The Royal Wedding... A destination trip to London and Windsor, U.K.

London
I had been to the city before, maybe four years ago, and was a tad disappointed to say the least. I felt I was treated poorly and perhaps an unwanted tourist in the city. Outside of a couple experiences with locals who invited me to dinner and a sweet visit to the Princess Diana memorial park, I had previously stated, I would never return to this dreadful city.
I was wrong.
I am so glad I gave a second chance. I met nothing but lovely people. The weather was strikingly beautiful. I felt welcomed by everyone I came into contact with. I don't know if it was the climate of the wedding itself, or the good weather, or perhaps, just time, but London gave me the face everyone has talked about in the past that I had not yet been able to experience.

The green room, The Portobello Hotel

Portobello Hotel

I stayed at The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill which has a wonderful reputation. Quite a few celebrities, as well as at least one royal, have stayed there. It presents as a bed and breakfast. It's luxuriously quaint, as it sits on a side street, almost hidden from the public view. It is lovely inside and out. The rooms were lush. The gardens in the rear were green and beautiful. The setting was right out of a travelogue.
The staff was cheerful and generous. They were extremely helpful from check-in, to instructions on local directions, and activities. They made me feel very welcome and treated me with respect and kindness. It really does make a difference and change the feel of your trip when your hosts act as if they truly want you there for your visit and care about your stay.

I visited some traditional pubs, had fish and chips, drank Guinness with friends and found myself wanting to experience more. The famous Piccadilly Circus and Paddington Station were two of the high traffic places I would have normally avoided, but the energy was fantastic. The crowds were peaceful and good, and there was no fear of negative interaction which has unfortunately deterred me from going many places in America lately. I felt safe and un-threatened and truly enjoyed every minute of every day in the U.K.

The crowded shopping areas were fairly calm as people milled about minding their business and enjoying the day. I just had to remind myself to look right when crossing the street! Even the climate on the crowded tubes was pleasant and extremely tolerable.





Windsor


The city of Windsor is quaint and filled with boutiques, pubs and restaurants. It is quite touristy but small and unassuming. There are hidden B and B's all over the town and even a university right in the center of town

The grounds outside Windsor Castle were filled with the self-invited guests, and tourists from around the globe. We came from far and wide to celebrate the historic moment of the Royal wedding between the younger son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and the American actress, Meghan Markle.
It was a moment to watch history in the making. But also, a moment to revel in love.Everyone loves a great love story with the happiest of endings. The locals were happy to fill in the visitors on how this wedding was so much different from event of the past; the rules of the royal family. One of the B and B owners shared the entire history of how royal spouses were chosen and accepted into the family, and how pleased the people were to see some of the outdated rules overlooked for this union. The celebration by the people, us, was the best part of the event. We brought the energy of all who wanted to see this union which offers hope, not just for love but for the world to change for the positive.

The wedding

The view of the screens showing the wedding inside

The crowd exceeded over one hundred forty thousand people gathered in the small city of Windsor to witness this historic event. Yet unlike many events which require armed police and high security, and hours of lines in and out of the venue, this event was sophisticated and calm. The crowds moved gaily into the venue, mostly respectful of others space. From tee shirts and shorts, to fascinators and wide brimmed social hats, everyone acted with decency. It was a family friendly event and even the children seemed on their best behavior even though waiting for hours to witness the Queen, her grandson and his future bride.

We arrived hours before the wedding ceremony began to secure the best viewing spot for the post-ceremony procession down the long walk. There were screens positioned outside the Castle grounds where the thousands of visitors could watch the ceremony that was happening just inside the gates. After the ceremony, those of us lined up alongside the procession drive were able to witness the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they formally made their way through the community. It was a well known tradition and readily received by all who had traveled for this moment. The day had an air of joy which included dancing in the streets and many many celebratory parties afterwards.

Introducing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

L'Interessante Montreal

House of Jazz

Montreal is world renown as a true international city. Revered for their food, art and as an international community, Montreal presents itself as sophisticated. As a true foodie and artist, I looked forward to visiting this ever-hot city. It also offered me the chance to practice my French.

