They say a picture paints a thousand words, well here is a short video of some of the typical roads we have been driving down...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
We lay siege to four Welsh castles today!!!
We hit four, yes FOUR castles today, and all were fantastic! The first we went to was Grosmont. This one was tucked behind a small village down a unassuming footpath. It was amazing to be standing there and thinking back on what was going on those hundreds and thousands of years ago...a humbling experience.
The second castle was Skenfrith. This one was similar to the first, in the middle of a small village and you just walked right in. It has some of the original metal bars over a window, still remaining from medieval times...
The third in our whirlwind tour was White castle, so named due to the whitewash type coating that was originally applied to the outer walls, but long since gone. This was the first one we saw that had a moat!
The last castle was Raglan. It was the newest, the best preserved, and had the most restorations done. It was also my favorite, as I came across the fairest maiden in the land...
The second castle was Skenfrith. This one was similar to the first, in the middle of a small village and you just walked right in. It has some of the original metal bars over a window, still remaining from medieval times...
The third in our whirlwind tour was White castle, so named due to the whitewash type coating that was originally applied to the outer walls, but long since gone. This was the first one we saw that had a moat!
The last castle was Raglan. It was the newest, the best preserved, and had the most restorations done. It was also my favorite, as I came across the fairest maiden in the land...
Monks must have been short!!!
This morning we attended church with Jane. There is a team of trained bell ringers that go around to the Anglican churches in the area and ring the bells. Jane's has 8 or 10 bells and they ring them to a musical tune for about 20-30 minutes. It is quite lovely, unless you don't get up for church. Then it is probably annoying! We enjoyed them. The service was very different than what we are used to, but very nice too. Every village and town has an Anglican church building and they are all the same. Very big with a very tall square bell tower, and the building is built in the shape or a cross. (As we were driving along we saw many, many churches that looked like this.) They have just a small congregation now-a-days, so financially it is tough to keep it up. Currently the most pressing problem is bats in the building, and they are not permitted to deal with them (I guess they're protected or some such baloney). Their 'by-products' stain the floor and wood pews and it is messy.
An interesting practice which we noted in the huge Abbey we toured in Bath, as well as the smaller one in West Down, is the burial of the dead right in the floor of the church. There are several graves in the West Down church (Jane's), as well as an wooden effigy of a knight which is set on the floor under some windows. It looks sort of like the carved sarcophagus the Pharaohs used in Egypt. No one knows for sure if the fellow is in there or buried out in the cemetery or in the floor somewhere. There was a large tomb and effigy in the Bath Abbey belonging to one of the previous vicars from many centuries ago.
After attending church with Jane, we headed for Wales to the Llanthony Priory (Abbey). Boy did that place give me a headache! I banged my head on the top of the doors several times, but was it ever worth it. We slept in one of four rooms that were used by monks. It was amazing looking at the ruins, and even more amazing thinking how old the place was...simply fantastic!
An interesting practice which we noted in the huge Abbey we toured in Bath, as well as the smaller one in West Down, is the burial of the dead right in the floor of the church. There are several graves in the West Down church (Jane's), as well as an wooden effigy of a knight which is set on the floor under some windows. It looks sort of like the carved sarcophagus the Pharaohs used in Egypt. No one knows for sure if the fellow is in there or buried out in the cemetery or in the floor somewhere. There was a large tomb and effigy in the Bath Abbey belonging to one of the previous vicars from many centuries ago.
After attending church with Jane, we headed for Wales to the Llanthony Priory (Abbey). Boy did that place give me a headache! I banged my head on the top of the doors several times, but was it ever worth it. We slept in one of four rooms that were used by monks. It was amazing looking at the ruins, and even more amazing thinking how old the place was...simply fantastic!
Friday, June 26, 2009
We are at Dick and Janes
What an adventurous trip! Roundabouts, curbs jumping up against the tires, people driving on the wrong side of the road (and car), traffic, roads so narrow that the car brushed against the greenery (hedge rows) on both sides....Yeeehaaa!!!! We purchased a GPS unit to help us get around, and it took us right to Dick and Jane's front door. No small feat since their street address is "Coronation Farm" - the name of the house, and nothing else! Small farm villages dot the area. It is gorgeous! Went for a walk this morning and did some exploring. This is really an amazing place. Gina keeps commenting how she feels like she has stepped into one of the Lord of the Rings movies! Just hope the Orcs don't jump out of the hedges...
