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Safe in loving arms again of family and friends! Glad to be back. This is the last post so don't bother checking in again! Contact my cell or message me on Facebook if you wanna hang out and catch up:)

Seafood by the Sea

We had a great day in Alnwick and around the castle. I took Kari on a tour of the state rooms and also showed her the Alnwick Gardens. This evening we spent with Richard and Carol out in Low Newton. We took a nice coastal walk before having an incredible lobster dinner at the Ship. We brought some flower and Rice Krispy treats for them. At the end of the meal, I presented them with a small handwritten cookbook of some of my favorite dishes. It's really the perfect gift for them as they love to cook. Overall, it's been a most wonderful day:) 

Garden Picnic

Our stunning view last night. I love Northumbrian sunsets! One of the many things I will miss...

We had a wonderful time at the church picnic this afternoon. The food was delightful and the weather was sunny. At the end, Kari and I were given a farewell card. How thoughtful of them. Going to St. Michael's during my stay in Alnwick has been such a blessing to me. It's amazing how many great relationships I have built with the locals. Going home means joy in reuniting with family and friends but I am also leaving loved ones behind in Alnwick. 

Tonight, Kari and I made pans of rice crispy bars as gifts for some close friends of mine. Just a small way to show a big thank you. 

At the castle

Here we are back in my old home! Chris and Mary picked us up from the station and had us over for tea. Now, we are getting settled in! It's great to be back in Alnwick! 

Bath, Salisbury, and Stonehedge

We had our bus tour out to western England. We toured the Roman Baths, Salisbury Cathedral, and Stonehenge. It was a great day out and our tour guides were excellent. After returning to London, we took our final evening walk from Victoria to Leicester Square. 

Tomorrow, we are seeing the British Museum, Regents Park, and Finsbury Park before leaving at Kings Cross Station mid afternoon. 

A World City

We split up for the morning as I had my Royal Opera House tour while Kari viewed the Crown Jewels and Tower of London. Then, we met up and went for a 4 hour walk from Tower Bridge along Southwark, over to St. Paul's, to Trafalgar Square, through the Mall and Hyde Park. We attended evening song at Westminster Abbey. Afterward, we went on another long walk in the warm, breezy evening before eating near Piccadilly Circus. Another fine day in a great city! Did I mentioned how much I love London?:) 

London:)

Arriving in London was great and I had no need of a map! I know this place like the back of my own hand. I was bursting with happiness as I gave Kari a tour around Westminster despite our lack of sleep. Kari and I booked the last two tickets for touring the Royal Opera House/Royal Ballet. Kari had her tour today and I have mine tomorrow morning. While she was there, I toured the Household Cavalry, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The temperature was great and we did a lot of walking around through St. James' Park to Buckingham Palace. We also attended evening prayer at St. Margaret's. Our hostel is quite far from the central part of London but its easily accessible via the underground. Plus, paying 60 pounds for three nights in London for two people is an amazing deal! There is even breakfast included! We are excited about tomorrow's activities and I am just re-falling in love with London all over again:) 

Enjoying the view from Nelson's Column!

My washed out but happy face:) 

Versailles

After so many miles of walking yesterday, we slept in until 8am! By noon, we were enjoying the Musical Gardens of Versailles! They were so extensive and beautiful. Later on, we toured the palace which was equally impressive in extravagance. 

Last night, we took a night bus from Paris to London. So, we are very tired today as we didn't get much sleep. Thank goodness for coffee. In just one week we will be leaving for the states. It's exciting to be able to show Kari all London has to offer before heading to Alnwick for a final goodbye on Saturday. 

Paris

Left our hotel before 8 am and came back at midnight. We had a full day exploring Paris. We visited Notre Dame, toured the Louve, sat in gardens, walked for miles, and took in the Eiffel Tower by nightfall. I would love to go into more detail, but I am just far too exhausted!