Day 18

It seems unbelievable, but day after day, the streets of Whitby are getting more and more crowded. It's really strange. Such a small town and so many people that it's hard to move on the sidewalk.

Another thing I haven't mentioned yet: the number of dogs in this city. Almost everyone walks a dog. It's incredible. And for all the dogs we saw, we only spotted one cat.

Today we done the very tourist attraction: the steam train. The departure was a bit chaotic as the train arrived about 30 minutes late, which left us less time to see the village of Goatland. But in the end, there wasn't that much to see or do. Along the way, we saw several pastures with sheep and goats.  We stop at the Goatland Station for about and hour.

 

After returning to Whitby, our intention was to walk to the end of the second pier, which also leads to a lighthouse. It's another very steep path. I didn't have the energy to go all the way. I'm feeling unusually tired, probably due to the cold and also to all the walking we've done since arriving in Whitby. (And obviously because I get older.)

Tonight we went at Costa Nostra, italian restaurant.  It is surprising to see a restoration of this quality in a village so far removed from a major city. 

And here we are! You can guess that Marcel just said something silly to me again.

Day 17

We thought we had a long walk yesterday… In fact, it was much more longer today.

We start slowly walking on the little streets around our apartment.  The go we went for the 199 steps to the Abbey.  It goes together quite well, with rest stops along the way. The steps were originally made of wood. It was only in 1774 that they were replaced with stones from Sneaton.

It is believed that the 199 steps served as a test of Christian faith for those wishing to pray at St. Mary's Church. Climbing these steps was a demonstration of faithfulness. Once up there, we had a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the port and town of Whitby. We visited the area around the Church of St. Mary and its cemetery, and we visited the famous Abbey, of which only ruins remain, since it was completely destroyed during the First World War.

 

We walked to the very top to enjoy the extraordinary view. We passed by the brewery, but it was too early to taste the beer and have lunch. We came back by another way sloping with a smaller section in steps.

 

We had lunch at the Cornish Pastry and even had a dessert of Ice cream after.  

As the weather is so beautiful, we went for a boat ride before coming back home for a rest in the late afternoon. 

And since we hadn't walked enough yet, we walked to the end of one of the quays.  We like to walk, as you probably guessed.

Tonight we went at trenchers for a marvelous fish and chips. We accompanied the meal with a really good salad, made up of fruits and vegetables. We came back home early. Our legs couldn't take it any more.

Day 16

We slept a very good first night in Whitby. The seagulls didn't even wake Marcel up.  

On the agenda today, it was planned to walk to the golf club for the lunch.  I knew it was a 45 minutes walk (each way) and I knew there would be hills to climb... but I didnT thought it would be so sharp.  I'm sure that we will no longer be able to do this walk in 10 years. 

We walked along the edge of the large beach on the North Sea. Really beautiful, but it's not weather for swimming.  We went up and down stairs and slopes, both on the way there and on the way back.  I guess it helps clear up that bad cold.

The lunch in the country house was pretty good and the view of the green was a delight for Marcel. 

We came back in the middle of the afternoon and took a break at our place.  We got on our feet a little bit later on for a beer at the pub and another walk (we are not soft cookies).

The village is divided into two sides which are joined by a swinging bridge.  We stayed in the older part and it is this part we explore further before going to dinner. I paid attention to the many small shops that sell jewelry adorned with black local stones: jets.

For dinner we went to The Edge, a bistro a little bit french style.  The menu was more french style, but they dont have french wine.  But...  how delicious it was !! I had the duck breast.  It was perfectly cooked.  The gravy and the vegetables was perfect.  Marcel went with the proscetto and porl

k filet.  It was also a delight. 

What is really amazing, is that after all those years together, we laught and still have real pleasure sharing a good meal together.

Day 15

I will continue the blog from Whitby now.

First the travel.  That is something we wont be able to do again as we getting older, that is for sure.  

We started with a walk to Victoria Station, to taked the tube for Kings Cross Station.  It was a labyrinth to use the lifts all the way to the underground.  I think we had to take 4 lifts.  Once at Kings Cross, we also followed our way through the lifts to join the train station.  We wait about 30 minutes and we borded the train to York.  A ride of about 2h.  We had lunch in the train.  