Oh no! Too late!!!
Oh no! Too late!!!
Took a Bath!
We got our rental car and headed off to the city of Bath to see the ancient Roman baths! Was very interesting, and we even say the skeleton of a woman buried in the nearby church! We have gotten a real appreciation of how old things really are in other parts of the world compared to the United States. Buildings have been rebuilt on the ruins of others for thousands of years. They found the bronze head from one of the Roman statures when they were digging up a street to do some sewer work...amazing! 
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Our last night in Reading
Well things have gone very well with Mike at work, and he completed his official tasks today. We headed back to the Griffin for our last supper here. Mike opted for the traditional fish and chips, while Gina surprised him and ordered grilled pigeon!!! Actually, she gave me a taste and it was surprisingly good. After dinner we wandered down a street we had not gone down before, and saw a large field filled with rabbits. It reminded me of the Wallace and Grommet Were-rabbit movie...was ready to call Antipesto right then and there (had to have seen the move...). We also picked up a GPS unit to guide us through the rest of our journey, as the roads and maps are akin to a plate of spaghetti, and I felt sure we would be lost in no time. We are in for a several hour drive tomorrow, along with some sight seeing stops, and we are not sure of internet access, so this may be the last post for a few days. In the meantime, check out Gina's bird...
Downtown Reading
We walked around downtown Reading today and even saw the Reading Gaol (jail) made famous by Oscar Wilde. Couldn't get close to the original structure because it is located inside the current jail compound which still offers "guest services". Also wandered about the remains of Reading Abbey, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Heading out of Reading tomorrow (Friday) for parts unknown and with Mike behind the wheel it ought to be quite a frightful adventure!
First pic is Mike at the back of the St. Mary's Church (built in the 12th century). There is a creepy graveyard around the church too (pics in previous post). The rest of the photos are of the abbey and abbey grounds. In the third pic you can see how modern buildings (and these might be 150 years old!) are literally built right next to or even attached to much older existing ones. The fourth pic shows part of St. James Catholic Church (left part of pic) which was built in the early 1800s on part of the Abbey grounds.
The last pic shows the entrance to the abbey (which is closed to the public for restoration). The tower in the background center left of the picture is part of the old Reading Gaol (jail). The Reading Abbey's last abbot, Hugh Cook Faringdon, a friend of Henry VIII, was tried and convicted of high treason and hanged, drawn, and quartered in front of the Abbey Church as ordered by King Henry. Guess being the wife or friend of the king wasn't necessarily a good thing!
First pic is Mike at the back of the St. Mary's Church (built in the 12th century). There is a creepy graveyard around the church too (pics in previous post). The rest of the photos are of the abbey and abbey grounds. In the third pic you can see how modern buildings (and these might be 150 years old!) are literally built right next to or even attached to much older existing ones. The fourth pic shows part of St. James Catholic Church (left part of pic) which was built in the early 1800s on part of the Abbey grounds.
The last pic shows the entrance to the abbey (which is closed to the public for restoration). The tower in the background center left of the picture is part of the old Reading Gaol (jail). The Reading Abbey's last abbot, Hugh Cook Faringdon, a friend of Henry VIII, was tried and convicted of high treason and hanged, drawn, and quartered in front of the Abbey Church as ordered by King Henry. Guess being the wife or friend of the king wasn't necessarily a good thing!
Graveyard in Reading
Graveyard around St. Mary's Church in Reading. This was creepy during the daytime. I can't imagine traipsing through here at night! The oldest headstone we could read was from the 1600s but most were so worn and overgrown the words were long gone.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Dinner date!
After work I came "home" and had a short nap. Woke up just in time to go out to dinner with George and Haidee (Steve's brother and sister in law). They treated us to dinner at a traditional English pub in the country. It was a beautiful drive, and the food was fantastic (I had lamb and mint pie). After dinner, he drove us to a little village, Henely on Thames, where they will be having a big rowing contest next week. George provided me with some tips on how to navigate a round-about, and other key points to try and keep me out of trouble when I pick up our car tomorrow (I am sure we will have some interesting stories about how that all went later).
Getting ready for some breakfast now, and then off to work for the day. If things go well, should be done today!
Some pictures
from the village last night are below...
Last photo is Henley City Hall.
Getting ready for some breakfast now, and then off to work for the day. If things go well, should be done today!
