Since I’m traveling with a group of friends, and since our trip is quite flexible, we’ve decided to put together a wishlist of things we personally want to see in every country. We’ll get to compare our lists and if two or more people share something on that list, it takes priority. This way, we get to maximize the efficiency of the trip and not waste too much time. The plan is to start off in England and spend a day, perhaps two, in the surrounding areas.
What:
Big Ben
Where:
The Palace of Westminster, London
Why:
It’s one of the most iconic buildings in England and perhaps the world! It’s also something that pretty much screams “Look at me, I’m in London!”
What:
Stonehenge
Where:
Wiltshire, England
Why:
Ancient calendar system or alien landing pad?
What:
Changing of the Queen’s Guard
Where:
Buckingham Palace
Why:
To harass the guards while they stand at attention, why else? Oh come on! It’s in all the movies… You know you’ve always wanted to do it too…
What:
Natural History Museum
Where:
Exhibition Row, South Kensington, London
Why:
London is among the most historical cities in the world (Rome, Paris, Barcelona, etc.) Their exhibits ought to be amazing!
What:
Hadrian’s Wall
Where:
Northern England
Why:
If we still have the time, I’d love to see “the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.” Think Great Wall of China, but a bit smaller and older. Not much of it remains these days, however the remnants are still evident. It used to mark the northernmost territory of the Roman Empire when Octavian declared Pax Romana. Later, Emperor Hadrian ordered this wall built to protect against the wild north.
What:
Stay in a castle, any castle!
Where:
Anywhere!
Why:
Seriously… who asks the question “So, why do you want to stay in a castle?”
What:
Scottish National War Memorial
Where:
Edinburgh, Scotland
Why:
If there’s still time, I’d love to see it. I have heard amazing accounts of this place. It is an amazing War Museum, housing the names of Scots who have fought and died in World War I and World War II as well as conflicts that followed. It is a constant reminder of the tragic costs of war as well as the reasons we fight these battles.
English Souvenirs of Choice
For the Ladies:
Tea set. Why not get one from a land famous for its tea time? A genuinely British tea set would be an excellent conversational piece as well as a classy way to advertise your travels in the isles, not to mention it simply goes hand in hand with that Earl Grey you have brewing. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon!
For the Gents:
A Smoking Pipe, think Sherlock Holmes… I believe this would make a quintessentially English trinket or keepsake. Small enough to travel with and totally awesome when we get to sit in a cigar bar and smoke while reading the London Times and having a Johnny Walker Blue, neat, of course. Cheerio!
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