Travel To The United Kingdom
Written by JaimeKristal Lott
Living in London, the hustle and bustle begins early with people packed on the tube before the sun even rises. Journey around the streets of England, Wales, and Scotland through this “UK” themed itinerary in the Downtown District!
In the early hours, sometimes the fog can be so thick you cannot see to the other side of the street and other days it is mere wisps drifting like ghosts. Either way, you will need to start your day at The Brake Room getting yourself a hot beverage of “London Fog”. This drink is made up of earl grey tea, a shot of vanilla, milk, and milk foam. If that is not your “cup of tea”, there are some other lovely options available such as English Breakfast, peppermint, and green tea.
England is known for its historical buildings, so why not wander Front Street while sipping your drink and admire all the old storefronts being restored to their former glory? When you are ready, meander over to Wales and pause a moment to attempt saying Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. It is a Welsh town that has the second-longest name in the world consisting of 58 letters and is pronounced clan-vire-pool-gwin-gith-go-gare-ickth-win-drohb-el-clan-tih-sill-yo-go-go-gohth.
Wales is well-known for its ‘lovespoons’. For generations, suitors would carve decorative spoons from wood to give to their ladylove as this would prove he could provide for a family through woodworking. As this craft has been a tradition for several centuries, the gift of these spoons has become purely aesthetic rather than having a more practical use. Though not quite the same, be sure to pop by Kate’s Kitchen to pick up some wooden spoons and dishes—or at least admire them in their simplicity.
It is time to head to Scotland for a bit of hunting. Pop into Scalliwag Toys and have a look around. See if you can find the most adorable bovine in the form of a highland cow plushie. Now, these creatures are fairly used to tourists tromping around them but beware of the ones with horns as they tend to be a bit testy. Continue your hunt by next looking for the most elusive of mystical critters, Scotland’s national animal: the unicorn. There are books and toys about this legendary creature’s adventures that are perfect for your wee bairns.
It is time for lunch, but you need not worry about having haggis. Instead, we are heading back to England at the Quinte Corner Café. You could get a “cheese toastie” —otherwise known as a grilled cheese sandwich— or a more vegan choice of Smashed Chickpea wraps in place of “mushy peas”. (I do not recommend actual mushy peas as I found it to be rather unappealing.) If you crave something a little more substantial for your luncheon, go to the 116 Bistro for their Portobello Burger, because the market on the similarly named road in Notting Hill is not to be missed.
