tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15462808283339978712024-03-13T08:50:21.209-04:00Traveling LightlyAn altogether-too-serious person's attempt at taking life less seriously.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-77315558413790108092016-05-17T17:11:00.001-04:002016-05-17T17:11:49.773-04:00Going "Home" before Going Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were in what I consider to be my second home today. I'm incredibly tired after the long drive from Cornwall this morning and an afternoon spent walking around London. So I'm going to leave everyone with a series of photos, and then I'm going to rest before our flight home tomorrow.<br />
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After dropping off the car and riding the Tube from Heathrow, we arrived at our magnificent hotel. Recognize it? Think <i>Harry Potter</i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that Ron's car flying past?</td></tr>
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The hotel is next door to one of my favorite places, so we dropped in to peruse the beautiful books on display in the manuscript room. What struck me most this time was how precious books once were. And now we have Nooks and Kindles and all sorts of non-books. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, friend</td></tr>
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Then we stopped at our favorite fish and chips place.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll have a plate of yummy grease, please!</td></tr>
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<br />Fully recharged from the tasty lunch, we headed for my favorite landmarks in London.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen opens Parliament tomorrow. They're ready for her.</td></tr>
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<br />We got to see angles of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey that I don't recall seeing before.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new side to the Palace at Westminster</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Wesminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George V outside of Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard the Lionheart outside of Parliament</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the great north door at Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<br />Then we had to go get some cheese.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mouth was watering at this point</td></tr>
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<br />And we took it back to the hotel for a light dinner.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum</td></tr>
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<br />And now we're off to bed before heading home.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodnight, London</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-67912035337037808982016-05-16T12:45:00.000-04:002016-05-16T12:45:54.552-04:00Last Day in CornwallWe head to London tomorrow to turn in the car, visit a few of our favorite spots, and prepare for our flight home. I cannot wait to hand over the keys to the car. I have grown so tired of driving on roads that are as wide as my driveway at home. If we had been able to drive on regular (real) roads, I'm certain that I would not feel so weary as I do. I've never looked so forward to being on a motorway (that's the word for interstate here), and we'll be on the motorway for nearly four hours tomorrow.<br />
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Of course, for our last day in Cornwall, we ended up spending more time than usual on these driveways that stand in for roads on our way to and from Cotehele, an estate that was an ancestral home from 1353 until the Edgecumbe family gave it to the National Trust in 1947. It's especially known for its tapestries, but I found the outside of the property the most interesting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The longer I'm here, the more I love stone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side approach to the estate and its tiered garden are<br />especially impressive</td></tr>
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The feature that is probably most well-known in the gardens is the dovecote as the garden paths lead toward the Tamar river. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the Dovecote hiding among the trees</td></tr>
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<br />The terraced garden provides lovely views of the surrounding landscape.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the side door</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the Tamar valley</td></tr>
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<br />On the inside of the house, I enjoyed the little nooks the most. One of them made me a little jealous, in fact. Upstairs in one of the bedrooms is a nook with a little hole that provides a view into the great hall below. The owners could peep through the hole and decide whether the guests entering were worth the trip downstairs. I like that idea.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think I'll leave my room for those folks</td></tr>
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<br />And another sweet nook had a lovely bouquet perched on the windowsill.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bright, cheerful spot in the dark house</td></tr>
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<br />We took a walk along the Tamar to the mill nearby and looked through the historic buildings before sitting down for a cream tea. We'll miss that daily ritual.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely stone bridge crossing a tributary</td></tr>
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<br />But tomorrow we head for London, and that has wonderful rituals of its own.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-31551457575665715292016-05-15T16:05:00.002-04:002016-05-15T16:05:17.330-04:00Walking through a Choir of AngelsWe began the day by attending the Eucharistic service at Truro Cathedral. It is the only cathedral in the whole of Cornwall. Apparently, there was once a Diocese in Cornwall up to the end of the 10th century, but then it shifted to Devon. By the 19th century, the call for restoring a Diocese in Cornwall reached a fever pitch, and after 30 years of advocating, the people of Cornwall were rewarded with Truro Cathedral. It was consecrated in 1877.<br />
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The Cathedral is a beautiful building, towering over the city. Though it is rather young in English historical terms, its architecture fits perfectly alongside the most beautiful churches I've seen here. The only thing that makes it seem newer is the fact that the stone is so beautifully clean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral is tucked amongst the city<br />center buildings</td></tr>
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<br />Participating in the service this morning was inspiring. Once the church bells stopped calling people to the service, the organ began to reverberate throughout the building. And as the processional of the church officials and the choir began in a haze of incense, I was in awe. <div>
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The choir was incredible. Every time they sang, I had to close my eyes. The sound was so moving. When it came time for communion, we were lead through the quire (where the choir is) up to the high altar. I cannot describe what it felt to walk through that tunnel of glorious sound, but it was transformational.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnbgR0c6i9I/VzjNZhZF2eI/AAAAAAAACCw/IddOq_l2fTcv8WW26iiVyFstZGzs5ZhuACKgB/s1600/DSC_0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnbgR0c6i9I/VzjNZhZF2eI/AAAAAAAACCw/IddOq_l2fTcv8WW26iiVyFstZGzs5ZhuACKgB/s320/DSC_0371.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is where the choir of angels sang</td></tr>
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<br />After the service, we had a lovely chat with the woman who sat in front of us. It seems that our American accents were pretty apparent when we sang and wished everyone peace, and she just wanted to know what had brought us to Cornwall. Perhaps there aren't so many people from the States visiting this place. After our time here, I cannot imagine why.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOqERKmoSQ/VzjNjN0XJWI/AAAAAAAACCw/HH-3tSSMXeEnTRb90KMKLKirDvMKk-sSwCKgB/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOqERKmoSQ/VzjNjN0XJWI/AAAAAAAACCw/HH-3tSSMXeEnTRb90KMKLKirDvMKk-sSwCKgB/s320/DSC_0372.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the three magnificent rose windows<br />in the Cathedral</td></tr>
