Travel, Via Francigena

Travelogue Fragments: Lincoln, UK

Retirement Reflections

After a consecutive journey of planes, trains and automobiles (plus ferries, buses, subways, and skytrains), Richard and I are now in Europe.  Previously, I gave you all permission to smack me if I dared blog from this trip. I’m now hoping that you don’t take me up on that! Inspired by others who are currently blogging from the Francigena, I’ve decided to attempt the same. As I will not be far behind them, their posts have been extremely helpful to me. At the same time, I’m hoping that my posts will let family and friends know where I am and freshly record my experiences as they happen (I don’t completely trust myself to do this after the fact). With long days ahead, only my iPhone to use, and sketchy WiFi at best, I can’t promise consistency…or editing. In an attempt to make this all work, I will sadly need to take a break from all other blogging (including commenting on my favourite sites). I will try to use this space as a good place to reach me. I greatly appreciate your comments and will reply to them all. I apologize in advance for any delays.

Right now, we are in Lincoln visiting our son, Creighton, who is a researcher/lecturer at the University here.  So far, we’ve taken in the Castle, Cathedral, Wall Walk, Steep Hill Climb, Museum, West Commons….and a pub or two. If you know the area and have any other hidden gems to suggest, I’d love to hear about them!

 

 

As an added bonus, as I type this, Creighton is preparing dinner. How cool is that?!

 

 

Before I rush off to eat, I leave you with this song that has been playing in my head since we arrived here. Take it away, Charlie!

 

Next stop: Pisa and Lucca. I hope that you’ll continue to join me!

 

 

 

 

 

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

71 thoughts on “Travelogue Fragments: Lincoln, UK”

  1. Hi Donna – Great to hear from you. You’re a pro when it comes to blogging while traveling. Lincoln looks very nice from your photos. I just did a self-guided walking tour of The Law Society of Upper Canada Osgoode Hall. I wonder if Richard is familiar with this beautiful building. Enjoy Pisa and Lucca when you get there. I visited Pisa many years ago and loved it.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Natalie – I definitely would t say pro, but my Smartphone (and WordPress) seem to be learning as I go along. I’ve answered my comments from newest to oldest. For the first one, WP made my moderate my own reply! For the next few I needed to repeatedly add in my name, email address and website. For yours, I had no problems replying at all. Hopefully, this will continue!

      Like

      Reply

  2. Glad you’ve both got to Lincoln okay. I have only ever driven through Lincoln (up that steep hill towards the cathedral) and didn’t stop, so no recommendations from me. However, we holidayed in Tuscany a few years ago and loved both Pisa and Lucca (Lucca especially) and I know you’ll love them both. They do get crowded with visitors as I’m sure you will have guessed. Have fun with your son and safe travelling!

    Like

    Reply

  3. Hi Donna
    Beautiful photos and dinner looks scrumptious. I’m also a big fan of Hot Road Lincoln. It’s a great song to cycle to. Very high energy and now stuck in my brain, thank you very much
    Looking forward to more pics and experiences of the Camino
    Buen Camino
    Laura

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Laura – Thank you so much for commenting – especially as you are just beginning your blogging break! Sorry for filling your head with HRL. It is a great song…but I am ready for the flipside! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. We used to live in Nottinghamshire and visited Lincoln often, it’s a lovely place. We once saw the Mystery Plays there (medieval plays telling the bible story) in the area in front of the cathedral – at night. It was summer but so cold I had to be given a Red Cross blanket.

