Dining in Windsor and Eton

Windsor and Eton makes for an ideal home base for those looking to stay somewhere other than London. By staying in Windsor and Eton one has the luxury of experiencing a different side of England and still be near London. Windsor and Eton has two train stations within walking distance of one another allowing you to reach London by train within thirty to sixty minutes. Besides London, Windsor and Eton as a home base allows for visitors to reach other cities in the South West region of England. Places such as Bath, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, and Winchester are close train rides away.

A few factors make staying in Windsor and Eton appealing to tourists. Neither town is too large, and you can easily get around both by foot. Although Windsor and Eton are separated by the River Thames a bridge connects the two towns. Windsor receives a fair number of tourists because of Windsor Castle. While Eton is busiest when their boys’ boarding school, Eton College, is in session. After the boys are in their dorms and the tourists have gone back to London, Windsor and Eton are quiet towns. The English charm of Windsor and Eton are not the only appeal to these towns. Several dining options are available, covering a wide variety of cuisines. Listed below are a few of the best restaurants in Windsor and Eton.

Castle Cod

Surrounding Windsor Castle are restaurants that reek of tourist traps. Castle Cod is smack dab in the middle of this row of restaurants but it’d be a mistake to lump it in the tourist trap category. If you’re craving traditional British fish and chips you won’t want to ignore this restaurant. Service is fast and efficient and the fish and chips are classic. The fish is tender with the batter as crispy as the fries. Castle Cod is family friendly and a great place for a quick meal after your tour of Windsor Castle.

Back side of Castle Cod

Fish and Chips at Castle Cod

Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar

Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar offers classic English cuisine in a charming setting. A must on any trip to England is to have scones and Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar serves scrumptious scones. The scones are served with Windsor Cream Tea, strawberry jam, and fresh clotted cream. Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar’s menu includes a traditional English breakfast. The traditional English breakfast is a hearty meal of two sausages, ham, scrambled eggs and toast. Another satisfying and filling meal is the Jacket potatoes, served with your choice of toppings. For those with a sweet tooth order one of their specialty hot chocolates. The drink is so decadent you won’t want to reach the last drop.

Full English breakfast at Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar

Jacket potatoes at Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar

Specialty hot chocolate at Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar

Scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream at Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar

Cote Brasserie

For fine French dining head to Cote Brasserie. Cote Brasserie is ideal for couples as this restaurant exudes a romantic setting. The restaurant is in a two-story building next to the River Thames. You may sit inside or outside, with or without a view of the river. Begin your meal with a bowl of French Onion soup. Main courses include traditional dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Breton Fish Stew, and Steak Frites. End your satisfying meal with dessert such as Crème Caramel, a silky smooth flan. If you are at Cote Brasserie for dinner enjoy the view of Windsor Castle lit up at night.

Cote Brasserie

French Onion Soup at Cote Brasserie

Flaming Cow

If you have a hankering for grub that will remind you of being back in America head to the restaurant Flaming Cow. The Flaming Cow cooks up mouth-watering hamburgers made with 6oz beef patties and various toppings. You can order hot dogs that are as large as the hamburgers and just as tasty. Compliment your meal with fries and a milkshake. The Flaming Cow’s relaxed atmosphere is magnified with a mural painting of a large cow scaling a building, a la King Kong, with planes buzzing around the cow.

Brunch Burger at Flaming Cow

Cuban Hot Dog at Flaming Cow

Viva L’Italia

A drawback to visiting Italy is that it ruins Italian food for you in your home country. Nothing compares to how Italian food is prepared and how it tastes in Italy. Viva L’Italia is an exception to the rule. When you eat at Viva L’Italia you might forget you’re in Windsor and think you’re in Rome. Viva L’Italia is a family run business and the staff make you feel at home the moment you enter the restaurant. For starters select one of the various pizza breads. The pizza bread is the size of a personal pizza and baked to perfection. Fans of pasta need to order the spaghetti alla Bolognese. The Bolognese is a homemade recipe that takes up to eight hours to prepare, but arrives at your table after you order it. Another delicious dish is the Penne al pesto alla Genovese. You won’t go wrong with any dish you order. In every mouthful you can tell that the chef uses the freshest ingredients to prepare the dishes.

Penne al pesto alla Genovese at Viva L’Italia

Spaghetti alla Bolognese at Viva L’Italia

Windsor and Eton Dining

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Castle Cod: 51.482139, -0.606466

Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar: 51.485531, -0.607787

Cote Brasserie: 51.486554, -0.608648

Flaming Cow: 51.486169, -0.608652

Viva L\'Italia: 51.483463, -0.608641

	Castle Cod Dining in Windsor and Eton Church Street, Windsor, UK
	Chocolate Theatre Cafe Bar Dining in Windsor and Eton The Chocolate Theatre Co Ltd, Thames Street, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Cote Brasserie Dining in Windsor and Eton Côte Brasserie - Windsor, High Street, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Flaming Cow Dining in Windsor and Eton Flaming Cow, Eton, United Kingdom
	Viva L'Italia Dining in Windsor and Eton Viva L'Italia, Thames Street, Windsor, United Kingdom

