Just Go Solo Travels

09/24/2026

Wellington’s Arch in London’s Hyde Park. No, that’s not the Duke of Wellington in the flowing robes but Nike, the Goddess of Victory riding an ancient chariot. The humongous statue of Wellington on his horse was considered an oversized eyesore by almost everyone except Wellington himself, which meant it had to stay up on the arch while the famous military man was alive. After his death Wellington’s equestrian statue was eventually relocated to Aldershot, allowing Nike’s more petite statue to take its place in the late 1800s.

09/17/2026

Heading out!

I’ve said some harsh things about Heathrow when changing planes, but a flight originating from there is not too difficult. It’s also my first time traveling with an ankle brace as I recover from an injury. I had to practically disrobe going through security in the states, but here there was an extra scanning machine that you briefly rested your foot on. That was it, easy peasy! Good job, Heathrow!

09/16/2026

This patch of green in the City of London hides a secret. Remains of the original Roman wall can (barely) be seen here. Other walls from later centuries follow the same ancient path. The City Wall (as it was known for over a millennium) saved parts of London from The Great Fire of 1666. However, nothing could save the City Wall from progress. It was deliberately knocked down, scavenged, or built over as the city expanded past its original boundaries. Glimpses of it and other Roman ruins can be glimpsed here and there.

The mass of people seen in one photo is from a different tour group. My guide was an official London Tour Guide. There were about 10 people in our group. Recommend booking an Official London Guide if you can! https://www.cityoflondonguides.com/ (And, no, I’m not sponsored by them).

09/15/2026

At the very, VERY top of the Palace Theatre (home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) is a little bar with many, MANY clocks. Eerie and worth the climb even if you aren’t sitting in the cheap seats.

09/11/2026

San Francisco sunset from my hotel room.

09/06/2026

Lotta’s Fountain in San Francisco. Donated to the city by actress Lotta Crabtree in 1875, it survived the notorious 1906 earthquake and was a major meeting point for survivors in the days following. For decades survivors gathered there on the quake’s anniversary every April 18th at 5:12am. Although commemorations are still held, the last survivors passed away after the 2015 gathering.

#1906

07/04/2026

06/29/2026

Lego display featuring Hedwig at the Lyric Theatre, where the single-performance version of “Harry Potter & the Cursed Child” is currently playing with Tom Felton reprising his movie role as Draco Malfoy. If you want to see the original two-play version, it is only playing in London and only through mid-September of this year.

06/29/2026

Taco Bell, Hard Rock Cafe, many street food carts and an “I Love NY” neon sign about 10:30 at night. All the hectic things that make New York so vibrant!

06/25/2026

9th Avenue in New York City’s Garment District.