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<br />After church, we hopped on a train to Falmouth. I loved peeking into people's back gardens and just sitting back and letting someone else get me around (I'm so sick of driving).<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boKhbwWBgXg/VzjOCHetQBI/AAAAAAAACC8/ehdZ8iYUB0MJ7eR2nEzy2uh1D6BgKWQ7gCKgB/s1600/DSC_0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boKhbwWBgXg/VzjOCHetQBI/AAAAAAAACC8/ehdZ8iYUB0MJ7eR2nEzy2uh1D6BgKWQ7gCKgB/s320/DSC_0380.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching a glimpse of water along the train route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyVHOppYs2I/VzjOOa2qWNI/AAAAAAAACC8/HMFeW0VVKM08dp4DISSZO2zEjua0qr4jgCKgB/s1600/DSC_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyVHOppYs2I/VzjOOa2qWNI/AAAAAAAACC8/HMFeW0VVKM08dp4DISSZO2zEjua0qr4jgCKgB/s320/DSC_0384.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats at the Prince of Wales Harbour in Falmouth</td></tr>
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<br />Once we arrived back in Truro, we hopped into the car for a drive to a small but inspirational garden. I took a lot of photos, but they are mostly to remind me of what I might do in my own garden at home.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww1O06qfpss/VzjOWGSaWeI/AAAAAAAACDI/rFM_OChxpTApmfKZ1eis48L27Fqgu3jWQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww1O06qfpss/VzjOWGSaWeI/AAAAAAAACDI/rFM_OChxpTApmfKZ1eis48L27Fqgu3jWQCKgB/s320/DSC_0400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The private home of Poppy Cottage and the entrance to its <br />very public garden...we had to run across a busy road!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNacqnAk0Eg/VzjO-9EprYI/AAAAAAAACDM/eQGaUAD-Ocg5CovY89CaIaJw4mfdbA3LgCKgB/s1600/DSC_0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNacqnAk0Eg/VzjO-9EprYI/AAAAAAAACDM/eQGaUAD-Ocg5CovY89CaIaJw4mfdbA3LgCKgB/s320/DSC_0407.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many enchanting structures in<br />the garden</td></tr>
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<br />Fortified with a pot of tea and some cake there, we headed home, where I was able to play with our proprietors' dog, Dudley. We're great chums now. All it took was me scratching his tummy and throwing a ball for him. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv5UVh6TnyM/VzjO6gDi2gI/AAAAAAAACDM/T4hN8ZY_S-k_bug_VwJGjzNBpRqkpEUgQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv5UVh6TnyM/VzjO6gDi2gI/AAAAAAAACDM/T4hN8ZY_S-k_bug_VwJGjzNBpRqkpEUgQCKgB/s320/DSC_0461.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new chum, Dudley the dog</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-6504350332652851342016-05-14T14:52:00.001-04:002016-05-14T14:52:28.189-04:00Found GardenI have been looking forward to visiting The Lost Gardens of Heligan for years now. Nearly 10 years ago, I read the book by Tim Smit about his discovery--along with a friend--of this estate hidden under plants neglected for nearly a century. I watched a BBC program about Heligan's commitment to sustainable practices. That's when the plan for visiting Cornwall took shape.<br />
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Ultimately, I was mostly captivated by the sad history of this place. My interest in it begins with my deep affection for Wilfred Owen's poetry, with my long-held belief that, at least in the US, World War I is a forgotten war. So few people seem to have any awareness of how the war impacted every part of life in the UK. Heligan's history illustrates that so well. Before the war began, 23 individuals worked on the grounds of the estate. So many proud young men signed up to fight for their country, and three years later, only eight of them were left.<br />
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The gardens are lovely. The memorials scattered throughout the gardens, however, serve as a powerful reminder of what exactly was lost.<br />
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I'll just leave you with photos from the garden and let them speak for the place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar_ai2QDeA8/Vzdw-XwE-8I/AAAAAAAACB8/uwV41JqUUSkDEEsa0nH9l8BCzc4QyEsRACLcB/s1600/DSC_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar_ai2QDeA8/Vzdw-XwE-8I/AAAAAAAACB8/uwV41JqUUSkDEEsa0nH9l8BCzc4QyEsRACLcB/s320/DSC_0285.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the entrance of the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4lrkMbexR8/Vzdu4ThvlOI/AAAAAAAACBE/dbyZFyRGcgUCD93CjUyE1FrBLB4YNkfSgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4lrkMbexR8/Vzdu4ThvlOI/AAAAAAAACBE/dbyZFyRGcgUCD93CjUyE1FrBLB4YNkfSgCLcB/s320/DSC_0177.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of many memorials we saw today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-Jl8hTykA/Vzdu3gnLlpI/AAAAAAAACBA/mtNlPpvlQhgPIhFxNfKQJn3JbdwPSIniwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-Jl8hTykA/Vzdu3gnLlpI/AAAAAAAACBA/mtNlPpvlQhgPIhFxNfKQJn3JbdwPSIniwCLcB/s320/DSC_0179.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glasshouses in the flower garden house peach trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50P5-NhDat8/VzdudkYmF0I/AAAAAAAACA8/9Rui29M0nGYpycanx3u3mefLS3tBb-LWwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50P5-NhDat8/VzdudkYmF0I/AAAAAAAACA8/9Rui29M0nGYpycanx3u3mefLS3tBb-LWwCLcB/s320/DSC_0214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the memorial plaque on the bench in this peaceful garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0QA9zKwQTU/VzdvjrxdxvI/AAAAAAAACBQ/HKPakd-WFl0cZNkFOL3vLTvkL45jaYxYQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0QA9zKwQTU/VzdvjrxdxvI/AAAAAAAACBQ/HKPakd-WFl0cZNkFOL3vLTvkL45jaYxYQCLcB/s320/DSC_0226.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful fanned fruit trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMr1HDz11W8/VzdvmkZybMI/AAAAAAAACBU/Yk30EriDxjUFciyIyZB7AAXio7xZ4arBwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMr1HDz11W8/VzdvmkZybMI/AAAAAAAACBU/Yk30EriDxjUFciyIyZB7AAXio7xZ4arBwCLcB/s320/DSC_0227.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This marks an honor bestowed by the<br />Imperial War Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlT-yypsvEI/VzdvhNW_6DI/AAAAAAAACBM/0xi5fMc44HEwMI1CdRqNYONTdQhAGI50wCLcB/s1600/DSC_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlT-yypsvEI/VzdvhNW_6DI/AAAAAAAACBM/0xi5fMc44HEwMI1CdRqNYONTdQhAGI50wCLcB/s320/DSC_0234.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools and pots left behind in the beautiful<br />potting shed, waiting for the gardeners</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8eGeDhAid4/VzdwAImcfiI/AAAAAAAACBc/LPIkYMJGmKoYQHaTB-_0TXkfOXwGQa0_ACLcB/s1600/DSC_0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8eGeDhAid4/VzdwAImcfiI/AAAAAAAACBc/LPIkYMJGmKoYQHaTB-_0TXkfOXwGQa0_ACLcB/s320/DSC_0236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spot seemed so peaceful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39NMOdgIdVc/VzdwI-vq31I/AAAAAAAACBk/ab-XgDvvfCAYx7IJaD44ZVIC_JiRmJmbQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39NMOdgIdVc/VzdwI-vq31I/AAAAAAAACBk/ab-XgDvvfCAYx7IJaD44ZVIC_JiRmJmbQCLcB/s320/DSC_0248.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Diggory the Scarecrow in the<br />kitchen garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzzNa8Gelag/Vzdwpk55EfI/AAAAAAAACBw/rm8xB4KXd5w4Kfs9uHlIjIt9PKaHzFFcwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzzNa8Gelag/Vzdwpk55EfI/AAAAAAAACBw/rm8xB4KXd5w4Kfs9uHlIjIt9PKaHzFFcwCLcB/s320/DSC_0257.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one section of the long archway of apple trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_phBZMA9s/Vzdwyv4bMsI/AAAAAAAACB4/3Edczzt4U7oUDPVxkiqva-rqMTM4DP5yACLcB/s1600/DSC_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_phBZMA9s/Vzdwyv4bMsI/AAAAAAAACB4/3Edczzt4U7oUDPVxkiqva-rqMTM4DP5yACLcB/s320/DSC_0278.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another memorial in one of the glasshouses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_KAvdpt_lY/VzdxVPzmoZI/AAAAAAAACCI/xdOhi3AcjBAbpUxIxyzDkonJ7o5hI4dSQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_KAvdpt_lY/VzdxVPzmoZI/AAAAAAAACCI/xdOhi3AcjBAbpUxIxyzDkonJ7o5hI4dSQCLcB/s320/DSC_0317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebells in the woodland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFqsHjfAIn0/VzdxSPJ-o7I/AAAAAAAACCE/ZfcToQDK-5ICyLbaePP5gXj_RUsbks5UACLcB/s1600/DSC_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFqsHjfAIn0/VzdxSPJ-o7I/AAAAAAAACCE/ZfcToQDK-5ICyLbaePP5gXj_RUsbks5UACLcB/s320/DSC_0363.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gives me an idea...</td></tr>