Travelling to Montreal brought me one step closer to my full Canadian experience. Since last summer, I have been making my way across Canada trying on each city like new heels I may like to own. I loved the laid back, seaside lifestyle of Victoria, B.C. I thought Vancouver was subtly the best city I have ever loved, with their stunning downtown. North Vancouver reminded me so much of Colorado, I looked at real estate. Very livable for me.

downtown eateries/ breweries

Montreal is reputed the foodie and international scene of the Canadian territories. The bi-lingual city offers an immediate feeling of culture and a savvy pretense.
The Francophiles here are prominent and English is the second language spoken in Montreal.
I visited in the winter, so the music, and social feel of the city were low-key. There were many venues,but not many were open or had much going on while I visited. Even the restaurants seemed to have limited hours, even on the weekends, most places were not open until lunch or dinner. This is surprising for a town known for their food.
Again, I attributed this to the season and the brutal snow and ice. (note: there were many signs "Danger: Chute de Glace" warning of ice falling from the rooftops in downtown. This is a serious warning, and the melting ice chunks could kill you.)

I was able to find poutine despite the limited hours of available restaurants. If you are not familiar with poutine, it is similar to cheese curds smothered in a delicious gravy.
Hearty, comfort food, perfect for the weather. Canada is known for it's poutine and it was mmm mmm good.

underground transit

This is a walk-able city, yet equipped with a transit system that is exemplary. It was extremely easy to get around downtown and to other outlying areas.
I felt extremely safe taking the train or the bus as well as walking around the area downtown.

The beauty of the city of Montreal is partially due to the mixture of old and new. The architecture and streets went from cobblestone and quaint brick buildings to charming townhouses and trendy, hip streets with wine shops and hookah bars. This mix gives the allure of a European city with New World values. It is interesting to move between the two concepts from street to street. Respecting the old but having access to the new. 

A true urban mecca on some level. Yet, actually meeting people, or more so the level of friendliness was unfortunately not what I have experienced in other Canadian cities. Montreal is far more urban, with a big city feel even though it is an extremely small city. Not much warmth between tourists and locals. Montreal wears the attitude of some of the up and coming American cities that have found sudden popularity. Cities like Denver and Austin, for example, that used to be chill and became popular with new microbreweries, live music and wonderful eateries - now these cities are filled with transplants who think they are adding to the energy when in fact they are sucking it dry, not adding anything...at all.

McGill University, Montreal

With McGill University located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the university atmosphere lends an air of intellectualism which may also add to some of the pretense of the city. The campus itself is very laid back and extremely quiet. I visited one of the bookstores on campus, expecting a campus buzz. You know that feeling, when you are surrounded by people whose minds are open to learning something, anything new? It was super quiet, nondescript even. I was able to purchase a book, grab a coffee, and sit and read in a surreal peace.
The university is a beautifully succinct campus, even though smack dab in the center of this metropolis.

The historic architecture is extremely interesting. I do not which I was more intrigued by; the old historic buildings with the history of Montreal depicting the standing culture of the city, or the newer architectural projects which have been introduced. Montreal has very innovative architects and scientists changing the scope of architecture, as well as science. It is fascinating.

downtown Montreal

 I happened upon a wedding at the Cathedral Notre Dame the weekend we arrived. It was so striking to see the wedding party dressed to the nines entering this beautiful cathedral. The processional was nothing but respectful of this historical building and the vows this couple chose to take here. The attendees of the wedding also quietly entered the building with the divine love and respect for the couple as well as the history that was being made in the building they were entering.

Notre Dame

Montreal Bio-dome

 There were two buildings I needed to see. I am always interested in the ecosystems of other countries, and had researched the Bio-dome prior to this trip. It is interesting to witness the future forward thinking shown in the design(s) and the concepts regarding the future of our populations and the environment. The Montreal Bio-dome was the first place I wanted to visit. I am completely impressed with the technology and potential for a more eco-friendly world.

The second structure was built by an Israeli/ Canadian architect named Moshe Safdie. Habitat 67 was originally designed as a thesis project. The intent was to project a housing development for overpopulated, fast growing, urban cities with a design that allowed for more of a suburban feel. The development(s) would include gardens and allow for more unit by unit privacy by the multi-tiered design. Still a brilliant idea, even if considered a failed experiment in Montreal due to the end price point for each unit.



Montreal is beyond interesting. I hope I get the chance to revisit the city again soon to appreciate more of the offerings of this diverse and intuitive hot spot.