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December 4, 2015 CB4YT

Featured Photo - Windsor & Eton Bridge, England

Visiting Windsor and Eton

Visitors to Windsor and Eton will find two charming English towns right next to each other. Windsor is famous for Windsor Castle. Windsor’s neighbor Eton is home to a prestigious boys’ boarding school. It is easy to visit both towns as they are within walking distance of one another. In fact, a seven-minute walk separates the two train stations that bring travelers to Windsor and Eton. If traveling from London, Windsor & Eton Central services travelers from London Paddington (via a platform at Slough). Travel between the two stations can take anywhere between 27-49 minutes depending on which train you catch. Travelers from London Waterloo will arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside in one hour. Windsor & Eton Central is the train station closest to Windsor Castle, while Windsor & Eton Riverside is closer to the River Thames and Eton. Listed below are the main sights to visit in Windsor and Eton.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Upon exiting the train at Windsor & Eton Central you walk into the open air Windsor Royal Shopping center. The center was once a Victorian railway station and parts of the original architecture remains. A variety of shops and restaurants are at your disposal to cure your hunger or shopping pangs. If you are hungry and aren’t able to decide which restaurant to eat at try the Cinnamon Cafe. The Cinnamon Cafe serves pastries such as scones and other traditional English foods such as jacket potatoes. In addition to restaurants and clothing stores, Windsor Royal Shopping has candy and souvenir shops. Even more stores are found in the streets surrounding Windsor Royal Shopping. Both established English retailers and international brands are there to fulfill your shopping needs.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Windsor Castle

The highlight of Windsor is Windsor Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family. When the Royal Standard flag is flying above the Castle the Queen is home. If the British (Union) flag is on display the Queen is spending her time elsewhere. As Windsor is located near London many tourists flock to Windsor Castle via tour groups. If traveling without a group when you arrive at the Castle you may see a long line of people snaking along the street leading up to the ticket booth entrance. That long line is for tour groups and if you aren’t connected to a group you may go ahead to the ticket booth entrance. A Windsor Castle attendant will guide you to the line for non-tour group visitors. Admission to Windsor Castle includes a handheld device with a self-guided multimedia tour. Your ticket gives you access to the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St. George’s Chapel. Keep in mind that St. George’s Chapel is closed to tourists Sundays. If you plan on watching Changing the Guard be sure to check on the Windsor Castle website beforehand for up-to-date times.

Windsor Castle’s Round Tower

Windsor Great Park

The easiest way to gain access to Windsor Great Park is by walking to the end of Park Street. There you will find the Park Street Gate. The Park Street Gate is closed during the nighttime but when open it allows you direct access to the Long Walk. The Long Walk is a three-mile tree-lined path through a section of Windsor Great Park. With Windsor Great Park stretching over 8 square miles of land, the Long Walk provides just a glimpse of the grounds. A view of a statue of George III rewards those who traverse the entire path. If the walking made you tired go to the pub right next to the Park Street Gate where you can grab yourself refreshment and recuperate.

Park Street Gate and Windsor Castle - Windsor, England

Park Street Gate (to the left) and Windsor Castle (center)

The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park

River Thames and Eton

The River Thames separates the two towns of Windsor and Eton. Walk along the river to see swans frolicking in the water. You can watch rowing and motorboats sail the river. The river flows past the Alexandra Gardens. The gardens are open to visitors and are next to a parking lot if you drive to Windsor and need a spot to leave your car. Besides walking next to the river, several companies offer various boat trips along the river. You can cross over the River Thames by way of the Windsor & Eton Bridge, which connects the two towns of Windsor and Eton. At night Windsor Castle is lit up and the bridge provides a spectacular view. Across the bridge, on the Eton side, are several restaurants of which a few offer riverside seating. If you continue past the restaurants you will wind up on High Street. This street is lined with shops and leads you to Eton College, a boys’ boarding school. The architecture of the shops, restaurants, and boarding school are worth the stroll through the town of Eton.

River Thames - Windsor and Eton, England

River Thames and the Windsor & Eton Bridge

Windsor and Eton Sights

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Windsor Royal Shopping: 51.482834, -0.609454

Windsor Castle: 51.483889, -0.604408

Windsor Great Park: 51.463062, -0.606337

Eton College: 51.495735, -0.604440

Alexandra Gardens: 51.484611, -0.613870

	Windsor Royal Shopping Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Royal Shopping, Goswell Hill, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Castle Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Castle, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Great Park Visiting Windsor and Eton The Long Walk, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Eton College Visiting Windsor and Eton Eton College, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Alexandra Gardens Visiting Windsor and Eton Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, United Kingdom

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November 27, 2015 CB4YT

St George's Chapel and Round Tower - Windsor Castle - Windsor, England

Day Trips From London

A week in London means a packed itinerary and a day trip to another town may be the furthest thing from your mind. Even so, you should devote a day to a city besides London. Visit other parts of England near London to allow yourself the opportunity to explore another side of the country. Day trips that offer a different experience than staying in London are Bath, Oxford, Reading, Stonehenge, and Windsor. Travel times listed in each heading are one-way train trips from London’s Paddington Station.

Bath – 90 minutes

Walk around London and you can’t imagine that Britain was once part of the Roman Empire. Travel to Bath and that evidence hits you smack dab in the face. The town of Bath is known for its hot springs and the Romans built bathhouses to harness the restorative water. Tourists can buy tickets for admittance into what was once a functioning bathhouse and learn the history of the town. Unlike hot spring locations in other parts of the world, Bath does not have public bathhouses open to visitors. Thermae Spa is the only place in Bath where you can pay to take a dip in water flowing from the hot springs. Before heading home stroll through Bath and admire the Roman architecture and quaint streets.

The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul – Bath

Oxford – 60 minutes

Tourists looking to explore England’s famed university towns choose between Oxford and Cambridge. Both are solid choices but Cambridge is a two-hour journey from London while Oxford takes an hour to reach by train. Oxford boasts over 30 different universities within walking distance. Just by being in Oxford one feels smarter as if intelligence is increased by osmosis. You will have the urge to duck into a library to crack open a book and study. When you arrive at the Oxford train station stop by the tourist information booth and buy the 2£ map that includes a walking tour. The walking tour will guide you past the top sites. Plan on the walk to take an hour to complete. The walk will take longer if you walk at a relaxed pace, explore the universities, and eat at one of the many restaurants in Oxford.