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<br />We're off to church at Truro Cathedral tomorrow and to visit a few other spots nearby. Stay tuned.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-53689390499706943822016-05-13T15:13:00.004-04:002016-05-13T17:05:52.555-04:00The Edge of the WorldI've been to heaven, and it is in Cornwall, England. We visited Tintagel today, which is believed to be the site of King Arthur's castle. The castle ruins are beautiful, as are the foundations of houses from the Dark Ages. But all of the elements that make up this place--the craggy rocks, the wide-ranging blues of the water, the stone outcroppings in the ocean, the thick tufts of grass and the little flowers that grow in the most inhospitable of places--make this a place that had me tearing up several times throughout our visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U2EcKQVyP4/VzYVL0E21wI/AAAAAAAAB_E/HK_GQ5u9Go47jyxChPv2Bi5ecQPYhCj4wCLcB/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U2EcKQVyP4/VzYVL0E21wI/AAAAAAAAB_E/HK_GQ5u9Go47jyxChPv2Bi5ecQPYhCj4wCLcB/s320/DSC_0024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of these holes is said to have been Merlin's cave</td></tr>
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The climb to the top of the site was incredible. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNimPgZiyhQ/VzYVJM142yI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/9VIHOpwF7lg_8WJFdmwBMGohuc-kvaTeQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNimPgZiyhQ/VzYVJM142yI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/9VIHOpwF7lg_8WJFdmwBMGohuc-kvaTeQCKgB/s320/DSC_0027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge is just the midway point</td></tr>
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There's an interesting mix of artifacts along the climb. The first is this 19th century door at the top of the steep set of steps that leads to some of the castle ruins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZjrtXyi6Oc/VzYV-dZA7sI/AAAAAAAAB_k/MVwue9A_CBsjomMYGPiPAd4uXM7vDIO6gCKgB/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZjrtXyi6Oc/VzYV-dZA7sI/AAAAAAAAB_k/MVwue9A_CBsjomMYGPiPAd4uXM7vDIO6gCKgB/s320/DSC_0043.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A doorway to heaven?</td></tr>
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And this is what we found as we walked through the door.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNOoIgjfSvg/VzYVHEJLn_I/AAAAAAAAB_I/YeJtpEYHdL0AQD_ywbYLbEcrq4q_bReOQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNOoIgjfSvg/VzYVHEJLn_I/AAAAAAAAB_I/YeJtpEYHdL0AQD_ywbYLbEcrq4q_bReOQCKgB/s320/DSC_0040.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jagged slate adds to the beauty</td></tr>
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And as we climbed higher, everywhere we turned yielded breathtaking views.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5OWHvbpMwg/VzYV8-5-CiI/AAAAAAAAB_k/ILu3w0GIFikGVpcNrh4k16EXtLpB3W-GwCKgB/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5OWHvbpMwg/VzYV8-5-CiI/AAAAAAAAB_k/ILu3w0GIFikGVpcNrh4k16EXtLpB3W-GwCKgB/s320/DSC_0056.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the stunning views</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWYIh0h5Xck/VzYjdg03SJI/AAAAAAAACAI/n6aGLoJwgmY5QjyCPHetYIHymO7Q9oYUQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWYIh0h5Xck/VzYjdg03SJI/AAAAAAAACAI/n6aGLoJwgmY5QjyCPHetYIHymO7Q9oYUQCLcB/s320/DSC_0102.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the moss inside the cave</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORHqkCmbp1Q/VzYVyi8NZiI/AAAAAAAAB_k/n7dqofo_hvc1CrxuOCjYzz7heSGYy7nuACKgB/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORHqkCmbp1Q/VzYVyi8NZiI/AAAAAAAAB_k/n7dqofo_hvc1CrxuOCjYzz7heSGYy7nuACKgB/s320/DSC_0077.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bird didn't fly away, no matter how close I got to him</td></tr>
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And finally we reached this impressive statue of King Arthur at the tip of The Island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKnSrJMgaa4/VzYkbPT05MI/AAAAAAAACAY/VRFgtqNIpXsyvdeGlOW2fNywKsrNLBCdACLcB/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKnSrJMgaa4/VzYkbPT05MI/AAAAAAAACAY/VRFgtqNIpXsyvdeGlOW2fNywKsrNLBCdACLcB/s320/DSC_0093.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Arthur stands guard</td></tr>
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We descended the first major set of steps to reach the bridge again. Across the bridge and up another set of steep steps, we found more castle ruins.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sKCMkvjK8E/VzYWY0mXqcI/AAAAAAAAB_0/GprW3FDsZsIt3cN-OrpJm3Gx9jx6uRcQgCKgB/s1600/DSC_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sKCMkvjK8E/VzYWY0mXqcI/AAAAAAAAB_0/GprW3FDsZsIt3cN-OrpJm3Gx9jx6uRcQgCKgB/s320/DSC_0109.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fitbit registered 54 flights today</td></tr>
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One more set of steps yielded these views. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH9jvfGUa8/VzYWXgBxxNI/AAAAAAAAB_0/JIyJdKCzaj4Vi5fBTP5oVLSU6_cL-wwTACKgB/s1600/DSC_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH9jvfGUa8/VzYWXgBxxNI/AAAAAAAAB_0/JIyJdKCzaj4Vi5fBTP5oVLSU6_cL-wwTACKgB/s320/DSC_0126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Mainland Courtyard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgz71AC6sOk/VzYjSgKlq8I/AAAAAAAACAM/1YkevvOGK_0XEtTQFhqMccC_5SUZXCSpwCKgB/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgz71AC6sOk/VzYjSgKlq8I/AAAAAAAACAM/1YkevvOGK_0XEtTQFhqMccC_5SUZXCSpwCKgB/s320/DSC_0133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through one of the courtyard windows</td></tr>
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I do not know how anything could top today, but we're pretty sure that the next phase of our tour--the garden visits--will provide us some inspiring sights, too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-23683834985252800722016-05-12T20:08:00.000-04:002016-05-12T20:08:49.567-04:00Castle and a ShowWe spent the early part of the day closer to our cottage and visited the town of Lostwithiel, which was the ancient capital of Cornwall. It still has a quaint old downtown filled with antique shops, and it boasts the remains of a castle rebuilt in the late 13th century.<br />
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The church in the center of the small town had two ancient stones in it. The first was referred to as a cross.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIW5hosxSWo/VzURYoLf50I/AAAAAAAAB9c/Qx3MXAFWJxcV-sy8vWB94ufdaUwwtvWxQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIW5hosxSWo/VzURYoLf50I/AAAAAAAAB9c/Qx3MXAFWJxcV-sy8vWB94ufdaUwwtvWxQCLcB/s320/DSC_0861.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cross was repaired and restored in 1882</td></tr>
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<br />The second was merely called an ancient stone, which was found in the churchyard.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nKiRuIoI7w/VzUSNffBR_I/AAAAAAAAB9k/rrf81bzVXGoAn22Kk9sekQvXB0Vr5ni_QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nKiRuIoI7w/VzUSNffBR_I/AAAAAAAAB9k/rrf81bzVXGoAn22Kk9sekQvXB0Vr5ni_QCLcB/s320/DSC_0862.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "ancient stone"</td></tr>
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<br />We went inside the church, but I had to leave rather quickly. It smelled too strongly of mildew, and I was worried that my eyes would quickly register the allergy. I was still able to take in the interior and think, as I often do in moments like this, of Philip Larkin's poem "Church Going." <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnynRwD2h1Q/VzUTCejV-pI/AAAAAAAAB9s/pDZjhtPtijcz75Sr2Nj5DAm9993j2StvQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnynRwD2h1Q/VzUTCejV-pI/AAAAAAAAB9s/pDZjhtPtijcz75Sr2Nj5DAm9993j2StvQCLcB/s320/DSC_0858.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old church</td></tr>
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<br />As we exited the walled churchyard, we were confronted with a huge lorry parked right in the middle of the road. A man stood behind the lorry, and his dogs looked longingly inside. What we found as we walked up to him suddenly made the dogs' interest understandable.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHrvFsM3lG8/VzUTyDJ76eI/AAAAAAAAB90/MaRhanbwDrkoUFgrXOmatTMI95w0H_IxgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHrvFsM3lG8/VzUTyDJ76eI/AAAAAAAAB90/MaRhanbwDrkoUFgrXOmatTMI95w0H_IxgCLcB/s320/DSC_0866.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worthy of dogs licking their chops</td></tr>
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<br />The man thought it was funny that I was taking pictures of the inside of a meat truck, and when I explained that I had never seen such a thing and that we don't have stand-alone butchers in the States, he and his wife seemed visibly sad. When I added that we also did not have stand-alone fishmongers or cheesemongers, I could see the pity on their faces. I suspect they wondered how civilized we really are.<div>