    Like

    Reply

  5. So fabulous Donna! All best wishes on this adventure! My sister has a group on what’s app and sends photos plus short commentary but it’s not a large group – 10 people or so. Not suggesting that for you. Perhaps for family and close friends whose cell phone numbers you have. So, safe travels and have fun ❤️

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Susan – I hope that your sister’s travels are going well. I had originally thought of doing a small group communication of our travels…but was then afraid of leaving anyone out. (Ya, I was the mother who invited Creighton’s entire Kindergarten class to his birthday party for the same reason.) I’m still not sure if this plan will go bust or not…but I’ll give it an honest try! Please stay tuned 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. It might be the unconventional editing you’re doing on your phone, but let me know if I have this right: if any of us ever come to Lincoln, Creighton will make us dinner? That works for me just fine. 😉

    Looks like fun, Donna. Have fun! – Marty

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Marty – I’m thrilled to have extra editing help. (I’ve already noticed errors in this post…shriek here!) I think that you may have taken artistic license. 🙂 Although Creighton was very kind to let me experiment with my first official travel post while he prepared dinner…somehow I believe that his generosity may end there. Your comment did give me a good chuckle though!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Donna! Are you sure???? I know it sounds fun/easy while you are all “fresh” in on travel…but as much as we like seeing your photos and smiling face we will completely understand if you go quiet. And yes…great photos! ~Kathy

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Kathy – This will definitely be fragments at best. And if I need to wave the white flag, I promise to do so. Today’s experiment has been a good one…then again, I’m in a house with great WiFi! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  8. You are very brave. I am travelling around Japan and keeping a diary on my iPad but not blogging – just posting some pics on FB. May is a good time to travel but it was 32 degrees C here yesterday in the Alps. I haven’t been to Lincoln but did a bus tour in Tuscany and loved it. I plan to go back one day, just the two of us and stay a week in one place.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Linda – Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m not very good at diary writing, but may give that a try (on my iPhone) if my current plan falls through. Your travels in Japan sound wonderful – I look forward to seeing your photos and reading your upcoming posts!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Donna, I can’t suggest any new gems to see or do as you have done everything we did while visiting Lincoln. Our visit was during a colder period and descending that steep street was challenging! A fascinating city made more vibrant with a university!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Suzanne – I’m glad to hear that we haven’t missed any major sites. We’ve done the Steep Hill climb twice so far. The first time was after just arriving here at the train station, with zero sleep (night flight) and our full packs. The second climb was much easier!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Hi Donna,
    I was going to start with “consider this your ‘smack’ ” until I read on and realized that you were doing this as a chronicle of your adventures. In order to capture the moment correctly, so to speak. So, I get it…but make sure to live it first!
    Selfishly, I’m glad you are posting. I love reading about what you are doing!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Nancy – Thank you so much for your understanding. Hopefully this plan will work. Although this “experiment post” went well enough…I’m not yet on the trail and do have the full luxury of good WiFi. Fingers crossed!

      Like

      Reply

    1. Hi, Janis – I’m the first to admit that I am absolutely lousy at using my phone for anything — even texting! Actually, I mostly just use it as a camera. It has definitely been a challenge to get my phone, WP, and my fingers (and thumbs) to cooperate in making this post happen. Hopefully, I will get better at it as I go along. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I love Lincoln. Our son and family lived there a good few years till he was posted to Las Vegas for three years. We have been up and down Steep Hill many times. The art gallery and museum just below the cathedral is good. We once accidentally discovered an aboretum near HMP Lincoln. There is also the museum of Lincolnshire Life a short walk the other side of the castle.
    We haven’t visited the Bomber Command memorial as it is new.
    https://internationalbcc.co.uk/

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for these extra tips. Our son will be at work tomorrow and Richard and I will be exploring on our own. I have already added your suggestions to our agenda. They are greatly appreciated! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  17. Glad your trip has started so well Donna – nothing like time with our “kids” is there? Lovely that he cooked for you and you could share some precious time together. It will be really nice following along on your journey – and we’ll all still be here when you get back – so don’t worry about the commenting xx

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Leanne – I greatly appreciate your understanding. And, I totally agree – there is absolutely nothing like spending time with our children (regardless of their ages)! Thank you for following along.