The Radcliffe Camera – Oxford University

Reading – 30 minutes

Reading is not a town brimming with sites, but that’s the appeal. The streets from the train station lead you past various shops and to the Oracle shopping center. The Oracle provides a chance to shop in a mall without the same crowds that you find in London. Behind the Oracle is a riverfront reminiscent of a scaled version of the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Plenty of restaurant options around the river will replenish you during your shopping excursion. If you need a pause from the hustle and bustle of London consider Reading that break.

Reading – The Oracle Riverside

Stonehenge – 3 hours

Photos of the monument Stonehenge are recognizable around the world. Years ago tourists to the fabled grounds of Stonehenge could walk right up to the massive stones and place their hands directly onto the monument. Even though the experience of touching the stones is no longer allowed this prehistoric monument is a site to be seen. With a six hour round trip, this destination is the longest on this list to reach by train. The better plan is to tack Stonehenge along with another location such as Bath. Companies, such as Gray Line, have a bus tour that is nine hours and includes transportation to both Bath and Stonehenge. Travel with a tour group means that you will be on a schedule when at each location. At least you will visit both sites without having to spend six hours sitting on a train.

Stonehenge

Windsor – 35 minutes

The highlight of Windsor is Windsor Castle, one of the many residences of the Royal Family. If you see the Royal Standard flag flying above the Castle then you know the Queen is home. Tourists primarily descend upon Windsor by tour bus just to visit the Castle. Windsor is more than just the Castle and worth a few extra hours beyond the tour of the Castle grounds. If you arrive at Windsor & Eton Central railway station upon exiting the train are various shops and restaurants. Around Windsor Castle are more shops and restaurants. Next to Windsor Castle is Windsor Great Park that includes pathways such as the Long Walk. Another nice walk is across the River Thames to Eton College, a boys’ boarding school. The streets leading to Eton College are lined with shops and restaurants.

Windsor Castle

Day Trips From London

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Bath: 51.375801, -2.359904

Oxford: 51.752021, -1.257726

Reading: 51.454265, -0.978130

Stonehenge: 51.178882, -1.826215

Windsor: 51.481728, -0.613576

	Bath Day Trips From London Bath, United Kingdom
	Oxford Day Trips From London Oxford, United Kingdom
	Reading Day Trips From London Reading, United Kingdom
	Stonehenge Day Trips From London Stonehenge, Amesbury, United Kingdom
	Windsor Day Trips From London Windsor, United Kingdom

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November 19, 2015 CB4YT

Article's Featured Photo: Stonehenge, England

Transportation Options in London

A trip to London is expensive for a variety of reasons. Americans who travel to London will have a currency conversion rate that won’t be in their favor. As of November 2015 on average 1 British Pound equaled 1.50 US Dollars. The cost of the airline ticket runs high since flying into and out of London includes a slew of various taxes and fees. Your hotel and meals will be a big part of your budget. The need to pay for ground transportation on top of everything else is daunting. Fortunately, it is possible to save money when it comes to transportation.

From London Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Express is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London. The Heathrow Express is a train that you board from terminals 2, 3, 4, or 5. Trains leave four times an hour. Depending on which terminal you board the train at it takes between 15 to 20 minutes to reach the London Paddington Station. From London Paddington Station you can connect to other parts of the city using London’s other means of transportation, such as the Underground. You buy tickets for the Heathrow Express online or at the station’s ticket office.

Heathrow Connect is a popular means of transportation for employees of Heathrow Airport because of its stops in nearby suburban districts. Heathrow Connect is a slower train alternative to the Heathrow Express, but it is useful for tourists. If you are not traveling into London but need rail connections to other parts of England then you might need to use Heathrow Connect. For example, you can buy your ticket at the ticket office and take Heathrow Connect one stop to the Hayes & Harlington Station. From there you can find a connecting train to Slough or any other train station that has multiple connections that can whisk you away to your destination.

Paddington Underground Station - London, England

London Underground

The London Underground, nicknamed the Tube, is an inexpensive and quick way to navigate London. Tickets available to ride the Tube include single ride tickets, day passes, multi-day passes, and a pay-as-you-go card. Two factors will help you decide which ticket to buy. The number of days you plan on staying in London and where in London you will be traveling. London is separated into various zones, the number of zones you cross using the Underground will help you decide which ticket you need to buy.

To save money you will want to buy either the Travel Card or the Oyster Card. The Travel Card is a paper ticket that can be used within the center zones of London for a set number of days. A seven-day Travel Card exists but is not available to buy in London and must be purchased before your trip. The Oyster Card is a plastic card that can be used in most zones. An Oyster Card has a balance that is deducted as you travel. A benefit of the Oyster Card is that it has a travel cap limit each day. This means once you’ve reached that limit any other journeys on that day are free. For that reason alone if your plans include many trips on the Tube you will want to buy the Oyster Card.

Transport for London is a UK government website with a plethora of information, including information on the various ticket buying options. Visit Britain, the “official shop of the British Tourist Board” has a page on their website with advice on which transportation ticket you should buy when in London. You can buy your tickets online through Visit Britain, including the aforementioned seven-day Travel Card.

Shard and Underground

Other London Transportation

The iconic taxis you can find throughout London are ready to take you to your destination. Each taxi driver must pass an intense exam to become licensed. The taxi drivers have memorized London’s streets and can navigate with ease without needing a GPS device. Besides taxis London has an extensive affordable public bus system. Additionally, various companies offer Hop on Hop off bus tours for a fee. Gray Line is a company that sells Hop on Hop off bus tours, specific tours of London, and day trips from London.