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After our time in town, we drove up a hill to Restormel Castle, which was a really lovely sight. Only one portion of it remains, and it is in near ruins, but I think that adds to the beauty of it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hiqTnVvu8Q/VzUV1YyBJxI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/g35bNmVpxjcLK36DzGBNn47XjTZJr0b8QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hiqTnVvu8Q/VzUV1YyBJxI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/g35bNmVpxjcLK36DzGBNn47XjTZJr0b8QCLcB/s320/DSC_0869.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on our approach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz70eLAlsgw/VzUWDwzLxhI/AAAAAAAAB-s/CfrQw_dJd3QxUFTIcqw6CKtMWzd3b56ngCKgB/s1600/DSC_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz70eLAlsgw/VzUWDwzLxhI/AAAAAAAAB-s/CfrQw_dJd3QxUFTIcqw6CKtMWzd3b56ngCKgB/s320/DSC_0876.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of great openings to look through</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANw1TjLtomk/VzUWnPgjI1I/AAAAAAAAB-o/TKzy9GQDniErQsJRzwvO2uOKUpj_P6D-wCKgB/s1600/DSC_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANw1TjLtomk/VzUWnPgjI1I/AAAAAAAAB-o/TKzy9GQDniErQsJRzwvO2uOKUpj_P6D-wCKgB/s320/DSC_0904.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An elevated walkway encircles the castle, giving great views<br />of the interior and of the countryside surrounding the castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx57q-w2nLo/VzUWhF1625I/AAAAAAAAB-k/DIwRd_ebUIw3bo9DbQ4OneU3lzWaR9veACKgB/s1600/DSC_0898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx57q-w2nLo/VzUWhF1625I/AAAAAAAAB-k/DIwRd_ebUIw3bo9DbQ4OneU3lzWaR9veACKgB/s320/DSC_0898.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grand view</td></tr>
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<br />The reason we stayed close to "home" was that we had tickets to the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, and we knew that it would be a late night. After the castle visit, we headed back to the cottage for lunch and a little rest before heading back to the coast.<div>
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We had dinner at the oldest pub in Penzance, which has been around for over 750 years.<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_Ti73Sqbag/VzUVLYTdXVI/AAAAAAAAB-M/NsbK_ywRchYvzr-D6Q0Xu1uYG0pZ4NMVQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_Ti73Sqbag/VzUVLYTdXVI/AAAAAAAAB-M/NsbK_ywRchYvzr-D6Q0Xu1uYG0pZ4NMVQCKgB/s320/DSC_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church and the Cornwall flag can be seen in the background</td></tr>
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<br />Then we made our way up a very long and ridiculously narrow road to the Minack Theatre for a performance of Oscar Wilde's <i>Lady Windermere's Fan</i>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---5nhTUhYos/VzUVPNeHkPI/AAAAAAAAB-U/YjYgkyj_RvMpC1STjR6JD7vW2CgS-h9jQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---5nhTUhYos/VzUVPNeHkPI/AAAAAAAAB-U/YjYgkyj_RvMpC1STjR6JD7vW2CgS-h9jQCKgB/s320/DSC_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty awesome venue, huh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYBvUqhVw_4/VzUVLi2vUrI/AAAAAAAAB-M/RhW639gArBI_oK1s9ONiz8QhvlIGNkGVwCKgB/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYBvUqhVw_4/VzUVLi2vUrI/AAAAAAAAB-M/RhW639gArBI_oK1s9ONiz8QhvlIGNkGVwCKgB/s320/DSC_0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stage below us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzLHCbX1SWI/VzUWG5wKyrI/AAAAAAAAB-s/NUIF8wgysGwAZ4clSRR3bHrgPV5c07oMwCKgB/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzLHCbX1SWI/VzUWG5wKyrI/AAAAAAAAB-s/NUIF8wgysGwAZ4clSRR3bHrgPV5c07oMwCKgB/s320/DSC_0015.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some seats above us</td></tr>
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<br />The fog came rolling in as the performance went on, and the drive home was the most challenging 1.5 hours I've ever had driving. Like driving through pea soup...on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, shifting with the wrong hand...it was disorienting. But we made it safely back, and out we'll go again tomorrow, hopefully to catch yet another castle.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-43881958126468250932016-05-11T15:56:00.000-04:002016-08-06T13:25:39.980-04:00Getting Settled <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will <i>never</i> again drive a car on the same day that I land in the UK. I clearly had forgotten about the awful day I spent driving from Gatwick to the Cotswolds a few years ago. Yesterday was a very painful reminder of that day. As my travel companions ate lunch, I could be found sleeping in the car. Four hours of driving in the rain on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car on 1.5 hours of sleep are the ingredients for despair.<br />
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But then, after all of those miles and tacking on 10 white-knuckled miles on single-track roads, we arrived at our cottage in Cornwall, and things started looking up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vSXEQdz0XQ/VzOJvU3fvBI/AAAAAAAAB9A/w8Pf0YekXusL0DZ6Xfbrk--97VbgBKlowCLcB/s1600/DSC_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vSXEQdz0XQ/VzOJvU3fvBI/AAAAAAAAB9A/w8Pf0YekXusL0DZ6Xfbrk--97VbgBKlowCLcB/s320/DSC_0850.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to our Cornish cottage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNO0g72bDz4/VzOJ8sk_MtI/AAAAAAAAB9I/KM6VXezAZKEdvA8oFlPpgJv8BifTs2TiQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNO0g72bDz4/VzOJ8sk_MtI/AAAAAAAAB9I/KM6VXezAZKEdvA8oFlPpgJv8BifTs2TiQCLcB/s320/DSC_0855.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peek inside the door</td></tr>
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After a good night's sleep, we headed out this morning to St. Michael's Mount. We rode a boat across to the island since we arrived before the tide had gone out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf1L6L9SPyw/VzOHH7uKsyI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/HCL0v9mq-KkN5_U1NvVxU5iR0VT0WFirQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf1L6L9SPyw/VzOHH7uKsyI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/HCL0v9mq-KkN5_U1NvVxU5iR0VT0WFirQCLcB/s320/DSC_0694.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle at St. Michael's Mount</td></tr>
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We hiked up the mount for a tour of the castle and the gardens. Everything was pretty spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOaPSxYonpk/VzOH7ohrARI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/sUgI6BSDFcAWl5wiE83QIFaPcMuEB96IACLcB/s1600/DSC_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOaPSxYonpk/VzOH7ohrARI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/sUgI6BSDFcAWl5wiE83QIFaPcMuEB96IACLcB/s320/DSC_0766.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view below from the castle</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJz94dmA56A/VzOI2byUYzI/AAAAAAAAB8s/h44KossY6AYajZUVuiOWJVcExPK0DrCKgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJz94dmA56A/VzOI2byUYzI/AAAAAAAAB8s/h44KossY6AYajZUVuiOWJVcExPK0DrCKgCLcB/s320/DSC_0778.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The causeway started to emerge as we walked around the castle</td></tr>
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Stepping into the garden space gave us some incredible views, including a cemetery hidden behind a wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woz7__CcwFM/VzOI3udIfCI/AAAAAAAAB8w/g79ZpDJPDAAWmshugE3v4Mx1HpjANChRACLcB/s1600/DSC_0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woz7__CcwFM/VzOI3udIfCI/AAAAAAAAB8w/g79ZpDJPDAAWmshugE3v4Mx1HpjANChRACLcB/s320/DSC_0802.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like the salty air has given these tombstones texture</td></tr>
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We saw some members of the garden staff rappelling from a position on the steep face of the garden. It was the only way that they could reach some of the Agave plants.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er5BRavv3Ho/VzOH-5_f8VI/AAAAAAAAB8c/s8-9qrjencAU0fCDWFe6DSGs2EkO_fpIgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er5BRavv3Ho/VzOH-5_f8VI/AAAAAAAAB8c/s8-9qrjencAU0fCDWFe6DSGs2EkO_fpIgCLcB/s320/DSC_0748.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep drop to the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYrJ579VmEw/VzOIAE3wSEI/AAAAAAAAB8g/_ulLz0LIOC8IY72_4qakaz3Oo6JHBCPcACLcB/s1600/DSC_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYrJ579VmEw/VzOIAE3wSEI/AAAAAAAAB8g/_ulLz0LIOC8IY72_4qakaz3Oo6JHBCPcACLcB/s320/DSC_0762.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the garden was more beautiful to view from above</td></tr>
