MJ Travel: Europe - Part One - April & May 2025 “Genealogy Trip”

Genealogy Trip 2025 - Part One

Where did my family originate? A question which is sometimes a brief thought regarding family history. An old photo or a family story can spark this curiosity. I have known our family’s heritage was German for as long as I can remember. From my dad and uncles speaking German as they were playing cards to the German words that greeted all of our guests the German traditions were everywhere.

Bob knew he was of European descent. While visiting family with his father he posed a question to family elders. Where did our family come from? He was curious about his family history even at a young age. The elders in his family did not have a clear answer. Research began using several resources. Library classes, data bases, DNA testing and a lot of long hours provided a more detailed family history.

We decided to plan a Genealogy adventure. Why not plan a trip and visit the areas our ancestors lived before they migrated to the United States?

You will need several maps to follow us on this journey! Here we go!

The names for our first stop on our ancestral journey can be confusing. Let’s see we have UK, Britain, England…..where do we start? We discovered it is not only confusing to us but also puzzling to Europeans from other countries. As much as it is confusing to us it is rather irritating to the residents of Britain. Or, should I say residents of the UK? I am still learning.

We started in London visiting with friends and enjoying the city.

Our AirBnb in the Burrough of Hammersmith in London.

What song are you singing right now? 🎶

My mom’s favorite cocktail-gin & tonic!

Whenever we are in London we always try to meet our friends. This trip we were fortunate to visit with them several times.

And a new friend, Sam. Bartender at the Pub down the street. We learned how to order a proper “pint”, tipping customs and a lot of humorous stories!

Leaving London and heading to Bath. We will be back in London at the end of our Genealogy Adventure.

The city of Bath offers free walking tours. We spent 2 hours with Mark and learned a lot about the history and architecture of Bath.

Another Pub and more new friends! This gentleman gave us his table and moved to the bar. Bob invited him to join us but he needed to catch a bus. He was in Bath to listen to a Rock & Roll band. We learned his name was David Jones. Coincidentally Bob’s mother’s maiden name was Jones! He and Bob were kindred spirits!

A tour of the Roman Bath was fascinating. The very well preserved bath is presented in a way so the visitors understand what life was like during this time period. The best developed museum I have ever visited!

Roman Bath Learn More; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Baths_(Bath)

We enjoyed dinner and a play during our last evening in Bath. One of the actresses was in Downton Abbey!

We picked up our rental car in Bath. Oh my! What an experience! Roads are narrow, traffic is fast and both driver and passenger are holding their breath!

Hang on-here we go to Shrewsbury, Ludlow and ending the day in Ironbridge.

Bathroom Break! How clever to post this public education notice on the bathroom stall door.

Ludlow was our first official Genealogy Tour stop. Bob’s ancestors lived in this town. Really amazing to think he was walking on the same streets as his ancestors!

Next on our road trip (using the term road loosely here) we headed towards Ironbridge, UK. Known as the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution! A beautiful village on a river in a gorge. Just imagine that drive-and believe me map apps aren’t always correct! Oh my! Bob did great driving although I requested several times that he slow down! Yes, once I even yelled, “I’m going to die”!

Below is a photo of Luke and Bob. We met Luke on a path along the river in Ironbridge. He was sitting on a bench with his bike propped next to him like an old friend. I commented that the uneven cobblestones must be difficult to ride on. He shrugged and said it’s ok. We got to know Luke just a little bit in those few minutes. During the next few days he crossed my mind a lot. I suppose it is a motherly instinct or my educator intuition but I sensed Luke was not a happy boy. When he asked where we were from and we told him a look of wonder brushed across his face.

We asked about school. He is an eleventh grader. His opinion of the schools in his country was pretty dismal. Really disappointed to hear this.

Luke perked up when he recommended his favorite Fish and Chip Take-away. He also enjoyed discussing bike mechanics with Bob. Before we said goodbye he asked if Bob wanted to take his bike for a ride. Such a sweet offer. Bob told him not this time but we would like a photo of him, Bob and his bike!

This entire encounter lasted about 5 minutes. We will remember Luke and this time along the river very fondly.