Taxis in front of Buckingham Palace

Destinations Beyond London

If your travels will take you elsewhere besides London you will want to consider purchasing a rail pass. It is pricey to buy just one-way point-to-point train tickets for multiple trips. With the right rail pass you can save money. BritRail Passes are not available to buy in Great Britain so you will want to be sure to buy them before your trip. Which pass to buy will depend on where you will be traveling. For example, if you will travel to popular tourist destinations such as Bath or Oxford then you will want to buy the BritRail South West Pass. If you plan on traveling through out Great Britain the best pass will be the BritRail GB Pass. Rail passes are bought for a specified number of days, used either on consecutive days or over a set number of days. The Visit Britain site has a visual breakdown of which destinations each BritRail Pass services. Besides Visit Britain, Rail Europe is another site with information on the various BritRail Passes available. You can buy the BritRail Pass through Visit Britain or through Rail Europe. During checkout the companies will ask what your departure date is to make sure that you will receive your tickets before your trip. Before boarding your first train be sure to visit a train ticket office to have your pass activated.

First Great Western – one of the train companies operating in England

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November 12, 2015 CB4YT

Featured Photo for article on London transportation

London Cuisine Scene

Through the years England’s cuisine has earned a reputation. The belief was that English food was bland and boring. It is possible that centuries ago English food was tasteless and why to this day people still believe this. Contrary to that notion today’s London has a booming dining scene just as any other major international city. London is home to a variety of different and exciting cuisines. You can eat well regardless of your budget with delicious food accessible through out the city. There are plenty of choices beyond just the traditional pubs to find a good meal. For those struggling to decide between the various dining options the selections listed below showcase a few of the many sides of flavor available in London.

Borough Market

Borough Market Information

Le Marché du Quartier’s duck confit sandwich

Balkan Bites Bourekas

If you are looking to sample a variety of different foods you will want to visit Borough Market. The site of the current Borough Market has had a market there since as far back as the 13^th century. The current iteration dates back to 1756. Although Borough Market has existed for a while, a few decades ago it was not even being mentioned in most guidebooks. It wasn’t until recently that Borough Market has become a worthy stop for travelers and foodies. An outdoor location, located under railway lines and beside a church, makes Borough Market an excellent informal eating experience.

There are plenty of options for a quick bite to eat, especially Monday through Wednesday when the market is open for lunch. One such place is Balkan Bites, which serves bourekas, a crispy baked pastry made with fillings such as potato and onion or spinach and cheese. Another place for a quick quality meal is Le Marché du Quartier which serves succulent duck confit in either a sandwich, wrap, or salad. If you’re looking for a place with seating visit Fish! Kitchen for their traditional fish and chips. For dessert stop by Whirld for a delicious piece of handmade fudge.

Dishoom

Various dishes available at Dishoom

Dishoom likens its decor and style of food to that of a Bombay Cafe. To be honest upon first stepping into Dishoom the decor is more reminiscent of a New York diner. Except instead of sandwiches Dishoom cooks up a variety of Indian dishes. Each dish is prepared with an exquisite attention to detail and the correct balance of flavors. For an appetizer try the Keema Pau, a mix of lamb and peas you slather on top of a buttered roll. Fans of butter chicken from traditional Indian restaurants will want to order Dishoom’s Chicken Ruby. The Gunpowder Potatoes won’t shoot your taste buds but they will melt in your mouth. Add a side order of roti or naan to complete your meal. For those with dietary restrictions Dishoom’s menu includes dairy-free and gluten-free dining options and a children’s menu.

Rock and Sole Plaice

When visiting England one must have a traditional meal of fish and chips. Rock and Sole Plaice is one of the oldest and best fish and chips restaurants in London. In the Covent Garden district, Rock and Sole Plaice has been serving up fish and chips to locals and tourists since 1871. Rock and Sole Plaice is informal dining and great for families, groups, and anyone who wants to eat quality fish and chips not served on newspaper. Rock and Sole Plaice has two floors of seating which allow for plenty of room for every customer. The restaurants aquatic vibe extends to the walls, which have drawings of the various creatures living under the sea. A few different fish are available to choose from when ordering the fish and chips, including cod and haddock. Whichever fish you select know that it will arrive cooked to perfection. The batter on the fish isn’t doughy, but light and crispy. A side of chips, better known as fries, accompanies the fish. A variety of condiments are available to enhance your fish and chips meal.

The Tea House

England is synonymous with tea and a great souvenir for those back home is English tea. The problem is that many tourist shops will sell overly priced generic teas to unsuspecting tourists. An alternative to tourist tea is to visit The Tea House. The Tea House is in the district of Covent Garden. The moment you walk through the doors a sense of peace washes over you. You no longer hear the noise from the street outside and the tranquility allows your nose to pick up the various aromas wafting towards you. Take your time and peruse the many teas available to choose from on the shelves. There are jars with loose tea for you to sniff to help you with your choice. The teas can be bought in small or large quantities. Buy tea for yourself so when you are back home you can brew a cup and find yourself transported back to the tranquil feeling that is The Tea House.

London Cuisine Scene

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Borough Market: 51.505446, -0.091080

Dishoom: 51.512430, -0.126909

Rock and Sole Plaice: 51.514820, -0.125177

The Tea House: 51.513648, -0.124741

	Borough Market London Cuisine Scene Borough Market, London Borough of Southwark, United Kingdom
	Dishoom London Cuisine Scene Dishoom, Upper St Martin's Lane, London, United Kingdom
	Rock and Sole Plaice London Cuisine Scene Rock &amp; Sole Plaice, Endell Street, London, United Kingdom
	The Tea House London Cuisine Scene THE TEAHOUSE, Neal Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom

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November 6, 2015 CB4YT

Sightseeing in London

In the course of my travels the first international city I could envision myself living in was London, England. I initially selected London as a destination to visit most likely for the same reasons many Americans do. There is an immediate sense of familiarity. Part of the roots of America can be traced to those same English streets. Several buildings and streets remind you of American cities such as Boston. Although they say loo instead of toilet, no language barrier needs to be overcome. The biggest hurdle to American’s visiting London is that cars drive on the other side of the road. Even that isn’t a big issue as they’ve written on the pavement which way to look to cross the street. A trip to London is a good gateway to further international travel.