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When we were ready to head back, the causeway had finally revealed itself and a gorgeous, mossy landscape.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGvzIT-4jOM/VzOI1M6J3dI/AAAAAAAAB8o/H7JKxAeaPXouGg5FvLzasBP-nHKk4FIOQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGvzIT-4jOM/VzOI1M6J3dI/AAAAAAAAB8o/H7JKxAeaPXouGg5FvLzasBP-nHKk4FIOQCLcB/s320/DSC_0833.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We joined the throngs of people walking across the causeway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frlUIcxXXHQ/VzOJu3GmJAI/AAAAAAAAB88/w8a_ouJvZtwzEJ3JJ7Yq1wBdy1WkNYiAgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frlUIcxXXHQ/VzOJu3GmJAI/AAAAAAAAB88/w8a_ouJvZtwzEJ3JJ7Yq1wBdy1WkNYiAgCLcB/s320/DSC_0837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk was one of the best parts of the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL6-kzRveEY/VzOJuw4SPbI/AAAAAAAAB84/gPyFEM8Aqlc2zBZygUTra4baSj7L-u-pACLcB/s1600/DSC_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL6-kzRveEY/VzOJuw4SPbI/AAAAAAAAB84/gPyFEM8Aqlc2zBZygUTra4baSj7L-u-pACLcB/s320/DSC_0844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was like another world</td></tr>
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We don't really know what we're doing tomorrow, but with so many options, we're feeling pretty optimistic.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-42829430143081074232013-06-25T08:55:00.000-04:002013-06-25T08:55:20.004-04:00Day 9: Walking 8.75 Miles in LondonIf I lived in London, there is no way I could ever put on weight. That place requires significant walking. It requires even more when you try to show someone most of the relevant sites in one day. Our last day in London began at 5:30 a.m. We readied ourselves for the cottage departure and the 1 1/2 hour drive back to Heathrow to return our car. We stowed our bags at the hotel at 10:00 a.m. and headed into the heart of things.<br />
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Our first stop was Buckingham Palace to see the parade that begins the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The ceremony itself is painfully boring, but I like to watch the band march by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_6VkDkUBFI/UcmEXQh7RKI/AAAAAAAAAvc/H2T-hT80BMc/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_6VkDkUBFI/UcmEXQh7RKI/AAAAAAAAAvc/H2T-hT80BMc/s320/_DSC0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the band</td></tr>
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One of the most interesting things I noticed is that one solider was a Sikh, so he was wearing a turban instead of the giant black bear helmet. His row is almost in the middle of the photo, and he's furthest left. I just thought that was a very nice sign of the changing culture in Britain.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNVcfO0JrCA/UcmFv-X4CnI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ebif5IvIExU/s1600/_DSC0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNVcfO0JrCA/UcmFv-X4CnI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ebif5IvIExU/s320/_DSC0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a great honor to be selected for this duty</td></tr>
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Once the band passed by, we shoved our way through the relentless crowds and broke free to start our walking tour of St. James. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ81tsI4Tws/UcmH0slFkQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/MU8AosKPrIE/s1600/_DSC0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ81tsI4Tws/UcmH0slFkQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/MU8AosKPrIE/s320/_DSC0023.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. James Palace</td></tr>
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The best part of the St. James walk is passing by the various royal merchants. Here's Berry Bros. & Rudd, which supplies liquor. The front of the building is covered in pock marks from centuries of carriages rolling by and tossing stones up. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndP-seELr5k/UcmJJ5EIPpI/AAAAAAAAAwE/RFnfeW0hmOs/s1600/_DSC0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndP-seELr5k/UcmJJ5EIPpI/AAAAAAAAAwE/RFnfeW0hmOs/s320/_DSC0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They make Cutty Sark</td></tr>
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We stopped at the point where Old and New Bond streets meet so I could have a chat with two great men.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cQmd7n1ypQ/UcmKDqEDu9I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Yy2lx-LTXeM/s1600/_DSC0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cQmd7n1ypQ/UcmKDqEDu9I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Yy2lx-LTXeM/s320/_DSC0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FDR and Churchill liked my sense of humor</td></tr>
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Our next stops took us to the Burlington Arcade and to my favorite store, Fortnum & Mason. I always have to pick up a little something there. This year, it was a treat for a sister-in-law. I get to keep the bag. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04Y9TA4xOyM/UcmK88P-9rI/AAAAAAAAAwc/JtrzbCW8m1I/s1600/_DSC0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04Y9TA4xOyM/UcmK88P-9rI/AAAAAAAAAwc/JtrzbCW8m1I/s320/_DSC0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glockenspiel was playing the Eton song</td></tr>
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We thought we had enough time to go back and check into the hotel, but it ended up being quite a rush to do that and get to St. Paul's in time for the Sunday organ recital. So we walked much faster, and we got there, and it was well worth it.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdfBVSgALZA/UcmMKNBDgkI/AAAAAAAAAws/5WPrHiiHC-c/s1600/_DSC0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdfBVSgALZA/UcmMKNBDgkI/AAAAAAAAAws/5WPrHiiHC-c/s320/_DSC0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the skies around St. Paul's</td></tr>
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We visited Trafalgar Square, walked past Whitehall, looked through gates at 10 Downing Street, and then headed for the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The sky continued putting on quite a show for us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q50oK3Vz_eU/UcmN0C19F7I/AAAAAAAAAw8/KQuI9vCHH9k/s1600/_DSC0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q50oK3Vz_eU/UcmN0C19F7I/AAAAAAAAAw8/KQuI9vCHH9k/s320/_DSC0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An actual rainbow over Tower Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tower looks lovely in the light of a pink sky</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCfYBaFShoM/UcmQBnwUaoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/-BMKK9VPXg8/s1600/_DSC0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCfYBaFShoM/UcmQBnwUaoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/-BMKK9VPXg8/s320/_DSC0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, just more sky</td></tr>
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We ended the night in Westminster, so we could see the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament lit up. Once Big Ben struck 10 p.m., we decided it was time to head back to the hotel. We arrived there at 11:00 p.m., 13 hours after our time in London began. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, no tripod, so they're a little shaky</td></tr>
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And now we're home.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-80878788847357834692013-06-22T17:28:00.003-04:002013-06-22T17:28:48.271-04:00Day 8: A Summer Fete, a Castle, and Dinner in the VillageWe started the day by heading into Broadway because mom reads books by Marion Chesney, and many of them mention the Lygon Arms, which is in Broadway. She wanted a photo of the place she had read about so much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO1yLrTa4zg/UcYNjlFJC3I/AAAAAAAAAtY/oB1fptOFLLQ/s1600/_DSC0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO1yLrTa4zg/UcYNjlFJC3I/AAAAAAAAAtY/oB1fptOFLLQ/s320/_DSC0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lygon Arms</td></tr>
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As luck would have it, Broadway was having its summer fete. We got to watch a few Morris dance troupes, which was a real treat for us. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is apparently a more raucous Morris group</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clogging group from the Isle of Wight</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Morris dancers, but Welsh dancers</td></tr>