The train was a little bit late so we had to do it fast to catch the train to Scarborough.  Another 1 hour ride.  Then, we got the bus to Whitby.  Another 1 hour ride.  But this ride was so strange. The bus was full of mostly older people who seemed to know each other.  It was like we were in a group of elderly people on a trip.  Strange. 

We arrived in Whitby and found our place easily.  

We had to admit that all the way our thoughts was : I hope this whole journey will be worth it.  Well, It's definitely worth the whole trip. The apartment is very nice and so very well located.  

After settling in, we did a quick grocery shop for lunches, then set off to explore the surrounding area.

For dinner, we went to Magpie Café, the go-to place in Whitby for fish. Delicious!

 

Here are the first photos.

Day 14

 This morning, we went for breakfast at Regency café.  Why not ? It is just in front our house. 

The man who served us was so kind. When we were leaving, Marcel asked him if the Regency Café mugs were for sale. He said no, but if you accept a gift, I'll give you one as a present.  He also gave one to our friends.

France, Pierre and Marcel went to visit Churchill's War Room.  

I stay home to relax and start to organized our luggages.  

They came back home to meet me before lunch.  We went on a very small place (maybe 10 seats)  specialized in sandwichs.  It is called Relish Sandwich Bar.  A cool experience.

After lunch, we took the bus to the Victoria and Albert Museum. I had to go back because I wanted to buy a small gift for Mila's birthday. I'd seen something last week and wanted to show it to Marcel. Unfortunately, it was no longer available. We chose something else, hoping she'd like it.

After a quick visit, we went to Harrods. It's not one of my favorite places, for various reasons, but France was determined to see it… I'd warned her she might be disappointed. There aren't that many things you can buy in that store, and what's affordable isn't all that great for the price.

We came back home for à calm down before going out for supper.  Along her route, France attracted a lot of attention by displaying her "Go Habs Go" pride. Three people stopped her to express their solidarity.

The Flowers Show: Chelsea in Bloom is arise. The Chelsea in Bloom flower festival has begun. This evening, we walked from Sloane Square station to The Jam restaurant, which I wanted to show my friends. Those who have been there before know it's a unique concept with its stacked tables. Truly original, where every space is used to its full potential.

Along the way, walking along Kings Road we saw extraordinary flower displays.  This year's theme is interspace travel.  It was fabulous.

 

 

Où est Charlie ?

Regarding the restaurant, what more can I say than I have said before... It was very good and the service was absolutely friendly.

 

We came back with the bus and walked for awhile to fully enjoy this last evening in London.  

Tomorrow, is day of travel.  France and Pierre are going to Brighton.  Marcel and me, we're going to Whitby. A long journey ahead. But at least there won't be any problems getting to our train, the subway drivers have cancelled the planned strike.

Day 13

 A memorable day!

At first, we were worried about bad weather, but in the end, it was quite lovely.

We went to Regent's Park where we saw lots of families of ducks. So cute!

We had a second coffee in the park.

We went to 7 Cavendish Avenue. Those in the know will understand what that is.

We then went to Abbey Road where France and Pierre took the traditional photo as they crossed this iconic landmark.

Not a drop of rain so far, and even a bit of sunshine.

For lunch, we went to Laville restaurant, right above Regent's Canal. We were lucky enough to be seated in the middle of the large picture window overlooking the canal.

Right next to us was a couple from Quebec. It's funny to be outside central London and meet people like that. Ironically, we were going to take the same boat to Candem. It was a very pleasant meeting.  

The rain chose the moment when we were sheltered to fall. It stopped when we left.

The boat trip was very pleasant. We passed just under the resto where we had lunch.

We didn't stay very long in Camden, but just long enough for France to find some good deals, including a beautiful wool sweater.  There weren't as many people as usual in Candem. I suppose it's because of the bad weather forecast.

We came back to have our apero near our place and take a little break before going back out for supper.

For dinner, we went at Bill's on Cardinal  Walk, near Victoria station.  It is a popular british chain of restaurants.  The place is very modern.  We all had hamburger.  

Tomorrow will be our last full day. Hard to believe. It's gone by so fast.