Deciding on traveling to London is the easy part. The difficult part is deciding which sites to visit if you will be in London only a few days. An entire paragraph can be written just listing out the sites to visit. Any trip to London has to include a plan of action. After a couple visits to London my goal with this article is try to simplify the sightseeing landscape. I hope that the suggestions I’ve written below will help you decide what to do during your trip to London.

The London Eye

If you’re looking to take aerial photos of London your top three choices are the London Eye, The Shard, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. If your time is limited my suggestion is to choose the London Eye. St. Paul’s requires climbing a narrow staircase while The Shard’s entrance price is the most expensive of the three choices. The London Eye is a Ferris wheel that provides aerial photos of The Palace of Westminster. The Parliament buildings, which include Elizabeth Tower and the “Big Ben” bell, are one of the most recognizable sites in the world. For photos it’s impossible to capture the entire building from street level since the buildings are just too big. Since the London Eye is just across the river it allows you the opportunity for that photo you crave. The risk of rain in London is always high, but within a London Eye capsule even your rain soaked photos come out beautiful. If you’re scared of heights an alternative for a photo that captures The Palace of Westminster is on a cruise on the River Thames.

View from a London Eye capsule. The photo on the left side was taken when it wasn’t raining, the photo on the right side was taken when it was raining.

The Theater

A visit to the theater in London makes for an enjoyable afternoon or evening. For historian buffs a good choice is Shakespeare’s Globe. The building is a replica of the original Globe that premiered many of Shakespeare’s works. The current Globe allows one to watch a Shakespeare play just as it was centuries ago. Another choice besides the Globe is The West End, home to world-class play productions. With runs of popular musicals and dramas it can be difficult choosing which one to see. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is a solid choice. The Mousetrap’s first performance was in 1952 and ever since it has continued to be performed. The Mousetrap is the longest running play in the world. When you watch the actors in The Mousetrap you become a part of that history.

Abbey Road

Even if you’re not a Beatles fan chances are you’ve seen their famous Abbey Road album cover. The fab four stride with confidence through the crosswalk. Many Beatles fans enjoy traveling to London to reenact the album cover. To those who have never been to London the album cover’s crosswalk looks unique. One of the sobering moments upon arriving in London is that other crosswalks look the same as Abbey Road. In fact, making the trek out to Abbey Road can be disappointing for many people. For starters it’s a thirty-minute journey from the center of London (Trafalgar Square). The actual Abbey Road crosswalk looks the same as the surrounding crosswalks. What makes Abbey Road different is a ton of graffiti on the walls of the nearby recording studio and on the Abbey Road street sign. With nothing else of note in the region one could recreate the album cover anywhere in London and get the same effect in a photo. If you are pressed for time and not a die-hard Beatles fan you could skip visiting the actual Abbey Road.

The real Abbey Road.

10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street is where the British Prime Minister lives. Similar to the White House in Washington, DC the building is gated, has a ton of security, and your chances of seeing a political figure are slim to none. Unlike the White House one cannot stand in front of 10 Downing Street. The government building is on a narrow street blocked off from pedestrian access. There is no lawn in front from which you can view it yards away. The clearest view you have is that of a crowd of tourists trying to peek through the gated bars to see something of note. If a crowd of tourists sounds fun then hail a black cab and head to 10 Downing Street. If you don’t enjoy crowds you should have no hesitation in avoiding this site.

The only view tourists get of 10 Downing Street.

Harrods

If you love shopping then visiting Harrods is more than a must it’s a life calling. Even if you are someone who doesn’t enjoy shopping a quick visit to Harrods is an essential part of visiting London. The department store is humongous and you can shop for a variety of products within its walls. You can buy clothes, books, electronics, toys, jewelry, and food. A large department store means you can lose track of time and unintentionally spend hours there. In fact, like a casino in Las Vegas, finding an exit in Harrods is difficult. It’s as though the people behind Harrods want you to spend as much time as possible in their building. The longer you stay the higher the chances are you’ll find something to buy. To maximize your time as you enter Harrods be sure to pick up one of their maps. The map will help you find an exit and locate the departments and merchandise you are most interested in exploring.

Sightseeing in London

loading map - please wait...

London Eye: 51.503324, -0.119543

The Shard: 51.504382, -0.086279

St Paul\'s Cathedral: 51.513845, -0.098351

Palace of Westminster: 51.499480, -0.124809

Shakespeare\'s Globe: 51.508076, -0.097194

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap: 51.512858, -0.127646

Abbey Road: 51.536791, -0.183003

10 Downing Street: 51.503364, -0.127625

Harrods: 51.499405, -0.163234

	London Eye Sightseeing in London London Eye, London, United Kingdom
	The Shard Sightseeing in London The Shard, London Borough of Southwark, United Kingdom
	St Paul's Cathedral Sightseeing in London St. Paul's Cathedral, London, United Kingdom
	Palace of Westminster Sightseeing in London Palace of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
	Shakespeare's Globe Sightseeing in London Shakespeare's Globe, New Globe Walk, London, United Kingdom
	Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap Sightseeing in London St. Martin's Theatre, West Street, London, United Kingdom
	Abbey Road Sightseeing in London Abbey Road, London, United Kingdom
	10 Downing Street Sightseeing in London 10 Downing Street, Downing Street, London, United Kingdom
	Harrods Sightseeing in London Harrods, Brompton Road, London, United Kingdom

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October 31, 2015 CB4YT

Featured Image: Palace of Westminster - London, England

Manage iPhone Data Usage Abroad

Article Last Updated September 2016 to reflect iPhone software update iOS 10.0.1

Having an iPhone available to you while traveling is useful. When traveling abroad you do not want to worry about data charges that might be imposed on you by your cell phone carrier. Here are the steps needed to use your iPhone in another country and how to control the amount of data you are using. Unless otherwise specified most of these settings will be available to you while your phone is on Airplane Mode. Make use of your flight time by adjusting the settings during your flight so your phone is ready once you land. After landing and switching Airplane Mode off you can adjust the remaining settings.