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Mom and my sister-in-law chose for us to visit Sudeley Castle afterwards. It was once the home of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's 6th wife, who had the very fine distinction of outliving him. It is a lovely place, though much changed thanks to the rough treatment by Oliver Cromwell during the Protectorate. The ruins, however, are fantastic. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the barn survived</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the remaining banqueting hall walls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church where Katherine Parr is buried</td></tr>
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We finished the day and our time here in Stanton with a lovely dinner at the Mount Inn, high atop the hill in the village. We're back to London tomorrow for our last day before we head home. Here's one final look at the village we've called our home for the last week.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the church from the Mount Inn</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-14560071161754207812013-06-21T18:07:00.000-04:002013-06-21T18:07:16.544-04:00Day 7: ChurchillWe had yet another remarkable day in terms of both weather and sightseeing. We began the morning by driving to St. Martin's church in the village of Bladon. It is in this humble churchyard that the great Winston Churchill (along with much of his family) is buried. I loved the peace of this place. No sounds were heard but that of the birds. It just felt exactly like a place of rest.<br />
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I think we spent nearly an hour there, simply drawn in by the fact that we could observe a time of respect for a great world leader in utter silence and solitude. And then we finally got back into the car to visit his birthplace, Blenheim Palace, which is the complete opposite of the church yard. In fact, I found the scale of Blenheim rather difficult to comprehend. No matter how long I tried to take in the whole scene, I felt I really couldn't grasp it all at once. If only I could impress a monarch as much as the 1st Duke of Marlborough apparently did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining table being set for a formal dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a portion of the palace</td></tr>
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We spent the whole afternoon at Blenheim and had a marvelous time. The day ended with a drive back to the cottage, a quiet dinner, and a walk around the village at sunset. Brace yourselves. It's so beautiful here.<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-8458042642673985642013-06-20T18:01:00.000-04:002013-06-20T18:01:33.021-04:00Day 6: As Always, It's the People Who Make the PlaceWe left the cottage early this morning, worried that we might miss the 10 minute window between arrival and the start of our tour at Prince Charles' Highgrove Estate. Since it was 1 1/2 hours away from the cottage, making that target time felt a little tricky. In the end, we arrived at Tetbury (the village Highgrove is nearest) 1:15 in advance of our appointed time. No worries. As there is no address for Highrove, the SatNav couldn't really get us there, so I felt it appropriate to stop in Tetbury and reassure myself by chatting to a local about how close we really were.<br />
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We strolled around Tetbury for a few minutes, and then we headed to the town's church, which has a rather impressive spire. It really is a lovely church, and we enjoyed our visit there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tall spire at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Mary Magdalen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely church yard</td></tr>
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As we were leaving, we luckily ran into a volunteer for the local gardening team, so I asked her if she could tell us how close we were to the Prince's estate. And then she regaled us with all sorts of fantastic stories, just rattling on and on. She was delightful and completely made our morning. Fortified with all of her information, we went back to the car to find Highgrove.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main street in Tetbury</td></tr>
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And we did find it, and it was magnificent. It is not what I expected, and I have seen a television program about it. You might think that His Royal Highness would want everything to be perfect, just so in his gardens. That's not the case here. It is a relaxed place, a complete celebration of nature. I suspect that there is some sort of waiting list for birds to find a spot there, as there were so many of them, and they sang their happiness in such full-throated song that I felt pretty great about the world while listening to them. Each garden is unique and surprising and simply marvelous. We only wished that we could come back several times in the same year. Since we have our eye on a cottage in a nearby village...</div>
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We wanted to visit another place today that didn't turn out as great as we had hoped, but luckily, on our way there, we made a stop in Fairford, largely because the welcome sign said that it had a world famous church. We decided we needed to see it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary's Church...the world famous church</td></tr>
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The church was interesting, but our guide inside was far better. He took every opportunity to rip on Americans in his sarcastic way, which we thought was quite funny and charming. Honestly, though, what got us giggling like school girls was the fact that he swore quite a bit. That's right. We had a church tour guide with quite colorful language. He wanted us to have a look at the carvings on the misericord. Mom asked him if they were pagan. He said, "Everything you put your a-- on is pagan, dear." And so we giggled. Then he showed us a stained glass window that depicted sinners being taken to hell. "Notice that all of the sinners are women, of course. And take a look at the expressions on those blue devils. It's like they're saying, 'We got you, you bi----s.'" Shocked, we giggled again. Then he referred to a terrible storm that blew out the windows in one area of the church in 1703. He said it was like "that storm that went through New York last year." He wanted to be reminded what kind of storm it was. </div>
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"A hurricane," I said. </div>
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"And it's name?" he asked. </div>
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"Sandy," I said. </div>
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"Huh," he responded. "I thought that was a word you used to </div>
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describe your a-- after you had been to the beach." </div>
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We tittered all the way to the car. Naughty as he was, he certainly made the day quite fun and memorable. </div>
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So, light on photos, but heavy on characters and stories and good memories today. That, I think, is a sign of a good day.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-84644070956146809902013-06-19T17:32:00.000-04:002013-06-19T17:32:09.953-04:00Day 5: A Tower and A University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had really remarkable weather today. We woke to bright sunshine and blue skies, which was perfect for our first visit of the day. We drove up to see Broadway Tower, which is yet another structure built out of the honeyed Cotswold stone. When we arrived, we fell silent (quite surprising for the three of us) and just scanned the scene. Lush green grass rolled for miles around us. We saw sheep and deer. And a short walk brought us to the tower, which sits on a hilltop to itself. We climbed the 4 flights of stairs to find views of what seemed to be the whole of the Cotswolds. What a way to start the day. I could do that regularly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadway Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views for miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And miles</td></tr>
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Then we headed for Oxford and our tour of the city and the university. Here are just a few highlights.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chapel at Keble College</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chapel's Altar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Radcliffe Camera</td></tr>
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We finished up our visit with a pint at The Eagle and Child pub. The last photo will explain why. Tomorrow, we're on to Highgrove, Prince Charles's estate in the Cotswolds, and no photography is allowed. It might be a light post, then, but check in to see what I might discover.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-66978013350411489052013-06-18T18:21:00.003-04:002013-06-18T18:21:57.468-04:00Day 4: Two Remarkable Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The weather gods smiled upon us today, even though their minions (in the form of forecasters) had threatened a miserably wet day. We were fretting a bit about today, worried that we would be absolutely drenched while walking around Hidcote Manor garden and Kiftsgate Court. Instead, we found ourselves peeling off our jackets and catching some sun.<br />
