Covid Testing in the UK

July 9, 2022July 5, 2022 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

I lied, actually I forgot… Prior to Windsor Castle had to get Covid tested as testing was mandatory for ship entry within a 72 hour time frame, so had to hussle. From London was headed on a cruise, stay tuned. Finding a place near the hostel in the early morning hours was a data mining nightmare doing this from the US, but I prevailed locating a pharmacy inside a grocery store 3 miles from the hostel. Bus transport was convenient so was on my way…

Read the Metro from the bus kiosk for entertainment while waiting for store opening. For a laugh..

Babies given rubber bottles are likely to have a rubber fetish
The Queen’s 1947 wedding cake slice in its original box is up for auction
Japanese scientists have developed a way to cover a robotic finger with skin
And my favorite – unions urging increase in nursing pay for their “miserly wages” – like that is going to happen..

Upon completing the Metro the Sainsbury grocery opened. Since the pharmacy was not ready for me I explored the store finding clothing, liquor/wine, and other amenities available besides the traditional food stuffs. Just like US!

Once the pharmacy opened a friendly pharmacist swabbed the nose then waiting on pins and needles for 10 minutes received welcome news. The pharmacist steered me to the appropriate bus and train station and I was on my way to Windsor.

WHEW…. Never have I known negative to be such a positive..

Arrival at London Destination

July 8, 2022July 5, 2022 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Was unsure of the hostel location upon arrival at the train stop, however, once again friendly Londoners came through with directions. Locating the hostel entry was also problematic as it was a small door next to a rock music venue. While this location was a bit daunting I went with the flow and ventured forth.

With hostels one never knows what to expect, however, staff are always knowledgeable about transportation, friendly, patient, and guests insightful. The Expedia flight included three free nights at the hostel so who can argue with free room in London for 3 nights? As predicted the hostel manager was amazing with his assist, and even carried my bag to the 4th floor. What more could a girl ask for?

Upon entry to the room I introduced myself to three other women from New Zealand and South Korea. They gave me the lay of the land, some cell phone assist, and foretold the nightly rock music till 3 am. Instructions received I quickly unpacked and arranged the items needed for the next day as each of the 3 days included a 6 am departure to my destinations. Once out and about found the area safe with grocery stores and restaurants. Since I had been diagnosed with lactose intolerance within the month, (another blog), purchased orange juice, and relied on the hostel offering of bananas for my daily breakfast.

The welcomed ATM – unsure why anyone uses the airport cash transaction windows? Enlighten me.

Upon hostel return I showered in a clean bathroom, and made my way to the upper level bunk bed. While the music probably did last till 3 am exhaustion prevailed and surprisingly I slept.

Tomorrow: Windsor Palace

Air Europa from JFK to Madrid to Gatwick

July 7, 2022July 5, 2022 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Was impressed with Air Europa. Staff pleasant, plane comfortable, and good entertainment on board. Price was phenomenal. Stop over was Madrid Airport which was a clean airport with amenities. Didn’t find too many who spoke English, but with hand signals, and smiles I found my way. And of course this Ugly American could have learned a few phrases prior to the trip but I didn’t, shame on me. Guess I’m still traumatized from the time I tried this in an unnamed country, and the gal at the train desk took my book out of my hand and threw it at me… While I say ha! ha! at the time it was quite unnerving.. Enough.. We all have bad days.

The pictures…

Nice to see a B and J machine in Spain, and who knows you may have time to get your nails done. Never saw a venue quite like this at an airport.. But the best – the kid bathroom with the toilet. How sweet..

Gatwick Airport

Had thought I was going to Heathrow from Madrid but realized last minute I was landing at Gatwick. Decided not to fret, and all worked out swimmingly as the Brits would say… Once in the airport there was a gal at the desk about my age who had patience giving me a ticket along with a print out of all my connections for the hour train ride.

Quick walk to trains from my gal pal’s perch..

London trains are like Washington DC, you need to scan your ticket as you enter and leave the train station.

Train cars are clean and pleasant – what an enjoyable ride.

And don’t forget to pick up a Metro for the ride. Didn’t realize these were worldwide..

Stay Tuned: Tomorrow see where I land…

NYC: TV Shows, Plays, Plays

July 6, 2022July 5, 2022 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Have returned from my travels, and took awhile to reconstruct the journey. While much fun it was exhausting, and my health is of concern. Wrote the Cummer Museum blog yesterday – wasn’t it sublime?? Did this as a dry run as WordPress has once again changed photo entry. If you’ve read anything of me you are aware I am a tech nincompoop, and have no 5 year old to help. Can’t follow the word press classes, so will be hanging up my skates after reporting of this journey. That said, enjoy the ride.

Daisies are my favorite flower… oh, come on HUMOR ME!!

New York City at the Tamron Hall Show…

Since I had an extra day, and no play available, sought out the television shows for entertainment. Was on a waiting list for Trevor Noah but decided to forego, and went with the certain seat at Tamron Hall. What a delight she is, and good at her game. While not a fan of her guest, Bobby Brown, it was nice to see he has his life on track with a new wife, family, book, and a show. His fans in the audience adored him, so I remained mum.

If you are stuck with nothing to see/do in NYC on a Monday, try the tv shows. To get an official “spot” you need to apply a month early, but, you could be lucky. It’s fun to see how the shows operate, and you meet nice folks in line. Caution: for winter visits dress warm as the wait in line (outside), can be an hour or more..

PLAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This play was so funny that I missed half of it laughing so hard at the other half. The women in the cast were phenomenal, and the play was written by some gal in her late 20’s who definitely has a future. It is a short run so unsure if it’s still on but if you have the chance – GO!

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Who doesn’t love Billy Crystal???????? He is an American treasure, and in this play he reigns supreme. Great performances, funny, and a happy ending. What more can I say?

New York you never let me down…

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

July 5, 2022 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Visited Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, recently to view the Rockefeller Asian Exhibit . Have not been in several years, and it is a museum which is not to be missed. The Cummer’s were involved in lumber and banking. They had one child who died in infancy, and upon Mr. Cummer’s death, Mrs. Cummer spent her remaining 15 years acquiring art, and leaving their lovely property as a museum for future generations to enjoy.

The Museum sits on the beautiful St. Johns River in Jacksonville. The Cummer Home was raised to build the Museum, however, one room from their former home remains.

The Museum, opened for 60 years has been upgraded recently. Rooms are available for events at a reasonable cost as are the gardens for weddings. There are fundraising events throughout the year with music, picnics, and dinners. Admission is reasonable, and there are many free times for visit.

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The first collection viewed was movie posters. Prior to Hollywood, Florida had a movie industry. Many of those in these roles were African American, and the studio buildings are still standing. Interesting, and perhaps some day these will be open as museum in Jacksonville as well?

The Posters..

The Cummer has one of the World’s three most important collections of Meissen Porcelain. Collector Ralph H. Wark, of Berlin, moved to St. Augustine in his later years with his sister. He donated his 700 piece collection to the Cummer. This collection survived the World War II bombings.

The American Classics

While not an American, Andy Warhol’s, Mao

Eastman Johnson, Servant’s Hall at Mount Vernon. The Cummer’s were involved with the African American community and worked to improve their lives.

The Asian Art Collection – this Rockefeller Collection is on display through September. If you have a chance it is a must see. Rare to see these artifacts in such excellent condition.