Please note all the Settings application navigation listed below are correct as of iPhone software update iOS 10.0.1. Images displayed below are from Apple’s iPhone, with the step being described circled in red.

Get an International Data Plan for you iPhone

Prior to your trip contact your existing cell phone data provider and add an international data plan package to your cell phone account. Select the amount of data you feel will best suit your travel needs and find out how much added data may cost if you need more during your trip. If you plan on making calls on your phone also ask your cell phone provider about calling rates.

Enable your iPhone to Work Abroad

Upon arriving in another country you will need to turn data roaming on to allow your iPhone to pick up signals from international carriers. This allows you to access data and receive calls and texts.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Cellular. (Please note: Cellular is unavailable in airplane mode)

Step 2: Tap Cellular Data Options

Step 3: Turn Data Roaming on.

If you plan on making calls on your phone you will need to make sure that the iPhone includes the correct country prefix when dialing.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Phone. (Please note: Phone is unavailable in airplane mode)

Step 2: Turn Dial Assist on.

With dial assist on you can make phone calls to people in your contacts list and you won’t need to add the prefix for your country code.

Decrease iPhone Data Usage: Mail, Notifications, and Locations

Mail

It takes a lot of data for your phone to automatically pull in new e-mails into your inboxes so you will want to turn this feature off.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Mail.

Step 2: Tap Accounts.

Step 3: Tap Fetch New Data and on the next screen switch Push to off.

Step 4: Under the Push tab you just switched off you will want to tap each e-mail account, including the Holiday Calendar, and for each account under Select Schedule select Manual.

Step 5: Return to the Fetch New Data screen and scroll down to the Fetch section and select the Manually option.

After turning the push feature off to get e-mails you will need to open the Mail application and refresh your inboxes by swiping down within the application.

Notifications

Turn off all of your notifications except essential alerts such as texts and phone calls. Also keep on notifications for calendars and reminders if you use them for travel plan alerts.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Notifications.

Step 2: Select each application listed under Notification Style and switch Allow Notifications to off.

Locations

You will most likely use location-based services while traveling, such as Maps and any transportation or dining applications. You will however need to turn off applications that use location-based services but are not required for your trip.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Privacy.

Step 2: Tap Location Services and turn off the applications you will not need during your trip. To turn off the application’s location access click on the desired application and select the Never option under Allow Location Access.

Step 3: At the bottom of the list of applications is System Services. Tap on it and to decrease data usage turn off everything listed except for Find My iPhone. Although they all sound important most are not needed to run your phone but rather what Apple calls “crowd-sourced location data”. For more information read Apple’s support article: About privacy and Location Services in iOS 8 and later.

If your phone automatically sets what the time is then your phone is constantly using data to verify the correct time. To turn this feature off you will need to open the Settings application and tap on General. Select Date & Time and turn Set Automatically off. Under Time Zone select the right location so that your phone displays the correct local time.

Limit iPhone Cellular Data Usage

It is possible to turn off the ability to use cellular data for specific applications. This ensures that you do not by accident open an application and use unnecessary cell data for that application.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Cellular. (Please note: Cellular is unavailable in airplane mode)

Step 2: Scroll to Use Cellular Data For and turn off applications you know you won’t use over cellular.

You may also turn off iCloud’s ability to save information over cellular data.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap iCloud.

Step 2: Tap iCloud Drive and scroll to the bottom. Switch off Use Cellular Data.

Keep Track of your iPhone Data

If you go over the allotted amount of data on the international data plan from your carrier you will have to pay for more data or be charged fees. By setting your cell usage counter to zero once you land in another country you can track how much data you are using.

Step 1: Open the Settings application and tap Cellular. (Please note: Cellular is unavailable in airplane mode)

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Statistics and select Reset Statistics.

During your trip go back to the Cellular screen and under the Cellular Data Usage section you will find the statistics on how much data you have used since the reset.

Use Wi-Fi When Possible

The easiest way to make sure you are not using cellular data is to use Wi-Fi. When using Wi-Fi log into secure Wi-Fi zones. Many restaurant chains abroad (including Starbucks) allow for customers to use their Wi-Fi. Your hotel may offer Wi-Fi service either in your room or in the lobby. For increased security consider purchasing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) such as from Private Internet Access (PIA). VPN’s encrypt the data you send over Wi-Fi ensuring extra protection no matter which Wi-Fi hotspot you are accessing.

Gather the information you need over Wi-Fi and you can save your allotted cell data for times when Wi-Fi is not accessible. If you aren’t purchasing an international data plan, you can keep your iPhone always set to airplane mode. Even on airplane mode you can turn on Wi-Fi to access the data you need. Open Settings, make sure Airplane Mode is on, and tap Wi-Fi and select the network you wish to join.

When in Doubt More is Better

To have to change all the settings listed in this article is time-consuming and tedious. The alternative however is winding up with an expensive cell phone bill. It is easy to use up your data allotment so any step you take to mitigate cell data usage is worth it. If you are in doubt about any setting the best thing to do is just turn that feature off. Your iPhone will alert you if a feature you want to access won’t work because of a setting you changed.

The settings listed above are all suggestions. To make absolute sure you do not go over your international data allotment speak with a representative of your cell phone carrier.

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October 23, 2015 CB4YT

Apps to Ease the Stress of Travel

When traveling you may not realize that your biggest enemy is time. You have a set agenda that has to be accomplished within a set number of days. You work out the details of your trip and without even trying something comes along to disrupt your plans. This is inevitable, but how you handle the issues that arise will set the tone for the rest of your trip. Wallow in self-pity and your trip has become a horror story. Meet whatever comes head on and you’ll continue your vacation as if nothing ever happened.

