A Word from Goethe and Rick Steves

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation). There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” — Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

I’ve always loved that quote, ever since I got a copy of it from Whitney in our Aldus days. It came to mind again this weekend while I was driving to the barn. I turned on NPR and found myself listening to Rick Steves talking all about Britain with a Blue Ribbon Tour Guide from London, plus call-in listeners.

Yowsa. I’ve only recently put out my full intention to create this trip, and already the material assistance I need is coming to me, this time in the way of information. A few great tips I added to my mix:

• In Britain, the saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Have Gortex boots and layer clothes.
• The London locals like to take off for Rye and Burford (sp?) for their weekend getaways. The Sussex area, I think, en route to Canterbury (a place I’d like to see). Rye is particularly quaint and inviting, according to the Blue Ribbon Tour Guide.
• Walking across private lands is legal; Britain’s law requires landowners to offer right of way to all foot travelers. Look for stiles in the fences and walls for safest passage.
• Book B&Bs in advance, even on a walking trip.
• For walking tours, get specific-area guidebooks, such as Guidebook to the Cotswolds. I’d love to return to the Cotswolds. Green, green, green.
• While small villages aren’t usually train stops, the taxi service is usually good, even in the rural areas. Twenty to thirty dollars will get me to the nearest station.
• If I were so inclined to stay in one place instead of tour, Britain offers some sort of worker program for up to 6 months; one caller said she worked in a pub in London through the program and enjoyed the chance to meet the locals and make some money instead of spend it on her vacation.
• If I intend to tour Buckingham Palace (the “Buck House”), do it in August or September, when the Queen’s away and the whole place is open to the public. She opened the Buck House several years ago to pay for the repair of Balmoral Castle after the fire (not wanting to use Brit tax dollars to refurbish her own home); the concept brought in so much cash that she’s moved out at the end of every summer since then, even though the Balmoral bill’s been paid a few times over.
• Stay out of the Britson area of London—not safe.
• Half-price ticket booths for theater performances are all over Leicester (sp?) Square. Be sure to go to the white building with the clock on it—that’s the reputable sales site; other booths can be shady-handed. See last year’s hits for half the cost; this year’s hits won’t be available this way.
• The British Museum is free. I keep forgetting that.
• When visiting the London sites, do the churches in the afternoon to avoid the crowds (tours usually run in the mornings). Try the Tower in the morning (tours usually run in the afternoons). If doing the Tower, go to the Crown Jewels first—usually people go there last, so it’s more crowded.

And of course tons more tips available at his site, www.ricksteves.com.

Thank you, Steves. Go, Goethe!