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Hidcote Manor is as beautiful as I remembered it. The gardens clearly show signs of the very long winter, as many things that should be in full flower by now are another week or so from opening. Ultimately, that had very little impact on our day because the gardens are simply breathtaking. It's really hard to choose just a few photos, but I'll do my best.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I so want to go through this door near the entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Aquilegia (Columbine) looks like a star</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An iconic view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frothy. Perfect.</td></tr>
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After a few hours at Hidcote Manor, we headed basically across the road to Kiftsgate Court, a garden started by a woman and kept going by her daughter and now her granddaughter. It's very different to Hidcote, but it really is pretty spectacular in its own right. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views for miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A garden that invites you in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool and folly beyond</td></tr>
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Tomorrow we're off to see more grand vistas and to have a tour of Oxford. Sounds like the rain might get us, though. Stay tuned.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-23947566609242611882013-06-17T18:55:00.001-04:002013-06-17T18:55:25.764-04:00Day 3: A Pottery and Its GardenerWhen I awoke this morning, it was pouring rain. The hopeful plan was to walk part of the Cotswold Way that links to the village. My first thought was of mud, and so I quickly shelved that plan until we might have a better day for it. Instead, we started the day in Chipping Campden, a lovely small town not far from our village.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Market Hall</td></tr>
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The honey-colored Cotswold stone really made the town glow this morning, even in the rain. We were especially impressed with this horse, made from sempervivum. Perhaps I could try a dog version of this at home...okay, not really.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive succulent steed</td></tr>
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Then we went on to <a href="http://www.whichfordpottery.com/">Whichford Pottery</a> where we met Harriet, the head gardener, who is also someone I follow on Twitter, largely because she takes lovely photos of her work. She was the ideal tour guide for us, kindly showing us the kilns and clay. She also took us to see some of the Makers while they worked on throwing different shapes and sizes of pots. It was remarkable to see the skill of these artists. So then we walked around to see all that Harriet does to make the place so beautiful, and we spent quite a lot of time wishing we could pack a sizable pot for the flight home but finally settled on a few smaller and more reasonable items for ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I saw all of these pots, I just wanted to say, "Yes, please!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite bits in Harriet's garden<br />
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We took care of some grocery shopping at an independent, organic store in Stow-on-the-Wold. Had to finish up the shopping at Tesco, sadly, but we're well-stocked for the rest of the week. We headed home to sit out in our garden and have a glass of wine before dinner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crooked? The camera is perched on an old wall!</td></tr>
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While we were out there, I got to take some photos with a much fuller perspective of how our little cottage is situated.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are our neighbors to the right</td></tr>
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And tomorrow, we're off to other great gardens...<br /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-43087140407662306882013-06-16T17:05:00.003-04:002013-06-16T17:05:43.956-04:00The Ladies Take London (and then go to the Cotswolds)It was rainy, windy, and cold in London on the first day of our trip, but we really had quite a remarkable day.<br />
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We unwittingly ended up at Harrod's on the first day of their once-a-year sale. It was an absolute crush of people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little shopping, anyone?</td></tr>
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We took a spin around the food halls, as I always love to do, picked up some lunch, and headed to Kensington Palace Gardens with the intention of having a little picnic. As we stepped outside of Harrod's, the skies really opened up, so we ate our lunch on a bench while waiting for the Tube train to arrive. And then we went to Kensington Palace anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens looking lovely, even in the downpour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Victoria looks a little threatening <br />with the clouds overhead</td></tr>
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We then headed to Westminster to visit a dear old friend.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite place in London</td></tr>
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And we headed to Westminster Abbey for a lovely evensong service. The choir was magnificent. Afterwards, we then met up with a friend I met via Twitter, who turned out to be as wonderful as she seems online. She brought her daughter along, and the five of us just had a fantastic dinner out, talking and getting to know each other better. But it really felt as if we had been friends for years.</div>
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Today we drove to our cottage in the Cotswolds and enjoyed walking around the village for their Open Gardens day, which allowed us to visit the private gardens at a number of homes. The cottage is absolutely perfect. A delicious, freshly-baked cake was waiting for us when we walked in. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view out our front door</td></tr>
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Now I'll just leave you with a sampling of the many gardens we visited today.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-54098732146768262792012-05-31T06:06:00.001-04:002012-05-31T06:06:32.779-04:00Late AdditionI received a request to post a photo of the B&B in Rye, the last place we stayed. Here it is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V7_ryA-3ek/T8dCOnFc8GI/AAAAAAAAAKk/hcJT2F9fv50/s1600/Rye+windmill+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V7_ryA-3ek/T8dCOnFc8GI/AAAAAAAAAKk/hcJT2F9fv50/s320/Rye+windmill+web.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And since there has been some interest in copies of the photos, if you would like a print of something I've posted, just let me know. I may find a way to display all of my photos, as well, to increase your options.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-91307480606249388582012-05-29T15:13:00.003-04:002012-05-29T15:13:52.023-04:00Day 8: Great DixterI may have given the impression yesterday that those were my last photos. They were really just my last photos of the day. Today's posting will be my last, as we visited our last garden. I think we really saved the best for last. We visited Great Dixter, the home of the late genius gardener Christopher Lloyd. The words that seem most appropriate to describe the garden are frothy, magnificent, breathtaking, and ebullient.<br />
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Here's the house, which dates to the middle of the 15th century. And yes, the front does lean a bit.</div>
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This is a Victorian watering cart. They would fill these with water, wheel them around the garden, and use a hand pump to spray the plants with water.</div>
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Tiny pink poppies in a bed of allium.</div>
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Here's one more word to describe the gardens: topiary. Love the squirrels!</div>
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The famous long border.</div>
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One last look...</div>
