Diane I can clean windows, clean the bathrooms, mop the floors, make the beds, and even throw rose petals where ever you walk. Take me please!!!
MMMMmmmm RUssia. If you go stuff me in the trunk and drop me off in Uglich the most beautiful city on the Neva.
Osip
London’s nice…be sure and take plenty of money tho…
I was in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales in 86…it was all charming. Wish I could go back.
Thanks London_Calling. I really dorked up the spelling of Gloucestershire. I have seen many pictures of the town and you are right, it IS beautiful! About 13 years ago, my dad and sister lived in a cottage there for almost 4 years (you would think I could spell the damn name). I was never able to make it over while they were there.
My little niece actually went to pre-school with Princess Ann’s daughter Zara (I think that is the name). I have a photograph of her (Zara) picking her nose. 
I also have a photo of my sister dancing on the bar of the local pub while everyone in the place sang Yanky Doodle Dandy and chanted “Oy! Oy! Oy!”
I really missed out. 
Very interesting twisting roads and the address were kind of neat too. My dad lived at OLD POST OFFICE then moved to RED ROOF.
Please send me a link to your site once you have it running. I would love to see it.
ultress - Damn you are tempting me!!! Do you do yard work?
Everyone else - Thank you so much for all the information! I am definitely going to try to see as much as I can of all your suggestions. I think I will copy this thread and e-mail it to my dad and my friends in GLOUCESTERSHIRE so they can help me plan things.
Keep 'em coming.
Do your friends live in Gloucester itself, Diane, or somewhere else in Gloucestershire?
http://www.earthcam.net and http://www.ukwebcameras.co.uk both have some nice views – although the only one I could find in Gloucestershire was in a town called Nailsworth.
You could always try going on the Millennium Wheel.
missbunny, I have to say I love a woman who likes Irish Bacon.
It is easily the most beautiful food in the world. Nothing like those crunchy dry bacon they sell in the states.
missbunny – we meet again ! . This time on more comfortable turf - for me - except you’ve already covered a lot of my ground. You seem to know your way around quite a few non-tourist trails. I have to think either you lived here a while or have friends in town ?
Anyways, back to Diane. What everyone else said - especially including Mr Larrigan’s bacon (although I’m pretty convinced by most European bacon).
Echo missbunny on the V & A, British Museum and The Tate - they ought to be visited. But I would also add the brand new, out of this world, superfantasmagorical Tate Modern: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/ .
It’s just around the corner from Shakespeare’s Globe so, hey. If you’re sturdy of leg, I recommend the cheap seats at the Globe because they’re aren’t any – it’s the large standing area around the stage. You might find it interesting to see Shakespeare in the actual environment it was designed for and that does include the bawdy Pit. Take ample wine, heckle the villain, cheer the hero, take something warm (preferably with a pulse) and have a great evening.
Aside from that, do try to buy tickets for popular attractions like the Wheel, the Globe and, if possible, any Theatre you have in mind before you come. Buy online rather than get scalped (they all have their own web site’s) and it also means less queuing – there would be a lot of queuing. Also, the fringe and semi-pro Theatre is usually rewarding. If the play is no good it’s almost a bonus as the pubs usually downstairs.
As bunny mentioned, the front seat on the top deck of double-decker buses are great viewing spots. Bit like having front row seats for street theatre.
If I had to offer just one online resource that would inform on all things ‘happening’ in London it would probably be ‘Time Out’. It pretty much has its finger on what’s afoot. http://www.timeout.com/london/
Don’t forget your passport.
And it’s just started raining.
Oh, and Venice is hell in summer - be prepared. And don’t trail your hand in the water while on a Gondola (believe me, you don’t want to know)
JohnLarrigan: I love a man who knows what Irish bacon is without my having to explain it.
Diane, while in Dublin, if you have any liking at all for beer, don’t miss the Guinness factory. The tour itself is fascinating, and you get a glass of the freshest Guinness you will ever taste at the end.
London_Calling, I did live in France – I’ve just done a fair bit of traveling to the other places. I usually go to London and/or Paris at least 2-3 times per year - and also have friends and relatives in Italy, England, and Ireland.
Re theatre tickets: you can also get them for cheap (that’s a relative term) at the booth in Leicester Square, as long as you aren’t dead set on seeing one particular play. Have several in mind so if one’s sold out you can pick something else. Do not buy tickets from someone selling them in the street unless you like kissing your money goodbye.
If you want to read Time Out London before you go, check at any big bookstore here – B&N and Borders carry it. Anything you want to do will have an entry in there.
Venice is quite hot and crowded in the summer, but still beautiful (unless there is a garbage strike on). Definitely learn a few Italian phrases – the Italians love people who make the most minimal effort to speak their language. Lots of delicious food too.
In Florence you can take tours of the glass-making and leather factories. They also make beautiful paper products in Florence; you can buy oodles of beautiful stationery and writing books. More delicious food here. Actually, the entire country of Italy has delicious food. You must buy some mozzarella di bufala – esp. if you are in Naples for even a couple of hours; it’s the best in the world there. Get some tomatoes, basil, and bread and make sandwiches. Mmm-mmm-mmmm.
I really must start planning another trip.