Some pictures
from the village last night are below...
Last photo is Henley City Hall.
The Griffin Pub
Last night we had a lovely dinner at The Griffin. It was so quaint. All the furnishings were different antique tables and mis-matched chairs including several Windsor settees (which I really liked). The place immediately reminded me of the pub scene in the Lord of the Rings , only with a woman's touch! Lots of china and dried flowers, dark wood wainscoting (like our church sanctuary), low ceiling with dark wood beams, unlit but beautifully decorated fireplaces in several rooms.
I ordered ham and was asked if I wanted 'chips and egg' with it and felt dropped into the movie 'Shirley Valentine'! (I was tempted to talk to the wall while drinking my wine.) Of course I said 'yes'. One cannot go to England and not have chips and egg! We had the 'crumble of the day' with the most delicious warm custard -- I could have eaten the custard by itself. We'll probably eat here again and I will try to take some photos.
The guys here say 'Cheers' or 'Cheers mate' instead of 'Thank You'. ~Gina
I ordered ham and was asked if I wanted 'chips and egg' with it and felt dropped into the movie 'Shirley Valentine'! (I was tempted to talk to the wall while drinking my wine.) Of course I said 'yes'. One cannot go to England and not have chips and egg! We had the 'crumble of the day' with the most delicious warm custard -- I could have eaten the custard by itself. We'll probably eat here again and I will try to take some photos.
The guys here say 'Cheers' or 'Cheers mate' instead of 'Thank You'. ~Gina
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dinner
Mike's Good Deed
We are in England. It is 6:18 p.m. here (10:18 a.m. Calif. time). We are wiped out! Neither of us slept well on the plane. We walked into the down town area of Reading after we settled into our hotel. Ate lunch at an Italian restaurant that had very different style food than I am used to. We must have appeared odd to the waiter as we were so tired we would sometimes forget what we were saying and sort of zone out. Came back and gave in and took a 2-3 hour nap.
My coach seat did not get upgraded as both planes we were on were very full and overbooked. Mike gave his 1st class seat from LAX to Dallas to a service man who was on the plane. The young man was very grateful. It worked out nicely because the seat Mike traded the guy for was right by me in the back. We sat together for that leg of the journey. The flight attendant would not charge Mike for his drink order later in the flight, she said'Good deeds should be rewarded'. It was a neat experience.
Our hotel sits right on the Thames and there is a lovely patio with a view of many beautiful swans relaxing in the water. Looking forward to having breakfast there in the morning.
Going to try to eat dinner now -- although my body doesn't know which end is up! ~Gina
We are here (or there)!
We made it! Gina won the seat, and the back was not that bad. Pretty tired, but we are going to do our best to stay awake as long as we can and get aclimated. Have a call into work to see if I can go in today, but am thinking it would be best to wait until tommorow. We are going to get cleaned up and go for a walk, so more to follow soon!
The flights were uneventful, so we tried to spice it up a little for those of you wanting some action:
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Rock Star or Cattle class - YOU DECIDE
Well we are down to the wire on getting a second business class seat. There is only one left and still a day and a half left. So the question is (even though we all know the answer) if we don't get the second seat, should I be the gentleman and let Gina ride in comfort, or make her eat pretzels while I dine on the finest the airlines have to offer.
Click here to vote on who should get the seat!
FINAL TALLY:
Gina: 3
Mike: 6 (One after the hanging chads where thrown out)
-Mike
Friday, June 19, 2009
"Blimey!!!"
Only a few days left and I have not even started thinking about packing!!! Power adapters, new tennis shoes, an umbrella! I better get moving!
-Mike
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Our Tentative Itinerary
Mon. 6/22 Depart from LAX @ 9:40 a.m.
Tues. 6/23 Arrive London Heathrow 7:50 a.m. Taxi to Reading, about 1 hr. west of airport. Spend the day recovering! Mike to work (maybe).
Wed. 6/24 Mike to work. Gina to 'discover Reading'? (It's a business town, so....)
Thurs. 6/25 Mike to work again. Wed. or Thurs. evening we hope to get together with George and Haidee Dandridge (Steve's brother & sister-in-law) and "have a pint".
Fri. 6/26 Pick up rental car and head to Bath to visit a real Roman bath house. Then on to (Steve's sister) Jane Devlin's 600 year old house in Devon, near the west coast.
