My husband and I traveled to the United Kingdom in July to explore the roots of our O’Dell – Campbell union. We didn’t find out much about the O’Dells while in Ireland but the Campbells are rather well known in Scotland. I brought home a suitcase of souvenirs, many wonderful memories of the beautiful landscapes and a lingering desire for more of London’s delicious butter!
Vacations are intended to heighten our appreciation for adventure and touring a country across the Atlantic was very exciting. For one thing, sleep is for wimps when you go international. Ten hours on the plane to London and then it was time to board the motor coach for our whirlwind exploration of Great Britain’s many popular tourist attractions: Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Trinity College and Edinburgh Castle. We sailed past Big Ben on the river Thames and sipped a beverage at the Guinness brewery. The Royal Yacht Britannia allowed a peek into the stately living quarters of the two most papped women in England, Queen Elizabeth and Diana, Princess of Wales. We toured historic cathedrals and visited the stables of Ireland’s prized stud farm. And the Waterford crystal factory was the perfect place to purchase a gift to commemorate our son’s and BDIL’s (beautiful daughter-in-law) first year anniversary.
People are surprisingly predictable so the bus stopped regularly for potty breaks and to get something to eat. This part of Europe is known for their fish and chips, which in theory, is similar to our fast food offering of chicken and fries in Texas. The food was very good and the luscious soups served with bread and butter were my favorite meals. Hot tea was always available and the brew was quite refreshing after a long day of sightseeing in the brisk climate of the British Isles.
Forty people banding together for twelve hours a day created a sense of camaraderie and we had a jolly good time getting acquainted with our traveling companions. Our new friends came from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. My husband and I were the lone southerners amongst the east coast travelers from the United States. Everyone on the tour spoke English although; our guide in Scotland said we were the ones with the accent!
The photos reveal that my husband truly captured the joy of the journey with his “portable eye”. His camera, resting on a small tripod, was always with him from one destination to the next and his pictorial overview didn’t miss a thing along the way. Now we are home and his pictures offer a scenic rejuvenation when I long for the beauty of a European countryside.
A New Zealander observed my husband’s camera safari and nicknamed him “the happy snapper”. The moniker describes the intention of our trip very well and provides an incentive for our next vacation – have camera, will travel!
