After what can only be described as an epic time in Guernsey, I was invited to meet up with Yael Leinman and spend a day up in Hertfordshire, England. This was a tough call, because part of me was considering a “day off” and just doing nothing. A recovery day as it were. But my inner extravert got the better of me and I agreed to my first of many adventures in England and I’m so glad I did.

*If Yael could simply have sent me a What’sApp of THIS picture. Easy HELL YES!*

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Yael was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and drive me north. She kept apologizing for the traffic. I kept explaining that I was deeply grateful for the conversation and to be with my friend and couldn’t give a second thought to the traffic (which, by the way, was NOTHING compared to Long Island, New York and Los Angles, California traffic — it’s all relative and what you’re used to).

*Our hike was planned for Ivinghoe Beacon (for the locals who know).*

*Trails were easy and perfect for having been on an airplane. Great hike!*

I feel so familiar with the English countryside. While Ireland is an entirely different country, the hills feel very similar. Although right at this moment, they are much more green because England is having a heat wave. It’s so bad that this week the government issued a backyard “hose pipe ban.” Meaning, you can’t use sprinklers or hoses to water your lawn or gardens because of the drought.

*Drought or no, it’s still beautiful from the top of the hill we climbed.*

*Yael brought some snacks for a wonderful picnic at to the top of the hill*

*This is, indeed, really nice up here. Such great views of England.*

As we headed down, we took more pictures because that’s what you do when you’re hiking round the gorgeous countryside. Yael was explaining that she wanted to make sure the experience wasn’t just of the city of London and I totally understand. When people come to New York City and that’s all they see, they get a very myopic view — especially if that’s one of the few cities they see while traveling to the United States. Getting out and seeing the more rural areas is important to get a better feel for the entirety of an area.

*Next Yael drove me to Hertfordshire for Lamb and Yorkshire Pudding DInner*

This restaurant was originally a pub that grew, and grew, and grew …

*Sweeping staircase feels like an old mansion and every square inch plays the part of luxury space (vs. pub)*

This was one of the most spectacular pubs I’ve every stepped foot into. We needed a reservation on Sunday as they have their traditional Sunday roast which I’m a big fan of. The lamb and Yorkshire pudding was spot on. We sat outside and admired the “Hectors of Land Extending in All Directions.”

*Did I mention this place just goes and goes and goes in every direction?*

*Looking up from time to time is something I need to remember to do here ;-)*

After a delicious dinner, we went for a walk around town to see even more of the incredible sights. We had only time for the short tour (that was on me) so that I could get back to London before the end of the day. That said, we managed to get in a heck of lot for a single day. Imagine that!

*This is St. Albans Cathedral — it’s ridiculously huge.*

I know you think, “got it,” but I assure you, no. It’s way, way bigger.

St. Albans Cathedral has been built and rebuilt several times over several centuries and you can tell by the styles that appear to compete over the different facades of the different sides of the vastly huge building. Different eras produced different thoughts about how the cathedral should look and much debate and upsetedness ensued. I simply marvel at the enormity of it all. It reminds me of the fictional Harry Potter grand hall holding all the students.

*Hey look! This is where I live back in Port Washington, NY.*

*I asked Yael to pose in front of one of many English gardens we passed by.*

I love how English people take care of their gardens. They are well maintained and beautiful. You can just walk around and admire them. On specific days in this town they even open up the larger properties and invite you in to do just that. “Hey, check out just how cool my garden actually is .. you’re only seeing part of it from the street.”

Oldest pub in the UK? Some debate about it. Certainly oldest in Hertfordshire.

*I can attest to the low ceilings. I’m 5 foot 11.5 (just under 6 foot) so is this beam.*

I like the look of this pub regardless of if it’s the “oldest” officially or not.

And with that, we walked back and headed back to London. I had a wonderful day with Yael and she took me around Hertfordshire in an expedited way. If we had more time I could see the river off in the distance we could have spent time walking around and several more ancient buildings we could have spent time exploring together. That was totally on me.

But the time we did have was wonderful and a great first day in England. I’m truly grateful for this time together and a proper start to my WEEK 3 on my 52 week World Tour adventure. Thank you, Yael!

Hertfordshire, England (July 13, 2025)

London, England (July 14, 2025)

Guernsey Run, Castle & Tower (July 12, 2025)