This is one definition of quirky:
“…unusual in especially an interesting or appealing way. ”
So, yes, the following random items are sort of quirky; they are interesting and appealing to me, and just maybe to you. Read on to discover a few of my own interesting likes about travel to England……
#1. Of course, you guessed it…tea! It’s nice to not be considered weird for asking for tea instead of coffee. Everyone drinks tea. And the tea is, generally, very good and much stronger than any ordinary cup served here in the States.
I discovered this a few trips ago and now buy this box of 100 bags on each trip. While I never use bags here at home, these are different. Strong, strong….
Take a look at the UK site for Twinings: quite a different variety than what is sold here in the States. If you’re really desperate, let me know: I’m going over in October!
2. My next “Like” of things in England? Well, guess what, it’s the bathrooms. Yep. Every single bathroom I used, whether in a high end hotel or restaurant, or an ordinary pub, or even a train station was… convenient, immaculate, each toilet in a private (as in walls down to the floor) room, some had wonderful hardware and handles, lovely brand-name soap dispenser AND lotion, the latest Dyson hand dryer, soft kleenex and hand towels, and many had beautiful tile floors and walls.
Yes indeed, they do bathrooms well over there!
3. Hair dryers. So, this is a personal list… and I must include this item! I always take my own hair dryer as I need a “concentrator”: you know, that extra piece that goes on the end of the dryer to focus air where you need it. I need that in order to pull my hair and thus straighten it. I don’t think I have EVER seen one in any hotel in the States. France is terrible: oh those horrid wall dryers with the plastic tubing. But in England? I’ve stayed in what? six different hotels in the last year and each one has the best dryer with concentrator. For me, it is amazing….
This is the exact same brand and style in the room at North House Cowes and was maybe the best dryer I have ever used. So I looked it up and this particular model is only for use in the U.S. It seems to be, from the pictures and description, the exact same. Yes, it is expensive: more than I’ve ever paid for a hair dryer. But I’m going to go for it and will let you know.
It’s the GHD Air Hair Dryer
There were others, but perhaps they are just a bit TOO quirky for a post. As I said, I am going again in October and will certainly come up with other “Likes.”
I will leave you with one last note: I will NOT be posting much for the remainder of the summer. Life is busy here: my volunteer position within our community is a lot of work and time; I’m spending a lot more time swimming laps and being outdoors; my Etsy shop needs attention; I am designing new products for the Fall shows where I will be exhibiting; and of course there is some new travel involved. If you subscribe then you will get any and all new posts delivered to your inbox.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Libby! Libby! Bow out of posting for the summer if you must. But for God’s sake don’t bow out until you’ve FULLY debriefed us about your recent English garden experiences. I’ve been waiting impatiently for your return to get the lowdown. One garden post on the fly doesn’t count.
Oh Kate. Thank you, thank you for that vote of confidence! Well, it is all just a bit much and my posts have really fallen behind. The thing is: we didn’t really GO to do gardens. Husband is just not that keen on meandering through them! I think you and I should go, yes? Anyway, we DID see some really lovely gardens/flowers/vistas but I wasn’t really concentrating on that.
On the upside here….I am going back in early October (daughter is going in August for a year to study) and am going to look into Chatsworth to see if it’s too late in the season. Of course, Sissinghurst would be lovely but I have seen that once (never enough, I know.) The gardens at Blenheim? And of course Kew and dying to go to Petersham Nurseries. and on and on…
That Chelsea Physic Garden was so lovely: have you been there?
Ok, must run but I’ll see about another post!
Agree about the loos in England and glad I’m not the only one who feels that way!
Hi Jo: Yes, so very nice to really feel they are clean!! How are you doing? Talk later?
I agree with you on the tea. It is the best. Glad to hear that our bathrooms have a good rating.
I agree with you on the tea. Glad to hear our loos get a good rating.
Tea and hairdryers are important. Not quirky at all. Love the UK for tea and for breakfasts! I do have a bone to pick with accommodations which kindly provide hairdryers, but without plugs that are anywhere near a mirror. Hubby once had to hold the mirror for me while I dried my hair. Patient man that he is. Ha.
P.S. We were at Chatsworth last October. Lovely temps for walking. We stayed at The Devonshire Arms at Beeley, on the estate. The food and the rooms were wonderful. No mirror problems. I waxed lyrical on my blog about the tiny village of Beeley and the bus ride over to Chatsworth.
The thing about the hair dryers that drives me nuts is no outlets in bathrooms. Yes, I understand why. But, as you say, it can be very, very inconvenient! Our hotel in Cowes also supplied a hair straightener! That was truly a first.
Ok, thank you for the Chatsworth advice.So much to see, always, yes? Don’t you want to come back in October??
We’ll miss you! Enjoy your summer.
Thanks Claudia! Hope you are having a great summer too.
That’s an idiosyncratic list too be sure, Libby, but one I’ll keep in mind should future travel take me to the UK! Best wishes keeping all the balls in the air this summer!