Here is an account of my trip to England and Scotland. It’s not writing related, but hey, you never know when or where the next inspiration for a story will hit.

DAY ONE, Saturday

We left Miami International Airport on American Airlines aboard a comfortable jet with our own TV screen attached to the seat in front of us. I watched the Fantastic Four which I hadn’t seen before, and that kept me occupied for a couple of hours. After a round of drinks, we were served dinner. The hot chicken meal was tasty and adequately filling. Then the lights dimmed, but I couldn’t sleep because my legs were restless. Shortly before landing, the flight attendants served a breakfast of croissants and yogurt. We left Miami at 5:05 pm and arrived at Heathrow, terminal three, at 6:35 a.m.. London time is five hours ahead of us.

Weary, we got in line for immigration. Although there were crowds of people, someone directed us and the lines were orderly. We passed through passport control, picked up our bags, and strode through customs. Outside the gate were multitudes of people, many holding up signs. We searched for the Globus representative and soon spotted a blonde lady in a red uniform and cap. She told us where to wait while other passengers were rounded up. Feeling dazed and tired, we sank onto seats amid the airport chaos.

DAY TWO, Sunday

Outside, we were led to a bus. The air was crisp and cool, a delightful change from hot and humid South Florida. It took a half-hour to get to the Novotel London West Hotel in Hammersmith. Along the way, the loudspeaker played England Swings, a catchy tune by Roger Miller. In the hotel, we exited into Globus’s own lower lobby where we were handed our keys and the porters took over baggage detail.

While my husband and son rested, I walked with my daughter to Hammersmith Underground Station to exchange money at a Barclay’s ATM. We saw a Starbucks along the way, pubs at a busy intersection, and shops inside the station along with a McDonald’s. It was windy and cool out so I wore my leather jacket.

Back in the hotel, we signed up for the tour of Buckingham Palace, figuring if we stayed awake, it would be easier to adjust to the time difference. After a quick bite to eat in the hotel lounge, we hopped on the coach for a tour of the Royal Mews. This is where the Queen’s state carriages and horses are kept. It’s a series of attached buildings in a square around a central courtyard. We saw the gilded carriages, powerful horses, clean stables, and the training grounds.

Next door, we entered Buckingham Palace. You can only tour the state rooms there when the Queen is not in residence. In both places, we passed through security first. The palace was spectacular, too opulent for words. What impressed me the most were the gold details, ornate ceilings, lavish draperies, tapestries, grand staircases, fireplaces with decorative shields. I especially liked the throne room with its scarlet cushioned thrones at the far end, and the ballroom with its own balcony for an orchestra, huge organ pipes, and thrones for the royal couple at the opposite end. Portraits of royal personages adorned the walls. Porcelain and silver graced the State Dining Room. I couldn’t help wondering where the secret passages were hidden. In the rear of the palace were extensive grounds I never knew existed: trees shaded lanes winding around a small lake and pleasant gardens. Here, too, was the inevitable gift shop. I succumbed and bought a guidebook. When else would I have the chance? This was a highlight of the trip. Nothing could be more impressive...could it?

Back in Hammersmith, we ate dinner at Smollensky’s restaurant. I had macaroni and cheese. It was very creamy and served with toasted garlic bread. Then we finally crashed in our hotel room. A word of advice: Their bathtub showers, narrow affairs with no bath mat, have a warning sign that says, Slippery When Wet. Take this seriously! And bring your own washcloth if you use one. These are not supplied in England hotels. Actually, you might want to bring soap as well. Okay then, finally we got to sleep.

Coming Next: Day 3, Cambridge, Belvoir Castle, and York.

A Taste of Britain, Globus Tours, www.globusjourneys.com