One of our stops on our upcoming cruise is in Falmouth, England, which is in Cornwall. I have always wanted to see that part of England and never have, even when we lived in England. I learned this morning that there’s a new sense of urgency for us to get there as soon as possible, and I sure hope we’re in time. I just read articles in the Seattle Times and The New York Times that the ruling Conservative party in Britain is proposing to expand the 20% VAT to pasties, sausage rolls, and meat pies in the new budget. I’m gobsmacked! The tax goes into effect immediately after a “comment period”. Let’s hope there are lots of comments. This is being called “pasty-gate” in Britain and is very controversial. I just want to eat a reasonably-priced Cornish Pasty when we get there.

TL