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What happens when a couple of American retirees tackle the United Kingdom, complete with driving on the "wrong" side of narrow roads, navigating London's famous tube system, and an unexpected series of medical adventures? Join us as we share the highs and lows of our journey through Britain.

London welcomed us with its iconic landmarks and efficient public transportation. Armed with the TFL Go app, we explored Westminster, the British Museum, and vibrant Camden Town while mastering the art of "tap on, tap off" and the Tube. Despite our comically tiny hotel room where the bed touched three walls, we found ourselves enchanted by the city's parks, architecture, and pub culture.

Our adventure shifted gears—literally—when we rented a manual transmission car in Oxford to explore the Cotswolds. Picture this: shifting with the left hand while navigating narrow country roads bordered by vine-covered stone walls, all while trying to remember to stay on the left side! The countryside rewarded our efforts with extraordinary natural beauty and villages that seemed frozen in time, from Burford's ancient church to Bourton-on-the-Water's stream-crossed pathways.

The journey northward took us through Bath's Roman history, Manchester's surprising vibrancy, and finally to Scotland, where Edinburgh's castle perched dramatically on volcanic rock and Glasgow offered a blend of industrial heritage and cultural attractions. Throughout our travels, we encountered unexpected highlights, like discovering the Royal Yacht Britannia's fascinating history and enjoying tea with scones aboard this floating piece of British history.

Not everything went according to plan—a sketchy Airbnb in Glasgow sent us scrambling for alternative accommodations, and persistent respiratory issues led to three separate visits to British medical facilities. Yet these challenges revealed the efficiency and kindness of the UK healthcare system, while adding those unpredictable elements that transform a vacation into a true adventure.

Have you explored the UK beyond London? What was your favorite discovery? Follow our continuing adventures at jimsantosbooks.com and share your own travel stories with us by emailing jim@jimsantosbooks.com.

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