Derby, England

The Standing Order is a great old time tavern with high vaulted ceiling and tons of memorabilia. It also serves a great breakfast!

"The Ram" local football mascot with Mrs. Smart (Ben's mom).

The Pride Park Stadium, home of the Rams before...

...and with 35,000 fans! We lost to Arsenal this day; but getting them next year for sure!

Cherry Blossom tree near Ben's house.

Nottingham Castle...home of Robin Hood's friend!

Entrance to Nottingham Castle

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, England's oldest pub!

This is Ben Smart. I first met Ben on a trip we shared in Australia's outback. Check earlier in my blog for pics and stories about that adventure. Ben was the intellectual of the group and with a great personality and twisted sens of humor made the journey through the desert even more pleasant. When I finally arrived in Europe near the end of my adventure, Ben and his mother were nice enough to host me in their marvelous home in Derby. Ben's mom showed me around and actually took me shopping as I needed to buy dress trousers and shoes for the football match that evening...Arsenal vs Derby! Ben had two box seat tickets that he shared with me. We had a great dinner, got to meet a couple of the players and the match was excellent. Although the home team lost, it was a great way for me to end my adventure. We also went for a tour of Nottingham Castle on the day that I left for my flight back to Canada. Thanks to both Ben and his mother for a "most excellent" time in Derby!