Susan and I embark on an ambitious visit to London at the beginning and end of a two month visit to the United Kingdom that included driving from Bath to the Cotswolds, Cardiff, Wales, the Lake District, York, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. Then we escape to a garret in Paris for a week of "bliss" and conclude with ten days back in London. I promise I will not bore you with mundane chores like shopping for tooth paste or doing the laundry. So if you are ready, here we go!

An eclectic week in Paris. We rented a 17th Century garret in the restored chic Marais 4th arr. for a week. We are comfortable, since it is similar to the area we live in back in Chicago: restored architecture, diverse population, small food & boutique shops and galleries, etc. We visit some tourist spots, but prefer to just stumble about, discovering whatever is around the next corner on the way to a landmark we often never reach. Perhaps it is an erotic piece of stencil graffiti by the famous Miss Tic or seeking out special garden or cheese shop. Then there is always the elusive late light at this time of year!

We started in London (see separate entry,) and began this trip in Bath where we rented the car, continuing to Cardiff, the Lake District, York, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands and ended in Edinburgh. From Edinburgh we went to Paris, (see separtate entry.) It was a geat experience. We stayed in small bed and breakfasts and an inn or two. Met lots of interesting folks at breakfast and visiting sites. We traveled at our own pace. Lots of walking! Ate Brit pub grub, but also discovered lots of ethnic food in larger cities like Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and of course, London.

We vist Hillwood, The Meriwether Post Mansion, the Zoo, stay at a B&B in Du Pont Circle, Arlington Cementry and the National Building Museum.

Savannah is a wonderful town for walking, restoration, Bed & Breakfasts and food. Charleston is similar. Both reek of history and insight into the south. Between them are fine old plantations. Christmas is a great time to go because Savannah has a B&B open house tour with great food and music at each B&B. The hosts are charming and the interiors are something to behold. The temperature is fine also.

A return to Boston, but this time we were able to get out and about to Walden Pond, Concord, Old Sturbridge Village, the beautiful mansions of Newport, RI and gamble a bit at the Foxwoods casino.

Tampa, St. Pete, Lake Wales, the Everglades, Corkscrew nature preserve,Fort Meyers, Sanibel and Captiva. Hop on for some interesting tales.

A visit to a great walking city. We stay in a B&B hosted by Mimi Houghton of the publishing house and enjoy the salons she hosts.

Hot and humid over the 4th of July, lots to see, saw some, moved onto hot and humid Williamsburg and then to wonderful Monticello.

My friend Don B. and I decend to the bottom of Grand Canyon, spend a day or two there exploring short canyons and trails and re-emerge. Marvelous weather, views, geology and people along the way. One of those 100 must do accomplishments!