Cancun December 2007

What a trip. We have returned to the cold north from the sunny and warm south. With just a week in the sun....one can forget what waits at home. That is until you open the door to leave the airport. COLD! We spent a wonderful week in Cancun. Tom was attending a continuing medical conference and I was just there for the sun. He got just a little sunburned and I got just a little shopping. I finally got to Chickn Itza. It is a Mayan city in the jungle. Took about a 2 hour bus trip but it was worth it. The only thing that spoiled the trip was all the 'junk sellers' that have been allowed onto the grounds. You can not get away from them and they are everywhere. But looking around them it is a beautiful place. There is still work going on and there are places that show what it looked like when it was discovered.

As you can see from the pictures....The ocean was a wonderful aqua to deep blue. It was a great get-a-way and just what we needed.

London ~ Big Ben

Finally, some time to sit. I think that I have figured out how to get some basic things done on this. So, now for some pictures of London.

You can't go to London without seeing Big Ben. (And having your picture taken.) The 330 foot clock tower of the Parliament building is actually named for the 13 ton bell. There is a light above that is lit when the House of Commons is sitting. The best place to take a picture is actually half way across Westminster Bridge.
This is also the location of the first official 'round about'. Something to see and experiance as it is where the roads meet...but in a round way. No intersection. And can be very confusing.

View from park to the back of Blenheim

This is a view of Blenheim from the park. It is a very impressive place. The palace covers 3 acres and 2,000 acre yard. The current Duke still lives in the palace. It is hard to imagine that any one could call this home.

I have been to England a number of times (every six month since Travis and Erica have moved there) and will be putting up some of the pictures and descriptions of the places I have been. I hope that you all enjoy seeing them.

Entrance to the residence-Blenheim Palace

The main entrance is impressive but does not capture the eminence structure.

Hillside of daffodils

Spring can be quite extraordinary.

Clock tower gate-Blenheim Palace

April 2005

The archway beneath the Townsend's clock tower is to the Great Court at Blenheim Palace. This is the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874. It was built by John Vanbrugh for the 1st Duke of Marlborough as a reward for his victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It was built between 1705 and 1722. It is the listed as a World Heritage Site, and is the largest private residence in England. The Eleventh Duke and family are the current residents.

just starting

Just starting and having to learn as I go. I hope to add things that you might find interesting and to keep you informed about our travels and life. L