Smart Traveler

Thankfully with a multitude of travel apps (short for applications) available for our smart phones we are able to access the tools to tackle whatever comes our way. If you are traveling abroad a great app is the United States government’s Smart Traveler app. The app includes information on various countries and those countries current relationship with the United States. You can check to see if the U.S. has issued its citizens any travel warnings for specific countries. Additionally you might want to consider enrolling in the U.S. government’s STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows you to alert the local US Embassy or Consulate with which days you will be in their country. If an incident occurs while you are traveling it will be easier for you to gain help from the US Embassy or Consulate staff.

Flights

Staying informed extends not only from information on the country you are visiting but to the airline you are flying. For whichever airline you are traveling on be sure to download their specific app. With their app you will be able to get updates on flight times, gate changes, and other useful trip details. The airline’s app may even allow you to change your seat. To help you select your flight’s seat assignment use SeatGuru. With SeatGuru you enter your flight number and the app brings up a seating chart of your plane. The seating chart highlights the best seats and which seats customers have found to be uncomfortable. Additionally you can see which seats have amenities, such as an electric port for charging cables.

Navigation

For getting around once you’ve reached your destination you can always use the maps app provided to you by your smart phone’s operating system or Google Maps. If you’re traveling internationally and worried that cell phone data charges will pile up you can use Genius Maps. Genius Maps allows you to download maps you can use off-line. Be sure to download the maps you need before leaving for your destination. Another useful traveling app is MetrO. By entering in two destinations the app will let you know the quickest way between the two points using public transportation. MetrO will show you how long the journey will take, which transfers there may be, and the number of stations you will pass before your stop.

Translation

Once you’ve gotten yourself to your destination, if you are traveling to a location where you are not familiar with the language Translate by Google can be useful. Select the language you wish to translate and type in the word you need translated. The app will give you the translation and you can have your device read out loud the translated word. This can come in handy when you are trying to speak to someone who doesn’t understand you. Additionally if you are too shy to use the diction feature you can display the words in bold by holding your device horizontally.

Conclusion

These are just a fraction of the many wonderful apps that can help you in your travels. There are many more apps available. Don’t be afraid to try other apps out before your trip. Just search through your phone’s app store and see what other apps might be useful. Read reviews by other travelers on how useful the app is to help you in choosing the best apps. Before you know it you’ll have more than enough useful tools at your disposal and you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation in no time.

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October 15, 2015 CB4YT

Sonoma Valley Wine Trek

A nice alternative to Napa Valley is nearby Sonoma Valley. Not as congested as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley can offer a more relaxed wine tasting experience. Highway 121 and Highway 12 are the main roads that will enable you to visit the wineries in this region. Listed below are the places worth visiting to make the most out of your time in Sonoma Valley.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

Champagne caves at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards

Champagne caves at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

As you make the drive to wine country you’ll notice a change in scenery and see less buildings and more vineyards. Although the view has changed your mind may not be prepared for the day’s events. A busy mind won’t be able to enjoy a day of wine tasting to the fullest. The best way to alter your mindset is to have your first stop be at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. On Highway 121 this vineyard isn’t located next to other wineries, which gives it a sense of remoteness. Gloria Ferrer doesn’t offer traditional tastings (better known as flights). Instead, it offers visitors the choice of a variety of sparkling wines, white wines, and red wines purchased and sampled by the glass. You should order a glass of sparkling wine as most of the wineries in the region do not offer sparkling wine. Plus, Gloria Ferrer makes the best sparkling wine not called champagne. If you are ordering a glass of the sparkling wine try the Blanc de Blancs. The best part of Gloria Ferrer, besides their sparkling wine, is their outdoor terrace. The terrace offers views of sprawling vineyards and hillsides. As you sip your glass and enjoy the view you’ll notice none of the noises of the city. Before you know it you’re relaxed and ready for your day in wine country. If you are so inclined, Gloria Ferrer offers tours on how their wines are made and their champagne caves.

Cline Cellars

Cline Cellars Vineyard and Winery

Cline Cellars has their tasting room on the first floor of a two-story building. The building appears to have been someone’s home in an earlier life. As such you feel right at home when visiting Cline Cellars. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable on the wines being offered. Two favorites to be sure to sample are the Cashmere White and the Lodi Zinfandel. The tasting room has a gift shop where you can shop for Cline specific merchandise and wine related items to take home. After you’ve completed your time in the tasting room walk around the grounds. You can capture nice photos of the vineyard lanes and a large pond with a fountain.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press

Statue at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Across the street from Cline Cellars is their sister properties of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press. If the name Jacuzzi conjures up images of pools and spas you are correct. Members of the same Jacuzzi family established the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. A walk around the grounds gives you access to views of the vineyards and a fountain statue made in the Italian style. On the grounds is an event hall with wine casks lined up against the wall and more statues. Inside the tasting room you have two tasting options, wine or olive oil. Jacuzzi wines are top-notch. For white wine sample their Arneis and for red wines their Barbera, Montepulciano, and Aglianico. The tasting room includes a section reserved for The Olive Press. The Olive Press sells extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and other condiments such as mustards, tapenade, herbs, and spices. Olive oils and balsamic vinegars are sold individually or pre-mixed in various tasty combinations. Visitors may taste the olive oils and balsamic vinegars on pieces of bread or crackers. Be sure to try the Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the Fig Dark Balsamic Vinegar, and the combinations of Lime Olive Oil & Coconut Balsamic Vinegar. The Basil Parmesan Dipping oil is delicious. The Olive Press has a second location in Napa at the Oxbow Public Market.

Sonoma

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Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards: 38.223579, -122.472183

Cline Cellars: 38.214360, -122.458272

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards: 38.214680, -122.453840

The Olive Press: 38.214664, -122.454012

The Olive Press: 38.301309, -122.281902

	Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma, CA, United States
	Cline Cellars Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Cline Cellars, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States
	Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States
	The Olive Press Sonoma Valley Wine Trek The Olive Press, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States
	The Olive Press Sonoma Valley Wine Trek The Olive Press, 1st Street, Napa, CA, United States

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October 6, 2015 CB4YT

Tips on Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

It’s easy to spend your travel budget on wine tasting fees alone. This article offers tips on how to get more for your dollar when in Napa Valley.

