Minding the gap

This picture from Mark on Flickr is interesting on a couple of levels. First, it shows how close a Londoner will stand to the speeding Underground trains, and how routine the commuting experience is for them (note the yawner on the left). Second, it reminds me how interesting and pervasive the Underground signage is. This photo includes a poster showing a Beowulf-era helmet from the British Museum - part of an exhibit Ms. Isbell is dying to see!

London at night

That isn't the US Capitol dome you see at the other end of the Millenium Bridge across the River Thames. It's the building that probably inspired it: St. Paul's Cathedral (of big doors fame, see post below). We'll visit it in the daytime. This photo was made late at night after we watched a Shakespeare play at the New Globe Theatre.

Everybody loves liquid

As mentioned in a previous post (below) there are strict new rules about carrying on liquids. This link has all the info. The photo at right is an example of the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3 ounces or less in 1 ziplock-type bag with a 1-quart capacity.

Also - see this link for a complete list of things you can/can't carry on or check. Remember, NO KNIVES may be carried on.

ELECTRICAL ANSWERS

Power outlets in the UK use a different style plug than the USA and the current it 220 volts - not 120 volts. The simplest way to handle the power conversion is to make sure that your charger, hair dryer, or curling iron is a dual voltage model. With dual voltage applicances all you need is the little plug at the right.

Dual voltage appliances automatically adjust to the higher voltage. This is how you can tell if your equipment is dual voltage: it will say 120/240 volts somewhere on the appliance. The label may be a sticker or it may be molded into the item. Most chargers and AC power adapters for electronic equipment produced in the last few years are dual voltage. Make sure by checking the label! You can get the adapter plugs locally but it may be cheaper to mail order them from the source above. Most adapter kits you buy locally will have both Euro and UK plugs and will cost about $10. You only need the UK plug for this trip. The one mentioned above is $4 plus shipping. You may want to buy two or combine an order with another tripper to save on shipping.

If your appliances are not dual voltage you'll need a power converter - not just a plug. The problem is that these converters are heavy (about one pound) and expensive (up to $40), and they don't always work properly. It may be cheaper to just buy a new dual voltage hair dryer. Target has one for only $15.

If in doubt about power conversion, do your own research. Damage can result to your AC-powered stuff if you get it wrong. You shouldn't necessarily trust my advice on this one!

This link has a detailed discussion of power conversion.

Carrying on

"Some luggage sold as suitable for airline carry-on exceeds all airline size limits.Know what you can and can't carry on to your flight in advance." - The Travel Insider

What can you carry on the airplane? Most travelers will check some luggage, but everyone will carry on something. Here's the best information I have about carry-on luggage:

You are allowed to carry on one piece of carry-on luggage plus a "personal item". The most important thing to know about your carry-on luggage is that it should be 22" x 14" x 9" or smaller. The bag must fit in the plane's overhead storage compartment. Odd shapes or overstuffed bags can cause problems. If in doubt, measure your luggage. Don't trust the label in the store - measure it.

The personal item can be a briefcase, camera bag, handbag, purse, small shoulder bag, laptop (in carry bag), other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension, reading matter, small book-bag style backpack, or umbrella. The personal item will need to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane.

Learn more about carry-ons here.

(JUST IN: The eBags Weekender Convertible (pictured above) is on sale from eBags.com for $49.99 with free shipping. This the bag I took last time and I paid $60 for mine. This bag (which converts to a backpack) does not have wheels. Why would you want a suitcase without wheels? Well, they're more space efficient, more flexible which means they'll fit it tight spaces better, and you can move more quickly with the bag on your shoulder or your back - especially on stairs or rough pavement. This bag is the maximum legal carry-on size. It will not fit under the airplane seat. It must be stowed in the overhead compartment.)

Remember - unlike checked luggage - carry-on luggage is never lost or delayed. The best case scenario is getting all your stuff in your carry-on. Then you know you haven't brought too much. Even if you are checking luggage you should put some of your essential toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage doesn't reach England as quickly as you do. This link from the Transportation Safety Adminstration describes what sort of liquids you can carry on and how they have to be stored. PLEASE read this information; it could save you a lot of hassle.

Looooooooong Days

One of the great things about visiting England and Scotland in the early summer is that the days are very long. Because you're so much further north of the equator than we are here in Tennessee the sun sets very late and rises very early. These pictures were made in Edinburgh, Scotland between 10 and 11PM if my memory can be trusted. I just checked a weather website and on our last day in Edinburgh this year the sun will RISE at 4:32AM and SET at 9:52PM, It stays light until past 11PM if it's clear. Yes, those are in sheep in the foreground of one photo. Last time we stayed on the banks of the Firth of Forth (the bay that comes into Edinburgh from the North Sea) which is where these pictures were made . We probably won't be as near the water next time, but we should catch a glimpse of the sea while in Edinburgh. By the way, EDINBURGH is pronounced Edin-burra, not Edin-berg.

Shambling

The Shambles is a street in York that dates from medieval times - it's mentioned in the Domesday Book which makes it at least 900 years old. The buildings shown here date from the 1400's. The unique thing about them is how each story hangs out further than the one below until the buildings on the two sides of the street nearly touch. Can anyone guess why? This street is so famous it has its own website.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

The pictures above show the temperature extremes we can expect: Sweater, scarf, and jacket weather in Scotland, and shorts weather in London (notice Walt, Jesse, and chase - and the LOOK LEFT warning). What temperatures should we expect on the trip? Our last trip in May/June 2005 was atypically hot. If the averages hold we should be looking at lows in the mid 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Last time we were in the 80's for the southern part of our trip and it was a bit warm. In Scotland it should run 5-10 degrees cooler: we might see lows in the mid 40's and highs around 60. Wind and rain are probably also more likely in the north. Remember, if checking websites about the weather, they use Celsius, not Fahrenheit. 12-20 Celsius equals 53-68 Fahrenheit. I'll post more links for weather averages and temperature converters.

What does this mean? It means pack a jacket or sweater. A hat and even gloves might be helpful in Scotland if you're cold natured. Pack a small umbrella if your jacket isn't waterproof, too.

Check out this quote from a travel message board:

"I've lived in Scotland for the last 3 years, and all I can say about their summer weather is that it encompasses all seasons, sometimes within one month! I've had to bundle up in woolly sweaters and jackets in July, but I've also seen the temps spike to a 'heatwave' which is what most Americans would call normal summer weather! It rarely gets above the high 70s in Scotland in summertime, and it can get quite chilly especially at night or when a fog rolls in (ah, the haar...)

If it gets above 75 fahrenheit the Brits tend to declare a heatwave, but that's not to say they don't get the real thing once in a blue moon...temps this past summer were extremely high down in London, but only got into the mid to high 80s in Scotland.

I don't know how long you'll be there for or what you'll be doing, but I'd count on packing at least one of each of the following: heavy wool sweater, jeans, shorts/skirt. And of course many layers of various weights and sleeve lengths!"