      Like

      Reply

  18. Hi Donna – good thing I’m not nearer Lincoln .. otherwise I might be over for a tour and some supper afterwards! So good you’ve been able to spend sometime with Creighton – I’d like to ask what discipline he’s working in. I’ve never been to Lincoln .. but you’ve tempted me … sometime. If you can post something .. it’ll be good, if not we understand. Happy travels … I’ve never been to Lucca and would love to go … Pisa was (decades ago) very beautiful … while climbing the tower is something to remember. If you get to Milan do see the artists’ quarter and Leonardo museum … but I suspect you’ll be exploring much more scenic areas … looking forward to being able to vicariously walk the trail with you. Cheers Hilary

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Hilary – Once again, our paths have almost crossed. I am confident that they will cross in our future and we will finally be able to have our meetup. I greatly look forward to i
      Creighton is a lecturer and researcher in the field of Human Geography. He predominantly concentrates on issues in Southeast Asia.

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thanks for letting me know Creighton’s are of interest … sounds fascinating – while SEAsia must be of major interest to the two of you after your time in China, and I expect you visited many other areas.

        Like

  19. Welcome to the UK, Donna. I hope the British weather suits you. Great to hear you’ve visited a few pubs. Did you try any of the food in the pubs? Maybe fish and chips or Shepherd’s Pie?
    I bet Creighton was delighted to see you both. How marvellous that he also cooked you dinner. If it had been me, you’d been served beans on toast. 😀
    Have a great time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Hugh – Creighton did serve us beans and toast with our breakfast this morning…it also came with poached eggs and sausage! 🙂 We have had lunch in a couple of pubs….mostly sandwiches/burgers. I will definitely add fish and chips and Shepherd’s Pie to our list for before we leave. Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Hey, who says you can’t blog from an iPhone? Great hearing from you and seeing the pics as you start out on your trek. Enjoy, have fun, and do keep us posted ♥

    Like

    Reply

  21. Looks beautiful! And being able to meet up with your son is an added bonus. Happy trails.

    Like

    Reply

  24. Should I spank you or should I compliment you? I can understand the desire to record your experiences during the hiking trip, so why not do this in blog posts? A perfect solution and sense satisfaction. I happily follow along. I just hope it won’t become too frustrating. Nice start of the European adventure; with family and in comfort. Get some rest and happy hiking!

    Like

    Reply

  25. Hi Donna, Yeah, on the blogging from the Francigena! No pressure. Wanted it to be your choice and your decision. The pictures definitely look like you are now in Europe. I cannot imagine what a treat it is to visit with Creighton when you live far apart from each other. Looking forward to reading more. Have fun!

    Like

    Reply

  26. How cool is that? Son making dinner? Very cool !! My eldest son made me dinner too…last night, but the trip to his domain was only 71 miles, 75 minutes, ha ha. Enjoy your trip! So glad to read this beginning chapter of your exciting journey.

    Like

    Reply

  27. Hi Donna, enjoy your time away and if you get a chance to blog then I’ll enjoy reading your updates, but if not then we can all wait until you’re able to get the right conditions. I love the fact you’re with your son and enjoying family time 🙂 . take care.

    Like

    Reply

  28. This is a great beginning to your newest adventure! Blogging while travelling is a challenge and I can’t imagine trying to do it from my phone! Respect!! 🙂

    {hope you’ll do more 🙂}

    Like

    Reply

  29. My friend swears by a tea shop in Lincoln that serves everything in Edwardian costume. Naturally I can’t remember the name at the moment! Looking forward to following along on your travels.

    Like

    Reply

  32. Thanks for following now, Sam. I greatly appreciate it! Erica (from Victoria) read all posts (so far) in one go, and two glasses of wine. Just sayin’ about the wine…but I do believe that it helped! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  33. Ahh Donna, you swore you were not going to blog while hiking the Camino this time. But (selfishly), I’m glad you are anyways. BTW, I’ve never learned to blog in my phone.

    Jude

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Jude – I was originally inspired by others who had blogged (live) about their adventures on the Via Francigena. Their insights made a very positive difference for my planning and preparation. This encouraged me to at least try to do the same. Once I got started, I found that the daily blogging became an easy part of my routine. The brief, non-edited posts that were written and published in a single, short timeframe were very liberating. Now that I have returned home to my computer, and more time leeway, I hope to retain some of this blogging style (with perhaps a pinch of editing). 🙂 See you Friday night!!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment