Day 2- Salisbury and Stonehenge

Today was another beautiful sunny day in the United Kingdom. We traveled to the historic site of Stonehenge. Even in the 21st century those rocks are still a mystery. Some things are meant to be a mystery and I guess that is one of them. It was an awesome site to see.

Our taxi drivers have been amusing and educational. The morning driver schooled us on the different flowers along the way. The pretty purple flowers that we have been wondering about are rhododendrons.

He even told us that kids here are the same as at home. They do not apply themselves in school and graduate uneducated!

Another mode of transportation around here is the train. Being at the right station at the right time on the right platform is quite a trick. Plus, you never know when they might choose to change the platform you are departing from. You can not be slow and you must "mind the gap". Not minding the gap could result in loss of limb and/or life! So......we "mind the gap" as we are loading the train. Some trains move very fast and come up by you on the wrong side of the tracks......just a little unnerving, to say the least!

After Stonehenge, we toured the Salisbury Cathedral. This building houses one of the four copies of the Magna Carta. Donations are accepted from the general public to help with repairs and general upkeep of the building. I appreciate the fact that people want to preserve this building that was built during the years of 1220 -1258. As we stood and looked at this architechtural beauty we were awed by the fact that it still stands today.

We found a tomb in the cathedral of a man by the name of Alex R. Forcyth who could easily be one of our forefathers.

This adventure is turning out to be quite an eyeopening experience! I am loving every minute of it.

I can't wait until the next international trip. We hope it is going to be Italy!

Day 1 - From Houston to London

Day 1 is spent traveling to London. Beth and Peggy drove to Kathy's house on Friday. Mary flew to Houston Sunday and spent the day with David - our oldest brother. We all meet at the Houston International Airport. Ready, set, go! And by the way, this is Beth's first flight!

Our seats are jumbled in Continental's computer. But, our fearless leader Gary persuades the ticket agent to put us at least in close proximity to each other. Finally seated and take off! Beth is sitting behind Mary and Peggy. We did warn the gentleman sitting next to her! He states that "this plane is too big to fail," and Beth reminds him that is what they said about the Titanic! One scream from Beth, and we are off!

It was a long night. Some sleep, some eat, and others watch movies. We watch the sunrise over Iceland. What a beautiful sight! Finally, we land. Smooth landing, Yea! Off the plane and on to baggage claim. All of our luggage is miraculously here!!! Yea, again! Through Border Patrol, customs, and into the waiting taxi.

Most American's have a very distinct picture of "taxi." Not in the UK! WE cram 5 adults, a bunch of luggage, and a taxi driver into a VERY SMALL VAN taxi. Whew! All are fine, except for Kathy. She doesn't ride backward very well! Oh, yeah! But, we arrive at Gary's house.

A wonderful nap for all!!! Wow, what a day. England is very beautiful and green. After our naps, we walk through the park across the street from Gary's house. Geese, geese, and baby geese! So sorry we can't feed you - no bread! Then, off to the grocery store. Now, we call a cab to come and carry the four of us to the market. Whew. Kamikaze taxi driver! Hold on girls....Thankfully, the market is close to Gary's house. Buy groceries, and home again. What a great treat - Gary has cooked dinner for us while we shop. Pork chops, mash, and broad British beans. Yum Yum!

Can't wait until tomorrow - on to Stonehenge!

Who are the SBGs?

We are the SBGs. We are four sisters - Peggy, Beth, Kathy, and Mary. We were all raised in south Mississippi, and life has taken us to Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and occassionally the four corners of this great world. Four years ago, Mary (aka baby sister) decided that if we didn't make some effort to invest in each other's lives and to really get to know each other, we would waiste precious years and not know each other very well. So, our first trip was planned. We called these our "Sister Weekends." Much to the dismay of many our our children and other relatives, we spent our first weekend together in Destin, FL. We decided to celebrate our birthdays together. A birthday cake was purchased and so began the tradition. Each year since, a different sister has picked and planned where we go and what we do. We have visited Destin, the Texas hill country, and Natchez, MS. This year we are in London, England. That's right, we are in the UK!!! We have created this blog to share with family and friends our travels in England. We hope you enjoy!!!