Today, we drive over to Bluewater, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres. Which we visit almost every time we’re in the UK. In spite of being a Saturday, it’s not that crowded. As always, we start our tour in the Lego store. They always have the latest sets on display. I’ve seen the carousel in the recent newsletter. It’s really pretty, but the fabric roof [Weiterlesen]

We’re hitting Guildford today, the nearest larger city. We like Guildford a lot and spend some time here almost every time we’re in the UK – at least to eat something at Jamie’s Italian. We again park the car right besides the restaurant. We meet Caroline to do some shopping together. Our trip starts at Krispy Kreme with a donut for breakfast. 🙂 Then, we [Weiterlesen]

It’s been quite a while since our last holidays. We’re therefore really looking forward to ten days in England. Here we go! We leave at ten and find ourselves in heavy traffic soon. Of course every Swiss citizen needs to drive to the South over Ascension Day and that even affects our bit where we actually drive North (it’s the motorway that will later head [Weiterlesen]

From 22 September to 10 October 2016, we’ve been on holiday in the UK. Here’s our itinerary: Prologue Thursday, 22 September 2016: Eleven hours to London Friday, 23 September 2016: Meeting friends and a preview of Sherlocked Saturday, 24 September 2016: Sherlocked 2016 day one Sunday, 25 September 2016: Sherlocked 2016 day two Monday, 26 September 2016: National Portrait Gallery and an afternoon tea Tuesday, [Weiterlesen]

Our trips to the UK wouldn’t be complete without the ritual eating of the donuts we’ve brought home. In the morning, I take two boxes to the office – I’m still on holiday today – and in the afternoon, we visit Gabi’s mother and sister with another box. The new Krispy Kream flavours include Nutella, S’Mores, and maple syrup. Yummy! Shortly later, not much is [Weiterlesen]

We have to get up early and leave shortly after 8 o’clock. First, we head to the nearest Pret a Manger to get sandwiches and then to the service station for donuts. We arrive at the British channel tunnel terminal twenty minutes ahead of time and are even permitted to an earlier train. Border control is easy and quick and after a relaxed train ride, [Weiterlesen]

Birmingham is situated rather far away from the Eurotunnel through which we’ll drive home tomorrow. That’s why we are getting closer to Folkestone today to catch an early train tomorrow in hope of arriving back at home in Switzerland earlier in the evening than before. As it happens, I know someone in the area whom I wanted to visit for a while. We’re on the [Weiterlesen]

Today, Gabi and I visit ‘Destination Star Trek Europe’, Europe’s biggest Star Trek event to celebrate 50 years of the original television series. Many actors of all the Star Trek series and films are here and you can book photos and autographs with them. One of them has just arrived (in the photo, barely visible): now 84 years old William Shatner, better known as Captain [Weiterlesen]

For her last day in England, Christine has asked for a trip to one of the old university cities. We decide on Oxford as it’s closer to us. Who knows, maybe we may visit her here in the future? It’s a pity that the psychological faculty is not situated in one of the old buildings as well but in a less charming newer one rather [Weiterlesen]

Today, we’re driving into London again. Christine’s wishlist contains a view from the Shard and so that’s our first destination. We park nearby, get tickets and take the three lifts to the top. The view from Europe’s tallest building is really spectacular. Also during daylight – last time, we’ve been here when it was dark outside. The top of the Shard is open. It’s rather [Weiterlesen]