Sat. 6/27 We will visit Joyce, Steve's Mum, and get a guided tour (via Jane) of some parts of Devon. We're leaving this day in Jane's capable hands!
Sun. 6/28 Attend church with Jane. She lives right next door and the bells are supposed to be wonderful in the morning! After church, we are heading for Wales. Our plan is to visit the Llanthony Priory, built in the 12th century, and stay the night in a small hotel built in part of the priory. Click the name to check out their web-site.
Mon. 6/29 Explore the priory and beautiful country side nearby. Then head back into England toward Ludlow. We plan to visit Stokesay Castle today, as well as enjoy the Georgian and Tudor architecture.
Tues. 6/30 We hope to visit Ludlow Castle today before heading to our next destination. Here's where it gets a bit tricky as we'd like to go a few miles north to Ironbridge Gorge to visit the 'Industrial Revolution' manufacturing museums, but we need to start heading back toward Reading. We will probably head south-east and tour the Cotswold Hills area, which is on our must-do list. Going to have to see how things go.
Wed. 7/1 Return car to Reading and take public transport into London. Check in at London-The City Hotel and do something (we don't yet know what) for the evening.
Thurs. 7/2 Tour London. We plan to take in St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, London Bridge, ride a double decker bus, boat excursion down the Thames, etc.
Fri. 7/3 Head home. We arrive LAX at 2:15 p.m.
Tues. 6/23 Arrive London Heathrow 7:50 a.m. Taxi to Reading, about 1 hr. west of airport. Spend the day recovering! Mike to work (maybe).
Wed. 6/24 Mike to work. Gina to 'discover Reading'? (It's a business town, so....)
Thurs. 6/25 Mike to work again. Wed. or Thurs. evening we hope to get together with George and Haidee Dandridge (Steve's brother & sister-in-law) and "have a pint".
Fri. 6/26 Pick up rental car and head to Bath to visit a real Roman bath house. Then on to (Steve's sister) Jane Devlin's 600 year old house in Devon, near the west coast.
Sat. 6/27 We will visit Joyce, Steve's Mum, and get a guided tour (via Jane) of some parts of Devon. We're leaving this day in Jane's capable hands!
Sun. 6/28 Attend church with Jane. She lives right next door and the bells are supposed to be wonderful in the morning! After church, we are heading for Wales. Our plan is to visit the Llanthony Priory, built in the 12th century, and stay the night in a small hotel built in part of the priory. Click the name to check out their web-site.
Mon. 6/29 Explore the priory and beautiful country side nearby. Then head back into England toward Ludlow. We plan to visit Stokesay Castle today, as well as enjoy the Georgian and Tudor architecture.
Tues. 6/30 We hope to visit Ludlow Castle today before heading to our next destination. Here's where it gets a bit tricky as we'd like to go a few miles north to Ironbridge Gorge to visit the 'Industrial Revolution' manufacturing museums, but we need to start heading back toward Reading. We will probably head south-east and tour the Cotswold Hills area, which is on our must-do list. Going to have to see how things go.
Wed. 7/1 Return car to Reading and take public transport into London. Check in at London-The City Hotel and do something (we don't yet know what) for the evening.
Thurs. 7/2 Tour London. We plan to take in St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, London Bridge, ride a double decker bus, boat excursion down the Thames, etc.
Fri. 7/3 Head home. We arrive LAX at 2:15 p.m.
Trying something new!
Hi there and welcome to Mike and Gina's UK Trip blog! We have never done anything like this before, but thought this might be a fun and unique way of keeping our family and friends informed of our trip.
Mike has a business trip to Reading England from June 22 through June 26, and he has convinced Gina to climb aboard one of those new fangled flying machines and make the journey with him. After the work is completed, we will be taking an extra week to see the sights.
So check back often and see how we are doing. From Gina's white knuckle flight (in first class or economy??? hmmm...) to Mike trying to operate a car on the wrong side of the road...we will do our best to keep you up to date.
-Mike
Mike has a business trip to Reading England from June 22 through June 26, and he has convinced Gina to climb aboard one of those new fangled flying machines and make the journey with him. After the work is completed, we will be taking an extra week to see the sights.
So check back often and see how we are doing. From Gina's white knuckle flight (in first class or economy??? hmmm...) to Mike trying to operate a car on the wrong side of the road...we will do our best to keep you up to date.
-Mike
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