Sweet Thailand; Bangkok and Ko Phi Phi

Bangkok and Ko Phi Phi

Talk about a ‘round the world experience. I traveled from Washington D.C. to Abu Dhabi, to Sri Lanka, to Bangkok. That was my trip itinerary on the way to my destination. On the way back, I came from Ko Phi Phi to Phuket, to Beijing, to Washington D.C.. Literally, all the way around the circumference of the globe. There were so many things I took in during this trip. I soaked in all the customs, of every country I touched. I was also acutely aware of the customs of countries who are not especially fond of Americans, or who still treat women as second tier citizens. I was conscious of the clothing I wore in many of the cities I passed through. There were even times I did not speak aloud, aware of the political climate, in fact hiding any premise that I was American. Even in Thailand, I noticed the looks and vulgar comments I overheard from a few groups of Arab, and Russian men. I never forgot to be vigilant about my own personal safety. 

Thailand is safe and beautiful. The locals are lovely. Other tourists were more on my radar as potential safety risks, especially when traveling solo.

I was also aware of the anti-homo sexual perception I noticed towards my friends, by other tourists. As friendly and beautiful the country of Thailand is, I noticed repeatedly the intolerance of other visitors. Tourists bringing their bias and hate to other countries. It is always shocking for me to witness other visitors acting ugly outside of their homeland.

I did think about my safety moreso on this adventure than I have in the last twenty years traveling solo. I questioned, was it the country and the element it attracts, or the climate of the world that has changed so direly?

Tuk Tuk for hire

downtown Bangkok

Upon arrival into Bangkok, I was immediately surprised and impressed with the city itself. It is contemporary and boasts a world competitive sky line. It resembles any typical city in the U.S. I expected more flat, and congested areas similar to Bali. That said, the buildings were beautiful and modern. The street traffic was no more busy than any other industrial city.

Traffic, busy sidewalks and skyscrapers line the downtown area. I did notice traditional items that one would not expect to see in a busy city, like Tuk Tuk’s for hire and street vendors with unique fruits and liquor. But, hey, thinking of places like Las Vegas and New Orleans, this was also just unique to this city.

I met my friends here, and we stayed in a hotel central to the New Years eve activities at the city center. The hotel was beautiful and provided high end amenities and full service in regards to NYE activities. We spent quite a bit of time on the rooftop pool deck and even retreated there after midnight on New Years to keep the party going.

We visited a popular and well known temple, the Grand Palace. We found mainstream tourist activities in an attempt to have a well rounded experience even though we were specifically there to celebrate the New Year.

 

Once we moved on to Ko Phi Phi, we had more of a traditional experience with the locals of Thailand. We were able to experience numerous islands and bays via longboat rides.  The sunrises and sunsets were spectacular and the locals were inviting and friendly. The food was everything I anticipated and I enjoyed every drop of Tom Gah soup I was lucky enough to slurp. Even in the 100 degree heat, the delicious soup was a daily staple of my diet.

nighttime on Ko Phi Phi

The walks along the beach at night time were calm and peaceful. The ocean would roll out just long enough to travel up and down the beach for dinner and make it back to your resort before high tide came in. The resorts were well lit, and even the back roads between resort and village had decent lighting if you stayed on the road.
It is actually quite romantic on the side of the island I stayed on, which is completely opposite the area near Tonsai pier which I understand is where the more aggressive partying takes place.

Phi Phi sunrise

longboat at sunrise

My morning walks allowed me to witness sunrise and see the island before the tourists piled out on to the beaches and roads. I appreciated the quiet moments between myself and the universe, allowing me time to center myself and connect. I find time to inhale the earth's gifts and reflect. Many times this is where I find peace for the day. I generally do not make resolutions, but in 2018 I do want to reflect more, learn to meditate effectively and maybe practice yoga a bit. We'll see. I got a great head start in Thailand.

I was able to explore the jungle and the beach, hike the mountains and walk out into the ocean during low tide. Everything I imagined was met and exceeded. To say the island was beautiful is an understatement. The island is lush and I tried to soak in every moment knowing I would probably never travel this far for vacation ever again.

Some of the beaches were so overcrowded it made me sick to be a tourist, and part of the over abundance. It made me really aware of my footprint and conscious of what impression we make when traveling. I watched an entire boat of Europeans screaming and jumping in the quiet swim bay as we made our way to "The Beach" which Leonardo DiCaprio made famous. I thought two things: I did not want to get off the boat and participate in this vulgar display of tourism, and the premise of the movie may have had a solid point. This was the only day, besides arriving at the tremendously chaotic and over crowded Tonsai pier, that I would have preferred stay in my bungalow. If you have ever been to Waikiki Beach, this was twice as bad.

I rarely give unsolicited advice on travel, but please be aware of your footprint, and respect this earth.

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“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” -Henry Miller