The Tasting Fees

This is anecdotal but before the dot-com bubble of 1997-2000 if you were to visit Napa Valley wineries only offered free wine tastings. During the dot-com era the number of folks who moved to the Bay Area and had disposable income skyrocketed. They wanted to spend that money and Napa Valley was an easy hour to two-hour drive away. With this sudden influx of new visitors the wineries had to adjust their procedures and institute tasting fees. This allowed the winery recoup money lost on the wine being served in the tasting room. Even after the dot-com bubble burst the wineries kept the tasting fees.

There are wineries in the industry that have priced their tasting fees at $25 or higher per person. This tasting fee might garner a visitor tastings of five different wines with pours for each tasting being minimal. The quantity might equal one glass of wine. Mind you, a tasting need not mean a full glass of wine. Wine tasting is not to get drunk. You are wine tasting to see if you enjoy the wine or not. Yet these wineries are selling bottles of wine that cost less than or the same as the tasting fee. Proportionally the cost of wine tasting is too high. Additionally most wineries have stopped waiving the tasting fee if you buy a bottle of wine. If you and a friend buy a tasting fee and each buy a bottle of wine a single visit could cost a $100 per winery.

Of course, a tasting fee is understandable. The wineries can’t just give away their wines for free. It is an extensive production to make a bottle of wine. It takes years from the moment the vines grow the grapes to the time a wine bottle hits the shelves. Plus, many people are involved with the production of the wine. This includes the employees in the field, wine makers, and tasting room attendants. If every person who wine tasted bought a bottle of wine it’s possible tasting fees could stop. Except there exist individuals who go wine tasting with no intention of buying wine. Regrettably this practice of tasting fees hurts those visitors who are new to wine and those who love wine and want to try out different wines and wineries.

Those new to wine may find tasting fees to high and avoid ever tasting at wineries. This leads to wineries loosing potential customers and prevents a person from even finding out how much they may enjoy that winery’s wine. For long time wine drinkers that same high wine tasting fee may stop them from visiting a winery and that too is a lost consumer. My suggestion to wineries is that their tasting fees should not be more than half of the cheapest bottle of wine in the tasting flight. If someone will buy a bottle of wine you don’t need to comp the entire tasting fee, but you should give a percentage off the total sale. Rewarding customers is a good practice and could land you a consumer for life.

Internet research can help you find wineries with no tasting fee, a low tasting fee, or tasting fees that go towards buying a bottle of wine. If you have a winery you want to visit but don’t want to pay the high tasting fee, my suggestion is to skip the tasting room. Instead, buy a bottle of their wine out right. For example, pack yourself a picnic lunch. Go to Frank Family Vineyards, buy a bottle of their wine, and ask them to uncork it for you. Snag a spot at one of their picnic benches outside and you and your group can split the bottle while eating lunch. If you have a big group you can buy more than one bottle. You’ve gone from a small pour in a tasting center to savoring the wine in a relaxed setting.

: Picnic Area at Frank Family Vineyards

: Wine bottle at Frank Family Vineyards

Crowds

Regardless of which wineries you visit there will be crowds. The number of people visiting Napa Valley has increased over the past couple of decades. If you’re with a big group and you’re just there for a fun outing this may not be an issue. If you’re there only for wine tasting it can be annoying. You don’t want to struggle for a spot at the wine bar or be jostled while trying to sip your wine. The only way to avoid crowds is to visit Napa Valley during the off-peak season, or weekdays. Visit wineries the moment they open in the morning to avoid crowds. If you are visiting Napa Valley with a large-sized group try calling the wineries ahead of time to let them know when you will visit them. There are wineries that offer group rates, with discounts on tours of the winery or packaged deals that include wine pairings with food. There are wineries that have specific tastings areas for larger groups that you can reserve ahead of time.

Release Day Events

Another tip to get the most out of your dollar is to attend a winery’s release day event. There are wineries that offer one or two such events a year. There is an entrance fee that may appear steep but includes unlimited tastings plus hors d’oeuvres. The best part of these events is the chance to try higher end bottles of wine. The wineries are attempting to sell cases of newly released wine, including cases that can run upwards of over a hundred dollars a bottle. If you’ve never tried wine that expensive these events allow you to do so. A lot of people attend release day events, be sure to arrive as early as possible. Even though it’s crowded, these events are wonderful for a group outing. Release day events are held outside or in event halls, which means more space than if you were inside a tasting room. Wineries that put on great release day events are Silver Oak Cellars and Groth Vineyards & Winery. Check on-line for other wineries that may host such events.

Napa Valley on a Budget

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Frank Family Vineyards: 38.559106, -122.521703

Silver Oak Cellars: 38.440849, -122.381457

Groth Vineyards & Winery: 38.449131, -122.379458

	Frank Family Vineyards Tips on Wine Tasting in Napa Valley Frank Family Vineyards, Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA, United States
	Silver Oak Cellars Tips on Wine Tasting in Napa Valley Silver Oak Cellars, Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, CA, United States
	Groth Vineyards & Winery Tips on Wine Tasting in Napa Valley Groth Vineyards & Winery, Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, CA, United States

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September 30, 2015 CB4YT

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Harrods

Get an International Data Plan for you iPhone

Enable your iPhone to Work Abroad

Decrease iPhone Data Usage: Mail, Notifications, and Locations

Mail

Notifications

Locations

Limit iPhone Cellular Data Usage

Keep Track of your iPhone Data

Use Wi-Fi When Possible

When in Doubt More is Better

Smart Traveler

Flights

Navigation

Translation

Conclusion

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press

The Tasting Fees

Crowds

Release Day Events