainer (we shared) and two b/c they did not pour the tea for us . Plus, I like my scones better. Yet, we still had a really good time and the food was good and plenty of it. They constantly walked around offering re-fills, although the initial offerings were more than enough for the three of us.
I agree with your husband; I think a water resistant jacket though might be enough. We only had one major downpour but a lot of drizzle. Definitely bring clothes that range you'd wear here in October and/or June - that's how varied the weather was. We actuallly joked we experienced all four seasons (especially when we saw Harrods lit at night - felt like Christmas).
Now that you are safely home.... I guess you have thought about the fact that the terrorist's plot was to take place on the day you flew home. How different things might have been - another one of those 'live every day to the fullest' moments!
Sheena
Posts: 2271 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
Originally posted by millie: Also a question for Beebee if she checks in. Are there any proceedings at Old Bailey next week? My husband wanted to try to get there.
I only just read your post and to tell the truth I'm not sure. I know that the civil courts do not sit between July and October but crime carries on regardless, so it's possible. In case you will be able to see it before you go tomorrow I'll ring the court tomorrow morning and post a proper answer.
P.S. Re the sundress, you just never know with UK weather. It could suddenly turn warm again. Today it was about 24 degrees and quite sunny. Tomorrow we are supposed to get a fierce rain storm (which is really good because the gardens are parched).
Beebee
Posts: 1955 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
No I don't want that bag back, it's yours. Glad you liked it. I really love the old style better. I can't remember what the priority shipping was. Was it on the package?
Thank you Beebee. I will be on in the morning before we head out. My husband would really like to see a proceeding, if possible. We were surprised that the civil courts do not sit for several months.
You are right about the sundress. I've been checking the weather and see that it looks like it will be cool. I'd love to have one or two warm days. I'll pack one dress which will give me an excuse to buy another if the weather changes.
Posts: 407 | Location: Watertown, New York, USA | Registered: 22 August 2003
Millie, I don't know if anyone has mentioned it but you can not take cameras into the courthouse and they don't have a place to leave them....or didn't when I went. We ended up having to get out of line and go to a shop near by and pay to have the owner camera sit for us. There was something else forbidden too but I can't think of it right now. It was just in my friend's purse and the security said no way. WE did get to sit in on a criminal case and I greatly enjoyed it. Vegas
You're in luck! The court is sitting during August but there are not so many sessions as usual. The woman I spoke to said that for instance today there were only 7. Here's the website for the court and in theory it is supposed to show what's on, but from the list you'll see that only one sitting is listed. It may be that the others are not public. Anyway, Vegas is correct about cameras not being allowed in. There are several other banned items (big bags are on the list I remember) but if you ring the court before you go (phone number on that website) they will let you know what you cannot take into the court. Hope you get a juicy case.
I once did jury service at the Old Bailey and my first day's service was the opening day of the Yorkshire Ripper case. Fortunately I was in the court next door and didn't have to listen to all the grizzly details of the murders. Ours was a "supergrass" trial that went on (and off) for about 6 weeks. It was really interesting because there were 5 defendents each with at least one junior and one senior barrister. The prosecution were trying to prove conspiracy to rob and one of the defence barristers was Michael Mansfield who has since become very famous in the England (our F. Lee Bailey perhaps?). We found the defendents not guilty - although I think we might have preferred to find the case 'not proven' as they can in Scotland - and I've never been chosen for jury service since. I always wondered whether there's a black mark against my name somewhere.
Beebee
Posts: 1955 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
Now that you are safely home.... I guess you have thought about the fact that the terrorist's plot was to take place on the day you flew home.
Actually, we thought about it the entire time we were there , always in the back of the mind. I actually have the headline from the Evening Standard with that info; saved it for Becky's scrap album.
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. Plus, I like my scones better. Yet, we still had a really good time and the food was good and plenty of it. They constantly walked around offering re-fills, although the initial offerings were more than enough for the three of us.