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And that's it. Hope you've all enjoyed the gardens.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-40489127787988327992012-05-28T15:58:00.001-04:002012-05-28T15:58:45.484-04:00Day 7: Sissinghurst Castle GardensThe gardens were fabulous. Loved them. What did I love more? Warning: nerd alert. I actually touched the Hogarth Press (that's the press that Virginia Woolf printed her first novels on).<br />
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Now on to the gardens. </div>
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A quiet place to sit.</div>
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The view from the tower.</div>
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The herb garden, featuring a stone bowl Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson got while living in Constantinople. (I told mom that it is now an Istanbowl. Couldn't resist.)</div>
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See the bee?</div>
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The purple border. And that's it. No more photos lest I want to become the irritating vacation photo person.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-67549286490750288792012-05-27T17:02:00.001-04:002012-05-27T17:02:28.958-04:00Day 6: Kew GardensWe visited the UNESCO World Heritage site Kew Gardens, probably the most important botanical garden in the world.<br />
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A little something from the rhododendron garden.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo8J4CG7r6w/T8KUMVibj_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/8vEWmR5Vuyg/s1600/kew+web+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo8J4CG7r6w/T8KUMVibj_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/8vEWmR5Vuyg/s320/kew+web+1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Yes, those are actual lily pads. They belong to the Victoria water lily, which I think is the largest variety in the world.<br />
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Just a secluded spot in the garden.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-1442479143670763872012-05-26T17:32:00.001-04:002012-05-26T17:32:25.941-04:00Day 5: JubileeThey are really getting excited about the Queen's 60th Jubilee celebration around here. Street parties are planned all over the place, and many shops have special Jubilee paper plates, table linens, chutneys, etc for the party. The Union Jack is everywhere.<br />
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Don't ask me why I took photos of whole rabbit from France and wood pigeon from Britain while I was at Harrod's. I was just fascinated for some reason. Then we went to lunch at my favorite vegetarian restaurant.<br />
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And then we visited St. Paul's. Anyone notice how blue the sky is in nearly every photo? Am I really in England?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-59140675373939445902012-05-25T15:36:00.001-04:002012-05-25T15:36:20.491-04:00Day 4: TourismSo, we went round the typical places today, but they're like old friends.<br />
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Westminster Abbey...<br />
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The Tower of London...<br />
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Tower Bridge...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkyWFhp-Usk/T7_er909i7I/AAAAAAAAAHE/w5c64m3DhI0/s1600/Tower+Bridge+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkyWFhp-Usk/T7_er909i7I/AAAAAAAAAHE/w5c64m3DhI0/s320/Tower+Bridge+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the remains of a church, bombed during the Blitz, that I love to visit each time I'm here.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-19661064867023323762012-05-25T15:23:00.002-04:002012-05-25T15:23:51.306-04:00Making AmendsBecause one of you, dear to me, has said "not enough photos," here are a few more.<br />
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So, the first two are from the first day at Barnsley House:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLwaPzGq4E/T7_Y4N2C_rI/AAAAAAAAAFk/dpOY3epxB0c/s1600/barnsley+lime+walk+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLwaPzGq4E/T7_Y4N2C_rI/AAAAAAAAAFk/dpOY3epxB0c/s320/barnsley+lime+walk+web.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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One more from the B&B:<br />
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Two more from Hidcote Manor garden:<br />
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And two more from Chelsea:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ihCPG-nUk/T7_bjAl2_9I/AAAAAAAAAGU/Gp6jMe0fKXU/s1600/chelsea+redux+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ihCPG-nUk/T7_bjAl2_9I/AAAAAAAAAGU/Gp6jMe0fKXU/s320/chelsea+redux+web.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And a night view of Parliament, my favorite landmark.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qw23sXZ_QA/T7_cMJRF3MI/AAAAAAAAAGc/OU-eMBVgIHc/s1600/westminster+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qw23sXZ_QA/T7_cMJRF3MI/AAAAAAAAAGc/OU-eMBVgIHc/s320/westminster+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-782370016794487112012-05-24T11:44:00.002-04:002012-05-24T11:44:23.233-04:00Day 3: Chelsea Flower ShowI think the headline explains everything. I have whittled down the 155 photos I took to just 3 for your viewing pleasure, but it was painful to choose so few.<br />
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This first one is from an artisan garden. The shepherd's hut is built in the UK by master craftsmen.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYULCPSrC3s/T75V55CyoHI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZDr8oLpI3hU/s1600/Chelsea+1+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYULCPSrC3s/T75V55CyoHI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZDr8oLpI3hU/s320/Chelsea+1+web.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I think this is my favorite garden, sponsored by Laurent-Perrier.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLps8QREzVk/T75WPxUtTlI/AAAAAAAAAFI/HduyJ59I-xE/s1600/Chelsea+2+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLps8QREzVk/T75WPxUtTlI/AAAAAAAAAFI/HduyJ59I-xE/s320/Chelsea+2+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But this one is a very tight second.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-8400141548153852192012-05-23T19:06:00.001-04:002012-05-23T19:06:16.459-04:00Day 2: Breaking RulesSo I said I would keep myself to 3 photos only each day, but then we went to one of the most magnificent gardens in the world today, and I find that I need to post a couple more. Forgive me.<br />
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First, here's the outside of our B&B in the Cotswolds.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb3tvX02iF4/T71skKXGU6I/AAAAAAAAAEU/Q7G_sws30nM/s1600/willow+corner+web+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb3tvX02iF4/T71skKXGU6I/AAAAAAAAAEU/Q7G_sws30nM/s320/willow+corner+web+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, a mere morsel of the stunning gardens at Hidcote Manor.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1JQn1J9pz8/T71s1zFaArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/CbnaR5vYwTw/s1600/hidcote+2+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1JQn1J9pz8/T71s1zFaArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/CbnaR5vYwTw/s320/hidcote+2+web.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Okay, one more...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEita4hLVlA/T71tEGzsSII/AAAAAAAAAEs/L2oF2Jvd3is/s1600/Hidcote+1+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEita4hLVlA/T71tEGzsSII/AAAAAAAAAEs/L2oF2Jvd3is/s320/Hidcote+1+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now we're in London, which is all decked out for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546280828333997871.post-91539948077562098602012-05-23T18:59:00.002-04:002012-05-23T18:59:13.651-04:00Day 1 Photos Reprise<span style="font-family: Times;">Here's what I tried to post yesterday:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Times;">We then had time to drive
to Stratford-upon-Avon and walk around the Shakespeare sites. This is in the
churchyard of Trinity Church, the building in which Shakespeare is buried.</span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Times;">And now we're happily
resting in our beautiful thatch-roofed cottage bed and breakfast, Willow
Corner. Here's the view from one of our windows.</span><!--EndFragment-->
</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Pt30vEM9s/T71rofi9EwI/AAAAAAAAAEM/MDNLgzpcSE8/s1600/willow+corner+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Pt30vEM9s/T71rofi9EwI/AAAAAAAAAEM/MDNLgzpcSE8/s320/willow+corner+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04527271561640503359noreply@blogger.com1