Yes, our trip is finally winding down. Today was our last day in Brighton and our last official day of vacation in Europe. Tomorrow we take the train to London's Gatwick Hilton. This will give us one day of R & R before our flight back to Atlanta on Friday morning. We had a rather quiet day today, perhaps a little melancholy because it's our last, or maybe because the sun only peeked out occasionally or maybe even because the sky was gray and we were misted ...

Brighton was initially founded in the early 1800's when King George IV decided this spot on the beach would be his personal party place and get-away. He built grand piers, palaces, hotels and great buildings--all in his own honor. And his cronies who wanted to participate in his festivities, built beautiful houses and hotels to enable them to be near his side. Since then, the city has never forgotten that era. It has preserved those buildings and has further d...

The entire city of London needs a sign, "Warning! Under Construction! Detour via Paris!" Everything is torn to bits. New buildings are going up everywhere, and the greater part of the Underground is being expanded, updated and improved--thus, many stations are closed or if open, require treks like military maneuvers to get through or around. Plus, London has 12 million people and who knows how many additional million visitors and tourists trying to use the system...

What a great city, London. It's old as the hills and yet it's always changing, rebuilding and growing. We learned today that London was originally established by the Romans about 400 AD. Remnants of Roman roads have been found and preserved for us to see today--amazing. Yet modern Londoners want their own stamp on the city, thus they've built remarkable landmarks like the Millenium Bridge, the Eye and the new Shard Tower currently under construction. When com...

Another fine, fine day! Once again Edinburgh has cast it's spell with wonderful things to see, engaging people to chat with and rare sunny, breezy, warm weather to enjoy. First things first. We found the post office and put Tessa's birthday present in the mail. Check! With that important job accomplished, we (mainly me) were able to then relax and focus selfishly on us again! We had another unbelievable lunch. It's almost unfathomable. There are so many small r...